Car shopping can be a lengthy process. There are many cars to check out and just as many options to consider. With sound advice and reliable information, the process will be much less painful. Keep reading for some smart advice about shopping for a brand-new or new-to-you car.

When deciding on a car, consider its fuel economy. A fuel efficient car may cost more in the beginning, but it will save you a lot of money over the life of the car. This is a huge factor to consider when thinking about your future budget.

Never buy any car without having a test drive. Even if you once had the same exact vehicle, you have to be sure that this one works just as well. The car you choose could have something wrong with it that you would be unaware of until after you have purchased the vehicle unless you test drive it first.

If you’re getting a car from someone privately, get a mechanic you know to look at it first. If the person doesn’t want you to do that, you need to think of that as a warning. There may be extensive problems the owner is trying to hide. You don’t want to buy into these without knowing about them first.

Make your down payment on the vehicle you’re getting with your credit card. If the car lot you are dealing with goes belly up before you get the chance to retrieve your car, you can file a dispute and get a refund. If you put down cash instead, you will simply lose your money.

A little flexibility goes a long way when looking for a new or used vehicle. Bit-name car companies should have vehicles that correspond to your needs and budget. If you want a compact car, all the lines carry at least one model. If you do some shopping by comparison, you may find a car that you like even better.

Don’t buy a new car as soon as it’s released. The cost will be higher than if you wait. In a few months the hype will have died down, and you can find one at a much better price.

Don’t let the car salesman swindle you. Sometimes, salesmen seem very friendly and that is all a part of getting you to trust them. Do not allow their friendly demeanor and nice smile cause you to make a purchase that is not in your best interest.

If you feel pressured by a salesman, don’t be afraid to ask for another one. Intimidation tactics are uncalled for and shouldn’t be tolerated. If you feel this way, you should talk to a manager, or go somewhere else.

Don’t let the salesman know if you are in immediate need for a vehicle. This is a sure sign that they may succeed by using pressure tactics. The best option is to appear incredibly patient.

Whether you are buying a new or used car, take it on a test drive on the highways and on the streets to see how it handles overall. Drive the vehicle uphill, back up, make a U-turn and park. This way, you can find out how the car responds and see if it meets your needs.

Don’t avoid or rush things when you buy a car. Most car salespeople will create a sense of urgency, for instance, by telling you they have several interested buyers for the vehicle you are looking at but do not let this technique fool you. Keep in mind that the salesperson is more than likely lying. Most of the time “special promotions” will continue to be there until you’re ready to make a purchase.

As you can see, it is important to be well-informed before heading out to buy a car. The tips here are a great start. They will help turn the car shopping process into a fun one.

By: Derek Emery

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In fact, Barrack Obama’s new chief of staff mentioned the car industry specifically in an interview on the television program “Face the Nation,” calling it “an essential part of the economy.” Rahm Emanuel said the federal government should provide aid to the automobile industry to help the major automakers and their supplies survive the financial crisis, the New York Times reported.

The comments came after America’s largest automaker, General Motors, the week of the election stated it has been losing more than $2 billion a month and faces bankruptcy. The new President’s staff members are calling on the Bush administration to accelerate $25 billion in federal loans provided by a recent law to help automakers and suppliers retool to build more energy-efficient vehicles.

Obama’s team hopes to come up with ideas to help the industry while at the same time developing a new energy policy that will let America become less dependent on foreign oil.

Of course, gas prices are pretty much doing that anyway, as buyers are more inclined to purchase gas sippers. It remains to be seen how the federal government could boost sales of fuel-efficient cars.

Uncertainty Reduced, Helps to Sell a Used Car or Buy a New Car

All of this should be good news to those selling a used car or in the market to buy a new car or buy a used car. The end of the election has reduced “uncertainty” and should embolden consumers to open their wallets and increase spending overall, according to the Portland Oregonian.

“The uncertainty is gone,” said the chairman and chief executive for Lithia Motors in Oregon. “Especially as the fear of the economy collapsing and the inability of banks to lend goes out of people’s minds.”

It couldn’t have come soon enough for the embattled automotive industry. Cars.com already is looking ahead, planning to kick off its 2009 marketing campaign with a 60-second commercial to air during the Super Bowl on Feb. 1. It’s the second consecutive year the site for online car shoppers will advertise in the Big Game.

The campaign will feature auto shoppers confident in their new car purchase, because of preparation thanks to Cars.com.

 Financial Institutions and Selling a Used Car

Another area to watch if you are selling a used car, seek quick cash for used cars or buying a car is lending.Barack Obama -Search using:

The continued shoring up of the banking industry should help more Americans secure credit, the Lithia Motors executive said. That should help if you are in the market to buy a new car, and possibly even if you are selling a used car.

Then there’s federal government lending to major American automakers. Congressional Democrats want the Bush Administration to use part of the $700 billion financial industry bailout to help automakers. Under discussion is $25 billion in loans for fuel-efficient vehicles, planned to be distributed over several months.

But help to automakers will take a back seat to federal assistance for financial institutions. Again, that activity should help those selling used cars or buying new cars or even buying used cars.

Hopefully it will ultimately help General Motors, which saw its shares drop by 23 percent barely a week after the election. It’s hard to imagine General Motors declaring bankruptcy.

However there is some history involved – Chrysler was saved by a 1979 federal bailout. Only time will tell if the election results will help owners to sell a used car, buy a new car or buy a used car. At least lawmakers have acknowledged auto sales as a problem area, and something the new administration can focus on.

Fill out our convenient form at http://www.cash4usedcars.com and get cash for your car quickly!

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That may not be wise thinking, ultimately. For one, the way the car sales market is down today, you just might find a killer deal to buy a car. On the other side, selling a used car today means most likely a strong demand (and therefore good payments), as more and more people are holding onto their used cars longer.

Other wildcards are emerging, such as the end to the lengthy presidential election which – regardless of the outcome – will slowly rebuild certainty to the American economy and eventually should mean more spending by consumers. It might be a great time to sell a used car, for those seeking cash for used cars in general, and those in the market to buy a car.

Much depends on which vehicle you’re trying to sell, who you deal with, and timing. The end of the year, for example, is a perfect time for a parent to buy a used car for a new teen-age driver, the ultimate holiday gift. Those buyers might be prepared to offer top dollar.

Other Factors at Year’s End and Selling Used Cars

Where is the best place to start if you’re selling a used car or seeking quick cash for used cars at the end of the calendar year?

For automotive industry experts, it’s almost a game trying to figure out who will be the biggest winners once the economy turns around and people start buying vehicles in earnest again. For example, a company called wRatings Corporation recently announced results of its annual study of the most competitive auto companies.

The top vehicle company according to a score where 100 is perfect is Harley-Davidson, with a score of 87.2 – the second straight year Harley topped the category. It is followed by Honda at 64.9, Acura at 64.4, Lexus at 61.6 and Subaru at 58.6.

AutoNation took command of the auto retailers division, with an 81.7 score. It was followed by AutoZone at 72.6 and Advance Auto Parts at 71.8. You can see with the gap between the top company and its competitors what this independent competitive research firm thinks of AutoNation and its ability to thrive once the economy gets better.

Scores from the Competitive Strength Index combine how well companies meet consumer expectations, along with a company’s ability to generate economic profit. The quarterly survey is conducted with a representative sample of 25,000 American households across 12 industries.

You can use the results to your advantage, in terms of selling a used car to a company (AutoNation) that appears to be ahead of its competition; or which brands of cars should remain strong through the economic downturn. Selling a used car, it helps when the car you own is a trusted brand.

 Selling Used Cars and Timing

Some media outlets are getting the picture in terms of buying a car or selling a used car at the end of the year. For example, U.S. News & World Report in fall 2008 published a report entirely about “The Best Times to Buy a New Car.”

Among the findings:

• Buying a car in the fall means dealing with car manufacturers and dealers desperate to move inventory. The economic situation means low foot traffic at dealerships, so the result is strong rebate programs and other incentives on both 2008 and 2009 models.
• The end of a model year means you can buy a fairly new car, at a good price.
• Holidays and long weekends are good times to buy a car, whether buying a new car or buying a used car. Dealerships expect more customers and offer more incentives, rebates and financing deals.
• End of the month means more deals so salespeople can meet quotas. Ditto the very end of the calendar year. Cars.com notes, “Automakers often look to close the year with strong sales as they prepare for January and February – traditionally bleak sales months in the car business.”

Of course, some of these sales tactics hardly apply to selling a used car or getting good cash for used cars. However much of this information can be valuable, as you can see which vehicles might be in demand, and when. Set the right price point for your vehicle, and you might undermine area dealerships and sell a used car rather quickly and for a price you’re happy with.

In buying a new car, the tips offered by U.S. News & World Report appear valid. There is, after all, something to be said about the end of the year or even end of the month in buying a new car.

If you would like to find more information about our amazing nationwide car buying and selling network then visit us at http://www.cash4usedcars.com and get cash for your car quickly!

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Many automakers each November or December launch a “red tag” sale, or other incentives to boost sales as the new model year begins and before the holiday season when most families are focused on smaller purchases.

If you were thinking about getting some cash for used cars, or just selling your one used vehicle to position yourself to purchase a different car, the timing couldn’t be better.

Couple the cash gain from selling a used car with an incentive or special program offered by automakers, and you could be surprised at what kind of deal you can get buying a used car or even a new model.

While automakers arrange red-tag sales and other incentives at the end of each year, this season they seem to be competing even harder due to terrible new-car sales figures in October.

Sell a Used Car and Parlay the Earnings into a New Vehicle

So where are these deals? To start, think of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, as the Big Three American automakers have suffered most in the economic downturn and have struggled to compete with Asian and European small- and mid-size car manufacturers.

General Motors was primed to begin its annual “Red Tag” sale at the start of November, with lower pricing and cash back for most of its new models. Usually the sale starts later in the year but General Motors moved it up to boost sales.

Chrysler will push incentive programs that mean cash rebates up to $6,000, and discounted financing on remaining 2008 model year vehicles.

Ford is even offering special programs for its smaller cars, even though they are selling better than most of the rest of its fleet. The Ford Focus currently carries manufacturer discounts through early November.

In many areas, you can get a 2009 Focus sedan with a manual transmission for less than $14,000 after cash back of more than $2,000. Ford also offers zero-percent financing for 36 months in many instances.

These are but a few examples of what’s out there if you were contemplating selling a used car or seeking cash for used cars to help exchange what you have for what you might want more.

Couple Incentives with Cash from Selling a Used Car

Some of the current special deals are regional. In Arizona, for example, auto dealers are offering deals that include up to $10,000 back on some vehicles, and zero-percent financing.

Even Toyota has tinkered with zero-percent financing, and some luxury brands are lowering prices. Nissan’s Sentra and Versa have $750 and $500 cash-back deals or financing rates below 5 percent.

AutoWeek on Oct. 20, 2008, listed some of the best deals. Among them:

• On a 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2, get a $6,000 to $8,000 factory-to-dealer incentive on a new vehicle incentive on a vehicle with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $40,000.
• For a 2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty, with an MSRP of $40,660, you can get $7,000, cash back or 0 to 3.9 percent financing.
• Get $8,500 to $9,500 cash back, or 0 to 1.9 percent financing, on a 2008 Lincoln Mark LT suggested to retail at $39,565.
• A 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class with MSRP at $45,475 can come with $7,000 to $9,000 factory-to-dealer incentive.
• You can get $7,000 to $8,000 cash back or 0 to 1.9 percent financing on a 2008 Lincoln Navigator priced at almost $50,000.

Think about cash for used cars that you could generate, or the payment for selling a used car, and how you might be able to tag that onto one of the incentives mentioned above to get yourself into a fine new, or almost new, car.

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“Knight Rider” returned for the fall, yet this time the talking car KITT is no longer a Pontiac Trans Am as in the original 1980s series. It seems Ford pitched its case strongly, and its Shelby Mustang is now the lead character.

Chrysler secured its new Ram pickup for prominent placement on two shows: Fox-TV’s “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” and on NBC’s program “America’s Toughest Jobs” reality show. The Ram also will be focused in regular advertising during the programs, of course.

And General Motors worked two of its newest cars onto one show, NBC’s new drama “My Own Worst Enemy” – where the program’s main character has two personalities, and hence a need for two different cars.

When he’s a suburban father, he drives the new Traverse crossover; as a secret agent, the character zooms around in the new Camaro sports car scheduled to hit dealerships early in 2009.

When new-car sales are at a 15-year low, and advertising might prove too costly, why not give it a shot? After all, aside from the free advertising aspect, such cars on the small screen can develop into their own characters, or cultural icons.

Product Placement and Selling Used Cars

The thrust, of course, is to boost car sales. If you were selling a used car today, it’s wise to cover multiple angles.

And today, when most households have digital video recorders that allow viewers to skip commercials, you’ve got to get the word out somehow, right?

Plus, most of the time a show will feature a car if you give it to them free. It seems a nominal investment when the vehicle is shown on multiple episodes.

Don’t forget reruns and syndication. How many motorists out there remember General Lee, the bright-orange Dodge Charger from “The Dukes of Hazzard”? And “Starsky and Hutch” made the Ford Torino famous.

So what’s this mean to the Average Joe who might be considering buying a new car, or selling a used car? Probably not much, but it’s too early to tell.

It seems the product placement phenomenon is here to stay, with car-makers finally getting into the loop. Actually, they’ve been involved with television more and more in recent years, particularly in reality shows where an automobile is given away as a prize.

 Sell a Used Car Based on Past Brand Recognition

In terms of selling used cars, past roles by cars on popular shows can’t hurt. The Pontiac Trans Am didn’t really get a chance to reprise the KITT role – since the model is no longer in production.

But souped-up used versions are still out there, and buyers no doubt are out there interested in scooping up a “Knight Rider” clone. Well, that is if they can swallow gas costs.

And take Jeep, for example. Its models were featured in so many war-related movies and television shows through the years that it almost exudes “strength.” “MacGyver” from the 1980s drove a Jeep, and use of Jeep Wranglers in the 2005 film “Sahara” kicked up interest in the model, according to officials from Chrysler, which now owns the brand.

Regardless of the new KITT, owners of classic-model Mustangs can benefit in selling a used car by movie-goers’ memory of films like “Bullitt” starring Steve McQueen racing through the streets of San Francisco.

Sometimes it’s not just about a particular model. Any brand, such as Ford with the Shelby Mustang, can reap rewards if public perception of the company improves with some TV exposure. There are some auto executives out there banking on it.

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The series was compiled by best-selling author Irving Wallace with two of his children, and while top-ten lists existed previously, Wallace’s book seemed to trigger an onslaught of lists in all forms of media.

A Trend That Caught Hold

Starting with David Letterman’s “Top Ten List” and continuing with lists by hundreds upon hundreds of bloggers, it’s a phenomenon that doesn’t appear to be fading any time soon.

Lists for cars are no different. A brief Internet search reveals hundreds of such lists, including the best car wash / auto detailing services in Los Angeles.

In that Citysearch list for 2007, editors selected Madison Car Wash in West Hollywood as the best, while site visitors chose a separate list of 10, topped by Royal Car Wash on La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood.

Mr. Polish in Marina Del Rey, which placed second, offers “Auto detailing, window tinting and paintless blemish removal to repair minor dents and damage to cars, trucks and motorcycles,” Citysearch reported.

Included in the list were car washes in Studio City and Santa Monica.  Apparently there are no real good car washes in Orange County or the San Fernando Valley.

Auto Top-Ten Lists and the Internet

Top ten lists are almost required for car websites, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, etc., frequently offer new submissions.

For example, recently Kelley Blue Book reported, in its new “eco-themed” KBB Green section, its top 10 green cars.

Not for green paint jobs, obviously, but for performance and, ultimately, fuel economy and emissions. 

The list, in order from best to 10th best

• 2008 Toyota Prius
• 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
• 2008 smart fortwo
• 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
• Mini Cooper (note no model year included)
• 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
• 2008 Honda Fit
• 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTec
• 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

The Prius is a no-brainer, with strong sales and an average fuel economy of 46 miles per gallon.

But a few sport-utility vehicles on the list? Not sure how Al Gore would feel about that.

At least they ranked things that already exist in the marketplace. But it appears automotive sites are running out of things to rank.

From Most Beautiful to Ugliest on Automobiles

For example, MotorTrend.com now presents a list of “Top Ten Cars Worth Waiting For.” 

They may have driven prototypes of models from 2009 and beyond, but it’s impossible for most of us to challenge such lists since these cars are not yet commonly available.

The list looks ahead the next 24 months. 

The list, starting with No. 1

• Acura NSX – With a V10 engine and a six-figure price
• Aston Martin Rapide – With a V12 engine and 470 horsepower.
• Chevrolet Camaro – A choice of a V6 or V8 powertrain; the coupe in 2009, convertible in 2010
• Chevrolet Corvette “Blue Devil” –New and expected to top $100K
• Hyundai Genesis – Starting below $30,000.
• Jaguar XF
• Lexus LF-A
• Lincoln MKS
• Nissan GT-R
• Ford Shelby GT Convertible

Many lists can be rather quirky.

CarAndDriver.com borrowed directly from People magazine and presents its Top 10 Most Beautiful Cars for 2009, topped by the 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizone, no matter that Alfa Romeo no longer sells new cars in America.

On the flip side, Jalopnik.com lists “The Ten Ugliest Cars Currently Sold in the United States,” topped (bottomed?) by the 2009 Ford Focus.

Of course, About.com:Cars lists the Ford Focus as the top new car for teens.

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Are American motorists ready to pay luxury prices for…a Hyundai?

Enter Hyundai Genesis, which as of fall 2008 is expected to surface more and more on roads and highways in the United States.

Unknown Territory

Introduced June 2008 only in standard V6 engine format, by October buyers will be able to tap a new option for the South Korean automaker’s first V8 engine.

The original V6 model started at $33,000, and the more powerful version expected to start around $38,000.

Hyundai’s foray into luxury and power has created a measurable buzz in the automotive industry, for many reasons.

Probably foremost among them is, why is this company known for compact, economy vehicles entering the luxury market?

And why now, when the trend is in the other direction for almost every other automaker?

It’s part of an image makeover for the company, whose name in Korean means modernity.

It’s also part of an effort to be included in sentences with Toyota and Honda. Call it “Japanese envy” perhaps.

But the company aims to be a world player, and who can fault them for trying?

What is the Hyundai Genesis and Why Should We Care?

The broad concept is to build upon Hyundai’s stance as a deliverer of some of the most fuel-efficient cars on Earth.

Why not market a car that offers power and quality to go along with the great gas mileage?

Enter the gamble, Genesis, which Hyundai executives expect to sell at a 20,000-a-year clip. Ultimately the company expects the V6 model to represent about 80% of that amount, the V8 the rest.

The V6 features a 3.8-liter that kicks out 290 horsepower, with an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission. Or bump that to a robust 375 horsepower V8 with its 4.6 liters and ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

Both are rear-wheel drive, a first for Hyundai, and are sold as sedans.

The exterior does not immediately catch the eye, except maybe for the large sporty grille.

Inside, things get better. The Genesis is plush and roomy, with high-quality materials and high-tech gizmos. 

Options include:

• Adaptive front lights
• Front and rear parking sensors
• A 17-speaker Lexicon audio system
• Six-disc in-dash CD player
• A reverse camera
• Cooled driver’s seat
• Rain-sensing wipers

Standard on all models are auxiliary audio input jacks and Bluetooth connectivity.

Hyundai’s Gameplan

The Genesis name fits Hyundai’s strategy, as the next complete makeover step is to go hybrid with the Sonata mid-size sedan. That is planned by 2010, complete with a new generation lithium-ion battery pack.

Indicating its perceived copy-cat stance with Toyota, Hyundai will stick to the hybrid engine with no thoughts of offer a plug-in option. If it works for Toyota, why tinker with success?

Another angle is improving the brand’s reputation for quality. When Hyundai first surfaced in America in 1986, they weren’t exactly known for quality. One of the biggest contrasts with Toyota and Honda who are both known for reliability.

Much has changed. The Hyundai Group, which also owns and operates Kia, focused on quality enough to now rank near the top in J.D. Power quality surveys. Beginning to use some of the industry’s best and longest warranties paved the way for them.

Hyundai now ranks No.7 in terms of sales in America, following in order Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Dodge, and Nissan.  It sells more cars here than Chrysler.

That says much about the brand’s quality perception.  And, perhaps, the Genesis will begin to complete the perception metamorphosis for Hyundai.

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Imagine being able to change the color whenever you feel like it, and change it to any color you can imagine.

The technology is in the works and we may see it emerge as soon as 2010.

How It Works

The human eye sees different colors because of the way light is reflected off of different objects.

Using this principal, a polymer undercoating was developed which contains paramagnetic iron oxide particles.

The particles in these polymers change formation (and subsequently the way they reflect light) when stimulated by an electrical current.

In other words, when you apply electricity, in less than a second they change the color of your entire car.

This coating is called paramagnetic paint and it is applied to the vehicle prior to painting.

A constant electric currant is required to sustain the color, and the default color is white. So when the vehicle is off, so is the color.

The Future is Here

Being able to change the color of your car with the touch of a button still seems like science fiction.

What Might Happen If This Technology Takes Off

The coolness factor alone is enough to move this trend into the consumer market.

However there are a few factors to consider

1. You will probably need to buy that GPS unit just to find your car in the parking lot at Wal Mart.

2. Sooner or later, someone will learn how to hack into car computers and change the color of your car for you.

3. As if car wrapping weren’t bad enough, people will get paid to drive around with high tech advertisements on their cars.

4. There will be a lot more ugly colored cars out there.

There Are Still Reasons We Want One

We’ve just ordered our GPS, and eagerly await this paint’s emergence on the market.

A few reasons we love the idea

1. It WILL impress the ladies.

2. If you are on the run from the police, instantly changing the color of your car could come in handy.

3. Buying an environmentally responsible car won’t sting as bad if it does tricks.

4. They say the color of your car says a lot about you, we can be someone new every day.

The Future of Color-Changing Technology

We can think of many avenues this technology may take in the future.

This polymer can take any metal object with a power source and make it colorful.

Imagine camouflage suits of armor, and appliances that can change color to reflect the users mood.

We are hoping that if these particles can change color, they will be able to display video too.

Hopefully someday we can drive around in Youtube.

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Lately, so much has been written about it and free-fall car sales figures and the economy, why waste time explaining?

The fact of the matter is, after a few years of fat sales and robust revenue figures, those who produce luxury cars are finally being forced to design and market in a brave new world.

Predicting the Future

The automotive world can be like that, designing and producing new models takes a lot of time and money. No one can predict what the market will demand in a month, let alone two years in the future.

Building cars en masse to deliver to a waiting public is no simple task.

Just 30 months ago automakers were pumping out luxury cars at a frenetic pace to meet demand. You would, too, if your product jumped off the shelves or showrooms that fast.

Then, for whatever reason – greedy home-loan financers, the President, war, global warming, whatever – the bottom fell out.

Some industries could adjust quickly, others like the homebuilding and auto industries, take time to absorb the blow.

Selling a Car in Horse Latitudes

We are now beginning to see how luxury car makers plan to combat the economic doldrums.

Just this month, Automotive News reported that Acura, Honda’s luxury division, plans to add its first new vehicle since the RDX small crossover in August 2006.

Acura was the first Japanese luxury import, created to tap into the Mercedes-BMW market. The brand carries Honda’s reputation for quality construction and dependability, and maintains strong fuel economy almost across the board.

It triggered a movement that resulted in Toyota’s Lexus and Nissan’s Infiniti brands, among others.

It didn’t take long for Acura to establish itself for quality, value, and competitive pricing. For more than 20 years the concept worked, and worked well.

Then things started going sideways, leaving Acura executives hustling to adapt.

Company executives started talking about becoming a “tier 1 luxury brand,” starting with a new car that might or not be a coupe, by 2010. This will be Acura’s first new car since the redesigned NSX sports car.

But sources say the new car will be priced in the vicinity of $50,000 – hardly a figure sensitive to recessionary times.

Redesigned to Sell

Overall the division’s sales are down about 15%, and no one knows whether the following month will improve – or worsen.

Interesting is what an Acura dealer in the Los Angeles area recently told Automotive News: “We need to start creating more buzz about our products.”

Acura’s plan? A redesigned TL.

The company says the new TL will have better styling and interior features, and improved technology to assist drivers.

The question is – and this is true for almost all luxury car makers – will it shift Acura’s direction toward newer and broader markets?

Time will tell, but at least the division’s history bodes well.

In its 22 years of existence, Acura has delivered several industry breakthroughs, many envied by its competitors.

Acura introduced the first all-aluminum production car, a state-of-the-art all-wheel handling transmission, and consistently offers high-tech equipment such as global navigation systems and wireless connectivity.

Acura models are pleasurable to drive, packed with attractive features, and more affordable than what their European competitors offer.

But is it enough during an era when the motoring public are becoming leaner and meaner?

The post Luxury Brands Have Changed How They Sell Cars appeared first on Cash for Cars Selling Tips.

Answer: you betcha, this could be one of the biggest stories nationwide

Recent media reports shed light into how lenders and consumers are reacting to the innumerable home foreclosures since late in 2006.

A Nation of Credit

For example, Automotive News reported that the average length of a new-car loan is 64 months, a considerable bump up from 2003’s 61-month loan average.

New car sellers are trying to tap into the market of consumers who are “payment driven,” meaning the monthly payment is more important to them than the overall cost of the car.

In light of the sour economy, hindered in large part by the home-financing debacle, buyers are closely watching their personal budgets.

Also interesting, information on Google indicated that American online new-vehicle shoppers dropped by 16% from March 2007 to March 2008, while during the same period 35% more people visited parts and service sites.

Lately, motorists tend to fix what they have rather than gambling on a lengthy new-car investment.

In response, marketing gurus focused on the automotive industry are presenting programs to help dealers better target online buyers.

The Financing Wave of Tomorrow

What’s interesting is why – marketers are targeting car-buyers’ behavior to increase revenues during these hard times.

Cobalt, a leading provider of marketing services to the retail automotive industry, recently announced new search campaigns for its PowerSearch customers that focus specifically on parts and service.

Cobalt wants to help dealers attract more online surfers to their sites, and in effect increase sales – even if it’s just for parts and services.

As an example, let’s examine information from the U.S. Federal Reserve about consumer credit terms, released in June 2008.

No surprise that interest rates for new car loans increased from 4.55% in late 2007 to 5.49% June 2008.

Of note is that the length of those loans – their “maturity” in months – increased from 62.9 to 63.5.

Car buyers, indeed, are not afraid to pay monthly payments longer, as long as the payments were lower.

New Car Financing in a Tough Market

Then there is how much new car buyers are willing to finance.

In the fourth quarter of 2007, new-car buyers were financing an average of $29,512. Six months later, that number was $24,505.

In fact, in 2008 the average dropped from $27,397 in April 2008 to $24,579 in May, to $24,505 in June.

Figures for July and August 2008 should be interesting. It should be noted that historically the economy stalls during a Presidential election as consumers put off large purchases until they know who will ultimately be in charge.

Perhaps January 2009 will bring sunshine to an otherwise gloomy industry, as the new Commander in Chief generates some confidence.

That might be wishful thinking. The Colorado Springs Business Journal reported in June 2008 that the subprime mortgage crisis has resulted in tighter credit standards for new-car buyers.

A dealership business manager was quoted as saying, “qualifying to buy a car is much more difficult than it was two years ago.”

With nerves rattling about home foreclosures, auto-loan defaults have caught the attention of lenders. Income and spending habits are now very important when trying to finance an auto purchase.

One bank executive noted that defaults on auto loans have increased dramatically for borrowers with credit scores below 720. To cover the risk, interest rates are raised for those without strong credit ratings.

If you are in that boat, expect to get a rate of about 15% for a $15,000, 72-month new-car loan – after kicking in a 10% to 15% down payment.

That rate was 11.9%, with just 5% down for the same loan in 2006.

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