What are some variables that can affect the premium of your Honda insurance in Houston?

Nadine

Houston Texas

Honda insurance in Houston, like any other car insurance, can be expensive. Despite the influx of insurance providers these days, clients are still looking for the cheapest and best Honda insurance they can get for their vehicle. There are actually tips in order for you to save on your car insurance policy.

1. Low Mileage. Low mileage carpoolers and low wage drivers can take advantage of PAYD (Pay As You Drive) insurance. This is efficient and cheaper as it allows the driver to control his premiums. Not only that you are getting cheaper premiums when you drive lesser miles each day but you are also helping the environment by reducing pollution.

2. Multiple Car Discount. If you have insured your life and health insurance under one same company, then, might as well insure you Honda insurance car policy with it. Insurance providers give privileged discounts to loyal clients. For that reason, your car insurance rates can be made affordable by your insurer.

3. Clean and Good Driving Record. Insurers equate responsible drivers as less risky to be involved in car accidents. If you are able to defend your driving as well as secure the welfare of your passengers, then your insurance company will not hesitate in giving you inexpensive car rates for your car insurance.

4. Exclude Rental Car Coverage. Inspect the type of car insurance policy you have. If you have comprehensive or collision insurance coverage, you can forego the extra car rental coverage included in it. You can’t use this added service on a daily basis and can accumulate further expenses to your car rates.

5. Maintain a Clean Credit History. Insurance companies run a credit check on its applicants. This helps them determine between those responsible payors and delinquents. If you belong to the former, there is a big chance you can get lower car insurance rates.

This may already been asked but I really want to know how I can furthermore lower my premium rate. I just lost my job and I really need to save more than ever.

Chris

Houston Texas

Hello Chris. Read the following tips to help you save more on your car insurance premium policy:

• Start looking online. The web is the easiest and most effective ways to get affordable car insurance rate. It will only cost you just a few minutes of your time, and it is free.
• Choose the long-term insurance policy. The shortest month is a six month policy. If you purchase yearly coverage this can save you more from fluctuation of prices. Making full payment may also save you on your car insurance payment.
• Always ask for discounts. This is the best way to save on your premium. Before buying a car insurance policy, do not forget to ask any discount that you may be eligible of.
• Drive safely. Clean driving record will always have good benefits. Avoid accidents and claims. You can take defensive driving class to lower your car insurance premium more.
• Combine all your insurances with one insurer. Insurers sometimes give discounts if you get more than one type of insurance policy with the same company.
• Safety and security devices can also bring down the cost of your insurance. The safer your car is, the lower your car insurance rate.
• Keep a good credit score. Insurance companies check your credit record and this indicated whether you are a risk to the company or not.

I’m thinking of maybe getting a new compact or a subcompact car. Since gas prices are on the rise, this time, I want to try one from a Japanese manufacturer. Any thoughts regarding the Honda Civic?

Allen

Dallas, TX

Well, Allen, if you’re looking to buy from a Japanese manufacturer, I suppose you can’t go wrong with a Honda Civic since it has been in production longer than most other Japanese cars. Also, since one cannot help but be concerned about rising gas prices, the Civic might just prove to be a right choice for you since apart from fuel efficiency, reliability and low running costs, it has become known also for its performance and environmental awareness.

The latest Honda Civic comes either as a coupe or a sedan. Five main trims are base DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Si. All of these get a variety of security devices such as antilock brakes and airbags. Excluding the Si, all run on 140-hp 1.8-liter engine. The Si, on the other hand, runs on 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine which makes 197 horsepower.

Now, moving on to the interior—If you want a sportier look and feel to your Civic, go for the coupe instead of the sedan. If it matters little to you, well, both feature a 2-tier dashboard, with the speedometer atop and the tachometer underneath. Both have quick steering and great handling, making it pleasurable to drive.

Sure, a 1.8-liter engine won’t make it to the finish line first, but at least you’ll get where you want to go comfortably. And it’s a good thing you won’t go racing, too, as the Civic suffers from slow acceleration.

I think the Honda Fit is cute. Would it be a fun car to drive in Texas?

Jessica

Houston, TX

Hello, Jessica! “Cute” is a nice way to describe the 2009 Honda Fit. Although I’m really not a big fan of small cars, I do think there are some points on why the 2009 Honda Fit should be a fun car for you, Jessica. Wherever you are, even in Texas, the kind of car you drive should have some “fun” in it. Even in its commercials, the Fit just screams “fun” but with engineering and technology to back it up.

Since your concern is fun, let me put the advantages of the 2009 Honda Fit into fun terms. Fun means having your friends around or at least being able to carry your fun stuff with you. The Fit can pack you in and 4 other friends inside, in the way Honda said it, its “cavernous” cabin. If you fancy ditching the buddies, reconfigure the seats for more cargo space. Not only that, with an EPA rating of 33 mpg, you are ensured of stretching your gas bucks to take you and your friends around town. Now, if you do end up driving all around, the Fit’s got your back with its six airbags, like a bodyguard, to protect you and your buddies. The Fit’s got the zip and the jazz to give you guaranteed fun on the road.

Tags: Honda dealer, Honda Dealership, Houston Dealer, Houston Honda Car

Hi, I’m in the market for a new “mommy mobile” for me to drive in Texas. A friend of mine said that the Odyssey would be a nice pick. Originally, I was planning on getting an SUV for me. With what my friend said, I think I’d like some more information, please.

Sarah

Houston, TX

Hi, Sarah! Your friend was right in picking the 2009 Honda Odyssey for you. Why go with a minivan like the Odyssey? Well, minivans handle like cars but carry people around like it was a small truck. In terms of fuel economy, the minivan should do better than a traditionally V8-powered SUV. In terms of safety features, a minivan takes more of “family” into mind and comes loaded with safety equipment like side-curtain airbags. Another bonus for you would be that minivans are less costly to insure compared to a full-sized SUV.

Why drive the Odyssey then? Most Honda Odyssey drivers are all raves about this car. Points for them are the roominess and ease of driving the car. But what’s at the core of the vehicle, then? Checking out some specs, the Odyssey can comfortably seat 6 to 8 people depending on the configuration which is usually adjusted if you are planning to bring extra cargo with you. In terms of safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety even awarded the Odyssey as its Top Safety Pick for 2008. It comes with Anti-Lock Brakes, Vehicle Stability systems, airbags for driver and passengers and side-curtain airbags. In terms of fuel economy, a conscious mom like you will surely not complain about its 25 on the highway performance for the EX-L trim. And it’s certainly convenient that the Odyssey can run on just regular unleaded. The Odyssey certainly won’t be a hassle to drive around Texas.

Tags: Honda dealer, Honda Dealership, Houston Dealer, Houston Honda Car

What “green” cars are worth checking in Honda’s lineup? I would like to look at them at any Texas Honda dealer that’s along my way.

Bert

Houston, TX

Good thing you asked this question, Bert. Yes, there are 2 other cars that you can consider “green” that are in Honda’s stable. The FCX Clarity of course is the hydrogen car that you know of. The other two are the Civic Hybrid, the one that runs using a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, and the Civic GX NGV, with an engine that runs on CNG or compressed natural gas.

What I like about these cars is they run almost the same way than their pure gas consuming Civic brothers but stretches your fuel bucks. As an example, if you look at the Civic Hybrid, it’ll take you 45 miles to a gallon. Since it has an electric motor, only a 1.3 liter 4-cylinder iVTEC engine is needed when a little more power is needed. For the Civic GX NGV, a 1.8 L 16-valve 4-cylinder iVTEC engine is powered by compressed natural gas hence the tag NGV or natural gas vehicle. Using this technology the Civic GX NGV hits a combined 28 miles to a gallon. The real bonus with the NGV is it has nearly zero emissions. I think driving the NGV will definitely help preserve good air quality. I hope either of these “green” cars end up parked in your garage in Houston, Texas.

Tags: Honda dealer, Houston Dealer, Houston Honda Car

Is it just me, or does the Honda Element look way too boxy? It kinda looks like a hearse on steroids. But I bet a lot of us Texas folk can fit inside it. Gimme some more info, please.

Ernie

Houston, TX

Well, Ernie, I haven’t really thought of the Element as a hearse on steroids just yet, but now that you’ve mentioned it…

Just kidding, Ernie.

You want more information? Here’s the deal. You can’t really fit a lot of Texas folk or Texans inside the Element. Looking at it and that’s approximately four people inside the car. But, if you look at this car, its tailgate opens pick-up style, and it’s got a unique rear clamshell door, a combination that enables the vehicle to take in, aside from passengers, more cargo, and even some tall cargo. Once the Element is configured to seat 4, the rear seats are aptly termed as “theater-style” seats mainly because it offers a great view for the rear passengers. Unique, ain’t it? It is a car when it seats 2 to 4 people. It is an SUV when you reconfigure the seating to accommodate more cargo; even bicycles can fit in.

Surely enough, you, the owner will put the 2.4 Liter-iVTEC engine to good use. It’s a shame to waste 166 horsepower. Uniquely enough, I can think of this vehicle as a car or an SUV. But of course, unique has its price, too. It is a unique issue for the Element because you can’t open the rear clamshell doors without opening the front doors. I think unique is a word I overused in this response to your question. I think unique fits the Honda Element just right.

Tags: Honda dealer, Houston Dealer, Houston Honda Car

I’m particularly amused with how Honda leads the way in terms of technology for its vehicles. I’m wondering what technology they put in the 2009 Pilot. I want to be in the know before I go to my dealer in Texas.

Eugene

Dallas, TX

Hey, Eugene, great question! I am also interested in lot of Honda technology projects. I think they are always so cutting-edge. I’m particularly interested in their technology to reduce fuel emissions, stretching our gas dollars by making more efficient cars. They put more bang for our buck. And I’m excited to report that a lot of the Honda Motor Company tech research found its way to the 2009 Honda Pilot. I hope the technology will give you a push to actually drive one in Texas.

Main thrust of the new technology that went inside the Pilot is to provide more power at the most efficient way possible. So let’s enumerate some interesting features found in the Pilot. First, just starting at the base point, the Pilot is powered by a 250 hp 3.5 Liter 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC V6 Engine with Variable Cylinder Management System (VCM), quite a mouthful, isn’t it? If you’re pretty much used to just seeing VTEC, you’d probably ask, “What’s VCM?” That is the first sample of technology in the Pilot. The VCM, simply put, activates and deactivates cylinders depending on your power requirement for the vehicle. Let’s say you’re going up a hill, you’ll get full V6 power to back you up. If you’re on flat terrain at cruising speed, you can depend on VCM to stretch your fuel by cutting back on the cylinders in use.

There is also the Hill Assist System on the Pilot. Although it sounds simple, this system prevents your Pilot from sliding down on an incline. Electronically, it gives more time to the driver to allow him to step firm on the accelerator. It engages as soon as the foot releases the brake pedal; keeping the brakes on as you move your feet to the gas pedal.

I’m sure there’s more tech in it. But telling you all about it will spoil your trip of discovery. Have a nice trip to the dealer, Eugene.

Tags: Honda dealer, Honda Dealership

I have always loved the style of Honda Accord but I have never driven one so I don’t know how it runs. I am considering to buy that here in Houston, Texas to be the first car that I ever own. Before I totally fall in love with this car, would you tell me the features of the 2008 Honda coupe?

Natalie

Houston, TX

It’s not a surprise that a lot of people love the style of the Honda Accord. Well, the 2008 coupe model doesn’t just boast its style, but also its comfort and incredible performance when driving; not to mention, it’s not that high-priced. Its body and windshield have been more scraped up; the front end is more crafted than its sedan version. In general, it has been more of a sports car than a passenger car unlike the older generation model of the Honda Accord.

The V6 power train of the 2008 Honda Accord is exceptional and prompt to answer all your pedal works. One significant thing that sets this model apart from the sedan is that it is not as heavy causing you to be more relaxed and stable when driving on the highways of Houston, Texas. You don’t have to worry about accelerating more on the turns because this vehicle will handle you much to your delight. The interior quality of course is more than the average and doesn’t have a major problem. Everything is within your grasp with ease and the seating is relaxing and more supportive. The only downbeat, I think, is getting into the back seat of this coupe because it will be slightly tighter than you’d want it to.

Tags: car, car review, Honda dealership, Houston dealer, Houston Honda car

I’m planning to buy a Honda as “the real first car” for my daughter who just turned 18. Of course, I plan to buy one from any of the Houston, Texas dealers. But before that, I’d like to get some information on what could be the perfect model for my daughter. Care to help out?

Dudley

Houston, TX

Great move, Dudley. Honda engineers its cars to be relatively easy to maintain and to have great mileage performance. I think the combination of those facts plus Honda’s easy-on- the-eyes looks really make your choice a fine choice. I myself had been hooked on my Honda Civic for a long time already. Before you go to some dealers in Houston, Texas, let me share some of my ideas.

Now, let’s help you pick-out a car for your daughter, shall we? Let’s start with the form factor, aesthetics, styling of the vehicle that she’s going to drive. I think the Honda Fit is a sure winner for your daughter. It can seat about 5 (including her) and has a total of six airbags to provide protection for them. Plus if your daughter is planning to haul a bit of cargo on her trips, the Honda Fit rear seat can be re-configured to increase cargo space, great, right? As far as fuel economy is concerned, you need not worry. The 1.5L engine that powers the Honda Fit will give your daughter more than 30 miles per gallon performance. That, I think, should be another plus for you.

Tags: Honda dealer, Honda Dealership, Houston Honda Car