Believe it or not, summer is a great time to buy a new vehicle.

When the auto industry tanked in 2008, carmakers slashed production to save money.  However, sales have started to pick up, and that may mean the buyer’s market is ending.

In a recent Yahoo Autos and US News and World Report article, Truecar.com Industry Trends and Insight vice president Jesse Toprak explained that prices may begin to increase at the end of the summer.

“Discounts will be less attractive [this fall],” Toprak says. “Summer is a great time to buy because discounts will be attractive and inventory will be decent.”

Whether you are planning to buy a Ferrari or a Ford, keep the following tips in mind:

• Don’t bother trying to get the Fourth of July weekend deals.  According to Toprak, the Fourth of July weekend isn’t really one of the best times to buy a car.  Instead, try stopping on the days surrounding the holiday weekend.
• Buy an SUV or truck.  With gas prices still high, many consumers are looking for fuel-efficient smaller cars, which means truck or SUV discounts.
• Before buying, ask about cost to insure the makes and models you are considering.  Some cars are more expensive to insure, so compare auto insurance rates.
• Don’t shop for a convertible in the summer, since that’s when prices are highest.
• Separate the new car purchase transaction from the trade in. Negotiate your best deal by telling the dealer you have nothing to trade. When you get a rock bottom out the door number. Then offer a trade so that you can see exactly what you are getting for your trade.
• Investigate financing from credit unions and banks before you start car shopping.
• Comparison shop. Just like you compare rates for auto insurance, be sure to shop your local dealerships and make them work to beat the best price you find.  Don’t be shy about offering a lower price for a vehicle or asking for extra options.
• Do you homework using to determine the dealers true cost and current incentives on the vehicles that you are interested in.

Still can’t afford your dream car?  You can drive it for far less money if you participate in an automotive dream tour.  Nothing says summer like driving a Porsche Cabriolet!

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance SEO Web content writer, who specializes in web content, editing, and technical writing. Among her recent projects are content for a Dallas Commercial Real Estate company and for a Saginaw TX insurance agent.

When you’re shopping around for a new Texas auto insurance policy, it’s always a good idea to compare rates.

But what makes someone a good driver? These traits are important for maintaining a clean driving record:

• Keep your vehicle in great shape. This means more than getting regular oil changes. Also check your tire pressure, battery, exhaust system, brakes and lights. All of these items can help you avoid an accident.
• Pay attention to the weather. Remember to check the road conditions before you set out and modify your driving habits and speed accordingly. Good drivers back off in rain and snow.
• Keep calm. Safe drivers avoid road rage. If you are around another aggressive drivers, just try to keep from getting sucked into the struggle.
• Minimize distractions. Whether it’s screaming kids or a ringing cell phone, try to keep your attention on the road. Driving is your most important job when you’re in the car.
• Don’t tailgate. The more distance you have between your car and the one in front of you, the more time you have to react. It’s best to maintain a distance of at least one car length per ten miles an hour.

Wondering where the safest drivers live? According to Forbes Magazine, the safest drivers in the United States are in Rhode Island. The safest driving city is Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

There’s no denying that insurance can be expensive. In fact, it can be one of the most costly parts of owning a car. But you can trim your insurance premiums by maintaining good driving habits.

You can also save by being a savvy insurance shopper. Once you’ve taken a look at your driving habits, try the following tips to help you save on auto insurance in Texas:

• Get multiple free insurance quotes to compare rates.
• Us an online insurance quote form to save time as well as money.
• Mention that you use your seat belt and point out any safety features in your car.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance web content writer, who specializes in blogging, editing, and technical writing.

The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne will be available in the U.S. the fall of 2010 and is considered a flagship car for the automaker.

While Bentley does not plan to implement hybrid technology or diesel fuel capability for the Mulsanne, the company has revealed plans for the new model to use flex fuel.

The Mulsanne will be able to run on a combination of traditional gasoline and ethanol.  In fact, the Bentley Continental may be moving to flex fuel soon as well.

The Bentley Mulsanne features a 6.75-liter V8 engine that cranks out  505 horsepower.

“There’s nothing like driving a Bentley,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas car storage facility.  Sturgeon also owns and operates a business that gives autophiles a chance to drive exotic cars.

DFW Drive Your Dream (http://www.DFWDriveYourDream.com) gives participants the opportunity to drive a Bentley and several other exotic vehicles over a specially designed tour route in Texas.

“I love most exotic cars,” says Sturgeon, “but the Bentley Continental is just one of my favorites.  It’s a sweet combination of performance and style.”

The Mulsanne will be available in 100 exterior paint options.  Customers can also have a new color specially mixed to match anything from their favorite flower to the exact blue of their spouse’s eyes.

And the customization doesn’t stop at the car’s exterior.  You can choose from 24 leather upholstery colors, nine different wood veneer options, and a wide variety of other accessories and accents.

“It’s a luxury brand,” says Sturgeon.  “They want to deliver a car that is a perfect fit for the person who drives it.”

Automobile analysts expect the new flex fuel Bentley Mulsanne to cost between $225,000 and $264,000.  But if you think that’s the end of the expense, think again.

There’s also depreciation, car insurance, maintenance, repairs, and storage for the car.

“It can be expensive to own,” says Sturgeon, “but they sure are fun to drive. That’s what makes Drive your Dream so attractive. You enjoy the cars without any of the hassles.”

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, who specializes in web content, editing, and technical writing.

This year, things are different.

The focus of this year’s Detroit Auto Show is efficient, green automobiles. Small cars are the kings, and from standard gasoline engines to electric plug-in vehicles, there are lots of new options.

Photo of DFW Drive Your Dream event by Josh Davis of Josh Davis photography. Copyright Josh Davis. All rights reserved.

Tesla, known for its all-electric, high-performance Roadster, performed an impressive marketing stunt. The company drove one of its cars 2,700 miles to the Detroit Auto Show without using a drop of gasoline.

Another notable car at this year’s show is the Tango EV by Commuter Cars. This two-seat vehicle hopes to woo fans of the Smart Car and other tiny commuter vehicles. In the Tango EV, the passenger sits behind the driver, as opposed to the side-by-side seating of the Smart Car.

CT&T, a Korean car company, presented its C-Square Roadster, an electric car that will go on sale in the US later this year.

Kelley Blue Book judged the cars at the auto show and chose the 2012 Ford Focus as the best car there. The Blue Book believes it has potential to be a best-selling car and that it means great things for the future of Ford.

“After the most amazing year most of us auto industry veterans have ever experienced, this year’s Detroit Auto Show had a completely different vibe from last year’s show,” Kelly Blue Book’s Jack R. Nerad told journalists. “No one thinks the industry is out of the woods yet, but there was a collective sense of renewed energy to move forward.”

This new energy is good news to fans of exotic cars and the auto industry in general. Businesses that depend on the automotive sector, such as mechanics, car storage facilities, insurance providers, and car detailing shops are hoping that the Detroit Auto Show is a harbinger of good times ahead.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

Due to the expensive battery packs in plug-in vehicles, the majority of these cars are unlikely to represent a cost savings for the consumer.  Gasoline hybrids, on the other hand, could save you a lot of money, and more efficient traditional gas engines could also be a savings.

That’s because larger battery packs are required for plug-in cars.  These larger batteries are more expensive, and unless there are significant government subsidies, the cost is likely to be passed on to consumers.

This report, from government advisory group National Research Council, comes at an inopportune time for many carmakers.  Chevrolet is releasing its plug-in Volt this year, and the beleaguered carmaker takes issue with some of the figures in the report.

Among them is the statement that building the Volt will cost $18,000 more than a standard gasoline vehicle and that $14,000 of that is solely for the battery pack.

“Our starting point, which already costs much less than they estimate, is just the first step,” said GM spokesman Rob Peterson, calling the battery cost estimate “bloated.”

Plug-in hybrids also may not make a significant impact on reduction of greenhouse gasses, since they frequently get their power from polluting coal-fired power plants.

The alternative?  Traditional hybrids and more efficient gasoline engines.  These technologies require little change on the part of the consumer, so they will be easier to adapt.

New regulations on auto emissions, combined with consumers’ concern for the environment, are resulting in more fuel-efficient cars.  Vehicles like the Smart ForTwo get great gas mileage using traditional gasoline engine technology.

“The Smart Car has a lot of advantages, not the least of which is its fuel economy,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental company where consumers can rent a Smart Car.  “It’s also easy to park, fun to drive, and perfect for city driving.”

Recently some exotic car fans have been shying away from the hassle that comes with owning an exotic car.  In addition to astronomical car payments, there’s the challenge of finding a qualified mechanic, a secure car storage facility, and affordable insurance.

Instead, many enthusiasts prefer to rent exotic vehicles like the Smart ForTwo.  Exotic car rental is also a great way to try out a new type of vehicle.

“We get a lot of people who want to see if they like a Smart Car before they decide to buy one,” says Sturgeon.  “People are more careful with their money these days, and they want to make sure they buy a car they love and can afford.”

The National Research Council report suggests that plug-in vehicles may not be cost effective for consumers until 2040.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

The poll studied the happiness of residents in each of the 50 states and then ranked those states in order.  The Lone Start State came in at number 15, a respectable showing but not quite as high as some Texas residents might expect.

“I meet a lot of happy people,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental business.

It’s possible that Sturgeon’s sample doesn’t reflect the entire Texas population.  That’s because Sturgeon gets to speak to people just before and after they make their dreams come true.

“For a lot of people, the dream of driving a Lamborghini or Ferrari seems out of reach,” says Sturgeon, who also owns a business that provides automotive dream tours in the Dallas and Fort Worth area.  “We show them that you don’t have to be a millionaire to drive an exotic vehicle.”

These days, millionaires seem pretty few and far between.  Instead of running out and buying an exotic sports car, many auto enthusiasts are turning to creative alternatives like exotic car rental, automotive dream tours, and exotic car clubs.

While it can be fun to own an exotic car, it comes with a lot of hassle and expense.  In addition to the astronomically high car payment, exotic car owners need to find secure exotic car storage, qualified maintenance professionals, and affordable insurance.

Those are just a few of the reasons that exotic car rental is taking off.

“It’s also great for people who really want to experience a car before buying it,” Sturgeon says.  “This isn’t the kind of decision you should make lightly.”

The happiness survey asked participants about their lives and included questions about things like time spent commuting, quality of area schools, and crime levels.  Of the top 10 states, 7 were located in the Southern portion of the US.  Another high-ranking state was Hawaii.

“We get a lot of sun here too,” says Sturgeon.  “There’s nothing that improves your outlook like enjoying nice Texas weather in a convertible rental.”

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

(Photo Credit: US Customs Service.)

Produced in 1965, the van was stolen from a Spokane, Washington auto repair shop in 1974.  For 35 years, no one heard anything about the missing VW.  Then this year, the van was discovered in a shipping container scheduled to travel from Los Angeles to Germany.

On October 19, customs officials were performing a routine inspection of the cargo, which contained several Volkswagen automobiles.  When they ran the vehicle identification number of the VW bus, it was still tagged as stolen.

Customs spokesman Jaime Ruiz was as surprised as anyone by the news.

“Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” he said in an LA Times article.

An Arizona restorer was shipping the van to European customers, but police say the restorer was a victim himself and is not connected to the 1974 theft.

When the vehicle was reported stolen in 1974, the owner was lucky to have good auto insurance.  When Allstate settled the claim, they paid her $2,500, the value of the vehicle at that time.

Now in fully restored condition, the van is worth $25,000.  After the claim is paid, the van officially belongs to the insurance company, Allstate.  There is no word on where Allstate will be store the classic car or what they plan to do with it.

Fortunately, you don’t have to stumble upon a stolen VW van in order to drive a car that’s fun.  Exotic car rental and exotic car sharing clubs give the automotively inclined the chance to drive the cars of their dreams for a day or a weekend.

Exotic car rental give car enthusiasts the chance to drive classic vehicles like a 1959 VW Beetle or a 1971 VW Karmann Ghia, both perfect for special events or just having a good time.  Cars like this are also available to members of exotic car clubs.

Mike Maleta, a California Highway Patrol inspector, plans to research the history of the stolen VW bus.

“I’m going to try my best to find the crook,” he said.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer specializing in cars, crafts, and genealogy. She recently wrote content for a Saginaw Auto Insurance quote website.

As someone who writes press releases, I admire Oprah’s PR savvy. She certainly knows how to kickoff a show with a car giveaway…

What you may not know is that Oprah owns some beautiful cars. Although I wish I could get a peak in her private garage, I’m just not that connected. Last year, however, she auctioned a few gorgeous autos from her private collection for charity at a Gooding & Company sale in Palm Beach.

The proceeds from the sale were used to support Oprah’s leadership academy for girls in South Africa. An excellent article on the auction by classic car bloggers Tony and Michele Hamer, About.com classic car guides.

Included in the dream cars that she auctioned were a Rolls Royce that she recieved as a gift from John Travolta and a spectacular Gullwing Mercedes.

If you dream of driving the best in luxury and performance cars, consider becoming a member of DFW Elite Car Club. It’s a car sharing club for those who want to enjoy driving premium luxury cars without the hassles and expense of owning them.

Why pay Gatsby like costs for car insurance, car storage, repairs, and depreciation, when you can drive a Ferrari F430 F1, Audi R8, Lamborghini Gallardo, Bentley GT, as well as a bevy of other top exotics as part of a monthly membership in the club.

For full details on Oprah and Martina McBride at the Texas State Fair on Monday, check out the Star Telegram’s Oprah story.

This post written by freelance blogger Eric Anderson. Eric recently collaborated on content for a Fort Worth TX insurance quote website.

Several new Texas laws went into effect on Tuesday, including regulations that make it hard to talk on a cell phone while driving.

Drivers of exotic cars, as well as regular vehicles, will no longer be able to use a handheld phone while driving through a Texas school zone.

The cell phone laws aren’t the only new regulations that went into effect on Tuesday.

There were also changes to the car seat law, which now requires children under the age of 8 years old or shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches to ride in a booster seat.

All automobile passengers will now be required to wear a seat belt while in a moving vehicle.

Other important changes that began on Tuesday include the following:

• There will be a tax increase for smokeless tobacco.
• It will remain illegal to carry a concealed weapon into a bar, but a legal defense will be possible if the bar does not post a sign saying that 51 percent or more of the business’s income results from the sale of beverages containing alcohol.
• Applicants for a concealed handgun license will no longer be disqualified for defaulting on student loan payments.
• Those carrying a concealed handgun with a license who refuse to display it to peace officers will no longer face suspension of their license.
• A new law will mandate the method of folding the state flag.
• High school students will have more choice of elective courses.

While the booster seat law is not likely to affect exotic car drivers, who often drive cars without a back seat, they will be required to wear a seatbelt at all times.  However, most people already feel the need to buckle up when they drive a Lamborghini.

More and more Texas residents are realizing that they don’t need to own an exotic vehicle in order to drive the car of their dreams.  Alternatives like exotic car rental, exotic car sharing clubs, and automotive dream tours make it possible to drive an exotic car without the hassle and expense of ownership.

The new laws were created and adopted during 2009, and they took effect on Tuesday. Tuesday is the first day of the 2010 fiscal year in Texas.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

Parts of the trip may be challenging for the Citroen, a truly exotic vehicle.  Roads may be unpaved in parts, and the altitudes could read 16,000 feet.

“We should be able to take a clear picture of [Mount] Everest,” Grelley, 73, told the Dallas Morning News. “We’re taking extra carburetor jets to change at the higher altitudes.”

The Citroen is a French car, noted for its reliability.  The model being driven by Grelley and his collegue Phillipe Orsetti is a 1978 version with a two-cylinder engine.  While it’s not a powerhouse, boasting only 35 horsepower, the car is front-wheel drive.

The car has been modified with a pickup bed instead of the usual rear half of the vehicle.  Grelley and Orsetti call it a “truck-ette.”  Grelley is confident that the Citroen will be a perfect vehicle for the adventure.

“Those things go forever and ever,” he said.

Grelley is a native of France, and in the 1950s and 1960s, he raced cars in Europe.  In recent years, he has been taking trips all over the world.

“Many people tell me the same thing: They say ‘I wish I could do it,’ ” he said. “I say it’s up to you.”

While the Citroen may not be your idea of a dream car, it certainly is getting Grelley where he needs to go.  For a lot of people, dream exotic vehicles include things like Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Bentleys.

Many people consider the dream of driving an exotic car to be impractical and unlikely to actually come true.  But, like Grelley, you can make it happen.  There are several options that make it possible for you to drive an exotic car without the hassle and expense of ownership.

One of the most popular options is exotic car rental.  You can rent a Lamborghini for the week, weekend, or even just for the day.  You can also join an exotic car club and have access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles.

If you’re interested in following the progress of Grelley and Orsetti, check out Orsetti’s blog.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities area.