In the old days you rented a car only in an emergency or when you were traveling for business.  You handed over you company credit card and they handed you the keys to a plain old neutral colored car and you were off to your meeting counting the hours until you were home with your own comfortable and pretty car.  In the last several years, however, the rental car business has become very competitive and as a result, the product to the consumer has become better looking and more affordable. 

Many people today are concerned with rising fuel prices and are buying more fuel efficient vehicles.  The sacrifice the car buyer makes is that many economical cars are not as luxurious or as versatile as many of the more expensive cars on the market.  Instead of piling the family in to a subcompact sedan, many drivers are now going to a car rental agency to rent a car for a short period of time.  In this way, the customer can have that expensive car for a long weekend or vacation without having to worry about the long term cost of running an SUV or luxury car.  In effect, the driver can be a responsible and financial conservative during the week, and still have the luxury and room they want on the weekend.

Most rental car companies today offer discounted rates if you are renting the vehicle for more than a couple days and the selection for most of the major rental companies range anywhere from a cheap car to popular SUV’s and muscle cars.  If you are looking for luxury you can also find a roomy and classy ride.  Almost anything you may be looking for is available.

The bread and butter of the rental car industry is still the business rental.  But, to become more competitive they are continuously adding new cars to their fleet, in the hopes that the business person will also start using their company for more recreational desires.  Some people even use these fancier rental cars to help ease the pain of an accident.  They feel that if they have to have a substitute car while their car is in the shop, it might as well be a great car.

The next time you are struggling with the choice between that cool expensive car or SUV and the economical cheaper priced car there is a way to have the best of both worlds.  The next time you slap down your credit card, use it to get a taste of the good life.

The volatility of the economy these days is reflected by the price you pay at the pump.  The cost of being able to travel has never been more uncertain.  One week your car will get you back and forth to work for $20 the next week it may cost you double.  Automobiles are such an integral part of our lives that we are at the mercy of the oil companies to survive.  The more money we have to spend on fuel the less we have to spend on other things that are necessary.  Our car determines where we work and where we spend our free time.  We all feel that drop in the pit of our stomachs when we see our credit card bills at the end of the month and add up what we spent just to get where we need to be.  There are some bright spots however.

Most gas stations now offer a discount if you use your credit card.  Many stations offer their own card that gives you rebates for not only the money you spend on gas, but for items you buy in the store, and in some cases the money you spend at associated businesses.

One of the great pastimes of Americans has been the Sunday drive.  We have always loved the feel of flying down the highway with no real destination.  Our cars represented freedom.  With the uncertainty of fuel prices it has become a luxury rather than a leisurely activity.  Lately the price of gas has dropped and instead of being happy about it many of us are just waiting for the other shoe to drop before we are again paying up to or past $5 a gallon.  Many of us feel guilty now if we just want to go for a drive.

As American we learn to adjust to the ups and downs of both the economy and life itself.  If prices do go through the roof we will adapt and we will find a way to go on.  We have always loved our cars and that is not going to change.  Imagining the United States without cars is like imagining Sunday’s without football. 

In the meantime, enjoy the low gas prices.  Take advantage of this probably brief benefit and take that drive you have been putting off for so long.  Slide your credit card through the pump and smile while you can.

Every one of us has encountered a time when we needed to get a car.  Whether we were looking for our first car or our hundredth car, the appeal of a new car is undeniable.  For some of us the decision of new or used has already been made for us because of our limited funds.  But what about those out there who have that option?  Does it make sense to spend the extra money on that new car, or should you go with the car someone else owned first?

We’ll start with the reasons to go with that brand new, car glistening in the showroom.  You know where that new car has been and who has driven it.  It’s been in the showroom, and no one but you.  This fact is obvious, but it leads to the point that occur in the car are things that you caused and chances are, the car will still be under warranty.  Plus, besides the car, the tires, battery, transmission and engine will all also be new.  Because of this, new cars have fewer major repairs required in the first several years of driving them.  On top of that, they generally will have the latest safety features and technology.

Those are all great things, and that new car is starting to sounds like a great idea.  The problem is there are far more reasons to get the used car.  One is simple, used cars just cost less.  A new car will lose forty percent of its value in the first three years of ownership.  These used cars will end up costing you less depreciation and cost less upfront.  This is huge perk, especially when you consider that you can get lower interest rates on loans and fewer fees.  Your premiums will be significantly lower as will your title and licensing fees.  All of these things that aren’t part of the car, but are tied to the car’s value start climbing.  If you are really into the gadgets and technology in your automobiles, you can often even find a “newer” used car that will have much of the same technology in it. 

In short, you will save more money in purchasing a used car and for most families it is the smart way to go.  If you are unsure you can search the web for places that have calculators for figuring out if a new car will actually save you money, or if the used car is the way to go.  Of course for those you out there who can honestly say, “Money is of no concern,” then buy whatever it is you desire, but for most of us out there, the money you could save on that used car will be hard to ignore.

The Cadillac SRX is a beautiful 4-door luxury sport-utility vehicle.  It is capable of holding up to 7-passengers and is available in two different trims, the V-6 and the V-8.

Cadillac SRX’s available: SRX V-6, SRX V-8

MSRP: $40,060-$47,060

Seating capacity: 7 people

Key features:

• 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT with 320 HP
• RWD or AWD
• 4-Channel StabiliTrak
• Power opening and closing liftgate
• Power folding third row seat
• UltraView sunroof
• Adaptive remote start
• Rear seat entertainment system
• BOSE Surround system
• DVD Navigation system

Gas mileage: 15/23

Awards won: No awards yet

News articles:

• The Cadillac SRX
• Should you buy this car?

Videos:

• The Cadillac SRX

The Cadillac STS is a 4-door luxury sedan/luxury sport sedan that can hold up to 5 passengers.   This car is available in 5 trims that range from the V-6 to the V-8 Premium Luxury Performance.

Cadillac STS’s available: STS V-6, STS V-6 Luxury, STS V-6 Luxury Performance, STS V-8 Luxury and STS V-8 Premium Luxury Performance.

MSRP: $45,950 – $67,390

Seating capacity:  5 People

Key features: All of the following features are available in the STS:

• 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT with 320 HP
• RWD or AWD
• 4-Channel StabiliTrak
• Keyless access and push button start
• Adaptive remote start
• Cruise control
• Side blind zone alert
• Lane departure warning
• 360-Degree BOSE Surround system
• DVD Navigation system

Gas mileage: 17/26

Awards won: No awards yet

News articles:

• The New Cadillac STS
• The 2008 Cadillac STS

Videos:

• Cadillac STS
• STS V-8