Effects of Tiger Woods crash on Cadillac unclear

Pro golfer Tiger Woods was recently involved in a car accident near Windermere, Florida, which might affect perceptions of used Cadillac Escalades in New Jersey.

On November 27, Woods was taken to the hospital after crashing his Escalade into a fire hydrant and a tree, according to the Orlando Sentinel. At first, various news channels reported that Woods had been seriously injured – claims that were eventually found to be inaccurate. Woods had cuts and bruises on his face, but the hospital said he was in good shape overall when he left.

“It seems like a very strange accident that occurred,” Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn told CNN. “Basically it was facial lacerations, and as I’m understanding it, nothing that serious.”

Although his injuries were reported to be mild, Woods has decided not to play at the upcoming Chevron World Challenge, according to the New York Daily News.

“I am extremely disappointed that I will not be at my tournament this week,” he wrote on his website.

While it seems Woods will recover from his injuries, it is unclear if his wreck will affect sales of used Cadillac Escalades in New Jersey.

Arrival of LFA could spur sales of other Lexus models

A small number of LFAs will soon come to the U.S., and the attention they attract could boost sales of used Lexus models in New Jersey.

The LFA, Lexus’ new sports car, made its U.S. debut at the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s show in Las Vegas earlier this November, according to the manufacturer’s website. Lexus says only 180 LFAs will be sold in the U.S., so Japanese car enthusiasts might start paying more attention to the Toyota subsidiary in the upcoming months.

The $354,000 LFA features a 4.8-liter V10 that Lexus claims will produce more than 550 horsepower and about 350 feet-pounds of torque. The super car gets to 62 MPH in 3.7 seconds and, assuming the road is long enough, will eventually reach 202.

LFAs are each hand-made, a detail that could help sell used Lexus models in New Jersey since some car shoppers might appreciate the manufacturer’s dedication to craftsmanship. Although the supercar might be too expensive for most buyers, the exposure it creates for the Lexus brand could be beneficial for the less extravagant models.

Index could change perceptions of used Toyotas in New Jersey

Strategic Vision is a research-based consultancy that recently announced its 2009 Total Value Index, which contains figures that could help sales of used Toyotas in New Jersey, hurt new model sales or both.

To prepare the Total Value Index, researchers consulted more than 48,000 car shoppers who bought a vehicle between September 2008 and March 2009. The total value calculation considers customer expectations, predicted fuel economy, price, estimated resale value and innovation. These variables are weighed and then used to measure ownership experience, also referred to as True Value.

For the first time in the history of the index, Toyota did not have a leader in any segment.

“Toyota provides buyers the security needed to make the purchase,” said Dr Darrel Edwards, Strategic Vision’s founder. “However, with so many manufacturers inspired by Toyota improving in perceived quality, customers have a wider range of options to choose from in our current economic climate. This allows them to find both value and love in their new vehicle.”

It seems used Toyotas in New Jersey and elsewhere are the models that generated the best results in past Strategic Vision indices, which could improve sales of pre-owned cars and hurt the popularity of new vehicles.

The E60 BMW M5: Decades of MPower

For some people, automobiles simply represent a considerable expense that living in the suburbs requires. German car enthusiasts looking for used BMW M5s in New York might see vehicles differently.

The BMW 5 Series has done 5.5 million in worldwide sales since it came out 37 years ago, according to Inside Line (IL). With the release of the 2011 5 Series only seven months away, some industry experts are getting excited to see what sort of features BMW has bolted onto the sedan for the upcoming summer. But the real aficionados will have to wait about a year longer than their tamer friends to test drive their dream car.

The fifth generation BMW M5, a high-performance version of the 5 Series made by the company’s racing division, is expected to arrive in mid-2011, according to the publication. It’ll feature a twin-clutch eight-speed manual gearbox and a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that’s expected to produce about 550 horsepower – considerably more than the 2011 402-HP 550i.

For car fans that don’t feel like waiting a year and a half to drive an M5 or who are on too tight a budget to buy a brand-new BMW, there’s always the model’s generously-powered fourth generation. Individuals generally fall victim to the car bug at an early age, meaning loud exhaust systems and paintjobs are all that matter at first. However, their taste sometimes becomes more refined as they mature, and the desire for class and performance begins to grow.

It’s almost as if the fourth generation M5, referred to by BMW as the E60, were built for this sort of driver. The first E60s hit the road in 2006, according to Car and Driver. These M5s featured all the elegance of an adult’s luxury sedan, combined with the mischievousness of a lead-footed teenager’s fantasy.

“The magic of BMW’s M cars has always been their massive performance accompanied by incredible civility,” wrote IL’s D. John Booth and Scott Oldham in November of 2005. “Mat the M5’s gas pedal and all hell breaks loose as 400 horsepower are transferred to the tarmac by the computer-controlled manual clutch Sequential Manual Gearbox.”

But the M5 still offered all the advantages of a mid-size luxury sedan too. “It’s as well suited for a wife’s run to the supermarket as it is for a BMW-club track day,” said Car and Driver.

The letter M that’s found on the trunk lid of this high-performance BMW sedan stands for Motorsport, meaning the manufacturer didn’t simply place a massive engine under the hood of a regular 5 Series. Other important upgrades were also made, including the E60’s available Formula One-inspired transmission control, which was part of BMW’s Drivelogic shift program. BMW says its M cars shift gears in milliseconds and without having to slow down, thus explaining how a 4,000-pound sedan can accelerate to 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds.

The BMW M5 has been around for several decades and each generation includes features its predecessor didn’t. Whether they choose to wait for the 2011 model or purchase a used BMW E60 in New York, it seems M5 fans know how to mix class and performance correctly.

Swedish company backs out; Future of Saab uncertain

Swedish car manufacturer Koenigsegg has decided not to buy Saab from GM, which might change car shoppers’ opinions of used Saabs in New Jersey.

On June 16, 2009, MarketWatch reported GM and Koenigsegg had struck a tentative deal for Saab, but it seems the agreement has deteriorated. On November 24, Koenigsegg decided to walk away from the American manufacturer empty-handed.

“We’re obviously very disappointed with the decision to pull out of the Saab purchase,” GM CEO Fritz Henderson told the publication. “Given the sudden change in direction, we will take the next several days to assess the situation and will advise on the next steps next week.”

Koenigsegg is a small company that employs only 45 full-time workers, reports the news source. Some industry experts believe the company only tried to buy Saab in order to save Swedish jobs, as both the 9-3 and 9-5 are produced in Trollhattan.

Many Saab enthusiasts were excited when they heard Koenigsegg might buy the company. Now that the deal has fallen apart, it’s unclear how sales of new and used Saabs in New Jersey will be affected.

Justin Timberlake could be an Audi enthusiast

Justin Timberlake was recently spotted climbing into his Audi SUV and then later walking through a parking lot to his A8, which might help used Audis in New York and elsewhere become more popular.

Justin Timberlake has been a pop star since 1993, when he first appeared on The Mickey Mouse Club alongside Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, according to Biography.com. Over the last few years, he has shifted gears and begun acting more, his most recent role being Carlton Garrett in last summer’s The Open Road, according to the Internet Movie Database.

Cars and music are popular interests, meaning there might be Audi fans who love JT’s tunes who are happy to learn he drives an A8. While Edmunds.com doesn’t review music, the website did include the A8 in its Editors’ Most Wanted Category from 2004 to 2006. The ’06 Audi A8 was available with a 40-valve V8 that produced 335 horsepower and got the full-sized sedan to 60 MPH in 5.8 seconds.

For car shoppers who like Justin Timberlake and are looking for used Audis in New York, this celeb sighting could be a good sign.

Changes at Saab could affect sales of new and pre-owned cars

Koenigsegg will be taking control of Saab soon and the effects of the Swedish manufacturer’s deal with General Motors could have an impact on sales of both new and used 9-5s in New York.

About one out of three Saab dealers in the U.S. will close as a result of the upcoming GM-Koenigsegg deal, reports USA Today. As a result, Saab lovers will have fewer locations to visit, whether they are looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle.

GM says it has sent 81 dealerships a letter that will inform them that their location will close when the Koenigsegg deal is complete. “We selected a network that gives us the best opportunity to achieve that,” said Saab chief operating officer Mike Colleran, according to the news source.

Koenigsegg plans on releasing a new version of the 9-5, says the publication. Fans of this model’s current generation might become tempted to buy a 9-5 before Koenigsegg makes it changes, as the redesign could be dramatic.

The 9-5 debuted in 1999, according to Edmunds.com. The sedan comes equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 260 horsepower. This model will soon be replaced, and the news could make used Saabs in New York more popular.

Used Subaru Foresters in New Jersey have a following

Both new and used Subaru Foresters in New Jersey and elsewhere have built up a solid reputation, indicating that this model’s popularity could continue growing.

The Chicago Sun-Times recently published a story explaining why the Forester has a loyal following. Some of this model’s most attractive features include its spacious and comfortable interior, which can hold up to five adults. When even more space is needed, the rear seat can be folded down to enlarge the vehicle’s ample trunk area, according to the news source.

The 2005 Forester came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, according to Edmunds.com. The power plant produced 165 horsepower and since ’05 Foresters offered a manual transmission, this Subaru made for quite a sporty ride.

Subaru also offered the Forester in the STI trim level in 2005, which shared an engine with the rally-inspired WRX STI. Although the Forester STI kept its 2.5-liter motor, it received a turbo upgrade and a horsepower increase of 100 HP, according to Car and Driver.

Individuals looking for a moderately-sized SUV that can be fun to drive in the snow should consider checking out used Subaru Foresters in New Jersey.

Music video could point car buyers to used Ford Mustangs in New York

Used Ford Mustangs in New York could start attracting attention now that car buyers know Queen Latifah is a fan of the 2010 GT.

The music video for Latifah’s new song Fast Car was recently released and the artist prepared for filming it on the track, says Entertainment Tonight.

“I am at home on the racetrack; I love driving,” Latifah told the news source. “I’m a Mustang girl.”

The video also features singers Common, Robin Thicke and Missy Elliott, says the publication. Fast Car is the second track on the Persona album, which was released last summer.

The Mustang that is featured in Latifah’s video is a fifth generation GT model. These vehicles went into production in 2005, according to Automotive.com. The regular ’05 Mustang came equipped with a choice of three engines: a 4-liter, a 4.2-liter and a 4.6-liter, the latter producing 300 horsepower.

Today, car buyers can purchase a base model 2005 Mustang for as little as $5,775, reports the publication. At that price, Queen Latifah fans might start looking for used Ford Mustangs in New York today.

Viper to emerge from hiatus Italian

In early November, Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles announced the company would stop manufacturing one of its most powerful sports cars, meaning used Vipers in New Jersey could become a hot ticket item.

Only 500 more Vipers will be built by July, 2010, when manufacturing will cease in Detroit, according to MotorCrave.com. Dodge decided to limit production because it wants to preserve the value of the Vipers that are already on the road, rather than flood the market with the model in hopes of squeezing every last penny out of the muscle car.

The Viper was first displayed at the North American International Auto show in 1989, reports Edmunds.com. The first generation model was originally called the RT/10 Roadster, which became available for purchase in 1992. The most striking features of the Viper were its massive 8-liter V10 and six-speed transmission, which allowed the car to accelerate to 60 MPH in 4.6 seconds and then on to 100 in just 4.6 more.

Since its inception 20 years ago, the Viper has been redesigned three times. Its third generation was built under DaimlerChrysler beginning in 2003, says the website. Critics liked this version of the Viper because it was faster than past generations and also more practical.

“There’s no denying the functional improvements afforded by the new Viper’s exterior design – not to mention the collective sigh of relief by every new Viper owner’s insurance agent due to the elimination of the expensive one-piece hinged front end,” wrote the publication’s Karl Brauer after driving the 2003 Viper for the first time.

The third generation Viper was built until 2006 and also featured a V10, according to Edmunds. But this motor was 0.3 of a liter bigger than the original and produced 510 horsepower, a 110 HP gain. Combined with a burly T56 Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, the ’06 Viper got to 60 in 3.9 seconds and to 100 in about 8.4.

In 2007, no models were produced and America learned the fourth generation would only become available the following year, meaning Viper lovers know how to play the waiting game. That’s fortunate because they’ll have to wait until 2012 for the fifth generation Viper, according to Motor Trend.

The future of the Viper is uncertain since, as most Americans know, the U.S. auto industry has been on the ropes lately. On June 1, 2009, Chrysler and Fiat announced they would be joining forces because the American manufacturer was suffering financially.

“We are very grateful to loyal Chrysler customers who have supported us throughout this process and assure them Chrysler Group is well prepared to produce and support quality vehicles under the Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler brands,” said Robert Nardelli, CEO of Chrysler.

Reaction to Chrysler-Fiat deal has been mixed. Some American car enthusiasts are excited because Fiat owns Ferrari and Alfa Romeo, meaning new Chryslers could offer a certain amount of European charm. Others are afraid the Italian company will go too far and try to tame Chrysler muscle cars like the Viper.

“I fear that the Italians don’t want a $90K Dodge to outperform a $200K Ferrari,” wrote one Motor Trend contributor. “It’s possible they will hold the Viper back and keep it from being the monster that it is today.”

It seems Americans are going to have to say goodbye to the Viper for a little while, like it or not. Officials aren’t sure whether the sports car will come back, menacing V10 and all. What is almost certain, however, is that used Vipers in New Jersey could become quite popular when car buyers learn only 500 more purely American models will be manufactured in the foreseeable future.