The Volkswagen Beetle has always been a cute, little icon and was always a gas-sipping marvel as well, with an exterior and interior that matched or exceeded the quality of its competitors’ vehicles every step of the way. But with the positives came glaring faults, most notably with the mechanical components. Consumer Reports included the Beetle in its “Worst of the Worst” list due to below-average reliability, and Consumer Guide Automotive listed seven of the components on the Beetle that were commonly faulty, which were often more expensive parts like the transmission and heater core.
With this is mind, does the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle step its game up? Featuring a completely redesigned exterior and interior, Volkswagen has done its best to reface the defiled but historic name of the Beetle.
Exterior
While the appearance of the Beetle has been given a facelift to appeal to a greater range of customers, the heart of the Beetle still beats strong. “Experience tells automakers that women will buy a ‘guy’s car,’ but men are less likely to buy what still is called in the business ‘a chick’s car,’ or ‘a girl’s car,’ said James R. Healey of USA Today. And according to TruCar.com, women were registered owners of 60.6 percent of Volkswagen Beetles last year, so the revamped exterior was done to entice more male buyers. That said, the Beetle has never looked better. Anyone who purchases this car because of how it looks cannot go wrong, whether female or male.
Mechanical
The previous Beetle had a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that put out a modest 150 hp, but the 2012 model uses a modified version of that engine to put out a more manageable 170 hp. In addition, Volkswagen is also offering a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 200 hp for customers looking for a bit more power than the average buyer.
What many may or may not like about the new Beetle is the very “average” gas mileage that it gets. With an automatic transmission, the Beetle achieves a high of 29 mpg highway and 31 mpg highway with a manual transmission. While not entirely abysmal, the gas mileage is nothing to marvel at, because rivals have already developed vehicles that are venturing into 40 mpg territory.
Interior
The cabin was expanded to give occupants more room, which should be most exciting for larger drivers and passengers alike because of how uncomfortable the previous model was. And although legroom in the rear was cut slightly, Volkswagen repositioned the backseats to increase comfort, so passengers have little to complain about with this change.
The minimalistic instrument cluster and dashboard might turn off some, but it actually fits well with the overall appearance of the vehicle. The large and easy-to-read instruments are pleasant to look at, and the radio interface and climate controls at the center are easy to reach and use. Plus one to Volkswagen with their efforts in refining the interior.
We’ve come to expect Volkswagen to churn out Beetles that come off as mediocre examples of how vehicles should be produced. They’ve been putting out Beetles that fall apart after a few years and leave people scratching their heads and spouting curse words to the heavens as they sit on the side of the road waiting for tow trucks. It comes as a pleasant surprise, then, that the new Volkswagen Beetle seems to be trying to shed its image as a mechanical disaster and become a consumer-friendly vehicle. While nobody knows how the 2012 Beetle will stand up to previous reliability woes due to its infancy on the market, the details seem promising.
Keep a lookout for this one. Things are looking up for the Beetle.
Start with the easiest types of repairs first. Don’t try to tackle a transmission rebuild or an engine swap your first time out. Keeping it simple to start will allow you to learn how your car works, how to use the various tools, and help you build confidence.
Here are some relatively easy repairs for budding mechanics to try at home:
Replace the wiper blades
Change the air filter
Change a headlight
Change a battery
Replace the spark plugs
Change the oil
Change serpentine belt
2. Avoid high risk repairs
Novice DIYers should avoid repairs and maintenance items where the consequences of making a mistake are dire. If you mess up a brake job, you could end up crashing your car! If you don’t install a timing belt correctly (or reassemble the engine correctly), you could destroy your engine. Save these types of services for when you have more experience.
3. Get the right tools
Before you start ripping apart your car, make sure you have the right tools. A hammer and a screwdriver just won’t cut it. Run out to Sears or your local automotive store and a starter set of automotive tools. A good basic set will include a complete set of socket wrenches with extensions, open-end and box wrenches, screw drivers, and pliers. If your car requires any special tools for removing the oil filter, pulling spark plugs, and whatnot, then you may want to invest in those as well. If you plan to remove the wheels from your car, a high quality torque wrench is a MUST.
4. Do your homework
Always do your homework before plunging into a repair. A little research time invested up front will save you a lot of time (not to mention the headache) later. Buy the manufacturer’s shop manual for your vehicle (or the online subscription from AllData), and read up on the repair. Make sure you understand each step and what is involved BEFORE you undertake the project. (If step one says “remove the engine”, then you might want to reconsider.) Beware of “how to” information on the internet. Enthusiast forums and YouTube are full of step-by-step guides on how to change the thingamajigger on your 2002 Humbug GT. Make sure the advice comes from a trusted, professional source and not just Bubba in his backyard.
5. Ask for help
If you’re undertaking a repair you’ve never even seen done before, it’s reasonably likely that you’ll screw it up. At best, you’ll do it the hard way and possibly pick up a bad habit or two. Besides, there’s no sense in reinventing the wheel. Find someone who knows what he or she is doing, preferably a professional (ASE Certified) mechanic, and ask for a lesson. Not only will you learn the right way to do the repair, you may even learn the quickest and easiest method. If you get into the repair and you make a mistake, don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Better to eat a helping of humble pie than risk ruining your car.
6. Safety first
Working on your car can be dangerous, especially if you have to get underneath it. If you have to jack up your car, don’t use flimsy jack that came with it. Invest in a hydraulic floor jack and ALWAYS use approved jack stands to support the vehicle. Try to avoid repairs that involve contorting yourself into an uncomfortable position, which can make a repair more difficult and more dangerous. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dirt, flying parts and spewing fluids. Consider wearing latex or polyurethane gloves to protect your skin from dirt and grease – your significant other will thank you for keeping clean.
7. Dispose of waste materials properly
Nearly all automotive jobs result in waste projects, such as used coolant, motor oil, brake pads or other hazardous materials, which will need to be disposed of properly. Pouring used fluids down the storm drain or casually tossing used oil filters into the trash bin is environmentally unsafe and, therefore, illegal. Google your county government website to find the hazardous waste facility near you. Many automotive parts stores accept used motor oil, coolant and other fluids, as long as you bought the products from them in the first place.
The Car Chick, co-owner of Women’s Automotive Solutions and co-host of the America’s Garage radio show, talks with Fox News about teaching your teen to drive. Are you also teaching them your bad habits?
2012 Fiat 500 (Image courtesy of Chrysler Group LLC)
The all-new 2012 Fiat 500 marks the return of the Fiat brand to North America. Fiat previously fled the US market with its tail between its legs in early 1980s due to “rust and reliability issues”, earning the moniker, “Fix It Again, Tony”. So, why should we be excited about the return of this Italian automaker to American soil? Because the 2012 Fiat 500 is a whole new animal – a cute little sub-compact that looks like a mouse but has the heart of a lion.
According to Fiat’s Chief Executive, Sergio Marchionne, the new 500 underwent “quality and refinement adaptations” for their re-entry to the US market. With Fiat’s purchase of Chrysler last year, the Italian automaker is better positioned to manufacturer and service Fiat vehicles in North America. Will Sergio’s efforts be enough to re-write Fiat’s sketchy history? Chrysler delivered over 3000 of the little cars in August alone. It’s a good start.
The 2012 Fiat 500 is considered a two-door subcompact hatchback, and is the smallest car sold in the US other than the SMART Fortwo. It is available as a hardtop or a “cabrio”, which is Italian for “large fabric sunroof that completely eliminates rear visibility when lowered”. Compared to a Mini Cooper, the Fiat 500 is 6 inches shorter in overall length and 2 inches narrower. It’s also $3,000 cheaper.
The Fiat 500 may be inexpensive, but it is far from cheap. The well-apportioned “Pop” starts at just $16,000 even and includes 15-inch steel wheels and, keyless entry, power windows/locks/seats, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering, a height-adjustable driver seat, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Convenience package adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Bose Premium Audio package adds satellite radio along with an ear-splitting six-speaker BOSE sound system and subwoofer.
The Fiat 500 Sport model starts at $18,000 and includes all of the options from the Convenience and Bose Premium packages (with the exception of Satellite radio, which is available as a separate option). In addition, the Sport gives you 16-inch alloy wheels, a firmer suspension and steering, a tiny little roof spoiler, fog lamps, sport seats, and cloth or vinyl sport upholstery. Heated seats and automatic climate control are available options, but only on the automatic, for some bizarre reason.
The top-level “Lounge” starts at a modest $20,000. It doesn’t have the Sport’s more entertaining suspension and steering, but it does include all the other bells & whistles and gives you the option of rear parking sensors, heated front seats, and leather upholstery worthy of the finest Italian designers. A small sunroof and an integrated TomTom navigation system are optional on both the Sport and the Lounge.
Like Mini and Scion, Fiat offers dealer-installed accessories that allow you to customize your vehicle with fun and useless things like interior ambient lighting, snowboard carriers, racing stripes and other “go fast” graphics and decals. You can even get a microscopic spare tire that mounts underneath the car.
Most importantly, the stylish Fiat 500 comes in 14 designer colors including Mocha Latte, Espresso, Giallo, Azzurro and 3 different shades of Rosso. The special “Gucci Edition” even comes with a matching purse.
The Fun Factor
The 2012 Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 101 hp and 98 pound-feet of torque. In our test, the Sport model did 0-60mph in a disappointing 11 seconds. That’s a good 2 ½ seconds slower than the base Mini, and closer to the snooze-worthy Toyota Yaris. Fortunately, Fiat expects to release either the twin-turbo 2 cylinder or the special edition Abarth model (both currently available in Europe) in early 2012. The 500 topped out around 97 mph with a stern warning message that we had “exceeded the allowable speed limit”.
The 500 is front-wheel drive and comes with either a 5 speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Both versions are reasonable feisty in the curves, despite the limitations of a fixed rear axel and absent sway bars. The manual is plagued with a squishy clutch that catches high, poorly spaced gear ratios, and the inability to pass anything faster than a Kia Rio on the freeway. The 6-speed automatic, on the other hand, has more consistent gear ratios and is downright peppy. The optional, manual shift mode is the most responsive that I’ve ever driven, topping even the tiptronic transmission from Porsche.
The 500 suffers from the typical factory-installed understeer and has quite a bit of body roll. It does with a magic “Sport” button that tightens the steering and shortens the gear ratios, rendering the “normal” mode completely irrelevant. The electronic stability control system was surprisingly unobtrusive. While flooring the Fiat around a traffic circle, the ESC automatically modulated the power to keep the car under control without putting a damper on the tire-smoking fun.
Where the 500 really shines is in the ride quality. The ergonomic cockpit is astonishingly quiet and comfortable, with just enough easy-to-use buttons and knobs. Most sub-compacts are stiff at best (like the Mini), and spine-jarring at the worst (like the Ford Focus). The little Fiat, on the other hand, seems to have taken driving lessons from Lexus, gliding down the road with the poise of a luxury sedan. Impressive for a vehicle the size of a roller skate.
The Practical Stuff
The 2012 Fiat 500 comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, a driver knee airbag, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The 500 got the top European safety rating of four stars. The US safety ratings have yet to be released, but Fiat expects to hit the five star mark.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 30 mpg city/38 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined with the manual transmission. This drops to 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the automatic. Still thrifty, but slightly worse than almost every competitor.
The 500 is brand new, so no quality and reliability data yet exists. Fiat is confident in its new manufacturing processes and offers a 4 year / 50k comprehensive warranty, a 3 year / 36k mile free maintenance program, and 4 year / unlimited mileage roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and car rental.
The Bottom Line
The new 2012 Fiat 500 is chic, comfortable and fun to drive. It is also a good value, offering higher quality and more features than one might expect for its economy price tag. You won’t be able to haul a large posse or a ton of cargo, but you will get to where you are going and arrive in style. Especially if you get the matching Gucci purse.
Automotive entrepreneur and race team owner, LeeAnn Shattuck (a.k.a. The Car ChickTM), is the new co-host of the Carolina Car Care Radio Show, along with automotive experts and enthusiasts, Chuck “Case” Sperry and Chris “Stick” Romeis.
Shattuck is the co-owner of Women’s Automotive Solutions, a national car buying service dedicated to helping women save hundreds to thousands of dollars without the frustrations of traditional car shopping. Shattuck is also the co-owner of The Car Doctor, a concierge mechanic service, and the FIY (Fix-It-Yourself) Garage, a facility where do-it-yourselfers can rent professional garage space, complete with lifts and tools, to fix their own cars. Her goal: to empower consumers in the automotive industry.
Carolina Car Care Show producer, Chris Pardo, approached Shattuck to co-host the show because of her extensive knowledge of all things cars. Pardo plans to syndicate the show and believes that Shattuck’s reputation as “The Car ChickTM” will help attract more female listeners across the country.
The Carolina Car Care Radio Show, which airs Saturdays from 1pm to 2pm on WAVO 1150 AM and WTIX 1410 AM, educates the average person on everything from car buying and selling to vehicle maintenance and current industry news in a straight forward and slightly wacky way. Listeners can call into the show at 704-596-4900 and listen online at http://www.CarolinaCarCareShow.com.
Women’s Automotive Solutions was recently quoted in an article on SmartMoney.com entitled “3 Myths of Used Car Buying Today”. Do you think that buying a used car vs. a new car is always the smart thing to do? Buying a used car is a little more challenging today than is has been in the past. Check out these myths before you hit the used car lots. Better yet, give Women’s Automotive Solutions a call, and we’ll find you a great deal on a top quality used car.
Women’s Automotive Solutions co-owner, LeeAnn Shattuck (a.k.a “The Car Chick”) was quoted in the October 2010 issue of Better Homes & Gardens. The short article on page 277 of the magazine is entitled, “Get a deal on new wheels”. Better Homes & Gardens writers contacted Women’s Automotive Solutions for tips on buying a new car in October.
So, is October a good month to buy a car? This year, it certainly is! Since most new models begin arriving in August or September, dealers are often desparate to get rid of left overs from the previous model year. Car sales for most manufacturers are way down this year compared to fall 2009, so extra incentives are available. Contact Women’s Automotive Solutions today to learn how we can help you get the best deal on a new or pre-owned car!
Charlotte, NC – Mark Norton of Charlotte, North Carolina has joined Women’s Automotive Solutions as a licensed, independent consultant – a.k.a. a “car chick”.
Women’s Automotive Solutions is a unique car buying service dedicated to helping women through the entire car selection and buying process, enabling them to save hundreds to thousands of dollars on a new or pre-owned vehicle without the frustrations the come with traditional car shopping.
Mark decided that he wanted to become a part of Women’s Automotive Solutions after seeing the company’s logo-wrapped Mini Cooper in a local bookstore parking lot. “I was intrigued by the hot pink and green branding and impressed with the unique business concept. I know so many women who hate car shopping.” Mark was surprised to learn that 60% of Women’s Automotive clients are men.
Entrepreneur and automotive expert, Michelle Lundy, founded Women’s Automotive Solutions in 2004 after observing thousands of smart, successful women shy away from the car buying process. Together with her partner, LeeAnn Shattuck, Lundy has taken Women’s Automotive Solutions from a kitchen table idea to a national consulting firm with consultants in five states, coast to coast.
Mark is the fifth independent consultant to join the Women’s Automotive Solutions team. The company also has offices in South Carolina, Colorado, Washington and California and serves clients in all 50 states.
Several blogs have posted that the recent “clunker” rebates are taxable. Right Wing News writes, “Yep, you read that right. In many states car buyers that turned in their “clunkers” for up to $4,500 off the cost of a new car are finding out that they have to pay state sales tax on the $4,500 too. And still others just might find out next year that they’ll have to pay income tax on that “free” government money. “
It’s true that the clunker money is subject to sales tax in most states. The government’s official website for the CARS program clearly states in the FAQ section that the CARS credit may be subject to sales tax and encourages customers to check the laws in their state or to consult with their tax advisor.
Why is the clunker money taxable? The clunker credit is a REBATE. Rebates, by definition, come off the bottom line – after taxes have been assessed on the selling price of the car. The cash rebates offered frequently by the car manufacturers work the same way. So do rebates on other products like soda, toilet paper and refrigerators. Look at your grocery store receipt the next time you use a rebate coupon.
Perhaps the confusion stems from the fact that most people perceived the clunker money as a trade allowance instead of a rebate. In most states, the sales tax on a car is assessed on the sale price minus the trade allowance (the amount the dealer gives you for your old car). For example, if you purchased a new car for $20,000 and traded in your old car for $4,500, you would only pay sales tax on the difference of $15,500. With the clunker rebate, you pay sales tax on the full $20,000, and THEN the $4,500 rebate is applied.
The claim that consumers will have pay income tax on $3,500 or $4,500 rebate is completely FALSE! The official CARS government website explicitly states that the CARS credit is NOT considered taxable income for the consumer. It is, however, considered part of the dealer’s gross income.
Unfortunately, some blogs are spreading mis-information about the clunker program in an attempt to schmear the current administration as well as bash the car dealers. Politics aside, I hope this post sets the record straight and eases people’s minds about the clunker money and taxes.
Should I buy a new car or a used one? This is an age-old car buying dilemma for most consumers. Most financial experts say that it’s always smarter to buy used. Let someone else pay that initial depreciation! Seems like a pretty easy decision, huh? Unfortunately, like most things in life (and the car business), it’s more complicated than that. Here are six factors to consider when deciding between new vs. used:
1. Your Budget – Your budget may make the decision for you. If you can only afford a $10,000 car, you will most likely have to buy used. While you can occasionally find new cars in this price range, you will end up with a base model econo-box with poor quality ratings and minimal convenience options and safety features. You are better off buying a used model that was a safe, reliable vehicle to begin with. Don’t be tempted to buy new and use a long loan term to fit the monthly payment into your budget – that can get you in financial trouble and cost you much more in the long run.
2. Depreciation – The average vehicle depreciates at least 20% in the first year of its life. Some vehicles depreciate as much as 40% or more (i.e. Range Rovers, Escalades, and pretty much anything wearing a GM or Chrysler badge these days). Other vehicles, like Hondas and Minis, hold their values very well. If your desired vehicle has a high depreciation rate, then it makes sense to buy “slightly used” and save yourself a good chunk of change. However, if your dream car holds its value exceptionally well, then you might want to pay just a couple thousand more for a new one with a full warranty.
3. Availability – If you want a model that just came out, then you will obviously have to buy new. But, if you are considering one that has been out for at least a year, then check the availability of used models in the secondary market. In today’s economy, people are holding on to their vehicles, which is reducing the supply of used cars on the market and increasing used car prices. Some models are hard to find and priced so high, that it makes more sense to buy new. However, if you are looking for a model that is popular with the rental car companies, then you should have plenty used ones to choose from.
4. Interest Rates – Finance rates for used car loans are typically 2 points higher than for rates for new cars. Why? Because banks consider used cars to be a higher risk. If you are considering a “slightly” used car that holds its value well, do the math to calculate the total cost of financing the car over time and see if buying used will really save you money.
5. Risk – No matter what, buying a used car comes with some degree of risk. A used car, by definition, has been subjected to a certain amount of wear and tear, not to mention someone else’s driving and maintenance habits. Some vehicles have spent most of their life on the highways, others in more strenuous stop-and-go city traffic. Some vehicles have been garaged and maintained religiously according to the owner’s manual. Others have been left out in the elements and have never tasted fresh oil. While a Carfax report may reveal obvious signs of abuse such as accidents, theft and flood damage, it may not show everything – especially if the “accident” was between the car and its owner’s mailbox.
6. Maintenance Costs – The maintenance required during the first year or so of a vehicle’s life is usually limited to oil changes, tire rotations and other relatively inexpensive items. Some manufacturers even cover the cost of these routine maintenance items for the first few years. A used vehicle, on the other hand, may require the replacement of more expensive parts such as tires, brakes, a battery or worse. When you purchase a new vehicle, those expensive repairs often don’t come along until you have already paid off the vehicle loan (assuming you financed it properly). On a used vehicle, expensive repairs can pile up on top of your monthly loan payment, straining your budget. And, by the way, most repairs are “routine maintenance” and are NOT covered by an extended warranty.
Ultimately, the decision to buy new or used comes down to what you car love, what car you can afford, and what will give you peace of mind.
Still not sure which way to go? Call Women’s Automotive Solutions for a complimentary consultation. We’ll look at your unique situation as well as the current car market to help you decide which option is right for you. And, no matter which way you decide, Women’s Automotive Solutions will get you the best deal!
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