Monthly Archives: July 2009

How to assess the value of used cars in New York

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Posted in General Auto News

When trying to estimate the value of a used car in New York, the make and model may give a benchmark for buyers, but it is often how the car has been driven that can drive prices into or out of a potential owner’s price range.

A survey of prospective buyers and sellers found that many looked at mileage as the chief factor in determining a car’s selling price, according to research conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs.

That may not tell the whole story, according to car researchers at Carmax.com. They say that an appraisal of the car may offer buyers of used cars in New York a better understanding of how the car was driven. For example, a delivery vehicle may have been operated much differently from a car used to attend church on Sundays.

However, other conditions that affect the price a buyer may be willing to pay noted by the survey respondents receive equal weight from the experts, including verifiable reports of regular maintenance and limited structural damage.

Owners of used cars in New Jersey can benefit from green driving tactics that save money

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Posted in General Auto News

Car owners who drive used cars in New Jersey may want to help the environment, but but they may be enticed by options that are cost-effective as well.

One company that operates a fleet of large trucks recently sent its drivers to learn how to drive in a way that reduces carbon emissions, but there was another reason at play: reducing fuel consumption by some 26,000 gallons, or 10 percent of the company’s fuel usage each year.

As Molex manager Joel Eurich says, the truckers who took the 90-minute course help the company to “minimize the environmental …impacts of our business activities,” but it also represents “cost savings for the company as we reduce our fuel usage.”

Drivers of used cars in New Jersey may not need to take the course to use some of the concepts the truckers learned about.

Instead, if they reduce the weight of their vehicles by taking out unneeded items in the backseat and trunk, make sure that they give themselves enough space on the road to deal with potential accidents and traffic conditions and use cruise control properly, they too can save money on their fuel bills each year.

Used Volvo S40s in New York may be a worthwhile addition to college freshmen

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Posted in Volvo - DO NOT USE

As just-graduated high school seniors prepare for their first year of college they may have put a mini-fridge, twin extra-long sheets and maybe even a desk lamp on their packing list. But what about a mode of transportation for campus cruising like a used car in New York?

Especially on suburban campuses, students who have their own transportation may find that they can have access to more off-campus activities, and convince Mom and Dad that the purchase will also allow for more family visits if they have their own car to use for travel home, say AutoWeek editors.

They recently released a list of the best cars for rising freshman to have when they head off to college, and while there are some new cars on the list, the editors also included used cars that are more affordable, especially Volvos which can be reliable even after being driven for thousands of miles.

A used Volvo S40 in New York may offer reliability in a package that Cars.com reviewer Jim Flammang says is marketed to younger buyers.

Unlike some of the cars picked by AutoWeek editors, the 2004 model is a four-door sedan that can fit more people than some compact hatchbacks, he notes, and it still has the safety features found in all Volvos that can ease parents’ concerns as they send their sons and daughters away to school.

Used cars in New York can go to local repair shops without voiding warranties

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Drivers of used cars in New York may worry that with the realignment of General Motors and Chrysler that has led to the closure of more than 1,000 dealerships, many of which no longer retain their service departments, it may be necessary to drive further to find a dealer-sponsored mechanic.

While that could be a concern for some who think that only mechanics at a dealership can do repairs on cars without voiding the warranty, the Car Care Council says that that is not the case.

“Legally, you can have maintenance performed by any mechanic without affecting your warranty,” notes a recent Conumer Reports advisory piece. “Just keep thorough records in case of a warranty claim.”

Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, customers can be sure that their warranties will remain in effect even if they use one of the 130,000 local shops around the country.

While the shops now cover more than 70 percent of repairs for used cars in New York and other states, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, those looking for quality will find that repair shops with ASE-certified technicians and good customer references may provide better service.

Used Pontiac G8s in New Jersey may be last option for enthusiasts who don’t wear a badge

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Pontiac - DO NOT USE

Used Pontiac G8s in New Jersey are unlikely to see newer counterparts in the form of rebadged 2010 models that would be marketed as Chevrolet Caprices, according to General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson.

While Bob Lutz, GM director of marketing[,] told Autoweek that the sedan would see service either in police cruiser trim or as a Caprice, Henderson put the kibosh on any such rumors.

He said that the Australian-sourced G8 could be offered for law enforcement applications, but did not anticipate rebranding or re-badging the car, which GM is expected to cease importing this year, according to an AutoBlog report.

While the G8 was only produced in 2008 and 2009, buyers could also consider older models, like a 2005 used Pontiac GTO in New Jersey.

Both models are “captive imports,” meaning they were both built by Australian automaker Holden and based off that company’s Commodore sedan.

With aggressive hood scoops and a base engine making 350 horsepower, the power belies the ability for the coupe to comfortably fit four adults, note Cars.com editors.

Used Nissan 350Zs in New Jersey may offer similar performance to new update

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Posted in Nissan

The good news: the newest in a long line of Nissan Z cars has recently been introduced. The better news: those who fell in love with the styling cues of older versions can pick up a used Nissan 350Z in New Jersey at a fraction of the price.

The drop-top version of the new car will have 25 more horsepower, different interior accessories and a price tag that starts at $36,000, reports Nissan North America.

But a 2006 model would still put 300 horsepower to the ground, and the mid-production cycle updates widened the stance of the car to improve handling, according to a Cars.com review.

“Simply put, the 350Z is a sweet machine” because of the updates, writes Jim Flammang in the review. “Steering could hardly be more precise, confident and satisfying.”

And without any rebates or other incentives, buyers considering a used Nissan 350Z in New Jersey will be paying thousands less for a driving experience noted by Flammang and others, whether they choose a coupe or a convertible.

Armoring an option for those considering used Mercedes-Benz SUVs in New York

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Posted in Mercedes-Benz

While driving through busy streets in a used Mercedes-Benz SUV in New York may seem stressful, one company says that extra security can help limit some concerns.

Texas Armoring says that the problems of safety along the Rio Grande River because of the Mexican drug trade have led to an increase in consumers looking to add more protection to their car through armor plating and other features.

But that has extended to other areas of the country, and “business owners, professionals, political figures, religious leaders, executives, and their families have all become targets and no one feels safe,” says Trent Kimball, president and CEO of TAC.

He adds that some cities in the U.S. have seen kidnapping rates increase to become among the highest in the world.

For those who may be considering a used Mercedez-Bens SUV in New York, but may not want the additional armor, a 2004 M-Class could provide a safe haven for passengers.

Edmunds.com reviewers say that the bevy of safety features and all-weather capability make it a promising choice for those interested in luxury makes.

Used cars in New Jersey will soon pass by billboard-based works of art

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Posted in General Auto News

As drivers of used cars in New Jersey travel among the scenic highways like Route 29 and the Palisades Interstate Parkway, which have received federal designations for their natural beauty, they may find that their own work is part of the view.

Local car insurance company Palisades is inviting residents to submit their own artwork to be placed on billboards throughout the state as part of its Drive with a Smile campaign.

Judging will begin on July 14 on the submitted works of art, which may take any form as long as they can be sent electronically, and the final decisions will be made by August 7.

“Our goal is to provide local artists a public venue for their work, and give New Jersey drivers an uplifting driving experience,” said Ed Fernandez, Palisades president and CEO. “By showcasing New Jersey’s beautiful landscapes on spaces once only reserved for commercial advertising, the Palisades Highway Art Gallery will create nicer New Jersey driving moments and smiles all around.”

There are 12 sites where winners will be able to see their pieces displayed, with two initial works already visible on I-80 and I-295 for those driving used cars in New Jersey.

Used cars in New Jersey may be best option now that ‘new’ GM has pared offerings

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Cadillac - DO NOT USE, Chevrolet

A new General Motors is in the offing after a slimmed-down version of the automaker cleared the bankruptcy court on July 10, but enthusiasts of several performance models may look to used cars in New Jersey now that GM has ceased production of several lines.

GM CEO Fritz Henderson says that being able to slough off less profitable makes and suppliers will help to make the company a more fit competitor in the global market place, but adds that government investments have offered “a precious second chance, [but] there are no third chances.”

Car enthusiast site Jalopnik.com has compiled a list of the models that consumers may have considered buying before their production was curtailed as a result of recent restructuring by General Motors and Chrysler.

For fans of the sportier Chevrolet Cobalt, a used Cobalt SS in New Jersey will be the way to go for those who are interested in the high-powered compact coupe that packs a turbocharged 2.2 liter engine. Similarly, those looking for the CTS-V sports car from Cadillac may turn to classifieds for used cars in New York to sate their thirst for luxury and performance, according to the website.

Used cars in New York could represent the best choice among industry turmoil

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE, Toyota

While automakers like General Motors and Chrysler have offered incentives on new cars, many consumers are considering used cars in New York because of the lower costs generally associated with buying pre-owned cars.

That includes many people who buy from used car auctions, where sales have risen 16 percent since January, according to a Manheim industry report cited by DailyFinance.com.

Despite the incentives available for new vehicle purchases, the news provider finds that many people are looking for deals in used cars because of the decreased difficulty in garnering used car loans, as well as a lack of consumer confidence in the warranties and other maintenance options offered on new cars.

The difficulty for consumers who are looking for a bargain now may be trying to figure out what car best fits their needs, and how much it will actually cost them to own it through the several years they expect to be driving their purchase.

One of the choices that a consumer may make is cost, but that doesn’t just extend to the price they pay at a used car auction; drivers may also want to know the cost of ownership based on maintenance and repair costs.

Those who are considering used cars in New York and other states have the ability to go on sites like Edmunds.com which offers a “true cost to own” index for many cars, based on other drivers’ reports and which breaks down costs for repairs, maintenance like oil changes as well as the price of gas or other incidentals.

The price of gas may also push some drivers to more fuel-efficient cars that may offer more miles per gallon of gas than similar vehicles.

While used Toyota Corollas in New York and used Honda Civics have often been thought of as gas sippers because of their relatively small size, an article in the L.A. Times also finds other cars that may interest buyers looking for low-cost cars that offer good mileage, without the higher price tag of some hybrids.

Those who consider a used Toyota Yaris or a used Scion xD in New York could also find that costs at the pump are reduced: both models are updated versions of cars found in Europe and Japan where efficiency is important because of higher gas prices in those countries.