January 7th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Ask a woman if she wants to purchase a Dodge Viper and her answer is likely “noâ€. This is a V-10, sports car with two seats with a starting sticker price of approximately $80,000. However, studies show that this car attracts a large proportion of men drivers. It seems that as far as cars go, men and women have very different taste.
At least 91% of people buying the Viper are men. In addition, the BMW M5 and Porsche 911 are also large in buyer percentages being male. The cost of these models is upward of $60,000. Men tend to equate their vehicle with their image. They pick cars that will give them a certain status.
What’s popular with women? The Toyota RAV4 is the #1 choice. Women dominate as being the purchasers of cars that are small, affordable and easy to buy. For instance, the Saturn SL, Saturn SC and Saturn ION are popular with women. These Saturns start at $10,000 and have a “no-hassle†reputation for buying.
It is clear that men and women think differently in many areas, including cars. Men go for the impressive, fast cars, whereas women go for the small, inexpensive vehicles. The only thing that these cars have in common is that they come with an auto warranty.
January 6th, 2010 by Hal Moses
These days many vehicles are being offered with 4WD systems. It can be difficult for consumers wanting to purchase a car with 4WD to distinguish between the different systems. There is Part Time 4WD, Full Time 4WD and permanent 4WD. So, what’s the difference?
The most basic of the 4WD systems is Part Time. This allows the driver to choose if they want to drive in two-wheel drive or 4WD. This sounds appealing, but has a downside. The 4WD shouldn’t be engaged unless it is very slippery. The reason for this is that 4WD will lock the front and back wheels. Although this is good for slippery conditions, it makes for awkward handling on dry surfaces. This system is, however, less expensive and very durable.
The most commonly used system is Full Time 4WD. This system offers a two-wheel drive mode and 4WD. Also, there is a high and low mode for various conditions. An advantage to this system is that a center differential allows the front and back wheels to rotate at two different speeds. Also beneficial is that this system offers more control and better handling on different road conditions.
Permanent 4WD is comparable to Full Time, yet it doesn’t have a two-wheel drive mode. The car will always be in 4WD with this system. Torque is being applied constantly to all of the wheels, which allows for traction in various weather conditions. This system has high and low modes that are applied automatically.
Four- wheel drive is a great feature to have on any vehicle that may encounter challenging road conditions. However, with any technology make sure that you purchase an auto warranty to cover you from paying unnecessary repair costs down the road. This will allow you to have peace of mind.
January 6th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Most vehicles today have ABS, or Antilock brakes. You’ve probably heard about these brakes but may not know what they are. ABS is a safety feature that detects if one of the wheels is going to lock up in your vehicle. In this case the hydraulic pressure of that wheel is controlled, similar to when you pump the brake. This helps you keep control of the vehicle.
If you haven’t used ABS before you might notice some new things. For instance, when ABS is activated you may feel that the brake pedal feels hard, which is normal. Also, you might feel pulsating under your foot, which is also normal. In addition, you might notice a noise similar to that of a motorboat engine, again normal.
When driving with ABS make sure you still leave enough room between you and the vehicle in front of you. Don’t think you will be able to stop on a dime. Also, it is important not to pump the brake, but apply pressure that is firm and strong.
Follow these tips and you will adjust to ABS just fine. In addition, you will feel an added sense of security on the road. However, as with any new technology, there are bugs to work out, so protect yourself with an auto warranty.
January 2nd, 2010 by Hal Moses
Buying a pre-owned car is a good way to get a good car for less money. However, when most people go car shopping they inspect the outside thoroughly, but forget to inspect the interior. Here are some things to look for.
Notice the smell of the interior. If you detect mold, must or mildew, there is a chance that the vehicle has water leaks. Make sure to look under the floor mats for wet spots. Also, it is easy to detect the smell of smoke, which probably means that the previous car owner was a smoker. Just be aware that it can be virtually impossible to eliminate car odors, so if there is a bad smell, look at other cars to purchase.
Sit in every seat, including the back, even if you don’t plan to ever ride in the back. Also, make sure seat adjustments are working as intended. And know that if a car is advertised as having low mileage, the upholstery should still look good.
The pedals will give you an indication of true mileage. If the pedals are worn it means the car has high mileage.
Do your homework when buying a used car. Research costs, such as maintenance, an auto warranty, and auto insurance to ensure that you are making a good car choice. And make sure to have the vehicle inspected before you purchase it.
January 2nd, 2010 by Hal Moses
Sometimes the hardest part about purchasing a new or used vehicle is getting rid of your present car. There are several options for selling your car. You can trade it in to the dealer, sell your car privately, or donate it to charity. Here are the pros and cons of each of these.
Probably the easiest way to go is to trade in your vehicle. Dealers tend to make the process easy because they want your car. The dealer will assess your car to determine how much it is worth and deduct it from the price of your new car. The pitfall to this is that a trade in value is generally much lower than what you could get for your car privately. However, you can’t beat the convenience.
If you sell your car yourself you will most likely get the most money. However, this can be a lot of work. It will be time consuming to prep your car for sale. Assess your vehicle and determine what you’re willing to pay on minor repairs. Things should be fixed well enough to avoid legal troubles down the road.
Another option for getting rid of your car is to donate it to charity. Some people find this option attractive on principle. If your car is on it’s last leg and might be hard to sell, this is probably the best option for you. After all, who’s going to buy a car that is going to require constant roadside assistance?
Consider the condition of your car to make the best choice about getting rid of your car. Be realistic about how much you will get for your car. And make sure you have a good auto warranty until you sell your car.
January 2nd, 2010 by Hal Moses
People are often irrational about their vehicles. They treat them as if they are their babies and shower them with affection. Some drivers even talk to their vehicles and give them a pat here and there. But as much as our cars mean to us, we don’t need to waste money on them. Here are some common ways that you can avoid unnecessary car expenses.
First of all, buying premium fuel over regular isn’t necessary. Purchase the cheapest gas possible that keeps your engine from knocking. Octane serves the purpose of preventing knock, so if your car doesn’t knock with regular gasoline you’re fine.
Usually, carmakers recommend that you change your oil every 5,000-7,000 miles. Many motorists assume that they should get their oil changed every 3,000 miles, however, this should be done only if you put a lot of wear and tear on your car.
Also, having auto repairs done at a dealership will cost you. Instead, find a reliable independent shop to do the job for less money. In addition, make sure to have an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary costs down the road.
Following these simple tips can save you lots of money. Don’t allow other people to talk you into paying unnecessary expenses for your vehicle and purchase used car warranties to protect your wallet.
January 2nd, 2010 by Hal Moses
There is nothing worse that purchasing a car and finding out that it has an ocean of problems, literally.
Why? The number of cars on the market in the last five years that have been damaged by flooding, hurricanes or rains has doubled. Certain states have actually reported an increase of six times more than the number recorded five years ago.
A lot of times, vehicles with this problem are moved from regions that experience a lot of flooding to less suspicious areas. These cars will find themselves back on the pre-owned market, disguised and rebuilt to look clean.
It can be hard to realize if a flood has damaged a car, yet if a car has been underwater it will rot inside and out. Also, water damage can threaten the mechanical systems and ruin electronics in a vehicle, without even leaving a sign on the outside of the vehicle.
Since sales of used cars are expected to reach 45 million this year, consumers need to be on high alert for any signs of flood damage. Also, purchase an auto warranty to protect yourself in case you have unforeseen repair costs.
January 2nd, 2010 by Hal Moses
Tribal has launched a new site that provides customers with a true life-like car shopping experience without ever leaving their homes. Volkswagen.co.uk allows people to virtually sit in and walk around new cars. Tribal created this web site because customers often feel that buying a new car can be confusing.
Research shows that people who want to purchase a new vehicle do most of their research on the Internet. This means that trips to showrooms are cut in half. Volkswagen responded to this by giving buyers a virtual experience from the comfort of their own homes.
The site features a car configurator that is very sophisticated. It has 3D models of the new Volkswagen range. Visitors are able to change every option that alters the appearance of the vehicle. This lets people create the car of their choice.
In the future, people who visit the site will have the ability to book test drives by accessing the booking systems of retailers. In addition, they will be able to see the availability of models at specific retailers.
Volkswagen has responded to customers needs by allowing people to shop for a vehicle from the comfort of their own homes. Also convenient, is that customers can purchase new car warranties online from a wide range of providers. An auto warranty is a smart way to protect your new investment.
January 2nd, 2010 by Hal Moses
Volvo already has a good reputation for its impressive safety features. Yet, Volvo has recently debuted new safety technologies. To improve their safety features Volvo has built on its current safety features.
Volvo’s latest safety package is available on the Volvo XC60. The package has the purpose of assisting distracted drivers.
One impressive safety feature is an automatic low-speed system of braking. It can detect reflections from bumpers and license plates using a laser. If the driver has a speed of less than 20mph and they get too close, the car will stop automatically.
They also added an interesting approach to the LDW system. This system serves the purpose of audibly alerting drivers if they cross the line without the use of a turn signal. Another program that Volvo has added detects micro corrections, which indicate a driver is falling asleep.
Drivers are becoming more concerned with safety features, and Volvo has provided great safety advancements. By purchasing an auto warranty and driving safer cars, motorists are now able to have peace of mind.
January 2nd, 2010 by Hal Moses
There’s nothing worse than planning a trip and waking up to find violent, heavy rains pouring down out of the sky. There are two things you need in this situation, an auto warranty and a reliable car. Do you have a vehicle that is ready for driving in this situation? In this situation it is necessary to have a car that ensures a smooth, safe ride, even in ice and rain.
According to the FHWA approximately 6,400,000 cars are involved in accidents every year. About twenty five percent of these accidents are related to weather. Here are some of the best cars to handle in rain.
Although you may not believe it, the Porsche Cayman, as well as the Cayman S are two of the best cars in rain. They are packed with essential all weather features.
For instance, these vehicles have a wiper system with rain sensors that make the wipers activate as soon as water hits the glass. Also, wipers shut off after the car reaches 131 mph.
In addition, these cars have great tire traction, as well as mud guards. They also have the Porsche Stability Management System, which detects when the car is slipping.
Finally, these cars have four-wheel disc brakes that are anti-lock. They are cross-drilled for optimal performance.
Ask a woman if she wants to purchase a Dodge Viper and her answer is likely “noâ€. This is a V-10, sports car with two seats with a starting sticker price of approximately $80,000. However, studies show that this car attracts a large proportion of men drivers. It seems that as far as cars go, men and women have very different taste.
