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LEXUS 2 Remember tops Holiday gift-giving
December 23, 2009 by mycarlady
Like all things Lexus, the ability to resonate with their customer base is a marvel of perfection. Ever since the introduction of In Pursuit of Excellence, the Lexus marketers have continued to emboss the ideology of Lexus as THE BEST car you could drive, in every drivers brain.

Now after four years of heavy December marketing “December to Remember” (r) to the masses who have everything, Lexus dealerships are standing room only for the cheap lease payments surrounding the ES350. 3 years, 36,000 miles of driving a $38,000.00 car for less than $1,500.00 a year in interest, all other things being equal. I say cheap, because after test driving the Audi A4, Genesis 3.8l, Acura TL, and Infiniti G37, you can’t get as low as the advertised $399.00 plus tax with $ 3750.00 in drive-offs (first payment, de-cap, acquisition and dealer fees) as these others with similar features. Come back tomorrow for my Lesson on Leasing. Want to know about other Lexus lease deals click here.

The runner-up would be the Audi A4 (which includes scheduled service in it’s warranty, at a value I approx. to be $10.00 a month on the 36 month lease term), but the Audi A4 is smaller in the backseat. Lexus dealers around the country say their stock of ES350’s is low, and they will be completely out by January 1st, 2010, as the last of the business buyers count tax savings in a dismal profit year. This year I had more folks asking about the annual Lexus give-away than ever before. After suffering through a horrendous $100.00 a month bump in payment the first month after the December 2008 sales event, I warned clients the day after Thanksgiving this year, get your Lexus now, if you want one. BTW, the plural of Lexus is Lexus, as in; I sold alot of Lexus this season!

If Lexus continues it’s benchmark motto making, I expect to see “A Birthday to Remember (r)” (Lexus, I’m registering this right now!) running every day of 2010, as car sales continue to languish with the economy.

Happy safe driving this holiday weekend!

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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

Category: ACURA TSX, AUDI, INFINITI, LEXUS
Tags: ES350 lease deals
NEW CAR REBATES for COLLEGE GRADUATES
December 20, 2009 by mycarlady
NEW CAR REBATES FOR RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES

NEW CAR manufacturers are anxious to have recent college graduates (first time car buyers) seen driving their brands. To motivate the consumer they offer rebates and financing opportunities on specific models. The recent college graduate must show proof of a job making a min. of $1800.00 per month and their rent cannot exceed 30% of that gross income. The graduate can expect to be limited to the most basic, least expensive models int he product line unless he/she has a substantial down payment or co-signer for any vehicle over 15K*. A down payment to cover taxes and fees is usually required, and the credit must be spot-less. Any negative accounts can make the deal null and void.

HERE are the latest vehicles available for a RECENT COLLEGE (or PROFESSIONAL or TRADE SCHOOL ) GRADUATE satisfying the various requirements. For specific details contact your local dealer, the factory website or MYCARLADY.com Remember, taking advantage of these offers does not minimize your ability to negotiate or get a discount off the list price of most of these cars.

Acura:    2009-2010 models Graduate Program special APR only. Must have graduated in the past 2 years or will in the next 4 months with a Masters, Bachelors, or Associates degree from an accredited college or nursing program. Available on all new or certified pre-owned models. See my test drive review of the Acura TSXvs. the Audi A4 here.

Suzuki     $500 2009 and 2010  Suzuki SX4 Must finance through American Suzuki Financial

Mazda 3

MAZDA   2009-2010 Mazda models up to $25k Loan or lease. See my test drive review of the Mazda3 and Kia SOUL here.

Be graduating within 6 months or have graduated within the last 12 months from an accredited 2- or 4-year college, graduate school (including Doctorate), nursing school or trade school.

Nissan    $500 2009 and 2010 Nissan Altima Nissan Rogue* Nissan Sentra Nissan Versa Nissan Xterra*  Students graduating within 6 months or up to 24 months after graduation.

Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai   $400  2009 and 2010 Hyundai Accent Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Genesis* Hyundai Sonata   Students graduating within 6 months or up to 24 months after graduation.

For more RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATE NEW CAR REBATES on the specific MAKE and MODEL of your choice, click here:COLLEGE

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

Category: ACURA TSX, AUTOMOTIVE-AUTO, CARS, Car rebates and incentives, KIA, Mazda 3, NEW CAR MAKES, NEW CARS under 15k, NISSAN CUBE, SUZUKI, women car buyers
Tags: car rebates college graduates
2010 MAZDA 3 TEST DRIVE FUN!
April 5, 2009 by My Carlady
Las Vegas, NV– MY CARLADY TEST DRIVES 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback.

‘I like sharp-looking, responsive, 5-door compacts. As our culture moves towards fuel efficiency and conservation, the hatchback, box or baby SUV will become more important to the multi-dimension driver. While the administration redesigns the automotive industry, the think-tanks will figure out how our need for transportation will challenge the current travel infrastructure.

In the meantime, cars like the Mazda 3, Honda Insight, Toyota Corolla, Scion XA and Nissan Versa will help make our transportation transition easier.

Today I took the 2010 Mazda 3 5 door hatchback for a LOOONNNGG drive through the Nevada desert. Heat, hills and highway did not daunt this car. The base model 5 door (Sport) is serviced with a 5 speed automatic with auto-shift capability, served up in a DOHC 2.5L engine which features 167 HP and 168 HP torque. The cruise control kept up, with no hunting on the inclines or hesitation. It was no slouch off the start or on the passing side of I15. I watched my range on the info system, which gave me a strong 30 mpg for the 80% highway, 20% city/country back roads. Cutting around cars and corners, the suspension held the road with no body roll or slip. Bumps and potholes failed to penetrate the ride. The road feel in the steering wheel is crisp and responsive, reacting immediately to sharp maneuvers.

Inside the cabin, road noise did transfer a bit, but poor road surfaces are a fact of life in the US today. Cranking the radio volume marginalized the effect of rubber on road.. The aerodynamic styling eliminated any wind noise or pushback. The seats are firm, bolstered and comfortable, more so than the leather ones in the Mazda6. I found the dash styling simple, sporty and easy to navigate without eye-strain. At night the gauges light red and cool blue, a Mazda feature. Don’t mistake simple for cheap, there is no cheesy fake wood or carbon-fiber just a few aluminum touches define the cockpit without overkill. Car makers are finally getting the consumer message about dark floor covers. This one had black floor mats to hide the dirt, with a tan seat and side sash. While I could still mark-up the lower panel on the driver door, at least the carpet will show less wear. Critical features for our driving lifestyle are not ignored; dual rubber insert cup holders, extra charging power ports, iPod jack and Bluetooth are in the obvious places.

The back seat is roomy enough for a 3 hour haul, split to accommodate cargo up to four golf bags or miscellaneous family stuff. The one touch button release on the hatch-back liftgate, minimize fumbling with your arms full. Dropping the back seat from the rear is simple. A cargo light helps you find stuff in the back at night.

You can also find the Mazda 3 as a sedan, in the 3i (2.0l engine) or 3s (2.5L) manual or automatic. The Grand Touring loads it up with fog lamps and rear wing spoiler, 6 disc changer, leather and moon-roof. The TECH package adds satellite radio, navigation and push button start. Starting price is $17k, but the model I drove was a cool $20K with the alloy wheels, 2.5L engine.

Here’s what Edmunds had to say about the Mazda 3:

“Much has changed, but the 2010 Mazda 3 remains more entertaining and sophisticated than its price tag would suggest. If you’re shopping for a small, inexpensive sedan or hatchback, it should be at the top of your list. Pros:Athletic handling and performance, high-end interior, unparalleled available luxury features, available hatchback utility. Cons:Ride may be too firm for some, interior and trunk not as large as those of competitors.”

Consumer Reports consistently ranks the Mazda 3 a great buy and solid used car performer. SO enjoy riding with me through the Nevada Mojave desert or get behind the wheel yourself. I know you won’t be disappointed.

CLICK here for the MYCARLADY TEST DRIVE VIDEO:

FOR OTHER CAR REVIEWS CLICK HERE: ACURA TL, ACURA TSX vs. AUDI A4 and the Hyundai Genesis 2009 Car of the Year.

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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: ACURA, AUDI, AUTOMOTIVE, CARS, FUEL ECONOMY, HYUNDAI-pronounced hun-DAY, Honda, MAZDA, NISSAN, TOYOTA, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS, women car buyers
Tags: 2010 car, 2010 mazda 3 5 door, car review, mazda 3
Auto Sales and Interest Tax Breaks 4 who?
February 7, 2009 by My Carlady
2/7/09 Las Vegas, NV
2009- Lincoln mkz

AUTO TAX BREAKS 4 WHO?

So the newest round of automotive bailout theory involves giving tax breaks to anyone making less than $250,000 a year, BUYING a NEW Car for less than $49,500.00

Okay, Car, truck, minivan, suv or crossover. Dodge, Chrysler, GMC, Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep, Pontiac, Saturn, Mercury, Lincoln, or any other brands are eligible.

However, for the millions of folks that won’t qualify for a car note on a NEW vehicle or elect to LEASE or PAY CASH for a new 2009 model, this latest automotive stimulus effort means NOTHING. That’s right, $0. This is a TAX DEDUCTION for the SALES TAX and INTEREST paid on the car loan.

Matt Hardigree of CarpocalypseNow writes; “Senator Mikulski’s amendment, the Auto Assistance Ownership Amendment, makes interest payments on car loans and state sales or excise car tax-deductible for new cars purchased between November 12, 2008 and December 31, 2009, which, in turn, will help more Americans afford cars during these tough economic times and spur investment in America’s ailing automobile industry.”

I get the fact that buying a USED car doesn’t keep plants stamping, or automotive plant workers, truck drivers, parts manufacturers assembling, but I do think this latest proposal is amazingly one-sided.

As the automotive industry as a whole employs 1 in 4 jobs directly or indirectly, let everyone participate in the program. Give used car buyers, cash buyers and leasing customers a credit too! Why should only those able to qualify for the loan, be rewarded? Why do those with exemplary credit who qualify for a LEASED vehicle lose out on the tax credit? What about the folks that have saved and scrapped to pay cash or use the 0% offers, they should be rewarded for their fiscal resourcefulness, not penalized.

Here’s the MYCARLADY AUTO STIMULUS AND TAX CREDIT PROPOSAL…

Given that the average car loan is 72 mos. (6 years) and the average interest amount on that auto loan is $5,000…

Include all makes and models; 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 purchased between 12/31/08 and 1/1/2010.
1. Leasing customers, including FLEETS, get $2500.00 income tax credit per unit.
2. Customers paying cash for a car get a $5000.00 tax credit.
3. Small Business can take the interest credit or the Sec. 179 deduction for capitalized equipment purchases, not both.
4. Small Business owners can take the mileage deduct or the depreciation, plus the interest credit or the flat lease amount.
What happened to the TARP money the car makers got? Why wasn’t that money earmarked for car loans to consumers? SO many folks need cars, want to buy, and can’t get a car loan, even at a 25% interest rate. Realizing that credit has become so tight that many clients with formerly great 700+ credit scores are now suffering as their scores plummet, we need to get that money into the auto lending system so dealers can “move the iron”. The tax credit doesn’t mean anything if the consumer can’t buy, because there are no auto loan banks left.

This bill is misguided, rewarding a small percentage of the population.

The proposed auto tax break initiative needs to be bundled with a serious directive to make the funds already provided to the automakers get funneled to the lending institutions that make car loans; prime and second chance.

Now before you start screaming about “second chance” car loans, unqualified buyers, and predatory lending, hold on and breathe. The banks already hold the dealers to minimal rate mark-up, and carefully “screen” every buyer. (SCREEN= call the person and grill them on everything from features of the vehicle to date of employment.). Second chance lenders often install kill switches and GPS devices to track errant car owners missing a payment. The systems are in place to monitor the situation, if dealers had the finance support to sell cars. There are buyers, like the housing market, but no banks to carry the loans.

The “Minnows” as Senator Mikulski (Maryland) refers to the targeted public of this bill, needs a loan before a tax break.

Read more about fixing your car credit at: http://everythingcars.wordpress.com/2008/12/12/fixing-your-cr…-or-fiction-p1/

http://www.mycarlady.com/2009/01/03/fixyourcreditfixyourcredit/

Sarah Lee writes about all things car related, is a constant car consumer advocate and car buyer’s agent. www.mycarlady.com for a great no hassle, deal on your next “tax break” car.
Category: ACURA, AUDI, AUTOMOTIVE, Auto Finance Loan, BMW, BYD Chinese car, CADILLAC, CARS I OWN, CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, Credit repair, DODGE, FORD, GMC, HUMMER, HYUNDAI-pronounced hun-DAY, Honda, INFINITI, JEEP, LEXUS, LINCOLN, MERCEDES BENZ, MINI COOPER, NISSAN, SMART, TOYOTA, VOLKSWAGON, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS
Tags: Auto finance, auto loans, car sales tax deduction, second chance finance, tax breaks for car buyers
Acura TSX vs. Audi A4 =YouVote!
January 20, 2009 by mycarlady
1/19/09 Las Vegas, NV

My Carlady has been road testing the 2009 Acura TSX and the 2009 Audi A4 for the past few days. Both cars are 4 cylinders with 205 and 201 HP and 254/175 FPT. Mileage is 21/29 vs. 23/30, respectively. Each car has it’s high points and the lease payments for 39 mos., 12k miles per year are amazingly close. So which one will it be for me?

The Acura TSX is smaller in the backseat, but that makes it feel more coupe like. It lacks the cool mirror signals but it does have the USB connector, memory seats for 2, and a bigger iDrive knob. The dash is very sexy, with gauges and dials that appear to float on the surface and are back-lit at night in a cool white. even if you don’t upgrade to the TECH package. The TECH package on the TSX tells you to put on your seat belt (remember those days?) and has a larger screen than the Audi.

2009 Audi A4

The Audi A4 2.0T= turbo, is wider and larger, so backseat drivers can relax and stop telling me how to drive (Hi Mom!) The Audi A4 has a slot for the memory card upload, not as easy as the USB port in the Acura. The dash gauges are accented in red, as are all the other knobs and controls throughout the door, and center console. You can’t miss something in the dark, and when the door opens, you are bathed in bright light that creates a 4′ radius around the car. The handling isn’t as nimble as the TSX, but that really is the perception of the driver, because the car is 6″ bigger than it’s closest competitor.

2009 Acura TSX

In both the TSX and A4 you get leather, lumbar, heated seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, moon-roof, auto-stick (the Acura has paddle shifters while the Audi uses the shifter) Satellite radio for 3 mos., 4-50k warranty, loaner cars, homelink, Blue-tooth, tiny armrest storage, average cup-holders, 17″ alloy wheels, metal door sill protectors and an optional spoiler.

Too bad neither one has push button start, rear power shade, or voice command navigation.

Handling is responsive, suspension keeps out the bumps and engine noise is barely audible on acceleration. The base models have good stereos, and the Bose or Upgrade in the Acura give you 440+ watts for the Opera lovers in the group. Me, I’m good with my classic 80’s as long as Billy Joel and George Winston sound right. The trunk space is ample with folding rear seats for those extra-big shopping moments.

The dealership service and showroom presentation are on par. Estimated cost of ownership over a five year term is comparable with depreciation an even 5k per year across the board. However, I do know the 2010 Acura TSX may get some sheet metal changes, while the Audi A4 is set for a few more years.

So, that’s what I have for you, let me know what you think, I’m all ears.

Want to read a review on the Acura TL click here.

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Sarah Lee writes about cars, travel, art, books, credit repair and all things cars. She is a passionate consumer advocate for car buyers. You can learn more about her and her car buyer’s agent program at http://www.mycarlady.com

Category: ACURA, AUDI, AUTOMOTIVE, CARS I OWN, FUEL ECONOMY, women car buyers
Tags: 2009 Acura TSX, 2009 Audi A4 2.0T, Acura TSX, Audi A4, Luxury Sport sedans