Did You Know Most Automakers Have a Secret After Warranty Assistance Program?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/03/07 in Auto Warranty with Comments Off on Did You Know Most Automakers Have a Secret After Warranty Assistance Program?

One of the most frustrating matters for car owners is when something goes wrong with a vehicle that is no longer under warranty. A water pump fails, an O-ring breaks or an air-conditioner compressor dies. Unless you purchased an extended warranty, you’ll be paying for repairs that will cost you hundreds perhaps thousands of dollars to complete. It is no wonder consumers think ill of their vehicles and switch to a competing brand the moment that their cars are paid off and when their finances allow them to move on.

Dissatisfied Customers

Fully aware that a dissatisfied customer is one that can be lost for life, car manufacturers have been quietly managing these problems for years by offering secret repair assistance after the warranty has expired. Instead of saddling car owners with expensive repairs, manufacturers work with dealers to greatly reduce or forgive costly repair bills that are no longer covered under warranty.

These “secret” warranty plans have bailed out thousands of consumers every year from a wide variety of manufacturers including Ford, Volkswagen and Kia. Yes, even top-rated manufacturers such as Toyota and Honda may occasionally step in, handling certain repair costs in a bid to keep consumers happy.

After Warranty Assistance

Such “after warranty assistance” plans are well-known by car dealers, but have largely been missed by consumers. That’s because car manufacturers prefer to work with dealers directly on a case by case basis. If everyone knew about these AWA plans, then the program would be overwhelmed by requests. You have the good fortune to read this article and learn how your car’s repairs might be covered.

The following are some guidelines to follow the next time you face a major repair for a part that is no longer under warranty:

Be the original owner — If you bought the car new, then you are considered the original owner. Your chances of receiving special consideration are stronger if you’re the sole owner. Purchase the car used, even if it was only a year old, and you probably won’t be covered. You may need to submit a copy of your bill of sale and registration to the dealer to show proof of ongoing ownership.

Work with the manufacturer’s dealer — Although it isn’t impossible to get special help if you take your car to a private garage, your chances of receiving AWA consideration are much better if you work with your dealer. That’s because your dealer has a direct line up the manufacturer chain and can submit your request to the right person for review. Dealers typically do not have the final decision in AWA cases as they get reimbursed from manufacturers for reduced or for forgiven repair bills. Without that approval, the dealer would be forced to “eat” the cost of your repairs.

Ask for help — Dealer repair departments are busy places with everyone working diligently to see that repairs are done properly and in a timely manner. Your strategy here requires much patience and kindness on your part. Likely, you are frustrated that a part failed early and that frustration can come out as you interact with the repair department. Much composure is needed here! Politely ask if the repairs qualify for AWA in part or in totality. If the dealer representative believes that you have a strong case, he or she will push your case up the chain, with the service department manager or the dealer’s general manager alerted next. A decision may take some time, but your patience can pay off.

Important Considerations

Should these steps fail or if you’re not the original owner, all is not lost. You may be able to work out a trade-in deal and come away with a new car that includes a better warranty. Or, you could take your car to an independent garage, effectively reducing your final bill by as much as 50 percent. A refurbished part can reduce your costs too, easing some of the burden of repairing an expensive part.

Author Information

Cedric Sheldon writes for a Toyota parts online website that offers discount OEM parts including radiators, brake components and seat covers.

How to Lower the Rate on Your Car Loan

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/03/01 in Auto Financing with Comments Off on How to Lower the Rate on Your Car Loan

Just as homes can be refinanced, car loans can also be refinanced. The financing is different, however, as home loans extend for many years and houses usually appreciate in value. Auto loans are for shorter terms and all cars depreciate in value except for rare classics. Thus, lenders treat these loans differently, basing financing on a number of factors including future value.

If your car loan rate was high, then now can be a good time to refinance. You’ll need to keep a few things in mind as you seek refinancing, by taking the following steps:

1. Know your credit rating — You won’t receive car refinancing if you are out of work or your income is not sufficient to repay the loan. You also need good credit with consumer credit bureau Experian noting that a score of at least 700 “reflects good credit management.” Experian also notes that a score below 598 means that you have bad credit. Thus, a score from 598 on up means your credit is at least okay. Visit MyFico.com to learn what your credit score is. If your score is high, then seek refinancing. If it is low, then keep your current loan.

2. Talk with your current lender — You may be able to get your current lender to refinance your loan, saving you the necessity of having to apply for a loan with a new lender. Your present lender will need several things from you including one or more recent pay stubs, a W-2 form and possibly your most recent tax filling. You may be granted a lower rate if your credit, your job situation or both improved dramatically since you got your loan. If your credit was bad and you received financing, then you may be dealing with a lender that specializes in sub-prime loans. This means that you’d do better to seek refinancing elsewhere.

3. Shop around — Most lenders prefer to work with people seeking new loans, but there are some that specialize in working with borrowers who have existing loans. You can check with your bank or credit union for loan deals, asking whether loan refinancing is available. You can also find lenders by googling “car loan refinance” and viewing the results. A number of large banks and finance companies are involved in auto loan refinancing, therefore view the offers and select the best one that meets your needs. Limit your application to just one company, however, as your credit score could take a hit if you apply for too many.

4. Resist extending your loan — If you took out a 48-month loan and have 37 months remaining, a lender may be all too willing to give you a new 48-month loan. This is not a good choice for you as you’ll be financing your car longer and you’ll pay a higher rate than a 36-month loan. Besides, lenders know that your car is depreciating and they’ll be certain to protect their own interests as you seek refinancing. Chances are if you shave one or more months off of your future loan, then you’ll come away with payments that are lower and pay less interest going forward.

5. Choose your loan and switch — Once you receive approval for a car refinancing, then quickly get together your paperwork to close on this loan. You may be able to close within 48 hours if your paperwork is in order and the lender is ready to process your loan. Your lender will pay off your current loan and assume title of your car. Only when your new loan has been paid off will you be able to obtain your title.

Final Thoughts

To receive approval for a new loan, a lender may require you to come up with a down payment. That’s because your car is declining in value and the lender may want you to assume more risk in exchange for a better rate on your auto loan.

Author Information

Matt Keegan writes as The Article Writer. He operates The Auto Writer car blog, covering industry news, car models and product information.

SUV Elegance: 2013 LX 570

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/02/28 in Lexus with Comments Off on SUV Elegance: 2013 LX 570
Lexus

The largest of all Lexus models is the LX 570, a three-row sport utility vehicle that seats eight. Introduced in 2008 and sold through 2011, the LX 570 returns for 2013 with many updates evident. Those changes include advancing Lexus’ new design language and offering a refreshed interior. Its stalwart V-8 engine returns, delivering optimum power to move this three-ton SUV with authority.

Exterior Embellishments

The Lexus LX 570 is a massive vehicle, just the sort of premium model prized by families that require maximum interior room and need a vehicle that offers ample storage possibilities as well as trailering capabilities. This vehicle features a 2+3+3 seating layout and can tow up to 7,000 pounds. Quite easily, this SUV has the ability to take a large family on vacation and pull a boat or a camper with ease.

Changes on the exterior include an all-new trapezoid grille, reflecting the design language of Lexus vehicles effective with the 2013 model year. That new look is meant to put some pizzazz in Lexus-styling, casting off the bland for a more grand look. Other changes evident with this model are HID headlamps, large chrome bezels for foglamps, wider bodyside moldings, turn signal indicators on the side mirrors and new 20-inch split five spoke wheels. Two paint finishes are added bringing the total to six.

Advanced Technologies

Inside, the LX 570’s bright and cavernous cabin receives dark chrome finish for center cluster and front side air-conditioning vents, a dark chrome highlight above the glovebox and optional parchment leather seats. That leathering extends to the door inserts, to the shift knob and to the steering wheel. Mahogany wood trim is new for 2013, providing a visually appealing look to a cabin replete with leather, chrome and digital accents.

Place yourself behind the steering wheel of this SUV and you’re treated to a 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat. This seat offers height adjustment and lumbar support, and is well-bolstered and supportive. The front passenger has an 8-way adjustable seat. The instrument panel feature a brightly lit four analog panel display that flanks a digital driver’s information center. The center stack offers an in-dash CD changer with an AM/FM radio, automatic sound levelizer, digital sound processing and an HD SiriusXM satellite radio receiver. Nine speakers are included.

A standard HDD navigation system offers Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity; Lexus Enform navigation with turn by turn instructions, and Lexus Insider voice command with NavTraffic, NavWeather, stocks and sports. The Lexus Enform software package allows you to search the Internet with Bing, order movie tickets, make restaurant reservations and receive product reviews. A zoned climate control system, 12-volt outlets and storage compartments round out the center stack and console display.

Cabin Amenities

As you would expect, the Lexus LX 570 offers numerous amenities and convenience features throughout its cabin. These include illuminated entry, bottle holders in all four doors, second and third row cup holders, power accessories, a middle row power outlet, a 120-volt power outlet behind the third row seat, door courtesy lights, a first-aid kit and a power tailgate.

Also available are heated and air-conditioned front seats, heated middle row seats, a luxury package that offers semi-aniline trim and a cool box, a DVD entertainment system, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a rear backup camera.

Safety Features

Every LX 570 comes equipped with a host of safety features. New for 2013 is trailer sway assist, joining four-wheel antilock brakes, brake-force distribution, brake assist, traction control and stability control with helping you keep your SUV firmly planted. Adaptive headlamps, daytime running lamps and a tire pressure monitoring system are standard.

Inside, this SUV offers front airbags, first and second row seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and a side curtain airbag system. Also available are park assist and a pre-collision warning system.

SUV Miscellany

The 2013 Lexus LX 570 will take you from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Its 5.7-liter 32-valve V-8 engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and offers 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 403 foot-pounds of torque at 3,600 rpm. This Lexus offers a 24.6-gallon fuel tank and is EPA-rated at 12 mpg city, 18 mpg highway.

Author Information

Matt Keegan is a freelance writer who writes for The Auto Writer. Please visit this site for industry news including details about Lexus and other premium brands.

Photos: Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A, Inc. (Lexus)

Intelligent Hybrid: 2013 Lexus GS 450h

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/02/27 in Lexus with Comments Off on Intelligent Hybrid: 2013 Lexus GS 450h
Lexus

Lexus is a luxury brand that is in transition, and those changes are in response to two factors beyond its control: customer perceptions and geological forces. With the former, Lexus has responded by changing its design language from restrained to bold. With the latter, Lexus and parent Toyota are now well on the way to recovery from a series of earthquakes and a tsunami that undermined its ability to produce and ship cars. Evidence of these changes can be seen in the 2013 Lexus GS 450h sedan, the hybrid version of the GS and a car that may just convince you that Lexus is back and in a significant way.

New Design Language

The refinements Lexus has made to its design language will be evident beginning with each of its 2013 models. The Lexus LX570, a large sport utility vehicle, initiated the updates when it was introduced just ahead of the GS series in February 2012. These changes include an hourglass sport grille that is flanked by arrowhead-styled daytime running lights to provide a more aggressive face. Additional modifications over the first generation edition built from 2007 to 2011 include 9-spoke 17-inch chrome wheels, LED treatments on the tail lamps and updates to the wheel wells, bumper edges and windows.

Under the hood, the same 3.5-liter 24-valve gas engine that powered the first generation hybrid has returned. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission and produces 286 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Torque is another of its strong suits too as this five-passenger sedan offers 254 foot-pounds at 4,600 rpm.

The GS 450h also derives power from its nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery system. The current iteration is lighter and more efficient, and allows this large sedan to get 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway. Those numbers put the GS 450h at the top of the range among executive cars and places some serious distance between gas station stops. Indeed, when taking those long interstate trips, drivers will find that they’ll be able to go nearly 600 miles between fill ups. That is certainly welcome in these days of elevated gas prices. Performance is noteworthy too: this hybrid goes from 0 to 60 in just 5.6 seconds.

Sumptious Interior

Inside, Lexus luxury is evident everywhere. A padded instrument panel, stitched leather seating, wood trim and chrome highlights provide the look and feel you’d expect in this sedan. A 10-way power driver’s seat is plush and bolstered, offering height adjustment and lumbar support as well as heating and ventilation. Other special treatments in evidence include a bamboo and leather heated steering wheel, aluminum alloy scuff plates and ambient lighting.

All GS 450h models come equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen driver’s information center. An electronically-enhanced instrument panel, an LCD climate control display and remote touch interface are among the technological features offered. Its standard 5.1 surround sound audio system features 12 speakers, an automatic sound levelizer, voice recognition and text to speech SMS. You can also upgrade to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson package that includes distortion adjustment and DVD/audio capability.

By choosing its luxury package, the GS 450h offers an optimally appointed sedan that retails for under $70,000. That package includes the Mark Levinson audio package; semi-aniline leather; a contoured 18-way power driver seat; passenger seat memory; wood embellishments; rear air-conditioning and audio controls; and rear manual side sun shades.

Sedan Notables

Safety features include driver and front passenger knee airbags; front and front seat-mounted side airbags; and a side curtain airbag unit with rollover notification. This sedan comes with four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, traction control and stability control. Optional safety features include a blind spot monitor, a head up display, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, park assist, a night vision system and a pre-collision warning system.

The 2013 Lexus GS 450h dispenses with the notion that hybrid power and a weighty sedan are mutually exclusive. Weighing in at nearly 4,200 pounds, the GS 450h provides the security some drivers prefer when taking to the open road. It also delivers in fuel economy and luxury appointments, offering a level of all-around driving satisfaction that is still quite rare today.

Author Information

Matt Keegan is a freelance writer and owner of the online Auto Trends Magazine. Please visit his site for industry news including Lexus and other luxury brands.

Photos: Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A, Inc. (Lexus)

Car Insurance and Motorway Driving

by Carsurfer Admin on 2012/02/15 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Car Insurance and Motorway Driving

It’s reassuring to know that your car insurance covers you against accidents, but a long journey on a motorway can be stress-filled for any driver. Motorway driving is a different skill if you’re used to just driving around town, but you can feel more confident before you set off with these handy tips.

Be prepared:

Plan your route and familiarize yourself with which junctions you’ll need to turn off at, as it’s not safe to try and read a map at speed. Leave enough time so you won’t be tempted to break the speed limit, and factor in regular breaks to keep your concentration up. Never embark on any journey without a valid car insurance policy from a reputable supplier.

Get used to the speed:

If you’re not familiar with motorway driving, stay in the nearside lane until you feel comfortable with the increased speed. Because cars are traveling faster on the motorway, things can happen quickly and it’s good to get your reactions up to speed too.

Leave a safe gap:

You can’t anticipate what the driver in front or to the side is about to do, but you can make sure you’re prepared for it. Leave a good space between you and the car in front, and if another driver cuts into that space, drop back. The more space you leave, the more time you have to anticipate and brake. It seems like you’re not making as good time as you could, but that precaution could be the difference between a safe journey or a claim on your car insurance. If you’re not sure how much space to leave, try this: Find a marker, such as a lamp-post or tree. Once the car in front passes it, make sure you can count two seconds before you reach it. If you can’t, slow down.

Watch the weather:

Driving in heavy rain or poor visibility? Leave a gap of four seconds between you and the car in front. If it’s foggy, keep a steady speed and don’t be tempted to try and keep up with the car in front.

Beat boredom:

Although a quiet stretch of motorway with country scenery seems like a safe place to be, it can get boring. If you feel your attention drifting or you’re beginning to feel tired, find a safe place to stop for a break and a breath of fresh air or get to the next service station for a rest. Take a break and stretch your legs at least every two hours.

Company Profile:

John Lewis Insurance offers a range of insurance services selected by the John Lewis Partnership. These include pet, life, travel, wedding, event, car and home insurance quotes.

For more information about John Lewis Car Insurance please visit the website here – http://www.johnlewis-insurance.com/homepage/car-insurance.html.

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