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
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.
January 2nd, 2010 by Hal Moses
It’s common knowledge that carmakers are having a difficult year. And just to make things even harder, some cars that are perfectly good don’t even get a fair shake. One car model can be just as good as another one, yet consumers don’t give it the attention of a competing model.
For instance, the Saab 9-5 gets 21 mpg and comes with a sunroof and leather seats, and goes for $37,685. However, 1,943 consumers only bought that car, while 81,967 people purchased the similar BMW 3-Series for $32,700, which is the segment leader.
Another story of tough luck is the Acura RL, which is a competitor in the large luxury car division and is one of the Top Safety Picks, along with the S80. However, the RL, which is powered by a V-6, isn’t a match for competing car models that have V-8 engines. Because of higher fuel prices, the RL appeals to some shoppers who are fuel-conscious, but it seems that buyers looking for luxury cars have a preference for power over safety.
These cars are great examples of vehicles that deserve a second look because they have features that are unique and high quality. Unfortunately, they are small players in a huge market. Consumers should consider the benefits of these cars because not only do they have a lot of features to offer, but also they are priced right with a good auto warranty.
January 2nd, 2010 by Hal Moses
In order to help your car maintain it’s best performance it is necessary to get routine service and maintenance. This will also prepare your vehicle for difficult driving conditions. Here are a few tips to keep your car running at it’s best.
First, it is necessary to regularly check your tire pressure. It’s a good idea to do this every other time you fill up at the gas pump. Also, check the tread on your tires occasionally for wear and tear and make sure there is no cracking.
Next, regular car washes will keep your exterior looking it’s best. And putting a coat of wax on will keep your car from corroding.
Make sure to notice your check engine light. If it comes on, don’t ignore it. Getting your car to a professional in this instance is essential to avoid costly repairs down the line. Of course, you should have an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary repair expenses.
Finally, maintain a service schedule with your mechanic. There are parts of your car that should be inspected periodically by a professional. Consult your owner’s manual to determine the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle.
Following these simple maintenance tips can save you from unnecessary repairs down the road. However, it is necessary to have an auto warranty in case of unforeseen repairs.
December 31st, 2009 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.
December 31st, 2009 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.
December 31st, 2009 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.
December 26th, 2009 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.
December 26th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Drivers who are fuel-conscious now have a new innovative way to calculate their vehicle’s mileage and compare their mileage to other drivers’. Also, motorists will be able to devise ways that they can improve their own fuel-economy.
A new website, called fuelly.com, allows you to put your car in their system by entering details about your car. For example, by imputing your vehicle’s year, and make and model, they will track your gas mileage, gas expenditures, how your car compares to estimates by the EPA, and also how much you could save by using different ways to improve your gas mileage.
One helpful feature is that you are able to see how your vehicle compares to vehicles that are identical. Then, if your gas mileage is significantly worse it will tell you some things. For example, maybe you have poor driving habits when it comes to burning gas, or maybe your tires aren’t inflated like they should be, or it’s time to replace your air filter. Whatever it may be, fuelly.com could be a valuable warning system. In addition, if you own a mobile device, you can update the website remotely.
We all dread paying the high fuel costs, even to the point where we run out of gas and have to call for roadside assistance. However, by using fuelly.com, you can now improve your fuel-efficiency by being aware of your poor driving habits. Also, it is important to protect yourself with an auto warranty.