Budget Car Rental

With the high gas prices which are readily seen on the market today, individuals who are looking to purchase a new car are perusing the options with fuel efficiency in mind. Prospective car buyers want to purchase a vehicle which really peaks their interest and is one which they truly desire; however, these prospective automobile purchasers may in fact be swayed should the vehicle which they are considering purchasing have inefficient fuel economy. There are a few different reasons why fuel economy is so important to car owners these days.

High Price of Gas

Recently, an alarming phenomenon has been taking place. In the last few months, gas prices have been increasing at staggering rates which has led to individuals rethinking their automobile purchase choices. For those people who are currently in the market for a new vehicle, the high price of gas that has recently been seen has pushed them to consider other, more fuel-efficient automobiles. As one never knows when gas prices will decrease, thinking in terms of purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle may be on the forefront of a number of individual’s minds. The high price of gasoline is an important factor which individuals consider when purchasing a new vehicle or even trading in their old car for a more recent model.

Environmental Factors

Another reason why prospective car buyers may be looking into the purchase of a more fuel-efficient vehicle is due to the environmental ramifications that go along with certain gas guzzling automobiles. The less gas a car uses, the more environmentally friendly that vehicle is. There are a number of different types of pollution which are directly related to automobile use. Therefore, more and more individuals are looking into hybrid vehicles which utilize both electric and gas fuel components to make the car run and are more environmentally sound overall.

Having to Fill Up With Gas Less Often
How many times has one tried to take their vehicle as far as it could go on a single tank of gas so as to avoid having to stop at a gas station to fill up? Most likely the answer is quite frequently. Although filling the car up with a tank of gas does not take a long time to do, it is still an inconvenience to some individuals, especially those who are often running late for one appointment or another. Therefore, by purchasing a vehicle with good fuel economy, the driver will have to stop less often to fill up their gas tank and this in and of itself is something which pleases many individuals immensely.

Most Fuel-Efficient Cars in 2005
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) often compiles lists showing the vehicles with the best fuel economy based on a fuel efficiency gauge for both city and highway travel and are shown in a city/highway ratio. The EPA files these types of lists as fuel economy is quite relevant to pollution and other environmental factors. The following paragraphs will summarize the top 10 list of the most fuel-efficient vehicles which was compiled by the EPA for 2005.

The vehicles ranking in the number 10 spot of the EPA list are the Dodge Neon and Toyota Celica GT which both get 29/36 mpg. Those vehicles ranked in the number 9 slot are the Scion xB (31/35), Toyota Matrix (30/36), Pontiac Vibe (30/36) and Honda Accord Hybrid (30/37). Rounding up the number 8, 7, and 6 slots, respectively, are the Scion xA (32/37), Toyota Corolla (32/41), and Toyota Echo (35/42).

The top 5 most fuel-efficient automobiles contain quite a few from the same car manufacturer with the Honda Civic HX (36/44) coming in at 5 th place and three various types of Volkswagens, Volkswagen New Beetle TDI, Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Volkswagen Golf TDI, all coming in at 4 th place with a 38/46 ratio. As for the top 3 spots, these belong to the Honda Civic Hybrid (45/51), the Toyota Prius (60/51) and the Honda Insight (61/66).

One will notice by reading the list above that hybrid vehicles are often cited in the top 10 of all fuel-efficient vehicles. There are a few different reasons why choosing a hybrid vehicle may be the best choice for those individuals looking to purchase a new car.

Reasons to Choose a Hybrid Vehicle for Your Automobile
There are two main reasons why purchasing a hybrid vehicle may be in the best interest of the driver of the automobile and the people around that individual as well. The first reason for choosing a hybrid vehicle is due to its fabulous fuel efficiency. There are a number of different car manufacturers who have either come out with hybrid vehicles or are in the process of making vehicles of this type. Car manufacturers realize that fuel efficiency has a vital place on an individual’s car buying list of must haves.

Another reason for choosing a hybrid vehicle which is not only beneficial for the owner but for the general public as well is the environmental factors surrounding hybrid automobile use. The more gaseous fumes and toxins which are released into the air, the worse it is for the environment as a whole. Those who truly appreciate the fact that hybrid vehicles are more environmentally sound than other vehicles which strictly use gasoline as their main mode of power are ones who are more likely to purchase a hybrid vehicle. It is important to note that most hybrid automobile drivers purchase their hybrid vehicles due to fuel economy reasons as well. Car manufacturers have also responded to environmental concerns by producing vehicles which are of a hybrid nature and therefore much more gentle to the environment.

Choosing a vehicle which is fuel-efficient is an extremely wise decision. Not only will the driver of a fuel-efficient vehicle save a lot of money on gasoline purchases but will be doing their part to preserve the environment as well. These are two very valid reasons for choosing a vehicle which boasts good fuel economy.

Steven Anderson is the Reservations Director for Hawaiian Discount Car Rentals, specialists in Maui, Hawaii car rentals. He has personally driven to the top of Mauna Kea and rates it as one of the most panoramic views in his travels to Hawaii.

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I need a car. I’ve been a pedestrian for too long. I need information. I’ll hop on the web. Search for “car buying guides.” Whoa! Over 15 million sites/pages! Refine my search. “Free first time car buyer guides” and narrow it down to only 4 million. That’s about as refined as I can get right now. Look over the first page of my results, chose some links with names I recognize. Open some pages. Lots of interesting articles. Let’s see if I can pull together a cohesive list.

What type of vehicle do I need? Notice I wrote “need” not want? I want a cool car, but this is a major investment and cool doesn’t really last that long. Do I buy new or used? What kind of driving am I really going to be doing, and in what kind of conditions? How much can I reasonably spend for monthly maintenance? How much can I spend on a loan or lease payment? Should I buy from a dealer, an auction or private sale? How’s my credit rating? Where should I buy insurance? Lots of questions to answer, and probably some I haven’t included here.

Before you search for that cool car, decide exactly what your needs and wants are. Don’t buy what you want, buy what you need. Don’t get into a cash bind because you spent more than you can really afford because the “cool” factor fades fast but those monthly payments continue. Review your budget to determine how much you can really afford. That means not only the car payment, but insurance and an estimate of your monthly maintenance (gas, oil, etc.)

Check your credit so you have an idea of what type of loan you can qualify for. Decide on a firm price (payment or full-purchase), because dealers and salespeople will be doing their best to get more out of you. Be firm and stick to your dollar amount. If financing, decide on a realistic maximum payment you can make. If possible, check with your bank to see what type of loan you qualify for.

With the internet, it’s now much easier to compare vehicles. Take the time to check out some websites that offer information about vehicles and compare. Don’t just rush out and buy the first car you see. Remember, your vehicle is a major investment and unless you can change vehicles every year, this car will probably have to last you 4 or 5 years. Be choosy. Look at the pictures, sure, but READ the information. Check to see if the dealership offers web discounts (that is, if you buy from them they will offer some discount for using the web).

Educate yourself about vehicle pricing. Dealerships have to make a profit; otherwise they would not be in business! Simple economics. Dealers will negotiate, but YOU have to be prepared as well. The dealers and salespeople know their bottom line on any vehicle. Again, check the web for information regarding pricing. Ask family and friends to help you learn about vehicle pricing. There are many factors that most people don’t even know about.

Make certain you qualify for insurance. Check out your state’s department of motor vehicles website and learn the minimum insurance necessary. Check around the web and you’ll find many major insurance companies with rate comparison features. Use those resources. Be very aware that your past driving record will affect your rates, but also if you are a first time buyer, be ready for slightly higher rates to begin with. After all, the insurance company is really gambling on your not making any claims against the insurance. Think about the type of driving you will be doing and review the “extras” offered by the insurance provider. Also, the type of vehicle you are looking to purchase will affect your rates as well. Older cars usually mean less safety features, so rates will be higher. Your vehicle insurance is just as important as your health insurance.

A short note here about car dealerships (and not just the new vehicle showroom guys). I personally have not had good results buying from a private seller. Way too many variables and basically no recourse if something isn’t right. Dealers have certain rules and restrictions they must comply with, such as title registration time limits, the lemon law, and the “buyers remorse” (3 day changed my mind) rules. Dealerships must be licensed and follow the laws; private sellers often don’t. Dealerships also can provide a wider range of options than a private seller. Go to your state motor vehicle or department of licensing website and educate yourself. What you don’t know can hurt you.

Also, there is a list called the Customer Service Index (or something similar) which each car maker maintains for dealerships. The ranking indicates who a dealership satisfies customers not only in sales, but also in service. Basically, go to the manufacturer’s website, search for customer service index and then navigate the website to find that manufacturer’s criteria for a great dealership. Yes it takes time, but this is a major investment. Family and friends can help here as well.

Once you have decided what type of vehicle you want, and which dealerships you want to check out (always try at least 2 dealerships, don’t just settle on one!), take someone with you, preferably someone knowledgeable about the vehicle you have chosen (a family member or friend you feel comfortable with). That person will probably ask some questions you didn’t think of! I’m a wimp when it comes to negotiating, but my hubby isn’t, and he knows about cars. I let him do most of the questioning, even though I was the one purchasing the car. Believe me, it helped, because he asked questions I really never thought about.

Last, but certainly not least, TEST DRIVE THE CAR! Sounds simple, but it is very important. Just because you found what looks like the car of your dreams, it may still not be right. You need to be comfortable behind the wheel, your sight lines should be clear, you should be able to judge your surroundings based on the size of the vehicle, and you should be able to find all those little areas of vehicle maintenance you can do yourself.

Remember, a vehicle is a major investment. It should be chosen with care and deliberate thought. There a many factors to consider and, ultimately, you are the one that has to pay for any mistakes in your choice.

Steven Anderson is the Reservations Director for Hawaiian Discount Car Rentals, specialists in car rentals Kauai. He has personally researched and experienced many of the Hawaiian activities and as described above.

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It is fair to say that individuals spend a large quantity of time each day traveling in their automobile. Whether heading to work, running errands or going out to attend social events, people are driving around in their vehicles on a constant basis. For this reason, it is crucial that individuals try to operate their vehicle in a manner which is most certain to ensure their safe arrival at their destination. There are many ways in which to make this happen. The following paragraphs will highlight 10 important ways in which individuals can attempt to be a little more secure while driving.

Regular Maintenance Checks

Perhaps one of the main ways in which individuals can ensure their safety while driving is to make sure that their automobile undergoes annual maintenance checkups. Maintenance appointments where a mechanic checks out the important components of the vehicle can help to reassure the driver that the vehicle is in good working order.

Check Tire Pressure on a Regular Basis

One may think that regular tire checks are unnecessary and a hindrance, however, it is important to note just how important properly inflated tires are when discussing safety matters. Having good tire pressure can aid in avoiding accidents by being able to brake quickly and helps against blowouts as well. Therefore, taking the initiative to check one’s tire pressure every now and again is a definite must with regard to safety.

Stay Awake and Alert

The National Safety Council has cited that traffic deaths are three times more likely to occur at night than in the daytime. A good portion of accidents which occur at night are due to a distracted and sleepy driver. For this reason, it is important to take breaks when one feels that he/she is getting tired and to stop driving altogether if one’s tiredness is affecting their driving ability.

Don’t Drink and Drive

Vehicle collisions and fatalities occur at an alarming rate due to drunk drivers. Just one drink can alter an individual’s driving skills which can lead to an automobile accident. Not only is it dangerous to drive after having been drinking, but alcohol is also a depressant which can make a driver feel more tired than normal. It is crucial that individuals do not drink and drive both for their safety and others around them.

Keep Car Doors Locked

Making sure that one’s car doors are locked while traveling is something that is often overlooked. Some individuals only lock their doors when driving in the city or through a bad neighborhood. However, it is important to note that crime, carjackings in particular, can occur anywhere at anytime. Therefore, the best defense against becoming a victim of a carjacking is to take the necessary safety precautions. The number one safety precaution in this regard is the locking of the car doors.

Don’t Perform Distracting Tasks While Driving

Some people are the types of individuals who like to multi-task while driving. Every once in a while, one will see other drivers on the road who are talking on cell phones, reprimanding their children, putting on makeup and even reading the newspaper. A large portion of accidents occur when one or both of the drivers are not paying attention to the road and tending to other things within their vehicles. It is quite imperative that drivers perform one task and one task alone while behind the wheel of the automobile, and that is driving.

Many states these days are enacting hands-free laws whereby individual drivers who are using cell phones while driving must have hands-free capabilities on their cell phones. The legislature is enacting these types of laws to make it safer for other drivers on the road and individuals who must use their cell phones while driving as well. However, limiting or restricting the use of cell phones while driving altogether is the best alternative. Even when drivers are using their cell phones which have hands-free capabilities, they are still doing something besides driving and this leads to a potential for accidents to occur.

Wearing Seatbelts and Using Child Safety Seats

Wearing seatbelts, for both drivers and passengers, is the most effective way to prevent injuries in the case of a car accident. For this reason, many states are initiating a Click It or Ticket campaign whereby law enforcement officials are handing out tickets to those individuals who don’t buckle up. The fear of the law in and of itself is a great way to help persuade those individuals who don’t feel that using their seatbelt is beneficial to them to do so.

As for child safety seats, the use of these restraint systems are vital in order to prevent injuries from occurring to the little ones. The use of these systems is so important and their utility is realized at such a great magnitude that 99% of all individuals use child safety seats for those children of appropriate ages.

Drive Responsibly

Another way to help ensure automotive safety is to drive responsibly. By driving responsibly, this means that the driver should obey all posted speed limits, properly signal when changing lanes, obey all traffic laws and be courteous to other drivers. A responsible driver who makes safety an important factor in their daily travels may reap the benefits by getting into little or no accidents as a result of their driving tactics.

Know Where You Are Going

Another way in which to aid in automotive safety is have a travel plan. When individuals are distracted whether by looking for street signs or peering down at maps on their lap, there is an opportunity for accidents to occur. Therefore, it is important to read over directions before hopping into the driver’s seat and know where one is going prior to leaving for that destination.

Use Extra Caution While Driving In Bad Weather

Accidents are also more likely to occur when bad elements are at hand. Rain, snow and ice are all contributing factors to accidents whereby the driver would not have gotten into a car accident had it not been for the bad weather. With this in mind, it is very important that individuals driving in one of these aforementioned elements are sure to leave extra space between vehicles, strictly abide by the speed limits and pay extra attention to other vehicles and objects around them.

Driving is a necessary and enjoyable thing to do. It is even that much more enjoyable when done in a safe manner. The aforementioned tips are just a few reminders of ways in which to help ensure automotive safety while on the road.

Steven Anderson is the reservations director for Hawaii Car Rentals, specializing in Maui, Hawaii Jeep Rentals. He is also an avid car enthusiast and writes on a regular basis on the automotive and rental industry in Hawaii.

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