July 29th, 2009 by Hal Moses
It is essential for consumers to do their homework before trying to purchase a new vehicle. To avoid unnecessary costs, follow these three important tips.
First of all, you need to shop around to find the best dealership. To do this, use the Internet and read blogs that people have written about specific dealerships. You will find a wealth of information just by doing web searches. Many times, you will come across complaints or favorable revues about how a dealership operates. Also, it is a good idea to contact three dealerships in your area to determine which one responds quickly. This will give you an indication of good service.
Next, dealers will try to talk you into financing through them, but don’t do it. Financing at dealerships typically isn’t the best deal you can find. Save your money by finding financing elsewhere and use your extra money for a much needed auto warranty.
Also, don’t fall for buying an alarm system through the dealer. Carmakers already install wiring in vehicles, yet they then sell alarm systems for approximately $1,200 separately. They will tack this cost onto the price of the new car purchase.
Lastly, sell your current car yourself to save money. Chances are you aren’t going to get as much money for it through the dealership.
Follow these tips to save big when it comes time to purchase a car. Also, purchase new car warranties to protect your wallet down the road.
July 28th, 2009 by Hal Moses
The current reality for the car industry isn’t at all bright. The economy of the country has experienced a weak dollar, a credit crisis, and soaring food prices. This could mean that we are about to experience the worst year for car sales in over a decade.
But automakers are getting smart. They are building more passenger cars. In the past pickup trucks and SUV’s generated a lot of profits, but now people want small, thrifty cars.
General Motors admits that they are counting on sedans to save them this year. The company has made a shift to cars, with less emphasis on SUV’s and pickup trucks. Even though GM wants to maintain their market in trucks, they realize that they need to get better with cars now.
Chrysler LLC is promising to take an “aggressively conservative†approach in their company. This means that they will eliminate various models such as the PT Cruiser, Durango, and Pacifica.
US automakers are focusing to make sure that domestic sales don’t fall lower than projections say. Even though it is a tough market, Americans love cars and will continue to buy. Motorists are making smarter choices by purchasing small, efficient cars. This allows them to put money towards other necessities, such as new car warranties and maintenance.
July 25th, 2009 by Hal Moses
According to Audi, there will be minor adjustments to the Q7 SUV, which include a front and rear end that is slightly revised. However, the change that is the most noticeable on this vehicle is the LED running lights that encircle the entire design of the headlight. In addition, the rear also gets LED brake lights.
The interior of the car pretty much stays the same, except for front seats with new leather and the third-generation of the infotainment system that sports a multi-media interface. And this car has an intriguing navigation system operated by voice-activation. Motorists can just say a command, such as “I’m hungry†or “I need gasâ€, and the computer will locate the appropriate points of interest in the local vicinity. This will eliminate car accidents and roadside assistance calls that were caused by distractions having to do with the navigation system.
Choices for the engine include the current 3.6-liter V-6 and 4.2-liter V-8, as well as a new option of TDI for those people who want a diesel alternative. Audi claims that the 2010 Q7 TDI is going to get approximately 25 mpg with a range of 600 miles. This car will go on sale in the fall complete with new car warranties.
July 24th, 2009 by Hal Moses
There are some vehicles that have become part of the American psyche, which makes them frankly indispensable, just like an auto warranty. But, what if some of these cars disappear?
Many people have debated if the Detroit Three should be knocked down or helped up?  But even people who were against a bailout for the auto industry acknowledge the large loss that would come if these carmakers go away. For starters, good jobs would be lost, but also, we would lose cars. Of course, new car models come and go, however the automotive world wouldn’t be the same without certain vehicles that have created memories that are unforgettable and inspired owners to be fiercely loyal.
Recently, 1,000 people were surveyed to find out which American vehicles they couldn’t live without. The model that ranked first was the Chevrolet Corvette. Other winners include the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Saturn Sky roadster. Pickup tricks on the list include the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram.
Whether you agreed with bailing out the Detroit Three or not, you probably agree that Americans would be sad to see some of these vehicles go. They are as valuable to people as new car warranties.
July 18th, 2009 by Hal Moses
In future car accidents a circuit could be as crucial to survival as a seat belt. Congress made seat belts mandatory in the 1960’s, which was revolutionary in car safety. Since then, seat belts have greatly reduced deaths. Now, there is an additional safety revolution in the midst. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has employed a new standard. This makes electronic stability control equipment a mandatory component in all cars. The adoption of ESC will save approximately 10,000 lives every year.
Most luxury vehicles already come with ESC. Other models offer it as an option. This is just one of the new safety advancements designed with the purpose of preventing auto accidents, not just protecting passengers. The majority of these new features have a microchip base. Many are still being perfected. So beware, you never know when new technology will fail. However, new car warranties will save you from unnecessary expenses.
Many motorists are finding it easiest to buy a package of safety options, rather than individual gadgets. Lexus, for example, places an emphasis on how its safety features work as a system. It has a package with lane-departure warning, smart cruise control, and ESC.
Integrating such systems, and the yielding of throttle, brake, and steering raise the question: Do drivers need or want this much help? Who is actually in charge of the wheel? No matter the answer, an auto warranty is essential in protecting your vehicle with all of those fancy gadgets.
July 15th, 2009 by Hal Moses
The stock market has deflated rapidly. Layoffs, foreclosures and bankruptcies are higher than ever. So this is the perfect time to begin selling sports cars that are $350,000 in Tampa, Bay, right?
Well, we will soon find out.
Officials of Ferrari are planning to open an extravagant new dealership in Palm Harbor and are also planning to sell Lamborghini and Bentley. And this week the Elder Automotive Group opened up sales of the “Spyker†sports cars in the Southeast.
Together these extravagant dealerships will do a test on the theory that car enthusiasts who are filthy-rich will resist economic gravity and spend on a car what it would cost for a large home.
While most motorists are currently worried about paying for gas, car loans and new car warranties, there are still people out there who can afford luxury sports cars. Will these dealerships survive? That remains to be seen.
July 14th, 2009 by Hal Moses
BMW is following in the footsteps of other carmakers with diesel cars, like Volkswagen and Mercedes, by qualifying its two diesel models for income tax credits by the federal government.
You will receive a $900 credit on your next tax return for the 2009 BMW 335d sedan, and $1,800 on the 2009 X5 xDrive35d SUV. Both of these cars use BMW’s 3.0-liter, twin turbo inline six cylinder diesel engines and both are eligible for these credits under the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle tax credit program. The X5 is rated 19/25 mpg and the diesel sedan gets 23/33 mpg.
This sounds wonderful, however you have to remember that the 335d costs $43,900 including new car warranties and the X5 xDrive35d has a base price of $51,200 with an auto warranty. It’s doubtful that a savings of $900 will really do much to help stimulate the economy.
July 14th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Many people claim to love the smell of a new car. However, the chemicals that gives cars that new smell may be harmful and have been known to cause long-term health issues. However, consumers now have a guide that will aid them in figuring out the cars that are the safest.
An advocacy group in Michigan, called The Ecology Center, recently published a guide about toxic chemicals in vehicles and child seats on Tuesday.
The report deals with harmful substances, such as chlorine, bromine, heavy metals and lead. The Ecology Center got samples of parts that people touch the most, such as center consoles, steering wheels, and seat fronts.
The investigation determined that there are top healthier cars from Smart, Acura, BMW, Chevrolet, Toyota and Honda. Some cars that created high concern were by Suzuki, Mitsubishi, VW, BMW, Mazda, Lincoln, Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Kia.
Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with car safety issues. They are taking precautions, such as doing research on new cars, and purchasing cars with added safety features, and new car warranties.
July 11th, 2009 by Hal Moses
For all of you people out there who are fans of the Patriots- the vehicle, not team-here are some additional reasons that you should love your crossover. In an omission that is rare, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety decided to revise the frontal crash-test rating of the 2008 Jeep Patriot to Good, which is the highest rating that is acceptable. Russ Rader, who is a IIHS spokesman, claimed that there was a missing wire in a crash-test dummy’s leg that caused the Patriot to get an Acceptable rating, but when the wire was in the correct place, the Patriot received an improved rating of Good.
The side crash-test rating for the 2008 Patriot was also Good with the optional side curtain airbags. These airbags are now standard for the 2009 model. Ratings for rear crash-tests were only Acceptable, which is why the Patriot didn’t become the Top Safety Pick.
Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with automobile safety. They are protecting themselves by purchasing new car warranties, and researching car safety features and crash test results.
July 11th, 2009 by Hal Moses
What benefits come with purchasing a sedan? Sedans will give you a balance of performance, handling, fuel-efficiency, safety and easy access. Also, they handle well in the majority of driving situations. Unless you are someone who needs to store a lot of cargo, they are a great option.
There are many different choices when looking at sedans. You could purchase a large, small, family, or luxury sedan. All of these categories are made up of many models that have different characteristics. They have various balances of sporty, comfort, and practicality.
Fuel-efficiency varies greatly in different sedans. Do your homework in this category to make a comparison of different models.
Sedans are equipped with various safety features. All models that are new have dual front air bags for added safety. Also standard is three-point seat belts and LATCH systems. However, certain models also have side air bags and head protection bags.
Do your research to get the sedan that will fit you best. Also, make sure to buy new car warranties for peace of mind. Following these simple tips will give you the knowledge to make a good decision when it comes time to purchase a sedan.