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 Side view 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 an auto warranty to protect themselves from technology failure.

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.

Many drivers don’t realize that buying a less-expensive vehicle model can actually end up costing you more in the long run than a model that is more-expensive up front.

One example of this is a Mitsubishi Lancer vs. a Mini Cooper Clubman.  A new Lancer costs around $17,500, which is $5,000 less than the initial cost of the Mini Cooper.  Yet, when you consider what ownership costs will be with each vehicle, the Mitsubishi Lancer will end up costing you about $3,000 more after owning the car for five years.

Also realize, a Toyota Highlander will initially cost you $3,000 more than a Ford Explorer V6.  However, when you consider ownership costs you will end up paying $6,500 more over a five-year period.

Motorists are very concerned with the sticker price of a vehicle when choosing a car, but many people fail to factor in the ownership costs.  For example, auto loans, maintenance costs, and auto warranty, fuel costs, repair costs, and sales tax need to all be factored into the equation.

New York State has a humungous budget gap to fill, which is why Gov. David Paterson is trying anything and everything to fill it. Included in his efforts is a proposed 5% tax on vehicles costing over $60,000.

Today, however, $60K isn’t what it used to be in terms of luxury vehicles.  Consumers should keep in mind that this tax isn’t only for vehicles with an MSRP of $60K or more.  If you buy a car that has an MSRP of $50,000, but you throw in a moon roof, GPS, leather seats, and a high-tech stereo system, it may push the price of the vehicle to over $60K, which would mean you would owe an additional 5% tax in NY.  Many cars would fit the bill, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the BMW 5 Series.

Yachts are also affected, however the tax doesn’t kick in until you spend at least $200,000.  Private jets will also escape this tax if they stay under $500,000.

The main problem with this tax is that luxury car sales will be hurt, even if just slightly.  Nameplates like Mercedes, BMW and Lexus have experienced a recent drop in sales, just like all of the other carmakers.  Unfortunately, this tax may make people hold off on buying a luxury vehicle and instead hold onto their current vehicles with the addition of an auto warranty.

An extended auto warranty can bring motorists peace of mind.  However, drivers need to get the most out of their auto warranty by keeping documents organized and asking the right questions.  Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your auto warranty.

Often times an extended auto warranty requires service records.  This is why it is necessary to keep your records straight.  Create a central location for your records if you don’t already have one.  This will alleviate frustrations down the road when you are trying to locate documents.

Don’t just rely on your computer to keep records.  Print hard copies of records if you buy an auto warranty online.  You never know when your computer will be down, and it could be when you need your auto warranty.

Make sure to read everything in the auto warranty.  If something isn’t written in the contract, then it isn’t covered.  Never make assumptions when it comes to your auto warranty.

Finally, make sure that you have contact information accessible to you at all times.  This will make things easier when you have a claim.

One of the family activities that are the most fun is going on road trips.  During the holidays many people are traveling to see family and friends.  Although enjoyable, frustration can accompany families on the road.  Take note of the following do’s and don’ts in order to ensure that your family has a great trip.

The most important thing that you can do is to get your family vehicle a tune-up.  Your vehicle needs to be in top-notch condition.  Nothing is worse than having your car breakdown, leaving you stranded.  This is why an auto warranty is a necessity.

You should plan ahead so that your family knows what is happening during the trip.  This will alleviate stressful situations and help things to go smoothly. In addition, you might want to purchase software to plan your trip and invest in a GPS.  This advanced technology will act as your guide to your desired destination.

Of course, you never know when you will run into speed bumps throughout your trip.  For example, road construction and traffic are inevitable.  However, your trip doesn’t have to be ruined by these inconveniences.  In addition, you can rest assured if you have used car warranties.

A driver’s worst nightmare is to turn the key and have their car not start.  Sometimes your engine will turn over but for some reason the car just won’t start.  Do you know what to do if this happens to you? Of course you could call a mechanic.  However, without an auto warranty you might face costly repairs. There are three things that you should check on your own first.  A car relies on air, fire and fuel.  If a car doesn’t get one or two of these vital ingredients, it won’t start.

The first thing that you should check is to make sure the car has gasoline.  If there is an adequate amount, the engine might have been flooded.  You can floor the gas pedal for around ten seconds, but be careful not to pump it while you are turning the ignition.  If the engine is still not starting, tap the carburetor close to the gas line.  This can free the line if the needle valve is stuck.

It is also important to check for broken or loose spark plug wires.  Make sure to do this with the engine off.  The wires that go from the distributor cap to the spark plugs should be secured down on the ends.

Now that you have checked for fuel and fire, we move on to an air check.  If you own a car with a carburetor, take off the top of the air filter and look at the choke plate.  If it appears stuck, open or close it.  Then jiggle the plate in order for it to move freely.

Checking the three main ingredients, air, fire and fuel are a great place to start if your car won’t turn over.  However, you may need a mechanic if you can’t find anything wrong.  You never know when your car might breakdown, which makes it is a necessity to have an auto warranty to protect you from costly repairs.

If you’re considering buying a new vehicle this year you need to consider the worth of the car in a few years, when you’re ready to trade it in for another car.  Consider these four factors that determine the resale value of a vehicle.

Supply and demand is a big factor.  Vehicles that have a high volume of production, such as Chevrolet and Ford pickup trucks don’t hold a high resale value because they are so numerous.

Next, brand image is key.  For instance, Toyota, Porsche, and Honda have great images, which is the reason they end up on the high end of the table every year.  Regardless of whether the vehicle deserves it or not, brand name is a huge factor in the resale price of a car.

If there is a high incentive for spending on a new car, the residual value will be lower on a recent model.  Just remember, there is a reason for high incentives.

Also investigate the number of units of a certain model that were sold to rental and commercial fleets.  If there was a great number sold, the resale value will be less.

Look at these factors when buying a new car.  A vehicle is only a good deal if it is worth something when it comes time to trade it in.  In addition, purchase an auto warranty to protect your wallet against unnecessary expenses.

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.

Here’s a question for car shoppers:  What has the low sticker price of a pre-owned vehicle with the auto warranty and reliability of a new vehicle?  The answer is a certified pre-owned vehicle.

CPO is a term that the auto industry uses to describe used vehicles with low-mileage that are late models.  These vehicles have passed a rigorous inspection and therefore have a factory auto warranty to back them up.  CPOs are typically in much better shape than a regular used vehicle and come with a regular maintenance schedule that a consumer can verify through Carfax.

Most certified pre-owned programs are offered with an auto warranty, inspection, as well as a return option if you end up not liking the vehicle.  However, what consumers end up receiving for the extra money they spend on a CPO car varies a lot.  For example, Lexus gives a 100,000 total vehicle; 3 year limited warranty on its COO vehicles.  However, Chrysler offers an inspection along with a return policy, yet only offers a 3,000-mile, 3 month limited auto warranty.

Customers need to ensure that they receive an extension of the auto warranty offered by the factory, which will give them the same service of a new car owner.