Future police interceptors may closely resemble used Pontiac G8s in New York

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Pontiac - DO NOT USE

In a corporate game of the hokey-pokey that is still ongoing, General Motors President Fritz Henderson is now in, suggesting that a deal could soon be in the works for police cars in the U.S. that look a lot like used Pontiac G8s in New York.

The G8 and the previously discontinued GTO were both platforms sourced from GM’s Australian affiliate Holden, and although Pontiac is no longer in business, some law enforcement agencies might be interested in the Holden Commodore, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

“We’ve been working on a package for police applications [like the Los Angeles Police Department and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I just think that’s going to work,” Henderson told the newspaper. “We’re pretty optimistic about it and that product will be sourced in Australia.”

While GM’s head of marketing Bob Lutz had previously issued statements implying that there would be future models that would take the mantle held by used Pontiac G8s in New York as a platform for rear-wheel drive sedans, Henderson has been more cautious.

Star Wars actress could prompt sales of used Lexus GS sedans in New Jersey

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News, Lexus - DO NOT USE

In the third Star Wars movie, Return of the Jedi, Carrie Fisher starred as a princess from Alderaan who is chained near a villain’s throne. When she’s on the move, however, she drives something that looks less like a starfighter and more like a used Lexus GS sedan in New Jersey.

When the Hollywood paparazzi from TMZ caught up with her, she was heading to her Lexus sedan, though she took the time to answer some questions about her career in the movies. Unfortunately, she didn’t shed too much light on her rationale for buying the Japanese luxury car.

But buyers considering a used Lexus GS sedan in New Jersey don’t have to know an x-ray machine from an X-wing to consider some of the attractive features of the midsize sedan.

The 2006 model of the GS300 is ready to compete against the likes of the BMW 5-series or the Audi A6 in a package that offers responsive steering and a vigorous takeoff, notes a Cars.com review.

“Eye-catching styling includes a four-headlight front end, a sloping rear roof and a tall tail,” the website adds. “This profile helps give the GS a distinctive appearance, which looks more European than Japanese in origin.”

Used Ford Focuses in New Jersey may offer fuel efficiency while waiting for electric version

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

A set of electrically powered Ford Focus models were shown off at the Frankfurt Auto Show in advance of a demonstration partially sponsored by the British government, but stateside owners can benefit from fuel efficient used Ford Focuses in New Jersey while they wait.

Engineers at Ford of Europe are working with British universities to test 15 of the compact cars in real-life testing over a variety of driving conditions.

“Electrification is a key element in the effective use of Ford’s global resources and talents,” said John Fleming, Ford of Europe chairman and CEO. “The development of this fleet of Focus BEV prototypes is an important step in our goal of delivering more efficient and sustainable mobility solutions.”

While those cars may be the future, gas-sipping used Ford Focuses in New Jersey are available now, including the 2004 model which comes in a variety of configuarations such as sedans and hatchbacks.

“The 2004 Ford Focus is a wonderful small car that’s fun to drive [and] frugal with fuel,” note Edmunds.com editors, adding that it has a “spacious interior” coupled with a “fun-to-drive character.”

Actress’ spotting in luxury SUV could be reason to buy used Mercedes Benz G-classes in New York

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News, Mercedes-Benz

Renee Zellweger has been spotted on several occasions making her way through Los Angeles in a military-inspired German car, and it could inspire future purchases of used Mercedes Benz G-Classes in New York.

The actress hasn’t explained her reason for appearing in at least three separate versions of the luxury SUV, but it may have something to do with the commanding presence that melds luxury with the protection of a design originally offered to armed forces in Europe.

While it has the luxury automaker’s interior design cues, buyers may also be interested in owning a used Mercedes Benz G-class in New York for its ability to manage offroad issues with aplomb.

“Not only does the G500 look ready to tackle the most demanding terrain, but it also feels ready,” notes a Cars.com review of the 2005 model.

Along with the variety of terrain it can manage, buyers may also be interested in the heated front rear seats and automatic climate controls in the cabin, as well as a premium sound system, notes the website.

Buyers looking to match government mandate may drive sales of used Volkswagens in New York

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Volkswagen - DO NOT USE

A new federal fuel standard will require the nation’s automobiles to have an average fuel mileage of 35.5 miles per gallon by the 2012 model year, but buyers who consider used Volkswagen Jettas in New York powered by diesel engines may already be ahead of the curve.

The new initiative was announced by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation and will be the first nationwide standard to include the effects of emissions, according to the agencies.

“These proposed standards would help consumers save money at the gas pump, help the environment, and decrease our dependence on oil – all while ensuring that consumers still have a full range of vehicle choices,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood during the announcement.

People in the market for a car won’t have to look at either more expensive new cars or hybrids if they want to match the government’s goals, since used Volkswagen Jettas in New York may offer similar fuel efficiency.

The 2006 model had an EPA estimated city fuel mileage of 36 mph, and 41 mpg in highway driving in a “fairly quiet package,” notes a Cars.com review.

Used Toyota Priuses in New Jersey may be cost-effective electric option

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Toyota

Toyota executives expressed reservations at the Frankfurt Auto Show about the current costs of electrically-assisted cars, but buyers who want an affordable and environmentally friendly vehicle could take a look at less expensive used Toyota Priuses in New Jersey.

The company has been testing new lithium-ion batteries that have reportedly shown promise as replacements for the costly nickel metal hydride batteries currently used in Prius production, but it may be another decade before new models become cost effective for mass market consumption, reports CNET Tech News.

Electric vehicles of today are less costly than in 1990s, but if you compare them with the other vehicles out there they are still too expensive,” Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive vice president, told the news provider. “Unless there is a very big breakthrough in battery costs I don’t think electric vehicles can take a large market share.”

Thanks to the depreciation common to pre-owned vehicles, however a used Toyota Prius in New Jersey may offer increased fuel economy at a price that may be attractive to more buyers.

New GM marketing plan could turn buyers to used cars in New Jersey

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Consumers who don’t want to see their tax dollars put towards efforts to keep automakers like General Motors afloat may want to take a look at used cars in New Jersey in light of news concerning the source of funding for a new marketing initiative.

The National Taxpayers Union says that a recent report from a Congressional oversight panel finds that GM is unlikely to be able to pay back a $50 billion investment made by the government with public funds earlier this year. In spite of that news, the organization notes that General Motors is still moving forward with a money back guarantee program.

The fine print hasn’t been finalized yet, but GM vice president of marketing Bob Lutz says that in its basic form, the automaker will accept returns of any car that has been on the road for less than two months or driven less than 4,000 miles.

“According to the State of New York Banking Department, a new car loses up to 20 percent of its value the second it drives off a dealer’s lot,” reports the NTU in a statement on the program. “Should taxpayers be footing this bill for GM’s Zipcar-like incentive program?”

General Motors plan may increase number of used cars in New Jersey

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Late night infomercials often tout that their products come with a money-back guarantee. Now General Motors is offering a similar 60-day guarantee, and the company admits that it may increase the supply of used cars in New Jersey and other states.

Buyers who are looking at Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicles now have the opportunity to return their purchases for up to two months and receive the full purchase price, notes Forbes. The campaign is designed to improve the perception of GM’s build quality, which has been seen as lacking compared to other manufacturer’s offerings.

“The parents went bankrupt, but the kids had nothing to do with it,” Lutz told the magazine of the new campaign, which avoids the stigma of government bailouts by not including the GM logo. “In the public eye, the brands are morally exonerated from the unfortunate moral event that befell their parents.”

The plan includes funding for a return rate of up to 3 percent of cars purchased, meaning that the company is willing to consider that several cars out of each one hundred sold could be returned, notes thetruthaboutcars.com. Although company officials estimate that fewer than 3 percent will actually be returned, they admit that it could increase the supply of used cars in New Jersey and nationwide.

Used Subaru Tribecas in New York may offer room for 7 for half price

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Posted in Subaru - DO NOT USE

Subaru recently announced the price points for its Tribeca crossover SUV, and while buyers may be interested in the features offered, a used Subaru Tribeca in New York may offer similar capabilities for a much lower price tag.

There are options for 10-speaker sound systems, 18-inch alloy wheels and satellite radio in the upscale trim lines, as well as a six-CD changer. But the asking price for standard models hovers around $40,000, and the premium packages can add another $10,000 to what new car dealerships are asking for.

Instead, even a more recent model could be an attractive option both for its price point and design compared to other models in the class.

The 2007 model is one year that offers buyers considering used Subaru Tribecas in New York a midsize SUV with an upscale interior and standard all-wheel drive, according to Edmunds.com reviewers.

Best for families with kids, “the Tribeca’s highway ride is smooth and the cabin remains quiet,” and is a good choice for “road trips but not so great for tackling a favorite mountain pass in record time,” the website notes.

Jets fans who own used cars in New Jersey could benefit from car insurance discounts

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Posted in General Auto News

With football season beginning, it may be time to take a look at saving some money that could be put towards tickets and souvenirs. One insurance company is teaming up with the New York Jets to offer reduced rates for used cars in New Jersey.

High Point Insurance says that it can offer more affordable coverage for season ticket holders, team employees and other individuals in the state thanks to a partnership it recently brokered with the Jets.

“We’ve all worked hard to secure a win-win relationship where thousands of fans like me will now be able to get a better rate on their auto insurance through this new partnership,” said John Benton, the agent who worked with the team’s corporate office to start the new initiative.

While it may be one option for those who live in green on Sundays, similar corporate sponsorships may also be a way to save on insurance premiums on used cars in New Jersey. High Point has agreements with local realtors’ and dentists’ associations, and other companies may be able to offer a discount based on employment affiliation.