Category Archives: Chevrolet

KBB predicts resale value for Chevrolet Volt

By
Posted in Chevrolet

Buyer beware if you plan on springing for a new Chevrolet Volt: new info from Kelley Blue Book suggests that the car will likely have a pretty low resale value.

According to the used car pricing guide, the $41,000 car will drop down to $17,000 after three years of use, which is the length of an average lease. That means the car retains 41 percent of its value after three years. Compare that to something like the Toyota Prius, which averages about 46 percent of its value, and the car doesn't look so good by comparison.

However, if you factor in the $7,500 federal tax credit, things work out a little better for buyers. Then the purchase price is $33,500, meaning the Volt beats the Prius with 51 percent of its value retained.

The used car guide's prediction makes the assumption that gas will remain at $4 per gallon in 2014. Indeed, the car's value seems to be tied directly to fuel prices. If gas prices were to rise even more between now and then, it's likely the Volt would be valued more highly. Conversely, if people end up paying less for gas, they won't have much incentive to buy a Volt.

Of course, smart shoppers can also take advantage of this fact. If you hold out on purchasing the Volt now, you can score on its low price once they start to hit the used car market. 

New Jersey woman regains stolen car after 36 years

By
Posted in Chevrolet, General Auto News

After an online car-buying transaction gone wrong, a New Jersey woman ended up reunited with her used Chevrolet Camaro, which was stolen 36 years ago.

Keith Williams of Santa Maria, California, frequently buys used cars online, as he collects classic models. A beautifully-restored 1969 Camaro caught his eye, but he was concerned when he got the car. The buyer listed the vehicle as an SS, but Williams noted a number of inconsistencies between that version of the car and the one he had.

Williams went to the police with his findings and they ran the vehicle identification number. That led them to New Jersey, where the Newark Police Department was able to find an old police report – on microfilm – that revealed the car had originally been stolen back in 1975.

The police were able to track down the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, and reunite her with the old car. Williams made out okay, as he had buyer's insurance, which sent him a full refund for the purchase he made online.

Buying used cars online can be a bit dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Instead, consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of vehicles at affordable prices. 

Chevy to recall Cruze for steering issue

By
Posted in Chevrolet, General Auto News

General Motors announced today that it will be recalling its best-selling Chevrolet Cruze model for an issue related to the steering column, which may have been installed incorrectly.

The notice does not cover every Cruze manufactured and sold in the U.S., but rather all of the models shipped from the Lordstown, Ohio, manufacturing plant, some 154,000 vehicles. The automaker became aware of an issue where the steering column may have been improperly fitted to the car in some cases. In addition, dealers will also check for a problem with the shift linkage on automatic versions of the Cruze.

"We think very few vehicles in the population have either issue, but we chose to conduct these inspections to give customers additional peace of mind about the quality of the Cruze," said GM’s vice president of global quality Terry Woychowski. "I conducted a quality inspection of the Lordstown plant this week and I am confident we have made the necessary process changes so neither of these conditions happens again."

GM has invested a lot into the Cruze, which is seen by many analysts as the most significant model for the company since it emerged from bankruptcy. Compact and fuel-efficient, the car has been a hit thus far, and was the second-best seller for the company throughout April behind the Chevrolet Silverado.

New models tend to carry inflated price tags, so drivers may want to wait until the used Chevrolet Cruzes begin hitting New Jersey State Auto Auction, where they can find great savings. 

NHTSA investigates GM fuel issues

By
Posted in Chevrolet

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that it will be opening an investigation into approximately 865,000 vehicles made by General Motors, as the agency has received numerous reports of these cars displaying incorrect fuel levels.

According to complaints received by the agency, some SUV models manufactured by GM between 2005 and 2007 may eventually be affected by the issue. The complaints state that the fuel gauges show that the car has more gas than it actually does. In 58 of the complaints received, the driver actually ran out of gas because of the issue – with one of these unexpected engine stalls leading to an accident.

U.S News reports that the NHTSA supposedly received an additional 610 reports about the problem, though those drivers did not run out of gas.

The models in question are all built on the same platform and include the Saab 9-7X, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy and Buick Rainier. It's worth noting that Saab is no longer part of GM, as it was sold off to a third party.

No official recall has been issued, so drivers will have to wait and see what the NHTSA finds before taking their car in for service.

Drivers interested in a used car or SUV should be aware of any potential recall or safety news for the vehicles they're considering. Once they've decided on a model, New Jersey State Auto Auction can offer them an affordable price. 

Chevy announces 2012 Corvette changes

By
Posted in Auto Industry News, Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most famous models in existence, and each year General Motors keeps making adjustments. The 2012 version of the vehicle isn't a complete redesign, but it does feature a number of upgrades over the 2011 version that drivers may want to consider.

This year, GM has focused on upgrading the interior of the Corvette for a more pleasurable driving experience. The optional Bose audio system has been upgraded from seven speakers to nine, and buyers can also upgrade to a technology package that includes Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port. Comfort has been addressed as well, with a brand-new seat featuring padded armrests.

"We constantly strive to make the Corvette a better car on the road and the track," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "For 2012, the Corvette lineup achieves its highest performance level ever, while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to several changes and new features inside the car."

Drivers interested in purchasing a used Chevrolet Corvette may want to consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of cars for sale at affordable prices.
 

Volt, Leaf, earn safety commendations

By
Posted in Chevrolet, General Auto News, Nissan

Customers who buy a Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt can now drive not only knowing that they're helping the environment, but that they're also in a very safe vehicle.

Both electric cars received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) coveted "Top Safety Pick" award, which puts them in the top 57 percent of vehicles tested. Both vehicles posted strong marks in front, side and rear crash tests.

Joe Nolan, chief administrative officer for the test, said that the vehicles' extra body mass and weight of their battery packs made them overall safer vehicles compared to similarly-sized hatchbacks and compacts.

"What powers the wheels is different, but the level of safety for the Volt and Leaf is as high as any of our other top crash test performers," he told Reuters.

The IIHS is underwritten by insurance companies and primarily provides them with data on the safety of a vehicle so that the insurers can adjust their premiums accordingly.

The Volt and Leaf are still pricey, so drivers might be better served by waiting for them to hit the used car market before they make their purchase. Once they do, New Jersey State Auto Auction can provide a fair deal on the two models or any other vehicles that a driver may be considering.

Chevrolet to offer Eco package on Malibu

By
Posted in Chevrolet

Drivers looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle have been flocking to the Chevrolet Cruze Eco, which is a special package available on the regular Cruze compact. Essentially, this upgrade adds extra features like air shutters to improve the vehicle's fuel efficiency.

The idea has been successful for GM, so the automaker is now looking to bring "Eco" packages to other models. First up is the recently-unveiled 2013 Chevy Malibu. The car recently debuted at the Shanghai International Auto Show, but already the automaker has announced that the Malibu will be available with the Eco packages.

Outfitting the Cruze with the Eco trim level bumps the highway miles per gallon up to 42, but Chevy doesn't believe that the Malibu will crack 40 mpgs with its highway rating. Instead, the automaker revealed that it is expecting EPA-rated mileage of 38 on the highway and 26 in the city for the Malibu Eco.

And unlike the Cruze version, the Eco won't be using air shutters to achieve the higher rating. Instead, it will be getting a battery system that will technically turn it into a hybrid, although these types of cars are referred to as "mild hybrids."

Drivers in the market for a vehicle with great fuel efficiency may want to check out New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of cars for sale.
 

GM pushes up start date for Malibu

By
Posted in Auto Industry News, Chevrolet

In an unusual move, General Motors has announced that it will be pushing up the scheduled production of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, meaning buyers may see the car four months ahead of schedule.

The car was originally slated to begin production in May 2012, but a perceived "hole" in GM's release lineup prompted the company to push the production up sooner to January, according to the Detroit News. Reportedly, new CEO Dan Akerson felt that the company did not have enough guaranteed top sellers being released between now and then, so he asked that changes to the schedule be made to accommodate the Malibu.

"Since Mr. Akerson came aboard, he's challenging us to move faster and this is the latest example," GM spokesman Dave Darovitz told the news provider.

As Chevrolet's midsize sedan contender, the Malibu is one of the top sellers for the company, moving nearly 200,000 units last year alone. A redesign generally tends to boost those numbers even higher.

Chevrolet will unveil the new car next week at the Shanghai Auto Show, with the event simulcast on the company's Facebook page. The car will also be at the upcoming New York Auto Show.

Drivers interested in the new model will still have to wait a bit for the release, so they may want to spring for a used Chevy Malibu from New Jersey State Auto Auction in the meantime. 

Camaro’s power boost to push it past Mustang

By
Posted in Auto Industry News, Chevrolet

Throughout the history of the automobile industry, one of the top rivalries has always been the Chevrolet Camaro vs. the Ford Mustang. These two pony cars have gone toe-to-toe since the late sixties, and it doesn't appear the war will be over anytime soon.

Chevrolet revealed today that the new 2012 Camaro will be getting an 11-horsepower upgrade on the V6 model in order to increase its power past that of its rival, the Ford Mustang. However, the Camaro won't sacrifice any fuel economy to do so – still achieving 30 mpgs on the highway. The current version of the Camaro is already outselling the Mustang, so this announcement will likely have the engineers at Ford scrambling to increase the power on their model.

In addition to the performance boost, Chevrolet will also offer a "45th anniversary" edition of the car this summer. This trim level will be mostly cosmetic, with unique badges, a red and silver racing stripe, a black interior with white dashboard and more. Besides this, Chevrolet has redesigned the steering wheel and added an option rear camera.

Drivers interested in a Camaro or Mustang should realize that these cars can be a bit expensive. It might be better to search for a used model from New Jersey State Auto Auction than buy new.
 

Chevy to recall Cruze for steering wheel issue

By
Posted in Auto Industry News, Chevrolet

It seems like something out of a cartoon – a steering wheel coming off in the driver's hands while the car is still moving. Yet that's exactly what happened to one unfortunate Chevrolet Cruze driver – leading General Motors to issue a recall.

The affected driver was reportedly able to get over to the side of the road safely without getting into an accident, but the incident prompted Chevrolet to look into the matter. The automaker found that on a select number of models made at a certain factory, the wrong steering wheel had been initially attached. This issue was later corrected, but the correct steering wheel was not properly fastened in some cases.

GM claims that the recall affects approximately 2,100 vehicles, a relatively small number compared to the size of many recent recalls. However, the problem is serious enough that drivers should take notice. The recall has already begun and drivers have been notified. Dealership service staff will check the wheel and ensure that it is correctly attached to the steering column.

Keeping appraised of the latest recall and safety news can help buyers make a decision between several different models. Once they're ready to test out some vehicles, they should consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide variety of cars for sale.