When Should You Buy Additional Insurance Protection From The Dealer?

If you've financed a vehicle recently, one of the pressing last minute decisions you're forced to make with the finance manager is should you buy or not buy GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance. We'll give you our spiel so that you're not caught off guard. GAP is usually built into lease payments.

So, what is GAP insurance? GAP covers the difference between what you owe on your car loan and the current market (cash) value of the vehicle. The difference is known as GAP.  GAP insurance is for when you owe more than the value of your vehicle. 

Eleven Common Sense Car-Buying Tips When Circumventing The Dealer

For those seeking to circumvent the dealer route and opt for the do-it-yourself route, as it relates to buying or selling a vehicle, here are some extra precautions we recommend. Many individuals choose this route in order to maximize their savings and/or income potential. However, taking this route requires extra precaution, too.

With Craigslist and other means being used today to purchase or sell a vehicle, here are a few common sense tips we recommend:

1. Never transact business at your home. This increases the chance of theft occurring at your personal residence.
2. Never do business at night. This increases the chance of an unscrupulous behavior.
3. Meet at a public location to transact business. If the buyer or seller really wants to conduct business, there will be no exceptions, unless the vehicle is inoperable. 

2015 Mercedes-Benz E400: A Stylish And Fuel-Efficient German-Engineered Drop Top

Highlight: The E400 is available as a soft top cloth convertible only.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $72,930 (base price $62,275)

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features: airbags; LED headlights; LED tail lights; ABS; an electronic tire pressure system; an electronic stability program; and an automatic hold braking system; pop up roll bars; a rain sensing windshield wiper system; and an adaptive braking technology

Standard Equipment (base model): 18-inch wheels; a gas saving stop/start engine cut off system; a 7-speed automatic transmission; a dual zone climate control system; auto dimming rearview and side mirrors; heated front seats; leather seats; and power front seats with memory settings

Recall Mondays: Kia Is In The Hot Seat For Electrical Concerns

AUTOMAKER: Kia

NO. OF AFFECTED CUSTOMERS: 86,880

SUMMARY:

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Forte vehicles manufactured December 5, 2012, to April 17, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the cooling fan resistor may overheat and melt.

CONSEQUENCE:

If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.

ABC News Narrows In On 'Secret Warranties' And What Consumers Should Know Before Paying For A Repair

Before contacting the local dealer in your area, we suggest visiting our green toolbox, which is located on the right side of this page, looking for the latest TSBs (technical service bulletins).  At times, the automaker might be willing to offer assistance on an out of warranty repair. By perusing the TSBs,  this will let one know if there has been a resolution for an issue on the vehicle in question. Moreover, use the new government website to see if there is also an outstanding recall on the vehicle in question. You can find this and more in our green toolbox.

Toyota Supports The King Holiday Donating $50,000 To Black Colleges

In honor of the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Toyota Financial Services (TFS) announced today that it has made a donation totaling $50,000 to five Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).
 
The five recipients of a $10,000 TFS donation, Bowie State University, Saint George’s County, Maryland; Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware; Howard University, Washington, D.C.; Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia; and Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland all provide exceptional educational opportunities within many of the communities in which TFS operates. 
 

2015 Lexus ES 300h: The Brand’s Only Front-Wheel Drive Hybrid Sedan

 

Highlights: The front-wheel drive hybrid system is based loosely off of the Toyota Camry hybrid.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $46,995 (base price $41,355)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; electronic brake distribution; vehicle stability control; traction control; automatic collision notification; emergency assist button; enhanced roadside assistance; fog lamps with LED running lights; a first aid kit; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (base model): 17-inch wheels; a hybrid system; a 3.5-inch infotainment screen; a push-button keyless entry system; power front seats; pseudo leather seats; an auto dimming rearview mirror; a power moonroof; heated external mirrors; an automatic dual climate control system; an integrated rear spoiler; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; three driving modes settings for the steering system; and Siri Eye Free mode compatibility with specific smartphones

Detroit Luxury Car Makers Retool, Adding Fresh Vehicles To The Mix

Cadillac CTS-V launches with an 8-cylinder, 640 horsepower engine

2015 Lincoln MKX is based off the same styling theme as the successful entry level MKC

The CTS-V arrives this summer with a top speed of 200-mph

Audi And Volvo Launch New Crossovers

2016 Audi Q3

2016 Audi Q7

2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country debuts this summer