It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that gas prices have a huge impact on the car market.  When gas prices jump up, it sends consumers into a frenzy to trade in their gas guzzler for a more fuel efficient ride.  This causes a flood of 8 and even 6 cylinder vehicles on the secondary market, and a high demand for smaller, 4 cylinder vehicles.  On the new car market, dealers are having more trouble selling the big vehicles, so the manufacturers are offering significant incentives to move them.  This further reduces the value of similar vehicles on the secondary market. 

Those of us that took economics classes in school remember that when supply exceeds demand, as with the big gas guzzlers, prices plummet.  On the other hand, when demand increases (think little Honda), prices also increase. The recent gas hikes, combined with the overall state of the economy, have certainly caused a shift in the supply and demand for various vehicles.   Not surprisingly, the prices of large SUVs have dropped.  Pickups have also dropped in price, but there is still a demand for work trucks.  On the flip side, the price of 4 cylinder cars, like Hondas and Toyotas, has increased.  I went to auction last week to buy a Honda Element for a client.  I looked at the auction report and saw that they were selling for around $15,500 (auction price).  A vehicle with the exact same year, mileage and options sold for $17,300 just two weeks later!  Even the dealers are shaking their heads.  You can pretty much throw “book value” out the window. 

So, what does this mean for the average consumer?  Determining an accurate value for your trade is a little more challenging than usual right now.  So is determining a fair price to pay for a used car.  It also makes it harder to find a dealer who is willing to give you decent money for your gas guzzling trade.  Therefore, it is even more important to work with a consultant, like Women’s Automotive Solutions, to make sure you get the best price for both your trade and your new (or used) car.  We understand the current market conditions, and we know who is buying and selling what types of vehicles.  You can trust us to get you the best overall deal.  Just give us a call

Welcome to the newly launched Women’s Automotive Solutions blog!  We will be updating this blog on a weely basis with fun and valuable information in an effort to eduate women (and men) about car buying and the automotive industry in general.  We have also archived our newsletter articles here as well.   Check back weekly to see that latest postings or subscribe to our RSS feed!

To learn more about Women’s Automotive Solutions, visit us on the web at www.WomensAutomotiveSolutions.com!

While most people understand the importance of getting their car into pristine condition when selling to an individual, they rarely take the same care when trading in a vehicle to a dealer.  After all, they’re just “trading it in”, right?  WRONG! 

The term “trade in” was intentionally developed by the automotive industry to separate consumers from the idea that they were selling their car.  It’s the same reason that casinos have gamblers use chips instead of cash – to make them feel like they aren’t risking real money.  But, you are.  When you are “trading in” car to a dealer, you are really selling the car, and you should take the proper steps to prepare your vehicle, if you want to maximize the selling price.

Your car should be in the best possible mechanical condition when you try to sell it.  Be sure that you have performed all of the scheduled maintenance and consider fixing any minor issues.   Gather all of your maintenance records and receipts, including oil changes and any warranty or repair work, so you can prove to prospective buyers (including dealers) that the vehicle has been well maintained.

The appearance of the vehicle is equally important.  You may overlook some dirt, stains and cosmetic blemishes because you have an emotional attachment to the car (whether you realize it or not).  A prospective buyer does not.  That isn’t to say that you need to have every tiny scratch and door ding removed to make the car look brand new again.  A certain amount of wear and tear is to be expected on a used car, consistent with its age and mileage.  However, spending a few hundred dollars to have any dents or scrapes fixed (remember that time you backed into the mailbox?) could net you hundreds to thousand dollars in the selling price.  You may not even need to take your car to a body shop.  Mobile repair companies can perform minor body and paint work in the comfort of your own driveway at a lower cost than most body shops.
 
You should also thoroughly clean your car inside and out.  Clean out all the junk and trash you may have floating around inside, under the seats and in the trunk.  Vacuum every nook and cranny, clean the upholstery and headliner, and wipe down the dashboard and other interior surfaces.  Clean all the glass, inside and out, including the mirrors.  Wash and wax the exterior, polish the wheels and gloss the tires.  If the vehicle is a sports car or luxury car, consider buffing out any scratches, fixing any “curbed” wheels, and even detailing the engine compartment, as buyers of these vehicles tend to be more discriminating.   If all of this scrubbing sounds like too much work, consider having your vehicle professionally detailed.  Even taking it to the local car wash for a quick bath and vacuum will make a difference.
 
The appearance of your car is just as important if you are trading it in.  When a dealer appraises your car, he has to take into consideration all the costs he will incur to recondition the vehicle for resale.  He has to pay to fix it, clean it, advertise it and sell it, while making a comfortable profit.  While a dealer may be able to do repairs and detailing at a lower cost, it is still a hassle and increases his overhead expenses.  The dealer may even decide that the reconditioning costs are more trouble then they are worth, and he will simply haul the car off to an auction and offer you below wholesale price!
Dealers are also human beings and, therefore, not immune to the “wow” factor.  A clean, beautiful car invokes a positive emotional reaction, which easily raises the selling price.  Most of us, including dealers, also assume that people who care about their car’s appearance also take good care of it mechanically.  This can be a dangerous assumption, but you might as well use it to your advantage. 

The bottom line is that nobody wants to buy a dirty car.  Spending a few dollars upfront to make your vehicle looks its best will pay you back in the long run.

Getting your car ready to sell can be a pain, especially if your vehicle has some minor damage.  You know that you should really fix that scrape on the side where you grazed the garage door or the dent in the bumper where you hit the mailbox, but you don’t want the hassle of putting your car into the body shop for a couple days.  Fortunately, there are companies that bring the body shop to you! 

Companies like Collision on Wheels can do minor collision repairs in your own driveway or the parking lot at your office, saving you valuable time.  They even have a mobile paint booth (think big, blow-up tent) to do paint touch-ups.  Naturally, they can’t fix the big stuff, but bumper dings and scrapes are their specialty and at a price that is typically 20% - 50% less than a traditional body shop.

Go one step further, and have your car professionally cleaned by a mobile detailer.  Professional detailers know how to buff out light scratches, get stains out of upholstery and make your car shine! 

Collision on Wheels is a national franchise with certified technicians in most major cities, including Charlotte.  For a free estimate, call 1-866-551-DENT.  Visit them on the web at www.CollisionOnWheels.com.

Zoom Impressions is a mobile detailer in Charlotte, NC that cleans cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles and even airplanes.  For a quote or appointment, call 980-297-6546 or visit www.ZoomImpressions.com.

Many people have been asking me about the new Smart cars, so I decided to swing by the new Smart dealership here in Charlotte to get you the scoop. The name SMART is an acronym for Swatch Mercedes ART. If you are thinking that Swatch sounds like those trendy watches from the 80s, you are right! The idea for this micromobile was actually conceived by the Swiss watch company, which teamed up with Daimler-Benz to create a vehicle that could be easily parked on the crowded streets of Europe. The SMART debuted in Germany in 1998 and, after a decade, has finally made it to the United States.

But is America, the land of “bigger is better”, ready for this minicar? The Smart “Fourtwo” (does that stand for four wheels, two doors?) hit the U.S. market in January 2008, and there is already a 14 month wait list. Not too long ago, such a car would have been unthinkable in the U.S., but obscene gas prices and global warming have made environmentally friendly cars trendy. The Fourtwo gets over 40 mpg on the highway and nearly 35 mpg in the city, but that’s not what makes it so “green”. Smart uses only water-soluble paints for its three basic colors (black, white and yellow), and the body panels, dashboard, and wheel housing covers are fully recyclable. Protecting the environment and preservation of natural resources are truly hallmarks of smart brand. They even offer all-natural floor mats made from hemp.

The next question is “can such a tiny car really be safe?” The laws of physics dictate that any small car is at an inherent disadvantage when hit by a larger, heavier vehicle. However, Smart has gone to great lengths to make the Fourtwo as safe as possible. The core is a reinforced steel safety cell, which surrounds the driver and passenger and acts as a protective shell, much like a roll cage in a race car. Standard front- and side-impact airbags, as well as antilock breaks and an electronic stability system provide additional safety. The Fourtwo passed every American and European crash test, but a star rating has not yet been issued.

The two-seater Smart Fourtwo sports a 1.0 liter, 3 cylinder, rear-mounted engine that puts out a mere 70 horsepower and 68 pound feet of torque. Yet, weighing only 1800 lbs, the little car can still make 0-60 mph in under 13 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited at 90 mph.

The Fourtwo comes in two trim levels. The base “Pure” model starts just under $12,000 and comes standard with a 5-speed automated manual transmission, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, and 15 inch steel wheels. The upgraded “Passion” starts at $13,590 and adds a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and AM/FM radio with CD player. Options for the Passion include leather seats, heated seats, a premium sound system, power steering, an alarm system, rain and light sensors, and metallic paint. The “Passion” is also offered in a cabriolet (starting at $16,590), which has a fully automated, retracting soft top and removable side roof bars. Fun accessories are expected for enthusiasts who want to pimp their ride.

I had the pleasure of test driving the Smart car, and it was delightful. The ride is quite smooth, and it has sufficient “umph” to maneuver confidently through traffic. The turning radius is phenomenal, although the complete lack of front-end takes some getting used to. The cockpit is comfortable, ergonomic and, surprisingly, non-cramped. Cargo space is limited, but the passenger seat does fold flat, in case you need to go to Wal-Mart. Wow. Something smaller than my Mini.

Girls really do like to have fun, and not just with cars.  Women motorcycle riders are growing in record numbers.  According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, women own 10% of motorcycles in the U.S.  These women are not just leather-clad biker chicks - they are executives, business owners and moms!  The typical woman who rides is likely to be in her mid-30s, married, educated and upwardly mobile.
 
Harley-Davidson has seen U.S. sales of its motorcycles to women grow from just two percent of their total in 1985 to 10 percent (23,000 bikes) in 2003.  Chuck Griffith, owner of Griffith Choppers, is also seeing an increase in female clientele.  Griffith Choppers is a custom bike shop that builds one-of-a-kind bikes and does performance upgrades and customizations to foreign and domestic “stock” bikes.

Chuck was quick to recognize the importance of women clients to his business success, and he has differentiated himself in the motorcycle industry as a woman-friendly business.  He frequently gives both men and women buying advice, consults on motorcycle appraisals and instructs new and experienced riders in defensive driving techniques.  Chuck has taught many women how to ride, including his mother and sister!

To learn more about Chuck and Griffith Choppers, visit him at www.griffithchoppers.com.

Over the years, automobile manufacturers and their research partners have spent millions of dollars trying to resolve the age old dilemma of Mars vs. Venus - at least as it pertains to cars.  Marketing research firms have crunched a myriad of numbers, including vehicle sales volumes, vehicle registrations, and survey data in order to understand what cars each gender buys and why.  The results probably won’t come as a big surprise.

Much of the data relating to men’s automobile preferences is clear.  Findings from market research firms such as AutoPacific and NOP World show that large trucks and sports cars are purchased predominately by men.  In fact, males own about nine out of 10 heavy-duty pickup trucks, including the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-350 and Dodge Ram.  This is due to a combination of masculine marketing campaigns (i.e. “Built Ford Tough”) and a need to haul lots of stuff either at home or on job sites in male-dominated professions.  Sports cars at the top of the testosterone scale include the exotic Ford GT, Porsche 911, BMW 6-series, Dodge Viper, and Mercedes SL65 AMG.  In other words, if it’s big and strong or stupid fast, guys like it.  They also like expensive.   I guess that sign my mother bought for my father years ago that said, “The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys” was dead on.

Women’s tastes, on the other hand, tend to be a little more refined.  The cars that are more popular with women are affordable, practical and safe, but with a dose of design sophistication.  AutoPacific found that female buyers most often choose models by Saturn, Honda, Hyundai and Volkswagen.  It comes as no surprise that 65% of VW Beetle Convertible buyers are female, although Volkswagen denies that they were consciously trying to make a women’s car.  I guess they thought that a flower vase on the dash and colors such as “gecko green” and “sunflower yellow” would appeal equally to men.  Yeah, right.

But, don’t think that men are the only ones who prioritize luxury and high performance.  Girls like to have fun, too.  Four of the top “girl cars” are sports cars - the Saturn Sky, Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Mitsubishi Eclipse.  In the luxury segment, women also gravitate towards the Lexus IS, Volvo C70, and Audi A3.  The common denominator with most of these cars is that they are sophisticated, refined vehicles with good safety ratings and reasonable price tags.   They also get decent gas mileage.  Market experts expect to see women buying more luxury and sports cars in the near future, as the baby boomers hit the post-family stage and can finally spend money on themselves.

Not all cars fall clearly into one gender camp or another.  Even though the Mitsubishi Eclipse is extremely popular among women, approximately 39% of the 2006 models were sold to men.  The Honda Accord and CRV, Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry and RAV4 also span gender lines.  These tend to be family-oriented vehicles that offer a balance of safety, reliability, function and value.  Since women still hold the primary responsibility for transporting their families, they usually place practical needs above personal desires.  And, even if men might prefer a flashy vehicle for themselves, they still place a high priority on safety when it comes to their families.  Maybe men and women are both from Earth after all.  

Which vehicles do Women’s Automotive Solutions clients prefer?  About half of our business is Honda and Toyota.  The Honda Accord, CRV and Pilot are extremely popular, as are the Toyota RAV4, Highlander and Prius.  We also purchase many new and pre-owned luxury cars for our clients.  Among the most popular makes are BMW, Lexus, Acura and Volvo.

It has been nearly six decades since Cadillac and General Motors won the very first Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 1949. Over those decades, the Cadillac brand has been the pinnacle of luxury and status among American cars. Hollywood used them in movies. Mary Kay paints them pink and gives them to their top sales directors as an award for their achievements. Elvis had a whole fleet of them. Yet, in recent years, American made luxury has been overshadowed by the European status symbols like BMW and Mercedes. Well, watch out! Americans don’t like to lose, and Cadillac is making a strong come back. The new 2008 CTS sedan beat out 17 other worthy contenders, including the Audi A5 and Honda Accord, to earn the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year award.

The midsize CTS certainly has what it takes to compete with the leading luxury sport sedans from Europe and Japan. This newly redesigned model has edgier styling, higher quality materials, a roomier interior, capable handling and more zip than ever before. The 2008 Cadillac CTS is available with one of two V6 engines. The base 3.6-liter V6 generates 258 hp and 252 pound-feet of torque, while the upgraded 3.6-liter direct injection (DI) V6 puts out a more competitive 304 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Performance tests conducted by Motor Trend showed a 0-60-mph time of 6.5 seconds, which is comparable to the BMW 330i.

Every CTS comes standard with 17-inch wheels, leatherette seating, an eight-way power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and a CD/MP3 player with an iPod interface and satellite radio. The basic Seating Package adds leather trim and heated front seats, while the Luxury packages add a six-CD changer, rain-sensing wipers, heated/ventilated seats, rear park assist and keyless ignition. The Premium package offers a 40GB hard drive-based navigation system with a slick, pop-up display and real-time traffic, a premium Bose surround-sound audio system, sunroof, wood trim and LED interior lighting. For driving enthusiasts, the CTS offers two tempting performance packages that include 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, performance cooling, adaptive xenon headlights, a high-performance suspension, tires and bigger brakes.

The CTS sports all of the latest and greatest safety equipment, including antilock brakes, traction & stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and GM’s famous OnStar emergency communications system.

This definitely isn’t your granddaddy’s Cadillac. GM’s efforts to eradicate the “old man” image extend beyond the car’s design and into a marketing campaign that appeals to both men and women. One of my favorite Cadillac commercials touches on a topic that I discussed previously – that girls like to have fun, too. The commercial features a beautiful, professionally-dressed, 40 year old woman (played by actress Kate Walsh of Grey’s Anatomy) driving a Crystal Red CTS. She is clearly a confident, successful business woman who is spending her hard-earned cash on herself, enjoying life, and making no apologies for it. She says that when deciding what luxury car to buy, the question is not whether it has swanky features and innovative technologies. She says, “the question is… when you turn your car on, does it return the favor”. Then, she floors it.

A girl after my own heart.

Winter can be rough on cars and their drivers.  Even those of us fortunate enough to live in the moderate climate of the South must face cold and even severe weather on occasion.  Taking a few simple steps to prepare your car for the weather can make nasty conditions safer and a lot more tolerable.   Here’s a list of things you can do to make sure your vehicle is ready for the upcoming cold season, however long or short it may be.
 
Check your tires!  A good amount of tread on your tires will give you better grip than an old worn out pair of tires. Take a look at the grooves in your tires and make sure that the tire has not worn down to the tire wear bars.  You can check your tire wear by inserting a penny into the tire tread. If you can see the top of the Lincoln’s head, it’s time to buy new tires.  You should also check the air pressure in your tires.  Cold temperatures cause the air in the tires to condense, lowering the air pressure.  Failure to maintain the correct air pressure can result in reduced gas mileage, decreased tire life, and poor handling, which can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. 

Gain weight!   Not you – your car!  If you have a rear wheel drive car, or a car with high performance tires, you are at greater risk of skidding on slippery roads than those with front or all wheel drive vehicles.  Rear wheel drive cars do not have much weight positioned over the rear of the car and, therefore, not much pressure on the rear wheels to keep them from skidding.  In places where winter is an actual season, people typically solve this problem with snow tires and adding weight to the rear of the car.  In the South, you can skip the snow tires, but consider throwing a large bag of kitty litter in your trunk.  Not only will it add weight over the rear wheels, but you can place a handful of it under your tires to provide traction if you get stuck on a patch of ice.  But, don’t think you are off the hook if you have a front or all wheel drive vehicle.  They may work a little better on snow, but EVERYTHING slides when it hits ice!   Always drive slowly and cautiously in winter weather.

Get a Check-Up!  A mechanical breakdown during the summer is usually just a nuisance, but breaking down in the winter can be very dangerous. Your car’s engine performs differently during the winter, especially in very cold conditions.  Make sure your car is in top working order before cold temperatures hit.  Have your mechanic check the hoses, coolant, oil, hydraulic and transmission fluids.  Also check your starter, battery alternator & drive belts to make sure your electrical system is up to task of starting the engine in colder weather. 

Make sure you can see!  Inspect & clean your lights to make sure they are working properly, since you will be driving more at night.  Replace your windshield wipers, if needed, and clean your windows regularly to maximize visibility.   Put fresh windshield washer fluid in the windshield washer reservoir.  (Never use plain water, as it will freeze.)  Use a plastic ice scraper or defrost to clear your windshield.  Do not use your wipers, as this will wear them out very quickly.

Be prepared!  It’s not just for Boy Scouts anymore.  If you don’t have an emergency kit in your vehicle already, make one.  You never know when you might get stranded.  Always have a flashlight, ice scrapper, jumper cables, water, snacks, first aid kit, gloves, blanket & charged cell phone.  Flares can also be used to signal for help and warn other cars of your presence on a dark road.  Make sure there is air in the spare tire, and that all the proper tire-changing equipment is in the trunk.

Winter driving can be challenging, if not downright hazardous.  By winterizing your car, you are prepared for whatever weather or situation you may encounter.  Drive safely!

The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan has been fully redesigned. A new 4.0-liter V6 is available, married to a six-speed automatic transmission that features a manual mode for those who prefer to shift gears themselves, even in a minivan. Even with the optional larger engine, expect a quieter ride, thanks to thicker glass, deeper carpet padding, additional seals and isolated front suspension components.

Dodge’s “Swivel ‘n Go” seats and an optional square table means the family van can now double as a living room on wheels. The third row also offers power fold-flat seats! No other minivan on the market has these flexible seating features. The 2008 model is also roomier inside than its predecessor, and there’s more storage space behind the third row of seats.

But what makes this new minivan “cool” is Dodge’s new entertainment technology. An optional three-zone video system allows the front, middle and rear-seat passengers to watch or listen to totally separate entertainment sources. Your toddler and your teenager can watch separate DVDs, while you enjoy your favorite music for a change! The new Caravan also offers Sirius Backseat TV, which features the Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and the Disney Channel. The Dodge Grand Caravan (and its twin, the Chrysler Town & Country) are the only vehicles, minivan or otherwise, to currently offer this feature.

The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan starts at $22,520 and is available in two trim levels. The base SE comes with power windows and locks, A/C, keyless entry, a CD/MP3 player, and a flip-down kiddie mirror to check on the troops. The SXT adds a more powerful engine, a power driver seat and adjustable pedals, power sliding doors and rear A/C. The SXT also offers an optional hard-drive-based audio system, rear DVD entertainment (one or two systems), a 115-volt household-style outlet, satellite radio, navigation, and a backup camera. Also available are surround-sound, leather seating, retractable sunshades, remote start, three-zone climate control and hands-free phone. These exciting options do add up, however, and can easily hike the price of this family-mobile over $40,000!

In the past, the Dodge Grand Caravan has been ranked near the bottom of its class by Consumer Reports for quality and reliability. Not anymore! Consumer Reports applauded Dodge for its vastly improved new design, and ranked the 2008 Grand Caravan third in predicted reliability, just behind the esteemed (and more expensive) Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Dodge has also improved its safety equipment. Traction control, stability control, antilock brakes with brake assist as well as three rows of head curtain airbags are all standard on both trim levels.

A long list of unique equipment and technology, plus vastly improved safety and reliability ratings, mean the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan (or the Chrysler Town & County) should definitely be on your short list when shopping for a family-friendly vehicle. You can even get an orange one.