Mercedes plans future vehicles

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Posted in Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes is set to debut a slew of new vehicles over the next few years, including the first appearance of the B-Class hatchback in the U.S.

While not overhauling its entire lineup over the next few years like some automakers, Mercedes has announced a variety of new models, many of which will be options on existing models – convertibles or coupes on some sedans, for example.

According to Automobile Magazine, the heart of the new lineup will be the B-Class, a popular model in Europe and overseas. The compact hatchback is expected to come with a number of trim levels, including sedan, convertible and coupe options. Mercedes has also announced that it will bring an AMG high-performance version stateside eventually, featuring a supercharged V6 engine.

The CLS-Class, which many credit with kicking off the “four-door coupe” phenomenon among luxury automakers, will see its second generation redesign debut this September. Other models, like the next generations of the C-Class, S-Class, and CL-Class, are expected to undergo thorough redesigns by 2013.

As models are replaced, older versions hit the used car market, meaning drivers may be able to get some great deals on used Mercedes in the near future.

Nissan to show off new models at LA Auto Show

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Posted in Nissan

Nissan has announced that it will debut five models, including one from its luxury Infiniti line, at the upcoming LA Auto Show.

According to Automobile Magazine, a production-spec Leaf will be unveiled for the first time. The highly-anticipated electric car has only been shown with unofficial parts that will not be in the final factory order. The car is set for a December release.

The other vehicles are all-new. The Ellure concept car is an aggressively styled four-door coupe designed to compete with upper-echelon vehicles like the Mercedes CLS-Class. Nissan will also show the Quest Minivan, which has only been glimpsed in teaser photos at this point. The last car from the Nissan line is the Murano CrossCabriolet, which Nissan says is the first all-wheel drive crossover convertible in the world, and expected to be an option on the Murano in 2011.

Infiniti meanwhile, is set to debut its M35 hybrid sedan, which the automaker has hyped by saying it will deliver “V-8 performance with four-cylinder fuel economy.”

As brands introduce new models, older ones get pushed to the used car market, where they can be found at a reduced price. Considering the number of changes planned for Nissan in the next few years, drivers may want to consider shopping for a used Nissan the next time they need a car.

Nissan to begin taking Leaf orders

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Posted in Nissan

Nissan has announced that it will begin taking orders for its upcoming all-electric Leaf, a highly-anticipated vehicle that, along with the Chevy Volt, is expected to determine how alternative fuel is accepted by the general public.

While the company has already received 18,000 reservations at the price of a refundable $99, those do nothing more than hold a buyer’s spot for the vehicle. To actually place the order, buyers will need to go through all the options at their dealer, according to Reuters.

One of the options is a $700 “fast charger” that can reportedly bring the vehicle to 80 percent charge in 30 minutes, expected to be popular with drivers.

The Leaf will be rolled out in Arizona, Tennessee, California, Oregon and Washington before expanding to Hawaii and Texas in early 2011 and eventually the entire country by the end of next year.

Buyers who are interested in the all-electric vehicle may want to wait until it hits the used car market, as the current cost of the technology is rather expensive, but may decrease in the next few years.

Fiesta delays don’t dampen enthusiasm

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Posted in Ford

After massively hyping its new subcompact, the Fiesta, Ford‘s momentum was derailed somewhat after a parts issue and Hurricane Alex delayed delivery of vehicle pre-orders.

However, those who bought the car aren’t disappointed with the quality of the vehicle, according to customers interviewed by the Detroit Free Press.

“It doesn’t feel like a small car, and it drives like a sports car,” said Deborah Melvin, a teacher from North Carolina.

“It’s definitely worth the wait,” said Amy Spradlin, 19, who bought a black Fiesta hatchback with plum seats. “It’s a great college car, and it’s a great car if you are on the go.”

Ford’s heavy use of social media to promote the vehicle seems to have worked. On Facebook groups and other websites, drivers were able to join the “Fiesta Movement,” a community built around love for the car. And although many of the pre-order customers are frustrated, especially since their custom-built orders are taking longer than regular models, those who have received the car tell the others not to worry.

“I tell them just be patient. It’s worth waiting for,” said Sue Moon, of Pennsylvania, whose white Fiesta with custom graphics was delayed for months.

The Fiesta is already an economic option, but drivers may wish to wait for the car to hit the used auto market in order to take advantage of even more savings.

Honda Accord will see greater fuel economy in 2011

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE

A minor facelift to the current Honda Accord model will see the car achieve a greater fuel economy in the 2011 model year, according to the company.

USA Today reports that while the Accord is still two years away from a full redesign, Honda decided to make a few minor upgrades that will give the car between one and three extra miles per gallon. While the model has yet to be rerated by the EPA, the current 2010 version gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway for a combined rating of 25.

The automaker says that low rolling-resistance tires and better aerodynamics allowed the vehicle to achieve the increase. In addition, Honda has made some minor changes to the interior and exterior, including a new grille, new taillights and the relocation of some instrument panels.

Honda also plans to introduce an “SE” package for the car that will be priced a bit higher than the base package. The Accord SE’s features have not been fully announced, but Honda says leather upholstery will be one of the options included.

The Honda Accord is a classic car with a long shelf life. Drivers should be able to find plenty of used Honda Accords on the used market at a reduced price compared to their brand new counterparts.

Honda preps Fit hybrid

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE

The Fit may be getting a bit fitter.

Honda has announced plans to introduce a hybrid version of its popular Fit subcompact car at the upcoming Paris Auto Show, according to USA Today. The car, known as the Jazz in Europe, has been a hit for the automaker both in the U.S. and overseas.

One of the key advantages to the Fit, and smaller cars in general, is fuel economy. A hybrid version of the vehicle would mean even greater fuel economy than the 28 city and 35 highway miles per gallon currently attained by the base 2010 model.

Yet the news source speculates that the Fit hybrid, currently only a concept, may not see the light of day in the U.S. because of “slim profit margins” and a generally lackluster attitude among consumers toward hybrids with electric vehicles like the Leaf on the way.

Drivers shopping for a vehicle may want to consider the Fit as an agile subcompact option with great fuel economy. Though the car already starts out affordable, drivers can save even more by shopping on the used car market.

Nissan, Hyundai battling for No. 2 Asian automaker spot

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota

Nissan’s strong sales combined with Toyota‘s stumbles have allowed the company to make significant progress in terms of surpassing second-place Asian automaker Honda in terms of North American sales, but a huge surge by upstart South Korean brand Hyundai may usurp them both.

According to USA Today, Toyota’s recall issues have led consumers to look elsewhere. While Toyota is still the top brand, many drivers have turned to Nissan rather than Honda when shopping for a new or used car.

Many analysts pegged Nissan to eventually unseat Honda as the number 2 automaker – and that still may happen by year’s end. But others are predicting that the affordable prices of Hyundai, coupled with its cheaper Kia brand, are leading consumers away from Japan’s Big Three in this tough economy – so much so that Hyundai will end up in second place by the time all is said and done.

“Really, Nissan’s biggest threat isn’t Honda,” Ed Kim, chief industry analyst for AutoPacific told the news source. “The one they need to be concerned about is Hyundai.”

Drivers looking for a vehicle should remember to factor used cars into their decision. Although Hyundai’s cars are usually cheaper when bought new, consumers who shop around a bit can likely find a great deal on a used Nissan, Honda or Toyota.

Toyota to recall Corolla, Matrix

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Posted in Toyota

Used Toyotas were once known as bastions of reliability, but recent recalls have caused the automaker to pull back millions of its signature vehicles.

The latest news on the Toyota recall front, according to the Los Angeles Times, is a one million used car recall on 2005-2008 Toyota Matrices and Corollas. The automaker received several complaints of a stalling engine that it determined could be due to a problem with an engine control unit, an electronic part.

The announcement also includes the discontinued Pontiac Vibe, which was a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration said it received 163 complaints about the issue. Toyota said it was aware of three accidents with one minor injury.

Although the company has recalled over 10 million vehicles in the past few months, the brand is still one of the most popular in the world. Drivers interested in used Toyotas shouldn’t let recalls scare them off, as careful research will allow them to find plenty of models that aren’t involved in the recalls.

NHTSA orders recalls on used Fords

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Posted in Ford

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall on used Ford Windstar minivans because of a problem with the rear axle.

The New York Times reports that Ford will recall 462,750 vehicles from 1999-2003. The Windstar’s rear axle, which is U-shaped, acts as a repository for salt that can be kicked up off the road. The salt can then corrode the axle to the point that it gives way.

The NHTSA revealed that it had received 234 complaints about the problem that led to 2 accidents but no injuries. More than half of the reports said the axle had split completely.

Ford will fix the vehicles free of charge and issue refunds to anyone who has paid for them.

The Ford Windstar is a popular used minivan, but buyers have lots of other options when it comes to buying a used car. Those interested in a minivan may want to look at a used Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country or a Windstar that was made outside of the years mentioned. They should also know that drivers in states that don’t salt their roads as much have not reported as many issues.

BMW M3 Coupe vs. Ford Mustang GT

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Posted in BMW, Ford

When buying a new or used car, some of the most important information lies in the vehicle’s specifications. These numbers – things like horsepower, torque and ride height, ultimately determine how well a car will perform on the road.

Of course, a driver can research all the numbers they want, but it won’t mean anything until they get the car out on the road. Often, a car performs better or worse than the numbers initially indicate. The driving experience can also be highly subjective. One driver may want a smooth ride above all else, while another likes to feel the seat vibrate as they open up the engine. Many factors contribute to the right car.

American muscle car fans will contend that nothing beats sitting behind the wheel of a Mustang. BMW purists, meanwhile, will tout the blazing speeds and smooth rides of an M3 Coupe. For years, Ford‘s signature car couldn’t compete with its European rival. But now, with a complete redesign to the Mustang line, MotorTrend felt it was time to take a 2011 Mustang GT to the track and test it against the BMW M3 Coupe.

With both equipped with V8 engines, the Mustang slightly edges out the M3. While the Coupe boasts 2 more horsepower (414 to 412,) the Mustang has a better power-to-weight ratio (8.8 “pounds per pony” to the M3’s 8.6), meaning its horses do a bit more work and make it slightly faster. Although both cars posted a 4.4 second 0-60 time, the Mustang beat the M3 in longer straight races. Yet that means nothing on an actual track, with turns involved. This battle couldn’t be settled just yet.

To keep things fair, the cars can be driven in two different styles. Inexperienced drivers will opt for electronic stability control and other assisted driving implements on, while pros will turn all those off and do things manually. So the news source had two different drivers attempt lap times at the track – the unprofessional automotive writer and a racing champ, Randy Pobst.

In the end, the cars were evenly matched. The “average” driver posted a faster time with the Mustang by about half a second, while the pro favored the M3 by .09 seconds. The M3 costs a fair bit more, but preference ultimately comes down to what a driver is looking for from a vehicle – both are mean machines capable of handling any track.

Either way, the prices on these bad boys will set drivers back a bit, so they may want to wait a few years until the models hit the used car market before making a decision. But if drivers want to get behind the wheel now, they can likely find a late-model used Ford or BMW at their local dealer today.