Tag Archives: Car Loan

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.”

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!

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!

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Classic Car Horn to Get an Upgrade

Ah, the car horn. Classic and almost completely unchanged over the years, it is still the most satisfying way to let other drivers know that they are doing it wrong. Car manufacturers have said recently, though, that the car horn might finally be due for an upgrade.

Designing a car horn is actually much more complicated than it seems. First, they have to decide what musical note combination will be used the horn’s sound. They want a combination that is not overly irritating but will also catch a driver’s attention. Also, manufacturers have to produce a horn that will comply with state and international noise laws while also improving on the current models.

What can consumers expect from these new car horns? Well, designers want them to be lighter to increase fuel efficiency. At the same time, they should be stronger and able to hold up to higher usage while at the same time staying low cost. It is uncertain when these new car horns will be integrated into new car models, but it is not likely to be anytime soon. Until then, you can walk down the street of Manhattan and enjoy the cacophonous symphony of A and F-note car horns.

Are you looking to get into a new or used car? Approved Loan Store wants to help you, whether you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit! 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!

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Real-Life Superhero Wrecks Hummer to Save 4 Children

One of my favorite films of all time is The Dark Knight. While perusing the auto news headlines this week, I was reminded of a scene in the movie when Bruce Wayne wrecks his beautiful Lamborghini and puts his life in danger in order to save a man’s life. Recently, an eerily similar event happened in Alberta, Canada where a driver saved the lives of 4 minors from another driver who was driving erratically and talking on his cell phone.

Darrell Krushelnicki was having a normal day, driving his Hummer H3 and minding his own business, when he noticed 4 minors crossing the street together. The youngest was 3 years old, and the oldest was 16. Darrell also noticed another driver in a Pontiac G5 who was speeding along at 50 mph in a 20 mph zone, talking on his cell phone, and showing no signs of stopping at the crosswalk. He could have honked his horn, warned the kids to get out of the street, or done nothing at all, but instead, he cut in front of the Pontiac G5 and stopped it from running down the kids. Fortunately, neither Darrell nor the other driver was injured, but both cars sustained major damage.

This is how I imagined that it happened:

Like many other people, I am amazed by Darrell’s story. His bravery and willingness to sacrifice his Hummer to save these children’s lives is commendable. The local police are recommending Darrell for an award, and I hope he gets recognized for what he did. Not only does he deserve it, but it could lead to more discussions about the dangers of distracted driving.

Are you looking for a new or used car? Good credit, bad credit, no credit, Approved Loan Store wants to help you! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and connect with Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

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!

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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!

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Time Magazine: September is the Best Month for Car Deals

Have you been procrastinating on buying a new car? Industry experts say that September will be the best time to buy all year for those looking for wide selection and low prices, particularly on used cars.

According to Time Magazine’s Moneyland, September is the best time to buy 7 products: cars, jewelry, summer weather-related products, back-to-school products, plants, stoves, and produce. What makes September so special for the auto industry? Well, most dealerships have received the 2013 models by September, and they are ready to be out with the old and in with the new. 2012 models will be deeply discounted, even if they don’t have a lot of miles on them, and dealerships will want to move them out the door.

Unfortunately, this means that by the end of September, most of the choice inventory will be picked over, and while car buyers might still get some good deals in the last few months of the year, they will have probably missed out on an even better deal. If there was a time to get looking for that new or used car, it is September.

Approved Loan Store wants to help you get in on these September deals. Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to get you into a great new or used car. 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 subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

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Consumer Alert: Westchester Car Buying Scam

At Approved Loan Store, we want to make your car buying process easier and more pleasant. Unfortunately, there are people who offer car terms that are too good to be true, and we have to deal with the fall-out of disillusioned consumers who fell prey to these scams. That is why we wanted to alert our readers to a recent car buying scam in Westchester. It is our hope that by reporting about this scam, car shoppers in the New York City area will not fall for it and then wind up out of money and without a car.

We heard about this car buying scam through the Scarsdale Patch. According to their report, a Westchester man was trying to buy a 1961 Impala from a seller on Auto Trader. The buyer was instructed by the seller to wire the payment for the car through a Google Wallet account. Once the transaction was complete, the seller promised that the car would be shipped. Anyone familiar with these kinds of scams will know how it turned out. After wiring the money late last month, the buyer suddenly couldn’t get a hold of the seller, and even more infuriating, the buyer saw that the car was still listed as available on the Auto Trader Website.

Not everyone who purchases a car through Auto Trader, Craigslist, or other websites has a poor experience. Car buying online can seem convenient, and we have many car buying tools on our website including our online auto loan application. However, there are risks to going through a private buyer on Auto Trader or Craigslist. Even if the seller had shipped the 1961 Impala, there is no telling what condition that car would be in. Furthermore, if a seller asks to have money wired in advance, run the other way. Money transfers are an immediate red flag. To avoid these problems, we recommend buying from a car dealership, preferably an Approved Loan Store dealership. If a private seller still seems promising, though, deal with the seller in person and get the vehicle inspected before purchasing.

Are you looking to get into a new or used car? Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to help you get into a great car 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 subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

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“Designated Texter” Hopes to Change Trend on Texting-and-Driving Accidents

In the past year, we have talked a lot about the dangers of texting and driving and new technologies designed to curb this deadly trend. Parents and educators have tried scaring teens with PSAs and real-life stories of people whose lives were ruined when a friend or family member decided to text and drive. The answer to texting and driving, though, might be a heck of a lot easier (and cheaper) than any of these high-tech bells and whistles and more effective than scare tactics.

“Designated driver” is a term that is very familiar to any driver old enough to drink. It means that when a person chooses to drink, they willingly give up their car keys to a sober driver or arrange for a taxi pick-up at the end of the night. Similarly, the new term “designated texter” indicates someone in the car other than the driver who will place any calls or send any texts for the car. For example, if a group of friends are driving to a party but get lost on the way, the designated texter can call or text to get directions.

Honestly, I am shocked that no one came up with this idea before. It is simple, doesn’t cost anything, and is purely common sense. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is hoping that the idea catches on, and at Approved Loan Store, we hope so too. We want all of our customers to be safe on the road and encourage our readers to use common sense whenever they get behind the wheel. Whether it means getting a designated driver or assigning a designated texter, do what you need to do in order to stay safe and keep others safe on the road.

Are you looking to get into a new or used car? Bad credit, no credit, good credit, Approved Loan Store wants to help you! 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 subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net