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.
The government released the final and official rules for the Cash for Clunkers (CARS) program today, and they included some much-need clarifications! The good news is that the $45,000 price tag limit for the new vehicle to be purchased (or leased) applies to the base MSRP, not including optional equipment, dealer accessories, destination charge, taxes, tag fees, or doc fees!
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.
My business partner, Michelle Lundy, spent over 20 years running car dealerships before she started Women’s Automotive Solutions. She watched hundreds of smart, successful women walk into her dealerships to buy cars. These women were doctors, lawyers, bankers, and business owners. They owned homes, managed their family finances, and negotiated business deals. Yet, most of them felt like they needed to bring a man with them to buy a $30,000 car. But why?
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!
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.
creative, inc.
