Tag Archives: credit

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 Land Rover

The Paris Motor Show is coming up later this 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, we are going to bring you the latest news and announcements coming out of the Paris Motor Show.

The new Range Rover has already made Autoblog’s list of their top 10 Paris Motor Show debuts, but two weeks ago, Land Rover customers got a sneak peek of the new Range Rover at the beautiful former Frick estate.

Those who were lucky enough to get an invite got to preview the new vehicle, tour the grounds and mansion, and enjoy catered food and cocktails. For longtime fans, there was a lot to admire about the model’s updates. Changes to the Range Rover included the fully automatic “Terrain Response 2” system, a more aerodynamic design, and an all-aluminum unibody structure that is 700 pounds lighter than the previous model. Such a dramatic drop in the weight of the car will create better fuel efficiency for the Range Rover, making it more appealing to the environmentally conscious and those who would rather pay less at the pump.

Attendees at the Paris Motor Show will get to see the new Range Rover soon enough, but it was a nice gesture for Land Rover to show their appreciation to their most loyal customers by hosting this event prior to the show. Ultimately, they gave their fans exactly what they wanted, which was a new Range Rover that improved on the past model. Everything else (cocktail hour included) was just an extra perk.

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

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.

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.

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

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!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net