Analysts have been expecting the prices of crude oil to go down for months now, yet they continue to go up.  Will motorists ever be able to afford important things such as an auto warranty and maintenance again?  Crude oil prices had a considerable decline in March, however the hope is not just that the price will make demand go down, but that the amount of non OPEC production delayed will hopefully catch up late in the year and into next year.  The market will soon continue with production, which will cause prices to drop.

The investment of the oil companies are based on around $55-$75 per barrel of oil.  If you look at history, that is still very valuable oil.  That’s what we are going to see, and gas prices will drop.  However, the question on everyone’s mind is when.

Consumers shouldn’t expect price drops to be dramatic until after the summer is over.  Gas prices will likely rise and peak throughout the nation at about $3.50 per gallon.  However, motorists could see significant relief late in 2008 as new production is evident online.

There are a couple of things working in favor of lower gas prices.  Ethanol will displace a large part of the demand for gas since it will be taking 10% of gas out of the picture.  Also, prices won’t be up an enormous amount from years past, just about a percentage point.  However, this isn’t the beginning of the $4-$5 per gallon apocalypse for gas.  Never fear, motorists will be able to afford such things as an auto warranty and maintenance again.

With gas prices higher than ever across the nation, new car buyers are asking themselves “what alternatives that are fuel-efficient are there?”  Recently, gas-electric hybrids have gotten a lot of attention, however, diesel-powered vehicles may be the answer.

Diesel vehicles are very popular in other parts of the world.  They make up about 50% of new vehicles in Europe, however, they haven’t really peaked the interest of U.S car shoppers.

Diesels only account for 2% of the new vehicles in the U.S. regardless of fuel mileage levels that can be 40% higher than a gas powered vehicle that is comparable.

There is a new generation of diesels that are quieter, cleaner and much more powerful than efforts in the past.  Driving the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec sedan that is diesel will prove to anyone that this recent technology offers a terrific luxury sedan driving experience in addition to the 37-mpg rating.

Diesels have come a long way and can be a great option for motorists.  Like with any new car purchase, it is necessary to buy an auto warranty to protect your investment.  After all, you never know about new technology until it has been around for a while.

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.

Small SUVs serve the purpose of carrying people around town and fulfilling errands during the weekdays, then bounce through the country and hunker down on weekends. The 2009 Subaru Forester delivers this and more without hesitating.

The third generation of the Forester isn’t a wagon like past models; it’s all SUV. It is a five-door hatchback with cool restyling, as well as updated chassis and suspension. It has an appearance more like a truck.

The cabin of the Forester features clean lines. It is comfortable with secure seating, and a gauge cluster that is first rate. This vehicle offers fantastic visibility. You can see clearly forward, to the sides, and rearward. This makes for a safer ride.

Secure in snow and dirt, and ready for daily grind, the Forester is a well-rounded car. It features Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system, as well as the turbocharged boxer engine. The base price is $19,995. Consumers will enjoy this versatile vehicle. An auto warranty is a necessity to protect this precious gem.

According to auto experts, it makes sense that four-wheel drive would make drivers and passengers safer.  Every year, more new cars are being sold with the option for all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.  However, does it make sense for you to purchase one of these vehicles?  Do you really need it?  And are we actually safer with four-wheel drive?

Unfortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn’t done formal studies on the effectiveness and crash prevention of four-wheel drive.

Consumers should make a decision on if they want two or four-wheel drive before showing up at the dealership.  To decide this, make a list of the ways that you plan on using the vehicle and the places that you will be driving it.

You might want to ask yourself the following questions. Do I live in a climate with a lot snow or heavy rain?  Also, do I travel to go skiing frequently?  Do I live on a dirt road?  Also, will I be hauling things backwoods?

These are the kinds of situations that it will be worth your while to have two or four-wheel drive.

Two or four-wheel drive can be a great asset if you’re actually going to use it.  However, make sure it is a priority because it might push you over budget.  This feature can be terrific, however make sure to purchase an auto warranty to ensure that you’re not paying unnecessary costs for repairs down the road.

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.

When its time to test-drive a vehicle, you need to keep several things in mind.  You should drive the exact model and trim you’re interested in, ask the salesperson for silence, and choose the road yourself.  This is one of the most important drives you’ll ever take, so you need to get the most out of it.

First of all, make sure the model of the car is the one that you are interested in buying.  Different models may have major differences, such as engines and transmissions, tires and suspension, and interior features that will have a huge affect on the way the car drives and feels.  If you’re able to drive the actual car that you want to purchase, you won’t be surprised.

Don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson to refrain from talking.  Silence is necessary to make a proper evaluation of the car.  This way you can also hear how the car operates.  A good way to handle it is to request that you will want some quiet driving time before you pull out of the dealership.

If you are familiar with the area, request a test route of your choice.  You know better than anyone what kinds of driving you generally do and on what kinds of roads.

A test drive is an exciting experience, but don’t forget these tips.  They could save you from buying a vehicle that isn’t what you hoped it would be.  In addition, be smart and do your homework.  Make sure you factor in the price of an auto warranty, maintenance costs, and auto insurance.

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.

If you are concerned with driving a “green” vehicle, you need to think about a small car, or a hybrid. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy says that out of the 12 cars that are ranked the highest for being green in 2008, one third of them have hybrid powertrains. These cars have a combination of an internal-combustion engine along with a motor that is electric. This improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.

The last few years one of the mainstays of the list was the natural gas powered Honda Civic GX. It is back at the top for 2008, it scored 57 points. This car operates with compressed natural gas. The Civic GX was the highest-ranking car environmentally because of its high efficiency rating and emissions that are near zero.

There are some new additions to the Greenest list for 2008. One is the smart fortwo, which came in at number four. Another model from Europe that made the list is the Mini Cooper. This vehicle comes in number eight, scoring 44. The only domestic car to make the list was the Ford Focus. It comes in ninth place.

Consumers are becoming more concerned with “green” cars. These cars are environmentally friendly, as well as fuel-efficient. This will save you money at the gas pump and allow you to put your money towards important things, such as an auto warranty, and maintenance costs.

Why would you benefit from buying a sedan?  Mainly because sedans offer a well-rounded balance of performance, handling, fuel economy, access and safety.  They are a good choice in many types of driving situations.  Unless you need an excess of cargo space or towing capacity, they are a great option.

There are many varieties of sedans to choose from.  For example there are small, large, upscale, family and luxury sedans.  Within all of these categories, models offer different characteristics.  They balance being sporty, providing comfort, and practicality differently.

The amount of fuel efficiency can vary greatly from one sedan to the next.  It is important to do your homework and compare various models.

When looking for a sedan, enter and exit from all of the doors.  You want a sedan that has wide doors and sufficient headroom.

All new sedan models have dual front air bags.  Also three point seat belts and LATCH systems are included.  However, side air bags and head protection bags are also available on some models.  In addition, antilock brakes are becoming standard on car models.

Do some research to get the sedan that best suits your needs.  Also, purchase an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary repair costs down the road.  These simple tips will ensure that you make a wise purchase.