Monthly Archives: September 2011

Subaru unveils its XV at the Frankfurt Motor Show

By
Posted in Auto Brands News

The Frankfurt Motor Show puts some of the newest and most exciting cars on display, but there was one model especially that surprised some people at this year's event. Subaru unveiled its latest creation, the XV, which will be released in the United States next year as part of the Impreza family, Cars.com reports.

While it may look like the redesigned Impreza hatchback, there are a number of changes that will make the driving experience a bit different. For starters, it has a much greater ground clearance of about 8.6 inches, up from the Impreza hatchback's 5.7. Furthermore, the body looks a bit different thanks to the gray cladding on the bumper and around the wheels.

In addition to providing consumers with one more option, the Subaru XV may also be a way for the company to lure drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a smaller SUV with a sleeker design than some other models.

Drivers who are interested in purchasing a Subaru or any other used car may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Many people may overlook car financing

By
Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Most people looking to get behind the wheel of a new car try their best to negotiate with dealers over the price of the automobile. Though most experts would recommend the practice, some say it may be distracting them from a more pertinent issue – financing. Too often consumers don't think about things like high interest rates until they are too far along in the process, the Associated Press reports.

It may not be all buyers faults though. A recent round table discussion by the Federal Trade Commission found that financing that is done through the dealers themselves can often be a hard-to-follow process. Additionally, since such practices are not overseen by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, there's not very many actions in place to prevent falling victim unscrupulous lenders.

There are a number of things consumers can do to protect themselves from agreeing to a less-than-favorable loan, according to the AP. Specifically, car buyers should be sure to check what loans are being offered from other institutions including banks and credit unions before agreeing to financing from the dealership, which provides them with leverage to negotiate with.

In addition to seeking out other loans to improve their bargaining power, the news source recommends looking into the extras that many dealerships try to sneak in. Specifically, some experts say that while things such as extended warranties and credit insurance may seem like good deals on their face, it may not be the case upon closer inspection and it would behoove buyers to closely read the terms of agreement.

Of course, navigating the financing of a car is not all about knowing how to deal with lenders. There are a number of ways that buyers themselves can make sure that they get the bet loan possible, according to U.S. News and World Report.

First and foremost, buyers should make sure that their credit is in order, especially in the wake of the subprime mortgage crisis. Luckily, there are number of ways to get a credit check before applying for loan by contacting organizations such as Equifax and TransUnion.

Finally, financial security may have less to do with the loan and more with what type of car people are purchasing. The news source urges buyers to eschew luxury cars for more affordable models, which will be much easier to finances.

Bride turns Volkswagen into Porsche for wedding

By
Posted in General Auto News

For most brides-to-be, the last thing on their mind before they get married is what kind of car they'll be taken to the ceremony in. Such was not the case for 26-year-old Megan Ashton, who spent six years transforming an old Volkswagen Beetle into a Porsche 356, The Telegraph reports.

The project began when Ashton bought the 1969 VW for just £200 when she was a student. Then after her fiance proposed, she stripped down the original car and added larger pistons and cylinders to the engine. She also added a white leather interior and the body of a 356.

''There were times when I didn't think we'd get it done in time as it was such a huge project, but it meant so much," Ashton told the news source. "I dreamed of driving the car but got carried away buying my wedding dress, which meant it was quite difficult to fit in."

Though not officially a Porsche, the car has a top speed of 100 miles per hour and is worth about £25,000. The 356 was Porsche's first-ever automobile and was originally created in 1948.

Kia unveils sleek concept car

By
Posted in Auto Brands News

Kia may not be best known for its flashy designs and innovative concepts, but the company's display at the Frankfurt Auto Show might change some minds. Kia unveiled a GT concept car that features real-drive and an uncharacteristically sleek design, USA Today reports.

The car was revealed by Kia's design chief Peter Schreyer, and he hinted that the design may be a sign of things to come for the manufacturer. The vehicle is surprisingly high-powered as well, with 390 horsepower coming from a 3.3-liter turbo V-6.

"No matter from which perspective you look at the Kia GT, it is roaring with energy and ready for take-off," Shreyer said, according to the publication. "I believe this concept car is a strong statement from Kia that we are ready to fast-forward to an all-new chapter."

Kia also unveiled a new three door version of its popular Rio. The so-called supercompact is a downsize from four and five door Rio models that the company currently offers.

While it may not be the most sporty car on the road, Kia has made a name for itself by being affordable and reliable. Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a Kia should check out New Jersey Auto Auction.

Year-end sales events attract majority of car shoppers

By
Posted in General Auto News

Presented with a number of attractive year-end sales events, almost two-thirds of new and used car shoppers are planning on making a purchase in the next three months. Kelley Blue Book's Market Intelligence Customer Sentiment Survey found that 62 percent are expecting to buy, setting up a successful fourth quarter for the auto industry.

Along with showing that a large swath of shoppers are looking to buy in the near future, the study also indicated that many of them already know what they're looking for. In particular, 55 percent of those polled have decided on the segment while 54 percent have settled on a price. New car buyers are planning to spend an average of just over $28,000, while used car buyers are expecting to pay an average of $11,415.

"Consumers seem to know what they want… it is just a matter of finding it in the current marketplace," said Kelley Blue Book research analyst Camryn Craig. "Inventory levels improved in September and are expected to continue improving through the end of the year."

Drivers who know what they're looking for will want to head to New Jersey Auto Auction, which carries plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

The right choices can cut gas costs by 45 percent

By
Posted in How To

Eco-friendly cars are certainly the pinnacle of fuel-efficiency, but new research suggests that motorists don't have to be driving one to save a significant amount of money on gas. Scientists from the University of Michigan say simply making the right decisions can save consumers as much as 45 percent, USA Today reports.

Strategic choices such as keeping tires properly inflated and using the correct oil can go a long way, and experts say that many people ignore these easy-to-perform tasks.

Simple tactical choices can save money on gas as well. In particular, experts say that planning out routes ahead of time, such as the flattest course or one with the lightest traffic flow can increase gas mileage by as much as 40 percent, the publication reports.

Finally, the way a person drives their car can have a significant impact as well. Everything from using cruise control on the highway to being less aggressive on the road will lower costs.

"Following the remaining good eco-driving practices can still lead to a major reduction in on-road fuel economy," researcher Michael Sivak told the news source.

Drivers looking to downsize their car to save money may want to look to New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers many fuel-efficient cars at affordable prices.

Honda launches ambitious fall ad campaign

By
Posted in Auto Brands News

Honda has had a long history of being one of the most popular manufacturers in the world, but that doesn't mean it's done trying to sell itself to consumers. The company recently launched its new ad campaign for the fall that is among the most aggressive in the industry.

The ads, which feature venerable comedic actor Patrick Warburton, will focus on emphasizing Honda's reputation of being especially high-quality, reliable and safe. Warburton lets the car's accolades essentially speak for themselves, and highlights the numerous awards that Honda has won over the years.

"We created a layer of honesty that isn't seen from most car manufacturers," said ad agency RPA, who is beind the campaign, senior vice president Jason Sperling. "And we show Honda's many strengths in a way that cuts through the cliches and usual tactics and feels incredibly fresh."

Honda also makes use of online marketing by directing consumers to a website where Warburton hosts six more videos. With 86 percent of buyers going online during the shopping process, this seems like a natural fit.

Drivers looking to get in a used Honda should check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Ford, Spotify team up to show ease of streaming music

By
Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford

Driving and music go hand-in-hand and in an effort to provide motorists with easier access to their favorite tunes, Ford and the Swedish music provider Spotify have teamed up to show how easy it is to stream music in the car. TechCrunch reports that although it is not an official partnership, it still is indicative of the way motorists listen to music.

The two companies showed that Ford drivers can use the car's innovative SYNC system to make use of Spotify. The technology makes it so that motorists can use their voice to activate music, make phone calls and in the case of the 2011 Fiesta, activate smartphone apps using the AppLink program.

The pair demonstrated how to use Spotify through the SYNC technology at the recent TechCrunch Hackathon. Although it is currently available in just one model, Ford is hoping that all their cars will have AppLink by 2012, the website reports.

The advent of the SYNC technology is not the only big plan that Ford has in the works. The manufacturer is also leading the charge in eco-friendly cars highlighted by an electric version of the popular Focus.

Volkswagen, Audi score well on IIHS saftey test

By
Posted in Audi, Auto Brands News

The Volkswagen group redesigned two of its most popular sedans over the last year, and it looks like the move has paid off. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2012 Volkswagen Passat and the 2012 Audi A6 as its Top Safety Picks, USA Today reports.

The rating is especially good news for the manufacturer because many consider the IIHS' standards to be higher than the government's. To earn the distinction of being a Top Safety Pick, the cars had to get the top score on front, side, rear and rollover crash tests performed by the institute.

The rollover test is especially stringent and cars have to withstand a force up to four times the weight of the car. The Passat was able to stand up to six times its weight, while the A6 managed to withstand 4.9 times its weight, the publication reports. This isn't new territory for the Passat, which has earned the distinction before, but it is for the A6, which missed out last year.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a used Audi or Volkswagen may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.

Experts offer back-to-school car safety tips

By
Posted in How To

In most places across the country, school is in full swing, which means many parents are now tasked with driving their kids there each morning. With so many trips in the near future, it would behoove motorists to refresh their memory when it comes to car safety, and CBS News recently shared a few tips from Cooper Tire.

Although tires are arguably the most important part of the car, their upkeep can sometimes go overlooked. Before settling into a fall school routine, Cooper Tire told the news source that you should check a few things – namely the treads. To check the treads, experts recommend using a penny to test the depth. If the top of Lincoln's head is covered then there is an acceptable amount.

Along with the treads, you should be sure to check your tire's air pressure as well. The level should be checked when the tires are cool, and while it may differ from car-to-car, around 30 pounds per square inch is the usual acceptable level.

Finally, CBS offers up a few common sense reminders to keep kids safe in the car. For example avoiding texting or talking on a phone is a must, and obeying the speed limit is especially important with children on board.