Apparently, there is new legislation on the rise that is aiming to create new consumer protection laws, which would be great news for just about everyone in the country – if it can get off the ground. This comes eighteen months after the huge financial crisis with the subprime mortgage lending scandals, and officials are saying that new financial reform bill would protect against future crises, should any arise. The new legislation would give the Federal Reserve power to regulate the biggest players in the financial system and also creates a new consumer protection agency, which could put a stop to government bailouts of companies that are “too big to fail.”

The bill has been met with skepticism and even scorn from those against setting up a new federal entity, which could curtail activity of financial companies, but honestly who is buying that? Consumers will be the winners, with new protections, though many are saying that consumers are going to be losing in the deal with higher costs and more limited credit access. But in a time when credit is just another word for “debt,” what’s the point? If this bill makes people safer and prevents idiotic companies from screwing the pooch again, I say we go for it.

Getting the most money for your vehicle for a trade-in is important for vehicle owners. With all the money you spend, it is important to learn how your vehicle can have curb appeal to attract more potential buyers. With Direct Connect Auto Transport, they have been in the auto transportation industry for over 20 years and know how you can make the most money for your vehicle.

Keeping Maintenance in Check

Proper maintenance is important to ensure your vehicle is in top condition. This will not only let the customers know that they are buying a reliable vehicle, but will also let you get the most for your money. Maintenance repairs from a professional mechanic such as oil changes, tire rotation, and other preventative measures will help to extend the life of the vehicle and will pay for itself.

Vehicle Cleanliness is a Must

Your vehicle must be clean and without any harsh odors. You wouldn’t want to purchase a vehicle that has musty odors, for example, which can indicate a past leak in the vehicle. Vehicles can also have pet odors or smoke odors that should be professionally cleaned out before even put on the market. Your vehicle should be vacuumed, washed, waxed and completely cleaned. Investing a little extra on the appearance of your vehicle can attract more buyers to your vehicle.

Take Note of What Customers Want

Knowing what customers want is important whenever you sell anything. In order for the customers to be interested in buying, your vehicle needs to have something that interests them. If the vehicle is painted a loud color, you may not have many customers wanting to take that car off your hands. Drivers want everything in working condition from the radio and A/C to safety features and other components. Everything should be disclosed to potential buyers from accidents to other damage like flooding.

You can look up your vehicle’s trade-in estimate, to see the amount that you can sell your vehicle. You can check prices from Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds for accurate information for vehicle conditions and prices.

Direct Connect Auto Transport knows how to save people money whether it’s through knowledge of all things auto from car values to even large vehicle shipping. These little tips on how to get the most value for your vehicle will help you to save annually. Whether you want to save money through ship car to California or transport internationally, Direct Connect Auto Transport is your go-to Auto transportation company for helping you save money for your vehicle.

Recent talks of an electric Dune buggy – a cross between the classic Volkswagen minibus and an electric powered car – could join the new Volkswagen I.D. line. Volkswagen is rumored to be making 3 electric cars within the next five years in the U.S. This is an exciting opportunity for manufacturing right here in the U.S., promoting more jobs while creating a greener future. If you are interested in purchasing an electric car currently on the market, you can easily use the automobile transportation services by Direct Connect Auto Transport to be driving your electric car sooner than ever. Direct Connect Auto is one of the most reliable auto transport companies, shipping everything from trucks and motorcycles to boats and electric cars – wherever you need in the U.S. or even internationally! When the Volkswagen electric cars are made available, consider using safe and reliable enclosed vehicle shipping with Direct Connect Auto.

In 2020, Volkswagen will launch its first electric car that only runs on electric power. This will replace the e-Golf model. The next model is said to be a remake of the iconic 1960’s minibus. This will be launched in 2022, and will create an entirely new generation of microbus fans and is already creating quite the buzz! The all-electric model will have 3 rows of seats, which allows for a flexible design as opposed to the more compact electric cars in the market today. The third vehicle, a flagship sedan, will also come out in 2022. This is a hatchback spinoff that will also run solely off of electric power.

It is not certain that these electric cars will be made in the U.S., but one of the 16 manufacturing locations being considered is in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is looking to create this “e-location” that will produce 1 million electric cars a year. They are investing 40 billion into the manufacturing of the electric vehicles and their locations.

The current top rated electric cars of 2018 according to Edmunds.com are the 2018 Chevy Bolt, 2018 Nissan Leaf, 2018 BMW i3, 2018 Tesla Model S, 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric and the 2018 Kia Soul EV. The newer electric cars have more styles, colors, sizes, and features. Original electric vehicles were more compact, where now we are seeing larger models from top car manufacturers. Direct Connect Auto knows that consumer demand is quickly changing with interest in electric and hybrid cars. They have experience with shipping electric cars and will move cars for you anywhere you want to get your car delivered safely and efficiently!

Buying a motorcycle online can be a positive experience since there are a lot more options, it can be more cost efficient and you can find something more unique. You can usually find exactly what you are looking for online, and it will take a lot less time then going to a dealership. From the comfort of your own home, you can find different models of motorcycles from all over the world. Once you find your desired motorcycle, don’t worry about picking it up! You can use enclosed auto transport with Direct Connect to deliver your motorcycle to all states in the U.S. or internationally.

Below are a few tips on how to buy a motorcycle online:

1. Get a Motorcycle History Report – When you find a motorcycle that you like, get a motorcycle history report that can contain everything from accident reports to stolen or damaged titles. You can work this into the negotiation price, often giving you a lower price. This is important information that the seller might not tell you or reveal in photos that the history report can reveal.
2. Warranty – The seller may offer a warranty if the motorcycle is damaged under a certain time period. Private sellers usually sell motorcycles in ‘as-is’ condition, and may not know the full condition of the motorcycle if it was purchased used. You may be able to go through the owner of the site you purchased the motorcycle to arrange a possible refund if the motorcycle arrived damaged or was not what was described in the ad.
3. Financing – At the time of purchase, you most likely need to pay all up front. A private seller will usually not offer a payment plan. Each owner offers a different way to pay online, and many use PayPal or even allow debit or credit card purchases.
4. Transfer the Title – The motorcycle owner will arrange for the title to be shipped to your location. Once you get the title, arrange for the title transfer with the DMV along with other needed paperwork from the DMV required to use the motorcycle legally on the road.

Once you have invested a lot of research into buying a motorcycle online, it is also a good idea to research a reliable automobile transportation company like Direct Connect Auto Transport. With over 20 years of auto and motorcycle shipping experience, they can deliver your motorcycle safely to where it needs to be. With 24/7 shipping tracking, you will always know the location of your motorcycle. So don’t invest time in researching a motorcycle online without researching a shipping company – it would be a shame to have an unreliable shipping company to ship, and possibly damage, your motorcycle!

Since a luxury car is a major investment, it is important to properly maintain your car to keep it from wearing quickly. You should practice good maintenance of any car you purchase, but especially for one that you put good money into. With depreciation and taxes, it is important to keep up with the maintenance of your luxury car and have a reliable maintenance company on hand. When you first purchase your luxury vehicle, you may want to consider having it shipped by an experienced enclosed auto carrier like Direct Connect Auto Transport. They have been in business for over 20 years shipping all types of vehicles from luxury to classic cars, nationally and internationally!

Go By The Book and Follow The Maintenance of The Manufacturer

Following the maintenance schedule of the manufacturer will allow you to get the best performance out of your vehicle. The experienced engineers and mechanics that design the vehicle also make the manufacturer’s manual, so it is vital to follow it exactly.

Wash Your Car and Use Cleaning Products That Specifically Work With it

You should be able to find out exactly what the cleaning products are that work well with your vehicle. There may be certain chemicals that you should avoid that may harm the paint on your luxury vehicle. There are also certain cleaning products to be used on the vehicle’s seats and certain ones that should not be used.

Check Oil and Batteries

These are some of the first things you should check with a vehicle to make sure it runs efficiently. With oil, it should be checked every few weeks or at least every month. If you do not have enough oil, your vehicle will not run properly. The indicator on the dashboard will let you know if your oil is getting low. When it is less than half of its capacity, you should refill the oil to the top. With batteries, most of the new ones being made last about 5 years. If the battery is over 3 years old, it is a good idea to have it checked out. One of the major causes of car breakdowns are faulty batteries, so you should always have them checked by a professional.

The good things about newer, more modern cars is they need much less maintenance than an older model. However, you should have a maintenance schedule for everything from tire air pressure to engine oil. This will ensure you car is performing at its absolute best, without lag. This can end up costing you more in repair costs if you avoid a scheduled maintenance care.

With 5 out of 5 stars on TransportReviews.com and over 130 satisfied customers, Direct Connect Auto Transport is your go-to company for auto transportation service. So only follow the maintenance requirements from the experts who manufactured your luxury vehicle. And only trust the experts in transporting cars to ship your new luxury vehicle to your destination.

1. Cash is King – Those who present the dealer with cash upfront may be lucky with a private dealer who will be able to haggle to get you a price you want. If you try to haggle with a car dealership, having cash up front does not give you much leverage. Since the dealers are not making much anyway per car, most of their profit is from interest and loans on the car. To save money on the purchase of the car, you may be able to have the dealer claim a “loss”, but their profit would return from loan repayment and interest. Once you purchase your car, our experienced open vehicle transporters from Direct Connect Auto Transport can safely get your car to its destination.
2. Purchase Out of State to Eliminate Sales Tax – You can be lucky to save some money with a car purchase out of state, but the sales tax is configured not from the location of its purchase but from the region of registration. Those who live in cities like Boston or Philadelphia may think it’s a great idea to purchase in a suburb far away from their home and move cars back to their city. In Philadelphia, they have both a state tax and sales tax. They also pay more sales tax for living in the city then the outside towns that surround them. Some Philly residents may want to purchase in the suburbs to avoid the sales tax, only to be disappointed since you still have to pay your city’s sale tax even if the purchase was in another location. You may be able to shop around to find discounts on the actual price of the car, but you cannot save on the sales tax.
3. Shopping on Certain Dates – Due to this other common car buying myth, many people assume to wait for certain dates – like the end of the month. Car buyers assume that dealerships are desperate to get cars sold quickly to meet sales goals. Do not just head to any dealer at the end of the month, but focus on ones that make many transactions each month. These dealers are often more reliable and focus on the positive car buying experience and selling in large volume.
4. Do Not Purchase a Red Car – This has been a long car buying myth that has been known for years. People assume that due to the brighter color of the car it’s easier to be noticed by police, and red cars are more likely to be pulled over. People generally avoid purchasing red cars to avoid higher insurance, when insurance companies do not even ask for the color of the car. Insurance companies ask for the year, age and engine size, model, make and body type. If you are looking to purchase a red car, your insurance rate will not go up and Direct Connect will gladly ship it to your home with an enclosed auto carrier.
5. Coming Up With a ‘Final Price’ – Sure, you may have researched the same car you are looking for on a website and found it to be less expensive. The one online may have not factored in all of the costs such as sales tax, state and local tax, state license and registration fees, leasing fees and more. If you use the common buyer tactic of having a check with a final price on it, you will often not be able to walk out with the car you want. You have to factor in all of the dealership fees, and your final price may actually be higher than the price the dealership had in mind.

The new 2018 models have been outdoing previous models from performance and fuel efficiency to unique features and improved technology, just as one would expect. Car shoppers today expect more out of cars than ever before, and car manufacturers have to produce cars that live up to their expectations. They want vehicles that have all of the latest gadgets, have a great safety record, is reasonably priced and have great fuel economy.

The cars listed below are the top five desired vehicles of 2018:

1. 2018 Kia Sorento – This is one of the top desired SUVs, and is the best 3-Row SUV for your money. If you are looking for an SUV that is high performing and available at a reasonable price, then consider this vehicle. The spacious interior has plenty of passenger space, and up to date features that many luxury SUVs offer. As being one of the lowest starting prices for an SUV, this makes it ideal for families that are looking to save a little cash without skimping on performance.
2. 2018 Toyota Avalon – For a great value with all of the latest features of many newer cars, consider the Toyota Avalon. It’s the best large car for your money from 2018 models. With a spacious cabin and leather seats,  it just proves a long car ride does not have to be uncomfortable! You can have all of the latest features, great fuel economy and a standard V6 engine all at a competitive price.
3. 2018 Audi A3 – At only $31,950, this luxury, a midsize car has all of the features and performance of a regular Audi car at a lower price. If you have always wanted a luxury sedan but didn’t want to spend the steep price – now a luxury sedan can be affordable for everyone. It is even at a lower cost than many midsize cars that are not luxury brands.
4. 2018 Ford Edge – The best 2-row SUV for the money is the 2018 Ford Edge. With plenty of interior space, this makes it a comfortable and quiet ride for passengers. The Edge also boasts of plenty of unique tech features that you would see in many newer SUV models. At only $29,200, this large sized SUV is a steal and a great long-term choice.
5. 2018 Toyota Camry – This midsize car is anything but ordinary. With standard safety features, outstanding performance and the newest technology like smartphone integrations, this car is not what you would expect from a traditional commuter car. You can expect this to be a great deal in the long run, since long-term ownership costs are lower than costs for the average sedan.

You can still have features of a luxury sedan all at a reasonable price in these budget-friendly vehicles. These five vehicles from 2018 boast of superior performance, comfort and great fuel economy all at an honest price. Don’t pay a steep price for a luxury vehicle, when these vehicles have many of the same features for a fraction of the price!

Fort Bragg – Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, this is the largest military base in the U.S. It is located on 163,000 acres and has a population of 238,646. The land holds 52,280 active soldiers, 12,624 reserves, 8,757 civilian employees, 3,516 contractors, 62,962 active duty family members and 98,507 family members and army retirees. Fort Bragg was the military base where successful World War II tactics were developed. There are two airfields; Pope Field and Simmons Army Airfield for airborne needs and special operations forces.

Fort Campbell – The second largest military base is located on the Kentucky/Tennessee state line. The population is 234,914 and covers an area of 105,000 acres.  There are currently 30,438 militaries, 151,360 personnel, and 53,116 family members. This is the 5th largest active duty member population in the army. This base was first established in 1942 and first used for World War II. Construction of the base was sped up due to attacks on Pearl Harbor. It annually puts 2.6 billion dollars into the local economy and is the largest employer in both Kentucky and Tennessee.

Fort Hood – This is the 3rd largest military base with a population of 217,003 and an area of 214,968. It is located in Killeen Texas, halfway between Waco and Austin. During World War II, this base was used to hold tank destroyers and mobile anti-tank guns. The tank destroyers were made to counter any German mobile armored units during World War II. There are currently 4,733 active duty officers, 74,294 family members, 39,262 active duty members, 39,805 retirees and 8,909 civilians. The base is now primarily used for National Guard and the Army Reserve for a strategic power protection platform.