Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Seator will Vote on "Cash For Clunkers" Friday
Every other call I get at the dealership is asking if we are still participating in the "Cash for Clunkers" program.
Cliff Banks from Ward’s Auto wrote this week:
The U.S. Senate will make a choice this week, either to keep cash-for-clunkers alive and support small businesses or unwittingly declare war on small business by killing the stimulus package, while righteously attesting to misguided, ill-informed ideals.Congress gave the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration only 30 days to create an unbelievably complicated program. What NHTSA pulled off is nothing short of heroic, despite the problems.
Not only did Congress not give the agency enough time to build a sound program, it complicated matters by instructing NHTSA to make sure no fraud occurred under the cash-for-clunkers program. That became one of the agency’s top goals, which ended up handcuffing dealers.Most egregious is that Congress woefully under funded the program. What was supposed to be $4 billion was reduced to $1 billion because Republicans and Democrats could not agree on whether the funding should come from existing or new stimulus money.
The $2 billion the House approved last week is to come out of existing stimulus money, so it’s not adding to the debt of future generations. The money is already there.Cash-for-clunkers is all about small business. More than 20,000 dealers put their money and their businesses on the line last week, trusting the Congress. Some dealers have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in marketing and ordering extra inventory because they want to do their part in getting the economy rolling again.
The insane success of cash-for-clunkers proves two things: First, small business drives the economy of this country. It was the dealers that made the program work. During the month of July, thousands of dealers built savvy marketing plans, trained their staff and readied their stores for what they hoped would be extraordinary success.
When the administrative problems reared their ugly head last week, dealers didn’t complain. Instead, they buckled down with their employees – many of them working around the clock to get the required paperwork submitted.
The second lesson is one most Republicans should be jumping all over. Cash-for-clunkers proves putting money into the hands of the people is what’s going to get us out of this recession.Senators seem to be forgetting cash-for-clunkers is about optimism, hard work and cooperation – the very ideals that are going to lift this country out of its economic malaise.
Will cash-for-clunkers do it alone? Of course not! But it’s a start, and a darn good one. If you want to get into this program contact your Senator's office today and let him know where you stand.
Cliff Banks from Ward’s Auto wrote this week:
The U.S. Senate will make a choice this week, either to keep cash-for-clunkers alive and support small businesses or unwittingly declare war on small business by killing the stimulus package, while righteously attesting to misguided, ill-informed ideals.Congress gave the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration only 30 days to create an unbelievably complicated program. What NHTSA pulled off is nothing short of heroic, despite the problems.
Not only did Congress not give the agency enough time to build a sound program, it complicated matters by instructing NHTSA to make sure no fraud occurred under the cash-for-clunkers program. That became one of the agency’s top goals, which ended up handcuffing dealers.Most egregious is that Congress woefully under funded the program. What was supposed to be $4 billion was reduced to $1 billion because Republicans and Democrats could not agree on whether the funding should come from existing or new stimulus money.
The $2 billion the House approved last week is to come out of existing stimulus money, so it’s not adding to the debt of future generations. The money is already there.Cash-for-clunkers is all about small business. More than 20,000 dealers put their money and their businesses on the line last week, trusting the Congress. Some dealers have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in marketing and ordering extra inventory because they want to do their part in getting the economy rolling again.
The insane success of cash-for-clunkers proves two things: First, small business drives the economy of this country. It was the dealers that made the program work. During the month of July, thousands of dealers built savvy marketing plans, trained their staff and readied their stores for what they hoped would be extraordinary success.
When the administrative problems reared their ugly head last week, dealers didn’t complain. Instead, they buckled down with their employees – many of them working around the clock to get the required paperwork submitted.
The second lesson is one most Republicans should be jumping all over. Cash-for-clunkers proves putting money into the hands of the people is what’s going to get us out of this recession.Senators seem to be forgetting cash-for-clunkers is about optimism, hard work and cooperation – the very ideals that are going to lift this country out of its economic malaise.
Will cash-for-clunkers do it alone? Of course not! But it’s a start, and a darn good one. If you want to get into this program contact your Senator's office today and let him know where you stand.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Subaru’s Legacy and Outback never sold in numbers to rival the big-name family sedan competition
Subaru’s Legacy and Outback never sold in numbers to rival the big-name family sedan competition, but it doesn’t mean the cars didn’t find a niche. The Outback, a raised wagon version of the Legacy, has become a favorite of suburban families and outdoorsy folks.
In fall of 2009, Subaru will start selling the 5th generation of the all-new 2010 Legacy. A short list of the new features includes:
Roomiest Legacy Ever with New Level of Comfort, Quiet and Refinement
Bold New Design Stands Apart from Mainstream Midsize Sedans
New 6-speed Manual and CVT Transmissions for Legacy 2.5i Models
2.5GT Models Gain 265-hp Turbo Engine and 6-Speed Transmission
New Legacy 3.6R Models Featuring More Powerful 6-Cylinder Engine
Learn more at www.subaru.com/2010legacy.
The 2010 Legacy will still sport Subaru’s trademark symmetrical AWD feature standard. The engine choices be a 170 hp SOHC 16 valve 2.5L flat four, a 256 hp DOHC 24 valve 3.6L flat six and a 265 hp turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16 valve 2.5L flat four. The three transmissions available are the continuously variable automatic with manumatic shifting, 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting and 6-speed manual. The engines being retained will be improved and will include a new alloy cylinder block to help reduce weight as well as a longer stroke action to improve torque levels.
The new car will build upon the lines of the current model (pictured) but will feature a more prominent grille, sharper and more angular headlights, flared fenders and a more chiseled overall appearance. Its designers describe it as being significantly different yet still easily recognizable as a Legacy. Once again, the new Legacy will include both the standard sedan and wagon models plus the popular Outback soft-roader, according to Edmunds.
The new Legacy will range from $20,995 to $31,995 with options to fit almost any budget. Since it gets a fuel economy rating average of between 26-21 mpg (depending on engine and transmission combination) the 2010 Legacy is a great CARS bill alternative for purchase.
In fall of 2009, Subaru will start selling the 5th generation of the all-new 2010 Legacy. A short list of the new features includes:
Roomiest Legacy Ever with New Level of Comfort, Quiet and Refinement
Bold New Design Stands Apart from Mainstream Midsize Sedans
New 6-speed Manual and CVT Transmissions for Legacy 2.5i Models
2.5GT Models Gain 265-hp Turbo Engine and 6-Speed Transmission
New Legacy 3.6R Models Featuring More Powerful 6-Cylinder Engine
Learn more at www.subaru.com/2010legacy.
The 2010 Legacy will still sport Subaru’s trademark symmetrical AWD feature standard. The engine choices be a 170 hp SOHC 16 valve 2.5L flat four, a 256 hp DOHC 24 valve 3.6L flat six and a 265 hp turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16 valve 2.5L flat four. The three transmissions available are the continuously variable automatic with manumatic shifting, 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting and 6-speed manual. The engines being retained will be improved and will include a new alloy cylinder block to help reduce weight as well as a longer stroke action to improve torque levels.
The new car will build upon the lines of the current model (pictured) but will feature a more prominent grille, sharper and more angular headlights, flared fenders and a more chiseled overall appearance. Its designers describe it as being significantly different yet still easily recognizable as a Legacy. Once again, the new Legacy will include both the standard sedan and wagon models plus the popular Outback soft-roader, according to Edmunds.
The new Legacy will range from $20,995 to $31,995 with options to fit almost any budget. Since it gets a fuel economy rating average of between 26-21 mpg (depending on engine and transmission combination) the 2010 Legacy is a great CARS bill alternative for purchase.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Dogs agree: The 2010 Honda Element is one of the most "pet-friendly" vehicles ever
The Honda Element has always had many features that made it appeal to dog lovers. The EX model has the FCX fabric which resists spills and fur alike. The floor of the Element is not carpeted so it can easily be cleaned with a rag or sponge. I have to caution anyone not to use a hose to clean out the car. The speakers and other electronics may be damaged (some how this rumor started with the introduction of the vehicle).
Now the Element has gone one-step further to make it even more enjoyable to the canine passenger. Honda is releasing the Dog Friendly™ accessory package in the fall of 2009.
Dogs agree: The Element is one of the most "pet-friendly" vehicles ever. The specially designed collection of accessories will include pet restraint systems, a folding ramp, pet bed, water bowl, electrical fan and more—all designed for the safety and comfort of your beloved canine companion and you. The Dog Friendly™ Element Concept is likely to include:
· Pet restraint systems
· Cushioned pet bed
· Load-in ramp
· Dog-pattern second-row seat covers
· All-season "dog-bone" rubber floor mats
· Spill-resistant water bowl
· Electrical fan
· Tote bag
· Dog Friendly™ exterior emblems
· A leash, collar and dog tag ready for custom engraving
Now the Element has gone one-step further to make it even more enjoyable to the canine passenger. Honda is releasing the Dog Friendly™ accessory package in the fall of 2009.
Dogs agree: The Element is one of the most "pet-friendly" vehicles ever. The specially designed collection of accessories will include pet restraint systems, a folding ramp, pet bed, water bowl, electrical fan and more—all designed for the safety and comfort of your beloved canine companion and you. The Dog Friendly™ Element Concept is likely to include:
· Pet restraint systems
· Cushioned pet bed
· Load-in ramp
· Dog-pattern second-row seat covers
· All-season "dog-bone" rubber floor mats
· Spill-resistant water bowl
· Electrical fan
· Tote bag
· Dog Friendly™ exterior emblems
· A leash, collar and dog tag ready for custom engraving
Cash For Clunkers A Big Hit
The “cash for clunkers” bill, officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), became a law on June 25, 2009. This is a government program that helps you purchase a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when you trade in a less fuel-efficient vehicle. The OFFICIAL website to get information on this program is www.CARS.gov.
In less than a week scammers and predators have opened up websites inducing consumers to provide their name, address, make, model and social security numbers in order to “register for the cash for clunkers bill”. DO NOT REGISTER YOURSELF OR YOUR CAR. It will be the responsibility of the dealership to handle all of the paperwork required.
Before you go to a dealership to purchase a vehicle under the CARS program, call them first and make sure they are able to participate. Only a selected number of dealerships will participate in the program. Every dealership that does participate will have to pass an approval process by the federal government ahead of time.
At this point, there are seven main criteria for your trade-in to qualify for the CARS program:
Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements). The website to find your vehicle mileage is http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
You don't need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase
Program runs through Nov 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
The vehicle that you are trading in is required to be destroyed. Therefore, the value you negotiate with the dealer for your trade in is not likely to exceed its scrap value. The law requires the dealer to disclose to you and estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in vehicle.
In less than a week scammers and predators have opened up websites inducing consumers to provide their name, address, make, model and social security numbers in order to “register for the cash for clunkers bill”. DO NOT REGISTER YOURSELF OR YOUR CAR. It will be the responsibility of the dealership to handle all of the paperwork required.
Before you go to a dealership to purchase a vehicle under the CARS program, call them first and make sure they are able to participate. Only a selected number of dealerships will participate in the program. Every dealership that does participate will have to pass an approval process by the federal government ahead of time.
At this point, there are seven main criteria for your trade-in to qualify for the CARS program:
Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements). The website to find your vehicle mileage is http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
You don't need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase
Program runs through Nov 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
The vehicle that you are trading in is required to be destroyed. Therefore, the value you negotiate with the dealer for your trade in is not likely to exceed its scrap value. The law requires the dealer to disclose to you and estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in vehicle.
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