It’s a fact; cars in America are seeing more road-time before retirement than ever before. According to an R.L. Polk & Co. (auto industry analyst) study, the average life span for a motor vehicle in the U.S. is now 112.8 months. This means Americans are keeping their cars more than a year longer than in the past decade. But what can you do with that old dinosaur once it is past it's prime? I asked Jody Victorto tell us several easy methods for getting that old car off your drive way!

Jody Victor: The reasons for this trend are certainly varied—from the ebb and flow of oil prices to auto industry upheavals. There is a commonality, however. The average American’s discretionary income has fallen.

The recent trend in thriftiness isn’t necessarily a bad habit for Americans to adopt, but what does one do with these ever increasingly geriatric vehicles when one simply cannot justify putting another penny into them? Dealers and private buyers alike aren’t exactly thrilled about vehicles whose odometers tell tales of multiple cross-country trips, heavy commuting, or age in general. This, however, doesn’t mean you have to dump another thousand-plus pounds of scrap in a junkyard, further stressing our relationship eco-relationship with the Earth.

Many charities accept automobile donations, regardless of condition. Just call your favorite charity and ask. Generally speaking, towing is free or cheap. Best of all, you get a tax-deductible voucher for the book value of the car. These charities usually try to first fix the car and sell it. If they can’t its sold for scrap.

Kidney Cars will gladly take your cars, trucks, vans and, yes, even boats as charitable donations. Their website states that the National Kidney Foundation uses the money realized from your vehicle for items ranging from public education to medical research. Not only will you earn your self a bit of good karma, but if the earnings on the sale of the vehicle exceed the voucher you get another receipt for the full amount of the deduction. Always remember, the newer the car and the better the condition the more profit the charity is likely to see in a sale and you in your deduction.

Some charities may refuse to accept a vehicle that doesn't run, while others will accept cars and trucks no matter what their condition. Either way, charity-specific donations are a win-win for everyone involved.

If your favorite charity isn’t one that deals in used auto sales or the scrap-for-cash business, you may still be able to donate your unwanted vehicle. The are many organizations, all over the country, that will take the car off your hands for free and sell or scrap it—the proceeds go to a charity of your choice and you still get that tax deductible receipt. A simple internet search will yield results. For example, Cars Helping America. Their website lists more than sixty charity partners and they are willing to work with ones not on their list.

There isn’t much work to be done on your end of a charitable car donation. All you need is a little information, the car’s title, the keys and about fifteen minutes before someone will be scheduled to rid you of your clunker.

If you favorite charity at the moment, unfortunately, happens to be your own wallet, you might consider selling your junker for parts. This is a good option for vehicles that are, clearly, never going to run again or unsafe to drive.

You’ve got two options here: sell the car whole or as parts online or at a local parts store. If you are choosing the first option make it clear to potential buyers that it is their responsibility to arrange the removal of the vehicle from you property before the parts-harvest begins.

You aren’t going to get rich quick from this, but there is likely to be a few hundred dollars in the deal for you. This can go a long way paying bills, rent, or filling the cupboards. Check out sites like CarJunky to get yourself started. You can list the car as pieces-parts or a package deal.

Thanks, Jody! Great suggestions!

Joe Victor

The Taurus 2010 brings back the idea of the 'personal sedan'---a true 'me' car. SUVs, minivans and the whole mess of soccer mom oriented cars are out of fashion for many reasons one need not list here. I asked Jody Victor to give us the details.

Jody Victor: The 2010 Ford Taurus is probably not the car you are expecting it to be. It has refinement and good looks—as Ford’s new flagship it should. Having ceded the role of basic sedan to the Fusion, the new Taurus is a force to be reckoned with. Weighing in at 4,015 lbs (4,224 lbs with AWD) and 203 inches Ford could have easily dropped the Taurus name altogether—this model is that far beyond any former Taurus.

Though similar to the Lincoln MKS, the Taurus is more interesting. Its greenhouse is more mainstream than the MKS, offering plenty of headroom without an exaggeration to the forum that cursed the last version. It has a chop-top look to it, again not exaggerated (perhaps like the Chrysler 300C), it instead has a menacingly cool-daddy look to it.

The new Taurus’ sculpted hood gives the car a somewhat “muscle” look as well as its wide stance, with its wrap around projector lens xenon headlights, and the new tri-bar grille (a recent Ford trademark). Throw in the Taurus’ flared wheel wells, “suck-sculpted” panels, its sharp, tapered tail and dual exhaust you’ve got a flagship car that appeals to more than one demographic.

The 2010 Taurus sports a transverse-mounted 3.5 liter Duratec V6 for 263HP and 249lb-ft of torque. The SE model is equipped with a regular six-speed automatic transmission. SEL and Limited buyers will be using a SelectShift slusher with paddle shifters. The Taurus will be FWD standard, but AWD will be available in the SEL and Limited models. 

The Taurus, as fitting a new flagship, is loaded—adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake support; and it all works in unison to create a true twenty-first century driving experience. With all the latter technology crammed into this new Taurus, fuel economy wasn’t left out in the cold; Ford updated the Taurus with a two-speed fuel pump and aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off technology. What does that all mean? When your foot isn’t into the pedal you are saving fuel. The EPA suggests mileage ratings will be around 18mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway for the FWD, AWD rates at 17/25.

As for the interior, one word is sufficient. Class.  As in, “top of the class” or “classy”.  The twenty-ten Taurus features leather seats (available ventilated seating) and active motion massage functions. The driver and passenger seats in front have good bolstering, but aren’t scoped like some sportier cars in its class. They appear comfortable and with the adjustable pedal system offer a wide range of settings to fit many drivers comfort needs. Microsoft Sync is available as an upgrade and includes traffic, directions, and 911 assistance. Sirius travel link and a Sony audio system will also be available.

Between its techno-junkie appeal, high class interior and redesigned exterior Ford has reinvented a forgotten class of car, the personal sedan. Some are even saying this may be one of Ford’s best sedans in their corporate history.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be looking for this car in the dealerships and on the road soon!

Joe Victor

 

Incentives on new cars are high, probably at an all-time high—this has a lot of car owners wondering: “Is my clunker a keeper?” It is a good time to buy a new car, but is it possible to squeeze another 50,000 miles or so out of your old car? What if your old car is paid off and in good condition? Are you thinking of buying just because it’s a good time or do you need a new car. These deals must have a shelf life, is it worth waiting? With so much on-the-line, I asked Jody Victor to answer these questions for us.

Jody Victor: Vincentric, an automotive-research firm, compared the cost of several new vehicles to their five-year-old counterparts. It was assumed the used vehicles were paid off and the new vehicles were paid for with five-year 6.6% loans and 15% down. Taking into consideration total ownership costs over five years: insurance, fuel, repairs and depreciation, survey says—your clunker might be a keeper.For example, a new Chevrolet Malibu will cost $33,064 over five years, or $7,343 more than the $25,721 it would cost you to maintain a 2004 model that's paid off.

The biggest expense for new-vehicle owners is depreciation, while maintenance and repairs remain the most common “big expense” for used vehicles. For five-year-old vehicles repairs can cost twice as much and maintenance as much as three times more.

Between the economy and the fear of unemployment more people are going with what appears to be the value route—keeping used vehicles and paying for repairs. R.L Polk an auto-info firm found that vehicle ownership length increased to four and a half years in ’08 (up from four years in ’02).

Another reason to keep that well-loved vehicle is that you must pay on your new car every month, with used cars some repairs are going to be optional. And if you've taken very good care of your used car you likely won’t encounter monthly repairs. There are two things to consider with old cars, though. First, a transmission rebuild is going to cost around $3,000. Second, if a used car has been unreliable or needed repairs from day one (in the case of secondary ownership). Either of these cases are so-called “deal breakers” when weighing the options of new or old.

Government incentives might make you consider sending the clunker to the junkyard. State and local taxes can be written off on new cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles purchased from February 17 through the end of ’09.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to use these tips before buying new!

Joe Victor 

Remember that “check list” Jody Victorsuggested last time? Here are some more items you can add to that list to make sure you are buying a good, safe used car.

Jody Victor: Make sure the mileage rates at about 15,000 per year (ie; a five year old car should have about 75,000 miles on it). The engine oil should be reddish brown in color (not black). Check under the car for frame damage—this is the best way to tell if the car has been in a major accident. Check for broken windows, mismatched tires, any of these kinds of clues might let you know the previous owner didn’t take good care of the car. Check your state and county emissions regulations and that the car meets those regulations, has current tags and that the air conditioner is working properly.

Test driving the car is a must! You can listen to the engine and get a feel for the breaks—if they are not working properly this can be a costly repair. Test the car in different conditions: hills, stop and go traffic, highways. However the best advice is to spend $150 for an independent mechanic to check out the car, the most objective opinions are going to come from independent garages.

Also remember, the best new cars make the best used cars—look for top-rated brands and models.

Once you are ready to shop, where should you go? There are many options for used cars including franchise and independent dealers, rental and leasing companies, used car specialty stores, and of course private owners. However private owners are the most risky unless you are buying from someone you can trust, a friend or family member—dealers must follow several laws dictating what they can sell.

At dealerships many used cars in showrooms are not trade-ins from individuals, but come from lease and rental companies, which tend to be better cars because of regular maintenance and lower mileage. On the flipside, however, private sellers might be more willing to yield to lower prices.

Now, you might be ready to start bargaining. Shop around and see what others are asking for the same make and model that matches, as closely as possible, the car you are interested in. Start bargaining below that number, the worst that can happen starting low is a “no” answer. If you find problems with the car according to the checklist, mention these during the negotiations—this may help you get the price you want.

After determining who to buy a used car from, and using the stated tips to evaluate the cars you like, you can start bargaining. Goog Luck!

Thanks, Jody! Great tips!

Joe Victor

 

College students are at a higher risk of being conned when buying used cars. They are inundated with advertising, high pressure and sometimes devious sales pitches. I asked Jody Victor to give us some tips for buying a car the first time.

Jody Victor: Often college students are easy to con, not because they are not smart, but because they lack car-buying experience that would give them a more discerning eye—especially when many are most interested in price-ranges, whether legitimate or not, used car dealers advertise.

One immediate tell of the unscrupulous sales pitch is if the salesman claims anything is “perfect”. Another tip is to research the classification of the cars you are interested in—you don’t want a car classified as ‘salvaged’ simply because its been in an accident and will tend to have more problems.

Beware of advertisements that promise financing to first-time-buyers or people with bad credit. These offers often demand a large down payment and high APR. These schemes are usually associated  with used car marketing because dealers make more on used cars than new ones. A dealer’s profit margin on a new car is essentially fixed, while the buyer will never know what the dealer paid for a used car.

Beware of aggressive salespeople—don’t be pressured by lines like “I’ve got several buyers interested in this beauty, make a quick decision”. It could simply be that that particular “beauty” represents a very high profit margin. A similar or better car at a price that is within your means will always be worth the wait.

Education is key—do some research before you begin the search. Also, be prepared to examine the used car with an inspection checklist. Many magazine articles, books, and web sources offer checklists concerned with buying used cars. I suggests examining the car in daylight on a sunny day—cloudy, rain days and nighttime conditions will do funny things to your perception.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to pass this first part on - looking forward to part two.

Joe Victor 

These days it’s important to watch one’s money, and proper vehicle care and maintenance is one way to save money. So, I asked Jody Victor  what simple things we can all do before we hit the road to keep our cars from becoming cash vacuums.

 

Jody Victor:

 

Check Your Oil: Wait until your engine is cool, before you start the car. Find the dipstick under the hood; it will likely have a visibility red or yellow handle, check your owner’s manual. Pull out the dipstick and using a clean rag, wipe it off, reinsert, and pull it again. The oil should reach the “full” marker, if not add a pint. You car needs an oil change about every 3,000 miles—this is basic car care, but if you pay attention to your oil and mileage you’ll keep your car’s engine in much better condition. Also, if you are having to fill your oil multiple times between changes, this is likely and indicator of a problem, see your mechanic.

 

Check the Windshield Washer Fluid: Ideally this should be done while the car is turned off and cool. It’s an easy visual check—find the reservoir and fill when needed. Again, see your owner’s manual for details. Keeping the window clean and increasing visibility will help prevent accidents. Keep a spare gallon in the trunk, especially on long trips.

 

Check the Automatic Transmission Fluid: This time you’ll want the engine hot, so be careful! If the car is cool, let it run for a few minutes first—maybe run an errand and check it when you get home. Find the transmission fluid dipstick—again check the owner’s manual if you have difficultly find it, it may not be as obvious as the oil dipstick. Check to make sure the fluid is clean and to the “full” line by pulling the dipstick, wiping it clean, reinserting, and checking it. Unlike oil, transmission fluid isn’t “eaten” by the engine, so if its low there is a problem, see your mechanic.

 

Measure Tire Pressure: You’ll need a simple tool for this job, a tire pressure gauge (available at any automotive parts store). Check the owner’s manual for the appropriate pressure rating for the car (the reading on the tire itself is for maximum pressure which is irrelevant to this task). Check the tires before you get on the road and fill them when needed. If you continually find you have low pressure in a tire, it may have a slow leak. Properly inflated tires will increase traction and gas mileage.

 

Thanks, Jody! Important tips for sure.

 

Joe Victor

SUV sales have declined over the past few years due to high gas prices, especially in the past few months with the economic downturn likely to blame. I asked Jody Victor to tell us about a new SUV that may change our way of thinking about them.

Jody Victor: As many SUVs are sitting, lonely, and for sale at dealers as in empty lots and neighborhoods; however this isn’t stopping Lexus/Toyota from releasing a new version of its GX mid-size SUV sometime in the second half of the year—the GX has been around since 2003, but is to be replaced with an all new model.

The new model will include new sheet metal and an improved interior, but the mid-size luxury SUV will retain the body-on-frame build. The updated model will include a big underhood revamp—where as the current rig uses a 4.7L V8 rated at 263 HP, the new GX will run the 310 HP 4.6L V8 from the 2010 Toyota Tundra.

 

GX sales, as many other SUVs of its class, have been on the decline since 2004. That year Lexus sold about 35,000 units of the GX, exceeding Toyota’s expectations of 20k. In the past month sales of the GX have been heading down toward the tune of 66%, but Lexus is hopeful the GX’s overhauls will increase demand.

 

Thanks, Jody! We'll be looking for this new version soon!

 

Joe Victor

In-car GPS navigation has come a long way—a long way down in price, a long way up in features, functionality, and accuracy for that low price (many basic after market systems selling for under a hundred dollars!). I asked Jody Victorto tell us what we could be looking at soon.

 

Jody Victor: As more and more special features become basic functions gear heads and gadget heads alike are asking, “what’s tomorrow’s gimmick?”

 

Honda recently upped the ante with its new “street-smart” in-car GPS navigation system that promises to warn drivers when they enter a “high crime area”—the GPS does this by tapping police records. However, Honda’s system is not only street-smart, but book-smart too. Not only will it warn of streets and areas with a reputation, but will calculate on-the-fly threat assessments based not only on how many reports it find, specifically vandalism and theft, but also by how recently the incidents occurred. 

 

Although currently available only in Japan, Honda’s new crime aware GPS system could easily be launched in the United States if the decision were made. Though US local generally know where not to park their car overnight, American’s with the road trip bug and love of gadgetry are whetting their whistles for this new toy.

 

Thanks, Jody! We love those gadgets!!

 

Joe Victor

The Mazda 3 has been known as an phenomenal small car for its fuel economy, handling, stylish interior, and its luxury options. In a class known for banality the Mazda 3 has managed to stand out among the ranks of Boring Beige lemmings. I asked Jody Victor to give us some details.

 

Jody Victor: Stylistically, the Mazda 3 has always looked and felt more than a little different from its competitors—the new 3 manages to improve on that. Borrowing its front end design from the Mazda RX-8 with its more modern nose, flared front fenders, and sweeping lines at the base of the doors.

 

Buyers have the option of two engines: first, the 2.0 liter four cylinder with 148 horsepower; second, the 2.5 liter four cylinder with 167 hp. The 2.0 liter's fuel economy runs at 25 mpg for the manual and 24 mpg for the automatic while both transmissions achieve 33 mpg on the highway. The 2.5 liter six speed's numbers run 21 mpg city, 29 highway. The automatic runs at 22mpg city, 29 highway.

 

Many cars these days are being built for Gadget Heads, not Gear Heads and the Mazda 3 will appeal to that Gadget Head crowd with a new and much cheaper navigation system. Previously, the 3 offered a factory installed navigation system costing an astonishing $2,000. Mazda has not yet release pricing on the new navigation system, but it is anticipated that it will only cost a few hundred dollars, possibly making it one of the cheapest factory installed nav systems. Also, for safety and convince it will be controlled by buttons on the steering wheel, not a touch screen. The 3 also offers Bluetooth connectivity with streaming audio and iPod integration. The 2010 3 will also offer luxury features such as active bixeon headlights, eight-way power seat with memory settings, and keyless ignition.

 

Mazda again is offering both the four-door sedan and the five-door hatchback version of their ahead-of-the-pack economy car.

 

Thanks, Jody! We'll be checking this one out for sure!

 

Joe Victor

While one might easily dismiss the Nissan Cube as just a Scion xB rip off, Nissan has just as much if not more to offer than Scion. If the xB was an “enraged toaster,” the Cube is a bad mother bulldog with sunglasses. I asked Jody Victorto tell us more.

Jody Victor: Successfully on sale in Japan for a decade, the Cube is a way to connect to a younger, hipper market. North American marketing will undoubtedly also target the digital generation with the Cube’s 40 customizable accessories a hipster can trick out the new Nissan to their heart’s desire (or their wallet’s limit).

Beyond the Scion xB, competitors include the Kia Soul, the Honda Fit, and even the Toyota Yaris.

The Cube’s design consists of combinations of circles and squares keeping it visually interesting by contrast. Also, it has a cool two-stage hinge for trunk that opens to about eight inches in the first stage in case there is a car parked behind it (and then opens fully).  Its 11.4 cubic feet of storage space, 58.1 with the rear seats down is more than enough to make it a great around-town errand runner. 

The 1.8 liter, 122 horse power engine isn't’t going to make you confuse this with a 10-second import, but its more than enough to carry up to five passengers or a trunk filled with cargo. The attraction of the Cube is undoubtedly its Funky Factor—the interior sports water ripple elements that not only add visually to the interior, but likely to the acoustics as well. The interior’s Funk Factor extends from what’s there to what can be added. The customizable options include a carpet patch that Velcros to the dashboard and offers storage for pens, sunglasses and so on. There is also an optional interior accent package available, offering up to 20 different accent lighting combinations. Nissan offers other custom elements ranging from lime-colored knobs to bungee cables to pen-holding pouches.

Starting at 13,990 the Cube offers a different design and fun car to haul friends, family, or cargo.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be looking for the Cube!

Joe Victor

In this unsure economy you might not think of expensive or fast cars - but not all of us are thinking doom and gloom. I asked Jody Victor to tell us about one of Ford Motor Company's positive vehicles for next year.

Jody Victor: Ford’s 2010 Shelby GT500 might be an assembly line model, rather than one built by Shelby Automobiles, Las Vegas—the car is a collaboration between Carroll Shelby and the Special Vehicles Team at Ford, built in Flat Rock, MI at the Mustang factory—but that doesn’t make it any less a new generation muscle car. With its big mouth bass grills above and below the bumper,  Pull-Me-Over-Red paint job, La Mans racing stripes, and rock n’ roll bravado coming from its pipes you’ll be immediately stunned and you ought to see a physician if you’re not.

Ford first recreated the high-end pony class classic in 2007. The 2010 model is a response to the Chevrolet Camaro SS and the Dodge Challenger SRT8 pony cars.  For power and price one might also compare the GT500 to the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, the BMW M6, and the Nissan GT-R. Though you’ll double your sticker price to enter the realm of these champion models, the GT500 boasts the power to keep neck and neck with any of these rivals

For 2010 the GT500 features a 5.2 liter 32-valve super charged V8 that pushes out 100 horse power-per-liter. Ford upgrades the GT500 for the future with a new 3.55:1 top gear that gives you an additional 2 MPG on the highway and addition of Microsoft Sync voice commands and Bluetooth functionality.

With a base price of right around $47,000 and its overall performance and power, this is a car for someone looking for more than a fun-in-the-sun standard Mustang, and is worth the money for anyone looking for a neo-Muscle Car.

Thanks, Jody! Can't wait to see one of these!

Joe Victor

Policymakers and car builders have decided that battery-powered autos are the future of transportation in America. But are we? What does the average American think? I asked Jody Victorto tell us about it.

Jody Victor: Is America ready for cars that run on electricity? The pollsters seem to think so - for years, surveys have found that a majority of drivers in the United States are interested in gas-electric hybrid vehicles. Get on the highway, however, and it's another story. Although hybrids have been available since 1997, gas and diesel vehicles currently make up more than 97 percent of new automobile sales. In another survey people from around the country were asked what they're looking for in a car and what it would take to put a battery-powered vehicle in their driveway.

Not a surprise - Americans are put off by the high price of hybrids, especially in today's economy. Other reasons for not buying a hybrid range from the family not fitting in a hybrid vehicle, or they don't make hybrid pickups, to the possibility of replacing expensive parts (headlights for a hybrid cost about $1000 each.

Some of those polled were all for hybrids - but some time in the future - they aren't willing to give up their high-performance cars, muscle-cars, or collectibles. Most participants said they didn't know specifics about EV range, performance or recharging. GM missed the boat on it's EV1 - they would only lease them not sell them - still a sore subject with the previous owners. Many people could not justify the cost of a hybrid vehicle compared with the projected savings of gasoline. We thought about buying a hybrid ourselves but figured out with our style of driving we would never make up the higher cost of the vehicle in gas savings - we just don't drive enough.

The bottom line seems to be that Americans are not ready to completely change to hybrid or EV vehicles - this will need to be a gradual process - several decades in the making.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to check out hybrids next time we are ready to purchase.

Joe Victor

Whether you need a new or used car, most car-buying issues apply to both situations. Once again, I have asked Jody Victor® to let us in on scams and other pitfalls for the car-buyer.

Jody Victor®: In the present economic climate, there may be more incidences of scams and unfair practices. But as consumers, we still need to purchase vehicles at some point. Here are some more pitfalls to be aware of, so you don't become a statistic.

Bogus Warranties : Be leery of warranty coverage that is "required" for one reason or another. Extended or added warranties are usually optional. How to protect yourself - If a salesperson says the bank financing your vehicle requires you to purchase an extended warranty, ask them to put it in writing. If the dealer is misleading you, they'll usually back off at this point. As far as avoiding fake warranties, verify that the company actually exists before paying for the coverage.

Acquisition Fees and Other Mysterious Charges : If the price of a car suddenly goes up by thousands of dollars while you're sitting in the finance office and the salesperson says it's because you have bad credit, something is up. High interest rates are the norm for bad credit, not thousands in upfront fees. How to protect yourself - Know your credit score and secure financing before you start shopping. And, once you're in the back office, don't sign anything before carefully reading every line item and the fine print.

Financing Falls Through : Dealers who offer to let you take a car home but don't finalize the loan terms might not have your best interests at heart, especially if you've already agreed to leave your trade-in with them. If you get a call about a problem with a loan several days after signing an agreement, be suspicious. Also, a dealer shouldn't increase or lower the loan interest rate based on whether you'll buy extra warranties or dealer services. How to protect yourself - Line up your own financing before going to a dealership. Compare the interest rate of the loan you already have with what the dealer offers and go with whichever one is better. When negotiating with dealers, experts recommend focusing on the total cost of the car, not the monthly payment. Dealers can sometimes monkey around with the total amount being financed if you're too focused on the monthly payment.

Misleading Advertising : Be very cautious of any ad where there is only one vehicle listed at a given price - you may go in and find a similar vehicle in a different color that is not available at that price. How to protect yourself - Read the fine print, and call the dealer ahead of time. If you are going to respond to a 'too good to be true' ad, call to verify the availability and the price of the vehicle you want to look at. Do it immediately before you go into the dealership to minimize the chance that it's sold when you get there.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to watch for these!

Joe Victor

Even before the economy became less conducive for buying cars, there were dealer scams, unsavory business practices, and outright fraud. I asked Jody Victor® to enlighten us on how to recognize the scams and how to handle them.

Jody Victor®: Whether because of outright fraud or unsavory business practices, car buying can be filled with pitfalls. Be an informed buyer - learn what the scams are and how to circumvent them.

Selling Cars Without Proper or Clear Titles - Title fraud is on the rise because of the current recession and is often the result of poor business management on the dealer's part. It mostly happens when struggling dealers without enough money to keep operations going can't pay off the liens on titles for the vehicles they've purchased and sold. The same applies to trade-ins. The dealer is supposed to pay off the lien on a trade-in, but either is unable to pay or pockets the money and shutters the business after pulling this stunt a number of times. The Warning Sign - they say they don't have the title but they can get it. How to Protect Yourself - You should always ask to see the title and examine it carefully. If the dealership owns the car or is on the up and up, it will have the title on hand or be willing to produce it. And never trade in a financed car with a balance left on the loan.

Selling Wrecked or Salvaged Vehicles - It's one of the oldest tricks in the book: Patch up a totaled vehicle, make it look pretty on the outside, and sell it "as is" for full price. When things start to go wrong or don't work at all, the dealer hides behind the "as is" clause in whatever you signed. Warning Signs - A car's title must designate whether the vehicle has been totaled or salvaged, so look at the document carefully. Be wary if the title looks as if it has been altered in some way. How to Protect Yourself - Multiple experts recommend taking used cars to a trustworthy mechanic for a thorough once-over before signing anything. A trained Mechanic will easily recognize shoddy repairs, parts that will soon fail and whether the vehicle has been in a wreck or flood. Also, when test -driving the vehicle, check to make sure that everything functions properly, including all electronic and power equipment. More on car scams next time.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to use your tips.

Joe Victor

 

What costs $2,000, would fit in most bathrooms, has no airbags or antilock brakes, and is a real vehicle? The Nano, of course. I asked Jody Victor to tell us about this new snub-nosed vehicle from India.

Jody Victor: The world's cheapest car will retail for just over $2,000 and can be yours - if you live in India and are very lucky. The Nano, a pint-sized vehicle designed to make car ownership accessible to millions of of the world's less-fortunate, will go on sale in India in July.We'll all be watching to see how consumers respond to this car.

The Nano does not have air bags or antilock brakes - neither of which is required in India. If you want air conditioning, a radio, or power steering, you'll have to pay extra.

The Nano, with a starting retail price of 112,735 rupees ($2,233) is a stripped-down car for stripped-down times. It is 10.2 feet long, has one windshield wiper, and a 623cc rear engine.

The four-seater can travel up to 65 miles an hour and gets 55.5 miles to the gallon. The Tata Motors says the car emits less carbon dioxide than most motorbikes.

The Nano was initially targeted at impoverished first-time car buyers in Asia and Africa, but the global economic meltdown has changed Tata's export ambitions. Tata Motors unveiled the Nano Europa, a slightly more robust version of the Indian model, at the Geneva Motor Show this month, with a planned launch of 2011.

The company is now designing a version of the Nano that meets U.S. safety and emissions standards and should be ready for launch in about three years.

Thanks, Jody! We will be watching to see what happens with this new car!

Joe Victor

Lots of people think Electric Vehicles, EVs for short, are the Next Big Thing. I asked Jody Victor  to bring us up to speed on what and when.

Jody Victor: Among the electric vehicles out there, one has been around, two are already on sale, one is almost on lease and one will be sold soon in Japan. Let's see which they are.

Toyota RAV4 EV - The Toyota RAV4 EV is the Grande Dame of electrics. Since 1998, she's accumulated hundreds of thousands of miles in specialized fleets. Back in 2002-2003, the EV was also sold to the public for $42,000. Though hardly high-performance (0-60 mph in 16.1 seconds; a range of around 90 miles), this Grand Dame continues to delight.

AC Propulsion eBox - Start with a Scion xB, have the wizards of AC Propulsion work their wonders, and the result is an eBox. This tidy but trendy city hauler zips to 60 in 7.0 sec, yet loses none of its boxy practicality. Inside, there's a full array of EV-specific instrumentation and controls. Gauges monitor everything from battery state of charge to your own efficiency of driving.

Mitsubishi i MiEV - The i MiEV is an electrified version of Mitsubishi's Japanese home-market Kei car, a special mini breed that's ideal for Tokyo adventuring. This one can actually carry four adults. Mitsubishi is offering the car to Japanese government agencies, company fleets and eco-minded private customers at a cost of around $30,000.

Dodge EV - Chrysler Corp. has ambitious plans for EV and hybrid vehicles: a minivan, a Jeep and this exciting sports car, the Dodge EV. Dodge specialists note that, once optimized, this DC motor can be extended or shortened to accommodate different car lines. We hope its production plans can be continued.

Mini E - Take a Mini, swap its rear seat area for 5088 lithium-ion cells, and you have a city EV dream. If you're one of a few selected on either coast, an $850/month lease could make this dream a reality. It has not only regen braking, but regen coasting as well. In fact, for a lot of driving the Mini E is a one-pedal car. Think of that pedal on the right as not only an accelerator but a decelerator as well.

Tesla Roadster - This swoopy sports car posts a 0-60 time of 4.0 sec and a quarter mile of 12.7 sec at 105.3 mph. With its 950 lb. of lithium-ion batteries, it handles like a well-ballasted Lotus Elise. No surprise - the Tesla is the Porsche 911 of EVs.

Wrightspeed X1 - Ian Wright's X1 isn't for sale - it's a rolling test lab of his battery-integration technology. The Wrightspeed is an electrified Ariel Atom. Its motor is an AC Propulsion unit, air cooled, like its battery and power electronics.

Wow Jody, what a line-up! Someday, maybe we will be ready for EVs.

Joe Victor

Bigger is not always better - and this goes for cars too! With all the concerns about energy and the environment we are all looking for ways to conserve while still being able to drive our families wherever they need to go. I asked Jody Victor to tell us about some of the new generation of versatile and compact wagonlike models known as crossovers.

Jody Victor : Crossovers blend the positive attributes of SUVs and minivans (such as a higher seating position for the driver and lots of passenger and cargo room) with those of a car - fuel efficiency and better handling and ride characteristics.

Mazda5 - because it still offers the room a family needs. You can put six adults in the car and it is still fairly efficient, with gas mileage in the high 20s.

The Scion xB is the bargain of the bunch, with a base price of $15,750.

Toyota RAV4 - Starts at$21,500, but with this smaller SUV (compared to the larger 4Runner for instance) you save upfront, you save at the pump, you save in your annual maintenance and you'll recoup a greater percentage on trad-in.

Jetta SportWagen - Even though station wagons are few and far between, this one can hold it's own. The Jetta SportWagen offers comparable cargo space, much better fuel economy and a lower price than the Volkswagen Tiguan crossover.

The Chevrolet HHR stands out with its retro styling. The smaller of two 4-cylinder engines paired with a manual transmission offers fuel economy that is among the best in its class.

The Honda CR-V has one of the best track records for reliability. The Honda element offers more cargo space, but seats only four people and has awkward rear doors that make accessing the back seat more difficult.

The Kia Rondo offers a optional third row, which brings total seating capacity to seven. It might not have the brand cachet of some of the other models, but the Rondo is very competitive, with top safety, solid reliability and a spacious interior with impressive fit and finish.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be checking these vehicles out soon!

Joe Victor

For the month of February, Jody and Kathy Victor have been touring Florida - in style - staying in places like Manalapan, Fort Meyers, Delray Beach, and Naples. We had a chance to join them in Naples for the Naples Car Show on 5th Avenue in Naples, Florida. Here's what Jody had to say.
Jody Victor : There are no words to describe how exciting the Naples Car Show was. Breathtaking, fabulous, out-of-this-world, etc. To begin with, we were in beautiful Naples - gorgeous weather - G5s flying above us with billionaires returning home - the streets lined with fabulous shops - and add to that hundreds of incredible exotic and classic cars!
When some of those American Muscle cars took off, it nearly deafened us. They, of course, made sure they "burned some rubber" to show off their hot cars. We stayed until the very end so that we could watch all of the cars leaving the show. That was the best part - just listening to the roar of the muscle cars and the exciting "whine" of those exotic Italian cars - Ferrari - Lambo - Maserati - not to mention the Porsche GT that goes for about $400,000 and the Ferrari Enzo, which probably goes for over a million now - and on and on!
We took over 100  photos of these great cars - including one of the Bentley Continental GTC - which is the convertible version of what we drove in Las Vegas. Hot! Hot! Hot!!!!
The streets were literally lined with Ferrari's and Lambo's - not sure how many Lambo's were there, but there were reportedly over 60 Ferrari's at the show, as well as all of the other incredible driving machines!
What fabulous dream-building. There was something for everyone! Even if you don't care for cars, just being there in Naples in that fantastic weather with all of those beautiful homes and great shopping, as well as fine restaurants - WOW!
Thanks Jody! We can't tell you how much we enjoyed it, too!
Joe Victor

So, you're looking for a new car and you want a hybrid. But all hybrids are not alike! Some are more efficient than others. If you're going to go green, why not get the greenest vehicle for your greenbacks! I asked Jody Victor to tell us about it.

Jody Victor: Like any other product, hybrids have morphed from the unusual into a more commonplace item. They are not all the same when it comes to efficiency. With the help of the EPA, here is a list of the most efficiently rated hybrids out there.

Toyota Prius - Love it or loathe it, the Prius is the most fuel-efficient car you can buy in America. The EPA ranks the 2009 model at 48/45 mpg (city/hwy). At its heart is Toyota's synergy Drive. It is the same technology found in the Toyota Camry and Highlander hybrids.

Honda Civic Hybrid - Honda's Integrated Motor Assist pairs an i-VTEC engine with an electric motor, bumping the mpg up to 40/45. With 90.9 cubic feet of passenger space and 10.4 cubic feet of storage, the Civic Hybrid is slightly less spacious than the Prius.

Nissan Altima Hybrid - With a 40-horsepower electric motor alongside its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, it has the feel of a V6, but at 35/33 mpg it doesn't burn gas like one. Unfortunately it is only available in California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Oregon, Rhode Island, Maine and New Jersey.

Escape / Tribute / Mariner Hybrids - The 2009 models of these three compact SUVs test at 34/31 mpg in their front-wheel-drive models. However, all three compact hybrid SUVs drop to 29/27 mpg when adding four-wheel drive.

Toyota Camry Hybrid - A 105-kilowatt electric motor and 4-cylinder engine give this car considerably more punch than the Prius, and fuel economy of 33/34 mpg. The Camry also offers more cubic footage for passengers than the Prius.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid - The first 7-passenger SUV of its size to go gas-electric, the Highlander Hybrid treads the line between power and efficiency. A 3.3-liter V6 offers a net output of 270 horsepower. Even with standard 4WD, the hybrid Highlander rates at 27/25 mpg.

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid - Driving a hybrid Malibu will feel different from a Prius or Camry. aside from the aesthetics, Chevy's gas-electric powertrain is what in industry jargon is called a "mild hybrid." The car will get a burst from the electric motor during acceleration, and the battery will recharge during coasting and braking. Unable to run on electric alone, the Malibu gets 26/34 mpg.

Saturn Vue Hybrid - A 2009 Vue Hybrid pulls in 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Lexus GS 450h - Tuned for exhilaration rather than efficiency, the 450h packs a V6 alongside its Lexus Hybrid Drive. This rear-wheel-drive sport sedan tests at 22/25 mpg.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to check them out!

Joe Victor

If you want to drive the most environmentally conscious or so-called greenest vehicle possible, then you need to consider downsizing to a smaller car or one that's equipped with a hybrid powertrain, according to green experts. I asked Jody Victor to tell us about some of those cars and why they are America's greenest.

Jody Victor: The Green Score is determined by more factors than just fuel economy. It also takes into consideration tailpipe and other emissions that can cause global warming. The higher the Green Score, the lower the environmental impact. Here are the 12 vehicles for sale in the U.S. with the least environmental impact.

For the third straight year, the natural-gas-powered Honda Civic GX tops the Green Vehicles list. As the name suggests, the Civic GX operates on compressed natural gas (CNG). While it may not go as far on each gallon of fuel as some other entries, its combination of high efficiency and near-zero emissions makes it the cleanest vehicle on the road today, scoring 57 points.

The second, third and twelfth most eco-conscious vehicles on the list are hybrids - the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic and Toyota Camry Hybrid respectively. The only other hybrid to make it into the top 12 happens to be the largest car on the list: the Nissan Altima Hybrid.

American manufacturers have two on the list for 2009, with the Chevrolet Cobalt XFE (and its Pontiac G5 twin) placing eighth and the Chevrolet Aveo/Aveo5 taking the 10th position.

Two European brands made this year's list, the same two as last year. The fun-to-drive MINI Cooper/Clubman lands in the seventh position with a Green Score of 45, while the diminutive smart fortwo captures a fourth-place rank with a score of 49 for the second straight year.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be checking these little guys out soon!

Joe Victor

Small is, well, cute - or at least affordable. And in this downward economic climate we are all concerned enough to save where we can. Here are some more of Jody Victor's  favorite micro cars on the road today.

Jody Victor: Yes, those compact little cream puffs are just what the doctor ordered in a less than vibrant economic time. Check out this next set of small cars for affordability and fun.

MINI Cooper Clubman - With 10 extra inches of width and 3 extra inches at the wheelbase, the Clubman is what the Brits would call an estate, aka a wagon on this side of the pond. The Clubman's extra size is portioned up between the passenger cabin - where legroom is more generous - and rear cargo space, and is accessed by two unique barn-like doors. Despite 54 more horsepower than the Cooper, the MINI Clubman earns the same 25/35 mpg with its automatic gearbox.

Nissan Versa - First appearing in 2007, the Versa delivers more power than its subcompact peers, with a 1.8-liter 122 horsepower engine. A standard xtronic continually variable transmission boosts drivability as well as mpg. Bluetooth connectivity, a smart key and a 6-disc CD changer are options.

Scion xD - At 155 inches long the xD is not the smallest of the pack, but earns a laudable 26/32 mpg from its 1.8-liter engine with an automatic transmission. Options on the highly customizable xD include LED taillights, a cabin light kit with illuminated cupholder, 18-inch alloy wheels and a navigation system. Standard features include anti-lock brakes, side and curtain airbags, and a dedicated iPod input.

smart fortwo - Smallest of the small at 106 inches long, the smart fortwo is almost 40 inches shorter than a MINI Cooper. Even so, the fortwo (built "for two" passengers), has deceptively ample legroom. For 2009 the fortwo will offer two new colors and some small interior changes, but no radical overhaul. The Passion Coupe has a more fleshed-out list of features, such as alloy wheels, climate control and power windows.

Toyota Yaris - Available in 3- and 5-door hatchbacks and a 4-door sedan, the Yaris family is the winner of numerous awards for safety and reliability. At 150 inches, the 3-door hatchback is one of the shortest cars out there - a plus when it comes to parking agility, as well as overall efficiency. The EPA rates the smallest Yaris at 29/36 mpg. ABS brakes and side and curtain airbags are standard, and all three Yaris versions offer a generous options list.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to check them out!

Joe Victor

Yes, it is time to talk about the little gems that speed in and out of traffic with ease, use very little gas, and are the most sensible vehicle for loads of people. I asked Jody Victor to give us some details about some of the smallest cars around.

Jody Victor: Even with gas prices relenting, few people have extra cash to swipe away at the pump, so here are 5 beauties that will treat you right.

Chevy Aveo - The Aveo is a pint-sized compact that will leave plenty of room in both the garage and the checking account. The 2009 Aveo carries a 1.6-liter Gen 3 Ecotec transmission it earns an environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy estimat of 27/34 mpg. Available as a sedan or 5-door hatchback, the Aveo carries standard front and seat-mounted side-impact airbags. Wearing a Pontiac nameplate, the Aveo is known as the G3.

Ford Focus Coupe -  With considerably ore panache than the four-door model, the Focus coupe has been redesigned for 2009, though most of its new traits are cosmetic. A sport-tuned exhaust system delivers more horsepower and a "throatier" sound. It comes with either a Duratec inline 4-cylinder engine or a "super-clean" duratec 20E that qualifies the coupe as a Partial Zero emissions Vehicle (PZEV). Options include such perks as a Microsoft Sync system, electronic stability control and chromed aluminum wheels.Seats in the Focus are molded from nonpetroleum vegetable foam.

Honda Fit - With a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder VTEC engine, the Fit deserves its fair share of axccolades for balancing efficiency with peppy performance. A center-mounted fuel tank opens up interior space, and optional voice recognitio, 16-inch alloy wheels and iPod integration are among the generous list of features that make the Fit much more than simply good enough. The Fit also frequently tops Internet lists of the cheapest cars to own because of its sticker price, resale value and admirable fuel economy.

Hyundai Accent - In its third generation, the accent remains a solid, if not exhilarating, member of the subcompact club. A 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine gets 26/35 mpg with its optional automatic transmission. The Accent isn't likely to disappoint in reliability either.

MINI Cooper - Perhaps the most performance-minded micro on American roads is the MINI. Drawing on decades of road rallying (not to mention tight European parking), BMW has taken the MINI brand and imbued it with a host of features such as a 1.6-liter 16-valve aluminum engine (offering 118 horsepower), an on/off ignition button, traction control and six airbags. With a squat "bulldog" stance, the standard MINI Cooper, Cooper S and convertible make the most of their small footprint, translating it into tight turning, responsive acceleration and respectable fuel economy: 25/34 with automatic transmission. An all-electric MINI is now being leased to a limited number of Californians.

Thanks, Jody! Quite a list!

Joe Victor

 

In this economically down time, buying a lack-luster, slug-of-a-vehicle to save money may be disappointing. But saving money does not mean you have to sacrifice performance. I asked Jody Victor  to tell us about some rides that are both sporty and relatively cost-effective.

Jody Victor: As they say, don't let the turkey times get you down. If you need to cut corners and keep within a budget, but still want a new sportier vehicle, it can be done. Here are a bunch of fast, frugal machines to keep in mind when looking for that budget master.

Chevrolet Cobalt SS - It's easy to look past the Cobalt's vanilla styling - and harder to overlook its dime store interior. But look beyond the plain cover for the goods inside; a hard-charging, slick-steering sedan with 260 turbocharged horsepower, at a base price of just $24,095.

Volkswagen GTI - There are faster cars than the VW for less than $30,000, but none that deliver this much German refinement, road feel and pure driving thrills. Sharing its brilliant 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with VWs and Audis that cost $40,000 and more, this original hatch also offers a practical choice of 2-door and 4-door body styles.

MazdaSpeed3 - Mash the gas and hold on tight: Mazda's turbo terror explodes to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, quicker than many sports cars, and tops out at an improbable 155 mph. Compared to the basic Mazda3 hatch, this 263-horsepower version is a noisy, high-strung bease. It's also a ridiculous bargain at barely 23 grand to start.

MINI Cooper - Compared to other pint-sized players, the BMW-designed MINI is no bargain, with prices that zoom past #30,000 for convertibles or well-stuffed turbocharged versions. But go easy on the pricey options and the MIMI's smiles-per-dollar quotient shoots through the roof. This little charmer is still one of the best machines around for slicing urban traffic or carving up the nearest canyon.

Subaru WRX - Just one year after redesigning its 4-door rally monkey, Subaru has lavishly upgraded it with 41 more horsepower (for a total of 265) and a dramatically sportier suspension - while adding virtually nothing to the base price, $25,660.

Nissan 370Z - Starting at $30,665, the 370Z's reputation as a poor man's Porsche is safe, thanks to an enlarged 3.7-liter V6 with 332 horsepower to nearly match the 345 horses of the latest 911. It all makes the Z one of the fastest routes to affordable fun.

Thanks, Jody! We'll take a look at these fun cars.

Joe Victor

Safety Technology has experienced a quantum leap in the last few years, with advances spurred by the government in an effort to lessen loss of life and injury, as well as automakers seeking a competitive edge. I asked Jody Victor to continue his tips on safety features.

Jody Victor: In recent surveys of consumers, more than two-thirds of respondents ranked safety as the most important technology to have in their automobiles, and seven out of 10 were willing to pay extra for safety features. Here's part II of what's available.

Tire-Pressure Monitor - Starting in the 2008 model year, the Feds will require all new vehicles to include tire-pressure-monitoring systems, which use sensors to provide information on tire inflation to a display in the instrument panel. Vehicles ranging from sports cars to SUVs already allow drivers to check tire pressure on the fly, and some show pressure in individual tires.

Rollover Protection - Manufacturers first offered airbag systems that inflate from the headliner or ceiling in top-heavy SUVs to protect occupants in case of the window surface in the first two rows of seats in Ford, Mercury and Lincoln SUVs, and the system is also available on the Volvo and Land Rover SUVs, as well as on the Ford Freestyle, Five Hundred, Mercury Montego and the Volvo C70 convertible.

Head-Up Display - Looking away from the road for even a few seconds can be dangerous. By projecting vital information from the speedometer, tach or vavigation system on the windsheild, a head-up display (HUD) allows drivers to keep their eyes straight ahead.

Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System - While head-up displays let you keep your eyes on the road, Bluetooth lets you keep your hands on the wheel when using a mobile phone. The technology establishes a wireless connection with a compatible phone so that calls can be made and received using buttons on the steering wheel and voice commands.

Voice Activation - Using voice activation, you can change a radio station or adjust the volume on the audio system, raise and lower the temperature of the climate control, even enter destinations into a nav system - all without lifting a hand off of the wheel.

Navigation Systems - GPS navigation systems take the guesswork out of getting where you're going - and are much safer than reading a map behind the wheel. The issue turn-by-turn guidance and will reroute you if you miss a turn. These are available separately and the prices are really getting affordable.

Adaptive Cruise Control - Adaptive Cruise Control automatically keeps a safe distance between you and the car ahead so that the driver doesn't constantly have to adjust the speed. A radar sensor monitors the distance and speed of vehicles in front of you, and most systems allow selecting a gap with which you're most comfortable.

Rearview Camera - Rear-vision cameras first appeared on usper-sized SUVs to help drivers see behind the vehicles. But they are now available on luxury and sports cars as well as minivans and crossovers. Some also include visual aids that allow aligning a vehicle with an intended parking spot.

Obstacle Sensors - As with rear-vision cameras, obstacle sensors can help make you aware of objects you wouldn't normally see. The systems detect objects in close proximity to the behicle and issue audible and/or visual warnings.

Emergency Response - OnStar and similar telematics services are known for "concierge" features such as unlocking doors and providing directions. But in the case of and accident they can pinpoint your location and detect if an airbag has deployed so that emergency personnel can respond accordingly.

Heartbeat Monitor - The key fob remote for the 2007 Volvo S80 will not only tell you if someone has broken into the vehicle while you were away, but a heartbeat sensor will alert you if someone is hiding inside.

Thanks Jody! We'll be looking for all these safety features in our future vehicles.

Joe Victor

With the amazing technologies we now have, vehicles that can park themselves, car radios that can hold enough music for a cross-country trip and climate controls that can measure occupants' body temps, it is still safety technology that is in the most demand. I asked Jody Victor to give us some insight into vehicle safety features.

Jody Victor: As you get ready to replace your vehicle, you may want to familiarize yourself with available safety features. All cars and all features are not alike nor do they have the same availability. Here's what's out there!

Pre-Collision Systems - This technology uses various methods to sense and prepare for a collision. When a sensor signals an impending crash, the system takes preemtive action such as pre-tensioning the seat belts, preloading the brakes and even aligning airbags to better protect occupants.

Electronic Stability Control - To help drivers maintain control, ESC compares steering and braking imputs with the car's lateral acceleration, rotation and individual wheel speeds. If a difference in the driver's intended path and that of the car is detected, brakes can be automatically applied and the throttle can be dialed back until the vehicle is back on track.

Brake Assist - This technology resulted from a study that determined that most drivers do not push the brake pedal hard enough in emergency situations. So when sensors detect "panic" braking, Brake Assist applies maximum brake boost and therefore decreases stopping distance.

Dynamic Head Restraints - Few people adjust their car's headrests properly to prevent whiplash, so some vehicles now come with active head restraints that move into more effective positions when a car is rear-ended. Volvo's Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) and Saab's Active Head Restraint )SAHR) go a step further by getting the seats to help in mitigating whiplash injuries.

Dual-Stage Airbags - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stipulated that all passenger cars and light trucks produced after September 2006 must include passenger-side front airbags that are sutomatically enabled or disabled depending on whether a front passenger is detected (typically by seat sensors), and some now deploy in stages depending on the severity of a crash or the weight of the front-seat passenger.

Side and Supplemental Airbags - Side airbags can greatly reduce injuries, since occupants are often more vulnerable than in front- or rear-end crashes, where there's more of a "crumple" zone to protect them. Side airbags are not mandated by the NHTSA, however, and auto manufacturers can decide where and how to deploy them, and whether they're a standard or optional feature. Some luxury cars also include supplemental airbags, such as with BMW's Active Knee Protection and Head Protection systems.

Blind Spot Warning Indication - The Volvo S80's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) uses a camera on each side-view mirror to scan adriver's no-see zone and indicators in the corners of the front windows alret the driver to the presence of vehicles. The Side Assist in the Ausi Q7 and Side Blind Zone Alert in the 2008 Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS and STS work in much the same fashion, except the indicators are located on the side-view mirrors, and GM's system use radar instead of cameras.

Lane Departure Warning System - Infiniti's Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System uses a camera in the rearview mirror to detect when the vehicle gets close to the lane marker and sounds an audible warning. GM will also offer the technology on the 2008 Cadillac DTS and STS, and Buick Lucerne.

Night-Vision Camera System - Hitting an animal or pedestrian while driving after dark is an accident night-vision cameras can help prevent. BMW's night-vision system senses thermal energy and Mercedes' projects infrared light in front of the vehicle, and both show night-vision images on a screen in the dash.

Adaptive Headlights - This technology directs light from the headlights in the direction that the steering wheel is turned, to help illuminate where the driver intends the car to go. A feature currently found only on higher-end cars, adaptive headlights will likely trickle down to more affordable vehicles.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be considering these safety feature in our future purchases.

Joe Victor

Even neat people can live in squalor when it comes to the family car. Carpets get loaded with ingrained mud, sand and debris. Upholstery can gather multiple stains from food, children and the warehouse grit of shopping trips and general travel. I asked Jody Victor  to give us some tips on keeping our old and new cars looking great!

Jody Victor: Taking care of any car can be easy if you don't let it go too long. It is way better to use a little elbow grease once or twice a month than to wait and have a monster job on your hands.

With that in mind, you can buy special car-interior cleaners, but for plastic surfaces you can use any hard-surface cleaner such as Zoom and for vinyl and leather areas in your car use a Vinyl & Leather Cleaner. Once you have wiped, swiped and vacuumed the inside of the car, you may still have to deal with upholstery stains.

You can try using any carpet-upholstery cleaning spray or spot remover  on the seats. On carpeted foor mats you can use the same products or for really tough stains, take them to a carpet-cleaning service or your local car care expert.

Ridding a car of odors can be another challenge. The first step is to get all the interior fabrics clean with pet-spot cleaner or another odor-fighting cleaning product. Don' forget to wipe down the headliner, the cloth covering inside the roof. Some commercial deodorizers claim they eliminate rather than merely mask odors from mold, smoke and other causes. Large auto-parts stores carry such products.

You can also try cleaning odors from the climate-system ducts by spritzing odor eliminator into the system's air intake. That's usually located beneath the hood cowl, near where the windshield wipers park. Then run the air conditioner for at least 10 minutes.

Cleaning the outside of the engine and other under-hood components can be aknuckle-scraping, tedious chore. But it's good to have a sparkling clean engine bay if you are about to sell the car, and your mechanic will appreciate it in any case. Consider this a nicety rather than a necessity.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be using these tips soon!

Joe Victor

With so many of us keeping cars longer, taking care of our vehicles will become a priority. There are some things you can do yourself and others that are best left to the experts. I asked Jody Victor  to give us some more tips on keeping older cars (as well as newer ones) in top shape.

Jody Victor: Even if you don't plan to keep your present vehicle for a long time, you can use these tips. The better your car looks when you trade it in or sell it yourself, the more you are likely to get for it.

Dent Removal - Minor dents and dings in body panels can be very unsightly, but getting them fixed at a body shop can be costly. One viable alternative is so-called paintless dent removal. This type of servie, which is sometimes franchised under names such as Dent Doctor and DentPro, uses special tools to massage out small dents from the inside. You can usually find a dent fixer by talking to a local mechanic or body shop, or checking the Yellow Pages. Figure on paying about $50 to make a golf-ball-sized dent disappear.

Fixing Window Glass - It's very common for a windshield to pick up "star" or "bull's-eye" damage from a flying stone. Sometimes those chips are merely cosmetic annoyances, but in other cases, if left unaddressed, such damage may grow worse. As with paintless dent repair, there is a cottage industry in auto-glass repair.

A glass repairer uses a suction-cup device, tiny drills and special sealers to fill and fix a damaged area. This can shrink the blemish from pea size to pinhead size and stop the damage from spreading. Again, figure $50 to treat a small glass ding. Of course, if the damage is more than minor, this sort of repair won't work and you'll need a new windshield or side window.

Thanks, Jody! More good tips to keep in mind!

Joe Victor

Isn't it always nice to see a car, even though it may be five, seven, or even ten or more years old, that is clean and well-taken-care-of? And you can always tell - the car is just as clean on the inside as the outside. Some of us would even venture to say a clean car runs better! There may be something to that statement so, I asked Jody Victor  to give us some tips in three-parts, on keeping our older (as well as newer) vehicles in top condition.

Jody Victor: There are two ways you can go about keeping your car nice; pay someone to do it, or put some elbow grease into it yourself on a regular basis. Here are some tips for doing it yourself.

Outside Appearance - The first stop to getting the body looking good is to give it a thorough cleaning with car-wash soap and water. Once it's completely dry, look over the paint surface and assess any damage. Note any scratches, stone chips, dings and dents in the sheet metal.

You can touch up small scratches and chips with touch-up paint, available for a few dollars at your car dealership and at some auto-parts stores. Make sur eyou get an exact color match. Touch-up paint usually comes in a small bottle with an applicator brush in the lid. Otherwise, use a small, pointed artist's brush and cover the scratch by going over it in tiny dabs. Let this paint dry for at least a day or two before polishing the car.

To remove or mimimize the many fine surface scratches most cars accumulate, you can have the car professionally buffed at a body shop or car wash. This buffing will take out minor scratches and greatly improve the car's overall appearance. But for a buff and touch-up, you can expect to spend about $200.

If you want to do the job yourself, consider polishing the car by hand if you don't have experience using an electric buffer. Old T-shirts make good polishing cloths. If you still want to use and electric buffer, you can borrow, rent or even buy one. Good ones start at about $40. If you don't know what you're doing, though, it's easy to mark or even burn through the paint with a buffer.

Most cars made in the past 8 to 10 years have a "clearcoat" paint finish. That means a thin color layer is coated with a thicker layer of a clear, lacquerlike coating. Whether you are polishing with a buffer or by hand, make sure the polish you use is safe for clearcoat finishes if that's what's on the car. You shouldn't use the old-fashioned, abraisive polishing compounds on them.

Thanks, Jody! We'll keep these tips in mind!

Joe Victor

So, you've finally decided you need to buy a new car. You even did your homework and know all about the car you want. Now comes the interesting part - going to a dealership to make the purchase. Unless you don't care how much you pay for the car, it does make a difference what you do and say during this negotiation. I asked Jody Victor  for some tips to make the purchase go smoothly and insure you get the best deal.

Jody Victor: Families think in terms of their monthly budgets, but most experts agree that's not the way to price out a car. Don't let an attractive monthly payment make your decision for you - a $400 monthly payment can be made into a $300 payment by stretching the loan out a year or two but cost you thousands in interest. Before you walk into the dealer, know the maximum you are willing to spend over the life of your loan.

Couples buying a vehicle should have a very good idea of what model vehicle they want, what options they are interested in and how much they are willing to spend before they walk into the dealership. If unforeseen issues pop up that merit further discussion, don't be afraid to ask the dealer to give you some time alone for discussion before making a decision - better yet, sleep on it - then come back.

Don't discuss a trade-in until you've settled on a price for the car you're buying. Do some research on the value of both vehicles and get the right price on the car you're buying before you even mention the possibility of a trade in. You might want to think about selling the car yourself - you'll almost always get a better price.

If you're thinking of financing, don't let the rate of a loan influence the price of the car. Settle on the price of the vehicle you're interested in before you bring up financing.

If you've already decided which car you are interested in, great! But let the dealer make the first offer - don't give a way your target price too soon.

Think twice abut buying an extended warranty. Closely compare the terms with what you might get from the dealer with a third party guarantor. If that doesn't offer you enough peace of ming, check with your insurance provider. Usually, policies from insurance companies cost around $100 or so per year.

Never show desperation. Your biggest bargaining chip in any negotiation is that you might not take the deal.

Know your credit score before you go to the dealership - that way there won't be any unpleasant surprises.

Thanks, Jody! Great tips for car buying!

Joe Victor

With the new demand for more fuel-efficient cars, it makes sense that smaller cars would fill the bill. Smaller cars are simply cheaper to run than bigger ones. I asked Jody Victor to tell us about some small vehicles with 40 mpg or more fuel efficiency and their availability in the U.S.

Jody Victor: In the automakers market, European and Japanese cars have always come out way ahead in the small car arena. As you will see that has not changed. U.S. automakers will have to do double-time to catch up. In the meantime, there are cars that meet the 40 mpg plus criteria.

Toyota Prius - The Toyota Prius is the reigning champion for fuel efficiency in the U.S., and has been since 2007. The EPA rates the 2009 model at 45 mpg highway, 48 mpg city. In addition to saving you money at the pump, the Prius ranks as on of Consumer Reports' most reliable cars.

Honda Civic Hybrid - Like the Prius, the hybrid Honda Civic has an electric motor that shares the work of the gasoline engine. Though not quite as miserly as the Prius, the gas-electric Civic still reaps a respectable 40 mpg city and 45 mpg on the highway.

Ford Fiesta ECOnetic - Ford's ECOnetic Fiest packs a 1.6-liter Duratorque turbodiesel engine that offers more than 60 mpg. But due to stringent emissions standards it will not be sold in the U.S. for now.

Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI - According to Mercedes, the C250 can get 45 miles from a gallon of diesel and has a top speed of 155 mph.  This luxurious car is not available in the U.S. due to a diesel issue.

Smart fortwo - The fortwo CDI makes the efficient smart car even smarter. The diesel version delivers more than 70 mpg - but only in Canada and Europe. It doesn't meet U.S. emissions standards to be sold here.

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion - Another fuel sipper to venture out beyond 40 mpg is the VW Polo BlueMotion. The Diesel Polo can't boast much in the way of speed or backseat legroom, but its 1.4-liter 3-cylinder engine gets around 60 mpg. Too bad it's not available in the U.S. VW does offer several models of its turbocharged diesels in the U.S. but they can't top 40 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

Citroen C2 - The French-made Citroen C2, the only purely gasoline powerd car on this list, gets 42 mpg by EU standards.While cars with the same start-stop technology will likely show up in the U.S. within a few years, the C2 probably won't.

Toyota iQ - Toyota syas the iQ is the smallest four-passenger car in the world. The gasoline version claims about 55 mpg, the diesel version around 57 mpg. Even though it's not available in the U.S yet, there is strong evidence that the iQ will appear under a Scion nameplate soon.

Ford Ka - Twelve years after it was first introduced, a newly fashioned Ford Ka was unveiled at this year's Paris Motor Show. Fuel economy for the gasoline version hovers in the low to mid 30s, but a newly anounced diesel option bumps the Ka up to 45 mpg. Most likely will not be available in the U.S.

Toyota Yaris Diesel - Though the gas-powered Yaris (with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 35 mpg highway) doesn't deliver 40 mpg, its diesel twin can get 70 mpg. But again it's the diesel issue.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be looking forward to better mpg cars in the future.

Joe Victor