InBiz Radio - Walk In My Shoes

Had a blast with the radio interview conducted by Mike Whitaker and Gary Owen last week. Check it out at: www.autobidsonline.com/radio.html

NHTSA Flexes Its Muscle

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recently stepped up its investigations of Ford, Toyota and Honda while seemingly leaving GM and Chrysler alone.

At this point, one cannot say whether this has anything to do with the federal government's new ownership stake in Chrysler and GM but it certainly begs scrutiny.

2010 Honda Odyssey - Car of the Week

Just had a new article published on ArticlesBase - this one highlights the 2010 Honda Odyssey Touring. Please check it out on the AutoBidsOnline.com News Page and let me know what you think!

Ford Fusion on the Rise

Ford announced yesterday that sales on its Fusion midsize sedan have already outpaced its previous full year record set in 2007.

This certainly bodes well for the only Detroit OEM not to take a handout from we the taxpayers and I commend them.

Ford has already sold 151, 137 units this year and still has November and December to line its coffers. Sales of the Fusion are up 15 percent from the same period last year.

Would Hate to Be On This List!

Forbes.com just announced the results of a study that indicates the 10 worst 2009 cars on the road. They looked at Vincentric's 5 year repair cost data on 2009 vehicles and combined that with Consumer Reports' reliability ratings.

The list is certainly non-discriminatory and diverse. If you own an Asian car, you appear to be in good shape. But good luck with your resale value if you own one of these:

VW Touareg

Jaguar XF

Chevy Colorado

Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Chrysler Town & Country

Dodge Grand Caravan

Ford F-250 (crap! I have one but at least it's on a closed end lease!)

GMC Canyon

Lincoln MKS

Mercedes GL450 (shocker of the list)

In all, you can expect to pay more in repairs on these vehicles over a 5 year span than all other vehicles.

However, if you are smart and lease a new or late model vehicle that is always under the OEM warranty, you have little to worry about!

How To Get A Great Deal On The 2010 Mazda CX-7

This week’s AutoBidsOnline.com spotlight on the latest and greatest in the new car market focuses on the 2010 Mazda CX-7 4dr S Touring 2WD. The CX-7 is one of the best in class in the Crossover segment and a real bargain listing at $26,550.

"Without a doubt, the 2010 Mazda CX-7 4dr S Touring 2WD is currently leading the way against rivals Subaru Tribeca and Chevy Equinox," said Jeff Cook, President of AutoBidsOnline.com.

Noted industry expert David Ruggles of the Ruggles Report suggests, “With a 36 month residual of 48%, the CX-7 maintains reasonable resale value after three years. Based upon an MSRP of $29,800, that equates to just $400 depreciation per month.”

CHROME REVIEW: None Available

DETAILS:
Invoice/MSRP: $24,905.00/$26,550.00
Current True Car Value: $25,052
Current Edmunds TMV: $25,529
MPG HWY: 25 mpg
MPG City: 18 mpg

CURRENT REBATES & INCENTIVES: 0% financing available from Mazda Credit. Regional incentives may vary.

WARRANTY: 3 years / 36,000 miles

RESIDUAL OUTLOOK: Good

COMPARABLE VEHICLES: Chevy Equinox - Subaru Tribeca

HOW TO GET BEST PRICE: Competitive pressure will always yield the best possible price. If you are looking to get the new CX-7, you would be well served to visit as many Mazda dealers as possible and go armed with as much information as possible.

Our friends at Edmunds.com and TrueCar.com have each performed significant research in stating their thoughts on the real market value of the CX-7. Their numbers are a great starting point.

However, if you don’t have the time or desire to invest hours in onsite dealer negotiations, you can join AutoBidsOnline.com and set your own price with our new AutoBidIt! feature. It’s all very easy:

1. Build out the exact car you want.
2. Determine the price you are willing to pay.
3. AutoBidIt!

AutoBids’ dealers are pre-screened for best of breed business practices and all are committed to straight-forward negotiation and transparent pricing. They will compete to be the first to meet your no-obligation bid as only the first dealer to do so will get your business.

Online Activity Reaches Record High With Car Buyers

For the first time ever, more than 4 out of every 5 car buyers are using the Internet in their shopping experience. In a report just released by Chrome Systems, 86% of those responded to a poll conducted by Zogby International indicate they conduct online research prior to the purchase or lease of a new vehicle.

Manufacturer websites lead the way as 64% say they visit OEM sites while conducting research. However, third party portal sites like AutoBidsOnline.com are garnering increased appeal as well.

This is apparent as 73% say they shop online for convenience and 60% utilize the Internet to save time. Many shoppers also site that shopping online relieves the pressure of negotiating with a salesperson (58%) and also helps to identify the best car for them (50%).

Used Car Prices Remain Strong

Edmunds.com just released a report confirming what Ruggles and I have been touting for several years. The dramatic pullback in new car leasing has resulted in a shortage of off-lease vehicles entering the auction lanes.

As a result, the decrease in used car supply has strengthened their current values and private owners are finding themselves in a stronger equity position.

Whether this will lead to lenders' return to leasing remains to be seen. However, it bodes well for everyone the current automotive market.