1. Car Buying Tips and Tricks for Women: Dress for Success

    12/26/2011 by MYCARLADY

    Used Audi for sale

    Dress for Success for Women includes the CAR you DRIVE.

    Tips and Tricks for Women Car Buyers:

    Remember when women wearing pants in the office was a big deal?  Well, fashion forward to the car you drive makes a huge impact on the professional business community you are doing business with.
    As much as “the look” you present; shoes, handbag, jewelry and more…
    the men (and women) you are pitching take in the car you are driving as a value statement.
    This year in China, more women purchased Ferrari’s than men?
    A statement? Absolutuely.
    Your car sends the message: YOU are a successful business woman.
    The particular brand identifies you as a smart, savvy car shopper who knows what she wants. The car driven is an extension of YOU; for all the right reasons, and those you address… when the client, co-worker, boss, asks if you like you car.

    BUYING: New vs. Used Luxury cars.

    The car brand is directly linked with status, power, prestige and success, so when you can’t afford a new one, consider leasing or buying pre-owned, or even leasing a pre-owned model if the financials work in your favor.

    1. Consider a BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, Lexus or Acura right now, as these fierce competitors are vying for the number one spot in Luxury Car Sales.  Want to show your UNIQUE, I don’t follow the pack, I lead it… go Jaguar. The deals you see advertised are the deal, so don’t expect to get anything more off the price.
    2. Be aware: most dealers will have a VERY limited supply of the ad car.
    3. Use this calculation: +$15.00-20.00 per month for every $1000.00 in added features or upgrades. Be prepared to switch, the ad car is always a base model. 
    4. 10,000 miles per year is the advertised lease. If you need more miles per year, you can add another $20.00-$25.00 per month for every step up: 12,000 and 15,000 miles per year.
    5. If you drive more than 15,000 miles per year, go for the low interest rate purchase/auto loan program. Rates as low as 1.9% are being offered this year.
    6. GAP PROTECTION (insurance)  is NOT your regular car insurance. This policy protects you from having to pay-off the entire car and remaining lease payments or any portion of the remaining lease balance the car insurance didn’t cover. It is imperative to have GAP protection on all AUTO LOANS or LEASES where you are putting down a small amount of money, or adding negative equity into the the payment. GAP is usually included in most lease contracts from the auto manufacturer and some banks. ASK who the leasing company is through BEFORE signing.  If the dealer suggests GAP is not included, the additional cost is usually $500.00, but before you pay,  ask to see the actual contract. Look for the words GAP or VEHICLE REPLACEMENT COVERAGE. 
    7. USED LUXURY brands also offer leases, which lower the payment yet again, and conserve your cash.  They are usually only offered on CERTIFIED cars sold by the brand dealer. 

    Continue reading my MYCARLADY tips and Tricks for Women buying cars here:  TRADE-INS.

    If you have any questions concerning your car buying search, need help or free advice, contact me at sarahlee@mycarlady.com or use the form below.
    I try to answer every email personally, usually within an hour, PST.

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  2. Automobile Tax deductions, Hybrids, Write-offs and more

    12/25/2011 by MYCARLADY

    End of the Year- Auto-Car tax deductions and more.

    The year of the Hybrid automobile was usurped by the introduction of the all-electric-hybrid, which, other than the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, are the only alternative hybrid vehicles to achieve federal tax advantage status.

    NOT all HYBRIDS get TAX CREDITS.

    The Prius, Insight, and GM model truck hybrids have exhausted their credit status by virtue of the number of units sold over the past five years.

    100% Electric cars and models with limited sales are still eligible.

    These would be the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Coupe and Fisker Karma. The Chevy Volt has had some problems in the press lately, as the garaged vehicles started burning up after some NHTSA crashes led to batteries catching fire.

    The Nissan Leaf is only sold in certain states, as Nissan limits introduction to more urban-demand locales. The Fisker will barely deliver 100 vehicles to owners before the December 31st 2011, tax deadline. 

    As for miles, the standard deduction in 2011, for those keeping a log of their travels (required by the IRS), is .51 cents this year. 51 cents per mile for business miles driven
    19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
    14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

    A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. (direct from the IRS website for 2011)

    However, if gas prices continue to level-off or fall, so could the per mile allowance from the IRS for 2012. You can always use exact expense, including monthly payment (lease or buy/loan requires different calculations) instead of the straight (logged) miles.

    SECTION 179

    This business vehicle allowance as part of the FARM Bill, originated to encourage large scale machinery buyers to invest in their business. The 6,000lb vehicle weight rating slid many enterprising business executives into Hummer, Tahoe, and other large sport utility vehicles. 
    Today, the Porsche Cayenne and Land Rover are the only 5 passenger vehicles that meet this qualification. You can purchase a used vehicle and still qualify for the SECTION 179.

    This article is not meant as tax advice or as an attempt to avoid paying taxes. Please consult your tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.


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    Sarah Lee Marks is MyCarlady. She has over 22+ years of experience.
    She writes about cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects.
    MyCarlady offers free car buying advice, and private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles.
    Call Sarah Lee for more information: 702-788-3868
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