used car pricing

Where to buy cars online
All of these services offer FREE online automobile car prices. For the best deal, get car prices from all of them. It's a heck of a lot easier than haggling face to face with a dealer :-) Plus Save by shopping online. Most car prices online are bottom dollar price. If you walk into the car dealership the same car will be marked up thousands more. Some time 5 grand more. If you find a car you like at a dealership be sure to check their website for internet price before buying!

• Cars Direct
  CarsDirect is your #1 resource for car research and pricing information on all makes and models.
   

• Find the new or used car you want on cars.com Highly Recommended!
  Cars.com is an industry leading e-commerce website providing customers the opportunity to buy or sell a car. If a customer wants to buy a car, they are able to search through the cars.com database to find the specific make, model and price they desire and then send a lead to the seller of that car. Cars.com also has a program for people looking to sell their own car with the Sell It Yourself packages.
   

• Save on cars at Bargain.com from police impounds, repo's & public auctions
  Buy where dealers buy. Find your dream car from police impounds, repo's, public auctions, Internet specials and other hidden bargains. Don’t overpay and don’t get a lemon! Sign-up now.
   
• 
  Find used cars for sale, compare prices, read reviews, & more. List your used cars in our classifieds to sell your vehicle or get free auto loan quotes on all cars. Great website for auto research. Reviews and more!
   

• Great Website for Car Research, Reviews & Tips
  But they are just using autotrader.com for used cars for sale online. Your better off just going to autotrader.com. Edmunds.com is the Internet’s pioneer and leader in providing unbiased automotive information, tools and services to consumers.
   

• eBay Motors
  Shop & Save on used cars at eBay Motors. Buy it at eBay's auto pricing auction. Use the Advanced Search when shopping for a car. You'll get more results.
   

• car max
  By New & Used cars online. They will buy your car. Also will transfer a car from anywhere in the US for a fee.

Buying Your Used Car

Before you start shopping for a new or used car, you’ll need to do some homework. Spending time now may save you serious money later. Think about your driving habits, your needs, and your budget. You can learn about car models, options, and prices by reading newspaper ads, both display and classified. Libraries and book stores also have publications that compare new and used car models, options, and costs, and offer information about frequency-of-repair records, safety tests, and mileage. Many of these publications have details on the do’s and don'ts of buying a used car.

Once you’ve narrowed your car pricing choices, research the frequency of repair and maintenance costs on the models in auto-related consumer magazines. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Auto Safety Hotline (1-800-424-9393) gives information on recalls.

You have two choices: pay in full or finance over time. If you finance, the total cost of the car increases. That’s because you’re also paying for the cost of credit, which includes interest and other loan costs. You’ll also have to consider how much you can put down, your monthly payment, the length of the loan, and the annual percentage rate (APR). Keep in mind that annual percentage rates usually are higher and loan periods generally are shorter on used cars than on new ones.

Dealers and lenders offer a variety of loan terms and payment schedules. Shop around, compare offers, and negotiate the best deal you can. Be cautious about advertisements offering financing to first-time buyers or people with bad credit. These offers often require a big down payment and a high APR. If you agree to financing that carries a high APR, you may be taking a big risk. If you decide to sell the car before the loan expires, the amount you receive from the sale may be far less than the amount you need to pay off the loan. If the car is repossessed or declared a total loss because of an accident, you may be obligated to pay a considerable amount to repay the loan even after the proceeds from the sale of the car or the insurance payment have been deducted. If your budget is tight, you may want to consider paying cash for a less expensive car than you first had in mind.

If you decide to finance, make sure you understand the following aspects of the loan agreement before you sign any documents:

• the exact price you’re paying for the vehicle
• the amount you’re financing the car for
• the finance charge (the dollar amount the credit will cost you)
• the APR (a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate)
• the number and amount of payments
• the total sales of the car price (the sum of the monthly payments plus the down payment) Used cars are sold through a variety of outlets: franchise and independent dealers, rental car companies, leasing companies, and used car superstores. You can even buy a used car on the Internet. Ask friends, relatives and co-workers for recommendations. You may want to call your local consumer protection agency, state Attorney General (AG), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out if any unresolved complaints are on file about a particular dealer.

Some dealers are attracting customers with "no-haggle prices," "factory certified" used cars, and better warranties. Consider the dealer’s reputation when you evaluate these ads.

Dealers are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel. The right to return the car in a few days for a refund exists only if the dealer grants this privilege to buyers. Dealers may describe the right to cancel as a "cooling-off" period, a money-back guarantee, or a "no questions asked" return policy. Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer’s return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully.

The Federal Trade Commission’s Used Car Rule requires dealers to post a Buyers Guide in every used car they offer for sale. This includes light-duty vans, light-duty trucks, demonstrators, and program cars. Demonstrators are new cars that have not been owned, leased, or used as rentals, but have been driven by dealer staff. Program cars are low-mileage, current-model-year vehicles returned from short-term leases or rentals. Buyers Guides do not have to be posted on motorcycles and most recreational vehicles. Anyone who sells less than six cars a year doesn’t have to post a Buyers Guide.

The Buyers Guide to used cars must tell you:

• whether the vehicle is being sold "as is" or with a warranty
• what percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty
• that spoken promises are difficult to enforce
• to get all promises in writing
• to keep the Buyers Guide for reference after the sale
• the major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of the major problems you should look out for
• to ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy.

When you buy a used car from a dealer, get the original Buyers Guide that was posted in the vehicle, or a copy. The Guide must reflect any negotiated changes in warranty coverage. It also becomes part of your sales contract and overrides any contrary provisions. For example, if the Buyers Guide says the car comes with a warranty and the contract says the car is sold "as is," the dealer must give you the warranty described in the Guide. When the dealer offers a vehicle "as is," the box next to the "As Is - No Warranty" disclosure on the Buyers Guide must be checked. If the box is checked but the dealer promises to repair the vehicle or cancel the sale if you’re not satisfied, make sure the promise is written on the Buyers Guide. Otherwise, you may have a hard time getting the dealer to make good on his word. Some states, including Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, don’t allow "as is" sales for many used vehicles.

Three states—Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Washington—require different disclosures than those on the Buyers Guide. If the dealer fails to provide proper state disclosures, the sale is not "as is." To find out what disclosures are required for "as is" sales in your state, contact your state Attorney General.

State laws hold dealers responsible if cars they sell don’t meet reasonable quality standards. These obligations are called implied warranties—unspoken, unwritten promises from the seller to the buyer. However, dealers in most states can use the words "as is" or "with all faults" in a written notice to buyers to eliminate implied warranties. There is no specified time period for implied warranties.

Warranty of Merchantability

The most common type of implied warranty is the warranty of merchantability: The seller promises that the product offered for sale will do what it’s supposed to. That a car will run is an example of a warranty of merchantability. This promise applies to the basic functions of a car. It does not cover everything that could go wrong.

Breakdowns and other problems after the sale don’t prove the seller breached the warranty of merchantability. A breach occurs only if the buyer can prove that a defect existed at the time of sale. A problem that occurs after the sale may be the result of a defect that existed at the time of sale or not. As a result, a dealer’s liability is judged case-by-case.

Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose

A warranty of fitness for a particular purpose applies when you buy a vehicle based on the dealer’s advice that it is suitable for a particular use. For example, a dealer who suggests you buy a specific vehicle for hauling a trailer in effect is promising that the vehicle will be suitable for that purpose.

If you have a written warranty that doesn’t cover your problems, you still may have coverage through implied warranties. That’s because when a dealer sells a vehicle with a written warranty or service contract, implied warranties are included automatically. The dealer can’t delete this protection. Any limit on an implied warranty’s time must be included on the written warranty.

In states that don’t allow "as is" sales, an "Implied Warranties Only" disclosure is printed on the Buyers Guide in place of the "As Is" disclosure. The box beside this disclosure will be checked if the dealer decides to sell the car with no written warranty.

In states that do allow "as is" sales, the "Implied Warranties Only" disclosure should appear on the Buyers Guide if the dealer decides to sell a vehicle with implied warranties and no written warranty. A copy of the Buyers Guide with the "Implied Warranties Only" disclosure is available here.

Dealers who offer a written warranty must complete the warranty section of the Buyers Guide. Because terms and conditions vary, it may be useful to compare and negotiate coverage.

Dealers may offer a full or limited warranty on all or some of a vehicle’s systems or components. Most used car warranties are limited and their coverage varies. A full warranty includes the following terms and conditions.

• Anyone who owns the vehicle during the warranty period is entitled to warranty service.
• Warranty service will be provided free of charge, including such costs as removing and reinstalling a covered system.
• You have the choice of a replacement or a full refund if, after a reasonable number of tries, the dealer cannot repair the vehicle or a covered system.
• You only have to tell the dealer that warranty service is needed in order to get it, unless the dealer can prove that it is reasonable to require you to do more.
• Implied warranties have no time limits.

If any of these statements doesn’t apply, the warranty is limited.

A full or limited warranty doesn’t have to cover the entire vehicle. The dealer may specify that only certain systems are covered. Some parts or systems may be covered by a full warranty; others by a limited warranty.

The dealer must check the appropriate box on the Buyers Guide to indicate whether the warranty is full or limited and the dealer must include the following information in the "Warranty" section:

• the percentage of the repair cost that the dealer will pay. For example, "the dealer will pay 100 percent of the labor and 100 percent of the parts . . .";
• the specific parts and systems—such as the frame, body, or brake system—that are covered by the warranty. The back of the Buyers Guide lists the major systems where problems may occur;
• the warranty term for each covered system. For example, "30 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first"; and
• whether there’s a deductible and, if so, how much.

You have the right to see a copy of the dealer’s warranty before you buy. Review it carefully to determine what is covered. The warranty gives detailed information, such as how to get repairs for a covered system or part. It also tells who is legally responsible for fulfilling the terms of the warranty. If it’s a third party, investigate their reputation and whether they’re insured. Find out the name of the insurer, and call to verify the information. Then check out the third-party company with your local Better Business Bureau. That’s not foolproof, but it is prudent. Make sure you receive a copy of the dealer’s warranty document if you buy a car that is offered with a warranty.

If the manufacturer’s warranty still is in effect, the dealer may include it in the "systems covered/duration" section of the Buyers Guide. To make sure you can take advantage of the coverage, ask the dealer for the car’s warranty documents. Verify the information (what’s covered, expiration date/miles, necessary paperwork) by calling the manufacturer’s zone office. Make sure you have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) when you call.

Like a warranty, a service contract provides repair and/or maintenance for a specific period. But warranties are included in the price of a product, while service contracts cost extra and are sold separately. To decide if you need a service contract, consider whether:

• the service contract duplicates warranty coverage or offers protection that begins after the warranty runs out. Does the service contract extend beyond the time you expect to own the car? If so, is the service contract transferable or is a shorter contract available?
• the vehicle is likely to need repairs and their potential costs. You can determine the value of a service contract by figuring whether the cost of repairs is likely to exceed the price of the contract.
• the service contract covers all parts and systems. Check out all claims carefully. For example, "bumper to bumper" coverage may not mean what you think.
• a deductible is required and, if so, the amount and terms.
• the contract covers incidental expenses, such as towing and rental car charges while your car is being serviced.
• repairs and routine maintenance, such as oil changes, have to be done at the dealer.
• there’s a cancellation and refund policy for the service contract and, whether there are cancellation fees.
• the dealer or company offering the service contract is reputable. Read the contract carefully to determine who is legally responsible for fulfilling the terms of the contract. Some dealers sell third-party service contracts.

The dealer must check the appropriate box on the Buyers Guide if a service contract is offered, except in states where service contracts are regulated by insurance laws. If the Guide doesn’t include a service contract reference and you’re interested in buying one, ask the salesperson for more information.

If you buy a service contract from the dealer within 90 days of buying a used vehicle, federal law prohibits the dealer from eliminating implied warranties on the systems covered in the contract. For example, if you buy a car "as is," the car normally is not covered by implied warranties. But if you buy a service contract covering the engine, you automatically get implied warranties on the engine. These may give you protection beyond the scope of the service contract. Make sure you get written confirmation that your service contract is in effect.

The Buyers Guide cautions you not to rely on spoken promises. They are difficult to enforce because there may not be any way for a court to determine with any confidence what was said. Get all promises written into the Guide.

Pre-Purchase Independent Inspection

It’s best to have any used car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy it. For about $100 or less, you’ll get a general indication of the mechanical condition of the vehicle. An inspection is a good idea even if the car has been "certified" and inspected by the dealer and is being sold with a warranty or service contract. A mechanical inspection is different from a safety inspection. Safety inspections usually focus on conditions that make a car unsafe to drive. They are not designed to determine the overall reliability or mechanical condition of a vehicle.

To find a pre-purchase inspection facility, check your Yellow Pages under "Automotive Diagnostic Service" or ask friends, relatives and co-workers for referrals. Look for facilities that display certifications like an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) seal. Certification indicates that some or all of the technicians meet basic standards of knowledge and competence in specific technical areas. Make sure the certifications are current, but remember that certification alone is no guarantee of good or honest work. Also ask to see current licenses if state or local law requires such facilities to be licensed or registered. Check with your state Attorney General’s office or local consumer protection agency to find out whether there’s a record of complaints about particular facilities.

There are no standard operating procedures for pre-purchase inspections. Ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Get this information in writing.

If the dealer won’t let you take the car off the lot, perhaps because of insurance restrictions, you may be able to find a mobile inspection service that will go to the dealer. If that’s not an option, ask the dealer to have the car inspected at a facility you designate. You will have to pay the inspection fee.

Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. Be sure the report includes the vehicle’s make, model and VIN. Make sure you understand every item. If you decide to make a purchase offer to the dealer after considering the inspection’s results, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.

The Buyers Guide lists an auto’s 14 major systems and some serious problems that may occur in each. This list may help you and your mechanic evaluate the mechanical condition of the vehicle. The list also may help you compare warranties offered on different cars or by different dealers.

The back of the Buyers Guide lists the name and address of the dealership. It also gives the name and telephone number of the person you should contact at the dealership if you have problems or complaints after the sale.

The dealer may include a buyer’s signature line at the bottom of the Buyers Guide. If the line is included, the following statement must be written or printed close to it: "I hereby acknowledge receipt of the Buyers Guide at the closing of this sale." Your signature means you received the Buyers Guide at closing. It does not mean that the dealer complied with the Rule’s other requirements, such as posting a Buyers Guide in all the vehicles offered for sale.

If you buy a used car and the sales discussion is conducted in Spanish, you are entitled to see and keep a Spanish-language version of the Buyers Guide.

An alternative to buying from a dealer is buying from an individual. You may see ads in newspapers, on bulletin boards, or on a car. Buying a car from a private party is very different from buying a car from a dealer.

• Private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide’s list of an auto’s major systems as a shopping tool. You also can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic.
• Private sales usually are not covered by the "implied warranties" of state law. That means a private sale probably will be on an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller must live up to the promises stated in the contract. The car also may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. However, warranties and service contracts may not be transferable, and other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask to review its warranty or service contract.
• Many states do not require individuals to ensure that their vehicles will pass state inspection or carry a minimum warranty before they offer them for sale. Ask your state Attorney General’s office or local consumer protection agency about the requirements in your state.

Whether you buy a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:

• Examine the car yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car.
• Test drive the car under varied road conditions—on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
• Ask for the car’s maintenance record. If the owner doesn’t have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.
• Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car’s history.
• Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
• Purchase an auto history report. 

If you have a problem that you think is covered by a warranty or service contract, follow the instructions to get service. If a dispute arises, there are several steps you can take:

• Try to work it out with the dealer. Talk with the salesperson or, if necessary, the owner of the dealership. Many problems can be resolved at this level. However, if you believe you’re entitled to service, but the dealer disagrees, you can take other steps.
• If your warranty is backed by a car manufacturer, contact the local representative of the manufacturer. The local or zone representative is authorized to adjust and decide about warranty service and repairs to satisfy customers. Some manufacturers also are willing to repair certain problems in specific models for free, even if the manufacturer’s warranty does not cover the problem. Ask the manufacturer’s zone representative or the service department of a franchised dealership that sells your car model whether there is such a policy.
• Contact your local Better Business Bureau, state Attorney General, or the Department of Motor Vehicles. You also might consider using a dispute resolution organization to arbitrate your disagreement if you and the dealer are willing. Under the terms of many warranties, this may be a required first step before you can sue the dealer or manufacturer. Check your warranty to see if this is the case. If you bought your car from a franchised dealer, you may be able to seek mediation through the Automotive Consumer Action Program (AUTOCAP), a dispute resolution program coordinated nationally by the National Automobile Dealers Association and sponsored through state and local dealer associations in many cities. Check with the dealer association in your area to see if they operate a mediation program.
• If none of these steps is successful, small claims court is an option. Here, you can resolve disputes involving small amounts of money, often without an attorney. The clerk of your local small claims court can tell you how to file a suit and what the dollar limit is in your state.
• The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also may be helpful. Under this federal law, you can sue based on breach of express warranties, implied warranties, or a service contract. If successful, consumers can recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other court costs. A lawyer can advise you if this law applies.

My Experience ... Shopping for a Car from a Women's View

I started shopping for a car about a month ago. It is September 8th Today 2006. I test drove over 20 new & used cars. I could basically have any car I choose. I basically looked at ever option. We have one car now which is a Lexus LS 430 so you have to keep in mind from the start I know how a car should ride and sound. I was the most difficult car buyer out there because price didn't matter. It had to do with Quality, Reliability and Available Options. Options being an Upgraded Sound System, Navigation System, Quality interior and a smooth ride.

The cars I test Rode:

• Nissan Maxima 06 new - highly recommend sport sedan
• 350z Touring 07 new  - highly recommend sports car
• Toyota Camry 06 new  - Was OK
• Toyota Avalon 07 new  - good recommendation - Rides good - interior needs work. Such as a tape button was useless because there was no tape player. Steer wheel seemed high to me and I am 5'9. (Yes, I adjusted it)
• Lexus IS 350 06 new - highly recommend sports sedan. The most amount of toys in the sports sedan available on the market. Navigation System, Mark Levinson Sound System (the BEST system you can own), Back up camera, interior is top quality and very stylish but I was look for a smoother ride.
• Lexus GS 300 07 new - highly recommend  But don't understand why Lexus considers it a Sports Sedan.
• Lexus ES 330 06 used- highly recommended - road smooth. Smoother than the ES 350 07
• Lexus ES 350 07 new - not impressed considering Lexus lists the model as a Luxury Sedan.
• Mitsubishi Eclipse 07 new - nice car. Sweet Exterior!
• Cadillac STS 06 new V8 - great car but glove box useless
• Cadillac STS 05 used V6 - great car but glove box useless
• Cadillac CTS 06 new - ok car but glove box to close to passenger
• Saturn Aura 07 new - great exterior & interior but over all driving & engine needs work. Meaning needs a smoother ride and faster engine.
• Pontiac G6 coupe 07 new - ok
• Pontiac GTO 06 new - ok. Loved the sound of the engine.
• Buick Lucerne CSX 07 new - highly recommend luxury sedan
• Hyundai Azera new - highly recommend luxury sedan just needs Navigation System
• Infiniti G35 06 sedan new - OK
• Infiniti G35 05 sedan used - Good  - seats where more comfortable than the 06 because they were broke in.
• Infiniti G35 05 coupe used - highly recommend sport luxury car
• Scion TC 07 new - highly recommend - the best sound system of all the cars but not the Lexus Mark Levinson. The sound system I heard was not the upgraded system.
• Chrysler 300C 06 new  - Great recommend luxury sedan.
• Chrysler 300 Signature Series 05 used  - Great recommend luxury sedan.
• Lincoln Zepher 06 -  - Good recommend luxury sedan.  Interior had too much plastic. It needs leather or vinyl over the plastic dashboard.
• Mercedes ML500  05 - Disappointed. Rouge ride. Expected better
• Mercedes CLK 320 coupe 04 - Good recommendation. Impressed by the sound system & it was not the upgraded system and the trunk is BIG. Quality Interior!

I decided to buy a Lexus GS 300 06 used. Mainly because of the Lexus car reliability.  We have a LS 430. It has over 100,000 miles and have had no problems with this vehicle. I don't know about you but that is pretty impressive.

I was really impressed by the Hyundai Azera but it did not have a navigation system. You don't realize how useful it is until you have one. Also impressed by the handling of the Buick Lucerne CSX 07. Total luxury inside, drives smooth and quiet. The handling during turns is like a sports car. That is what impressed me the most.  It has a nice looking exterior also.

But  the Lexus GS 300 is it. I would ultimately love to have the V8 GS 430 but do not want to pay the price.  Keeping in mind this car is for grocery store shopping & the mall. So a V6 will have to do. I have the luxury of living in Central Florida and have a car broker that goes to the car auctions. The GS 300 go though the auction quit often.

(My car brokers recommends and Lexus, Acura and Infiniti cars. He says they are never in the auto shop.)

Car shopping was really fun. It totally consumed me. I never realized I had such a passion for cars. It was so easy to research and remember all the car specifications effortlessly. I knew more about the car specifications and options than all (most all) of the car dealers. The only dealership that had educated sales men were at Lexus in Orlando Florida. They knew every question I had and more. A few dealers asked if I was looking for a job.   (Although Lexus of Orlando prices are WAY over priced. Buy from Lexus of Melbourne - it's worth the drive! They will even delivery the car to you!)

How I Used My Auto Resources Online

1st started at Forbes Auto. See which are the most popular & why.
next JD Powers, Yahoo for consumer reviews  & Consumer Reports

For current market prices and reviews go to Kelly Blue Book. If you are looking for a good price slightly used newer car go to carmax. You can find newer cars with low miles for below Kelly blue book prices. But their used cars are not the best prices. They stick to a few grand below Kelly Blue Book and you can almost always find the same used car for lower else where. But all of carmax cars are clean meaning they have not been wrecked. They are from a car own not a lease. You would tend to believe an actual car owner will treat the car better than a Leased Owner.

Always check the car history report at car fax. I used the monthly fee. If you run less than two reports you can request your money back. So basically free if you run two reports in a month. I had fun with it and ran about 50 reports. It is interesting find out the car history and which car dealers deal with problem cars. Which you would want to stay away from.

Don't rely on the car history report for car wrecks. People can get a car repaired without reporting the damage. Make sure and inspect the car yourself or have you mechanic.

You will not find the vin number at carmax.com. You will have to search cars.com  to find the vin number. Once you have the vin number you can run a report at carfax. It is nice to know how long the car was owned and used. For instance I come across two 05 Lexus ES 330. One was owned for 6 months the other owned for 1 year 3 months.  Quite a difference.

If you find a used car you want to buy at a car deal make sure to check their website for the car listing. Almost every car dealership lists their used cars online at a cheaper price than what's on the car lot. I found that as much as $5000 cheaper. One dealer even admitted they do this to draw customers in the door.

I had two bad experiences while shopping. They weren't extremely bad but very distasteful.

One is a Cadillac Dealer sent post card flyer advertising there 06  Cadillac were way below price SAVE over $26,000 on a car. They even had prices on each model such as an 06 STS New only $26,659. I called the dealership asked Cadillac Tony what is the catch? A 06 STS for $26,659? He goes no catch that is the price. The next day I went to the dealership and it was an lease option. I was furious that I wasted my time. The post card did not say it was for a lease anywhere. I would suspect you could legally sue them for the price since they immediately grabbed the post card and never gave it back. Anyway I am not sue happy but they did loose a customer over it.

The second is the Infiniti Sales Men. I was interested in buying a G35 Sedan 05. He asked what can I do to get you in the car? I say not to pay the price on the window. In the end I waited 15 minutes in the show room. He came back will an invoice with the price on the car window and a lease option. First off he gave me the price on the window and second I would be paying cash. OK, so was he even listening to me? Well, he was listening when I told him I found a Cadillac STS 05 I might make an offer on but was still shopping. He therefore tells me right before I leave. A Cadillac to an Infiniti is like a Coach Handbag to a Louis Vuitton Handbag. I played it off and said you shouldn't of said Louis Vuitton because I hate Louis Vuitton. You should of said a Hermes Birkin but an Hermes Birkin is like an Lamborghini Murcielago. How dare him think that I was buying a car for a status symbol. Yes, Infiniti's are good reliable cars just like the Lexus but just the fact that he said that totally makes me ill.  What a Dork.

The best and worst used cars
by Consumer Reports  - April 2006

CR Good Bets
The best of both worlds

These are models that have performed well in Consumer Reports road tests over the years and have proved to have several or more years of better-than-average Used Car Verdict. They are listed alphabetically.

Acura Integra
Acura MDX
Acura RL
Acura RSX
Acura TL
BMW Z3, Z4
Buick Regal
Chevrolet Prizm
Ford Crown Victoria
Ford Escort
Mustang (V8)
Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Honda Odyssey
Honda Pilot
Honda Prelude
Honda S2000
Infiniti FX35 (V6)
Infiniti G20
Infiniti G35
Infiniti I30, I35
Infiniti QX4
Lexus ES300, ES330
Lexus GS300/GS400, GS430
Lexus IS300
Lexus GX470
Lexus LS400, LS430
Lexus RX300, RX330
Lincoln Town Car
Mazda Millenia
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda Protegé
Mercury Grand Marquis
Mitsubishi Galant
Nissan Altima
Nissan Maxima
Nissan Murano
Nissan Pathfinder
Pontiac Vibe
Subaru Forester
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza
WRX, STi
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Avalon
Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry Solara
Toyota Celica
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Echo
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Matrix
Toyota Prius
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Sequoia
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Tundra


CR Bad Bets

These models from the Used Cars to Avoid list have shown multiple years of much-worse-than-average Used Car Verdicts. They have regularly shown more problems than most models each production year.


BMW 7 Series
BMW X5 (V8)
Chevrolet Astro
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Express 1500
Chevrolet S-10 (4WD)
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Chevrolet Venture
Chrysler Town & Country (AWD)
Dodge Grand Caravan (AWD)
GMC Envoy
GMC Jimmy
GMC Safari
GMC Savana 1500
GMC Sonoma (4WD)
Jaguar S-Type
Jaguar X-Type
Kia Sedona
Land Rover Discovery
Lincoln LS
Lincoln Navigator
Mercedes-Benz CLK
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (V8)
Oldsmobile Alero
Oldsmobile Bravada
Oldsmobile Silhouette
Pontiac Aztek
Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana
Saturn Vue (AWD)
Volkswagen Cabrio
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen New Beetle
Volkswagen Passat Wagon (V6)
Volvo XC90


About these lists
The lists are compiled from overall reliability data covering 1998-2005 models with better-than-average or much-worse-than-average reliability. CR Good Bets and CR Bad Bets include only the models for which we have sufficient data for at least three model years. Models that were brand new in 2004 or 2005 do not appear. Problems with the engine, engine cooling, transmission, and drive system were weighted more heavily than other problems.

Used Car Prices Current Events

Want a gas-saver? Buy a used car ? maybe (Sun-Sentinel)
With gas prices so high, who doesn't want to dump an old gas-guzzler? But before you buy a new car, consider another option: A used SUV or CUV that offers better fuel mileage.

Cleaning Tips for Your Car (Carteret County News-Times)
(ARA) - For most Americans, their car is the second biggest investment they will make in their lifetimes. The average price of a light vehicle is $28,715, according to the Comerica Index.

GM ups used car warranty, cites quality gains (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
General Motors Corp on Tuesday said it was extending a warranty offer on certified used cars and trucks, citing gains in quality and a drop in warranty-funded repairs.

Water for gas? Not unless you've got a hydrogen car (Scientific American)
In a time of rising gas prices (well, actually falling at present but still more expensive than last year), many consumers are searching for ways to cut fuel costs. One eye-catching options appears to be so-called water for gas, turning the H2O from your tap into an endless fuel source. [More]

Lindon used car dealer vamps business (Provo Daily Herald)
High gas prices and a soft economy have a lot of people selling their truck or SUV for something a little more economical.

Buying a Used Hybrid? Tips For Buying Your Green Machine (HispanicBusiness.com)
No Related Stories at this time! Oil prices may have dropped somewhat in the past two weeks, but does anyone really believe they will continue to fall? Besides, at more than $4 per gallon, most of us are continuing to feel pinched at the pump.

Car pooling bonds commuters, beats gas prices (The Washington Times)
Robert Gilliland didn't think much about car pooling until gas prices got out of control. Now, he's happy to trade his motoring freedom for $120 in weekly savings.

Food and gas prices put Dolan funds in demand (The Times Herald)
AMBLER - As a result of increased gas and food prices, the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund of Ambler is seeing more applications for financial assistance from families caring for ill and disabled children.

Car Used In Attempted Carjacking Found (KMBC-TV Kansas City)
Overland Park, Kan., police said a car used in an attempted carjacking Friday at Oak Park Mall has been found in Kansas City, Kan.

AutoCareInsurance.com Offers Consumers a Helpful Resource for Obtaining Car Insurance Quotes (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)
AutoCareInsurance.com provides consumers with a "one stop shop" website where they can obtain insurance quotes from a wide variety of insurance companies as well as helpful articles about car insurance and other issues related to vehicle ownership.