Tag Archives: economy

New Car Financing: 2013’s Cheapest Cars

As auto makers release their new models for 2013, car shoppers on a budget should be very pleased. Among the new 2013 models, there are a lot of great cars with top-of-the-line features now included with no extra cost. At the Approved Loan Store, we want you to get the best value for your dollar, so we’ve compiled a list of the least expensive 2013 vehicles and some of their standard features. These vehicles range in price from $12,780 up to $15,515.

Bottom line? If you thought you couldn’t afford a new car, you thought wrong.

Nissan Versa – $12,780
Features: 31 city/40 highway mpg, Push Button Ignition, hands-free cell phone calling, Nissan Navigation System with 5-inch touch-screen, USB iPod input, and rear-view camera

Chevrolet Spark LS – $12,995
Features: 32 city/38 highways mpg, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-speaker audio system, 4-wheel antilock front disc/rear drum brakes, and StabiliTrak stability control system

Smart ForTwo Pure – $13,240
Features: 34 city/38 highway mpg, 5-speed automated manual transmission, leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, electronic stability program (ESP) with hill start assist, aux audio input jack, and antilock braking system

Ford Fiesta S – $13,995
Features: 29 city/39 highway mpg, 1.6L Duratec I-4 engine, Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), AdvanceTrac Stability Control, six-speed automatic transmission, aux audio input jack, 4-inch LCD display screen, 4-wheel antilock brake system, and SecuriLock passive anti-theft ignition system

Kia Rio LX – $14,350
Features: 29 city/37 highway mpg, 1.6L I-4 engine, 4 speakers audio system, USB/aux audio input jack, antilock brakes, 15” tires with steel wheel covers, and electronic stability program (ESP) with hill start assist

Chevrolet Sonic LS – $14,995
Features: 26 city/35 highways mpg, 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, 4 speakers audio system, aux audio input jack, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, remote keyless entry, and engine immobilizer, theft-deterrent system

Toyota Yaris L – $15,130
Features: 30 city/37 highway mpg, 1.5L 4-cylinder engine,6 speakers audio system, CD player, aux audio input jack, on-board computer, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, 4-wheel antilock brakes, and stability control

Kia Soul Base – $15,175
Features: 25 city/30 highway mpg, 1.6L 4-cylinder engine, AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM audio system with 4 speakers, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, power door locks, and remote keyless entry with Folding Key

Hyundai Accent GLS – $15,320
Features: 28 city/37 highways mpg, 1.6L 4-cylinder engine, antilock braking system, 172-watt AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers, power door locks, and remote keyless entry with panic alert

Mazda2 Sport – $15,515
Features: 29 city/35 highway mpg, 1.5L 4-cylinder engine, antilock braking system, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with 4 speakers, remote keyless entry, and engine immobilizer, theft-deterrent system

Are you ready to get into a new or used car? Approved Loan Store can 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 YouTube!

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Survey: Car Buying in 2013 is a Woman’s World

In the 2002 film My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Toula (Nia Vardalos) wants to go back to school but is worried that her father will never allow it because he is the “head of the house.” She confides these fears to her mother Maria, and Maria delivers one of the most memorable lines of the film. “Let me tell you something, Toula. The man is the head, but the woman is the neck. And she can turn the head any way she wants.”

There is new research on how married couples purchase vehicles that pretty much proves what Maria and wives the world over already know. Women have a great deal of influence over their husband’s decisions, and most of the time, the husband doesn’t even know they are being swayed one way or the other.

According to a survey from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, 72 percent of married male auto buyers think they have more influence over car they will purchase. By comparison, 60 percent of women think they have more influence over the final purchase. Over half of women and almost three-quarters of men think they have the final say. While some wives or husbands might defer to their spouse, there will clearly be some overlap of the husband and wife both thinking they made the decision.

Some people might ask why I think it is more likely that wives have more influence than the husbands. After all, these wives could think that they are influencing the decision when they really are not. The reason why I tend to believe the wives is because these days, women purchase 60 percent of all new cars and 53 percent of all used cars. They dominate their male counterparts in buying both new and used cars, and they are more experienced buying a car, whether they are buying it with or without a husband.

Man or woman, male or female, every car buyer wants the same thing, to get the best deal possible on the car they want. Approved Loan Store can help! Whether if you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit, we will work with you to get the right car 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, be sure to like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

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EIA: Americans Spent Nearly $3000 on Gas in 2012

As February begins, Americans are reviewing their New Year’s resolutions and lamenting the ones that were forgotten or broken in January. For many people, a common resolution was improving personal finances. They want to pay off a credit card, get out of debt, or start putting more money away in savings. The tough part about these resolutions is finding where to cut corners, especially for families, but a new statistic from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) points to one expense that Americans could cut: gas.

According to the EIA, the average US household spent $2,912 on gasoline last year. That is nearly $3,000 is going towards only gas, not to mention vehicle service and maintenance costs. Unfortunately, gas prices have gone up substantially in the past few years. Prices rose 26.1 percent in 2011 and an additional 3.3 percent in 2012 while household income only increased 2.9 percent, and gas prices aren’t likely to drop anytime soon.

What can Americans do to cut back on their gasoline costs, especially with the price of gas rising? Quite simply, the best way to cut back on gasoline costs is by trading in for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Even used cars from the past few years have much better fuel efficiency than older models, and while it will be a bigger purchase up front, the savings at the pump will pay off in the long run.

Are you looking to trade in and want the best possible deal on your new car? Approved Loan Store wants to help you! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you 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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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.

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Bad Credit Car Shoppers Trading In for Better Interest Rates

Last year all across the country, car shoppers with subprime credit got approved for auto loans, often for much better terms than they imagined. In 2013, even more people are applying for auto loans, and along with them, consumers are looking to trade in their car in hopes of getting a much lower interest rate.

Back when subprime auto loans were less available, consumers with challenged credit would pay up to 25 percent interest rates on their auto loans. Their car choices were dictated solely by what they could get approved for, not what fit their needs as a driver. Some of these people are still paying off their loans, and they are asking themselves why they would throw away more money on high interest rates for a car they didn’t really want in the first place.

Fortunately, they don’t need to keep paying insanely high interest rates. If these consumers paid their loan on time and otherwise kept up with their financial obligations, their credit is probably good enough to trade in for a much better car and loan terms, especially now. 2012 was a great year for people with challenged credit to get back behind the wheel. 2013 is looking to continue this pattern, but there is no way of knowing how long these optimal conditions will last. People who are considering trading in and trying for that lower interest rate should keep that in mind and perhaps get into a dealership sooner than later.

Are you looking to trade in your car? Are you looking for a new or used car but concerned about your credit? Approved Loan Store wants to help you! No matter what your credit situation, we will work hard 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!

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