Car loans customers can now choose four more Peugeot van shades

Car Loan's customers looking to brighten up their next vehicle can now choose from four more Peugeot 207 Van colours.

In addition to Bianca White, drivers can now hit the roads in a Flamenco Red, Aluminium, Montebello Blue or Onyx Black 207 Van.

The vehicle first reached showrooms last September and the latest colours could be a nice change for motorists.

Peugeot said prices for the van start from £8,825 so those looking for approved Car Finance or a new car loan may see it as a potentially ideal choice.

Alternatively, a new Peugeot 407 for 2009 was unveiled last month and is another option for car loans customers.

A revised specification and enhancements to the exterior and interior are additions to the new 407, which the manufacturer said has "dynamic characteristics" and "exceptional road holding".

New colours for the saloon model include Moroccan Red, Hurricane Grey, Abyss Blue, Moondust and Thorium Grey.

Getting the best car rental deal

If you're spending your own money on renting a car, there are pitfalls galore; and it pays to do your homework.

If you believe the advertisements, renting a car appears – on the face of it – to be a stress-free, easy transaction. You front up to the counter, hand over your credit card, sign a few documents, accept the keys to your near-new, filled-to-the-brim vehicle, and drive off into the sunset.

And for corporate customers driving on the company credit card, that's how smoothly it can go. Car rental companies love corporate customers because they have deep pockets and offer plenty of repeat business. For the well-heeled corporate customer, great deals and gold cards are the norm.

But when you or I walk into the car rental outlet, the game changes. Corners may be cut, inclusions may be excluded, and there are pitfalls galore for the uninitiated. So here's a few tips from the experts on how to really drive your dollar further.

Rule 1: Book your car when you book your flight.
Much like the airline business, the earlier you book, the better deal you'll get. If you arrive at your destination and front the counter for a rental car, you will pay top dollar – and most likely you won't get the size or type of car you want. Instead of a Corolla, you'll simply get what the company has on offer and pay the maximum rate to boot. Most rental companies do not charge a cancellation fee either, so if your plans change there's no financial penalty.

Rule 2: Know what you want.
Car rental companies don't segregate vehicles by brand name. They split their fleet into cars which fit specific categories, usually aphabetical and usually defined by size, engine capacity and features. An A-class car, for instance, could be a Hyundai Getz, or a Holden Barina, or a Kia Rio, while a B-Class could be a Corolla or a Pulsar. The bigger the car, the more you'll pay. And don't expect to get the specific brand of car you see pictured in the brochure because you are sure to be disappointed. If you have need of a specialised vehicle, such as a people-mover, make your booking weeks in advance.

Rule 3: Shop around, and take advantage of special deals.
A handful of car rental companies control the bulk of the business and are fiercely competitive. You'll find most are within $5 of each other on competitive category cars but from time to time, they'll cut rates to woo customers. Corporate “partnerships” also means reduced rates are offered through credit card providers (Amex, etc) or airline frequent flyer memberships. Surf these websites and scan the brochure material to milk these relationships for a potential further 10-20 per cent discount; a little homework here can save big bucks, particularly on a medium-to-long term rental.

Rule 4: Read the terms and conditions.
Yes, it's a pain but there are a myriad of traps hidden therein. Some of these include: failing to nominate a second or third driver (if he/she has an accident, your insurance is null and void); and driving on dirt roads (the large rental companies allow you to go on any gazetted road while smaller ones don't permit it unless you're renting a soft-roader SUV or 4WD).

Rule 4: Check your rental car for damage before driving away.
If the car has any noticeable scratches or dents, these should be noted and co-signed by a company representative on the agreement form. If not, you may be liable for the insurance excess (as much as $2000).

Rule 5: Ask for an all-inclusive quote for a specific period of time.
That way you won't get any nasty surprises from extras like the airport concession recovery fee (which some rental companies sneak on the agreement as a percentage on the complete deal). However, companies generally don't like to include insurance costs in their quotes, because this is a negotiable process and depends on how much excess you are willing to pay in the event of a prang.

Rule 6: Watch out for the hefty “one-way” fee.
If you are only planning to drive from one destination to the next (say, Sydney to Brisbane) and leave the car there, rental companies will charge extra to return the car to its point of origin. As a general rule of thumb, the further the distance (from point of origin), the higher the charge.

Rule 7: Refuel the car before returning it.
Car rental companies charge double the market rate ($2.40 or more a litre) to top the car back up, and then add it to your credit card.

How to Save on DUI Car Insurance

Owning transport vehicles is very much expensive nowadays. There are two reasons as to why this is so:

1. The cost of fuel is rising crazily.
2. The cost of car insurance is rising crazily too.

And one has to take into consideration the cost of maintaining a car and other operation costs as well.

One nightmare to think about is the cost of insurance. Insurance is good because the car owner is assured of any money compensation once something awful happens to the vehicle. Never mind that it's required by law!

Cars are not necessarily cheap, you know.

However, the bad news about insurance is, the yearly premiums to pay can really burn a hole in the wallet. And if nothing bad happens to the car, like it does not get into any accident, or worst, gets car-napped, the money just goes happily into the pockets of the insurance companies. But of course, one does not really wish for anything bad to happen, right?

That's the double whammy when it comes to car insurance.

But then what if an accident did occur? And in the worst possible light possible, the accident occurred because the driver was DUI or driving under the influence?

How does the insurance quote the car owner on that?

First, DUI is against the law. It is practically common sense to not drink and drive!

However when circumstances just occur, how does one save on DUI car insurance? As you likely know, it gets extremely expensive. We looked at some things our friends in Georgia did to lower their costs.

Some companies hold a niche in offering car insurance for those involved in DUI. They might have more competitive and attractive rates than those who does not specialize. Look for those companies as they may offer some very competitive rates, but be sure to include traditional insurance companies as well. Get lots and lots of quotes.

One way to get a lot of quotes quickly is to use online quote tool to canvass the rates available. There are many of online quote tools to choose from. One can see what a state like Georgia is offering at a given time. This saves a whole lot of effort on the car owner's part.

The other thing to remember is that while a DUI is a large "negative" mark, that doesn't mean "positive" marks still don't count! Insurance plans offer discounts for things like students, driving experience, good grades, taking safety courses, and so forth. Take advantage of every one of these discount credits you can, no matter how boring a driving safety class sounds.

If you're not a member, also be sure to check with your auto club for discounts and programs that may help. They may be able to provide you with a good deal on insurance, or help you find programs and classes that will give you discounts.

Also, consider downgrading the car. Older, more inexpensive cars tend to be cheaper to insure. Plus with gas prices nowadays, you might want to downgrade to a smaller vehicle. You may even be able to sell your car for a cheaper one to help pay for the new insurance bill.

Of course, even after much looking around you will find that DUI car insurance will never be what you'd call cheap, so please be responsible and never drive under the influence again!

Really Cheap Auto Insurance - How to Get the Cheapest Auto Insurance

Looking for really cheap auto insurance? Everyone interested in buying really cheap auto insurance tries to save money in insurance premiums. There are different ways to shop for really cheap auto insurance and we are going to discuss the same for all our visitors on this page. In case you do not own a car and are planning to buy one then consider asking your auto insurance agent about the cars that have cheaper insurance premium, please also remember to get more options before making a decision. Understand it this way, If your car is more likely to get stolen, mostly likely you're required to pay high premium, try to know what cars make to the list of good cars for insurance companies, and try to think the way they do.

10 Easiest car to buy insurance:

1. Oldsmobile Silhouette
2. Pontiac Montana
3. Saturn L Series Wagon
4. Chrysler PT Cruiser
5. Saturn L Series Sedan
6. Chevrolet Venture
7. Chevrolet Astro
8. Saturn Vue
9. Jeep Wrangler
10. Oldsmobile Bravada

Remember, the larger cars and trucks are usually the easiest and cheapest to insure, as long as they don't do heavy damage to other vehicles in an accident. If you total another person's vehicle, your rates will definitely increase.

Top 10 hardest car (most expensive) to get insured:

1. Lexus IS 300
2. Land Rover Discovery Series II
3. Audi S4
4. Jaguar X-Type
5. Mercedes SLK Class
6. Lexus GS 430
7. Land Rover Freelander
8. Mitsubishi Montero
9. BMW X5
10. Toyota 4Runner

Top 10 most stolen car:

1. Honda Civic
2. Toyota Camry
3. Honda Accord
4. Dodge Caravan
5. Chevrolet C/K 1500
6. Ford F-150
7. Dodge Ram Pickup
8. Acura Integra
9. Toyota Pickup
10. Nissan Sentra

The best possible way to have really cheap auto insurance is to drive safely and do not get tickets. Make sure to negotiate with your insurance company about your clean driving record, and if they hesitate to provide you really cheap auto insurance, try another you surely will get the benefit of being a good driver. Ask the agent or the company upfront if they are offering any discounts. You might save some cash on the insurance purchase. Even if you have an old car that has a very low selling value, make sure that you have proper insurance plan to protect yourself in case of an accident.

Oh ya, a short note from me, Insurance companies are inter-linked with each other, it's better to be honest with them. That's why providing precise and accurate information to get free auto insurance quotes is really important , make sure you give the same information to every insurance company. Don't simply try out by filling the quotes with different information, they have information exchanged everyday and they would know. You will end up getting free auto insurance quotes which are much more expensive and there will be no chance to lower the premium down.

Choosing Comprehensive Car Insurance

You've gotten a letter through your door, slipped your finger beneath the flap, and opened it up. When you pull it from its envelope you find that it is a letter from a car insurance firm, inquiring if you would like to buy comprehensive car insurance with their company. And now you are lost. What is comprehensive car insurance? Is it any different from your current policy? Is it really worth switching? This article will help you understand it a little better.

Comprehensive Car Insurance is the most expensive, but also the most complete car insurance policy that you as a driver are able to get. Every company offers three main policies, from third person car insurance to comprehensive. But not every company offers the same type of comprehensive car insurance coverage.

Firstly, the basic features of comprehensive coverage are that you, as a driver, will be covered against injuring or damaging the property of somebody else, just as with a third person policy. Secondly, this type of policy offers coverage against theft or fire of your car. These are usually some of the benefits and extra features offered in a third party fire and theft policy. Lastly, the extra basic feature included in comprehensive policies is that you are insured against damage incurred on your own car.

Each company offers other individual features with comprehensive coverage. There are companies which also offer you cover against any items which may be stolen from your car, as well as offer you insurance on your medical bills if you are injured during a car accident. But as a consumer you will have to look closely at your comprehensive policy to see if these are included.

Now the most important question of them all comes into play. Do I need comprehensive coverage? The answer might not be that simple as it is usually dependent upon many variables, but here are few that can help you decide.

If your car is an old vehicle running on its last legs, it probably would not be a wise decision to add extra coverage. If you plan to buy a new car in the near future you should take the extra money that you would have spent on a comprehensive car insurance policy and put it towards the car.

Now on the other hand if you have just purchased a new vehicle and it is one of those cars that are usually targeted for theft or otherwise, it would be a wise choice to carry complete coverage. Having a comprehensive car policy is also usually a requirement in order to obtain auto financing as well.

Overall, comprehensive car insurance is the most fully rounded form of car insurance that you are able to buy and though it is also the most expensive, it is usually the best type of policy to have if you can afford it.

Getting That Great New Car With Car Credit

The credit crunch currently gripping Britain has seen a sudden reduction of loan availability in the UK and the situation shows no sign as yet of getting any better. Perhaps it's time to seek some alternative ways to pay for necessary expenses - like a new car.

Unfortunately, you can never be sure when your car might break down to the extent that you're better off just buying a new one. There are a number of reasons where a new car may be necessary for, such as an addition to the family or getting a new job where you need to travel. For victims of the credit crunch and those who toil to receive bank loans, it could be an even bigger struggle to get a loan to help you afford it.

For most people, a vehicle is the second largest investment they'll make, following a mortgage on a home. Even used cars are expensive and not everybody has a lump of money resting in their bank account waiting for such an expense - which is why credit from a dealer or motor broker could provide an excellent alternative to an uncertain or overpriced bank loan.

So what is car credit? Well, car credit is a financial agreement between the buyer and seller that allows the buyer to repay the cost of the car by instalment over a period of time, which means that payment is made more manageable.

You can apply online, over the phone and in person with many companies, so if you really want that Nissan Primera, you could arrange to get it with relative ease. Your seller will offer you car credit based on the level of repayments you could afford, including interest and other costs associated with the finance arrangement. However, the same goes for bank loans and when these are unavailable, car credit opportunities can really prove useful.

Many people use car credit when they find it difficult to get a loan, have bad credit now or in the past, or have been refused loans previously. However, during the credit crunch, it's already harder to get a bank loan so more people are turning to car credit as a result.

Essentially, car credit is just a loan from your seller instead of from the bank. By keeping your finances grouped in such a manner, you could find it easier to keep track of your expenses. The company you use will also be likely to communicate with you and ensure that the process is running smoothly.

It's important to do your research and shop around while looking for car credit companies, but you can rest assured that many will say 'yes' when you apply and in many cases you will get approved car credit within hours of your application.

From there, it's just a case of choosing your dream car and then driving away.

Auto Financing Bankruptcy - Is it Possible to Obtain Reasonable Auto Financing After Bankruptcy?

Obtaining good auto financing after bankruptcy can certainly be a challenge, as you will have the bankruptcy on your credit file, and therefore companies will be very hesitant to lend you money.

Fortunately, however, you do have options available to you other than just paying cash for everything. Here is some important information to help you get the money you need after filing.

To start out with, you need to realize that, as soon as your bankruptcy case has been eliminated, you can apply for a loan for your car. However, generally speaking, if you don't have any time at all, you will end up paying enormous interest rates, and it really doesn't pay off to get a loan immediately after bankruptcy.

If at all possible, you definitely should wait a minimum of 6 months, and even a year would be best before applying for auto financing after bankruptcy, as this will save you a lot of money in interest rates.

Obviously, waiting can be tough, particularly if you lost your car through bankruptcy; however, all is not lost. If you do have any available cash, simply pay for a cheap car with cash, and you should be set for at least the six month waiting period. If not, try to find public transportation to take.

The bottom line is, there are many ways you can avoid getting a loan within the immediate 6 months, and you should explore all the avenues available to you. If you wait 6 months for auto financing after bankruptcy, the rates you pay will be much more reasonable.

Generally speaking, if you apply for auto financing right after bankruptcy, you will be paying around 3 percent interest higher. This might not sound like a lot, but it can dramatically raise the amount of money you owe over the course of the loan, so again, if at all possible, you want to wait a little while before applying.

However, don't let this discourage you from applying. Remember, once you've applied for bankruptcy, this is certainly not the end of the world. Now, it's time to get a fresh start.

Starting to develop a reputation as somebody who pays off their bills reliably is very important, which is why you want to pay for as many things with credit as possible, which will enable you to achieve great auto financing bankruptcy rates when the time comes.

From the Car Credit Highway to the Motorway

Your own form of transport brings with it a sense of being in control and a certain level of personal efficiency comes with car ownership. Best of all, no opportunities escape your grasp because they are not compatible with public transport.

Some people simply want their own car, while for others it is an essential part of their existence and one which they cannot live without. Circumstances determine the importance of having a vehicle; not living near a train link for the morning commute, getting kids to school or being self-employed.

So even during times of economic downturn, this is not an area to cut corners; rather a time to research the market and find the best deal. Once you are firm in your mind that you want or need a car and its usefulness is no longer in dispute, thoughts turn to the best ways of getting one; more specifically, financing the purchase.

Applying for loans or approved finance for a vehicle is relatively common and next to a mortgage is one of the major reasons people approach a bank or other lending institution for money. Times are harder just now; everyone is feeling the pinch and although lenders have tightened their restrictions, there are still good deals out there for car finance.

Like any other loan, monthly repayments, interest rates and the small print are important factors. Not to be forgotten either is the delicate balancing act of what kind of car you want versus what kind you can afford. As always with personal finance, compromise is part of a successful outcome.

During a credit crunch like the one being experienced now, it pays to be a little more precise with your finances - it is best to create a personal budget with the possibility of a jump in interest rates, higher travel fares and energy bills as well as everyday price increases associated with inflation. All of these can affect your ability to meet your car loan obligations.

At times like these, interest rates and favorable repayment terms may not be as kind as you would ideally like, so it is best to shop around for deals that offer good value in terms of breakdown cover, repairs and insurance. Strong competition between lenders means many will offer something attractive to try to secure you as a client so there is a good chance you will find something genuinely beneficial to your circumstances.

Car credit plans are less paper intensive these days and speed, efficiency and convenience are looked upon by lenders as a good way to develop their reputation. Online or over the phone, you'll find the process is completed quicker than you think and the journey from desire to keys in hand is not a long or arduous one.

Even during times when the economy is not at its best, there is flexibility and understanding as well as an awareness that things change and improve over time. Credit options are out there and you will be surprised and delighted to learn that good long term value exists.

Importance of choosing the right car loan

This week sees the launch of the new 58 car registration plates, and given the current economic climate it's important that buyers get the best car loan deal available to them.

Michelle Slade, analyst at Moneyfacts.co.uk, says: "Getting the finance choice wrong could prove a costly mistake ... Before opting for the convenience of forecourt finance, it's worth checking out how this compares with other deals on the market. There are over 40 providers offering a range of unsecured loans and many offer different rates depending on if you apply online or over the telephone.

"On a £5K loan, the difference between choosing the best and worst loan deal could cost you an extra £769, while the wrong choice on a £10K loan could see you out of pocket by more than £2.4K - or to put it another way, increases the cost of financing your car by a massive 14%."

Importantly, the advertised rate on most car loans is a typical APR, and whether you qualify for it depends on your credit score. Car loan customers should always shop around to make sure they're getting the best deal. The total repayment figure should be considered, along with any payment protection insurance, to get the full picture of which car loan option offers the best value.

Limited car credit for luxury cars

The credit crunch has affected the sales of high performance vehicles to the extent that Luxury car maker Bentley is reducing production.

The plant in Crewe plans to reduce shifts and hours for models that have sold slower, a move that will cost at least 50 agency jobs. The car maker, established by Walter Bentley in 1919, planned to reduce the production by 15 per cent through brief to unions yesterday.

Bentley's car range starts from around £115,000 for a new model to up to £230,000 for the most expensive. However, few people are able to gain this amount of car credit in the current climate, so production has been scaled back.

This cutback is the newest in the long line as BMW, Land Rover and Mercedes have all done the same with their least selling models. Models affected by the crunch also include the Porsche 911 along with 12-cylinger models by Audi, Mercedes and BMW, down 13 percent in the year.

This drop in sales has been down to rising carbon taxes, raised petrol prices and general reluctance due to tough economic conditions.

This goes to show that people of all financial status are not safe from the turbulent economic crisis, whether they require large amounts of car credit or not.

Oil prices close at 5-month low on US gas report

Oil prices closed at their lowest level in five months Thursday as a lower-than-expected drop in U.S. gasoline supplies gave traders more reason to believe that a cooling economy is forcing Americans to drive less.

Light, sweet crude for October delivery fell $1.46 to settle at $107.89 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was the lowest settlement price for a front-month contract since April 4.

Crude prices have fallen for five straight sessions, extending an almost two-month slide as traders shift their attention away from supply-threatening storms and back toward a stronger dollar and evidence of falling demand.

On Wednesday, oil prices settled 36 cents lower at $109.35 a barrel, a day after a dramatic, nearly $6 plunge in response to less damage from Hurricane Gustav than the oil industry feared. That brought crude prices in sight of $100 a barrel, a level not seen since April 1.

A smaller-than-expected drawdown of U.S. gasoline stocks was the primary driver of Thursday's declines.

In its weekly inventory report, the Energy Department's EIA said U.S. gasoline stocks fell by 1 million barrels to 194.4 million barrels for the week ending Aug. 29, less than the 1.8 million-barrel drop analysts surveyed by energy research firm had Platts expected.

Jim Ritterbusch, president of energy consultancy Ritterbusch and Associates in Galena, Ill., said the inventory numbers may have been skewed by market irregularities caused by Gustav, but he said the market appeared to be taking the figures as more evidence of falling demand.

"It's safe to say gasoline demand is still very weak. So far we haven't seen enough of a drop in pump prices to really alter that trend," Ritterbusch said.

At the pump, a gallon of regular slid less than a penny overnight to a new national average of $3.678, according to auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express. Prices remain well above the year-ago average of about $2.792 a gallon but have fallen more than 10 percent from the July 17 record average of $4.114 a gallon.

A stronger dollar also weighed on oil prices Thursday. A rising greenback spurs investors to shift funds out of commodities like oil and precious metals, which are traditionally bought as hedges against inflation.

Meanwhile, energy output in the Gulf of Mexico began to slowly come back online after the passage of Gustav. Some oil companies in the western Gulf whose equipment wasn't in the path of the storm began ramping up operations Wednesday and Thursday.

However, 95.2 percent of oil production in the Gulf and about 87.5 percent of natural gas output remained shut down as of Thursday. The Gulf area is home to a quarter of U.S. oil production and 40 percent of refining capacity.

Crude has dropped about $38, or 26 percent, since surging to a record $147.27 a barrel on July 11, as a U.S. economic slowdown spreads overseas and curbs demand for petroleum products.

"Consuming countries like the U.S. and Japan are facing economic problems," said Tetsu Emori, commodity markets fund manager at ASTMAZ Futures Co. in Tokyo. "I think we're heading toward $100 a barrel and if we break that, to between $88 and $95."

Still, analysts caution prices could spike again on an unforeseen geopolitical event or if OPEC countries scale back output. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is scheduled to meet next Tuesday in Vienna and has indicated it may take action to defend the $100 a barrel level.

The EIA also said U.S. crude stocks tumbled unexpectedly last week. Crude supplies dropped by 1.9 million barrels to 303.9 million barrels; analysts had expected supplies to increase by 500,000 barrels.

Meanwhile, inventories of distillate fuel, which include diesel and heating oil, fell by 400,000 barrels to 131.7 million barrels. Analysts expected stocks to rise by 1.1 million barrels.

In other Nymex trading, heating oil futures fell 5.51 cents to settle at $3.0237 a gallon, while gasoline futures fell 2.64 cents to settle at $2.7404 a gallon. Natural gas futures rose 5.8 cents to settle at $7.322 per 1,000 cubic feet.

In London, October Brent crude fell $1.76 to settle at $106.30 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange.

Oil: How low can it go?

Gustav has come and gone. And fortunately, New Orleans has been spared the type of damage after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita three years ago.

That's also good news for those living outside of the Gulf region. Fears that crude prices would spike dramatically higher due to massive disruptions of oil production proved for naught. Oil prices fell Tuesday, hitting their lowest point in nearly 5 months.

Talkback: Will oil go below $100 or back towards $150?
"The fact that oil has come down is a sign that perhaps the worst is over. Predictions that oil would go to $200 a barrel now seem more like a fleeting possibility," said Kenneth Kim, economist with Stone & McCarthy Research Associates in Princeton, N.J..

Still, even though crude prices have slipped more than 25% since hitting a record high in mid-July and the average price of a gallon of gasoline has fallen more than 10%, it's not yet a huge cause of celebration.

After all, at about $108 a barrel, the price of oil is around 50% higher than it was a year ago. Gasoline is higher by a third at $3.68 a gallon.

"It's easy to lose sight of the fact that six months ago we would have considered these prices exorbitantly high. We've got a ways to go before consumers feel much relief," said David Resler, chief economist Nomura Securities International Inc.

And don't expect Detroit to be too excited either. Auto makers GM (GM, Fortune 500), Ford (F, Fortune 500) and Chrysler are expected to report another dismal round of monthly sales later Wednesday as consumers continue to shun gas-guzzling SUVs and trucks.

How much further does the price of oil need to fall before consumers can really feel more confident?

Oscar Gonzalez, economist with John Hancock Financial Services in Boston, said that he thinks the record high prices of oil and gas from earlier this summer effectively eliminated the benefit from this year's tax rebates.

So he thinks prices probably need to fall further to reach a level that would actually lead to higher demand. His best guess is a price somewhere between $80 and $90 a barrel.

"If you see prices at the $80 level, you could see more rapid global economic growth than currently expected," Gonzalez said.

Kim thinks that oil hitting $80 in the next few months is certainly possible. However, he conceded that predicting oil prices is almost like calling a coin toss and added that with another few months to go in hurricane season, there could be more wild swings in oil prices.

Kim also pointed out that the recent slide in oil prices has a lot to do with weakening economies globally.

The good news is that if demand continues to fall in Europe and Asia, inflation pressures in the United States may subside as a result. But the bad news is that the pullback is further evidence that the U.S. economy is probably in recession and that the rest of the world may soon be following suit.

In addition, Kim said that though oil prices have been falling lately, this may be trumped by more bad news on the labor front. The government has already reported a loss of 463,000 jobs through July. On Friday, economists are predicting another loss of 75,000 jobs in August.

"Even if oil continues to come down, the thing you have to keep in mind is if we get continued job losses, any benefit from lower oil prices might be erased by people losing their jobs. So we're not out of the woods yet," Kim said.

Finally, Resler points out that some consumers may not be convinced that oil prices are going to keep heading lower. So even if they continue to fall, Resler thinks that consumers may be wary for the next few months.

"There is going to be this lingering suspicion that oil prices will rocket back higher," he said. "There's going to be a lot of anxiety and consumers are going to remain cautious and constrained by the fact that they are still paying much higher prices for gas than they did at the beginning of the year."
"Prices have to move a good bit lower for the shock effect to be completely gone," he concluded.

Getting the Best Teenage Auto Insurance

If you are a parent and your kids are now teenagers, you will have noticed that teenage kids are really eager to get moving on automobiles. Also ensuring that they start the driving experience having the proper insurance coverage is very important. A teenage auto insurance policy is a good start, below are trusted tips on how to obtain teen car insurance.

Teenager drivers are easily carried away by the glamor associated with driving and this is a very good reason why their accident rates are high. We all know that with a high risk occurring frequency, rates and premiums point upwards. Basically these high rates drop from the age of 25.

It is easy for teenage drivers to get booked because they are actually learners that can't wait to start driving and when they are 25, they would have about 3, 4 or even 5 accidents to their credit. Sending your teens to drivers education classes or drivers school gives you discounts. Note that you can save up to 20% if they pass and get the accompanying certificate.

If your teen passes with a "B" average or higher, he or she gets a discount worth of another 20%.

You will get lower rates if your teen's driving record is clean. The first bad driving ticket should be seen as a pointer to a natural human lapse and not a grave sin but should be well noted so as to learn from.

It's wise to explain to your teens why car insurance is important for teenagers. You will be doing a lot of safe keeping by telling them the dangers they face if they do not have their insurance policy up and running.

Car Insurance Tips

Wherever you live, if you want to drive a car you will need to have the correct insurance. It's absolutely breaking the law to drive without being properly protected by a car insurance policy, getting the best insurance policy to suit your requirements is vital to ensure you are adequately protected and not paying any more than you should be.

Car Insurance is normally based on a three main factors

1. The Car
2. The Driver
3. Where you live

The Type of Car Let's take a look at the car first, Most of us are happy to have any car that will get us to the shops and back reliably and in reasonable comfort with enough space to contain all the shopping that a busy family needs! Some of us like to have speedy or highly modified vehicles that are more fun to drive and tell everybody about us - a form of expression if you like. Its the latter category that is likely to have the more expensive insurance premiums. Generally, the higher the value of car the greater the insurance costs. The higher the performance of the vehicle, the more expensive the insurance will become. The more modified, the heavier the insurance. It's always worth checking what the appropriate insurance is going to be before you buy a vehicle and this way you won't find yourself in a awkward situation where you have spent your hard earned money on the car, but then can't really afford the car insurance, who has now got a red face? The Driver Now let's take a look at the driver. This is usually based on previous experience.

If you are a new or young driver you are going to have to pay higher insurance rates. If you have a bad track record and prior claims; then again you are likely to be punished for this with a more expensive premium. You should also consider any other driver you may want to insure on your car and their prior experience. This will all affect the final charge you have to pay annually. Where You Live Where you live is crucial for Insurance companies as they can assess the likelihood of any damage or theft from or of your vehicle, depending on your locality. In nutshell if you live in an inner city, the chances are that, the premium will be higher, because there is likely to be a general higher crime rate. If you live in the suburbs then the cost is likely to be less except if that particular area has social problems.

Once you get out into rural areas; in most cases, that is where you will find the cheapest insurance rates. Deciding on what Car Insurance you need There are dozens different insurers out there, offering many alternative policies. You should start by thinking what you need your policy to cover - do you want it to cover damage to your auto or just somebody else's (third party, which is the minimum you can have to be within the law), do you need an agreed value for your car or a courtesy car whilst yours is being repaired? Do you only drive a small amount so a limited mileage policy would be suitable? Is your car a classic and can it be insured as such? How much excess premium do you want to pay? This is the amount you pay when claiming before the insurance payout, the higher the excess the lower the premium. Finding the right company Once you have asked yourselves these questions (and answered them!) get in touch with a few companies and get different quotes. Don't be shy to say what quotes you already have as they may be prepared to go lower.

Take note of what advantages each policy brings you, some offer breakdown cover, or a discount in your first year, see what you prefer. A lot of research can be done online and some firms offer "online" discounts which can save you more. Always ensure that your insurance company is properly registered, its worth asking friends who they use and would recommend. Price comparison sites are also very good but I have found that you need to verify that that is the cheapest quote, don't forget they get a commission too! I recently went direct to a company who were not the cheapest on the comparison site, and they came up 10% lower than the cheapest, so how does that happen? The moral here is simply doing your own research. Although car insurance may seem highly priced, being properly covered is vital. Don't risk not having proper insurance - remember you will be committing an offense if you don't have car insurance cover.

Car finance with Mr Money

Once-unloved, Seat is becoming increasingly confident. First it says its all-new Ibiza is beautifully designed and built, then it claims that "perfection does have a price" - which is £8,995 and up.

While I have my doubts that this humble Spaniard (or any other supermini) qualifies as "the perfect car", I do admire the company for its self-belief, and the fact that it's now equal to Fiat, its former parent.

But are the boys from Barcelona paying enough attention to the potent competition from Ford, whose equally new, pretty and exciting incoming Fiesta is available from just £8,695?

Also, Seat seems to be conceding that its latest Ibiza model will only do up to 47.9mpg in varied driving conditions. Rival Honda claims 55.4mpg for its latest £9,000-plus Jazz unveiled this week - see above - but the equivalent Combined economy claim from Ford is an astounding 76.3mpg, making the Fiesta ECOnetic the UK's most economical family car.

Let's not forget that slightly larger hybrid models from Toyota, Honda and Lexus are dirtier, thirstier and more expensive than the 98g/km Fiesta.

And since superminis are primarily about attractive pricing, great fuel economy, low emissions and high tax breaks, the Fiesta is on course to become the small hatchback of 2008. Because don't forget, these once-tiny superminis are becoming physically bigger, more suitable for families, increasingly credible and more desirable than ever before. You will be choosing the right car if you opt for the Fiesta, Ibiza, Jazz newcomers, or the existing Mazda2, VW Polo, Vauxhall Corsa, Mitsubishi Colt, Fiat Punto, BMW MINI or \u02C7Skoda Fabia.

As to whether you'll be paying the right price depends on your ability to sniff out or haggle hard for a fair discount. It's now almost compulsory for retailers to reduce the prices of these and other mass-produced, factory-fresh cars. Alternatively, go for a free finance deal, which is a discount in another guise.

# After acquiring MG for a steal several years ago, the Chinese have so far buried the brand.

Despite all the eastern promises, only three MGs have been registered in Britain so far this year, giving the firm an official market share of precisely 0.00 per cent, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. On this evidence, the MG company, marque, model range and what remains of the echoey Longbridge factory all look doomed.

Forgive me, then, if I fail to get excited by this week's MG announcement that apparently hails the arrival of a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive model called the MGTF LE500.

It's claimed to be a very special limited edition (only 500 will be available in this country), but there is no word as to where it will be built, how much it will cost in the UK and whether more of the same MGTF LE500 models will be available in overseas markets in greater volumes and at lower prices.

# Dave Green, an unhappy reader, writes to complain that he's been quoted £3,500 to convert his Mitsubishi Shogun Sport to run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

He politely suggests that it was misleading for me to state that petrol-powered cars and SUVs can be converted for a couple of thousand pounds, He has a point. I was wrong to quote £2,000 as a guide price for conversion. The figure should, perhaps, have been £1,150, which is the all-in price an organisation called Green Car Services (tel 020 3222 5333) was quoting days ago.

Obviously, the precise cost varies enormously according to the type of vehicle, but as a general rule, larger engines with more cylinders mean more work and expense - Mr Green's 2002 Shogun has a three-litre V6. Since the £3,500 he's been quoted for the LPG conversion is almost as high as the trade value of his car, he needs to shop around for more competitive quotes.

The irony here is that while his larger engine might cost him more to convert, the potential savings are so much greater as well.

Auto Loans With Bad Credit - How to Secure That Loan With Bad Credit

Trying to secure auto loans with bad credit situations is tricky because it is your credit history that will give the lenders the full picture about your credit situation. It's obvious if you are reading this article that you most likely have concerns over your existing credit situation. Financial lending institutions will reject an application for an auto loan for people that have a bad credit history.

If you are an individual with a bad credit rating you are not alone. In today's environment there are many individuals with poor credit that are looking for car loans. However there are lending institutions that do offer people auto loans with poor credit but you will have to shop around and also do some homework.

Before you start searching for a loan the first thing you probably would want to find out is what your credit score is. Once you know what your credit score is now you can start searching for lenders that will offer individuals auto loans with bad credit. Now you can start asking for quotes and shopping for the best possible terms and conditions.

Things to pay close attention to are the interest rates and any other fees that they may charge for securing the loan. Don't be too hasty and go with the very first lender that is willing to provide you with the financing you need to purchase a car.

When you begin getting quotes and you find one that fits well into your current financial situation you can start contacting other financial institutions and try to negotiate a better rate or over all terms and conditions. Also you want to find a repayment schedule that best fits your current financial situation.

Typically auto loans with bad credit situations will have a higher interest rate in comparison to someone you has a good credit history. Once you have found the best deal possible and have secured your auto loan you will be on your way to repairing your credit history.

Bad Credit Refinance Auto Loans

Many people suffering from bad credit want to buy a car or refinance an old loan. Most will wonder if they can refinance loans to get a better rate or monthly payment. Often times people are unaware of their credit and how it affects loans. Lenders understand many factors can contribute to a persons credit history and are always looking for new business. Some times people take loans without knowing the proper information before applying. The best advice is to research everything and get multiple opinions. Ask someone you trust for some advice.

Before you apply for a refinance it is advisable to get a copy of your credit report. There are many sites online that will offer a free credit report. Understanding your credit score will help you to negotiate the interest rate of your loan. If you don't know your credit score and are unprepared a lender can charge you a much higher rate. Also, you will be able to look at any negative items and dispute them if necessary. It may not be worth while to refinance if your credit is worse than before. You can weigh all factors to determine if your credit score and the loan rate are right for you.

You can get online and research some auto loan quotes. Many sites will give you at least 3 quotes. You will be able to have a good idea of what you might expect to pay. Always check the financing terms to make sure the payment will be something you are comfortable paying and the amount of the term. Sometimes people will refinance a loan to keep a vehicle and get the loan in their name. You can improve your credit rating by getting the loan in your name and making all of your payments on time.

Divorce is one way where you can apply for a new loan to get the car in your name. If you have had positive changes in your credit it is also a good idea to apply for some better terms. If your first loan has a co signer you can refinance the loan by yourself. Usually, people do not want to keep the car in both names so its advisable to get a new loan after divorce.

Many people can benefit from refinancing an auto loan. Changes in credit, life, co signers are all reasons to apply for a new loan. It helps to be prepared by getting a copy of your credit report before applying.

Issue Is Chrome disaster for Firefox?

Google provides about 85% of the proceeds of Mozilla, creator of the browser Firefox. Despite the agreement, under which the company Google pays Mozilla for the right to run in a browser our search service, the day before it was extended until 2011, long-term future of Firefox is under the greatest threat.

John Lilly, CEO of Mozilla, not inclined to dramatize the situation. "This is another browser that enhances competition. Of course, we will have to compete with him ", - said in an interview Gigaom.com Lilly. "It is not surprising that they are doing browser. Google does many things that relate to his business - servers, energy. They suggest that could improve the browser, developing from the very beginning of his ", - said Lilly.

Source drew attention: the market for browsers Internet Explorer still occupies a good position, controlling, by various estimates, 50-70% of the market.

It is also worth noting: it was not clear how the future will develop the bold concept of Mozilla - for example, the draft of Aurora.

There are screen shots of browser Google Chrome

Although officially Chrome remains unavailable, the site blogoscoped.com already posted the first screenshots of the new browser.

It is not difficult to see, line search offers options - of course, without a search service Google does not cost.

This zone with nine most visited sites.

Actual tasks manager browser, which allows us to see what exactly causes the problem to a lack of memory.
Google Incognito - allows arrange safe surfing without a trace in the browser.

Asterisk allows seemed to make a mark.

It is expected that the site will be available on the link http://gears.google.com/chrome/?hl=en (does not work).

Google imposes competition Firefox and Opera - launches the browser Chrome

Google is intended to introduce today the beta browser, called Chrome, which should shake the position of existing browsers - Firefox, Opera and Internet Explorer. The best advantages of the new browser tells the comic, which can be found here.

In general, Google philosophy is this: the average Internet user spends in a much more time and engaged in various activities - says instant messages, send e-mail, forging social connections and, of course, works. Older browsers could not propose the most complete interaction of these elements (so believes Google), and therefore the company Brin and Page "decided to begin first".

In doing so, special attention was paid to work processes Chrome. According to the developers, the browser will work more stably, "leakage" of memory would be prevented, and each new tab will work in their own "sandbox" - and because of the script conceived work of all browser will not be disrupted. The new browser will open - like Firefox, which will increase its efficiency through a variety of plug-in and additions.

Will Google whether to propose a new concept, or the company simply re-invent the wheel? Learn about this will turn out very soon - Users Windows - fans of Mac OS and Linux will have to wait.

Maruti I Wished I Owned and Why

Attention all car enthusiasts out there! I have a question for you. If you could own a Maruti, then which one would you own and why? In fact, even if you are not a car enthusiast this question is open to you. You need to be able to know about many different types of automobiles. This is the day that we are going to take a look at what Maruti. Think of this as a fun little game that you can play, and it can be played with any type of car. Today though we focus on Maruti autos. The best part about this game is that you can pick whichever Maruti you want! No one is going to judge you. I’ll start off the game by telling you a little bit about the Maruti that I would choose. Hopefully you enjoy why I picked this. If you do not then take time and pick your own!
Maruti SX4

I went through a list of many Maruti cars and the SX4 was the best one that I found. A lot of Maruti cars have a weird box feeling to them, but not his one. The Maruti SX4 has a cool design that I think translates into American driving very well. In my opinion, these have a definite look of a sports car combined with a luxury car. My color of choice would be white, and I would look like a blur as a weave in and out of cars on the roads! I was pleasantly surprised to see this car, because like I stated earlier, I am not a fan of the box shaped cars. The cool part about this car is it has a look that I would consider getting even if I was not playing this game, so I guess that really is just an added bonus I can cash in on!
What Does it Feature?

The Maruti SX4 really tries to take advantage of its cool European design. They also have started promoting world class “drive by wire” technology. Another cool feature that I have not read much on other cars is that the SX4 has the most ground clearance for its class of cars. You really do not realize how nice this is until you do not have it around. Safety is also something that you do not have to worry about because it comes with the top quality anti lock brakes, dual side airbags, and more. If you like to blast the stereo while you are driving then that is a plus as well. You can get the top audio system in this car. As you can see, it is not only a cool car, but it has the best features to back it up as well