Posted on December 10th, 2009 by Warranty Direct
If you are in the market for a new car this holiday season be on the lookout for options and add ons that your dealer might try to offer you. Some of them are worth it but some are just a big waste of money. MSN Autos says “Beware of these overpriced and often unnecessary add-ons to your new-car purchase. Here are eight of the most common dealer options and how to avoid them.” Read more...
- Rust-Proofing: Some dealers charge up to $800 for this service, which sometimes amounts to no more than spraying a coating from an aerosol can in the wheel wells.
- Fabric Protection: For a couple of hundred dollars, some dealers will try to sell you fabric protection for your car’s interior that will repel stains. You know it as Scotchgard.
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Filed under: Auto News, Buying a Car, Car News, Consumer Affairs, Dealership Car Warranties, Extended Car Warranty Contracts, Extended Car Warranty Coverage, New Car Warranty, Researching Auto Warranties, Scams, Warranty Direct
Posted on December 1st, 2009 by Warranty Direct
This weekly feature for Warranty Direct about car repair and maintenance is written by Tom Torbjornsen, the popular host of America’s Car Show on satellite radio. Below are some recent Q&A from the America’s Car Show email bag.
Dear Tom,
I drive a 98′ Honda Civic with 40K miles (automatic transmission). Lately the transmission seems to be amiss. Sometimes the car seems to downshift or lurch slightly. I told my husband about it and he asked me if the “check engine light” comes on, and I told him no. He said not to worry about it. However, I have a feeling that he is just too lazy to check it out himself. Should I be concerned? Also, my mom changes the oil every 3,000 miles on her car. Is it okay if we change it every 5,000 miles instead? Thanks for your help.
Deb from Little Rock, AR Read more...
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Filed under: Americas Car Show, Consumer Affairs, Vehicle Maintenance, Vehicle reliability, Wear and Tear
Posted on November 23rd, 2009 by Warranty Direct
This weekly feature for Warranty Direct about car repair and maintenance is written by Tom Torbjornsen, the popular host of America’s Car Show on satellite radio. Below are some recent Q&A from the America’s Car Show email bag.
Dear Tom,
I own a 2006 Jeep Liberty with 48,000 miles. This obviously is NOT a fuel-efficient vehicle. I have the oil changed regularly and tire pressures are maintained as well. This little ‘cutie’ maybe gets 13-15 MPG city driving …YIKES! Is there anything I can do to improve gas mileage now that it costs $70 to fill up? My daughter is using it for college and she has a 25-mile commute with little to no stops to reach the campus. Her friends refer to her as the “old lady driver,” so speeding doesn’t apply here. A side note: My Chrysler Pacific, which is rated poorly for fuel efficiency, has better mileage!
Thanks.
June from Boston, MA Read more...
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Filed under: Americas Car Show, Consumer Affairs, Maintenance, Vehicle Maintenance
Posted on September 21st, 2009 by Warranty Direct
With all the uncertainty in today?s market it is more important than ever to ensure you are dealing with a financially stable company, especially on the internet. Some states regulate the sale of Vehicle Service Contracts, they have already made that research a lot easier for the consumer.
In order to circumvent these special licensing requirements set forth, there has been a recent influx of product warranties being offered on the internet by a variety of extended warranty brokers. Product Warranties are not licensed, are not closely regulated, and do not have to be guaranteed by an insurance company. Even if a product warranty purports to be backed by an insurance company, the insurance company may not be licensed, financially strong, or actually back the warranty. Read more...
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Filed under: Auto Warranty Industry News, Consumer Affairs, Extended Car Warranty Contracts, Researching Auto Warranties, Scams, Warranty Direct
