August 13th, 2009 by Hal Moses
How is Nissan going to persuade car shoppers that there is a true compact car in its lineup that could possibly compete with the Corolla and Civic? Well, the new 2010 Sentra models are going to be less expensive and have an updated look. The 2010 models are showing up at dealerships now and officially go on sale today. They come equipped with impressive new car warranties that will bring drivers peace of mind.
For the base model Sentra 2.0 that has a continuously variably automatic transmission, the price has only dropped $130, which makes it $16,600. However, if you are looking at the 2.0S, then the price drops $600 down to $17,160. And then, the SL, SE-R and SE-R Spec-V will save you $1,100 and $1,080.
Changes to the appearance of the 2010 Sentra include a slight revision to the front and rear end. Although the changes to the rear end aren’t apparent, the front end has a new treatment to the lower bumper and a brand new grille. Also new to the exterior are alloy wheels and wheel covers. The interior of the car has no changes.
August 12th, 2009 by Hal Moses
When looking to buy a new vehicle it is important to consider crash test ratings, electronic stability control, and rollover resistance. When evaluating a car for safety, remember to look closely at the following.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducts crash tests on vehicles. They rate vehicles based on results in frontal crashes and side impacts. Paying attention to these scores will help make a good choice when it comes to vehicle safety.
Electronic stability control is a highly recommended safety feature. This will help your vehicle stay under control when cornering. It will help you avoid sliding and skidding by selectively applying brakes to one or more of the wheels.
Vehicles that are tall, such as SUVs and pickup trucks have a higher likelihood of rolling over. To determine a vehicle’s inclination for rollover NHTSA has a five-star rollover rating. You can access these ratings at www.safercars.gov.
Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with protecting themselves. They are purchasing new car warranties and buying vehicles with added safety features. Taking these simple steps allow drivers to have peace of mind.
August 8th, 2009 by Hal Moses
As part of its “new day†celebration last February, Chrysler introduced a very unique promotion for its minivans: Purchase a minivan, and receive a free DVD player for the rear seat. Since the promotion, it’s difficult to argue that Chrysler has experienced something that resembles the optimism that a new day brings, yet that hasn’t stopped the carmaker from bringing back the same DVD offer this month.
When consumers buy a Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Jeep Commander they will get a free DVD entertainment package for the rear seat. In minivans, screens are included for the second row, as well as the third row. This deal applies nationwide and are in addition to other great deals, such as financing incentives, great new car warranties, and cash-back incentives.
Chrysler is hoping to spark consumer interest by putting forth red-hot deals. Unfortunately, many motorists are currently opting to hang onto their current cars and purchase used car warranties to protect their wallets.
August 7th, 2009 by Hal Moses
What is magic about the age 13 that makes it OK for children to finally ride in the front seat of the car? Are they finally big enough to withstand the impact of an airbag? Are they at the age where they can behave in the front seat?
Part of the problem is behavior. When kids mess with the radio, and play around, they usually aren’t in a proper position when an airbag deploys. In injuries and deaths, the proximity to the airbag in the front is a huge issue; in addition, proper positioning in the seat is a factor. By 13, kids are more able to sit still and behave.
Around the ages 11 and 12, children are also bigger physically. This is an issue because it is hard for children to have their backs against the seatback if their feet don’t touch the floor. This means that they scrunch down putting them in a bad position for airbag deployment.
Kids under 13, need to ride in the back seat for their safety. It isn’t worth it to put your child in the front and have them injured by an airbag. Parents are concerned with many things such as new car warranties, auto loans, and maintenance, but most important is the safety of their children.
August 7th, 2009 by Hal Moses
It’s pretty obvious 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 with new car warranties. 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.
August 6th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Many people wonder why carmakers sell different models overseas than in the U.S. And with the success selling the Fiesta in Europe, which would fit the needs of Americans who are more gas conscious than ever, why not just begin shipping them to dealers in America?
The main reason is differing standards in safety. What is acceptable in Europe doesn’t always pass the test with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. U.S. law has a requirement for crash protection for car passengers that don’t wear seat belts, however, this isn’t a priority in Europe. Even small details, such as the color of the turn signals in the rear are a major obstacle when trying to take a car from one market to another.
A study was conducted by Ford of 43 regulations in Europe and the U.S. and discovered that there were only 11 that matched. So, it gets to be very expensive to make an all-new version of a vehicle in order to meet different safety standards.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and American consumers have strict safety standards. Motorists put safety at the top of their list, which is why they are buying safer cars and new car warranties. For this reason, cars in Europe aren’t always introduced to the U.S.
August 1st, 2009 by Hal Moses
Automakers have been redesigning vehicles so that they are stronger than ever. They have achieved this by using lightweight materials, allowing cars to be more fuel-efficient. This technology makes vehicles more durable, cutting down on road service calls. Also, it is saving numerous lives.
The only disadvantage to these new, stronger materials is that rescue workers are having a difficult time cutting into vehicles that are mangled from wrecks.
According to experts and rescue officials around the nation, vehicles designed with safety measures, such as reinforced steel, are creating a challenge for rescue workers to get motorists out of cars.
One answer to this problem is investing in rescue equipment that is better. Heavy-duty cutters are necessary to release motorists. A cutter such as this from Hurst costs approximately $25,000.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it is well worth the tradeoff of tougher cars because many lives are saved. In fact, the rate of fatalities for passenger cars is lower than it has ever been in history. Consumers are becoming more concerned with car safety features and are protecting themselves by purchasing new car warranties.
August 1st, 2009 by Hal Moses
Often motorist get sticker shock or experience buyer’s remorse after buying a new car. However, you can avoid this by considering the expenses that you will encounter in the future.
According to experts, most consumers anticipate the price of the purchase, registration and taxes. However, many people forget to factor in the price of insurance and new car warranties. Fortunately, by doing your homework you can get good deals on insurance and an auto warranty.
To control car costs drivers should consider these tips. First of all, decide before you get to the dealership the amount of money that you can spend. Also, decide on what type of car will suit your needs. It is also beneficial to get quotes from several dealers, because then you are in the position to negotiate. Finally, check insurance and auto warranty prices on the vehicle that you want to purchase.
You don’t have to go broke purchasing a new car. But, be smart and consider all of the costs involved. It isn’t just the purchase price that you will be paying.
August 1st, 2009 by Hal Moses
The United States House of Representatives recently voted to add additional funding of $2 billion to the Cash for Clunkers program. The vote in the House was 316-109. The bill will be voted on by the Senate next week.
At first, there was a $4 billion allotment for the plan, and later it was reduced to $1 billion. Problems came about when car dealer organizations began telling the government about the backlog of trade-in deals that were unprocessed and exhausted the funding by the program.
The House quickly took an emergency vote in order to add additional funding to the Cash for Clunkers program before the August recess. Lawmakers were concerned that the program was going to run out of funding and therefore leave auto dealers with broken down clunkers and government IOUs. Nobody really knows if the program is going to remain as-is with the cut off date of Nov. 1 intact.
Since the bill passed and the White House is assuring the Cash for Clunkers program, it’s pretty safe to say that people can go out and buy a new vehicle complete with new car warranties, using this program this weekend.
July 31st, 2009 by Hal Moses
Purchasing a BMW isn’t only expensive because of the purchase price; many people who shop for luxury cars are concerned about added costs such as maintenance, insurance and new car warranties. For many years BMW has offered to pick up the tab on maintenance costs for new car purchases for up to 50,000 miles or the first four years, whichever comes first.
Now, BMW has offered an extended plan of 100,000 miles or six years for an added charge of around $1,395-$2,995. This plan includes all of the M performance models and diesels, but not the Alpina B7. In addition, all current BMW owners that are under the 60,000/four-year plan are able to add on this new service. BMW recommends that service be performed every 15,000 miles on new car models.
And if that offer isn’t enticing enough for potential car shoppers, the carmakers latest incentives might be exciting: BMW is now offering low financing of 0.9%, and will pay car payments for the first two months on select cars. Depending on the price of the car, those payments should be over $1,000.