The reality is American’s have been trained by the Big 3 to wait for bargain offers, rebates, low interest rates and incentivize leases before buying a car, in much the same way families cut coupons from the Sunday paper before heading to the grocery store. Double coupons, coupon trading and online search engines are an industry based on our desire to “get a bargain”.

However, if you aren’t freaked by the $24,000 per car cost to buy 125k worth of iron, consider the bigger issue here is the response from the WHITE HOUSE about the article. Edmunds is most often recognized for it’s CAR info, not daily news. The WHITE HOUSE social media guru blasting them on the WHITE HOUSE blog elevates the story to TWITTER

scionxb

status, and makes one wonder if this is an effort to take the public’s focus off the Health-care showdown, H1N1 Vaccine-debacle or the Troops in Afghanistan. all CURRENT EVENTS, not three month old history. Now don’t get me wrong, I love history, especially when we LEARN FROM IT,  otherwise we are destined to repeat it.

When you consider the C4C (cash for clunkers)as another version of economic stimulus to the auto industry, then the total return is about a wash. Count in the dollars spent recirculating through the country’s economic engine via sales tax, registration, employees earning and spending, parts remarketing and the float on the interest the government earned on the backs of the dealers waiting to be paid on those rebates while borrowing from their banks and manufacturers to keep inventory on the lot, which ultimately resulted in a wash because the program paid for itself by moving money. This EXPLANATION would have been the better argument for the WHITE HOUSE to make, rather than the comment about a MARS????

FORGET the claim of people buying cars because they went to the dealership thanks to the hubbub, most of my clients found sticker prices, no selection and mass-confusion. Dealers declared the program a headache to administrate and if there was any ether left in the tank, a complete lack of factory production follow-up left those with money burning a hole in their pocket… no 2010 cars in inventory.

But really folks… the money is spent.  Those American’s that had the cash or credit to buy a new car got a SCREAMING DEAL on the Trade Value of their JUNKER while the rest of America, once again paid for it.

The most important thing to consider in all this barking is…the Head Blogger at the WHITE HOUSE needs to have an editorial review before posting, if only for his own image, HOWEVER, more important than his image is that of the President, as stuff like this makes the public aware and ultimately more concerned about “Who is steering the BUS in WASHINGTON?” 

WE SHOULD BE ASKING …

Shouldn’t all TAXPAYING AMERICANS, be issued stock in GM and Chrysler, which we can take as a loss on our federal income tax, as these companies are unlikely to repay the $70 Billion in loans?

Are we as American’s going to continue bailing out GM, allow the dismantling of Chrysler by FIAT and or show/fail to register our support/not for the latest automaker showdown: FORD vs. UAW? (I hope the government can keep itself out of this debate.)

Learn more about post-cash 4 clunkers here: 

http://www.mycarlady.com/2009/08/03/cash-for-junke…its-the-brakes

http://www.mycarlady.com/2009/08/12/sales-tax-credit-updatesales-tax-credit-update/

http://www.mycarlady.com/2009/08/24/clunkers-ends-so-whats-next

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

 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.

LAS VEGAS USED CAR maven, Sarah Lee aka: MY CARLADY finds you the best used cars for under $10,000.00. That’s right, clean, inspected, nice used cars for under ten thousand bucks!  I just got a line on this really nice, ONE OWNER, 2000 Cadillac Deville DTS with only 50,200 original miles!

The car is Silver, Black leather interior, cd player, power memory seats,  traction control, parking sensors, 18″ chrome rims, Power everything but no moon-roof.

Kelly Blue Book retail is $10,250.00 but if you call me today, you can get this car for the MYCARLADY price of only              $ 8777.00 plus tax and fees. Financing is available for approved buyers which could make your car payment as low as $ 200.00 a month! OMG. Don’t wait this car will NOT last the weekend!

If you need financing help, let me know I have 2nd chance banks!

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.

 All these sedans offer reasonable size, adequate horsepower, okay fuel economy and decent warranties… for around $18k. HOWEVER, when compared to the new FORTE, LOOK OUT.  Stylish exterior, 20% roomier inside, comfortable headroom, comparable horsepower and fuel economy but add the 5yr./60k standard and 10yr./100k power-train warranty and the 0% financing or killer lease options and the needle clearly moves to the 2010 KIA FORTE. The Forte KOUP is the sexy, smart two-door version destined to blow by the Eclipse, TC and Civic.

2010 Kia Forte Koup

The biggest problem with the KIA FORTE is the LACK OF INVENTORY.  Consider the severely discounted dollar and it’s no wonder KIA corporate is watching the importation of their latest winner. Like the KIA SOUL, the arrival for a hot car couldn’t come at a worse time, as the dealer invoice costs the manufacturers’ American division more per car than the U.S. built competition. (KIA is building a US plant in Atlanta to remedy the situation.)   The dollar disparity isn’t passed on to the American consumer, and it is surprising that they continue to offer the 0% interest and low incentive lease rates, but muscling the domestic and low-end import market-share is something KIA and HYUNDAI (it’s big brother) have been doing successfully for several years.

If you haven’t checked one out, take a FORTE for a test-drive before you dismiss it, you might be sorry if you skip it.

And visit here tomorrow for the Sarah Lee, MYCARLADY KIA FORTE TEST DRIVE REVIEW.

Thinking KIA SOUL? CLICK  for the MYCARLADY KIA SOUL TEST DRIVE REVIEW YouTube video.

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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.

I got up close with the newly redesigned Ford 2010 Taurus at this week Blog World and New Media Expo here in Vegas. Social media is all the rage and Ford’s Scotty Monty  leads the way in consumer engagement among the Auto and Blog world.  (Perhaps I’ll get to interview him at another time.)

On the show floor sat the new Limited version in a striking black metallic flake, sporting a black leather interior. (If you wanted to test drive, you had your choice of the 2010 Ford Fiesta, Taurus SHO, Mustang, and Fusion Hybrid.)  I will save my Taurus test-drive review for tomorrow. 

However, my first impression of the design was ah, a bit of the Audi A4/A6 bull-nose grill, cut into the hood line. The sharp Xenon recessed and wrap-around headlights, lower marker lights also bear a more European flair. As you walk down the side of the car from front to back your eye follows the (now standard on all wanna-be sporty-looking cars and trucks) vent accent as it raises the belt line in a familiar rake. What is unusual about this is a funky body panel ripple that hits the middle of the gas tank cover, giving you a “skip a heartbeat”  that someone backed into the rear quarter panel of your car.  The fit and finish on the show floor model was better inside than out. 

Taking a page from the Chrysler 300, the windows shrunk as the back of the car went deep. The trunk and deck lid are off the Lincoln MKZ, which shares its platform and engine configuration, a 263 hp 3.5l v6 with the Ford Taurus for a few grand less. The Taurus SHO version adds 102 HP to the v6; upping it to 365hp.  Don’t expect exciting colors, the palette is a more traditional business suit wardrobe. 

    Ford is anxious to tout the new technology they have poured into this car, including a rock-chip resistant paint finish they feature in a Lexus challenge against a gravel truck. (Interesting to note the Ford is shown in silver, while the Lexus wears white. The contrast in the commercial reflects more light and visually more chips, which Ford then shows under black light, but you never really know if the same number of rocks hit both cars, at the same time, with the same velocity. A truer assessment would be a specific number of rocks fired at a set speed/angle and wind pattern. Hollywood makes the gravel truck a better story but give ME the controlled study for authenticity.)

 Inside, the 2010 Taurus Limited edition offers up some choice luxury features you would normally pay five grand more for in any import model; AWD is standard, heated and cooled, memory leather seats, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, adjustable pedals, paddle-shifters, keyless start, 6cd player, wood steering wheel, 18″ chrome rims and SYNC® hard drive stereo technology. Navigation, side sensors and back-up camera are optional.  The MyKey technology offers parents an interesting alternative to the DRIVECAM® or GPSBUDDY® which monitor your teen driver behind the wheel habits.  MyKey allows mom and Dad to put the key in a USB port in the family computer, load up the software and set the speed of the car and the radio volume using the SMART key technology.  When the kids drive too fast or crank the volume, the car automatically slows to the pre-determined speed reduces the stereo volume and the teen driver is busted. All very cool if you are going to let your novice drive your new ride, but my book says the teen driver is the reason you bought yourself a new car and gave them the 10 year old beater to practice on.

 The most aggressive stance on the new 2010 FORD TAURUS comes from the financing arm of the company. For a limited time you can grab a 0% interest rate for 36 months* AND $1,000 rebate on the SEL, Limited and SHO editions.  Prices start around $26,000 and top out over $38,000 with all the fixing’s.  *OAC. Given the competition, offering a huge buying motivation out of the gate, is why Ford tops GM and Chrysler in the US market, and may even grab some Camry, Maxima and Accord drivers this time around.

Warranty is 3/3K6 standard and 5/60k powertrain and Roadside assistance. 17/24 fuel economy.

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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.

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.

When U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, makes his first trip to Detroit on Monday to tour the plants of Detroit’s Three automakers, perhaps he could  ASK CHRYSLER engineers about the dismal fuel economy of the 2007-2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Cummins 6.7L diesel.  Surely burning twice as much fuel to get to the same place it took half as much in the 5.9L is not good fiscal or fuel economy when the Obama administration has proposed increasing fuel efficiency standards to an estimated fleet-wide average of 34.1 mpg by 2016 — a five-year mandate that will cost the entire auto industry $60 billion.  Note: Mr. LaHood is the guy behind the $3 Billion “Cash-for-Clunkers” summer sales event directed at removing hundreds of thousands of gas guzzlers from our streets. 

After the Dodge engineers gag and cough on the question of 12mpg or 8 or 9 with a load, perhaps he could mention the numerous owner complaints about the LACK OF QUALITY and POOR PERFORMANCE of the EPA-initiated engine, emmissions and DPF system.  Since there is currently no HEAD AUTO CZAR at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, perhaps Mr. LaHood could stand in for the missing boss and ask if DODGE would consider a VOLUNTARY RECALL of the 2007-2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Cummins Diesel, BEFORE someone gets killed from the loss of power in drive experience,  (Seems like people have to DIE or be MAIMED before the government gets involved), considering the federal government did spend $70 Billion U.S. TAXPAYER dollars to keep the company ALIVE. By the way, that’s  money from the same folks who bought these troubled diesel huffers to start with.  Not expecting Chrysler/Dodge/Fiat to laydown for this guy, I suggest Mr. LaHood could take some SPYSHOTS of the 2016 Dodge RAM 2500/3500 with the CUMMINS ENGINE REDESIGN while he’s touring the Chrysler Group LLC’s technical center.

Good luck Mr. LaHood, you may have the answer for Detroit; “Make cars people want to BUY,” but I think you might want to preface that statement with, “Make cars that WORK, and then people will BUY.”

Want to read more about the Dodge Cummins diesel CLICK HERE.

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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.