I’m writing this article on the heels of Mazda recalling 215,000 vehicles. Bless their hearts, as we see, no auto builder is immune to the RECALL syndrome. Toyota can write reams about vehicle recalls and they continue to build a great vehicle! When you have a passion for vehicles as I do, you take nothing lightly. For several weeks, I have been doing a little undercover research on one particular vehicle. Before you laugh or think I’m crazy; do the research that I have. I’m just going to say it! My pick for 2011 model vehicle is Hyundai. There, I said it!

 Before you call me crazy, go and check any of their models out. They are quietly catching up to the BIG BOY’S. I actually foresee in the next couple of years a competition induced recall to try and slow their progress. The only thing that is holding these guys back is the fact that they have not received the acclaim of resale value. I actually see this fixing to change in the future.

 Every model has something to offer even the pickiest of car enthusiast. The factory warranty is fantastic and it’s just a good solid ride. Remember the Yugo? When Hyundai first hit the scene, they were actually compared by some people to the ill-fated Yugo. Hyundai has had a hard row to hoe and they have stuck in there, until they are now producing a quality machine. The great thing is the fact that they are priced for us average Joe’s. Quality with an affordable price tag, equals the best of both worlds to me.

 The main thing I found in my research is Hyundai dealerships and their sales people are genuinely eager to do business. I felt like I was appreciated as a customer and never felt like I was being taken advantage of. It’s a great feeling to know you can still buy a good quality, dependable vehicle for around $13,000.00. Plus, a vehicle that should laugh at 100,000 miles ( hell, it’s covered in thefactory warranty) and then  look forward to the next 100,000.

 Before you call me crazy, go and test drive the Hyundai of your choice. I think this will make you a believer. Also, check out their lease terms. If I’m not mistaken, I recently saw a lease commercial for a very affordable monthly rate and it was for 24 months, not the new bullshit 39 months that several other manufactures are doing right now.

 SERIOUS! Check them out. Afterwards come back here and leave your comments!!!! Hey, write me your own review and I will post it right here for others to read. Send your review to jim@askthecarbuyguy.com

 I recently went to visit my 92 year old father. When we get together, we discuss all the pertinent issues of the year. I was discussing with him my future thoughts for my business and what I had planned for the future. Dad said something that made me stop and think. What he said: “ I wish when I bought my last car, you would have been in business. I could have used your help to put my last deal together for me. Those of us in our 70’s and 80’s need help to make sure we are not taken advantage of, when dealing with large ticket items!”

 I began to think, you know, he’s right. As a salesman, I always enjoyed dealing with my retired customers. They were easy to deal with and they had great credit or they could pay cash. Unfortunately, some sales people see this generation as easy suckers. In the grasp of a certified con man they can be an easy target. This is so sad! Unfortunately, this age group is still trusting of the human race. I believe the trust factor begins to breakdown in the generations from age 60 and younger.

 I’m attempting to find a marketing media to reach these people and let them know there is someone out here with their better interest at heart. If anyone out there knows a good way to reach this age group to make them aware of my business, let me know. I just need to get the word out.

 Honesty is not something that is paid for, it is a characteristic that is earned through dedication and perseverance.

 I just had an eye opening experience concerning DWI and our laws. Every now and then we hear about someone who has numerous DWI offenses and convictions and in the end we hear about all of this due to a fatality accident.

 Two years ago, I was on my way home from a 12 hour day at the dealership. It was about 10:30 PM and the evening was clear and cool. I was passed by a car that almost sideswiped my car as it passed. We were about the only vehicles on this stretch of road and I began observing the driver’s inability to drive. This driver was having great difficulty keeping his vehicle between the painted lines of the road, almost hitting the curb several times. Of course, I kept what I thought was a safe distance from him. We came to a light and I couldn’t help but catch up to him. As we left the light I attempted to get safely ahead of him, hoping he would turn into one of the numerous subdivisions and just go home. Fortunately we were on a one way highway or it would have been disastrous. Unfortunately, I followed him for about 14 miles and we were coming into a high traffic area of town. I felt a need to do something, so I called 911 and gave a description of the vehicle and license plate number. Very soon the driver was pulled over and I later found out arrested for DWI. The arresting officer later that evening contacted me to thank me for doing my civic duty. He informed me that this individual had several prior arrests for the same offense.

 I decided to write this article because of a resent development in this case. Two years later this individual was finally headed to trial. ( Two years later!? ) The way I found out is the prosecutor had asked if I would serve as a witness if needed. I had accepted rather reluctantly because of obvious reasons. But, as it turned out the individual plead guilty to this offense and a prior offense to the same charge and there would be no court case. Here is the part that floored me! For a guilty plea to both charges, he received nothing but a small slap on the hand. His sentence was 18 months probation; a few dollars in court cost, a $1,800.00 fine and mandatory AA meetings and finally meetings with people who have lost loved ones due to alcohol related accidents.

 I’m sorry, I just don’t agree with the law. This is not someone who occasionally stops and has a couple of drinks with the boys after work, gets stopped and blows .02 on the breath test. This is a person that stops and gets blitzed to the gills, almost daily after work and then gets behind the wheel of an automobile. With behavior such as this, we are all at risk. All I will say is; I don’t believe this slap on the hand, will stop this dangerous habit and I will not be surprised when the time comes when it finally ends. It ends with a fatality! Will it involve you, me or a loved one? I pray not!

 Let me hear from you on this! Tell us what you think.

1. The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
2. The trees are whistling for the dogs…
3. The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
4. Hot water now comes out of both taps.
5. You can make sun tea instantly.
6. You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.
7. The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.
8. You discover that in August it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.
9. You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.
10. You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
11. You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.
12. Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, ‘What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?’
13. You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
14. The potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper.
15. Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs.
16. The cows are giving evaporated milk.
Ah, what a place to call home. . 

God Bless The State of Texas!!!

 If you have been following or researching Ask the Car Buy Guy, then you know I believe in leasing as a great alternative to purchasing your next vehicle. Vehicle leasing today is so much easier and legal today than it was in the 1980’s. I wanted to write this article pertaining to something I have noticed recently in vehicle lease commercial advertisements.

 The vehicle lease terms that I have always suggested is the 36 month lease and this has always seemed to be every manufacture’s incentivized leasing term. Recently I have been noticing a little quirk in T.V. and Magazine advertisements. You should know by now, I find and read all the small print regarding these ads and a little monster has cropped up.

 There is now the new 39 month lease. You see the ad for an incredibly low monthly payment for a new 2011 vehicle. Hell, it’s a better rate than lease payments in 2009. “READ THE FINE PRINT”. This incredible payment is for a 39 month lease, not the usual 36 month lease term.

 You can see how making 3 more payments can reduce the monthly dollar figure of a normal lease? Not only the additional 3 months, but the lease agreement has increased the dollar amount due at closing by some 500 to 1000 dollars in some cases.

 The advertisement is not a lie, it’s all spelled out and THEY hope you are unable or just don’t read the fine print. Once again, it’s a method to get you into the dealership and they will take it from there to make the sale. The ads sly hope is all you notice is the LOW monthly payment.

 Always remember the 1 in 10 rule. For every 10 people that respond to an advertisement and come to take advantage of the advertized price or payment, they know 1 % will purchase in the end.

 Sorry, but this is statistically true of consumers!

 The new school year is just around the corner. I still remember the first day of school each and every year. The new clothes, some new friends and now that I look back, a new adventure. Actually, as I got older it began to be a pain in the ass; now in my mid fifty’s, I find myself wanting that same feeling of new and unknown. Sorry, back on task!

 Many states have recently passed laws banning the use of cell phones in school zones. Many cities and communities have passed these laws even though their states have not. Be aware of the laws governing your local cities and communities concerning this issue. If you happen to live in an area with no regulations concerning the use of cell phones in school zones, become pro-active within your community.  

 Accidents that occur during the use of cell phones or any other electronic device is on the rise. Some say, vehicular accidents that occur during the use of these devices will soon out number accidents occurring due to DUI or DWI within the next 2 years!!! Actually the same goes for us as pedestrians. Let’s face it, when you are talking to someone on your phone or even texting, your mind is not on what you are doing at that moment or even your surroundings. The number of pedestrian accidents in large cities is actually on the rise. WHY? Cell phone use, that’s why!

 Tell me what you think! Let me hear ya! Let’s all be safe out there!!!!!

 Let’s discuss credit and the dealership. First of all never fill out a credit application with a dealership until you are ready to finalize your car deal. Any time you fill out a credit application and sign it, this allows whomever to run your credit history. Each time your credit history is checked, it cost you in points. Plus, you never want the dealership to know exactly where you stand credit wise, while you are negotiating the first steps of your car deal.

 I’ll never forget the customer I had that their credit scores were borderline, but I could still put together a good deal. They decided they could do better somewhere else and went to dealership #2 and worked up a complete deal. Unfortunately, their credit score was borderline and this dealership had a weak finance department and they submitted their deal to 9 different lending agencies. Once this couple figured out that this particular dealer was B.S., they returned to get the deal I had put together for them in the beginning. Well, now that their credit had been hit 9 times, costing them at least 25 points, I was unable to get them the same deal they had in the beginning. BLESS THEIR HEARTS! This is just how it is, but I still put together a good deal for them in the end! I didn’t have to help them and could have killed them on the backend, but I didn’t and that’s just how I sold cars.

 Go to “Your Market Place” on this page and click on MY FICO and know where you stand with your credit scores before going to a dealership. If you have weak credit scores, check into obtaining outside financing. Once again, if you have poor credit scores, go to “Your Market Place”, there you will find lending agencies that will help you with this matter.

BE PREPARED!

Ok, I’m forever checking around the web for my competition and I have noticed everyone looks at negotiating as a game. If you approach any negotiations as a game, you are not going to be the winner. You negotiate a deal every now and then, but the person you are negotiating with does this everyday of his or her life. If you approach this as a game like all the “experts” say to do; then you will be a high school 5A champion going against last year’s NBA or NFL champion.  How one sided and stupid would that be?

 This is not play day and why hiring a negotiator is so worth the fee paid. If it is the 250 to 500 dollars you’re wanting to save, then go ahead and handle your own negotiations. You can do it, but only with research and a good plan. I recently wrote an article about having a “game plan” and now I wish I would have entitled the article “Have a Negotiating Plan”. This is not a game people and these fools referring to it as such are ignorant.

 I almost feel like apologizing for ranting, but I’m not going to because I can’t help being passionate about this subject. Look! Just because someone has a single article or web page ranked on the first search page of Google, Yahoo, Bing and many more only means one thing! They have either been around for sometime or they have VERY deep pockets (money) to be placed so high with a search engine. Yes, I’ll pat myself on the back a little here. I’m new, I’m going to be here in the future and this page is innovative. There is no other page like this on the web!

 Now that you have found my page, spread the GOOD news to everyone you know! Give me your comments so I can grow this page with your thoughts.

 I just spent 14 hours of windshield time going to visit my father in Arkansas. I began watching and noticing people and their driving habits. The one thing that stuck out like a sore thumb was the use of cell phones while driving. I actually observed an individual using a computer that was in the passenger seat, while traveling at speeds above 70 mph. What has happened to us as a society today?

 So many of us and myself included, use our automobiles as a mobile office and it scares the HELL out of me, as it should you! I have made a commitment to change and make my driving time just that, driving and nothing else. My cell phone is the heart of my business, but if a customer is not willing to leave a message, then so be it. Unfortunately we have been using voice mail as a call screening devise and so many people when they get your voice mail, figure that is what you are trying to do. I have considered changing my voice mail message to include the fact that I may be traveling and will return their call at my first chance. Come on let’s be safe!!

 Please consider those around you when having dinner out and your cell phone rings. First, if you answer the call, you are being very rude to your dinner guest. You are also being inconsiderate of the other people around you. Case in point: Sitting in a very small eatery and a very popular female at the table next to us ate her entire meal with her cell phone pinched between her head and shoulder. She was also the type, that to speak on her cell phone, her voice was about 3 decibels louder than normal. Never mind her table guest, but those of us around her, attempting to enjoy our eating experience. Think about it the next time you’re out and happen to experience the same thing. If you are guilty of this, consider what you’re thinking about that person and that is what others are thinking about you when you do this.

 I think it is time to just say enough is enough and take control of our actions. People, we have forgotten how to live. Tell me what you think! I really want some feedback here!!!!!!

The more I thought about this, I had to make this series in more than 2 parts. The reason for this is where I’m going next. Remember from part one the finance department can legally “hold” 2 percentage points? I’m going to give you the next scenario and give the reason finance managers are ex- car sales people. In part one scenario, I said you have good credit scores and they just offered you a loan initially for 6% APR. They reduced the APR one percentage point and you considered this a victory! Now you are asked if you have considered obtaining an extended warranty on your new vehicle. Most customers at this point go, no I’m not interested in your extended warranty programs and don’t want to spend a dime more for my car. Now you will be told in the most convincing way what the warranty means for you and if you take the warranty product, they will see if they can get a one percent reduction in your APR for your loan. Wow, 2 percentage point reduction on your loan and a warranty that takes care of your car for the next 100,000 miles. Yes and no.

 Consider this: Is the warranty a true manufacturer’s warranty or is it what is called a 3^rd party warranty? Did you know that if you have good credit scores, you can also negotiate these extended warrant prices? If you include this warranty price into your loan, you will be paying for this amount plus interest each month for the life of your loan. If you have a good game plan, you have already weighed your options and know what to do. If not, you will make a snap decision to just get this process over and take your new car home and show it off.

 Ben Franklin once said, “a penny saved, is a penny earned.” I say, “a hundred dollars saved, is a hundred dollars earned, a thousand dollars saved; well you’re going to the bank!” I believe an article about extended vehicle warranties would benefit many people, so be looking for it very soon!