Tag Archives: New York Times

The Geneva Auto Show and the Industry’s “Green” Problem

The Geneva Auto Show wraps up this Sunday, and auto journalists are already asking what the show says about the future of cars, specifically “green” vehicles. Is the auto industry making progress in hybrids and electric cars, and will people buy them when they hit the market?

There is an odd disconnect between what people involved with the show and the auto industry are saying and the reality at the auto show. In a piece for the New York Times, writer Christopher F. Schuetze highlights the dissonance at the show, pointing out that only 10 percent of the cars at the show are eco-friendly and then quoting politicians and the president of the Geneva Auto Show who praise the auto industry’s integration of green technology. 10 percent is hardly complete integration, especially at an auto show meant to show the best and latest in automotive technology.

Unfortunately, there is a good reason why the auto industry is praising green technology while quietly relegating electric car technology to the concepts. The truth is that the auto industry still relies too much on big car sales, cars that scream “real man” in their advertising. The auto industry will never move past gas-guzzlers to electric and hybrid cars until they wean themselves off of this outdated idea of a manly car and learn how to properly market green cars.

No matter what kind of car you might be looking for, Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! From hybrid compacts to trucks and minivans, 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 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!

Late Payments, Bad Credit: Car Buyers Beware!

At the Approved Loan Store, we work with people every day who have good credit, bad credit, and no credit alike. We understand that there are many people who have a low credit score but that they might have nothing to do with it. They could have been a victim of identity theft or maybe they agreed to co-sign on a loan and the other person skipped out on their payments. We thought we had heard it all until this story from the New York Times caught our attention.

Roslyn Hooley wrote into the New York Times column The Haggler with her credit horror story in hopes of bringing attention to her case. She purchased a used Mercedes back in 2011 and immediately set up electronic funds transfer for her auto loan payments. Everything seemed to be fine until December 2012 when a check was returned from M.B.F.S. In January, she received another returned check, and her account showed that the loan had already been paid off in October. Confused, she called up M.B.F.S. to find out what was going on. The car had been erroneously declared a loss from Hurricane Sandy. It is not clear if this was an insurer mistake or M.B.F.S.’s error, but after Hooley contacted M.B.F.S. about the error, she started getting hounded by a collection company who demanded that she pay them for those months, plus interest and late fees. To make matters worse, M.B.F.S. had reported those months as late payments to the credit bureaus, and Hooley’s credit took a hit.

Fortunately, The Haggler was able to reach out to M.B.F.S. on Roslyn Hooley’s behalf and resolve the situation, but not everyone is that fortunate. Millions of Americans have blemishes on their credit report that are outdated or inaccurate, and the dispute process can be lengthy and frustrating.

At the Approved Loan Store, we will work with you to find you a car you want at terms you can afford, whether if you have stellar or challenged credit.  Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for the latest 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.

Image courtesy of Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New Stereos Offer Smart Phone Technology in Older Cars

In the past year, new smart phone technology has advanced substantially and is available in many of the 2012 models. If you don’t have a new car or are looking to purchase a used car, though, never fear. You can still get smart phone technology in older car models with a simple stereo upgrade.

According to a recent New York Times article, some of the options for people looking for an upgrade include Pioneer’s AppRadio 2, the Sony XAV-701HD, the Alpine INE-Z928HD, and the Clarion NextGate. The price ranges from $270 up to $700, and depending on the model, these systems can stream Pandora, sync with most iPhones except the iPhone 5, give driving directions, and work with Bluetooth among other features.

Most of this technology is relatively new, and I was surprised reading over these stereo upgrades and then looking at the price tag. $270 is very reasonable for one of these systems, and I’m sure with some sales hunting that someone could find a system that is even less expensive. Besides that, the systems that allow for hands-free phone calls can help cut down on distracted driving accidents which could be an incentive for parents to get a low-cost system for their teen’s car.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Would you get one of these new stereo upgrades for your car, or do you prefer to keep your car disconnected? Leave a comment below and tell us what you think!

If you’re looking to get into a new or used vehicle, Approved Loan Store can help! We will work with you and find a car that fits your needs and your budget! 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!