Edmunds Roundup: March 10, 2010
just published SMARTCARBUYERS --
Auto Observer: Honda Odyssey Owners Report Transmission Troubles
Owners of some 2007 and newer models are reporting a distinct "judder" from their Odysseys when driving between 20 and 45 mph -- an issue that Honda addressed in a 2009 technical service bulletin and is repairing under warranty.
Inside Line News: 2010 Infiniti G37 Anniversary Editions- Priced
To mark its 20 years in business, Infiniti has created special Anniversary Editions of the 2010 G37 sedan, coupe and convertible. The limited editions will go on sale in mid-April.
Green Car Advisor: Pre-Wire Your Built-to-Order House for Plug-in Vehicles
KB Home will start giving buyers of its built-to-order homes the option of getting the houses pre-wired to handle electric-vehicle charging.
Used Car Corner: Swimming With the Sharks -- How to Deal with Dealerships
2 hours ago SMARTCARBUYERS --
We tend to forget that many used cars are bought at dealerships. And though you'll likely pay more for a given car with given miles in given condition, there are advantages to buying from a new car (or well-regarded, full-service used car) dealer. The better outfits go through the cars and recondition them as needed (replacing worn brakes or leaky exhaust, for example). They'll keep only the nicer examples and sell the others (or older, limited appeal cars) to wholesalers. The latter are what you'll typically see at the smaller used car lots that often times don't have a repair facility.
Still, you have to stay sharp when dealing with top-shelf car dealers as you'll encounter a number of folks there, many of whom are trying to rip a sizeable chunk out of your wallet. Before you jump into the water, be sure to read our comprehensive article on how to stay alive when swimming with the sharks.
New IIHS Crash Tests for Infiniti M37/M56, Lexus HS 250H, Toyota 4Runner
5 hours ago SMARTCARBUYERS --
The 2011 Infiniti M Series was one of three new vehicles tested by the IIHS
New crash tests for three vehicles have resulted in good ratings, the highest awarded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The cars tested were the redesigned 2011 Infiniti M37/M56 which earned good ratings for front and side crash protection, the new 2010 Lexus HS 250h, a midsize hybrid which earned a good rating for frontal crash protection and the redesigned 2010 Toyota 4Runner a midsize SUV, which was also rated good for frontal crash protection.
Please see this article for more information about how to read crash test scores.
2004 SAAB 9-3 Recall
5 hours ago AUTOBLOG (Saab) -- General Motors has announced that they are recalling certain models of the 2004 Saab 9-3 sedans. They stated that some of these vehicles were produced with front seat belt retractors that, over...
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Ford's SYNC Puts a Lock on In-Car Internet Security
7 hours ago SMARTCARBUYERS --
Most people understand the importance of keeping their personal information secure and private on their home and office computers, but as more car systems get connected to the web, those same security precautions must be adhered to.
The Ford SYNC system connects to the Internet for traffic, directions, information searches, and it also interacts with users' mobile phones and music players -- all places for potential hackers to gain access to personal information. Ford recognizes the threat, and is taking steps to keep driver's personal information and data safe and secure. Firewalls, passwords, and virus protection are being used to keep your car from being hacked.
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Edmunds Roundup: March 9, 2010
Tuesday, 9 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Auto Observer: Toyota Refutes Researcher's Simulation of Unintended Acceleration
The controversy took a new twist as Toyota and Exponent Inc., the high-profile engineering consultancy and troubleshooter, demonstrated the unintended acceleration-causing conditions produced in a highly publicized test are highly unlikely to occur under real-world conditions.
Edmunds CarPool: Test Car Notes- 2011 Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai hits keep coming and the new Sonata is no exception. We have a full test live on Inside Line, and some key bullet points after the jump.
Green car Advisor: Honda's CR-Z Hybrid; Barely Got Green Light
The wedge-shaped, two-seat hatchback was almost killed twice because engineers weren't convinced it was a unique concept and because U.S. bosses originally didn't want it.
Ford Joins GM and Toyota With Zero Percent Financing
Tuesday, 9 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Ford Motor Company has joined Toyota and GM in offering offer zero-percent financing for 60 months on many of its 2010 vehicles. This includes models such as the Ford Focus, Fusion, Mustang and Mercury Milan. The zero percent finance offer can be extended to 72 months on Ford Explorer, SportTrac, Ranger and Mercury Mountaineer models. Many of the 2010 models are also available with cash back, ranging from $500 to $4,000, but this cannot be combined with the zero percent financing.
Some analysts have criticized the company for discounting models that have seen an upward trend in pricing, speculating this will cut into first quarter profits. The incentives are good until April 5, 2010. These discounts vary between models, so take a look at our incentives and rebates page for more detailed information.
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10 Least Expensive Midsize Sedans
Tuesday, 9 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
You don't always get what you pay for, and that's good news if you're in the market for an affordable midsize sedan. Manufacturers know that buyers in this segment are very price-sensitive, and as a result, value is the name of the game. Many of the least expensive choices are among the best when it comes to overall quality. These 10 are the most affordable.
2010 TOYOTA TACOMA Recall
Tuesday, 9 March 2010 AUTOBLOG (Toyota) -- Toyota has announced that they are recalling certain models of the 2010 Tacoma pickup trucks. They stated that the propeller shaft may develop cracks during the manufacturing process. Over time,...
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Car Tech Tuesdays: The Latest Tech Features Are Just a Download Away
Tuesday, 9 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Imagine if you bought a new computer and six months later new software, firmware or an application came out, but instead of simply updating your machine you'd have to start from scratch and buy a new one. Seems like a ridiculous way to design a product and do business, yet this is the predominant model when it comes to infotainment systems in automobiles.
For example, when you buy a new car and pair the latest Bluetooth phone, you may not be able to access contacts in the address book. Car companies are, of course, hamstrung by long product-planning cycles. But fortunately this scenario is changing and easy infotainment software updates are starting to occur in some vehicles.
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Monday Recall Roundup: March 8, 2010
Monday, 8 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Each Monday, Edmunds takes a look at the most recent recalls published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA's recall coverage is extensive, addressing everything from tractor trailers to motor homes. We pore over this coverage and whittle it down, spotlighting only those recalls that are of pressing concern to owners of passenger cars and trucks.
Listed after the jump is this week's batch.
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Edmunds Roundup: March 8, 2010
Monday, 8 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Edmunds CarPool: 2011 Ford SuperDuty Trucks: School of Rocks
Among the rugged Arizona landscape, we recently put the all-new 2011 Ford Super Duty lineup through its paces. The media event allowed us to see for ourselves how these commercial-grade behemoths hold up in a punishing work environment.
Green Car Advisor: Transonic Claims to Boost Fuel Efficiency of Engine Up to 75%
A small California-based company is making engines with a fuel-injection system that it says may boost fuel efficiency by as much as 75 percent while cutting emissions in half by processing fuel at a higher temperature than in conventional engines.
Auto Observer: GM Restructures; Divisional General Managers are History
The role of division general manager is gone, the historic position replaced by a structure that assigns sales and marketing functions to separate executives at each of the Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick/GMC divisions.
Spyker-Owned Saab Announces Pricing for 2010 9-3 Models, Including New 9-3X
Monday, 8 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Saab is alive! Fresh off its completed purchase by Spyker, Saab announced pricing for its 2010 9-3 models. Available in sedan, wagon (SportCombi) and convertible body styles, each has been given a price reduction. The Aero models in particular are notably cheaper, which is good, since that was a major downside for the car. Saab also simplified the trim level structure, removing the previous Touring, Comfort and Sport sub-trims. See the breakdown after the jump.
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2010 BMW X5 Recall
Monday, 8 March 2010 AUTOBLOG (BMW) -- BMW has announced that it is recalling certain models of the 2010 X5 and X6 support activity vehicles manufactured between December 14, 2009 and December 16, 2009. They stated that in the upper...
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Edmunds Roundup: March 5, 2010
Friday, 5 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Auto Observer: Ford, Porsche Make Enviro-Muscle Statements
It's rare when an automaker can boast about power and fuel economy at the same time. But Ford and Porsche have done it in their own unique way.
Green Car Advisor: February Hybrid Market Hit By Toyota's Slump
Toyota's February depression had a ripple effect on hybrid sales last month. Ford and Honda were the only hybrid sellers in February with consistent gains both from January and from February 2009.
IL News: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport- 2010 New York Auto Show
The company said the 2011 Outlander Sport will feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and is expected to hit showrooms this fall.
GM To Reopen Some 600 Dealerships That Were Cut Last Year
Friday, 5 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
General Motors has announced that it will reinstate over 600 dealerships that were among the 1,350 that were cut last year on the way to the automaker declaring bankruptcy. Nearly 1,200 of those dealerships had applied for arbitration to contest that action, and GM plans on sending letters as early as next week to those it chose to reinstate without going through arbitration. The restored stores will get all their previous dealership privileges back, which include being able to order new product for their lots.
GM intends to wind down the remaining dealerships, either via settling or arbitration, by this November.
2010 BMW X6 Recall
Friday, 5 March 2010 AUTOBLOG (BMW) -- BMW has announced that it is recalling certain models of the 2010 X5 and X6 support activity vehicles manufactured between December 14, 2009 and December 16, 2009. They stated that in the upper...
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Savvy Shopper: Auction King eBay Offers Free Online Vehicle Classified Ads
Friday, 5 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Internet auction giant eBay Motors is now offering free online vehicle classifieds that will squarely compete with Craigslist.com. Sellers can list up to six vehicle ads a year on eBay Motors for free. The online auction service and the buy-it-now style of selling is still available.
Previously, Craigslist had a lock on this corner of the market which seems to attract people selling low-end vehicles. Now, sellers can use eBay and also get a free Auto Check vehicle history report and the ability to show up to 24 photos. Craigslist limits sellers to only four photos.
The free eBay classifieds throws a wrench into the private party auto advertising market. In the past, Craigslist served inexpensive used car buyers, Autotrader (which costs about $40 per ad) was successful for mid-level, mass market vehicles, and eBay auctions (up to $125 for a successful listing) favored collector cars and exotics. Now, the eBay free classifieds cuts directly into the space dominated by Craigslist which, oddly enough, it partially owns.
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Edmunds Roundup: March 4, 2010
Thursday, 4 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Green Car Advisor: Gas Pains - Pump Prices Expected to Climb as Summer Nears
Rising pump prices for gasoline already are being seen in a few states, and oil patch watchers say they expect the national average for a gallon of regular grade gas to hit $3 by early summer.
Auto Observer: Hyundai Keeps the Heat on Toyota, Honda with New Tucson
Hyundai is launching seven completely new products in the next 24 months, starting with the formidable and all-new 2010 Tucson compact crossover.
Inside Line: 2011 Audi A8 Tech Review
Flagship sedans like the Audi A8 need more than oversize grilles, powerful engines and soft leather to satiate today's CEO. Today they must also showcase the automakers' best bells and state-of-the-art whistles. Bluetooth? iPod? That's just the tip of the terabyte.
Priced: 2011 Toyota Avalon and Sienna w/ Auto Access Seat
Thursday, 4 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Toyota revealed pricing information today, for the redesigned 2011 Avalon sedan and Sienna Auto Access Seat model (AAS). The MSRP for the entry-level Avalon remains unchanged from the 2010 base Avalon XLS at $32,245, while gaining a significant amount of new standard equipment. The Avalon Limited is priced about $200 more than the prior year, and starts at $35,485. The Limited also receives new standard features over the 2010 model. Both Avalon models will go on sale in mid-March.
The Sienna (AAS) was designed for passengers who may need assistance getting in and out of a vehicle. The seat rotates 90 degrees and can be lowered to within 19 inches of the ground to make getting in and out the vehicle easier. The AAS option is now available on the LE and XLE V6 Sienna trims. The base MSRP for the Sienna LE with AAS is $35,135, and the Sienna XLE with AAS is $39,445. The prices listed do not include the destination fee. Follow the jump for the full press release.
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Nissan Recalls 540,000 Vehicles for Brake Pedal and Fuel Gauge Defects
Thursday, 4 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Nissan has issued two separate recalls affecting 540,000 of its trucks, SUVs and minivans to address problems with brake pedals and fuel gauges. Though the recall is global, most of the affected models are located in the United States.
The brake-pedal recall concerns certain Nissan Titans, Nissan Armadas and Infiniti QX56 SUVs made in model years 2008-2010, as well as some 2008 and 2009 Nissan Quest minivans. Nissan reports that a pin in the pedal assemblies can come loose and cause reduced braking force.
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2011 Ford Mustang V6 by the Numbers
Thursday, 4 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Ford released figures for the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 today, touting it as the first car in history to make over 300 horsepower, while achieving over 30 mpg. The 3.7-liter all-aluminum V6 will produce 305 hp, and when mated to the available six-speed manual transmission, will return an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway (19 mpg in the city).
This was all made possible by the combination of taller gearing, variable camshaft timing, electric power-assist steering (to reduce engine load) and improved aerodynamics. Ford reports over 11,000 orders have already been placed for the new Mustang - half of which are for the V6 model.
2003 ACURA 3.2TL Recall
Thursday, 4 March 2010 AUTOBLOG (Honda) -- Honda has announced that they are recalling certain models of the 2001 through 2002 Accord 2 door and 4 door, 2001 through 2003 Civic 4 door, 2001 through 2002 Civic 2 door, 2002 CRV, 2002 Odyssey,...
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Deal of the Week: 2010 Toyota Camry
Thursday, 4 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
One would have to be living under a rock to not have heard about Toyota's fall from the consumer confidence pedestal. Marred by numerous recalls, unintended acceleration gremlins and the tragic loss of lives, the Toyota brand has become about as popular as an incumbent member of Congress.
Sales of its historically best selling car, the Camry, has also become one of the hardest hit as a result of current events. Sales last month were down nearly 20% from last year, along with a nearly 19% drop in sales so far this year. This drop is further magnified by the gains made by most other automakers. To counter this sales slide, Toyota has rolled out some aggressive incentives. Will it be enough?
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Recommended Reading: Where Does the Car Dealer Make Money?
Thursday, 4 March 2010 SMARTCARBUYERS --
Car salespeople are known to say "I'm not making any money on this deal." This is rarely true. A dealer will always find a way to make money on a sale, it just may not be as much as they'd like to it be. So despite what the salesperson tell you, a dealership actually has multiple opportunities to make a profit off of unsuspecting customers.
This week's recommended reading is "Where Does the Car Dealer Make Money?" In it you'll learn about the various places where the dealer makes a profit, and a few tips on how to protect yourself.
