1. 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 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 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

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    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
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  2. USED CAR SHOPPING Top 10 Tips

    October 26, 2009 by My Carlady

    Buying a PRE-OWNED or USED CAR, TRUCK, Van or SUV comes with it’s own baggage.  Wondering how the car was maintained is sometimes obvious, appearance and not, as in under the hood and under the chassis.  Beyond the fact that there is NO USED CAR FACTORY-spitting out the perfect pre-owned car; at the right price with the exact color and features you want, there is also the issue of dealer warranties, financing availability and overall supply and demand.

     Here are my Top 10 Tips for USED CAR SHOPPING online or on the lot. 

    1. If you see it online, read the fine print disclaimers. Sometimes the price advertised as well below the local competition, has some squirrely caveat like: must have a trade or cash down of $2000.00  This may sound like a lease inception fee, but it’s creative advertising to the dealer pitching his price as lower to get your attention.

    2. If you see it online, call and make an appointment to see that specific vehicle. IF the person you made the appointment with, and the car are not upfront and expecting you upon arrival at the set time. Leave.  If the salesperson gives you a story that the “car got sold” or insists you follow him/her all around the lot “looking” for it. Leave. That is a switch tactic, hoping you will find something else to catch your eye. The low-priced car was a come on. To prove it, ask to “see” the purchase order for the “sold” car.

    3. When you visit the dealership and test-drive the car in question, ask to see the DEALERS SERVICE HISTORY of the car. This would be the print-out of what the dealer did to the vehicle before attempting to sell it to you. Oil change, tire rotation and brake inspection should be on the list. If you buy the car, get a copy for your records.

    4. When you decide this is the USED CAR you want to BUY, ask if you can take the car to your independent mechanic. If the dealer says NO, walk away.  Anyone, dealer or private party, selling you a car, should stand behind their car. Not letting you get “a second opinion” is not right. Be prepared to WALK. It isn’t worth it.

    5. CARFAX or a DEALER SERVICE REPORT is not the same thing as YOUR independent mechanic telling you what the potential problems are, BEFORE you buy. If the dealership missed an important or potentially failing in the next 3 mos. or 3,00 miles, and you ARE NOT A MECHANIC, then it’s your problem once you buy it.

    6. If there is a problem or issue, point out the potential costly flaws and negotiate the price accordingly. Can’t get the owner/dealer to discount the price, make them fix it at their cost, then take it back to your mechanic to be sure the job was done completely. $5000.00 Used cars, $10,000.00 used cars, it doesn’t matter, it’s your money at stake.

    7. BEWARE of “Lifted” or “Customized” USED vehicles for sale by the dealer. The dealer does not warranty after-market items and there are plenty of mail-order lift-kits being bolted on by backyard mechanics.  If the truck or suv you want has an aftermarket or non-factory kit on it, find out who installed the products and seek them out for warranty information.  Many USED CAR WARRANTIES sold at dealerships DO NOT COVER lift kits or aftermarket accessories, and many times the finance guy offering you a extended service contract has NO IDEA what’s on the truck/suv you are buying. ASK THE QUESTION… “IS THIS SPECIAL PART COVERED? SHOW ME WHERE IT IS WRITTEN IN THE POLICY PAPERWORK THAT THIS SPECIAL PART (or DIESEL ENGINE or 4wd ) IS COVERED.”  The time to find out is before you sign the contract or need the part fixed. BTW, when speaking to the bank or finance guy about a loan on this modified truck, make sure these “features” are noted in the paperwork. If the GAP protection on the loan has to be invoked, it better say in your paperwork, this vehicle had _____ special extras, or you are out of luck!

    8. DOES this USED CAR come with a STATE MANDATED USED CAR WARRANTY? Many states require a dealership to cover the major safety components of the vehicle for up to 90 days or 3 months, regardless of whether you purchase an extended service policy or the car still has factory warranty left. This policy should umbrella any costs, deductibles or “not covered” tenets of the factory or extended service policy, including waiting periods. There are some dealerships that will sneak buy selling a car that really needs service $$$, in the hopes your car won’t fail during the 90 day period, then you can come back and they put the claim on your “just purchased” warranty.  If this happens to you, make the dealership PAY the deductible and ask the contract company if this charge goes against the value of the policy, if you were to redeem or cancel it at any time.

    9. Make sure there are NO TIME LIMIT or PRE-EXISITING CONDITION limitations on the service of your new USED CAR.  If it is not in writing, you write it on the purchase order and make the manager sign it.

    10. If you have read this far, you are exhausted by the thought of shopping for a used car or think I hate all used car dealerships…NOT TRUE.  For as many dicey dealers that try to play games on unsuspecting consumers, there are as many private party sellers using Craig’s List and Nifty Nickel to try and rip you off.  I have been selling cars for 20+ years and I know what dealers to stay away from, where to find out the true value and condition of the car and how to navigate the potential drawbacks. You can find out too, just Google the dealers name, followed by the word “complaint”.  People who are unhappy will tell you, on YELP, RATEADEALER.com or WOMENDRIVER.com

    When I sell a used car/truck/van or SUV, I drive it first, and ask the TECHNICIAN that WORKED ON THE CAR, “Would you sell this to your sister?”  Many times they will suggest another car they think is a better choice. That’s a SIGN!  

    SO… if you are shopping for a nice, USED CAR, priced right, follow my tips, or call me… I’ll help you make the best deal… painlessly!

    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.

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    Category: AUTOMOTIVE, CARS, LUXURY PRE-OWNED CARS, USED CAR SPECIALS, USED CARS, women car buyers
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  3. KIA FORTE Koup SX kicks TC, SI and Mazda3

    October 21, 2009 by My Carlady

    green with envy

    green with envy

    KIA FORTE KOUP take on TC, Si and Mazda 3 …

    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.

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    Category: FORTE-SEDAN & KOUP, Honda, KIA, MAZDA, Mazda 3, SCION, women car buyers
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  4. RATE-UR-DLR at women-drivers.com

    August 28, 2009 by My Carlady

    carladylicplate1MY CARLADY loves to find great deals, and cool information for my beloved readers, followers and occasional visitors. SO, when Ann Fleming contacted me about Women-Drivers.com  I was my usual skeptic-self.  After 20+yrs in the car business, that’s what happens to you.

     

    After a 2 hour call, I was convinced she really did have the goods, and I was more than interested in helping Ann support the legions of women (and men) car buyers across the country.  SO, you will find me offering my usual blend of sarcasm and insider scoop to the Women-Drivers.com website on a periodic basis.  I’m all about spreading the word, there really is a better way to buy your next new or used car!  I’m thrilled to be able to offer my car-buying service to women (and men) too busy to haggle and wanting to know the best price, best trade-in value and what all the best combination of dealer-cash discounts, factory rebates and interest rate incentives. Thanks to Women-Drivers.com I’m hoping my tips and tirades will add a new dimension to the Women-Driver.com enthusiast while supporting “women-friendly, respectful” dealerships recognized by Ann and her staff. BTW: They were written up in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, and I think you will find this article balanced and informative.

     

    It’s not a pay to play deal, by any means.  Dealers are ranked BY THEIR CUSTOMERS on a voluntary basis, and let’s face it, when YOU’RE HAPPY, it’s easy to SHOUT-OUT. I’m not talking about“whining” here, they use the “if you can’t say something nice” rule, which makes sense. (That way it doesn’t look like anyone has an agenda.) I’m talking about telling your “sisters” and “brothers” about the dealers that gave you great service, BEFORE and AFTER the deal.  Point your friends in the RIGHT DIRECTION, name names of the pales people you want to congratulate for doing a great job. (Does anyone write letters anymore? SOmetimes, but more often we are asked to fill out a survey. This is YOUR opportunity to say Thanks, Good job or well-done, and maybe the boss will notice. Considering most sales people make less than $200.00 on a car deal these days, a nice shout-out is a great way to help them make more deals. IMHO)  

     Well, I would love for you to click on over to Women-Drivers.com and comment away on their review page.  I also encourage you to review me, if you have had the pleasure of using my services. While I’m an army of one, you can feel free to spill your guts, anonymous or not, just do me a favor and leave the weight, age and hair-color comments off the page. ;-)

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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

    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.

     

     

     

     

     

     


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    Category: AUTO STIMULUS BAILOUT, Car rebates and incentives, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS, women car buyers
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  5. CHANGES to CASH for JUNKERS HURT YOU!

    July 30, 2009 by My Carlady

    The latest in the CARS= Cash for Junkers program is a change to the estimated MPG your CLUNKER/JUNKER had before MONDAY; 7/27/09 and as of today.  Now 100 or so older vehicles that qualified by a mere 1-2 MPG trade-up benefit are lost.  The Environmental Protection Agency says the changes resulted from a double-check of its fuel-efficiency ratings on more than 30,000 1984 and newer vehicles in advance of the official start of the clunkers program Monday. About half the 100 suddenly did not qualify because their combined mileage rating was revised upward; others unexpectedly got in.

    “As a result of the review, roughly an equal number of vehicles became eligible as those found to be not eligible,” said the EPA in a statement. “Eligibility for about 100 vehicles was affected.”

    The sad part of this program is many Americans in need of a newer vehicle don’t qualify because their JUNKER gets better or the same fuel economy as the new car, thanks in part to EPA mandated emissions hardware added to vehicles over the past 15 years. Throw on the extra weight of safety features and gas mileage goes south, netting a negative on the JUNKERS scale.

    PLEASE NOTE: several readers have been exposed to dealerships trying to add “sales tax based on the rebate value” to the selling price of the new car purchase. THIS IS NOT LEGAL.  BEWARE this is an attempt to grab more profit at the expense of the car buyer and the legitimacy of the CARS=CASH FOR JUNKERS program. Report such behavior to your local DMV, Better business Bureau or dealership business licensing authority.

     READ MORE ABOUT the CASH FOR JUNKERS program click HERE

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     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.

    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

     



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    Category: AUTO STIMULUS BAILOUT, AUTOMOTIVE, Car rebates and incentives, FUEL ECONOMY, WOMEN BUYERS, WOMEN DRIVERS, women car buyers
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