I remember watching the movie; “Who Killed the Electric Car?” starring the infamous EV1 made by GM back in 1966. The story goes on to show how successful the cars were in creating their own demand and devotees. Ten years after the project began and as the leases ended, the cars were rounded up and destroyed much to the chagrin of their owners. The obvious conspiracy theory prevails and now we have THE VOLT.
It looks like a fat Prius. Promises the future of driving and 0 emissions. The public is ready. The question is, how ready to spend $40k, ($32,500 after the $7500 tax credit) on a GM model that gets 40 miles between charges? If GM can deliver a stable, reliable, quality product in the VOLT, (it looks nice in the fit and finish department, but it hasn’t had the 20k mile squeak and rattle test) with a price tag close to or under the $33,000.00 loaded Prius, then I’ll be doing handstands to own one.
The Volt is scheduled for release late 2010 as a 2011 model with a 145hp 1.4l 4 cyl engine. Aside from the price, travel range is the big issue, at only 40 miles between charges (cost .50), depending on weather conditions, (I’ll do the Death Valley test drive in July if they’ll let me) ; this is purely an urban transporter. The internal combustion (gas) engine takes over as needed, throwing an extra 25hp into the mix and keeping the battery from exhaustion. Near exhaustion because the philosophy is to leave 30% in reserve, thus extending the battery life to 150,000 miles or 10 years. The ability to charge from a home outlet will offset additional costs for charging units, which can range between $3-4,000.00, (some tax credits available) for propane or LNG terminals in the family garage. Meanwhile, public facilities and valets on the Las Vegas Strip are already suited-up with PLUG-in stations at curbside.
The Volt has been a regular at the Detroit Auto Showsince 2007, continuing the hype of GM reborn. GM needs this car like a runner needs oxygen, not only to justify the bail-out but to reinvigorate its dealer body, defuse the CAFÉ quota limits on its big, bad-boy trucks but also to ignite the youth market. The Volt can’t come soon enough, as gas prices creep toward $3.00 a gallon and their new car line-up is looking old. Ford has successfully breached the social network world with Fiesta YouTube/drive-a-thons and Focus-hybrid love-fest events, fast forward to the latest SAFe driver technology in Sync 3.0. Welcome to MAC world GM, this year the Volt’s North American Auto Show-stopper is an APP’d up series of smart phone Applications guaranteed to charge the Volt owner with touch screen overload.
All-in all, the CHEVY VOLT is the most exciting product from GM in a decade, let’s hope it delivers after all the auto show hype.
Check out this quick peek of the 2011 CHEVY Volt caught showing off at CES last week.
I’ll report on the Volt again, as soon as I can do a MYCARLADY TEST DRIVE review.
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com
Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS
C.A.R.S.-otherwise known as CASH for JUNKERS is scheduled to launch July 24th. WAIT, before you do wheelies over to the Automall, call me to make sure it actually happens. The promise is $1Billion government dollars to get those gas-hogging rustbuckets off the road. However, the dealerships and salvage yards haven’t been given certification, registration or anything resembling reimbursement procedures, as of this date. YES, I know dealers have been advertising like crazy to drive traffic to their doors. The key is if you don’t have me watching your back, the advertising can amount to a SCAM on YOU! (Read more at Mycarlady.com/blog) The real deal is you have to do your HOMEWORK first. Go to the official www.cars.gov website and READ THE RULES. Then link over to list for comparing the car you want to TRADE-in for the one you want to BUY. You must have a minimum gain of 1 gal. MPG, from old to new, depending on the classification between the two vehicles. Confused yet? ME TOO! The $4500.00 is the MAX amount allowed, but you may not qualify for even $3500.00. SNEAKY STUFF; I’ve hademails from readers reporting dealers adding the rebate to the selling price (or a portion of the rebate) and presenting the added cost as “SALES TAX”. Moral of the story. Do you homework on what you THINK you want to buy and trade, then call me and I’ll let you know when the program officially launches and what dealers are APPROVED to do the CARS program. REMEMBER: While the rules say a dealer COULD become eligible for trades taken after July 1, but before the official launch, the program also states they could be left empty-handed if the money runs out before they get paid, even if they took the cars in during the program. Finding out the status of the funding is one of those “soon to be announced” things. The dealers have to be very careful, as the potential to be floating the cost of the program waiting for an UNCLE SAM check, plus being taxed (they get taxed on the rebate as income!) could be a heavy burden in a troubled industry. Stay tuned to http://www.mycarlady.com follow me on TWITTER @mycarlady for the latest news on CASH 4 JUNKERS. QUESTIONS: sarahlee@mycarlady.com
GREAT LEASES require research. You’ve heard me say it before. Leasing has taken a SERIOUS hit the last 18 months. Residual values plummeted with the economy and rising fuel prices. As the summer hump of car sales hits, dealers lots are picked clean for the bargains. Rebates are slim except on hard to move product. Such is the case with year-end leases. Car makers have adjusted their lease marketing to focus on very specific models in their product line. The targeted models are typically their most popular and price sensitive models, i.e.: Honda Civic $179.00mth, Nissan Altima $199.00mth, Toyota Corolla $169.00mth, Acura TL and MDX $499.00mth, Infiniti G37 $499.00. Notice these are all entry-level teasers with BIG, BIG down payments. Even Mercedes Benz is running a baby Benz for $499.00 with 5k down and 8k miles. OMG, 8k miles? The other prices are also tagged with big down payment “lease inception fees” and measly miles. What you won’t see are FORD, CHRYSLER and GM, or BMW and LEXUS jumping into the lease game. They don’t want their cars on the LEASE termination ledger after the residual bloodbath of returning SUV’s, Luxury sedans and trucks amid the gas crisis of ‘09. AS fuel costs have dropped from $4.50 highs last June, the prices are creeping back up as oil contracts are already $60.00 a barrel heading into fall. This combination has increased demand for the new 2010 PRIUS, but don’t expect any SPECIAL INCENTIVIZED LEASE programs on hybrids. WHY? Because the car companies know the hybrid/electric/alternative fuel technology is changing so fast they can’t recoup the residual in 36mos. and you need to keep the car at least 6-7 years (average driver) to see the actual $avings over a traditional 4cyl. traded in 5 years. (*this is not my argument on the environmental aspect here, we own a Civic Hybrid, this is about leasing). SO, if you have a payment in mind, call me at 702-521-7546 and I’ll give you the inside scoop on leasing the car of your dreams.
ALTERNATIVE FUEL DEALERSHIP coming to town soon. check back with me often to get the inside scoop.
NETWORKING and FREE COOL STUFF NETWORKING: You know how I love to hook you up with great business contacts and cool stuff , … so here is my find of the MONTH! You have to hurry, it ends July 31st 2009!
OFFICE DEPOT(a WBENC supporter) is giving away $1,000,000 dollars to 500 small business owners in their ADOPT A SMALL BUSINESS; SURVIVALOFTHESMARTEST.com VIDEO contest.$1300.00 in supplies and services for 500 lucky winners. If you aren’t technologically gifted your kids, employees or significant other can make it for you, and your business still gets the dough! All you have to do is make a 2 minute video about how Office Depot saves you money in your small business. Go to this website to check it out, and if you aren’t on their Worklife REWARDS card you are missing 10% savings on your purchases, extra coupons in the mail/email AND more money-back. AND did you know they have FREE WIFI and PRICE MATCH any competitor’s coupons too! All that and they support local small business people with grants and sponsorships. SARAH LEE’S SOAPBOX: YOU KNOW I believe in putting my money where my mouth is, (and you know I have a big one , mouth that is) so I like to do my little part to support the companies that WALK the WALK! Watch for my video entry on their website: http://www.thesurvivalofthesmartest.com/
MYCARLADY “STEALSONWHEELS”
STEALS ON WHEELS: Everyone likes a great deal, especially on cars. So the youtube site: www.youtube.com/stealsonwheels.com www.youtube.com/stealsonwheels and the same named section of my website bring you great cars in video-vinettes of cars, trucks, suv’s and vans under $10K These beauties don’t last long, so if you aren’t following me on TWITTER when I blast the latest posting out there, you need to subscribe to the Youtube link or the website. Examples: 1997 Jeep Cherokee 80k miles 2wd clean only $4995.00 2002 Hyundai Tucson 38k miles only $6995.00, 2002 Nissan Xterra 23K miles, one owner, only $10995.00 (price exception for this amazing steal, sold in 1 day) I get the inside track on these and bring you the lowest price, BEFORE it ever makes the front line of the dealers lot. And REMEMBER, when MYCARLADY calls, there is no haggling, no hassling, just the straight deal, no nonsense, safety-checked and warranted! That’s the Sarah Lee, MYCARLADY.com promise!
Looking for a job? Looking for an employee? You know I know lots of people, so don’t be afraid to drop me a line at sarahlee@mycarlady.com and I’ll spread the word for you! This newsletter reaches 1500 mailboxes and then out to the www universe and beyond.
As always, thanks for your continued support. Please know from the bottom of my heart I appreciate you!
HUGS,
SARAH LEE
631 n stephanie st #283
Henderson, Nevada 89014
SARAH LEE, mycarlady.com
The CARS program (CASH 4 Junkers) will officially launch July 24th, 2009, so says the government’s toll-free information line. Until then, steer clear of dealerships advertising the program as $4500 rebates good now. This will only add insult to your intelligence when you discover your trade-in value rebate is being added to the selling price of the new car.
NOTE: there are many things you will need to do BEFORE racing to the dealership.
1. GO ONLINE and find out what your trade-in’s current COMBINED FUEL ECONOMY is, based on the listing posted on the NTHSA website. Print out a copy for your files.
2. GO ONLINE and research the various NEW CARS you are considering for their COMBINED FUEL ECONOMY. Also listed at this website.
3. Go to WWW.CARS.GOVto determine exactly how much your rebate will be, based on the category of FUEL IMPROVMENT you will experience between your trade-in and the proposed vehicle you have decided to purchase.
4. Consider having your credit report reviewed and auto loan financing arranged BEFORE car shopping. This could save you hours of hassles and embarassment. If you need a credit pre-approval contact me for assistance.
FROM THE www.cars.gov website: “-As noted above, at the time of the transaction at the dealer, the consumer who is trading in the “trade-in vehicle” will need to provide evidence of ownership of the vehicle and proof that the vehicle has been continuously registered and insured to the same person throughout the last 12 months. To prevent repeated use of the program by the same person, we anticipate that the consumer will need to provide evidence of identity, such as a driver’s license, and permit that information to become part of the documentation of the transaction. The dealer will have every reason to avoid entering into a transaction for which the dealer cannot be reimbursed under this program. The dealer will be expected to verify that the vehicle being traded in and the vehicle being purchased or leased are both eligible under the program. This will entail, with regard to the trade-in, making sure that the registration and insurance information is accurate and that the vehicle is in drivable condition. For both vehicles, the dealer will need to verify their combined fuel economy.”… from cars.gov the OFFICIAL government website on the CARS program.
HERE is an example of the comparison chart for old vs. new. It saved me 1 gallon of fuel.
How are fuel cost estimates and miles on a tank determined?
Fuel cost estimates are based on45% highway driving, 55% city driving, 15000 annual miles and the following fuel prices:
Regular Gasoline: $2.44 per gallon
You may customize these values to reflect the price of fuel in your area and your own driving patterns.
Fill-up cost and the distance you can travel on a tank are calculated based on the combined MPG and the assumption that you will re-fuel when your tank is 10% full.
What’s the difference between air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions? The Air Pollution score and Carbon Footprint measure different types of vehicle emissions. Air pollutants harm human health and/or cause smog. Carbon Footprint measures greenhouse gas emissions (primarily CO2) that impact climate change.
Why do some vehicles have more than one air pollution score? Some vehicles are available in multiple emission versions that look the same but have different air pollution scores. Unfortunately, it is difficult to distinguish between similar models.If you click on the link “Show Detailed Air Pollution Information” above, it will display the emission standard and the 12-digit underhood engine ID. You can identify the cleaner car by matching the engine ID listed above to the Underhood Label Identification Number on the vehicle.Note: In some cases, manufacturers choose to certify identical vehicles to different emission standards. In these cases, the vehicles will have the same engine ID.
The carbon footprint measures greenhouse gas emissions expressed in CO2 equivalents. The estimates presented here are “full fuel-cycle estimates” and include the three major greenhouse gases emitted by motor vehicles: carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. Full fuel-cycle estimates consider all steps in the use of a fuel, from production and refining to distribution and final use. Vehicle manufacture is excluded. (U.S. Department of Energy, GREET Model 1.7, Argonne National Laboratory)NA – Not AvailableColor vehicle photographs have been provided by the vehicle manufacturers or their representative and are used with their permission. Black and white photographs are as published in Ward’s Automotive Yearbook(R), 1985-1999 and are used by permission of Ward’s Communications, a world leader in automotive information.
DISCLAIMER: The user estimates shown above are based on data from Your MPG users rather than official sources. Since the source data cannot be verified, neither DOE nor EPA guarantees the accuracy of these estimates. this information was taken from the www.fuelgeconomy.gov. website as an example of my own vehicles.
The 2002 Jeep Liberty Trade-in value is $6800.00 so getting $3500 on the CARS program doesn’t help me. It won’t take this gas hog off the road. The dealership will resell it to cover my trade-in value. I’ll have to either drive it for another couple years or trade it for something with better fuel economy to really see a net savings.
NEED AUTO FINANCE HELP or CREDIT report repair go to tell them MY CARLADY: Sarah Lee sent you. It’s a free consult and they do the right thing by you, fast, easy, cheap.
Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com
Doing these things AHEAD of TIME will SAVE you COUNTLESS hours and DOLLARS! It would also help to have your credit reviewed and financing arranged, to spare yourself any embarrassment or hassles at the dealer.
I f you need more information on credit PRE-APPROVAL, contact me at: www.mycarlady.com.
LAS VEGAS, NV– I heard alot about the new Ford Fusion Hybrid so I decided it was time to drive one. Being an avid alternative fuel junkie, I’ve driven all the competitors in this class: Toyota Prius, Honda (original) Insight, Chevy Malibu, Saturn Vue and I own a 2007 Hybrid Civic Hybrid. I have to admit my love of the fuel economy is tempered only by the lack of trunck storage and horse-power in most of these hybrid 4 cyl. sedans. I was tempted to buy a Mercury SUV last year, but chickened out when I realized the car might last longer than the brand. That said, the Ford Fusion didn’t disappoint me at all. The fit and finish is solid and the trunk has room for two golf bags. It has a real car dash, console and feel, which is certainly a plus when you’ve been driving as long as I have. The Pruis took too much “getting use to” for my simple toy-rad mind. Give me easy to understand graphs and pictures and touch screens whenever possible. The Fusion has lots of graphs and cool t.v.-like screens with dreamscapes to tell me how much gas I’m not using. It is quiet on the road and has solid handling, suspension and turning radius. It takes the bumps with easy and doesn’t throw you around in the bolstered seat when cornering hard. It sits higher up than the competition so you don’t feel like you are going to get run over or can’t see around you. The visability is clear sailing with no nasty blind spots. Getting in and out of it isn’t a struggle. It has 175 HP which allows it to accelerate without the FRED FLINTSTONE wind-up. More guts than the Honda, the price was the only thing that put a hitch in my excitement UNTIL the guys at FORD told me the FUSION gets the BIGGEST TAX CREDIT: of all the hybrids in the market: a whooping $3400.00, which then puts it firmly in the front of the pack. That TAX SAVINGS is on top of the AUTO sales TAX credit you get for buying a car in 2009.ON TOP OF ALL THAT MONEY YOU ARE SAVING… the FORD guys told me I can get my MYCARLADY clients a SCREAMING discount on these brand new models, so if you are thinking GREEN+FORD FUSION= My Carlady!
Call me… 702-521-7546 In the meantime, enjoy the testdrive: MYCARLADY TEST DRIVES 2010 Ford Fusion HYBRID
NEED AUTO FINANCE HELP or CREDIT report repair go to www.ecreditautoadvisor.com tell them MY CARLADY: Sarah Lee sent you. It’s a free consult and they do the right thing by you, fast, easy, cheap.
Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com
When will Washington listen? ENOUGH ALREADY! NO MORE MONEY! The CAR CZAR’S are making decisions on the future of the US auto industry with no experience working in the car business, owning a company or actually selling anything but their own hype. Nevertheless, these CAR CZARS (as reported in the Wall Street Journal) say their role is all about brokering a financial deal. These are the same fellows responsible for the masterful execution of the AIG bailout and bonus situation, that in their own words; “will render the AIG name worthless”. CAN Chrysler and GM stock be far behind?
IMHO, their eye is on the wrong ball, and everyone on the bench has told them so. It’s not about when car sales will start to improve. It’s about meeting the needs and expectations of the car buying public. Yes,consumer confidence in the ability to make the monthly payment is issue number one. However, before the consumer can acknowledge the burning desire to rush out and replace that old clunker, terminating lease or inefficient vehicle; several basic tenents must be addressed.
DESIRE, NEED, BUDGET; the basics of Car Sales 101.
After all the barn-storming and chest thumping meetings, even the Italian’s (FIAT) are stunned with the limited grasp our CAR CZAR board appears to have on the underlying motivations of the car buying public. Have any of these guys ever sat in a showroom on a Saturday for eight hours, negotiating a car deal?
Here’s the REAL CAR DEAL Mr. President…
1. JOBS #1. Can’t get a car loan without a JOB.
2. BANKS. The banks are sitting on all that money from the first round of Bailout financing, FAILING to give it up to the very consumers it was meant to help. No bank or car company should get another dime until a portion of the previous funds are used to give consumers CAR LOANS. There are plenty of car buyers, just no way to finance them.
3. GIVE the Car Buyer what he/she wants. A full-size, family size car
or utility vehicle that runs on natural gas, electric, hydrogen or water, at a reasonable price. The tax initiatives are already in place. What’s the problem? The EPA strangles new technology in years of paperwork, and battery manufacturers can’t make up the time warp fast enough to meet the demand or lower the cost. While gas is cheap, our focus is off the ball, however, all Americans are engaged in the “other shoe dropping” mentality of gas prices coming back to $4.00 a gallon, and they want to get off the oil addiction.
4. Car consumerswill buy smarter, safer, more fuel efficient automobiles, but their distrust of Detroit’s ability to make quality product has pushed them into the arms of Toyota, Nissan and Honda. The Big 3 JAPANESE brands are already delivering better quality cars and alternative fuel vehicles.
5. BRAND LOYALTY is the cornerstone of car sales, and neither Chrysler nor GM have earned and sustained their customer following. Therefore, maintaining these entities is a grandiose waste of capital. Fiat can’t burnish Chrysler’s reputation, as proven by their previous owner: Daimler Benz.
Mercedes Benz SMART CAR Chrysler rejected.
So gentlemen, I implore you once again; take the advice of those in the business who have “sold” the cars. STOP WASTING valuabletime and public empathy. The consumer is growing impatient and you: CAR CZAR board, are wasting Obama stock pussy-footing around the inevitable. Chrysler and GM do not need or deserve to remain separate companies. As most doctors will tell you, the sooner you amputate the better chance the patient has of surviving. Take the two month bankruptcy route and get the companies back on track for summer selling season. A bankruptcy decision NOW will reap rewards by third quarter. If you continue with the B.S. foot dancing any longer, the car sales window will close as car hungry consumers will wait for 2010 models while shopping for school supplies.
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writers about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com
2011 CHEVY VOLT –
The public is ready. The question is, how ready to spend $40k, ($32,500 after the $7500 tax credit) on a GM model that gets 40 miles between charges? If GM can deliver a stable, reliable, quality product in the VOLT, (it looks nice in the fit and finish department, but it hasn’t had the 20k mile squeak and rattle test) with a price tag close to or under the $33,000.00 loaded Prius, then I’ll be doing handstands to own one.
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