Monthly Archives: June 2012

Edmunds Announces Best Used Cars of 2012

When it comes to car shopping, many people rely on Edmunds’ detailed reviews and fair ratings to narrow down the make, model, and year. Their opinion carries a lot of weight with consumers, which is why it was a big deal when they released their 15 Best Used Cars for 2012 earlier this week. Whether someone is looking for a convertible, an SUV crossover, or a minivan, Edmunds has the best of every car type available on the market today. Check out their full list below.

Best Compact Sedan: 2005-2010 Hyundai Elantra

Best Midsize Sedan: 2005-2010 Nissan Altima

Best Large Sedan: 2006-2010 Hyundai Azera

Best Coupe: 2005-2010 BMW 3 Series

Best Convertible: 2005-2010 Mazda Miata

Best Wagon: 2005-2010 Pontiac Vibe

Best Compact SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Honda CR-V

Best Midsize SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Ford Explorer

Best Large SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Chevrolet Tahoe

Best Minivan/Van: 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey

Best Compact Truck: 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma

Best Large Truck: 2005-2010 Ford F-150

Best Luxury: 2005-2010 Infiniti G35/G37

Best Hybrid: 2005-2010 Toyota Prius

Best Sport Compact: 2005-2010 Subaru Impreza WRX

Edmunds did a fantastic job with the list. Looking over the cars listed, it is clear that used car shoppers have so many options open to them, and by shopping smart, consumers can get a great car at a price that is hard to beat.

Are you looking for a new or used car? Approved Loan Store can help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application online here, and keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

Approved Loan Store: Competitive Big City Car Deals Made Easy!

For car shoppers looking for a deal on used cars, a recent study showed that the best places to look are, surprise, at dealerships near big cities.

Car Gurus conducted a market analysis comparing car dealerships located within 50 miles from a major city with those in rural areas or far removed suburbs. They discovered that the average car shopper looking at dealerships near a major city would pay $345 less for a used car, and in high population states like New York, they could save as much as $500 over rural dealerships.

Why are these New York City-area dealerships offering better deals? Well, these dealerships have more competition. Car shoppers have more options available to them, and they feel comfortable that if they can’t find a good deal at one dealership, they will try another one. This is doubly true for consumers with challenged credit or no credit. In a rural area, they might not have dealerships and lenders willing to work with them and get them the best possible auto loan terms.

The great thing about Approved Loan Store is how it makes the whole car shopping process so easy. Simply fill out our secure online auto loan application, and a representative contacts you within 24-48 hours. From there, they match you up with an associated Approved Loan Store location in your area and set an appointment with a Special Finance Representative. At the appointment, you will review all available options with your Special Finance Representative and get you into a car you want at terms you can afford. With Approved Loan Store, there’s no need to drive around to every dealership in the New York City area for the best deal on a used car. Click here to see testimonials from real Approved Loan Store customers that got into a great new or used vehicle!

Want to know more about Approved Loan Store? You can find out more by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ford’s New Safety Feature: Driver Stress Test

Today’s automakers continually amaze me. It is a really exciting time for new car technology with everything from self-driving cars to safety features protecting both drivers and pedestrians alike. The latest development from Ford, however, is more about the comfort and mental well-being of the driver and putting them in the best mindset to be a safe driver.

Ford is currently testing out biometric stress detectors which measure the driver’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate. When a driver shows indications of stress such as a heightened heart rate or if they are in high-stress driving situations based on speed or road conditions, the car will activate a Do Not Disturb function. Incoming texts or cell phone calls through SYNC and MyFord Touch systems will be ignored so the driver can better focus on driving.

Now, I can’t speak as to how well the prototype system works, but I love the concept behind Ford’s new anti-distracted driving system. I think that if this system eventually makes it to the market, it will be very popular with parents of teen drivers. Everyone from politicians to parent groups are trying to find a way to keep drivers off their phones while they are on the road, but having a hands-free system that disables itself when the driver is going too fast or driving on less-than-optimal roads is a step in the right direction.

Are you looking to get into a new or used car with today’s latest safety features? Approved Loan Store can help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

Stay Safe Driving on Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is next week, and with it comes beer, barbeques, and fireworks. Unfortunately, the Fourth of July is also notorious for car accidents, particularly with young drivers. There is no way to guarantee a safe drive on Fourth of July just like there’s no way to guarantee safety on any other day of the year, but by practicing common sense when driving, many accidents can be avoided.

Buckle Up: Yes, it’s been said time and time again, but when you’re heading out to a cook-out or to see the fireworks, it can be easy to pile too many people into a car. People end up sitting on each other’s laps, and not everyone has a seatbelt. If your group plans on driving anywhere else during the day, make sure that there are enough seats for everyone and enough designated drivers for multiple cars.

Don’t Drink and Drive: Don’t do it. Seriously, just don’t. I don’t know how to be clearer about this point. Don’t drink and drive. End of story.

…or Text…or Anything Else: Moms and Dads always say, “It’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s that I don’t trust everyone else,” and there is some truth to this saying. You might be able to drive competently while talking on your phone or texting when the traffic around you is calm, but the true test is whether you can quickly respond to an emergency while talking on the phone or texting. Can you text and still drive in a straight line? Maybe. Can you text and have the proper response time when the car in front of you suddenly stops? No. When you drive, focus solely on driving. Everything else can wait until you are out of the car.

Are you looking to get a new car this Fourth of July, but you have poor credit or no credit? Approved Loan Store can help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

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Car Jacker Tries to Steal Car, Can’t Drive Stick

I have been driving ever since I could get my learner’s permit at 14, but in all my time driving, I have never learned how to drive stick shift. There might have been a chapter on it in my driver’s ed class textbook, but I have never needed to learn it. As any new driver will tell you, driving takes a lot of practice, and stick shift is doubly difficult. For all these reasons, this story coming out of St. Louis, Missouri is just plain bizarre.

On Sunday, June 17, a driver parked in the Saint Louis University parking lot was threatened by an armed robber who demanded the money in the driver’s wallet as well as the car. The driver obliged, but the robber realized that the car was manual transmission. He had no idea how to drive the car, so stealing the car was no longer a viable option.

Now, here’s the kicker. The driver, who already gave the robber $24 out of his wallet, offered to give the robber a ride to wherever he needed to go. The robber agreed, and he even thanked the driver for his help in an awkward situation.

Obviously the police are investigating the incident and hope to find the robber, but honestly, I’m much more curious about the driver. What kind of person lets someone rob them at gun point and then offers to give their attacker a ride? They must be a kind of saint or Jesus Christ returned because this is “turn the other cheek” times ten. “If a man should rob you at gun point and demand your car and wallet, do not respond in kind. Instead, give him everything he asks and give him a ride if he is dumb enough to steal a car he can’t drive.”

Whether you are looking for a manual or automatic transmission, Approved Loan Store can help! We have a huge inventory of new and used vehicles and want to get you into the car you want at terms you can afford! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

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HIRIKO Cars and the Future of City Driving

Earlier this week, we told you about a survey rating the worst cities in America when it came to time wasted in traffic. New York City came in second place, beating out Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. As bad as traffic is, though, parking in New York City might possibly be worse. Finding a parking spot can be a frustrating experience, and drivers wish their cars could fold in half and squeeze into those small spaces.

As it so happens, the HIRIKO Project wants to make the dream of a fold-able car into a reality. The HIRIKO is a fully electric car built for city driving. Based on MIT’s citycar concept, the vehicle comfortably seats 2 people. When the driver is ready to park, the front egg-like section slides back, and the car becomes half of its normal length and smaller than the tiny Smart Cars currently on the market now.

For anyone who has ever driven in a big city like New York, this is a game-changer. HIRIKO might not be practical for families or people who need trunk space, but it is perfect for a couple going out for a night on the town or someone who has to do a lot of city driving on a daily basis. Besides that, I get such a kick out of watching them fold up. It is like watching a sci-fi movie coming to life. I almost expect to see characters from Tron climbing out of the car with the black jumpsuits and neon stripes.

Check out the HIRIKO in action below.

The HIRIKO won’t be on the market for awhile yet, but Approved Loan Store can help you find the right car for your needs. City driving, country driving, couple, single, family, we can find the right car for you! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and we will set up an appointment with a Special Finance Representative. Also, keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

Car Repairs: Save Money and Don’t Do-It-Yourself!

Thanks to do-it-yourself TV shows and YouTube channels, everyone thinks they can become an expert in hair styling, cooking, or car repairs in no time at all. Unsurprisingly, that isn’t really true. Anyone can learn to change a tire or charge the oil, but for most car repairs, you need a certain level of training.

This week, The Car Connection compiled a list of repairs that should really be left to the experts, and after reviewing the list, we at Approved Loan Store have to agree. If you ever run into these problems with your car, don’t take a risk and try to save money by doing it yourself. Talk to friends or read reviews online, and find a trusted mechanic.

Timing-belt replacement – In one case, a DIY customer turned what would have been a $600 repair job for a mechanic into a $3,500 job for a mechanic.

Transmission maintenance or repair – Automatic transmissions are tricky for anyone, and it is too easy to mess up one of the intricate parts and ultimately destroy the transmission.

Overheating – An overheated engine needs a trained mechanic. End of story.

Drivability problems and error codes – When fixing an error code, DIYers sometimes make the mistake of replacing an entire part when there might not even be a problem with that part. Take it to the professionals and let them run tests on the check light.

Replacing suspension components – Labor costs on suspension repairs isn’t bad, and the chance of error is very high. Also, suspension repairs sometimes require specialty equipment that most DIYers won’t have. In the end, it makes much more sense to let a mechanic do it.

Are you looking for a new or used vehicle but your credit is holding you back? Approved Loan Store wants to help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and we will set up an appointment with a Special Finance Representative. Also, keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Parents Magazine, Edmunds Find a Car for Every Family

The mini-van might be the classic family car, but new mom and dad drivers have more options open to them in 2012. There are vehicles on the market today that offer comfort, more space, and different styles than the typical “family car.”

Of course, not every car shopper knows what it available on the market to meet their needs, and as a result, they might miss the opportunity to find what they want and what they need all in the same car. For this reason, Parents magazine and Edmunds.com teamed up to make a list of the 15 most family-friendly cars.

Their list was based on numerous factors including safety, price, and the features offered in the vehicle. Additionally, they spoke with everyday parents who “drive these vehicles every day” and know all the advantages and disadvantages personally. Also, they broke the list down into High Mileage, Budget, Crossovers, Sedans, and Large Vehicles, 5 categories total, with 3 vehicles in each category. The least expensive car listed was the Chevrolet Sonic starting at $14,600, and the most expensive was the Dodge Durango starting at $29,990, so there is a car on the list for every budget.

Here is the complete list:

High Mileage

Toyota Prius V
Honda Civic Hybrid
Chevrolet Cruze Eco

Budget

Chevrolet Sonic
Ford Focus
Hyundai Elantra

Crossovers

Mazda 5
Kia Sorento
Honda CR-V

Sedans

Volkswagen Passat
Toyota Camry
Kia Optima

Large Vehicles

Dodge Durango
Toyota Sienna
Honda Odyssey

Are you looking for a new family car? Approved Loan Store wants to help! Good credit, bad credit, big family, Approved Loan Store will find the right car for you! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here. Also, keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New York Drivers Waste 57 Hours Annually in Traffic

Living and driving in New York City, it can sometimes feel like you’re wasting your life away in traffic. Well, as it turns out, that feeling isn’t completely crazy.

In a recent study by INRIX, New York City is the second worst city in regards to time wasted in traffic. Annually, New York City drivers waste an average of 57 hours, or nearly 2.5 days, in rush-hour traffic. They calculated the time that drivers spent in traffic during rush hour and compared it to the time taken to drive that same distance during times of the day with low traffic. The study results showed that New York City beat out every other city in the United States except for Honolulu where drivers waste an average of 58 hours in traffic.

Now, there isn’t much that New Yorkers can do about rush-hour traffic, but here are a few simple tips to make the trip more comfortable.

Stay entertained: If you have an iPod plug-in, download some podcasts to pass the time. There are podcasts on every subject from entertainment news to history lessons and sports commentary. You can even learn a new language by podcast, and best of all, they are free!
Keep hydrated: Nobody wants to get caught in traffic with a full bladder, but try sipping on water periodically to keep hydrated. Studies have shown that drinking a full glass of water in the morning helps to wake up the body.
Stock up on healthy snacks: Skip the drive-thru breakfast. Instead, leave a box of granola bars in the car, and bring some fresh fruit every morning. Snack on it on the way to work, and you will arrive much more alert than you will with that greasy breakfast sandwich.

Are you looking for a new car? Approved Loan Store can help! Good credit, bad credit, we want to get you into a new or used car! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and check out testimonials by real Approved Loan Store customers here! Also, keep up with the latest auto news by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

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Robert Kirkman, Hyundai Zombie-Proof the Hyundai Elantra Coupe

Zombies have taken over pop culture, and at the forefront of this trend of zombie stories is The Walking Dead comic book series and TV show. Zombie survival books and even this zombie-proof house have been popping up, and The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman has gotten in on the fun by designing the must-have car for the zombie apocalypse.

The car is a tricked-out version of the Hyundai Elantra Coupe. Since Hyundai is sponsoring the car, Kirkman put in a few good words about the car’s safety, maneuverability, and spacious interior, but once he got past the obligatory plug, he showed off some of the features of his zombie-proof car.

First, he added a spiked battering ram to the front. Zombies’ strength is in numbers, and a battering ram “would deflect bodies away from you as you plow through large masses of zombies.” Second, he put blades on the wheels to keep zombies at bay as the car is moving. Thirdly, he designed the car to have metal plates welded on all the windows so that if zombies get too close, they will still have a hard time getting into the car. Finally, he added a guard rail fence around the sunroof and additional headlights mounted on top. With these features, someone could open the sunroof and take shots at zombies, and the lights will give them better visibility.

Putting aside Hyundai’s obvious self-promotion, the concept drawings of the zombie-proof car are pretty awesome. As Kirkman says, he might not know physics and car design, but he does know what you need in a zombie apocalypse. If it looks good on paper, though, it will look even better in real life. Kirkman’s zombie-proof car will actually get built by Hyundai and showcased at the San Diego Comic-Con International next month.

At Approved Loan Store, we have a car for every driver’s needs, from picking the kids up from soccer practice to escaping a zombie mob. Good or bad credit, we want to help you get in the car you need with terms you can afford. Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and check out testimonials by real-life Approved Loan Store customers here! Also, keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!