Out With The Old And In With The New

Published: August 25, 2010
Posted in Used Trucks

The month of July proved to be, yet another prosperous month for the automotive industry. In fact, it has been reported that it may have been the most lucrative month of the entire year thus far. The model year closeout sales had significant impact on the income during the month of July. Automakers slashed their prices in order to move the inventory and clear space for the next generation vehicles. Although the sales trend is not quite what it once was, it is steadily on its way to recovery.

“This is fueled by consumers who had postponed their purchases and are now getting back into the market,” Jesse Toprak, vice president of industry trends at TrueCar, said in an interview. “They’re not coming back in a flood — they’re just trickling in.”

The Ford Motor Company and General Motors Company led the pack with their sales. They have shown significant sales in both new car and truck, and used trucks and car sales. Buyers know that the best time of the year to buy is during the summer months, when dealerships are preparing for an influx of new models. It is at this time that dealerships spend extra time and marketing on their latest deals and clearance terms. Buyers respond by taking advantage of the situation the dealership is facing in terms of their inventory. It also allows for a bit more leverage at the time of negotiations for the buyer.

At the same time, dealerships are eager to move out older inventory. Marketing for the newer models begins well before the actual vehicle is available in most markets. As a result the dealership must be well prepared to accommodate the inventory growth.

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Cease Production Of The Sport Trac

Published: August 25, 2010
Posted in Used Truck Sales

As the Ford Motor Company continues to carry out the plan of focusing on their more popular vehicles others are falling by the wayside and Ford is deciding to drop production of these vehicles altogether. Aside from their recent decision to cease production of the Mercury brand they have just announced that they will also stop production of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac. It was a vehicle that was considered to be half truck and half SUV. The lack of new and used truck sales of the model were the deciding factor in Ford’s decision.

The Sport Trac had decent success as it shared the same platform as the Ford Explorer SUV. Ford has recently redesigned the Ford Explorer and changed its platform. It now has the same platform as the Ford Taurus and the Lincoln MKS, making it a much more efficient vehicle. In addition, Ford has decided to longer offer the V8 engine as an option for the Explorer. These recent modifications basically eliminated the need for the Sport Trac.

Its moderate success was attributed to its towing ability, similar to that of the F150, and its handling. It never really amount to a consumer favorite, though. Ford is confident that there are ample options for their customers. The Sport Trac owners will have no problem finding an alternate Ford vehicle that will allow them to gain better fuel efficiency without compromising the towing ability and power that came with the Sport Trac model.

The Sport Trac may be missed by some. However the decision to cease production of the model falls in line with the efforts of CEO Andy Mullaly, to streamline the company and focus on longtime success with a smaller number of models.

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Financing Factors

Published: August 25, 2010
Posted in Used Truck Dealer

Vehicle financing is often the deciding factor in the transaction of purchasing a vehicle. Whether you are shopping at a new car dealer or a used truck dealer, proper auto financing will be imperative for a successful deal. The key to great vehicle financing is to obtain a low interest rate on your loan. Often there are two factors that greatly affect the interest rates on loans at any given point. These include the current marketplace for interest rates and your own financial situation. Unfortunately only one of these factors is within your control. Although, following the recent recession, obtaining a loan with a low interest rate became more difficult, there has been a shift and it is now becoming easier to obtain these types of loans.

When you are shopping for vehicle financing know that there are a number of factors that directly affect the loan. The lender, itself, will affect the loan. This is why it is to your advantage to shop around for vehicle financing. Each lender’s quote may vary from one to the next. Also, the vehicle you are buying will affect your loan. Whether you are purchasing new or used and, of course, the sticker price will play a role in the financing terms. In addition the length of the terms of the loan will greatly factor into the loan. As a general rule of thumb, the longer the loan, the more you will pay in interest over the lifetime of the loan. You should always try to keep the terms of loan as short as possible.

The largest factor that contributes to the terms of your loan is your credit rating. Have a lower score will mean you will have higher interest rates. At the same time, a higher, more stable, credit score will allow you to obtain a loan with a lower interest rate. Although it may be a bit easier to obtain a loan with a low interest rate, it is imperative that your credit score be as high as possible at the time of applying for vehicle financing.

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Renewed Lincoln Focus

Published: August 25, 2010
Posted in Used Cars

Earlier this year the Ford Motor Company decided to cease the production of their Mercury brand vehicles. You can still find many of these used cars on the lot of your local used car dealership. The company has been offering some great deals on these older Mercury vehicles in order to make more room on the lot for their more successful models.

The Lincoln brand, as a result of this decision, will be in direct competition with Lexus and Cadillac. In fact, it is Ford’s plan to begin redesigning several of the vehicles and offering refreshed version of the current models. The dealers that sold the Mercury brand vehicles were not stand-alone Mercury dealers, which aided in the decision making process for the company. To soften the hit to these dealers Lincoln will now have its own C-segment offering based on the new global platform that is used on the new Ford Focus. The new C-segment vehicle will be able to offer the EcoBoost powertrain. Over the next four years the other Lincoln vehicles, including the Navigator, will also have the EcoBoost powertrain as an option. In addition, there will be an all new V6 engine available, which will be specific to the Lincoln models.

It is recognized by developers that the Lincoln brand still has a lot of room for improvement. It will prove to be a long road of perfecting the Lincoln models. More focus will fall on the task at hand for the company as a result of the decision to cease the production of all Mercury brand vehicles. As mentioned above, the used Mercury vehicles will be available on the used car lot, but only as long as the product lasts.

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Getting The Best Deal

Published: August 25, 2010
Posted in Used Car Sales

The shift in the auto industry has allowed car dealers to present some of the best deals on their inventory. The sales and promotions have sent many buyers flocking to the dealership to take advantage of the latest deal. However, for a young driver, or someone who has never stepped foot on a dealership lot, it may be quite intimidating to jump into the mix of buyers taking advantage of new and used car sales.

The trade-off for the outstanding offers at the dealership many buyers are having more difficulty obtaining proper vehicle financing.  There are a number of ways to prepare for getting the best deal on your auto financing, as well as, on the price of the vehicle. Once you know which type of vehicle you will be looking at, visit the manufacturers website. There, you will be able to view any current rebates or coupons being offered at that time.

Researching dealerships will give you a greater understanding of which one you would like to do business with. When possible, try to track down customer reviews on a specific dealership via the internet. Don’t forget about taking advice from friends and family into account, as well.

When it comes to the financing, you must spend ample time researching and shopping around. The financing of your vehicle will have the most impact on the vehicle purchase. If you are only qualified for a loan with a high interest rate, you will be forced to shop for a less expensive vehicle, in order to offset the cost.

An important part of purchasing a vehicle is feeling comfortable and confident in your decision. The only way to accomplish this is to spend time learning all aspects of the transaction. Never sign a deal without full knowledge of the terms of the agreement.

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Dualing Hybrids

Published: August 25, 2010
Posted in Used Car Dealer

The Honda Motor Company recently announced its plans to launch a plug-in hybrid model, in addition to a battery electric model in the United States market, as well as, the Japan market. This decision comes as a result from their goal to put more green vehicles on the roadways around the world. As other auto makers continue to offer more efficient vehicles, Honda is forced to follow suit, in order to remain a competitor within the auto industry. The plan should allow for these vehicles to be available in the U.S. and Japan markets during 2012. In addition to these models, Honda will also be developing and manufacturing a small diesel model in Europe during 2012.

The Honda Motor Company was one of the first manufacturers to make a gasoline electric vehicle available to buyers. Their efforts over the past decade have quickly evolved to need a stronger hybrid model in their lineup. Some of their previous hybrid models can be found at a local used car dealer.

Although their plans are beginning to take shape, their biggest competitors have plans of their own that are well-underway. The Hyundai Motor Company, a close competitor, is planning on producing an even more technologically advanced hybrid similar to the Insight.

It is also believed that Honda will be entertaining the idea of having their hybrids built within the United States. Originally Honda’s plans to produce a battery-run electric vehicle came simply to meet the standards set forth by the state of California. From that concept, came plans for a vehicle with even better hybrid technology. Honda’s plug-in hybrid is expected to be a close competitor with the Toyota Prius.

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Combatting Lending Roadblocks

Published: August 25, 2010
Posted in Guaranteed Financing

Since the recent economic downturn, and its continued struggle, it has been more difficult than ever for buyers to obtain an auto loan with a low interest rate. In fact, even those in good credit standing often having difficulty when it comes to their auto financing. Most lending establishments have been forced to raise the standard one must meet in order to obtain financing.

When you are shopping for a vehicle take into consideration the added fees and increase in monthly payment that you may have as a result of poor financing terms. Many buyers are choosing to purchase used vehicles, rather than new, or vehicles with a lower cost to own, such as hybrid models. Purchasing a certified pre owned vehicle will also save you money over purchasing a brand new model.

It is imperative to plan, well in advance, for the purchase of a vehicle. This will allow you enough time to rectify any issues on your credit report and thus increase your credit standing. Having an excellent credit score is the only way you will obtain an auto loan at a low interest rate. If you have only limited time before having to purchase a vehicle, it would still work to your advantage to try to raise your credit score as much as possible prior to applying for a loan.

By shopping for a vehicle at Cross Keys Auto in Saint Louis Missouri, you are already choosing to save money. They offer quality vehicles at extremely competitive pricing. In addition to their affordable prices, they offer guaranteed financing, as well. If you are concerned about what type of interest rate you may get, schedule a time to sit down with a member of the finance department team to discuss your options.

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Bridging The Gap

Published: August 25, 2010
Posted in Guaranteed Credit

It is evident that there has been an increase in the amount of used vehicle sales throughout the auto industry. Many dealerships have reported selling more used vehicle than in the past. This is probably a direct result of the economic structure and the difficulties most buyers are having in terms of obtain an auto loan. In fact even those dealerships offering guaranteed credit to their buyers are unable to offer their loans with a low interest rate.

General Motors has been having difficulty offering their loans at low interest rates. This is unacceptable to them, as they believe their buyers deserve the best auto loans to match the quality of their vehicles. As a result, General Motors recently announced that they will acquire AmeriCredit Corp. This is their effort to make subprime borrowing available to more of their buyers.

“This acquisition supports our efforts to design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles by expanding the financing options we can offer to consumers who want to buy GM vehicles,” said GM Chairman and CEO, Ed Whitacre, in a statement. “Adding AmeriCredit to our team will improve our competitiveness in auto financing offerings, and I am very pleased to have them on board.”

The efforts and movement will focus on allowing more customers to lease vehicles more easily, or provide affordable auto loans for those with less than stellar credit scores. GM is dedicated to providing quality vehicles at affordable prices, no matter the current economic state. They are aware that there will be a minimum credit score needed to obtain such financing. However they are attempting to bridge the gap between the lender and the borrower.

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Leasing VS Buying

Published: August 25, 2010
Posted in Auto Loan

Many buyers shy away from the idea of leasing a vehicle. Some believe it is simply a waste of money, while others know too little about it to take the time to consider it an option. Leasing a vehicle often allows the customer to drive a desired car at a lower rate for a period of time. It does not, however, qualify as much of a financial investment as purchasing a vehicle outright or through an auto loan. Leasing a vehicle, however, does make sense for some, but often depends on lifestyle and the purpose for the vehicle.

A lease on a vehicle allows you to obtain the vehicle and make monthly payments just as you would if you had fully purchased the vehicle. At the end of the lease, however, you are given two options. You can either lease again or purchase the vehicle. For some this is an ideal situation, but for most it ends up being a dead-end situation. If you decide to lease vehicles over a ten year period, rather than purchase a vehicle and drive it for a ten year period, you will spend thousands more on the lease agreements. When you purchase a vehicle, and perhaps drive it for five to eight years, you then can sell the vehicle privately or trade it in to lower the cost of purchasing a newer model, rather than spending money on a lease that will earn you nothing in return.

The same holds true for both, buying and leasing vehicles; both require some form of auto loan, unless you choose to pay cash. Most dealerships offer in house vehicle financing, making it convenient to obtain an auto loan while shopping for your next vehicle.

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Chrysler Offers Money Back Guarantee

Published: August 9, 2010
Posted in Used Truck Dealer

Chrysler announced this month that the company will offer a 60-day money back guarantee for any new vehicles purchased, AND that the company will pay two months payments (of up to $500 per month) for new buyers in an attempt to compensate for a low sales record in the month of June.

Chrysler is including the offer for the Town and Country and the Dodge Caravan, as well as most other Chrysler vehicles.

Buyers will be given the option of taking either an upfront cash rebate of $3-$4K, or selecting the 60-day guarantee whereas their new car can be returned, no questions asked if the customer is not satisfied for any reason (or if they become unemployed). Another new incentive being offered in July is the zero percent financing on Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep models. Most incentives are scheduled to apply through the second of August.

Since the beginning of the year, most automakers have made an attempt to eliminate incentives in order to boost profits and to improve brand reputation. Toyota and Honda have been notorious for NOT offering high incentives in the past as part of the Japanese automakers’ attempt at keeping their brand image high. That is all changing as even Toyota Motor Corporation has increased buying incentives this month.

Chrysler’s June sales have decreased by 12% from May 2010. Overall U.S. auto sales dropped by 10% from May as consumers continue to be concerned about the stabilization of their jobs and the economy overall.

Toyota spent over $2,000 per vehicle on incentives in June, which was twice the amount from June of 2009, and Chrysler spend over $3,000 per vehicle in June (actually less than last year’s post-bankruptcy numbers), according to Edmunds.com.

Last year when Chrysler offered a similar incentive program, most buyers took the incentive program and most buyers selected the cash back option; only about 50 vehicles were returned.

To test drive a used or certified pre-owned Dodge Ram, see your local GMT Auto Sales used truck dealer in St. Louis toay.

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