If you are thinking of buying a used or new car there are a few things that you should do first.  Taking some simple steps can save you money and make the car buying process easier.

First of all, consider buying a used vehicle.  All new cars lose approximately 30% of their value as soon as you drive them away from the dealership.  With a used car you don’t get that immediate depreciation.

Look at vehicles that will help you save money at the gas pump.  There are many new hybrids and cars that are fuel-efficient.  With all of the options, there is no need to buy a fuel-guzzler.

Next, try to build up a down payment.  Many people put little money down on a car and are surprised by the steep payments they are making the first four years of ownership.  Consumers should try to put down 20% if possible.

Finally, purchase an auto warranty when you purchase a vehicle.  Many people opt not to do this and they end up paying unnecessary maintenance and repair costs.

Following these simple tips will mean big savings down the road.  Make sure to do your homework before driving to the dealership.

Car accidents are scary and usually happen unexpectedly.  An accident leaves motorists feeling shocked and stunned, and often, they don’t know what to do next.  Here are some important steps to take in this situation.

Of course the first thing to do is call 911 in the event of an injury.  Also, always contact the police and then place a call to your road service program.

Next, call your insurance agent.  They can inform you about what information to exchange with the other motorist, and help you survey the scene.  Be aware that you shouldn’t admit fault at the scene of the accident, the insurance companies will determine this.

Also, you will need to read the information in your insurance policy, so you file your claim within the specified time limit.  Often, if the vehicle damage is more than $750 you need to file a SR1 form, which can be found on the DMV website of the state that you live in.

It is always scary to be involved in a car accident, but unfortunately it happens to all of us at one point or another.  It is essential to know what to do in this case.  To alleviate stress, have all of your important documents ready, such as your insurance policy and auto warranty.

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.

If you’re a lover of old cars you aren’t alone. Antique car shows all over the U.S. display vintage cars.  Crowds gather to admire these charming vehicles.  Owners who display their vehicles have a great deal of pride.

Many people who own vintage cars have restored them piece-by-piece, literally. It’s not just that they have rebuilt the vehicle; they have restored it back to its original state.

It is simple to differentiate between rebuilding and restoring a car.  A car that has been rebuilt has new parts.  A restored car has parts that are authentic to its year and model.

The restoration process encompasses the body of the car and the mechanical components.  It is amazing to some people that the actual parts must be original to the year and make of the vehicle, but this is necessary for a true restoration.

The restoration also includes the vehicle’s interior.  The upholstery should be repaired whenever possible.  It can be nearly impossible to find the exact upholstery for a car’s year and make.  If this is the case, you need to get as close as possible to the original.

The restoration of a car is a labor of love, but well worth it.  There is no greater satisfaction than turning a piece of junk into a beautiful classic.  And don’t forget an auto warranty will bring any motorist peace of mind, especially with a vintage car.

If you are shopping for a used car, rely on professional opinions, but also make yourself an expert.  Just by doing research on such things as an auto warranty and vehicle features, you can arm yourself with some much needed buying information.  Here are a few things to look for when examining a vehicle.

First, take a look at how worn the pedals are.  Motorists rarely update pedals, so this will tell you the true history of the car.

You don’t want to purchase a vehicle that has frame-damage.  You can determine this by examining the core support of the radiator, which connects to the front fenders.  This should be welded on either side, not bolted.

Next, look at the paint job on the car.  Take special notice of scratches, dents, and rust spots.  If you see slight waviness on the car this will indicate a paint job.

The most important thing that you can do when buying a used vehicle is to check the car’s history.  You can go to autocheck.com to do this.

Doing your homework can give you much needed knowledge when purchasing a used vehicle, but you also want to buy an auto warranty to protect yourself from unnecessary repair costs in the future.

Most people depend on major car companies, like Avis for rentals on business trips and vacations. Yet, most people don’t realize that firms such as these are great sources of well-priced used vehicles.  Avis’ business is rental cars, however, they also sell their older models.  Car shoppers get a big savings by purchasing a vehicle from Avis instead of car dealers.  This gives people the opportunity to put their money towards used car warranties that will protect their car.

Avis sells their vehicles that are more than one year old so they can make room for more recent models.  This is how Avis ensures that they have a well-maintained and current fleet.  When certain car models prove to be popular, Avis often sells them early, after the car has passed a certain mileage.

Another good thing about purchasing a car from Avis is that they treat their vehicles with metallic paint.  On the other hand, car dealers usually don’t do this.  One concern that car shoppers have is that rental cars have been through a lot of wear and tear.  Yet, Avis points out that vehicles for sale are around six months old and less than 13,000 miles.  Also important is that many times the car’s auto warranty is still valid.  However, the auto warranty will only last for approximately one year, so it is important to shop around for used car warranties.

There is nothing worse than getting your car repaired and hearing, “It isn’t covered under your auto warranty.”  Often, motorists are confused because they assume that certain repairs are covered.  Drivers need a little education to understand more about their new car warranties.

People need to understand that an auto warranty isn’t an entitlement, but an agreement you make with the car manufacturer.  Your responsibility is to fulfill specific maintenance requirements that the manufacturer sets.  After doing your part, the manufacturer must perform repairs resulting from a defect or a failed part.

So, what parts are covered?  The auto manufacturer must cover the parts that it makes.  For example, transmissions, engines, steering, suspension, computers, instruments, chassis wiring, and other parts that they manufacture are covered.  Maintenance items and wearable items aren’t covered under new car warranties.  For example, filters, hoses, belts, brakes and tires aren’t covered.

What about the parts not made by the manufacturer of the car?  Items such as stereo systems and conversion components have a warranty through their manufacturers.  These can be found in paper work you received with the purchase of the car.

The best thing that you can do to avoid misunderstandings about new car warranties is to educate yourself.  Make sure that you do your homework and read all of the fine print in your auto warranty.

Nowadays, it is a necessity to have a vehicle.  Yet, everyone is not capable of purchasing a new car.  Buying a used car is a great option in this instance, but sometimes it can be complex to arrange for funds.  Used vehicle auto loans are a good answer to this problem.

The purpose of these loans is to provide you with financial aid for the purpose of buying a used car.  Anyone can use these loans, regardless of credit score.  In order to get a lone for a larger amount you need a secured loan in which you must offer collateral.  An unsecured auto loan is sufficient if you just need a small amount of funding.

You can find used vehicle auto loans online.  Thousands of lenders are available, and you can compare conditions and terms for the best rate.  Doing it online accelerates the approval and you only need a few days to drag the necessary funds into your personal bank account.

There are many benefits to used vehicle auto loans.  You aren’t discriminated against because of credit, it is a fast easy procedure, and you can choose any model and make.  After finding your loan online, don’t forget to go ahead and compare rates for an auto warranty.  You don’t want to face unnecessary repair costs down the road.

The legendary and powerful V-8 engine is finding its place in history, because very few new cars are using it, according to U.S. car industry reports.  Consumers want to protect themselves with fuel-efficient vehicles that have an auto warranty, and aren’t purchasing vehicles with V-8 engines.

The majority of carmakers are deciding not to put V-8’s under the hoods of family vehicles, USA Today stated in a NY report.  The V-6’s are also losing popularity and people are instead deciding to purchase vehicles with the V-4.  In fact, observers claim that the V-8 in particular isn’t politically correct anymore.

Carmakers who are choosing to introduce new V-8s are tending to confine them to high-performance sports cars, trucks meant for towing, and several premium cars.

New vehicles that are planning to be equipped with a V-8 engine include the Cadillac CTS-V, the Hyundai Genesis, and the Dodge Challenger.  Carmakers are making it a point to stress the fact that the newer V-8s are much more fuel-efficient than in the past.

However, GM is discarding the eight-cylinder engine from the 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover and Ford won’t be offering its Lincoln MKS sedan with the V-8.

Consumers are opting for cars with smaller engines that have new car warranties in order to protect their wallets.  V-8s are finding their place in history.

There are many great deals out there on new cars, yet you need to understand the offers.  For example, are there any “restrictions”, “qualifiers”, “exclusions”, or “limitations”?  Make sure you know how to read the fine print.

Often, dealerships offer incentives that are regional.  In other words, you must live in the area to get the deal.  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 predetermined down payment amount.  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 dealer offers.  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 a good auto warranty.