Dress for Success for Women includes the CAR you DRIVE.

Tips and Tricks for Women Car Buyers:

Remember when women wearing pants in the office was a big deal?  Well, fashion forward to the car you drive makes a huge impact on the professional business community you are doing business with.
As much as “the look” you present; shoes, handbag, jewelry and more…
the men (and women) you are pitching take in the car you are driving as a value statement.
This year in China, more women purchased Ferrari’s than men?
A statement? Absolutuely.
Your car sends the message: YOU are a successful business woman.
The particular brand identifies you as a smart, savvy car shopper who knows what she wants. The car driven is an extension of YOU; for all the right reasons, and those you address… when the client, co-worker, boss, asks if you like you car.

BUYING: New vs. Used Luxury cars.

The car brand is directly linked with status, power, prestige and success, so when you can’t afford a new one, consider leasing or buying pre-owned, or even leasing a pre-owned model if the financials work in your favor.

1. Consider a BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, Lexus or Acura right now, as these fierce competitors are vying for the number one spot in Luxury Car Sales.  Want to show your UNIQUE, I don’t follow the pack, I lead it… go Jaguar. The deals you see advertised are the deal, so don’t expect to get anything more off the price.
2. Be aware: most dealers will have a VERY limited supply of the ad car.
3. Use this calculation: +$15.00-20.00 per month for every $1000.00 in added features or upgrades. Be prepared to switch, the ad car is always a base model. 
4. 10,000 miles per year is the advertised lease. If you need more miles per year, you can add another $20.00-$25.00 per month for every step up: 12,000 and 15,000 miles per year.
5. If you drive more than 15,000 miles per year, go for the low interest rate purchase/auto loan program. Rates as low as 1.9% are being offered this year.
6. GAP PROTECTION (insurance)  is NOT your regular car insurance. This policy protects you from having to pay-off the entire car and remaining lease payments or any portion of the remaining lease balance the car insurance didn’t cover. It is imperative to have GAP protection on all AUTO LOANS or LEASES where you are putting down a small amount of money, or adding negative equity into the the payment. GAP is usually included in most lease contracts from the auto manufacturer and some banks. ASK who the leasing company is through BEFORE signing.  If the dealer suggests GAP is not included, the additional cost is usually $500.00, but before you pay,  ask to see the actual contract. Look for the words GAP or VEHICLE REPLACEMENT COVERAGE. 
7. USED LUXURY brands also offer leases, which lower the payment yet again, and conserve your cash.  They are usually only offered on CERTIFIED cars sold by the brand dealer. 

Continue reading my MYCARLADY tips and Tricks for Women buying cars here:  TRADE-INS.

If you have any questions concerning your car buying search, need help or free advice, contact me at sarahlee@mycarlady.com or use the form below.
I try to answer every email personally, usually within an hour, PST.

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This week “BLACK FRIDAY” may be more important to car dealers and luxury car buyers than ever before.

The last few months have not shown dealers the gas pedal on sales, just as Japanese imports have seen inventories rebound and the European manufacturers hold back on their goods as global markets elsewhere have proved more profitable.

So what does this mean for the year-end, profit-taking businessman or bonus-driven executive?

BLACK FRIDAY CAR DEALS mean BUY NOW!

Car dealers recognize the opportunity to get your attention amid gift-shopping, christmas parties and business demands is slim, and they have NO INTEREST in waiting til the last week of December to see if you have ANYTHING left in the BONUS or BUDGET stocking. The dealers are ready, the banks are ready and the inventory isn’t getting any bigger because after January 1st,2012,  tax is due on standing stock.

If you were considering a car as the ultimate gift or business deduction… get going and get out before the other guy beat you to it.

2012 New Car colors and options are limited.

Luxury vehicles, expecially the BMW, MB, AUDI, PORSCHE, JAGUAR, LEXUS, ACURA and INFINITI are in limited stock, and many dealers are just getting the more premium featured vehicles, thanks to equipment back-orders from the Tsunami.

Metallic red and pearl white paints may still be missing from the lots, as the key mineral in the sparkle is from Japan and every car color starts with the white base, so if a special color is your goal, be flexible or order it and wait for Summer 2012.  (Good-bye tax incentives, 0% interest, higher than unusal trade-ins and deep dealer discounts).

My point is this… “December to Remember”, “HO-HO-Hit the Road” and other clever season’s greetings are to be taken seriously by those ready to buy. 

If ever there was a perfect storm for the cash, lease and credit-worthy luxury car buyer to get his or her BEST DEAL of the YEAR, NOW IS IT! 

Don’t wait, you’ll miss the boat, lose any tax benefit and probably won’t see another buying opportunity like this for the next 18-24 mos. 

So, stop whining and waiting for the the stock market to pay you back.

 Go buy the car you’ve been pining for, the dealers are ready to play, the incentives are all-in and it’s time for YOU to put your money where your mouth is… before Uncle Sam take’s it away.

Happy Holidays!

Sarah Lee
aka:MyCarlady

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Sarah Lee Marks is MyCarlady. She has over 22+ years of experience.
She writes about cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects.
MyCarlady offers free car buying advice, and private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles.
Call Sarah Lee for more information: 702-788-3868
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1. Dealers have less inventory, which equals less volume, which means they are under HUGE pressure to keep profits up by making more per car.
2. Factories have reduced incentives because they have reduced excess inventory and eliminated poor selling models.
3. The US dollar is lower in value, which means the cars made abroad: Porsche, Jaguar, Infiniti, Lexus, Acura, Audi, and some Mercedes-Benz, BMW, VW, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Subaru cost more to sell here, versus other countries. Canadians come to the US in droves to buy our cars and save thousands.
4. Credit is very tight. The car loan auto finance banks are watching personal debt ratios and credit behavior very closely.  This  will mean lower credit lines, higher interest rates and more money down. Want that advertised teaser payment? You’ll need an AUTO credit score of  740,  to obtain the best rates. Consider a used car lease.
5. Trades are not worth what they once were. The used car market is starting to show signs of softening prices, especially in the truck and luxury market.  As more new 2012 models show-up, trades become more plentiful which means lower value, as supply and demand even out. The exception to this rule is the IMPORT sedan selling for less than $10k, with under 70k miles, these cars are in high demand all the time. On the other side of the spectrum, luxury cars in limited production, availability and consistently rising new car prices keep USED PRICES on these luxury cars stable: Used Porsche Cayenne, Panamera, 911, Porsche Boxster, Cayman, Used Audi A4, Audi A6 and Lexus RX400, LX470,GX460 and SC430.

How can you insure you get a great deal on your next car?

Do your homework. Call an auto broker or buyer’s agent.  Keep reading about the cars you want and watch for market shifts. You can also keep coming back or subscribing to this blog so you get alerts whenever there are opportunities in the car market to score a deal.

You can also submit this form, and MyCarlady will alert you to deals in your area on the car of your dreams.

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USED CAR deal during the 2011 Labor Day sales events?

The good news is Used Car prices for 2011 Labor Day holiday sales have stabilized and LUXURY sedans have actually dropped 5%-10% from 6 months ago.

Looking for an inexpensive used sedan under $10,000.00?

Good luck, so is EVERYONE else, and the nice, low mile, imports are still high by comparison to the domestics.

A 2004 Toyota Camry with 80k miles will bring 1500.00 MORE MONEY than the same year,  model, miles than the comparable Chevrolet Malibu.  Is it justified?

YES, in some cases, certain model year manufacturing at Ford, GM and Chrysler is duly noted for lackluster quality control. Visit CONSUMER REPORTS for the specifics on any particular car or go to www.NHTSA.com for service bulletins, recalls, complaints.

Meanwhile, deals can be found on 2001-2008 Chrysler PT.Cruisers. These are very solid, reliable and versatile hatchbacks that take a hit and are reasonably CHEAP. Not great on gas, but you can pick up a PT with 65k miles for $8000!

10 tips for finding a USED CAR deal this Labor Day sales weekend.

SO the things to remember about shopping the lots this Labor Day weekend hoping to grab a clearance deal…

1. Visit Google, Yelp or DEALERRATER.com to check out the online reputations of the local dealerships in your area.
2. Once you know what dealers to consider, visit their website and click on the SPECIALS!  These are usually cars marked down to their lowest prices already and most internet prices are very competitive to begin with BECAUSE you can easily compare hundreds of cars in the click of a keystroke, and the dealers know it.
3. COMPARE Apples to Apples. BE CAREFUL about believing everything you see on an  online vehicle posting! Dealerships are known to add DISCLAIMERS in small print, i.e. *requires a trade of $5,000.00 or cash equivalent.  If the car you are considering is the cheapest in the bunch, READ the details carefully.
4. Check on the CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED STATUS. IS this a FACTORY CERTIFICATION or a DEALER certification?
   What’s the difference? ALOT!  A dealer can say he did his own certification and the car is up to par and then he sells you an extended service contract from XYZ company.
   A FACTORY CERTIFIED used CAR must meet the original manufacturer’s criteria, can ONLY be offered by a BRANDED dealer licensed to sell that BRAND/MAKE new, and it comes with a warranty which mandates original manufacturer parts, a special low interest rate (for qualified buyers), and the certification is honored at all branded dealership and ASE/ACE shops in the country and (sometimes) Canada. EXAMPLE: PORSCHE.
5. Know your credit rating BEFORE you make an appointment to  test-drive. If you have credit challenges, call the dealership and ask for the fleet or internet manager.  Be direct when inquiring if they have a second chance finance or car loans for people with less than great credit.  The manager will be honest, perhaps asking you to fill out an online credit application prior to arriving at the dealership.  DON’T DO IT> secure your credit score through your bank or credit union and tell the dealer what the AUTO SCORE is.  IF you have trouble getting an AUTO CREDIT SCORE, go into the dealership and do the credit application in person.  Make sure you review the actual report for discrepancies and to see the score for yourself.  Note the credit bureau company on the report: TRANSUNION, EQUIFAX, TRW/EXPERIAN and write down the score. They can’t legally give you a copy but you can take notes, should you decide to go elsewhere in your car search. Limit the number of times your credit report is pulled as each time an inquiry is made, the score drops up to 7 points. UGLY but True.
6.  Once you find the car you want, take the test-drive, do your due diligence and ask to see the title (so you know they actually have it)  and a CARFAX or AUTOCHECK on the car. Look for accidents or discrepancies in the mileage that would trigger some concern.
7. Ask if you can take the car to an independent mechanic before you sign? go to AAA or ask those you know if they have a mechanic-repair shop they trust. Get the car inspected so you know what possible expenses lay in wait.
8.  If you purchase an extended service contract from the dealership, ask if there is a waiting period before you can use it, and if they will pay the deductible if you must use it within 90 days. Most states have a limited used car warranty law.
9. NOTE: There are usually no USED CAR LEMON LAWS to protect you when purchasing a USED CAR from a dealer.
10. GET ALL PROMISES IN WRITING!  Never take delivery of a dark car a night (you can’t see damages) and make sure the vehicle identification number on the actual car matches all the paperwork you are shown (CARFAX) and sign!

If you need any  advice on your Labor Day used car deal this holiday weekend, feel free to contact me using the form below.

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Put JAGUAR at the top of your list!

Unlike the other brands mentioned, inventory and deals are heads over the others when comparing size, features and discount off MSRP, especially when leasing. Discounts, and low money-factors (interest rates) are drawing in car shoppers looking to take advantage of a year-end deal.

Jaguar tops BMW, Lexus and Mercedes for leasing 2011 model at year end.

While many 2011’s do not lease well at the end of the model year, luxury car manufacturers actually subsidize their lease residuals to meet timing of new model year releases. This often results in BMW, Lexus, Mercedes Benz and Jaguar holding special lease deals for the end of the model year close-outs to attract clients who are not traditionally their buyer or trade a present owner into something new.

This also bodes well for clients currently leasing other makes, who are interested in making a switch, as end of the model year rebates and incentives coupled with “competitive” brand rebates can ease a client out of a vehicle they don’t like or have over-mileage on their lease, before the end of term. Early lease terminations are very attractive during Labor Day close-out events, marked as unique annual opportunities to make a move at minimal cost, sometimes to a lower payment.

Compared to a BMW 5 series or 760, Lexus GS or LS or Mercedes Benz 550, the Jaguar XF, XJ, or XJ-L offers a better value for 2011; including all services INCLUDED in their Platinum warranty for 5 years or 50k miles, hello!

(BMW only includes basic service for 4 years, 50k. Lexus includes nothing.)

SELECTION IS GREAT leading up to the Labor Day 2011 sales weekend.

There is still a good selection of new 2011 Jaguar XF, XJ or XJ-L or even a XK Coupe or Convertibles, if you know what dealers to shop.

Small towns and places with tough economics, like Las Vegas are good places to find a steal of a deal in luxury cars, if you are flexible on color and options. While the 2011 Jaguar XF Premium Luxury package models may be scarce, the S model and a few Premium models are still available, with an advertised lease deals as low as $499.99 a month, at least in Las Vegas.

The Jaguar XJ and XJ-L inventory of remaining 2011 year-end models are mostly in dark colors and fully-loaded but Labor Day holiday is a great time to grab one while other last minute vacationers are sitting on the beach.

The 2011 model year close-outs on 2011 Jaguar XK Coupes and Convertibles will find discounts up to $10,000.00 for the consummate LABOR DAY consumer. All bets are off after September 5^th, so grab one NOW before you miss the boat.

This changes for 2012, so along with great lease deals, you should make a move on the last of the 2011 model close-outs in Jaguar, as the 2012 Jaguar XF new Portfolio edition have already arrived at some dealers.

Click here to see a sneak preview of the 2102 Jaguar XF.

Don’t miss this screaming lease deal at $499.99 on a 2011 Jaguar XF or 799.99 on a 2011 Jaguar XJ and up to $10,000 off on a Jaguar XK Coupe of Convertible as the summer selling season clearance sale events take hold this Labor Day on all remaining 2011 models at close-out prices.

• MORE LABOR DAY DEALS HERE>
• READ 10 TIPS for 2011 LABOR DAY DEALs
• 2011 REBATES and INCENTIVES for MODEL-YEAR END Clearance car deals.

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Sarah Lee is an automotive writer, personal car concierge and commercial fleet manager. If you need free advice on your car problem, question, issue, contact her at sarahlee@mycarlady.com for a confidential conversation.
She has over 22+ years of experience.

She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. MyCarlady offers private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles. Call Sarah Lee for more information: 702-521-7546

Disclosure: Sarah Lee is also employed by Gaudin Motor Company in their social media, management and dealership internet development departments.

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Every car dealer and auto manufacturer is hyping their model year-end of the 2011′s Labor Day close-out sales, and where are these amazing incentives and rebates this year end-of-summer holiday sell-off ?

HONDA has announced .09% is back for 60 months, and Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and KIA are scrambling to jump on the low interest rate bandwagon, HOWEVER, you must READ THE FINE PRINT.

• MUST HAVE A 720+  FICO AUTO CREDIT SCORE
• MUST QUALIFY ON THAT CAR and in lieu of ANY REBATES or OTHER PROMOTIONS.
• MUST HAVE CASH DOWN FOR THE TAX AND FEES, or a respectable TRADE-IN
• AND the best part of this equation is the lack of remaining 2011′s…  which almost all these makes are completely out of….

TOYOTA CAMRY is getting a new look for 2012… but the dealers haven’t gotten them yet. The v6 is only available in the SE and XLE and the 4cyl is not a turbo, so expect 24 mpg. They are ramping up the hybrid production in this 7th version, offering 28mpg without a change in size.
Don’t expect a dime off MSRP for the new 2012 CAMRY til inventory starts to roll.

If you can’t handle a new car payment right now… used cars are still plentiful although not every category is cheap.  Luxury used coupes and sedans are a better deal than the middle-class family brands.
Many luxury buyers are reinvesting their money in new cars since the stock market took away any return. So check out the used car trade-ins at luxury car dealers for lower miles and well-kept rides.
Might as well invest in a new car right? I say buy stock in PORSCHE by putting one in your DRIVEWAY!
Why not have some fun with your dough instead of worrying about where it went!
So if you are looking for something specific or maybe just want to get out of your lease early… call me and I’ll start the ball rolling. I always manage to find the diamonds in the rough while everyone else in the car business is whining!
CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE DEALS:

2006 PORSCHE 911 TARGA and Cabriolet
2009 NISSAN ALTIMA
2009 AUDI A4
2010 AUDI Q7
2010 JEEP WRANGLER
 
visit the www.youtube.com/jaguarporschelv to see more of these unique cars and super deals.Then call me to discuss YOUR -SARAH LEE Price!  702-788-3868 or text me email: sarahlee@mycarlady.com(disclaimer: I am working with Gaudin on their social media and reputation management so these offers are courtesy of Gaudin Motor Company/SARAH LEE)

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She has over 22+ years of experience.
She writes about cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects.
MyCarlady offers private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles.
Call Sarah Lee for more information: 702-788-3868
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