Toyota to recall Corolla, Matrix

Used Toyotas were once known as bastions of reliability, but recent recalls have caused the automaker to pull back millions of its signature vehicles.

The latest news on the Toyota recall front, according to the Los Angeles Times, is a one million used car recall on 2005-2008 Toyota Matrices and Corollas. The automaker received several complaints of a stalling engine that it determined could be due to a problem with an engine control unit, an electronic part.

The announcement also includes the discontinued Pontiac Vibe, which was a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration said it received 163 complaints about the issue. Toyota said it was aware of three accidents with one minor injury.

Although the company has recalled over 10 million vehicles in the past few months, the brand is still one of the most popular in the world. Drivers interested in used Toyotas shouldn’t let recalls scare them off, as careful research will allow them to find plenty of models that aren’t involved in the recalls.

NHTSA orders recalls on used Fords

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall on used Ford Windstar minivans because of a problem with the rear axle.

The New York Times reports that Ford will recall 462,750 vehicles from 1999-2003. The Windstar’s rear axle, which is U-shaped, acts as a repository for salt that can be kicked up off the road. The salt can then corrode the axle to the point that it gives way.

The NHTSA revealed that it had received 234 complaints about the problem that led to 2 accidents but no injuries. More than half of the reports said the axle had split completely.

Ford will fix the vehicles free of charge and issue refunds to anyone who has paid for them.

The Ford Windstar is a popular used minivan, but buyers have lots of other options when it comes to buying a used car. Those interested in a minivan may want to look at a used Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country or a Windstar that was made outside of the years mentioned. They should also know that drivers in states that don’t salt their roads as much have not reported as many issues.

BMW M3 Coupe vs. Ford Mustang GT

When buying a new or used car, some of the most important information lies in the vehicle’s specifications. These numbers – things like horsepower, torque and ride height, ultimately determine how well a car will perform on the road.

Of course, a driver can research all the numbers they want, but it won’t mean anything until they get the car out on the road. Often, a car performs better or worse than the numbers initially indicate. The driving experience can also be highly subjective. One driver may want a smooth ride above all else, while another likes to feel the seat vibrate as they open up the engine. Many factors contribute to the right car.

American muscle car fans will contend that nothing beats sitting behind the wheel of a Mustang. BMW purists, meanwhile, will tout the blazing speeds and smooth rides of an M3 Coupe. For years, Ford‘s signature car couldn’t compete with its European rival. But now, with a complete redesign to the Mustang line, MotorTrend felt it was time to take a 2011 Mustang GT to the track and test it against the BMW M3 Coupe.

With both equipped with V8 engines, the Mustang slightly edges out the M3. While the Coupe boasts 2 more horsepower (414 to 412,) the Mustang has a better power-to-weight ratio (8.8 “pounds per pony” to the M3’s 8.6), meaning its horses do a bit more work and make it slightly faster. Although both cars posted a 4.4 second 0-60 time, the Mustang beat the M3 in longer straight races. Yet that means nothing on an actual track, with turns involved. This battle couldn’t be settled just yet.

To keep things fair, the cars can be driven in two different styles. Inexperienced drivers will opt for electronic stability control and other assisted driving implements on, while pros will turn all those off and do things manually. So the news source had two different drivers attempt lap times at the track – the unprofessional automotive writer and a racing champ, Randy Pobst.

In the end, the cars were evenly matched. The “average” driver posted a faster time with the Mustang by about half a second, while the pro favored the M3 by .09 seconds. The M3 costs a fair bit more, but preference ultimately comes down to what a driver is looking for from a vehicle – both are mean machines capable of handling any track.

Either way, the prices on these bad boys will set drivers back a bit, so they may want to wait a few years until the models hit the used car market before making a decision. But if drivers want to get behind the wheel now, they can likely find a late-model used Ford or BMW at their local dealer today.

Choosing a luxury crossover

As Labor Day weekend approaches, many dealers will be offering incentives on 2010 models in order to make way for the new 2011 stock. That means that late-model 2010 vehicles will soon be hitting the used car market.

Crossovers are a popular vehicle among those shopping for used autos, and most companies now offer multiple crossover models. The mix of an SUV’s utility with the fuel economy and drivetrain of a smaller passenger vehicle has enticed a number of buyers.

Drivers shopping for a crossover will probably be looking at used Hondas, Fords and Nissans, among other brands. Yet because drivers are shopping on the used car market, they might opt to step up into a luxury crossover.

There are a number of luxury crossovers, but Cars.com recently listed a few of the better ones on the market. The Acura MDX, Buick Enclave and Lincoln MKT all have their fair share of followers, but the news source broke down the cars feature by feature.

In terms of price, buyers will find the Enclave as the cheapest of the three, with the MDX and MKT slightly higher. Yet the MDX and MKT both offer all-wheel drive, while the Enclave only has front-wheel drive.

The MKT blew away the competition in the horsepower department, with a turbocharged V6 engine and reactive transmission. The MKT’s handling was also praised.

However, the news source named the MDX as the best-handling vehicle, calling its ride experience “flat-out fun.” The MDX also won points for its recently redesigned exterior styling.

While all three models sport large interiors with three full rows of seats that fit seven passengers, they differed in cargo space, legroom and headroom. The Enclave took the cake on these fronts, with the roomiest experience. In the end, the website preferred the Enclave because of its cheaper price but competitive features.

Yet these aren’t the only three luxury crossovers in the game. Those looking for used autos will find options from several other manufacturers in regard to the luxury crossover, many of which can be found for quite a bit cheaper than the MDX, Enclave and MKT.

U.S News and World Report ranked Nissan’s Infiniti EX as the top crossover in the segment, beating out a host of other vehicles. Although the car’s engine may not be as powerful as some of it’s competitors and its interior is a bit more constrained, the car took top marks in safety features for around $35,000 new. A used Nissan Infiniti EX could most likely be found for quite a bit cheaper.

Mercedes-Benz offers two options for luxury crossovers. The company has the slightly smaller GLK-Class, which also retails in the $30,000 range, or the more expensive but also more spacious R-Class. The two models are considered to be top of the line in terms of engines, and come with the added prestige of the Mercedes name.

Finally, drivers should consider a used BMW X3 and X5. If buyers don’t need the extra space, the X3 offers great safety features and sporty handling. Those who want a slightly larger vehicle can instead opt for the X5, another solid choice for a crossover.

Fuel-efficient 2010 hybrids

As Labor Day approaches, many dealerships will be offering incentives on their 2010 cars for sale in order to make way for the 2011 models. But soon after, these cars will find their way to used car dealers as late-model vehicles, where they can be found at a reduced rate.

When deciding on a late-model used car, fuel economy is an important factor. Since the vehicle was only built in the last few years, it’s unlikely to have many miles on it and thus drivers will be depending on the car for a long time. The more miles that a driver puts on a car, the more they end up saving – if the car has great fuel economy.

The Environmental Protection Agency rates every car’s gas mileage each year and posts the results online so that shoppers can easily compare vehicles across brands. If a driver considers fuel economy to be an important factor in their car-buying decision, they might want to keep their eyes peeled for a few of these models on the used car lot.

The most efficient car in the country was again the Toyota Prius. The Prius has come to symbolize the ideal hybrid and has been at the forefront of the class in terms of awards and recognition. With 51 miles per gallon in the city and 48 on the highway, average drivers can expect to pay just $780 per year on fuel costs.

That said, the Prius isn’t the only hybrid in the game. True, it has the best fuel economy by quite a bit. But fuel economy isn’t the only consideration when purchasing a vehicle.

Drivers who want a bit more power out of their hybrid, for example, might want to check out the Nissan Altima or Ford Fusion hybrids. Rather than the 1.8-liter engine found on the Prius, these both come with 2.5-liter engines. In addition, they’re both slightly cheaper than a Prius and have higher ratings in driver and passenger safety crash tests.

The Fusion clocks in with 41 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway while the Altima gets 35 in the city and 33 on the highway. On average, this is about $200 – $300 more per year than the Prius, but drivers will have to weigh whether the cheaper price and additional features are worth it.

Another option is the Honda Insight. Like the Prius, the Insight comes as a hatchback, and though it only sports a 1.3-liter engine, it is $6,770 cheaper than its more famous counterpart. If a driver buys a used Honda Insight, they’re likely to save even more. The model still gets 40 miles per gallon in the city with 43 on the highway for an average of $952 spent on fuel each year.

The Prius might be the most well-known hybrid, and it still holds a 10 miles per gallon edge over its closest competitors. But when drivers really look at the numbers for a vehicle, the Prius’ competitors are all viable options as well, depending on what exactly a driver is looking for in a vehicle.

James Bond’s top used cars

One of the great benefits of buying a used car rather than a new one is being able to get some classic luxury vehicles for a fraction of their original price. While a brand new Mercedes-Benz or Audi might be outside the price range of many buyers, lots of people are able to afford used BMWs every year.

James Bond has always been at the forefront of defining luxury and style, with the naming of a new Bond car typically enjoying just as much attention as the naming of a new Bond girl. Thanks to the reduced prices of the used car market, fans of the British superspy can now own some of his famous cars without paying the huge prices that they commanded when they were first introduced.

Cars.com looked at the top 10 vehicles to ever serve as Bond cars, and many of them may fit in the price range of modern car buyers.

Two of the Pierce Brosnan-era vehicles made the list, and both were BMWs. Bond used the 1997 BMW 750iL in “Tomorrow Never Dies,” where he drove it on a high-speed chase through a multilevel parking garage. Although the spy’s 750iL came equipped with rockets, tear gas, spike strips and magnetic flash grenades, drivers can likely find a used BMW with a few less options at an auto auction or used car lot.

Bond got a little more stylish for 1999, where he switched to a BMW Z8 for “The World is Not Enough.” This two-seater V8 coupe might move almost as fast as a missile, but most models unfortunately don’t come with the ground to air warheads that Bond had in his vehicle.

Some of the more classic cars on the list will likely be a bit rarer and tough to find. But if drivers find a 1975 Lotus Espirit from “The Spy Who Loved Me” or a 1961 Sunbeam Alpine from “Dr. No” they should try to snatch it up. The true classic, however, is the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from “Goldfinger,” which took the top spot on the list.

These vehicles might have been among the most expensive in the world back in their heyday, but their prices have likely fallen quite a bit in the past few years. Drivers looking for a used BMW should keep their eyes peeled for a 750iL, Z8 or even a Z3, which was used in “Goldeneye.” The top spy cars of yesteryear can become the bargains of today.

To buy or to lease?

Once a driver has settled on a used car, the important question is whether they want to buy or lease the vehicle. While each strategy has its pros and cons, drivers will ultimately have to decide which one is right for them.

MSN Autos examined some of the considerations that drivers will have to think about when it comes down to closing the deal on their used auto. A driver who is informed about the procedure that goes into buying or leasing a car will be able to negotiate better at the dealership.

The news source writes that for many years, leasing was not an economically effective way to own a vehicle. Buyers were often better off and buying a vehicle that they could keep for several years. However, leasing continue to grow in popularity as it allowed drivers to not have to pay a lot of cash up front and change their vehicle every few years.

Now, the news provider believes that the economic changes in the auto industry have made leasing a viable option, both in terms of perks and finances.

An important thing to understand about leasing is residual value. At the end of the lease, the driver has the option to buy the car outright for the residual value. This is calculated not at the time the car is turned in, but at the time the deal is signed, based on the mileage allotment and other factors. By negotiating a desirable residual value, drivers keep their options open.

But because the dealer will more than likely end up with the car at the end of the lease, it is in their best interest to keep the car running. This is why many dealers will offer free maintenance for the life of the lease – a feature that no potential lessee should pass up.

Another big benefit of leasing is that the monthly payments are often much, much smaller. If a buyer doesn’t have the ability to pay cash on a car, they’ll be forced to get financing with interest, not to mention that they’ll be paying sales tax on the full price of the car rather than just the fraction that they would with leasing.

Yet the real reason that leasing has become an attractive option is the unpredictability of the economy. It’s no secret that the auto industry struggled during the economy and while sales are up as of late, many dealers will still do anything to move their cars.

This is where a residual value becomes important. Dealers are making their estimates based on the auto industry today, and they simply don’t know what will come of the future. In two years, the car might be worth quite a bit more than the dealer first predicted. If it’s not, a driver isn’t stuck with the car like he would be if he bought it – he can turn it in or buy it if he wants to keep it. But if it is, he can buy the car for the residual value, then turn around and sell it for a profit if he or she desires.

That’s not to say that buying isn’t a great option – especially if the buyer has the cash to buy it outright. With dealers offering incentives and a number of great used cars hitting the market at reduced rates, it’s a great time to buy – or lease – a vehicle.

How to sell your car

Before drivers enter the market for a used car, they often have to sell their own vehicle first. While there are many factors that go into the price of a car there are a few things that sellers can do in order to ensure that their vehicle goes for the price they desire.

MSN Auto recently compiled some tips that explain a few good habits that will help drivers sell their car for a higher price. They talked to Charles Vogelheim, editor of the Kelley Blue Book, for some thoughts on the car selling process.

Although maintaining the vehicle and ensuring that it is in working order is obviously an important consideration, Vogelheim points out that aesthetics play a big role in influencing what the vehicle is eventually valued at.

“The most important thing is to clean the car inside and out,” Vogelheim told the news source. “If the car is older, a good wash and wax on the exterior and vacuum of the interior is probably enough. The extent of the detail will vary depending on the age of the car.”

Vogelheim says that the car doesn’t necessarily need a full detailing. For those who want to save a bit of money, one of the premium options at a full service car wash will usually do the trick.

That takes care of the interior, but for the exterior, Vogelheim recommends paying special attention to dents, chips, scratches and dings. These imperfections can severely affect a driver’s ability to sell a vehicle. This can be a quick fix, and if a car has multiple flaws, many repair shops will do the work at a reduced rate.

Beyond that, buyers should focus on repairing any damage, as this can also prevent a vehicle from being sold. Lights, mirrors and windshields are all highly-visible areas that should be repaired in order to ensure a better price.

“The difficulty with repairing body damage is that the greater the amount of damage, the less return on your investment you will get when you sell the car,” said Vogelheim. However, he cautions that these can often be dealbreakers, especially if the buyer is considering trading their car into a dealer rather than selling to a third party. “You don’t want to give a buyer a reason to not buy your car.”

Finally, drivers should be certain that they have a vehicle’s service records in order. This can go a long way toward assuring a driver that a vehicle is in working order. At the same time, Vogelheim cautions that a driver is not required to provide any type of warranty on their vehicle, and should set the terms of the agreement clearly in the bill of sale.

Tips for trade-ins

Your used Toyota may still be running great, but with advances in technology and a wide variety of cars for sale, it may be time to trade in for a different model. While many factors go into the trade-in process, by keeping a few things in mind, buyers can get a great price for their used car and be driving off the lot in a new vehicle in no time.

Edmunds.com recently talked to a dealer, salesman and their own data analyst to get their thoughts on the trade-in process. While each have different opinions on what to look for, their advice could be valuable in working out a great deal at the local used auto lot.

There are a few misconceptions that many drivers have about their vehicle. One that all three agree on is that drivers often overvalue their vehicle by looking at prices online. Often, people are tempted to see the highest quoted price and refuse to budge from that.

Kenneth Mills, a car salesman who has sold used Hondas for eight years, says that every used car is different and that factors into a dealer’s quote. The Edmunds analysts concurs, adding that a number of factors go into trade-in prices that are actually on the dealer’s end – such as the number of similar cars already on the lot, the time of the month and whether the salesman is one or two sales shy of making a bonus.

Bill Weismann, a used car dealer in Orlando, says he normally doesn’t check the Blue Book value, instead opting to search auto auction prices to get a true idea of what a consumer will pay for a vehicle. He also uses a service normally reserved for buyers – Carfax – to check the history of a vehicle. Weismann also cautions that the appearance of a car affects trade-in value tremendously – paint damage on the exterior or the interior of a heavy smoker’s car will fetch a lot less than a car in pristine condition. A custom paint job can also ruin a vehicle’s trade in value.

The three generally agree that a trade-in can heavily benefit a car buyer. Mills points out that in most states, consumers save on sales tax by trading in. If a customer was going to buy a $20,000 car, he’d normally pay a percentage offthat figure for taxes. But by engineering a trade of $12,000, he will only have to pay a tax off the remaining $8,000 – a move that could save hundreds of dollars.

The cars dogs love

When choosing a used car to buy, drivers differ in terms of what they’re looking for in a vehicle. While some opt for style or performance, others are looking for cargo space and safety.

That’s the case for many dog owners, who look for vehicles that allow them to travel with man’s best friend safely and easily. Although dog owners are a small segment of the market, considerations for pups and full-grown dogs do influence car buyer’s decisions.

AAA recently revealed their picks for used cars that are great for those with pets. The auto group revealed that 80 percent of dog owners take their dog with them on errands and other trips regularly. With that in mind, AAA rated vehicles in terms of safety, space and easy-to-clean interiors.

“More than 45 million households in the U.S. have a dog, and many are taking Fido along for the ride on a regular basis,” said John Nielsen, AAA National Director of Auto Repair and Buying Services. “There [are] several vehicles with features that can help keep pets safe, comfortable and easy to clean-up after while also addressing other driver desires such as sportiness, adventure or luxury.”

One vehicle that was high on AAA’s list was the Toyota Venza. This mid-size crossover is not only great for families but comes with a number of accessories designed to keep the dog happy too. Among these are waterproof seats, pet restraint systems that keep them in the backseat and even a ramp that allows dogs to easily climb into the trunk.

For those who need a slightly bigger vehicle, the Honda Element is another option. The Element comes with similar pet accessories like the ramp and seat covers. However, it also comes with an optional trunk kennel that even contains a water dish.

Among luxury brands, the BMW 3 Series Wagon offers much of what the others do for pets. However, drivers can also use rubber mats in the cargo area along with a divider that will keep two dogs separated if such a situation arises. Although a bit smaller than the Element, the 3 Series does offer a bit of a smoother ride, meaning Fido won’t be jostled around too much in the back.

Many pet owners consider dogs part of the family. It makes sense that those drivers will consider the pooch when it comes to selecting a used vehicle. Those car buyers can’t go wrong with a used Honda Element, BMW 3 Series or Toyota Venza.