Tag Archives: Car Loan

Consumer Reports: Ford’s EcoBoost Engines Disappoint in Testing

In the past year, Ford has been heavily promoting their EcoBoost engines as a more eco-friendly but still powerful option. A new series of tests by Consumer Reports, though, might poke some holes in their grand claims.

Consumer Reports ran a series of tests on the 2013 Ford Fusions with EcoBoost engines, and they found that the vehicle’s 0-60 acceleration speed lagged behind its competitors. This might be understandable and excusable if the engine delivered on fuel efficiency, but in the tests, it only got 25 mpg. To give some perspective, the Chevrolet Cruze Eco gets 28 city/42 highway mpg, the Honda Civic HF gets 29/41, and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI gets 30/42.

Fortunately, some of the new engines from Ford’s competitors did deliver on their promises. Consumer Reports highlighted BMW’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine which can keep pace on acceleration and still gets 28 mpg. Similarly, the Volkswagen’s 2-liter turbo engine performed well in testing, proving that this type of engine can be competitive if manufacturers work out the kinks.

Are you looking for a more fuel-efficient vehicle? Approved Loan Store can help! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to get you into a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and get more 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!

Auto Loan: January Auto Sales Surpass Expectations

We predicted it. With reports of lower interest rates and more flexible loan lengths, we predicted that January would be a good month for the auto industry, even coming off of such a strong year.

As it turned out, January was a great month.

January is done and the numbers are coming in, and U.S. auto sales were up 14 percent. It is much better than analysts were predicting, and these gains weren’t limited to one type or model of vehicle. Large pickups, small cars, and crossovers alike all saw increased sales in January.

Among the individual automakers, Toyota had a 27 percent increase. Ford’s U.S. sales had a 22 percent increase. GM had a 47 percent increase on Cadillac, and sales for their full-sized pickups increased 32 percent. Meanwhile, Chrysler’s car sales went up 50 percent with strong showings by the Dodge Avenger, Dodge Dart, and Fiat 500 line.

Automakers are ready to keep these sales numbers going with promotions and deals changing monthly. Now is a great time to get into a new or used vehicle. If you’re ready to get into that car today, Approved Loan Store is ready to help you. Good credit, bad credit, or no credit, we will work with you to get the car you want at terms you can afford.

Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and get more 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 courtesy of renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

CONSUMER ALERT: Recall on Certain 2012 GM Auto Models

A few days ago, GM and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a recall of some 2012 GM vehicles over safety concerns with the vehicles’ air bags.

The affected vehicle models are the 2012 Buick Verano, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, and the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. According to the recall report, there are issues with the driver side frontal air bag where the air bag might not deploy in a crash.

GM is replacing the steering wheel airbag coil free of charge for all affected vehicles, and while GM will be contacting all affected drivers, any owners who are feeling pro-active can contact GM at 1-800-521-7300.

You can read the full NHTSA recall report here.

Get the latest auto news and consumer alerts like recalls and special deals by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube! Are you ready to get into a new or used car today? Get started by filling out our secure online auto loan application here!

Car Trade-In: When Is the Best Time?

A question that has been plaguing car owners since the invention of the automobile is when to repair the car you own and when to get a new car. It isn’t an easy question to answer, but a recent article from the Christian Science Monitor attempted to shed some light on the subject.

Some people would argue that you could keep repairing a car over and over again until the wheels fall off and could still save money over buying a new car. Those people are wrong, and even if you could find a way to save some money with numerous repairs, all you are doing is delaying the inevitable. By the time you finally trade in, the car you are trading in won’t be worth nearly as much, and you will have sunk hundreds or thousands of dollars into a car that doesn’t properly run.

Christian Science Monitor also points out that having an unreliable car could cause other problems. What if your car breaks down on the way to work? Can you get to work by public transit until you are able to get a new car? There is a good reason why car ownership has been strongly tied to employment status. Car owners don’t have to rely on public transit, so they have more employment options available to them, and they are more likely to be reliable and prompt.

Are you done sinking money into an unreliable car? Approved Loan Store can help you with your trade-in and new car purchase! Whether if you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit, we will work hard to get you a great new car at terms you can afford! Get started 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!

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Kia Teases Sporty Concept Before Chicago Auto Show

In the last few years, Kia has been making a concerted effort to appeal to a wider range of drivers. Besides vehicle value, they want to offer minivans, crossovers, and fuel-efficient compacts as well. Next month at the Chicago Auto Show, Kia will be unveiling its latest endeavor into luxury with their concept car, the Kia Cross GT.

Kia just released a teaser of the Cross GT which will premiere at the Chicago Auto Show February 7th thru 18th, and car enthusiasts are starting to see what Kia meant by “tiger nose.” Its copper-toned color, sleek build, and narrow headlights remind one of a vicious tiger. Kia has never looked so good.

Unfortunately, this picture is all that has been revealed about the Cross GT. Kia hasn’t released any more specs or details yet. Besides that, it isn’t known if the Cross GT will move past being a concept car and whether it will be available for sale in the next year or so. Still, this teaser does exactly what it is meant to do, and our interest is piqued. We will be looking forward to seeing more of the Kia Cross GT next month and hope the rest of the car lives up to the anticipation.

Are you looking to get into a new or used car? Approved Loan Store can help! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, luxury or minivan, we will work to get you into the car you want at terms you can afford! Get started 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!

New Car Financing: Winter Deals Available on New and Used Convertibles

As cabin fever sets in, drivers are itching for spring and the freedom of the open road. For many drivers, the perfect car for a joy ride is a convertible, and now during the winter months, dealerships want to give car shoppers an incentive to spring for their dream convertible.

In a recent interview for Philly.com, Kerry Pacifico of Pacifico Ford in Philadelphia encouraged drivers shopping for a new convertible to buy now. He claims that buyers will get a better deal if they just order the car instead of purchasing it off the showroom floor since they avoid floor-plan expense. Besides that, there is less demand for convertibles in winter time, and dealerships will be more willing to strike a deal.

If a convertible seems out of your reach, here is a rundown of some of the more affordable convertibles on the market right now.

2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible – Starting at $27,100
Estimated MPG: 18 city, 29 highway
Standard Features: Air Conditioning with Automatic Temperature, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, 6-Speed Automatic Transmission, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, and more.

2014 Ford Mustang V6 Convertible – Starting at $26,995
Estimated MPG: 19 city, 29 highway
Standard Features: Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, MyKey, Auxiliary Audio Input Jack, Cloth Front Bucket Seats, Stainless Steel Dual Exhaust, and more.

2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata – Starting at $22,424
Standard Features: Black Z-Fold Vinyl Soft Top, 16-Inch Aluminum-Alloy Wheels, 5-Speed with Short-Throw Shifter, 6-Way Adjustable Driver’s Seat, 4-Way Adjustable Passenger Seat, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and more.

Are you ready to get into a new or used convertible today? Approved Loan Store wants to help you! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work hard to get you the car you want at terms 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 Twitter!

Image courtesy of M – Pics / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New Car Financing: Ford Offering Incentives on Focus Electric

As 2013 kicks into gear with low interest rates and more flexible loan lengths , automakers are also offering additional incentives for a variety of makes and models. Ford is the latest to announce major incentives in hopes to boost sales for the Ford Focus Electric.

Typically, the Ford Focus Electric has a starting price of $39,200. Right off the bat, Ford is knocking that starting price down to $37,995. From there, buyers can choose to buy the Focus Electric outright and get an additional $2,000 discount or take 1.9 percent financing from Ford Motor Credit. Either way, it means thousands of dollars in savings for people who might have been eying the Ford Focus Electric but were waiting for a good deal.

Standard features on the Ford Focus Electric include SYNC with MyFord Touch, dual zone electronic automatic temperature control, HD Radio, and heated front seats. I can’t deny that in this cold weather, the idea of heated seats is very tempting.

Now is the time to buy! Are you ready to get into that new or used car? Get started by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and get more 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 Loan: How Your Auto Loan Appointment Prevents Identity Theft

At Approved Loan Store, we are asked all the time why we don’t sell cars over the phone. “Can’t you just run my credit? Why do I have to go to a dealership?” There is a very good reason why we don’t sell cars on our website or over the phone, and that reason can be summed up in a cautionary tale out of Indiana.

Earlier this month, Jamie L. Boyd was charged with fraud on a financial institution, theft, and identity deception. She allegedly used her mother’s personal information including her driver’s license to finance a 2009 Chevy Tahoe. To make matters worse, her mother was hospitalized at the time and passed away only six days after Boyd purchased the vehicle.

The courts will have to decide Boyd’s guilt, but if the allegations are true, she illegally obtained over $41,000 in financing when she bought the Chevy Tahoe. Now, it is terrible that she might have used her own mother’s personal information and broken the law to buy a car. Imagine if someone with access to your personal information tried to do the same thing to you.

When we send our customers to an Approved Loan Store location, we require that they bring documentation to properly prove their identity including but not limited to their driver’s license, Social Security card, and proof of residence. By taking these steps, we ensure that identity theft cannot and will not happen.

Are you ready to get into the car you want at terms you can afford? Approved Loan Store is ready to help you! Get started by filling 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!

Detroit Auto Show: Hyundai Reveals Motion Sensor Technology

Distracted driving is a huge problem in this country. A driving distraction used to be squirming kids fighting over a Game Boy in the backseat, and now drivers have to block out smart phones, music, and even some of the technology built into the car like GPS and internet access. Every car company has an idea about how to curb distracted driving from hands-free calling to Ford’s driver stress test, and at the Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled their latest idea to keep drivers’ eyes on the road.

Motion sensor technology has come a long way in the past few years particularly with the Xbox Kinect. Hyundai is integrating motion sensor technology into its connected car technology. Other automakers have used touch screens, but this is the first time I have heard of a car company using motion sensor technology in this way. Unlike most connected systems, the screen is intentionally turned away from the driver and towards the passenger side, and it is meant to be controlled by the passenger, not the driver.

At the Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai showed off how to use the motion sensor technology to access apps, music, and other features. The demonstration also included playing a game of poker.

You can watch the video of Hyundai’s demonstration below.

While it certainly has a cool factor, I’m not convinced that Hyundai’s new system will do much to curb distracted driving. Besides that, the driver doesn’t have any way to check their car’s GPS since the screen is tilted towards the passenger side. I could see more cars integrating motion sensor technology, but otherwise I think Hyundai still has some kinks to work out.

Readers, what do you think? Do you want motion sensor technology in your car, or do you think these systems do more to cause distracted driving than deter it? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Are you ready to get into a new or used car? Approved Loan Store wants to help you! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and get more 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!

Low Interest Rates, Longer Loans Drive Auto Sales in 2013

2012 was an amazing year for the auto industry. Sales were so strong in 2012 that it would be completely understandable if the industry saw a slight dip in the beginning of 2013. To combat any drop off in sales, they are offering some of the lowest interest rates in years and longer loan lengths for more affordable monthly payments.

A review of banks and credit unions found that five-year new car loans had an average interest rate of 4.15 percent, and four-year used car loans had an average interest rate of 4.77 percent. Some were offering as low as 0 percent to 1.9 percent or a cash rebate depending on the model, and certain lending institutions are giving consumers more time to pay off those loans. 72-month and 84-month car loans are becoming more common place, and with the lower interest rates, consumers can take those longer auto loans without feeling like they’re paying too much in interest.

At Approved Loan Store, we want to help you take advantage of great interest rates and flexible loan terms. Whether if you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit, we will explore every option to get you the best possible terms on a car you want. Click here to see testimonials from real Approved Loan Store customers.

Are you ready to get into that new car? Get started 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 on YouTube.

Image courtesy of renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net