August 7th, 2008 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.
August 5th, 2008 by Hal Moses
For those people looking for an entry-level car with all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza is a great option. All 2008 Imprezas are equipped with all-wheel drive, and are available in hatchbacks or sedans. You can buy the base 2.5i model for approximately $16,995, including new car warranties.
If you would rather buy a used vehicle, you can purchase a pre-owned 2008 Impreza. Even the most basic model still comes equipped with anti-lock brakes, six airbags, and good safety ratings.
Now standard on all 2009 Imprezas is an electronic stability system, however, prices aren’t yet available for the new model year. On the 2008 model, there is an option for this safety feature, which is part of a premium package for $1,500. You could probably find this used for less than $20,000, and it might still have a valid auto warranty.
The impressive safety features are what helped the Impreza earn the status of Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This means that the car scored the best in front, back, and side crash tests.
August 1st, 2008 by Hal Moses
Thanks to gas for $4 per gallon and a poor economy, people are skipping the big purchases and becoming disciplined shoppers. Instead of splurging on cars equipped with all of the gizmos, people are holding onto their current rides and purchasing used car warranties. However, with some savvy buying tips, you can get a new car with great features. Here’s how.
First of all, in order to splurge in the cabin, downgrade under the hood. You can purchase a car with a smaller engine and still enjoy the interior upgrades. For example, a Honda Accord that is top-of-the-line comes with heated seats, leather upholstery, dual climate control, and plenty of other comforts, all for $29,000. However, instead of getting the V-6, you can get a four-cylinder for $3,000 less that will also allow you to save on gas.
Also, you can save by ordering options a la carte. Many times, popular options, such as a sunroof or heated seats get bundled together into megapackages that has a lot of features you may not need or want to pay for. So, shop around for cars with smaller packages, or just order the features you really want.
Finally, skip the options that are the most expensive. Features such as entertainment and navigation systems can cost you an extra $2,000. By purchasing a portable DVD player and navigation system you can spend less than $500 combined.
When purchasing a new car it is important to put your money towards necessary things, such as new car warranties, safety features, and maintenance costs. Pick your upgrades wisely to avoid going over your budget.
August 1st, 2008 by Hal Moses
Friday, Porsche Cars North America Inc. announced that in July its sales in the U.S. fell, as somewhat higher sales of its iconic sports cars were offset by sales that were lower for its Cayenne SUV.
Last month, the carmaker’s sales were down 3% to 3,128 cars, whereas in July of 2007 they were 3,230.
Cayman and Boxster sales were up 4% during July to 1,095 cars, while 911s were up 4% to 1,095.
Offsetting the increases were the Cayenne sales, which were down 17% to 958 cars sold.
So far, sales in the U.S. for Porsche have experienced a decline of 14%.
Although, the Cayenne SUV didn’t sell as well in July, the Cayman and Boxster sports cars continued to have strong sales. This demonstrates that although the car market is weak, consumers are still willing to purchase sports cars with new car warranties.
July 31st, 2008 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 29th, 2008 by Hal Moses
While most Ford dealerships reacted with joy after Ford Motor Co.’s announcement that they will be making six additional fuel-efficient cars in America, others greeted the announcement with caution.
If the marketplace shift is going to continue long term, then it’s going to be great to have small, fuel-efficient cars in the lineup.
However, it is impossible to predict how long this shift toward fuel-efficient passenger cars will last. It is likely that gas won’t continue to sell at $4.25 per gallon, but who knows how far down it will fall.
This same thing occurred in the ‘70s, and the reality is that America isn’t going to want to eliminate SUVs and pickup trucks forever.
Trucks are needed for construction companies, and therefore will keep being built. Will they become more fuel-efficient for the future? Of course, they are going to have to be.
If gas prices fall to $3 per gallon, customers could very well switch their tastes back to SUVs and trucks.
So, for now consumers are just trying to keep money in their pockets by purchasing small fuel-efficient cars with new car warranties, but as the economy improves and gas prices fall, that may all turn around.
July 26th, 2008 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.
July 24th, 2008 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 24th, 2008 by Hal Moses
General Motors may have fallen behind on the technology of the hybrid, but it is going to be competitive with the new electric car generation.
Tuesday, GM made an announcement that they will become partners with the Electric Power Research Institute, which is representative of at least 30 utilities, to speed up the commercialization of electric cars that are plug-in. This was announced in San Jose, California at Plug-In Conference.
NYSE: GM has a plant in Tonawanda, which is planning to put out the Chevrolet Volt by 2010 and has announced a grant by the Department of Energy for a demo plan of the Saturn Vue Plug-in Hybrid.
This partnership will tackle challenges, such as electric grid capacity, the standardization of grids, and educating people about electric vehicles. Having utility companies associated with this will be important in getting technical standards universal.
Consumers are becoming more and more willing to purchase hybrid cars with new car warranties. The high gas prices are making motorists look to alternative vehicles.
July 22nd, 2008 by Hal Moses
Although General Motors has been busy planning a lineup of electric cars and subcompacts, it doesn’t mean that they have forgotten how to have a little fun.
Monday, with much anticipation, GM introduced the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. The excitement surrounding the event is usually only seen with Hollywood blockbusters and iPods. There is no coincidence that the concept car was the star of the 2007 film “Transformersâ€.
The 2010 Camaro is based on the 2007 model. It has a design that is modern, but has an influence of the Camaros in the late Sixties. Chevrolet is trying to use the retro influence that has made the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger successful.
The new Camaro isn’t exactly an economy car. It is offered in a 3.6-liter V-6 with 296 hp, or a 6.2-liter V-8 with 416 hp. However, the V-8 has the ability to make itself a four-cylinder while cruising on the highway. According to Chevrolet, the car can get more than 30 mpg in this mode.
Although consumers are demanding small, fuel-efficient cars, and protecting themselves by purchasing new car warranties, it doesn’t mean they don’t get excited about fun cars. The Chevrolet Camaro is the prime example of this.