Ford recently announced what the pricing will be for the 2009 F-150.  A regular cab XL with a two-valve V-8 engine will start at $21,345, which doesn’t include the destination charge of $975.  To compare, the 2008 regular cab that had a 4.2-liter V-6 engine and an automatic transmission began at $19,990.  For the 2009 model, the V-6 was eliminated.

Meanwhile, if you move up to the other trim levels, the 2009 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew trim starts at $35,820.  Ford claims that that truck is equipped comparably to the 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie cab, which begins at $41,320.

Ford is offering competitive pricing, which will make consumers happy.  Motorists aren’t purchasing as many expensive pickup trucks, due to the economy and fuel prices.  However, consumers will be more likely to purchase Ford trucks because of the sticker prices and new car warranties that come with them.

Do you find that you are apprehensive about negotiating with an auto dealer?  Are you unsure about topics such as car loans and an auto warranty? Shopping for a vehicle doesn’t have to be nerve-racking, however, you need to be aware of a few things that you shouldn’t say to a dealer.

First, you shouldn’t start talking about monthly payments, instead focus on negotiating the purchase price.  It can become confusing when you’re discussing monthly payments because it might be unclear whether the payment is for 24 or 36 months.

Don’t tell the dealer right away if you’re willing to trade-in your car.  If the dealer is aware of this he will know that you want to get as much money for your car as possible.  The dealer might agree to give you a lot for your trade-in, but usually it’s a smokescreen because then they will fix the price of the new car.

Don’t tell the dealer if you’re planning on paying for the car in cash.  They count on making a lot of money in financing, and if they know that they won’t be able to count on that money, chances are they won’t negotiate on the sticker price.

Do your homework before showing up at a dealership.  Be prepared with information about new car warranties, financing, and vehicle prices.  This will help you negotiate a successful deal on a car.

General Motors just unveiled the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, which is an electric plug-in hybrid.  This four-door hatchback appears very different from the concept car in the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.  GM claims that the production Volt had to be more aerodynamic to provide the efficiency that GM was aiming for.

Just like GM announced previously, the Volt will be able to travel 40 miles on an electric charge.  After that, a gas/E85 capable engine will come on in order to recharge the battery.  All the power that goes to the drive system is electric, so the fuel engine acts like a generator.

General Motors recently revealed some specifications.  The electric motor will be able to attain the equivalent of 150 hp and be able to reach a speed of 100 mph.  Also, there is going to be 220 lithium-ion battery cells that will power the unit.

Unfortunately, GM said that the Volt’s future hinges on help by the government for emerging technology.  Hopefully, if all goes as planned the Chevrolet Volt will make it to showrooms.  However, as with any car purchase, make sure you have new car warranties to protect yourself.

Volvo has always had a reputation for having terrific safety features.  So, when Volvo comes out with new and improved safety technologies people are intrigued.    Instead of coming out with a new radical approach, Volvo has made improvements to their current technology.

Volvo’s latest safety package is featured on the Volvo XC60.  The safety features will assist distracted drivers.

One of the new safety technologies is an automatic low-speed system of braking.  If the driver gets to close to another vehicle at less than 20 mph, a laser will detect reflections from bumpers and license plates and stop automatically.

Volvo also added to their current LDW system.  The purpose of this system is to audibly alert drivers if they go over a line without activating their turn signal.  Volvo has also added a program for micro corrections, which indicate a driver may be falling asleep.

Volvo’s advanced safety technology will allow drivers to have added safety on the road.  Safety technologies, as well as new car warranties, provide motorists with peace of mind.

It’s apparent that hybrids are the wave of the future. With fuel prices at more than $4 a gallon and oil costs at around $100 a barrel, we need to find ways to save on gas costs. Also, the concern with air quality and global warming makes it a good time to take the plunge. But many people get confused about what hybrid to purchase. Consider these factors.

First of all, what size vehicle is best for you? If you require a lot of cargo space and want an SUV there are many current options. Just realize that even the SUVs with the best fuel-economy aren’t as fuel-efficient as sedans powered by gas.

Also, think about style. Some consumers hate the look of the Toyota Prius, while others rave about it. However, if a conventional car is more your style you might like the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, or Ford Escape.

It is time for our country to stop relying on fossil fuels, and hybrids are a good start. The type of hybrid you choose is up to you, so do your research and determine which one will suit you the best. Also, research new car warranties so that you are protected from unnecessary repair expenses. Hybrids offer advanced technology, but they still break down like any other car.

The Mini SUV that has been the object of many rumors is finally here.  Being called the Mini Crossover Concept, this vehicle, which is a 4×4, is the largest Mini to date, which measures more than 156 inches in length.  That is just a little longer than the Mini Cooper Clubman, but is still shorter than the Honda Civic sedan by 20 inches.

Probably the biggest news is that the Crossover concept will be equipped with four-wheel drive, which is a first for Mini, and will be a huge selling point for Snow Belt drivers.  The concept will likely have a standard bench in the rear instead of single seats, and a 3-D touch display.  It is expected to be in the auto show circuit in 2009.

Powertrains have not yet been announced, but because it’s only slightly bigger than the typical Clubman, it will probably have the same peppy engines seen in the Cooper lineup.  The concept is not going to use the Cooper name, though; it will just be called the Mini Crossover Concept.  Prices on this vehicle have not yet been announced, but if it follows suit with the other Minis, it will be reasonably priced and come with large new car warranties.

There is a new website that Tribal has launched that allows car shoppers to experience a true life like shopping experience from the comfort of their own homes. Now, at Volkswagen.co.uk people can virtually walk around a new vehicle and sit in it. Tribal created this website because shopping for cars can be confusing.

Research shows that car shoppers do the majority of their car research on the Internet, which cuts showroom visits in half. In response to this, VW decided to give car shoppers a virtual experience that they could experience without leaving the house.

In the site you will find a sophisticated car configurator in which there are 3D models of the VW range. Visitors can change different options in order to alter the vehicle’s appearance. Basically, people can create the car that they choose to have.

In the near future people can go to the site and book test-drives through different retailers. They will also have the ability to see what models are available at different retailers.

VW has listened to customers needs and designed a website that allows people to shop from their own homes. It is also convenient that people can shop for new car warranties and insurance by searching various websites. By doing comparisons, people can rest assured that they got the best deal on a car, an auto warranty and insurance.

If you’re looking for an entry-level car, the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo is the way to go.  This car is inexpensive, small, and offers minimal accommodations and features.  And, with a starting MSRP of approximately $11,000 including new car warranties, the Aveo is an option for young drivers and bargain shoppers who want a passable new vehicle at an affordable price.

For this month only the Aveo is even cheaper, if you can believe it.  Chevrolet is advertising a national incentive of $2,000 on the vehicle, which is a 17.5% discount from the original price of the car.  That brings down the sticker price for either the sedan or the Aveo5, which is a hatchback, to under $10,000.  With such a large discount, it doesn’t seem so daunting to add satellite radio.

Everybody is looking for a bargain these days because of the poor economy and high gas prices.  Many people opt to hold onto their current car longer and buy used car warranties, but with a price of under $10,000, the Chevrolet Aveo has opened up more options.

Typically, Volkswagen has some of the least dramatic incentives out of all of the carmakers.  And even in a car market where most brands of cars have to advertise large cash-back numbers, especially on large vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks, Volkswagen usually doesn’t offer very much on the surface, despite the poor sales of many of its older models.

However, that isn’t the case this month.  Until September 30th, Volkswagen is offering a deal of 0% financing on all of the 2008 models.  Certain models, like the Beetle convertible, Passat, Touareg, and GTI, are available with that rate over 60 months.  Other models are available with 0% financing over 36 or 48 months.

If you’re interested in purchasing a Volkswagen, now is the time.  Volkswagen incentives don’t come along very often.  In addition, VW vehicles are being offered with hefty new car warranties.

Chrysler, along with all American car companies is scrambling to make improvements on gas mileage. Now, they have a largely updated Hemi and updates in mpg for the Dodge Avenger, Dodge Caliber, and Chrysler Sebring.

Most of the 2009 models are already being sold with new car warranties, and their 2008 counterparts have been heavily discounted.

One of Chrysler’s staples is the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, which is available in the larger SUVs, large trucks and sedans, as well as the popular Dodge Challenger.  However, the all-new Hemi gives an average of 5% better fuel-efficiency than its previous version, and gives approximately 30 more horsepower and more torque.  This is thanks to the variable valve timing of the new powertrain.  In addition, Chrysler’s multi-displacement system, which has the purpose of allowing the V-8 to run on four cylinders at highway speeds, has been updated to allow it to remain in four-cylinder mode a little longer.  The result of this may be an added one or two miles per gallon, but when you consider the additional power, it’s impressive.