The Toyota Matrix is a wonderful wagon that is great for families.  It comes in several different models, has some nice features, and overall is a great car!

Toyota Matrix’s Available: Base 5-Spd MT, Base 4-Spd AT, S 5-Spd MT, S 5-Spd AT, S AWD 4-Spd AT, XRS 5-Spd MT, XRS 4-Spd AT

Seating capacity : 5 people

MSRP: $16,550 – $21,960

Key features :

- Applies to certain models only:

• Aerodynamic multi-reflector halogen headlamps with Daytime Running Lights
• Cruise control
• Remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock and panic features
• Cup holders (two front, two rear)
• Optitron meters with speedometer, LCD odometer, outside temperature gauge, coolant temperature and fuel level gauges
• AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability
• Satellite radio
• Oil indicator light
• DVD navigation system
• Bluetooth

Gas mileage : 26/32

Awards won : No awards yet

News articles: 

• ABC News
• Forbes

Videos:

• Kelley Blue Book
• Cars.com

Your warranty has ran out, and you want to get another one, but you don’t know if you can.  Well, I have great news for you, you can!  It’s not that hard to find a service, but first, you need to know what to look out for, before you go out, and purchase one right away.

• Start your search online: You’ll want to begin your search online for extended car warranties.  Websites such as SmartAutoWarranty is a great place to start, where you can get a free quote on your automobile.
• Research your warranty: Many warranties are different, this is just the facts of life.  Make sure that you look into your warranty to see what is offered.  You’ll want to look closely at the “wear and tear” portion ,since many companies out there like to rip car owners off with this term and condition.
• Check the rating: If you think that you found a great warranty, you will want to make sure that you look into the rating.  A great place to start is either by checking online for the rating, or browsing the Internet.  This  should give you a fairly good vibe on what the company is all about.
• What is your deductible? What kind of deductible are you getting?  Like insurance, the lower your deductible, the more you will have to pay.  Make sure that you get a lower deductible to make your warranty worth it.
• Do you have benefits? A good warranty will give you benefits such as towing, car rental, as well as some sort of reimbursement.  Look into these, because like anything, the more benefits you get, the better it is for you.

Be sure that you research your warranty when looking to purchase one.  If you do purchase one with your dealer, look into the benefits, and find out what’s covered.  You’ll be surprised that some dealerships don’t offer the best warranty, and you may be better off going to a third party that’s going to be half the cost.

The Toyota Yaris is a great car if you’re looking for fuel efficiency.  It’s light weight design, and environmentally friendly fuel system turns the heads of many.  It’s also great because it comes in several different styles and models which are listed below.

Toyota Yaris’ Available: Liftback 3-Door MT, Liftback 5-Door MT, Liftback 3-Door AT, Liftback 5-Door AT, Sedan 5-SPD MT, Sedan 4-SPD AT

Seating capacity : 5 people

MSRP: $12,355 – $13,915

Key features :

- Applies to certain models only:

• Rear window wiper
• Speedometer, LCD odometer, twin tripmeters and fuel gauge
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
• AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack
• Satellite radio
• Interior maplight
• Remote trunk release
• Remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock and panic function
• Star safety system
• LATCH sytem for child car seats

Gas mileage : 29/36

Awards won : No awards yet

News articles:

• New York Times
• Washington Post

Videos:

• Yaris Car Review
• Kelley Blue Book

When you’re looking to buy a car, and you want to buy used, good for you!  By now, you’ve probably done the math, and figured that it’s going to be a lot cheaper to purchase an automobile used, rather than new.  We all know that once you take that new car off the lot, it’s going to lose it’s value within minutes.  This isn’t a good investment.

How do I find used cars for sale by owner?

The first step that you should take is by scouring the Internet.  Since you’re already on it right now, let me point you in the right path, in regards to websites.  There are a few websites online that you should look into, when you’re looking to find a used, or if you change your mind down the road, a newer car.

• eBay Motors: Most potential car buyers always skip over the idea of purchasing on eBay.  eBay is packed full with cars around the globe.  If you’re willing to travel a few extra miles, you may be able to find a steal on here.  Remember, if you want to bid on a car on eBay, always make sure that you attempt to see it in person, before you go out, and just purchase it.  Most good sellers online will post pictures, a great description, as well a car history report.
• Craigslist: Since Craigslist allows you to post your ads for free, many people resort to this technique, since it gets a boat load of traffic.  This is a great place to find a deal, as well as a steal.  You’ll want to act quick on these ads, because if it’s a good deal, it will sell rather quickly.
• AutoTrader: The last place that I would look is AutoTrader.  AutoTrader has been around for years, and is a great resource to find both used, and new cars.  Search for the make, and model that you want, and you’ll be able to find the cars in your area.  Most good listings come equipped with great pictures, and a description.

These aren’t the only three places that you’ll want to check out.   Check out places such as your local classifieds in the small town newspaper, or even your big newspaper.  Ask friends, family, or even look for cars on the side of the road.  These are all great ways to find a used car for sale by owner.

When in the market to find a great emergency roadside assistance company, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you go out, and just purchase a plan.  There are a lot of companies out there besides AAA that can help you with any problems that may exist on the road.

Questions you should ask

• How much are you going to pay?
• Is the plan for everybody, or just the applier?
• What can you get each year?
• Are there limits?
• Will I get charged for some calls?
• Is everything free?

Like health insurance, there are plans that can get very expensive, but there are also some that are fairly minimal.  This is why you’ll want to ask these questions above to make sure that you get a plan that suits your needs, and one that you think is worth the money as well.

Who can I sign up with?

When it comes down to emergency roadside assistance, there are a few companies that come to mind.

• OnStar: A GM product that comes equipped in a lot of GM vehicles.  Yes, the service is going to cost extra, but the benefits that you’ll receive are phenomenal.    Besides the roadside assistance, you’re going to receive GPS technology, as well as anything else OnStar can help you with.
• AAA: A common household name, AAA has been around for years.  AAA not only can give you great roadside assistance, they can also insure your car, and give you discounts at 1,000s of retailers nationwide.  It’s a win-win for all.

When looking at service plans, consider other companies such as Sam’s Club, AARP, Road America, and others.  The point of this post is to show you exactly what you should look out for, as well as how to compare for the best deal possible.