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.

Car shoppers are always questioning whether they should lease, or buy with new car warranties. But, here’s another question for shoppers: Will you even be able to lease your next vehicle?

U.S. carmakers’ financial subsidiaries have had to cut back on their leasing program, because of lower used-car values, especially with large vehicles.

Based on reports of poor earnings, Chrysler is completely abandoning leasing, and GM and Ford are making it hard for people to arrange leases through financial subsidiaries.

In fact, all carmakers are trying not to rely on leasing because it harms a profit picture that is already bleak.

The reason that this trend is continuing is because of the high risks and costs of leasing compared with regular cash and APR business.

Even foreign carmakers are considering following the lead of domestics, although for now they still offer leases.

But, the original question of should you lease still remains. The domestic carmakers are going to make it so expensive to lease that you should probably avoid it. Instead, purchase new or used with an auto warranty to protect you in case of unforeseen repairs down the road.

Satellite navigation devices, or the popular GPS interfaces that many motorists have in their vehicles, are, seemingly, responsible for a large share of accidents and driving practices that are risky.

With almost half of the motorists on the roads having access to devices such as these in their vehicles, it appears that this technology has penetrated the market.  Drivers who have satellite navigation devices are much more likely to be involved in a minor accident or risky behaviors.  In fact, 1.5 million say that they have engaged in sudden maneuvers, and approximately 5 million admit to going against the flow of traffic.

GPS systems fall into the same category as other car distractions, such as cell phones, kids, the radio, or passengers.  This might be one of the reasons that road safety campaigns say that ‘Good Drivers Just Drive’.

Drivers should pre-plan their trips in order to avoid GPS distractions.  In addition, drivers should protect themselves by purchasing used car warranties, and avoiding other in car distractions.

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.

When it comes to car features, experts claim that women take more of an interest in safety than men and buy more new car warranties, while men are more concerned with the performance of a car, and the technical gadgets.

The interest that women have in safety is basically limited to safety features that are passive, such as rollover protection, airbags, and advanced seat belts, not active safety features, such as electronic stability control, and lane departure warnings, which help motorists avoid accidents. The reason for this is that men take more of an interest in playing around with the latest technology than women do.

Generally, women request the safety features that are going to help their children remain safe. In other words, women’s motherly instincts play a role in the safety features they choose.

In addition, women tend to have a more practical approach to vehicle shopping than do men. That is why women’s purchases have more to do with safety, as opposed to how long it takes for the car to go from 0-60 mph.

Although men typically know more about cars than women, women seek out information about cars before purchasing. This means that they end up purchasing cars that are safer. Also, they make sure to purchase an auto warranty to maintain their cars.

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.

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.

Premium German carmaker BMW AG announced Friday, that due to a drastic downturn in car markets in past weeks it won’t be able to meet previously intended targets for 2008.  This is after seeing a decline of 33% in second quarter net profit.  BMW also announced that 2009 is also going to be a very difficult year.

BMW’s announcement was a surprise to the markets, especially since they brought out their earnings statement early, by four days.  They claimed that a drastic slide in used car prices means that they aren’t able to make the necessary returns on the vehicles they lease and then sell.  Also, new vehicle sales are falling in markets that are key due to the weak economy, consumers spending less, and harder financing conditions.

This warning comes soon after the announcement by the big three U.S. carmakers, General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford Motor Co, that they were forced to offer less-generous and fewer lease deals because of the used vehicle market deterioration.  In fact, GMAC LLC has planned to cut back their leasing business by half.

Consumers are apprehensive to purchase cars because of the weak economy and high gas prices.  They are already shelling out money for auto loans, used car warranties, and maintenance costs, and don’t want additional costs.  Unfortunately, the auto industry is suffering.

We’ve all been there.  You’re driving along when all of a sudden you hear sirens blaring behind you.  You realize that you are going to get a speeding ticket and you really don’t have the extra funds to pay for it.  With all of the expenses you’re already paying for your vehicle, such as used car warranties, maintenance, and loans, the last thing you need is the added cost of a speeding ticket.  Well, never fear because the Trapster just may save you.

Pete Tenereillo of California invented trapster.  Essentially, this is a social network where motorists can use their cell phones to alert other drivers about speed traps that they have encountered.

All you have to do is sign up for a free membership at the website and then download the Trapster software on your cell phone.  Most of the latest cell phones, PDAs and Blackberries can accommodate this software.

After signing up, you’re ready to get out on the road.  If you come across a state trooper looking for speeders you hit “pound 1” on your cell phone.  This alerts other motorists when they approach the same spot.

This system is ideal because it’s “hands free”, which means it’s safe for drivers.  Also, sophisticated cell phones can allow a map to be displayed where the speed trap is.

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.