I’m thinking about purchasing a used vehicle, what consumer protections are offered to me?

Video Transcription
Federal law mainly deals with used vehicles. A dealership is required to post what is called a buyers guide, included in that buyers guide will be information pertaining to the financing of the contract, whether a vehicle is purchased as-is. As-is basically means you are buying what you get, whether it has the warranty with it, information such along those lines. It’s important, also they should post that the customer should have the ability to have the car inspected prior to purchasing your vehicle as well, having gone through all of that, that should be posted on the vehicle itself.

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day coming up this Sunday, we’ve compiled a list of this year’s top 5 “green” cars. NewsWatch rated these five eco-friendly cars are the best bet for saving the planet and your money.

Toyota Prius

Image via www.egmcartech.com

The Prius is unique enough that it has become a brand of its own. With the addition this year of a larger model (the V) and a smaller model (the C) that brand has expanded.  It is the best name for high-efficiency cars, having set the benchmark year after year.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Image via www.treehugger.com

Mitsubishi’s electric vehicle is a futuristic-looking electric car that is the most energy efficient vehicle available in America today.  This pure-electric car uses lithium-ion batteries to drive a 66-horsepower engine, enough to give it spunky performance for driving around town.

Honda Civic Natural Gas

Image via automobiles.honda.com

Natural gas doesn’t get the same hype in automotive design as electric power, but it’s green nonetheless.  Green enough, in fact, for the LA Auto Show to award the natural gas-powered Civic the Green Car of the Year award.  The range of this year’s model has been improved to 240 miles, which beats most electric-only vehicles.

Smart ForTwo

Image via www.smartcarofamerica.com

The ForTwo doesn’t achieve its high energy efficiency by using a small engine to power a small, lightweight car.  It makes up for its size with a unique, head-turning style.

Lexus CT200

Image via www.autoguide.com

The CT200 is a hybrid-only model (not available in a non-hybrid form) that gets 43 mpg.  Best of all?  For the same price as the Mitsubishi-i, the Lexus is, well, a Lexus.

And, of course, we had to add in one of our favorite green cars.

Lamborghini Murcielago

Image via madisoncowles.tumblr.com

This Italian high-performance exotic super car is known for its characteristic scissor doors that open upwards. But, unlike the other cars on this list, it’s neither very eco- nor budget-friendly.

Not everyone can afford to buy a new car. If you’re living on a budget and in need of a set of wheels to get around in safely this winter, there are plenty of options in the used car market that might do the trick.

Of course, if you live in an area that experiences snowy or icy conditions during the winter months, picking the right used car requires that you look at more than just the car’s mileage rating and cost. Here are a few things to look for in a used vehicle that will serve you well in the snow.

Anti-Lock Brake Systems
Make sure the car you’re buying has an anti-lock brake system (ABS). Hitting your brakes too hard under slick road conditions can cause you to slide uncontrollably. This is where an ABS can step in. ABS uses a method of applying brakes in a “pumping” manner that helps prevent your wheels from locking up, which helps you keep control of your vehicle.

Keep in mind that not all anti-lock brake systems are the same. Some operate on all four of your wheels, while others only apply to your rear wheels. The latter scenario leaves open the possibility that your front wheels could lock up, causing you to lose control of your steering. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the most effective anti-lock brake systems are the ones that control all four wheels, minimizing the chances of losing control of a vehicle in a potentially dangerous situation.

4-Wheel Drive Versus All-Wheel Drive
Choose wisely between four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive vehicles. Both four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems provide power to all four wheels, which can help provide traction on slick roads. The difference between the two is that four-wheel drive must be manually engaged by the driver, whereas all-wheel drive is always “on.”

As for the two other options, rear-wheel drive is probably the least attractive choice as far as traction on snowy roads. Front-wheel drive ensures that your front tires, which are involved in steering, do all of the gripping, as well.

Traction Control
When you’re shopping for a used car, find out what kind of traction control system the vehicle has. Many newer cars come with features like electronic stability control, which uses sensors and single-wheel braking to help you keep control of your car’s steering, and electronic traction control, which can help keep your tires from slipping. Both types of systems can help make it easier to stay in control of your vehicle during adverse conditions.

Safety Features
Look for safety features, like front- and side-impact air bags. Even with top-of-the-line traction control and all-wheel drive, there are no guarantees when ice and snow are involved. Prepare for the unexpected and make sure your car has the appropriate equipment to help keep you protected from all angles, including seat belts with shoulder harnesses and air bags that deploy from both the front and side.

Buying a used car with features that can help keep you safe in the snow and ice is a good starting point. But it’s also important to remember that, if you’re going to be on wintry roads, you should also make sure to drive cautiously, keep your car well-maintained and carry emergency supplies in the trunk.

This guest post comes from the editors of The Allstate Blog, which helps people prepare for the unpredictability of life.

Recommendations by the Editor:

• Winter Driving Tips
• Winter Driving Means Safe Driving
• 5 Safe Driving Tips for Deer Season

If I decide to buy a new car, what are the steps I have to take in order to transfer my extended warranty?

Transferring an Extended Warranty

When you sell your vehicle you have to contact the administrator of the contract. They will require a $50-$75 transfer fee. The contract will be transferred once they see documentation of maintenance as well as change of registration.

Since my car already comes with a warranty, do I have to buy an extended warranty from the car manufacturer? Or are there other options?

Video Transcription:
Do you have to buy the extended warranty through the vehicle manufacturer? No, you don’t. See, your car comes from the factory with a limited warranty, it goes for so many miles or so many months, whichever comes first. Once that’s expired you need extended coverage, and you can buy that from the manufacturer or you can buy it in the after-market and often save money and get better coverage in the process. Simply look for an extended car warranty company like CARCHEX.