7 Guidelines For Used Car Prices

1. Knowing a little 'price before buying a used car. Franchise dealers to sell used cars of a certain percentage of original value in the used car market. Markup is added to the price of used car dealerships, which would make the price higher.

2. To determine many factors influencing the prices of used cars. Used car pricings are affected by installed optional equipment or the location where you buy your used car. There are areas with strong market demand for a particular car. If this is the case, you can get a better deal if you travel outside the area to look around for your car.

3. Find the true market value on NADA used cars. National Automobile Dealers Association releases a copy of the guide price of used cars each year. You can also find their website to check the current prices of used cars you are looking for.

4. A less expensive used cars available at government auctions. Government auctions happen every year and should check the list of the control rod program for you. You can also offer guidance on access to quality used cars at lower prices. You can visit the Federal Citizen Information on the guidelines in buying used cars from government auctions.

5. Check on the Internet. Many of the websites that guide price used cars and also guidelines to find the right car you use. You can compare prices, review the characteristics of the vehicle used and the position where you can buy the lowest price.

6. To determine whether you have fair agreement with the available price. Factors among the old used car prices, market demand, overall condition, mileage, internal and external defects or if the car is well maintained.

7. Beware of the tricks of the trade. Many dealers strategize on the behavior of consumers who use cars when purchasing. Dealers know that buyers are buying used cars unless they feel are available at a price below the original price. Dealers tend to make the price higher than the actual size and make the buyer believe they are offering a discount. The buyer does not know that the actual discount price on the original price of the car.

Labels:

Fusion at Detroit auto show

Ford hopes its redesigned Fusion can help it catch the Camry.

The original has been a huge hit since entering the market in 2005 and it topped the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata last year with sales of 250,000. But the Fusion is still lagging Toyota’s Camry, the best-seller among midsize sedans, which sold nearly 309,000.

Ford unveiled the new Fusion on Monday at the Detroit auto show. Gone is the shuttered grille, replaced by a more aggressive diamond-shaped one. The new version borrows the chiseled, aerodynamic look of Ford’s other new cars, the Fiesta and Focus.

In the past, Ford would make different versions of a car for different regions of the world, spending millions more on development. But the 2013 Fusion will be sold globally, so Ford canvassed customers worldwide before choosing the final design. The company changed its original headlight, for example, after Chinese customers found it too sinister.

Here’s more about the 2013 Fusion:

POWER: Ford will offer several types of Fusions, including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Ford expects the hybrid to get 47 miles per gallon in city driving, while the Fusion Energi, a plug-in hybrid which runs for a longer time on the battery alone, should get the equivalent of more than 100 miles per gallon. A 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine with Ford’s EcoBoost system will get 37 mpg on the highway, while a 2.0-liter EcoBoost will be offered in a performance version.

Ford’s base engine, a 1.6-liter I-4, will be the first Ford with an automatic stop-start system that shuts off the power when the car stops and restarts it when the driver releases the brake pedal, reducing fuel consumption. It’s expected to get slightly better fuel economy than the current Fusion, which gets 33 mpg on the highway.

EXTERIOR: Ford wants the car to have a premium feel, so it even took the extra — and more expensive — step of embedding the Ford badge in the hood instead of attaching it to the grille. Ford designer Chris Hamilton described the look of the current Fusion as “slightly cold.’’ Of the new Fusion, he says, “we wanted that feeling of the surfaces being worked on by hand.’’

INTERIOR: The 2013 has more rear-leg room thanks to thinner seats up front. Ford says it has used better, softer materials. Among the options are Ford’s Sync voice-controlled entertainment system and its My Ford Touch dashboard screen.

OPTIONS: Ford will be the only car in its class with a lane-keeping system, which uses cameras to monitor whether a driver is staying in his lane and alerts him if he swerves off course. It will also have a system that parallel parks the car automatically, a blind-spot warning system and a cross-traffic alert which monitors oncoming traffic when the car is backing out of a parking space.

PRICE: Not revealed. But Ford Americas President Mark Fields said Monday that it will have a base price close to the current Fusion, which starts at $20,200.

CHEERS: Analysts were wowed by the design at a preview last month. The Fusion is likely to follow the success of other recent Ford redesigns, including the hot-selling Ford Explorer SUV.

JEERS: There is some concern among analysts that Ford will price the Fusion too high, especially when buyers pile on the options. The new Ford Focus compact car has seen sluggish sales this year, in part because dealers were stocked with high-end versions that cost more than the Fusion.

Labels:

Get Great Used Cars

A franchised new car dealership is a reliable, if not the only, source for anyone who wants to buy a new car. But to those who prefer buying used or previously owned cars, there are plenty of options and sources one could choose from to be able to make that vehicle purchase the perfect one.

The following are some of the readily as well as easily available resources to consider when buying a used car.

The Used Car Superstore

Imagine it as the Wal-Mart of used cars. There have been numerous used car superstores that have mushroomed for the last five years. These superstores usually have a large inventory of used cars, more or less numbering from four hundred to five hundred vehicles. The cars found in these stores more often than not are late models. The vehicles found in these stores came from auctions that cater specially to car dealers. The good thing about buying from these used car superstores is that the warranty they provide are often equivalent to the warranty coverage provided by dealers who sell new cars. However, it is still best to compare.

New Car Dealer

The logic here is that since new car buyers usually trade in their old cars when they buy a new one, the collection that new car dealerships have are almost always extensive. So used car buyers have a wider range of vehicles to choose from. Also, new car dealerships provide better reconditioning to the used cars traded to them. They are also more reliable source of used cars because their business is more established compared to other used car dealers. Be aware though that sometimes it would take a lot of negotiation on the price of the vehicle to be purchased. They may also attempt to make you buy more cars than what you would actually need.

Used Car Dealers

There are a hundred used car dealerships in every area of the state. Sometimes, they occupy a small section that contains not more than fifteen cars in a lot. Other used car dealerships, usually the more established ones, have a total of one hundred cars in their vicinity. The great thing about buying from used car dealers is that the prices they offer are a lot less than new car dealerships. Also, it is fairly easier to negotiate with them. A little bit of not so good news though, the quality of these cars are usually less than the new ones of course. There are also not many great selections to choose from.

Private Owners

The good thing about buying from private owners, the price that they offer are usually reasonable compared to other dealers because this is in accordance with book values. One also would get the opportunity to actually speak with the owner of the vehicle and witness for yourself how the car was cared for or not so cared for. A potential disadvantage of this scenario, however, is that it could be a bit inconvenient driving to the private owner’s place especially if one is considering looking at eight different cars. Basically that would be eight different places, time and appointments. Beware though; private owners who have a stable of used cars to sell may actually be a dealer. Do not be afraid to ask if you could possibly see the title and registration. Start to get suspicious if you see it has only been a few days old.

Car Auctions

The last decade has seen the development of public auctions for vehicles. Originally, auctions like these are reserved primarily for licensed car dealers. Now, even individuals have the opportunity to bid aggressively for used cars. The quality of these cars put up for auction, as well as the selections of vehicles, actually vary from one auction to another. There are those auctions which specialize dealing in late model vehicles while there are others which dedicate themselves to cheaper and less expensive vehicles. The good thing about buying used cars from auctions is that one could conveniently compare prices and cars because they are shown side by side with each other. Also, the prices that they offer are most likely lower than they do dealerships. However, there is not much chance for one to thoroughly inspect the vehicle being auctioned off. And since one is buying from an auction, it is therefore understood that all sales are final. Any car purchased is automatically yours. Plus, the bidding frenzy could take a hold on anyone and there is a great possibility that one could pay way too much than what a vehicle actually costs.

Labels:

Why Fuel Prices Go Up?

Numerous forces can influence the price of gas at the pump, but fuel costs are only one part in the vast web of global economics. Gas prices have an impact on other parts of the economy as well. There are immediate effects of rising prices - that feeling of stunned disbelief as the numbers climb and climb while you fill your tank. There are secondary effects as well. You might decide against a long road trip because the gas would cost too much. When it comes time to buy a car, you might decide against a gas-guzzling SUV and find something with better mileage instead. Price increases generally occur when the world crude-oil market tightens and lowers inventories. Also, growing demand can sometimes outpace refinery capacity.

Gas prices also vary from state to state for several reasons. Taxes are probably the biggest factor in the different prices around the country. Additionally, competition among local gas stations can drive prices down. Distance from the oil refineries can also affect prices -- stations closer to the Gulf of Mexico, where many oil refineries are located, have lower gas prices due to lower transportation costs. There are also some regional factors that can affect prices.

World events, wars and weather can also raise prices. Anything that affects any part of the process, from the moment the oil is drilled, through refining and distribution to your car will result in a change in price. Military conflicts in parts of the world with lots of oil supplies can make it difficult for oil companies to drill and ship crude oil. Hurricanes have damaged offshore drilling platforms, coastal refineries and shipping ports that receive oil tankers. If a tanker itself is lost or damaged, or leaks its oil into the ocean, that will put a dent in the market as well.
In some regions of the country, gasoline is required to meet higher environmental standards in order to reduce the amount of smog created by burning gasoline. Producing this cleaner-burning gasoline can cause problems in refining, distribution and storage, which increases the cost of gas.

Labels:

Your Auto Warranty: What To Look For

When deciding which car to buy, make sure you check the auto warranty that comes with the vehicle. In this article we will help you sort through all the auto warranty-related issues. After all, not every new car warranty is created equally. Some will cover all the non-wear items on the car up to only three years or 36,000 miles. Others will cover repairs all the way up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. The strength of the coverage that is included will help you decide whether to buy an extended auto warranty.

It's important to understand the different parts of an auto warranty as it is good to know the difference between a new car warranty and an extended auto warranty.

A typical new car warranty has two parts: the "bumper to bumper" warranty, which covers everything except the "wear" items such as brakes and tires; and the power-train warranty that covers all the parts that make the car move, such as the engine and transmission.

Bumper to Bumper

Few extended vehicle warranty plans cover absolutely everything on a vehicle. Read the warranty contract and find out exactly what is and what is not covered. If the contract says it covers everything except for X, Y, and Z; that's a lot more coverage than a contract which lists 10 or 20 items which are covered. Keep in mind your own history with vehicles and what repair/maintenance you expect to have in the next few years to your car.

Wear and Tear

Many extended vehicle warranty plans cover parts that break, just as they cover those that wear out. Once again, read the contract to understand the differences and how they may affect your final cost.

An extended auto warranty can be purchased to prolong the coverage of the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Most people are familiar with the extended warranty that is sold at dealerships. This is sometimes called a "factory warranty" because factory-trained technicians perform the required work on the car. There are also "third-party" warranties, which can save consumers money but are generally less convenient to use. Many third-party warranties require out-of-pocket payment for repairs before reimbursement. Weigh all these factors carefully before you make your choice.

By looking carefully at your auto warranty before you buy, you will save yourself much potential future problems.

Labels:

Your Essential Guide To Auto Transport & Vehicle Moving

Have you ever bought a car in one state and needed shipped just on the other side of the country? Or maybe, have your car sent to your ex-wife, who happens to live in Canada? Or, why not, bought your car on-line, from San Francisco and need it in New York? I’m sure that, if this hasn’t happened yet, it will probably happen sooner or later. So here are a few tips in transporting your car within USA, or between USA and Canada, no matter the distance.

Scheduling

Bearing in mind that the whole process can take quite a while, especially on long distances, schedule your auto shipping at least 4 weeks before you move, giving enough time to arrange for a car mover carrier to pick up your vehicle. Basically, the more advance time the better. If you are not available, you should arrange an alternative authorized party such as neighbor, friend or relative you can trust to transfer the car to the car mover. Most automobile shippers offer door-to-door service.

The cost

When working with a Car Mover, confirm what the total cost of the shipping will be. As you obtain quotes from several car transport and auto shipping companies (some links included lower), be prepared to provide:

·Origination/destination;
·Approximate departure date;
·Type of vehicle(s);
·Type of car transport service desired (e.g. door-to-door car transport vs. terminal-to-terminal);
·Special car mover or auto shipping requests (e.g. deliver at a location other than your home vs. at your home).

Payment method

While some car transport and auto drive-away companies may not require payment in advance, others require a deposit (10-25% of the total cost), or full payment in advance. If a deposit is given, amount due is always required at time of delivery – oftentimes with a cashiers check or cash. Sometimes a surcharge of 2-3% is required when using a credit card with a car transport or auto drive-away company.

Licenses

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must license auto shippers, transporters with a valid MC# or US DOT#.

Insurance

The car Transport Company or auto drive-away should insure your vehicle against damage and theft. ASK FOR A COPY OF INSURANCE COVERAGE. Ask if the carrier's insurance is PRIMARY or SECONDARY to your own insurance in the event of damage during car transport. Also, ask if there is damage deductible – VERIFY ALL IN WRITING. In addition, your own car insurance may cover your vehicle in transit – check with your car insurance company to verify.

Inspect your car before shipping

It is advisable that in addition to receiving a condition report document from your car mover detailing any pre-existing damage to your car, that you take photographs of the car, date the photos, and attach them to the condition report provided by the car mover for your records. You must have a detailed description of the condition of your car prior to shipping. The condition report or other document used by the car mover should include current mileage, pre-existing damage of any type including as glass, scratches, paint, dents, and so on. This report is important in case any disputes arise.

Accepting your vehicle for delivery

At the time of delivery, inspect your vehicle SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY and compare the condition and mileage against the "Original Inspection Report" provided by your car transport company at origination (ALSO INSPECT THE ROOF AND UNDER FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS). If there are inconsistencies, note them as exceptions and be sure the driver signs it. NEVER ACCEPT YOUR VEHICLE AT NIGHT IF YOU CANNOT VERIFY ITS CONDITION – without being viewed and signed by the driver, you have little recourse if damage had occurred during transit.

Unresolved Disputes

Always try to work out your dispute with the car mover or auto shipping company first. They often work on a referral basis and are motivated to working out problems. However, if you feel you have reached a dead end or that you have not been treated reasonably, you have the option of filing complaints with multiple agencies (BBB, State and or Federal Department Of Transportation, Interstate Commerce Commission) as well as seeking legal counsel.

As I hope everything will turn out all right with your delivery, I’m giving a few links to some major auto-transportation companies.

Labels:

Simple Steps To Avoiding Expensive Car Repairs

Quite often, a visit to the car repair shop can be even more painful than a visit to your dentist. Perhaps physical pain it’s involved, but some car repairs can leave your wallet feeling pretty empty and you with a bad taste in your mouth. The best way to avoid costly repairs is to take preventative steps that will keep your car in the best condition possible.

The first thing to do is to follow the maintenance schedule as outlined in your owner’s manual. The best one is always that recommended by the manufacturer and if you fail to follow those guidelines, your warranty may be voided for future repairs. Always be sure to change fluids, filters and spark plugs as the car’s manufacturer recommends.

Upgrade your motor oil to a high performance synthetic oil, which can help to prevent certain problems and can also improve your car’s performance.

Always be sure that your tires are properly inflated. This is especially important because tires with too little air, or too much, can result in excessive wear and may cause a blow out. It is often recommended that tire pressure be checked during every visit to the gas pump. While this may seem like a lot, you won’t be sorry that you have kept your tires in the best shape possible. For reasons of both safety and the expense of new tires, this exercise is well worth it.

If you notice unusual noises on your car, check with your owner’s manual for information. Quite often, noises are perfectly normal and there is no need for concern. Your owner’s manual will let you know whether or not a visit to the car repair shop is necessary.

If you do have to take your car in for repairs, be sure that you are dealing with a reputable company. Check with the local Better Business Bureau and ask your family or friends for recommendations.

When it comes time to begin the repairs, get an estimate in writing. A quality repair shop will be able to provide this information and should also be able to assure you that the repairs will not exceed 10% of a specific dollar amount as outlined in the estimate.

The aforementioned steps will help to keep your car running smoothly and may also keep some extra bucks in your wallet. With the cost of gasoline prices these days, a few extra dollars can go along way.

Labels:

Practical Ways, To Check A Used Car

Since its inception, the used car market suddenly increased at an unprecedented rate in recent years. In fact, polls show that the number of people who buy used cars is almost tripled compared to the number of people who buy new cars.

This is why many people are attracted to buy used cars because it is gradually becoming a trend in the automotive industry for the purchase.

However, this does not mean that buyers need to guide the process of selecting used cars for granted. Therefore, it is important to take note of the ways to control the car before closing the deal.

Therefore, for those who want to learn about the different ways to monitor the condition of the car used, here are some suggestions:

1. Test drive

What better way to position the car to take a driving test. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the actual state of the cars and parts as an accelerator to brake, etc.

In addition, purchasers will be able to immediately detect if they have any "clunks and rattles on the cars, even though the test drive only a short trip.

2. personal inspection

In addition to driving tests, it is also important for buyers to inspect the personal data of the body make-up and condition.

In this way, the buyer will be able to rust and no signs of damage, the condition of the tires, oil leaks, etc.

3. Mileage check

Typically, the user or the driver consume an average of 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the age by looking at the automobile mileage.

4. Mechanical control

Another way to check the condition of a used car before buying it to the mechanic for help. Can cost the buyer some taxes but the money would be spent surely for good reason. The mechanic is the best person that could be considered technically and professionally present the condition of a particular machine.

5. CARFAX Report

Information about the history of the car is one of the best ways to learn the true condition of the car. Therefore, it is important for the buyer to enlist the help of CARFAX reports to verify all the details of the history of a used car.

appropriate measures and research your purchase. This will ensure a happy car buying experience.

Labels:

7 Guidelines For Used Car Prices

1. Knowing a little 'price before buying a used car. Franchise dealers to sell used cars of a certain percentage of original value in the used car market. Markup is added to the price of used car dealerships, which would make the price higher.

2. To determine many factors influencing the prices of used cars. Used car pricings are affected by installed optional equipment or the location where you buy your used car. There are areas with strong market demand for a particular car. If this is the case, you can get a better deal if you travel outside the area to look around for your car.

3. Find the true market value on NADA used cars. National Automobile Dealers Association releases a copy of the guide price of used cars each year. You can also find their website to check the current prices of used cars you are looking for.

4. A less expensive used cars available at government auctions. Government auctions happen every year and should check the list of the control rod program for you. You can also offer guidance on access to quality used cars at lower prices. You can visit the Federal Citizen Information on the guidelines in buying used cars from government auctions.

5. Check on the Internet. Many of the websites that guide price used cars and also guidelines to find the right car you use. You can compare prices, review the characteristics of the vehicle used and the position where you can buy the lowest price.

6. To determine whether you have fair agreement with the available price. Factors among the old used car prices, market demand, overall condition, mileage, internal and external defects or if the car is well maintained.

7. Beware of the tricks of the trade. Many dealers strategize on the behavior of consumers who use cars when purchasing. Dealers know that buyers are buying used cars unless they feel are available at a price below the original price. Dealers tend to make the price higher than the actual size and make the buyer believe they are offering a discount. The buyer does not know that the actual discount price on the original price of the car.

Labels:

Rebuilt Wrecks Emerging Threat To Car Buyers

-Buying a rebuilt-but not properly repaired-wreck of a car could wreck your finances.

A new study by Carfax shows that millions of cars severely damaged in major accidents have been rebuilt and are up for sale. Over the last five years, the number of salvaged cars on the market has increased nationwide by more than 50 percent.

This problem is more widespread than previously thought. Forecasters predict that more than 40 million used cars will be purchased this year, making the used-car market a target-rich environment for scam artists.
Experts estimate that more than 5 million cars annually are deemed salvage after severe accidents. More than half of these cars are resold, many by sellers who intentionally hide their damaged past.


Some of the common problems associated with previously wrecked vehicles may include:

• Title washing.

Title documents may be altered to remove a salvage brand and obtain a clear title from another state.

• Air bag fraud.

Scam artists are known to replace deployed air bags with phony or nonworking air bags to cut costs.

• Structure/frame damage.

As little as 8mm can compromise a car’s structural integrity, which may also affect many of the car’s safety features.

• Odometer rollbacks.

The odometer may also be rolled back to further inflate the perceived value of the vehicle.

• Car clipping.

Some rebuilt wrecks are actually two different cars welded together.

Buying a salvaged car may not be a bad investment, but you must make sure you’re aware of any prior damage and, more important, see that the proper repairs were made. Many salvage vehicles are rebuilt properly and will run safely again.

However, con men can alter title documents and make cheap cosmetic repairs to others so they look as good as new on paper and in person.

Labels:

High Gas Prices Put Car Shoppers In The Driver's Seat

There is some good news about high gas prices and a slow economy: They are putting the brakes on vehicle sales, which makes it a good time for shoppers to find great deals on cars.

Among car shoppers, hybrids and subcompacts remain popular because of great gas mileage, but there are many factors beyond fuel efficiency that affect the cost of driving. RoadandTravel.com and State Farm Insurance® suggest three simple tips for those shopping for vehicles:

Homework is key
Because sales have been so slow, dealers are competing aggressively for shoppers' business, making it easier to bargain. The Internet provides numerous Web sites to compare makes, models and pricing, including Edmunds.com, MSN Autos and RoadandTravel.com. Coming to dealerships with the most current information puts the shopper, not the dealer, in the driver's seat.


Budget blind spots

Car buyers often don't research expenses that can impact the cost of car ownership, including maintenance, financing and insurance. For instance, they may assume they have no choice other than to finance their cars through the dealerships. Often, the bank down the street or an insurance provider offers better deals on financing a car. Additionally, interest rates can be based on credit history, so shoppers who know their situations can more easily recognize a reasonable deal.

Finally, it's important not to get caught up in the emotions of buying a car. Being practical and planning to spend at least a few days shopping helps people avoid making rash decisions.

Insurance options

There are a number of factors that influence insurance rates, beyond car models. Car buyers should ask about discounts for good driving records and good grades for teen drivers. For instance, State Farm has a Good Driver Discount®. Also, some companies offer discounts on premiums to customers who purchase other policies, such as life or homeowners insurance. When deciding on the right insurance provider, car buyers should keep in mind that, in addition to cost, it's important to find a company that will offer the right level of personal service.

Labels:

Get the AWD advantage without the SUV price tag

This full-time All-Wheel Drive system is strong enough to handle rugged driving, but so compact it's ideal for a family vehicle.

(NC)-If you love the safety and driving confidence of an SUV, but cringe at the cost of filling the tank, we've got good news for you.

It's possible to get the advantages of a four-wheel-drive system-especially great traction in a wide variety of weather and road conditions-in all-wheel-drive vehicles that combine the 4WD performance of a truck with the fuel economy, performance and handling, and easy-to-park dimensions of a car.
There are many reasons it takes a lot of gas to run a traditional SUV: most are built on truck platforms, so they're large and heavy; it takes a big engine to move all that weight around; and, because less aerodynamic than most cars, SUVs have to work harder to overcome air resistance.

Fortunately, there are alternatives, such as the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system from Subaru. This is a full-time system that combines a powerful aluminum boxer engine, a strong but lightweight transmission and centre differential, and an aerodynamic alloy body frame that's designed for maximum occupant protection.

The result is a great combination of strength for safety and rigidity for handling and durability.

Just as important, this Symmetrical AWD system is designed to be extremely compact and well balanced, with a low centre of gravity. That means a very low risk of rollover-and makes room for a long-travel suspension that keeps the ride comfortable even on life's bumpiest roads.

And fuel economy is competitive with North America's most popular compact and mid-size family cars.

So, if you want great traction and handling and great fuel economy, an All-Wheel Drive vehicle is an excellent choice.

More tips to reduce gas consumption:

Maintain your vehicle-it will run smoother and waste less energy.

Slow down-you use 20% more fuel going 120 km/h compared to 100 km/h.

Check tire pressure-the wrong pressure can increase gas use up to 3%.

Don't idle-if you're going to sit for more than 30 seconds, turn the engine off.

Plan trips-do more than one errand at a time; avoid rush hour if possible; pick routes with fewer stoplights and less traffic.

Car pool-share the ride and leave a second or third car at home.

Labels:

Chrysler Celebrates 25 Years Of Minivan Leadership

Chrysler celebrates 25 years Of minivan leadership and continues its long time tradition with the 2009 Town & Country minivan model.

After introducing the minivan 25 years ago, manufacturers are responding to the milestone with greatly improved models that feature enhanced seating and storage systems, transmissions designed to offer smoother shifting and better fuel economy.

That can be good news for those who want a minivan that can offer the latest in convenience, fuel savings and style.
The originator--Chrysler LLC--continues to perfect its family hauler, now in its fifth generation. With more than a quarter-century of engineering and technology, Chrysler has created more than 65 minivan-first features over the last 25 years, while continuing to introduce minivans year after year that deliver the features, unmatched versatility and fuel efficiency families shopping for a minivan are looking for.

The new 2009 Chrysler Town & Country, for one, presents a contemporary appearance, three different models, two distinct seating and storage systems, state-of-the-art entertainment systems and safety features.

The vehicle has 40 new and improved features over the previous generation, including a 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a minivan-first six-speed transmission and more standard equipment such as an Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

A retuned six-speed transmission and higher numerical first gear means the engine speed changes less with each shift, creating a smooth driving dynamic, with improved fuel economy. The end result is an EPA fuel economy label of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway that is unbeaten in the minivan segment--quite impressive considering the vehicle's seven-passenger accommodations and cargo space.

Safety has also been addressed in the new design, resulting in the vehicle receiving the U.S. government's Five Star Crash Test rating in both front and side impacts.

For added convenience, the Swivel 'n Go seating system offers second-row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor and the second row, third-row uncovered storage, and fold-in-the-floor third row.

Said Larry Lyons, vice president--Car and Minivan Product Team, Chrysler LLC, "With an improved 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a minivan-first six-speed transmission, no other minivan has better fuel economy. We optimized both the engine and the transmission to give our customers the fuel economy they want and the power and responsiveness they expect."

Labels:

Chrysler Celebrates 25 Years Of Minivan Leadership

Chrysler celebrates 25 years Of minivan leadership and continues its long time tradition with the 2009 Town & Country minivan model.

After introducing the minivan 25 years ago, manufacturers are responding to the milestone with greatly improved models that feature enhanced seating and storage systems, transmissions designed to offer smoother shifting and better fuel economy.

That can be good news for those who want a minivan that can offer the latest in convenience, fuel savings and style.
The originator--Chrysler LLC--continues to perfect its family hauler, now in its fifth generation. With more than a quarter-century of engineering and technology, Chrysler has created more than 65 minivan-first features over the last 25 years, while continuing to introduce minivans year after year that deliver the features, unmatched versatility and fuel efficiency families shopping for a minivan are looking for.

The new 2009 Chrysler Town & Country, for one, presents a contemporary appearance, three different models, two distinct seating and storage systems, state-of-the-art entertainment systems and safety features.

The vehicle has 40 new and improved features over the previous generation, including a 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a minivan-first six-speed transmission and more standard equipment such as an Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

A retuned six-speed transmission and higher numerical first gear means the engine speed changes less with each shift, creating a smooth driving dynamic, with improved fuel economy. The end result is an EPA fuel economy label of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway that is unbeaten in the minivan segment--quite impressive considering the vehicle's seven-passenger accommodations and cargo space.

Safety has also been addressed in the new design, resulting in the vehicle receiving the U.S. government's Five Star Crash Test rating in both front and side impacts.

For added convenience, the Swivel 'n Go seating system offers second-row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor and the second row, third-row uncovered storage, and fold-in-the-floor third row.

Said Larry Lyons, vice president--Car and Minivan Product Team, Chrysler LLC, "With an improved 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a minivan-first six-speed transmission, no other minivan has better fuel economy. We optimized both the engine and the transmission to give our customers the fuel economy they want and the power and responsiveness they expect."

Labels:

How To Shop For Cheap Car Insurance Rates

Car insurance is one of those purchases whose price can vary radically depending on which company you contact. Because of the wide disparity in rates when you make an auto insurance comparison, you need to know how to get the cheapest car insurance rates that you can. After all, if all other considerations are equal, the auto insurer with the best car insurance quote is often your best bet.

The first thing to do is make sure that you shop around thoroughly to get enough rate quotes that you can make a good educated decision. Just don't get a car insurance quote and buy the policy right there. As with so many other consumer decisions, car insurance is something that must be shopped and compared to get the best deal.


It's often suggested to get at least three car insurance quotes before making a decision, but that is more like the minimum actually. You can get insurance quotes both online and offline as car insurance companies vary as to how they sell insurance. There are still many who sell through a network of their own agents exclusively. Other insurance companies will also sell through independent agents who may represent several companies at a time and can offer to make an auto insurance comparison among all the companies that they represent to give you the best deal.

But one of the fastest growing trends in selling car insurance is the online, direct to consumer companies. The internet has changed the face of many industries and auto insurance is certainly one of those that have been permanently altered. Today, you can simply find one of the major insurance quote providers on the web, enter your information and get a quote from several sources in very little time at all. And because many of these companies have much less overhead than other more traditional insurers, they are able to sell direct to the consumer and save them money as they do.

However, there are some things that you should consider before making any car insurance purchase. Be sure that the company you buy from is financially stable. As more and more newer companies get into the car insurance field, this becomes critical, so check their financial stability on sites such as ambest.com and standardandpoors.com before you buy, and see how the company is rated. It's also a good idea to call your state insurance commissioner's office and see how many customer complaints have been received by a particular company that you are considering too. This can help you find out if they not only sell insurance, but also provide good customer service after the sale.

Finally, ask around among your family and friends about their experiences with car insurance companies and see what information you can get. This is often one of the best, most unbiased ways of learning about almost any kind of product that you want to buy, so factor what they have to say in making your final decision as well.

If you take the steps mentioned above as you make an auto insurance comparison, you should be able to get a good picture of what will be the best choice for you and how you can get cheap car insurance rates too.

Labels: