Most people think that rental cars endure a lot of abuse.  This is why many people shy away from buying one.  However, people with this attitude may be missing the boat.  Rentals can turn out to be great used cars for an affordable price.  In addition, some come with an auto warranty.

As with any used vehicle, it is important to have a trustworthy independent shop inspect the car.  Even if you end up walking away from the deal, it is worth the money.  A mechanic can tell a lot by getting it on a lift.  Also, it is a good idea to obtain a car history report by CARFAX.

A major upside to rental cars is that they have received regular maintenance and checkups in the rental fleet.  Before going up for sale, the cars are put through a rigorous inspection.  An independent technician, not the company’s mechanic, does the inspection.

Rental cars can be a great option for car shoppers.  They receive regular maintenance and are offered at good prices.  In addition, they usually have the balance of the auto warranty offered by the manufacturer.

Most people don’t realize that a less-expensive vehicle can end up costing you more over time than a more-expensive vehicle.

For example, a Mitsubishi Lancer costs approximately $17,500.  This is $5,000 less than the sticker price of a Mini Cooper Clubman.  However, when you factor in ownership costs of each vehicle, the Mitsubishi Lancer will cost approximately $3,000 more for five years.  Also, a Toyota Highlander is $3,000 more to buy than a Ford Explorer V6, yet the Ford would cost you $6,500 more over five years.

People should consider the sticker price when purchasing a vehicle, but that’s not all.  Consumers also need to take into account how much a car will cost them with ownership.  For example, people should factor in depreciation, auto loans, an auto warranty, insurance, fuel costs, sales tax, repair costs, and maintenance.

These days there are many different places to purchase a used vehicle.  You can search the Internet from your own home, go to a car dealer, or go through a private owner.  Each of these is a good option if you do your homework.

If you want to car shop from the convenience of your home, you can search used-car websites.  You will be asked to fill in your price range, the make and model you want, and a zip code.  A list of cars will be displayed in your area with the seller’s information.  You can even place a classified ad if you would like to sell your old vehicle.

Independent pre-owned car dealers usually handle all car makes.  You can find anything from an almost new vehicle to a junker.  It is a good sign if a dealer has been around for a long time and has a good reputation.  One bonus to purchasing at a dealer is that they can arrange financing for you, as well as an auto warranty.

Typically, you will get the best price from a private owner.  They just want to get rid of their current vehicle and they don’t have to cover the overhead like a business does.  However, a private owner might not be aware of mechanical problems that a dealership would recognize.

Used cars are a great option for any buyer.  The important thing is that consumers do their homework about car prices, used car warranties, and auto loans.  This way you can make a wise purchase.

Did you know that your car is talking?  That’s right, your car is saying a great deal about your personality and attitude.  It’s true we are what we drive.  Car enthusiasts even admit that our vehicles are a window into our souls.

Carmakers admit that minivan sales have declined partly due to the fact that people don’t want that mommy-mobile image.  Ford and GM have completely given up on minivans for this reason and are just focusing on crossovers.

In our culture of cars, drivers idealize their vehicles and even give them qualities that are human.  For example, when hypnotized motorists will refer to their vehicles as if they are their friends.  People even give their cars a name and talk to them.  Also, people try to pick a car that has attributes that mirror their self-image.  For instance, a person who thinks of themselves as outdoorsy buys a vehicle that is rugged.

So, the next time you purchase a vehicle and an auto warranty you might want to consider what your vehicle is saying.  Your car might be telling people more than you would like them to know.

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world, and they host a motor show that features exotic supercars made by small-scale automakers.  The products may be insanely expensive, yet significant sales are secured during the show.  Here’s a rundown of some of these fantastic supercars that you would never think of driving out of the lot without an auto warranty.

First, there is the Zagato-Bentley GTZ.  This is a beautiful car that is a reworking of the Bentley Continental GT Speed.  It has a double bubble roof and paint that is two-toned, with a style equal to the luxury vehicles of the ‘50s and 60’s.  Only a handful of these cars will ever be produced, and they will likely sell out quickly.  Also, these will become collectors’ items.

Next is the Bugatti Veyron Hermes Edition.  The Hermes craftsmen, the Paris fashion house, have customized this car extensively.  It even has grilles that incorporate an “H” for Hermes, door handles that are reminiscent of Hermes luggage, and a central console covered in leather.  This vehicle can be yours for around $2.4 million.  However, you must have patience because the Hermes’ craftsmen only produce one vehicle a month.

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of these luxury vehicles, don’t dare drive it without an auto warranty.  Repair expenses on these vehicles can be astronomical.

Hyundai has been busy, constantly introducing new products.  The latest might be the most exciting so far.  The Genesis Coupe stirred up lots of attention at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year, although still in a conceptual form.  The car lost little in translation with production.

The Genesis Coupe has an aggressive styling, which was emulated after a predatory animal.  You can really see this in the headlights that are angled and the twisting lines that are below the beltline.

The goal for the new coupe was to design a performance vehicle that’s design would catch the attention of automotive enthusiasts.

The Genesis Coupe doesn’t just look the part.  It is going to be available with an engine that is 3.8-liter DOHC V6 and will produce 306 horsepower.  It will also be available in a 212-horsepower 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine.

The interior of the Genesis Coupe stays true to the performance look of the exterior.  However, the seats are comfortable and supportive and have side bolsters.  There is a push button starter and large speedometer.

Consumers can expect to be able to purchase the 2010 model of the Genesis Coupe, along with an auto warranty, early in the year 2009.  Pricing has not been announced, but it will likely have a value price like the rest of the Hyundai line.

It’s obvious that car manufacturers have dragged their feet on developing fuel-efficient vehicles.  But it isn’t conspiracy theories that have slowed them down.  Americans have talked about fuel-efficiency for years, but when it came time to purchase an automobile, people didn’t really care about mpg.  They bought the vehicle that they really wanted, complete with an auto warranty to protect it.

Recently, J.D. Power and Associates did a study with 100,000 car shoppers asking drivers to rank what their buying priorities are.  Any idea where fuel economy ended up on the list?  It was eighth place.  Reliability came in 1st, and even image and performance were cited as being more important than fuel economy.  This survey comes at a time when gas prices are nearing $4 per gallon, and the war in Iraq is a daily reminder of how much we need energy independence.

Money is what talks, and car manufacturers listen.  If it were between a fuel-efficient hatchback and the giant SUV with a V8 and advanced technology, we know which way the money will go.  After all, auto manufacturers are capitalists and are happy to oblige.  Especially when you consider that they earn at least $5,000 in profit for a luxury sedan or SUV, and the small car results in a loss.

The 2008 Land Rover LR2 is here.  This vehicle is a compact SUV that takes some of its style cues from the other models of Land Rovers.  Land Rover has a reputation for designing luxury SUV’s that can handle on various terrains.  However, ever since the Freelander was discontinued several years ago in the U.S. there hasn’t been a small vehicle by Land Rover; that is until now.

The 2008 Land Rover LR2 has excellent performance on the road, while possessing the legendary off-road prowess.  The capabilities of this compact SUV have a great balance between comfort and advanced handling.

The LR2 had advantages comparable to a premium sedan.  For instance its ride is polished, its performance is accomplished and it has an attractive cabin, all with the benefits of an SUV.

This vehicle has a transversely mounted six-cylinder engine, which makes for an improved interior space.  Fuel economy ratings for the car are 16 mpg/city and 23mpg/highway.  The sticker price for the base model of this vehicle is $34,700.

Consumers can rest assured that Land Rover has once again delivered the quality that it is known for.  Motorists can enjoy the comfort of this vehicle, as well as the off-road capabilities.  As always, it is wise to purchase an auto warranty along with this vehicle in case repairs are needed down the road.

Vehicles make people irrational.  They become our babies and we wash and wax them every weekend.  People even talk to their cars and give them an affectionate pat every now and then.  But as much as we love our cars, we don’t need to spend unnecessary money on them.  Here are some things that you might be wasting your money on.

First of all, you don’t need to purchase premium gas instead of regular.  Buy the gas that is the cheapest that doesn’t allow your engine to knock.  The purpose of octane is to prevent knock, so if your car isn’t knocking with regular gas, you’re fine.

Typically, car manufacturers suggest that you get an oil change every 5,000-7,500 miles.  Many people feel that they need oil changes every 3,000 miles.  This is only necessary if you’re hard on your vehicle.

Also, people waste money by having repairs done at a dealer.  Independent shops will do a good job for much less money.  And make sure you have an auto warranty so you aren’t paying unnecessary repair costs.

Just being aware of where you are wasting money can allow you a big savings.  Don’t let people talk you into unnecessary car expenses.

The shift from traditional SUV’s was noticeable in 2007.  People were more focused on crossovers.  The high gas prices are most likely responsible for this change. People want to put their money towards an auto warranty and maintenance, not fuel. While most car sales were noticeably down in the U.S, the Honda CR-V experienced a 29% increase in sales from a year ago.  It’s no surprise that it is listed as the most popular SUV, according to MSN Autos.

The Honda CR-V is at the top of the list.  It’s sales in 2007 were over 219,000, and it was the tenth best selling automobile.  It has a 2.4-liter, 166 hp incline four engine.  It is pretty fuel-efficient at 20-mpg city and 27mpg highway.

Next on the list is the Toyota RAV4.  It is available in a base model, Limited, or Sport trim.  It can be purchased with a 3.5-liter V6, or four-cylinder engine.  The sticker price is $21,000 for a 2008 version.

Number three is the GMC Acadia.  This vehicle is GMC’s first attempt at a crossover, and they succeeded.  It is available in front wheel drive, and all wheel.  The Acadia has a 3.6-liter V6.

It appears that the trend for crossovers will continue.  People are concerned with fuel prices and don’t want to buy gas-guzzlers.  Instead, drivers are putting their money towards new car warranties.