Jamie McMurray wants drivers of used cars in New York to stay safe

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News, Ford

Nascar drive Jamie McMurray understands that driving in risky situations can increase the risk for injury and damage to one’s vehicle since he drives more than 150 mph at work. He is hopeful that owners of used cars in New York will take advantage of a program to limit drunk driving and keep motorists safe.

That’s why he will be strapping into a Ford Fusion that looks a lot like his raceday vehicle and provide free rides home in Indianapolis to fans and others who may be too intoxicated to drive themselves during race weekend.

“Racing in Indy is always special, but participating in the Safe Rides Home program the last few years really allows me to interact one-on-one with some of the most passionate race fans in the world,” said McMuray. “Once [passengers] realize I’m a cautious driver, we usually start chatting and before we know it, have arrived at their home and they are thanking me … for the safe ride.”

Similar efforts are available nationwide, and allow drivers who may feel they are unable to operate a vehicle to get a ride home without the hassle of finding a taxi service during busy Friday and Saturday nights.

German automakers vie for control as consumers look for used cars in New York

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Volkswagen - DO NOT USE

Two intertwined German automakers are locked into a negotiations struggle over who will own whom, and buyers looking at used cars in New York may soon see Volkswagen take control of Porsche.

The principal problem in trying to understand what’s been happening is that several people are top shareholders in both organizations, and that means that a potential deal could involve anything from a sale of Porsche to Volkswagen, or to Qatar-based investors, reported Reuters.

There are two large numbers that have to be factored in: the taxes from the deal would be be well over $4 billion to merge the two automakers, and the debt of Porsche’s parent company which is more than $10 billion, according to the news provider.

A combination of the two firms would bring makes like Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen all under the same roof, but sources told Bloomberg that a deal isn’t likely until July 29, at the earliest.

“This drama doesn’t seem to end,” said Stefan Bratzel, head of the Center of Automotive Research Institute in Bergisch Gladbach, told the wire service. “Neither Porsche nor Volkswagen can afford any further distraction.”

More people buying used cars in New Jersey

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Edmunds says that there are roughly 100,000 shoppers in the planning and research stages of purchasing a used car in New Jersey and other states, according to recent research.

As dealers continue to offer increasing incentives to spur sales, prospective buyers may find that they have waited too long.

“There has been a recent surge of purchase intent that has not translated into sales,” Dr David Tompkins, Edmunds.com senior analyst. “Given that these 100,000 shoppers represent about 10 percent of monthly sales, automakers and dealers should find a way to capitalize on the opportunity and entice these folks to actually buy.”

An L.A. Times report also sheds light on reasons to consider making a purchase of a used car in New Jersey sooner rather than later, explaining that as people hold onto their cars longer, there is a smaller supply of used cars available from trade-ins and former rentals.

Edmunds.com analysts say that the average trade-in car is driven an extra 8,000 miles before buyers consider bringing it in, the equivalent of 8 months more for the average driver.

Turiaf’s SUV may inspire used car buyers in New Jersey

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News, Chevrolet

If it wasn’t for the clearcoat on top of the paint, buyers considering used Chevrolet Tahoes in New Jersey may not be able to spot former NBA star Ronny Turiaf’s all-black custom rig.

The hoopster was spotted as he took delivery of his car from Platinum Motorsports, and with the smoked lenses, limousine-style tint and black wheels accented just barely by light-colored paint, buyers could think Turiaf was looking for some privacy.

While he didn’t mention the reason for the new exterior finish, buyers considering used Chevrolet Tahoes in New Jersey may want to take a look at the 2004 model for an SUV that can fit up to 9 people, allowing drivers and passengers the same height advantage on the road that the former basketball player enjoyed(enjoys) on the court.

Although it has enough room for most families, Cars.com reviewer Jim Flammang notes that the Tahoe is actually more manageable sizewise than competitors like the Ford Expedition and big brother Suburban because of it’s shorter wheelbase and overall length.

He added that with a smooth ride and good engine, the “performance is abundant” for drivers who wish to test it.

How to assess the value of used cars in New York

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Posted in General Auto News

When trying to estimate the value of a used car in New York, the make and model may give a benchmark for buyers, but it is often how the car has been driven that can drive prices into or out of a potential owner’s price range.

A survey of prospective buyers and sellers found that many looked at mileage as the chief factor in determining a car’s selling price, according to research conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs.

That may not tell the whole story, according to car researchers at Carmax.com. They say that an appraisal of the car may offer buyers of used cars in New York a better understanding of how the car was driven. For example, a delivery vehicle may have been operated much differently from a car used to attend church on Sundays.

However, other conditions that affect the price a buyer may be willing to pay noted by the survey respondents receive equal weight from the experts, including verifiable reports of regular maintenance and limited structural damage.

Owners of used cars in New Jersey can benefit from green driving tactics that save money

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Posted in General Auto News

Car owners who drive used cars in New Jersey may want to help the environment, but but they may be enticed by options that are cost-effective as well.

One company that operates a fleet of large trucks recently sent its drivers to learn how to drive in a way that reduces carbon emissions, but there was another reason at play: reducing fuel consumption by some 26,000 gallons, or 10 percent of the company’s fuel usage each year.

As Molex manager Joel Eurich says, the truckers who took the 90-minute course help the company to “minimize the environmental …impacts of our business activities,” but it also represents “cost savings for the company as we reduce our fuel usage.”

Drivers of used cars in New Jersey may not need to take the course to use some of the concepts the truckers learned about.

Instead, if they reduce the weight of their vehicles by taking out unneeded items in the backseat and trunk, make sure that they give themselves enough space on the road to deal with potential accidents and traffic conditions and use cruise control properly, they too can save money on their fuel bills each year.

Used Volvo S40s in New York may be a worthwhile addition to college freshmen

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Posted in Volvo - DO NOT USE

As just-graduated high school seniors prepare for their first year of college they may have put a mini-fridge, twin extra-long sheets and maybe even a desk lamp on their packing list. But what about a mode of transportation for campus cruising like a used car in New York?

Especially on suburban campuses, students who have their own transportation may find that they can have access to more off-campus activities, and convince Mom and Dad that the purchase will also allow for more family visits if they have their own car to use for travel home, say AutoWeek editors.

They recently released a list of the best cars for rising freshman to have when they head off to college, and while there are some new cars on the list, the editors also included used cars that are more affordable, especially Volvos which can be reliable even after being driven for thousands of miles.

A used Volvo S40 in New York may offer reliability in a package that Cars.com reviewer Jim Flammang says is marketed to younger buyers.

Unlike some of the cars picked by AutoWeek editors, the 2004 model is a four-door sedan that can fit more people than some compact hatchbacks, he notes, and it still has the safety features found in all Volvos that can ease parents’ concerns as they send their sons and daughters away to school.

Used cars in New York can go to local repair shops without voiding warranties

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Drivers of used cars in New York may worry that with the realignment of General Motors and Chrysler that has led to the closure of more than 1,000 dealerships, many of which no longer retain their service departments, it may be necessary to drive further to find a dealer-sponsored mechanic.

While that could be a concern for some who think that only mechanics at a dealership can do repairs on cars without voiding the warranty, the Car Care Council says that that is not the case.

“Legally, you can have maintenance performed by any mechanic without affecting your warranty,” notes a recent Conumer Reports advisory piece. “Just keep thorough records in case of a warranty claim.”

Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, customers can be sure that their warranties will remain in effect even if they use one of the 130,000 local shops around the country.

While the shops now cover more than 70 percent of repairs for used cars in New York and other states, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, those looking for quality will find that repair shops with ASE-certified technicians and good customer references may provide better service.

Used Pontiac G8s in New Jersey may be last option for enthusiasts who don’t wear a badge

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Pontiac - DO NOT USE

Used Pontiac G8s in New Jersey are unlikely to see newer counterparts in the form of rebadged 2010 models that would be marketed as Chevrolet Caprices, according to General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson.

While Bob Lutz, GM director of marketing[,] told Autoweek that the sedan would see service either in police cruiser trim or as a Caprice, Henderson put the kibosh on any such rumors.

He said that the Australian-sourced G8 could be offered for law enforcement applications, but did not anticipate rebranding or re-badging the car, which GM is expected to cease importing this year, according to an AutoBlog report.

While the G8 was only produced in 2008 and 2009, buyers could also consider older models, like a 2005 used Pontiac GTO in New Jersey.

Both models are “captive imports,” meaning they were both built by Australian automaker Holden and based off that company’s Commodore sedan.

With aggressive hood scoops and a base engine making 350 horsepower, the power belies the ability for the coupe to comfortably fit four adults, note Cars.com editors.

Used Nissan 350Zs in New Jersey may offer similar performance to new update

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Posted in Nissan

The good news: the newest in a long line of Nissan Z cars has recently been introduced. The better news: those who fell in love with the styling cues of older versions can pick up a used Nissan 350Z in New Jersey at a fraction of the price.

The drop-top version of the new car will have 25 more horsepower, different interior accessories and a price tag that starts at $36,000, reports Nissan North America.

But a 2006 model would still put 300 horsepower to the ground, and the mid-production cycle updates widened the stance of the car to improve handling, according to a Cars.com review.

“Simply put, the 350Z is a sweet machine” because of the updates, writes Jim Flammang in the review. “Steering could hardly be more precise, confident and satisfying.”

And without any rebates or other incentives, buyers considering a used Nissan 350Z in New Jersey will be paying thousands less for a driving experience noted by Flammang and others, whether they choose a coupe or a convertible.