October 9th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Automakers around the world are realizing that motorists are looking for ecologically friendly vehicles. There are many new vehicle models that provide fuel-efficiency, yet look great. Here are some of the newest.
The VW Golf TDI Hybrid provides low emissions with longer legs. This is a compact hatchback that is popular in Europe. It utilizes a high-tech engine that is diesel and an auto start-stop. Also, it has a DSG gearbox that has 7 speeds, as well as an electric motor. This car gets 69 mpg.
The Audi TT TDI is proof that a great looking sports car doesn’t have to be a gas-guzzler. This car can sprint from 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds flat with its 170 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This car has the power of a sports car with the fuel-efficiency of a compact car.
People are realizing that fuel-efficient cars are a must with gas prices around $4 per gallon. Consumers are protecting their wallets with eco friendly vehicles and new car warranties.
October 7th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Volvo Cars of North America has come out with the C30 R-design, limited edition, which is priced at $25,700.
The C30 R-Design is a similar, yet more outstanding version of the latest C30 hatchback. This car has the power, to accompany its new updated look. The engine is 227-horsepower, and it puts out 236 ft per pound of torque.
This car comes in four colors- Titanium Grey, Black Sapphire, Passion red, and Orinoco Blue. The interior of the vehicle is very sporty. The seats are black flex-tech with a cream trim in leather. Also trimmed in this leather are the shifter and steering wheel. The stock pedals have also been replaced with sport ones.
Consumers are excited about this car model that provides the options for a Dynaudio sound system, and a navigation system based on DVD. In addition, to spending money on new car warranties and maintenance, consumers are willing to shell out money for these latest technologies.
October 4th, 2008 by Hal Moses
General Motors Corp., still struggling to meet the current demand for small fuel-efficient cars, is going to keep its only U.S. factory for compact cars working overtime for the rest of 2008, according to the carmaker.
GM doesn’t have a big enough supply of Chevrolet Cobalt cars, even though they added a third shift over the summer in the assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio.
Sales for the Chevy Cobalt dropped 17% in September from last year at the same time, which GM claims was due to short supply. Sales for the Cobalt this year have increased 6%, while overall sales for GM have dropped 18% in a U.S. car market that is depressed.
The carmaker has been racing to makeover the manufacturing operations in the U.S. geared toward making large SUVs and trucks, which Americans have ultimately lost interest in. Consumers are feeling the pinch because of the poor economy and high fuel prices and are demanding small fuel-efficient cars with good new car warranties.
October 3rd, 2008 by Hal Moses
There are many great deals out there on new cars, especially since car sales have been down, yet you need to understand the offers. For example, are there any “restrictionsâ€, “qualifiersâ€, “exclusionsâ€, or “limitationsâ€? Make sure you know what the fine print means.
Often, dealerships offer regional incentives. In other words, you must live in the area to get the deal. For example, 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 down payment amount that is predetermined. 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 offers by dealers. 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 good new car warranties.
September 30th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Motorists who want to buy a new vehicle have several concerns: reliability, safety and an auto warranty. Recently, The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety listed the thirty-six 2008 cars that they rate highest for safety. Which vehicles are there favorites?
The Toyota Tundra was the only truck that made the list. Its main safety features include side airbags, and also stability control.
Although no domestic cars made the list last year, there are seven domestics on the 2008 list. These are the Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, Ford Edge, Ford Taurus X, Lincoln MKX, Cadillac CTS and the Saturn Vue.
Ford Motor Company had the most vehicles on the list. In fact, they had eight models. Honda and Acura sported seven winners.
Only one small car made the IIIHS list: the Subaru Impreza.
According to recent studies, drivers are more and more concerned with vehicle safety. Also, drivers want cars that are reliable. They are purchasing new car warranties, so that they can easily repair their cars without the worry of unnecessary expenses.
September 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
The Saturn Vue SUV green line will have better fuel economy than the Vues that are gas only. They feature a simple hybrid system that Ford and Toyota use. The green line is only around $1,500 more than the price of a comparable Vue that only operates on gas. This allows consumers to be able to afford an auto warranty and maintenance costs. The retail price, $23,000 is approximately $4,000 under the Ford Escape Hybrid, which is the least expensive hybrid to date.
The Saturn Vue hybrid offers a 20% fuel savings over the gas operated Vue. The Vue Green line supplements an engine that is four cylinders with electric power. It gets 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. In comparison, the gas only Vue gets 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
The Vue Green Line is the first SUV hybrid available with only front wheel drive. They aren’t offered with all- or four-wheel drive, as with other hybrid SUVs on the market.
The “green†Vue doesn’t give extraordinary fuel savings, but it is a good opportunity for consumers to purchase an SUV hybrid for under $25,000. It is important for motorists to do their homework and calculate the cost of owning the vehicle. For example, consider new car warranties, car maintenance costs, and insurance on the SUV.
September 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
An innovative original system will boost fuel efficiency approximately 1 m.p.g. in the all-wheel drive Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, 2009 models. Drivers will be thrilled to have extra savings, due to this technology. Also, new car warranties will ensure that drivers don’t pay extra expenses.
Chrysler has already made significant changes to its vehicle models. In fact they have made 500 improvements since last year. For example, they reduced excess engine noise in their Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot. Also, thanks to new mounts for the engine, noise and vibrations are lessened in the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring.
The updated all-wheel drive system makes the vehicle more fuel-efficient by disconnecting the drivetrain from the front axle, until it is necessary to activate all-wheel drive for safety. The economy ratings by the EPA for all-wheel drive versions of these models will be comparable to the rear-drive model ratings.
At the moment, the 300 and Charger, as well as other all-wheel drive vehicles lose at least 1 m.p.g. in ratings by the EPA because energy is being sent to the front axle, even if it isn’t needed. This new technology will alleviate this problem. However, motorists should always protect themselves with an auto warranty with any technology, just in case it unexpectedly fails.
September 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
SUVs that are small offer better efficiency than their bigger counterparts, but even the most efficient models can get expensive to top off, since gas is over $4 per gallon in many parts of the country.
But, if you are still determined to purchase an SUV, what are you to do? One of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market is the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, with an estimated 34 mpg in the city, and 31mpg on the highway for front wheel drive, and 29/27 mpg for all-wheel drive. Other than a few hybrid-specific characteristics of the drivetrain, the Ford Escape Hybrid drives pretty much like a small conventional SUV. Also, this vehicle offers great new car warranties.
Determine your priorities when considering purchasing the Ford Escape Hybrid; they might easily swing your choice either one way or the other. To make this purchase worth your while, you need to be purchasing it for its hybrid benefits because when you factor in other attributes that may be less-desirable, like rear-seat folding that is archaic and interior quality that is spotty, the hybrid opens the door to Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota competitors.
Still, the crash-test scores of the Escape Hybrid are much better than they were previously, and you can get an improved appearance in the cabin with the Limited. And, with consumers’ concern about high gas prices and a good auto warranty, this hybrid system is reason enough for motorists to consider buying a Ford.
September 26th, 2008 by Hal Moses
When purchasing a new car, it is up to consumers to do their homework before shopping.  This will ensure the best deal possible. Three important tips will save you from unnecessary costs.
First, look around to find the best dealership. One way to do this is to check the Internet about dealerships. Web searches can be a wealth of information. Many times you will find complaints or positive revues that could help you. Also, it is a good idea to contact several car dealerships in your area to see which ones are going to respond quickly and be helpful.
Next, don’t buy alarm systems or dealer financing. These are two ways that consumers lose in the end. For example, when cars are manufactured they already have wiring installed. However, automakers sell alarms separately for up to $1200. This is added on to the price of the new vehicle. Also, finance offices don’t usually give you the best deals. A better option would be to put your money towards a much needed auto warranty.
Finally, sell your car before arriving at the dealership. If you sell it yourself, you will get a much better deal than you would on a trade-in.
The bottom line is that any mechanical breakdown leaving a motorist stranded could wipe out all of the gains from a perfectly negotiated deal. New car warranties should be an essential part of your purchase in order to protect you from unnecessary repairs.
September 26th, 2008 by Hal Moses
In August and September the economy took quite a hit. Also, these months proved to be unpredictable for auto incentives. Instead of offering the typical program, GM promoted an Employee Pricing Sale, and Chrysler told people to Shop ‘Til You Drive.
Those great deals will be ending on September 30th, which means if you would like to take advantage of the great prices and terrific new car warranties you better act now. The deals by GM continue: you might like the $9,000 you would get off the H3 or the $10,000 you would get off of the Corvette Z06, but consider that getting $2,000 off of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu isn’t shabby either. Chrysler experienced some problems with promoting percent-off deals; they probably would have done better by promoting cash-back numbers. However, the fact remains that you can still get $9,000 off of pickup trucks like the 2008 Dodge Ram.
There are various other incentives out there, too. In certain regions you can get $2,000 off of the 2009 Ford Taurus, while you can get great deals on Ford trucks, like the 2008 F-150 has a $7,000 cash back deal. In addition, now is the time to inquire about great deals on an auto warranty, as well.