With the poor economy, motorists are looking a little more closely at used cars.  The National Automobile Dealers Association reports that last year the average cost of a used vehicle was around $15,000, while it was $29,000 for new vehicles.

While you want to purchase a pre-owned car that has a solid reputation for dependability, it’s even more beneficial to purchase a used vehicle that consumers find less popular, because it has already depreciated rapidly.

Many people believe that the best new vehicles make the best used vehicles, which is true in general.  However, often these cars depreciate at a slower rate, which makes them popular as new vehicles, but means they cost more as used vehicles.

According to Kelly Blue Book, the vehicle brands that depreciate the slowest are Mini, Scion, Volkswagen, BMW, and Honda.

Instead of purchasing those models, consider other brands that have high reliability scores, but depreciate more quickly and can save you thousands of dollars.  Domestic brands are good to consider, such as Dodge, Ford, and Chevrolet.  These will get you a bargain.

If you want to save money by buying a used car, consider depreciation. You can get a good bargain by buying reliable, more rapidly depreciating models, and buy used car warranties to give you peace of mind.

It can be tempting to text-message in your car, especially if you’re stuck in traffic.  You assume that there is little risk involved, however, if the person in front of you stops a little faster than you intended, all of a sudden you may find yourself calling your road service program.

Recent studies show that avoiding texting in the car will drastically reduce your chances of getting into a car accident.  In fact, four states are making an attempt to ban driving while texting (DWT).  Washington put a ban earlier in the year on texting while on the road.

Statistics suggest that DWT is a danger that is growing.  In drivers ages 16 and 17, 46% admitted that they have texted while driving.  A study by Nationwide Insurance indicates that DWT is a generational activity.  Out of people ages 18-27, 37% admit to texting while driving, meanwhile, only 14% of 28-44 year olds admit to this.  Also, only 2% of 45-60 year olds said they texted on the road.

Cities around the nation are passing text-message ordinances because of the danger that it poses.  It is best to just refrain from this activity, otherwise you might find yourself calling for emergency roadside assistance.  Drivers should protect themselves by practicing safe driving habits and making sure they have good used car warranties.

When purchasing a new car, it is up to consumers to do their homework before shopping.   This will ensure the best deal possible.  Three important tips will save you from unnecessary costs.

First, look around to find the best dealership.  One way to do this is to check the Internet about dealerships. Web searches can be a wealth of information. Many times you will find complaints or positive revues that could help you.  Also, it is a good idea to contact several car dealerships in your area to see which ones are going to respond quickly and be helpful.

Next, don’t buy alarm systems or dealer financing. These are two ways that consumers lose in the end. For example, when cars are manufactured they already have wiring installed.  However, automakers sell alarms separately for up to $1200.  This is added on to the price of the new vehicle.  Also, finance offices don’t usually give you the best deals.  A better option would be to put your money towards a much needed auto warranty.

Finally, sell your car before arriving at the dealership.  If you sell it yourself, you will get a much better deal than you would on a trade-in.

The bottom line is that any mechanical breakdown leaving a motorist stranded could wipe out all of the gains from a perfectly negotiated deal.  New car warranties should be an essential part of your purchase in order to protect you from unnecessary repairs.

Ford, who apparently loves mini-sites, has started a webpage for the new 2011 Ford Fiesta.  It may be premature, but since Ford is trying desperately to prove its relevance, displaying some of its cars of the future makes perfect sense at the moment.

Ford displays a few pictures of the vehicle, however, Ford says that they are pictures of the 2009 European model, and also reveals some information about available content of the car.

Since the features appear to be luxury-like, it seems Ford is going to market this car as a premium subcompact that will compete with the Honda Fit.  However, car shoppers seem to care more about standard features, which Ford hasn’t released yet.  But make a note that the 2011 Fiesta will have standard stability control when it is available for sale in 2010.  That’s two years before it is going to be mandated by federal law.

Car shoppers will have to wait for additional information about the 2011 Ford Fiesta, such as prices, standard features, and information about new car warranties.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a recall has been issued for 39,711 Outlanders and Lancers from 2008 and 2009 model years because of a brake-booster check valve that is faulty.

This brake-booster check valve was constructed with material composition that is poor, which leaves it vulnerable to stick when the engine isn’t running, says the NHTSA.  In turn, this may cause the brakes to lose responsiveness and make the stopping distance increase during slow car maneuvers.

Car owners with these vehicles can contact their dealer to have car valves replaced free of charge.  Also, you can contact Mitsubishi directly at 1-800-222-0037 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Unfortunately, you never know when your car will be recalled or experience failure, which is why it is essential to have a good auto warranty.  New car warranties will save you from paying unnecessary repair expenses down the road.

More and more cars are being loaded with high-tech advances.  In fact, some luxury car models have up to 80 switches and knobs to allow for advanced safety and comfort of motorists.  Yet, there are more high-tech gadgets coming onto the market.

Soon there will be sign recognition systems that will be able to read wrong-way signs and speed limits.  This will come on the market in 2009-2010.

Cameras could replace Sideview mirrors in the future.  Images would be displayed on the rearview mirrors on the edges, or on the instrument panel.

We may see chatty cars in the future.  Developers are trying to create a network that would monitor signals from car systems and warn other cars.  For example, skidding due to slick roads could be transmitted to warn other drivers.

Bumper bags could help SUVs be less deadly when hitting a low-riding car.  This has been shown to reduce intrusions and cause less injuries.

High-tech gadgets are great for motorists, but only if they learn how to use them before getting on the road.  In addition, with any new technology, drivers should have new car warranties to protect themselves from technology failure.

In an exceptional instance of noticing an instant impact on customers from federal bailouts, GMAC, which is GM’s financing arm, is going to lower its requirements for credit from a credit score of 700 to 621 to get car loans.  GMAC did some restructuring last week to become a bank, and then secured aid of $6 billion from the government yesterday.

This will most definitely help the GM dealers that wanted to secure other ways of providing credit to car shoppers, including a large agreement with credit unions from the Midwest.  These new requirements will take effect immediately.

So, if you’ve been wanting to take advantage of GM’s Red Tag Sale, but have had credit scores under 700, now’s the time to test drive a vehicle and make a purchase complete with new car warranties.

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP with 402 hp now has a price tag, and it will give performance sedans that are already established a run for their money.  The GXP will be listed at $37,610, which is at least $1,000 cheaper than the Dodge Charger SRT8 and you still get an impressive auto warranty.  Consumers can expect to see this car in showrooms this February.

The GXP has a 402 hp, 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 402 pounds of torque, which is the most powerful Pontiac of all time.  This vehicle has a six-speed automatic transmission that comes standard, however you can also get a six-speed manual for an extra $695.

For those of you who might think the 361-hp G8 GT already had enough power under the hood, don’t forget added horsepower isn’t the only impressive change to the GXP.  This car has a track-tuned suspension and steering, a unique interior, Brembro brakes and new car warranties.

Some people have suggested that the GXP is a BMW M5 killer, however, this car is such a great bargain that you could purchase one for you and your friend and still end up shelling out less than you would for a M5.

GM’s financing arm recently made a decision to give loans only to consumers with the best credit.  This is due to the tightening of the credit market and unstable economy.  Only car shoppers who have a credit score of at least 700 will qualify to get a loan for a car.

The state of California has made it known that it is against the GMAC’s decision, claiming that it will rule out 40% of Californians from getting a car loan, which will result in many dealerships having to file for bankruptcy.

The president of the California Auto Dealer Association wrote to GMAC CEO Alvaro de Molina warning that these strict guidelines would result in disaster for dealerships.  GM already suspects that dealer profits will drop 18% for the year.

Although California’s dealers have been the first to point it out, the new lending rules by GMAC will most definitely have an impact all over the country.  In fact, many consumers will be holding onto their current cars and purchasing used car warranties, because they won’t be able to get car loans.

With spring break approaching, college students are seeking out the perfect vehicle to drive on vacation.  And while it isn’t hard to find a great looking car, it takes a lot of research to find a vehicle high in fuel-efficiency, reliability, and safety, with a low sticker price and a good auto warranty.  Here are some great cars with all of these features.

The Ford Focus is an entry-level car that is roomy.  Also it will fulfill music lovers because of it SYNC system, which is a hands-free, voice activated entertainment and communications interface that allows the car to be linked to all phones, MP3 players, PDAs, and storage devices.

The Honda Fit is a five-door hatchback subcompact with great fuel-efficiency.  On the highway it gets 34 mpg and in the city it gets 28 mpg.  This car has a roomy interior featuring a “Magic Seat” that folds and reveals a cargo area that can fit a standard bicycle.

The 2008 Hyundai Elantra is a great compact car.  It’s fuel-economy is 25/33 mpg.  The interior has numerous features, such as power door locks, power windows, remote entry, and heated rearview mirrors.  Also, this car has the option for a Bluetooth system, a power sunroof, and a 220-watt audio system that has an iPod jack.

These are all great cars for college students that will satisfy parents and students.  In addition, they come with impressive new car warranties that will protect students from unnecessary repair expenses.