Archive for June, 2010
Old School 4-Cylinders: The “New” Green Car?
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
Boston Nissan may or may not be carrying the new Nissan Leaf. And Volkswagen Dealer employees will begin expanding their knowledge base on hybrids as the release of the 2012 Jetta Hybrid is making headlines. The green market is a powerful one, and competitive beyond imagination. Even good old American Ford is putting soy foam in their car seat cushions! Some people might question the green auto industry market. Are consumers really concerned with saving the environment or are they concerned with saving a dollar? The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is banking on the latter, and should be available at Hartford Hyundai for interested buyers this summer.
The 2011 Sonata doesn’t have any of the bells and whistles appeal that you will find with green cars. There is no plug-in charging station needed, you can use regular octane fuel, it is still consuming fuel even when you are idling, and there is no stand-out futuristic exterior design. You do get a sleek and attractive mid-sized family sedan from a reliable auto maker. What you won’t get is the option for 6 cylinders that tends to draw buyers to this category of vehicles.
Hyundai sales of its V6 model Sonata has continued to drop since gas prices increased. Keeping that knowledge in mind, Hyundai higher-ups have decided to make the 2011 Sonata only available as a 4-cylinder. It will still offer 198 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque. This will make for a powerful sedan, with great fuel economy. It is estimated to get 23 city and 34 HWY mpg. With an MSRP ranging from $19,195 to $25,295, it is no surprise that U.S. News gave it their #1 Ranking for Affordable Mid-Size Cars. It is getting positive feedback for having many features that come standard, its sleek design, Hyundai’s strong warranty, and amazing fuel efficiency especially for not being a hybrid model. It is rivaled by the Ford Fusion for its electronic media capabilities as well as the Mazda6 being a sportier 4-cylinder sedan. With this new competition, are Americans about to see a shift back to its 4-cylinder roots?
Getting the best price for your trade in?
Monday, June 28th, 2010
You can take your trade in to any dealer like Mazda Dealer Sarasota and Chicago Chevrolet with all there other great deals. How do you get the best price for your trade in. Just use your head, and make sure your car, truck, SUV, or even cross over is clean. Check the engine for anything from cracked belts to the oil level. You need to look at this car like you are the one buying it. You can check out other great deals at Peoria VW.
Go over every detail of your car. Exterior and the interior check for every scratch and dent. Look for and rips on the interior. Detail your car when you are cleaning it. You want to make your car more appealing. The sales representative will go over your car and offer you thousands less then what its worth. You need to know your blue book value.
When you are trying to trade in a car you want to get as much money as possible. You want to make money off this car so you can take money off of your new car. Don’t let the sales representative take you off subject. Make sure that when you are talking to him he doesn’t list everything that makes your car worth less. Point out all the great things about your car. It is your job to sale your car to him when you are trading in. This is your chance to save money on a new car when you trade in your old one.
Over all trading in is a great thing to do, but you need to make sure you get a good deal. If you know what your car is worth don’t lower it because some one is telling you the tires are bad. Make sure your car is clean and in good shape when you go to trade it in and you will make money off of it.
Whats the right car for you?
Saturday, June 26th, 2010
You can look for the right car for you online at places like Atlantic City Audi VW, but i would still suggest going to the dealership. Buying a car is never easy, but buying the right car is worse. Many things play into what you need and want in a car, and if you don’t want to spend that much you can always go to Jersey City used cars with there great deals.
The first thing is look at what you need in a vehicle. If you have a family then you are looking for top safety standards and comfort for every one. If you work off road for a living you want a truck or SUV that can follow you out there. You would need a truck with the engine and towing ability to get the job done.
Then there is some one who is just looking for a ride back and forth to work that goes easy on the wallet, and the last class to talk about is the luxury class cars if you have the money to afford them. Keep in mind luxury cars start out expensive and only get worse as you go up in upgrading them.
Some times you need vehicles with special cross overs like a truck based SUV. It is for the working man who is also a family man. It offers you comfort and support for the interior, but it has the powerful engine to get the job done. Other cross over cars like the SUV Wagon is great with fuel efficiency, but it can still hold all the family members comfortably.
Buying a car also has a lot to do with what dealership you go to. Each motor company makes there vehicles differently. This mean that they all have a different feel to them. Some of the vehicles are made with power engines and others are more focused on fuel efficiency, but no matter what you want a vehicle that will late and not cost you in repairs to fix it.
Picking the right car, truck, or SUV is hard, but if it is done the right way you can be happy with the vehicle you picked. If done right picking the vehicle you want and need will save you money, and if you go to the right dealership you can save even more. Keep in mind that you want your money to work for you.
Buying from the right dealership?
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Buying from the right dealer is important if you are buying used or new. You can even buy your car at Cincinnati Used Car Auctions. Every car dealership has different makes and models, and each company makes there with a different feel then the others. If you want the car not the color you can go to places like Sarasota Body Shop to make your dream car the color you want.
Every dealership also has there own trade make. It can be a design or even the engine that they use. Picking the right dealership is important, because each person has there own likes and dislikes. Ford makes the working class trucks while Infiniti makes the luxury class cars. It all depends on what you want. Do you want to have the towing power of a Ford or the of road ability of a Chevy. Do you want the more upscale cars such as Jaguar or a Lincoln.
The exterior of the car is just important as the interior. When picking the dealership that you want think about what you like. SUV s and work trucks or Lamborghini and Ferrari. Its all about what taste you have in cars. Each dealership cares there own version of each class of vehicle, but do some research first. Go to U.S. News for car rankings, or other websites like that.
The safety standards and the reliability should also be a concern. If you are part of the younger generation and you want speed and safety try a Ford Mustang if you have the price range for it, but if you are a mom or dad and you want safety and towing ability go for a truck based SUV. Every dealership will have every type of vehicle but they have to be able to perform the way you want them to.
When you are looking for a dealership to buy from look up who has had called backs in the past and who has had safety standards improve and stay at high levels.
BMW 5-Series: Affordable Luxury Sedan
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Consumers can go to any Missouri used car dealer, or anywhere else for that matter, and find a large used-car selection to choose from. Your typical used-car shopper isn’t looking to spend a fortune, and will often walk by luxury vehicles because they think that the prices will be too high. It is true that high-end models like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Infiniti retain their value throughout the years. Reviews are saying that used models of the BMW 5-Series are incredibly affordable. Even shoppers who are using dealer financing services like Jersey City Car Credit are going to find themselves pleasantly surprised at the price and payment they are quoted for the popular German sports car.
The BMW 5-Series comes standard with a straight-six engine, ranging from a 2.5-liter with 184 horsepower to a 3-liter 230 horsepower. A 4.4-liter V8 engine with 300 horsepower is available as well. All models come with standard safety features of anti-lock brakes, airbags, and stability control.
Reviews from owners are impressive. Owners love the luxury and high-quality that BMW is well-known for. The 5-Series boasts a stylish, sleek exterior, luxurious interior, and drivers enjoy the sporty handling, performance, and acceleration capabilities. The only common complaint is about the size and location of the cup holders, but aftermarket upgrades are always available. The trunk is relatively small, as are the back seats.
Before you purchase your used BMW 5-Series, pay special attention to the electronics during your test-drive. Many German cars are known for their electrical, sensor, and wiring problems. Play with all the knobs, buttons, and control panels. If the check-engine light comes on, have the dealership fix the problem before you purchase the vehicle. Remember that repair costs for your high-end foreign vehicle are not going to be cheap by any standards, but also keep in mind that this model has a solid reputation for reliability.
As when purchasing any vehicle, new or used, do your research and know what comparable vehicles are selling for. 2002 models and older should be selling for under $10,000.
The Ford Kuga. A Super Cool Crossover.
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
The Ford Kuga is a compact, five-seat crossover designed by Englishman Martin Smith, who left General Motors to join Ford in early 2004. He and his team created an aerodynamic yet extroverted skin, which is accentuated by available wheels as large as nineteen inches. Stylish and fashionable, the new crossover from Ford of Europe is about the same length as a Ford Escape, but it sits astride a 2.8-inch-longer wheelbase. Where the Kuga is a new car, it is probable that you will not be able to find a used one on the lots. But if you want to look, you can look anywhere that has Charlotte used cars.
Some compare the Kuga to the Pontiac Solstice which has been available since 2006. The Pontiac Solstice is a two-door; two-passenger convertible powered by a twin-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder 177 horsepower 2.4L ECOTEC I4 engine matched with Variable Valve Timing for enhanced engine performance. The Solstice GXP model is fitted with 260 horsepower 2.0L Turbo ECOTEC I4 direct fuel engine. You can service your Solstice at any Pontiac service dealer.
Back to the Kuga. The interior is unlike anything sold in a U.S. Ford in its design. Its more rounded and enveloping, with nary a hint of truck-based inspiration. Ford says that it is appointed with plenty of gloss finishes and leather trim pieces — the center console appears leather wrapped and the seats are upholstered in a two-tone cloth/leather mix.
The Kuga buyer’s most significant option, though, is all-wheel drive. Ford chose a progressively variable AWD system that employs a Haldex clutch to distribute the forces between the axles. A brake-operated virtual limited-slip differential optimizes the side-to-side torque flow.
The Ford Kuga is a super-cool crossover that will have its drivers jumping in to drive every chance they get.
Chrysler to Release Smartphone App for Customer Vehicle Info;
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Chrysler has announced that they are going to release a smartphone application with information about vehicles that is normally contained in owners manuals. Domestic brands like Chrysler and GM whose Chevrolet brand can be serviced at a Jersey City Chevy Service, have been making an effort to improve their image as advanced and reliable automakers. Both automakers’ pre-owned models can be purchased at a discount off retail price at a Greenville used car dealer or other used car dealer.
This is intended to be among the first steps in an attempt by Chrysler to provide easily accessible customer information and improve its overall customer service. Pietro Gorlier, Mopar CEO, said, “In addition to providing general vehicle information, we are creating a new on-demand channel of communication with our customers to communicate about our brands, vehicles and customer service.”
The application will available on June 19 on the 2011 Chrysler Jeep Grand Cherokee that will be released this summer at dealerships nationwide. The application will first be available on the iPhone, and other smartphones such as the Blackberry and Android smartphones will be able to access the application in the future.
Chrysler is attempting to improve its customer communication services and offer customers a convenient source of information about their vehicle. The application allows customers to view their warranty, maintenance information, vehicle operation information, and more. There will also be a video demonstration of the owner’s vehicle model, customer support, 24 hour roadside assistance, and access to Chrysler’s social media websites.
The application will only be available in the United States with similar technology being developed for the Canadian market. Although older models are not currently going to be supported by the application, Chrysler said that they will consider adding support with the application for older models. The application’s easy access to critical information about Chrysler models is sure to be of benefit to smartphone using owners.
First Buyers of Chevy Volt May Get Free Home Charging Stations
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
The U.S. Department of Energy released a statement today stating that buyers of the 2011 Chevy Volt will be eligible for a free 240-volt home charger. The 2011 Chevy Volt which hits the market later this year can be found at Jersey City Chevrolet and other local dealers. Used Chevy models can be shopped for at NH used car dealers. In some cases buyers will be offered free home installation along with the free charger.
The project is a study that is partially designed to help car owners who purchase hybrids reduce their carbon emission and save money. But, the main purpose of the project is to study what the energy requirements of a hybrid vehicle are going to look like. The government also hopes to encourage consumers to purchase energy efficient vehicles like the Chevy Volt.
Approximately 15,000 240-volt home chargers will be installed throughout the country. The chargers are manufactured by ECOtality which will produce 2,600 chargers and Coulomb Technologies which will produce 4,440 home chargers. The chargers are only available to those who are willing to share data on from their charger with the Department of Energy.
The Chevy Volt is capable of recharging on a standard residential 120-volt electrical outlet overnight. The first 40 miles of the Volt can be driven on battery power exclusively. The Volt can also drive up to 350 miles without having to refuel or recharge. The Volt has a lithium-ion battery. Once the battery is depleted, the volt switches to gasoline power and can travel up to around 300 miles longer.
The move is certain to boost Chevy Volt sales and also provide a convenient free feature for Volt owners. The cost for the 240-volt charger is around $2,000. Other manufacturers such as Nissan which features the Leaf and Ford which features the Fusion are working with ECOtality and Coulomb respectively to bring home chargers to vehicle owners.
I Love My Chevy; oops, I mean Chevrolet!
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
For years, drivers, fan and basically most everyone who speaks of a “Chevrolet” has used the term “Chevy”. There are countless popular songs that use “Chevy,” and some auto fans even have the nickname tattooed to their bodies! “Chevy” has become a household name for all practical purposes. If you are in fact, looking for a particular Chevrolet, you can find one anywhere offering Jersey Chevy Specials.
However, Chevrolet employees in Detroit recently received a memo asking them to remove “Chevy” from their vocabulary, a strategy to promote “consistency” in the brand. The memo, which was leaked to The New York Times, was signed by Alan Batey, Chevrolet vice president for sales and service, and Jim Campbell, VP for marketing. If this new term has turned you off, you can look for Ford incentives at any Ford dealer.
“We’d ask that whether you’re talking to a dealer, reviewing dealer advertising, or speaking with friends and family, that you communicate our brand as Chevrolet moving forward,” the memo read.
According to the memo, which G.M. spokesman Klaus-Peter Martin confirmed, Chevrolet staffers will have to drop a quarter in a jar every time they are caught saying “Chevy.”
Branding consultant Paul Worthington was puzzled by G.M.’s effort to eliminate “Chevy,” a move he said confounded broader marketing trends. Other corporations, he said, are embracing abbreviations, with “FedEx” replacing “Federal Express” and “the Shack” becoming the preferred stand-in for “RadioShack”, and even McDonald’s is playing the game calling themselves “Mickey D’s”.
If Chevrolet wants to cleanse the world of “Chevy” references, it will have to start with itself. The brand’s website used “Chevy” repeatedly in its internet advertising as of recently.
Racing driver Dick Guldstrand, a member of the Corvette Hall of Fame, objects to the crackdown on “Chevy.” “Once it became an American icon, America took it away from G.M.,” Guldstrand said of the brand. “They made it a Chevy. You’re doing a disservice to all the people by telling them not to call it a Chevy.”
We will see how long this sticks. In our hearts, there will always be a “Chevy”.
Will the New Star Safety System Improve Toyota’s Image?
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
Toyota announced on June 9, 2010 that they would be introducing a Star Safety System that includes 5 key safety features. The Star Safety System would be included on all new Toyota models. The new system is a part of Toyota’s advertising campaign to restore their image of being a safe and reliable manufacturer after the recent recalls of 2009 and 2010. Since Toyota’s problems, other foreign competitors like Nissan, whose top models include the Nissan Altima, hope to increase their market shares. Mazda sales have also improved – in particular the Mazda 6 – which can be serviced at a Bradenton Mazda Service has been a strong seller.
The Star Safety System includes the following saftey featuress: Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), and Brake Assist.
Traction Control is a feature that is designed to help the car maintain its traction on a wide range of driving environments including wet, icy, and uneven surfaces. The TRAC sensors are activated when a wheel begins to slip on any of these surfaces. The system transfers power to the wheels that have traction and reduces power on the wheels that do not have traction.
The Vehicle Stability Control system prevents wheel slippage and traction loss by reducing speed and applying brakes to the wheels that require it. It does this be monitoring the angle that the vehicle is traveling and sensors detect when the front or rear wheels slip. When the sensors detect wheels slipping, it applies the brakes or reduces engine power in order to regain traction.
The Anti-Lock Brake System prevents brakes from locking with brake pulsing on each wheel which allows for better control if the brakes have to be applied quickly. When brakes are applied quickly the brakes may lock and the vehicle might skid. The pulsing releases pressure on the brakes fractions of a second at a time.
The Electronic Brake-force Distribution keeps a vehicle more stable when it is braking. The EBD redistributes the brake force that an abrupt stop brings.
Brake Assist detects “panic braking” and adds the pressure needed in order to prevent a collision.
With these new features being included on every new Toyota, the company hopes to improve its image among consumers and restore consumer confidence.