Today’s announcement by Toyota corporate affects these models: 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2009-2010 Matrix, the 2005-2010 Avalon, the 2010 Highlander, the 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia. Owners of these Toyota models purchased new or used can contact Toyota’s customer care hot-line: (800) 331-4331 to find out if their vehicle is involved in the recall. The vehicles involved in the recall involve approx. one third of all the models Toyota produces and the number of incidents is few and far between. However, kudos to Toyota for taking the high road in addressing the accelerator problem head on rather than hiding from it. Given the need to consider parts modifications, software changes and the distribution of service repair training information to the field, halting production while sales are traditionally slow this time of year, is a smart move. If for no other reason than the halting of production gives the company time to review the entire electrical system while dealer stock remains low, the dealers will suffer the least by having this disruption come now vs. later in the selling season. While some will use this situation to discredit Toyota’s premium for quality, the action taken with one death and less than 100 reported accidents makes the brand out to be the ultimate consumer safety conscious company. Not since the mid-80’s when Audi fell victim to the sticking gas pedal, has another product been scathed by this malady, however, you can bet NTSHA is reviewing the issue for all auto production post 2005.
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
“What FIAT doesn’t realize is that most American drivers are larger {fat} people who will not fit comfortably in their tiny cars. Not to mention, when you put a family of four in the FIAT 500, where does the luggage go?”so says a prominent Las Vegas dealer choosing to be anonymous for this article.
Given the love for the Chrysler 300, Charger, Durango and Magnum, does FIAT have a chance of converting traditional large car buyers? Probably not. However, in the new fractionalized (niche) car market the only way I envision the successful pairing of these two companies is to position FIAT as the “SCION” of Chrysler for the up and coming youth market. In this manner it could succeed, at least long enough to build in the step levels to mature this client from Fiat into homogenized Fiat-Chrysler product, as the size of the customer and family matures. Throw in some hybrid or alternative fuel options and Chrysler might survive, re-incarnated, but alive. The keys to this successful transition are: sharp styling, no discounting, superior quality control, outstanding 100k warranty and a top-notch salesmanship experience at the dealer level. I’d love to see this happen, but I’m not holding my breath.
SO, in the interest of what’s a great car buy today? As a car buyer’s agent, I can only recommend these models to my clients, to insure their car holds as much value as possible in these uncertain times. I expect only 7 models from Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge to survive.
Chrysler Sebring Convertible (Hardtop)
Chrysler 300 SRT
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Charger SRT
Dodge Challenger SRT
Dodge Ram/Cummins 1500, 2500 Diesel, 3500 Diesel
Jeep Wrangler RUBICON
My crystal ball says FIAT (if they stick around) will eventually drop the actual brand name when the baby-boomers have forgotten there ever was a Chrysler. Remember AMC, DAEWOO, YUGO, EDSEL, and OLDSMOBILE brands, exactly.
In the meantime, the likely re-branding of the dealership building could look like this; “CHRYSLER-JEEP-DODGE-FIAT”, “AMER-FIAT” (AMERIFART for short) or just FIAT, selling the above mentioned, remaining models. If the current Chrysler dealer network can survive long enough to see the economy revive, the American tax payer can take satisfaction in having preserved an entity with classic name plates of more value for their potential collectability as a muscle car antique than its overall market penetration.
I would say now is the best time to buy that Challenger, Charger or 300 SRT. NEW or USED !These will be the “investment” cars for your portfolio, redeeming better than a 0 coupon bond in the year 2050. Not only are prices at their ROCK BOTTOM, but these are great driving cars while you wait for your grandkids to inherit them, and gas is still (relatively) cheap.
You can’t drive a Warhol, but you can enjoy the engine roar of a Charger “BEE” as others gawk on the Yellow, Purple, or Blue limited edition paint as you peel away. Think I’m crazy? Have you priced the Ford Model T, ’60 Mustang or “70 Corvette? The famous Barrett-Jackson auction-car show spectacle drew over 50k people to Las Vegas, in a “lousy” economy.
SO, if you really want to get a great deal on these or any other make or model, give me a call. I know where the best deals are hidden. As YOUR personal car buyer’s agent, I do all the work, negotiating, trades, finance and incentives, delivering the car to your driveway without you breaking a sweat. Unlike an AUTO BROKER, you pay me a flat fee, disclosed upfront, so you never wonder if you “left money on the table”.
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
I drove the Kia Forte Koup SX first and let me say it is fun, fast and full of value. The styling is smart and sassy with rake and beltlines from the sport scar class of the more expensive, middle-age models. The 17” performance tires offer some road noise that even the super stereo could not overcome; however that and the slightly obtrusive C pillar blind spot were my only negatives.
The turning radius is tight with NO under or over-steer, as all my quick lane changes delivered precise movements. The pick-up on this 2.4L 170 hp model was very fast, even from a standstill. A moderate hard shift let me know the car had the guts when I asked for 80 from 65 with a little pressure to the pedal. IMHO, I wouldn’t opt for the Base EX 2.0l 156hp for the minor dollar difference.
The car is reasonably low to the ground but not nearly to the back-breaking stance of the Miata, Corvette Z06 or Crossfire SRT , all of which I have owned and reluctantly given up for aforementioned reasons. Inside the car the seat is soft, yet bolstered enough to hold me in place when taking the turns, which the sport-tuned suspension handled cleanly. Everything along the dash is neat, well organized and ergonomically efficient, including door release handles, radio, cruise and Blue-tooth controls on the steering wheel, Auto-Shifter and cup holders. Lots of cup holders for a 4-seater, and there is room for a 5’6’ person in the backseat. The air-conditioner blows ice cubes, which is crucial in Vegas/Phoenix 110 degree summers and something lacking in all the domestic 4 cyl. and hybrid Honda Civic.
I like the clever MOOD/MUSIC feature carried over from the KIA SOUL, adding a KOOL touch by matching the RED gauges to the floor panel speaker RED lighting , thumping the beat to the stereo bass. The polished aluminum and lacquer touches accent the red stitching of the seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel, bringing the look together nicely on any of the exterior colors; Blue, Black, White, Silver, Red and Dark Grey.
All in all, this is a young persons car, the parentals will approve of. It has the necessary safety features; (anti-locks, dual side airbags, blue-tooth and reinforced safety bars through-out), a well-heeled warranty and respectable price. Prices start at $17k but the SX model I drove was a tad under $20k, packed with features and a 10year/100k power-train warranty. The Kia Forte Koup marks another huge benchmark for the relatively young company and will clearly leave the Toyota Corolla, SCION TC, Mazda 3 and Honda Civic Si looking at twin-tailpipes. Watching the extraordinary success of the Kia Soul and now Kia Forte Koup, I hope KIA can keep enough production on the lots to fulfill the appetite of the still spending Millennial’s.
Click here to watch my Kia Forte Koup TEST DRIVE.————————————————————– 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.
Las Vegas, NV— MY CARLADY’S “STEALS on WHEELS” is at it again.
Every day I’m going to bring you some really great deals on NICE, pre-owned cars for under $10,000.00. The price won’t be advertised but you can get the special MY CARLADY price by contacting me:at sarahlee@mycarlady.com or call me NOW at 702-521-7546.
As soon as they are sold, off they web they go and new ones will appear the next day.
Come back often or email me and tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll keep my eyes open for you. I’ll even call you before I post it, so you get first dibs.
SO, here are my two hits for today! And thanks for your patience with my cinematography; I’m just trying to get you the cars as fast as possible!
Yours,
Sarah Lee
Aka: MY CARLADY
“STEALS ON WHEELS” is my program for great used cars under $10k. I’ll help you make the deal, get financed, take in your trade-in (if you have one), and make the entire process THE best car purchase you have EVER experienced. If you live outside Vegas, come for the weekend and drive home. I’ll get you a hook-up for a room, and pick you up at the airport. Las Vegas is lovely this time of year!
2007 HYUNDAI ACCENT GS
2006 Toyota Scion XA
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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
Today’s announcement by Toyota corporate affects these models: 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2009-2010 Matrix, the 2005-2010 Avalon, the 2010 Highlander, the 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia. Owners of these Toyota models purchased new or used can contact Toyota’s customer care hot-line: (800) 331-4331 to find out if their vehicle is involved in the recall. The vehicles involved in the recall involve approx. one third of all the models Toyota produces and the number of incidents is few and far between. However, kudos to Toyota for taking the high road in addressing the accelerator problem head on rather than hiding from it. Given the need to consider parts modifications, software changes and the distribution of service repair training information to the field, halting production while sales are traditionally slow this time of year, is a smart move. If for no other reason than the halting of production gives the company time to review the entire electrical system while dealer stock remains low, the dealers will suffer the least by having this disruption come now vs. later in the selling season. While some will use this situation to discredit Toyota’s premium for quality, the action taken with one death and less than 100 reported accidents makes the brand out to be the ultimate consumer safety conscious company. Not since the mid-80’s when Audi fell victim to the sticking gas pedal, has another product been scathed by this malady, however, you can bet NTSHA is reviewing the issue for all auto production post 2005.
. These models are still available for sale. 
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