Everybody’s trying to save money on fuel these days. And with average prices well above $3 without any signs of coming down soon, who can blame the thrifty driver? If you’ve tried to employ fuel-saving techniques but could still stand to save more, here are four more ways to save money on your fuel expenses each month.

1. Carry a notebook around with you and jot down gas prices in the areas you drive through each day. Make a note of the times and date as well. Some stations change their prices at regular intervals. By keeping track, you can fill your tank on the days before they raise their prices.

2. Don’t make any assumptions about gas prices based on the size of the business. Places like Sam’s Club and Costco usually have the best bargains on the inside, but their gas prices are often higher than independently-owned gas stations. Compare before you buy.

3. Visit some gas-monitoring websites in your area. Several online sites give updated information about the least expensive gas in a given area. Two of the more popular sites are GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch.com. Listening to local radio shows is also a great way to find out the best prices in your area. Many local programs ask listeners to call in when they see unusually low gas prices in town.

4. Don’t go out of your way to save a few cents on gas. Driving more than a few miles to save a mere three cents a gallon certainly isn’t worth it. You use up more gas by driving around, and you might end up spending more that way.

Following these tips and simply thinking about your options can help you save money on fuel for your certified Ford. And who doesn’t enjoy saving money these days?

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Ford vehicles consistently rate as some of the safest vehicles on the road. But the Taurus and Mercury Sable models received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s most prestigious award, the “Top Safety Pick” for family cars. They’ve also earned a five-star rating (the industry’s highest) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But what makes these models stand out as the paragons of safety?

The Restraints Control Module, or RCM, deserves most of the credit for the superior safety ratings. Because a car crash can happen in mere milliseconds, it’s important for the car’s safety features to engage in the blink of an eye. The RCM does just that. This safety component analyzes data from electronic sensors from the entire car faster than you can yell, “Look out!” Here are just some of the decisions that the RCM makes in that one split-second:

1. Should the safety belts tighten around the car’s occupants to prevent lurching forward and possible injury?

2. Should the air bags inflate? The safety system uses a sensor to determine if the passenger seat is occupied, so the air bag won’t inflate if the seat is unoccupied. It also determines the size of the passenger to create the ideal amount of inflation.

3. Is a rollover inevitable?

4. Should the side and curtain air bags inflate? This “Safety Canopy” feature does two important things: It creates a protective air bag shield between the passenger and the side window and it also keeps the air bags inflated for several seconds in case of a rollover.

These two models also have ten “crush zones” in various parts of the body to lessen the impact of heavy objects that might hit the car during a crash. This protects the passengers and driver inside.

With this and other safety features abundant in these vehicles, it’s no wonder why the automaker continues to be a leader by example for other companies. Visit our Sunset Ford St. Louis, MO dealership or our Sunset Ford Waterloo, IL dealership today to get a great deal on a safe vehicle.

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Buying a used car from a private party rather than a dealer can get you a better price, but is it really a better deal?

If you’ve ever considered purchasing a used car that somebody has sitting in a front yard with a “For Sale” sign on it, be careful. You can usually negotiate better deals with the seller, but there are many things to look out for. Remember the following tips before handing over your cash to a complete stranger in exchange for a car.

1. Do the research. Look up the car’s suggested resale value on websites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.

2. Conduct a background check on the vehicle. If it has been involved in any major accidents, this will show up in the report. You might even discover from where the vehicle originated. If it’s from a flooded area, such as New Orleans, it could mean that the car has been flooded.

3. Make sure the name on the title matches the name on the registration. If it doesn’t match, beware. It could be stolen or there could be something going on that you shouldn’t get mixed up in.

4. Have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic, preferably one that you know. If the seller gets offended or tries to talk you out of it, put your money back in your pocket. Getting a car checked out should not make a seller uncomfortable, unless you are being scammed.

Of course, you can avoid any major problems when buying a used car by purchasing a certified Ford through our local dealer. These vehicles get checked and rechecked so there is no guesswork on your part. Paying a few extra dollars is definitely worth the peace of mind you receive from making the right decision.

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Ford’s new F450 is drawing a lot of attention from consumers and industry experts. It’s even a major contender for Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year. What’s so amazing about this new full-size truck that’s making so many waves?

The first thing that attracts many buyers to the new F450 is its size. Truck buyers are always looking for the biggest truck on the market to show off to their friends. Ford knows this and continues to enhance the size of the F-Series truck.

You might be wondering who needs such a large truck in today’s world. Concerns about the environment and gas prices are prompting more consumers to find more economical means of travel. But Ford vehicles also lead the industry in fuel-efficient engines, even with the largest trucks. The F450 is no exception. The V8 engine includes CDI technology that helps save fuel by injecting it in spurts rather than all at once. This is the same technology used in the new eco-friendly diesel engines that even exceed California’s emissions standards.

The new engine not only saves fuel and the environment, but it’s also convenient for the driver and passengers inside. Even at 350 horsepower, it runs quieter than some of its same-sized competitors. With a refined interior, the driver and passengers on the inside barely hear a hum as the engine runs.

With the introduction of the F450, Ford Motor Company solidifies its presence in the full-size heavy- duty truck market. The automaker’s F-Series trucks have been a force to reckon with for at least the last decade. If the new model is any indication of the quality to come, it will continue to be the leading competitor for many more decades.

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Used car buyers typically fall into two different categories. Which one applies to  you?

The first category of used car buyers includes the ones that want a reliable vehicle for everyday use. Whether they use the cars for driving to work every day or for their businesses, this is the largest group of consumers in the market for a quality used car. These are the people that generally aren’t concerned with the latest features, make or model of the vehicles they choose as long as they start up and it go where they need to go every day.

The second category of buyers includes the people who want the latest features and luxuries that the automakers are providing for consumers. For these buyers, getting a reduced price on models that are only a year or two old is a thrill. Many buyers in this category place careful thought into their next used vehicles. They look for cars that are extensions of their personalities or types of status symbols that they couldn’t afford brand new.

Both categories prefer certified models, though. A certified Ford, for instance, satisfies the used car buyer looking for a reliable vehicle and the buyer looking for a “nearly new” model with updated features. You can count on a certified model because it doesn’t get this prestigious label until it has gone through several rigorous tests and qualifications. Visit your local Ford dealer today and driver a certified model for yourself. You’ll see why more people are turning to used cars to satisfy their car-buying urges.

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The Ford Motor Company has several models that are leading the way in environmentally-friendly vehicles.

That fact was recently backed up again when the International Energy Agency (IEA) awarded the company with the “Clean Vehicle Award” for its accomplishments in engineering high-efficiency automobiles. This marks the second time that Ford has received this distinguished award.

The organization presented Ford with the award on December 4 at the 2007 Electric Vehicle Symposium in Anaheim, California.

There were three possible categories for awards this year. Ford received the award for selling more than 50,000 units of hybrid models worldwide. The award generally goes to the manufacturer with outstanding sales reports for the year. Last year, Ford won the same award for surpassing sales of 25,000 hybrid units.

Greg Frenette, the Chief Engineer of the Fuel Cell Production Program at Ford, said the automaker’s hybrid program is an “unqualified success” and these fuel-efficient vehicles are critical for preserving the future of the United States. He added that the company’s Ford Escape hybrid is the “most fuel-efficient SUV in the world” and has withstood the test of time because it was the first SUV hybrid on the market.

The IEA also recognized Ford’s contribution to the hybrid market, stating that the automaker was vital to popularizing and producing more efficient models in the early days of this emerging technology.

The IEA started presenting these awards in 1993 as a way to impartially judge and disseminate current information regarding the latest technologies in the hybrid auto industry, including electric and fuel cell vehicles. The organization comprises researchers and officials from 11 countries. These researchers study the latest topics in the industry to help the organization make its award decisions.

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Did you know that in some cases you are protected under the “lemon laws” even when purchasing a used car?

If you recently bought a used car and you’ve had all sorts of problems with it, here are some things to consider. You might have a chance at getting your money back for the car or having the dealership pay for some of the expenses to repair it.

1. Read the contract thoroughly. Everything you get from the dealer when you purchase a used vehicle is vital. The paperwork contains all the information you’ll need. Most importantly, though, look for a warranty that’s expressly written and enforceable.

2. Find out if your state has any regulations regarding “as is” sales. In some cases, even “as is” sales have a short 30-day warranty if you purchase from a dealer.

3. Find out if your used vehicle is a demo car. Some states have regulations that apply the lemon law to demo cars as well.

4. See if your used car is in breach of any safety or equipment-standard regulations. If it is, you may have a reason to take legal action.

Another very important thing you can do to protect yourself is to see if the manufacturer of your vehicle offers a “secret warranty.” Many times, automakers will fix vehicles for free in order to avoid bad publicity or a recall situation. Even if the warranty has expired, some companies will still fix your defective vehicle. Unfortunately, this often requires the customer to demand satisfaction. The timid used car owner need not even try.

Your best option is to forget about these lemon guidelines altogether and purchase a quality certified Ford. Our dealership has a wide selection for you to choose from and you won’t need to worry about getting a “lemon.” With our “like new” vehicles, you won’t get that sour taste in your mouth anymore.

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Just when the 2008 models are making car buyers drool over the new features and technologies available from their favorite automaker, Ford introduces its 2009 Focus models. These new vehicles are modified versions of the previous years’ models, but they are attracting quite a bit of attention from industry observers.

Ford Europe confirmed the release of the new Focus and said that it will be a high-performance vehicle with a new design. Dubbed the Focus RS, the 2009 model is the result of developments by a team of specialists led by Jost Capito, the person in line to direct Ford Europe Performance Vehicles beginning in January 2008. The Focus RS has been in development for several months now, and Capito stated that he is “very excited” by the new model.

Copito and his team were also behind the development and production of the Ford Fiesta and the Focus ST, two very successful models of smaller Ford vehicles. These models were so successful, in fact, that they won two consecutive Manufacturer’s World Rally Titles. As a result of these two accomplishments, Ford Europe’s CEO felt it was only fitting that the company take on the project of creating a new Focus.

Ford has not released any technical details of its new vehicle. It will, however, disclose some details near mid-2008 when it is closer to the vehicle’s introduction. If you simply can’t wait that long for a great vehicle, our local Ford dealer can put you in one today. Stop in to see us and start your new year off with a bang!

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The popularity and availability of used car loans has made it much easier for many people to get behind the wheels of their dream cars.

Remember the days when a car was more of a luxury rather than a necessity? Me neither, but it used to be like that at one time. Today, it’s not impossible to live without a car, but it is very difficult. That’s why used cars are so attractive to people living on a budget.

But until recently, even a quality used car was out of the reach of many people. With auto leasing so popular, the dealerships need to do something with the vehicles once they are returned. And with automakers making drastic improvements with each new model year, new car buyers can’t wait to get their hands on the latest deluxe models. These two factors created a larger used car market than there was before. The most basic of economic lessons teaches that an increased supply drives the prices down.

This is great for people looking for a quality used car at a decent loan rate. Owners of leased vehicles are required to do all of the preventative maintenance while the vehicles are in their possession. Other cars get traded in when they are only a year or two old. But because both categories of cars have been used, their prices automatically drop, leaving lower prices for the next buyer.

If you’re in the market for a quality used vehicle, come see our selection of certified Ford models available at great loan rates and prices. As these cars are certified, you can be sure of their quality and reliability. Start your year off right with a car you know you can depend on.

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On December 11, the Ford Motor Company opened a new center to work on improving its upcoming model of the F150. Its New Model Quality Center occupies the site of the historic Rouge Center, and its main purpose is to ensure the best quality possible for next year’s introduction of the 2009 Ford F150.

The center is in the newly-renovated Dearborn Glass Plant. When it was first built, this factory was ahead of its time, and other companies tried to duplicate its innovations. By today’s standards, though, it would be considered a small factory. But using the building to perfect the F150 is a symbolic gesture of Ford’s dedication to its history and its vision for the future. The center is helping Ford to test its vehicles and train employees in building the new generation of F150s.

This is yet another example of how Ford is increasing its quality to regain the reputation it once had. During 2007, customers rated the Ford Motor Company’s performance on a variety of issues, and Ford’s ratings are steadily increasing. The surveys showed that the quality increased by about 11 percent while the overall industry received a raing increase of only two percent. The Dearborn automaker also won 14 awards for its vehicles in several different categories, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

No other car company received that many awards this year. Ford hopes to duplicate its success and even exceed customer expectations with the 2009 F150. The new center is using digital processes to help eliminate any manufacturing issues. Ford is also training existing employees on workstations that duplicate the ones that will be on the assembly lines when the new model goes into full-scale production. It’s just one more exciting thing that Ford has in store for its loyal and new customers.

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