Strategies for Smart Car Buyers
August 22, 2008
For many car shoppers, it's common sense -- if a stereo has a premium label on it, it must produce premium sound. You want the truth? Can you handle the truth? Read on for the Weekly Top 3.
August 1, 2008
As noted in my teaser post, automakers currently find themselves in an awkward transitional period. Consumers suddenly want maximal fuel-efficiency, yet most manufacturers are saddled with gas-guzzling fleets that offer only a few efficient alternatives. So what are they doing about it? Calling Madison Avenue, of course. This week we'll highlight three ways in which marketing mavens are trying to pull the wool over your eyes with misleading MPG claims.
With the sudden increase in gas prices, automakers are scrambling for ways to pitch old products with timely new claims about fuel-efficiency. Are they being honest about it? Are you kidding?! They're doing what companies do -- trying to make their wares look as attractive as possible for the buying public, reality notwithstanding. Tune in later today for our Weekly Top 3, in which we'll highlight three sneaky tactics designed to impress consumers with MPGs while keeping some uncomfortable facts under wraps.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com
July 25, 2008
Conventional wisdom can be a drag when it comes to car shopping. Many shoppers will settle on a particular brand because it has a reputation for this or that virtue, only to discover that the reality is rather different. Or maybe they'll go on believing in that mythical reputation, simply because no one's told them otherwise. That's where this week's Top 3 comes in. We're going to break it down for you -- three examples of brands that either deserve more credit or aren't living up to their reputations.
July 18, 2008
Car shoppers are understandably freaking out about skyrocketing gas prices. Suddenly those big black EPA estimates are among the most important numbers on the window sticker. But in some cases you may be sacrificing a lot in order to get a few extra MPGs. We'd recommend trying to strike a balance between fuel economy and enjoyment, particularly if you spend a lot of time in your car.
Of course, there are some cars that offer both class-leading fuel efficiency and driving pleasure. But the ones to watch out for are the one-trick ponies -- you know, the cars that boast "A Best-In-Class 36 MPG!" but drive like glorified golf carts, or give you all the accoutrements of a farm tractor.
Consider two hypothetical cars -- one that gets a combined 30 mpg, and one that gets a combined 25 mpg. Suppose you drive 12,000 miles a year, and gas costs $5 a gallon. The premium you'll pay for the 25 mpg car over the course of a year is $400. That's not exactly chump change, but we suspect most people would be willing to pay an extra 33 bucks a month for a car they'd actually look forward to driving.
Be sure to check back later today for Against MPG-Mania: Part II, in which we'll move from the hypothetical to the actual and tell you which models we'd avoid despite their high MPG numbers -- and which marginally thirstier models are worth the extra gas money.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com
July 4, 2008
Are you car shopping this weekend?
Are you overwhelmed and clueless about where to start?
For some things, getting started is the hard part. Once you're rolling, you might even enjoy it.
We have an article that will help you get off the dime. It's called "Three-Day Shopping Plan for Holiday Weekends" and it will break down the process and tell you what to do on day one, two and three.
Car buying requires a combination of skills. In the beginning you need to be research oriented and analytical. Then you need to be intuitive as you ponder your choice. And finally, as you enter the deal-making section, you will need to be verbal and socially aware. The three-day plan separates these skills and lets you apply them most effectively.
Also, remember that incentives are rampant right now with everything from Ford's Employee Discount Program to GM's 0 percent financing to Chrysler's $2.99 a gallon gas cards. So, as the story says, check out our Incentives and Rebates page.
So before heading to the car lot, read our user-friendly story. It will save you a bundle. And who knows? Maybe this time around, you'll actually enjoy the process.
Happy 4th of July!
March 2, 2008
December 10, 2007
May 4, 2006
If you've always wanted a Lexus but thought they were a little pricey, you might want to pick up a certified pre-owned (CPO) one. A lot of people are confused about certified used car programs, and there's a chat tonight that could answer all your questions on that subject. I've always thought that buying a CPO car was the easiest way to get a good, reliable used car.
The chat is with Marv Ingram, the National Certified Pre-Owned Fleet Manager for Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota Motors Sales USA...
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