Can You Afford Car Insurance? Doesn't Matter It's the Law!

Can You Afford Car Insurance? Doesn't Matter It's the Law!
By Doc Phillips

Okay so youre looking into trading in that old bucket of bolts and upgrading to a later or even a brand new model! Youve done your homework. You have your Kelly Blue Book right there at your side. Youre prepared to fend off the dealers ups. You know what you can afford and, more importantly, what you should pay for your next car.

Oops! Forgot all about insurance. Didnt even factor that in. Now what?

Hmmm do I obtain minimum coverage?.. full coverage??... uninsured motorists underinsured motorists???... and whats it all going to cost me?

Well, lets see! You know your personal driving record will affect your premium. Have you had an accident? How long ago was it? Was it your fault? Were you cited? Do you have speeding tickets? How about any other moving violations?

How will your vehicle pre-choice fare in the insurance premium wars? Yes, the car you purchase will definitely influence the premium you pay.

If you havent purchased a car OR insurance in a while, heres something Ill bet you didnt know.

HOWS YOUR CREDIT RATING? Uh-huh! If your credit rating sucks, so will your insurance premium.

With that being considered, it should motivate you to obtain a copy of your credit report. You get one free per year for each of the major credit reporting agencies. While youre at it, it may be a good idea to also obtain your credit score.

These days buying anything that requires obtaining credit must meet the qualification criteria litany. That litany is forever changing.

There are two major purchases one makes in life two big ticket items. One is actually considered more than an asset its considered an investment. That is your home. The other will never be worth more tomorrow than it is today (with few exceptions). And thats the family car. Is the total expense youre about to incur commensurate with the value of that which youre considering buying? Think first! So many make the mistake of neglecting the total cost of car shopping and buying. Dont be one of them.

This way you can sleep at night!

There are a myriad of insurance choices out there, many of which actually offer competitive rates, speedy claim processing and terrific customer service. My advice: shop before you shop. In other words, before you hit the dealer or private car seller, line your ducks up. This way youll experience no quack-ups! (Did I really just write that?)

Doc Phillips is an internet entrepreneur who currently has 4 websites online which he designed, built and maintains. His latest site is called Buying a car? Read this first! and can be found at http://carbuyingtips.docphillips.com . You may also want to see http://www.docphillips.com and http://www.agiftrack.com two more of Docs sites.

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Ford's Remaining PAG Brands Valued At About $9 Billion

Ford's Remaining PAG Brands Valued At About $9 Billion
By Glady Reign

The Ford Motor Co. could raise a remarkable $9 billion out of its remaining luxury brands. The luxury brands that make up the Premium Automotive Group include Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo Cars. However, analysts Merrill Lynch and John Murphy said that the move of selling the luxury brands is pretty unlikely in the short term.

On Monday, Ford announced that it had settled a deal to sell its British sports car maker - Aston Martin - for $925 million to a coalition including racing entrepreneur David Richards, a pair of Kuwait-based investment companies, and banker John Sinders. The company also reiterated that it had no plans to sell its other luxury brands, although speculation has persisted that such a move could come if the automaker's restructuring runs into difficulties. Ford does not yet disclose the results for its luxury brands. However, taken together as part of the Premium Automotive Group, the latter has reported a $327 million loss last year.

The high multiple awarded to Aston indicates that other PAG brands may be valuable sources of liquidity for Ford, although the company's repeated commentary indicates they are not for sale, Merrill's Murphy said in a note for clients. He added, However, given the potential need for liquidity in the next few years all options may be on the table in the future, especially if (Ford's restructuring) is not materially accelerated or falters.

Murphy estimated that the combined sale of Jaguar and Land Rover would be valued from $1.3 to $1.5 billion. Moreover, he added that a sale of Volvo would raise about $8 billion. Murphy said that a sale of Jaguar would be most likely of the alternatives given the recent difficulties for the luxury brand. However, he noted that it would have to be bundled with Land Rover in order to make it more attractive to potential bidders.

Jaguar Cars Limited is a British luxury car manufacturer which is headquartered in Browns Lane, Coventry, England. The brands main rivals are Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. At present, the brand is introducing a new design philosophy to draw in more customers.

Land Rover is a British all-terrain and SUV manufacturer which is based in Solihull, England and this brand is a popular for its manufacture of high-performance off-road vehicles. Land Rover is so successful that it has outlived its initiator Rover.

Volvo Cars, on the other hand, is a Scandinavian luxury car maker, which was founded in 1927. The brand produces cars ranging from wagons, SUVs, sedans and coupes. It has achieved a reputation for comfort, durability, solidity and safety. The reputation was established because of its meticulous supervision in choice of sophisticated auto parts. As a fact, even the Volvo exhaust has passed a rigorous selection of materials and the finest process to boost the quality of the of the automakers product lines.

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field. For more information, please visit Volvo exhaust.

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Ford's Hybrid Car: A Giant Step towards the Reduction of Oil Consumption and Air Pollution

Ford's Hybrid Car: A Giant Step towards the Reduction of Oil Consumption and Air Pollution
By Jenny McLane

Todays financial crisis comes as a main concern with the price hikes of main commodities and the tremendous raise in petroleum prices. More and more peopleinterest groups, government administrators, consumers and the industry are bothered by these. Since one cannot do away with transportation utilities, alternatives to the conventional gasoline engine are a current issue to both consumers and auto manufacturers.

The United States ranks as the worlds largest consumer of oil. Transportation is responsible for roughly 65 percent of petroleum use not to mention that it is likewise the major cause of air pollution. The Department of Energy sees the transitioning to vehicles which are fueled by less oil thereby yielding to higher gas mileage as the solution to the dependence on the already dwindling and too expensive resource that may lead to the reduction of pollution.

Hybrid cars are on the watch list. Several government leaders from all over America recommend the use of hybrid cars since they combine gas and electric fuel sources. Hybrid cars integrate a gasoline engine with both an electric motor and a powerful battery to continuously recharge and store energy therefore the configuration it produces allows less energy to be lost and holds a high gas mileage.

Practicality and technology speaks for the hybrids. Several manufacturers started coming up with their hybrid concepts to respond to the consumer and the present times call. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, as Plato puts it. Ford is basically spurred by a sense of necessity, practicality, inevitability, and the reality that it is the ultimate relief to todays downtrodden economy.

Ford Escape Hybrid is the very first vehicle to combine SUV capability with an outstanding fuel economy and low environmental impact. True to the qualities possessed by an SUV leader, Fords Escape Hybrid drives normally, performs superbly, and contains no compromise features expected of an efficient SUV.

When we began work on Escape Hybrid, we made a commitment to delivering a no-compromise, authentic Ford SUV that's fun to drive, spacious, comfortable and capable, with substantially lower fuel use and emissions, said Mary Ann Wright, director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs, Ford Motor Company. Mission accomplished! It's wonderful to see the vehicle we originally envisioned resonating so strongly with customers, she added.

Escape Hybrid has earned the highest fuel economy numbers for an SUV as certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with its 36 mpg city/31 mpg highway/33 combined in front-wheel-drive configuration; 33 mpg city/29 mpg highway/31 mpg combined for the four-wheel-drive model. It is certifiably a clean vehicle to run and operate producing 97% less hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen emissions than vehicles that meet the nationwide Tier I emissions standard. No wonder Ford Escape Hybrid has been named North American Truck of the Year for 2005.

Ford owners need not worry of their Ford aftermarket parts for its just a click away. Check out http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD for affordable and the largest array of Ford auto body parts to choose from. Try it out and see for yourself the superior quality replacement and aftermarket parts catered by Parts Train. Why wait? Give yourself the enticing experience of shopping for nothing but the best!

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

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Where to Find High Quality Aftermarket Ford Mustang Parts

Where to Find High Quality Aftermarket Ford Mustang Parts
By Terry Brown

The Ford Mustang is one of the icons of the automotive industry. The Mustang is renowned as the All-American automobile, ever since it was introduced in the early 1960's. The Mustang, considered the first pony car, has captured the hearts of automobile lovers. In fact, its debut is the most successful product launch in the history of the automotive industry. Through the years, the Mustang remains as one of the most popular and well-loved cars ever. It has garnered many accolades and awards. The 1964-1973 Mustang models are considered by many car enthusiasts as automotive icons. At present, the Mustang continues to be a popular automobile. In fact, its latest incarnation, the redesigned 2005 Ford Mustang has been nominated for the North American Car of the Year.

A car like the Ford Mustang deserves nothing less than the best maintenance and care. Owning a Ford Mustang is an excellent investment. Thus, a Mustang owner must carefully maintain the performance, functionality and beauty of his Mustang. One of the best ways to maintain your Mustang is by using only the best replacement Ford parts . Now, you can find the best Ford Mustang parts and accessories at great prices. Shopping for Mustang Parts has also become easier because of the internet. There are now dozens of good Ford Parts stores online offering excellent Aftermarket Ford auto parts. Some replacement Mustang parts you can find online are Ford wheels, Ford radiators and Ford exhausts.

Practically every replacement part for the Mustang can be found online. An excellent Ford Parts store will offer an extensive selection of Ford Mustang Parts ranging from Ford bumpers to Ford spoilers. In addition, you can really save time shopping online compared to paying a visit to your parts dealer. Reliable and trusted online auto parts suppliers such as Inner Auto Parts offer top quality Ford auto parts at a very affordable price. They have a very comprehensive inventory of Ford Parts including Ford fenders and Ford headlights. Their Ford fuel tanks and even Ford floor mats are guaranteed top quality. You will also find much useful and relevant automotive information in Inner Auto Parts' website. In fact, it has already won accolades as an excellent source of auto information. You can expect excellent auto parts and top-notch service from Inner Auto Parts. Now you know where to find the best, high quality Ford Mustang Parts.

Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of automotive research.

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Why Japanese Cars Are So Affordable

Why Japanese Cars Are So Affordable
By Craig Miya

If youve ever wondered why theres so many Japanese cars in New Zealand then read on. In the beginning the importation of vehicles into New Zealand was a strictly regulated and reserved only to a selected few. The new car industry with its manufacture and assembly plants all throughout the country largely controlled the inward flow of imported vehicles which kept the prices of both used and new cars at a premium.

In 1989 the government deregulated imports licensing which swung open the gates for the flood of Japanese imports. Japan has a population of over 140 million and is the leading manufacture of motor vehicles in the world. To maintain a high level of domestic new car sales the government imposes strict regulations which encourage (more so forces) consumers to regularly purchase new cars.

In Japan all vehicles are governed by a vehicle certification process which is called shaken which is similar to a WOF. Depending on the age of the vehicle the owner must regularly up-date the shaken which is expensive and on average will costs the owner a couple of grand each time.

When a vehicle is purchased brand new, the shaken is valid for 3 years. After 3 years the next shaken update is valid for a further 2 years. When the vehicle is 5 year old, the shaken must now be updated every 12 months. imported cars in new zealand

Remembering that the shaken costs on average a couple of grand each time. This along with interest rates as low as 3% means that most consumers opt to trade their vehicles back into the dealer and up-date to a new car. This creates a surplus of used cars in Japan which are then exported to countries all over the world, including New Zealand. Japanese imported cars for sale in new zealand

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Can Ford HeavyDuty Trucks Alleviate Its Maker's Standing

Can Ford Heavy-Duty Trucks Alleviate Its Maker's Standing
By Chuck Smith

Ford Motor Co. is delivering an updated lineup of F-Series large pickups and trucks. This 'Super Duty' lineup is said to support Ford in its struggle to keep up its post in truck sales. With the debut of these all-new vehicles, Ford will serve as a mighty rival to General Motors Corp.

GMC is also unraveling a brand-new pickup - Chevrolet Silverado. Said model is considered a threat that could take away part of Ford F-150 sales. So far, said model is the best-selling vehicle in the US. In the past few years, Ford has sold approximately 900,000 F-Series trucks annually. Moreover, 40 percent of F-series trucks sold are Super Duty trucks.

New trucks is given extra towing capacity, refined suspension, a tailgate that turns into a step, and a brand new 6.4-liter diesel engine. These fresh features are incorporated to Ford F-150 pickup parts to pave way for a powerful, manageable and improved ride. These trucks will reach dealerships early next year.

Ford's F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 will vie in the work trucks category. The trucks included are those that weigh more than 8,500 pounds.

In an interview, Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas said, The Super Duty represents products that are going to shape the future of our company. We're the unquestioned leader in full-size pickups and it's important that we act like a leader. This truck is the no excuses, best-in-class, biggest, most capable truck in the marketplace. It will help buttress our leadership. It also casts a halo and reinforces the fact that we got a vehicle here that is innovative.

Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis at J.D. Power and Associates said, The combined Super Duty line would rank among Ford's top-selling models, making it extremely important for the company. The trucks have high profit margins, so Ford is trying to hold off Chevrolet from taking any of its market shares. It's like their crown jewel, and they're going to protect it no matter what it takes.

Chuck, a 38 year old freelance writer from Charleston, South Carolina, has been specializing on automotive-related articles and news. He has a degree in Automotive Technology. You can visit Ford F-150 pickup parts for more information.

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Boy Scouts Honor Ford

Boy Scouts Honor Ford
By Jason Moore

June 15th this year would be the day when the Boy Scouts of Americas Cascade Pacific Council would be honoring the Ford Motor Company. The company would be given by the mentioned council as the Motorsports Company of the Year. Such an event would take place during the councils 17th annual Motorsports Breakfast which would be held in Portland, Oregon. In fact, this breakfast is actually done as part of the activities and events of the Grand Prix of Portland which is an annual stop of the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford.

It was Ron Bennett who presented and gave the Motorsports Company of the Year award to the Ford Motor Company. Ron Bennett is one of the members of the Motorsports Breakfast Steering Committee. While honoring the company, he declares, There are many similarities between the Ford Motor Company and the Boy Scouts. The perfect example is the Pinewood Derby. We both exercise imaginations and learn about the trials and tribulations of building the perfect race car. From designing the vehicle, placing the weights and even developing paint schemes, the Scouts prepare for their races in much the same way our engineers test and develop our race cars.

This award is an honor that is recognized well enough by the company. In fact, Jamie Allison, the manager for the Ford Racing Performance Group, had something to say about this. He states, It is an honor to be recognized by the Cascade Pacific Council, Boy Scouts of America. I am privileged to accept this award on behalf of Dan Davis, Director of Ford Racing Technology and Ford Racing. It is a great honor for us to be recognized by an organization that has such an impact on the young people of the Portland area and across the country. With the various kinds of awards and accolades that the company has received through the years, this award would be another one that would be part of the companys treasure.

Like Ford, the car manufacturer who not only provides the best kind of vehicles to the market but also reaches out to communities and shares its blessings, Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts is strongly committed to the utmost satisfaction of its customers around the globe. In fact, this store is one of the leading Ford Contour parts and Ford Ranger parts suppliers to owners.

Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.

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