The IIHS determined that this luxe SUV was the most stolen by analyzing the size and frequency of insurance claims.  Escalades scored the dubious honor of being stolen at a rate of six time more than other vehicles.

The remainder of IIHS’ list was composed primarily of high-dollar pickup trucks.  Take a peek at the list below:

1. Cadillac Escalade
2. Ford F-250 crew 4WD
3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew
4. Ford F-450 crew 4WD
5. GMC Sierra 1500 crew
6. Chrysler 300
7. Ford F-350 crew 4WD
8. Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
9. GMC Yukon
10. Chrysler 300 HEMI

Pre-owned vehicles make financial sense, especially for certain populations.  For example, military personnel would benefit from purchasing a pre-owned vehicle in lieu of a new vehicle because it’s less costly.  This is doubly helpful because active duty members may find themselves overseas for an extended period of time and as such, won’t have the opportunity to take their new wheels for a spin.  This means that their car’s value is steadily depreciating and they aren’t even driving it around town.

Yet another group who should seriously consider purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is the recently graduated set.  We all know that college students are exiting school with more debt than ever before and consequently, it makes sense to save a few bucks by buying a slightly older model of your dream car in order to not saddle yourself with additional debt.

Was the last car you purchased new or pre-owned?  Do you have a preference?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

As a government-run organization the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, should be a definite stop for you on your safety search.

The site includes information regarding national campaigns to reduce the number of vehicle-related deaths, including drunk driving, as well as a Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) to conduct research to “ produce safer vehicles through improved vehicle performance, improved occupant protection systems, improved structural integrity of vehicles, increased understanding of driver behavior, and the use of intelligent systems to enhance drivers’ ability to avoid crashes and travel safely. VRTC also conducts investigations into potential safety related defects in motor vehicles in support of the Office of Defects Investigation.”  In laymen’s terms, the VRTC tests cars out to determine which vehicles are safe for you and your family.

The VRTC includes a link to safercar.gov to provide consumers with information regarding vehicles which have scored a 5-star safety rating.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Admittedly, this organization doesn’t have the flashiest of names, but don’t fear because what they lack in snappy monikers they make up in information.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or IIHS, is “is an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses — deaths, injuries, and property damage — from crashes on the nation’s highways.”  What’s this mean?  They’re not paid by companies to promote a specific type of vehicle and consequently, they can deliver reviews and advice to consumers based on fact, not fat wallets.

IIHS has an extensive database entitled “Top Safety Picks 2011″ which lists cars that have proven themselves in crashes.   Vehicles are rated “on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.”   In order t snag the prestigious “Top Safety Pick” title cars must have good ratings in all four categories.

What other sites have you used when researching vehicles?  

Maybe.

New auto loans have increased by 16% from this time last year which is reassuring to economists and car dealers.  This is undoubtedly good news, but analysts caution that a sluggish economy means that consumer confidence is at an all time low and consequently, consumers aren’t rushing out to buy a new vehicle.

Consumers with excellent credit may find that it’s easier to get a loan to purchase a vehicle, but somewhat surprisingly those with not so perfect scores can also qualify for loans.  While high-risk borrowers may have difficulties securing a loan, the fact remains that dealerships are far more likely to offer loans than they were a few years ago during the crash.

Have low interest rates influenced your purchases in the past year?  How so?  Let us know in the comments.

1. Read potential dealer’s pages

See any negative reviews?  Disgruntled customers may post to the dealer’s page, but chances are that those unfavorable comments will be deleted for the sake of image.  However, a few may have slipped through and it’s definitely worth a peek because it can offer telling commentary regarding the nature of the dealership.

2. Look at the deals

Some brands utilize social media, including Facebook and Twitter, to offer fan and follower deals.  For example, a company post coupons for discounts or free services on their page and consequently, do a little bit of research to determine if you could save some money.

3. Ask your network

People love to talk and exchange information.  Therefore, get your 500 Facebook friends in on the action by asking, “Has anyone bought from _______ Dealership?”  Chances are that someone has and they will be able to give you the inside scoop.

Have you used Facebook to research a potential set of wheels?  How was the experience?

The Woodward Dream Cruise is paradise for car enthusiasts due to the 40,000-plus classic cars on display.  Sure, newbies from Chevy were presented, but it’s the wheels of the past which truly draw the crowd.  Museum-worthy models such as Oldsmobiles, Plymouths, Mercuries, Packards, Hudsons,
Studebakers, Crosleys, Nashes, LaSalles, and Kaisers were seen by fans.  Moreover, classic cars that have managed to stay relevant, including Mustangs and Lincolns, were paraded out for the masses.

For those who prefer foreign automobiles don’t worry- Volkswagens, BMWs, and Mercedes-Benzes all had a prominent role in the event.  In addition, a few Saabs, Jaguars, and Volvos made a guest appearance, much to the delight of appreciative consumers.

The event is held on the third Saturday of every August and consequently, August 20, 2011 marks the seventeenth anniversary of this exiting event.

Will you be attending?  Which vehicle would you most like to see?

Wards Auto noted that 2010 marked the first year that the worldwide vehicle populated surpassed the magic billion-unit mark.  However, it’s important to keep in mind that Wards Auto ”looked at government-reported registrations and historical vehicle-population trends” in order to reach that impressive figure.  Furthermore, the approximate figures reached by Wards Auto do not include off-road, heavy-duty vehicles.

It’s not particularly surprising that we have managed to reach this number given the exponential economic growth of China and India.  China’s number of registered vehicles soared by 27.5% and the country now has just over 78 million cars.  While the steep rise of vehicles in China was enough to push Japan aside the fact remains that America has the largest vehicle population in the world.  Ready for the number?  239.8 million units currently roam our freeways, highways, and one-way side streets.  Granted, we’ve known that we’re climbing towards the one billion mark, but estimates as late as 2008 suggested that the world wouldn’t get to one billion until 2020.

What is your reaction to the one billion milestone?

Keep in mind that a new car has a higher value than it’s used counterpart.  Therefore, it’s necessary for insurance companies to increase rates in order to cover the car.  Ultimately, it’s more of a financial risk to insure a 2012 Audi A4 2.0T (beginning at $38,300) than an older model valued at $15,999.

Furthermore, laws are in place which require new car buyers to purchase collision coverage in addition to liability insurance.  The reason for this is simple: lenders want to protect themselves in case of a car accident.  Conversely, pre-owned vehicles do not typically require collision insurance as a result of their declining value.

What experiences have you had with insurance when purchasing new or pre-owned vehicles?  Let us know.

Best Upscale Vehicles

• Lexus ES
• Lexus IS sedan
• Toyota Avalon
• Volvo S60 (FWD)
• Lincoln MKZ, Zephyr (FWD)

Youngsters are far more likely to appreciate pictures and videos of new wheels.  Blame the fact that they grew up in an era where technology is not only easily accessible, but expected.  Conversely, older individuals have expressed apathy towards video clips demonstrating the capabilities of a new car.  Furthermore, the geriatric set tends to have browsers and computers less likely to support lots of media.

Yet, it’s not simply graphic that customers are evaluating.  In fact, anecdotal evidence suggests that user reviews are often utilized when making decisions.  It’s often easier for buyers, young and old alike, to determine what kind of car they will purchase based on advice from their peers. Ultimately, great reviews from Car and Driver or Edmunds will lead buyers in a particular direction, but often consumers find themselves swayed into test driving and even purchasing after they’ve determined what everyone else is saying.

What kind of research do you do prior to buying a car?  Any tips we neglected to mention?