Auto Warranty News

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recently announced that it will be requiring all passenger cars in the future to be equipped with standard stability control.  This is to be implemented by 2012.

Several car manufacturers have already put stability control in their cars, and others have upcoming plans to make it available.

Electronic stability control will reduce a car’s speed automatically by applying brake power to the wheels.  This will avoid skidding and loss of vehicle control.

Mercedes-Benz has installed this in their vehicles since 1995.  Mercedes cars that had ESC had 14 percent less crashes than cars without this technology.

There are other car brands that have implemented ESC.  These include Cadillac, BMW, and Audi.  Ford Motor Co. has announced that they will have this feature standard on all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles by late 2009.

Consumers are increasingly concerned with vehicle safety.  Although some of the latest technological advances can be costly, motorists are willing to pay for their safety.  In addition, drivers are purchasing new car warranties to avoid paying unnecessary repair costs on this new technology.

Most people find minivans appealing because they have the ability to carry cargo and people in different combinations.  You can configure them for a variety of needs.  They are offered with climate control in dual zones and have DVD systems in the rear.  These features make the minivan popular with different buyers, especially families.

Minivans have tons of interior room, offering plenty of head and legroom.  Recent models have sliding doors on either side of the vehicle.  This makes for quick and easy access.  Also, many models offer the feature of a button or switch to open the doors.

Minivans come equipped with seating for up to eight people.  Models for seven passengers have captain’s chairs instead of a bench.  The Honda Odyssey has a removable seat in the center for seating flexibility.

Minivans are a great option for people who need flexibility for people and cargo space.  They offer many features that make for a convenient, comfortable vehicle.  Like with any vehicle purchase, it is wise to purchase new car warranties to protect your investment.

Most people think that rental cars endure a lot of abuse.  This is why many people shy away from buying one.  However, people with this attitude may be missing the boat.  Rentals can turn out to be great used cars for an affordable price.  In addition, some come with an auto warranty.

As with any used vehicle, it is important to have a trustworthy independent shop inspect the car.  Even if you end up walking away from the deal, it is worth the money.  A mechanic can tell a lot by getting it on a lift.  Also, it is a good idea to obtain a car history report by CARFAX.

A major upside to rental cars is that they have received regular maintenance and checkups in the rental fleet.  Before going up for sale, the cars are put through a rigorous inspection.  An independent technician, not the company’s mechanic, does the inspection.

Rental cars can be a great option for car shoppers.  They receive regular maintenance and are offered at good prices.  In addition, they usually have the balance of the auto warranty offered by the manufacturer.

Most people don’t realize that a less-expensive vehicle can end up costing you more over time than a more-expensive vehicle.

For example, a Mitsubishi Lancer costs approximately $17,500.  This is $5,000 less than the sticker price of a Mini Cooper Clubman.  However, when you factor in ownership costs of each vehicle, the Mitsubishi Lancer will cost approximately $3,000 more for five years.  Also, a Toyota Highlander is $3,000 more to buy than a Ford Explorer V6, yet the Ford would cost you $6,500 more over five years.

People should consider the sticker price when purchasing a vehicle, but that’s not all.  Consumers also need to take into account how much a car will cost them with ownership.  For example, people should factor in depreciation, auto loans, an auto warranty, insurance, fuel costs, sales tax, repair costs, and maintenance.

These days there are many different places to purchase a used vehicle.  You can search the Internet from your own home, go to a car dealer, or go through a private owner.  Each of these is a good option if you do your homework.

If you want to car shop from the convenience of your home, you can search used-car websites.  You will be asked to fill in your price range, the make and model you want, and a zip code.  A list of cars will be displayed in your area with the seller’s information.  You can even place a classified ad if you would like to sell your old vehicle.

Independent pre-owned car dealers usually handle all car makes.  You can find anything from an almost new vehicle to a junker.  It is a good sign if a dealer has been around for a long time and has a good reputation.  One bonus to purchasing at a dealer is that they can arrange financing for you, as well as an auto warranty.

Typically, you will get the best price from a private owner.  They just want to get rid of their current vehicle and they don’t have to cover the overhead like a business does.  However, a private owner might not be aware of mechanical problems that a dealership would recognize.

Used cars are a great option for any buyer.  The important thing is that consumers do their homework about car prices, used car warranties, and auto loans.  This way you can make a wise purchase.

Did you know that your car is talking?  That’s right, your car is saying a great deal about your personality and attitude.  It’s true we are what we drive.  Car enthusiasts even admit that our vehicles are a window into our souls.

Carmakers admit that minivan sales have declined partly due to the fact that people don’t want that mommy-mobile image.  Ford and GM have completely given up on minivans for this reason and are just focusing on crossovers.

In our culture of cars, drivers idealize their vehicles and even give them qualities that are human.  For example, when hypnotized motorists will refer to their vehicles as if they are their friends.  People even give their cars a name and talk to them.  Also, people try to pick a car that has attributes that mirror their self-image.  For instance, a person who thinks of themselves as outdoorsy buys a vehicle that is rugged.

So, the next time you purchase a vehicle and an auto warranty you might want to consider what your vehicle is saying.  Your car might be telling people more than you would like them to know.

Carmakers around the world are realizing that consumers are looking for ecologically friendly vehicles.  There are many new car models that provide fuel-efficiency, yet look great.  Here are some of the latest.

The VW Golf TDI Hybrid provides low emissions with longer legs.  This is a compact hatchback that is popular in Europe.  It utilizes a high-tech engine that is diesel and an auto start-stop.  In addition, it has a DSG gearbox that has 7 speeds, as well as an electric motor.  This car gets 69 mpg.

The Audi TT TDI is proof that a great looking sports car doesn’t have to be a gas-guzzler.  This car can sprint from 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds flat with its 170 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.  This car has the power of a sports car with the fuel-efficiency of a compact car.

People are realizing that fuel-efficient cars are a necessity with gas prices nearing $4 per gallon.  Consumers are protecting their wallets with eco friendly vehicles and new car warranties.

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world, and they host a motor show that features exotic supercars made by small-scale automakers.  The products may be insanely expensive, yet significant sales are secured during the show.  Here’s a rundown of some of these fantastic supercars that you would never think of driving out of the lot without an auto warranty.

First, there is the Zagato-Bentley GTZ.  This is a beautiful car that is a reworking of the Bentley Continental GT Speed.  It has a double bubble roof and paint that is two-toned, with a style equal to the luxury vehicles of the ‘50s and 60’s.  Only a handful of these cars will ever be produced, and they will likely sell out quickly.  Also, these will become collectors’ items.

Next is the Bugatti Veyron Hermes Edition.  The Hermes craftsmen, the Paris fashion house, have customized this car extensively.  It even has grilles that incorporate an “H” for Hermes, door handles that are reminiscent of Hermes luggage, and a central console covered in leather.  This vehicle can be yours for around $2.4 million.  However, you must have patience because the Hermes’ craftsmen only produce one vehicle a month.

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of these luxury vehicles, don’t dare drive it without an auto warranty.  Repair expenses on these vehicles can be astronomical.

People who are looking to purchase a car are concerned with many things, including safety, reliability, and new car warranties.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety listed 36 cars that are 2008 models as their top safety picks.  So, which cars did they like?

Only one pickup truck qualified for the list, the Toyota Tundra.  It features side airbags as well as stability control.

Although last year there weren’t any domestic cars that made the list, 2008 has seven domestic models to make the grade.  They are the Mercury Sable, Ford Taurus, Ford Taurus X, Ford Edge, Saturn Vue, Lincoln MKX, and the Cadillac CTS.

The company with the most cars on the list was Ford Motor Company.  It had eight vehicles to make the list.  Honda, and its brand Acura had seven winners.

There was only one small vehicle that made the IIHS safety list.  This car was the Subaru Impreza.

Studies show that consumers are becoming more concerned with safety ratings.  In addition, motorists want a car that is reliable.  They are buying new car warranties, so that they can repair their vehicles without worrying about unnecessary expenses.

According to a recent study by J.D. Power and Associates, there is a great amount of interest in hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles.  In fact, less than 25% of people asked revealed that they would only consider purchasing a car powered by gasoline.

However, there are some misconceptions.  Motorists who purchased a hybrid car expected that they would get a fuel-economy improvement of approximately 28 mpg if compared to a gas-powered vehicle that was similar.  However, in reality, people who bought hybrids only gained an improvement of 9 mpg.  People who bought diesels were similarly disappointed with a 12-mpg improvement, when they actually expected to improve 21 mpg.

A big challenge for vehicles with alternative powertrains is the unrealistic fuel-saving expectations that consumers place on them.  Especially with hybrids, the actual fuel performance of the car doesn’t usually live up to the EPA estimate.  Consumers need to educate themselves about such things as the benefits of technology, maintenance and new car warranties.  Being able to manage consumers’ expectations and lowering the cost of alternative power vehicles will help these cars gain acceptance.