How to Buy a New Car in 10 Steps

1. Do not be in a hurry

Car dealers can detect the scent of desperation a mile away! If you are totally without transportation, rent a vehicle until you find the right car. If you rush your purchase, you will usually end up on the bad end of the deal.

2. Research the price

You can uncover the typical retail cost of a specific make and model right on the internet. With a little extra research, you can discover the wholesale cost as well. These two pieces of information give you an edge when it comes to negotiation.

3. Bargain for lower price

It's best to work toward a win-win situation with the car salesperson. They need to make some money on the deal, and you want to pay a fair price. You can often negotiate a price that is $500 above dealer cost, or about 20% off the sticker price. Make sure you take your calculator with you when car hunting.

4. Reduce the customs

You can often order a car with *custom* option choices. This could save you hundreds of dollars. You might wait a couple of weeks, but why pay for options that you do not need?

5. Get at trial

Always check with the dealership to see if you can return the car if you do not like it. Many dealerships now offer this option. Some dealerships will give you a three day trial period in which to try the car.

6. Choose the right time

It is a good idea to wait until the end of the month to go car hunting. Salespersons who want to meet a certain quota will be eager to strike a deal.

7. Research before trade in

Knowing the value of your old car makes it easier to negotiate a better price for it. Try not to talk about a trade-in possibility until you get a purchase price. Sometimes this is difficult, as most salespeople will ask upfront about a trade in.

I took my car to one lot, and was told the trade in value was $1,500. Another dealership said they would give me $4,000 for the same car! So do your research to make sure you receive a fair price on your used vehicle. Stick to your guns when it comes to getting the value of your trade-in, especially if you've had your car serviced regularly.

8. Be careful with service contract

A service contract will likely be brought into the negotiation. Most consumer information shows no need to buy an extra contract on a new car, as it's not likely a problem will occur during the first months of use.

Whatever you do, always read the fine print of any contract before signing it. Ask questions about what certain phrases mean if and when you do not understand something.

9. Ensure you understand

Also, just because a car is brand new doesn't mean you should buy it without asking questions. New cars can land in the lemon category as well as used ones. Keep on your toes during the negotiation process. You will enjoy both getting a new car, AND creating a win-win situation for yourself and the dealer.

Car Buying Tips from Cheap Cars for Sale is a great place fore more resources. Read more tips and buy with confidence.

10. Buy it

That's right, after all the reading and considerations, it's time to buy it. You could browse the Cheap New Cars from Cars.apmart.com and enjoy exploring without any distraction from the dealer. Speaking of "cheap" it's actually inexpensive, discount price for the same type of cars. You could also ask the seller and everything. Take your time.

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  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Toyota Sales Bounce Expected

  Thinking about buying a Toyota?  You're not alone. Automotive News  reports, "New incentives are boosting Toyota’s U.S. sales big time in early March, and analysts forecast a 30 percent bounce for the full month."   The expected sales increase comes after Toyota sales fell 10 percent in February, amid recalls and Congressional hearings. However, Toyota isn't the only one reaping a sales bounce.  Edmunds Auto Observer says, "In the first eight ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• We're All Going to Wal-Mart

  We're not surprised you're thinking about hitting Wal-Mart this weekend. AOL Autos reports, "TeleNav, one of the largest providers of navigation services for millions of subscribers via cell phone, recently unveiled data that showed exactly what people are searching for. With Americans increasingly setting their GPS to find anything and everything, one begins to wonder: where exactly are 13 million people going?" The New York Times says, "Apparently, to places ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Another Day, Another Report of a Runaway Prius

  Sarah Connor warned us that one day the machines would rise up.  Maybe they have. Autoblog reports, "Not one day after a high-profile incident involving a Prius taking off on its owner in Southern California, we're hearing reports that another one of Toyota's popular hybrids has suffered unintended acceleration in New York." According to the Detroit Free Press, "A woman smashed into a stone wall this morning because of a ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Nissan Work Van Coming in 2010

  Maybe the Ford Transit Connect winning the North American Truck of the Year award at this year's Detroit Auto Show signaled to the world that vans are cool again.  Or maybe businesses are looking for the right vehicle to jumpstart the economy.  Either way, Nissan has decided to jump into the work van pool. Left Lane News reports, "Japanese automaker Nissan has officially entered the large commercial van market with ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Porsche Intends to Build 918

  One of the biggest hits at this year's Geneva Motor Show was the Porsche 918 concept. The super-slick plug-in hybrid surprised the automotive press with its good looks and green-monster powertrain.  Now, Porsche wants to actually build the thing. The U.K.'s Autocar says, "Porsche boss Michael Macht says that staff in the firm are fully committed to building the 918 Spyder, the biggest shock - and hit - of the ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Toyota Dealers Say GM Incentives Misuse Taxpayer Money

  If you're a current Toyota owner, GM would like to offer you some cash to switch brands. Not surprisingly, some people have a problem with that. The U.K.'s Financial Times reports, "Toyota's US dealers launched a broadside against General Motors on Tuesday, accusing the Detroit carmaker of using taxpayers' money to counter generous incentives that Toyota has offered to win back buyers." General Motors, along with other car brands like ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Heavy Duty Pickup Wars Intensify

  Just yesterday we gave you a rundown of reviewer impressions of the 2011 Ford Super Duty pickup trucks. With a giant diesel engine that makes 390 horsepower and 735 pound feet of torque, it looked like Ford was going to stay on top of the heavy duty pickup heap. At least, it looked that way until GM released its new HD pickup engine numbers. Pickuptrucks.com reports, "GM announced that the ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Toyota Tundra Recall Expands

  The Associated Press reports, "Toyota says it will expand a recall announced last year to fix Tundra pickup trucks with frames that could rust." USA Today adds, "Toyota is going to expand its recall of the 2000 to 2003 Tundra pickup to include the entire country -- not just 20 cold-weather states." Pickuptrucks.com says, "Owners of Tundras originally sold or currently registered in the remaining 30 states will be notified ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon to Debut at New York Auto Show

  Could we be seeing a station wagon renaissance? Jalopnik reports, "Honda announced today it'll debut the Acura TSX Sport Wagon — you can't call anything just a wagon anymore — later this month at this year's New York Auto Show. This will be followed up by a quick trip to the dealerships in the ‘late fall’ i.e. expect to wait until at least October." The announcement is mildly surprising, given ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• California Highway Patrol Helps Stop Speeding Prius

  Even Eric Estrada didn't get this much excitement. The San Francisco Chronicle reports, "The California Highway Patrol says an officer helped slow a runaway Toyota Prius from 94 mph to a safe stop after the car's accelerator became stuck." The L.A. Times writes, that James Sikes, 61, is "The driver of a Toyota Prius who called 911 on Monday to report his accelerator was stuck finally got the car stopped ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• First Reviews: 2011 Ford Super Duty

  Car reviewers have gotten behind the wheel of the new 2011 Ford Super Duty trucks -- and the reviews are good. PickupTrucks.com writes, "At this moment, there's no doubt that Ford has once again raised the bar to new levels of performance and productivity for heavy-duty pickups. The Super Duty continues to be the standard against which its competition will be measured" Autoblog points out that the new Super Duty ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Questions Raised on Claims about Toyota's Electronics

  After some claims that incidences of unintended acceleration were due to the electronic systems in come Toyotas, not sticking throttles, Toyota is fighting back. The Associated Press reports, "Toyota Motor Corp. plans to try to undercut suggestions that its electronics systems caused the sudden acceleration problems that led to the recall of more than 8 million vehicles." USA Today explains, "A professor's experiment, demonstrated in an ABC News report and ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Pricing for 2010 Saabs Announced

  Saab may have benefited from an eleventh-hour rescue, but the brand isn't wasting any time in trying to get back on its feet. Left Lane News reports, "The brand that almost vanished into the history books is back with just one model range until the summer release of the 2011 9-5, although a new slushy road-oriented 9-3X finally joins the lineup."  That one model is the Saab 9-3, and prices ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• 2011 Ford Mustang Nets Up to 31 MPG on Highway

  Ford has announced that its 2011 Mustang will not only boast a 305-horsepower V6 but will also net 30 to 31 miles per gallon on the highway and 19 miles per gallon in the city – making it the most fuel-efficient 300-plus-horsepower car ever. “If you want the extra 1 mpg on the highway from your Mustang, order the six-speed automatic,” advises AutoWeek. “Ford says it engineered the transmission with ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Toyota's Recalls May Not Cover Enough Models

  The latest chapter in Toyota’s recall saga has hundreds of people who own cars not covered under the recalls complaining about unintended acceleration. According to the Detroit Free Press, “About 731 owners of Toyota vehicles not covered by two recent recalls have reported sudden acceleration complaints to U.S. auto safety regulators in the past six weeks, a Free Press analysis found.” The Free Press used the RAV4 as an example. ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Porsche 918 Spyder Concept -- 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds at 78 mpg

  Porsche has unveiled a stunning drop-top roadster at the Geneva Auto Show that has set the automotive press abuzz with its gorgeous lines and, if the company is to be believed, epic performance.  A mid-mounted V8 engine, more than 500 horsepower – it’s impressive, but nothing we haven’t seen before in the world of high-priced, low-volume European supercars.  The numbers are always impressive. This one, however, claims one number that’s ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Toyota Owners Encounter Acceleration Problems After Recall Fix

  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received at least seven complaints from Toyota owners who say they are experiencing unintended acceleration even after their cars have been repaired as part of Toyota’s floor mat and accelerator pedal recalls. “The Los Angeles Times reports that many experts feel the gas pedal, floor mat and brake override fixes aren't enough, as they don't deal with the actual root of the ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Automakers Unveil Redesigned SUVs at Geneva

  At this week’s Geneva Motor Show, Toyota unveiled the European version of the 2011 RAV4, which sports a redesigned front end. The same new styling could carry over to the U.S. version of the SUV when it goes on sale later this year. However, Car and Driver isn’t so sure. “We don’t expect these changes to migrate to American-spec cars because our RAV4 just received a face lift for 2009 ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Nissan Recalls Half a Million Models

  Reuters reports that Nissan Motor Co. is voluntarily recalling nearly 540,000 vehicles worldwide due to defects in brake pedal pins and fuel-gauge components. The brake pedal recall concerns the 2008-2010 Nissan Titan, Armada, Quest and Infiniti QX56. “Nissan reports that three instances have been reported where brake pedal pins have partially disengaged, resulting in a loss of normal braking ability,” explains Autoblog. Edmunds Inside Line adds: “In a phone conversation ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Report: Scott Brown Sold a Lot of GMC Trucks

  As if taking Ted Kennedy’s seat for the Republicans wasn’t enough of a feat, it appears that newly elected Senator Scott Brown (R-Mass.) has sold a lot of GMC Canyon pickup trucks. Politico reports, “Bay State auto dealers are seeing an increased interest in pickup trucks like the one belonging to the newly-elected senator The Detroit News reports, “Scott Brown, the Republican state legislator who this week won the U.S. ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• What Should Chrysler Rename the Sebring?

  According to Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, the Sebring will undergo extensive revisions for the 2011 model year -- including a change in nameplate. To put it nicely, the Chrysler Sebring is one of the least liked cars in the class of affordable midsize cars. Among other things, auto writers criticize it for its underpowered engine options, poor fuel economy, subpar trunk space and cheap plasticy interior. “To say that the ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Chevy to Unveil Camaro Synergy Special Edition

  If the all-new Camaro wasn’t hyped enough, welcome the Camaro Synergy Special Edition -- which Chevy will unveil this weekend at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. According to Autoblog: “It's based on the 1LT, with its 304-horsepower, 3.6-liter, direct-injection V6. You can get it with the six-speed stick or an automatic, but the bespoke, specially-stitched shift knob will assuredly feel better when shifting for yourself.” However, what really makes this ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• 2011 Mustang 5.0 Cruises from Motown to Nellyville

  Grammy Award-winning hip-hop star Nelly joined Ford marketing VP Jim Farley to debut the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 at the Detroit Auto Show on Tuesday. For the event, the new pony was tricked-out by DUB Magazine. “Nelly's blinged-out 2011 Mustang GT gets a glossy black exterior and flat-black racing stripes,” explains AutoWeek. “It rides on Pirellis that measure 22 inches front and 24 inches rear.  … The car also gets ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Porsche Panamera Wins Car Of The Year Award From...Playboy?

  You want a fast car.  You want a gorgeous car.  You want at least 400 horsepower, an exotic European nameplate with a long racing heritage, and a certain cool factor that only a few cars possess.  But most Ferraris and Lamborghinis won’t work for you – because you want to take all three of your silicone-enhanced dates with you. Only one car will do. The Washington Times reports, “The Porsche ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Alabama Dealer May Give Away 111 Cars...Depending on Football Score

  Alabama alumni won’t be the only ones yelling "Roll Tide!"  in tonight’s BCS National Championship Game.  Everyone who bought a car at a Jim Bishop dealership last week will be hoping that the University of Texas Longhorns get hooked -- big time. Huntsville CBS affiliate WHNT-TV explains, “The Alabama dealership is offering to give away 111 cars if the Crimson Tide shuts out Texas in the BCS National Championship game. ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Report: Americans Own Four Million Fewer Cars

  America will start the year 2010 with four million fewer cars on its roads than it had when 2009 began.  There were about 250 million cars in the U.S. in December of 2008, according to Department of Transportation numbers.  At the end of 2009, there were 246 million. The nation that kicked off the global love affair with driving is driving less. Autoblog reports, “We may have been buying fewer ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Russian SUV Loses Whale Penis Interior, Thanks to Greenpeace, Pam Anderson

  The press release is titled, “Armored Car Without Penis. Let’s Save the Whales.” We promise we did not make this story up.  That’s about all we can promise you.  A Russian SUV builder has abandoned its plans to line the interior of its new luxury SUV with whale penis leather.  Thanks to Pamela Anderson. And Greenpeace. The Dartz Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition, Jalopnik reports, was designed to be “The ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Bugatti 16C Galibier: $1.5 Million Super Sedan

  So the neighbor dropped of her kids at school this morning in a 500-horsepower Porsche Panamera Turbo sedan this morning. How can you possible top her? Sure, you could wait for the Aston Martin Rapide, but no one’s sure it will be a better car. And you need to leave no doubt. Bugatti’s got your back. Just call the bank, and free up $1.5 million. Bugatti, an ultra-luxury division of ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Volkswagen, MIT Develop In-Car Robot

  If you thought the voice-activated navigation system in your car was cool, you ain't seen nothing yet. Your next car could come with a far more advanced navigation aide - one that can hold up its end of a conversation. The Los Angeles Times reports that Volkswagen and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are working together to develop "a dashboard-mounted robotic device that uses myriad sources of information to help ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Porsche 918 Spyder Concept -- 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds at 78 mpg

  Porsche has unveiled a stunning drop-top roadster at the Geneva Auto Show that has set the automotive press abuzz with its gorgeous lines and, if the company is to be believed, epic performance.  A mid-mounted V8 engine, more than 500 horsepower – it’s impressive, but nothing we haven’t seen before in the world of high-priced, low-volume European supercars.  The numbers are always impressive. This one, however, claims one number that’s ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition Enters Showrooms

  The long-awaited Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition has finally made it to showrooms. According to a Volkswagen press release, the special edition vehicle is “[b]orn from the popularity of Volkswagen's groundbreaking Jetta TDI Cup race series – now entering its 3rd season – and enthusiast demand for a race-inspired version of the popular Jetta TDI.” As such, this diesel-powered street racer shares many of its visual and engineering components with ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Japan Orders Toyota to Investigate Prius Brake Complaints

  Toyota dealers may have been forced to stop selling eight of their most popular models, but at least they’ve got one hot seller left that no one has questioned, right? The iconic Prius was left out of the recent recall over possibly defective gas pedals. The Prius, however, may have other safety problems -- and once again, a government has had to force Toyota to take them seriously. The New ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• GM to Design and Build Electric Motors In-House

  General Motors has announced that it will become the first major domestic automaker to produce electric motors in-house. Left Lane News says the Big Three automaker will invest $246 million in its U.S. electric motor facilities. That may seem like a lot of money for a company that emerged from bankruptcy just last year, but rest assured that GM has a little help from an old friend. CNN Money says ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Cadillac Goes Hybrid with the XTS Platinum

  Cadillac has unveiled its replacement for the STS and DTS sedans and it’s not what you might expect from an automaker that, until recently, has stuck to its guns in only manufacturing traditional internal combustion engines. Introducing the 2012 Cadillac XTS Platinum plug-in hybrid concept… Built on the same platform as the Buick LaCrosse, “The XTS Platinum Concept is powered by Cadillac's direct injected, 3.6 liter V6, which works in ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Audi Introduces a Second e-Tron Electric Concept

  Ever the show stopper, German luxury brand Audi sparked loads of interest on the first day of the Detroit Auto Show with a presentation of its new e-Tron electric concept sports car. The new e-Tron concept is a shorter and lighter iteration of the R8 electric car that debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September of 2009. According to Jalopnik, “The e-Tron 2, Electric Boogaloo draws power from a ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Toyota Compact Hybrid Concept FT-CH Debuts in Detroit

  Among the many concept cars to debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show is Toyota’s FT-CH -- a uniquely-styled, four-passenger compact hybrid. According to Jalopnik: “The FT-CH is the first piece of Toyota's ‘Prius family’ marketing strategy, an approach that the Japanese firm claims its customers and dealers have been asking for. It is twenty-two inches shorter than a Prius and less than one inch narrower, and it's ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Honda Disappoints Critics with New Hybrid CR-Zzzzzzzz

  Honda kicked off its participation in the 2010 Detroit Auto Show with an official unveiling of its new production hybrid vehicle, the CR-Z. According to the Detroit News, “The CR-Z, which was designed to evoke memories of Honda's first pocket rocket -- the widely popular CR-X of more than a decade ago -- joins the Insight and Civic as the third hybrid option in the Honda lineup.” The CR-Z, however, ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Electric Cars Spark Interest at 2010 Detroit Auto Show

  After a tumultuous year of poor sales, bankruptcies and the collapse of industry giants, the 2010 North American International Auto Show opens this week in Detroit. This year the buzz is all about electric cars -- hopefully a sign that things are looking up in Motor City. The Detroit Free Press explains: “Rebuilding in Detroit starts with cars, with sheet metal and engines, leather and plastics, and some new things, ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Electric-Powered Cadillac Converj Slated for Production

  GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz officially announced that that his company will soon begin manufacturing its second electric-powered vehicle, the Cadillac Converj. The announcement came on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Few details are known. However, the Detroit News reports that the Converj will feature “a future generation of the Voltec system that uses a small gasoline engine to recharge…lithium ion batteries to extend ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Could Runaway Prius Have Been Faked?

  Yesterday we told you about doubts Edmunds Inside Line raised about a California man who claimed his Prius had raced out of control. Today, more people are looking into the story. Jalopnik thinks James Sikes, the man in the incident, may have had a motive: "James Sikes, the San Diego runaway Toyota Prius driver, filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and now has over $700,000 in debt. According to one anonymous ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Toyota Sales Bounce Expected

  Thinking about buying a Toyota?  You're not alone. Automotive News  reports, "New incentives are boosting Toyota’s U.S. sales big time in early March, and analysts forecast a 30 percent bounce for the full month."   The expected sales increase comes after Toyota sales fell 10 percent in February, amid recalls and Congressional hearings. However, Toyota isn't the only one reaping a sales bounce.  Edmunds Auto Observer says, "In the first eight ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• We're All Going to Wal-Mart

  We're not surprised you're thinking about hitting Wal-Mart this weekend. AOL Autos reports, "TeleNav, one of the largest providers of navigation services for millions of subscribers via cell phone, recently unveiled data that showed exactly what people are searching for. With Americans increasingly setting their GPS to find anything and everything, one begins to wonder: where exactly are 13 million people going?" The New York Times says, "Apparently, to places ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Another Day, Another Report of a Runaway Prius

  Sarah Connor warned us that one day the machines would rise up.  Maybe they have. Autoblog reports, "Not one day after a high-profile incident involving a Prius taking off on its owner in Southern California, we're hearing reports that another one of Toyota's popular hybrids has suffered unintended acceleration in New York." According to the Detroit Free Press, "A woman smashed into a stone wall this morning because of a ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Nissan Work Van Coming in 2010

  Maybe the Ford Transit Connect winning the North American Truck of the Year award at this year's Detroit Auto Show signaled to the world that vans are cool again.  Or maybe businesses are looking for the right vehicle to jumpstart the economy.  Either way, Nissan has decided to jump into the work van pool. Left Lane News reports, "Japanese automaker Nissan has officially entered the large commercial van market with ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Porsche Intends to Build 918

  One of the biggest hits at this year's Geneva Motor Show was the Porsche 918 concept. The super-slick plug-in hybrid surprised the automotive press with its good looks and green-monster powertrain.  Now, Porsche wants to actually build the thing. The U.K.'s Autocar says, "Porsche boss Michael Macht says that staff in the firm are fully committed to building the 918 Spyder, the biggest shock - and hit - of the ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Toyota Dealers Say GM Incentives Misuse Taxpayer Money

  If you're a current Toyota owner, GM would like to offer you some cash to switch brands. Not surprisingly, some people have a problem with that. The U.K.'s Financial Times reports, "Toyota's US dealers launched a broadside against General Motors on Tuesday, accusing the Detroit carmaker of using taxpayers' money to counter generous incentives that Toyota has offered to win back buyers." General Motors, along with other car brands like ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Heavy Duty Pickup Wars Intensify

  Just yesterday we gave you a rundown of reviewer impressions of the 2011 Ford Super Duty pickup trucks. With a giant diesel engine that makes 390 horsepower and 735 pound feet of torque, it looked like Ford was going to stay on top of the heavy duty pickup heap. At least, it looked that way until GM released its new HD pickup engine numbers. Pickuptrucks.com reports, "GM announced that the ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Toyota Tundra Recall Expands

  The Associated Press reports, "Toyota says it will expand a recall announced last year to fix Tundra pickup trucks with frames that could rust." USA Today adds, "Toyota is going to expand its recall of the 2000 to 2003 Tundra pickup to include the entire country -- not just 20 cold-weather states." Pickuptrucks.com says, "Owners of Tundras originally sold or currently registered in the remaining 30 states will be notified ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon to Debut at New York Auto Show

  Could we be seeing a station wagon renaissance? Jalopnik reports, "Honda announced today it'll debut the Acura TSX Sport Wagon — you can't call anything just a wagon anymore — later this month at this year's New York Auto Show. This will be followed up by a quick trip to the dealerships in the ‘late fall’ i.e. expect to wait until at least October." The announcement is mildly surprising, given ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• California Highway Patrol Helps Stop Speeding Prius

  Even Eric Estrada didn't get this much excitement. The San Francisco Chronicle reports, "The California Highway Patrol says an officer helped slow a runaway Toyota Prius from 94 mph to a safe stop after the car's accelerator became stuck." The L.A. Times writes, that James Sikes, 61, is "The driver of a Toyota Prius who called 911 on Monday to report his accelerator was stuck finally got the car stopped ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• First Reviews: 2011 Ford Super Duty

  Car reviewers have gotten behind the wheel of the new 2011 Ford Super Duty trucks -- and the reviews are good. PickupTrucks.com writes, "At this moment, there's no doubt that Ford has once again raised the bar to new levels of performance and productivity for heavy-duty pickups. The Super Duty continues to be the standard against which its competition will be measured" Autoblog points out that the new Super Duty ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Questions Raised on Claims about Toyota's Electronics

  After some claims that incidences of unintended acceleration were due to the electronic systems in come Toyotas, not sticking throttles, Toyota is fighting back. The Associated Press reports, "Toyota Motor Corp. plans to try to undercut suggestions that its electronics systems caused the sudden acceleration problems that led to the recall of more than 8 million vehicles." USA Today explains, "A professor's experiment, demonstrated in an ABC News report and ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Pricing for 2010 Saabs Announced

  Saab may have benefited from an eleventh-hour rescue, but the brand isn't wasting any time in trying to get back on its feet. Left Lane News reports, "The brand that almost vanished into the history books is back with just one model range until the summer release of the 2011 9-5, although a new slushy road-oriented 9-3X finally joins the lineup."  That one model is the Saab 9-3, and prices ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• 2011 Ford Mustang Nets Up to 31 MPG on Highway

  Ford has announced that its 2011 Mustang will not only boast a 305-horsepower V6 but will also net 30 to 31 miles per gallon on the highway and 19 miles per gallon in the city – making it the most fuel-efficient 300-plus-horsepower car ever. “If you want the extra 1 mpg on the highway from your Mustang, order the six-speed automatic,” advises AutoWeek. “Ford says it engineered the transmission with ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Toyota's Recalls May Not Cover Enough Models

  The latest chapter in Toyota’s recall saga has hundreds of people who own cars not covered under the recalls complaining about unintended acceleration. According to the Detroit Free Press, “About 731 owners of Toyota vehicles not covered by two recent recalls have reported sudden acceleration complaints to U.S. auto safety regulators in the past six weeks, a Free Press analysis found.” The Free Press used the RAV4 as an example. ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Porsche 918 Spyder Concept -- 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds at 78 mpg

  Porsche has unveiled a stunning drop-top roadster at the Geneva Auto Show that has set the automotive press abuzz with its gorgeous lines and, if the company is to be believed, epic performance.  A mid-mounted V8 engine, more than 500 horsepower – it’s impressive, but nothing we haven’t seen before in the world of high-priced, low-volume European supercars.  The numbers are always impressive. This one, however, claims one number that’s ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Toyota Owners Encounter Acceleration Problems After Recall Fix

  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received at least seven complaints from Toyota owners who say they are experiencing unintended acceleration even after their cars have been repaired as part of Toyota’s floor mat and accelerator pedal recalls. “The Los Angeles Times reports that many experts feel the gas pedal, floor mat and brake override fixes aren't enough, as they don't deal with the actual root of the ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Automakers Unveil Redesigned SUVs at Geneva

  At this week’s Geneva Motor Show, Toyota unveiled the European version of the 2011 RAV4, which sports a redesigned front end. The same new styling could carry over to the U.S. version of the SUV when it goes on sale later this year. However, Car and Driver isn’t so sure. “We don’t expect these changes to migrate to American-spec cars because our RAV4 just received a face lift for 2009 ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

• Nissan Recalls Half a Million Models

  Reuters reports that Nissan Motor Co. is voluntarily recalling nearly 540,000 vehicles worldwide due to defects in brake pedal pins and fuel-gauge components. The brake pedal recall concerns the 2008-2010 Nissan Titan, Armada, Quest and Infiniti QX56. “Nissan reports that three instances have been reported where brake pedal pins have partially disengaged, resulting in a loss of normal braking ability,” explains Autoblog. Edmunds Inside Line adds: “In a phone conversation ...

  Read more of this story at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews