Monthly Archives: June 2009

GM nearing sale of Saab to Swedish carmaker

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Posted in Saab - DO NOT USE

This could be the beginning of the end.

Saab loyalists who are looking for used cars in New Jersey may want to increase their efforts in the near future.

It’s being reported that General Motors is close to a deal that will sell its Swedish unit Saab to Koenigsegg, a car manufacturer known for making “a handful of $1 million supercars” with its 50 employees, according to Reuters. This runs counter to Saab’s current image of a brand that produces a number of family cars which are touted for its reliability and safety features.

Both sides have reportedly signed a letter of intent and financing has been agreed upon, which leaves minor issues to be resolved prior to an official sale, according to the article.

Despite its popularity, Saab has reportedly not posted a profit in 10 years.

Considering a sale may be imminent, this may the last chance for some people to purchase a used Saab.

As used vehicles go, the Saab 9-7X SUV from 2005 to 2008 was the highest ranked in the Saab category on ConsumerGuideAuto.com, with the reviewers saying the vehicle “delivers better driving dynamics and interior design than the General Motors SUVs on which it’s based.”

New car loan concerns may lead buyers to used cars in New Jersey

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

The loan market has tightened for new cars as dealerships have increased standards for loans, and it may make used cars in New Jersey or other states a more attractive option for buyers.

Experian Automotive says that independent dealers showed the largest gains in used car loans, with their share coming in at more than one-third of the market, as used car loans overall now represent more than two-thirds of all automotive financing.

“Banks, credit unions and captive finance companies appear to have tightened their lending criteria as they look to mitigate risk,” said Melinda Zabritski, Experian Automotive director of automotive credit. As lenders change terms, it “is pushing some consumers out of the new vehicle market and into the used vehicle market.”

The company says that the independents generally serve customers with lower credit scores find used cars in New Jersey and other locations.

That could be attractive to the increasing number of customers who have lower credit ratings, a group 6.3 percent larger compared to last year, according to Experian.

A used Ford F-250 in New Jersey can haul a lot, with or without LP fueling

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Posted in Ford

While a new liquid propane system is currently being tested on F-250s, those who can find a used Ford truck in New Jersey may still benefit from its ability to haul heavy loads.

The propane-fueled pickup will be put to work by Ferrellgas as part of a partnership between the company, which distributes the fuel nationwide, and Roush partners.

“Our goal at Ferrellgas is to promote the use of propane as a certified green fuel, as an excellent way for vehicle and machine fleets to curb emissions and as a great way for fleet owners to lower vehicle expenses while receiving significant tax incentives,” said Steve Wambold, Ferrellgas president and chief operating officer.

But while the fuel option may be a more prevalent option than some other alternative fuels, it may be difficult for some to find a way to refuel their vehicles.

Even with regular unleaded gasoline, however, a used Ford F-250 offered “best-in-class” performance both in payload and towing in the 2005 model year, according to Edmunds.com.

High-powered test drive available to some caffeine users looking for used cars in New York

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Posted in General Auto News

For some who enjoy caffeine, test driving used cars in New York may help them make an informed decision about their car based on the feel of the interior and the car’s handling characteristics.

But depending on what cola they drink, they could have a shot at test-driving a tube-chassis, V-8 powered NASCAR racecar, too.

Coke Zero is sponsoring a ride-along with a NASCAR driver for people who register at the MyCokeRewards website.

The contest “is making it possible for race fans to experience the real speed and power of a stock car,” said Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 Ford Fusion. “The fan who rides with me better hang on tight, because I plan on pushing the pedal to the floor and showing why Atlanta Motor Speedway is one of the fastest tracks in NASCAR.”

If they watch the Coke Zero 400 on July 4, the four winning fans will be able to check out the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Biffle’s car, though it may not be a daily driver like some used cars in New York.

CT Better Business Bureau offers buying tips for used cars in New York

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Posted in General Auto News

For those looking at buying a used car in New York or New Jersey, the better business bureau in neighboring Connecticut has offered some guidelines in making the right choice for a purchase.

While a computer can help make the process easier, even offline work could lead to a more-informed purchase, including talking to friends and family about experiences with various cars and trucks.

Many local libraries have copies of the National Automotive Dealers Association Official Used Car Guide, and other resources include print versions of Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds, which help potential buyers understand what prices they can expect to pay for different makes and models.

“Buying a used vehicle requires homework and planning to ensure that an attractively-priced used car or truck doesn’t have hidden problems that can turn it into a very costly investment in the long run,” says Paulette Scarpetti, Connecticut Better Business Bureau president.

Another hidden cost may be repairs based on recall announcements from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; interested buyers can call a toll-free number or visit the government organization’s website.

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Congress could pay cash to those looking to buy used cars in New York

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Posted in Auto Industry News

For those looking at used cars in New York, new legislation could make the prospect of making a purchase much more reasonable.

Senator Dianne Feinstein recently announced a modified “cash for clunkers” program, designed to get less efficient cars off of the road, and the bill includes payments for those who are looking to make a used car purchase this year.

If the car to be traded in gets less than 18 miles per gallon and is from 2002 or later, buyers could get $3,000 dollars on a used car, a voucher that drops in value with the model year of the trade-in car, to a minimum of $1,500 for a car built before 1998.

Feinstein says the legislation is a response to the fact that lawmakers know they “face real challenges with trying to encourage drivers to trade in their older, less fuel efficient vehicles – particularly in this tough economic climate,” Senator Feinstein said.

Along with co-sponsors Senator Susan Collins and Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, she hopes that the bill will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and use of between 40,000 and 80,000 barrels of oil a day.

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Under-inflated tires could be a hazard for those looking at used cars in New York

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Posted in General Auto News

It’s National Tire Safety Week, do you know how much inflation your tires require?

Even for those looking at used cars in New York, the question could be an important one for both the owner’s safety and pocketbook, according to recent research by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association.

They worked with local tire retailers to find out the levels of inflation people were driving around on, and of the 5,400 vehicles that were checked, less than one in 10 had measurements that matched manufacturer’s specifications.

“Few actions that are so simple and quick to do have such striking benefits,” said Charles A. Cannon, RMA president and CEO. “Taking five minutes every month to check tire pressure will put money in consumers’ pockets, reduce national fuel consumption, help tires last longer and save lives.”

Accidents caused by poor tire maintenance injure 33,000 Americans every year, according to the Natitonal Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but it also affects the wallet.

As President Obama pointed out on both the campaign trail and during an Earth Day speech, tire pressure is one way to save money at the pumps with increased fuel mileage.

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Choosing the wrong fuel can add up for those looking at used cars in New Jersey

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Posted in General Auto News

For those looking at used cars in New Jersey, a diesel-fueled vehicle may offer more fuel economy, but as one report illustrates, new adopters should take some time when they get to the pumps.

While green pumps mean good to go for diesel users in America, police in the UK are having a hard time differentiating between the two fuel types for their cars, according to a Mirror report that found over the past three years, about $1.6 million in repairs have been required to fix cars filled with the wrong fuel.

To remedy the damage, departments have to flush out the fuel system, as well as potentially repairing the engine and then refueling the vehicle, according to the news provider.

While the concerns over what pump to use could lead to problems, diesels on average are about 5 percent more efficient than normal engines of the same size according to Kelley Blue Book, which could leave more money in the wallet for someone looking at used cars in New Jersey.

Find Used Cars in New Jersey with New Jersey State Auto

Simplify car-buying math when looking at used cars in New York

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

While a customer considering making a vehicle purchase may know how much of their monthly budget they can put towards a vehicle, making the calculations about loans, insurance and maintenance of a used car in New York could be difficult without a lot of scratch paper.

Edmunds.com offers used car reviews and pricing estimates, and says that a new service may limit some of the math required to go from a vehicle’s purchase cost to monthly expenses with a new affordability calculator based on the visitor’s zip code and desired monthly payment.

The application works backwards from there, using Edmunds’ estimate of used car values and maintenance costs to come up with a list of cars that could fit a potential buyer’s budget.

While basing costs of ownership on a monthly basis may help narrow down choices, one consumer advocate says it shouldn’t be the sole rationale in buying a car.

“Car-shoppers should be aware of their desired monthly payment, but not actually focus on it during negotiation,” said Philip Reed, Edmunds.com senior consumer advice editor. “Thinking of a vehicle purchase in terms of the ideal monthly payment can hide the bigger picture, and you never want to lose sight of the bigger picture when making a major purchase.”

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Family fixes up used Ford Mustang for mom’s birthday

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Posted in Ford

For those looking at used Ford Mustangs in New Jersey, they may not have considered making the purchase into a gift, but for one mother in Montana, the birthday present left her “totally floored.”

Back when she was 15, Julie Moore had as her first car a red Mustang, but according to the Missoulian, she later sold it, a decision she regretted.

Her son Bill managed to find the rusted out remains of the original vehicle in the yard of the man who had bought it from her, and restored the car to its original shape with the help of family and friends in time to give back to his mother on her 50th birthday, according to the news provider.

While such a gift could be a great move for some, those looking for used Ford Mustangs in New Jersey may have more luck, and options, if they search for newer models.

For example, the 2002 model “embodies raw American style and power” according to Edmunds.com editors, who added that the low cost of ownership could make it an economical choice as well.

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