BuyingAdvice

Record Incentives & Financing Deals

jhalak — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:18:06 +0000

If you’re looking to save big on a new car or truck, now is likely the best time to buy. Record numbers of new car buyers are getting great deals such as 0% financing on new vehicles. More than 20% of new cars purchased in March were financed at 0%.

Current Brands Offering 0% Financing
Buick – Up to $4,500 cash back or 0% APR.
Cadillac – 0% APR on 24 & 36 month lease terms.
Chevrolet – Up to $4,500 cash back or 0% APR.
Chrysler – Up to $2,000 cash back or 0% APR.
Dodge – Up to $2,500 cash back or 0% APR.
Ford – Up to $4,000 cash back or 0% APR.
GMC – Up to $4,000 cash back or 0% APR.
Infiniti – 0% APR on 24 & 36 month lease terms.
Jeep – Up to $4,000 cash back or 0% APR.
Kia – Up to $2,500 cash back or 0% APR.
Lincoln – Up to $4,500 cash back or 0% APR.
Mazda – 0% APR on 24 & 36 month lease terms.
Mercury – Up to $4,000 cash back or 0% APR.
Mitsubishi – Up to $3,500 cash back or 0% APR.
Nissan – Up to $5,000 cash back or 0% APR.
Volkswagen – 0% APR on 24 – 60 month lease terms.

There’s no guarantee how long these incredible incentives will last, shop now to find the best offers!

Are New Cars Really Cheaper Than Used?

jhalak — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:59:36 +0000

Recent reports show that many new cars are actually cheaper than their used counterparts. There are two reasons causing this seemingly illogical change. First, the economic downturn has increased demand for used vehicles. Second, increased competition between manufacturers have improved rebates, incentives and financing options.

It makes sense to consider used if you're looking for an inexpensive car. However, the increase in used car buying has inflated prices.

When comparing the actual price of 2010 models, after factoring in low interest financing and aggressive incentive offers, you'll find many new models are selling for less.

A few excellent examples of this are:
2010 Lincoln MKX – selling for about $2,500 less.
2010 Mazda CX-9 – $3,500 less.
2010 Nissan Armada - $5,000 less.
2010 Porsche Cayenne – $4,000 less.
2010 Volvo S40 – $2,500 less.

Compare new verses used prices before you buy to ensure you get the best deal possible.

2010 Lexus GX460 – A Safety Risk?

jhalak — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:42:25 +0000

This Tuesday Consumer Reports urged new car buyers not to purchase the 2010 Lexus GX460. Stating that the Toyota Motor Corporation SUV is a "safety risk" due to it's likelihood to roll over.

The nonprofit consumer guide gave the vehicle a "not acceptable" rating, due to sliding when driven in sweeping turns. The sliding could cause rollovers, though there have been no reports of such accidents. Consumer Reports has urged consumers not to buy until the problem has been resolved

Toyota responded with concern and planning to duplicate the test results to determine what steps need to be taken. After the company's recent recall fiasco industry experts will pay special attention to how Toyota deals with the situation.

Can Hybrid Cars Really Save You Money?

jhalak — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:39:21 +0000

Low emissions are great, but many new hybrids are so pricey it will take years for you to break even at the pump. A recent San Francisco Chronicle article reviews seven hybrid vehicles to see which will pay for itself in fuel savings the soonest. The results are surprising.

Hybrid electric technology is rapidly advancing. The majority of the vehicles reviewed will be outdated dinosaurs by the time you break even on fuel savings.

The winner? The Ford Fusion Hybrid. Expect to break even on expenses after about five and a half years of ownership.

The losers? The Nissan Altima Hybrid won’t pay for itself at the pump for over two decades. The darling of the hybrid industry, the Toyota Prius, 20 years as well. The Honda Civic Hybrid and Insight, about 17 years.

Ford’s “Swap Your Ride” Sales Event is Back

jhalak — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:53:00 +0000

This month Ford is bringing back the "Swap Your Ride" campaign and sales event, which it last ran in 2007. The promotion will run from now until the end of May. Customers can trade in any other manufacturer's vehicle. In return they'll get 0% APR financing plus $1,000 cash back.

The campaign aims to demonstrate to consumers Ford's innovation, quality, design and safety. "Swap Your Ride" participants were asked whether they would consider purchasing a Ford vehicle in the future. After the week long test-drive, the participates purchase consideration doubled to nearly 80%.

Of course you must qualify for the limited-term financing. Hybrids, the Taurus SE, Edge SE AWD, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT500 and Transit Connect aren't available.

Ford is also offering "Swap Bonus Cash" for current owners interested in trading in 2007 and 2008 Ford vehicles. This deal will run from now through October 1st and can be taken in addition to all existing purchase or lease offers.

Hummer Clearance Sale – Your Last Chance to Buy?

jhalak — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:07:19 +0000

According to GM Dealers Hummer is shutting down for good. Only 2,200 new Hummers are left in stock throughout the US. To clear-out these last few vehicles Hummer will run an incentive program through the end of April.

Buyers can choose between 0% financing for 72 months or cash.

$4,000 Off 2010 Hummer H3 & H3T
$5,000 Off 2009 Hummer H3T
$6,000 Off 2009 Hummer H2 & H3

Look for ads to start running shortly promoting the discounts.

Hummer vehicles will still be backed by GM's 100,000 mile/5-year warranty.

35.5 MPG by 2016 – 6 Cars Already Ahead of the Game

jhalak — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:08:11 +0000

This week the Obama administration unveiled tighter new fuel efficiency rules. By 2016 all vehicles in the US must average 35.5 MPG or better. According to the government this will cut fuel consumption by 40% and generate up to $130 billion in benefits.

As we've seen in the past few years, some automakers are already working on hybrid and electric vehicles. A brief tour of the New York Auto show will prove more are on the way. Luxury brands such as Lexus, Porsche, and Lincoln all have hybrid models on display.

However, a few carmakers are already well ahead of the game. The following 2010 models all average 35.5 MPG or better.

Toyota Prius – 49.5 MPG
Honda Civic Hybrid – 42.5 MPG
Audi A3 – 36 MPG
Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen – 36 MPG
Volkswagen Jetta – 35.5 MPG
Volkswagen Golf – 35.5 MPG

10 Tips That Can Save You Thousands on a New Car

jhalak — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:17:29 +0000

Here are ten simple tips that can save you thousands on a new car or truck. Find the right car at the lowest price, and then pay even less!

Take your time, think through your options before buying.
Learn the true price of every car you are interested in, factory invoice and MSRP.
Look for low interesting financing deals. If you have good credit you’re likely to be able to find APR as low as 0%.
Buy during manufacturer “sales events”. Rebates and incentives have resulted in $5,000+ discounts on new vehicles in the past year.
Test drive multiple makes and models. Sometimes there is very little difference in quality between brands, while prices vary greatly.
Carefully consider you’re lifestyle, needs, and budget before buying. Using these as guides will enable you to select the right car.
Work with recommended local dealers, check reviews online and ask people you know.
Negotiate with multiple dealers to find the best offer in your area.
Maintain control throughout the negotiating process. Remember, it’s your money, you get to choose how to spend it.
Ask questions. Don’t worry about looking stupid, the dumbest thing a new car buyer can do is make a decision without complete information.

Considering a Honda? Now’s the Time to Lease

jhalak — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:19:14 +0000

If you have been considering leasing or financing a new Honda vehicle now could be your best chance to get a great deal. Now through May 3^rd find no money down and no security deposit deals on all Honda leases. If you’re looking to purchase, take advantage of APR financing as low as 0.9% on select models.

Some of the best deals from Honda’s “Really Big Thing” sales event include the following:

Special lease offers on nearly all Honda models.

$0 Down Payment
$0 Security Deposit
$0 First Month's Payment
$0 Due at Lease Signing

Honda Accord, Civic and Insight models are available with monthly lease payments below $200.

Financing Offers on Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Crosstour, Accord Sedan, Civic, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot or Ridgeline.

Choose from 0.9% APR for 24 to 36 months or 1.9% APR for 37 to 60 months.

Availability may differ by dealer and location. It is best to research which offers are currently available in your area before visiting a dealership.

American Car Owners Holding onto Vehicles Longer

jhalak — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:52:17 +0000

A recent Polk study revealed Americans are keeping both new and used vehicles for longer periods of time. At the end of 2009 new car owners kept their vehicles for an average of 60 months, compared to around 48 months in late 2001.

Multiple factors contribute to this increase:

The economy, more people out of work equal fewer new or used car buyers.
Tougher financing rules and longer loan terms.
Extended manufacturer warranty coverage.
Improved vehicle reliability, see previous blog entry.

If you are aiming to keep your vehicle longer, the following maintenance tips will help:

Keep your vehicle clean inside and out.
Check tire pressure, oil and other fluids regularly.
Perform required maintenance and inspections on schedule.
Promptly seek a mechanic’s advice for warning lights, change in performance, or strange sounds.

A little work goes a long way toward keeping your new or used vehicle running in top condition. Please share your tips for extending the life of a car.