Recently, J.D. Power and Associates conducted a study, finding that now that the EPA has changed how it tests cars, motorists are finding that they get better mileage out of their cars than what was advertised.

Before the EPA decided to update its methods to reflect a more accurate view of modern driving conditions, motorists were consistently reporting that their combined average for fuel economy was less than the EPA rating advertised.

For example, before the update, back in 2007, motorists claimed that they got around 97% of the fuel economy that was advertised.  This was 3% worse than what was advertised.  And after the new standards for testing were implemented in 2008, motorists claimed they got around 105% of the fuel economy posted.

For drivers who are money conscious and calculate driving costs, such as insurance, used car warranties, and gas costs, they will have a pleasant surprise with their gas mileage.

Volvo Cars of North America came out with the C30 R-design, limited edition, which is priced at $25,700.

The C30 R-Design is a similar, yet more outstanding version of the latest C30 hatchback.  This car has the power, to accompany its new updated look.  The engine is 227-horsepower, and it puts out 236 ft per pound of torque.

This car comes in four colors- Titanium Grey, Black Sapphire, Passion red, and Orinoco Blue.  The interior of the vehicle is very sporty.  The seats are black flex-tech with a cream trim in leather.  Also trimmed in this leather are the shifter and steering wheel.  The stock pedals have also been replaced with sport ones.

Consumers are excited about this car model that provides the options for a Dynaudio sound system, and a navigation system based on DVD.  In addition, to spending money on new car warranties and maintenance, consumers are willing to shell out money for these latest technologies.

Many people are excited about the inexpensive Honda Insight hybrid. The 2010 Insight begins at $19,800.  That price will buy you the LX trim level and doesn’t include a destination charge of $670.  The mileage on this car is rated 40 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.

The LX trim level includes standard features, such as a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes, power windows and a CD player.  The EX, which is the next level up, will cost you $21,300 and will give you steering wheel shift paddles, stability control, a stereo system with six-speakers that has USB input and side mirrors that are heated.

Navigation is an option in the aptly named EX with Navi trim level, which starts at $23,100.

Drivers are looking for ways to save money, and the 2010 Honda Insight offers car shoppers an inexpensive car that provides reliability.  Of course, with any car purchase you should protect yourself with a roadside assistance program and new car warranties just in case of an emergency situation.

Ford has great expectations for the 2010 Fiesta subcompact.  With U.S. car shoppers turning to small, fuel-efficient cars with good new car warranties, as a solution to high fuel prices, the sales of Ford have been hurt by a lineup of primarily trucks.  Ford is counting on the 2010 model year.  In the center of that effort will be the Fiesta, as well as a new Focus.

According to New Car Net, the car is seen “as a significant landmark in Ford’s history.”  In fact this is the first automobile by Ford that has been developed for customers all over the world, and is a trend for Ford’s future of global vehicles.

The Fiesta subcompact will be offered with several diesel options, or a four-cylinder that can reach 118 mph, and get mileage of 38.9 mpg combined.  This is much better than any car that is a non-hybrid on the market in the U.S. Consumers can purchase this car with an auto warranty and breathe a sigh of relief that they will have a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle.

How many people would shell out $45,000 for a little electric car made by the Chinese that has a driving range of 100 miles?  Even though it comes with new car warranties and may be eligible to get a tax credit of $7,500, there may not be a lot of people willing to pay the money for this vehicle.  However, Coda Automotive will discover the answer to that question with the launch of its five-passenger sedan in California.

For those who don’t know, Coda Automotive is actually a spin-off of Miles Electric Vehicles.  This car is based on Haifei Auto’s sedan platform, and will drive around 100 miles.  There isn’t a generator on-board, so after driving 100 miles the vehicle needs to be plugged into a power source.  However, with the optional fast charger, the batteries can be recharged within 10 to 15 minutes.

Many small vehicles that are eco-friendly, such as the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight, have an aerodynamic styling that will communicate their frugal powertrains, however the Coda doesn’t do this.  It has the appearance of a people’s car, not a trendy, zero-emissions vehicle.

Ford Motor Co. recently made a promise that its new compact and sub-compact cars, which are due in 2010, will exceed the industry average in quality.

According to Bennie Fowler, the Ford VP of Global Quality, the carmaker will maintain its “things gone wrong” at approximately 800 for every 1,000 cars.  This would be around 500 below the average for the industry.  “Things gone wrong” is a yearly compilation of difficulties that car owners have in their first 90 days of owning a car.

To achieve the 800 goal, Ford will be using virtual reality tools that will allow 70% of problems to be reduced before vehicles are even built.  In addition, an “army” of hourly workers will be trained to detect problems before a car will ever get to the showroom.

Ford’s commitment fuels the current battles between Ford and GM to shift their product lines to small, fuel-efficient cars. Consumers have begun to abandon trucks and SUVs and instead purchase small cars with new car warranties that will save them money at the pump.

Every year thousands of people are killed in car accidents.  Many of these crashes could have been avoided with some simple safety knowledge.  Here are some tips to keep your driving experience pleasant and help you avoid dangerous accidents.

First of all, if your are taking any medicines, double check your product label to see if it could affect your driving.  If your medication causes drowsiness, stay off of the roads.

Next, secure children properly in a restraint system that is size and age appropriate.  All children less than 12 years of age should be in the back seat.  Just by putting children in the back, and not the front reduces injuries and deaths 30%.

One of the biggest causes of car accidents is driver inattention.  This means that drivers should stay off of cell phones and pay attention to the road.

Finally, prepare a safety kit in your car.  It should include a first aid kit, flashlight, nonperishable foods, water, blankets, motor oil, jumper cables, and a spare tire. And all drivers should have used car warranties in order to keep up with important maintenance and car repairs without unnecessary costs.

Today, there are many options when purchasing a vehicle.  You can buy new, used or certified pre-owned.  However, many people just love the feeling of having that new car.  How do you know if a new car is right for you?

If you are one of those people who take great pride in the ownership of your vehicle, or have the first kid on the block syndrome, you should probably purchase a new car.  In addition to ownership pride, you will also be equipped with the newest car technologies, which will provide you with safety and comfort.  Also, new cars come with an auto warranty that brings owners peace of mind.

New vehicles also give back practical returns to those people who push their cars to the max and wear them out.  If you are logging a large amount of miles or hold onto a car for at least five years you should purchase the vehicle that you really want.  Also, if you are planning to customize your car with the transmission and engine, as well as other accessories and options to suit your style, you should buy new.

Let’s face it, there is no feeling like owning a new car and knowing that you aren’t inheriting any one else’s problems.  Buying a new car is a great way to go for people who have the funds.  In addition, new car warranties that come with new cars give you great peace of mind.

Tribal has launched a new site that provides customers with a true life-like car shopping experience without ever leaving their homes.  Volkswagen.co.uk allows people to virtually sit in and walk around new cars.  Tribal created this web site because customers often feel that buying a new car can be confusing.

Research shows that people who want to purchase a new vehicle do most of their research on the Internet.  This means that trips to showrooms are cut in half.  Volkswagen responded to this by giving buyers a virtual experience from the comfort of their own homes.

The site features a car configurator that is very sophisticated.  It has 3D models of the new Volkswagen range.  Visitors are able to change every option that alters the appearance of the vehicle.  This lets people create the car of their choice.

In the future, people who visit the site will have the ability to book test drives by accessing the booking systems of retailers.  In addition, they will be able to see the availability of models at specific retailers.

Volkswagen has responded to customers needs by allowing people to shop for a vehicle from the comfort of their own homes.  Also convenient, is that customers can purchase new car warranties online from a wide range of providers.  An auto warranty is a smart way to protect your new investment.

Credit is a key factor when an auto shopper is trying to figure out how much they will pay for a car.  However, according to experts, people should look at various dealers to compare special financing deals.  This is as important as shopping around for a car type.

It is important to request a copy of your credit report and score through a credit agency.  This will give you a better idea of what you will be dealing with when you talk about financing.

There are web-based tools that you can look to for help.  For example, AutoTrader.com is a website for classifieds that actually has a credit center for people looking to buy a car with bad credit.  And while other websites of a similar nature require the consumer to disclose personal and confidential information, the credit center only asks general questions to give the shopper privacy.

After you fill out the questionnaire, you will get a credit level that is estimated excellent, good or fair.  Next, you can do a search among car dealers in your area that can help you with your specific financing needs.

The key is to be prepared when you walk into the dealership.  Websites are a great way to arm you with knowledge.  You can learn all about car prices, credit scores, and prices on an auto warranty.  You want to do your homework so that you can get the best deal you can on the car itself, financing and new car warranties.