August 19th, 2010 by Hal Moses
If you are shopping for a used car, rely on professional opinions, but also make yourself an expert. Just by doing research on such things as an auto warranty and vehicle features, you can arm yourself with some much needed buying information. Here are a few things to look for when examining a vehicle.
First, take a look at how worn the pedals are. Motorists rarely update pedals, so this will tell you the true history of the car.
You don’t want to purchase a vehicle that has frame-damage. You can determine this by examining the core support of the radiator, which connects to the front fenders. This should be welded on either side, not bolted.
Next, look at the paint job on the car. Take special notice of scratches, dents, and rust spots. If you see slight waviness on the car this will indicate a paint job.
The most important thing that you can do when buying a used vehicle is to check the car’s history. You can go to autocheck.com to do this.
Doing your homework can give you much needed knowledge when purchasing a used vehicle, but you also want to buy an auto warranty to protect yourself from unnecessary repair costs in the future.
August 12th, 2010 by Hal Moses
There is nothing worse than getting your car repaired and hearing, “It isn’t covered under your auto warranty.â€Â Often, motorists are confused because they assume that certain repairs are covered. Drivers need a little education to understand more about their new car warranties.
People need to understand that an auto warranty isn’t an entitlement, but an agreement you make with the car manufacturer. Your responsibility is to fulfill specific maintenance requirements that the manufacturer sets. After doing your part, the manufacturer must perform repairs resulting from a defect or a failed part.
So, what parts are covered? The auto manufacturer must cover the parts that it makes. For example, transmissions, engines, steering, suspension, computers, instruments, chassis wiring, and other parts that they manufacture are covered. Maintenance items and wearable items aren’t covered under new car warranties. For example, filters, hoses, belts, brakes and tires aren’t covered.
What about the parts not made by the manufacturer of the car? Items such as stereo systems and conversion components have a warranty through their manufacturers. These can be found in paper work you received with the purchase of the car.
The best thing that you can do to avoid misunderstandings about new car warranties is to educate yourself. Make sure that you do your homework and read all of the fine print in your auto warranty.
August 11th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Nowadays, it is a necessity to have a vehicle. Yet, everyone is not capable of purchasing a new car. Buying a used car is a great option in this instance, but sometimes it can be complex to arrange for funds. Used vehicle auto loans are a good answer to this problem.
The purpose of these loans is to provide you with financial aid for the purpose of buying a used car. Anyone can use these loans, regardless of credit score. In order to get a lone for a larger amount you need a secured loan in which you must offer collateral. An unsecured auto loan is sufficient if you just need a small amount of funding.
You can find used vehicle auto loans online. Thousands of lenders are available, and you can compare conditions and terms for the best rate. Doing it online accelerates the approval and you only need a few days to drag the necessary funds into your personal bank account.
There are many benefits to used vehicle auto loans. You aren’t discriminated against because of credit, it is a fast easy procedure, and you can choose any model and make. After finding your loan online, don’t forget to go ahead and compare rates for an auto warranty. You don’t want to face unnecessary repair costs down the road.
August 10th, 2010 by Hal Moses
The legendary and powerful V-8 engine is finding its place in history, because very few new cars are using it, according to U.S. car industry reports. Consumers want to protect themselves with fuel-efficient vehicles that have an auto warranty, and aren’t purchasing vehicles with V-8 engines.
The majority of carmakers are deciding not to put V-8’s under the hoods of family vehicles, USA Today stated in a NY report. The V-6’s are also losing popularity and people are instead deciding to purchase vehicles with the V-4. In fact, observers claim that the V-8 in particular isn’t politically correct anymore.
Carmakers who are choosing to introduce new V-8s are tending to confine them to high-performance sports cars, trucks meant for towing, and several premium cars.
New vehicles that are planning to be equipped with a V-8 engine include the Cadillac CTS-V, the Hyundai Genesis, and the Dodge Challenger. Carmakers are making it a point to stress the fact that the newer V-8s are much more fuel-efficient than in the past.
However, GM is discarding the eight-cylinder engine from the 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover and Ford won’t be offering its Lincoln MKS sedan with the V-8.
Consumers are opting for cars with smaller engines that have new car warranties in order to protect their wallets. V-8s are finding their place in history.
August 9th, 2010 by Hal Moses
There are many great deals out there on new cars, yet you need to understand the offers. For example, are there any “restrictionsâ€, “qualifiersâ€, “exclusionsâ€, or “limitationsâ€? 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.
August 8th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Results from a recent study show that motorists who repeat buy the same car brand the most are owners of hybrids. By segment, the buyers who were the most loyal were those of full-size pickup trucks, which is a long held title.
The news about hybrids is quite significant because not all car manufacturers offer hybrid cars. Because of this, someone who purchases a Honda or Toyota hybrid will then choose that same brand for his or her next car purchase.
Owners of Toyota Prius’ purchased another Toyota vehicle 51% of the time, and approximately 25% of those people purchased another Prius. In comparison, those Toyota owners who had a non-hybrid bought another Toyota just 44% of the time.
Truck owners purchasing a new vehicle decided on another truck about 33% of the time, whereas hybrid owners only purchased another hybrid 25% of the time. The average rate of loyalty was 21%.
It is important to keep in mind that with any vehicle purchase, no matter what kind, it is necessary to purchase an auto warranty to protect your wallet. After all, you don’t want to find yourself paying unnecessary repair expenses down the road.
August 7th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Many people believe it is easiest to trade in your current car when buying a new one. However, is trading the right choice for you? There are some advantages and disadvantages to trading.
The big advantage to trading over selling is that you have very little hassle. You don’t have to haggle with buyers and you get rid of your car quickly. However, the fact is that you aren’t going to get as much for your car if you trade it in.
Any used vehicle has a specific retail value. If a dealership is going to sell that vehicle, they will have certain expenses, such as fixing dents and scrapes, cleaning it, and just overhead costs of running their business. Therefore, the dealership has to sell it for a little more than a private owner would.
Since dealers need to make a good profit on used vehicles, they purchase them for less than the retail value. When the dealership takes a trade in vehicle, they are essentially purchasing it from the new car customer, and at a price below the retail value. Essentially, this is called the trade in value.
Although trading in your car is easier than going through the hassle of trying to sell your car privately, you are going to get less money for your vehicle. If you sell your vehicle on your own, you can put the extra money you get towards important things such as an auto warranty and maintenance costs.
August 7th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Drivers and politicians tend to be against road tolls because it is believed that they burden drivers with a lower income disproportionately. However, a recent study by USC and UCLA has discovered that a sales tax may be a greater offender on that front.
The study looked at a 10-mile stretch of freeway in California that encompasses four express lanes on Route 91. It discovered that, overall; the toll was used more by middle and upper income drivers than by drivers with a lower income. It also discovered that charging more during hours that are peak helped alleviate traffic.
However, if the highway was financed by a sales tax, the study discovered that these same middle and upper income motorists would have shelled out $26 million less than they would have under a system of tolls. In the meantime, drivers who are lower income would end up paying $3 million more.
Congestion pricing and tolls aren’t perfect, and the study made a suggestion that lower income motorists who have to travel during peak hours should be given discounted pricing. After all, lower income drivers are already struggling to afford car costs, such as an auto warranty and car insurance.
August 6th, 2010 by Hal Moses
With gas prices soaring, there are numerous tips circulating about how to save money on fuel. A lot of this advice, however, isn’t worth the time of the average driver. So, which strategies are worth the time and which aren’t?
There are several things that you can do to significantly improve your fuel economy. It makes sense to drive slow and steady to improve gas mileage. If you travel at the speed limit and avoid accelerating rapidly you won’t burn as much gas. Also, you don’t want to let your car idle. Every second in which your engine is running while your car is stationary you are wasting gas. Also, keeping your tires inflated properly will allow you approximately a 10% improvement in fuel-efficiency.
There are also some tips that aren’t worth your time. First of all, don’t bother filling up when temperatures are cool. Although this theory is true, it won’t save you enough to be concerned with it. Next, lightening your load isn’t going to help you with fuel-efficiency very much unless you’re carrying 100 pounds of cargo in your car. Most people don’t carry enough stuff in their car to amount to much.
Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with saving money on their cars. To do this they are buying fuel-efficient cars with an auto warranty, and following tips to save on fuel. Motorists are feeling the pinch due to the poor economy.
August 6th, 2010 by Hal Moses
People become irrational about their cars. They treat them as if they are their babies and give them affectionate wash and wax jobs on the weekends. 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 drivers waste money on their cars.
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, auto manufacturers 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, it is a good idea 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 expenses for your vehicle that are unnecessary.