Why would you consider one?  It can happen to any of us.  Our car or truck breaks down when our finances are pushed to the limit.  Our credit cards or lines of credit are maxed out. Yet the thought of taking our vehicle off the road –that same vehicle that often helps us earn a living—makes no sense.  So what can we do when faced with costly repairs that can overwhelm us financially?

Today there are vehicle repair financing companies that can help.  If there is a transmission problem—a problem which can easily cost thousands of dollars—a car repair loan can help pay for the repairs, allowing the borrower to get his or her car back on the road quickly. These loans are offered specifically to those with no credit, bad credit, or those who simply don’t have the option of increasing their credit; consequently, the borrower’s vehicle itself is used as collateral. The vehicle remains in the borrower’s name at all times, unless the borrower defaults on the loan, at which point the vehicle’s ownership is transferred to the lender.

The vehicle repair industry is a relatively new industry, so finding a lender may be difficult, but not impossible. And some lenders may have some basic requirements. They may only lend in cases where the vehicle is less than 8 years old, has a clear title and is fully paid for. They may also require that the vehicle be insured, including collision and comprehensive coverage.  Finally, they may also require that the borrower have a steady income.  For those who need their vehicles either for their work or to get to work, a car repair loan can be a lifeline.

However, before you decide to borrow, make sure that the lender you choose is a reputable one. Check with the Better Business Bureau, or a similar entity, to make sure they have no outstanding complaints against them.  Also, check the conditions of the loan carefully.  You don’t want to find yourself in a cycle of only paying down the interest without making any significant reductions in the actual amount of the loan.

As with all loans, car-title loans should not be taken lightly. They should be used by those who are unable to seek financing through typical financial institutions.  Payments must be made on time and in full or the borrower risks either having an increase in the interest charges, or worse, losing their vehicle.  Finding the right lender is important to ensure you have a good loan experience.

For more information on car repair loans, visit www.carfco.com.

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There are times, in rare instances, that a fad turns a corner and becomes something more. The Beatles are a good example of this phenomenon. They invaded U.S. soil with their long hair and rock music. Many parents hoped that they were a fad that would eventually fade away, but instead, the Beatles went on to influence music for decades. The Beatles became a cultural icon and set the pace for rock music, as we now know it.

Another cultural icon is the Ford Mustang. One of the very first muscle cars, the Mustang set the tone for performance and handling and gave car makers new goals to reach if they wanted to compete. When the Ford Mustang was unveiled April 1964, other car manufacturers were sent on a mad dash to create their own versions of high performance cars just to keep up with the Mustang. However, the Pony car was in a class by itself - and still is. What the Beatles did for rock music, the Ford Mustang did for cars. The Mustang set a standard by which all other muscle cars would be compared.

From the moment that the Ford Mustang rolled off the production line, it was America’s sweetheart. The Ford Mustang launch is considered one of the most successful product launches in automotive history. The unveiling created considerable excitement among the American pubic.

So much so that within the first 18 months more than one million units were sold. Of course, with so much excitement about a car that is as American as baseball and apple pie, there are bound to be legends surrounding it. Tales of men sleeping in their Mustangs at the dealership for several days while waiting for their checks to clear are just a taste of the stories that surround this American classic.

Ford’s marketing campaign was not only genius for its day, but it was also one of the most profitable in history. The day before unveiling the Mustang, Ford ran Mustang commercials on the three major networks, ABC, NBC, and CBS, at 9:30 p.m. This created the buzz about the car that would eventually lead to a buying frenzy. The following day, April 17, 1964, the Ford Mustang was unveiled at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York.

It was unveiled at the Ford Pavilion and was introduced by Henry Ford II when he introduced Walt Disney’s Magic Skyway ride. On the ride, the guests rode in Ford vehicles as they rode through history. Moreover, the frenzy began.

Early Mustangs were available with four engine options. One was the 289 cubic inch High Performance V 8. That bad boy kicked it with 271 horses. As word got out, dealerships were overwhelmed with people who wanted to be among the groundbreakers who owned a Ford Mustang.

History was made as a Wimbledon White convertible rolled off the production line and became the very first Mustang. It had a 260 cubic inch V 8. The now historic VIN was 5F08F100001. The car toured the United States, acting as a promotional tool for Ford until an airline captain from Canada, Stanley Tucker, acquired it.

Mustang 5F08F100001 spent some time in Canada with captain Tucker, but then in 1966 the executive director of the Henry Ford Museum, Donald Shelly, requested acquisition of it. Shelly stated in a letter that it was believed that the Ford Mustang would become a milestone car in the automotive industry. It was believed, he stated, that other car makers would use the Ford Mustang as a standard of measure and it would set the tone for other high performance, high power cars. They were right.

Falcon McCluer is a staff writer for FordMustangHistory a blog for the fans of the 40 plus year old American Legend. Learn more about the history of Ford Mustang at the blog that contains unique writing mixed in with classic video of the Mustang. He’s been a fan since age 14 when his brother bought his first car a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 with a 390 cubic inch engine.

Keep an eye on the history of the Ford Mustang through its exciting, varied history and explore the site for true Mustang enthusiasts. For all things Mustang, from concept to contemporary visit Ford Mustang History

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Are you still using paper maps to navigate in your car?  Of all the high tech gadgets that have become popular in the 21st century, the GPS navigation device is one of the best and must-have.  This device can help you tool around town or guide you on a cross-country trip.  Convenient and helpful, GPS navigation systems come in a wide range of styles and prices.  Depending on what you need and want in a GPS unit, you can surely find one within your budget.

A GPS navigation device can save you time by helping to guide you to your destination. You don’t need to waste time looking at a map or stopping to ask for direction along the way. Instead, you’ll have instant access to your directions in real-time format.

It is cumbersome to look at a paper map while driving.  The only safe way of looking at it is to pull over to the side of the road or get a passenger to read it for you.

For female drivers who drive alone or at night, traveling with a gps navigation system offers safety and prevents them from getting lost. They don’t have to stop at unknown places to ask strangers for direction.

The GPS navigation system is like having a map that is constantly updated with the latest information.  No more guessing is involved.  The GPS device gets its information from a large bank of data that is constantly being updated to ensure accuracy.

For the most complete navigation, choose a system that gives you both audio and graphical directions. This allows you to see the map on the screen as well as to hear the specific spoken directions.  Some GPS navigation systems integrate the radio speaker system to speak to you. Before purchasing a GPS device, be sure to think about your need for audio and visual guidance.

There are various brands, features and types of GPS navigation systems to choose from. More sophisticated systems obviously will cost more than simpler models. Some units are portable and can plug into the cigarette lighter.  Others require technical installation.  Keep in mind that some manufacturers will void the warranty unless the unit is installed by a certified dealer. As technology is constantly evolving, you should purchase a GPS navigation device that is upgradable.

Think about how you will be using your GPS navigation system. Some units can tell you where the nearest point of interest.  For example, you can ask to search for the nearest grocery store and the GPS device may be able to give you several options along with directions. Stucked in a traffic jam? Use a GPS navigation device to help find alternative routes. If you want to get your destination in the quickest way, a GPS system can give you direction and time of travel.

GPS navigation devices are becoming cheaper. You can get a basic one for less than $200 and it can do much more than paper maps. Isn’t it time to ditch the paper map for a gps navigation device? GPS navigation device is becoming an indispensable gadget that most people don’t leave home without. There are gps navigation systems to suit every budget and needs. Check out our top resources on the latest car gps navigation systems at http://www.gpstrackingsys.com

Article Source: EzineArticles

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Summer car trips can make great family memories, or they can be great big disasters. Before you head out on the open road with the kids in tow, make sure that you have everything you need and have checked your car over for safety. Nothing would be worse than getting on the road without some important item!

Car Safety Checklist

One thing you definitely want to do before heading out for a big trip is to check your car to make sure it is safe. Car problems are sometimes unavoidable, but you would not want to ruin your big summer trip over a problem that could have been avoided. Here are the things you should always check before leaving home:

*    Tire Pressure - make sure there is enough air in the tires. Check the owner’s manual to see how much pressure your tires should have.
*    Oil - check the oil level and add oil if needed.
*    Transmission fluid - check the transmission fluid levels and add more if needed.
*    Other fluids - check the brake fluid, washer fluid, and power-steering fluid levels as well.
*    Seat belts - check seat belts to make sure they lock correctly and are not worn out.
*    Lights - make sure all lights on your car work, including turn signals and high beams.
*    Wipers - make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. If they are old, consider replacing them before you leave.
*    Battery - check the battery terminal for corrosion.
*    Spare tire - make sure your spare tire is ready to be used if needed. Make sure you have a jack to use if you have a flat.

Your car is in good shape for your trip if you have checked all of these items.

Personal Safety Checklist

Once you know your car is in working order, make sure that you have the personal safety items your family would need if you were stranded for a day or so. Of course, this is likely not going to happen, but if it does you need to be prepared. Here is what you need to have:

*    First-aid kit
*    Tool kit
*    Jumper cables
*    Warm blanket (if traveling where it cools off at night)
*    Non-perishable food
*    Bottled water
*    Flairs or hazard sign
*    Emergency entertainment items if traveling with children

If you have this in an emergency kit in your car, you will be in good shape if you end up on the side of the road with car trouble.

Personal Checklist

Now that you have your safety concerns met, you need to make sure that you have the personal items you need on the road. Before you leave, make sure you have the following:

*    Wallet or purse
*    Some cash
*    Credit card for emergencies (even if you don’t intend to use it)
*    ID
*    House keys
*    Sunglasses
*    Insurance cards
*    Snacks
*    Sewing kit
*    Pillows

These items will help your trip to be as comfortable as possible.

Children’s Checklist

If you are traveling with children, there are a few essentials you must have. Kids are not as patient in the car as adults, so they need to stay entertained and fed. Make sure you have these before leaving on a family summer trip:

*    Travel toys - avoid those toys that will get dropped and send mom on a hunt for tiny pieces
*    Travel media player or movie player
*    Books on tape
*    Healthy snacks
*    Leak-proof beverages
*    Diapers (if needed)
*    Change of clothes for each child
*    Pacifiers (if used by babies)
*    Bottles and bottle gear

If you have the things on each of these checklists, you should have a pleasant trip. Even if something unexpected happens and you need roadside assistance, you will be prepared. So pack up, get on the road, and have fun on your next summer trip!

Providing Emergency Road side assistance across Canada with over 140 locations. available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is designed to assist you in an emergency when the vehicle you’re driving or riding becomes disabled.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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There is nothing quite like the feeling of buying a brand new car. Most people have a few clunkers, and maybe a lemon or two as their first few cars, while they save up for a decent down payment for their dream car. Nowadays however, with every major car company allowing people to lease a vehicle rather than buying it, saving up for a down payment is not as necessary as it used to be.

Leasing dropped into the car scene a few years ago and has been viewed as a life saver to many would be car owners. When you think about it, what person wouldn’t choose to pay $175 or $250 a month for a car instead of $350 or $500? Leasing prices are much lower than monthly payments, no matter how big your down payment is! Some companies offer leasing packages that almost sound too good to be true. However, they usually are too good to be true!

If you are looking to buy a new car but you are dragging your feet about paying a high monthly payment, the leasing option is probably starting to look really good to you. If you do your research however, you will ultimately find that buying your car is almost always the smartest thing to do. I would say that the only exception to this is if you have moved somewhere for a short period of time for your job, or for schooling and you need a car. In these cases, leasing would be a smart thing to do, as long as you are not planning any long road trips.

When you enter into a leasing agreement, you are basically borrowing a car from a company, with the understanding that if anything should happen to the car, you are 100% liable, and you will have to pay any damages. When you buy a car, the same applies, but when you own your car, you don’t have to give it back after putting your money into it!

When you lease your car, the lease agreement is usually for four to five years, after which you will have the option to give it back (once the car company has made absolutely sure it is coming back with no scratches or dents!) or to pay the remaining thousands cash down so you can own the car. The monthly payment for leasing is lower, but it is still cheaper and better in the long run to buy the car and pay more per month.

If you own your car, you make the rules, you decide if a dent or scratch really does need fixing and if it does, you can decide where you want to get it fixed. You can also drive as far as you like in a year, and not worry about paying for your mileage. Leasing agreements usually give you 20,000 kilometers or miles per year an you will pay a lot extra to be able to drive more in a year.

Canadian owned and operated, we offer "Free Customer Pick-up and Drop-off" resonates with all our  car rentals http://www.discountcar.com/English/

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Today there are vehicle repair financing companies that can help.  These companies offer financing specifically to those with no credit, or bad credit, who simply don’t have the option of increasing their credit card limit.  Because this financing is offered to those with poor credit histories, the borrower’s vehicle is used as collateral to secure the loan.  The vehicle remains in the borrower’s name at all times, unless the borrower defaults on the loan, at which point the vehicle’s ownership is transferred to the lender. 

Lenders are usually able to advance amounts up to half of the market value of the vehicle. Because these loans are given based on the value of the vehicle, not on the credit rating of the borrower, the funds can be advanced quite quickly.  Some lenders are even able to approve loans and send the funds all within the same day.  This allows the borrower to get their car repaired and have it back on the road within the same day, depending on the time spent on the repair.

The vehicle repair industry is a relatively new industry, so finding a lender may be difficult, but it’s not impossible.  Ensure that the lender you choose is a reputable one by checking with either the Better Business Bureau or a similar entity, and that they do not have outstanding complaints against them.  You may also request references from former customers.  Also check the conditions of the loan carefully, or else you may find yourself stuck in an unending cycle of paying down only interest with little or no reduction in the amount of the loan.

As with all loans, car-title loans should not be taken lightly.  They should be used by those who due to poor credit are not able to seek financing through typical financial institutions.  Payments must be made on time and in full or the borrower risks either having an increase in interest charges, or worse, losing their vehicle.  Finding the right lender is an effective way to ensure that you have a good loan experience

To find out more about car repair financing and car-title loans, visit http://www.carfco.com.

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Here is a car shopping tip you don’t see everyday. In March 2007 the Canadian Government announced in their budget that a rebate would be available for fuel efficient vehicles, referred to as the ecoAuto Rebate Program.

The idea is to reward those drivers who are trying to help with the environment by driving vehicles that are more fuel efficient. So here is a win/win car buying tip for anyone in the market for a new vehicle, drive a vehicle that is more fuel efficient and then get $1000 back for your new car purchase!

If you are in the market for a new car you can follow the link at the end of this article for a list of vehicles that are included under this program. Keep in mind that the 2008 model year vehicles haven’t been released as of yet, but keep visiting the site and in time the 2008 model year will be included.

The an outline of the ecoAuto Rebate Program is as follows:

The progam is applicable to anyone buying or leasing a vehicle after March 20, 2007 as long as the car you purchased is on the list.

Only cars bought or leased in Canada are eligible for the Program. If you purchased your car in the USA then you are not entitled to the rebate.

Individuals, businesses and organizations can apply under the EcoAuto Rebate Program, again as long as the vehicle bought or leased is on the list of eligible vehicles.

It’s a pretty simple process however there is no indication as to how long it will take for you to receive your ecoAuto Rebate, understand however that this rebate comes directly from the Canadian Government it is not associated with the car dealership where you purchase or lease your new vehicle. You can get the forms from the Dealership where you initially purchased our vehicle or again follow the ecoAuto Rebate Program link below for all the information you need!

Dennise Ryder writes from her home in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Learn more about the Canadian Government ecoAuto Rebate Programs and car buying tips that will help you save money.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennise_Ryder [http://ezinearticles.com/?Car-Shopping-Tip—Save-On-Fuel-And-Get-$1000-From-The-Canadian-Government&id=831501 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Car-Shopping-Tip—Save-On-Fuel-And-Get-$1000-From-The-Canadian-Government&id=831501

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By Aurel Radulescu

Now that the warm weather has finally arrived, everyone will be anxious to take road trips, scenic drives and just cruise around in the warmth glow of the sun.  With that being said, if you fail to prepare your car for the warm weather, you may end up foregoing your nice summer drive for a day filled with car repairs.  The best way to avoid this is to get your car ready for driving in warm weather and to help you do that, this article is geared toward providing you with tips to make sure that your summer is one filled with sunny days.

Before you head out of the driveway, take a quick glance around.  Everyone thinks to look under the hood for potential car problems, but not everyone thinks to check the surrounding area.  If you see oil where you have parked your car, you may have a problem and will want to have your car checked by a professional before taking it out for a drive.

Be sure to check all of your car’s fluid levels.  This includes the engine, transmission, cooling system, power steering, brake fluid and washer fluid.  When it is time to replace them, be sure to purchase high-quality fluids to help improve the performance and dependability of each function.  In addition, regularly changing old fluids will go along way in helping your car to remain weather friendly.

While driving, make sure to watch your temperature gauges so that you will know if your car begins to overheat.  This is one of the most common causes of preventable breakdowns during the warm summer months because it is especially easy for a car to overheat during this time.  Replace your antifreeze if it’s more than several years old and have a mechanic to inspect your car if the problem continues.

Upgrading your oil to a high-performance synthetic motor oil may help to improve your car’s overall health, so don’t cut any costs when it comes to buying oil for your car.

Make sure that your belts and hoses are inspected after adding fluids.  A problematic belt may cause the engine to overheat.  A hose may need to be replaced if it has any cracks or corrosion.  Always keep an eye out for blistered, hard or spongy hoses and have them replaced immediately.

Always clean battery terminals, hinges and latches.  In addition, keep your tires properly inflated by checking the air pressure each time you buy gasoline.

Find more about In-Dash Car Receivers, In-Dash DVD Car Player and many other car accessories on http://www.autonews24h.com/Accessories/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aurel_Radulescu http://EzineArticles.com/?Preparing-Your-Car-For-Warm-Weather-Driving&id=214794

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There are so many different cars around these days, and the general public only really knows about half of them. Everyone knows about the regular car companies. People know all about these car makers and they also know about the standards they can expect from these companies. There are also other car companies that most people know about, but only a half of the population would ever have the finances to own one of their cars. The general public only knows the name of these cars, and not much about what makes them a quality vehicle.

After those two groups of cars, there is another group that most of the population would never be able to afford, and most people also do not know a lot about these cars. In fact, some people may not even know that some of these cars even exist. The cars I’m talking about are more than luxury cars, more than sports cars, and more money than four or five "regular" cars put together! Here are the top ten most expensive cars in the world:

Bugatti Veyron - With a price tag of $1,700,000, there aren’t too many people who you will see driving this vehicle around town. With "1001" horsepower, this car has a 16.4 engine and it can get up to a speed of 400 kilometers per hour. This car was built by a subsidiary of Volkswagon in France, and it took years to perfect.

Ferrari Enzo - This sports car costs 1,000,000, and is also known as the Enzo Ferrari or the F60. It was built with Formula One Technology in 2003. This car and its brand name basically speaks for itself in the racing world.

Pagani Zonda C12 F - Weighing in at $741,000, this car is still too expensive for the average person to own, and probably the above average person as well! It sports a 7.3 V12 engine that has been passed down by its predecessors.

Koenigsegg CCX - This sports car will cost you $600,910 to buy, and it is worth every penny. The Competition Coupe X (CCX) commemorates the anniversary of the completion and first test drive of the first CC car in 1996. It has a 32 valve V-8 engine that was based on the Ford Modular engine design.

Porsche Carrera GT - This car has a price tag of $484,000. Labeled as a super car, this German made sports car has a 5.7 liter, V10 engine. It also boasts a 612 SAE horsepower.

Mercedes SLR McLaren - Weighing in at a price of $455,00, this car is still too expensive to drive around town. The "SLR" in its name stands for "Sportlich, Leicht, Rennsport", which is German for "Sport; Light; Racing".  This car has a 5.5, V8 engine.

Maybach 62 - This car will cost a more affordable $385,250. This is also the first of the above listed vehicles that is not a sports car. The Maybach 62 is known as an ultra-luxurious car, and was designed with a hired driver in mind.

Rolls-Royce Phantom - This luxury car costs $320,00, and it is one of he most well known brand names of the luxury car business. The Phantom was made in 2003, and it was the first to be made under the BMW name.

Lamborghini Murcielago - This sports car costs $279,900 to buy, and is a lot more affordable than the above sports vehicles! This car will definitely turn heads and has a 6.5 liter engine.

Aston Martin Vanquish - This super car will cost you $255,000 to buy, and it was featured as the official James Bond car in one of his films. This sports car has a 5.5 liter V12 engine.

What makes these cars so expensive? A combination of things contributes to the price tags of these vehicles. One part is the years of work that went into designing and making them. Another part would be the brand name of each car. Add to that the power of the engines, and the style of the [http://www.discountcar.com]cars, and you have the reason for the expensive price tags.

Discount Car Rental with locations in Canada. Car Hire in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and in all major Canadian cities.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-10-Most-Expensive-Cars&id=929773

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It’s a hot topic right now, the topic of buying a car in United States instead of Canada. Many Canadian’s in the market for a new car see the differences in MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) between a car in Canada and the same car in the United States. That difference in many cases makes the case of buying a car in the United States instead of Canada that much stronger and many are making the hop over the border or researching online to check things out.

Buying a car in United States isn’t as easy as it may seem. Many Canadian’s think all they have to do is buy the car, pay the duty and voila they are on their way to saving HUGE!

In addition to the paying of the duty there are a few other hurdles Canadian’s have to overcome when. Here is just a quick low down of what you need to consider if you are thinking about buying a new car:

1.   Dealerships have a franchise agreement which prohibits them from selling cars to anyone outside of the country. I have heard stories of people actually finding dealerships who will break their franchise agreements, but it is a challenge.

2.  The new car you buy is going to be cash because you won’t be able to qualify for US financing or leasing rates and any rebates are not applicable to you.

3.  If you were contemplating on using your current car as a trade you might face a challenge again. The US market if "fat" with used cars and may not even want to consider your car in the deal.

4.  If you live close to a border crossing then making the trek over a few times isn’t such a hardship for you, but, if you leave further away plan on making a few weekend trips and add that expense into the mix.

5. If you are thinking about buying a car in the United States instead of Canada know that there are equipment modifications you need to make to the vehicle you can check them out here Buying a car in United States instead of Canada

6. Check with Transport Canada and Canada Customs to make sure the car you are looking at Buying a car in United States instead of Canada is admissible into Canada and what other documentation you need.

7. If you are looking at buying a used car the hoops and jumps aren’t as great but check and make sure.

Buying a car in United States instead of Canada may seem better when comparing MSRPs between the United States and Canada but there is a lot more you need to consider. Make sure you do your research not only on the car but also what requirements you need to look at.

Dennise Ryder writes from her home in Toronto, Canada. Car shopping can be a daunting task and no doubt we want to make the BEST deal possible. Do your research, take the time and read more car shopping  and car buying tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennise_Ryder http://EzineArticles.com/?Car-Buying-Tips—Buying-a-Car-in-United-States-Instead-of-Canada&id=843968

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