1. CASH 4 JUNKERS starts JULY 24th

    July 10, 2009 by My Carlady

    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.GOV  to 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.

    2009 Jeep Liberty 4WD

    		  

    2002 Jeep Liberty 4WD

    		  

    Switch Units:
      Gallons/100 Miles
      Liters/100 km
    2009 Jeep Liberty 4WD
    		 
    2002 Jeep Liberty 4WD
    		Compare Side-by-Side
             
      New EPA MPG  

    MPG ratings for 1985-2007 models have been revised More information.
    Regular Gasoline
    15
    City
    17
    Combined
    21
    Hwy
     
    Regular Gasoline
    14
    City
    16
    Combined
    18
    Hwy
     
    		 
         
     
    MPG Estimates from Drivers Like You
    		  

    Learn more about
    “Your MPG” With "Your MPG" you can calculate or share your MPG , and view estimates from other drivers. Click to learn more
    User fuel economy estimates are not yet available for this vehicle
    Average based on 13 vehicles.
     
    16.3
    		 
    Lo  
    14
    arrow
    		   Hi
    21
    		Disclaimer
     
    Fuel Economics
    		  
    Cost to drive 25 Miles
    $3.59
    $3.81
    		  
    Fuel to Drive 25 Miles
    1.47 gal
    1.56 gal
    Cost of a Fill-up
    $42.82
    -
    Miles on a Tank
    298 miles
    -
    Tank Size
    19.5 gal
    -
    Annual Fuel Cost*
    $2152
    $2288
    Based on 45% highway driving, 55% city driving, 15000 miles/year and Reg.: $2.44 per gallon
    Click to use your gas prices and annual miles
       
    Annual Petroleum Consumption
    (1 barrel=42 gallons)
    20.1 barrels
    21.4 barrels
     
    		  

    Annual Tons of CO2 Emitted

    Personalize Annual Miles

    10.8
    11.4
    graph showing the tons of greenhouse gases
    3.5
    16.2
    graph showing the tons of greenhouse gases
    3.5
    16.2
     
    		  
    Air Pollution Score
    Score = 06
    All states except CA,MA,ME,NY,VT
    Score = 01
    All States
    		 
    Show Scores for California and Northeast States  
    Show Detailed Air Pollution Information  
    Safety
    NA
    		  
    EPA Size Class
    Sport Utility Vehicle – 4WD
    Sport Utility Vehicle – 4WD
    		  
    Engine Size (liters)
    3.7
    3.7
    		  
    Cylinders
    6
    6
    		  
    Transmission
    Automatic 4-spd
    Automatic 4-spd
    		  
    Drive
    4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
    4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
    		  
    Gas Guzzler
    no
    no
    		  
    Turbocharger
    no
    no
    		  
    Supercharger
    no
    no
    		  
    Passenger Volume
    NA
    NA
    		  
    Luggage Volume
    NA
    NA
    		  
    Engine Characteristics
    NA
    NA
    		  
    Trans Characteristics
    NA
    CLKUP
    		  

    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.

    —————————————————————————————————————————————READ MORE ABOUT CASH FOR CLUNKERS HERE

    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.

     

     


     

     

     

    Category: AUTO LOAN FINANCE, AUTO STIMULUS BAILOUT, AUTOMOTIVE, Auto Finance Loan, CARS, Car rebates and incentives, Credit Report Repair, FUEL ECONOMY, Hybrids, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS, women car buyers
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  2. SUMMER AUTO SALES showing SPARK

    June 4, 2009 by My Carlady

    Domestic and Foreign, New and Used, Luxury and basic transportation models are all showing signs of pent-up demand for auto dealers around the country.  Sparked in part by the bankruptcy of Chrysler and GM, 1800 pending dealer closings and promises of scarce inventory on popular models, consumers have flooded dealer showrooms filled with hope of scoring a “giveaway” deal.

    While rebates approach six and eight thousand dollars and interest rates hover between 0% and 5.99%, the eager car buyer is finding his trade-in severely under-valued and attractive financing options limited to those with superior [read:720 FICO] auto credit scores.

    “This has been the problem for the past 18 mos.” Jim M., LV Import/Domestic dealer,  laments.  “The clients are UPSIDE-DOWN (owe more than it’s worth) on their car, have little cash to put down, and the banks won’t finance the negative balance , plus the taxes and fees.”  

    National auto auctions are seeing record numbers of cars, including many brand new ‘08 and ‘09 models, direct from targeted Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and GM dealers.  Used car prices have remained stable, even with the inventory influx, as demand for used cars has outstripped new car purchases the past year. Auto loans on used cars have been cut significantly, putting pressure on consumers to put down more cash, go longer term (avg. car loan is now 72 mos./6yrs.) and pay higher interest rates for less than perfect credit.

    GM and GMAC have promised to assist remaining Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealers with auto loan financing, yet the bankruptcy has put a halt to dealer agreements and buying.  Much of the sales spurt started with Memorial Day weekend, came from buyers with lease expiration’s, cash or positive trade-in equity. 

    As more American’s stay closer to home this summer, sales of vans and SUV’s continue to increase. With gas prices low, consumers are not shunning four day family drive-aways to the mountains and shores.its-a-bus

    Chrysler Town and Country, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada and Honda Odyssey are best-sellers this summer season. Stow ‘n Go folks, summer selling season is upon us.interiortowncountry

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    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.

    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.


    Category: AUTO LOAN FINANCE, AUTOMOTIVE, CARS, CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, Credit Report Repair, DODGE, FUEL ECONOMY, Honda, JEEP, NISSAN, TOYOTA, USED CAR SPECIALS, USED CARS, USED CROSS-OVERS, USED SUV's, USED VANS, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS, women car buyers
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  3. GMAC to rescue CHRYSLER AUTO LOANS

    May 5, 2009 by My Carlady

    sebringconvGMAC to FUND CHRYSLER AUTO LOANS
    CHRYSLER, JEEP and DODGE dealers may finally get some much needed life support in the area of auto loans for their credit needy car buyers.
    Credit scores and auto loan availability have been the most significant factor challenging the car business in general and especially Chrysler Financial, the lead credit resource for most Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships around the country. Traditional banks, credit unions and auto finance arms of commercial lenders have distanced themselves from Chrysler products over the past six months as bankruptcy proceedings loomed large.
    GMAC to the rescue. GMAC and Chrysler Financial are both owned by Cerberus, the private-equity firm which owns Chrysler. As cash-strapped Chrysler Financial has been unable to offer much in the form of financing options, GMAC has been offering dealers lending agreements to pick-up the void left by the bankruptcy. While they have only begun the process of vetting dealers, they have yet to fund a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge new car loan, however, you can bet when the light turns green, the dealerships will be full throttle to get their customers financed before the money runs out.
    In the meantime, Chase is financing the promotional interest rate incentives offered by Chrysler. Their eligability requirements have been tied to stringent guidelines requiring buyers to have over 700+ FICO AUTO SCORES, 50% debt to income and some cash down to insure the lender of a positive equity position on any Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge product.
    The ability to get auto financing has hampered many car buyers, especially those with minimal cash down, average FICO AUTO scores and negative equity in their trade-ins.
    The trade-in negative equity has come from market conditions devaluing gas-guzzler and luxury models flooding the market as job layoffs force consumers to repossess the vehicles they can no longer afford.
    The reluctance of the lenders to finance above wholesale book or invoice on a NEW DODGE, CHRYSLER of JEEP, has turned the negative equity of an “upside-down trade” into a cash down must. The average FICO AUTO score of 620 has added insult to injury for many potential car buyers, offered high interest rate loans which push their debt-to-income ratio close to the edge.
    GMAC has intimated an open-mindedness toward the 620 Auto score credit consumer. While a willingness to finance a 620 consumer at a reasonable interest rate is a welcome relief to Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships, the trade-in and cash down may still frustrate some potential buyers.
    Consumers need to be aware of their trade-in payoff, value position, credit score and cash availability before rushing to the car lot. There is a perception that dealerships are “giving cars away”, and while there are great deals out there, the relationship between credit, equity and cash are paramount to driving home in a new car in today’s market.
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    NEED AUTO FINANCE HELP or CREDIT report repair. CLICK HERE: 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

    Category: Auto Finance Loan, CHRYSLER, CUMMINS DIESEL TRUCKS, Credit Report Repair, Credit repair, DODGE, JEEP, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS, women car buyers
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  4. $4.5Billion won’t save Chrysler.

    May 4, 2009 by My Carlady

    2009_dodge_ram20pickup201500_20242272-eChrysler, Jeep and Dodge are in the beginning of a pre-packaged bankruptcy. The judge has already approved $4.5 billion dollars in loans yet the car company has already told dealers there will be NO PRODUCTION during the two month BK process. Dealers have inventory, but not enough of the models that sell well. Hence, the opportunity to put additional sales on the books during the 60 day hiatus is lost to factory freeze.  Dealers placing orders today are being assured their cars will be built this summer as 2010’s, but probably won’t reach the showrooms ’til fall.  Given the standing supply and consumer uncertainty, will Chrysler amp up rebates to help dealers clear their lots, or leave them to choke on slow-movers ?

    The biggest question daunting the public and the government appointed car czars (who masterfully designed the BK) is “will American car buyers trust a car company salvaged by the government, to make a reliable, safe, quality vehicle at a reasonable price?  IS FIAT’s reputation for building cars that don’t break? What Chrysler has never understood is repeated visits to the dealership for repairs, even under warranty, is not a plus in the mind of the consumer. For our loan money, are we getting a truly competitive car or just one that returns a profit to the shareholders, now US.

    The car buyers I work with are buying new and used Toyota, Honda and Nissan products, or their high-line luxury brand sisters.  The car shoppers I know rarely ask me to get them a price on a Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep, after owning one with one too many problems.  The Cummins Diesel problems of 2007, and 2008 involving the EPA required ultra-low sulfur fuel and DPF regen systems have destroyed the holy grail of Dodge profit; the RAM 2500/3500 Cummins Diesel.   Will the government back the failed turbos, DPF’s and emission systems of the Dodge Cummins?  President Obama has repeatedly said the factory warranty will be backed by the government and parts will be available. Great. Will there be any Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealers left to do the work?  This week in Las Vegas, the second, and remaining Alpha (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge) dealership closed.  I expect it will take more than President Obama seen riding in a Chrysler 300 Presidential stretch limo to convince consumers Chrysler is the real deal.

    Adding another question mark to the equation of life after BK for Chrysler; Will the new 2010 NHTSA five star safety crash test ratings spell trouble for the release of the newly redesigned Jeep Wrangler, or launch of the 200 and EV-SUV Nitro?  Chrysler’s history of 5 star results have been mixed at best.

    If consumers don’t belly up to the bar when Chrysler emerges from bankruptcy, will the factory continue the heritage of rebates, 0% financing incentives and lifetime warranty giveaways that fostered two decades of buying the business? WIll Chrysler Financial, have the restored luster and deep pockets to buy the auto loans consumers need? If CFC isn’t part of the reorganization, with specific benchmarks to meet, give the $4.5B back now.

    These are but a few of the many issues facing the Pentastar behemouth, many wonder if it’s worth saving? What do you think?

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    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

    Category: CUMMINS DIESEL TRUCKS, Car rebates and incentives, Credit Report Repair, Credit repair, DODGE, FIAT, Honda, JEEP, LEXUS, NISSAN, SERVICE CONTRACTS & WARRANTIES, TOYOTA, USED CAR SPECIALS, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS, women car buyers
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  5. 2010 KIA SOUL TEST DRIVE REVIEW

    April 29, 2009 by My Carlady

     KIA SOUL REVIEW AND TEST DRIVE VIDEO 

     

    Kia SOul FUN

    Kia SOul FUN

     The 2010 Kia Soul is flying off the dealer showroom floor, a bright spot in an otherwise dismal selling season. While gas prices are low, consumers are enamored with the 27/31 MPG along with the roomy interior, clever styling, 10yr-100k factory warranty and $14,000 entry price. The car arrives as a manual or automatic 1.6L 4 cyl and options to the 2.0L 4 cyl, similar to many models in this entry level category.  Kia packages the upgrades in clever names, (not): Soul, Soul Plus, Soul Exclaim and Soul Sport. Power windows, door, tilt, cruise, cd are standard on the Plus, with alloy wheels, fog lamps and keyless entry on the Exclaim and Sport model. The Sport also offers a two-tone red/black interior, ground effects and rear deck lid spoiler.

    Kia packed the SOUL with the “must have” features on the GenerationNOW shopping list. The front end steals from the Mini, while the back is pure Element. The overall shape borrows heavily from the Scion XB, and soon to be shadowed by the Nissan Cube, debuting May 5th.

     

    The highlights include the stereo with a unique MOOD button which turns the sound system into a nightclub with bouncing lights in the speaker cover thumping to the bass.  The regulation iPod jack sits next to the USB port found in many luxury brands.  The cloth interior is wash and wear in two-tone herringbone or red/black for the sport model. Six side and front airbags might help the KIA SOUL obtain high marks with the new 2010 NHTSA crash tests, which include new t-bone and wrap-around collision tests, rollover and off-set frontal all considered in one rating. It’s test results have not been released at this writing.

    Handling is tight, as the wheel base is small and the 18″ tires grab the road. Be aware the 0-60 is slow to get going and acceleration is best at 35+mph. However, this aerodynamically-challenged design allows shifting wind currents and large trucks motoring by, to push the Soul around.  AT anything over 70mph the car shakes through the steering column into your silver fillings. It settles out at 90, but maybe I was flying by then.  The road and wind noise will annoy the older adults on a long ride, but the young drivers won’t notice with the stereo blasting XM/Sirius.

    There are lots of decor accessories available to push the price point up to $20,000.00.  Credit to KIA offering a first time buyers program and 0% for 36 months for a limited time, strong incentives unheard of for a hot car making it’s debut this month. Kia dealers are playing fair and cautious with the SOUL, sticking to MSRP pricing and minimal accessory loading in the initial introduction.

    Sales reps report a wide range of buyers are visiting the showroom, many consumers are considering KIA for the first time.

    Check out my YOU TUBE KIA SOUL test drive review here:

    SEE WHAT MSN FIRST DRIVE says about THE KIA SOUL.

    To see more test drive reviews from MYCARLADY: CLICK HERE:

    ____________________________________________________

    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


    Category: AUTOMOTIVE, CARS, Credit repair, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS, women car buyers
    Tags: , , , , , ,

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