Site Map:

Auto Buying Tips

Auto Buying Assistance

Auto Insurance Quotes

Auto Loan Calculator

Bad Credit Auto Loans

Buy Used Vehicles

Good Credit Auto Loans

Motorcycle Loans

Sell Your Vehicle

Other Loans & Services

UK Auto Loans

Save BIG on
Car Insurance:

AUTO BUYING TIPS

In 1994, the average cost of a car in the United States was $18,000. For a financial decision of this magnitude, consumers need to be prepared when they enter the showroom.  Do some research. Check buying guides to narrow your choice in models and options.

Make safety a priority. Safety features such as air bags, anti-lock brake systems and side-impact protection should be tops of your list. Also check for important safety elements such as a right side mirror or a three-point safety belt system that has adjustable shoulder belt anchors.

A weighty decision. Crash data show that heavy cars offer more protection than light cars equipped with the same safety features.

Simple safety checks. During your test drive, make sure that head restraints, roof structure or windshield designs do not interfere with your visibility. Look for interior designs that avoid control knobs sticking out of the dash to reduce chance of injury.

Check out clones. Clones are nearly identical models built on the same platform and marketed under a different nameplate. Prices and options vary. You could come out ahead buying the high-end model - with standard ABS and dual air bags - instead of the low-end model with those options added.

Shop around. Negotiate prices or enlist the help of a buying service. Investigate financing options at the dealer and your bank or credit union. And check the fine print:

• Does the contract include credit insurance, which may be available under an existing policy you have?

• Does the warranty period overlap the service agreement period?
• What repairs are covered and who can perform them?
• What is the cancellation and refund policy?

VEHICLE RATINGS: Importance of Crash Testing

Since 1979, NHTSA has been crash-testing vehicles through its New Car Assessment Program. Crash-test results determine how well vehicles protect belted drivers and front seat passengers during a frontal collision.

During the crash test, dummies are placed in driver and front passenger seats. Instruments measure the force of impact to each dummy's head, chest and legs. Tests use all available restraints.

Federal safety standards require all passenger cars meet injury criteria measured in a 30 mph frontal crash. NCAP tests are conducted at 35 mph to make the difference between vehicles more apparent. Tests simulate damage equivalent to a head on collision between two identical vehicles, each moving at 35 mph. This is the same as a vehicle moving at 70 mph striking an identical parked vehicle.

NHTSA recently revised NCAP crash-testing ratings to make them easier for consumers to understand. A five-star rating indicates the best protection and one star the least.

Crash-test ratings are meaningful only when comparing vehicles in the same weight class. Results do not reflect the extent to which an occupant in a light weight vehicle could be injured in a collision with a heavier vehicle.

Plus Research and Compare with Cars Direct!

Home | Bad Credit Loans | Auto Buying Assistance | Good Credit Loans | Research & Compare | UK Loans