1. END of YEAR USED CAR STEALS

    December 14, 2009 by My Carlady

    Looking for a great deal in a luxury used car this holiday season? 

    Your best bets are on 2005 – 2008 BMW X5, 328i, and 750IL,  Jaguar XJ8, Mercedes Benz 550 and 350’s, Acura TL, Lexus ES350, IS 250 and Audi A6.  You won’t find many Infiniti G35 and G37 deals even though there are plenty of them out there. It appears many Infiniti dealers are holding out for high dollars while the competition is anxious to move their inventory.

    I have had great success working deals on these cars while others are finding dealer attitudes getting in the way of a purchase.

    Complicated by financing deals ranging from 2.9% for 60 months to 8.99% depending on FICO AUTO scores and down payment dealers and clients are trying to make their best deal, not necessarily mutually inclusive.

    In addition to considering your finance payment and purchase options, watch for certification: a warranty originated by the factory and only available by branded dealers selling the same make, can add $1500 to $2000 to the listed cost of the car, while the actual cost to the dealer and value to the consumer should be cause for pause without further scrutiny.  In some cases, a factory-backed warranty may cover more miles, features and months for a lower deductable or cost. 

    Check out these great deals…

    MERCEDES350

     2007LINCOLNMKZLINCOLN MKZ AWD, MERCEDES 350, BMW 750

    BMW7SERIES

     

     

     

     

    My Carlady offers services as your personal Car Buyers Agent to get you the best price and no hassle, headache or aggravation.

    Contact Sarah Lee for more information on these or other cars you are looking for. Trades welcome. Credit approval and financing available. Unlike a broker, Sarah Lee works with high quality dealers only reputable, licensed and high quality dealers with superior customer satisfaction ratings.  sarahlee@mycarlady.com 

    Category: BMW, CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED, LINCOLN, LUXURY PRE-OWNED CARS, MERCEDES BENZ, USED CARS
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  2. AMERICAN CARS-Buy or Die?

    October 12, 2009 by My Carlady
    Dodge Charger

    Dodge Charger

    A recent article in MONEY.CNN gives a shout-out to why American car buyers should think twice about buying imports or vehicles whose headquarters, design and technology labs are centered in other countries.  The premise is that buying Ford, GM or Chrysler products is still better for OUR economy than buying a Toyota, Honda, Nissan, even though many of their vehicles are made here by Americans.  Add to the stateside list BMW, Kia, Hyundai,  Mazda who also have plants in the U.S. and what the author doesn’t tell you is when you tally all those 13-14 “import” plants employees, does it total more or less than the total employee count of GM, Ford and Chrysler in the US, including DEALERSHIPS!

    The truth is… most Americans would love to buy an AMERICAN CAR, knowing the funds go back into the US economy. However, 30% of current car owners in the US have owned a Ford, Chrysler or GM product in their lifetime, which failed to meet the expectation of the owner.  This is not a case of managing expectations, it’s about living up to your promises…aka WARRANTY.

    When Hyundai and Kia felt the wrath of negative customer satisfaction for  shoddy construction, poor dealer performance and crashing resale value, they returned to the drawing board and later delivered a high quality product with a 100k mile or 10yr. warranty. The American consumer took notice and voted with their pocketbooks. Hyundai has continued to deliver with clever advertising and promises that resonate with the nervous car buyer. Imagine our US Car companies taking a marketing lesson from the Koreans.  This year Hyundai made money and increased market share while everyone else fell back.

    Ford has experienced a strong demand for their 2010 product, and 25% of consumers surveyed acknowledge a lsight bias to Ford over the GM and Chrysler domestic product, because “Ford didn’t take a government handout.”

    American’s aren’t stupid. They know the money they spend feeds the German, Japanese and Korean infrastructure supported by those foreign governments.  Even American business owners regret the situation when their own competition may be from off-shore sources, yet,  they don’t want to buy a lemon or worse; be rewarded for brand loyalty with a stick in the eye. 

    Attn DODGE: If you want Americans to buy your new 2010 RAM 2500/3500 Cummins Diesel my readers and I would like to suggest you offer some major LOYALTY CASH or BUYBACK to everyone driving a 2007-2009 Cummins DPF problem.  You know who they are and thanks to the Internet everyone else does too.  Anyone researching the Dodge product has read this blog, asked their friends and will steer clear of your 2010 because of the HISTORY OF DODGE CUMMINS DPF, TURBO and CEL problems, REGARDLESS of how much you PROMISE them a newer, better redesign or BIG REBATE, LOW INTEREST RATE special.  Americans won’t gamble their lives or hard earned money on $50,000.00 trucks they depend on for work and family safety. SO get smart DODGE, those LOYAL DODGE Cummins customers, their gone…  Buying American may be Loyal, buy companies not standing up for their product, that’s UN-AMERICAN!

    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.

     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.


    Buying & Selling Automobile Blogs - Blog Catalog Blog Directory

    Category: BMW, CHRYSLER, CUMMINS DIESEL TRUCKS, DODGE, FIAT, FORD, GMC, Honda, KIA, MAZDA, MERCEDES BENZ, NISSAN, RECALLS and Buybacks, TOYOTA, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS
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  3. FINAL CALL for CHRYSLER, DODGE, FORD WRANGLER?

    April 24, 2009 by My Carlady

     LAS VEGAS, NV—  charger1The rescue call for a drowning Chrysler may be the last horn blast as bankruptcy appears imminent.  While FIAT insists they are still talking, the reality of getting everyone to agree is highly unlikely.  Fiat comes to the party with no cash investment or willingness to take over any Chrysler debt/liabilities. Wall Street’s major banks, survivors of their own disaster are reluctant to accept pennies on the dollar for the $6 billion in notes they’re holding, in the hopes the parts are worth more than the company as a whole. (Isn’t that ironic, as the same holds true for most Mopar units.) Lastly, the UAW must agree on another “new deal”, certain to cost the membership millions in pay, perks and pensions.  If all three parties were to conceivably meet at the bargaining table, showing their hand would be as likely as a ban on shades and ball-caps at the World Series of Poker.   

    SO the betters are weighing heavy on the pre-arranged BK and disposal of the various entities known as Chrysler; Who and what will survive?

    The dealership network, a fragmented patchwork of Alpha stores housing all three brands, and B/C stores with one or two nameplates, must find replacement product at a most auspicious time.  Some dealers may elect to go 100% used cars until Fiat, PEAPOD, CHINA BYD or the CHERRY make a solid commitment to the U.S. market.  Offering FIAT to the dealers, many of whom are holding big mortgages on new monuments Chrysler made them build for Alpha status, may be an olive branch, but will the dealers want the bill with car sales off 30% from last year, 50% from two years ago?  Will the JEEP dealers get to keep their franchise, as part of a sell-off deal? Could Fiat pick-up Jeep for a few billion Euros and create a new package? The franchise agreements, governed by individual state law, may leave dealers holding the bag in this bankruptcy, with little room to negotiate for the remaining brands.  Chrysler Financial and Chrysler Real Estate holdings could emerge unscathed, as will GEM and likely the new PEAPOD, made by GEM.

    President Obama has promised the American car consumer that their car warranty and parts availability will remain intact, backed by the federal government. However, which models are likely to survive and which one’s make a good buy, is an important question?

    DODGE:  Any SRT model is sure to hold value, much like a SHELBY, VIPER or Alpina.  For the stock models, I’d buy a Challenger, or Charger HEMI. Color is insignificant, but the price may go up as ‘09 production slows and 2010’s are questionable.  Availability has certainly tightened on these two models over the past few weeks.

    The one product Mercedes helped Chrysler deliver is the SPRINTER cargo box and Multi-passenger van. I hope Daimler finds a way to keep Sprinter in play without dumping it back into the mid-heavy truck market. Losing the local dealership service center would be a sad day for commercial fleet operators and small business owners who enjoyed the versatility of the odd-looking delivery model.

    Chrysler had nothing memorable in the 2009 line-up, but if you can find a 2008 PT Cruiser, PT Convertible or Crossfire SRT-6, those cars should maintain their value as classic novelty cars, if you can hold them for 25 years or so.

    leadingtheway1The JEEP WRANGLER is the sweet spot in the entire Chrysler family. Born as the U.S. military’ SCOUT: the heritage of the 7-slot grill has only been enhanced with Rubicon off-road technology advancements and creature comfort power features.  I say, “Look to Ford to make a bid for Jeep, keeping the Wrangler but dumping the rest of the play-list.”

     I wish it wasn’t true, but even the Cummins diesel has lost it’s loyal followers over the past two years of 6.7 DPF problems. SO, with the same heavy heart, I have to say only a miracle can save Chysler from the itself and the inevitable.  To Lee I., and Snoop Dog, I say, thanks for the Schnizzle in the Middle.

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    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: BYD Chinese car, CARS, CHRYSLER, DODGE, FIAT, FORD, GMC, JEEP, MERCEDES BENZ, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS, women car buyers
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  4. Obama’s CAR CZAR’S miss the point.

    March 26, 2009 by My Carlady

    Obama’s CAR CZARS still don’t get it.

     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 consumers will 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.

    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 valuable time 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

     

    Category: AUTO REPAIR, AUTOMOTIVE, Auto Finance Loan, CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, FIAT, FUEL ECONOMY, GMC, Hybrids, MERCEDES BENZ, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS, women car buyers
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  5. CAR PAYMENT GUARANTEE from AutoNation

    March 21, 2009 by My Carlady

    Las Vegas, NV— AutoNation, the largest automobile retailer in the US announces “AutoNation Payment Protection.”  YOUR $500.00 car payment guarantee, however, it is only available as a TEST MARKET program at this time. Only the AutoNation car dealerships in Florida, most known as Maroone, are participating, including the Lexus of Palm Beach and Mercedes stores.

    Here is what we know about the program AutoNation is offering; “The AutoNation Payment Protection program is being offered at no charge with purchases of new and used vehicles and is also available on leased vehicles. To qualify, a person must have made at least three monthly payments, lost their job involuntarily, and applied for state unemployment. If a person still cannot make the payments after the six month grace period, the dealer will buy the car back at its market value. The customer would be responsible for any negative equity.”   Note: If your payment is over $500.00, you make-up the difference to keep driving the car. What if you regain your job or find new employment before the end of the six month guarantee period? You go back to making the payments as usual, and AutoNation doesn’t charge you back or stick the payments they made on the back-end of the contract. Now that’s sweet.

    I asked a sales manager at an AutoNation dealership in the test market if this program was based on MSRP, list price, no-negotiation deals, and he said absolutely NOT. “We do business as usual, negotiate in good faith, sell the car and give the client peace of mind.” And they put the deal on the AutoNation full disclosure payment proposal, which shows all the fancy number play in stereo; six payment/ lease options with or without the extended service contract, GAP and aftermarket stuff listed along side the post- reconditioning value of your trade-in.  The only thing AutoNation hasn’t thought of on their Purchase Proposal is how to show the 2009 auto sales tax deduction as a plus on the trade side. (poke)

    Consumer Mary B. asked me a question yet to be answered, “What if you lose your second job, which was crucial for qualification at the point of loan origination, and will they pay in this scenario? Or do you have to lose both jobs to qualify? (Maybe someone from AN will respond or comment on this post if they are following me ;-) ?)

    The AutoNation Payment Protection program is set to last 12 months, but I am sure as soon as the Mr. Maroone, the CEO of AutoNation, can figure out the cost factor to rolling it out nationally, other AutoNation dealers around the country will be all over it.  Mom and Pop dealerships responded with “read the fine print” and “another gimmick” retorts to the latest salvo from AutoNation, but most industry watchers applauded the effort which follows the success of Hyundai’s Assurance program. Launched late last year, Hyundai sales buoyed 25% in February over January and showed a 1.5% loss from same sales figures from the year before.  It will be interesting to see if AutoNation stock reflects this aggressive marketing approach which will be difficult for other dealership networks to afford. Will General Motors, Chrysler or Ford jump on the payment program? I’m sure many independent dealers will be calling their regional brand managers on Monday to pressure their manufacturers to fight back as prime selling season quickly approaches.

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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 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

     

     

    Category: Auto Finance Loan, CARS I OWN, HYUNDAI-pronounced hun-DAY, LEXUS, MERCEDES BENZ, USED CAR SPECIALS, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS, women car buyers
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