Dream car in mind? Well, before you take even two steps toward buying it, make sure it will have the auto coverage it needs.
As more and more 2003 vehicles are unveiled, consumers will be beating their way to dealership doors, shopping around for new wheels. To ensure they get the "best deal," consumers will do some comparison shopping; reviewing new car guides, asking friends and experts and consulting the Internet.
Just as important is investigating automobile insurance to make sure you have the right coverage for the vehicle you buy. According to Cathy Rein, President and CEO of Metlife Auto & Home, "there are ways to take the sting out of premium increases associated with the purchase of a new car." Making smart decisions, says Rein, includes familiarizing yourself with the out-of-pocket expenses of which many people may not be aware.
The following questions offered by MetLife Auto & Home News, are ones to consider before purchasing a new vehicle:
-- How important is "image"? Although a car may look great and catch your eye, you may pay more for the "flair." Expensive cars traditionally require expensive repairs, higher theft rates and higher insurance costs. Sport-utility-vehicles and sports cars typically cost more to insure.
-- How safe is the vehicle? Vehicles considered "crashworthy" are usually the best insurance risks. Take some time to look at safety ratings at www.nhtsa.dot.gov or www.highwaysafety.org to determine how your prospective purchase is rated.
-- Can certain accessories be used to my advantage? Such accessories as anti-theft/ alarm devices and anti-lock brakes may qualify for discounts in your insurance premium.
-- Are there other discounts for which I qualify? Insurers offer discounts for several factors: driving record, good grades, safe driving courses, number of drivers using the vehicle, low annual mileage, a garaged vehicle, and/or driven for work or pleasure.
-- What about a raised deductible? The higher the deductible, the lower the premium. For the average auto owner, increasing the deductible from $250 to $500 could reduce the premium by 15 to 30 percent.
-- What does auto insurance cover? Determine in advance the level of protection actually afforded under the terms of the policy. For example, one important question to ask is if your new car is damaged beyond repair, will your insurer replace the vehicle with a new one, or take a deduction for depreciation. Insurers deduct for depreciation when settling both total and partial loss claims on their brand-new owned vehicles. Because not all consumers are aware of this, it pays to ask the question before the loss. A consumer has the option to either accept limited coverage or secure a more complete policy.
It pays to find out the answer to these and other insurance coverage questions before making that all-important purchase. Do your homework!
Mini Cooper S
As the literature suggests, let's sit in the Mini Cooper S. Originality abounds. From the steering-column-mounted tachometer to the toggle switches ( these are the best and so easy to use ) , to the speedo placed smack dab in the middle of the dashboard. There is so much that's different. Modern, yet retro ( '60s rally days inspired controls ) , the Mini is so-so appealing.
No matter if you're 6'7" or 4'10", you'll be comfortable in the Mini's sport seats. As all racing-inspired seats must, Mini's made sure driver and passenger are secure and snug in the high bolstered leatherette upholstered seats.
Standard equipment in the Cooper S includes such amenities as a CD-player, split-fold-down rear seats, A/C ( including A/C in the glovebox ) , leather-wrapped shift knob ( chrome and leather ) , six-way adjustable manual sport-seat with height adjustment, height-adjustable headrests, seatback easy entry/exit, xenon interior lighting, 2-spoke leather-steering wheel, alloy Patina trim. Our Cooper S test vehicle, in Pure Silver, carried a total vehicle price of just over $27,000. Options included the leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with finger-activated radio controls, 17" silver alloy wheels, front foglights, rear spoiiler, dual-pane panoramic power sunroof, cruise control w/multi-function steering wheel, and 2-way adjustable lumbar support for front seats.
Driving the Cooper S was a kick. Everything operates so effortlessly, from the Getrag six-speed gearshift to the toggle switches operating windows, lights, door locks. Head and legroom is more than generous for a vehicle this size. The tilt-steering wheel column allows for drivers of all sizes to fit in these comfortable, accommodating sport seats. Mini brags there is even room for a 36' wide screen TV in back! The rear seat folds down to accommodate all manner of "stuff," making this car a practical choice.
The S rode better than expected; translated to mean very well. But then, what would you expect from BMW? We haven't had a chance to get into the Mini base vehicle, but would expect the S to ride a tad smoother even with larger tires.
There is little doubt that what has helped sell Mini is BMW's show-casing of the brand. Because Mini's previous experience here in the U.S. from 1960-'67 was not a positive one ( selling fewer than 10,000 units ) , BMW knew it must reframe Mini's image.
Formally introduced in 2000 at the Paris Auto Show, and following in '01 in Detroit, the hype created a Pied Piper effect. Build it and they will come could well have been Mini's tagline, however, they didn't even need to build it first. Just the clever way Mini was/is marketed, in this writer's opinion, has sold this vehicle. Why, had finances allowed, I too would have signed up on the spot. A sucker for the type of marketing Mini has done, I bought in immediately.
At the Detroit Auto Show, Mini set up a photo booth where consumers could sit in front of a screen, push a button, after choosing your Mini's color, and have their picture taken sitting in a Mini. Yes, of course, I did it. Twice. I also operated the Mini vending machine which cleverly dispensed little Mini brochures. From the minute I spied the Mini display, a smile plastered my face, and stayed there throughout my walk through miniland.
Mini marketing continues to amaze and delight from the billboards to the airport kiosks. One such display features a Mini next to a coin slot that instructs "Insert $16,850 in quarters only." For those who placed their order early for the Mini, a copy of "The Unauthorized Owner's Manual" was sent ahead. The manual describes some of the secrets about the Mini, such as where to tap the car to create different sounds. For the adventurous who want to become a member of the elite U.S. Mission Mini Investigation Unit going to Spain this Fall, you've only to sign on to MISSIONMINIUSA.COM and apply.
We're eager to test drive the base Mini. With 15" wheels/tires ( S is equipped with 16", optional 17" tires ) , we expect the ride to suffer some. Mini Cooper S has standard sport suspension ( optional on Cooper ) , providing stiffer front/rear anti-roll stabilizer bars. Traction control is standard on Cooper S, Dynamic Stability Control ( DSC ) with traction control optional.
Mini is equipped with all sorts of safety equipment, including dual front airbags, ABS, six side impact airbags, engine immobilizer, fuel cutoff, Roadside Assistance, battery safety terminal ( disconnects in a collision ) .
There's isn't much that hasn't been said about the new Mini Cooper. It's fun, whimsical, quirky, attractive, innovative. It's all the adjectives you can throw at it. You just have to drive one. You'll see. You'll be hooked.
