CARFCO

Everything costs. And sometimes your car, truck or SUV can seem to take up your entire pay cheque to keep it on the road. Keeping your vehicle in good repair can seem expensive, but it’s usually a lot cheaper to maintain a vehicle you own than to go out and try to finance a new one. And there are a few secrets to keeping costs in line that also ensure your ride is in fine shape for a long time to come.

First, switch away from the premium gas. There’s just no real evidence that premium makes your car run better, longer, or more efficiently. At anywhere from 8 to 10 cents more per litre, that adds up to a whack of cash.

Second, pump up your tires. Now here there is good research that shows properly inflated tires do save you money. Generally, if you keep your tire pressure at 30 PSI, you’ll get about 3-4% better gas mileage-but of course, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also extend the life of your tires as much as 6% by keeping them properly inflated. So, since most gas stations let you check and fill up your tires for free, why not be sure yours are fully pumped?

Third, slow down. Transport Canada has made the news lately because of the growing number of young drivers traveling at extremely high speeds. Only recently, one driver was clocked at a whopping 150 km/hour. Besides being illegal, driving fast costs. Estimates are that for every 10 kilometres over 100 km/hour you drive, you pay another 10 cents in gas. So if you drive 100 km/hour, and the fast fellow next to you zooms by at 120 km/hour, smile and wave. For every dollar you pay in gas, they’re paying $1.20-a lot of cash just to go fast.

Fourth, find gas stations that give you a discount if you pay with green. Some places drop the price by 2 cents/litre when you pay with cash instead of plastic.

When you add up your savings from slowing down, buying regular instead of premium, pumping your tires and paying in cash, your gas costs can plummet 30% or even more, a huge cost savings.

Regular maintenance is another key to keeping your car in tip-top shape. Sometimes, though, you need more work. Maybe your dog ate your back seat. Maybe you had a fender bender. Or maybe you just want to change up the look of your car with a new paint job. These kinds of repairs can be costly, and that’s where a car repair loan can be really handy.

Many people aren’t aware that you can get a car title loan to do car repairs. As long as you own your vehicle, and it’s less than eight years old, you may qualify for a vehicle title loan to give it some much-needed TLC. You can often get the loan approved in about one day for up to 40% of the wholesale value of your vehicle. Just fill out the application online, and see. Then keep your ride in great shape so you can drive it for a long time to come.

An Ontario man has filed a potential class-action lawsuit against GM Canada for rolling back their benefits. This lawsuit against the automaker has been made on behalf of himself and 3,500 additional retired white-collar employees of the company. Just as GM Canada had reconstructed itself from the impact of the recession, this lawsuit has been filed with claims the company violated its contractual obligations to the retired workers by cutting their benefits with their approval.

During GM Canada’s reconstruction process, the company said it would have to reduce or eliminate several of its post-retirement benefits it had earlier promised to its workers. GM Canada was forced to eliminate the semi-private hospital coverage its employees enjoyed, as well as reduce the annual maximum coverage for things such as orthodontic and dental benefits. It also increased the amount members would have to pay for their prescription drugs and it eliminate the life insurance coverage.

However, many of the retirees are upset because they rely on their prescription drug plans and extended health care benefits as well as the life insurance that GM had promised. These retired workers admit they cannot go back and demand more money for their work over the years, but at the same time, they do not feel it’s fair that the company take away benefits they feel they have already earned. They were not in a position to negotiate with GM when the company reconstruction was taking place and feel that taking away those benefits has breached the contracts GM Canada had with its retired employees. The are also claiming these benefits to be ‘an integral and fundamental part’ of the compensation they earned throughout the course of their employment.

According to the statement of claim. “GM Canada’s actions have had a serious impact on the class members as many of the class members live on modest non-indexed fixed incomes and they are particularly vulnerable as a result of their advanced age, susceptibility to health problems and limited capacity to assume increased financial burdens or to seek additional employment income.”

The claim also adds that employees did not purchase additional life insurance or benefits when they were available at much lower rates and are now left with less coverage than they assumed they would have. This leaves the many claimants unable to pay for medications and treatments they previously could afford with their post-retirement benefits and struggling to continue treatment for ongoing or new health issues.

Have you heard of it? Chances are, you haven’t. But a car repair loan can be the perfect answer for you if you need repairs to your vehicle in order to keep it on the road, and you from the embarrassing position of having to beg for a ride. Or worse, out of a job because you couldn’t make it in to work. Keep your pride, and your ride, and check out a car repair loan.

How car repair loans work

This is, quite literally, a loan you take out against your car, using it as collateral for the loan. Because the loan is made against your vehicle, you’re almost assured of getting the loan. Most people do. In fact, about 99% of applicants get their car repair loan. Then, you take the loan and make the necessary fix-ups to your ride. It’s a great deal because you repair your car, increase its value, and still get to drive your car-and feel good about your ride again.

Who should apply for a car repair loan

Anyone who has a tough time getting money loaned to them from more conventional places such as banks, or anyone who has problems with their credit cards, or maxed out lines of credit, should consider this kind of loan. The car repair loan is especially designed for you if you have poor credit, down right bad credit, or even a bankruptcy in your credit history. The loan will work for you, too, to help you improve your credit rating, and get you back on track.

How to apply for a car repair loan

These loans are straightforward and easy to apply for. Just go online and fill out a simple application. It’s fast and you can do it all from the privacy of your home computer. In fact, most loans are approved within 24 hours. So you could apply today, and have your money tomorrow-direct deposited into your chequing account if you like.

So, if you own your vehicle-car, truck, SUV, whatever-and it’s less than eight years old, you may well be eligible for this loan. And, you could get as much as 40% of the wholesale value of your vehicle to put towards repairs. That’s a lot of bodywork, and practically a shiny, new ride.

So, if you’re worried that you might soon have to go begging for a lift to work, or even lose your job because you have no wheels to get you around, consider a car repair loan.

Dozens of car makers lined up their newest products at a recent luxury car show in Beijing that has brought out China’s curious and most wealthy. The Chinese are a hard working culture and enjoy personal rewards such as high-end cars. Luxury car sales in China have soared in recent years, becoming one of the fastest growing segments of the market, even outselling the United States. Automakers sold 13.4 million vehicles last year, a vast majority of these going to Chinese consumers, making them the world’s largest auto consumer.

In the first few hours of the Beijing Auto Show, where nearly 1,000 vehicles have gone on display, two Rolls Royce cars were sold, each fetching prices of around $1.3 million dollars or nine million yuan. Ferrari also showed off a new limited edition 599 GTO model. The Italian sports car maker has made only 599 of these cars, which can reach 335 kilometers per hour or 220 miles per hour, making it Ferrari’s fastest consumer car. For those who have a Ferrari fetish, you may be disappointed to know that all of the cars have already been sold, including 20 in China. Ferrari would not publicly divulge the price of their new 599 GTO.

China has the second highest number of billionaires in the world after the United States. The Chinese are getting very rich, very quickly and they are willing to spend their hard earned money on the most luxurious goods. The Chinese are auto enthusiasts who love to drive and they love their chosen brands. Successful entrepreneurs like to purchase items to show their wealth.

The Chinese market has been the savior for foreign automakers, as sales remained strong during the North American recession. Car makers are expecting strong sales growth in the Chinese market in the following years ahead. Aston Martin, a British sports car maker, entered the Chinese market in 2007 and had record sales, making it their top market over an 18-month period, while Ferrari sold more than 200 cars in China last year. Rolls Royce has developed an extra long car for the chauffeur driven Chinese market and expects sales to more than triple to 300 and 400 cars, which would make it the number two market in the world.

The auto show also featured 65 concept cars and 95 alternative energy vehicles. You may or may not be in the market for a new luxury car, but if you are in need of some money and you own your vehicle, car title loans are easy to obtain and are available through private financers.

Have you been looking forward to all the fun in the sun you hope to have this summer, all the camping trips, the bonfires and beach outings? But, your vehicle is in such a poor state of repair you don’t think it could make it past the driveway? No money in the budget to buy a new one? Don’t despair.

Consider a car title loan

You might think that, if there’s no money on your credit card to fix your car, there’s no money anywhere. But you could be surprised. You might be eligible for a car title loan, using your vehicle as collateral. If you own your car or other vehicle, and it’s less than eight years old, you may be able to qualify for a loan for up to 40% of the wholesale value of your car. You get to keep your ride, fix it up, and still head out to the beach. How much better can it get?

Think you won’t qualify with your bad credit and low credit score? Not so. About 99% of qualified applicants, even applicants with a poor credit history or bankruptcy qualify for the loan.

Then, with the money you receive, you can fix your car, and get back on the highway. It doesn’t matter what repairs or upgrades you might want to do. Maybe get those tinted windows you’ve been wanting, or that set of rims you’ve been eyeing at the shop. Or scale it down, and just get a new paint job, new tires or reupholster the seats. Either way, you can use the loan to improve your ride, and likely improve its resale value, too.

How could you qualify?

Because you use your vehicle as collateral against the loan, it’s much easier for you to qualify. Why not try today? You can apply from the privacy of your living room. Just go online and fill out an application form. It’s quick and it’s easy. You’ll often know in just a few hours, and definitely by tomorrow, that you have qualified for the car title loan. In fact, they will even direct deposit your loan into your account.

Other benefits of a car title loan

A car title loan is especially useful if you have bad credit. It’s a real loan, something you may have thought you could never get again with your credit history. And as you make payments back on the loan, you help yourself re-start your credit engine, and get yourself back in the sun.

GM announced it’s re-hiring more than 700 laid off workers in Ontario, bouncing back from the worst crisis in its history. All this right around the same time Toyota is slapped with a record $16.4 million US fine. GM is responding to growing consumer demand for their Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, both popular crossover utility vehicles.

GM had to shut down most of its North American operations last year due to low consumer demand and the near-collapse of its parent company. GM will be using their excess capacity at Oshawa, adding a third shift in October, which will see about 600 employees recalled with an additional 110 laid off workers at CAMI being recalled. GM is also expecting to add another 70 jobs by August, which will be the first time they have added new jobs in Canada since 2002. GM is hoping to meet the high US demand for their Equinox. Their new production strategy should result in an additional 60,000 to 75,000 units a year.

The recent recession forced GM to scale back production to their core brands of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. The company has decided to wind down their additional options such as Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and Hummer. The outlook of the company began to improve in late 2009 as consumer demand began to grow once again. Additional overtime shifts have been added to keep up with the high demand for the company’s Chevrolet Camaro and the previously announced addition of the Buck Regal to the Canadian production line-up. This will see GM add another shift to their Ontario plant in 2011.

General Motors and its Canadian subsidiary were almost wiped out last year during the economic downturn. The demand for larger, gas-guzzling vehicles has declined considerably as more economic, fuel-efficient vehicles are what consumes are looking to buy. This domino affect caused GM to shed about 2,600 jobs and one plant closure affecting an additional 1,000 workers. US government intervention kept the US-based company afloat throughout 2009, however, GM eventually filed for bankruptcy protection in June, mere days after receiving a multi-billion bailout package from the US, Canadian and Ontario governments.

This re-hiring news by GM is key timing for the company’s previous workers who were brought to their knees last year over the collapse of the North American auto industry. Most of these people have exhausted their employment insurance and other social benefits. If you are still rebounding from a job layoff or too much debt and are in need or financial advice or a consolidation, there are many private loan companies that can help. Bad credit is not a problem as some private lenders specialize in bad credit loan. These financial institutions can easily be found on-line. Some even offer 24 hour, no obligation applications.

Are the springs sprung in your ride? Breaks squealing? Did your dog chew up your back seat? Exhaust fumes coming up through that hole in the floor, and making you dizzy when you drive? But you think you can’t afford to repair your car. Not at all. You can get a car repair loan and put the joy back into your ride.

A lot of people don’t really know about this kind of loan, or understand how it works. But it’s the perfect plan for you, if you have a spotted credit history, or low credit score-or even no credit, or a bankruptcy. It does not matter if your credit cards are maxed out, either. A car repair loan is a loan designed especially for people just like you who have a poor credit history or even no history at all.

How does it work?

It’s pretty straightforward. You borrow money to fix up your ride. It can’t get much easier. If you own your car, and it is under eight years old, you may be eligible for a car repair loan. In fact, you probably are, since about 99% of the loans get approved. Even with bad credit. That’s because your car is the collateral you use to get the loan. See how that works?

How to Apply

It’s easy to apply for a car repair loan online. Fast, too. You can apply from the privacy of your living room. The application isn’t complicated, and it’s often approved in less than one day. Your monthly repayments are made so you can manage them easily. So in 24 hours, you could be approved, and bringing your ride to the shop. The loan can even be direct deposited to your bank account for extra convenience.

If you need your ride-and who doesn’t?-apply today. Whether it’s a car, truck, SUV-you can get a car repair loan for any of these vehicles.

Still not Sure? More Benefits

Still not sure about this car repair loan business? Think about this. You can probably get this loan, right, since your car is going to be your collateral for it? You will have just been approved (with your lousy credit, no less) for a loan-and that goes into your credit history. So the other benefit to a car repair loan-besides fixing up your car-is cleaning up your credit history. And that’s a lot of mileage for your new ride.

The Japanese automaker, Toyota, has already been inundated with 138 private class-action lawsuits, 100 of the including personal injury and wrongful death cases in the United States that have stemmed from questionable safety standards. The company now faces an additional dilemma of whether to accept a record fine of $16.4 million US that could cast an admission of ‘wrong doing’ on their part, adding more negative publicity to the company’s quickly tarnishing reputation. The proposed fine is the most the United States government could issue. Toyota has until April 19 to accept or decline.

Toyota has found itself in a world of trouble after the US Transportation Department found them guilty of hiding a dangerous defect and failing to alert regulators quickly enough to the safety issues. These defects were found on some of Toyota’s best selling models such as the Camry and Corolla. The company has recalled more than six million US built vehicles and more than eight million world wide due to acceleration and breaking problems in multiple models. 270,000 vehicles have been recalled in Canada over sticky break concerns; 3,300 of them in the Prius hybrid.

The US Transportation Department felt that Toyota had failed to live up to its legal obligations when 70,000 pages of records were provided from the company showing that Toyota knew of the safety default with sticky breaks in more than 2.3 million vehicles back in September of 2009, but failed to issue a warning until the following January. They are accused of knowingly hiding a dangerous defect from US officially and not taking appropriate action to protect the millions of driver and families who bought their vehicles. Under US law, automakers have five days to notify NHTSA if a determined safety defect exists.

The second largest fine ever issued to an auto manufacturing company was back in 2004 when GM was slapped with a hefty $1 million fine for not responding quickly enough to a recall on almost 600,000 vehicles that had windshield wiper failure.

It may be easier for Toyota to just pay the fine as opposed to fighting and continuing to bring negative attention to its products. The company has already announced that it appointed a new chief quality officer for North America and has given the North American office a greater role in making safety related decisions. The vehicles in question are the 2007-10 Camry, 2009-10 Corolla, 2009-10 Matrix, 2005-10 Avalon, 2010 Highlander and 2007-10 Tundra. To date, 52 deaths have been related to the malfunctioning breaks.

If you too have been in an accident and have been overwhelmed with financial stress, private financial institutions can help. They offer bad credit loans for vehicle repairs to clients who will not traditionally qualify at banks. Applications can be found on line, 24-hours a day.

Do you have bad or no established credit at all?  If so, you know that until recently, the only loans available to people with the previously aforementioned criteria have been payday, home equity, or debt elimination loans. Even then, that’s not always guaranteed, as everyone is different.  You’ll be happy to know that the latest type of loan that has been added to this list is known as the car repair loan.  When insurance deductibles or car repairs need to be fixed, that’s where this particular loan comes in.

Accidents are Inevitable

It’s no secret that at some point in everyone’s life, they themselves or someone close to them experience a vehicle breakdown on the road.  The cost to deal with such a dilemma can range anywhere from hundreds to literally thousands of dollars.  In most cases, even with insurance factored in, there’s still a ton of financial responsibility left on the owner afterward.  For this, one could invest in a car repair loan.

Unlike other loans, car repair loans are specifically designed for money to be used on the car in question.  Sometimes the repairs that need to be made are just enough to get the car going, whereas other times, major body work may need to be done.  Every situation is different, just like every automobile accident and breakdown is different.  However, for times like these when car insurance simply won’t be enough, you really can have a backup plan.

Expensive Insurance Deductibles

Depending on who your personal automobile insurance provider is, they may not even consider putting anything towards repairs until a deductible has been paid.  You may be surprised, but these loans aren’t just for repair or auto body work.  In the event that you have found yourself in a financial quandary where you simply cannot pay for an insurance deductible, a car repair loan could bring you a sigh of relief.  Many individuals fail to realize that if you are indeed interested in a car repair loan, some borrowers will work with you regardless of your credit rating.  Some lenders will even provide flexible terms that can be worked around any budget, no matter how large or small.

A Wise Investment

While it’s suggested that you repay car repair loans in 12-48 months, you can do it much sooner than that if you wish.  .  As a rule of thumb, you should keep in mind to borrow money and repair your car as quickly as you can.  This way, you won’t run into any problems later down the road.  For those of you who struggle to make ends meet something as small as a car repair loan can turn out to be a huge lifesaver when you least expect it, and one of the wisest investments you’ll ever make.