If you think the new “Cash for Clunkers” program is going to help you buy a new car, think again.  Our government’s latest, misguided attempt at saving the environment and boosting the economy isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

What is the “Cash for Clunkers” Program?
 
Cash for Clunkers, officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), is a federal program passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama will provide a voucher worth up to $4,500 to consumers trading in an old gas guzzler for new, more fuel efficient vehicle.  The program is effective beginning July 1, 2009 and ending on November 1, 2009 (or when the funding runs out, whichever comes first).

Sounds pretty good, huh?  Well… maybe not.  The government vouchers for $3,500 or $4,500 are in replacement of — not in addition to — the ordinary trade-in value of the vehicle.  If your trade is worth more than $4,500, forget it.  If your trade is worth less than the voucher, then the program might benefit you.  But, it’s only good for purchasing a new car, not a used one.  Purchasing a good, used car will likely save you more money overall than buying a new car with the voucher.

What’s the Catch?

Your trade must also be drivable, must have been made in 1984 or later, owned, insured and operated by you for one year, and must get 18 mpg or less city/highway combined.  The trade vehicle must be crushed, not resold.  (The idea is to get them off the road) If that’s not enough restrictions for you, there’s more!  You must purchase a new vehicle with a sticker price of $45,000 or less.  If you buy a new passenger car, it must get at least 4 mpg MORE than your trade vehicle.  If you buy a new SUV, minivan or small truck, it must get at least 2 mpg more than your trade.  (Larger trucks have different requirements and restrictions.)  Only one voucher is allowed per person.  Confused yet?  Visit the government’s website (www.cars.gov) or call a Women’s Automotive Solutions consultant for more information.

Who could benefit from this program?

Critics of this program (myself included) argue that this program won’t benefit most consumers. It doesn’t apply to used car purchases, and most people who drive “clunkers” do so because they can’t afford a brand new car in the first place.  However, there are a few folks who could take advantage of it:

1.  People who buy a new vehicle once in a blue moon, drive it until it almost dies, and then buy a new one again.
2.  Students or young professionals driving an old, college clunker who now have a good job and are ready to buy their first, new car.
3.  Parents who bought their teenager a piece of junk and now want a shiny new car for themselves.

The good news is that the voucher is in addition to (not in lieu of) any dealer incentives and rebates available on the new vehicle.   If you are thinking about taking advantage of this program, contact a Women’s Automotive Solutions consultant to see if you qualify and if the program is right for you.  Even if it’s not, Women’s Automotive Solutions will get you the best possible deal no matter what vehicle you buy – or what you trade in.

This email was sent to us from a future client, Adam Pack.  It really hits the nail on the head, so I wanted to share it (with Adam’s blessing, of course).  Thanks, Adam!

LeeAnn,

I like your style and your message.  You’ve got a kicken business model.  I checked out your site.   I like it all.  I will definitely use you when I go to buy or lease. I’ll also refer to anyone I know that is looking as an option to consider.  I’m sure you get objections like….”I can do that I’m in sales, etc. etc.”  I say bs.  It is much like getting a job.  Anyone may be good at business, sales, or just have good common sense but unless you eat, sleep, and breathe you are not in the know and are in a risky position to get taken advantage or innocently miss out.  A service like yours is golden cause you know how the system works and you work it each day.  Were someone going to get a car does it once every 3-10 years.  No one is good at doing something when they only do it once every 3-10 years.  Not only are you saving your clients $$ but you are giving them piece of mind.  I’ve bought cars in the past that from the moment I signed the paperwork I was haunted with the feeling that those [guys] screwed me over.  It stuck with me for years.    Car salespeople and dealerships are one of the least trusted people in the world.  So why would anyone chance a large capital expenditure that they will keep for years to trying to do it on their own.  You are an equalizer my friend whose purpose is for common good for man/woman kind!

 - Adam Pack

Kia is known for producing inexpensive cars with long warranties. That has been the basis of their success in the United States for 15 years. Producing exciting cars has not. Until now. Enter the 2010 Kia Soul, a fun, four-door boxy hatchback that is clearly designed to compete with the slightly larger Scion xB.

Taking a complete 180 from its traditional boring style, Kia makes the funky new Soul in wacky colors such as Java, Molten and Alien. Interiors are available in two-tone, houndstooth and even glow-in-the-dark upholstery. The interior space is quite impressive, given the Soul’s overall small size. High-mounted seats and a tall roofline offer even tall passengers sufficient head and legroom. Cargo room is significantly less than its Japanese competitors, but the Soul’s boxy shape can still haul reasonably large items.

The 2010 Kia Soul is available in four ridiculously named trim levels – Base, +, ! and Sport. The base model comes decently equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, rear drum brakes, air-conditioning, full power accessories, tilt steering, a 60/40-split rear seat and a four-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB and auxiliary audio jacks. The Soul + has a larger engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, cruise control, keyless entry, tinted rear windows, a height-adjustable driver seat, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The Soul ! adds 18-inch wheels and two-tone upholstery. The top level Soul Sport has an upgraded audio system, a sport-tuned suspension, red-black two-tone interior and special exterior trim. A sunroof is optional on the ! and the Sport. Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.

The quirky Soul is equally fun to drive, staying reasonably tight and planted in the corners. The ride is comfortable at “tooling around town” speeds, but can get a bit choppy on the highway. The based Soul offers a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 122 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. The +, ! and Sport trim levels get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 142 hp and 137 lb-ft of torque. The base model is available only in a five-speed manual, but the upgraded trims offer a four-speed automatic. The 5-speed manual Soul Sport reportedly goes from zero to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. Not too shabby for a lunch box on wheels.

(Photo courtesy of Kia Motors.)

A week or so ago, I listed the top 10 vehicles most likely to earn you a speeding ticket.  (Of course, it’s the driver that gets the ticket, not the car…)  So, it’s only fair that I  give you the 10 vehicles that are least likely to get you in trouble with the cops. 

Most of the vehicles on this list come as no surprise.  Some, like the Mazda 6, are quality cars that are willing and able to zoom-zoom.  The Oldsmobile Silhouette, on the other hand, may not even be capable of reaching the speed limit.  Some of these vehicles made the list because they tend to be driven by safety-conscious parents or responsible workers.  Others are simply so forgettable that even radar detectors don’t notice them.

1.  Jaguar XJ
2.  Chevrolet Suburban
3.  Chevy Tahoe
4.  Chevy Silverado 2500
5.  Buick Park Avenue
6.  Mazda 6
7.  Buick Ranier
8.  Oldsmobile Silhouette
9.  Buick Lucerne
10. GMC Sierra 1500

Back in March, The Car Chick filmed a guest spot on the national TV talk show, “Daily Balance With Kim Jacobs“.  The Car Chick is one of two guests on an episode dedicated to attaining “financial balance” in your life. What did Kim and I talk about?  Smart car buying strategies, of course!  Kim interviewed me about what women (and men) can do to save time and money when buying a car, and about how Women’s Automotive Solutions unique car buying service can help!

The show will air Monday, May 18th on the Word Network (Direct TV channel 373) at 7:30am ET. It will also air on WTVI in the Carolinas on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30pm ET!

“Daily Balance with Kim Jacobs” is a sixty-minute, informative and inspirational talk show that features guests such as actors, athletes, news-makers, and real people with interesting stories to tell about how they balance their lives. Suggestions on work-life balance, health-related topics covering food, beauty, fitness and the environment are provided by knowledgeable guests. 

Kim Jacobs is a woman who understands the need for balance.  She’s a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, wife and mother of five!!!   Kim is an awesome host, so keep an eye on her.  She may be the next Oprah!   Learn more at www.DailyBalanceWithKim.tv.  

Fort Mill, SC – Automotive entrepreneur, Michelle Lundy, has partnered with “Car Chick” LeeAnn Shattuck to turn Women’s Automotive Solutions into a national business opportunity.

Women’s Automotive Solutions is a totally unique car buying service.  It helps women find and buy the car they want while saving hundreds to thousands of dollars. The company saves women valuable time and takes the hassle out of buying new and used cars.

Lundy started the company in 2004 after 25 years of managing car dealerships. She watched hundreds of women become frustrated and pay too much when buying cars. Lundy created a system that helps women save time, save money, and get the car they want with out the stress and frustration.

Shattuck met Lundy in 2005 after seeing a brochure for Women’s Automotive Solutions. “I loved Michelle’s idea and the hot pink colors of the brand. All of my friends and colleagues hated and feared car shopping. So, I knew that Michelle had created a unique and valuable service. I wanted to be a part of it.”

Shattuck is a former management consultant and self-professed “car nut”. She brings fifteen years of Fortune 100/500 consulting and high-performance driving experience to the partnership.

The Car Chicks’ partnership has attracted interest nationwide for licensing Women’s Automotive Solutions. In spite of the current recession and depressed automobile sales, new clients are flocking to Women’s Automotive Solutions to save time and money on a new or used car. And, over half of those clients are men!

http://www.WomensAutomotiveSolutions to learn more about this unique car buying service.

When I turned 30 and bought a little red convertible, my friends congratulated me on my new cop magnet.  After all, everyone knows that red cars are more likely to get pulled over, right?  One theory says that the bright color attracts the attention of the police.  Another says that an optical illusion makes red cars appear to be going faster than other colored cars.  That got me thinking – are certain cars more likely than others to be cited for speeding?  After all, it couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the way I drive…

According to data compiled by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, red cars do not get more speeding tickets than their less vivid counterparts.  Nor are they more likely to be stolen.  One would also assume that sports cars are more likely to be cited for speeding.  That’s what sports cars are for, after all.  Yet, the data tells a different story.  According to a study by ISO Quality Planning, a risk assessment company, the following ten vehicles are the biggest cop magnets on the road. (I wonder where my pink Mini would fall on this list?)

1.  Hummer H2 (and H3) – Perhaps the owners of these flashy behemoths drive like they own the road.  Maybe they are just easier for cops to spot.  Either way, Hummer drivers get more traffic tickets than drivers of any other vehicle.

2.  Scion tC – This entry level vehicle from Toyota’s Scion division is popular with young drivers, which easily explains why it’s on the top 10 ticketed list.  This little coupe delivers good performance at a very low price, which should at least make the speeding tickets more affordable.

3.  Scion xB – Popular with both young drivers and small businesses, the boxy xB certainly attracts a lot of attention.  The xB isn’t exactly fast, so it must be all of the catchy graphics that get these roving billboards pulled over.

4.  Mercedes CLK63 AMG – Luxury has its price, and if you can afford one of these babies, you can afford the speeding tickets that go with it.

5.  Toyota Solara – Although sportier than the 4-door Camry, the 2-door Solara is far from a high performance machine, but it is fun to drive.  Maybe the convertible models just look like they are going faster with the top down.

6.  Mercedes CLS AMG – Between its smokin’ hot looks and 507 hp V8 engine, this car has more than earned a spot on this list.  Of course, with that much horsepower, I’m surprised the cops can even catch it.

7.  Scion xA – With this model making the list, Scion completes the traffic ticket trifecta.  The xA was discontinued in 2006, but I’m sure it’s replacement, the xD, will uphold the tradition.

8.  Subaru Outback – Subarus are known for being reliable, “green” vehicles driven by environmentally conscious, outdoor-types.  I guess those otherwise responsible people are in a hurry to pick up their organic groceries. 

9.  Toyota Matrix – More expensive than its Scion cousins, but still affordable and attractive to younger drivers, this sporty hatchback is a blast to drive.  And Mr. Highway Patrol knows it.

10.  Audi A4 – Offered as a sedan, a wagon or a convertible, all three versions of the upscale Audi A4 are likely to get you noticed – by the neighbors and the police. 

Of course, it’s not the car that gets the speeding ticket – it’s the driver.  Statistics show that younger drivers are more likely to speed than older drivers, which explains the prevalence of Scions on the list.   Rich people, it seems, are also more likely to ignore the speed limit if the number of luxury cars listed is any indication.   Maybe that’s what they mean by “time is money”.  

Keeping a clean driving record is your responsibility, not your car’s.  If you watch your speed and obey the traffic laws, you can avoid costly citations no matter what vehicle you drive.   So, please drive safely!

(Women’s Automotive Solutions can help buy a car - cop magnet or not!  Check out our unique car buying service at www.WomensAutomotiveSolutions.com and see how you can get the best deal without all the hassle!)

Let’s face it – the minivan is so passé!   Here is a list of 10 Car Chick approved vehicles for today’s cool moms.  (I realize that Mother’s Day is not until May, but this gives you a couple of months to start dropping hints!)

1.   Audi A3 - A hot, luxury mini-wagon that will make the other moms drool!

2.   Mazda 5 - The convenience of a minivan (sliding doors), but with the cooler styling of a hatchback.  (It’s a minivan in disguise!)

3.   Honda Accord - Reliable, comfortable, great gas mileage - it’s popular for a reason! 

4.   Ford Taurus X - Has the roomy 3rd row seating of a larger SUV, but with a lower ride height and easier handling.

5.   Lexus ES350 - For the business mom who wants to travel in style! 

6.   Pontiac Vibe - A slightly funky hatchback that is inexpensive but reliable.

7.   Subaru Forester - 2009 Motortrend SUV of the Year.  Need I say more?

8.   Volvo XC90 - Safety, safety, safety!

9.   Toyota Venza - Part sedan, part hatchback, entirely new and cool.

10. Maxda CX9 - For moms who want to have a little fun while hauling the kids.  Zoom Zoom!

Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester has become more like an SUV, but it still retains much of the charm of the old, beloved wagon.  Still based on the same platform as the compct Impreza, the 2009 Forester has a slightly longer wheelbase, is an inch taller, and has more ground clearance than last year’s model.  It still has its car-like handling, but with more legroom and cargo space.

The new Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged version is also available that puts out 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque.  Most Foresters come with an automatic transmission, but some trims are available with a 5-speed manual.   The Forester comes standard with Subaru’s famous AWD, and it gets an estimated 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway (19 city/24 highway for the turbo).  The Forester also keeps your family safe with standard antilock brakes with brake assist, traction/stability control, front seat side airbags as well as front and rear side curtain airbags.

The 2009 Subaru Forester is available in five trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited. The base 2.5X is comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, power windows/locks and a four-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack. The Premium package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a power sunroof and a reclining rear seatback.  The 2.5XT model gives you 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof and rear spoiler, fog lights, roof rails, a telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, reclining rear seats and a six-speaker / six-CD audio system. The 2.5XT Limited adds heated mirrors, automatic climate control, a power driver seat, heated front seats, and full leather.  A navigation system is optional on both Limited models.

The improvements to the Subaru Forester earned it the 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the Year award.  Combine that with Subaru’s solid reliability history and commitment to “green” manufacturing practices, and you have truly a unique and special family vehicle.

One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Yet, each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes and other vehicle-related incidents. Here are eight tips for keeping your little ones safe in the car:

1.  Buy a Safe Car - Selecting a safe vehicle is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family.  Seems like a no-brainer, right?  Surprisingly, most people put safety very low on their priority list when shopping for a car.    Don’t automatically assume that SUVs are safe, as large vehicles are difficult to control and are more prone to rollover.  A small SUV, wagon or sedan may be a better choice.  If you are considering an SUV, look for one with a low rollover risk.  Look for a vehicle with five star safety ratings for both front and side-impact crashes, and make sure it comes equipped with front and side curtain airbags (for all seats), anti-lock breaks, stability control, independent suspension, and a tire pressure monitoring system.  Still not sure what to buy?  Women’s Automotive Solutions can help you pick the perfect vehicle and get a great deal!

2.  Maintain Your Vehicle - Keeping your car in good mechanical condition is essential for avoiding accidents and other mishaps that could endanger your children.  Have your brakes (rotors and pads) inspected regularly by a qualified technician.  Good tires are just as important as good brakes, so select quality tires and replace them when the “tread wear bars” become flush with the tire’s tread.  Finally, keep your windows and mirrors clean to maximize visibility.

3.  Be Prepared - Keep emergency supplies in your car in the event of an accident or breakdown.  The Department of Homeland Security recommends stashing a supply of bottled water, a flashlight, flares, blankets, gloves, non-perishable snacks, and a first aid kit in your trunk.  If you find yourself on the side of the road, keep your children locked inside the car until the situation is resolved so they don’t wander into traffic.

4.  Manage Distractions - Nearly 80 percent of car accidents or near-accidents are caused by distracted drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  Avoid using your cell phone while driving, even if it’s hands-free.  Reduce child-related distractions by keep the kids entertained with books, games or movies.  Remind them that Mommy (or Daddy) needs to watch the road, and then reward them for good behavior.  (Bribery is perfectly acceptable here.)

5.  Just Breathe - When the kids are fighting, you’re running late, and the person in front of you is going 10 miles under the speed limit, it’s pretty easy to lose your cool.  Road rage leads to tailgating, abrupt lane changes, and slamming on the brakes, which endanger children and teach bad driving habits.  Elaine Masters of http://www.DrivetimeYoga.com suggests using Yoga-based breathing and small stretching exercises for reducing stress behind the wheel.

6.  Select the Right Car Seat - Car safety seats reduce the risk of death by 71% for infants and by 54% for children ages one to four years.   All current car seats (6 years old or newer) pass government safety standards, so the safest seat is one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, and one you will use correctly every time.  Be wary of used car seats that may have been in a crash, that show any cracks or damage, or are missing labels, model number, manufacturing date, instructions or parts.  Never put thick towels or any compressible material under a car seat, as this can reduce the safety of your installation.

7.  A Snug Fit is Best - Car seat harnesses should fit snugly with no space between the child and the straps.  Winter coats and blankets underneath safety restraints are dangerous because they compress in a crash, creating slack. This extra space can cause a baby or toddler to slip through the straps during a crash.  If you need to keep your child warm, try a Baby Bloak™!  Invented by “mompreneur” and TheCarMommy.com blogger, Jennifer Albin, the Baby Bloak is a snuggly, hooded blanket designed to fit over a car seat’s safety restraints.  Check it out at http://www.TheBabyBloak.com!  

8.  Don’t Forget Your Kid - Accidentally leaving your baby in the car seems so unimaginable, most of us think, “How could any parent do that?”  Tragically, over 300 children have died from heat exhaustion in the United States over the last 10 years after being left in a hot vehicle for several hours.  Kidsandcars.org, an advocacy group for child vehicle safety, suggests always putting something you’ll need for work, such as a cell phone, handbag, or employee badge on the floor of the back seat, near the child.  Or, you can purchase the Cars-N-Kids Car Seat Monitor (around $40), which turns on when it senses a child’s weight and sounds a lullaby when the car has stopped.