The Allstate Blog » Buying and Selling Cars

Fad or Fab? 4 Unusual New Car Features

Melissa — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:41 +0000

Pop-up headlights? Hidden gas caps? Record players? These may not come standard on the car you drive, but automakers have been innovating with quirky features like these for decades. While you probably don't have a third headlight on your car, as the 1948 Tucker Sedan did, some of your 21st century ride's standard features might have seemed like sci-fi 65 years ago. Below, we take a look at some interesting features on cars of the 2000s. Who knows -- maybe they're the wave of the future!

MINI's Openometer

Ever wonder how much time you’d spend with the top down if you owned a convertible? Well, if you buy a MINI Cooper Convertible or a MINI Cooper Roadster, you won't have to guess. MINI's Openometer measures and displays how long you've driven with the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin -- let's just hope it doesn't rain.

Kia Soul's Optional Speaker Lights

The Kia Soul stands out with its unique, boxy look, and it also proves that you don’t need to spend luxury car money to get a stereo system that adds some visual appeal. The Soul’s optional Infinity Audio System comes with speakers that light up, and can be set to pulsate with the beat of the music. The system is also created to sound as good as it looks, with a central speaker, a Subwoofer and an external amplifier.

Volkswagen’s Kaeferfach

[caption id="attachment_4716" align="alignright" width="300"] Flikr/sarahlarson[/caption] Everyone can spot the Volkswagen Beetle's iconic shape and flower vase, but it has some other features that may not be so well known. For example, have you ever heard of the Kaeferfach? It's the Beetle's second, upper glove box (I used mine for my sunglasses!). It's a fitting name, too -- if you don't speak German, "Kaeferfach" means "Beetle bin."

Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat

If you like that vibrating chair on display at Brookstone, Cadillac’s Safety Alert Seat might get your attention. Available on the Cadillac ATS and XTS, the seat vibrates to help alert drivers to potential hazards on the road. If you get too close to another car while you’re parallel parking, for example, or if you drift out of your lane, the seat will vibrate to alert you of the issue. Unfortunately, Shiatsu massage isn’t an option yet. Whether it's for style or safety, fun or entertainment, these are some of the innovations you can see at car dealerships today As automakers continue to innovate, do you think any of these unusual features will become the new standard?

Shoppers Play it Safe When it Comes to Car Colors [SLIDESHOW]

Melissa — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

In the early 1900s, Henry Ford once said, “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” By offering just one color, Ford managed to streamline the production process, improve quality and lower prices. As a result, the Ford Model T is often regarded as the first mass-produced car that the working class could afford. Conservative Color Choices Take the Lead While black was the popular color of most Model Ts for obvious reasons, AOL points out that car color trends gradually change over time. We may not notice dramatic changes from year to year, but the differences between decades can be significant. By the 1950s, for example, car colors had evolved to vibrant shades of red, blue and yellow. Today’s most popular car colors are a bit more conservative. According to the 2012 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report, white cars accounted for 24 percent of the North American market in 2012. Black cars came in second, at 19 percent of the market, and silver was the third-most popular color, at 16 percent of the market. However, that doesn’t mean that automakers are afraid to take risks with dramatic paint schemes. The new Ford Escape is available in a distinctive shade of light blue called Frosted Glass, while the Nissan 370Z comes in unique colors like Black Cherry and Midnight Blue. If you’re considering a Volkswagen Beetle, you can choose colors like Yellow Rush and Toffee Brown Metallic. [slideshow] Perception Drives Color Choices White, which was also popular in the 1980s, has made a resurgence for a few reasons. FOX News points out that Apple may have contributed to the shift, noting that the company’s all-white stores and polished products are considered modern and high-tech. And unlike the Model T's monochromatic paint scheme, a variety of white color tones are available today, ranging from flat or bright white to a metallic pearl. White also has a built-in advantage over other colors since it’s popular with business owners who buy work trucks and paint logos on them. Forbes indicates that silver was the top color from 2001 through 2006, but that white has consistently been one of the top color choices since 1998. In addition, Forbes writes that black and white are both colors that represent luxury, class and quality, which is why they’ve remained popular. While certain colors evoke a premium feel, other factors may have steered us toward white, silver, black and gray. FOX News writes that these conservative colors became more popular when the economy took a turn for the worse. Since shoppers planned to hold onto their cars longer, they were less likely to take risks than they would be with with loud, flamboyant colors. The colors we choose may also depend on where we live. According to car coating manufacturer PPG, there are more red cars in North America than most other areas of the world, while black and gray vehicles are more popular than silver ones in Europe. In Asia, silver and white tie for the top spot, and about 7 percent of the cars in each of these regions are blue. Color Affects Car Values The color of your next car is ultimately a personal choice, but choosing something other than pea-soup green may pay dividends when it’s time to sell or trade your vehicle. Kelley Blue Book writes that choosing a popular color now will likely help your car maintain its value to a potential shopper five years down the road. Sticking to silver, white, black and gray are the safest bets, while loud colors, such as yellow, orange and purple, may negatively affect your car’s value when it’s time to sell. Color choice overrides brand loyalty too, as Kelley Blue Book indicates that 39 percent of buyers will likely shop another brand if they can’t get their preferred color.

While there are infinitely more color choices today than when Henry Ford introduced the Model T, for the moment, most car shoppers are playing it safe with cars that are white, silver, black or gray. If you were heading out to buy a new car, what colors would catch your eye on the showroom floor?

10 Things to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Mike Orsini — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:00:13 +0000

With the high price tag of new cars, and the quick depreciation rate of new vehicles, many consumers look for used cars for sale instead. And while investing in a used car may seem like a judicious option, buyers still need to be smart in their choices. Used cars that are sold with hidden damage can become costly problems for the unsuspecting buyer. To avoid purchasing the proverbial lemon, here's a checklist of 10 strategies and points from CARFAX to check to help ensure condition and value before buying a used car. 1. The Test Drive It's always best to take the car on a test drive on both local roads and highways. In different environments, you can get a good feel for how the car responds and performs. On local roads, you can feel how the car shifts and responds to sharp turns. You'll also get a good idea on the condition of the brakes with stop-and-go. With a trip on the highway, you can note if the engine runs smoothly or not. While on a test drive, keep your eyes and ears open. Make sure to note any unusual engine noises and whether or not all of the electronics in the car are working properly. 2. The Aesthetics: Inside and Out Both the inside and outside condition of the car play a large factor in value. Make sure to check the interior upholstery carefully, along with any repairs to the exterior of the car. That's not to say you shouldn't purchase a car that has been in a minor fender-bender, but you'll want to make sure the exterior was repaired professionally and that the results are barely visible to the eye. Always open the hood and take a good look at the engine and parts. Dirty and rusted parts can be a strong indication that there may be trouble down the road. 3. The Leak Test Any car that is leaking fluids is a red flag for a needed repair. While you're on a test drive, take a moment to park in a clean area on the road, and let the car run for at least 30 seconds. Then, move the car and do a visible inspection for any leaking substances. Black fluid might be an indicator of leaking oil, green fluid may indicate a leak in anti-freeze, and pink fluid may indicate a leak in the transmission. 4. Research Reviews on the Make and Model Do a bit of detective work on industry and consumer reviews on the make and model to uncover possible defects or even common problems. You can easily do a check by doing a search on Google. 5. Research Price To ensure that you are being charged a fair price, make sure to compare prices for the same make, model and year with several sources. Checking the Blue Book values and dealer prices can easily be done online. Even though condition and mileage will play a role in price, you can still get a good ballpark figure of the going price. 6. Mechanic Inspection Many consumers don't take the time to have a mechanic inspect their used car before purchase, which can lead to more expensive car maintenance down the road. The cost to have a car inspected by a professional can be well worth the price. A mechanic is the professional who can help you discover hidden problems and also assist with determining the car's value. If there are going to be major problems with the engine or transmission in the future, this is the pro who is going to let you know. 7. Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles Purchasing a certified pre-owned car can be a wise choice because it offers the buyer an extra level of quality assurance. Many local car dealers offer these vehicles with warranties that extend beyond the initial new coverage. 8. Buyer's Remorse To avoid buyer's remorse, never be too quick to pull the trigger when buying a used car. Taking the time to do thorough research and negotiating for the best price is the best way you can ensure you’re getting a good deal on the right vehicle. 9. Decode the VIN Checking a VIN decoder chart is a quick, easy, and free way to check a used car’s VIN info matches up with what’s in the vehicle title and records. VIN cloning is a scam where sellers replace the VIN of a stolen car with one that is legally registered. This type of fraud can easily be avoided by decoding the VIN of the vehicle in question. 10. Vehicle History Report A vehicle history report can you help you reveal title problems, ownership history, service points and previous accidents, large or small. These reports can be available from dealers or ordered online. CARFAX offers one of the most comprehensive car reports available to purchase, which is pulled from a database of more than six billion car records. Following these 10 points and strategies can be a surefire way to help ensure that you don't get stuck with a lemon. You'll have all the information needed to help you make an informed decision, whether you decide to buy or not. Mike Orsini is the head of blog marketing at CARFAX. Headquartered in Centreville, VA, CARFAX is the most trusted provider of vehicle history information that is used by millions of consumers each year. CARFAX Vehicle History Reports™ are available on all used cars and light trucks model year 1981 or later.

Top 5 Used Car Buying Scams

Mike Orsini — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:00:03 +0000

How can you avoid falling for car scams when buying a used car? Learn the facts. CARFAX shared information on the top five car scams to look out for when buying a used car: Odometer Fraud: Odometer fraud is the practice of rolling a car's mileage back, making it seem as though the vehicle has traveled fewer miles than it actually has. This is an illegal practice that violates federal law, but, nonetheless, odometer fraud is a prevalent car scam. It's hard to detect this type of fraud; a vehicle history report is one of the few ways you can tell if the odometer has been tampered with. VIN Cloning: Stolen vehicles are often sold with vehicle identification numbers (VINs) that have been swiped from legally registered cars. One way to avoid being a victim of this scam is to verify that all of the VINs on a vehicle match, including those on the dashboard, the driver’s side door sticker, the car’s frame and the paperwork for the vehicle. Title Washing: Used car values can drop dramatically if a car is deemed a salvage, and this is why some car sellers are tempted to rebuild a salvaged vehicle and sell it with a new title. A salvage title is issued on a vehicle damaged when the cost of repair exceeds 75 percent of its pre-damage value. (This damage threshold varies by state.) For this scam, sellers “wash” the title of a car by altering the title documents and moving the car to different states to get a clean title. When buying a used car, check for wording that indicates a salvage title, such as "totaled," "reconditioned," "salvaged," "junked," "rebuilt" or "warranty returned." Also examine the title document to see if it has been physically altered. Curbstoning: State laws prohibit private citizens from selling multiple cars or vehicles, other than those titled to them, a practice called curbstoning. Frequently, curbstoners sell vehicles that reputable dealers won't touch, cars with hidden problems that can affect both the safety and the value of these vehicles. So give it some thought before engaging with a private party selling multiple vehicles. Airbag Fraud: Once they are deployed, airbags are sometimes not replaced correctly; and sometimes they aren’t replaced at all! There may be cases where airbags in a used vehicle you are considering are non-functional: they could be outdated, made of inappropriate materials or even could be non-existent (airbag covers can be replaced on the dashboard so that, from inside the vehicle, there is no indication that the airbag compartment is empty). The first step to finding out if a car may have missing or nonworking airbags is to run a CARFAX Vehicle History Report, which can tell you if the car has been in an accident. If it has, it may be a good idea to check to make sure the airbag system is in good working order.

Try to resist any pressure to act quickly when buying a used car; this can sometimes be a sign that the seller wants to hide something. Taking the time to personally evaluate the vehicle, have it evaluated by professionals and look into the vehicle history could be invaluable, saving time and money while guiding you to the perfect car.

Mike Orsini is the head of blog marketing at CARFAX. Headquartered in Centreville, VA, CARFAX is the most trusted provider of vehicle history information that is used by millions of consumers each year. CARFAX Vehicle History Reports™ are available on all used cars and light trucks model year 1981 or later.

Behind the Scenes: Chicago Auto Show

Patrick Olsen — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:13:37 +0000

It's the largest auto show in North America -- and it's going on this week! The 105th Chicago Auto Show features more than a million square feet of the latest and greatest in the auto industry. Cars.com took an inside peek at the setup for this year's show. The time-lapse video below shows the eight-day transformation of the bare floors of McCormick Place in Chicago to the 10-day auto extravaganza. This year's show features test tracks, where visitors have the chance to take a spin in some of the new cars from Jeep, Chrysler and other manufacturers. Of the nearly 1,000 vehicles on display at the show, the new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is the car to see, according to Cars.com editors. Some other cool rides you can see include:

2014 Lexus IS Sport Sedan
Ford Atlas Concept
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2014 Chevrolet Silverado
2014 Cadillac ELR
2014 Acura MDX Prototype
2014 Infiniti Q50

Want to check out all the new autos? The 2013 Chicago Auto Show is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Feb. 17 and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 18. For more information, visit the Chicago Auto Show website.

How Does the Economy Affect Purchasing Decisions?

Brendan — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:00:34 +0000

We've all heard jaw-dropping tales of economic adversity from the Great Depression, which get passed down through families from generation to generation. Some of those pearls of wisdom from elderly relatives are invaluable, teaching us how to save money and to live as frugally as possible. On the other hand, the generations that came of age in the 1980s and 90s developed very different, free-spending and heavy-borrowing habits. Will their lessons and habits be passed on too? Things are particularly hard for recent college graduates, also known as Generation Debt, who are faced with cracking an extremely tough job market. Are they looking back to Depression-era insights to help them survive in the modern world? Or is this generation set in the consumer habits they observed growing up?

It Pays To Save

Saving was key to people who survived the Depression, even if they could only put tiny amounts aside per month. Putting aside one-third of your income is often cited as a rule of thumb for anyone looking to save, but recent college grads swimming in debt and faced with meager earnings may find that a difficult target to make. Any amount of savings is better than none, however. Learning how to save might feel like a daunting proposition, but tech-savvy grads have plenty of free advice just a few mouse clicks away. The rise in popularity of budget-planning websites and apps help keep spending under control. Mint.com can be used to help prepare for the eventuality of debt prior to graduation, and can continue to be a valuable source long after.

Debt Can Be Deadly

Disproportionate borrowing was a huge factor in both the recent economic collapse and the Great Depression. It's estimated that the average student currently has around $25,000 of debt upon graduating, and for some it's much higher. There's evidence to suggest that recent grads are taking steps to reduce debts built up by loans, although some are taking extreme measures. Many people entering the workplace for the first time are putting off major life changes in order to focus on paying off loans. Getting married, having kids, and buying a house are all being put on the back burner until debt becomes manageable. Anyone dismayed at their debt situation can at least take comfort in knowing that they're in good company. Even Barack Obama has talked about how much debt he and Michelle were in after college, claiming they only got out of it eight or nine years after they were married, with a little help from book sale royalties. The Audacity of Hope was, it seems, appropriately named.

Shop Smart

Many Depression-era survivors got through the period by resisting the temptation to purchase desirable but unnecessary household goods, like a shiny new wireless radio - the 1930s equivalent of the iPad. Are recent grads cutting back in similar ways? The evidence suggests they are, even though consumer spending is generally on the rise -- increasing 2.9 percent in the first quarter of 2012. With student loan debt at an all-time high, fewer households are being formed due to grads living at home for longer periods of time, meaning there's been a slump in sales in furniture and other common household items. When money is scarce, bargain hunting becomes ever more important, and there’s evidence to suggest a large proportion of the population is seeking to cut corners in this way. Just look at the continued popularity of sites like Craigslit, eBay and Etsy, where you can buy and sell just about anything on the planet — often at vastly reduced prices. Even major retailers are tapping into the trend. The Amazon Marketplace remains one of the best places to sniff out a bargain online, and even top-of-the-range tech firms like Apple offer opportunities to purchase refurbished goods and older models of their devices. Maybe you don't have to forgo that iPad indefinitely after all. How can this generation recover from the effects of the recession, and how long will it take them? Do you think this generation will be permanently more frugal, or are they still influenced by the free-spending 1980s and 90s? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Want more information about managing your debt? Check out myallstatefinancial.com's Dealing with Debt section.

5 Eco-Friendly Luxury Cars for Commuters

Melissa — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:00:10 +0000

You care about protecting your car, and you should. Buying it caused quite a bank account dip— no matter what make or model you chose — and you depend on it to get you from home to work and everywhere in between. You figure if you're good to it, your car will be good to you. But, is your car being good to the environment? And will you still be able to afford gassing up if oil prices rise? If the answer is no, maybe it's time to think green. Many drivers think they'll have to sacrifice luxury for fuel economy, and comfy seating for fewer carbon emissions. Not so. There are countless options for the environmentally conscious commuter who needs a smooth ride as they battle the merciless evening rush. We've compiled a list of five luxurious, efficient and economical rides to prove it.

Audi A3

Boasting an impressive miles per gallon estimate of 21 in the city and 30 on the highway, the Audi A3 is certainly within the realm of "green" cars, but that's not the thing that blows us away. The A3's crown jewel is its price tag: It starts at $27,270 (reasonable for a luxury car) and comes equipped with a CD player, mp3 audio integration and a pretty powerful 4-liter engine that blasts from 0-60 mph in just over 7 seconds. The good package is made better when you consider it's born from the assembly line of one the world's most elite automakers.

Lexus CT 200h

A hybrid in every sense of the word, the CT allows drivers to choose whether they want to drive in a faster, less fuel-efficient mode or go for a more efficient and moderately paced ride (like those you might take home from the office). It's a weekday and weekend car all in one. If that doesn't win you over, its 42 mpg average fuel rating (according to Motor Trend) is the most efficient of any vehicle in its class, and it starts at $29,120.

BMW 335d

Those drivers willing to spend a bit more, but still concerned about their potential effect on the ozone layer, may consider BMW's 335d diesel engine sedan a fantastic choice. While not technically a hybrid, the 335d will get drivers a more than respectable 23 mpg in the city, and 36 mpg on the highway. Because it runs on diesel, drivers will spend less at the gas station, and fuel will burn cleaner than the usual premium-grade does. And for the luxury piece? Well, BMWs are called the "ultimate driving machines" for a reason: 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds, premium audio, concierge service and almost anything else you could want. But, it'll cost you -- $44,150, to be exact. And that's the absolute floor.

Lincoln MKZ

Anyone who's sat in the back of a Towncar knows Lincolnis synonymous with silky, smooth luxury. Now, we can add "fuel efficient" to the list of its attributes. The 2012 Lincoln MKZ hybrid boasts an impressive mpg rating of 41-city, 36-highway. Its $33,888 sticker isn't cheap, but considering the dough you'll save on fuel, that number starts to look a lot more justifiable — especially over a five-year period. True toLincoln form, reviewers give the MKZ a big thumbs-up on cabin comfort. Good news for commuters...and their back spasms.

Acura ILX

Small, efficient and very nice to look at, the Acura 2013 ILX hybrid's $28,900 starting price is not the most expensive of the bunch, and its 39-city, 38-highway mpg rating will do more than its part to help save the atmosphere. With a robust suite of standard options, the Acura will not disappoint the luxury-minded. Full disclosure, though: the 1.5-liter engine was not built with adrenaline junkies in mind. Once you buy your new, luxurious, environmentally friendly ride, you'll need auto insurance to protect your investment. Visit Allstate Personal Quote to get a fast and secure auto quote.

Photos courtesy of:

audiusa.com

treehugger.com

bmwblog.com

beloveedcars.com

autoguide.com

How To Spot A Shady Auto Mechanic

Jody DeVere, AskPatty.com — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:00:30 +0000

Learn the signs of a dishonest car shop and avoid getting scammed when you go in for repairs

Taking a car to a new repair shop is an exercise in trust. But, unfortunately, not all car mechanics are as honest as they should be. We all know the stereotype: grease-soaked coveralls, tobacco-filled mouth, oily cap (worn backwards), filthy hands. Finding a good car mechanic can be a grueling task. To help you weed out the good from the bad, we've compiled a list of things to look out for when you take your car in for repairs. If your mechanic starts raising any of these red flags, it's probably time for a second opinion.

Watch for the Scare Factor. When a mechanic says things like “I wouldn't drive this car another mile” or employs other scare tactics to discourage you from leaving the lot, it's probably a good idea to do just that. After all, the car got you there; it'll likely make it down the street to another garage.
Look for Certifications. ASE certification, or seals of certification from ASA, AAA and other auto industry groups should be prominently displayed in a reputable shop. These seals inspire a sense of trust and tell you that the shop owner takes his reputation seriously. If you don't see these kinds of certifications on display, ask why.
Question, Question, Question! Ask how long they've been in business. Ask for alternate recommendations. Ask about the equipment. Any mechanic who says “I don't need fancy equipment” should be avoided. Go ahead: Ask, ask, and ask. A reputable mechanic will have the answers.
Get It In Writing. Never sign a blank work authorization form. Always get a written estimate before you put your mechanic to work. And don't forget to ask about warranties! Any decent mechanic should guarantee his work.
Don't Do Double Labor. If a mechanic is going to charge two labor costs, ask how long the total job will take. Some will charge you double labor even though they can essentially perform both tasks at the same time.
Ask for Your Old Parts Back. This seems frivolous, but getting back your old parts will ensure that they were indeed replaced—and in need of replacement in the first place.
Don’t Take No for an Answer. No, your check engine light shouldn't be on all the time. And it isn't “probably a loose gas cap.” Any mechanic who shrugs off an indicator like this should be dropped—fast. If the check engine light is on, there's a reason. And you should find out what it is.
Don't Fall for the Flush. We see this one all the time. Coolant flushes and power steering flushes are commonly offered by quick lube shops and touted as necessary repairs. But check your owner's manual: Chances are your fluid was designed to go 100,000+ miles without needing a flush. Also, fuel injectors never need to be cleaned by a mechanic (there are additives for that). This falls under the category of car care you can do yourself.
Consult Your Dealer! Sometimes, a faulty part will be covered by a warranty or recall, and can be repaired by the dealership for free. Run a check before you give a mechanic the go ahead.
Do Your Homework. Shop around. Get a second opinion. Hey, Google it! Just because a mechanic shows you metal shavings from your transmission doesn't mean it's done for. (Those metal filings are probably a result of normal wear.) A little bit of due diligence will help keep you safe, your car in tip-top shape, and those shady mechanics at bay.

Guest blogger Jody DeVere is the CEO of AskPatty.com Inc, a website, blog and marketing agency providing automotive education to female consumers.

High-Mileage Cars: Is 200,000 the new normal?

Brendan — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 10:00:51 +0000

In the 1960s and 1970s, many automobile odometers did not even read beyond 99,999 miles. Hit 100,000, and the odometer turned back to zero. But now, thanks to tougher quality standards and post-recession financial concerns, Americans are driving their cars longer than ever before and high-mileage cars are the rule, not the exception. Is 200,000 miles the new 100,000 miles? Consider Porsche salesman Mark Webber. While selling new sports cars every day for a living, Webber still drives his 1990 Volvo to work, despite having more than 300,000 miles on the car. “I just can’t see the point of spending a lot of money driving a newer, racier car every day in city traffic when my old Volvo just wants to keep on going,” Webber told the New York Times. Webber has plenty of company. While Americans once prided themselves on driving the latest and greatest car, a shift in spending habits following the recession has more Americans than ever before working to extend the life of their cars. A recent survey by the automotive research firm R.L. Polk & Co found that the typical car buyer keeps a new vehicle for 71.4 months, an increase of nearly 18 months since 2006.

This shift corresponds with a change in Americans’ attitudes toward automobiles. Cars, once synonymous with an individual’s identity, are no longer as important to today’s millennial generation.

David Champion, the senior director of Consumer Reports, says that in the past, “[People] would sell the car at 60,000 miles to get some residual value out of it. Nowadays, 100,000 miles is only halfway through the life of the car.” In fact, used car prices are rising as recession-savvy buyers look to keep spending down while getting the biggest bang for their buck. The life expectancy of cars has steadily increased since the 1970s. A generation ago, many parts simply fell off a car at the end of their life cycle. Cars produced in the 1960s and 1970s were also more susceptible to rust and corrosion, so engines and transmission simply stopped working by 100,000 miles. Now, thanks to greater quality control and technology advancements, today’s automobiles meet strict requirements for anticorrosion standards. Gas mileage for cars is also an important factor -- as mileage increases, it's difficult to justify a new purchase. And carmakers intend their cars to say on the road for a long time. For example, Hyundai and Kia now include 100,000 miles/10 year powertrain warranties with their cars. Is your car approaching 100,000 miles and you hope to double that? These three tips will help keep your car on the road well past the 100,000-mile mark.

Drive gently.

Aggressive driving, hard stops and starts, and rapid accelerating or decelerating not only hurt your fuel economy, but these rough driving also adds unnecessary wear and tear to your car. Think about your morning commute: do you race to every stoplight, weaving in and out of traffic? Curbing your need for speed can help keep your car running longer.

Keep it clean.

A good wash will not only help high mileage cars sparkle, but it will also remove excess road tar and salt. This is especially important during winter months when salt residue from wintery roads can cause undercarriage corrosion. Regular waxing protects the paint job and resists rust.

Don’t ignore the check engine light.

Many drivers, myself included, enter a guilty state of denial when our check engine light turns on. Weeks turn into months, and the check engine light is still shining. If you have an older car, it’s essential to get the light checked out right away. It may be indicative of a serious problem with the transmission, timing belt or engine. Prompt attention can save your car from serious damage – and save you the headache and expense of having your car towed to the mechanic. When you're putting all those miles on your car, you don't want to overspend on gas. To find out the gas prices in your area, visit Allstate.com’s Gas Price Locator.

What's your mileage number? And how long do you plan to drive your car?

Does Birth Order Affect Financial Decisions?

Brendan — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Does birth order affect your personal finances? According to Derrick Kinney, an Ameriprise Financial Advisor, your birth order position as the eldest, youngest, middle or only child may impact your finances. In fact, according to psychiatrist Dr. Soroya Bacchus, birth order traits like independence, creativity and secrecy subtly affect the financial decisions we make each day. Are birth order traits affecting how you manage finances? Read on to see if you agree with Dr. Bacchus’s assessment.

Eldest children:

Firstborns love to be seen as stable and independent. According to Dr. Bacchus, you’re punctual about paying bills and managing finances. Since 35 percent of a FICO score is thanks to on-time bill pay, firstborns typically have strong credit scores. However, this perfectionism can also backfire, leading to burnout and unrealistic financial expectations. Do you expect a 30 percent annual return on your 401(k)? Are you trying to double your savings account while also building your IRA and emergency fund? Too many financial priorities at once can lead to unnecessary financial stress. Prioritize your short-term and long-term goals, and take steps each month to achieve these goals.

Middle children:

As natural problem solvers, middle children believe that they can handle anything themselves. When it comes to paying bills, Dr. Bacchus says that your independent, inventive streak may backfire. You’re more likely to move money around between different cards to hide financial problems. You’re also more likely to hide money troubles from the spouses. This can mean that your spouse is blindsided by financial troubles, such as a home loan rejection. Resist the urge to “get creative” with your accounting and be honest with your partner—together, you can build financial stability and trust.

Youngest children:

Parents often dote on younger children, giving in to their demands for new toys or clothing while growing up. Unfortunately, Dr. Bacchus says that this precedent makes it difficult for you to impose any self-discipline on your own financial affairs. Younger children are often more social than older children, prioritizing dinners with friends, shopping trips, and expensive vacations over financial prudence. To combat overspending, Bacchus recommends that you create a “social budget” for each month. Set aside a fixed amount of cash for social expenditures, like coffee with friends or dinner and a movie. Using cash helps keep you accountable for how much you spend—teaching you to make responsible spending choices.

Only children:

Like firstborns, only children are perfectionists who are extremely responsible with their money. You pay your bills on time and have a great credit score. However, Dr. Bacchus says that approval from others is essential, which means that you’re more likely to overspend in an effort to impress. Are you living beyond your means? Even if you pay bills on time, you may not be saving for future goals or investing in your retirement. If you spend beyond your means, cut down on shopping and social expenses. Instead, make regular savings a required part of your monthly budget.