It is helpful to use a car loan calculator to determine what the cost for a new or used car purchase will be monthly.

These can be found online with options for buying or leasing.  This is a helpful tool in determining what your budget actually is and how much car you can afford.  Just remember to factor in other car costs, such as maintenance and new car warranties.

Just remember that the numbers on a vehicle loan calculator are not actual quotes.  The calculator allows you to compare the costs of different cars and see what your payments per month will be.

On the calculator there is a line to enter the dollar amount you would like to finance. Then, by clicking your mouse you can compare what payments will be, with different arrangements for paying.  You can also find out what interest payments will be for the life of the vehicle loan.

It is a bonus to use a car loan calculator before going to a dealership to buy a vehicle.  You will already know what your budget is, which will allow you to make a smart purchase.  You will also know how much money you have left over to spend on maintenance costs and an auto warranty.

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.

Safety is one of the biggest considerations when purchasing a new vehicle, but it’s difficult to make an assessment on your own.  There are many factors to consider when looking at the overall safety of a car.  Here are a few of the most important safety issues.

First of all, you want to consider crash protection in a car.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety performs crash tests on vehicles from different directions to rate a car’s ability to withstand a collision.  You can access the results of these tests at www.hwysafety.org.

Next, take into account vehicle compatibility.  Taller vehicles have bumpers that are quite a bit higher than a passenger car’s.  This is dangerous for cars because taller bumpers hit cars above the crumple zone and often inflict great damage on cars.

Rollover resistance should also be a factor in the safety of a new car.  SUVs are three times more likely to rollover, according to NHSTA.  Rollover ratings are provided at www.safercar.gov.

These are a few of the many safety considerations when buying a new car.  Consumers should do their research on such things as safety issues, car prices, and an auto warranty before going to the dealership.  It’s best to be prepared so that you can make good decisions.

According to the Associated Press, Toyota has “secretly” started to develop a solar-powered car, even though the Japanese company has experienced its first year down after having positive growth for 70 years.

However, don’t get too excited yet.  Perhaps the story that is the biggest here is the reason that the AP wrote about a potential solar car being created by Toyota.  This isn’t any different than any other carmaker that has developed a prototype in the Research & Development department.  Toyota is known for a reputation for its green technology that is cutting edge, and it will receive key expertise when Panasonic, its battery developer, takes in solar leader Sanyo later in the year.

The technology is there to build such a car, without a doubt.  However, you have to ask, what sort of range is it going to have?  Also, is there going to be anyone that will purchase a car costing $200,000 that will need to be recharged after 35 miles?  One thing’s for sure; an auto warranty would be a good idea for a car with solar technology, such as this.

In other words, can a vehicle that is solar-powered be mass-produced and actually work for people’s lifestyles?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently did a study of 20 small cars in real-world, low-speed simulated collisions that motorists encounter all over the country in parking lots.  Their findings were that some of the most inexpensive cars you can purchase would cost you a lot of money to repair, even with a mild tap at 6 mph.

In order to replicate the full bumper from another vehicle the organization used a barrier.  By doing this they were able to assess rear and full frontal collisions, and also rear corner and frontal collisions at 6 mph and 3 mph.

Coming out the best was the Ford Focus.  This car was the least expensive car to fix, at $3,031 in damages after being put through the four tests.  The worst performer overall was the VW Rabbit, which totaled $9,511 in damage.

These tests show that small cars have gotten very complex over the years, and that simple parts like headlights have become expensive to replace and repair.  This is why it is essential for drivers to have an auto warranty to cover unnecessary repair expenses.

If you’re planning on shopping for a brand new midsize sedan over the weekend, you will be able to choose from several vehicles with 0% financing.  The majority of the current incentives will conclude on Monday, including 36 months of 0% financing on the all-new 2009 Mazda6.  If you read the small type on the deal you will find that it’s “for qualified buyers”, however it is still an excellent deal.  If you are looking for a 60-month plan instead, you can get it for 2.9%, which is also considered a great deal.

Mazda isn’t the only one offering 0% financing.  In fact, almost every competitor is also offering 0% financing all weekend long.  For instance, you can get the 2009 Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion all for 36 months of 0% financing.

Now is a great time to get out and go car shopping.  Not only will you give the economy a boost, but you’ll also get a great deal on financing and a good auto warranty.  Just make sure to do your homework before arriving at the dealership to take advantage of good deals and new car warranties.

It is apparent that Ford is looking to give its buyers an assist, at least the consumers purchasing a 2010 Lincoln MKS or MKT.  In mid-year 2009, these vehicles are going to come equipped with the Active Park Assist system, which literally will parallel park the car automatically.  Ford’s MKT is a brand new crossover that is going to make its debut next month at the Detroit auto show.

Ford’s system is very similar to the one that is found on the Lexus LS 460.  However, instead of using cameras, this system uses a sensing system that is ultrasonic-based.

Ford says there are a few advantages over the technology that Lexus is using.  First of all, drivers can use Ford’s system if they are parking in a downhill situation, and Ford says its system has improved reliability and speed while parking.

This technology could prove to be very beneficial to drivers; however, drivers should protect themselves with a good auto warranty.  After all, you never know when you will find yourself needing repairs on new technology.

To ensure that your car is operating properly you need to perform routine maintenance.  People assume that they need to make seasonal preparations and change their oil, but they often neglect their tires.  Don’t forget that your driving experience is only going to be as good as the tires that are on your car.

One big issue when it comes to tires is safety.  You need to have tires that will ensure you are safe on the road.  After all, really the only thing coming between the road and you is your tires.

If you put high performance tires on your car you will get the safety behind the wheel that you deserve.  These tires will allow you to drive at fast speeds and allow for safety in driving conditions that are dangerous.  For example, your car will perform better on roads that are icy or wet.  High performance tires also allow you to perform sudden stops and tight cornering.  And, even though you will pay a little more for them, you are getting your safety in return.

To keep your car performing at its best, consider purchasing high performance tires.  Not only will your vehicle hand better, you will feel safer.  Also, to maintain your safety purchase an auto warranty that allows you to have routine maintenance and repairs performed when necessary.

There’s nothing worse than planning a trip and waking up to find violent, heavy rains pouring down out of the sky.  There are two things you need in this situation, an auto warranty and a reliable car.  Do you have a vehicle that is ready for driving in this situation?  In this situation it is necessary to have a car that ensures a smooth, safe ride, even in ice and rain.

According to the FHWA approximately 6,400,000 cars are involved in accidents every year.  About twenty five percent of these accidents are related to weather.  Here are some of the best cars to handle in rain.

Although you may not believe it, the 2008 Porsche Cayman, as well as the Cayman S are two of the best cars in rain.  They are packed with essential all weather features.

For instance, these vehicles have a wiper system with rain sensors that make the wipers activate as soon as water hits the glass.  Also, wipers shut off after the car reaches 131 mph.

In addition, these cars have great tire traction, as well as mud guards.  They also have the Porsche Stability Management System, which detects when the car is slipping.

Finally, these cars have four-wheel disc brakes that are anti-lock.  They are cross-drilled for optimal performance.

According to the Vice Chairman of General Motors, Bob Lutz, business as usual is no longer acceptable; consumers are demanding green, fuel-efficient vehicles.  Lutz has been promoting the newest green technology by GM.  However, he says that although GM will meet the market demands, motorists are going to have to be prepared to pay for it.  Not only will drivers be paying for the car cost, maintenance, and an auto warranty, they are going to also pay for technology that is advanced.

Lutz claims that in America, drivers are going to pay an additional $10,000 per vehicle to maintain the cars, trucks and crossovers that are out there today.  The reason for this is the added costs to manufacture lightweight, advanced materials.

Although people are focusing on fuel-efficiency and environmental issues, Lutz wonders if motorists in the U.S. are really all that concerned about new technology to achieve higher mileage.    He also fears that now that gas prices are lower, people may not be as willing to pay higher prices for fuel-efficient vehicles.