Tag Archives: budget

Auto Loans and the Road Back to Good Credit

For consumers looking to re-establish a strong credit history, auto loans are becoming the best choice, even for those with especially poor credit.

The qualifications for mortgages, business loans, and credit cards have held steady with strict income and credit requirements, and consumers whose credit took a hit during the economic downturn are having a tough time getting back in good graces with lenders. As many of these applicants have been turned down for credit cards or mortgages, though, many of them have been approved for car loans.

For many consumers with poor credit, a car loan is perfect. Car ownership has been show to correlate with job security and less reliance on public assistance, and it is a purchase that most consumers want and need. Besides that, their credit score will improve as they make their car payments on time, provided they keep up with their other payment obligations of course.

This is one of the reasons why Approved Loan Store exists and why we do what we do. We want to help more people get into the car they want and need. Just take a look through our hundreds of testimonials, and you’ll see that we are the best in the business. Give Approved Loan Store a try by filling out our secure online auto loan application here. You will hear from one of our representatives in 24 – 48 hours, and they will set up an appointment with a Special Finance Representative at a dealership closest to you.

Want to know more about Approved Loan Store? Browse our website ApprovedLoanStore.com, and be sure to like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Carpooling Network Coming to the United States

At the Approved Loan Store, we know how long and boring the morning commute can be. If you’d like to qualify for the carpool lane, though, a German company wants to give you some company on the way into work.

Carpooling.com was founded by 3 German MBA students, and since its inception, it has spread to Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Greece, the United Kingdom, and now the United States. Approximately 1 million people use their services every month. The concept is simple. Riders can register through the website and look up drivers according to area, type of vehicle and seating accommodations, available time, and price. Carpooling.com also has a Facebook, iPhone, and Android app to make booking on the go easier. They also offer women-only rides, driver safety ratings, and an online ratings system to put the riders and drivers at ease.

There are a lot of advantages to carpooling. First, it saves on commuting costs with riders splitting the cost of gas, and there are obvious benefits for the environment. Also, carpooling matches up people who might otherwise never meet, and some drivers and riders have struck up life-long friendships after riding together. Their website also brags of more than 10 wedding of people who met through Carpooling.com.

The reason why Carpooling.com has taken so long to get to the United States is that people feel iffy about riding with someone they don’t know. Some people worry about safety, either that the driver will be reckless or that the driver or rider will be a dangerous individual. Fortunately, there are safeguards in place to protect riders and drivers, and it is certainly more safe than finding a carpool ride through other online avenues like Craigslist.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Would you consider being a driver for Carpooling.com or another carpool website? Would you ever use it to find a ride? Leave a comment below, and tell us what you think!

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

June Sales Defy Commentators, Continue to Grow

All through the month of June, car news and commentary was saturated with talking heads claiming that auto sales would see a downturn this month, and the soaring sales could not continue.

Needless to say, those commentators will be eating a mighty helping of crow this week as auto makers are reporting continued growth across the board. Chrysler had a 20 percent sales increase in June, making it their best June since 2007. General Motors saw a 16 percent increase, Ford had a 7 percent increase, and Toyota had a stunning 60 percent increase, coming back from the 2011 natural disasters in Japan.

The conditions are perfect for this trend to continue as the summer weather compels people to the road for vacation, convenience for work, or an old-fashioned drive in the country. Also, interest rates are dropping with an average of 4.5 percent interest rate on a 60-month new car loan, so more consumers can afford to drive.

Have you gotten into a new or used car yet? Approved Loan Store wants to help you get into a new car this summer! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest auto and consumer news 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: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

CBS News Picks 5 Best Cars Made in America

Yesterday, CBS News MoneyWatch named their 5 best American-built cars. With so many great American cars on the market today, we were curious as to what made the cut. The list is below along with our thoughts on each of their picks.

Cadillac CTS – Winner of Popular Mechanics’ Top 10 Car, Car and Driver’s 10Best, and Edmunds.com’s Best Retained Value Award, CBS couldn’t really make the list without the Cadillac CTS. The Cadillac CTS’s latest tagline is, “If you’re going to make a statement, don’t mumble,” and with its combination of power and luxury, a driver won’t be able to blend in driving the Cadillac CTS.

Buick LaCrosse – In the past, the Buick LaCrosse has had no trouble racking up stellar reviews and awards, and 2012 is no exception. Already, it has earned five-star safety ratings from the NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program as well as a Consumer Digest Best Buy. Kelley Blue Book reviewers also gave it a 4.5 out of 5 rating, making it popular with everyday drivers and car reviewers alike.

Ford Flex – The Ford Flex is probably the most underrated of the bunch here. It still isn’t a household name, but consumers and car reviewers who have driven it are hoping that changes soon. This cross-over is a seven-passenger family car with a completely different feel from the usual minivan or SUV.

Chrysler 300 – In 2012, the Chrysler 300 has already taken home some of the industry’s top awards. The 2012 Chrysler 300 was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines and Interiors as well as a Consumer Digest Best Buy. It was also ranked #1 in Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000 and made Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Best Family Cars list. Like the Cadillac CTS, it would be difficult to make a list of the best American-made cars without including the Chrysler 300.

Ford FocusEdmunds claims that the Ford Focus the first American-made compact car to really give Japanese automakers a run for their money, and though that initial success might have gone to their head, Ford has made some big changes to the Focus that have made it a must-see American-made model. Edmunds specifically cited the 2012 Focus as a “monumental improvement,” calling it a “well-rounded, well-built car that is easy to recommend.”

We want to know what you think of CBS News’ list! Did your favorite car make the cut? What do you think got snubbed? Leave a comment below and tell us what you think!

Are you looking for a great 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 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!

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

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 Battery Could Change Future of Electric Cars

Electric cars have yet to catch on with American car buyers, but a new battery coming out of Massachusetts could make electric cars better and cheaper.

The Nanophosphate EXT is a lithium ion battery that can handle a wide range of extreme temperatures. Most electric car batteries cannot handle these temperatures, so electric cars have to be equipped with heating or cooling systems. According to a press release from the battery’s producers A123 Systems, these batteries can “significantly reduce or eliminate the need for heating or cooling systems, which is expected to create sizable new opportunities within the transportation and telecommunications markets, among others.”

Additionally, the new battery lasts much longer than other batteries currently on the market. This chart shows how the A123 Nanophosphate EXT compares to competing batteries. After 1700 cycles at 45° C, all three competing brands have dropped to below 75 percent discharging capacity while the A123 Nanophosphate EXT hovers around 93 percent capacity.

With longer lasting batteries that can take the heat and cold, electric cars can be more affordable and more powerful with lower maintenance costs. Consumers that have written off the electric car could be convinced to give it a second look. At any rate, it is a huge leap forward in electric car technology and very promising for the future of automotive.

Low-cost electric cars are still a ways off, but Approved Loan Store can help you get into an affordable car today! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest auto news by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter.