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.

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.

So, you’ve been researching cars and you know what’s out there.  You’ve gotten quotes from the Internet, and you know about rebates and used car warranties, yet you still haven’t found the right vehicle for the right price.  Don’t worry, there’s a car out there for you.  Follow these tips to get a good deal.

To save big get a car model at the end of the year before the new model is about to be sold.  For instance, a motorist bought a 2000 Honda Civic coupe late in the year, soon before the release of the seventh-generation Civic, which saved him thousands of dollars.

Another smart tactic to save on a used car purchase is to look at buying a rental car.  Most rental companies, such as Alamo and Hertz sell their vehicles.  Although their cars usually have high mileage, they are put through a rigorous maintenance schedule.  This will allow you to save approximately one-third of the cost of the car new.

Finally, consider looking at demo models from dealerships, which are often used for test drives.  These cars typically have very low-mileage and you can get a great deal on them.

Any consumer who is educated can get a used vehicle for a good deal.  By researching, and trying different options, you are bound to get a good vehicle.  However, when buying used, always protect yourself with an auto warranty in case of repairs that are unforeseen down the road.

If you’re thinking of buying a cheap car that is older, you might want to try Car-Auction. This is an auction site on the Internet for cars that have been seized. Buying a vehicle from this website can save you up to 90% off of the retail price of a car. Here are some important things that you should know before making a purchase on an auction site for seized cars.

First, make sure to do research to ensure that you’re actually going to get a fair deal. This is necessary because you are going to buy the car ‘as is’. Also, know that seized car auction websites don’t offer used car warranties, so make sure to purchase one somewhere else. This will allow you peace of mind about your purchase.

Also, choose a car that has its paperwork included. This will allow you to check the repair record of the car, safety ranking, as well as mileage, before you make the purchase. To find this information, look online or at consumer magazines.

If at all possible, test-drive the car first. This is the only way to get a true feel for how the vehicle runs. This will also give you an idea of what repairs, if any, may need to be made. This will give you valuable information when it comes time to negotiate.

Finally, don’t buy a car without an inspection. A mechanic who is licensed will give you information about the car that you couldn’t detect when you did the test-drive.

Purchasing a car from a seized auction website can save you a great deal of money. However, be cautious. Also, buy an auto warranty to protect your wallet. After all, you can’t always foresee when repairs will be needed.

As of August 1st new teen driving laws will take effect, which will help teens sharpen their driving skills.  During the first driving year, teens won’t be able to drive late at night or carry multiple teenage passengers.

The Department of Public Safety claims that teens in Minnesota are overrepresented in car accidents every year because of distractions, driver inexperience, driving at night, and not using seat belts.  From 2005-2007, drivers who were 16 and 17 yrs old had involvement in 116 crashes that were fatal, which resulted in 133 deaths.

Having these laws will allow teen drivers to be safer and result in less injuries and deaths on roads in Minnesota.  Also, having used car warranties and maintaining cars will help teens stay safe on the roads.

The limitation on nighttime driving during the initial six-month licensure period will prohibit teens from driving after midnight, until 5 a.m., unless they are accompanied by a driver of at least 25 yrs of age.  Drivers who are 16 and 17 yrs old are approximately three times more likely to have a car crash resulting in a fatality at night than in the daytime.

The limitation on passengers for the initial six-month licensure period will allow just one passenger under 20 yrs old, unless there is a parent or guardian in the car.  Throughout the second six-month period of licensure, there can’t be more than three other people in the car under 20 yrs old, unless there is a parent or guardian in the car.

It is recommended by the DPS that parents help reinforce these laws and protect their children by making strict driving rules, purchasing an auto warranty, and keeping cars maintained.

Motorists have been able to enjoy car insurance rates that have been low for several years, but now that is all changing.

According to Insurance.com, which is a car insurance agency online, in Illinois and Missouri, rates went up 3.8% from April to June.

A vehicle owner in Missouri who paid $1,569 per year now has to pay $1,629.  A car owner in Illinois who previously paid $1,512 now has to pay $1,570.

Illinois and Missouri were two of ten states that have had the largest increase in car premiums, according to the study.

Throughout the nation, this was the second quarter in a row for rate increases, which shows the trend of steady or falling car rates has reversed.

Insurance companies must pay fixed costs, so when motorists can’t afford to sign up for policies, insurers have to keep their profits up by decreasing benefits, increasing existing customers’ rates, and increasing deductibles.  Consumers are already paying many auto costs, such as used car warranties, maintenance, and high gas prices, so high insurance rates are going to hit Americans hard.

Forbes has assessed all of the cars out there to conclude that the Honda Accord is the best used car. In addition, this means that the Accord is the best certified pre-owned car on the market.

According to Forbes, there are many certified pre-owned vehicles, however, the Honda Accord deserves to be acknowledged because of several outstanding qualities. In order to come to a decision, Forbes looked at data on reliability from Consumer Reports Magazine. In addition, they considered safety, as well as the availability of used car warranties.

Coming in second and third on the list were the Saturn Relay and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Then, came the Pontiac G6, Mercedes Benz E-class and the VW new Beetle.

Certified pre-owned vehicles go through rigorous testing to make sure they are in sound condition. Then, auto dealers refurbish them if needed, and give them a limited auto warranty. This has become a booming practice, and consumers are reaping the benefits.

College students who live a long distance from their school find it hard to commute on a daily basis. It can be tough to wait for a bus, as well as time consuming. Having a vehicle can help a great deal in this situation. But students are usually tight for cash, so they need to get auto loans for students.

Students must plan their budget well. Purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is a great option for students because they are cheaper than new vehicles. Of course there are other expenses, such as insurance, maintenance, used car warranties, and fuel that come along with car ownership. So, it is necessary to consider these factors when calculating the cost of buying a car. Car loans for students are designed so that students can repay loans without problems. Loans such as these are offered through banks and financial companies.

Students with bad credit are even eligible to apply for car loans for students; however, their interest rate will be high. To make the interest rate lower, students can arrange to have a co-signer. Auto loans for students are considered secure because if the student can’t repay the loan, the lender will take the car, and sell it to recover the loan amount.

If fuel prices keep rising at this rate, people are going to have to drastically change their attitudes. Drivers must learn to cope by changing their commutes or even relocating.   Europeans are already paying triple what Americans are shelling out for fuel.  However, they have the advantage of a public easily accessible transportation system.

There is already a transformation taking place.  The California New Car Dealers Association recently reported that during the first three months this year subcompacts saw the highest gains in sales.  During this same period, large SUVs and pickup trucks reported the largest losses.

People may find that their love affair with living in suburbia will fade as gas prices reach a predicted $7 per gallon within the next two years.  Commuting long distances will put a strain on people’s budgets, and people will opt for urban living where they are closer to their places of employment.  People will find that purchasing a slightly smaller home closer to their workplace for a similar price will make their lives easier.

In the meantime, people are making easy, short-term changes to their lives.  For example, people are either buying small, fuel-efficient vehicles, or holding onto their current vehicles and purchasing used car warranties to keep them running forever.