Automakers are hoping to grab the U.S. automobile buyers attention.  To do this they are offering large cash incentives, as well as low financing, for vehicles that aren’t selling.

Car sales in the U.S. were down 6.2% in February over the previous year.  Automakers are counting on better incentives to lure auto buyers to the dealership.  The average rebate last month was over $2,400, which is 8.4% higher than the previous year.

It is definitely a buyers market, and this trend will continue.  Car sales will soften and dealers will offer superb deals.  In addition, sales people for new cars will be more willing to negotiate.

A February analysis of incentive deals, which included low financing rates, cash rebates, and lease deals as a portion of the sticker price for each category shows that big trucks were at the top with 14%, and luxury type sports vehicles were at the bottom with 2.9%.

In this difficult economy people are finding it hard to purchase new cars.  However, there are great deals out there for consumers who find themselves in the position to buy.  Consumers also need to research a good price on an auto warranty to protect their wallets in the case of unforeseen repairs.  After all, it isn’t wise to pay the price for a new vehicle and then waste money on costly repairs.

There is nothing worse than purchasing a car and finding out that it has an ocean of problems, literally.

Why? The number of cars on the market in the last five years that have been damaged by flooding, hurricanes or rains has doubled. Certain states have actually reported an increase of six times more than the number recorded five years ago.

A lot of times, vehicles with this problem are moved from regions that experience a lot of flooding to less suspicious areas. These cars will find themselves back on the pre-owned market, disguised and rebuilt to look clean.

It can be hard to realize if a flood has damaged a car, yet if a car has been underwater it will rot inside and out. Also, water damage can threaten the mechanical systems and ruin electronics in a vehicle, without even leaving a sign on the outside of the vehicle.

Since sales of used cars are expected to reach 45 million this year, consumers need to be on high alert for any signs of flood damage. Also, purchase an auto warranty to protect yourself in case you have unforeseen repair costs.

Credit is a key factor when an auto shopper is trying to figure out how much they will pay for a car.  However, according to experts, people should look at various dealers to compare special financing deals.  This is as important as shopping around for a car type.

It is important to request a copy of your credit report and score through a credit agency.  This will give you a better idea of what you will be dealing with when you talk about financing.

There are web-based tools that you can look to for help.  For example, AutoTrader.com is a website for classifieds that actually has a credit center for people looking to buy a car with bad credit.  And while other websites of a similar nature require the consumer to disclose personal and confidential information, the credit center only asks general questions to give the shopper privacy.

After you fill out the questionnaire, you will get a credit level that is estimated excellent, good or fair.  Next, you can do a search among car dealers in your area that can help you with your specific financing needs.

The key is to be prepared when you walk into the dealership.  Websites are a great way to arm you with knowledge.  You can learn all about car prices, credit scores, and prices on an auto warranty.  You want to do your homework so that you can get the best deal you can on the car itself, financing and new car warranties.

Are you ready to make a step up from that old used car that you have been driving, but you can’t afford the high sticker price on a new car?

If you’re answering yes, there may be a desirable option for you.  Consider purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle.

The concept of the CPO market is very simple.  Car manufacturers take vehicles that are under five years old and give them an inspection that is very detailed.  If the car passes, it is sold at a premium with an extended auto warranty and additional perks.

Consumers reap the benefits.  They get a car that seams brand new with the peace of mind of a new car.  In addition, they receive these benefits at the price of a used car and they are able to purchase a class of vehicle that they wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise.

Certified pre-owned vehicles can be a great option for those buyers out there that aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a new car.  Not only do you have a car that seems brand new, you have an auto warranty and peace of mind to go with it.

Your vehicle’s water pump is basically the heart of the cooling system in your car.  It performs the task of circulating engine coolant throughout the system going from the radiator, then to the engine, and back again.  This allows you to enjoy air conditioning in hot temperatures.

Your engine gives the water pump the energy that it needs to work correctly.  It either operates through a belt and pulley, or a gear and chain.  The power that is generated by the pump goes to a shaft with an impeller.

The impeller spins, circulating the coolant all around your vehicle.  The impeller is similar to a propeller that moves a boat.

The shaft and impeller spin on a bearing that is sealed.  It is important to check this because this part of the water pump will wear out.  So, look for leaking coolant or a strange noise.  Also, an engine that is wet is a sign that your water pump needs replacing.

If any of these signs are apparent, replace your water pump.  In addition, to these signs, your water pump will either be working correctly or not.  It is necessary to purchase an auto warranty for repairs such as this that are unforeseen.  After all, you want to protect your wallet.

Often motorist get sticker shock or experience buyer’s remorse after buying a new car.  However, you can avoid this by considering the expenses that you will encounter in the future.

According to experts, most consumers anticipate the price of the purchase, registration and taxes.  However, many people forget to factor in the price of insurance and new car warranties.  Fortunately, by doing your homework you can get good deals on insurance and an auto warranty.

To control car costs drivers should consider these tips.  First of all, decide before you get to the dealership the amount of money that you can spend.  Also, decide on what type of car will suit your needs. It is also beneficial to get quotes from several dealers, because then you are in the position to negotiate.  Finally, check insurance and auto warranty prices on the vehicle that you want to purchase.

You don’t have to go broke purchasing a new car.  But, be smart and consider all of the costs involved.  It isn’t just the purchase price that you will be paying.

With spring right around the corner, it’s time to clean up your vehicle and make it look nice again.  Here are a few things that you can do to make your car look brand new.

Caring for your car means starting with a comprehensive washing.  You need to get off all of the mud, grime, and road salt that have built up on your car over the winter months.

It is important to use a pH balanced wash on your vehicle.  You don’t want to use a detergent that is harsh; it will strip away car wax on your car.

Following a good washing, evaluate your vehicle surface.  To do this you can rub your hand on top of the surface of your car.

If your car surface is rough on your hand, you probably have water deposits, bugs or tar.  You want to get these things cleaned off before waxing your vehicle.

After taking these steps, it is time to apply a car polish and wax that will protect your vehicle’s finish from harming elements, such as acid rain and UV rays.  Coat your car with the wax in a uniform, smooth manner.

It is important that you be proactive in caring for your vehicle.  This includes washing, waxing and maintenance.  In addition, purchase an auto warranty to protect your wallet in case of unforeseen repairs.

It is a big deal to pick out a car for your teenager.  You have to consider finances, but safety is the most important factor, especially if you are buying for a new driver.  It is a fact that half of the deaths among teen’s ages 15-17 are the result of a vehicle crash.  So, parents where do you start?  Do your homework to make a good decision.  Keep these important things in mind.

Look for a car that is affordable.  Of course, your teenager will want a new, cool car, yet it may not fit into your budget.  So, consider a used car that is certified.  Study the pre-owned vehicle market so that you don’t get taken advantage of.  Also, research costs for insurance and used car warranties.

The most important factor to consider is safety.  The most risky thing that your teen will be doing every day is driving.  A smart choice would be to find a car that has safety features like anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.  These have been found to reduce accidents.  Also, your teen’s car should have airbags and head restraints that are adjustable.

Reliability is a key factor.  Avoid cars that have high mileage.  Also, have the vehicle inspected to make sure it is sound mechanically, and the safety components are operating.  However, no matter how reliable a car seems to be, you never know when you will need to pay for repairs.  This is why it is important to have used car warranties.

You might not be able to afford that new sports car that your teenager desires, but you can find something that will suit his needs, as well as yours.  Do your homework and make sure you are wise about making a purchase.  And most importantly, buy an auto warranty to protect your wallet in case of unforeseen expenses.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a new vehicle this year you need to consider the worth of the car in a few years, when you’re ready to trade it in for another car.  Consider these four factors that determine the resale value of a vehicle.

Supply and demand is the first factor.  Vehicles that have a high volume of production, such as Chevrolet and Ford pickup trucks don’t hold a high resale value because they are so numerous.

Next, brand image is important.  For instance, Toyota, Porsche, and Honda have great images, which is the reason they end up on the high end of the table every year.  Regardless of whether the vehicle deserves it or not, brand name is a huge factor in the resale price of a car.

If there is a high incentive for spending on a new car, the residual value will be lower on a recent model.  Just remember, there is a reason for high incentives.

Also investigate the number of units of a certain model that were sold to rental and commercial fleets.  If there was a great number sold, the resale value will be less.

Consider these factors when buying a new car.  A vehicle is only a good deal if it is worth something when it comes time to trade it in.  In addition, purchase an auto warranty to protect your wallet against unnecessary expenses.

The decision to lease or buy can be a difficult one.  Motorists should consider more than just their budget.  Typically, leasing tends to be cheaper, but it also leaves drivers with no equity after the contract is up.  There are some important factors to keep in mind when making this important decision.

First, it is necessary to look at the cost.  Consider four factors when you’re thinking of leasing.  These are the leases length, the payments monthly, the mileage restrictions, and the down payment.  If you exceed the restrictions on the mileage you could ring up big fines.  Also, if you hold onto a lease for more than three years you will often have to replace tires and pay for other maintenance.

Next, look at your budget.  Leases are almost always cheaper for short-term because there isn’t a down payment and the monthly costs are low.  However, leases end up being more expensive than buying a vehicle that you are going to keep for a decade.  This is assuming that you purchase an auto warranty with your car so that you don’t end up paying unnecessary expenses.  But if drivers prefer to have a new car every three years, leasing is the way to go.

Also consider your life plans.  If you are going through life changes, such as moving far away, or starting a family, you are going to benefit from leasing.  This will provide you with the flexibility that you need.

Consider these factors and make a decision to buy or lease based on your needs.  Just remember, if you buy, you want to be covered with an auto warranty to save you money in the long run.