February 13th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Web-based technology now allows auto dealerships and consumers to be more knowledgeable about used cars and used car warranties. For example, based out of Chicago, vAuto is introducing new, breakthrough technology. This technology provides dealerships with accurate pricing information on any kind of used car on the market. It also provides supply and demand data.
This software offers a view of the used car market that is “liveâ€. Dealerships can now have detailed information on used cars and trucks that are top sellers in their area. This is based on the vehicles make, year, model, and trim.
They can now identify used vehicles that are moving the fastest in the market. This kind of technology will keep dealerships from wondering what kind of used vehicles they should keep in stock. This gives dealerships a competitive edge.
Pre-owned vehicles account for more than 27 percent of a dealer’s profits. Independent and franchised dealers make used-car inventories their biggest investment after facilities and land. Technology will now allow them to be certain what used cars to stock.
Of course, consumers have been benefiting from web-based technology for years. The web has allowed consumers to research before they buy used cars and used car warranties. It only makes sense that dealerships now have new, advanced technology to help them stock the cars that consumers like.
February 12th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Some recent bulletins stating nagging problems with various car models make an auto warranty a necessity. The following information is provided by the manufacturers to the service departments of dealers, as well as to mechanics.
Some General Motors vehicles have had problems with oil leaks. Vehicles that were produced between 1986 and 2008 with various 60-degree v-6 engines may experience oil leaks from the rear seal of the crankshaft.
Some of Ford’s large trucks have fuel injectors that are stuck. This is specifically on the 2005 Ford F-150, Lincoln Navigators and Expeditions. Apparently, the injectors could become stuck open or closed, which could result in powertrain damage.
Owners of 2007 Jeep Wranglers may have difficulty getting started in the morning. A faulty engine camshaft sensor is responsible for a long cranking time. To avoid this problem the sensor must be replaced.
Auto manufacturers are always discovering new problems that can be a headache for motorists. Don’t be caught off guard, purchase an auto warranty to avoid expensive repairs.
February 12th, 2008 by Hal Moses
When buying a new car, it is up to the consumer to do their homework before shopping. This will ensure the best deal possible. Three important tips will save you from unnecessary costs.
First, shop around to find a good dealership. One way to do this is to check blogging about dealerships. Web searches can be a wealth of information. Many times you will find complaints or positive revues that could help you. Also, it is a good idea to contact three car dealerships in your area to see which ones are going to respond quickly and be helpful.
Next, don’t give in to alarm systems or dealer financing. These are two ways that consumers lose in the end. For example, when cars are manufactured they already have wiring installed. However, automakers sell alarms separately for up to $1200. This is added on to the price of the new car. Also, finance offices don’t usually give you the best deals. A better option would be to put your money towards an auto warranty.
Finally, sell your car before you get to the dealership. If you sell yourself, you will get a much better deal than you would on a trade-in.
The bottom line is that any mechanical breakdown leaving a motorist stranded could wipe out all of the gains from a perfectly negotiated deal. New car warranties should be an essential part of your purchase in order to protect you from costly repairs.
February 12th, 2008 by Hal Moses
The Honda Fit is finally available in the United States. The fit made its first appearance in Japan in 2001 and it is now being sold around the world. It has earned many awards, such as “Car of the Year†in Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. So why is the Fit so special?
Honda says that the Fit is targeted to people who are buying their first car, those who want a small affordable vehicle, and empty nesters. Honda hit the target with this because the Fit is “The†best car as far as the small vehicle market is concerned. It is sporty, with adaptability in the interior, and has the dependability and refinement that is found in all of Honda’s vehicles. Of course, the Fit offers all of this at a bargain price. This is a bonus because saving money on a purchase price allows you to buy an auto warranty that will protect your investment.
One of the major benefits of the Fit is the unexpected large area for passengers and cargo thanks to the design of the interior. It is called: Fit’s Magic Seat. This magic seat has different modes, including cargo, people or both. The seatbacks allow for folding down or the bottoms of the seats can flip up. This provides for four cargo and four seating configurations.
The bottom line is that the Fit is a great car. The adaptability and configurations of the seating are very clever. It’s sporty, as well as quiet and practical. It maneuvers well and has good fuel economy. In addition, the safety features are superb. To protect this superb investment, it makes sense to purchase an auto warranty that will give you peace of mind.
February 11th, 2008 by Hal Moses
If you have your heart set on a new car, then make the purchase. But, if you can get a used car of high quality for a fraction of the cost, then why should you pay more?
A four-cylinder, 2009 Toyota Corolla lists for around $15,000. However, current projections of depreciation would make that car approximately $10,000 in three years. Doesn’t it make perfect sense to purchase a good car for that lower price? Not only are you getting a good price on the car, you are also saving money on loans and used car warranties.
It is important to do your homework before buying a car. There are numerous periodicals and Internet sites offering auto information on such things as an auto warranty, financing, and ratings about reliability.
You may feel that you don’t have the time to do research for cars. However, you need to realize that approximately four hours of research would probably save you between $6,000 and $8,000 and give you the option for a good deal on used car warranties.
February 11th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Winter calls for the need to keep your vehicle’s battery in tip-top shape. No one wants to risk being in a stalled car in freezing temperatures. The cold can cause an engine to require double the current as would normally be needed in usual conditions. In addition, cold weather can decrease a battery’s output.
There are several things that you can do to care for your battery and promote safer travel in the winter. Occasionally, you should check terminal connections for corrosion and tightness. If you determine that terminals look corroded, they need to be cleaned with a small brush, and apply a solution of baking soda with water. Finally, visually examine the battery for damage, such as cracks and leaks. If these are found, replace the battery immediately.
It is best to save the battery in your car before all of the signs of wear are apparent. Unfortunately, there is no way to know with certainty when a battery will become problematic. However, there are some things to look for. These include a slow clock, a starter that turns slowly, and headlights that become brighter when you rev the engine. Unfortunately you never know when you might experience car problems. It is always a good idea to be covered by an to help protect you in the event of a costly breakdown.
February 11th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Car sales in Hawaii are expected to drop this year. Vehicle registrations will decline significantly to just over 4 percent since the economy is slowing down. The Hawaii automobile industry is braced for lower car sales for the year, with vehicle registrations and sales of new car warranties expected to drop 4.1 percent as the economy slows, according to some Auto Dealers in Hawaii.
Registrations for cars are expected to only reach 57,000 because of credit markets being tight, unemployment rising, house values declining, gas prices soaring, and consumers in debt. In this type of economy, it is a good idea to purchase an to protect your investment. It was forecasted late last year that there will be a decrease of approximately 3.5 percent in auto registrations this year.
In the meantime, registrations for vehicles last year were down to just over 59,000, which was a more significant drop than expected. Kauai had a smaller decline at just over 7 percent, and the big island reported a greater drop at approximately 12 percent.
February 8th, 2008 by Hal Moses
An auto group in Seattle recently announced the arrival of the first factory-authorized Smart Cars in the state. The announcement paves the way for car buyers to own a certified United States version of the Smart Car which comes with an auto warranty and manufacturer’s authorized service.
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It is a significant announcement for anyone looking to purchase a Smart Car, manufactured by Mercedes Benz, but was scared away by the inconvenience of having to purchase a gray market version of the car.
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Over 30,000 deposits have already been taken in anticipation of the US version of the Smart Car’s arrival. Mercedes Benz has carefully selected dealers across the country who they feel can best represent the Smart brand.
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During the past year, a number of European-model, gray market Smart Cars have been sold as unauthorized, which means the do not come with any type of auto warranty. These gray market versions also must be converted to US specs to be operated legally on US highways.  The conversions are very expensive and are done by non-factory trained mechanics. One converted, they actually sell for almost twice as much as the authorized versions.
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The Smart Cars are expected to be an excellent fit for a many types of drivers. The cars appeal to consumers will include first time buyers with limited budgets and consumers who have to deal with tight parking dilemmas. I am excited to watch this mini car market segment as it grows in the US. Hopefully the extended warranty industry will come up with an auto warranty to fill these new buyers’ needs.
February 8th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Auto makers realize that many drivers put safety as one of their highest priorities. The more traffic on highways and interstates, the larger our cities grow, and the more traffic becomes more of a problem.  Accidents and vehicle damage are inevitable when on the road with your car or truck. With auto maker’s striving for safety and innovation, auto extended warranty purchases make more sense that ever.
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With consumer’s first priority being safety, they know that it would be in their best interest to be prepared for an incident. A vehicle collision or mechanical failure can increase the chance for serious injury. With cars being built with better safety features, an auto warranty can also be a protective measure that protects your pocketbook.  Auto manufacturers are working to be innovative. One example of this might be Ford’s new seat belt concept. Ford feels that redeveloping their seat belt system should be one of all auto makers’ highest priorities. The responsibility should not only be held by the manufacturer, drivers should also look for ways to drive less aggressively to keep our nations roads safer. Just as it is the choice of a car buyer to try to keep themselves out of trouble on the road, it is also their choice to auto warranty to help maintain the vehicle’s continue safe performance.
February 8th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Why buy a car when you don’t have to? One of the best ways to get a super deal on a new vehicle is to avoid having to be in the position of having to replace the one your present car because it has broken down and it’s beyond repair. Being desperate rarely results in a good deal for the buyer.  Smart shoppers will anticipate the need for a new car or truck and begin looking at what’s available long before they actually need to purchase. New car warranties should also be an essential part of your purchase.
Unless you are buying as a cash purchase, you should think about the great new car financing deals available. Many consumers forget that the cost financing is just as important to their bottom line as the vehicles pirchase price. Whatever you save up front on the car or truck’s price can easily be lost over the course of your new car loan if without realizing, you sign up for a loan with a higher interest rate than you could have gotten by shopping around. New car warranties can also be incorporated in your financing.
Always check with a number of potential lending institutions including credit unions and banks, as well as the manufacturer’s special finance deals. After shopping around you’ll know you have gotten the best deal you could, or at least one of them.