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Archive for September, 2007
The five items women look for when making sure they purchase the best used car:
- Vehicle reliability/durability
- Interior comfort
- Exterior styling
- Quality of workmanship
- Gas mileage
Women don’t seem to flock to one make & model - they are influenced more by lifestyle, age and income.”The one big difference between men and women is that men are a little more power-performance conscious; women are more miles-per-gallon-economic conscious,” says Charlie Vogelheim, vice president of automotive development for J.D. Power and Associates.
When age is considered the under 30 crowd steers toward the Honda Accord & the Toyota Camry because of their affordability and safety reputation.
Three other cars popular for those in their 20’s:
- Nissan Versa (base price $12,550)
- Toyota Yaris (base price $11,150)
- Honda Fit (base price $13,850)
Young women with families are drawn towards:
- Toyota RAV4 (base price $20,950)
- Mitsubishi Outlander (base price $21,370)
- Honda CRV (base price $20,600)
- Chevrolet Equinox (base price $22,865)
- Ford Escape (base price $18,580)
The two most popular vehicles in the luxury sector, that women can be heard talking about just everywhere:
- Lexus RX350 (base price $37,400-$38,800)
- Infiniti FX35 (base price 37,950)
What it really comes to is that women want their comfort and convenience as well - it’s all about the features:
- Power lift gate/trunk/hatch
- Sunroof
- All-wheel drive
- Remote engine startup
- Bottle holders in door panels
Make things even easier - when your significant is out shopping for the perfect used car, think back to this helpful blog post.
You’ll know exactly why she picked out that pretty baby blue Honda CRV while you were busy drooling over the bad-ass black Hummer on the other side of the lot.
If I had to imagine God parking his car in front of the Gates - this would be his choice.
MODEL: Mercedes-Benz SL600
ENGINE: 5.5-liter V12
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 493 hp @ 5.000 rpm/590 lb.-ft. @ 1,800-3,500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic
WHEELBASE: 100.8 in.
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT: 178.5 x 71.5 x 51.0 in.
TIRES: 255/40WR18 front, 285/35WR18 rear
CARGO: 10.2 cu.ft.
ECONOMY: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway/12.8 mpg test
PRICE: $137,640 {That’s for a NEW one}
Here’s one of the best example of our blog’s name-sake: Why Buy Used Cars?
This is why: Fork over 140 Large - OR - pay 50% of that amount on a two year old, like-new model with only 8k miles.
Tough call.
This has to be on of the most refined, and powerful, rear-wheel drive car paired up with an automatic transmission. If you didn’t already feel important, you will as soon as you slide into the soft leather seats and press the Keyless-Go ignition.
Initial engine grumble will startle you while getting the attention of anyone else who hasn’t already noticed this silver sculpture on wheels. If you have any initial nervousness of actually driving it - you’ll get over it in roughly 4 seconds because you’ll find yourself doing 60mph+.
Active Body Control keeps the car super-flat around sharp turns; the ride is just as smooth as the soft leather you’re sitting on. The steering isn’t as tight as other Italian exotics; the Germans left it loose enough for anyone to handle. (If you felt inclined to buy one for your wife.)
Just about anything you can image is outfitted in the SL600: navigation, dual-zone climate control, integrated cell phone, automatic roll-bar, windscreen, HID lights and stability control.
And just think, with the savings you could hook up four of your closest friends with an ‘05 Chevy Equinox.
Credit Cars.com for this cool article…
CHICAGO — With the first game of the new NFL season kicking off late last week, fans are getting into high gear. And what’s one of the biggest ways fans celebrate their football devotion? Why tailgating, of course.
To help dealers and consumers identify the best vehicles for tailgating, Cars.com explained its top picks.
“Automakers are catering to football fans with a wide variety of features and options that are every tailgater’s dream,” said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com managing editor.
“Manufacturers are trying to stand out and win over fans with features that make it easier than ever to carry the grill, entertain friends before the game and clean up your car when the game is over,” he continued.
When looking for a car that’s going to take center stage at the big game, Cars.com recommends that shoppers look for models with the following features that will help make any tailgate party a little easier to accomplish:
1. Storage areas under the floor
Car that does it best: 2007 Honda Odyssey
“No need to worry about your game-day gear reaching critical mass. Most minivans and SUVs offer extra storage space under the load floor that can accommodate plenty of extra equipment. Contents in there will be reasonably protected from getting jostled en route, a crucial feature when you’re hauling enough food and beverages to keep fans energized well into halftime,” officials commented.
“Minivans usually have the largest under-floor storage, which doubles in most models as the place to stow a fold-flat third row. Our favorite is the Honda Odyssey, whose Magic Seat incorporates one of the largest storage wells of its kind,” they continued.
2. Two-pronged household power outlets
Car that does it best: 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
“Unlike most cars’ 12-volt cigarette lighters, household outlets can connect to traditional two-pronged plugs. That means you won’t need a power inverter or generator to wire your hi-fi stereo or portable TV. The Volkswagen Touareg wins our vote for this feature, as it comes standard with a 115-volt household outlet in the cargo area, not to mention four other 12-volt plugs elsewhere.
“For any car that has this feature, it’s wise to pack some jumper cables, as your battery will be hard-pressed to survive an entire afternoon’s festivities,” executives reported.
3. Stain-resistant seats
Car that does it best: 2007 Honda Element
“Stain-resistant fabrics add a layer of defense against spills, so feel free to chow down on that chili dog in the driver’s seat. The upholstery is marketed under a range of names from Honda’s Fabric for Extreme Conditions to Chrysler’s YES Essentials and Volvo’s T-Tec.
“We like the stuff in the Honda Element SUV, which comes standard in most versions of that car. Any of these examples should prove an easier match for errant condiments than traditional seat fabric, which tends to stain just enough to ding your car’s trade-in value down the road,” Cars.com said.
4. Load ‘n go storage floor
Car that does it best: 2007 Dodge Nitro
“The Nitro’s load ‘n go cargo floor slides 18 inches backward, extending past the bumper to create a convenient shelf that sits waist-high. Once loaded, the shelf slides forward again into the cargo area behind the rear seats. It may not seem like much, but it should free you from some of the strain of loading and unloading gear, and your back will thank you later. In the parking lot, the shelf’s 400-pound capacity makes a handy spot to set up a buffet,” executives pointed out.
5. Rear-flipping tailgate seat
Car that does it best: 2008 Chrysler Town & Country
“Several minivans have offered tailgate seats for some time. The concept is simple: The third-row seat pivots onto its backside, allowing carousers to unwind facing out from the cargo area. Yes, you can do the same off an ordinary bumper, but the tailgate seat adds an upholstered backrest with the upright seat bottom.
“It’s comfortable enough that anyone stuck there won’t wish they’d placed dibs on the inflatable Barcalounger. The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country can motor back upright or be stowed with the push of a button,” officials highlighted.
6. Stereo controls in back
Car that does it best: 2007 GMC Acadia
“Those who use their cars as mobile boom-boxes will appreciate cargo-area stereo controls. They allow you to change tunes without climbing around to the driver’s seat, a case of unintended exercise most tailgaters would just as well avoid. The buttons in the Acadia are situated just inches from where you’d set up your food and beverages,” officials explained.
7. Swing-out liftgate speakers
Car that does it best: 2007 Dodge Caliber
“Car stereos are designed to deliver sound into the cabin, which doesn’t bode well for tailgating parties, where the music needs to radiate out. Enter Chrysler’s MusicGate system, which includes two dedicated speakers that swing outward from under an open liftgate.
“Now the revelers in back can hear your pre-game soundtrack loud and clear, and if you park your car at the right angle, those away fans in the opposite stall won’t be able to hear anything else,” Cars.com executives noted.
8. Swiveling seats
Car that does it best: 2008 Chrysler Town & Country
“Genuine tailgaters will tough it through rain, sleet or snow, but it doesn’t hurt to have a sheltered area for those who aren’t game enough for the weather. That’s where the Chrysler Town & Country’s Swivel ‘N Go seats come in. Swivel ‘N Go includes second-row captain’s chairs that rotate 180 degrees to face the third row.
“In addition, there’s a removable table that installs between the swivel seats, so up to five tailgaters can dine in the minivan’s climate-controlled quarters,” according to the company.
9. Water-friendly storage well
Car that does it best: 2007 Honda Ridgeline
“It’s about time a truck came with a built-in cooler. The one in the Ridgeline comes complete with a weatherproof lid, a drain plug and a water-resistant floor. It can accommodate plenty of ice and drinks, or up to 8.5 cubic feet of dry cargo, equivalent to two-thirds of the trunk in a typical compact car. To keep any sideliners from swiping a beverage when you head into the stadium, the lid is lockable,” executives mentioned.
10. Washable cargo floor
Car that does it best: 2007 Jeep Compass
“Spill and scuff all you want, a washable cargo floor makes cleanup easy. Score one for the Jeep Compass, whose Ultra Floor has a non-skid vinyl service that can support up to 250 pounds. When you get home from the game, wipe it down with a sponge or rag. It’s removable, too, so if your bash turns particularly messy, you can always use a garden hose,” officials pointed out.
Oh man do I love this ride.
You can call it a grown-up 350Z; a Z when it needs to get all dressed up and go out to dinner with the family. It’ll also get you to dinner faster than everyone else because of the 298-hp, 260 lb-ft of torque, six-speed manual transmission.
Infinity makes it really easy for the consumer. They all come with 17-inch wheels, HID headlights, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat and four-way passenger seat, seat heaters and an in-dash six-disc CD changer.
You do get two simple choices: Premium or Sport. The Premium Package adds items like dual-zone climate control with rear vents, an upgraded 225-watt Bose sound system, a sunroof, automatic headlights and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. The Sport Package adds a sport-tuned suspension, bigger wheels and tires, a limited-slip rear differential and, on G35 coupes, special exterior aero pieces. G35s equipped with a manual transmission receive the Sport package as standard equipment. Stand-alone options include a navigation system, wood interior trim and an active rear-steer system (coupes only).
This car wears two hats - and switches between both of them so easily. Light up the tires and try to roll it around some tight corners. Or, enjoy a quiet, luxurious ride as you impress someone special.
Impressive additions for the ‘06 model: unique front fascia, side sills and an optional rear spoiler. Another very cool sporty feature: active rear-steer system. [this actually improves driving performance by changing the rear suspension geometry based on your steering style and the car’s speed] Bluetooth connectivity is also standard to help keep your hands on the wheel.
You’ll like how this car gets you around town, how it makes you feel as you’re on the way there and also appreciate the extra cash you’ll have once you get there - this Kool Whip of the Week is priced just over 29k. [Compare to a KBB Price of 35k+]
Enjoy.
Want to feel like a Million Bucks?
It’ll only cost about 37k. A small price to pay for one of the hottest gems on the road - a 2004 BMW M3.
This black on black, with smoked-gray custom rims, is a spectacular daily driver. Quick drives to the local grocery store can easily turn into day-long road trips. There is definitely a difference between the two though. It’s a stiff enough ride to push the limits on the track - and may even be too stiff for other drivers. (Those drivers may want to just settle for the snuggly ride of the BMW 5-Series.)
The 333-hp engine rips you to 60-mph faster than a Nicole Richie jail sentence. The M3 is propelled by a magnificent 3.2-liter, six-cylinder engine rated to produce 333 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is the weapon of choice on this Corvette Fighter.
Standard features include 18-inch wheels with Z-rated rubber, automatic climate control, 10-way adjustable sport seats, leather and cloth upholstery, one-touch power windows, heated power mirrors, a CD player, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry.
Buying a new BMW M3 takes a bite out of just about anyone’s budget…buying this Kool Whip of the Week won’t.
Your only dilemma…choosing which public setting you wish to be seen driving in…