Tag Archives: bad credit loans

September: U.S. Auto Industry Holds Strong Despite Japanese Comeback

2012 continues to be a strong year for the U.S. auto industry with September once again posting great sales numbers.

According to the Daily Beast, analysts expected that U.S. auto sales would hit an annualized pace of 14.5 million in September, but they exceeded that with 14.87 million. Chrysler saw a sales increase of 12 percent compared to September 2011, and Jeep saw a 10 percent increase. Also, fuel-efficient vehicles continued to perform solidly, and U.S. brands held their ground even as Japanese brands Toyota and Honda made a comeback.

How is the U.S. auto industry maintaining this pace? One of the biggest factors is that car shoppers with damaged credit are still getting approved for auto loans. In 2012 so far, 1 in 4 auto loans have been subprime loans, and the average amount financed for auto loans overall has increased while monthly payments have barely changed. Those are great conditions for buying a new or used car, even for consumers who thought they couldn’t afford a car or get approved for an auto loan.

At Approved Loan Store, we love getting our customers into great new or used cars at terms they can afford! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to help you! Check out our testimonials to see real life Approved Loan Store customers with their new cars, and if you are ready to get started, fill out our secure online auto loan application here.

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!

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Slackers Park in the Kitchen: Why Forbes’ Review of the Toyota Coms Misses the Point

Car companies have tried to appeal to young drivers with navigational systems, sound systems that sync with the driver’s iPod, and hands-free calling and texting. Toyota is trying a new tactic, though, by making their cars smaller than ever.

How small are these new Toyotas? Imagine parking in your kitchen.

Toyota’s new single-seater Coms are limited as far as space and weight. They can only fit a driver and 2 bags under a combined weight of 308 pounds, and the car’s top speed is 37.5 miles per hour. Still, this car could revive young drivers’ interest in car ownership.

In their review of the Coms, Forbes was more skeptical of the car’s appeal saying it “looks like it fell off a carnival ride.” Writer Michael Kanellos also makes a baffling observation that these cars are meant to “capitalize on the diminished expectations of global slackerdom.” This is such a cop-out answer to an industry-wide problem. Instead of blaming young people for not buying traditional cars and labeling them as slackers, maybe Kanellos should understand why cars like the Coms are so appealing to young drivers.

First off, more people are living in cities, and big cities can be costly for car owners. They have to pay for a parking space or a permit, and if they don’t get a designated spot, they have to spend lots of time searching for a spot. Also, many young people are still paying off student loans and working entry-level jobs, and they can’t justify the cost of a car plus insurance and parking fees. At this point, young people living in big cities would rather take public transit and rent a car only when they have to.

Imagine for a moment, though, how the industry would change with more cars like the Coms. The price ranges from $8,922 to $10,000, and they wouldn’t have to worry about paying $100 a month to park their car. Instead, they could drive it right into their apartment. It wouldn’t be able to handle a trip out of town, but they could take it down to the grocery store or out shopping. Young drivers would love it and would probably buy it. Kanellos thinks that driving is about feeling the “breeze blow back your hair,” and he believes that new drivers are a product of “global slackerdom.” I think these new drivers are money conscious and are waiting for a car to meet their needs, and the Coms could do just that.

The Coms are not for sale in the United States yet, but if they are successful in Japan, I could see them popping up in New York very soon. If you are looking for a car or your current car isn’t fitting your needs, Approved Loan Store can help! We want to help you get into the car you want at terms you can afford. Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and get the latest news and buying tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Brooklyn Dealership to Pay Fines, Restitution for Misleading Customers

At Approved Loan Store, we strive to make the auto buying process easier and better for all of our customers, but we hear horror stories all the time about other dealerships and their deceptive practices. Many of our customers have been to other dealerships and had such a poor experience that they are reluctant to even set up an appointment with our Special Finance Representatives. This is why we get so upset when we read about dealerships (particularly local dealerships) that are taking advantage of customers and not following the law.

On Sunday, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that 46 consumers who purchased cars at Brooklyn’s Giuffre Hyundai, Giuffre Kia, Giuffre Mitsubishi, and Giuffre Mazda dealerships would receive $300,000 in restitutions. The dealership used fraudulent sales practices and additionally misled customers about the terms of their car sale and financing.

Sadly, most of these customers were vulnerable to these tactics. Brooklyn State Supreme Court Judge Bernard J. Graham stated that the dealership targeted “older persons, unsophisticated, or unfamiliar with English,” and the dealership sold them cars “they never intended to buy or [at] a price that was dishonestly represented to them.”

At Approved Loan Store, our goal is to get our customers into cars they want and cars they can afford. Every step of the way, we strive to give our customers a great car buying experience, and Approved Loan Store’s Special Finance Representatives make sure that the financing is clear and reasonable. Our results and the glowing testimonials we receive every day are proof that our methods work, and we are glad that dishonest dealerships are being held accountable for their actions.

Are you ready to get into a new or used car today? Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and get the latest car news and buying advice by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Image courtesy of Boaz Yiftach / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Paris Motor Show: What’s New and Shiny from Chevrolet

The Paris Motor Show kicks off tomorrow, and all the major car manufacturers are giving auto enthusiasts an early sneak peek at what they can expect to see from the show. Today is our last day of coverage before the show, but you can get the latest from the Paris Motor Show via the show’s official website.

Chevrolet will be only debuting one new SUV at the Paris Motor Show, but they are showing off several new updates to old favorites that are certainly worthy of note.

First up, the headliner is the new Chevrolet Trax which Chevy has touted as dependable yet modern, a highly versatile SUV that handles like a car. It is a smaller sized SUV but has space to seat 5 people, and the seats can be folded over for additional storage in the back. For the driver, the Chevrolet Trax will include Chevrolet MyLink as a standard feature. MyLink syncs with the driver’s smartphone and allows the driver to place calls, select a music playlist, get directions, or access other information from their smartphone on the car’s high resolution touchscreen. The screen also shows the car’s rear view camera, an invaluable tool when parallel parking.

I have a feeling that the Trax will appeal to people who like the look and space of an SUV vs. a sedan but prefer the handling of a smaller car. Families will probably be the target audience, and with the MyLink system as a standard feature, I could see the Trax doing very well with car shoppers who might otherwise consider a minivan or a four-door hatchback sedan.

The rest of Chevy’s Paris Motor Show line-up is mainly redesigns and updates. The Chevy Spark will get a redesigned grille, front bumper, head light covers, and fog lights as well as a new center LED light in the spoiler above the window. Additionally, the Chevy Orlando will be getting a new 1.4L turbo gasoline engine that will be more fuel efficient at about 38 miles per gallon, and the Cruze station wagon and Malibu diesel will be on display, though they have already premiered in Europe. Finally, Chevrolet’s two Youth Concepts, the Code 130R and Tru 140S, will be on display again. These concepts have previously been on display at shows around the world from New York to Beijing and Geneva, and they have gotten rave reviews. The Code 130R even made CNET’s top 10 best concept cars of the international auto show season, so while the Code 130R and Tru 140S have already been seen around the world, they are still an exciting addition to the Paris Motor Show.

To see more of the upcoming show, stay tuned to the Approved Loan Store and check out the event’s official site here. Also, get 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!

Family Sells Classic 94-Year-Old “Honeymoon Car”

At Approved Loan Store, we love a good classic car, which is why we were so intrigued by a beautiful 1918 Chevrolet D-Series that will be up for auction in Hershey, Pa. next month.

What makes this particular car special besides its age and pristine condition is that the family selling the car is the same family who originally bought the car nearly a hundred years ago. According to a profile in the Wall Street Journal, the car has been passed down in the family for generations. The first owner was Elam Becker who received it as a gift from his father John Becker. Throughout the years, it was a good car for the family, and it was dubbed the “Honeymoon Car” after Becker drove to Washington D.C. and eloped with his then-fiancée.

When Becker bought a new car in 1928, he put the “Honeymoon Car” in storage and didn’t bring it back out until 1949 when he began restoring the car. He started doing car shows and events with his wife, and they always brought along their 1918 Chevrolet. In 1974, they even celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary at the Hershey Fall Meet with their beloved car. After that, they gave the car to their son who is now selling it nearly 40 years later.

For car enthusiasts and anyone who loves a healthy dose of nostalgia, this car is a dream. It will probably sell for around $35,000 to $45,000 and will come with the original order sheet, bill of sale, and owner’s manual. The auction is scheduled for Thursday, October 11 thru Friday October 12 in Hershey, Pa., and you can get more information on the auction by contacting RM Auctions.

Are you ready to get into the car you want at rates you can afford? Approved Loan Store can help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and get the latest auto news and buying tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Chevy Offers $10,000 in Discounts on Volt

If you’ve been thinking about picking up the Chevy Volt but were hesitant because of the price, right now might be the perfect time to buy.

The Chevy Volt has had a tough time in sales since its release, even with drivers who are environmentally conscious or loved the idea of paying only $1.50 to charge its battery. It was a great car, but the timing of its launch was completely wrong. People were looking to cut costs in the short term, and paying $41,000 for a compact car did not make sense, no matter if they saved money in the long run.

Now, Chevy is trying to move the Volt off its lots without too much of a loss. There has been a $7,500 federal tax credit attached to the Volt to encourage drivers to make the change to a hybrid, but Chevy has added on more incentives throughout 2012, adding up to a $10,000 discount. Since the discounts were put in place, Volt sales have seen a dramatic change. Chevy has already sold over 13,000 Volts this year compared to 7,700 last year. The Volt is beating out every other electric car on the market including the Prius Plug-in and the Nissan Leaf.

Chevy is not the only dealership moving last year’s models off the lot. At this time of the year, dealerships across the country are offering deep discounts on a wide range of makes and models. For the best deals, now is the time to buy that new or used car, and Approved Loan Store is ready to help you every step of the way. Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to help you get in the car you want at terms you can afford!

To get started today, 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 for the latest auto news and buying tips!

Ford Focus Challenges Corolla for World’s Top Seller

For years, the Toyota Corolla has reigned as the world’s best-selling car, but this year, the reigning champ might have some competition.

Ford has projected that based on their current sales numbers, the Ford Focus will outsell the Toyota Corolla worldwide in 2012. According to their press release, the Ford Focus is leading the Toyota Corolla, 489,616 to 462,187. Volkswagen also has its sights set on the top spot with the new VW Golf, though it is not expected to overtake the Corolla this year.

While it would be exciting to see a shake-up with the top rankings, I think Ford is being a little premature in their celebrating. After all, they have been close to beating the Corolla before and have ultimately lost in the final sprint to the end of the year. I’m not a superstitious person, but I do believe that Ford might have jinxed itself with this press release. Maybe they should have focused a little less on press releases over a projected win and focused on selling their Focus.

Whether you want a Toyota, a Ford, a Volkswagen, or something else entirely, Approved Loan Store wants to help! Good credit, bad credit, we want to get you into a great car! 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!

The Paris Motor Show: What’s New and Shiny from Nissan

The Paris Motor Show is coming up in a little over a week, and all the major car manufacturers are giving auto enthusiasts an early sneak peek at what they can expect to see from the show. Up until the show next week, we are going to bring you the latest news and announcements coming out of the Paris Motor Show.

At the Paris Motor Show, just about every car brand is premiering something new and shiny. It can be tough to keep track of everything and know which cars to keep a look out. While it is impossible for us to cover everything from the show, we want to give you the highlights, including the new models premiering at the show. Today, we’re bringing you what is new, shiny, and standing out in Nissan’s announced line-up.

Imagine a zero-emissions car that can handle tough terrain. Imagine the future of city transportation in London and New York City. Imagine a car designed in collaboration with one of the most famous fashion magazines in the world. All of these cars (and more) will be on display by Nissan.

The TeRRA, NV200 Taxi, and Micra ELLE are only a handful of the vehicles that Nissan will be showing off. Personally, I’m excited for the Juke with Ministry of Sound, a limited edition model that Nissan worked on in collaboration with the aforementioned Ministry of Sound. It comes in Metallic Black or Solid White, and the Juke Box, which will be at the Nissan stand, will show off the “world’s ultimate sound system.”

Crosswalk Pong Encourages Pedestrians Not to Jaywalk

Last month, an ad agency got bar patron’s attention with a “drunk mirror” which warned against the dangers of drunk driving in a very clever way. Earlier this month, the NHTSA introduced the idea of a “designated texter” to encourage drivers not to text or talk on the phone while driving. Continuing the trend of cleverly disguised public safety measures, a couple of German students came up with a great idea for preventing jaywalking.

Sandro Engel and Holger Michel wanted to get people engaged at the most unlikely of places, the crosswalk. They created a short video “StreetPong” demonstrating two people standing on opposite sides of a crosswalk and playing against each other in a pong-like video game. The idea is that while people are waiting for the light to change, they will be less likely to jaywalk if they can play pong against a real-life player across the street. Engel and Michel even added a fun detail to the game. The pong screen backdrop is actually a picture of a city street, so it is like the players are having an actual game of ping-pong across the street.

The game hasn’t actually been installed at the crosswalk since the video is only meant to be a demonstration of how this pong game could work. Engel and Michel created the effect in the video using a small green screen on the crosswalk pole. A lot of people already wish it was real, though. The video has been watched 614,000 times, received 737 likes on Vimeo, and was featured on Autoblog. They have clearly come up with an idea that people are latching onto, and I do wonder if we will start seeing less jaywalking and more pedestrians gaming at the crosswalk.

Are you looking to get into a new or used vehicle? Good credit, bad credit, no credit, Approved Loan Store wants to help you! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest auto news and buying tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Car Shopping in the Golden Years

Each car buyer has very different needs. Families need a different car than a college student. Different models offer more space, a better speaker system, leather seats, more cup holders and spaces for toys and books. Similarly, older drivers definitely need a different car than younger drivers. For young car shoppers, car buying means how much flash and bang you can get for your buck. When you are shopping for a car post-retirement age, however, there are more factors that must be taken into consideration for both comfort and safety.

Visual impairments, arthritis, and other degenerative conditions are the biggest factor that retirees should keep in mind while shopping for a car. By choosing the right car now, they won’t have to deal with potentially costly upgrades and modifications later. Keyless entry and thicker steering wheels would be a good choice for someone dealing with arthritis, plus they should look at the height of the car and whether they can climb in comfortably. Some trucks and SUVs are taller, and they might be tougher to climb into depending on the driver’s height. Also, drivers with vision issues might benefit from having a rear-view camera in addition to larger side mirrors. It might be helpful before going into the dealership to read up on models that offer features that will suit your specific needs. This way, you can narrow the field before even walking in the door.

While you can certainly read up and research makes and models before getting to the dealership, though, there is nothing that replaces a test drive. Car buyers are doing test drives less these days, but for older car buyers, it is imperative so that any potential problems are caught before any money is put down. Also, if you really like a car but you want something customized, don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson. They might not always be able to accommodate, especially if you are looking at used cars, but it is better to ask than question your car buying decision later. The great part about buying through Approved Loan Store is our large inventory of pre-owned vehicles. Our locations offer a wide selection at low prices, so you might not have to compromise on what you want, what you can afford, and what will suit your specific driving needs.

Are you looking to get into 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 get the latest auto news and buying tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net