I have sold & purchased several automobiles through Charlotte. In a difficult economy, she was able to sell my sports car and get a fair market value. As a busy professional, I have limited flexibility in my schedule. On several occasions, Charlotte has met me at my home and work place to show me cars. She is professional, knowledgable, hard working and well connected int he industry. Thanks!
- Deborah Stegner
June 2011, Denver, Co

When I found out about Charlotte and Women’s Automotive Solutions, I had nearly decided to put off buying a car. At the age of 25 I had never owned a car before, so I did not know all the “ins and outs”. Initially, I was working with an auto broker at a large company, but felt a lot of pressure to purchase something that was over my budget and not entirely what I wanted. I spoke to a friend of mine about my frustrations and she recommended Charlotte, saying that she had a way of easing the fears of women in the process. This renewed my hope! I contacted Charlotte right away. Within 3 days, I drove home in my brand new car! It was EXACTLY what I wanted and with in my price budget. In addition, she secured a good auto insurance policy for me. I cannot speak highly enough of Charlotte and Women’s Automotive Solutions!
- Julia Marinozzi
Denver, Co.
3/2011

Feeling shook up, sore & broken after my Pathfinder was totaled, I was lucky to have discovered Women’s Automotive Solutions! Running my Pet Sitting business, I had to replace my car immediately! Charlotte snapped into action and arranged demo drives for my targeted “next car” within days! She not only helped me find the car, but helped me reason through decisions at a time I was not thinking clearly. She also arranged financing for me all in a 2 week period!
I plan to use Women’s Automotive Solutions again and highly recommend Charlotte to anyone who has neither the time or interest in haggling with auto sales people. It’s great to have someone on your side knowledgable, when you are vulnerable after an accident.
- Barbara Himmelein
Charlotte NC 3/2011

Working with Charlotte was a simple process that took all the stress off our shoulders. All you do is tell her what you want and that’s it!…….it’s that easy. I am very satisfied with the outcome that Charlotte provided us. I would definitely recommend her services.
- Shaunn Roark
Denver, Co.  3/2011

Highly recommend Charlotte Spraggins for any of your car leasing or purchasing interests! She puts herself into finding the vehicle of your dreams. 110%! I recently had a difficult request for her. I had been shopping over a year to get out from under an “upside down” loan of a 6 + year old Benz. I did not want to loose the investment I had in it and needed to get a lower interest rate and payment. She got me into a much newer Benz, with awesome extended warranty, much lower rate adn saved me $355 a month! It’s simply the car of my dreams and was hand delivered to me in just 2 days! I did not have to spend the hours and stress of shopping, meeting dealers or test drive cars. She found it, told me it was the one and I took possession of it totally on her highly respected “trusted word” site unsceen. Charlotte goes above and beyond with only YOUR interests in mind!
Thank you Charlotte!
- Pam Bourdo
2011 Parker, Co

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/auto/winter-car-deal-1.aspx

http://www.wisebread.com/the-safest-cars-for-teen-drivers

Indeed, the 2011 Nissan Murano Cross-Cabriolet is a weird car.  It’s a two-door Murano SUV with a ragtop and a coupe-like trunk.  This radical concept comes from the same folks at Nissan who brought us the Cube and the Juke.  Of course, Nissan has also designed some of the best sports cars, like the Z and the GT-R, as well as solid sedans like the Altima and the Maxima.   Either the Nissan design team is schizophrenic, or they have a mad scientist division made up of engineers who have watched too many episodes of Top Gear while stoned.

That being said, the CrossCab is not a bad car.  It’s actually quite comfortable.  You won’t find this much legroom in the backseat of any other convertible except the half-million dollar Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe.  The doors are ginormous, making it easy to get in and out of the vehicle – except in the grocery store parking lot.  The truck is comparable to that of a medium-sized sedan, even with the top down, so you should be able to squeeze in a couple of sets of golf clubs.  You also get that commanding view of the road that is a top selling point of SUVs.  It’s also very well equipped, with luxury options like leather, heated seats, a backup camera and navigation as standard features.

Unfortunately, it also comes standard with a $47,000 sticker price.  With only one trim level, you also get automatic xenon headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, a fully powered soft top and keyless ignition/entry, automatic dual-zone climate control, cruise control, power/memory seats, Bluetooth, and a seven-speaker Bose sound system with an iPod interface, CD player, satellite radio and 9.3GB of digital music storage space.  You are also stuck with the ridiculous 20” rims and the mostly pointless AWD.

The 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.  This means that despite it’s heavier weight, the CrossCab has just about as much “umph” as the regular Murano, and Nissan’s CVT transmission does a good job of keeping you in the ideal powerband.  We clocked a naught to 60 time in just over 8 seconds, which isn’t too shabby for an SUV.  The CrossCab also stopped from 60 mph in less than 130 feet, which is also respectable.

Handling is very similar to that of the regular Murano, with appropriately tight steering and decent feedback to the driver.  The reinforced structure of the topless CrossCab combined with the overkill 20” rims make for a slightly bumpier ride.  Yet, despite the stiffer suspension, the CrossCab corners with the grace and elegance of an inebriated elephant.  And you certainly won’t be taking it off-road.

Safety-wise, the as-yet-unrated CrossCab comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, pop-up roll bars, and a cocoon of airbags mounted in every nook and crannie.   Fuel economy is unsurprisingly mediocre at 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway, and it drinks premium gas.

The new Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is definitely different.  If you want a convertible, but you still need to haul four adults and two golf bags, then buy this car.  If you want the neighbors to gaze into your driveway and say, “what the #$%&?”, then go for it.  It’s a nice car, pleasant to drive, and certainly the most practical convertible on the market.  But, should a convertible be practical?  Isn’t that the point of having a mid-life crisis?  Nissan is trying to do too much with one vehicle and at too high a price point.  For $50,000, you can buy a small SUV AND a nice, used convertible.  Nissan doesn’t break out the Cross-Cab sales from its overall Murano sales numbers, so we don’t know how many have sold so far.  The fact that Nissan has dropped the sticker price by nearly $2,000 for the 2012 model year tells us that they are not exactly flying off the lots.  And what happens when the novelty wears off?  Well, ask Chevy about their short-lived SSR convertible pickup truck idea.

For parents, handing over the keys to the family car isn’t easy.   But there are steps you can take to help your teen become a smart driver – even before they get behind the wheel.

1. Start driving education before your teenage driver gets behind the wheel
   Before your teen even starts driving, you can demonstrate smart driving habits.   Every time you’re driving, follow safe driving practices – wear your seat belt, stick to the speed limit, and don’t use your cell phone or engage in other distracted driving behaviors.  Also, talk to your teen about driving hazards before you begin to teach driving practices.  Have discussions about driver safety, including dangerous times to be on the road – at night – and distracted driving behaviors to avoid, like texting while driving.
2. Supplement your teen’s first driving lessons
   Once your teen has a learner’s permit, many states require a minimum number of driving hours while under the supervision of an adult.  Check with your state’s department of motor vehicles for requirements in your state.  During these supervised driving sessions, take the time to review all the car’s controls with your teen, like turn signals, wiper blades and headlights.  When you’re ready to teach driving, choose a deserted area such as a large parking lot.  As your teen gets used to operating the vehicle, slowly introduce low-traffic, familiar streets around your neighborhood.  Continue to review what they’ve learned in driver’s education, like paying attention to their surroundings.
3. Create a driving contract
   Another way to reinforce teenage driver safety is to create a driving contract.  Sit down with your teen and outline responsibilities, privileges and consequences related to using the car.  Once you and your teen agree on the terms, keep the driving contract in a visible place like on the refrigerator.

Effective teenage driving safety starts with setting a positive example behind the wheel.  Don’t forget to keep your son or daughter protected on the road with car insurance for teenagers. Compare quotes from trusted insurance companies that offer multiple discounts for more affordable coverage, like discounts for completing a driving safety course.

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.

Visit http://www.WomensAutomotiveSolutions.com to learn more.

To learn more about the program and to see if you are eligible to take advantage of it, contact Women’s Automotive Solutions or visit the official government website, www.CARS.gov. 

If you ask a random sampling of women how they feel about car shopping, most would rank it right up there with a root canal.  Many women say that the dealers “take advantage” of them or don’t treat them with respect.  Others are uncomfortable with the high-pressure negotiating process.

Research shows that women pay $500 – $1,000 more for cars then men.  In fact, women pay 46% more for goods and services in general than men.  (Similar statistics are true for Blacks and Hispanics.)  Think about it.  We pay more for hair cuts.  We pay more for clothes.  We pay more for dry cleaning.  And, we pay more for cars.  Why?  Because we allow it!  We DON’T ASK for a better deal. 

In her book, “Women Don’t Ask”, author and economist, Linda Babcock, reveals some interesting statistics:

• 2.5 times more women than men said they feel “a great deal of apprehension” about negotiating
• Men initiate negotiations about four times as often as women
• When asked to pick metaphors for the process of negotiating, men picked “winning a ballgame”, while women picked “going to the dentist”
• Women will pay as much as $1,353 to avoid negotiating the price of a car

So, why don’t women like to negotiate?  Are we just wired differently than men, or is negotiating an acquired skill?  According to experts, it’s a little of both.  Women are more relationship-based than men.  When we spend time with someone, even a car dealer, we think that a relationship has been established.  We feel guilty if we don’t give them our business.  Men are better able to separate the relationship from the negotiation.  A male customer and a salesman may get to know each other during the negotiations, but if the numbers don’t work out, the male customer walks away from the deal - guilt-free.  

Babcock believes that society is to blame for teaching women that it is not appropriate or “lady like” to be assertive.  We are supposed to put the needs of others before our own.  Young girls are encouraged to play “house” and other cooperative, compliant games while boys are encouraged to compete and to “win”.    When a man displays initiative, he is considered a “go-getter”.  A woman displaying the same behavior is considered “pushy” and “aggressive”. 

Does this mean that women are less capable negotiators than men?  Hardly.  Women simply take a different approach, one that is more “collaborative” than “competitive”.   Women are more likely than men to listen to the needs and concerns of all parties involved and look for a win-win scenario.  This approach allows women to develop long-term relationships without burning as many bridges as men, who tend to focus on short-term gains.  

Unfortunately, this collaborative approach does not always serve us well in the car buying process, which is short-term and adversarial by design.  What can we do to be better car negotiators?  Stay tuned for our next article, “5 Tips for Tough Negotiating”.

Of course, we must be careful not to make too many generalizations.  Not all women are intimidated by the negotiation process.  (We car chicks obviously don’t mind it!)  Nor do all men enjoy haggling.  After all, 60% of Women’s Automotive Solutions clients are men!

If you don’t like to negotiate, that’s ok!!!  You don’t have to.  You have “people” to do these unpleasant things for you.  Just call Women’s Automotive Solutions, and we’ll do all the haggling and get you the best deal.   We make car buying easy!

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.

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.)