When looking to buy a new vehicle it is important to consider crash test ratings, electronic stability control, and rollover resistance.  When evaluating a car for safety, remember to look closely at the following.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducts crash tests on vehicles.  They rate vehicles based on results in frontal crashes and side impacts.  Paying attention to these scores will help make a good choice when it comes to vehicle safety.

Electronic stability control is a highly recommended safety feature.  This will help your vehicle stay under control when cornering.  It will help you avoid sliding and skidding by selectively applying brakes to one or more of the wheels.

Vehicles that are tall, such as SUVs and pickup trucks have a higher likelihood of rolling over.  To determine a vehicle’s inclination for rollover NHTSA has a five-star rollover rating.  You can access these ratings at www.safercars.gov.

Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with protecting themselves.  They are purchasing new car warranties and buying vehicles with added safety features.  Taking these simple steps allow drivers to have peace of mind.

Is it necessary to pay $40K in order to get a stimulating, engaging car? The answer is absolutely not; there are many vehicles out there that come with a good auto warranty for under $25K. Here are a few to consider.

The Honda Civic Si is a great choice at $21,110. This is a high performance car with a sleek shape. It also sports a sport-tuned suspension that is grippy. The engine on this vehicle has a 197 hp, 2.0 liter four cylinder I-VTEC. This car will have you smiling for many miles.

The Ford Mustang V6 Pony Car is a muscle car with a taste of retro. The Pony Package will give you 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, a grille treatment, as well as floor mats and striping. This is a 210hp V6 that will deliver loads of thrust.

If a convertible is your style, look to the Pontiac Solstice. This is a 173 hp, 2.4-liter. This vehicle comes standard with an 18-inch rolling rock, big brakes, and balanced chassis providing an exhilarating open-air experience.

Any of these vehicles will make you think you’re driving a car with a sticker of $40K, when in reality you’ll only shell out less than $25K. All of these come with new car warranties that will give you peace of mind.

Typically, you will get the best value purchasing a used vehicle. This is especially true for late models. Not only will you find the price to be lower than a new vehicle that is comparable, but also expenses for ownership, such as taxes and collision insurance will be less. In addition, a used vehicle has already taken its largest depreciation hit. You also can get a vehicle that is better equipped by buying used.

Used cars have become more appealing because their reliability has improved. Exhaust problems and rust used to be a major concern, but aren’t a problem anymore. Studies have shown that reported problems declined significantly since 1980.

Although reliability has improved considerably, repair costs and maintenance are important things to consider. Many used cars don’t have an auto warranty left or are close to the end of its life. This means that motorists will be paying out of pocket for expenses. However, buying used car warranties will take care of this problem.

Overall, buying used is a great option to save money. Also, consumers can get a car with more features than they would be able to afford new. However, an auto warranty is a necessity so that you don’t pay for unnecessary repair costs.

Recently, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners did a study on the best and worst places in the country for auto insurance.  The study showed that drivers living in the Northeast pay the highest premiums.

The most costly state was New Jersey.  Its average premiums are more that $1,300 per year.  Our nations capital, Washington D.C. came in second with the average premiums over $1,185.  New York came in third with average premiums being over $1,110.

The study showed that elevated insurance costs in those areas are due to urban driving matters, high salaries, and dense traffic.  Also, costs for the liability insurance premiums that are average are elevated in the Northeast.

Northern and Midwestern states ranked as the lowest costs for insurance premiums.  Iowa has the lowest overall insurance at $530 per year.  Maine comes in second with $560 per year, and North Dakota is next at $570 per year.

This study shows that your location plays a key role in your auto insurance costs.  Consumers are paying more than ever for their automobiles with the costs of insurance, new car warranties, and maintenance.

Why would someone want to buy a pickup?  They offer the most flexibility in carrying cargo.  In addition, pickups have large payload facilities and the ability to tow.  Trucks with four door cabs allow seating for five, which makes them a good family vehicle.  In addition to an auto warranty, what other considerations do you need?  Here’s a list.

Consider whether you need compact or full-sized.  They offer different towing capacities and engines in addition to being different sizes.  Compact pickups are more fuel-efficient, easier to park, and cost less.  Full-sized pickups offer more room inside and out, have stronger engines, and have greater towing capabilities.

Bed lengths vary.  Beds range from 8 feet to 4 feet.  The longer the bed, the more difficult it is to maneuver.  Some compact trucks have a bed extender that flips out, which allows for carrying cargo that is longer.

Engines and transmissions can accommodate different needs.  For compact trucks, the base engine is a four-cylinder, which offers fuel-efficiency.  Five or six cylinder engines are optional, giving more power.  A V6 is the base engine for a full-sized truck.  For heavy towing and hauling consider a V8, V10, and diesel.

Pickups come in many sizes, with many options. Determine your use for a truck and pick the best option for you.  Doing your homework on such things as truck options, new car warranties and insurance will save you money and time down the road.

Listed at $22,995 the Chevrolet Cobalt SS gives you a lot for your money. This lets you save on the sticker price so you can have funds for new car warranties, fuel and maintenance costs. This vehicle is superb in style and amenities, but retains a balance that few entry-level cars have.

The SS version of the Cobalt is at the top of the Cobalt models.  It has a shape that is more attractive than other sport compact cars.  The 2008 version only comes as a two-door coupe.  A four-door version is expected for 2009.

This car comes standard with a short-throw manual 5-speed transmission, 18- inch wheels and sporty, suede seats.

The SS is very versatile on the road.  It can be a perfect commuter one minute and then turn into an exhilarating thrill ride the next.  It has a FE5 sport suspension that handles the irregularities in the road and provides a civilized ride.  However, ask the turbo for some boost and the car can keep an effortless pace.

The Cobalt will appeal to young lead-foots with its impressive design, power, and technology.  However, young and old alike will enjoy the overall refinement of this car.  With the addition of an auto warranty, you can rest assured that this car will offer reliability and enjoyment to a wide array of drivers.

If you go car shopping you may notice that some vehicles charge extra for the paint job.  This can add up to $1,000 on top of the price of the car. This may feel like a lot of money when you factor in other car expenses such as new car warranties, and maintenance.   It’s hard to believe that a bright yellow paint job can actually cost that amount.  And will you get that additional money back when you go to sell the vehicle?

Paint on a new vehicle isn’t just a matter of spraying a color on like it was in years past.  Metallic and clearcoat finishes are operations that are multistage.  This means that they sometimes require a higher expense of the assembly line.

But, even considering that, auto manufacturers have discovered a new way to make an additional profit by hiking up the price of some of the colors that are more distinct.

When you come right down to it, these fancy colors only add a small fraction of value when you put your vehicle up for sale.  In addition, some of the colors that are a bit odd actually lessen a vehicle’s value.  You have to remember what the most popular car colors are today, shades of gray

What is magic about the age 13 that makes it OK for children to finally ride in the front seat of the car?  Are they finally big enough to withstand the impact of an airbag?  Are they at the age where they can behave in the front seat?

Part of the problem is behavior.  When kids mess with the radio, and play around, they usually aren’t in a proper position when an airbag deploys.  In injuries and deaths, the proximity to the airbag in the front is a huge issue; in addition, proper positioning in the seat is a factor.  By 13, kids are more able to sit still and behave.

Around the ages 11 and 12, children are also bigger physically.  This is an issue because it is hard for children to have their backs against the seatback if their feet don’t touch the floor.  This means that they scrunch down putting them in a bad position for airbag deployment.

Kids under 13, need to ride in the back seat for their safety.  It isn’t worth it to put your child in the front and have them injured by an airbag.  Parents are concerned with many things such as new car warranties, auto loans, and maintenance, but most important is the safety of their children.

When purchasing a family vehicle several things should be considered.  These include reliability, safety, fuel-efficiency, and other personal concerns.  In addition, consumers should factor in the price of the vehicle to own, not just the sticker price.  For instance, new car warranties, maintenance costs, and insurance all need to be part of the equation.

It doesn’t have to be a hard process to shop for the right family car.  All you need to do is put some time into research beforehand so that you know your options.  Parents should evaluate how they will be using the car, the type and amount of cargo they intend on carrying, and how their needs might vary in the future.

Generally, parents need to focus on finding a vehicle that offers a lot of space and is versatile.  Families need a sufficient amount of cargo space, easy access, and windows that the kids can look out with ease.  If the rear seats are low, kids won’t be able to see out the windows, and they won’t be as happy.

There are many great options for family vehicles.  Small families will be just fine in four door sedans, or station wagons, whereas large families will benefit from an SUV or minivan.  Thinking through your needs in advance will ensure the proper choice.  In addition, doing your homework will save you money on the sticker price and an auto warranty.

The Saturn Vue SUV green line will have better fuel-efficiency than the Vues that are gas only.  They feature a simple hybrid system that Ford and Toyota use.  The green line is only around $1,500 more than the price of a comparable Vue that only operates on gas.  This allows consumers to be able to afford an auto warranty and maintenance costs. The retail price, $23,000 is approximately $4,000 under the Ford Escape Hybrid, which is the least expensive hybrid to date.

The Saturn Vue hybrid offers a 20% fuel savings over the gas operated Vue.  The Vue Green line supplements an engine that is four cylinders with electric power.  It gets 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.  In comparison, the gas only Vue gets 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The Vue Green Line is the first SUV hybrid available with only front wheel drive.  They aren’t offered with all- or four-wheel drive, as with other hybrid SUVs for sale.

The “green” Vue doesn’t offer extraordinary fuel savings, but it is a good opportunity for consumers to purchase an SUV hybrid for under $25,000.  It is important for motorists to do their homework and calculate the cost of owning the vehicle. For example, consider new car warranties, car maintenance costs, and insurance on the SUV.