1. LEXUS 2 Remember tops Holiday gift-giving

    December 23, 2009 by mycarlady

    2010_lexus_es350sideviewLike 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.2010lexuses350siderearview 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

    Buying & Selling Automobile Blogs - Blog Catalog Blog Directory

    Category: ACURA TSX, AUDI, INFINITI, LEXUS
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  2. Best-car-deals-after-clunkers

    September 12, 2009 by My Carlady

    Automakers give themselves a flat!

    Fresh off the ether of CASH for Clunkers, car buyers continue to prowl dealer lots for 2009 left-over’s and new 2010 models.  Unfortunately, the looming expanses of empty asphalt are creating a psychological push-back as consumers read the missing inventory as a still faltering economy, lack of confidence on the part of the car makers and dealer instability. As recently as yesterday, a truck buyer considering a Ford and Dodge expressed to me his concern over sustained warranty support for the Dodge. His query come to me before the brilliant decision announced by CHRYSLER, to eliminate the famous LIFETIME WARRANTY on 2010 Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep products.  While Dodge hasn’t shipped a new 2010 Ram yet, they aren’t the only ones destroying any positive effect from the $2 billion dollar summer auto sales campaign.  European and Japanese brands have demonstrated their skepticism of a US economic turnaround by cutting production and incentives on 2010’s. Infiniti’s EX, BMW X6 and Audi’s Q5 are missing from dealers showrooms, for as long as 5 weeks between shipments. The effect on pricing has been rewarding as most deals have been at or close to full retail MSRP, yet dealers would like to have enough product to meet interest and demand. 

    Toyota released the 2010 Prius during the height of the CARS program, created new dilemma for sales-starved dealerships. The redesigned Prius was the most sought after new car on the CASH for Clunkers shopping list. However, some dealers were caught in a difficult bind, able to charge upwards of $5,000.00 over sticker, which wasn’t in accordance with the federal trade-in program. Toyota got the message, pushing the orders back until the trade rebates were over, preserving the profit and mystique of the Prius. 

     Unfortunately, as dealers wait for tractor-trailers loaded with new models, consumers have stopped asking about miles per gallon. It would have been a nice to have a federal policy to follow-up the principles of the CARS program, with dealer and manufacturer participation. Some have suggested a tax credit for the clunker trade-in, providing dealers are willing to destroy the engines for the benefit of renewed sales and the couple hundred bucks in scrap fees, providing the true cash value is less than $2,000.00  I make this point so that those individuals needing basic transportation can still buy a set of wheels for under $5,000.00.  I would also include USED CAR purchases in the purchase options. Not everyone can afford or qualify for a new car, so why should they be barred from helping the economy? Used cars come from trade-ins, so two cars get sold, instead of one.

    Hello, anyone listening care to comment? ——————————————————————————————

    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    
      
     
    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.

    Category: AUDI, CUMMINS DIESEL TRUCKS, Car rebates and incentives, DODGE, INFINITI, TOYOTA
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  3. CASH 4 Junkers, Lease deals and Office Depot $1M giveaway

    July 22, 2009 by My Carlady

     

    mycarlady.com

    JULY 2009

     

    In This Issue

    CARS- CASH for JUNKERS program

    MODEL CLOSE-OUT LEASE DEALS

    OFFICE DEPOT NETWORKING

     

    CARS: CASH for JUNKERS

     

    MODEL YEAR CLOSE-OUT LEASE DEALS

     

    NETWORKING DEALS: OFFICE DEPOT

     

    STEALSONWHEELS 

     

    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 had emails 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, t    hanks 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, mycarladyheadshot sarah lee.com

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Category: AUTO STIMULUS BAILOUT, AUTOMOTIVE, CARS, Car rebates and incentives, DODGE, FORD, GMC, Honda, Hybrids, INFINITI, LEXUS, NISSAN, REBATES and INCENTIVES, TOYOTA, USED CAR SPECIALS, USED CARS under $10 thousand, USED CROSS-OVERS, USED SUV's, USED TRUCKS, USED VANS, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS, women car buyers
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