If you’re purchasing a pre-owned car you need to find out as much history as possible about it.  The car may have problems that are not apparent from a visual inspection or a test drive.

A car history report is a good way to find out what you’re getting.  This is a report prepared by a third party that is a compilation of information from DMVs, RMVs, and other sources.  A car history report will give you an overview of what the car has been through.

When getting a car history report look out for the following things.  This is not to say that you shouldn’t buy the car based on these issues, but certainly ask questions.

If a car has had a lot of owners, chances are it hasn’t been cared for lovingly.  These cars have probably endured more abuse.

Some areas of our country are easier on cars than others.  For example, extreme winter conditions are tough on vehicles, as are flood areas and extreme heat.

Make sure the name and description of the car match up with the actual car.  Read the description carefully to avoid vehicle fraud.

Car history reports, such as those from CARFAX are comprehensive and can save you from purchasing a lemon.  Also, to protect yourself, purchase an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary expenses down the road.

SUVs are available in a wide array of prices and sizes.  They are more versatile than any other vehicle.  They have varying cargo carrying options, carry up to eight people, and allow drivers to be higher than cars.  In addition, they can tackle off-road terrain.  There are car based and truck based SUVs.  Which is the best for you?

Gaining popularity are car-based SUVs.  These vehicles are on car like unibody platforms.  In addition, they use a suspension that is completely independent, and have all-wheel drive.  They usually perform better in fuel-efficiency, handling and ride comfort than truck based SUVs.  Also, in CR testing they generally rate higher overall.  They can be driven off-road in mild situations.

Truck-based SUVs are built on a body on frame platform.  They allow for a larger towing capacity than car-based SUVs.  Also, the ones that have four-wheel drive can tackle off-road terrain that is serious.  The handling on these vehicles, however, can be more cumbersome.  Also, their ride can be a little jolting.

SUVs are a great option if you are looking for cargo space versatility, a large passenger capacity, and off road options.  Do your homework on such things as an auto warranty, maintenance costs, and fuel-efficiency before deciding on an SUV.  Also, have in mind what your needs will be before showing up at the dealership.

The decision to lease or buy can be a difficult one.  Motorists should consider more than just their budget.  Typically, leasing tends to be cheaper, but it also leaves drivers with no equity after the contract is up.  There are some important factors to keep in mind when making this important decision.

First, it is necessary to look at the cost.  Consider four factors when you’re thinking of leasing.  These are the leases length, the payments monthly, the mileage restrictions, and the down payment.  If you exceed the restrictions on the mileage you could ring up big fines.  Also, if you hold onto a lease for more than three years you will often have to replace tires and pay for other maintenance.

Next, look at your budget.  Leases are almost always cheaper for short-term because there isn’t a down payment and the monthly costs are low.  However, leases end up being more expensive than buying a vehicle that you are going to keep for a decade.  This is assuming that you purchase an auto warranty with your car so that you don’t end up paying unnecessary expenses.  But if drivers prefer to have a new car every three years, leasing is the way to go.

Also consider your life plans.  If you are going through life changes, such as moving far away, or starting a family, you are going to benefit from leasing.  This will provide you with the flexibility that you need.

Consider these factors and make a decision to buy or lease based on your needs.  Just remember, if you buy, you want to be covered with an auto warranty to save you money in the long run.

Most people don’t realize that there is certain etiquette involved when buying parts at the parts counter.  Following this etiquette will allow you to get the parts that you want without unnecessary hassle and keep you from driving the staff crazy.

When you go to a parts counter at a dealership you need to have your VIN handy, which is basically the magic key to all of the car codes.  At places such as Advance Auto or NAPA, you just need to know the make, model, year, and engine of your car.

Make sure to know what the part’s name is that you need.  If this is something you don’t know, be able to describe what it looks like or what it is going to attach to.  Don’t make up a name for the part you want; this is where 90% of wrong parts come from.  If worse comes to worse, take the staff out to your car and point to the part you’re looking for.

When ordering an expensive part you want to ask about return policies and auto warranty terms.  And get the answer in writing.  This can be as simple as having him write the information on the receipt.  This will save a lot of hassle if something breaks down the line.

Finally, don’t go to the parts counter to diagnose your vehicle.  Counter-staff gets very annoyed when you try to return a part because it wasn’t even the problem in the first place.

Following these simple etiquette tips will allow you to get the parts that you need with little hassle.  And make sure you have used car warranties, because you never know when your vehicle will need to be repaired.

One trick that people use to sell a used car is to detail it until it looks brand new.  However, beware, a motor that is steam-cleaned won’t fix a gasket that is blown.  This is why it is important to purchase an auto warranty.

Having said that, dealers that are reputable typically won’t try to sell vehicles with big issues, for fear that they’ll have to fix them down the road.  If you test drive a vehicle that doesn’t make awful noises and feels pretty good, chances are it is fine.  Dealers don’t like to sell junky cars.

In any case, it is still a smart idea to have a trained professional take a look at your vehicle.  If the dealer claims the vehicle was inspected by it’s mechanic, request to view the paperwork.  If the dealer can’t produce them, make sure an outside technician sees the vehicle.

Also important, is to check that the car has a clear title and that it hasn’t ever been in a big accident.  You can tell the dealer to go on Carfax or AutoCheck to confirm this.  Both of these sites have a fee to trace the car identification number for odometer and service registrations, and accidents.  However, often dealerships will check the vehicles on their lot free of charge.

Typically, it is safe to buy a used car from a dealership; however, it never hurts to take these quick steps to ensure you don’t get a lemon.  In addition, used car warranties will give you peace of mind in case you need repairs.

Every year there are more than 10,000 vehicle accidents in the nation and approximately 450 people die as a result of the collision.  Many of these accidents can be avoided by having routine maintenance performed on your car.

The vehicle is by far the most popular means of transportation in the U.S.  In fact, 91% of adults in our country own, or have owned a car.

Before you hit the road again, check the following parts of your car to make sure that they are operating properly.

First, take a look at your tires.  Many people neglect to check their tires and end up with blowouts.  Make sure that your air levels are good.  You can reference your owner’s manual to find out what the right level should be.  Also, you want to make sure that there aren’t any leaks, low treads, or worn spots.

Next, change your windshield wipers about twice in a year.  Your windshield is actually one of the most important parts of your car because if you can’t see the road well you are in trouble.

Brakes should be monitored to make sure they are working correctly.  If your brake pedal is moving all the way down to the floor when you step on it, have your brakes looked at by a professional.  More recent cars have a warning system to let you know if your brakes aren’t operating correctly.

Maintenance can save you from a dangerous accident.  To save your wallet, make sure you have a good auto warranty that will keep you from paying unnecessary repair costs.  You don’t want to find yourself unprepared.

Every day people are asking dealership service departments, “Isn’t that covered under my auto warranty?” A lot of drivers assume that an auto warranty allows for repairs regardless of such things as maintenance requirements, environmental conditions, and vehicle mileage.

An auto warranty is an agreement you make with the manufacturer of the car.  As the warranty purchaser, you are responsible for following specific maintenance requirements.  Only if you perform the maintenance, is the manufacturer obligated to have repairs done.

Because of questionable practices that dealers have performed in the past, car manufacturers scrutinize every auto warranty claim.  Consumers often interpret this as an effort to get out of paying for repair costs.  However, the reality is that the repair might not qualify under the terms of the auto warranty.  This could be due to things such as, vehicle abuse, expiration, or parts that aren’t covered under the agreement.

Buyers need to be extra careful and read their auto warranty thoroughly.  Make sure to fulfill your side of the deal in order to have the manufacturer fulfill their side.

Car dealerships are going to great lengths to bring in business for servicing.  This includes repainting, brightening lights, and adding new signs.  And in the waiting area customers are enjoying WiFi access, flat screen TVs, workstations and coffee bars.

Dealers rely on their parts and service departments for profit.  Typically half of their profits come from service, while the rest comes from sales of used and new cars.

But with the sales of new cars plummeting, most dealers lost money on new cars last year.  This is why dealers are renovating their body shops, adding quick oil change lanes, and trying to compete with independent service shops.  In a NADA survey, 29% of dealerships said they had upgraded their service shops recently.

Dealerships have also felt the squeeze because their auto warranty repairs have been cut way down and service appointments have been spaced further apart because of the improvements in car quality.

Sales of crossovers are one of the strongest segments in the auto industry.  What exactly is a crossover?  A crossover combines attributes from both SUVs and minivans with the positive characteristics we enjoy on passenger cars.

Crossovers typically have the cargo room and passenger space that you find in minivans, yet add the utility, usefulness, and even all-wheel-drive systems that you find on SUVs.  All of these attributes come with the smooth ride, easy operation and secure handling of passenger cars.  Basically, crossovers are built to be a combination of the best of all worlds.  In addition, most crossovers come with a good auto warranty that gives drivers peace of mind.

Consumers who purchase crossovers have a variety of different interests and activities that call for a flexible, practical car with varied features.  Crossover owners like to be ready for anything and everything, and they expect the same from their vehicle.

Other crossover owners are motorists who need to be able to carry more than four passengers, but they don’t want the image that goes along with the minivan, and they don’t want SUVs because of gas consumption and clumsy handling.

The crossover segment of the auto industry is becoming more and more crowded, with new vehicles coming out rapidly.  These vehicles offer consumers versatility, reliability, and new car warranties.  What’s not to like?

Drivers and politicians tend to be against road tolls because it is believed that they burden drivers with a lower income disproportionately.  However, a recent study by USC and UCLA has discovered that a sales tax may be a greater offender on that front.

The study looked at a 10-mile stretch of freeway in California that encompasses four express lanes on Route 91.  It discovered that, overall; the toll was used more by middle and upper income drivers than by drivers with a lower income.  It also discovered that charging more during hours that are peak helped alleviate traffic.

However, if the highway was financed by a sales tax, the study discovered that these same middle and upper income motorists would have shelled out $26 million less than they would have under a system of tolls.  In the meantime, drivers who are lower income would end up paying $3 million more.

Congestion pricing and tolls aren’t perfect, and the study made a suggestion that lower income motorists who have to travel during peak hours should be given discounted pricing.  After all, lower income drivers are already struggling to afford car costs, such as an auto warranty and car insurance.