Monthly Archives: January 2010

Is your used car winterized?

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Posted in General Auto News

As brutal storms and cold weather continue to hit the northeast, it is important for owners of used cars in New Jersey to winterize their vehicle in order to be fully prepared for the season.

The life-blood of every car is the oil. As the weather gets colder, oil tends to thicken and can get to a point where the engine does not get fully lubricated, according to MSNBC.com. All drivers should check the owner’s manual to see which type of oil they should be using in winter conditions.

AOL.com reports that every car owner should test their battery and change all their fluids upon the first sign of cold weather.

Due to the energy demands of windshield wipers, defrosters and heating systems, winter conditions can severely test a battery and the car’s electrical system. A simple battery test at the beginning of the season can alleviate any potential headaches down the road.

Finally, car owners should attach tire chains and check the status of their four-wheel drive system if applicable. Preparing an emergency kit filled with warm clothes, a flashlight, an ice-scrapper and jumper cables is also a good idea.

Owners of used cars in New Jersey don’t need to be left out in the cold if they stay well prepared.

GM pushes off deadline to sell Saab after Spyker makes third offer

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Posted in Saab - DO NOT USE

After missing a self-imposed December 31 deadline to sell the Saab brand, General Motors has decided to delay the cut-off date due to continued negotiations with Spyker Cars, which may elevate interest in used Saab models in New Jersey.

Negotiations between GM and Spyker have been ongoing for months, with multiple offers having been rejected by Saab’s current owner. Reports surfaced in late December that GM had decided to shut down the Swedish automaker rather than sell it, but that news was found to be premature.

Spyker has already had two offers rejected by GM, but Reuters reports that they have made a third proposal that is set to expire on January 7.

“I am very hopeful, I have been from the start,” said Spyker CEO Victor Muller to the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet on Monday, quoted by AutoWeek.com. “We have done all we possibly can.”

Muller has said that Saab would maintain its headquarters if Spyker purchases the brand and that they would rebuild the Swedish company around the 9-3, 9-5 and 9-4X models, according to the news source. He also added that Saab could begin to sell Spyker automobiles if the deal goes through.

Used Saab models in New Jersey may begin to attract attention if ownership of the company changes hands.