Car Insurance

Shopping for and buying a car is a big deal. It is probably the biggest purchase next to your home that you will make. With so much money on the line you do not want to get taken for a ride. This article will discuss the ways in which you can reach a deal that you will be happy with.

The first part to getting a good deal is doing your research. This takes time and effort but it will be well worth it when at the end you see how much money you have saved due to it. Research now-a-days basically consists of going onto the Internet and finding the facts on your chosen vehicle.

The Internet is a vast collection of sites that can help research many things. When researching the car of choice you have several sites you can utilize. One place to start is the car manufacturer’s website. Here you can get the basic specifications and information on the vehicle. Next move onto a website such as Edmunds.com. Here you can do research on reliability, get reviews and compare the car to its closest competition.

Most importantly on sites such as Edmunds or Carpoint you can find out what the MSRP is compare to the invoice price. You can not only find out what a basic model of the vehicle should cost but also find out what various options cost. You can add and delete options and packages to the car until you get the combination you like. At this point print out the pricing information.

The manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) is what the dealership would like to have you pay. What you want to pay is a few hundred dollars or up to 6% over the invoice price. With this factual information printed out you can show it to the dealer if they try to say that this or that cost more than you know it should.

Besides being knowledgeable you should also be prepared with your financial situation figured out. If you come into the showroom with your own financing set up you know what you can spend. This gives you leverage as well. You can say, hey this is all I can get and all that I can put down so if I cannot get the vehicle for this amount I am out of here. This being said the salesman might be more willing to wheel and deal.

Research and getting the right loan are the factors that allow you to get a good deal on a vehicle. Take the research to the dealership so you can negotiate the right price on the car and take your good credit to get the best deal on a car loan. If you do both of these things you will walk away with a new car feeling as if you got the best deal out there.

Volkswagen debuted its 2007 Passat Wagon to the public at auto shows in Detroit and Los Angeles in early 2006. VW presented this mid-size family wagon as a sophisticated but comfortable vehicle for the whole family.Volkswagen is hoping this vehicle will be the first 2007 vehicle on VW enthusiasts, with a family, want list.

The Volkswagen designers never fail in their quest to keep the vehicle functional instead of frivolous. The Passat wagon does so with its distinct VW styling which started with the new look of last year’s Passat sedan model. The new Passat wagon designers and engineers paid close attention to detail and use of advanced technology as well as being unyielding in their safety designs and features.

The outward dimensions of the Passat wagon have increased from its predecessor. The overall length is 188 inches compare to the previous model’s 184.3 inches; width has lengthened as well from 68.7 inches to 71.7 inches. The body is wider, at 71.7 inches compared to the previous model width of 68.7. The height has been raised .7 of an inch up to 59.7 inches. The lengthening, widening and added height of the wagon all for larger, improved areas for all the passengers and family things that the wagon will need to hold.

The extra exterior room translates into more interior room. The interior of the Passat wagon is wider and thus allows for more legroom, especially in the rear seating compartment. The rear area has grown from 35.2 to 37.7 inches. They have added comfort to the rear passengers in the means of now standard air conditioning and heater vents.The total passenger volume for the Passat wagon interior is 97.1 cubic feet.

The 2007 Passat wagon engineers wanted to build a quality foundation, so its static torsion stiffness has been improved to now be more than 50 percent higher than its predecessor. The VW German engineers want the driver to enjoy driving the car, not just the look of it. Part of that enjoyment of course comes from the type of engine that is under the hood.

The new Passat’s wagon base engine has been upgraded to a new 4-cylinder engine named the 2.0T. This 2-liter is efficient, sporty and uses a turbocharger. It has 4 valves per cylinder with variable valve timing. The overall efficiency of the engine has starts with the advance direct-injection fuel delivery system. This fuel delivery method helps create 200 horsepower (hp) at 5,100 rpm and 207 pounds-foot of torque, all the way from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm.

Volkswagen is also prepared to re-introduce its narrow angle six-cylinder VR6 transverse engine. This V6 engine has a higher displacement and variable valve timing which engineers promises will provide 280 hp at 6,200 rpm and 265 pounds-foot. Partnered with this are the distinguished six-speed automatic TipTronic transmission and a sport mode selection. Volkswagen has no current plans for a manual shift Passat Wagon.

The 2007 Passat wagon will be offered as all wheel drive version which will be a 3.6 liter. Both the two-wheel and four-wheel drive wagon models will represent the highest of safety standards. VW does this by following the philosophy of bringing sophisticated safety technology to the widest range of models when available.

The safety features of the 2007 Passat wagon include front side thorax airbags, side curtain protection in the front and rear so to total 8 airbags altogether.Other passive safety features include crash-active front headrests for all 5 occupants, 3-point safety belts and daytime running lights. All of these safety features are what help the Passat sedan to continually get outstanding ratings during its crash tests and is hoped will continue on with the wagon.

Mechanical safety components consist of ABS brakes that are coupled with an engine braking assist system.A major technical advancement in the wagon is a power steering system that can assist with straight-ahead driving adjustments when necessary. All Passat models currently and in the future will come standard with an electronic stabilization program that features an anti-slip regulation and electronic differential locking.

As the facts and figures demonstrate, the 2007 Passat wagon is a true upgrade from its previous wagon model. The engine, technical, safety and interior conveniences have all been advanced and enhanced so that buyers will see the sophisticated technology and engineering needed for their family vehicle. You do not have to wait until next year for the new 2007 Passat Wagon to arrive. Volkswagen says that the Passat wagon will arrive at VW dealerships across the United States beginning in 2006.

There are a number of questions you should ask yourself or your family before buying a new automobile. Answering these questions will allow you and your family to be more than happy with your choice.Here are the steps which can help you with your selection of the new vehicle.

For each of the steps you will probably want to keep a list of the questions and answers. This way at the end you will have a list of your likes and needs. This list will help then with the pros and cons of the vehicles on your short list.

Step One - Figure out how much you can spend on the vehicle.

Before going any further you need to go through your finances and decide what amount you can spend on your purchase.When figuring out the amount, remember to calculate in the additional costs above the vehicle purchase price.These extra costs will include taxes, title, registration fees and insurance.As you go about choosing your vehicle you can try to look for options, such as safely features, that will bring down the insurance costs.

If you plan to finance the expense of the vehicle decide on how much you can put down and how much you will need to finance. Once this is done it is best if you go through the paperwork to get pre-approved so you know at what percentage rate your loan will be at. Once this is done you should have an idea of what monthly payment amount you can afford.

Step Two: What type of automobile will match your needs?

To figure out what kind of vehicle will work for you and your family there are a number of questions to ask yourself.These questions include:

How many people will the vehicle need to carry? Is it just one or two people or a whole family?

What size do you want the vehicle to be? Is an SUV too big? Is a sedan too small?

Does gas mileage matter? Will a station wagon or SUV guzzle up too much gas? Do you need a hybrid car?

Do you need an automatic or manual vehicle? Can everyone in your family drive a manual transmission automobile?

Do safety features matter to you? Will having the features add to the safety of your family? Can you get insurance rates reductions due to these options?

Step Three: Narrow down the choices

Once you have asked yourself the questions about the type of vehicle you want it should help you narrow down your choices. You should have decided on the type of vehicle you want - sports car, sedan or minivan. Once the type of car is chosen it is time to narrow the choices down to a few car models.

Step Four: Research the vehicle’s available options

When you have narrowed down your car model choices to two or three it is time to do research. Look online and find out what the choices have for options. Look up simple items, such as does the car come painted in your favorite color. Does the car come in leather?

See if the sunroof, you are just dying for, is an option you can choose. Is there a sports package that can be purchased? Can you make an upgrade to the stereo system? Are there different types of rims you can chose from?

You need to decide which options you just have to have and which ones you can live without. Price out the different options as well and see if one particular vehicle is more price effective.

Step Five: Research the MSRP and invoice price.

While online pricing out the available options continue to research so that it includes the price of not only the individual options but the price of the whole vehicle. There are many websites out there that not only give you the breakdown of what the main car components should cost but also allows you to add and delete sports packages or certain options so that you can see the how the pricing goes up or down due to each choice.

Part of the pricing you can look up includes what the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) is compare to the dealer’s invoice price. The invoice price will always be cheaper and the amount you want to bargain down to as closely as possible.

Step Six: Visit dealerships and test drive your choices.

Once you have figured out the couple of cars you are very interested in purchasing and researched the prices and options it is time to see the vehicle in person. Visit the various dealerships in your area and try to test drive the vehicle with the options you would want if you purchase it. This lets you see if what you enjoyed seeing in pictures is as exciting to see and drive in person.

Test out the handling of the vehicle. See how the braking feels when you stop suddenly. Drive the car on as many road surfaces as the dealer allows you to. Listen to the road noise and try out all the buttons. Also check out the functionality of the interior. Are there cup holders and an outlet where you need them?

Step Seven: Negotiate with a dealer and drive home

Part of selecting the best vehicle for you is to get the best price. You have a fixed amount in your mind that you want to spend and need to follow that. If you got pre-approved for financing you even know what amount you will get from the bank and what amount you hand over for a down payment. This all comes together at the negotiation table.

The dealer might seem in control of the negotiations but really you are. You can stand up and walk away at any time. Once the dealer knows what vehicle you want with the options you want let them start talking about the price. Once they do, and it is too high as all first offers are, pull out your research and show them you know what the automobile is really worth.

The result of the back and forth with the dealer should be to get the price of the vehicle down to about 5 or 6 percent over invoice. If you are able to get down to this amount and are happy with it then close the deal with the salesman. This will include filling out paperwork and finally getting the keys to the car. Once you are given the keys all you need to do now is drive home in the perfect vehicle for you.

Many states have changed the rules for new drivers, especially the guidelines that are for teenagers under the age of 18. These new drivers cannot go straight from a learner’s permit to a full valid license. Instead these new drivers are required to go through a graduated licensing system which includes at least one more step and many more rules and restrictions.

New teenager drivers might be unhappy with these new licensing systems in various states but the changes were done to make these new drivers better drivers. New teenager drivers are typically not as mature as most drivers currently on the roadways and definitely do not have the driving experience of other motorists.Due to this immaturity and limited driving skills, teens are more at risk to have an accident.

Graduated driver licensing (GDL) is a system of laws and practices that gradually introduce young drivers into the driving population. This is typically done by imposing an intermediate or provisional license in between the learner permit and full valid license.In November 2002, the National Safety Council sponsored a symposium that included a collection of scientific researchers who prepared documentation regarding but the higher risks and collision rates for teenage drivers and the benefits that have been shown from implementing GDL provisions.

The result of this symposium and other data shared with various states’ public safety agencies, changes to the licensing systems have occurred. The states have seen proof of a graduated driver licensing system working to cut down the collision and fatalities of teen drivers. The GDL is able to cut down on accidents and fatal crashes by prolonging the learning process for young novice drivers.

The purpose of the graduated driver licensing programs is to allow young drivers to safely garner driving experience, and hopefully a bit of maturity, before obtaining full driving privileges in their state. The GDL is typically targeted at teenagers, thus those young drivers under the age of 18. Depending on the state’s driving laws the first step can be started at 14, 15 or 16.

Currently the graduated driver license program can be found in most all states around the United States and in many provinces within Canada. Ontario, Canada is especially well known for their graduated driver licensing program but Nova Scotia and British Columbia also have GDL systems in place that have been shown to save lives by bringing down the fatality rate for young drivers with their GDL systems in place.

The terms of a GDL program will vary depending on the state laws but generally most states require in the first step, having a learner’s permit, an over the age of 21 adult with a valid driver’s license, which they have had for a certain number of years, must be present in the front seat while the new young driver is operating the motor vehicle. The teen then must take a certified driver education course while holding their learner’s permit for a period of 3 to 6 months. After these stipulations have been met the driver can take the next step and take the driving test.

After passing the driving test the provisional or intermediate license is the next step of the graduated licensing system. As the graduating system implies the person has graduated to a new level at this point so some restrictions are taken away but they are not yet fully licensed without any restrictions. Again, the provisions for an intermediate license will differ according to state laws but basically at this stage the teen can drive during daylight hours without an adult but are required to have one during late night hours or are not allowed to do night-time driving at all. They are restricted to the number of passengers they can have, have supervised practice sessions and are allowed not allowed to have alcohol in their vehicle at any time.

To obtain a full license the driver must have completed both stages one and two of the graduated licensing process. The provisional license typically must be held for a period of 6, 8 or 12 months and the driver must be of a minimum age before they can apply for a full state license. Many states require that the person also had not been received any traffic violations before acquiring their full license or they will have to wait to apply for it.

As of 2005, the every state is supposed to be applying a type of GDL system to their licensing procedures. Most states have had a system in place for several years and have seen the collision and fatality rates for teenagers decline as a result. The graduated system allows for a new, teenage driver to take a driver’s education course, have restricted driving on the roadways and mature as a driver. As they go through these steps they gain confidence behind the wheel and become a better, experienced driver. This makes it safer for both the teenager and other motorists to drive together on the roadways.

It is the worst feeling in the world. You are driving on an interstate highway and all of your sudden your car breaks down. Once you have been able to coach your vehicle to the shoulder of the road you feel discouraged. If are part of an automotive club this dejected feeling will soon turn to relief when help arrives. There are many benefits to being a member of an automotive club.

Having an automobile fail when you are driving it can be quite scary. Mishaps such as a tire blowing out or the engine faltering can happen at any time. You might feel unprepared and even a bit helpless if you are unskilled at being your own mechanic. Being a member of an automotive club that you can call to your rescue after suffering a breakdown will help relieve anxious feelings that sweep over you in such an unexpected situation.

An auto club is an organization that in exchange for a fee provides its members with assistance in matters relating to motor vehicle travel, maintenance or repair. Some clubs include extras such as mapping and discount programs for travelers. The payment to the club might be made monthly, quarterly or annually. I have noticed certain automobile clubs advertising that their fee can be added to your monthly cell phone bill, how easy is that? With quarterly or annual clubs you can usually chose what tier of service that you want.

There are various types of coverage available that can be picked by a motorist. The exact services depend on the level of coverage the member chooses to purchase. Some clubs cover towing within a certain distance, while higher tiers allow for unlimited towing miles. Other companies or clubs will reimburse you for your towing expenses.When getting into an auto club a driver needs to decide which type of coverage is best for their needs.

A main function of an automotive club is to lend roadside assistance to their members’ vehicles when there is a breakdown or have other automotive situations that call for support. The people sent out to help those who call for assistance can try to help with small repairs or help diagnosis the problem. They are not full blown mechanics that can repair your car roadside but they are very helpful in an unsettling situation. If the situation cannot be resolved than you can be towed to the location of your choice.

Auto clubs can not only tow your car to the repair shop or service station of your choosing but can also help you change a tire or give you gas if you have run out. If it is one of these easier problems the person showing up is usually very helpful and can get you back on the road in no time at all. Think about it, you could change a tire yourself or call the auto club so that by the time you have pulled out all the necessary items for the tire change the car club agent should be there and able to do the labor of changing the tire without you getting dirty at all.

Other assistance that an auto club can give you out on the road is to jump your car if it has a dead battery or even sell you a new battery. The clubs are saying that their battery pricing is comparable to an auto store. Getting a new battery on the side of the road will save you plenty of time in the long run. No need to go shop for a battery and wait for it to be installed after getting the battery jumped.

Another service is to get your car unlock if you have locked the keys inside. This can be very handy if you are absent minded and do this often. The professionals from the auto club should be able to unlock your car without doing any damage to the vehicle at all.

Automobile clubs can be quite beneficial for a motorist. The various services they can provide include towing, emergency roadside assistance and mapping of routes. The bigger auto clubs will also have discount programs that will allow you to save at hotels, restaurants and even big attractions. If you travel long distances often the fee you pay for such services will easily pay for itself with the benefits you receive from your automobile club.