Tag Archive
Drivers and politicians tend to be against road tolls because it is believed that they burden drivers with a lower income disproportionately. However, a recent study by USC and UCLA has discovered that a sales tax may be a greater offender on that front.
The study looked at a 10-mile stretch of freeway in California that encompasses four express lanes on Route 91. It discovered that, overall; the toll was used more by middle and upper income drivers than by drivers with a lower income. It also discovered that charging more during hours that are peak helped alleviate traffic.
However, if the highway was financed by a sales tax, the study discovered that these same middle and upper income motorists would have shelled out $26 million less than they would have under a system of tolls. In the meantime, drivers who are lower income would end up paying $3 million more.
Congestion pricing and tolls aren’t perfect, and the study made a suggestion that lower income motorists who have to travel during peak hours should be given discounted pricing. After all, lower income drivers are already struggling to afford car costs, such as an auto warranty and car insurance.
When it comes time for you to test-drive a car, you need to be aware of a few things. After all, this will be one of your most important drives ever, so make sure to get the most out of it.
First, make sure you test-drive the exact model that you’re thinking of buying. There may be big differences in various models, such as transmissions and engines, tires and suspension, and features in the cabin that will largely affect the way a vehicle handles and feels.
If the salesperson is talking a lot, ask him to please be quiet. You need quiet to properly evaluate a vehicle. This will allow you to hear how the vehicle operates. It might make things easier to tell the salesperson in the showroom that you might need some quiet driving time.
Request a specific test route of your liking if you are familiar with the roads. You are the only one who knows what kind of driving you will be doing and on what roads.
It is easy to get excited when test-driving a car, but don’t forget these important tips. They could save your from purchasing a car that might not end up liking. Also, do your homework to get a good deal. You’ll need to factor in the price of maintenance costs, an auto warranty, and auto insurance.
Many people struggle to decide what kind of car to buy. It can be difficult to sort through all of the vehicle options to arrive at the car that best suits you. Here are some important factors to consider that will help you make the right decision when purchasing a car.
First of all, decide what you intend to use the vehicle for. Don’t buy a 4WD SUV because you take two camping trips a year. If you’re using the car everyday for commuting, you are going to want to purchase a car that is easy to maneuver with good fuel-efficiency.
Next, consider the looks of the vehicle. You need to find a vehicle that you can stand to look at every day without getting sick of it. If you end up with a car that makes you shudder when you look at it, you will never enjoy it.
Finally, fuel-efficiency, although not as big of a deal three years ago, is now a major factor in car buying. Now there are options of what kind of fuel you want to burn. For example, some options are E10, E20, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, petrol, diesel, and B5. All of these fuels have their benefits, so decide which will suit you the best.
The best way to get the car that is going to fit you is to do your research on various vehicle models. Also, when doing this consider the added costs of an auto warranty, vehicle maintenance, and auto loans.
For motorists who like to take things into their own hands, the Internet is the place to look for valuable information. Consumers are seeking research online to aid them in buying a new automobile, finding out about car service, and finding a good auto warranty.
A new study shows that 74 percent of people who do research on service and parts say they are utilizing the Internet more now than two years ago. In addition, 90 percent of motorists researching service information about automobiles say that the Internet influenced their purchase.
Customers who are well informed can do a good job of describing issues for potential repair when they visit their mechanic for maintenance. However, it can be a problem when car owners try to do significant repairs by themselves because many times they make misdiagnoses on their car. This can end up harming their car more.
For example, if a motorist replaces the alternator because the car is having trouble starting, when in fact the battery should have been changed, it could cost hundreds of dollars to rectify the situation.
It is good for consumers to use the Web to research about cars because it can aid their mechanic. However, motorists who think they can fix anything could end up stranded somewhere. At any rate, it is always good to have used car warranties 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, new car warranties, and roadside assistance. Fortunately, by doing your homework you can get good deals on insurance, an auto warranty, and road service.
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.
Buying a car can be overwhelming, yet, keeping a car can even be worse. Enticing television ads and the lure on the web can make it hard to resist buying a new car. However, during this difficult economy, it makes sense not to give in to temptation.
In America, people find it hard to stay with a car for over five years. But with a few common-sense tips and an auto warranty, an unnecessary car purchase can be avoided.
First, make sure that the current car you drive is small and Japanese. For instance, the Honda Civic is a sure thing. It may get a little rust, but it won’t die. And even though driving a Tercel from ’92 may not get you a date on Friday night, it’s reliability will make you not want to give it up.
Second, do lots of research. This is actually a great method to prevent buying a car. Searching the Internet for the cars in your price range will overwhelm you with too many options. Also research used car warranties to protect the car you have.
Finally, focusing on a specific model and make is a good tactic. This is especially good if that model hasn’t been produced for at least a decade. The odds are very slim that you will find that car on the market with less than 300,000 miles.
So, what do you do if you still desire a new car after weeks of research? What if your old Civic is pulling you toward the dealer? Just remember as soon as that new car gets off the lot it’s value will drop instantly. Keeping your clunker is your best bet.
According to research, more commuters than ever are experiencing rush hour breakdowns. These breakdowns occur between 7-9 am and are leaving employees and carpool moms stranded. Motorists should have a roadside assistance program to protect themselves in this case.
Breakdowns leave drivers stranded and expose them to road dangers. In a recent survey of motorists who have had a breakdown in the last two years, 15% had children in the car, 20% were in a situation that they felt wasn’t safe to leave their car, and 5% had a passenger who was elderly. Also, 30% of the women surveyed felt stressed about finding help.
The survey also revealed that there are five main locations for vehicles to breakdown. The first location is at home. This means that drivers aren’t even getting out of their driveways. The second and third locations are on the way to work, and when going to visit family and friends. The fourth typical breakdown spot is at shops, and work comes in fifth.
To avoid dangerous breakdown situations, make sure you have a roadside assistance program and a good auto warranty. Road service will keep you from waiting a long time. Also, emergency roadside assistance will allow you to get back on the road faster.
We’ve all been there. You’re driving along when all of a sudden you hear sirens blaring behind you. You realize that you are going to get a speeding ticket and you really don’t have the extra funds to pay for it. With all of the expenses you’re already paying for your vehicle, such as roadside assistance, auto warranty, maintenance, and loans, the last thing you need is the added cost of a speeding ticket. Well, never fear because the Trapster just may save you.
Pete Tenereillo of California invented trapster. Essentially, this is a social network where motorists can use their cell phones to alert other drivers about speed traps that they have encountered.
All you have to do is sign up for a free membership at the website and then download the Trapster software on your cell phone. Most of the latest cell phones, PDAs and Blackberries can accommodate this software.
After signing up, you’re ready to get out and start driving. If you come across a state trooper looking for speeders you hit “pound 1†on your cell phone. This alerts other motorists when they approach the same spot.
This system is ideal because it’s “hands freeâ€, which means it’s safe for drivers. Also, sophisticated cell phones can allow a map to be displayed where the speed trap is.
Most people believe that SUVs are the safest vehicles on the road; however, recent test results show that midsize SUVs may not offer the best safety. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that a lot of cars produced better results in crash tests than six midsize SUVs.
The SUVs tested were the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner. These vehicles were tested in a front collision at 40mph and a side impact.
All of these vehicles showed improvement since the last IIHS test. In the instance of the front collision, five out of the six vehicles were rated Good. The Trailblazer was rated Acceptable.
However, the results of the side-impact tests weren’t as good. The Trailblazer and Grand Cherokee didn’t protect the torso because they are only equipped with standard side airbags to protect the head. The Pathfinder, 4Runner, and Xterra had better performance with side impact because they include side airbags that protect the torso as well as the head. However, cars had better ratings on side impact.
If you’re looking to purchase a midsize SUV, purchase one with high crash ratings. For instance, the Ford TaurusX and Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Pilot, and Subaru Tribeca are the highest rated midsize SUVs. Although these SUVs are durable, it’s necessary to purchase an auto warranty to protect yourself from repair costs down the road. After all, no vehicle is full proof.
Colorado has a new system that will help prevent road kill along one of the busiest highways in the state. The system works by using an underground cable running parallel to the highway that is able to sense if an animal is around through an electromagnetic field. If an animal trips the system, drivers are alerted through electronic road signs.
The system is going to be tested in Colorado on US-160, and radar detectors will be deployed to observe if motorists slow down after receiving the warning. If it is obvious that the system is working it will most likely proliferate on roadways that have seen a large amount of collisions between cars and animals.
You may think this is a strange idea, or that it’s a waste of money. And, people have even asked, “Why not just put up a fence?â€Â Well, if you’ve ever seen a deer jump a fence you would understand why that wouldn’t help the problem.
About seventy percent of collisions on Colorado’s highways involve animals. With those high numbers something needs to be done about the problem. The underground cable is a good start, but drivers need to drive more defensively. In addition, all motorists should have a roadside assistance program in case of an emergency so they don’t end up stranded. Also, protect yourself with an auto warranty.