Tag Archives: budget

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

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 Fiat

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.

Fiat won’t be officially premiering their new Panda 4X4 five-door hatch until the Paris Motor Show next week, but a few weeks ago, they released a few promo pictures (and a rather lengthy press release) to pique our interest.

The Panda 4X4, dubbed the “Super Panda,” practically screams “off-road” in its design, though Fiat claims it is a versatile car that can tackle the “urban jungle” as well as rough terrain. The exterior is a dark forest green, and the interior color scheme reminds me of army camo with a mix of light tan and dark green. Buyers will have their choice of two different engines, either the new 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo or the 75 HP 1.3 MultiJet II diesel, and the interior will come with a standard manual climate control system, CD/MP3 radio, electric rear view windows, and more as well as other optional accessories.

I wouldn’t say that the Panda 4X4 is the most exciting addition to the Paris Motor Show, but it does offer something that none of these other off-road vehicles do not offer. Fiats have this adorable charm to them that is really hilarious when paired with the rough-and-tumble off-road vehicle culture. Even the dark green and tan color scheme doesn’t toughen up its image. When I look at the “Super Panda,” it reminds me of a roly-poly baby panda dressed up in army camo and trying to growl ferociously, and I can’t think of a single other off-road vehicle that offers that charm.

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!

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

Kia’s line-up for the Paris Motor Show is a bit more modest than BMW or Nissan. They are only pushing two new vehicles, and neither car is flashy or futuristic or have promotional pictures with Lady Gaga’s rejected back-up dancers. The new Carens is a family-oriented compact car, and the new pro_cee’d is a souped-up hatchback that was actually a pretty popular model for Kia.

What they lack in pizazz, though, they make up for in practicality. Kia loves to tout its value, and the newest upgrades to both models make them an even better deal for buyers on a budget. For the environmentally conscious, Kia has also worked to reduce carbon dioxide emissions with the new pro_cee’d down to 97 g/km. I predict right now that Kia isn’t going to make any big headlines this year, but their new and improved Carens and pro_cee’d will quietly rack up some great sales for Kia.

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

BMW’s line-up for the Paris Motor Show is squarely focused on the future of the industry, specifically electric car and hybrid technology. Their headliner is the BMW Concept Active Tourer which consumes less than 2.5 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers, or 0.66 gallon per 62 miles. They will also be showing off the BMW i3 Concept which is entirely electric drive and built with environmental sustainability in mind. Materials used in the car’s interior were chosen carefully including the eucalyptus wood for the instrument panel and the olive leaf treatment used on the leather seats.

BMW will be showing off more than just concept cars, though. The new BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, and 7 Series will all be premiering at the Paris Motor Show, and BMW’s new ConnectedDrive feature will also be on display. ConnectedDrive is a built-in three-dimensional navigational system and dictation service which allows drivers to write e-mails and text messages without their eyes ever leaving the road. The system is available for all BMW models.

While I’m sure the concept cars will be an interesting peek at what lies ahead, I am more interested in seeing how ConnectedDrive stacks up against other voice recognition/navigational systems. Does the voice recognition actually work, or will the first model have problems? I hope that BMW has not cut corners with the technology like other manufacturers have done in the past few years. We have covered the dangers of distracted driving, and if ConnectedDrive works the way it is intended, it could keep more drivers’ eyes off their phones and on the road.

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

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.”

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

George Romney and the “Gas-Guzzling Dinosaur”

Election year is in full swing, and with a little less than 2 months until the election, it is hard to go anywhere without hearing nasty attacks and soapbox speeches. Since our site covers auto news and tips for car shopping, we don’t usually have the need to go anywhere near politics, but after reading this fascinating little piece over on Jalopnik about George Romney and the auto industry, we thought it was worth a share. You can read the full article here or check out our recap and thoughts on the piece below.

When you think of compact cars and better fuel economy, what names come to mind? George W. Mason, Alec Issigonis, or Henry J. Kaiser are obvious choices, but many young car enthusiasts today don’t know that George Romney was instrumental in making compact cars mainstream. Some people might be surprised that George Romney, the late father of presidential candidate Mitt Romney, wanted to make cars more fuel efficient, calling current models “gas guzzling dinosaurs.” He worried that families were overly burdened by the cost of gasoline, and despite criticism and disdain for compact cars at the time, Romney used his influence to encourage the movement towards smaller vehicles.

While he was president of American Motors Corporation, he wrote an editorial in the News and Courier in South Carolina that shows his enthusiasm for the future of compact cars, specifically the Rambler. He saw the potential of the compact car, and in his editorial, he writes, “Just what is a true ‘compact’ car? Loosely applied, the term has been used to describe a car providing better-than-average gasoline economy, or a particular size of vehicle, or a car in the new lower price range. The compact car concept is broader than these things.” The full editorial is available here.

While Mitt Romney shouldn’t be judged positively or negatively by the actions of his father, I thought that more people should know that George Romney was a pioneer in fuel-efficient vehicles. His actions showed empathy for the American family trying to stick to a budget and also started the slow move away from gas-guzzling cars. I don’t know if his son Mitt has the same enthusiasm for getting “gas guzzling dinosaurs” off the road, but it could make for a very interesting debate question for the decidedly pro-business candidate.

Are you spending too much at the pump? Approved Loan Store would love to get you into a great new or used fuel-efficient car! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and make sure to like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Longer or Shorter Auto Loan Length: The Right Choice for You

If you’ve been paying attention to auto loan trends, you would have noticed that the length of the typical auto loan has gone up in 2012, averaging at 64 months or about 5.3 years. Lenders are more willing to grant these longer loans, and looking at the lower monthly payments, it is easy to see why these loans appeal to consumers. These longer loans, however, are not necessarily right for everyone, and choosing the wrong loan length could cost you in the long run. How do you know if you need a shorter or longer loan length? We have a rundown of the major advantage and disadvantage of both types below.

Longer Loans

Longer loans are usually better for people who have shakier finances. The monthly payments are lower, so if a costly emergency comes up, the car payments won’t be as much of a burden. The downside of longer loans is that the interest adds up. In the end, you will end up paying more for the car, but you’ll get to pay it over a longer period of time.

Shorter loans

Shorter loans are better for people who are certain they can pay the loan off quickly, usually people with less financial obligations. The biggest upside to shorter loans is that you will pay much less in interest over the course of the loan. The downside is that if an emergency comes up, the monthly payments are much higher and will put a bigger burden on your finances.

The great thing about going through Approved Loan Store instead of walking up to any dealership is that our Special Finance Representatives will sit down with you personally and help you figure out what type of auto loan is the right choice for you. They will review your financial situation and determine with you what will suit your needs and not break your budget, whether that is a longer or shorter loan length.

Are you ready to get into a new or used car? Approved Loan Store wants to help you get into the car you want at terms you can afford! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and connect with us by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net