Auto Warranty News

There are many great deals out there on new cars, yet you need to understand the offers.  For example, are there any “restrictions”, “qualifiers”, “exclusions”, or “limitations”?  Make sure you know how to read the fine print.

Often, dealerships offer incentives that are regional.  In other words, you must live in the area to get the deal.  You might be able to get a new car for $1,500 less if you live in the right area.

Some deals on financing may be contingent on a predetermined down payment amount.  For example, you might need to have $4,000 cash to put down at the time of the sale.  If you don’t have this amount of money, you might get stuck with finance rate that is higher.

Sometimes an offer may be contingent on if the dealer participates with the program.  This could include a special financing rate, rebate, etc.  Remember that dealers are operated independently and you are not dealing directly with the automaker.

These are just a few things to look out for when it comes to dealer offers.  Make sure you read the small print to understand the terms of the offer.  And make sure that the car you are looking at comes with a good auto warranty.

It wasn’t long ago, when gas prices were at $4 per gallon and a new Toyota Prius would cost you around $25,000 and your first-born child.  Well, since it has been acknowledged that we are in a yearlong recession and gas prices are rock bottom, demand for the once popular hybrid is upside down.

Cars.com did an inventory search on their website, finding 1,241 Prius’ for sale within a 500 mile radius of Chicago.  Yet, there were only three Toyota Camry Hybrids and 124 Ford Escape Hybrids in the same area.

According to Toyota, last month it sold 8,660 Prius’, which is down considerably from 16,737 last year.

So what does this information mean?  Could it be that low gas prices have turned car shoppers off of the most well known hybrid out there?  Or does it just say that everyone is feeling the hit of the economy, so they are waiting to buy vehicles and instead just hanging onto their current ones with the addition of an auto warranty?

Automakers have been redesigning vehicles so that they are stronger than ever.  They have achieved this by using lightweight materials, allowing cars to be more fuel-efficient. This technology makes vehicles more durable, cutting down on road service calls.  Also, it is saving numerous lives.

The only disadvantage to these new, stronger materials is that rescue workers are having a difficult time cutting into vehicles that are mangled from wrecks.

According to experts and rescue officials around the nation, vehicles designed with safety measures, such as reinforced steel, are creating a challenge for rescue workers to get motorists out of cars.

One answer to this problem is investing in rescue equipment that is better.  Heavy-duty cutters are necessary to release motorists.  A cutter such as this from Hurst costs approximately $25,000.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it is well worth the tradeoff of tougher cars because many lives are saved.  In fact, the rate of fatalities for passenger cars is lower than it has ever been in history.  Consumers are becoming more concerned with car safety features and are protecting themselves by purchasing new car warranties.

Today, Chevrolet made an announcement with the pricing information for the all-new Chevy Cruze, which surely shocked some people.  The price tag of $16,275, which doesn’t include a destination fee of $720, is quite a bit higher than the Cobalt it is going to replace that was $14,990.  However, the new vehicle is larger and gets better gas mileage.

The bump in price puts the new car approximately $1,000 higher than the price of the Mazda3, and it can be assumed that Ford is going to put a price on the upcoming 2011 Focus somewhere in the middle or a little higher than the Chevy Cruze, which will be on sale in September.  A Civic EX-L goes for $21,005, and the starting price of the Honda Civic VP begins at $16,405.

For the base price you will get a manual transmission LS model with new car warranties.  The $18,175 LT will get you a six-speed automatic.  The very popular Eco model, which will get around 40 mpg/highway and has aerodynamic enhancements, will begin at $18,175.

There’s no way to get around the fact that vehicles experience damage, often irrevocably, everyday in America.  According to recent data, last year, approximately 1.3 million cars were tagged as damaged, either because of accidents or severe weather.  When damage such as this occurs, it is required that the car’s official title be “branded” as Lemon, Salvaged, Flood, etc, in order for used car shoppers to be protected from buying a poor product.

However, it is predicted that at least 15% of the damaged cars, or a total of 185,000, have gotten new titles in other states that don’t include the offending “brand”.  This sort of “title-washing” leaves buyers in the dark, and causes them to purchase vehicles that they otherwise wouldn’t have considered.  This is leading to a high level of unsafe vehicles on the road that often requires emergency roadside assistance.

Of course it is no secret that there can be pitfalls to purchasing a pre-owned car.  Unfortunately, consumers can inherit other people’s car problems.  This is why it is important to do your homework before buying a used car and always access vehicle records online.  In addition, you should purchase used car warranties to protect your wallet.

There’s nothing worse than being stuck on the side of the road with car problems; however, being stuck with a flat tire shouldn’t be a big deal if you know how to change your tire yourself.  Follow these few simple steps to change your tire quickly and get you back on the road.

First of all, there are a few things that you will need to do this job.  Usually, car manufacturers put these tools, as well as a spare tire under the trunk floor.  There you should find a diamond jack, tire iron and spare tire.

Next, you should begin to loosen the lug nuts before jacking the car up.  To do this put the tire iron on a lug nut and put your foot on top of the iron.  This way you can use the weight of your body to loosen the nut.  Make sure you don’t strip the nuts because then you won’t be able to complete the job yourself, and you’ll need to call for roadside assistance.

Now it’s time to jack up your car.  It’s important to put the jack in the right location.  The jack needs to push the frame of the car up for it to work correctly.  Usually, frames have slots by each tire to fit the jack.  Put the jack underneath that notch and twist the lever in order to open the jack.  The car should begin rising.

Use your hands to finish loosening the lug nuts, and pull off your old tire.  Now, place the new tire on.  Go ahead and tighten the lug nuts with your hands, lower the car, and continue tightening with the tire iron.  Now you’re good to go!

There are many car problems that will leave you stranded and calling your road service program.  However, a flat tire is something you can take care of yourself.  Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be back on the road in no time. And always protect yourself with an auto warranty.

You might find that your car has become a mess from kids, pets, friends, etc.  But how are you supposed to keep it clean with kids spitting up and people having four-course meals in your backseat?  Let’s face it; it can be hard.  However, here are some tips to help you get started.

You might want to insist that whatever people bring in the car they have to take it out.  This means that kids should be responsible for the cups, stuffed animals, books, etc.  Also, you could limit them to only bringing one item each car ride.

Keep a trash bag from the kitchen in your vehicle.  This comes in handy for trash, or for dirty wet clothes.  You can have your oldest child be in charge of the trash bag.

For toddlers, purchase spill proof snack bowls and cups.  You can buy a “snack trap”, which keeps Cheerios from spilling all over your floor.

Keep toothpaste in your glove compartment.  This can save you from a stain on your upholstery.  Just rub gently on lipstick or ketchup stains to remove stains.

Purchase some rubber mats to go on top of your carpet.  If you don’t want to spend the extra money you can even turn your carpet mats upside down to reveal the rubber side.

It’s never easy to keep your car clean when you have a busy lifestyle, however, these tips will help.  Don’t just purchase an auto warranty to maintain your car, put a little bit of work into cleaning the interior.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a small SUV you’re in luck because there are many good choices.  Compact SUVs offer practicality, fuel-efficiency, and nice style.  In fact you can find many models for under $25,000 complete with an auto warranty.  So what are the best and worst models to consider?  Read on.

The Honda CR-V is the #1 compact SUV.  It scored the highest for performance, safety, and interior.  According to reviewers, it drives really well, has a sleek design and offers ample storage room.  Following close behind, the Toyota RAV4 comes in second place in its class.  This vehicle has a surprising amount of power for its size. It now offers a V-6 engine, as well as a third row seat. The RAV4 was the first compact SUV in its class over a decade ago.  Coming in #3 is the Subaru Forester.  This SUV is known for being a fun, family-friendly vehicle.  Reviewers complained about the exterior being bland and the balky transmission, but were willing to overlook these things because it had some great positive features.

Unfortunately, there are some compact SUVs that didn’t rank as well.  In last place was the Saturn Vue Hybrid.  According to reviewers, it isn’t very refined and isn’t as fuel thrifty as many other hybrids.  Also at the bottom of the list is the Mazda Tribute because its power and handling doesn’t match its competitors.  Finally, the Jeep Compass drives more like a car, but doesn’t have the sportiness or off-road capabilities that other Jeeps have.

If you’re looking to buy a compact SUV, there are many great choices out there.  The most important thing is to do your homework and make sure you are choosing wisely.  Also keep in mind the cost of new car warranties, maintenance costs and auto loans when determining your budget.

According to The American Consumer Satisfaction Index, the results from its Q2 aren’t good for domestic auto manufacturers.  The people at ASCI claim that customer satisfaction is higher than ever for the whole industry, however there aren’t any American automakers that made the top four.  And the bottom three on the list are made in America.

Domestic car companies are having problems because they are lagging further behind their counterparts overseas.  This will be of no help when the Big Three lose more power with pricing.  They will have to continue their dependency on discounting and rebates, in a car market where consumers are deciding to turn to foreign cars.  People feel foreign cars are more reliable, and with the addition of an auto warranty, they enjoy the peace of mind that they get with them.

The ACSI is a representation of a customer’s overall satisfaction, which includes customer service and doesn’t necessarily determine the quality of cars.  In addition, carmakers don’t have any control over a dealership’s customer service.

If you are thinking of buying a used or new car there are a few things that you should do first.  Taking some simple steps can save you money and make the car buying process easier.

First of all, consider buying a used vehicle.  All new cars lose approximately 30% of their value as soon as you drive them away from the dealership.  With a used car you don’t get that immediate depreciation.

Look at vehicles that will help you save money at the gas pump.  There are many new hybrids and cars that are fuel-efficient.  With all of the options, there is no need to buy a fuel-guzzler.

Next, try to build up a down payment.  Many people put little money down on a car and are surprised by the steep payments they are making the first four years of ownership.  Consumers should try to put down 20% if possible.

Finally, purchase an auto warranty when you purchase a vehicle.  Many people opt not to do this and they end up paying unnecessary maintenance and repair costs.

Following these simple tips will mean big savings down the road.  Make sure to do your homework before driving to the dealership.