Cash For Clunkers in Seattle

After the recent announcement that the Cash for Clunkers program was active again, we at Seattle Auto have been fielding lots of emails from visitors wondering if their car was eligible. To be honest, even we were unsure of how the program worked, so we did a little research and here’s what we found out.
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Car Negotiation: The 10 Step Guide – Part 2

Step 6: How to Set a Price For Your Car

The trickiest part of the negotiating game is to set a price that is fair to both you and the dealership. As good or bad as a dealership might be, they still have to make a profit. In fact, you might be surprised to hear that dealerships average about a mere 1% profit per year on total sales. Read more

Car Negotiation: The 10 Step Guide

For most people, buying a car is the second biggest investment of their lives, right behind purchasing a home or condo. Yet, as a whole, even street savvy consumers can be confused and taken advantage of when it comes to purchasing a car. That’s why we’ve put together this summarized, ten-step guide to turn you from a negotiating novice to a confident buyer. Read more

Are Seattle Car Dealers Getting Desperate?

“I got my Civic at $100 over invoice!” beams Leonard L., a Redmond resident who picked up a new 2009 Honda Civic earlier this year. Leonard is among the growing group of recent car buyers who have snagged up great deals as local Seattle car dealerships have begun feeling the economic recession.

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Updated! Great Deals for Seattle Car Buyers

If you’re looking to buy a car sometime soon, here are some deals to consider. Be warned many dealers will make up for these savings by trying to sell you other items you may not need. Luxury items and options in the finance office such as sealant or warranties are classic examples.

Don’t forget to take a look at some of the protection incentives from Ford and GM. These will essentially pay your monthly car payment if you lose your job. Be aware that each car maker has different rules for their plans, such as owning the vehicle for a few months before it actually kicks in.

If you don’t like the dealership experience, check out the SeattleAuto.net buying service, as we have teamed up with a customer focused auto buyer. Email cam@seattleauto.net with the make, model, year, and color you are looking for. The more specific you are the better help we can give you. We can find essentially any new/used car at a great price and you won’t have to step foot into a dealership.

Here are some great deals that will come to an end this month.

Buick, GMC,
Cadillac,Chevrolet,
HUMMER, Pontiac,
Saturn, Saab- 0%  APR financing for up to 60 months on many models.  New GM Total Confidence Plan includes payment protection, some protection against negative equity.  Expires: 4/30/09

Ford- 0 % APR  financing for up to 60 months, plus rebates up to $5000 on many 2009s, plus payment protection under new Ford Advantage Plan- Expires: 6/30/09

Toyota- Many models have 0% financing and cash back offers. However deals vary depending on region. Cash back rebates can reach up to $4000 on certain models- Expires: 4/30/09

Mazda- 0 – 0.9% APR financing for 36 months, can also be combined for cash back offers on certain models- Expires: 4/30/09

BMW- 0.9% APR financing (up to 60 months), plus no payments for 60 days on most 2009 models Expires:  5/31/09

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep- Employee Pricing Plus Plus sale – 0 % APR financing for 36 months, plus employee pricing discounts, plus cash back offers varying by model

Volkswagen-0% APR financing (60 months) on 2009 Passat Wagon, Routan, and Toureg 3.9% APR financing on most models- Expires: 4/30/09

 

Understanding a Vehicle History Report

As a follow-up to our earlier article on Ten Reasons to Get a Car History Report, we’re now going to walk you through the process of actually reading and understanding vehicle history reports. You’ll quickly learn how to spot the good, bad and the ugly, so that you can be one step closer to buying your used car.
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How to Avoid the Unlicensed Car Dealer

The internet has all but revolutionized the process of buying a used car, as buyers have access to a seemingly unlimited supply of vehicle listings online. Unfortunately, one of the criminal elements that is becoming more popular due to the internet are unlicensed car dealers. To help you identify and avoid these shady dealers, we’ve asked the experts for help. Read more

The 2009 Toyota Venza Sounds Perfect for Seattle

In a year when automakers are desperate for something to catch the attention of weary buyers, Toyota may have found it. The new 2009 Toyota Venza is a mixture of different cars and SUVs rolled into one. Think the engine efficiency of an Avalon, the capacity similar to a Highlander, and performs like a RAV4 on steroids.

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It’s Done, a $17.4Billion Bailout for US Automakers

The US Federal govenment is getting into the car business. With this latest attempt to save the American auto industry, the Fed will partially own a stake in the Big 3.

What will this do for the future of American cars? 

For the long term is this good or bad?

Will every American car soon look like FBI vehicles?

For the immediate future it is needed, but keeping an eye on the long term effects will be interesting.

Here’s what Debb Reichmann wrote in the Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Citing danger to the national economy, the Bush administration approved an emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry Friday, offering $17.4 billion in rescue loans in exchange for deep concessions from the desperately troubled car makers and their workers.

The Feds would then have the option of becoming a stockholder in the companies, very similar to that of the major banks. That would somewhat nationalize the US auto industry. 

A nationalized car industry, how will this effect local car dealers, if it does at all?

See the full AP article

 

Where to Find a Working Bare Bones Used Car

This is the second part of SeattleAuto.net’s series on Buying a Used Car for Under $1,000.

It’s hard to think that it’s possible to buy a working, semi-reliable car for under $1,000, but if you cut out the plush comforts, it’s still a reasonable goal. Read more

The Smart Car is a Smart Move!

 

“Hey what’s that?!”

 

That’s usually what you hear when people see the Smart Car Fourtwo in the Seattle area. The size, the way it handles, and overall appealing looks makes the Fourtwo a unique vehicle for the road. Read more

Welcome to the new Seattle automobile blog

Should You Buy a Used Car From a Dealer or Private Seller?

Buying a used car is tricky business. Just the thought alone of dealing with a used car salesman is enough to make most buyers reach for the headache medicine. But for those who hate the idea of even walking onto a dealership lot, there is always the option of private sellers. Read more

Features and Pricing on Honda’s New 2009 Accord

Honda’s new 2009 Accord will be a sleeker and more elegant version of the 2007 and 2008 models. A perennial favorite for the American family, Honda is hoping to up the ante by adding more luxury to it’s bread and butter line. Read more