Tag Archives: auto loan

Tennessee Student Invention Changing the Future of Hybrid Cars

New green technology is becoming more of a necessity as every year goes by, and though hybrid cars are starting to become more popular, Americans have been slow to adapt to this new technology. A new invention out of the Middle Tennessee State University, though, promises hybrid car technology without having to buy a new car.

For five years, Dr. Charles Perry has been working with MTSU students to create an electric propulsion system that doubles a car’s fuel economy and can be installed for a reasonable price. He showed off a prototype of the system in a YouTube video which was posted to the MTSU YouTube channel a little less than two weeks ago. Already, they have four pending patents, and MTSU is exploring their options in commercializing this new technology.

Up until now, Americans as a whole have wanted better fuel economy, but at the same time, they have been wary of electric and hybrid cars. Maybe it was the price or technical bugs. Maybe they believed that buying a hybrid car would limit their options, or maybe they just hated the notion of trading in their powerful truck for an itty-bitty hybrid. Up until now, the idea has been to make whole new cars and make them appealing to the public, but with this new system from MTSU, drivers can have their car cake and eat it too. They can keep the car they love and upgrade its fuel economy for as little as $3,000.

It will probably be awhile yet until these systems are available for purchase, but if you are looking for a more fuel efficient vehicle now, Approved Loan Store wants to help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and 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!

After 30 Years, New Yorker Says Goodbye to Beloved Car Bluey

Back when I was in high school, I bought my first car. It wasn’t flashy or really anything special on the outside. In fact, I bought it used from my grandma, earning it the nickname of “The Grannymobile” in my family. On the outside, it was an unremarkable silver-grey sedan, and inside, the entertainment center didn’t even have a CD player. Instead, I had to hit up discount and vintage stores and buy cassette tapes, and I ended up with a very strange music collection including Prince’s “Love Machine” and Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame.” While it wasn’t exactly a teenager’s dream car, the Grannymobile was reliable, and I grew to love all of its quirks. I finally had to retire the Grannymobile after a rough road trip to Florida (and a rainstorm/mini-hurricane) left the bottom rusting through. It was a bittersweet goodbye. After all, this car had seen me through my high school and college years. It wasn’t just a way to get around. The Grannymobile was like an old friend who had seen me through good times and bad, and many of my best memories of those years wouldn’t have been the same without it.

This week, I was reminded of the Grannymobile when I read the story of New Yorker Harry Ettling and his old reliable car Bluey. Bluey, a 1982 Honda Civic, had lasted three decades and 170,000 miles with Ettling. Throughout Bluey’s life, the car survived getting totaled, having all four tires stolen, and then later getting flipped during the Washington Heights riots in 1992. Somehow, Bluey kept on running all these years until Ettling noticed the car floor was rusting out and knew it wasn’t safe for the road anymore.

After 30 years of service, Ettling didn’t want to just send Bluey off to be sold for parts. Instead, he hosted a full-fledged “funeral” for Bluey. He hired a Dixieland band to play in Bluey’s honor, and he dressed up in a black suit jacket and top hat. A floral wreath was even placed on the hood of the car, and when Bluey was eventually taken away to the junkyard, Ettling headed off to a local bar to continue the festivities.

What I really loved about this story was not only the impact of Bluey on Ettling’s life but also on Ettling’s neighborhood. Bluey certainly didn’t look like much, but this car became an icon with neighbors regularly stopping to get a picture with it. On the day of Bluey’s funeral, a New York neighborhood came together as a community to celebrate one of their own, even if it traveled on four wheels, and that kind of unity is wonderful to see in the headlines these days.

Ettling has said he’s not ready to get a new car because he needs “time to heal,” but we hope that when he is ready, he will consider going through Approved Loan Store. We want to get you the best terms on a new or used vehicle. Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest auto news by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

American Auto Makers Making Bank at Home

Recent numbers from the U.S. auto industry show that while sales are struggling internationally, auto sales here at home are still booming.

American auto buyers are spurred on by loosening auto loan requirements, increased quality in American-made cars, and a steadily improving economy. Also, new vehicles like the Dodge Dart are spurring excitement among car buyers, something that hasn’t been seen in recent years, and these new models are offering better fuel economy, even for their trucks and larger vehicles. LMC Automotive predicts that 14.5 million light vehicles will be sold in the United States this year alone, and 150 percent of Ford’s second quarter earnings came from U.S. auto sales.

Are these sales numbers sustainable? Probably not, but they are pretty amazing nonetheless. Even when the sales eventually plateau, I expect they will still pull in good numbers domestically. American auto makers have seen a comeback both in quality and sales, and car shoppers are much more likely to consider an American-made car now than they were just a few years ago. Plus, many drivers have held off on a new car for so long that their current ride is reaching the end of its road life, and soon it will make more sense to buy a new car instead of sinking more money into repairing the old one.

If you’re looking for a new or used car, now is the time to buy! Lenders are loosening their requirements, and Approved Loan Store wants to help you get the best deal possible on that new car! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest news and trends in the auto industry by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Compact Cars: Trading Down is Trading Up

A recent study released by J.D. Power and Associates had some interesting findings about car trade-ins and how people view a vehicle downsize as a trade up.

According to the study, more than a quarter of drivers trading in their car opted to go for a smaller vehicle while only 13 percent chose to go with a larger car. Compact cars aren’t only getting love from trade-in drivers, though. Across the board, more people are buying compact cars this summer.

Why is there such an interest in smaller cars? Well, compact cars today offer great features that at one time were only available in larger vehicles. Getting a compact car no longer means sacrificing comfort or new car technology. Cars like the Dodge Dart have digital dashboard displays, customizable interiors, and other high-demand add-ons like the wireless iPhone charger. To make the deal sweeter, compact cars tend to get better fuel economy than their larger counterparts, making it a greater value in the long run.

No matter what kind of car you are looking for, from compact cars to pick-up trucks, Approved Loan Store wants to help you! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we work to get the best rates possible for our customers. Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and 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!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“Crash Course” Class Makes Better Teen Drivers

At the BSR Accident Avoidance course, teens learn to stay accident free by testing their nerves and reaction times behind the wheel.

The “crash course” driving class is quickly gaining popularity with teens and parents alike. Through practical behind-the-wheel instruction, teens learn to stay calm in stressful scenarios like keeping control in bad weather or if the car leaves the road. They test their reflexes and nerves in a controlled environment so that when they are in that situation, they will be less likely to get in an accident. Driving instructor Don Ruschman explained, “In those few seconds, an untrained driver will most often rely on their instincts. The problem is that in driving under stress, our instincts are almost always wrong.”

Some critics of the class claim that the teaching methods will make teens more reckless, but for the most part, the course has been well-received. Even teens that would typically drag their feet with a traditional drivers ed course are signing up because of the cool factor involved. Personally, I see no downside to the course. Motor vehicle accidents are still the leading cause of death amongst teens, and newly licensed drivers are some of the highest risk drivers on the road. If it saves lives and produces better teen drivers, then I think it is something that everyone can get behind.

Are you looking for a new or used car for your teenager? Approved Loan Store wants to help whether you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit. Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and 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!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

TOMY’s New Car Seat Gives Parents Peace of Mind

For a new parent, safety is of the utmost importance for their child, and when it comes to car safety, it is too easy to make a rookie mistake. Is the car seat installed properly? Will my child stay securely in his or her seat? What if I accidentally leave my child in the car? A new car seat from TOMY, along with an accompanying alert system, wants to help parents keep their child safe and secure in the car.

The First Years IAlert system links the car seat to the parents at all times. When activated, the car seat and child’s current status is displayed on the parents’ smart phone. It measures the child’s temperature and how long they have been sitting in their car seat. Additionally, it sends alerts if the car seat is improperly installed and if the child climbs out of the car seat. This way, the parent always knows what is going on with their child and the car seat, even if the child is alone in the backseat.

I know a lot of young parents, and driving with their child in tow is usually a time-consuming and stressful ordeal. Not only do they have to deal with diaper bags, bottles, and toys, they also have to worry about the car seat coming unloose, their child getting left in the car, or any number of other problems. I love the First Years IAlert because it perfectly fits the parents’ needs, providing an alert if anything is wrong and assuring the parents when everything is perfectly fine.

Are you looking for a new family car? Approved Loan Store wants to help you get into a great new or used vehicle! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and 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!

Will New Self-Cleaning Coating Mean the End of Car Washes?

Summer vacation holds a lot of great memories for me. I remember running around the neighborhood, playing baseball in someone’s backyard, or piling in the car for a trip to the local pool. Sometimes in the midst of vacation, though, my parents would rope my sisters and me into doing, heaven forbid, some chores. We spent many afternoons standing on a hot driveway with the garden hose and a couple of sponges, scrubbing down the family car.

Well, it seems that thanks to new technology, the traditional car wash might be a relic of the past. Researchers at the Netherlands’ Eindhoven University of Technology reported that a newly developed car coating will protect the car from small scratches as well as provide “self-cleaning” for the car. Soap and sponges or rags won’t be needed. Instead, the owner can simply hose down their car, and dirt will be washed away without extra work or effort.

If you are saddened that future generations will not understand Karate Kid’s wax-on-wax-off, don’t worry, and if a self-cleaning car sounds like a dream come true, curb your enthusiasm. The self-cleaning coat will probably not hit the market for at least another 6 to 8 years, and when it does, it is uncertain whether it will catch on. Until then, kids across America will still get the experience of washing the family car on a hot summer day.

Are you looking for a new or used car? Good credit, bad credit, no credit, Approved Loan Store wants to help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and 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!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Four Ways to Avoid Car Thieves

No one expects to be the target of a car thief, but in 2010, over 700,000 cars were reported as stolen. Every car owner should know the proper steps to take to decrease the chance of car theft, but most people do not. At Approved Loan Store, we want to get people into the car they want, and we want them to hold onto those cars as well. For that reason, we wanted to share some tips from The Car Connection for deterring car thieves.

Pack up laptops, iPads, and other electronics: Around Christmas time, most drivers will keep their shopping bags out of sight for car thieves scoping for a target. Year-round, it is smart to store any electronics left in the car in the glove compartment or under a seat, or if you can, leave the laptop or iPad at home.

Park smart: Always park in well-lit areas, and watch for how many people walk or drive by. If the area gets a lot of foot or street traffic, a car thief will feel less comfortable trying to break into the car.

Get a car alarm (and advertise it): Get a real-time vehicle tracking system for the car, and make sure to keep it active. Also, a car thief might think twice about stealing a car if they know the car has an alarm system. If an OnStar system comes with a window sticker, keep it in the window. A thief might be deterred just knowing that the car is protected.

Be extra careful with popular cars: Popular cars are easier to steal because they blend into traffic, and their car parts are in higher demand. Obviously, it doesn’t make sense to tell drivers not to buy popular cars, but if drivers follow the other three steps, their car is less likely to be targeted by thieves.

Are there any tips you would add to The Car Connection’s list? Tell us below in the comments section!

If you are looking for a great new or used car, Approved Loan Store wants to help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and 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!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Road Rage, Texting Problem with American Drivers

According to a new survey from Harris Interactive, more Americans need to take a breath and put down their phones when they get behind the wheel.

The survey looked at American drivers who are employed full-time and examined their behaviors on the road. As it turns out, women were slightly more likely to admit to road rage than men with 61 percent of women saying they had experienced road rage compared to 56 percent of men, and drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 experienced road rage more than the 55 and older respondents.

If this wasn’t discouraging enough, 30 percent of survey respondents admitted that they have texted while driving. States across the country have passed laws against texting while driving, and shows like Fox’s Glee have done episodes and PSAs on the subject. Still, drivers continue to text and drive undeterred by the obvious dangers.

At Approved Loan Store, we want all of our readers and customers to stay safe on the road, and there are simple steps to alleviate stress while driving! Turn off your cell phone so there isn’t any temptation to answer it while driving, and in the summer heat, stay cool and hydrated to avoid road rage. Be calm, be careful, and stay safe this summer!

Are you looking for an auto loan? Approved Loan Store wants to get you into a new or used car! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to help you get the car you want at terms you can afford! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and 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!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Free Wedding with Oil Change? Dealership Wedding Makes Headlines

In Wichita, a young couple walked into a car dealership and left with a truck, a car, and a wedding.

Jada Miller and Shane Starlin weren’t even planning to get married when they walked into the Suzuki of Wichita. They were looking for a truck and a Suzuki Kizashi, and as they were shopping, their salesman Randolph Warren commented on the lack of wedding rings. Jada bluntly replied that they weren’t married because Shane hadn’t asked her. After some playful joking around, Shane said he didn’t know a minister, and Randolph volunteered that he was an ordained minister and could perform the ceremony at the dealership. Jada and Shane didn’t immediately take him up on the offer, but when they returned to get a tire replaced, they took Randolph up on his offer.

The dealership transformed the showroom into a wedding chapel with a flowery wedding arch and a white walkway. The wedding music was “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts and songs by the a cappella group Intensity. The dealership even arranged for the cake, a baby-blue and white cake with wedding ring cake toppers. While it was unconventional, there was a genuine sweetness to the whole event.

Jada and Shane’s story has been covered by the Wichita Eagle and Jalopnik among other news sites, and the wedding highlights video is available on YouTube. I think what draws people to the story is the spontaneity of it. Wedding culture has turned into a monster of satin and lace that seemingly feeds on piles of money. For many people, weddings are stressful affairs that lose the celebration of love in the midst of family politics and fighting over the budget. Jada and Shane’s wedding was simple, fun, and low-maintenance while still being memorable for everyone involved.

While Approved Loan Store hasn’t hosted any weddings yet, we continue to do what we do best: get customers into cars. Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to help you get into a great new or used car! 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!

Original Image at Suzuki of Wichita