Auto Warranty

Gas prices are up to $3 a gallon, a driver’s worst nightmare. Even though it isn’t much more than $2.95, it seems like it to motorists. It is predicted that gas will reach $4 a gallon by summertime.

Sales of large vehicles are being affected. This is especially true of large SUV’s and pickup trucks. For example, Chevrolet has noticed a major drop in sales of the Suburban and the Tahoe. However, their crossover models are doing well, such as the Enclave.

People are now interested in smaller vehicles that have good fuel-efficiency. Motorists feeling the squeeze also go for pre-owned models that are inexpensive.

Ford dealerships around the nation have sold 35% more of the Focus. This is a compact sedan that was redesigned for the 2008 season. Also, Chevrolet Cobalt sales went up 50%.

Even though small cars are hot, it means a loss for automakers because compact cars are less expensive.

Buyers need to consider a variety of factors when buying a car. This includes not only gas prices, but maintenance costs, insurance costs, and finding a good auto warranty.

You know that the trend for green cars has come of age when Hummer and Lamborghini get in on the picture.

The manufacturers of supercars for $400,000 and high-end SUV’s have realized that they need to keep us with small, efficient car models.  People desire lightweight, economical vehicles as opposed to heavy gas-guzzlers.

Lamborghini has an updated version of its Gallardo at $222,000.  Its new design is more “green” because it emits less CO2.  This is the greenhouse gas that is responsible for the change in the climate.

However, cutting 20 kg off of a 202 mph vehicle is not exactly radical.  This is why leading manufacturers, such as Toyota are making a big impact in the car industry.  It is hard to truly make a supercar or SUV green, although it is impressive that Hummer and Lamborghini are making an attempt.

Green or not, whatever car you purchase, make sure that you have an auto warranty to protect your investment.  You don’t want to find yourself paying unnecessary expenses for auto repairs.

Almost every vehicle that has front wheel-drive uses car struts on the front.  They aren’t just shock absorbers.  They integrate many different suspension parts into one assembly.  Included are the spring seats, coil spring, shock absorbers, steering knuckle, and strut bearing.

The shock absorber is the part of the strut that is commonly serviced the most.

The strut has many different purposes that it serves.  Because of the spring, the strut can support the vehicle’s weight while it’s traveling and allows for adaptations of road irregularities.  The shock absorber that is internal will dampen the spring’s movement while it is compressing and rebounding.

The function of the strut housing is structural.  It connects the bearing in the upper strut to the ball joint down below.  This allows the whole assembly to pivot as someone turns the steeling wheel.

It is a good idea to have your vehicle’s suspension system checked by a service technician that is qualified.  The struts in a car should be checked once a year, along with the alignment of wheels.  You never know when car parts will wear out, so an auto warranty, as well as regular maintenance is a necessary part of your routine.

For sports car enthusiasts the supercar is the “Holy Grail”.  The supercar is a sports car that is very high-end that features exceptional power and handling.

These cars can be a challenge to find, and even more challenging to afford for most drivers.

Many of these vehicles that are cutting edge must be special ordered straight from the factory.  This means that they are very unique and get a big “ooh” factor.

But how do you recognize a supercar from a regular high-end sports car?  There are three defining features that set them apart.  First of all, their appearance is exotic.  Secondly, their speed is extremely fast.  Also, they have cornering and handling that is world-class.

Most supercars are imports.  The most prominent models are Italian made.

Such models as Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Masserati all fall under the supercar label.  This is due to their impeccable engineering, rareness, top performance, and over the top sticker price.  Prices can be up and above one million dollars.

Supercar owners take great pride in their automobiles.  Also important is an auto warranty to protect these gems.

Every year there are more than 10,000 vehicle accidents in the nation and approximately 450 people die as a result of the collisions. Many of these accidents can be avoided by having routine maintenance performed on your car. In addition, many people neglect to have an auto warranty that will cover their car in case of a collision.

The vehicle is by far the most popular means of transportation in the U.S. In fact, 91% of adults in our country own, or have owned a car.

Before you hit the road again, check the following parts of your car to make sure that they are operating properly.

First, take a look at your tires. Many people neglect to check their tires and end up with blowouts. Make sure that your air levels are good. You can reference your owner’s manual to find out what the right level should be. Also, you want to make sure that there aren’t any leaks, low treads, or worn spots.

Next, change your windshield wipers about twice in a year. Your windshield is actually one of the most important parts of your car because if you can’t see the road well you are in trouble.

Brakes should be monitored to make sure they are working correctly. If your brake pedal is moving all the way down to the floor when you step on it, have your brakes looked at by a professional. More recent cars have a warning system to let you know if your brakes aren’t operating correctly.

Maintenance can save you from a dangerous accident. To save your wallet, make sure you have a good auto warranty that will keep you from paying unnecessary repair costs. You don’t want to find yourself unprepared.

Honda has been named the automaker that sells the best cars in the U.S. by consumer reports.  This is the second year in row.  They based their decision on many factors from the comfort of the vehicle to reliability.

Toyota was ranked second, and Subaru third.  Next were BMW, Mazda, Nissan and then Volkswagen.  There weren’t any domestic vehicles on the list.

Other vehicle winners for various segments are as follows.  The Toyota Prius was the best green car, the Hyundai Elantra was rated the highest as a small sedan, the Honda Accord was the leading family sedan, the Mazda MX-5 Miata was named the most fun car, the Toyota RAV4 ranked as the top of the small SUV’s, and The Chevy Silverado was the highest ranked pickup truck.

It is important to remember that the most important cost isn’t the sticker price, but how much it costs to own a vehicle.  In fact, a vehicle with a sticker price that is low can end up costing more than a vehicle with a higher sticker price.  This can be the case when you factor in the cost of owning the vehicle over a five-year period.  These costs include fuel, depreciation, insurance, new car warranties, maintenance, sales tax, and interest on your loan.

For example, with these costs the Mitsubishi Lancer would cost approximately $5,000 less than a Mini Cooper.  The Mini Cooper costs approximately $3,000 more for the owner over a five-year period.

Make sure to factor in these variables when deciding what car to purchase.  And of course, purchase an auto warranty to protect your investment.  You never really know how reliable your car will be in the end.

Automakers are hoping to grab the U.S. automobile buyers attention.  To do this they are offering large cash incentives, as well as low financing, for vehicles that aren’t selling.

Car sales in the U.S. were down 6.2% in February over the previous year.  Automakers are counting on better incentives to lure auto buyers to the dealership.  The average rebate last month was over $2,400, which is 8.4% higher than the previous year.

It is definitely a buyers market, and this trend will continue.  Car sales will soften and dealers will offer superb deals.  In addition, sales people for new cars will be more willing to negotiate.

A February analysis of incentive deals, which included low financing rates, cash rebates, and lease deals as a portion of the sticker price for each category shows that big trucks were at the top with 14%, and luxury type sports vehicles were at the bottom with 2.9%.

In this difficult economy people are finding it hard to purchase new cars.  However, there are great deals out there for consumers who find themselves in the position to buy.  Consumers also need to research a good price on an auto warranty to protect their wallets in the case of unforeseen repairs.  After all, it isn’t wise to pay the price for a new vehicle and then waste money on costly repairs.

There is nothing worse than 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.

Credit is a key factor when an auto shopper is trying to figure out how much they will pay for a car.  However, according to experts, people should look at various dealers to compare special financing deals.  This is as important as shopping around for a car type.

It is important to request a copy of your credit report and score through a credit agency.  This will give you a better idea of what you will be dealing with when you talk about financing.

There are web-based tools that you can look to for help.  For example, AutoTrader.com is a website for classifieds that actually has a credit center for people looking to buy a car with bad credit.  And while other websites of a similar nature require the consumer to disclose personal and confidential information, the credit center only asks general questions to give the shopper privacy.

After you fill out the questionnaire, you will get a credit level that is estimated excellent, good or fair.  Next, you can do a search among car dealers in your area that can help you with your specific financing needs.

The key is to be prepared when you walk into the dealership.  Websites are a great way to arm you with knowledge.  You can learn all about car prices, credit scores, and prices on an auto warranty.  You want to do your homework so that you can get the best deal you can on the car itself, financing and new car warranties.

Are you ready to make a step up from that old used car that you have been driving, but you can’t afford the high sticker price on a new car?

If you’re answering yes, there may be a desirable option for you.  Consider purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle.

The concept of the CPO market is very simple.  Car manufacturers take vehicles that are under five years old and give them an inspection that is very detailed.  If the car passes, it is sold at a premium with an extended auto warranty and additional perks.

Consumers reap the benefits.  They get a car that seams brand new with the peace of mind of a new car.  In addition, they receive these benefits at the price of a used car and they are able to purchase a class of vehicle that they wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise.

Certified pre-owned vehicles can be a great option for those buyers out there that aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a new car.  Not only do you have a car that seems brand new, you have an auto warranty and peace of mind to go with it.