Auto Warranty

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.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a new vehicle this year you need to consider the worth of the car in a few years, when you’re ready to trade it in for another car.  Consider these four factors that determine the resale value of a vehicle.

Supply and demand is the first factor.  Vehicles that have a high volume of production, such as Chevrolet and Ford pickup trucks don’t hold a high resale value because they are so numerous.

Next, brand image is important.  For instance, Toyota, Porsche, and Honda have great images, which is the reason they end up on the high end of the table every year.  Regardless of whether the vehicle deserves it or not, brand name is a huge factor in the resale price of a car.

If there is a high incentive for spending on a new car, the residual value will be lower on a recent model.  Just remember, there is a reason for high incentives.

Also investigate the number of units of a certain model that were sold to rental and commercial fleets.  If there was a great number sold, the resale value will be less.

Consider these factors when buying a new car.  A vehicle is only a good deal if it is worth something when it comes time to trade it in.  In addition, purchase an auto warranty to protect your wallet against unnecessary expenses.

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 next year’s 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.

Probably at one time or another you have been told that you need new shocks and (or) struts.  After being quoted a large price, you might find yourself thinking, “Can I get away without replacing them?

Your shocks and struts serve two functions in your car.  Some vehicles only have struts, and some only have shocks.  Their purpose is to dampen the oscillation of springs and assist in ride control.

If your shocks and/or struts are worn, your suspension parts and tires will wear out sooner.  This is why it is important to take your vehicle in for preventative checkups.  It is a good idea to have your mechanic look at them every time you get an oil change.

There are several warning signs that might tell you it is time to replace your shocks/struts.  First, you might notice leaks on the housing or dents on the strut body.  Also, you might see high and low worn spots on your tires and pitted piston rods.  Finally, you may have rubber bumpers that are crushed from bottoming out.

Make sure you don’t cut corners when dealing with your shocks/struts.  It is essential that these parts function correctly for handling and cornering.  Purchasing an auto warranty is a good idea for motorists in order to avoid unnecessary repair costs down the road.  After all, you never know when your car will need maintenance.

When thinking of the engine, most people don’t consider how important the alternator is.  In fact, the alternator is indispensable because the engine won’t run without it.  The alternator is the source where the power train derives power.

Alternators were created in order to convert mechanical energy into a current that is alternating.  In order to do this the engine belt drives the alternator shaft.  Doing this allows electricity to be produced from the mechanical energy of the machines.  Then, the power becomes channeled.  The electricity produced recharges the battery and powers the electrical system of the vehicle.

If you need to replace your alternator you will discover that some contain more amps and some are definitely more costly. However, an auto warranty will give you peace of mind with any vehicle repairs.

Whatever car you have, make sure you can see the bolts.  Many times, other parts have to be removed to have access to the bolts.  Before you remove your alternator, take note of the way it’s connected.  Then, mark its location so you know where to connect it.  Afterward, start to unplug the wires that connect to the alternator.  Finally, take off the bolts and remove the alternator.

Without the alternator, the engine can’t function.  If you can’t replace it yourself, find a professional to take care of it.  Whatever you decide, make sure you have an auto warranty to save you from costly repairs.  After all, you never know when you will need to replace a part on your vehicle.

It is a huge disappointment to buy a vehicle just to find out that it literally has an ocean of problems.

Unfortunately, there are a large number of vehicles on the market within the last five years that have experienced flooding, rain or hurricanes.  In fact, the number of cars has doubled.  In certain states it has been reported that there has been an increase of six times more cars damaged by water than five years ago.

Many times, cars with water damage are moved from flooding regions to areas that are less suspicious.  The cars are then back on the used car market, often disguised and rebuilt.

It can be difficult for consumers to be able to recognize if a vehicle has experienced water damage, and yet the car will literally rot inside and out.  In addition, the mechanical systems of a vehicle can be threatened or ruined without any visible signs on the exterior of the car.

Sales this year are predicted to reach around 45 million this year, so motorists should be on alert for water damage.  In addition, purchasing an auto warranty is a smart idea to protect your wallet in case of unforeseen repairs down the road.

Sometimes you can find great prices on a new vehicle, however, make sure you understand everything about the offers.  Often there are exclusions, restrictions, or limitations that you need to understand.

Many car advertisements feature the big numbers in very large print, and scrunch down the unappealing stuff to mini print.  There are several things that buyers need to look for.

Some offers are only available in certain states.  Incentives are often regional, so they are only available to people within a specific area.  If you cross the state line you might be paying $1,500 more.

Some deals on financing rely on the buyer paying a pre-determined down payment in cash.  If you don’t provide the down payment you might have to pay a finance rate that is high.

Often times new car deals are only available if you buy before a specific date.  This can make consumers feel pressure to make a fast decision, or buy a car off the lot that may not have everything they want.

There are many good deals to be had out there, but make sure you understand the small print.  As a consumer you need to protect yourself by doing your homework and purchasing an auto warranty.  After all, you don’t want to pay unnecessary repair costs if your new car needs service.

An extended auto warranty is a great way to bring a motorist peace of mind.  In the event of a breakdown you don’t want to end up paying unnecessary repair costs.  Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your auto warranty.

You need to know who is offering the auto warranty.  Is it an after-market company or the auto manufacturer?  Know who is underwriting on the policy.  You don’t want to wait until your car breaks down to find this out.

Read the auto warranty in its entirety to find out what coverage is included and for how long.  Keep in mind that time conditions and mileage in the auto warranty could be different for varying systems of your car.

Make sure you know the maintenance that you are responsible for keeping up with.  You have to do certain things for the auto warranty to be valid.  Also, keep records of the work you had done on your car because this will be necessary in the case of a claim.

An extended warranty will bring you peace of mind, but you need to be clear on the terms of it to get the most out of it.  Make sure to get maintenance when it required in the terms of the auto warranty.

Typically, you will get the best value purchasing a used vehicle.  This is especially true for late models.  Not only will you find the price to be lower than a new vehicle that is comparable, but also expenses for ownership, such as taxes and collision insurance will be less.  In addition, a used vehicle has already taken its largest depreciation hit.  You also can get a vehicle that is better equipped by buying used.

Used cars have become more appealing because their reliability has improved.  Exhaust problems and rust used to be a major concern, but aren’t a problem anymore.  Studies have shown that reported problems declined significantly since 1980.

Although reliability has improved considerably, repair costs and maintenance are important things to consider.  Many used cars don’t have an auto warranty left or are close to the end of its life.  This means that motorists will be paying out of pocket for expenses.  However, buying used car warranties will take care of this problem.

Overall, buying used is a great option to save money.  Also, consumers can get a car with more features than they would be able to afford new.  However, an auto warranty is a necessity so that you don’t pay for unnecessary repair costs.

Some people think of used cars as being dirty, junky and old.  But a different market is making savvy buyers who are looking for updated vehicles pay attention.  The bonus is that these cars don’t have the sticker price of new cars.

Certified pre-owned cars have undergone rigid inspections and been refurbished by their manufacturer.  Also enticing is that they are backed with an extended auto warranty.  Automakers are realizing that they can’t ignore the certified vehicle market.

A recent study shows that certified pre-owned car sales have gone up 46% since the year 2000.  It is estimated that 1.5 million certified used vehicles are sold yearly, which is equivalent to approximately 10 % of the sales of new cars.

So what are the best and worst certified pre-owned cars to purchase?  Forbes.com has put out a list to help consumers make a good purchase.

At the top of the list of the best CPO cars are Honda Accord and Toyota 4Runner.  Following is the Acura TL, and Subaru Impreza.  Also, the Lexus GS tops the list.

Cars on the worst list are the Saturn Relay, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.  Also, the Volkswagen New Beetle, Pontiac G6, and Mercedes Benz E Class make the list.

Certified pre-owned can be a great way to purchase an updated vehicle without the updated cost.  Another perk is that they come with an extended auto warranty.  Just remember to keep in mind the best and worst CPO car lists when considering a purchase.