Tag Archives: Associated Press

2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, V-6 Models Get Price Cut

avalon-parked-overpassAt Approved Loan Store, we like to let our customers know about sales or specials on their favorite makes and models, and for car shoppers looking for a new sedan, Toyota has cut the cost on the 2014 Avalon XLE Touring model.

According to the Associated Press, the 2014 Toyota Avalon XLE Touring will be $500 less expensive for the V-6 and hybrid versions, and though the base model’s $31,340 price is still steep for some buyers, the 2014 model has a number of improvements. The rear-view camera is now standard, and other standard features will include heated front seats, Bluetooth capability, leather seats, and more.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon was well-reviewed by critics. Edmunds praised its roomy seating, “luxury-like cabin quality,” and large trunk space, and user reviews were also extremely positive with a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. Even Car and Driver, which got in a few jabs about drivers’ AARP eligibility, had to admit that the 2013 Toyota Avalon had stepped up their game and added “athleticism and a few pinches of sophistication” to the popular sedan.

Whether you’re looking for a Toyota Avalon, a car to handle the whole family, or a fun little ride for yourself, Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to get you in the car you need at rates you can afford. Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

AOL Autos Announces Technology of the Year Award Winner

This year, AOL Autos gave out its first Technology of the Year Award, and the Chrysler Uconnect was victorious in a very competitive field of “connective” technology.

The other five finalists for the award included the MyFord Mobile app, the Audi connect with Google Maps, Cadillac’s CUE system, Honda’s LaneWatch, and Nissan’s Tire Pressure Alert and Refill System. These systems improved driver safety, made navigational systems more user-friendly, and allowed drivers to access the internet on the go.

Chrysler’s Uconnect won over both the judges and AOL Auto readers alike. AOL Autos Editor-in-Chief David Kiley praised the system, saying, “It was easy to use, it was intuitive. It worked perfectly with our phones. The voice control worked just right, and it had enough new features to qualify it as new among our nominees for 2012. Technology that works the way it’s supposed to? Well, that could be the new definition of state-of-the-art.”

The new Chrysler Uconnect is available in the 2013 Ram 1500 and Dodge Viper, and it will soon be available in all new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram models.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Does this award make you more likely to check out the Uconnect and the new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram line-up? Have you had the chance to try out the new Uconnect? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Want more auto news and buying tips? Be sure to like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube. Are you ready to get into a new or used car today? Approved Loan Store wants to help you! Get started by filling out our secure online auto loan application here!

Why 2012’s Most Popular Car Colors Are Anything But “Boring”

In a famous scene from Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins, Lucius Fox is showing off the Batmobile Tumbler to Bruce Wayne. After seeing the Tumbler go through the paces, Bruce coolly asks, “Does it come in black?”

Bruce Wayne, like many other people searching for a new car, knows that the color of their car makes a statement, and the color of a person’s car can either enhance or destroy a first impression. Americans are still recovering, and though unemployment is dropping slowly but surely, people want cars that are practical and will give the impression of professionalism. PPG Industries, a paint supplier for many of the major car manufacturers, released its list of the top 5 car colors for 2012, and the list reflected a more conservative car-buying public. White was the top color making up 22 percent of cars and trucks build for the 2012 models, followed by silver, black, grey, and red. All of these colors are classic and will give the car a timeless look as opposed to more outrageous colors.

Imagine my surprise when I see the Associated Press’ headline “America’s favorite car colors for 2012 are…boring.” According to their headline, this is boring:

This is boring:

Even this is boring:

Does the Associated Press really think that white, silver, black, grey, and red are boring colors? Would they rather see people pulling up for a job interview in a bright neon-colored car? The truth is that the color black can remind someone of Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress just as much as it can remind someone of an undertaker. White, silver, and black will suit a business function as much as a night out on the town. It isn’t that the top colors of 2012 are boring but that they are more versatile than other car colors that will only suit one time or place.

No matter what color car you might be looking for, Approved Loan Store is ready to help you get into the right car! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to work with you! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and be sure to like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Picture Courtesy of MemeGenerator

Avoiding Student Loans: Good Financial Sense or Common Financial Pitfall?

In tough economic times, people are less willing to take on debt, even if it means a long-term gain. Case in point, student loans. The Associated Press published a story recently about a movement amongst students starting college to avoid taking out student loans. They will live at home, borrow their textbooks from the library, and take on several jobs to pay off their tuition right away.

At first glance, it sort of makes sense. Many recent graduates are having trouble finding jobs paying well enough to pay off their student loans. If a student wants to put in the time and work to pay off their tuition now and avoid debt later, then why shouldn’t they do it? Isn’t it the most responsible path available?

Well, it is actually not as simple as that. First off, Deborah Santiago of Excelencia in Education says that students who take out loans are more likely to complete their degree and argues that, “If you can go to a more selective institution that gives you more resources and support, you’re more likely to compete.” Depending on the student, it is usually a better idea to take out a loan and go to a first-rate school than get a second or third-rate education without taking out a loan.

Besides that, if a student wants to set themselves up for a strong financial future, they will want to establish a good credit history. With a student loan, they can spend more time studying and getting better grades, and they won’t have to take on as much extra outside work hours. Instead, they can focus on making their loan payments on time which will make them desirable to lenders if they want to get a car or house in the future. A lot of employers also look at job applicants’ credit reports, and they might look on them more favorably after seeing that positive payment history.

If you are exploring your options in student loans, click on Student Loans under the Approved Loans tab above, and keep an eye on our blog and Facebook page for the latest developments in student, car, home, and personal loans (and more!).

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