Tag Archives: savings

Study: Halloween Worst Day of the Year for Cars

If Halloween left you with egged windows and toilet papered trees, count yourself fortunate. Many drivers woke up to find damaged cars, all in the name of out-of-hand holiday mischief.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that drivers have twice the chance of waking up to broken windshields, spray painted graffiti, or slashed tires on November 1 compared to the rest of the year. An average of over 1200 insurance claims are filed for damage from Halloween night’s tricks, more than any other single day including the 4^th of July, New Years, and St. Patrick’s Day. With an average claim costing $1,528, Halloween alone accounts for $1.9 million in claims.

For drivers with a garage, the answer is obviously to park the car inside for the night, but what about everyone else? On high-risk holidays like Halloween and the 4^th of July, it might be worth it to pay for a spot in a parking garage for the day. Depending on the attachment to the car, it might be better to pay for peace of mind and prevent a costly bit of vandalism.

Was your car damaged this Halloween? Do you have any suggestions for drivers wanting to protect their car? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Whether if you’re trading in, looking for a good deal on a used car, or ready to buy your first car, Approved Loan Store is here 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 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!

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ford Offers Drivers Affordability, Fuel Economy with 2014 Fiesta

With fuel economy continuing to improve across the board in the 2014 models, car buyers no longer have to choose between buying a green car and buying an inexpensive car.

This week, the 2014 Ford Fiesta’s fuel economy and starting prices were announced. According to Autoblog, the Fiesta can be paired with an optional SE Manual EcoBoost package starting at $16,445 for the four-door model and starting at $17,045 for the hatchback model. For that price, drivers will get 32 mpg city and 45 mpg highway, which is incredibly good fuel economy for an equally economically priced vehicle.

The 2014 Ford Fiesta will also come with a number of standard features including SYNC with SYNC AppLink, leather and metallic trim, power locks, message center with LCD screen, 4-way manual driver’s seat, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control.

Are you looking for a safer car or one with better fuel efficiency? No matter what you’re looking for, Approved Loan Store wants to help you get in a car you want at terms you can afford! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you! 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!

2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, V-6 Models Get Price Cut

At Approved Loan Store, we like to let our customers know about sales or specials on their favorite makes and models, and for car shoppers looking for a new sedan, Toyota has cut the cost on the 2014 Avalon XLE Touring model.

According to the Associated Press, the 2014 Toyota Avalon XLE Touring will be $500 less expensive for the V-6 and hybrid versions, and though the base model’s $31,340 price is still steep for some buyers, the 2014 model has a number of improvements. The rear-view camera is now standard, and other standard features will include heated front seats, Bluetooth capability, leather seats, and more.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon was well-reviewed by critics. Edmunds praised its roomy seating, “luxury-like cabin quality,” and large trunk space, and user reviews were also extremely positive with a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. Even Car and Driver, which got in a few jabs about drivers’ AARP eligibility, had to admit that the 2013 Toyota Avalon had stepped up their game and added “athleticism and a few pinches of sophistication” to the popular sedan.

Whether you’re looking for a Toyota Avalon, a car to handle the whole family, or a fun little ride for yourself, Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to get you in the car you need at rates 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!

2014 GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado Get Price Boost

If the GMC Sierra or Chevrolet Silverado were on your short-list to take for a test drive, you might want to stop by a dealership soon to get the best price.

General Motors announced this week that the price on the 2014 Sierra and Silverado will be going up $1,500. Most buyers won’t notice the increase until the end of the month, however, because General Motors is offering incentives and cash-back offers up to $1,500.

When October is over, GM is confident that car buyers will continue to pay more for the Sierra and Silverado. Spokesman Jim Cain told Fox Business, “We have the best trucks, and they’re the best value in the market.” Cain might be right, but they will be a better value to customers before the price increase goes into effect.

Are you ready to get into a great new or used car, truck, or minivan? Now is the time to buy, and Approved Loan Store can help you find the car you want at terms you can afford, even if you have credit problems! 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!

Hyundai Defers Auto Payments for Furloughed Federal Employees

It is uncertain how long the government shutdown will continue, but at least one automaker is giving furloughed federal workers a break with their car payments.

Hyundai announced that during the government shutdown, any furloughed federal workers with an auto loan or lease through Hyundai Motor Finance will have their payments deferred. Additionally, any furloughed federal workers who buy a Hyundai now with financing through Hyundai Motor Finance will get a 90-day deferment on their payment.

A number of companies have announced special offers for furloughed federal employees during the shutdown from AMC Theatres giving away free small popcorn to free gym memberships, but this is easily one of the best offers available now during the shutdown.

Shutdown or not, customers with the Approved Loan Store are getting into the cars they want every day, and they are getting rates and terms they can afford, regardless of credit issues. 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!

Edmunds’ Picks for Best Used Vehicles of 2013

While a lot of automotive press is dedicated to the newest models or what lies ahead for automotive brands, Edmunds took a break this week to compile their list of the best used cars of 2013.

There are a lot of good reasons to buy a used car. For one, buyers can end up saving a lot of money and still get a quality car. Second, the value of a new car will depreciate very quickly, so if the buyer plans on trading it in sometime in the next few years, they might be unpleasantly surprised when they go for a trade-in depending on the model. Just as it is with any major decision, an argument can be made either way for buying new or used, but for our customers looking for a great used car, here is Edmund’s list of their used car picks for 2013.

Subcompact – 2007-2011 Honda Fit
Compact Sedan – 2006-2011 Hyundai Elantra
Midsize Sedan – 2007-2011 Ford Fusion
Large Sedan – 2006-2011 Toyota Avalon
Coupe – 2006-2011 Honda Accord
Convertible – 2006-2011 Volvo C70
Wagon – 2006-2011 Subaru Outback
Compact SUV/Crossover – 2006-2011 Honda CR-V
Midsize SUV/Crossover – 2006-2011 Toyota Highlander
Large SUV/Crossover – 2007-2011 Mazda CX-9
Minivan/Van – 2006-2011 Honda Odyssey
Cargo Van – 2006-2011 Dodge/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Compact Truck – 2006-2011 Toyota Tacoma
Large Truck – 2006-2011 Ford F-150
Luxury – 2006-2011 Infiniti G35/G37/G25
Hybrid – 2006-2011 Toyota Prius
Two-Seat Sports Car – 2006-2011 Chevrolet Corvette
Performance Car – 2006-2011 Ford Mustang GT

Brand-wise, Honda and Toyota tied for the most vehicles on the list with 4 each, followed closely by Ford with 3 vehicles on the list. By choosing a vehicle for each category instead of top 10 or 20 used vehicles in general, there is a car on the list for every driver and every family’s needs.

From Hondas to Fords and Toyotas, Approved Loan Store wants to find you the car you want at terms you can afford! Are you finally ready to get into a great new or used car? 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!

Image courtesy of sixninepixels / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Surprise of the Summer: Crossovers

Looking back on the summer, the auto industry and car buyers have a lot to be happy about from soaring sales numbers to loosening credit restrictions on auto loans. As the summer came to an end, however, one of the surprises of the summer was an unexpected love for crossover models.

According to Automotive News, the Honda CR-V had its best month ever in August, and the Toyota RAV4 saw a 50 percent sales increase the same month. Looking at the industry as a whole, small-crossover sales went up 36 percent accounting for 1 in 4 vehicles sold, and they gave the industry as a whole an enormous boost. Back in 2007, there were 2.4 million crossovers sold in the United States, and in 2013 up until August, 2.6 million crossovers have already been sold.

In recent years, the crossover has been targeting the same market as the minivan and winning out because, as Honda’s Chris Martin puts it, it is a “Goldilocks vehicle.” Not too big, not too small, and just right for today’s families. Pricing is also reasonable with the 2013 Honda CR-V 2WD LX starting at $22,945 and the 2013 Toyota RAV4 starting at $23,300.

Are you finally ready to get into a great new or used car? 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!

Ford C-Max Sales Increase in August Despite Rating Downgrade

Ford C-Max drivers aren’t getting 47 miles per gallon, but they don’t seem to mind.

Recent negative press about the Ford C-Max and its fuel economy rating has surprisingly not affected the vehicle’s sales numbers. Back in August, its fuel economy rating was lowered from 47 mpg to 45 mpg highway and 40 mpg city, and Ford gave a rebate of $550 to C-Max buyers and $325 to lessees. Ford still managed to sell 3,000 units in August alone, more than they sold in July.

Reviews have been very positive for the 2013 Ford C-Max, which is perhaps why their sales have been unaffected by the fuel economy rating change. Car and Driver said the C-Max has “arrived just in the nick of time” and compared to other cars in its class, it is “not a robotic electropod but a hybrid fuel sipper that Europeans would consider worthy.” The C-Max also performed very well in government safety testing, earning a four-star rating on the frontal crash test, a five-star rating on the side crash, and a four-star rating on the rollover test. As if that weren’t praise enough, Edmunds wrote that finding a car like the C-Max was as likely as finding a unicorn.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Have you heard the news about the Ford C-Max’s fuel economy rating, and would you still want to take it for a test drive? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

From Fords to Mazdas, Kias, Chryslers, and more, Approved Loan Store wants to help you get into the car you want at terms you can afford, even if you have issues with credit! 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!

Summer Auto Sales Recap and Fall Preview

School is back in session, and the auto industry is taking stock of the summer’s sales. Who were the winners of 2013, and what will the fall and winter of 2013 bring? Read on to find out.

Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Group, and Toyota Motor Corp have already posted enormous gains in August, and as numbers are finalized, Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. are expected to also have had a very successful August. Of the numbers known so far, Ford had 12 percent increase in sales in August, Chrysler also had 12 percent gains, and Toyota had a 20 percent gain in their U.S. retail sales.

These enormous sales increases can be attributed to end of summer sales, including Labor Day sales, as well as low interest rates, even for consumers with poor credit. Jesse Toprak, a senior analyst for TrueCar, observed that the “historically” low interest rates were giving consumers more of a choice, that they can “buy more expensive vehicles while keeping payments at affordable levels.”

The good news going into the fall is that many of the car manufacturers who were facing shortages on their more popular models are now catching up with production, so the availability of certain models is no longer an issue. For people walking into their local dealership, they might not see the same price cuts and sales like they did throughout the summer, but with Approved Loan Store, car buyers don’t have to shop around for the best rates and deals.

Step 1, go to ApprovedLoanStore.com and fill out the auto loan form.

Step 2, wait for a phone call from one of our representatives. You will hear back within 48 hours. Schedule an appointment with an Approved Loan Store location closest to you.

Step 3, meet with your special finance representative. They will go over all possible options for you and get you a car you want at terms you can afford!

Image courtesy of suwatpo / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

2014 Kia Soul Priced Under $15,000

Buying a new car on a budget can be tough, but Kia is making it a little bit easier with a price tag under $15,000 on the 2014 Soul.

Yesterday, Kia announced that the 2014 Kia Soul, their crossover “urban passenger vehicle,” will be starting at $14,700 MSRP plus $795 in destination charges. Sales for the Soul in the United States have gone steadily up each year. Back in 2009, Kia sold 31,621 units in the United States, and last year, Kia sold 115,778 units. So far in 2013, Kia is looking to surpass their 2012 sales number with 73,191 recorded sales at the end of July.

The new Soul is a bit of an upgrade and will offer some solid standard features considering the low price. Standard features on the base model include 4-wheel antilock braking system, a 1.6-liter inline-four engine, Sirius XM audio system with 6 speakers, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, and trip computer. Car buyers can also spring for the Kia Soul Plus or Exclaim which come with additional features starting at $18,200 and $20,300 respectively.

Are you looking to get into a Kia Soul? How about a Dodge, a Hyundai, or a BMW? No matter what you are looking for, Approved Loan Store wants to find you the car you want at terms you can afford! Are you finally ready to get into a great new or used car? 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!