Automotive News Info

Baby Boomers’ Top 10 Dream Cars, Cars that baby boomers love most

2011-08-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Baby Boomers’ Top 10 Dream Cars, Cars that baby boomers love most

Most Corvettes and Porsche Boxters are sold to folks between the ages of 46 and 64.

Officially defined as those born between 1946 and 1965 (for the math deficient, that means they’re between 46 and 64 years old), so-called Baby Boomers are ditching their SUVs and minivans in favor of flashier and more luxurious vehicles these days.

“Many Baby Boomers are experiencing another phase in their life, the nest is empty and because they have reached a heightened income level giving them both time and financial freedom, they chose vehicles that provide them with a luxurious, safe feel and a youthful, sporty drive,” says Jesse Toprak, Vice President of Trends and Analysis at TrueCar.com.

So what are they buying? Plenty of convertibles, as it turns out–apparently they like the feel of the wind whipping across their receding hairlines. Based on TrueCar’s statistics, here is the top-10 list of vehicles from the 2009 and 2010 model years most favored by those of a certain age (prices cited are for 2011 model-year cars):

10. Chevrolet Corvette

MSRP: $49,045-$110,300

That 63.8 percent of all Corvettes are sold to Baby Boomers is a no-brainer. Most have probably lusted after the venerable ‘Vette since they were kids. This remains the quintessential American sports car, coming in coupe, convertible and removable-top versions, with assorted flavors of V8 muscle. The top ZR1 affords ultimate bragging rights, at least among Corvette enthusiasts.

9. Mercedes-Benz M-class

MSRP: $55,790

Aging hippies with money to spend need look no further that the “green” version of Mercedes’ plush-yet-rugged midsize SUV. Here, a gasoline engine teams with an electric motor/generator and a self-charging battery pack to boast respectable fuel economy. TrueCar.com says the automaker sells 64 percent of them to Baby Boomers.

8. Chevrolet Aveo

MSRP: $11,965-$15,365

Okay, so not all cars on this list are either luxury models or convertibles, and we’d hardly characterize the subcompact Aveo as anyone’s “dream car.” Still, empty nesters tapped out by paying for college tuition or making a late effort to sock away retirement savings bought 65.1 percent of Chevy’s smallest and least-expensive sedans and hatchbacks during 2009 and 2010. Small and underpowered, frugality is its prime virtue.

7. Volvo C70

MSRP: $39,950

Powered by a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, this compact retractable hardtop convertible delivers adequate – though far from overwhelming – performance. Still, that makes it passive-aggressive summer fun for Boomers, to whom 65.3 percent of C70’s are sold.

6. Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet

MSRP: $42,450-$59,050

Based on the two-door version of the popular midsize Audi A4 sedan, this enticing convertible comes in quick and quicker versions, with 66.1 percent in the U.S. sold to those between 46 and 64 years old. There’s a choice of a peppy turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the A5, or a supercharged V6 under the hood of the S5 for maximum thrust.

5. Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

MSRP: $27,999-$32,599

The convertible version of Mitsubishi’s long-running Eclipse sports car has a 66.5 percent following among those on the verge of retirement. It remains a curvy looking alternative to retro-styled domestic-branded two-doors like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, and is reasonably priced to afford fun in the sun for those with only modest portfolios.

4. Land Rover LR2

MSRP: $35,700-$40,650

Land Rover’s smallest model is technically a crossover SUV, though it’s more off-road capable than most, thanks to a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Powered by a V6 engine, it’s both fun and practical, and is the least-expensive way to buy into the brand, which is probably why Land Rover sells 67 percent of all LR2s to empty nesters.

3. Mercedes-Benz SL

MSRP: $102,600-$198,750.

This two-seat roadster features a retractable metal roof for four-season fun. It’s as plush as an S-Class, albeit with a much-smaller cabin, and is more entertaining to drive with quicker handling. Power comes from either a base V8, quicker twin-turbo V8 or a truly fast twin-turbo V12, with lots of high-tech gadgetry available. Nearly 70 percent are sold to what we’re certain are among the most-affluent Baby Boomers.

2. BMW 6 Series Convertible

MSRP: $90,500

With quick V8 power, sensational cornering abilities and understated good looks, 79.8 percent of all 6 Series Convertibles are sold to Boomers. There’s a small back seat, but it’s best thought of as a padded cargo shelf.

1. Porsche Boxster

MSRP: $48,100-$61,800

A low slung convertible that’s able to careen two passengers through the curves like few amusement-park thrill rides, TrueCar.com says Porsche is selling 84.2 percent of its two-seat Boxsters to Baby Boomers.

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Easiest Cars to Bargain For, Cars that are easiest to bargain for

2011-08-14T18:34:00.001-07:00

Easiest Cars to Bargain For, Cars that are easiest to bargain for

The Mercedes-Benz SLK can be bought for a lot less than MSRP thanks to a number of factors.

Only the wealthiest – or most foolish – car shoppers will pay full price for a new car. For the rest of us, negotiating the lowest possible price on a given vehicle can amount to saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the model.

While all makes and models come with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), their final transaction prices are usually negotiable, at least to some degree. According to the Automotive Intelligentsia Money-Saving New Car Guide, the price that a given new-car buyer ultimately pays is a peculiarly and almost constantly moving target that’s subject to a wide range of economic, internal and external factors ranging from the time honored forces of supply and demand to the value of an automaker’s retail incentives and promotions and a dealer’s sheer willingness (or resistance) to sell a particular car for less money.

While the Internet has helped soften the process somewhat by allowing buyers to obtain and compare online price quotes, these aren’t necessarily the lowest attainable prices. Automotive Intelligentsia suggests buyers consult online pricing sources before setting foot in a dealership, making note of both a model’s MSRP and its so-called invoice price, including options. The idea is to negotiate a transaction price that’s as close to invoice as possible – a dealer’s actual cost is usually a few percent lower. If the manufacturer is offering a direct-to-consumer cash rebate, deduct it from the transaction price only after you’ve negotiated the deal to your satisfaction.
We’ve compiled a list of the Easiest Cars to Bargain For, based on TrueCar.com’s Price Flex index as published in its July 2011 TrueTrends report. These are the models in each automotive segment having the highest Price Flex scores, which indicate the largest range of transaction prices.

Subcompact Car: Honda CR-Z

With gas selling for nearly $4.00 a gallon, fuel-saving hybrid cars have become hot items. One possible exception would be the subcompact Honda CR-Z, which only seats two passengers and offers little in the way of practicality. CR-Z sales amounted to just 878 units in July, and Honda dealers probably had to offer bargain prices to move that many of them. By comparison, the more-practical midsize Toyota Prius hybrid sold a segment-leading 7,907 units over the same 31 days. Still, the CR-Z has its merits as being fun to drive, with lively acceleration and crisp handling, and selectable “sport” and “eco” modes to enhance either its performance or fuel economy, which tops out at 35-city/39-highway mpg. MSRP: $19,345–$20,905; Invoice Price: $18,260-$19,726.

Small SUV: Mitsubishi Outlander

With a new Outlander Sport model having debuted for 2011, sales of the slightly larger existing Outlander have plummeted. Dealers are probably cutting deep into their already slim margins to move Outlanders off the lots. Mitsubishi’s giving buyers a $1,000 rebate on the Outlander, with dealers getting an extra $500 they can further leverage to lower the transaction price. It remains a lively ride with decent ride and handling qualities and a choice of a standard 2.4-liter engine or a considerably peppier V6. MSRP: $21,995–$27,795; Invoice Price: $21,066-$26,621.

Midsize Car: Nissan Altima

Sales of Nissan’s best selling car, the stylish midsize Altima, were up 16.8 percent this July, though dealers are probably dropping prices to keep moving the metal in what is the most competitive segment in the car business. The Altima comes in sedan and coupe versions, with a choice of fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine or a more-powerful V-6. The car’s handling is a bit more playful than with more-passive midsize stalwarts like the class-leading Toyota Camry. Nissan is currently offering a cash rebate of $1,500 on the Altima. MSRP: $20,270–$30,540; Invoice Price: $19,431-$28,294.

Midsize SUV: Toyota FJ Cruiser

This midsize truck-based SUV carries a throwback exterior design that’s loosely based on the automaker’s original FJ40 4X4 from the late 1950’s. It’s changed little since it debuted for 2007, even as much of the market for such models has since moved on to more amenable car-based crossover models. And at that the FJ Cruiser is a rather unadorned model with a fuel-thirsty V6 engine and a rough-and-tumble ride that carries little appeal even to purposeful SUV buyers. Toyota sold just 1,259 FJ Cruisers in July versus 3,393 of the more-accommodating 4Runner truck-based SUVs and 9,552 Highlander crossover SUVs. MSRP: $25,790–$27,380; Invoice Price: $23,985-$25,464.

Large Car: Chrysler 300

A redesigned version of Chrysler’s flagship sedan arrived for 2011 with great fanfare. Offered in V6 and V8-powered models with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, it replaces a version that carried over with only few changes since model-year 2004. According to TrueCar.com’s Jesse Toprak, early sales of the new domestic models are typically made to loyal customers and company employees who tend to garner deep discounts, so it’s not clear whether dealers will be slashing their margins on the 300 in the months ahead. Still, sales were only nominally higher this July than they were on the previous generation during the same month in 2010 at 2,415 versus 2,282 units, which is hardly a success story. MSRP: $31,170- $40,320; Invoice Price: $29,902-$38,319.

Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

While it remains one of the brand’s top-selling models, sales of the compact C-Class sedan were off by 14.2 percent in July, with a revamped 2012 version arriving this fall. The 2011 vintage offers a choice of two V6 engines and an overpowering 451-hp V8 in the high-performance C63 AMG. It’s appropriately plush inside and delivers a rewarding driving experience that’s either on the softer side in Luxury versions or with tauter handling in Sport models. MSRP: $33,990-$58,200; Invoice Price: $31,611-$54,126.

Luxury Sports Car: Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

With a redesigned 2012 version of the diminutive SLK roadster just arriving, Mercedes-Benz dealers have likely been cutting their margins to clear their inventories of the outgoing 2011 model. The two-seat SLK features a retractable hardtop with a sport-tuned suspension and a choice of V6 engines. The 2012 model features updated styling and modest improvements, but astute buyers who are willing to drive off in the 2011 model should be able to save a decent amount of cash. MSRP: $47,650–$53,300; Invoice Price: $44,314-$49,569.

Luxury SUV: Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

While logic dictates that smaller crossover SUVs should be outselling larger, costlier and less fuel-efficient ones these days, the opposite is true at Mercedes-Benz. Sales have been headed downward on the nimble five-passenger GLK but are actually surging on the seven-passenger GL. The GLK can more than hold its own against other luxury compact crossovers with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers quick acceleration, and a comfortable cabin that can be fitted with many high-tech conveniences. MSRP: $35,500–$37,500; Invoice Price: $33,015-$34,875.

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The most beautiful new cars of 2011

2011-08-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

The most beautiful new cars of 2011

The Jaguar XKR-S and Aston Martin V12 Zagato are both drawing raves for their sleek styling.

Last week in Water Mill, N.Y., more than 100 Ferrari owners gathered to celebrate their passion for the brand.

They parked their Scagliettis and Testarossas on the lush green lawn of a 50-acre estate with polo fields and an azure pool filled with Moet-branded life preservers. Then they drove on a 36-mile loop around the poshest of Hamptons neighborhoods before returning for an evening polo match, Brazilian music and hors d’oeuvres. Invited guests milled the grounds drinking champagne and drooling over the vehicles.

It was all part of Nathaniel Christian’s third-annual Hamptons Ferrari Rally, an event the real-estate developer formed to bring together “gear heads and nice people.” Suffice it to say, beauty—whether in the cars or in the women—was not in short supply.

“I love Ferraris, and this was the best way I could get a lot of them in one place,” Christian says. He declined to say exactly how much he spent on the party, though he did say he could have bought a new Ferrari with what it cost.

Looks Do Matter

Ferrari 599 GTO

It’s easy to see the appeal. Like the Audi R8 GT Spyder and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, the Ferrari 599 GTO made this year’s list of the most beautiful new cars.

The cars on the list are the latest installment of beauties to hit the market. Last year we reviewed the most beautiful new cars of 2010, and in 2009 we rounded up some beautiful vintage head turners, so for the latest graduating class of stunners we considered 2012 models and/or those available only for the first time in 2011.

Just being new and expensive wasn’t enough to make this list—the angular Pagani Hyuara and Ferrari FF, for instance, didn’t make the cut.

Audi A7

Audi A7
Tim Philippo, a product manager for Jaguar, says he respects what Ferrari did with the FF–it’s the first four-wheel-drive from the iconic brand and tops a whole new segment of supercars. But its looks can be polarizing.

“Some people think the Ferrari FF is really funny looking,” Philippo says. “I think if you buy the Ferrari FF, half of your friends are going to be interested and the other half are going to be like, why?”

Easy for him to say—he works for Jaguar. But it is tough to deny the shocking good looks of something like the Aston Martin Virage Volante. The hand-assembled 6.0-litre V12 is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters with 490 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque from a mid-mounted engine situated far enough back in the chassis to give an advantage in both ride and handling. Zero to 50 mph in the Volante is 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 186 mph. Price: More than $210,000, which is what the coupe version costs. Aston has yet to release the MSRP for its new convertible.

It’s the kind of car you’d expect would carry its value. In fact, David Gooding, founder and president of Santa Monica, Calif.-based Gooding & Company, says beauty is essential in determining a car’s worth at auction.

Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid

Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid
“Beauty first and foremost is the No. 1 factor in evaluating a car,” he says. “There are many cars that are super rare, super historical important cars, but they just aren’t as beautiful as a comparable car. I have been on the other end of trying to sell those cars sometimes, and [it’s difficult]. But if it is beautiful, it always captivates people. Always.”

The same goes for the Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid. The plug-in coupe combines a 500 horsepower V8 engine with two electric motors that add the equivalent of 218 horsepower. The engine is based on the Porsche RS Spyder racing engine, with a rear-wheel-drive, seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch gearbox.

Porsche says the car will go zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 199 mph. Top speed on electric power alone will be 94 mph–within limited distances, of course.

Audi R8 GT Spyder

Audi R8 GT Spyder
But is there any objective factor in determining what makes a car like the Jaguar XKR-S so attractive? Yes, and a lot of it has to do with proportion. Jae Min, a chief designer for Volkswagen Group, says the correct balance between height, length and width plays a significant role in just how beautiful–or unbeautiful–a car appears.

“There is a fundamental value in good proportion even if you look at buildings or even people,” Min says. “That is something that we all share in terms of what is beautiful–we start by using those references.”

The real challenge to making a beautiful car, he says, is to create a design that has relevance without cliché, and then balance it with timelessness and functionality. Audi’s new A7, though less flashy than its counterparts on this list, is a perfect example.

http://autos.yahoo.com

BMW discloses its new electric future, BMW's electric future exposed

2011-08-07T17:21:00.001-07:00

BMW discloses its new electric future, BMW's electric future exposed
BMW pulled the wraps off two all-new electric 'i' cars in Frankfurt a week ago.

The i3 city car and the i8 supercar include the first electric cars from the German firm (should you not count the limited lease MINI E, that is) and they could be in production since 2013.

Though they both run in part and also entirely on electric power, the pair couldn't be different. The i3 is a boxy city automobile, but it can seat four adults and carries a 200-litre boot. BMW claims it will be used mostly in cities on account of its compact size and fully-electric drivetrain.

The battery pack is mounted underneath the vehicle to maximise space in the cabin and blows a hearty 168bhp and 184lb. ft of toque on the rear wheels. That makes the i3 good for 0-62mph in under eight seconds and about 100 miles on the whole charge.

It's also available as a 'range extender' and also what we'd call a plug-in hybrid, with a rear-mounted two-cylinder engine and roughly double the number.

The i8 is an altogether different animal. It's actually a stunning plug-in hybrid supercar - almost the spitting photo of BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics concept car of '08.

It uses the electric motor from the i3 beforehand. In the back, there's a turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine, which adds up to 220bhp and 221lb. foot of torque altogether. It's good for 0-62mph in under five seconds and an average of 94mpg - the i8 can travel for about 22 miles on electric power alone, too.

Just about every car is exceptionally light, thanks in part to your carbon fibre reinforced plastic body, which, according in order to BMW, adds up to a 250- 350kg weight saving from the similarly sized car.

When they reach their output forms, both cars will be built at BMW's Leipzig manufacturing plant, which currently builds the 1 Series, 3 Series as well as the X1. They'll be decked out with more when compared with their fair share of renewable and recycled supplies inside, too.

Prices have yet to be announced but neither car is anticipated to be cheap. The i3 is likely to cost over £35, 000, while the i8 will no uncertainty command a six-figure sum.

Honda recalls 135, 000 cars in Canada, Honda recalls cars or trucks on software issue

2011-08-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Honda recalls 135, 000 cars in Canada, Honda recalls cars or trucks on software issue
Honda Motor Co Ltd could recall 2. 49 million cars, small SUVs plus minivans worldwide, including its popular Accord sedan, to repair a software problem which could damage the automatic transmission.

The recall includes a single. 5 million vehicles in the United States, 760, 000 throughout China and 135, 142 in Canada, the automaker claimed on Friday.

Globally, the recall affects four-cylinder Accord sedans with the model years 2005 to 2010.

The company is likewise recalling vehicles in parts of Europe, the Midsection East, South America, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The recall wouldn't affect vehicles sold in Honda's home Japan market place.

In the United States and Canada, the recall also includes the CR-V crossover for the model years 2007 to 2010 in addition to the small SUV Element from 2005 to 2008.

Throughout China, the recall also includes more than 160, 000 Odyssey minivans coming from 2005 to 2009 and about 4, 000 Spirior motors, which are based on the European version belonging to the Accord, for the 2010 model year.

Without modernizing the software, the automatic transmission in these vehicles might be damaged if the driver quickly shifts between equipment. That might cause the engine to stall or allow it to be difficult to put the car into park.

This particular week, Consumer Reports said it was not proposing the 2012 Honda Civic. This has led some industry analysts to ask if that's a symptom of larger problems at the automaker, which in turn ranks fifth in U. S. sales this yr.

The company has said it disagreed with your influential U. S. consumer advocate's assessment.

Chris Martin, Honda spokesman for the company's U. S. headquarters in California, said on Friday which the recall was not a sign of deeper hardships.

Martin said the current recall was the outcome of "extremely unusual circumstances. The far majority regarding our consumers would never really encounter this. It truly is software programing. It's not a weakness in the transmission by itself. "

No injuries or deaths have been reported made by this problem, Martin said.

Honda said the problems might arise when the transmission were quickly shifted between the reverse, basic and drive positions. A driver might do this in an hope to dislodge a vehicle in mud or snow.

The automatic transmission secondary shaft bearing might be damaged in this scenario.

An update to transmission control module software could ease the transition between gears and reduce time of damage.

Honda will begin informing U. Vertisements. consumers at the end of August. It wouldn't disclose expected cost of the recall.

The software update will require about a half-hour, but customers may have to leave their cars at Honda dealerships for just a longer period, Martin said.

Bugatti unveils $1.4 million family car, Bugatti's $1.4 Million, 800-hp Sedan A Hybrid?!

2011-08-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

Bugatti unveils $1.4 million family car, Bugatti's $1.4 Million, 800-hp Sedan A Hybrid?!
Given the superlative dynamics and awesome speed of Bugatti’s already legendary, 250-plus mph Veyron supercar, involvement in the manufacturer’s follow-up is intense. The company had previously gone on record as nevertheless its next model wouldn’t be a supercar, but details were scant — so far. In a recent article from the German journal Auto Motor und Sport, Bugatti CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer confirms which the new car will be in the vein belonging to the controversial 16 C Galibier concept, which debuted in '09. It will seat four and have a kind trunk, Dürheimer says; you can bet that a set of fitted luggage will be among the list of pricey options.

More important is what’s fitted in the beginning, of course, which the article claims will always be a 16-cylinder engine, although power output wasn’t pointed out. (The W-16 under the Galibier’s butterfly bonnet delivers solely 800 hp, somewhat less than the 1, 001 churned up through the 8-liter W-16 in the mid-engine Veyron. )#) Your Galibier concept is big, though, so don’t count on Veyron-esque, sub-three-second zero-to-60-mph sprints no matter how much carbon fiber and aluminum the modern car contains. Interestingly, a hybrid model (presumably a plug-in hybrid) is about the docket as well, with an electric-only driving collection of about 25 miles, according to Dürheimer.

Bugatti hopes to trade between 1, 000 and 1, 500 units of the super-luxe sedan throughout its lifetime, roughly triple the number of Veyron coupes plus Grand Sport convertibles Bugatti built since 2004. The storyplot also says that the Galibier will go on discount sales in the fall of 2012, about a year prior to when most earlier projections. How much will it charge? Dürheimer says it will command at least €1M, which in turn amounts to about $1. 42 million at today’s forex rates.

Cars that happen to be stolen most in the U. S., Cars that happen to be stolen most in the U. S.

2011-08-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

Cars that happen to be stolen most in the U. S., Cars that happen to be stolen most in the U. S.
Think some sort of tough economy automatically means more street crime? Feel again.

“We’ve been trying to pull that theory back slightly, ” says Frank Scafidi, a spokesman for your National Insurance Crime Bureau. “There is no empirical data to produce that kind of broad statement. ”

If preliminary stats through the FBI crime division hold true, last year can have seen the fewest vehicle thefts since 1967. One of the most recent FBI crime statistics predict a 7. 2-percent decrease in theft since 2009—the lowest rate in more as compared with 40 years.

Of course a lower theft quote doesn’t exactly mean all is well, especially if you ever drive a Honda Accord. Along with the 1995 Honda Civic plus 1991 Toyota Camry, the 1994 Accord topped our list of the most stolen cars in the uk. But for the first time since 2002, robbers preferred domestic makes over foreign brands. Ford needed three spots, including the F-150 pickup and Explorer SUV, while the Dodge Ram and Caravan made the list. But Honda and Toyota still contain the top three positions, which they’ve done since 2000.

Other popular contenders about the most-stolen list were Chevrolet’s Silverado and GMC’s Sierra the repeats. In fact, trucks and SUVs have the most theft equal in shape to their worth: According to the Highway Files Loss Institute, the value of the loss of any luxury SUV is more than six times as high since the average for all passenger vehicles. And work trucks are particularly attractive a result of extra trim lines and tools they carry.

Avoid Ram SRT10

Dodge Ram SRT10
“Thieves are right after chrome, horsepower and Hemis, ” says Kim Hazelbaker, vice president belonging to the Arlington, Va. -based Highway Data Loss Institute.

Returning to the good news: The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety reports which the frequency of theft claims for cars and SUVs includes declined since 1998 even while average insurance installments per claim have increased. Frequencies have dropped one of the most for SUVs, from 4. 9 claims per a single, 000 insured vehicle years in 1998, to 3. 4 in 2008,

Improved technology has helped relegate your threat. Of the nearly 52, 000 Honda Accords stolen this past year, more than 44, 000 of them were made while in the 1990s. Just 5, 700 were made more just lately than 2000.

“Cars themselves are just getting difficult to steal, ” says Terri Miller, director belonging to the Michigan-based Help Eliminate Auto Theft program.

We compiled our listing of the year’s most stolen cars using data through the National Insurance Crime Bureau Hot Wheels Report, which annually identifies the most stolen vehicles in the us based on vehicle theft data submitted by criminal to the National Crime Information Center. The latest findings list the vehicle make, model and model year most reported stolen really.

1994 Acura Integra
1999 Ford Taurus
2002 Ford Explorer
1994 Acura Integra
2000 Avoid Grand Caravan
2004 Dodge Ram
1997 Ford F150
1999 GMC Sierra
1999 Chevrolet Silverado
1995 Honda Civic
1994 Honda Compli.

Gold-trimmed Rolls-Royce's large price, $8 Million Gold-Plated Rolls Redefines Excess

2011-08-03T06:52:00.001-07:00

Gold-trimmed Rolls-Royce's large price, $8 Million Gold-Plated Rolls Redefines Excess
What does one get for the robber baron who has every little thing? As if a run-of-the-mill Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB ($450, 000) were unable a flashy enough statement of personal wealth, think about the Rolls-Royce Phantom Solid Gold, a rolling monument to excess that may make even Jay Gatsby blush.

Evidently, at least one customer—identified only for a "businessman from the Middle East"—didn't get the memo the world economy is in recession and commissioned your vehicle seen here for the princely sum of $8 zillion ($8, 150, 000, to be precise). For this, you get a gigantic golden radiator grille that is originally designed to resemble a bank. The plebeian chrome-plated front door handles, trunk-lid trim, hinges and hardware on the particular rear picnic tables were replaced with 265 lbs of solid 18K gold (better durability and also scratch resistance than pure 24K). Even the "RR" logos within the wheels received the royal treatment.

The Solid Gold Phantom's shiny accouterments would be the handiwork of the United Kingdom's Stuart Hughes (an agency that covers iPads and other electronic devices within the precious metal of your choice). With precious metal trading at $1, 661 per ounce, perhaps this car's ostentation was intended being an investment in solid assets (the gold alone may be valued at nearly $7 million).

This plaque could have got used a grammar check.
But it's equally an investment within the owner's safety, thanks to Eurocash AG, a Switzerland coach-builder that specializes in armoring vehicles. Eurocash claims this particular Rolls (which took 18 months to construct) can withstand assaults from AK-47s, Dragunov sniper rifles, and in many cases hand grenades. Because let's face it, protection from attack can be a basic necessity when you're driving a moving metaphor to get greed. An interior plaque proclaims the car as "One on the first two Armoured EWB Phantom of Production [sic] on the planet, " so apparently the only expense spared was the price tag on a translator.

This limousine may be the a lot of luxurious, but it's certainly the most conspicuous utility vehicle money can find. With recent news of Ferrari sales surging, with this latest travesty of good taste, the time period "embarrassment of riches" has officially lost all which means.

Used cars you shouldn't purchase

2011-08-01T21:07:00.001-07:00

Used cars you shouldn't purchase
Even though auto manufacturers have greatly enhanced quality and reliability, buying a used car can definitely a process fraught with anxiety. In addition to worrying around the honesty of the seller, you also want to be positive to avoid vehicles with poor reliability records.

To assist with that, MoneyWatch looked at owner surveys to determine which cars look like trouble, focusing on personal trainer separate categories. We focused on 2008 models - all seasons ranked in the latest dependability study from J. Ve had. Power and Associates. Buying a 3-year-old used car also allow you to shop after the biggest new-car depreciation already has happened: Because used car prices have risen so sharply 2010, 1- and 2-year-old used models can make more intense financial sense than buying new.

To make our directory used-car rejects, a model had to get the minimum two away from five in the J. D. Power "circle ratings" regarding dependability. It also had to be ranked unhealthy as a used car by Consumer Reports with its annual April car issue and online vehicle rankings.

Here are our recommendations for used cars to stop - plus some better ideas in the very same categories. Volkswagen and Chrysler Group, which also helps make Dodge and Jeep, both have two entries at our avoidance list.

Small Car: Volkswagen Beetle

The Beetle's cute looks and all-around appeal don't save it from being around the least reliable list. Owners of the 2008 model told Consumer Reports construct y had trouble with the climate control system along with power equipment, both of which can lead to help expensive repairs. The convertible model is selling regarding $19, 350 on dealer's lots according to the Kelley Blue Book blog.

* Alternative: Hyundai Elantra. Hyundai has had a remarkably strong sales year for new cars 2010. But even in 2008, the company was producing quality cars backed by its 10-year, 100, 000 kilometer powertrain warranty. The Elantra got the maximum five circles inside the J. D. Power reliability ratings and is sitting an above-average used car by Consumer Reports, exactly where survey respondents reported no major problems. This unit Elantra is selling for $12, 435.

Midsize Vehicle: Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen strikes out again. Despite currently being praised by reviewers when new, the Passat makes the minimum J. D. Power two circles along with a below-average rating from Consumer Reports. Readers there report difficulty the fuel, electrical and climate systems and the electricity equipment.

The 2008 Passat is selling at agents for $18, 515, according to kbb. com.

* Renewable: Ford Fusion. Ford's first real contender in several years against mid-size leaders Toyota Camry and Honda Compli, the Fusion won the reliability award in this kind of year's J. D. Power survey. Consumer Reports gives it top-notch Much Above Average used car rating. Readers there reported no major difficulty their 2008 Fusions. Dealers are offering the Blend for $17, 365, according to kbb. com.

Midsize SUV: GMC Acadia

Nevertheless its quality has improved in recent models, the 2008 Acadia may be a repeat loser in this category. With the minimum two circles inside the J. D. Power survey, it gets a more intense than average used car ranking from Consumer Accounts. Readers there reported problems with the suspension and sound system. The Acadia SLE model is selling for related to $25, 000 at dealerships, according to kbb. com.

* Renewable: Toyota 4 Runner. This 2008 Toyota stalwart claimed the J. D. Power reliability award and is rated significantly better than average as a used car in the customer Reports ratings, where readers reported no serious complications. Reviewers praise its capability both on the interstate and off-road. The 2008 4Runner SR5 version is usually selling at about $27, 730.

Large SUV: Ford Expedition

Although you may need large-capacity hauling and can ignore the boring mileage numbers (the Expedition is rated in 12 mpg in city driving, 18 highway), appearance elsewhere. The big boy of the Ford SUV line (whose model names all as well as the letter ‘E') gets the minimum 2 circles from J. D. Power and a worse-than-average Purchaser Reports rating, where readers report problems with the transmission as well as audio system.

The used 2008 Expedition sells regarding $23, 530 in the XLT version, according to help kbb. com.

* Alternative: Toyota Sequoia. In a category without the need of clear winner, the Toyota entry again looks such as the best bet. It gets four out of five circles inside the J. D. Power rating and an above-average status from Consumer Reports. Reviewers praise its roomy seating along with comfortable ride for long highway trips. The '08 Sequoia SR5 version is selling at $31, 265 in dealerships.

Minivan: Chrysler Town & Country

undefinedChrysler originated the minivan and practically in most years has sold more than other companies. Nevertheless sometime around 2008, manufacturing quality began to lag.

This kind of Chrysler van got the minimum two circles out of J. D. Power and a much-worse-than-average used-car status from Consumer Reports. Readers there reported problems when using the suspension, brakes, climate system and power equipment. The actual 2008 Town & Country LX version is marketing at about $16, 000 from dealerships.

* Renewable: Toyota Sienna. As it did last year, the actual Sienna wins the reliability award for minivans out of J. D. Power, and it gets a better-than-average status from Consumer Reports. Reviewers praise its comfort along with seating; it holds up to eight people. The Sienna CE version is selling for a median $20, 130, according to kbb. com.

Despite Toyota's recent recall problems and lagging sales 2010, its dominance of numerous categories in three-year-old used cars may be a reminder of what a strong record of reliability there are achieved. Domestic companies certainly should not count out Toyota being a strong competitor.

Obama's 'beast' slapped with fine

2011-07-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

American Leader Barack Obama have been slapped which includes a £120 Birmingham Congestion Impose fine.

The ticket pertains to the President's condition visit in order to Britain inside May, if his motorcade : including 'The Beast' : drove by central London's Blockage Charge zoom.

There ended up being no exclusive exemption intended for Obama on the £10 C-Charge, using London Mayor Boris Johnson requiring the Leader pay way up like most people else. Yet he don't, and so have been hit which includes a £120 charges.

Mayor Johnson truly wanted the payment via every car inside Presidential Cavalcade, such as Beast, but for the reason that cars inside fleet had been driving and so close with each other, only one dvla plate was photographed, meaning only one fine ended up being generated.

Even so, it's not likely that Boris can get his £120 on the President, with north america pulling out and about a textbook reason for definitely not paying way up: diplomatic exemption. The US ALL Embassy promises that diplomatic guidelines mean getting older need to pay.

America isn't the only real country charged without paying it is bills, with Birmingham owed in excess of £50m inside C-Charge as well as parking penalties from international embassies. U . s owes the majority of, with £5m, accompanied closely by simply Russia's £4. 4m expenses.

Rolls Royce sales soar despite slump

2011-07-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

Rolls-Royce sales soar in the face of slump

At a time when drivers are seriously cutting down on fuel use or even giving up their cars completely, Rolls-Royce has announced record breaking new car sales.

The British luxury car maker has seen global sales rise by 64 percent in the first half of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, selling 1,592 cars.

The success is largely due to the Ghost - known as the 'Baby Rolls-Royce' launched at the end of 2009.

Rolls-Royce will not reveal how many Ghosts it has actually sold, but a spokesman told Yahoo! Cars that the company sells "one Phantom for every three to four Ghosts."

The fact that the Ghost was available for the duration of 2010, proves that it is not simply the introduction of Rolls-Royce's cheapest car that accounts for the sales increase. Almost 80 percent of Rolls-Royce Ghost buyers are new to the brand.

Despite being almost half a metre longer than a Range Rover, and costing £200,500, the Ghost is dwarfed in size and price by the Rolls-Royce Phantom, which costs around £300,000.

Goodwood-based Rolls-Royce, which is owned by BMW and this year celebrates its centenary, has seen sales improvements across the globe, but particularly in Asia Pacific, where they have jumped by 170 percent.

In the Middle East and the US, sales are up 40 percent, and Europe is buying more Rollers too - especially the Germans, whose sales jumped 60 percent.