Cash for Cars Selling Tips

Safety

Older Drivers More Prevalent; Auto Industry Reacts

You may start noticing more and more slow drivers on local freeways, and it’s not because drivers are illegally talking on their cell phones while monitoring their rear-view mirrors for cops.

The number of Americans age 55 to 74 is projected to nearly double by 2030, and already we’re seeing signs that the Baby Boomer generation is reaching senior-citizen status.

A young 50's woman blowing a bubble

The Baby Boomer’s Influence on the Auto Industry

Not that it’s a bad thing. These folks grew up in a post-World War II era when Americans were so happy about not being in a terrible war that they thrived, had large families and bought suburban homes. Read more

The Cars versus Bikes Battle Drags On

In 2008 it’s bad enough that consumers are punishing carmakers by holding off on new purchases – not the fault of automakers, per se, as oil companies and mortgage bankers carry a good chunk of the blame.

Nonetheless automakers are taking substantial and prolonged hits, perhaps equaling damages sustained by the homebuilding industry.

And when you’re down, look out for antagonists ready to pounce.

Auto Industry is taking A Beating

A bike and a car racingEnvironmentalists, no-growth advocates and bicycle riders alike seem to be relishing the opportunity to kick a dying dog. Everyone who ever hated cars is chipping in. Read more

Unforeseen Consequences of Hands-Free Law

August 1, 2008

California’s new hands-free mobile phone law has been in effect a month now, and media reports outline some interesting consequences.

First, there’s the cheaters. “I looked to my left, and there was a dark-haired woman driving a gray SUV with a towel draped over her head”, wrote a Bakersfield Californian columnist on July 30.

She was talking on a cell phone, trying to hide from authorities.

The Text Messaging Phenomenon

A man texting while driving“I’ve learned one thing: It may be time to change my service plan”, the same columnist wrote. “I’m making 90 percent fewer phone calls. I am, however, texting like a high school girl.” Read more

Navigating the Auto Safety Maze

Safety is high on the list for many people looking to buy a new car.

So many features can be considered when comparing cars for safety, where do you start?

There is crash testing, but some ratings are by the government, some by the private insurance industry, and they differ.

Woman with her checklistYou will hear about air bags, seatbelts, head restraint, stability control, rollover resistance, antilock brakes and more.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Which is most important depends on the person, driving conditions, and what’s most important to that person. Or all of the above. Read more

Cars More Likely to be Stolen

A recent CNNMoney.com report about auto theft rates offers an interesting glimpse into what thieves look for – and can help guide you if you’re in the market for a used or new car.

The report cited the 1995 Honda Civic as the most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2007, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Called its annual “Hot Wheels” report, the Bureau noted second place went to the 1991 Honda Accord, followed in order by the 1989 Toyota Camry and the 1997 Ford F-150. The top four did not change from statistics logged in 2006; and the ’95 Civic has been in the top 10 for four straight years. Read more

Seeking the Perfect Crash-Testing Program

The Federal Government recently announced planned improvements to its auto crash test program for new cars and trucks, to take effect for the 2010 model year.

The plan is to expand the traditional program of grading vehicles from one to five stars.

To be added to the usual stars will be an overall safety rating that will combine scores from multiple crash tests.

Crash test dummy in a sling sitting on a pile of tires

Consumers Want Real Testing and Real Facts

The new program also will add new front-end tests, and other specific-instance situations such as a car’s side hitting a pole, or the use of crash test dummies representing women and large children to see how they respond to certain collisions. Read more

Two More States Go Hands-Free in the Car

In July 2008, California and Washington joined New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C., in banning the use of mobile phones with your hands while driving.

In California the law was no surprise, as it was passed several years ago and lawmakers gave plenty of lead time to explore communications options inside your vehicle.

A Long Road

Woman drivingMotorists did not plan well. What we’ve seen so far is just fewer people talking on their phones in cars – as if they had no better solution than to screen calls coming in and pull over as soon as possible to respond. Read more

Volvo and the Car Safety Revolution

Ford might now own Volvo, but one thing hasn’t changed for the Swedish brand: a reputation for automobile safety.

Interest in improving driver and passenger safety in cars increases every year. Things like side-impact safety curtains were unheard of only a decade ago.

Beautiful lifeguard in a bikini

Sweden – Cutting Edge Safety

In fact recently, according to Reuters, the head of traffic safety for the Swedish road administration said we now are in the “biggest revolution in the auto industry since the seatbelt.”

And Volvo is at the forefront. The same news article stated Volvo’s plan to create an “injury-proof” car by 2020. Some industry analysts view the announcement as the company’s attempt to maintain its high level of consumer perceptions regarding safety Read more

Every kid needs a BMW Sauber F1 car seat

Your child wants a BMW Sauber F1 car seat for Christmas

Lets face it, if BMW made it you know it is safe, and stylish. In fact, what kid wouldn’t want to be the first one on the block with a Sauber F1 car seat?

In addition to a stylish look and supreme safety, the BMW Sauber car seat is also built for comfort and proper fit.
BMW Sauber car seat

A car seat that grows with your child

This is a car seat that will grow with your child, and is built to hold weight classes II and III (roughly 3 1/2 to 12 years of age, or from 33-79 pounds). Chances are this snazzy seat will fall out of style long before your child outgrows it. Read more

Make sure your car seat is worth strapping your kids into

Our kids are our most prized possession, naturally we want to make sure we keep them as safe as possible in their car seat while in transit. Not everyone is the prudent driver you are, so it’s important to know that your child is as protected against chance as possible.

In other words, don’t buy your car seat on impulse because it’s on sale at K-Mart.

Baby

Car seat research

The importance of research when it comes to purchasing the perfect child seat cannot be stressed enough. Every child is different, every car is different and every situation is different so there is no cut and dry formula. Read more

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