October 3rd, 2009 by Hal Moses
When determining the amount of money you can pay for a vehicle you must consider your credit. Yet, experts say that consumers should shop around at various dealers to make comparisons on special deals on financing.
To help with your car shopping experience, request a copy of your credit report by going through a credit agency. This will give you knowledge when it comes time to talk to a dealer about your financing.
You can look at some web-based tools for help. For instance, go to AutoTrader.com to find a credit center designed for people trying to purchase a car with poor credit. This is one of the few websites that doesn’t require personal, confidential information. In fact, you are only asked general questions that allow you to have privacy.
After filling out the questionnaire you will receive a credit level of excellent, good, or fair. Then, you can search the car dealerships in your area that will be able to help you with your needs in regards to financing.
Look to websites to prepare you with information that will help you when you go to the dealership. You can learn about the prices of cars, credit scores, and an auto warranty. This will allow you to get the best deal possible.
October 3rd, 2009 by Hal Moses
Regardless of the year or make, one of the biggest investments people will make is a vehicle. Buying a used car is a great way for consumers to save some money. However, risks can be higher, which is why an auto warranty should be purchased for the car. Fortunately, there are ways that buyers can recognize the difference between dependable used cars and lemons.
The safest thing to do is to have the car that you are looking to buy checked out by a licensed mechanic. However, there are some things that you can do on your own.
For instance, bring a soft magnet from your refrigerator to determine if there is damage underneath a new coat of paint. You can run the magnet all along the fenders and doors, which are steel. If it seems that the magnet won’t stick, there is probably a type of body filler under the paint.
Also, examine the inside of the vehicle for stains from water. If the car was damaged in a flood, it could mean trouble in years to come. You also want to look at the wear on the pedals of the vehicle. It should be consistent with what the mileage claims to be. If there is low mileage, there should be little wear on the pedals.
Don’t forget to examine the tires of the vehicle, too. If you see wear on the outside edges of the tires, the car is probably out of alignment or might have components that are worn-out.
Knowing what to look for in a used vehicle will bring you peace of mind about your purchase. Also, know that used car warranties will allow you to save on costly repairs that are unforeseen.
October 2nd, 2009 by Hal Moses
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.
October 2nd, 2009 by Hal Moses
Consumers can experience sensory overload when walking down the car care isle at their local store. It can be confusing to know what products to purchase, or even if you need to purchase them. Some people assume that if you have a factory auto warranty that includes the finish, you don’t need to bother washing and waxing, but this isn’t true.
A factory auto warranty will protect you by ensuring that the paint job was sound, that they used quality paint, and that it was cured correctly. However, new car warranties won’t protect you from oxidation that occurs over time. This happens naturally if you don’t care for your finish. Car wax serves the purpose of being a sacrificial layer between Mother Nature and your paint.
If new car owners want to keep their finishes looking great, they don’t have to spend a lot of time or money. Preventative maintenance is the key for your finish, just like it’s under the hood. All you have to do is wash your vehicle frequently with car care products. Even just a basic car wash will do a lot to help protect your investment. After washing, you can spray-on a wax that will boost the shine and extend the intervals between regular wax jobs.
October 1st, 2009 by Hal Moses
What features can help older drivers stay safe and comfortable on the road and avoid road service calls? The American Automobile Association has the following recommendations to help older drivers.
First, it is helpful to have a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes. This puts the driver 10 inches from the airbag, and also alleviates shoulder and neck pain.
Also helpful are mirrors that allow for wide visibility. This allows older drivers to compensate for a limited range of motion.
Seats that are heated with lumbar support allow relief from an aching back.
Six-way adjustable seats allow drivers who are short to see over the steering wheel, and allow for an easier entrance and exit out of the car.
A car with adjustable foot pedals will allow small drivers to be able to reach pedals while remaining far enough away from the airbag.
Four doors are better than two for older drivers because they are lighter and easier to open and close.
Purchasing the right car for an older driver is important for safety reasons. Keep these things in mind to help your loved one avoid emergency roadside assistance calls. In addition, purchase an auto warranty that will help you avoid unnecessary repair costs.
October 1st, 2009 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.
September 28th, 2009 by Hal Moses
The Subaru Outback started out looking like a car-like station wagon, but now resembles an SUV crossover. It’s dimensions are bigger inside and out, which makes the interior space much more comfortable for passengers. It may not be quite as much fun as before, but now it’s a much more practical family car that still provides ruggedness and the capability for rough weather.
The exterior of the car looks completely different at first glance because of its beefed up dimensions. However, if you look closely the front ends are almost identical, however the newer one is bigger.
The interior of the car has changed quite a bit. The biggest change is how spacious it is. Now, there is approximately 4 inches of extra legroom in the rear seats. Also the dashboard layout has changed a great deal. Now, the trip computer and clock have been put on the top of the dash. Below, there is a brand new stereo unit or a navigation system that is optional. In addition, there are some convenient cubbies, in which you can put cell phones, CD’s etc.
As with any new car, it is important to protect yourself with new car warranties to avoid unnecessary repair costs. An auto warranty will provide you with peace of mind in the long run.
September 26th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Many motorists have been in the situation where an object hits their windshield and a big crack shows up. Your windshield might even end up bad enough that you have to call your road service program. However, when do you know if it necessary to replace the windshield or if the crack can just be fixed?
Windshield repair or replacement depends on the location, size and severity of damage. Windshield shops can usually repair chips the size of a quarter, as well as cracks reaching three inches. For bigger damage it is recommended that you replace your windshield.
The location of the damage is also a big factor in whether you can keep your windshield. When a crack is at the edge of your windshield it can affect the structure of the glass. In this case it is usually best to replace your windshield.
Many facilities won’t repair a chip if it’s in the direct line of the driver’s vision. The repair process may result in minor glass distortions, which are unsafe for the driver. After all, you don’t want to end up calling for emergency roadside assistance.
Keep in mind, whatever the location or size of the glass damage, it is necessary to have it looked at right away. Waiting can result in dirt getting in the damaged area, which can affect the repair job. Make sure you protect yourself with an auto warranty since you never know when you will need repairs made.
September 26th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Many motorists don’t realize that a little bit of routine maintenance can keep you free of expensive car repairs. And most maintenance takes no more time than refilling the fluid for your windshield wipers. Here are a few tips to help keep drivers safe and free of trouble.
Make sure to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, you should check your oil at least once a month. You want the oil line on your dipstick to be between the marker lines. If the oil looks dirty or black, it is time to have it changed.
If you’re having trouble shifting gears you are probably having transmission problems. Check the level of the transmission fluid to determine if it is low. Low transmission fluid could indicate a leak. You should refill it with the lubricant your car recommends. If you see leaking on your driveway take your car to a mechanic.
Also, check your coolant levels. You should have your radiator flushed every two years and change your coolant. In addition, make sure your radiator is corrosion free.
Finally, check your tire pressure every two weeks. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct pressure, and fill your tires accordingly. Remember, both overinflation and underinflation affect safety and fuel efficiency, so it is important to maintain tire pressure.
These simple maintenance tips can keep you from having major, costly repairs. However, it is important to purchase an auto warranty because you don’t want to be faced with unnecessary expenses down the road.
September 26th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Buying a car can be overwhelming, yet, keeping a car can even be worse. Enticing television ads and the lure on the web can make it hard to resist buying a new car. However, during this difficult economy, it makes sense not to give in to temptation.
In America, people find it hard to stay with a car for over five years. But with a few common-sense tips and an auto warranty, an unnecessary car purchase can be avoided.
First, make sure that the current car you drive is small and Japanese. For instance, the Honda Civic is a sure thing. It may get a little rust, but it won’t die. And even though driving a Tercel from ’92 may not get you a date on Friday night, it’s reliability will make you not want to give it up.
Second, do lots of research. This is actually a great method to prevent buying a car. Searching the Internet for the cars in your price range will overwhelm you with too many options. Also research used car warranties to protect the car you have.
Finally, focusing on a specific model and make is a good tactic. This is especially good if that model hasn’t been produced for at least a decade. The odds are very slim that you will find that car on the market with less than 300,000 miles.
So, what do you do if you still desire a new car after weeks of research? What if your old Civic is pulling you toward the dealer? Just remember as soon as that new car gets off the lot it’s value will drop instantly. Keeping your clunker is your best bet.