Rally news could boost popularity of used Ford models in New York

By
Posted in Ford

Marcus Gronholm, World Rally Championship (WRC) star, recently announced he would be driving his Focus RS in Sweden’s WRC event this February, which could get fans excited about used Ford models in New York.

Unfortunately, Ford’s 305-horsepower Focus RS is only sold in Europe for the time being, according to AutoWeek. While the manufacturer is considering bringing it over to the U.S. in the future, right now one of the best Focuses available to Americans is the model built by the company’s Special Vehicle Team – appropriately badged the SVT.

Edmunds says the Focus SVT is no longer manufactured, meaning car shoppers who find one for sale should think long and hard about whether or not passing up a chance to buy the hatch is a good idea. The first SVTs rolled out of Ford factories in late 2001, complete with 170-horsepower four-cylinder motors and six-speed manual gearboxes. The three letters added next to the Focus emblem meant the compact had received 25 more HP than stock and 17-inch alloys instead of 15-inch steel wheels.

Jared Holstein of Modified Magazine says Ford was going after the Honda Civic Si and the Sentra SE-R when it began building the SVT. In the late 1990s, automakers realized car shoppers wanted vehicles that could play two roles: that of the daily driver, and that of the weekend racer. Doing both without costing the consumer an arm and a leg of course meant compromising some power and performance for measures that would increase reliability and fuel efficiency. This meant Ford couldn’t simply place a Cobra motor in a base model Focus, even if such a thing had been possible. Precise modifications were the objective.

Ford said the SVT’s 2-liter Zetec engine was its most technologically advanced, reports Modified. The motor used variable cam timing on the intake cam and a dual-stage intake manifold to increase low-end torque.

Speaking of other customizations made by SVT to the early generation Focus, the ZX3, Ford program manager Andy Slankard told the publication, “Due to the ZX3’s excellent chassis and suspension design, we didn’t have to make any major changes – just some tuning to give us extra control, agility and precision.”

Indeed, the SVT was no ordinary Focus and could remain Ford’s feistiest hatch, unless the automaker gives in and brings the RS to the U.S. Either way, with news of Gronholm’s entrance in Sweden’s February WRC event, used Ford Focuses in New York could start attracting more attention.

Greenhouse gases declared a threat, used Toyota models in New Jersey should benefit

By
Posted in Toyota

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency officially declared greenhouse gases a threat to public health and welfare, which may lead to a growing interest in used Toyota models in New Jersey.

As automakers continue to transition toward creating more environmentally-friendly vehicles, used hybrid cars could gain more popularity.

The 2004 Toyota Prius was completely redesigned to be bigger, more powerful and even more fuel-efficient, according to Edmunds.com.

The Prius has ultra-low emissions, outstanding gas mileage and is reasonably priced. It earned both Super Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle and Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle ratings by reducing its exhaust emissions by 30 percent compared to the previous year.

Even with its spectacular gas mileage, the 2004 Prius can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 10 seconds. “With a combined city-highway rating of 55 miles to the gallon, the 2004 Toyota Prius is the most economical midsize sedan on the road,” said the news source.

Newly available options include a DVD-based navigation system, xenon headlights and a keyless ignition system.

As the auto industry continues its push toward being more environmentally-friendly, used Toyota models in New Jersey could attract more attention.

Used Jeep protects couple in massive pileup

By
Posted in Jeep - DO NOT USE

Used Jeep Libertys in New Jersey could seem safer to car shoppers after they hear about a recent 50-car pileup that occurred in the Tri-State Region.

When most people imagine shocking car accidents, they picture collisions happening late on a Friday or Saturday night. But Rick and Beverly Belden, along with dozens of other motorists, were involved in an incident that occurred early one Sunday afternoon, according to the Connecticut Post.

“We jammed on the brakes and started to slide toward the pileup,” Mr Belden told the news source of his accident. The couple were on their way to a late breakfast in their 2003 Jeep Liberty when they became involved in an enormous accident just north of Indian Well State Park near Route 110 in Shelton, Connecticut.

Officials said the accident, which happened on December 13 and involved no deaths or serious injuries, was caused by poor weather conditions, reports the publication.

In 2008, there were approximately 5,811,000 police-reported motor vehicle traffic crashes across the country, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. When car shoppers hear the Beldens’ SUV kept them safe during their accident, used Jeep Libertys in New Jersey could become more popular.

Subaru reputation could benefit from ‘Share the Love’ event

By
Posted in Subaru - DO NOT USE

Although the Share the Love Event will take place in California, used Subaru models in New York could benefit from the positive press it generates.

Share the Love, which will run until January 4, will give Subaru personnel a chance to volunteer their time in order to build a home with Habitat for Humanity. During this time, Subaru will also donate $250 for every vehicle it sells to one of five charities: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Meals On Wheels Association of America, Habitat for Humanity, National Wildlife Federation and Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Habitat for Humanity International has been working to eliminate poverty housing since 1976. Since its creation, the organization has built more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing shelter to approximately 1.75 million people.

When more car shoppers hear about the Share the Love event, it is possible sales of used Subarus in New York will increase, as such generosity can help improve brand image in the eyes of the consumer.

GM’s search for a new CEO continues

By
Posted in Auto Industry News, Chevrolet

All used Chevrolet models in New Jersey were produced by General Motors, whose chairman Ed Whitacre said on Tuesday that he doesn’t plan on being the interim CEO for long, although there is no timetable to replace him.

Whitacre, who took over for Fritz Henderson after he was forced to resign two weeks ago, said that the search for the next long-term CEO has yet to turn-up any qualified candidates.

Whitacre told reporters that he is not necessarily looking for someone with auto industry experience or even someone who has previously been a CEO.

“A person that’s a motivating, inspirational leader that’s familiar with big companies – manufacturing or industrial – would be helpful,” he told reporters.

The search is complicated by the executive pay limits imposed by the U.S. government on companies that were bailed out by Congress.

“I think it would be somebody who [wants] to do this for more than compensation,” Whitacre said. “It’s a big deal. It’s about coming back and making a company great and making it public again.”

Meanwhile, Whitacre confirmed on Tuesday that if General Motors doesn’t sell Saab by December 31, it will close the brand for good, the Associated Press reports.

The possibility of new management at General Motors could be a good sign for car enthusiasts that are in the market for used Chevrolet models in New Jersey.

Meet the new E-Class convertible, Used Mercedes models in New Jersey could benefit

By
Posted in Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled the all-new 2011 E-Class convertible, which might help generate more interest in used Mercedes models in New Jersey.

The German automaker’s new vehicle is the talk of the industry due to its unique drop-top technology designed to keep passengers safe from swirling winds, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The 2011 E-Class convertible comes standard with the Aircap system, which is a tiny spoiler that sits on the windshield’s frame so that wind is deflected over the cabin.

Autoblog.com said that the system “limits the amount of wind intrusion into the passenger compartment up to speeds of 100 mph, keeping your perfectly coifed hair in check and making conversations easier when storming the autobahn.”

The only drawback of the Aircap technology is that it raises the convertibles drag, which might affect fuel economy.

Meanwhile, the 2003 E-Class Mercedes-Benz models are some of the more powerful luxury sedans in their class.

The E-320 has a 224-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Contrastingly, the E500 has a 5.0-liter V8 engine and can go from 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds.

That kind of power should generate more attention for used Mercedes-Benz models in New Jersey.

Used Volkswagen Touaregs in New York could benefit from Twitter

By
Posted in Volkswagen - DO NOT USE

When car shoppers looking for used Volkswagen Touaregs in New York start reading Mark Miller’s tweets, the SUV could begin enjoying more attention.

Miller, VW’s driver for the Dakar Rally, will be tweeting all throughout the race according to Who?Won. The event, which many enthusiasts consider to be the Super Bowl of rally racing, begins on January 1 and ends on January 17, according to Dakar.com.

“I have been participating in off-road racing of various forms for most of my life, and there’s not a more prestigious or challenging race anywhere than the Dakar Rally,” Miller told the news source. “Volkswagen’s 1-2 finish last year was one of the proudest moments in my racing career, but this year, I’m hoping to land on top and take that feeling of accomplishment to the next level.”

News of Miller and his Touareg on Twitter could have a positive effect on sales of used Volkswagen models in New York. Many Americans enjoy watching the Dakar, so the SUV could become more popular elsewhere too.

Saab sells technology to Beijing Auto to keep doors open

By
Posted in Saab - DO NOT USE

Beijing Automobile Industry Holdings (BAIC) has recently announced that it has agreed to purchase technology and various assets from Saab Automobile, which could help used Saab models in New Jersey garner additional interest.

Officials at BAIC said that they plan to purchase all the rights to the 9-5 sedan as well as some of the technology from the 9-3, according to AutoWeek.com.

“This arrangement is excellent for both parties, now and for the future,” said Saab managing director Jan Ake Jonsson. “We have developed a good relationship with BAIC and look forward to working with them to integrate this Saab technology into their future vehicles.”

The deal will allow the General Motors-owned automaker to stay afloat while it looks for a buyer for the entire Saab brand, something GM hopes to accomplish by the end of the year.

Sweden’s Koenigsegg Automotive backed out of a deal to buy Saab in November. The Dutch sports car maker Spyker is now said to be the front-runner to purchase the Swedish automobile company.

Sources close to the negotiations said that the technology sale to BAIC will help make Saab financially viable for the near future, but will not hinder a deal with another company, according to the Associated Press.

With technology trading hands overseas, used Saab models in New Jersey could start attracting more attention.

New Land Cruiser ranked best SUV for the money; used Toyota models in New York could benefit

By
Posted in Toyota

Used Toyota models in New York might start attracting more attention now that U.S. News and World Report has ranked the 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser the best luxury full-size SUV for the money.

For auto shoppers looking to get the best deal, the 2006 Land Cruiser has a little something for every type of car enthusiast. Edmunds.com describes the SUV in three simple words: big, powerful and comfortable.

The Land Cruiser has a 4.7-liter V8 engine that generates 275 horsepower and 332 feet-pounds of torque. The Japanese-made SUV has the smooth acceleration of a sedan and the off-roading and towing capabilities of a high-powered four-wheel drive vehicle, according to the news source.

A particularly attractive attribute of the 2006 model is that it’s only manufactured one way — loaded up. It is equipped with leather seats, a JBL audio system with an in-dash CD changer and separate climate control systems for front and rear passengers.

Available options include a DVD entertainment console, satellite radio and a suspension system specially designed to improve off-road performance.

With the recent report of the new Land Cruiser’s affordability, used Toyota models in New York could become hot items for car aficionados.

Owners of used Acura TLs in New York say ‘Yes’

By
Posted in Acura - DO NOT USE

Used Acura TLs in New York will likely benefit from the positive exposure they recently received in a reputable magazine.

In late fall, Consumer Reports asked its 380,000 subscribers whether or not they would buy their car again if they had the opportunity to make the decision a second time. The Acura TL was high on the Yes list, which Automobile Magazine says is unsurprising.

The TL first appeared in 1996 to replace the Vigor and eventually found itself in second place on America’s best-selling luxury sedan chart, according to Forbes. The 2007 TL illustrates Acura’s desire to maintain the vehicle’s popularity, as this generation was built to compete with the likes of the BMW 3-series, Infiniti G35 and Lexus IS – three formidable foes.

Acura was selling roughly 80,000 TLs a year when the first 2007 rolled out of the factory, according to Inside Line. Since the automaker wanted more out the four-door, instead of offering it with a limited list of options for the fourth year in a row, Acura decided to build the TL Type S, a sportier version of the sedan that made the stock model’s 258-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 seem puny.

Although the 2007 Type S came with a motor that was 0.3 liters bigger, a displacement increase the added 28 HP to the TL’s power rating, Acura chose to make some other upgrades as well, reports the publication. First, the five-speed automatic was swapped for a six-speed manual gearbox, in a decision that probably made many motorheads smile. Individuals who couldn’t drive stick also got what they wanted, since Acura mounted F1-style paddle shifters to the steering wheels of some of its TLs.

Under the hood, Acura considered more than size, says the news source. The engine found in the 2007 Type S wasn’t only bigger, it was also better built. Acura, a subsidiary of Honda, took advantage of its parent’s VTEC technology, which outfitted motors with high-lift and long-duration cams. Combine those with cold-air induction, a dual-stage intake manifold and a heavy-breathing exhaust system, and the Type S wasn’t only faster than the TL, it sounded angrier too.

Japanese car enthusiasts might start paying more attention to used Acura TLs in New York and elsewhere when they learn of the Consumer Reports survey. If the publication’s research inspires car shoppers to buy a Type S, it’s likely their readers won’t regret the decision.