Autoblog

VIDEO: Ford press conference yields surprise $650 car announcement

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST

Ford makes surprise $650 car announcement - click above image to watch the video

Between the hysteria of this week's SEMA Show and Chrysler's never-ending (and partially baffling) revelations yesterday, a shocking announcement by Ford Motor Company has been nearly drowned out. But rest assured, your Autoblog team never rests (even after huffing down 9,000 calories apiece at Vegas' Wynn Buffet!) and have tracked down this astounding piece of news. Ford has taken a long, hard look at the state of the American automotive scene and has decided to do the (almost) unthinkable - sell us a car for $650.

Now, there are no doubt naysayers amongst you that will point to a $650 Ford and cry, "Malarkey!" And with good reason. After all, under cutting the Tata Nano by a full $1,350 is no easy feat. However, times are tough. And with a nearly 10% national unemployment rate, a $650 car makes sound, economic sense. But don't take our word for it. Make the jump to watch Ford VP Daniel Grossman introduce Ford's new entry level car.

[Source: O-SPAN6]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford press conference yields surprise $650 car announcement

VIDEO: Ford press conference yields surprise $650 car announcement originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cash-For-Clunkers dealers instructed to kill engines with sodium silicate

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

According to Bloomberg, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration got wind that some cars being turned in under Germany's Cash-For-Clunkers program were being certified as destroyed, but actually being resold. To prevent that scenario from repeating itself in the U.S., land of Honest Abe, dealers have apparently been instructed to fill the engines of trade-ins with sodium silicate and run them for seven minutes in order to permanently disable them.

Early reports from around the country indicate that Cash-For-Clunkers is having the intended effect, and the authorities want to make sure no one takes undue advantage by making money on the turned-in vehicles. Normally sodium silicate, often referred to as "liquid glass," is used to seal leaks in things like head gaskets, but in this case, it's used to seize an engine that could be well worth reselling. Dealer records will be reviewed by federal agents, and if the dealer is found not to have complied, the dealer will have to pay $15,000 per infraction.

[Source: Bloomberg via Boston.com | Image - Dave7 under CC2.0]

REPORT: Cash-For-Clunkers dealers instructed to kill engines with sodium silicate originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports lists clunkers to cash in on

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

With Congress on the verge of passing some kind of 'cash-for-clunkers' legislation, it's time to take a look at what cars are worth trading in for the scrappage credit and what models would be better to sell by other means. The good folks at Consumer Reports have come to the rescue. Obviously, a car that has a retail value greater than the corresponding rebate is not worth trading in unless you just can't be bothered to stick a For Sale sign in the window. The CR staff has examined the prices and concluded that pre-1993-94 Cadillac DeVilles, Eldorados and Sevilles are all solid candidates.

One surprise car on their list is the 2001 Lincoln LS V8. The LS was a well-regarded (if blandly styled) sedan in its time. Those looking for a good handling rear-drive alternative to a BMW 5-series would do well to consider one of these at their bargain basement used pricing, and we'd hate to see a good one sent to the crusher.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, CR's truck list is quite a bit longer than their car list, and it includes such winners as the pre-1996 Ford Aerostar and Isuzu Rodeo. Check out the whole list of clunkers-to-vouchers over at CR. Thanks to Richard for the tip!

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports lists clunkers to cash in on originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

John McElroy — Fri, 22 May 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Autoline on Autoblog

BOOM TIMES COMING IN THE USED CAR MARKET

The future looks so bright for the used car market that I'm almost tempted to try and get into that business myself. Even though car dealers are going through tough times trying to sell new vehicles, they are going to more than make up for that on their used car lots.

The reason I'm so bullish on the used car business is that we're facing a looming shortage of good used cars. First off, the new car market has fallen by roughly 7 million units since its peak two years ago. That translates into 7 million fewer trade-ins available in the used car market. And the story gets even more interesting when you start to dig down into those numbers.

Follow the jump to keep reading...

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some used cars going for more than new ones

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

The lagging sales of new vehicles has been well documented, forcing retailers and manufacturers to offer some pretty amazing deals just to move their metal. Sometimes, the price of a brand new car is so good that it doesn't make sense to purchase a used vehicle.

In fact, some new cars are actually priced lower than their previously-loved siblings. One specific example is the 2009 Honda Accord, which, according to Edmunds, is selling for about $80 less than the average asking price for a certified 2008 model. Of course, Hondas are known for holding their value, so better used vehicle deals may be found elsewhere.

Further, interest rates on loans for new cars are generally lower than for used cars, which means the monthly payments may actually be lower for a zero-mile vehicle that costs the same as one that's been around the block a few times. Automakers hope these facts help spur a recovery in new car sales, and for their sake, so do we.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Photo: David Gallagher]

Some used cars going for more than new ones originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As new vehicles sales fall, used car prices go up

Dan Roth — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Etc.

The cynic in you might think that a rise in the price of used vehicles, just as new car sales are cratering worse than anyone can remember, is a not-so-transparent ploy to overcharge buyers. It turns out to be more a case of supply versus demand. Wholesale used car prices are bumping up as a result of sagging new car sales, according to auto auction company Manheim. Two-thirds of new car sales have a trade-in attached, which creates a supply stream of pre-owned vehicles to recycle onto dealer lots. With sales so far down, trades are harder to come by, so those cars that are available are fought over more fiercely. The wholesale price rise indicates that dealers are duking it out harder at auctions, more than saying anything about prices consumers are paying. It's our suspicion, looking at how long everyone's inventory is sitting around, that anyone able to buy right now can virtually write their own deal.

[Source: Auto News - Sub Req.]

As new vehicles sales fall, used car prices go up originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New car customers stuck with old loans when dealers don't pay off the trade-in

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Carsumer Advocacy

Many consumers who buy a new car still owe money on the car they're trading in. The situation is usually handled by the dealer agreeing to pay off the old loan, the cost of which might be folded into the new car price. No problem a year ago, but it's a bigger issue now. With 5,000 dealers closing their doors last year, some of those old loans aren't getting paid off. Consumers who bought new cars are finding out they're still on the hook for the old car loans, and in some cases, if another consumer has already bought the trade-in from the dealer, the bank will repossess it.

Complaints about such practices are rising, but there isn't much a buyer can do: if the dealer has gone bankrupt, mere scraps are rewarded to most folks in the scrum of creditors. Most states have insurance bonds against these kinds of losses, but they might pay as little as $5,000, which is barely enough to cover one default.

Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia have restitution funds. California -- exceptionally victimized by the practice because of the number of cars sold in the state -- is creating one that will be fed by a $1 fee on every car sold, but it isn't operational yet. In the meantime, used car buyers should ask to see the car's title to ensure it's clear. And for all buyers, in good times and especially in bad, caveat emptor.

[Source: MSNBC]

New car customers stuck with old loans when dealers don't pay off the trade-in originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Germany's turn: scrap your used car, get a bonus to buy a new one

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Europe, Government/Legal

Last month China proposed a plan to offer consumers a cash incentive to scrap their cars and buy new ones. Germany is the latest country looking at the same option, with a law that aims to give €2,500 to people getting rid of cars that are at least nine years old and buying new ones.

China may want to watch what happens in Germany: so far, interest in the program looks like it could exceed the available funds. The German government set aside €1.5 billion for reimbursements, which is enough to reward 600,000 people. But in just two days, the office that will look after the program got 420,000 phone calls. One German market research firm put the potential number of takers at 1.2 million.

If the measure passes into law as is, then early birds would get the incentive worm. The €1.5 billion is coming out of a €50 billion German stimulus plan, aimed at reviving the automotive, transport, and education sectors, and it wouldn't seem out of the question for them to double the allotted funds to allow all to participate. Although no one knows how much the program would help German automakers -- people might scrap their cars and buy Fords -- it would put money back into the economy and get cleaner cars on the roads to boot. Hat tip to Gregg!

[Source: Der Spiegel | Photo: Ms. Martin]

Germany's turn: scrap your used car, get a bonus to buy a new one originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend getting into the used car business?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Maintenance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Lifestyle

Motor Trend is lending its name and brand to a certified used car program at Planet Honda in Union, New Jersey. The program is actually "powered by" EasyCare, a company that provides a suite of contract services like maintenance and repair warranties and GAP insurance to new owners. (EasyCare was a Motor Trend "Best Buy" last year.) Formerly called APCO, EasyCare was until last year a Ford subsidiary. As a private company, it still oversees the certified used car programs for Land Rover, Volvo, Mazda and Jaguar, and works with 3,000 dealerships in the U.S.

Planet Honda - a three-time Honda Excellence Award winner - has been named a Motor Trend Certified Advantage Dealership. That means it has a vehicle certification program approved by MT and provides "a noticeably better buying and ownership experience." Now, not only does Planet Honda guarantee the quality of the vehicle, but buyers will also get other EasyCare services like paintless dent removal and 24/7 concierge service with the car.

There are three MT Certified Advantage dealerships as of now, and probably more on the way. Sounds like a fine idea; after all, if you have the brand equity, no reason not to cash in on use it. If this does well for them, we just hope they don't pull a Ferrari and keep squeezing the licensing teat until every possible appliance has been sprayed with the Motor Trend logo. You can read the press release on the program after the jump.

Continue reading Motor Trend getting into the used car business?

Motor Trend getting into the used car business? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wal Mart gets into used car business... sorta

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Lifestyle

Wal-Mart offers a closely-targeted audience: buyers looking for the best deal. Other companies have tried to piggyback on that and grab a slice of the immense Wal-Mart fan base. A used car company called Live X Auto Exchange could be the latest: it has set up portals in two Phoenix-area Wal-Marts that provide used car listings from local dealerships, banks, and private sellers.

You don't actually buy the car at Wal-Mart, and Wal-Mart has no interest in Live X other than providing it space. All you do is set up a Live X account at the store and browse the listings. If you see a car you want, Live X will help you get financing. Should you want to make a deal, you will arrange for the seller to get the car ready for you to see it in person. That's it. Although Live X is set up at Wal-Mart, we would imagine you can also set up an account at home.

Patrick Dial, the man behind Live X, was formerly a promoter for Garth Brooks. If you check out the Live X site, it's set up like a concert entertainment site -- you can even buy a Live X hat and there's a Live X Lifestyle section. It's a neat idea, but we're not sure why you'd create a Live X account at Wal-Mart unless you bought some Little Debbie snack cakes and then suddenly remembered you were looking for a used car, too. A company in Houston tried to sell used cars in Wal-Mart parking lots a few years back and lost $6 million. But for all of you bargain shoppers, it's just another thing you can get at your local Super Center. If you live in Phoenix, that is...

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Wal Mart gets into used car business... sorta originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bolivia bans most imports to... curb traffic?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Japan, Lifestyle

Outside of a Terry Gilliam film, where else can you see a used car blessing ceremony, a city of one million people with 535 different public bus routes, roadblocks set up by car mechanics, and kids dressed in zebra suits patrolling crosswalks? Bolivia, that's where. The South American nation, attempting to halt an explosion of automobile buying that's clogging their limited road network, has banned importing used cars more than five years old.

The president of Bolivia issued the ban to halt the tide of right-hand-drive cars coming in from Japan. The cars are more reliable than what was on offer before, and so cheap that Bolivians have been buying them up, painting "Taxi" on the sides, only to sit on traffic-choked roads. Shutting down the import trade brings Bolivia more in line with its South American neighbors, and it could open the roads up a bit as well and curb air pollution issues. The mechanics who convert right-hand drive cars to left-hand drive have protested and blocked roads, arm-in-arm with the used car dealers who sell them.

Bolivians who wanted the used cars are losing out twice: Used cars less than five years old usually don't make it to Bolivia, and they will be denied "the road trip to bless a new used car at a popular Catholic shrine on Lake Titicaca -- where proud owners splash their new wheels with beer and tape flowers to the side mirrors -- has become a regular rite of passage." Oh, and the kids dressed up as zebras? They get paid by the city to to scold drivers that block crosswalks. It's probably not a bad gig unless you get run over on your first day and spend three days in hospital like one zebra in La Paz. Ah, Bolivia...

[Source: CBS]

Bolivia bans most imports to... curb traffic? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Such a deal: Ten 300-hp used cars under $10K

Dan Roth — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Etc.

300 horsepower. Not too long ago, that was a number to brag about. Nowadays, minivans edge close to that number, making 500 or even 600 horsepower the new 300. While the proliferation of big horsepower might scare the beejeezus out of average drivers, car lovers see it as an opportunity to get a musclebound automobile at a fire sale price. If you've got a need to have the latest, best stuff, then the idea of picking up 300 still-exciting horsepower under the hood of something interesting from the last two decades might not do it for you, but the idea that you can get 300 horsepower for less money than an Aveo has a real appeal to us. Next Autos has whipped up a list of what they think are some of the better options in the sub-10K marketplace that pack the magic triple-hundred rating. We agree with some of the picks, one we've even singled out in the past as a Future Classic, but as is the case with any list, opinions will vary. One thing to bear in mind when contemplating the purchase of some of these cars is that while the price of entry might be pleasant, service costs can add up to monumental sums. Not that maintenance costs would stop us from being suckers for the roar of enraged pistons and the firm shove of hundreds of horsepower. Hit the link to see if the list is right on or full of beans.

[Source: Next Autos/Winding Road, Photo: Edmunds]

Such a deal: Ten 300-hp used cars under $10K originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Surprise! - well, not really: Insight, Prius top Consumer Reports most frugal used cars

Dan Roth — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hybrid, Green

If you're already stretched paper thin under the financial weight of a thirsty, expensive vehicle, getting out of it for something more fuel efficient might seem like an unattainable dream. Fear not, the smarties over at Consumer Reports have rightly pointed out that since depreciation accounts for nearly half of the cost of a car during its first five years of ownership, buying a used miser is the best way to save money and resources.

The usual suspects top CR's lists; both the under $10,000 and $10,000-$20,000 categories are dominated by Toyota and Honda products. Honda's Insight is deemed the zenith of $10,000 sippers, with the '01-'02 Prius right on its heels. For the higher-price category, the first two slots are occupied by the Prius, and Honda's Civic Hybrid takes the next two seedings. Rankings are based on CR's own fuel economy tests, done with a flow meter and repeatable drive cycle, and overall assessments of the vehicle's quality and reliability likely play big roles in how the list was compiled. It is also noted that older vehicles may be missing out in some more modern features like stability control and side-curtain airbags, but that may be more of an issue for the under $10,000 set, which stretches back to vehicles from the late 1990s. Hybrids might be tough to secure right now, especially for a reasonable price, but going used might allow you to ease your consumption while dodging a high-buck purchase to do so.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Surprise! - well, not really: Insight, Prius top Consumer Reports most frugal used cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Used Prius prices higher than new model's

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Toyota

If vehicles could be sainted, stained-glass artists all over the U.S. would be busy figuring out the best colors for the Toyota Prius to shine in. Brand new examples of the motorized mollusk that everyone can't wait to buy spend just five days on dealer lots. Last year's model lasts just fifteen days more.

The real coup, however, is in the prices. An unused Prius requires about $26,672 to take home. The used version, with fewer than 10,000 miles, goes for around $27,945. That's right, nearly $1,300 more. More incredible: a 2007 model with more than 22,000 miles will only save you $276 compared to the price of a shiny new 2008. We're not sure you can even call that depreciation.

Toyota is increasing Prius production, but that'll take a moment to be felt on dealer lots. In the mean time, if you absolutely have to have a hybrid, we see a Malibu in your future...

[Source: Next Autos]

Used Prius prices higher than new model's originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Craigslist Find of the Day: "Boss" Audi A4 Avant

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Etc., Audi

Click above for high-res gallery of Ben's Boss A4

If you act now, you can purchase the 2001 Audi A4 Avant in the picture above. If you want the whole car, as is, it will cost you $2,500. If -- for reasons we can't fathom -- you want the car without the front bumper, it will cost you $2,350. If you want that same car, but don't want the wheels, well, that paperweight will cost you $2,000. Strike all three important components and the aftermarket stereo, and this fine piece of German engineering is yours for the bargain basement price of $1,300.

The caption in the photo above is due to the fact that its owner, Ben, believes the car is "boss" and intimidates other basic transportation, like a Ford F-350. But don't make a play for it until you've seen the rear. Specifically, the plank of old growth timber that's posing as a bumper. According to that bumper, Ben's treasure is in heaven. Yours, according to Ben, is in Cincinnati. If you put $5 bucks in the tank, he'll let you test drive it, and if you swing by you can shake his hand. Now that's boss. Thanks for the tip, Carlos!

Gallery: craigslist audi a4 avant 01

[Source: craigslist]

Craigslist Find of the Day: "Boss" Audi A4 Avant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Certified used Lamborghinis coming soon to a dealer near you

Merritt Johnson — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for high-res gallery of the Gallardo LP560-4

Some folks out there simply refuse to buy a new automobile off the showroom floor. They cannot bring themselves to fork over the funds for an item that depreciates in value so quickly after pulling away from the dealer's lot. The world of certified used cars arose for these frugal minded individuals. Certified used cars offer sufficient warranty coverage, enough miles on the odometers to assure that they are not lemons and little to none of the instant investment nose dive. Now Lamborghini is joining the ranks of manufacturers offering pre-owned vehicles through its dealership network so wealthy super tight wads can feel a little bit better about splurging for a Lambo. This will also make it easier for those who have to be seen in the latest and greatest to trade up from old to new models.

The program begins in July and extends to all Gallardo and Murcielago models through a network of 31 authorized dealers. To be certified, however, the vehicle must meet a list of criteria. The car must have seen less than 22,000 miles with all maintenance fully documented. It also must pass a 150-point inspection performed by the dealer. Any non-OEM equipment (wings, stereos, Gumball 3000 decals) will not be accepted as they do not meet the required standards.

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

[Source: Inside Line]

Certified used Lamborghinis coming soon to a dealer near you originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NADA: Luxury segment has the worst depreciation

Dan Roth — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Tuners, Etc.

Spend more for the cutting edge of luxury and style, and you could wind up taking a larger whack than most when it's time to trade in that sled. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is reporting that premium luxury vehicles actually have the highest annual depreciation rate. The reason for the stone-dropping value is that luxury car buyers tend to want the latest and greatest. The preference for the next big thing leads to owners turning in their current cars faster than people who will drive a Taurus until its wheels fall off. Manufacturers also keep rolling out new versions of their top-tier cars to keep these customers coming back for more, which also takes a bite out of resale value since the next iteration is often right around the corner. Those cars that don't get refreshed as quickly end up with heavier incentives to maintain their sales volume in between refreshenings. In the end, it's a win-win for everybody. Automakers continue to move iron, early adopters beta test the products for the rest of us, and if you're willing to be a little bit behind the curve, you can pick up a three-year-old car for a small potatoes and still feel like you're living large.

Topping the list of annual value-losers is Jaguar's XJ8, which drops 25 percent in just a year. Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus and Volvo also make appearances in NADA's top ten list of dubious distinction. The luxury cars are kept company by such ignominious vehicles as the Suzuki Verona, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio. Judging from those rankings, it looks like the top and bottom extremes lose their value the fastest. If you're in the market for a Joneses-pleasing marque, this is good news.

[Source: NADA via Winding Road, Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty]

Continue reading NADA: Luxury segment has the worst depreciation

NADA: Luxury segment has the worst depreciation originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mexico bans all imported used cars from U.S. except 1998 models

Chris Tutor — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

All you people with a 10-year-old car - drive it, drag it, push it or pull it! Mexico is paying top dollar!

Starting today, the only used cars the Mexico government will allow across its borders for resale are those exactly 10 years old. That means your 1998 Hyundai Accent has appreciated in value for the first time since you drove it off the lot. But your 1997 Astro van is, believe it or not, worth even less than it was last year, and you 1999 Daewoo Nubira drivers will have to wait until next year to cash in.

There are two main reasons for Mexico's seemingly arbitrary automotive adjudication. First, its new-car dealers are tired of trying to compete with all manner of relatively inexpensive, recent-model used cars from the U.S. Second, the government says cars older than 10 years are wreaking havoc on the country's air quality.

Until now, it was legal to import cars into Mexico that were between 10 and 15 years old. The Mexican Association of Automobile Distributors fought for the newer, more restrictive law to, as quoted by The Detroit News, "stop the accelerated conversion of our country into the world's biggest automotive garbage dump."

[Source: The Detroit News]

Mexico bans all imported used cars from U.S. except 1998 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Teens caught for phony Craigslist Porsche scam

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

It used to be that kids did the darndest things. Lately, a lot of kids seem to be more into wacked-out-WTF things, like a 17-year-old Manhattan high-schooler in Long Island, NY who was the ringleader in a scam created to rob folks looking to buy a Porsche.

The scam was quite simple and took advantage of folks looking for the too-good-to-be-true. The ringleader would post an ad on craigslist for a used Porsche -- in one case for a 2002 Porsche Turbo for $50,000 OBO, in another case it was for a 2005 Carrera GT that the "owner" had simply "gotten too old for." The siren-goes-off part of the ads was when the owner requested that potential buyers bring $22,000 for the down payment on the car.

Turns out that folks did show up with cash in their pockets. Upon arrival, they were set upon by six male teens who tried to rob them of whatever they had. The most the teen crooks were able to get at one time was $4,000 from one couple. On another occasion, two gentlemen apparently did show up with $22,000, but only lost $50 before they were able to get away. The perps have all been caught, but next time you see an ad for a car that seems like a steal, ask a lot of questions and leave the $22,000 at home. Thanks for the tip, Kenny!

[Source: Gothamist]

Teens caught for phony Craigslist Porsche scam originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce finds Provenance for its used cars

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Rolls-Royce

You're at the showroom, looking over the Rolls-Royce Phantom you've had your eye on for a while, and not sure whether you can trust the used car dealer or the wrinkled Carfax report you're holding. For you discerning buyers, the double-R has come to the rescue by offering "new car peace of mind" with its Provenance program ("programme," to you members of the Realm). Each previously owned car must have been serviced to the level of Rolls' standards and is inspected and road tested by factory-trained technicians. If a car manages to earn a Provenance seal, it comes with a vehicle history and proof-of-mileage. As a proud owner, you'll also get 24-hour roadside assistance, servicing, and warranty "up to the car's sixth birthday." Provenance cars are only sold through the Rolls dealer network, and probably won't ever include any of the pimped-out versions found on eBay.

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce finds Provenance for its used cars

Rolls-Royce finds Provenance for its used cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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