January 2nd, 2009 by Hal Moses
If you’re planning on shopping for a brand new midsize sedan over the weekend, you will be able to choose from several vehicles with 0% financing. The majority of the current incentives will conclude on Monday, including 36 months of 0% financing on the all-new 2009 Mazda6. If you read the small type on the deal you will find that it’s “for qualified buyersâ€, however it is still an excellent deal. If you are looking for a 60-month plan instead, you can get it for 2.9%, which is also considered a great deal.
Mazda isn’t the only one offering 0% financing. In fact, almost every competitor is also offering 0% financing all weekend long. For instance, you can get the 2009 Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion all for 36 months of 0% financing.
Now is a great time to get out and go car shopping. Not only will you give the economy a boost, but you’ll also get a great deal on financing and a good auto warranty. Just make sure to do your homework before arriving at the dealership to take advantage of good deals and new car warranties.
December 30th, 2008 by Hal Moses
It is apparent that Ford is looking to give its buyers an assist, at least the consumers purchasing a 2010 Lincoln MKS or MKT. In mid-year 2009, these vehicles are going to come equipped with the Active Park Assist system, which literally will parallel park the car automatically. Ford’s MKT is a brand new crossover that is going to make its debut next month at the Detroit auto show.
Ford’s system is very similar to the one that is found on the Lexus LS 460. However, instead of using cameras, this system uses a sensing system that is ultrasonic-based.
Ford says there are a few advantages over the technology that Lexus is using. First of all, drivers can use Ford’s system if they are parking in a downhill situation, and Ford says its system has improved reliability and speed while parking.
This technology could prove to be very beneficial to drivers; however, drivers should protect themselves with a good auto warranty. After all, you never know when you will find yourself needing repairs on new technology.
December 30th, 2008 by Hal Moses
To ensure that your car is operating properly you need to perform routine maintenance. People assume that they need to make seasonal preparations and change their oil, but they often neglect their tires. Don’t forget that your driving experience is only going to be as good as the tires that are on your car.
One big issue when it comes to tires is safety. You need to have tires that will ensure you are safe on the road. After all, really the only thing coming between the road and you is your tires.
If you put high performance tires on your car you will get the safety behind the wheel that you deserve. These tires will allow you to drive at fast speeds and allow for safety in driving conditions that are dangerous. For example, your car will perform better on roads that are icy or wet. High performance tires also allow you to perform sudden stops and tight cornering. And, even though you will pay a little more for them, you are getting your safety in return.
To keep your car performing at its best, consider purchasing high performance tires. Not only will your vehicle hand better, you will feel safer. Also, to maintain your safety purchase an auto warranty that allows you to have routine maintenance and repairs performed when necessary.
December 27th, 2008 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 2008 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.
December 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
According to the Vice Chairman of General Motors, Bob Lutz, business as usual is no longer acceptable; consumers are demanding green, fuel-efficient vehicles. Lutz has been promoting the newest green technology by GM. However, he says that although GM will meet the market demands, motorists are going to have to be prepared to pay for it. Not only will drivers be paying for the car cost, maintenance, and an auto warranty, they are going to also pay for technology that is advanced.
Lutz claims that in America, drivers are going to pay an additional $10,000 per vehicle to maintain the cars, trucks and crossovers that are out there today. The reason for this is the added costs to manufacture lightweight, advanced materials.
Although people are focusing on fuel-efficiency and environmental issues, Lutz wonders if motorists in the U.S. are really all that concerned about new technology to achieve higher mileage.   He also fears that now that gas prices are lower, people may not be as willing to pay higher prices for fuel-efficient vehicles.
December 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
More and more cars are being loaded with high-tech advances. In fact, some luxury car models have up to 80 switches and knobs to allow for advanced safety and comfort of motorists. Yet, there are more high-tech gadgets coming onto the market.
Soon there will be sign recognition systems that will be able to read wrong-way signs and speed limits. This will come on the market in 2009-2010.
Cameras could replace Side view mirrors in the future. Images would be displayed on the rearview mirrors on the edges, or on the instrument panel.
We may see chatty cars in the future. Developers are trying to create a network that would monitor signals from car systems and warn other cars. For example, skidding due to slick roads could be transmitted to warn other drivers.
Bumper bags could help SUVs be less deadly when hitting a low-riding car. This has been shown to reduce intrusions and cause less injuries.
High-tech gadgets are great for motorists, but only if they learn how to use them before getting on the road. In addition, with any new technology, drivers should have an auto warranty to protect themselves from technology failure.
December 26th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Many drivers don’t realize that buying a less-expensive vehicle model can actually end up costing you more in the long run than a model that is more-expensive up front.
One example of this is a Mitsubishi Lancer vs. a Mini Cooper Clubman. A new Lancer costs around $17,500, which is $5,000 less than the initial cost of the Mini Cooper. Yet, when you consider what ownership costs will be with each vehicle, the Mitsubishi Lancer will end up costing you about $3,000 more after owning the car for five years.
Also realize, a Toyota Highlander will initially cost you $3,000 more than a Ford Explorer V6. However, when you consider ownership costs you will end up paying $6,500 more over a five-year period.
Motorists are very concerned with the sticker price of a vehicle when choosing a car, but many people fail to factor in the ownership costs. For example, auto loans, maintenance costs, and auto warranty, fuel costs, repair costs, and sales tax need to all be factored into the equation.
December 26th, 2008 by Hal Moses
New York State has a humungous budget gap to fill, which is why Gov. David Paterson is trying anything and everything to fill it. Included in his efforts is a proposed 5% tax on vehicles costing over $60,000.
Today, however, $60K isn’t what it used to be in terms of luxury vehicles. Consumers should keep in mind that this tax isn’t only for vehicles with an MSRP of $60K or more. If you buy a car that has an MSRP of $50,000, but you throw in a moon roof, GPS, leather seats, and a high-tech stereo system, it may push the price of the vehicle to over $60K, which would mean you would owe an additional 5% tax in NY. Many cars would fit the bill, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the BMW 5 Series.
Yachts are also affected, however the tax doesn’t kick in until you spend at least $200,000. Private jets will also escape this tax if they stay under $500,000.
The main problem with this tax is that luxury car sales will be hurt, even if just slightly. Nameplates like Mercedes, BMW and Lexus have experienced a recent drop in sales, just like all of the other carmakers. Unfortunately, this tax may make people hold off on buying a luxury vehicle and instead hold onto their current vehicles with the addition of an auto warranty.
December 25th, 2008 by Hal Moses
An extended auto warranty can bring motorists peace of mind. However, drivers need to get the most out of their auto warranty by keeping documents organized and asking the right questions. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your auto warranty.
Often times an extended auto warranty requires service records. This is why it is necessary to keep your records straight. Create a central location for your records if you don’t already have one. This will alleviate frustrations down the road when you are trying to locate documents.
Don’t just rely on your computer to keep records. Print hard copies of records if you buy an auto warranty online. You never know when your computer will be down, and it could be when you need your auto warranty.
Make sure to read everything in the auto warranty. If something isn’t written in the contract, then it isn’t covered. Never make assumptions when it comes to your auto warranty.
Finally, make sure that you have contact information accessible to you at all times. This will make things easier when you have a claim.
December 25th, 2008 by Hal Moses
One of the family activities that are the most fun is going on road trips. During the holidays many people are traveling to see family and friends. Although enjoyable, frustration can accompany families on the road. Take note of the following do’s and don’ts in order to ensure that your family has a great trip.
The most important thing that you can do is to get your family vehicle a tune-up. Your vehicle needs to be in top-notch condition. Nothing is worse than having your car breakdown, leaving you stranded. This is why an auto warranty is a necessity.
You should plan ahead so that your family knows what is happening during the trip. This will alleviate stressful situations and help things to go smoothly. In addition, you might want to purchase software to plan your trip and invest in a GPS. This advanced technology will act as your guide to your desired destination.
Of course, you never know when you will run into speed bumps throughout your trip. For example, road construction and traffic are inevitable. However, your trip doesn’t have to be ruined by these inconveniences. In addition, you can rest assured if you have used car warranties.