Would you ever think that a convertible could receive the same safety ratings as its counterpart sedan?  Well it has happened with Saab vehicles.

The Saab 9-3 two door convertible, years 2006 and 2007, that has a fabric retractable roof received the same ratings for side, rear and frontal crash tests as its counterpart with a steel roof.  In fact, it was also named a “Top Safety Pick”.

The crash tests that were performed were the first ever done on convertibles.  They were conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn’t even done tests on the convertibles that the IIHS did, so these scores are the very first indications of the safety of convertibles.

The 2007 version of the Saab 9-3 sedan has a suggested retail of $26,250, and the Saab 9-3 convertible goes for $37,495.  General Motors Corporation is the owner of Saab based out of Sweden.  Saab has had a longstanding reputation for safe vehicles.

No matter how high a car is rated it is important to purchase an auto warranty in case of unforeseen problems.  Used car warranties will save you money down the road when your car needs repair.  After all, no vehicle is without faults.

If you are thinking of buying a used or new car there are a few things that you should do first.  Taking some simple steps can save you money and make the car buying process easier.

First of all, consider buying a used vehicle.  All new cars lose approximately 30% of their value as soon as you drive them away from the dealership.  With a used car you don’t get that immediate depreciation.

Look at vehicles that will help you save money at the gas pump.  There are many new hybrids and cars that are fuel-efficient.  With all of the options, there is no need to buy a fuel-guzzler.

Next, try to build up a down payment.  Many people put little money down on a car and are surprised by the steep payments they are making the first four years of ownership.  Consumers should try to put down 20% if possible.

Finally, purchase an auto warranty when you purchase a vehicle.  Many people opt not to do this and they end up paying unnecessary maintenance and repair costs.

Following these simple tips will mean big savings down the road.  Make sure to do your homework before driving to the dealership.

Consumers are really feeling the pinch due to higher prices in almost everything they need. People are getting bombarded from every direction. Now isn’t the time to even consider purchasing a new car.

On Tuesday, Chrysler LLC announced that they have had a 19.4 decline in sales in the U.S. in comparison to March of last year. Sales for GM had dropped 18.7% and Ford saw a decline of 14.1%. Even ever-winning Toyota was down 10.3%.

Instead of purchasing new cars, some motorists are deciding to buy used vehicles that are late model. New car sales dropped 2.5% last year, however, certified used car sales were up 2%. These automobiles sold through a dealer with a factory auto warranty. So far this year certified pre-owned vehicles have increased in sales 4%.

Other motorists aren’t taking the gamble, and are hanging on to their older vehicle. Most of the cars built after 1996 have the capability to last up to 200,000 if they have an auto warranty that allows for them to be cared for properly.

Experian has just released its current statistics on used vehicles. They report an additional decline in sales last year. They are warning dealerships that 2008 may show little change because consumers are remaining cautious.

Although pre-owned vehicle sales have had an overall fall, older vehicles between 5-7 yrs old reported a sales increase of 3.3%. This is more of an increase than any of the other age groups.

The popularity of these older vehicles may be associated with the difficulty that motorists are experiencing when trying to get a loan from the bank. Also, consumers can pay less, either outright, or get a loan that is smaller.

In staying true to previous years, the SUV, MPV and sports vehicle segments have seen an increase in sales, despite the drop in all of the other segments.

In this tough economy people are cautious about purchasing any vehicle, new or used. Many people are opting to hold onto their older vehicles, and purchase an auto warranty to protect their tried and true.

Both electric powered cars, and enormous gas-guzzlers were displayed over the weekend at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway car show. Officials at the track said the display was “From Mean to Green.”

Electric cars were available, and even reasonably priced, leaving motorists with extra money to spend on an auto warranty and maintenance costs. For instance, there was the Zap. It can be found at dealerships all over the country for approximately $11,000. It travels at around 50 MPH and will ride on one charge for 20 miles. This is the sort of vehicle that is important to America’s future.

Also available at the Auto Fair were vehicles that were expensive and flashy. These cars keep their charge for about 100 miles, and are not very different from cars that operate on gas. The main difference is that they are much cheaper for motorists to drive. This allows drivers to spend money on a much needed auto warranty.

Volkswagen is hoping that people can find their love of the small station wagon with their launch of the Sportwagen.  This will be available to car shoppers later this year in July.

According to VW executives, the new wagon derived from the Jetta has the appeal of a compact car, and yet sports a European flair.  This should give it some traction in the market, as drivers want to change to smaller wagons.  Consumers are trying to save money by purchasing small, efficient vehicles.  This allows people to spend their money on an auto warranty, and car maintenance.

The new Jetta wagon has many attractive features.  It offers a 2.5-liter automatic or five-speed, as well as a turbo four that has 200 hp in a six-speed Tiptronic automatic or manual.  Towards the later part of the summer the diesel engine TDI will be here.  It has a six-speed automatic that is dual-clutch, without paddle shifters that are common in other vehicles with the transmission.  You can also get a panoramic sunroof, and a Sirius satellite radio.  Depending on the trim level you pick, the car will run you $19,000 to $26,000.

Consumers can expect to see the VW Sportwagen in July.  As with any auto purchase, new car warranties should be purchased to protect your investment.  This will ensure drivers’ peace of mind.

Ford Motor Company is doing research to develop two new technologies for safety belts.  This is a step that could greatly reduce injury in car crashes.

One of the safety belts that is a possibility is a four-point design that would incorporate a belt and suspenders system.  This is in lieu of the three-point seat belt that people are familiar with.  A second safety belt that is a possibility for the future has an air bag incorporated into the actual belt.

There are certain challenges technically that must be worked through in order for these safety systems to be useful, but this is a great beginning to what might one day be a safety enhancement.

Recent research with customers demonstrated to Ford that many consumers believe four-point safety belts are more comfortable and safer than three-point belts.  Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with issues such as safety, and new technologies.  Drivers are also becoming more responsible and purchasing an auto warranty to protect their vehicles that feature the latest advancements in technology.

With the poor economy and gas prices nearing $4 per gallon, more people are concerned with buying fuel-efficient vehicles. People don’t want to waste money on gas.  In addition, consumers are more concerned with getting a good deal on an auto loan and an auto warranty.

Some people assume that only small cars are fuel-efficient, but there are several vehicles to choose from in every category.  The following is a list of cars that will help you save at the gas pump.

If you’re looking for a small car, you can’t beat the Honda Civic Hybrid.  Its sticker price is $22,600 and it gets 40 mpg in the city.  Not to mention it’s a sporty ride.

As far as midsize cars go, the Nissan Altima Hybrid is the best.  It costs $25,170 and gets 35 mpg in the city.

In the large cars category, the Lexus GS-450 Hybrid tops the list.  It is a smooth vehicle with a sticker price of $54,900.  In this car you will get 22 mpg in the city.

If a compact SUV is your flavor, you might want to try the Ford Escape Hybrid at $26,505.  This is a nice looking vehicle that gets 34 mpg in the city.

If you need more space, you might want a large SUV.  If this is the case, the best is the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid at $52,395.  It gets 20 mpg.

Whatever your needs may be, there is a vehicle out there that rates well for fuel-efficiency.  Consumers should do their research on new cars, new car warranties, and maintenance costs in order to make a wise auto purchase.

So, you’ve done your research.  You’ve been to numerous car dealers with quotes from the Internet, so you know what is out there.  You know all about rebates, and have learned how to negotiate.  However, you still can’t find the right car for the right price.  Never fear, there is a car out there for you.  Consider these options.

It is a good idea to get a vehicle model late in the year, when a new model is about to come out.  For example, a very satisfied consumer bought a Honda Civic coupe in 2000, late in the year, right before the seventh-generation Civic was released.  He saved thousands.  Cars that you could purchase this year in this category are the GMC Sierra and VW Beetle.

Another good tactic for saving on a used car is to look at rental car sales.  Most companies such as Hertz and Alamo sell their cars.  Although they often have high mileage, they endure a rigorous maintenance plan.  You can save up to one-third of the price of the car new.

Finally, you can get a great deal on dealership demo models.  These vehicles usually have low-mileage.  Often times they are used for test drives.

Any educated consumer can get a good deal on a used car.  By doing research, and trying various options, you can rest assured that you are getting the most for your dollar.  Just make sure to maintain your vehicle and purchase an auto warranty in case of unforeseen repairs.

There is nothing that makes people more nervous than buying a used car.  However, the fact is that some of the smartest car shoppers today are purchasing pre-owned vehicles that serve them extremely well.  Even experts in the automobile world agree that it is a great time to buy a used vehicle.

There are several things working in the favor of people looking to buy used cars.  First of all, they are making cars better than ever.  That means that the used cars are also better than ever.  So, if you were to buy a car three years old, for instance, it would give you at least a half-decade of good use.  Of course, this is assuming that you have an auto warranty that allows you to maintain your vehicle.

Another reason that a used car makes sense today is depreciation.  When you own a new vehicle your number one cost is depreciation over the first five years.  For instance, during these years your vehicle could lose approximately 60% of its value.

Purchasing a used vehicle is a great option for people who don’t have money to throw away.  With the addition of used car warranties, you can rest assured that you have made a wise investment.