The New Way to Buy a Car

 

Author: B.Keeler

The average price for a brand-new car in 2012 was about $30,000. The average cost for a public college education was $22,261. Add both of those together and it is not hard to see why the latest generation of college graduates has very limited buying power in the automotive market place.

The 2013 Dodge Dart Front Angle

If you have been dreaming of a shiny new Dodge Dart, there is hope for you. This week Dodge redefined the process of purchasing a brand-new vehicle and added a social element as well. This new process, in my opinion, is an excellent way for recent or soon to be college graduates to get to swap out their old clunker for a better and more reliable vehicle to begin their adult lives.

The Dodge Dart Registry is very similar to a standard wedding or gift registry. Instead of registering for fondue sets and fish steamers the user will never use; Dodge has the user customizes a Dart with various features.

“The registry is designed to make the process of configuring and buying a new Dart more social than ever, in a way that has never been done before. Now, ‘New Rules’ transcends not only how we design, build and market a car, but redefines how consumers can purchase a new vehicle by mobilizing friends and family to help,” said  Oliver Francois, Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC.

After the user has customized their Dart and finished the necessary registration process, it is then up to the user to promote, their custom vehicle so that family and friends can buy parts for it.

2013 Dodge Dart Rear Angle

During the registration process, the user will need to set the amount of money they will need to raise to get their Dart. The user can set it anywhere for $100 to $30,000.

As your social circle purchases the various parts the amount of money, you still need decreases. When that amount reaches $0, you will receive your funds, and you can head to your local Dodge dealer and purchase your Dart.

After initial registration, users have anywhere from 30 to 90 days to reach their fund raising goal. The money you raise even if you do not reach your goal can apply to anything. You are under no obligation to buy a Dart. However, Dodge is quick to point out that your friends and family that helped to pay for your new ride might be disappointed not see you cruising around town in it.

Do you want your own Dodge Dart registry? Visit www.dodgeregistry.com  to get started.

Sources:

http://www.dodgedartregistry.com/get-sponsored/step/1

http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=13742&mid=5

http://consumerist.com/2012/04/13/average-price-for-new-cars-hits-high-of-30000/

http://www.collegedata.com/cs/content/content_payarticle_tmpl.jhtml?articleId=10064

Images & Video:

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dodge_Dart_(8229614440).jpg

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dodge_Dart_(8228539321).jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCfxOWLuNwU

Toyota Corolla Furia Concept

Author: B.Keeler

At the Detroit International Auto Show this week, Toyota unveiled its Furia Concept. The Furia is said to be the next-generation Toyota Corolla. All I can say it is about time!

The current Toyota Corolla has been with us since January of 2008, and it shows. All the other vehicles in this segment are either new like the Chevrolet Cruze or completely redesigned like the Hyundai Elantra.

Toyota Corolla Furia Concept Front

The fact that the Corolla is dated does not limit itself to simple aesthetics, although it is quite boring and easily lost in a parking lot. The mechanics are also very dated. Competitors have upgraded their offering to have six-speed automatic transmissions. 

While the Corolla makes do with a 4-speed automatic, even with transmission from the time of Jesus, you still get 34 miles per gallon on the highway.

Mechanical details about the Furia are unknown at this time. Expect to see updates to the current engine and a six-speed transmission, to bring it on par with the competition.

“The Corolla Furia Concept is an early indicator of where our compact car design may lead in the future,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division. “It blends a heightened emphasis on dramatic design and modern elements of high technology to generate curb appeal that will surprise a lot of people.”

Toyota Corolla Furia Concept Rear

Personally, I am not a fan of Toyota’s new design language. They take conservatively designed cars and modernize them to the point of ruin.

The Furia concept is a complete departure from the current mundane Corolla. The Furia takes a aggressive stance thanks to the flared wheel arches and character lines.

At the front, the headlights sit like snake eyes under an angry brow. The gapping radiator grill makes it look more like a crying baby than a macho little sports sedan, in my opinion.

At the back more angry looking lights that work here and add to the aggressive feel, thanks to a rear skid plate on the bumper. Adding to the overall appearance of the Furia are some random, but well placed bits of carbon fiber and LED running lamps.

Toyota Corolla Axio JDM

Overall, this looks like the freshly re-designed Toyota Avalon that sort of shrunk in the wash, and that’s a good thing because it makes you look like you have more money than you actually have.

Will the next Toyota Corolla look like this? No one can say for sure at this point. However, if I were a betting man, I would say production version will look something more like the Japanese market Corolla Axio.

My opinion is that the Axio is a better-looking car and will appeal much better to the traditional Corolla buyer.

Sources:

http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/2013+toyota+corolla+product+specs.htm

http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/2013+detroit+auto+show+toyota+corolla+furia+concept+jan14.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=32950&id=32545&id=32252&id=32916

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E80CtGhsom8

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TOYOTA_COROLLA_AXIO_E160_01.JPG

Champagne Tastes on a Beer Budget: Rolls-Royce and Bentley

The Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy 

Author: B.Keeler

Perception is Reality

Looking like a million dollars and having a million dollars are two different things. However, with stores like Marshalls and Ross having the wardrobe of a millionaire is very easy. What good is the wardrobe of a millionaire when you get into a brand-new Nissan Versa? If you have champagne tastes but a beer budget, there is hope for you.

Rolls-Royce and Bentley are two marques that will go perfectly with your millionaire wardrobe and ooze excess. For that same $12,000, you would have spent of the Nissan. You also have a choice of Rolls-Royce and Bentleys.

The Rolls-Royce

1984 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

Listed at almost $13,000 you could have a black 1984 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit with only 77,000 miles. The Silver Spirit features: leather interior, self-leveling suspension, power sunroof, privacy tinted glass and an aftermarket Panasonic stereo, features you will not find on the Nissan.

On the down side, the car appears to be in rough shape. The seller notes that it appears to be leaking brake fluid, which can be a costly repair.


 

The Bentley, an athletic Rolls-Royce

1987 Bentley Eight for sale in California

Listed at a $1,000 less than the Rolls at $12,000 flat this 1987 Bentley Eight features same 6 ¾ liter eight cylinder engine as the Rolls. The only down side is that the Bentley has done almost double the mileage.

Unlike the Rolls, the Bentley features a full service history. This particular Bentley is senior citizen owned and completely unmolested. All things you should look for when you are going to purchase any vehicle like this.

To buy or not to buy, that is the question?

Now that we have established you can actually buy a decent Rolls-Royce or Bentley for the same amount as a Nissan Versa the big question is should you?
When properly maintained it has been said that these vehicles can outlive their owners. Of course, that is not hard to do when the owner is 85 and just about to die anyway.

Having never owned one of these exclusive automobiles I cannot tell you just how reliable they would be. As a car enthusiast, however, I would advise you to keep a reserve of cash in case of catastrophic breaks downs. According to owners, such as events rarely happen.

For my money, I would have the Rolls-Royce or the Bentley over the Nissan, mainly because either of these will not get lost in the sea of silver that has become the mall parking lot. Furthermore, the Rolls or Bentley will create the illusion you have a million bucks, whereas the Nissan makes you appear as boring accountant.

 

Sources:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45AfHbv1hRA

http://www.britishcarpartsco.com/

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=16117&endYear=2014&makeCode2=RR&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=BENTL&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&searchRadius=0&maxPrice=13000&mmt=%5BBENTL%5B%5D%5B%5DRR%5B%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=323920389&listingIndex=1&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=16117&endYear=2014&makeCode2=RR&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=BENTL&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&searchRadius=0&maxPrice=13000&mmt=%5BBENTL%5B%5D%5B%5DRR%5B%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=335217121&listingIndex=2&Log

What the Hell Wednesday: Cross-cabriolets

Author: B.Keeler

2009 Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro Concept

In the automotive world, no segment is smaller than that of the convertible SUV. Many have tried but few have succeeded, save for the Jeep Wrangler.

The Audi Q3

 

It would make sense that if only one traditional convertible SUV could survive past infancy, the chances of a convertible crossover are slim to none, but that has not stopped several automakers from trying.

In 2009, Audi unveiled what it called the Q3 Cross-Cabriolet Quattro, which was a Q3 crossover with top cut off. This concept left many asking what Audi’s designers were thinking.

Credit where credit is due, however, the Audi incorporated a power cloth top, which could be open and closed in 17 seconds, which is much quicker than the reigning champion Jeep Wrangler’s conversion takes.

The Q3 CC party piece is air scarfs to keep occupants warm during chilly nights when the top is down. Other interesting amenities include an internal communication system that uses microphones to allowed occupants to talk with each other when the top is down.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet topless

The Nissan Murano Cross-Cabriolet

 Most of the world seemed to think the idea of a convertible crossover was a bad idea someone at Nissan felt differently. In 2011, the Nissan Murano Cross-Cabriolet was born..

“Everyone loves the convertible experience, yet not everyone loves the traditional convertible compromises – limited trunk space, a cramped back seat or none at all, and a lack of flexibility for everyday life,” said Castignetti. “The Murano Cross-Cabriolet is the reinvention of versatility, encouraging people to rethink what a convertible can be.”

 

The CC started life as the top of the line Murano LE that means a leather interior is standard. The dual front bucket seats included heat and a driver memory feature.

For entertainment, the CC comes with a standard hard-drive infotainment, Bose stereo with satellite radio and iPod integration. A navigation system is optional for an additional $1,494.

This odd orgy of SUV, sedan and convertible can be yours for the starting price of $44,450. This can seem like a lot when you compare it to the reigning champion Jeep Wrangler that starts at about $22,000.

Nissan CrossCabriolet rear view

 Currently, Nissan does not separate CC from Standard sales, but it is a safe bet to say the CC has not been the resounding sales success Nissan had anticipated. Currently, the state with highest registration of CCs is Florida with 140.

With this segment, I ask myself ‘What the hell were they thinking?’ if you feel the need to purchase a convertible crossover, please check yourself into a mental hospital. Should you still feel the need after a reprieve you still feel the need to get a convertible SUV, buy the Jeep.

Sources:
www.nissanusa.com
www.jeep.com
http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/channels/us-united-states-nissan-models-murano/presskits/2011-nissan-murano-crosscabriolet-press-kit
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/audi-cross-cabriolet-quattro-concept-auto-shows-hey-mr-dj-turn-that-record-off-page-1
http://www.edmunds.com/industry-center/analysis/drive-by-numbers-who-buys-the-nissan-murano-crosscabriolet.html

Images:
http://audiusanews.com/pressrelease/771//audi-cross-cabriolet-quattro
http://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special%3ASearch&profile=default&search=Nissan+Murano+Crosscabriolet&fulltext=Search&uselang=en

Welcome!

First off I would like to thank the few but loyal followers that I have. I know realize that updates have been like water in the Sahara desert, few and far between.

That is going to change this blog will not only be my little soap-box for the automotive world but will also be used for a class this semester.

At this time I would like to make note that all posts after this one will be submitted for grading, and welcome all the members of said class to our little corner of the internet.