If you want to annoy an executive from BMW, ask him about the new Mini station wagon.  Actually, it’s the Mini Cooper Clubman.

In the auto business, today, people have negative images of the station wagon.  It is the complete opposite of what BMW wants people to associate with the Mini.

And yet, if you take a look at the Mini Clubman, it is essentially a station wagon, yet a fantastic one.

The Mini Clubman is fuel-efficient, smooth, clean in design, innovative, and offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo.

BMW has had a great success story with the Mini.  It was launched back in 2001, and at that time BMW hoped to sell 150,000 per year.  However, it is projected that this year alone, 240,000 Minis will be sold, with the aid of the Clubman.

Consumers now more than ever want realistic vehicles that offer fuel-efficiency.  BMW has delivered on this.  Drivers can purchase this car with the addition of an auto warranty and rest assured that their purchase was wise.

Anti-lock braking systems, or ABS, were made available for cars in America in 1978.  Mercedes-Benz was the first carmaker to install them on their vehicles.  Then, Cadillac began installing ABS on their luxury vehicles in 1986.

ABS utilizes onboard computers, which have links to the wheel sensors, that make the brakes automatically pump at a rapid rate.  Anti-locking brakes apply pressure selectively by being able to determine which of the wheels might lock, and then lowering the pressure of the brakes on those wheels so they can rotate properly. ABS will only work in a panic situation, not in normal braking circumstances.

It is important to keep in mind that ABS won’t create a shorter stopping distance.  Yet, its advantage is that drivers can maintain control and avoid skidding.

Drivers need to know how to use ABS correctly.  The proper way to brake with this system is to stomp and steer.  While many drivers are accustomed to pumping, this isn’t correct for this system.  Instead, drivers should apply a strong pressure down on the brake without letting up.

Auto safety is becoming a big priority for motorists.  New car technologies are allowing for advanced safety features that protect passengers and drivers.  Drivers should also protect themselves by buying an auto warranty for their car.  This allows motorists to have peace of mind.

According to recent data from J.D. Power and Assoc. Toyota does the best job out of any car company in America of keeping its consumers coming back for more.  This data also shows that General Motors comes in second place for retaining customers.

Among recent new vehicle shoppers who previously owned a Toyota, Scion, or Lexus, 69% bought another product from Toyota Motor Co.

In the meantime, people who owned GMC, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Saab or other vehicles by GM bought another GM product 65% of the time.

That means that GM had approximately a three percent point improvement from last year.

Scoring the lowest for customer retention in the study was Isuzu.  Only 1.6% of Isuzu owners bought another one.  The next lowest on the list was Mitsubishi, keeping approximately 31.7% of their owners.

Typically, there are a few things that hurt customer retention.  These are poor car quality and poor dealership service.  However, no matter what type of vehicle you purchase, you never know when you are going to need to make repairs.  This is why it is important to buy an auto warranty to protect you.

Many motorists don’t realize that a little bit of routine maintenance can keep you free of expensive car repairs.  And most maintenance takes no more time than refilling the fluid for your windshield wipers.  Here are a few tips to help keep drivers safe and free of trouble.

Make sure to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.  However, you should check your oil at least once a month.  You want the oil line on your dipstick to be between the marker lines.  If the oil looks dirty or black, it is time to have it changed.

If you’re having trouble shifting gears you are probably having transmission problems.  Check the level of the transmission fluid to determine if it is low.  Low transmission fluid could indicate a leak.  You should refill it with the lubricant your car recommends.  If you see leaking on your driveway take your car to a mechanic.

Also, check your coolant levels.  You should have your radiator flushed every two years and change your coolant.  In addition, make sure your radiator is corrosion free.

Finally, check your tire pressure every two weeks.  Consult your owner’s manual for the correct pressure, and fill your tires accordingly.  Remember, both overinflation and underinflation affect safety and fuel efficiency, so it is important to maintain tire pressure.

These simple maintenance tips can keep you from having major, costly repairs.  However, it is important to purchase an auto warranty because you don’t want to be faced with unnecessary expenses down the road.

When it comes time to buy a family vehicle, there are many considerations.  First, you have to think about having plenty of seats and cargo space so your family is comfortable.  Next, you need to find a car with good fuel-efficiency, low maintenance costs, dependability and most importantly, safety.  That is a lot to ask of any car, and with all of the options out there, which car should you purchase?  Here are some top picks.

Unexpectedly, the Suzuki XL7 is a great overall SUV.  You can get this car fully loaded for $29,000 with a fantastic auto warranty.  It comes complete with all-wheel drive, a DVD system, power everything, leather seats, and a 3.6-liter V6.  It also has a curvy exterior with a sporty, modern look.

If you’re looking for a great sporty sedan, the VW Passat is an excellent choice.  This car ranges from $23,915 to $39,140.  The Passat has excellent style, drivability, fuel-efficiency, and of course price.  In addition, it has a lot of high tech features, and the safety rating is excellent.

Crossovers are all the rage, and the Mazda CX-7 is a great family vehicle in this category.  With a $23,750 base price, the CX-7 has room for five people, as well as a striking appearance.  Its drivability is excellent with its 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection.  This cars interior is classy, modern and comfortable.

Finding an ideal family vehicle can be challenging.  It is important to do your homework to find the vehicle that suits your family the most.  Also, your new vehicle should have an auto warranty that will protect your against unnecessary repair expenses down the road.

People become irrational about their cars.  They treat them as if they are their babies and give them affectionate wash and wax jobs on the weekends.  Some drivers even talk to their vehicles and give them a pat here and there.  But as much as our cars mean to us, we don’t need to waste money on them.  Here are some common ways that drivers waste money on their cars.

First of all, buying premium fuel over regular isn’t necessary.  Purchase the cheapest gas possible that keeps your engine from knocking.  Octane serves the purpose of preventing knock, so if your car doesn’t knock with regular gasoline you’re fine.

Usually, auto manufacturers recommend that you change your oil every 5,000-7,000 miles.  Many motorists assume that they should get their oil changed every 3,000 miles, however, this should be done only if you put a lot of wear and tear on your car.

Also, having auto repairs done at a dealership will cost you.  Instead, find a reliable independent shop to do the job for less money.  In addition, it is a good idea to have an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary costs down the road.

Following these simple tips can save you lots of money.  Don’t allow other people to talk you into paying expenses for your vehicle that are unnecessary.

Used cars are a great option for car shoppers because cars today have such good quality that they last longer.  This allows motorists to enjoy a car that someone else has already owned.  Some advocates of used cars like to say that a used car is just a model that’s already been broken in.

In many cases, a used vehicle will serve your needs just fine.  Maybe you need to buy a car for your teenager who will no doubt bend a few fenders along the way.  Or perhaps you need a truck that will take you on weekend getaways.  In these cases, you can enjoy the low price of a used vehicle that you are only going to drive occasionally.

A large amount of the value of a used car comes from the fact that previous owners have already paid for the depreciation costs.  Depreciation is the largest ownership cost.  However, it is important to remember that certain vehicles depreciate at a slower rate.  For example, Acura and Lexus cars depreciate at a slower rate than average.  In addition, BMWs depreciate slowly because the demand on the market exceeds their supply.  Cars, such as the Ford Taurus depreciate at a quick rate since they are often used in the fleets of rental cars.

Purchasing a used vehicle is a great option if you do your homework.  Make sure to research the most reliable used vehicles that will retain their value.  In addition, purchase an auto warranty for peace of mind.

In today’s world, the divide between new and used cars are less distinct because of certified pre-owned programs that manufacturers support.  Now, consumers can purchase luxury vehicles that appear to be brand new.

Mercedes Benz was the first auto manufacturer to offer a certification program that was comprehensive in 1989.  Lexus then began a certified pre-owned program in 1993, and since then over 30 car manufacturers have introduced similar programs.

Buying a pre-owned vehicle is now a savvy alternative that allows motorists to minimize their risk and maximize their value.  That’s because these programs take the hottest pre-owned vehicles, recondition them, add an auto warranty, and sell them.  No matter what your budget is, you will enjoy spending less money on a depreciating asset.  This allows you to put your cash towards a better use, such as maintenance costs and an extended auto warranty.

The certified-pre owned car market has revolutionized the car market.  Consumers are realizing that they can get a luxury vehicle that is like new, complete with an auto warranty and peace of mind.  This is a great option for any car shopper.

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 and reliability should be top considerations when purchasing a car for a teenager.  After all, teens are new drivers and lack experience.  To determine which cars are safe, you should look at results from crash tests and advanced safety features.  Also, make sure the car comes with a sufficient auto warranty, because teens tend to put more wear and tear on a vehicle.

Typically, vehicles that are big and heavy rate the best in crash tests.  However, large vehicles are much harder to maneuver and tend to be gas-guzzlers.  Also keep in mind that SUVs and large pickups aren’t wise choices for teens because they have a higher roll over rate in accidents.

A mid-size sedan with good safety features and crash ratings is an overall wise choice for teens.  Vehicles with these features include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Sonata, Acura RSX, Mazda 3 and Subaru Impreza.

When purchasing a vehicle for a teenager, try to get the newest possible model that offers reliability.  To see crash test results; consult the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  Also, make sure you have an auto warranty so you don’t have to pay unnecessary repair expenses down the road.