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Posts Tagged ‘Mazda’

Kia Optima

There are many models to choose from, but we focused on those available for under $15,000 which includes recommended vehicles for teens from the 2008-2010 model years. Some have the latest safety equipment and are still affordable but key safety features such as curtain air bags and electronic stability control may not have been standard in others until later years. As always we encourage purchasing as many safety features–and electronic stability control in particular–if your budget allows. We list the average price for suitably equipped models available in that year when buying from the dealer.

The cars listed below average between 15- and 51-percent less than the retail price when the vehicle was new. Plus, all have at least average reliability according to our latest subscriber survey. Figure that vehicles from 2008 will generally have 66,000 miles, 2009 models around 51,000 miles, and 2010 about 40,000 miles.

Scanning the list, you’ll see that these are all traditional cars and small SUVs; large pickups and midsized and large SUVs are not recommended for young, inexperienced drivers because they are more prone to roll over and may be more difficult to handle than many other vehicles. Sports cars increase the risk of speeding and have a higher rate of accidents, and consequently, they carry tuition-sapping insurance premiums.

Buying a used car has many benefits. Most important is that the original owner takes the initial depreciation hit, as new cars lose much more value in the first and second years than those that follow. When shopping, look for cars that scored well in Consumer Reports’ tests when new, have proven reliability, and perform well in government and insurance industry crash tests. Before handing over the cash, have the vehicle inspected by a trained and trusted mechanic to make sure there are no hidden problems.

See the complete list of used-car deals across a variety of vehicle categories. Also, see our list of best new and used cars for teens, as well as our special section on teen driving safety. For detailed used car pricing based on the mileage and condition of the vehicle, try Consumer Reports Used Car Price Reports.

REPOSTED BY MIDWEST GLASS TINTERS FROM:  Consumer Reports

“An increase in new car sales post-recession has brought more used-car inventory into the market,” says Ricky Beggs, a senior VP at research firm Black Book. As a result, the average one-to five-year-old auto today sells for 13% less than last year.  “While prices have indeed started to come down, they are still noticeably higher than where they were prior to the recession,” Beggs notes.

The best deals: luxury SUVs and full-size cars, which had bigger than average drops, probably due to gas-price worries.

Best used SUV deal

Five-year-old Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Cost now: $38,800
Cost last year: $46,700

Best used full-size deal

Five-year-old Toyota Avalon
Cost now: $15,550
Cost last year: $18,250

New big SUVs and small cars

The Ford Fiesta (SE Model) costs 3.4% less this year.

While buyers are, on average, paying 3% more for new vehicles this year than last, a few categories are going for less. Those are the ones at the extremes, according to Truecar.com.  Thank the oil industry for deals on three-row SUVs: With fuel prices remaining high, consumers are looking for cars that get more miles to the gallon. At the same time, fuel prices aren’t outrageous enough to motivate buyers to squeeze themselves into subcompact cars for a slight savings at the pump.

 

Best deal on a big luxe SUV

BMW ×5
Average paid 2013: $57,883; Change from 2012: -3.9%

 

Best deal on a big family SUV

Mazda CX-9 (FWD Grand Touring)
Average paid 2013: $33,699; Change from 2012: -2.3%

 

Best deal on a small car

Ford Fiesta (SE Model)
Average paid 2013: $15,782; Change from 2012: -3.4%

 

Leasing

Lease a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class for $349 a month.

When you lease, what you’re really paying for is the value the car loses between the time you drive it off the lot and the time you return it, plus the cost of the leasing company’s financing.  So today’s still-high used-car prices, combined with low interest rates, are creating some amazing lease deals, says Jesse Toprak, an analyst with auto-pricing site TrueCar.com.

 

Best luxury lease

2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Current offer: $349 a month for 27 months with $4,043 down

Best family lease

2013 Honda CR-V
Current offer: $300 a month for 36 months with $0 down

 

Note: Average price paid is for base model minus option costs, from Truecar.com.

 

The current interest rate environment may do bupkis for your savings, but you’ll be happy if you’re planning to finance a car this year.  The average 48-month new car loan is going for 4% now vs. 4.4% in 2012, and the average 60-month is at 4.1% vs. 4.5%, according to Bankrate.com. On certain models, you’ll do a lot better. Dealers are offering 0% financing on the 2013 Ford Taurus for loans of up to 60 months to woo buyers away from newly redesigned cars in the segment.

 

As always, to find the best deal, get prequalified at a local bank or credit union before you shop; then see whether the dealer can give you a better rate.

 

REPOSTED BY MIDWEST GLASS TINTERS FROM: http://money.cnn.com/gallery/autos/2013/05/22/best-deals-cars.moneymag/index.html

Small SUVs are one of the hottest vehicle categories. Their good fuel economy, easy access, all-weather traction, and plenty of passenger and cargo space make them an appealing choice for many car buyers. In this crowded segment, it can be challenging for consumers to determine which one is best to buy. That’s where we come in.

Most automakers offer a small SUV in their lineup, but the list below focuses on popular models priced between $20,000 and $30,000. All score high enough to earn a Consumer Reports Recommendation, although not all have proven their reliability to be worthy of the accolade.

The list is organized in rank order of overall test score. While we cover the highlights here, it is well worth visiting their respective model pages to read the detailed road test and review the complete ratings.

Subaru Forester: The straight-A student 
The 2014 redesign brings many changes that helps the Forester go to the top of the class, leaving its competition far behind. Improvements include class-leading fuel economy at 26 mpg overall and 35 mpg highway, a standard backup camera, excellent visibility, a roomy interior, and very easy access. In addition, the Forester is the only small SUV to receive a Good score in all five Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. It isn’t perfect, however. The ride is a bit jittery, and the infotainment system feels antiquated.

Honda CR-V: Easy-going and sensible 
Buyers prizing reliability and space will appreciate the CR-V. A flexible and roomy cabin provides plenty of storage and cargo space. The engine is smooth, but fuel economy is falling a bit behind the curve, thanks to Mazda and Subaru. Handling is responsive but emergency handling is less competent. Road noise is excessive. A standard backup camera is welcome, especially as rearward visibility is challenged.

Mazda CX-5: Aimed at fuel-frugal fun-seekers
Combining quick acceleration, impressive fuel economy, and agile handling seems like a tall order, but the CX-5 manages this feat. The new 184-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine feels more muscular and provides much quicker acceleration than the previous-generation powerplant, now relegated to the base Sport trim. Plus, the CX-5 got the same impressive fuel economy—25 mpg overall—with the bigger engine. However, cabin noise is loud and the price is relatively high. A blind-spot monitoring system comes on most trim lines. A sleeper in this class, the CX-5 is good enough that consumers should wake up to its virtues.

Toyota RAV4: A good all-around package 
The RAV4 is a safe overall choice, even if it doesn’t stand out in any one attribute. Its 2013 redesign made notable improvements, such as removing the awkward side-hinged rear gate and moving the spare tire to under the cargo floor. Handling is now more agile, too. Power and fuel economy are good from the capable four-cylinder engine and slick six-speed automatic. Interior trim gained attractive touches in some places but skimped elsewhere. Still, rear-seat room is generous, access is super easy, controls are mostly intuitive, and a backup camera is standard.

Ford Escape: Sophisticated and athletic, at a price 
Many small SUVs tend to be loud and stiff riding. But the redesigned Escape is solid, sophisticated, and athletic. Highlights agile handling and an impressively supple and composed ride, plus its cabin is one of the quietest in the class. However, there are a few shortcomings, including controls that are needlessly complicated, such as the optional MyFord Touch infotainment system. You need to pay a lot to get a model with the optional rear camera. Plus, we don’t have reliability information yet. Consider the Escape to be the model reaching for the luxury class, both in refinement and price.

Nissan Rogue: Starting to feel old 
Compared to the other models on this list, the Rogue is one of the oldest small SUVs available; a redesign is imminent. Handling is responsive and the ride is supple. The 170-hp engine is raspy at high revs, and fuel economy isn’t keeping up with newer competitors. The cargo area is small and rear visibility is poor. We expect a redesign to bring similar improvements as seen on other freshened models, such as a standard backup camera and improved fuel economy to make it more competitive.

Kia Sportage: Sporty and reliable, but less practical 
With appealing styling and nimble handling, the Sportage adds some sport to the small SUV segment. But the styling makes for difficult rear visibility. You also sacrifice refinement for sportiness, with a stiff ride and pronounced road noise. Performance is leisurely, unless you get the optional turbocharged engine, and fuel economy is falling behind newer competition. On the plus side, the Sportage has been very reliable.

Hyundai Tucson: Styling stands out, but little else
Unlike many of its boxy rivals, the Tucson’s more coupe-like styling catches the eye. But the sloping roof robs cargo space and inhibits the view to the rear. Overall, facing freshened competition, the Tucson proves forgettable. Buyers seem to agree, as owner satisfaction is below average. Handling is secure but uninspiring, and the ride is stiff. Road noise is pronounced, making the Tucson feel insubstantial.

On paper, many of the small SUVs look the same, with similar size, features, and power. Through the road tests, we’re able to discern meaningful differences. Continue your research in our SUV buying guide and model pages, then test drive the standouts yourself and see if their personality is a good fit with yours.

REPOSTED BY MIDWEST GLASS TINTERS FROM:  http://autos.yahoo.com/news/guide-best-small-suvs-140000452.html

New vehicles with untouched powertrains, mint interiors and intact warranties can be easy purchases. Used vehicles? It’s a whole other process, one that’s more confusing altogether, with variables of mileage, reliability, quality, and satisfaction all coming into play.  No matter what data they have in hand, or reviews they’ve read, many new-car buyers go with their gut and their emotions when they buy a used vehicle. Choices center heavily on price and vehicle type, maybe even more so than with a new-vehicle purchase.  We think there’s other helpful information that should come into play when you’re shopping for a used vehicle–and that’s why we’re putting together a series of guides to help you narrow down the field of used cars, trucks, crossovers and minivans to a smaller set of best-in-class bets.  We’ve arrived at these groups of vehicles by comparing three sets of data. To make our Best Used lists, a vehicle must score:

At least an 8.0 rating on The Car Connection‘s full reviews from three years ago–in this case, the 2011 model year At least four circles on J.D. Power‘s predicted-dependability rankings, or at least average reliability on Consumer ReportsAt least four stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

In this list, we’ve examined the field of sport-utility vehicles–including crossovers–and come up with 18 of the best used SUVs on the road today, with the bottom line from our 2011 review:

2011 Acura MDX

With a few notable flaws in styling and features, the 2011 Acura MDX still impresses us with its friendly handling and gutsy power.

2011 Audi Q5

The 2011 Audi Q5 is one of the best upscale picks in a compact crossover, thanks to its sleek lines, practical interior, responsive feel, and city-savvy size.

2011 Cadillac Escalade

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade delivers solid, luxurious, and spacious accommodations with an advanced feature set. If you can live with the thirst of non-Hybrid models, it’s unbeatable.

2011 Cadillac SRX

The 2011 SRX has the comfort and refinement luxury crossovers expect—plus a little Cadillac attitude.

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

If you don’t need a third row, the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is just right for small families; it’s refined, secure, and versatile, and gets very impressive fuel economy in four-cylinder form.

2011 Chevrolet Traverse

2011 Chevrolet TraverseThe 2011 Chevrolet Traverse isn’t fun to drive, but it’s one of the best large crossover wagons for transporting the family comfortably and safely.

2011 Dodge Durango

The 2011 Dodge Durango is the anti-crossover, especially with the HEMI and R/T trim, and if the world still sanctioned big SUVs for small families, the Durango would be elbowing its way to driveways everywhere.

2011 Ford Edge

Provided you don’t need a third-row seat, the 2011 Ford Edge is at last, at the leading edge of mid-size crossovers, with one of the best driver interfaces in the business.

2011 GMC Terrain

The 2011 GMC Terrain looks bold and edgy on the outside, but it’s a softy inside, with a comfortable, refined cabin and excellent fuel economy.

2011 Hyundai Tucson

Much better than its predecessor, the 2011 Hyundai Tucson needs a touch more power and steering feel to top carlike utes like the Nissan Rogue.

2011 Kia Sportage

Kia hits game reset, and gives the 2011 Sportage an appealing new look and feel.

2011 Lincoln MKT

The swinging style sets an audacious mood—and the 2011 Lincoln MKT backs it up with turbo V-6 thrust.

2011 Lincoln MKX

You won’t need any excuses to say you’ve chosen the 2011 Lincoln MKX; it delivers on the promise of the brand: top-notch American luxury, with some of the best luxury and tech features wrapped in.

2011 Mazda CX-9

The 2011 Mazda CX-9 can carry seven in comfort, but it loves curves more than almost any other roomy crossover.

2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class has the rugged look U.S. shoppers want, in a sensibly sized package. We only wish it were a little more fuel-efficient.

2011 Subaru Forester

The roomy, versatile 2011 Subaru Forester handles better than just about any other small crossover, though the need for a more modern transmission and a little more cabin refinement keep it from greatness.

2011 Toyota 4Runner

If off-road capability is a top requirement, the brawny 2011 Toyota 4Runner is a good choice—with surprisingly good road manners to boot.

2011 Volvo XC60

The 2011 Volvo XC60 offers top in-car tech and luxury features, in a secure package that’s big enough for small families.

And all of these vehicles would look great with tinted windows by Midwest Glass Tinters.  Call today for more information or to book an appointment. 847-452-4818.

REPOSTED BY MIDWEST GLASS TINTERS FORM:  

Back in February, we talked about the  new McLaren P1.  Only 375 of these spectacular cars were slated to be produced, and now we find out who one of the lucky owners  may be.

One might say Los Angeles Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson has it all. After a long stint playing for the Texas Rangers ending with his first All-Star game, Wilson signed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels during the offseason worth a reported $77.5 million. Over the past several years, as his success in the major leagues has enriched him, Wilson has indulged in his passion outside of baseball: buying race cars, racing them himself and starting his own race team. He also purchased some of the most exclusive vehicles on the market, and he stands as one of a few 31-year-olds in the world who can afford the upcoming $1.15 million, 903-hp McLaren P1 hypercar.  But first, he had to make a pitch to prove he was worthy.

The McLaren P1 will never become a common sight around the world: the British sports car maker says it will build only 375 P1s, which it touts as the fastest road car in the world, capable of hitting 62 mph in under three seconds. As the eligible customers worldwide far outnumber the available machines, and McLaren wants to keep the cars out of speculators’ hands, it’s impossible to just wander into a McLaren dealer and sign on the dotted line. To qualify, one needs a list of previously owned cars worthy of Jerry Seinfeld, a wallet deeper than Jay Leno’s chin, and a dedication to the brand akin to Lewis Hamilton (before he jumped ship to Mercedes, of course). None of which guarantees a spot.

Wilson tells me cars have always been his passion. Over his years in the major leagues, he’s owned enough Porsches to start a dealership – including numerous 911 GT3 RSs and a Carrera GT. After his collection outgrew his garage, Wilson had an epiphany:  “I only have one butt and two hands — how am I supposed to drive all these cars,” he joked. “What am I doing with all these things? This is so stupid.”  Wilson decided it was time to sell up and purchase an actual race car. “If I crash it, it’s a race car, who cares? You fix it and keep going.”

After selling many of his prized gems, Wilson bought a Mazda MX-5 Cup car – a racing version of the machine auto enthusiasts know to be the greatest affordable roadster on the planet. He then began to race the MX-5 and even started his own race team, gifting young racers the opportunity to prove their skills and use the race team as a promotional tool for his charity work.  Despite his rapidly emptying garage, Wilson kept his prized Carrera GT. He also decided to save space for a Ferrari, but acquiring one became his first introduction to the velvet ropes of the super car club.

“I did eventually own a used Ferrari 599, but I got dissatisfied by the Ferrari ownership thing almost immediately,” Wilson recalled. “It was like, ‘you have to buy a used Maserati, then you can buy a new Ferrari.’ It was an exhausting process with so many hoops to jump through. I originally wanted a new Ferrari 360 but they wouldn’t sell it me, despite having the cash to drop there and then. After the 599, I vowed never to own a Ferrari again.  Although Wilson’s love for the Italian brand was tainted, he had a similar affection for the British Formula One team and car builder founded by Bruce McLaren.

“I’ve always been a McLaren fan boy, ever since the (Ayrton) Senna days,” states Wilson. “The road car I looked up to as a kid was the McLaren F1. It was completely mind-blowing. I thought that was the best thing ever. It became my focus as a child to one day own that car. The problem is, they cost about $4 million today, and they only made 100 of them. You can’t buy one. You just can’t.”

Wilson decided to purchase the next best thing — the McLaren MP4-12C supercar. While not a hypercar variant like the F1, the 12C ranks as a capable Ferrari 458 fighter that boasts 593 hp and surpasses 200 mph, which Wilson, in true car guy form, drives the wheels off of.  “I use that car almost everyday,” Wilson tells me. “I’ve amassed over 7,000 miles already, which is a lot for a supercar in such a short time.”

Wilson was astutely aware that a successor to his adored F1 was imminent — so much so that he began lobbying earlier than most for a slot on the list.  “When the rumblings began, I called up my guy at McLaren and said, ‘I don’t care what it costs, I want that car,’” said Wilson. “This was about two years ago, and at that point, they hadn’t even come up with a name yet. ‘I want the new F1,’ I said. I practically begged the guy. I was the first person in the country that asked to be on the list.”  “McLaren directed me to produce a catalog of cars I’ve owned. I listed the Porsches, Ferrari, and McLaren 12C but was concerned, after my Ferrari experience, that at 31 years old, I might not maintain the diversity of cool cars needed to be eligible. But they replied saying it was plenty and I was officially on the list.”

A while later, Wilson was invited to a preview event in Beverly Hills to mingle with a group of wealthy and famous individuals who were also on the sought-after list. “I wondered why I was there,” he confessed. “I was by far the youngest in the room.”  By this point, Wilson had already dropped a sizable 10 percent deposit on a car he hadn’t even seen and knew nothing about. But that night in Beverly Hills, the sheets came off and Wilson saw the car he had already committed to buy. It did not disappoint.

“It looked like a spaceship,” Wilson explained. “I really liked the flow and the smoothness and I think it’ll age really well. I was so excited to put my foot into 903 hp. I have no idea what that will be like.”

He’ll find out early next year. The P1 should be available in late 2013, but all owners must fly to England for a custom driver’s seat; with cornering forces sustained at over 2g, McLaren treats the final delivery process like fitting one of their Formula One drivers. Due to Wilson’s baseball commitments, he probably won’t be capable of flying to McLaren’s factory until November, making a deliver date of his P1 likely to be in the spring of 2014.

How much will he drive it?  “I’ll take it out to southern California on a weekend and rip off like 400 miles,” he says. “It won’t be my daily driver, of course, but I’ll definitely put some miles on it. I grew up with humble roots and I just can’t imagine it sitting in the garage. This will be the gnarliest car ever.”The purchase of a McLaren P1 hypercar is the fulfillment of Wilson’s childhood dreams. It might not be the F1 from his bedroom wall, but the P1 appears to be every bit its 21st-century successor. Come next spring, Wilson will truly have it all.  “I’ve been waiting my whole life,” Wilson says, “to own a car like this.”

REPOSTED BY  MIDWEST GLASS TINTERS FROM:  http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/pitch-angeles-c-j-wilson-1-15-million-212049250.html

As consumers clamor for cars with higher mpg numbers and with rigorous new federal fuel-economy standards on the horizon, carmakers are exploring all their options. This has largely meant improving the gasoline internal combustion engine’s efficiency and offering a few hybrid and electric vehicles. Conspicuously absent from many lineups in the U.S., however, have been vehicles with diesel powerplants. And understandably so: The Ameri­can public has been reluctant to embrace diesels ever since General Motors and other automakers sold noisy, dirty, and unreliable versions back in the ’80s. But modern diesel systems are clean, powerful, and fuel-efficient.

Recent diesel options in the U.S. have largely been limited to luxury European brands, but Volkswagen‘s years of steady diesel sales show that there is a demand for them in mass-market segments. Now other automakers want in on the action. Three cases in point: the new Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Cruze, and Mazda6—mainstream debuts this year from automakers not typi­cally known for diesels. In addition, Porsche has introduced a diesel version of the Cayenne, and Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are all slated to expand their diesel selections. Even the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster vans are joining the fray. All told there will be more diesel-powered passenger vehicles for sale in 2013 than ever before in the U.S.

This is good news. Because diesel engines operate at a high compression ratio and the fuel has a higher energy density (about 15 percent more than gasoline), fuel economy is high and torque is abundant. With excellent thrust off the line and long cruising ranges,­ diesels fit the driving style of most Americans. Of course, there’s a catch: Diesel vehicles come at a premium, and in the past two years diesel fuel has cost 10 to 70 cents more per gallon than gasoline. Making up the purchase- price difference in fuel economy takes tens of thousands of miles. Even so, consumers already pay extra for hybrid efficiency. For those seeking an alternative, or for people who just hate stopping to fill up, a diesel vehicle might be the perfect solution.

Reprinted from Popular Mechanics 2/19/2013

READ MORE:  http://autos.yahoo.com/news/why-2013-is-the-year-of-the-diesel-220330844.html

Competition within the auto industry continues to be tough.  With rising gas prices and more hybrid and electric choices, some auto makers had to make hard decisions resulting in the discontinuation of at least nine well-known autos for 2013.

Daimler’s Maybach  - Going after the same market at the Rolls Royce, Maybach failed to find an audience, selling only 7 cars in 2012 as compared to 224 for Rolls Royce.

Chevrolet Avalanche - Due to slipping sales over the past  six years, and in the face of higher fuel prices and the greater availability of crew-cab trucks, Chevy has decided not to re-engineer the Avalanche as part of its new collection of full-sized pick-ups.

Mercedes R-Class - Too tall to be a wagon and too short for an SUV, the R-class resembled a hearse when dressed in Mercedes black, and never really took off.

Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country  - Chrysler will likely eliminate one of their two mini-vans.  Which one remains to be seen.

Jeep Liberty - Regularly roasted by Consumer Reports, as “noisy, cramped, and outdated,” production of the Liberty was halted this month when its production facility was shut down to retool for a new Fiat-based Jeep.

Kia Sedona - Kia’s minivan, which is disappearing for the 2013 model year, is expected to reappear retooled and revived  possibly as soon as the 2014 model year.

READ MORE:  http://money.cnn.com/gallery/autos/2012/08/22/cars-dead-models.fortune/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

With increased automaker emphasis on safety and stricter seatbelt laws, auto accidents are at an all-time low.   However, fatal crashes still occur — at a national rate of one every 16 minutes according to 2010 statistics.

Trying to find a vehicle that is safe, fuel efficient and works for your lifestyle is always a challenge.  When considering a smaller vehicle, keep in mind that all things being equal, smaller vehicles, due to their lighter weight will usually tend to do worse in a crash than heavier vehicles; so it’s important to really research the safety rating of a small vehicle before buying one.

Fortunately, Forbes.com has provided us with an overview of the 10 Top Safety picks for 2012 in the small car category according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  To qualify, a car must get top scores in front, side, rollover and rear-end crashes, so it’s not easy to earn the top spot.  Following are 10 that did:

Audi A3

Buick Verano

Chevy Cruze

Chevy Sonic

Chevy Volt

Lexus CT 200h

Mazda 3

Scion tC

Subaru Impreza

Toyota Prius

Along the lines of safety, keep in mind that auto glass tint can even further protect your car in case of a crash.  Window film applied to your auto will hold shattered shards of glass together so they won’t injure  you or your passengers.  Auto tint also protects you and your passengers from over exposure to the sun’s rays, and helps keep your car safe from thieves.  For more information go to www.midwestglasstinters.net

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If you’ve ever wanted to own a high-end car but didn’t have the cash, you may still be in luck.   Popular Mechanics recently published its list of Hot Used Car deals.  While this list isn’t for people looking for practical or economical used cars, it provides food for thought for high-end car enthusiasts:

Ferrari 308/328

1975 to 1989

Price Range: $20,000 to $40,000

If you’ve caught yourself envying drivers cruising by in a Ferrari, this may be your chance to join their ranks.  Despite some drawbacks like bad ergonomics and high repair costs, you’ll still get to say “I have a Ferrari”, and you can feel like Magnum PI.

Porsche 944

1983 to 1991

Price Range: $4000 to $12,000

Even though it’s a front-engined Porsche that shares components with some Audis , it’s still a Porsche.  Road-hugging and speedy enough to get  you into trouble, the 944 is also reliable and could definitely give the 911 a run for its money.

Mazda Miata

1990 to 1997

Price Range: $1000 to $7000

Imagine a 1960s Lotus designed by the same people who brought you reliable modern electronics, this car is the playful promise of every British sports car ever made—actually fulfilled.

 
BMW 3 Series

1984 to 1991

Price Range: $2000 to $15,000

Incredible reliable and durable, the 3 series is good at everything, from long trips to grocery runs.  But its true magic lies in making you look cool.

 
Cadillac Seville Touring Sedan (STS)

1992 to 1997

Price Range: $2500 to $7000

It’s big, fast and powered by overhead-cam Northstar V8. With an interior like an overstuffed couch, its front-wheel drive can take on that challenging winter weather.

Jaguar XJR

1995 to 1997

Price Range: $4500 to $10,000

Appointed with wood and buttery leather, you’ll feel wealthy just sitting in this amazing vehicle.  Not to mention the incredible fun you’ll have driving it.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

1986 to 1995

Price Range: $1500 to $10,000

The first Benz to introduce the chiseled, taut body and managing to appeal to the upper class and the countercuture alike, it feels like it was carved from a solid metal slab.

Volvo 240 Sedan

1982 to 1993

Price Range: $1500 to $6000

It’s stodgy and cool all at the same time .  With legendary safety, this is a great car not only for city driving but also for road trips (ee our article on Great Fall Road Trips).

So if you’d like to own a really cool ride as well as a piece of history, one of these may be the vehicle for you.  And be sure to call us to tint your new ride (847) 438-1133.

READ MORE:  http://autos.yahoo.com/news/8-hot-used-cars-on-sale-for-pennies-on-the-dollar.html?page=2

Like many of us, if you’ve held off on purchasing a new car, October may be the time to get a great deal.  October has some of the best new car deals we’ve seen all year, and deals are available on all brands.  In addition, dealer incentives from September have rolled into October, and with the model year-end approaching, dealers may be even more inclined to negotiate.

According to TrueCar.com, transaction prices have dropped for the 4th straight month this year, and this trend for 2011 autos is expected to continue through the end of the year.

Here are some of the best deals on 2011 models in October according to US News:

Mazda CX-7 — 0% financing for up to 60  months AND  $500 back

Honda Fit — 0.9% financing for 24-36  months

Hyundai Elantra — 1.9% financing for up to 236 months in most regions

Buick Regal — 0% financing for up to 60 months OR $1,000 cash back

GMC Sierra — 0% financing for up to 60 months AND $1,000 APR cash OR $4,505 cash back

Chevrolet Traverse — 0% financing for  up to 60 months AND $1,000 APR cash OR $2,000 back

Nissan Maxima – 0% financing for 36 months; 0.9% financing for 60  months; 1.9% financing for 72 months OR $3,000 cash back

So if you’re thinking about buying a new auto, October is definitely a good time to do it.

READ MORE:  http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Best-Car-Deals/