With the soaring gas prices and slumps in sales, carmakers are offering some of the biggest financing deals and cash incentives in years.  Check out these great deals complete with new car warranties, because they won’t last forever.

The 2008 Dodge Caliber is listed at $14,320-$22,705, but this month you can get it for even less.  The rebate is for $750-$1,500 cash back or financing that starts at 0%.

The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact that will get you 33 mpg on the highway.  You can save big on the MSRP of $14,410 with 0% financing for 60 months or $2,000 cash back.

GM is trying to keep the 2008 Pontiac Vibes flying off the lot by updating rebates since May.  Now you can get low financing or $2,000 cash back with this comfy compact car.

You don’t see new vehicles for $10,000, but with a $2,000 rebate on the $12,895 Kia Spectra, this is what you will see.

There’s nothing like the feeling of owning a new vehicle, complete with an auto warranty and reliability.  Now is a great time to take the plunge if you’re thinking of buying a new car because incentives won’t last.

The perks of purchasing a used car are the low initial price, property taxes, and insurance costs.  The “downs” are that it isn’t new, which means there’s no auto warranty and you are more vulnerable to car problems.  However, you can reduce your exposure to risk by taking these precautionary measures.

First, shop for used vehicles that are newer, which might still have a portion of their new car warranties left.  Most late model cars have three-year/ 36,000-mile basic auto warranty coverage, so you could get a year of coverage if you look for cars less than three years old.  Otherwise, you should purchase an auto warranty to cover your used vehicle.

Next, check the background of the make and model car that you are looking at.  Go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations website to check out recall and safety information.  Also, it never hurts to take a look at Consumer Reports to see if the particular car you like is problematic.

Also, you should always have a mechanic look at the car you are thinking of buying.  This will let you know if the vehicle has been well maintained or has any major problems.

Used cars are a great option for people who don’t want to pay for the instant depreciation associated with new cars.  Just make sure to protect yourself by doing your research and purchasing an auto warranty.

It’s apparent that the auto industry in America is becoming “greener” than ever. Everywhere you look there are ads for fuel-cell technology, hybrids, Bio-diesel fuel, clean-diesel engines, and E-85 fuel. These technologies have gained popularity with America’s Big Three automakers.

Why? Automakers are feeling pressure from all directions, including the White House, Congress, and also consumers.

Ford Motor Co., Chrysler LLC and General Motors have been trying to catch up with foreign cars, such as the Toyota Prius. The Prius has gained popularity because of the hybrid technology it offers, its environmental benefits, its cool styling, and all with the addition of an auto warranty.

The Big Three carmakers are closing the gap. General Motors already offers 14 Flex Fuel car models, which run on E85, and 2 million of them are on roads already. In addition, GM is going to bring 12 hybrid cars to the auto market within the next four years. Also, Ford has the Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Perhaps the biggest buzz though, is about the Chevrolet Volt, which will allow drivers to travel 40 miles on an electric motor.

U.S. carmakers are on the mission to catch up with foreign automakers, putting out effective green technologies complete with style, safety, and new car warranties. Their goal is to have several different technologies to meet the needs of all consumers.

Most people believe that SUVs are the safest vehicles on the road; however, recent test results show that midsize SUVs may not offer the best safety. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that a lot of cars produced better results in crash tests than six midsize SUVs.

The SUVs tested were the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner. These vehicles were tested in a front collision at 40mph and a side impact.

All of these vehicles showed improvement since the last IIHS test. In the instance of the front collision, five out of the six vehicles were rated Good. The Trailblazer was rated Acceptable.

However, the results of the side-impact tests weren’t as good. The Trailblazer and Grand Cherokee didn’t protect the torso because they are only equipped with standard side airbags to protect the head. The Pathfinder, 4Runner, and Xterra had better performance with side impact because they include side airbags that protect the torso as well as the head. However, cars had better ratings on side impact.

If you’re looking to purchase a midsize SUV, purchase one with high crash ratings. For instance, the Ford TaurusX and Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Pilot, and Subaru Tribeca are the highest rated midsize SUVs. Although these SUVs are durable, it’s necessary to purchase an auto warranty to protect yourself from repair costs down the road. After all, no vehicle is full proof.

Between the soaring gas prices, and the increasing awareness about environmental dangers, gas-guzzlers and giant SUVs aren’t quite as chic.  Now, people are looking to small, economic cars instead. Luckily, there are more budget-priced car models to choose from than ever.  Some are terrific, while some are not.  Here are a few great choices.

The Honda Fit is a hatchback launched back in 2006.  It has superb handling, surprising power, and the quality associated with the Honda brand.  It comes in two trim levels, including the Fit Sport and comes with an excellent auto warranty.  This car has a 1.5-liter engine with 100-hp, and is fuel-efficient.  However, the best part about the car is its price, starting at $13,950.

The Chevrolet Cobalt has a model for every budget: the LS, LT and Sport.  Also, shoppers can pick between the sedan and coupe.  The Cobalt engine is a 2.2-liter with 148-hp.  Also, the 2008 Cobalt has OnStar, XM satellite radio, and head curtain side impact air bags.  The price on this car ranges from $13,675-$18,875.

At $11,300-$13,675, the Toyota Yaris is available in a three-door hatchback or sedan.  This car is very hot in Europe and gaining popularity around the world.  It has a 1.5-liter 106-hp engine and offers excellent fuel-efficiency.

One thing is for sure; gas-guzzlers are a thing of the past.  Small, efficient cars are what people want today.  These cars offer great reliability, however, as with any car purchases it is important to have new car warranties to protect you.

Many motorists wonder if it is worth purchasing an extended auto warranty.  The answer is definitely yes, provided that you follow these simple tips.  Education is the key to get the most out of your auto warranty.

First of all, who is offering the auto warranty?  Is it the carmaker or an after-market company?  You don’t want to wait until your first breakdown to find this out.

Know what parts are covered and for what duration.  Many people misinterpret this part of their auto warranty.  In addition, know that time conditions and mileage on your auto warranty may be different for various systems in your car.

What are your responsibilities in the agreement?  Make sure to follow maintenance requirements at the recommended mileage intervals.  Also, keep your service records for when it’s time to file a claim.

Finally, you need to find out what your deductible amount is.  Also, who pays the repair facility?  Some auto warranty companies will require the insured to pay the facility and get reimbursed, while other companies directly pay the repair facility.

An extended auto warranty is great insurance for any motorist.  However, you need to follow these tips to get the most out of your warranty.

The recommended intervals for oil changes have increased a significant amount over the last ten years. It used to be that oil changes were recommended every 3,000 miles, but now recommendations are for every 8,000 miles. This is great news for drivers because it means less time at the mechanic and less money spent. However, there are a few cautionary notes to consider.

First of all, consult your owner’s manual for the “maximum recommended interval”. Make sure you don’t extend beyond that number because saving $40 on an oil change is not worth having an $800 repair due to sludge buildup.

Second, if your driving type falls under “heavy duty” you will need to change your oil more regularly. Often, drivers don’t realize that daily stop-and-go commuting falls under this category. Also, if you use your vehicle for short trips with little highway driving you many need shorter oil changeouts.

Finally, you should use the specific oil type/grade recommended by the carmaker. Failing to use the right oil type can result in poor car performance, engine damage, and even void the terms of your auto warranty.

Although less frequent oil changes are convenient for consumers, people need to follow these cautionary notes. After all, you don’t want to ruin an engine because you didn’t add a couple of quarts of Pennzoil. This is why an auto warranty is always a good idea, too.

The economy is making consumers feel the pinch in many aspects of their lives.  People are paying higher prices for everything from gas to food.  For a lot of people, now is not a good time to pay new car prices.

Recently, Chrysler LLC announced a decline in sales of 19.4% from last year at this time.  Other automakers are noticing the same trend.  GM sales dropped about 18.7% and Ford reported a decline of 14.1%.  Even the all-popular Toyota declined 10.3% in sales.

Instead of buying new vehicles, some consumers are looking to late model pre-owned cars.  Although new vehicle sales were down 2.5% last year, certified pre-owned vehicles increased 2%.  These are cars sold through a dealership that come with a factory auto warranty.  This year certified pre-owned car sales are up 4%.

Other drivers aren’t even taking the gamble.  Instead, they are keeping their old car.  Most of the vehicles made after 1996 are capable of lasting up to 200,000 miles.  Purchasing an auto warranty is a smart way to avoid unnecessary repair costs, and get the most out of your vehicle.

Ideally, people like to take their time to purchase a new vehicle, but some drivers just can’t wait a month or two.  A theft, accident, or breakdown may leave you scrambling for something to drive.  Here’s a strategy to help you buy quickly, but wisely.

First, think about the car that you just had.  If you loved everything about it, you can purchase the same car.  However, most likely there were a few things about your car that weren’t ideal.  Maybe you needed more cargo space, more legroom, etc.  Let your old car problems be a guide for your new purchase.

Next, calculate what you can spend monthly on a new car.  You can go to CNNMoney.com to find calculators that help you determine what you can afford.

Now, its time to do some research.  Look at vehicles online in your price range that meets your specific criteria.  You can begin to eliminate cars that don’t have exactly what you need.  Make sure to read reviews on the cars that you like.

Finally, contact a dealership and go in and test drive the 3-4 vehicles you favored.  Even though you are looking to purchase fast, make sure to tell the dealer that you’re not going to buy that day.

Doing research will allow you to get the car that you want for the best price possible.  In addition, make sure you purchase an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary repair costs down the road.  After all, you never know when you will need repairs.

Many people believe it is easiest to trade in your current car when buying a new one. However, is trading the right choice for you? There are some advantages and disadvantages to trading.

The big advantage to trading over selling is that you have very little hassle. You don’t have to haggle with buyers and you get rid of your car quickly. However, the fact is that you aren’t going to get as much for your car if you trade it in.

Any used vehicle has a specific retail value. If a dealership is going to sell that vehicle, they will have certain expenses, such as fixing dents and scrapes, cleaning it, and just overhead costs of running their business. Therefore, the dealership has to sell it for a little more than a private owner would.

Since dealers need to make a good profit on used vehicles, they purchase them for less than the retail value. When the dealership takes a trade in vehicle, they are essentially purchasing it from the new car customer, and at a price below the retail value. Essentially, this is called the trade in value.

Although trading in your car is easier than going through the hassle of trying to sell your car privately, you are going to get less money for your vehicle. If you sell your vehicle on your own, you can put the extra money you get towards important things such as an auto warranty and maintenance costs.