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New safety features are finding their way into showrooms
by Jonathan Plummer
When buying a new car, factors like comfort and looks often take precedence over safety. "Most buyers automatically assume that's taken care of by the manufacturer," says Randy Kinacid of Dinwiddie Chevrolet in Lawrence.
But with changes mandated by new laws,buyers will have a choice of new safety equipment.
A recent article in "Changing Times" magazine says that by 1990 all new cars sold in America will have to have a front seat equipped with a passive restraining system.
Currently the most common passive restraint is a seat belt that, either through use of a mechanical device or an attachment to the door, buckles the passenger up automatically.
But a safety feature finally catching on with car makers is the air bag, which provides an air-filled cushion between the passenger and the windshed and steering wheel in an accident. Government tests show that the air bag can decrease fatalities by as much as 55 percent when used in combination with a lap and shoulder seat belt, and it has not once deployed accidentally.
But this added protection comes at a cost. At this point, the air bag feature is limited to medium- to large-sized cars, which have relatively high price tags.
And in moderately priced cars like the Ford Tempo, the air bag is sometimes only available as part of a package that can add $1,099 or more to the price of the car.
Though the price of the air bag most probably will go down as the laws making them mandatory come into effect, the student in the market for a new car may be forced to wait or even do without this safety feature.
In the interim, students should check the seat belt of the car they are considering. It should be a taut fit over the occupant. According to "Consumer Reports" magazine, even a little slack in the belt can leave the belt ineffective.
Looking for a good deal on a summer sublet? A job? Someone to type a term paper? Check Kansan classified ads!
Affordable car loan is possible Many specialize in financing recent graduates Dr Dobby Moriela
By Debby Maricle
Doug Ward, Lawrence graduate student, bought a car three years ago. He financed it for 3.6 percent for three years with Chrysler Credit Corporation.
"I started looking at new cars when I took my car in for repairs. It was at a time when auto sales were very slow and companies were offering low-financing incentives." Ward says. "I just happened to latch onto this at the right time."
Finding an affordable car loan is possible.
Lambert Bailey, who works in the loan department at ADC KU Federal Credit Union, says look for the best deal and the best car for the money and then check into financing. Bailey says the difference between an interest rate of 10.50 percent and 10.25 percent is about $1 or $2 off the monthly car payment. The buyer sometimes saves more money by going with a better deal than the better interest rates.
Students who are ready to graduate may find a special deal at Laird Noller Motors Inc., 23rd and Alabama. Larry Mayfield, business manager at Laird Noller, says Ford offers a deferment plan in which a college student can defer car payments for four months from the time the car is picked up.
Mayfield says this plan allows the student to pay off other bills and get settled after graduation before a car payment is due. To qualify for the Ford deferment plan, a student must have a verifiable job upon graduation. No cosigner is required.
Dru Applequist, sales manager at Jim Ellen Toyota, 2300 W. 29th Terr., says Toyota offers a credit program in which graduates who have good credit are automatically approved to finance a new car.
Bob Mayfield, business manager at Frank Ancona Hospital, 1000 N. Rogers Rd., Olathe, says Honda doesn't have a first-time buyer program, but works with the buyer through 15 area banks. He says Honda requires first-time buyers to have a co-signer.
Tracy Rampy, assistant vice president of Stanley Bank, Stanley, says the bank requires the buyer to make a 10 to 20 percent down payment on the car, as well as have a reliable co-signer for the loan. Rampy says the bank will not finance cars older than 1985, and trucks older than 1982.
Kansan classifieds get results!
DON'S AUTOMOTIVE CENTER, Inc.
comp: ...
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"COMPLETE SERVICE AND PARTS SALES FOR MOST FOREIGN CARS"
- VW - VOLVO
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BOSCH
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Machine Shop Service Available
841-4833
1008 E. 12th
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LAWRENCE BATTERY Co.
MARINE & RV BOAT STARTING
70AH 400 CCA...$39.99
85AH 525 CCA...$46.99
RV and Trolling
80AH...$49.99
105AH...$50.99
HD MARINE BATTERY BOX
24 Size... $5.95/ 27 Size... .$7.95/
Marine Terminals. . . $2.25
KANSAN 1989 KU Car Picks/March 22, 1989 5