Autosavings

With the average price of a new vehicle passing 25,000, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing you have to spend a small fortune to drive anything worth writing home about. Unless you’re all about impressing your friends, neighbors and co-commuters with the size of your monthly payment, the entry end of the market is filled with a higher concentration of cool cars, trucks and SUVs than ever.

After putting together a list of all the vehicles available for less than 18,000, the editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com then picked the 10 coolest. Instead of reporting based on vehicles’ Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs), the list is based on each model’s New Car Blue Book value, the price buyers are typically paying in the market. Your actual payment will be determined by the down payment on the vehicle and the finance rate.

The Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under 18,000

• Toyota Yaris-With a long history as a best-seller in Europe, the Toyota Yaris migrates to the U.S. as the least expensive vehicle in the Toyota lineup. Sporting unusually cool styling, Toyota quality and a 34city and 40highway MPG rating, the Yaris’ value more than exceeds its under-12,000 starting price.

• Scion xB-The xB has proven to us that, these days, it’s cool to be square. Not only does its slab-sided styling set it apart, but its boxy dimensions also mean this diminutive and fuel-efficient vehicle is a surprisingly commodious hauler of people and stuff.

• Dodge Caliber-Caliber changes the small-car game by offering a larger, more flexible interior filled with way-cool features like an air-conditioned storage bin to keep drinks cold, rear speakers that flip down to project outward from the open tailgate, a 110-volt outlet for powering small electronics and a self-charging flashlight.

• Kia Sportage-When buying your first SUV, bang-for-the-buck is a very cool thing to find. Pricing out the Kia Sportage is almost fun when you get to include a sunroof, a great stereo and a tire pressure monitor all for under 16,500.

• Chevrolet HHR-As cool as the 1940s-style exterior is, the Chevrolet HHR is equally cool for its efficient use of space and worthwhile features like remote start and the increasingly requisite iPod connector. It offers hauling ability like a compact SUV, yet it handles like a car.

• Ford Fusion-Size does matter, so getting a well-styled, contemporary midsize sedan with the roominess and comfort of the new Fusion is cool. Even better is the unexpected level of equipment for the price, including remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel and cruise control.

• Nissan Frontier-Utility is in, and nothing’s more utilitarian than a pickup. The Frontier backs up its sharp styling with excellent ride and handling.

• Mazda3-Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Mazda3 is a deft one-two punch to the compact-car segment. We can’t decide which model we like better, but the combination of fine driving dynamics, upscale interior and arresting looks make this a “cool cars” list repeater.

• Honda Civic-You know how U2 were cool, then in the mid-90s they weren’t so cool, and now they’re as cool as ever? Well, the Civic has traveled a parallel path to regain its stature as arguably the finest economy car ever built–and cool once again.

• Scion tC-If you’re cool enough to appreciate it, the slick styling and fashionable features in the tC deliver Lexus-like technology in an affordable package. This year, the improved audio features stand out, including steering-wheel gauges and iPod connectivity.

Buying a car is the second most prestigious thing after buying a house. There are two ways you can buy a vehicle you can either approach an automobile dealer or do it yourself. The procedure to buy a car from a car dealer would be simpler rather than walking directly into a company. Car dealers arrange for some useful services of automobiles loans, automobile insurance, automobile warranty, automobile refinancing and so on. Dealer financing is probably the best route for a low interest car loan as they deal in large volume.

Automobile dealer are the bridge between automobile manufacturers and customers. They are primarily engaged in retailing new and used cars, sport utility vehicles and passenger and cargo vans. If you decide to complete the trade of buying the car by yourself you might actually land up paying more than the actual price of the car.

There are different dealers for different types of purchases mainly

1.Independent dealer: Independent dealer is a dealer who deals in used vehicles only. They derive revenue by selling used private automobiles. Independent dealer is far more flexible and offers unbiased and professional advice about proper vehicle selection.
2.Franchise dealer: Franchise dealer can sell both new as well as old automobiles. While selling new automobiles they have to enter into an agreement with the manufacturer. Franchise dealers have decreased in number however their sales volume has increased.
3.Wholesale dealer: A wholesale dealer is a dealer who buys and sells at wholesale from other licensed dealers. The license permitted to a wholesale dealer does not allow him to sell on retail basis anywhere.

If youre in look out for an automobile dealer, you can easily access vehicle review, view pictures of vehicles; compare models and prices of different dealers. Automobile dealers increasingly use the internet to market new and used cars. Many websites also allow consumers to research insurance, financing, leasing, and warranty options. As a result, consumers are generally better informed and spend less time meeting with salespersons.

Fads come and go, sometimes on a whim, other times because of outside forces. Here at the halfway point of the new millenniums first decade, car culture has sure taken some interesting turns.

Those of you who innocently took a test drive of a plain-Jane Nissan Altima when it was new in 2002, floored it, and nearly sprained your necks upon discovery of 240 horsepower, may have suspected that the standards of speed had risen a tad since the 90s. Turns out that was only the beginning. Nowadays, the Volkswagen Passat raised that same family car bar to an excessive 280 horsepower. We have little 30,000 Mitsubishis that can leave Camaros for dead. The 500-horsepower Dodge Viper suddenly seems ordinary, and the once-acclaimed Acura NSX is a joke. Whether or not youre a speed freak, there are two trickle-down benefits: the minimum standard of horsepower has risen from 55 (Geo Metro) to 103, and very few cars in any segment are truly underpowered anymore. Not a bad development.

Cars just wont stop growing. Every redesign has to be bigger than the last one; the new Toyota RAV4 is 14 inches longer than the last, and current Civics now dwarf Accords of years past. Its an inevitable force of marketing; no one wants to pay the same money for less car, right? Bigger also means heavier; our cars pack more pounds than ever.

And theres no rule that contradictory trends cant coexist. Apparently Americans expect their cars to compete with the speed of sound while also using less gas than their walking shoes. The Toyota Prius hybrid heads into its third year with unsatisfied demand, a long line, and a price premium. All this despite an ample supply of the perfectly serviceable Corolla at the same dealers. No automaker wants to be caught with their pants down, and all are rushing to market with a hybrid, even if it means using systems developed by competitors (Nissans Altima will use Toyota hardware).

We seem to want our cars with more stuff and more personality. The 90s banality in our styling is gone, even on the most banal cars like the Accord and Camry. And notice how almost every car has power windows and locks standard, and how even the Kia Rio comes with six airbags and a powerful stereo. Is it any wonder that the average car now costs 28,000?

Speaking of cars, we may be moving toward the day when that word will again apply as a general term. SUVs are suddenly for the foolish. They always have been, but now everyone seems to know it, too. Fords Explorer and Expedition are going down the drain, and the Excursion has already expired. The bigger the SUV, the bigger the sales drop. Little cars are selling better than ever, even old-timers like the Sentra and Neon.

Lastly, were going foreign, and fast. The Big Threes market share was 60% at the early part of this decade; that will stand at or below 50% by the end of it. This is hardly a new trend, but its recent acceleration is alarming. One thing for sure is that in terms of the players, the market has matured. Only two major automakers set up American bases in the 90s (Kia and Daewoo), and the 2000s have brought none.

Cars cant get bigger or faster forever, yet no one can stand still. Hybrids are hot, but the long-term experiences remain to be seen. What will become of all this automotive craziness? Check back in ten years.

So, you want to have your car transported a specific location huh? And this is your first time? You must be tentative because youve never done this before and you dont want anything to go wrong, especially due to the significant investment your car has been. Transporting your automobile doesnt have to be a nightmare. A thorough understanding of how it works will help you ease your mind of the problems that may result of such.

1. Trailers

There are many transport trailer options, the most popular among these types is the open carrier transport. The open carrier transport, aside from being popular, is the least expensive mode of transporting automobiles. Usually, your automobile will be transported on haulers like the ones used to deliver new cars. These trailers have a capacity of eight to ten cars. They are around 80 feet long and 14 feet high. With their immense size they are limited to traveling on major roads that are free of possible obstacles such as trees and such. They are also limited to traveling on roads that can support its weight. These trailers cannot maneuver easily on tight turns.

This is a good way to transport automobiles – the only downside is that your car may not be that well protected against the elements, dust, and wear and tear usually associated with highway travel.

2. Enclosed Trailer Transport

This is by far the most expensive option but all that cost is worth it because your car will likely be in better shape than if it were transported via an open transport carrier. This type of transport is the best for rare, exotic, or expensive cars. Automobiles to be displayed during car shows are usually traveled using this type of transport. It provides the safest, most secure method of auto transport.

3. Self-Transport

There are other people who prefer to transport their vehicles themselves. This is the riskiest way to transport your vehicle, especially if you are unskilled in such operations. Usually this is performed by renting a trailer and driving the trailer yourself.

If you do choose this type of transport, you may want to learn more about the trailer and its operation. You should ask the owner for instruction and hints on operating such an automobile.

- Always discuss your automobile with the transport service before you agree to the terms
- Make sure the service knows what your car looks like, its dimensions, and possible problems that may be encountered when delivering
- Make sure everything is understood before closing the deal

4. Be aware of the pick up time and transport time

Pick up time is the amount of time it takes from receipt of the order to transport until your automobile is loaded unto the trailer. This time is usually 2 and 10 days. Transport services appreciate a three day allowance to find a trailer and assign your car to that trailer.

Transit time will take about 8-10 days. This depends on the destination and route taken. These trailers will usually carry about ten automobiles at the same time. And as me makes the necessary stops to deliver each automobile, he could use up a lot of time. So, it would do well to be patient during these times.

There are also deals such as guaranteed delivery and express service. These deals will make sure your car gets delivered earlier, but will cost much more. If money is no question, then by all means use every method possible to keep your automobile safe and secure.

There are a variety of reasons why you may have to may have to use an auto transport service to ship your car or truck, van or SUV, when driving it from place to place just isnt practical or possible. Lucky, there are likewise a variety of ways which you can go about doing the transporting, based on your budget, or the urgency with which you need your car to arrive.

If you currently own a car and are in the process of moving, the most annoying thing to have to consider is how youll get your vehicle or vehicles from your current residence to your next one. You may be moving a great distance, or even overseas, and yet you dont have the opportunity or time to move your car by yourself. Of course, you need your car at your new home, and you need it there as soon as possible, so youll have to consult an automobile transporter to ship your car from A to B. Most transport companies, whether they ship your car by train or by truck, have fully computerized shipping services, so that you can track the status and position of your car in transit, just in case youre the worrying type.

But before you send your car on a cross country or international trip, youll want to make sure you have it in tip-top shape, and get a thorough record of inspection that will make note of your cars mileage, any noticeable dents scratches or nicks, any cracked glass, or other imperfections. Make sure that all is well covered and accounted for when you purchase insurance for your car, so that it will be made clear within the legal contract both you and the transport company will draft. This becomes important just in case any physical damage is done to your car during transport, so youll have proof and justification with which to hold the company accountable.

And then theres the question of whether to ship your car by train or by truck. In person, of course, youll probably be flying to your destination, but if you were traveling on the ground you might choose train travel over car travel just because its the romantic thing to do. But your car doesnt know anything about romance, so youll want to choose the fastest, easiest way to get it shipped so that you can minimize hassle. If you choose to go by train, the biggest inconvenience may be that you will have to pick up your car from the terminal they ship it to. Thats a problem if you want to get your car right to your new front door, or just wont have the time to head out and pick up your car from the lot theyve deposited it in. In this case, your best option is to go with shipping your automobile by truck, which, in most instances, can do direct shipment to a specific street address with a not unreasonable difference in price.

In case you need a specific date for delivery because you wont be able to receive your car at any other possible time, then it is important to let the auto transport company you choose know this, as there may be a holding fee at their terminal.

For shipping overseas, obviously the same kinds of inspections and precautions need to be taken to ensure you receive your car in the same shape you left it. Theres nothing worse than finding out weeks after youve received your car that theres a jagged scratch in the paint you didnt at first notice, and which you cant prove the company responsible for. So be cautious, be careful, and know just what you want from your automobile transporter.

All but the very luckiest of souls has, at some point, had their car towed away from them in the wake of malfunction from an automotive towing company, or worse, come out to the place it had once been parked only to find some phantom tow truck had grabbed hold of their prized possession and quickly spirited it away. The latter case is always most infuriating, though having to call an towing company is never anyones idea of a ripping good time in itself. Either way, without traffic enforcement bylaws and tow trucks we probably wouldnt recognize the world we live in, so its time to accept their existence, and know a few things about them that can help you in case you have to cross their path.

The first thing to make sure of as a car owner is that you have a plan of action in mind in the event of a breakdown or, God forbid, a sudden realization that you havent the requisite amount of gasoline to continue running that combustion engine of yours. Its embarrassing, yes but hey, it happens to all of us, so the best thing to do is swallow pride and vanity and ring up a auto towing company ASAP to get that motionless heap of your off the road as quickly as humanly possible. Having a number handy with you in your car at all times is a necessity. Just when youre having the worse day of your life as your engine overheats on two-lane bridge in the middle of summer, billowing smoke out like chimney, you dont need the added joy of having to stop and ask someone if they know the number of a tow truck so that you can quickly get out of the flow angry motorists who are bound to be making vocal their aggravation with you.

But that, of course, is the worst of the possible scenarios which could force you to have to call a towing company. Weve all done the key-in-the-ignition thing, where we frantically grope ourselves in hopes of realizing weve left our set of keys in some secret, hidden pocket we didnt realize we had, and then peered in through the tightly sealed window to see them dangling there inside locked doors. Again, we hate to admit our own stupidity, but it happens, and a towing company is the first number you punch into your cell phone to admit the understandable lapse in common sense. Of course, you may also be in the unfortunate position of having battery with no more juice without another soul around to help jumpstart you back into running order.

And then theres the other kind of auto towing that we have to bear witness to on a daily basis: the parking violation tow away. This, surely, is no laughing matter, but its also important for you as the motorist (in this case, parked motorist) to know that there are rules and regulations that every towing company must abide by before they hook themselves up to your car and speed off to the nearest impound lot. These laws are up to you to be aware of, and are occasionally broken at the motorist expense, when companies assume that car owners will be too ignorant to know their rights. Firstly, a car cannot usually be towed by an auto towing company due to a parking infraction unless the proper authorities are noted, and a significant amount of time (usually in the neighborhood of an hour) has elapsed to give the owner a chance to claim his automobile. Second, if you race out to see a truck in the process of raising your car up to tow away, you have the right to tell him to lower it back down, and it is against the law for him to impound it after you have done so.

Just knowing this much can save you money and stress, in what is bound to be a costly and stressful enough situation as it is. Know your rights and be prepared, and your encounters with the towing companies wont be as horrifying as they could be.

Finding a competent auto technician should not be a matter of chance. A good deal of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to the efforts of the independent, nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With some 400,000 currently certified professionals, ASE’s program is national in scope and has industrywide acceptance and recognition. ASE-certified technicians and parts specialists can be found at every type of repair facility – from dealerships, service stations and franchises to parts stores, independent garages and even municipal fleets.

Before taking ASE certification tests, many technicians attend training classes or study on their own in order to brush up on their knowledge. By passing difficult national tests, ASE-certified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, to their employers and to their customers.

Certification is not for life; ASE requires its technicians to re-test every five years to keep up with technology and to remain certified. And while ASE does not certify repair shops, it stands to reason that those shop owners and managers who support their

service employees’ efforts to become technically certified will be concerned about the other aspects of their business as well.

Repair establishments with at least one ASE technician are permitted to display the ASE sign. Each ASE professional is issued personalized credentials listing his or her exact area or areas of certification and an appropriate shoulder insignia. Technicians are also issued certificates that employers often post in the customer-service area, and employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

Businesses with a high level of commitment to the ASE program (75 percent of service personnel certified) are entitled to a special “Blue Seal of Excellence” recognition from ASE. These elite facilities are among the best in the nation. More than 1,700 businesses participate in this growing program.

As with other professionals, automotive technicians often specialize. It’s wise to ask the shop owner or service manager for a technician who is certified in the appropriate area based on your needs. For instance, the technician could specialize in brakes, engine repair or air conditioning.

Today, buying car is not just simply buying a car. This is because when a person wants to buy a car, there are many additional services that tag along. One great example of these so-called extras is the auto service contract.

These auto service contracts are not necessarily required by most car dealers. However, most car buyers are enticed to get one in order to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances such as expensive car repairs.

Generally, auto service contracts are pledges made by the agency, usually the car dealer, responsible to provide the necessary services or repairs that the buyer or the contract holder is entitled for.

The problem with some people is that they categorize auto service contract as the same with extended car warranties. What they do not know is that car warranties are normally included in the price of the new car bought while auto service contracts can be obtained any time even if the person did not buy a new car. Moreover, auto service contracts are always an additional cost for the car buyer meaning he may or may not obtain an auto service contract.

However, just like the other financial decisions, careful deliberation is extremely important before making some final decisions. This is because not all auto service contracts are made equal.

Here is a list of the factors that need to be considered when getting an auto service contract:

1. Buyers should be aware of the terms and conditions stipulated in the auto service contract.

In every agency or company that provides auto service contracts, each has its own terms and conditions. Hence, it is important for every buyer to know first the terms as stipulated in the contract so as to know what kinds of details are included and what are those that are not included.

2. Buyers should know the specific entity who will perform the required services.

In this way, the buyer would know what goes on when a certain service is required. In this way, the contract holder would know where to ask for the repairs and to whom they should ask for the needed services.

3. Know the reputation of those who will provide auto service contracts.

It is extremely important to know how long the company or the dealer has been in the business. Along with it comes the reputation that has been built for so many years of reliable services and performances that the customers were able to testify.

The important thing here is that people should be aware of what they are paying for. After all, its their money that is at risk.

Funny as it may seem, the most neglected thing in a car are the seat covers. Most people are fascinated with what their cars look like but tend to neglect its interior facilities; much less its auto seat covers. Basically, auto seat covers were not invented without any purpose. Auto seat covers are just as important as any other part of your car. Do not wait until you car seats are already soiled from dirt and another harmful elements. Go get your car seats the best auto seat covers so as to keep them in top shape.

- Universal, Standard Covers

One of the fittings of the auto seat covers is the Universal fit. As its name implies, universal fit covers is ideal to almost all kinds of car seats, whether it be a low-back or a high-back bucket seat. Universal auto seat covers are very easy to set up and they are easy to remove as well. The only thing that needs to be considered is the fact that the universal seat covers are not suitable for car seats with side-impact airbags.

- Custom Covers

The next type of fitting auto seat covers is the custom auto seat covers. As it name implies, the custom fit auto seat covers is tailor-made for every specified and measured car seats. These custom fittings are precisely patterned according to the make-up and measurements of the car seats. Thus, every details of the car seats are considered and mulled over. Among the three fittings of auto seat covers, custom fittings are the perfect items that are specifically designed to make a properly covered car seats.

- Hybrid Semi-Customs

For those who cannot afford custom fittings of auto seat covers, there is one other type of fitting – the semi-custom fit. Semi-custom fit covers may not render the same features as that of custom fittings but, nevertheless, they are good enough to protect your car seats from harmful elements that may destroy the durability of your car seats.

1. The soft touch

The most common and widely-used auto seat covers are made of poly-cotton. This type of material offers a soft touch while at the same time rendering optimum shielding against harmful elements.

2. Sheepskin

The next material common to most auto seat covers is the sheepskin seat covers. Because of their capability to warm occupants in cold conditions and cool occupants in warm conditions, this type of material is often claimed to be the thermostat of nature.

3. UV protected sheets

The next best material to consider for your auto seat covers is the Velour seat covers. Like the Poly-cotton seat covers, the Velour seat covers also render soft velvety touch to its user. What makes it different from the others is that it is treated with an exceptional amount of ultraviolet coating. This, in turn, will protect your car seats from imminent color fading.

Automotive service and repair has changed dramatically over a generation, according to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent group that tests and certifies the competence of auto technicians nationwide.

Today, high-tech systems that were unheard of 30 years ago – anti-lock brakes, electronic engine controls and computerized diagnostics – are commonplace. It doesn’t appear that the swift pace of technological advancement will slow any time soon, either, with the advent of hybrid vehicles and such features on the horizon as interactive suspensions, constantly variable-speed transmissions and 42-volt batteries.

For automotive service professionals, this means continual training and coursework to keep up with the torrent of changes. Disparaged years ago as “grease monkeys,” mechanics today have become automotive technicians, every bit as comfortable behind a computer screen and keyboard as under the hood with a wrench.

ASE is reminding motorists to follow the service schedules listed in their owners’ manuals before making a long-distance drive. While few people would ignore an ominous service engine light, many do skip oil changes. Yet in survey after survey, ASE-certified master auto technicians say that the old-fashioned oil change is one of the most vital services for getting the most from your automotive investment.

ASE was founded in 1972 as a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. Its 400,000 certified technicians wear blue-and-white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the ASE sign.