All New Chevrolet Impala Elevates the Bow-Tie Brand

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/03/21 in Chevrolet with 1 Comment

Chevrolet is GM’s signature brand, accounting for nearly 70 percent of the company’s sales and more than half of those sales globally. Its flagship sedan, the Chevrolet Impala is all new for 2014, a front-wheel drive model that comfortably seats five. This 10th generation model is the most advanced one yet, completing an important styling turn around that began more than five years ago.

Top Sedan

The iconic Impala is the best-selling vehicle in its segment a position it has held for 10 years running. The new model provides a more muscular frame, one that reflects positively on the bow-tie brand and complements existing models such as Camaro and Malibu. Impala competes against the Ford Taurus, Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon and Hyundai Azera.

The 2014 Chevy Impala features a long, proportioned hood with projector-beam headlamps, a broad grille and wide swept corners. Its sculpted body lines are what you would find on today’s luxury sedans, demonstrating that Chevrolet is placing emphasis on passenger comfort. A shortened deck lid gives the sedan a sporty persona, but that look does not come at the expense of the 18.8 cubic feet of trunk capacity.

Cabin and Frame

Inside, the cabin is bright, well appointed and spacious. Chevrolet makes much use of soft touch materials and bright work trim to convey a premium look and feel. The Impala’s dual cockpit interior is in stark contrast to the more sedate layout previously offered, and features a sporty instrument cluster and an integrated 4.2-inch color display. An 8-inch touch screen navigation system occupies the center stack, an arrangement that includes Chevrolet MyLink with higher end models.

The Impala’s frame is stiffer, a move that improves handling and ride. The cabin is quieter than the outgoing model, with noise cancellation technology and sound deadening materials shouldering much of that task. Narrower A-pillars and an instrument panel placed lower help bring in more natural light, the seats offer improved bolstering and firmer surfaces.

Engine Choices

The new Impala offers three engine choices including its first-ever four cylinder engines. Your choices include a 3.6-liter V-6, making 305 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 264 foot-pounds of torque at 5,300 rpm. A 2.5-liter four cylinder delivers 196 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 186 foot-pounds of torque at 4,400 rpm.

Later in the model year, a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine will be available with a special edition eAssist model, a partial hybrid. This model makes 182 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 172 foot-pounds of torque at 4,900 rpm. Notably, it is expected to achieve a segment leading 35 mpg. Every Impala engine is paired with a six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

Model Dimensions

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala sits on a 111.7-inch wheelbase and measures 201.3 inches long. This sedan is 73 inches wide and 58.9 inches tall. Its front track measures 62.2 inches, its rear track comes in at 62 inches.

Front head room measures 39.9 inches to 37.4 inches in the back. Front legroom is 45.8 inches to 39.8 inches in the rear. Front shoulder room is 57.9 inches to 56.9 inches in the rear. Front hip room is 54.9 inches to 54.1 inches in the rear.

Total passenger volume is 105 cubit feet. This model has a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds and it comes equipped with a 18.5-gallon fuel tank. Choose the eAssist model and towing is not recommended; a 15.8-gallon fuel tank is standard.

Author Information
Justin Smith is an avid blogger and contributor to ChoiceApplications.com, a leading fleet management software company in the trucking industry.

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

Why Auto Loan Refinancing Makes Sense

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/03/04 in Auto Financing, Uncategorized with Comments Off on Why Auto Loan Refinancing Makes Sense

Consumers have been refinancing their homes for years, keeping track of mortgage rates and seeking out new loans as interest rates fall. That sort of thinking can also be applied to auto loans, a consumer loan that can prove costly when rates are high. Unlike home refinancing that requires mounds of paperwork, auto loan refinancing can usually be completed within mere days.

Auto loan refinancing may make sense for you provided the following has taken place since you took out your loan.

1. Your credit history has strengthened.

Some car shoppers get saddled with high interest rate auto loans because their credit scores were low. Interest rates for car loans are based on a number of factors, with your credit history a huge consideration. If your credit score is now very good or excellent, then you should qualify for a lower interest rate loan. Obtain your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and pay the fee to get your credit score.

2. Loan rates have fallen.

Not only has your credit outlook improved, but loan rates on cars have dropped. Perhaps you got a loan through a financing company and have since joined a credit union. Your new financial institution may offer low-rate refinancing, enabling you to save money.

3. Your finances are better.

Besides an improved credit score and lower interest rates, your personal finances may be better. If that is the case, you may be able to turn that six-year new car loan into a two- or three-year used car loan. You can do this by paying off part of the old loan and refinancing the balance. Your monthly rate may actually come in higher, but you may be able to shave a year or two off of payments, saving you money.

4. Consider your home equity.

Some consumers have discovered that paying off a car loan with their home equity makes sense. Under this arrangement, you take money out of your home and use it to pay off your car. The advantage here is that your monthly payments are lower. The disadvantage is that it may take you several years longer to pay off your car.

Refinance Considerations

Inasmuch that auto refinancing can lower your payments, reduce your interest rates and save you money, there are so matters to consider as you shop for a loan. Keep these in mind as your explore your options.

First, what is your car worth currently? Unlike homes that usually appreciate, cars lose value. Therefore, there is a possibility that you owe more money on your car then it is worth and that means you will have to come up with some cash to make up the difference. Check out Kelley Blue Book for its current value. Contact your lender to find out what the pay off amount is for your current car loan.

Second, some loans have built-in prepayment penalties that must be handled before you can get out of a loan. You may be required to pay back the full amount of the loan plus interest to get out of the original loan despite paying if off ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with your sales contract and its financing clauses.

Another Approach

If you are turned down for refinancing or find that the savings are not as robust as you had hoped, there is another option: paying down your current loan as quickly as possible. Here, you will still make your monthly payments, but you may be able to double up your payments or at least add more payments during the year. Only take this option if you believe that you can afford putting out more money each month in a bid to put your auto loan behind you.
Author Information

Jenny Willis is a professional blogger that enjoys providing consumers with personal finance advice. She writes for Purechecks.com, a leading check printing company of designer personal and business checks.

When it Comes to Car Leasing, Details Matter

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/02/22 in Auto Leasing with Comments Off on When it Comes to Car Leasing, Details Matter

Congratulations! You have found the car of your dreams. That Audi A4 in scuba blue metallic is a real head turner, but it may also be beyond your ability to make monthly payments. And that is where car leasing comes in: by leasing your car instead of choosing a bank loan, your monthly payments will come in lower. Where the Audi A4 may have once been beyond your reach, you can now grab the keys, get behind the wheel and drive off.

Before you sign your lease agreement there are some matters to consider. Read on and we will discuss how to make car leasing a viable option for you.

1. Negotiate. As you would with any new car deal, you should negotiate the price of the Audi A4 or other vehicle that interests you. Once you settle on a price, then you will begin to discuss your financing options. You can also arrange financing independently, so keep this point in mind.

2. Open-end leasing. Not that common, but still offered is open-end leasing. Under this arrangement, the amount you owe at the end of the lease term requires you to make one final or balloon payment, representing the difference between the residual and market value of your car. In other words, you are required to purchase the vehicle at lease end, typically for an inflated price. This option is usually exercised by commercial lease customers, not public customers.

3. Closed-end leasing. Choose a closed-end car lease if you want to walk away from your vehicle at end of lease term. That does not mean that you may walk away without being assessed with additional charges. Excess wear and tear, and mileage overage costs may become a factor. You can also exercise the option to buy the vehicle, an especially attractive option if the residual value comes in lower than its published market value. That price is also negotiable, therefore you can offer to pay a different amount.

4. Your money. Whichever lease option you choose for your Audi, you will need to have money on hand to close the deal. Expect to pay a security deposit, your first and last month’s lease payment and perhaps an acquisition fee for processing your loan. You may have to pay sales tax and you are responsible registration, license tags and title fees. Some fees can be negotiated or even eliminated. Ask to have your documentation fee waived, typically a dealer charge that you do not need to pay.

5. Lease payments. You will be making monthly payments to the car leasing company throughout the lease term. Your payments are based on a number of factors included the car’s anticipated depreciation. Use a loan calculator to determine your monthly payments. Know your costs up front before signing your lease agreement. Make sure that the final agreement reflects the changes you negotiated.

Lease Considerations

Keep in mind that if you terminate your lease early, you will still be responsible for your payments. When leasing a car, you generally are not allowed to customize it and you are required to have sufficient insurance. The credit requirements for car leasing are typically tougher than regular financing, therefore make sure that your credit score is very good or excellent to obtain the best leasing terms for your Audi or other car possible.

Finally, consider a lease that is no longer than the car’s original warranty. Longer term leases or those that go beyond the car’s warranty can expose you to additional costs. Fortunately, a car like the Audi A4 comes with four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty, offering the protection you need for the typical three-year car lease.

Author Information
Contract hire sales executive David Gillon, works for www.frontierleasing.co.uk. He is a car finance expert who regularly blogs about car leasing and the benefit of contract hire versus. buying a car for business or individuals.

The Tax Man and Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/02/19 in Auto Taxes with Comments Off on The Tax Man and Your Car

Yes, it is true. In some states property taxes are assessed on passenger vehicles, an annual fee that sometimes takes newcomers by surprise. After all, you already paid a handsome sales tax on your 2011 Cadillac CTS V-Series, now this. But, just like the property taxes you pay on your home, the taxes you pay on your vehicle may be contested. Read and we will look at how you can reduce your annual tax bit.

State Laws

There is no simple answer that you can give to explain what goes on in one state versus another state. Property taxes are set at the local level, therefore your particular state spells everything out.

There are two types of property taxes out there: real property and personal property. Real property includes homes, land and other real estate. Personal property includes your passenger vehicle including minivans, sedan, SUV, pickup trucks and motorcycles. In some states personal property can include house trailers and boats, therefore your tax burden can come in higher.

Tax Rates

What you need to determine is how your state imposes its tax rate on vehicles, an amount that should drop year over year. For unlike real property that usually appreciates, cars and like conveyances usually lose value. The $62,000 you shelled out when your V-Series was new is far higher than its current worth which is no more than $39,000 today, reflecting two years of intense driving and 40,000 miles on the odometer. That estimate comes courtesy of Kelley Blue Book.

And it could be just that book value where you have a leg to stand on with your state. You need to check your tax bill when it arrives and compare the value the state has assessed with its actual value. Your position is stronger if your state assesses vehicles based on its "true value in money" or what it would fetch if sold on the market. With some cars, a $10,000 difference in value is possible, spelling a tax differential of $100 to $200 or more.

Fighting Back

If you notice a difference in values, how should you respond? First, check your tax bill and read it carefully. On the back or on the side there should be information about filing a tax challenge or a link to a website that spells out that information.

Second, follow your state’s precise procedure for filling a personal property tax appeal. Just like an appeal with real property, likely you have a narrow window to file one. Typically, that will be 30 and not more than 60 days after the tax notice has been sent out. If you miss the deadline, you may have to wait a full year to appeal.

Your Proof

Expect that as you build your case, you will have to show proof of your vehicle’s condition and mileage. This may mean having your mechanic sign an odometer statement, verifying that your vehicle has gone far more miles than what the state estimates. Your state, of course, is the final arbitrator for all tax matters, therefore understand what is required for where you live and follow those instructions precisely.

Author Information
Jenny Sampson is a professional blogger that enjoys providing consumers with personal finance advice. She writes for TitleMax.biz, a leading Title Loan company offering loans for people with bad credit.

Are There Any Ways to Save “Real” Money on Gas?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/02/14 in Saving Fuel with 1 Comment

Buying gas is an unfortunate reality that most of us are stuck with, and if we’re honest, there isn’t any “real” way around it aside from not owning a car and getting around on foot or by bicycle. There are actually a growing number of people who do that, though for most of us, living that way just isn’t plausible or doable because of the distance we have to drive for work, groceries or other life necessities.

The question then becomes: Are there any “real” ways to save money on the gas we buy?

Saving a substantial amount of money off your gas bill is difficult, if not impossible, without some severe lifestyle or scheduling changes. Things like working from home, a different work commute or even buying a new car are some of the few ways that you could really see a significant drop in your fuel expenses. Yet such events are rare and can’t be counted on for everyday savings.

At the same time, there are things we can do in the short term, that will save less on gas and tide us over to the day when we can set up our home office and forget about that 45 minute commute. 

What’s The Answer?

The answer to our question is a bit of a mixed bag:
Are there any real ways to save substantial money on the gas we buy?

In the long term: Yes. – You can save a substantial amount of money if you plan your life around shorter commutes and smaller more fuel efficient cars.

In the short term: Yes, but in smaller doses. – Saving substantial money on gas on a day to day basis isn’t possible; instead, it needs to be done in smaller amounts.  Over time your savings can add up, but there’s no quick fix or easy solution. 

What Can I aActually dDo?

When it comes down to what you can actually do that will make a difference, we’ve already discussed some of the long term options, which are pretty obvious to everyone. What I want to do is list a few things you can do in the short term that will help you use less gas and give you more money in your pocket without having to drastically alter your commute or your established lifestyle.

So this is a list of simple and practical habits you can get into that will help you use less gas.

1. Use interstates more often. – Interstate driving, though usually done at a higher speed, is much better for your car than city driving. If you’ve got the choice between taking the town roads and getting out on the highway, opt for the highway, where you’ll avoid the stop-and-go traffic that can cut your MPH down by 10 or more.

2. Drive less aggressively. – It sounds simple, but aggressive drivers use a lot more gas than those who maintain their composure on the road and keep a sensible pace. Speeding up and then slamming on the breaks is completely unnecessary and only serves to use more fuel than you would if you just maintained a more reasonable speed and pace.

Remember, just because the speed limit is 45 doesn’t mean you’ve got to get to 45 as soon as possible. Go with the flow of traffic and plan your breaking and accelerating ahead of time. I would say that slow and steady wins the race, but you’re not racing, so just take it easy and save yourself some money.

3. Less radio and air conditioning. – Anything turned on in your car uses power, so if the temperature is such that you can get along without adjusting it, or if you can go without the radio, turn them off and it’ll help you get better mileage.

4. Check your tire pressure. – Low tired pressure can kill your mileage and if you don’t have a newer car with an indicator light that comes on when the pressure is low, it can be tough to remember when they need filled. Try and keep up with it as best you can. You can get a small pressure gauge at any auto parts store for a few dollars. Use that to check every month or so whether or not you need air. If you do, most gas stations provide a station where you can fill your tire up for free.

5. Clean out your car. – Any extra pounds you carry in your car will affect your mileage and cause your vehicle to use more power. If you’ve got a lot of extra baggage that you’ve put off cleaning out, get it moved into your house and avoid using your car as a storage unit. I’ve you’ve been carrying around a lot in your car, than removing all of it might actually cause a significant increase in your MPH thereby saving you some nice chunk of change.

Make sure to avoid keeping stuff in the trunk longer than you have to, and try to make a habit of cleaning your car out on a weekly basis. Even if you only save a few cents, think of leaving that stuff in your car as the equivalent of throwing a handful of change out your window every 50 miles or so.

Author Information
Jason Benton is a personal shopping assistant who loves hunting down a good bargain. Jason enjoys sharing his tips on shopping websites. Visit http://www.cheapsally.com for saving on essential items.

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