Cash for your Clunker

It looks as though the cash for clunkers bill (formally known as the Car Allowance Rebate System) is going to pass and begin July 1. I am really excited about this program. A chance for anybody to get some government assistance to purchase a more fuel efficient, environmentally friendly vehicle.

The Government is putting aside $1 billion to fund this program. Basically, you trade in your old, not so fuel efficient vehicle for a new one that is better on gas and you can claim your voucher through the dealership. We are a participating dealer, by the way. The vouchers will be either $3500 or $4500 depending on how much fuel your new car saves. The program ends on November 1, 2009 or when the billion runs out, whichever comes first. There are a few restrictions, but nothing crazy.

Here's an example:
Joe currently drives a 1998 Ford Explorer with 235,000 miles on it. It has a V8 engine and according to the EPA (www.fueleconomy.gov), the Explorer got a combined rating of 17 mpg when it was new. It currently has a Kelly Blue Book value of $500. In addition, the tail lights are broken and the air conditioning is not working.

Joe wants to buy a new Ford Escape. The Escape V6 that he wants has a combined rating of 24 mpg. An increase of 7 miles per gallon. According to the program, Joe would give up his Explorer and get a voucher for $4500 toward the purchase of the Escape. The Explorer would be turned into scrap and have little or no cash value.

In addition to the $4500 government voucher, Joe also gets a $2500 rebate from Ford Motor Company. That is a total of $7000 off the price of the Escape before he even negotiates a discount from his dealer!

The result.....

• Joe uses less fuel and emits far less harmful fumes into the air.
• The old Explorer is taken off the road and the metal and parts are recycled.
• He gets to drive a brand new car and have a much lower monthly payment than expected.
• He has stimulated the economy by purchasing a new car.

Way to go Joe!

If you would like more information on the Cash for Clunkers program, visit www.cars.gov. If you are thinking that it might be for you, please consider us. www.plantationford.com

EcoDriving

One of the biggest fuel economy factors that is not often talked about is YOU. Driving habits can maximize or minimize the miles per gallon that you get. If you floor it at every traffic light, don't expect to achieve the maximum fuel mileage. On the other hand, by making a concious effort, you can far exceed the expected miles per gallon on a gas or hybrid vehicle. Here are some tips:

• Drive at posted speed limits
• Don't be an aggressive driver- accelerate smoothly and gradually
• Plan ahead: combine errands and consider driving to the farthest destination first
• Check your tires for wear and proper inflation- maybe fill them with nitrogen
• Don't idle for more than 30 seconds
• reduce drag by removing items like bike racks and other cargo when not in use
• Park in the shade when it is really hot out
• Use good quality oils with the viscosith grade recommended in the owners guide
• Replace air filters often
• Try to avoid carrying excess weight inside the vehicle by removing cargo when it is not needed

Have fun driving this summer! Take a trip! Use these tips to maximize the amount of miles you get on a tank of fuel. If you are considering a new vehicle or are interested in one that is more economical, give us a call. www.plantationford.com

Don't steal my stuff!!

I just finished talking with a longtime customer who was very frustrated with the events that happened to him this morning. As he woke up at around 6am, he looked out the window and saw masked thieves wearing gloves and stealing the wheels off his new truck. He doesn't live in a remote area and it wasn't the middle of the night! Crooks are getting more daring every day! Here are a few things that might deter a thief from stealing your car and your stuff:

• I know it seems like common sense, but hide your valuables. Purses, laptops, gps systems and radar detectors are sure fire ways to get your window smashed or worse.
• Put wheel locks on your rims. A set will cost you around 30 bucks but it might make the thief move on to the next car. A set of factory rims and tires can be in the thousands to replace.
• Install a vehicle tracker. Systems like LoJack have been around for a long time and there are new ones like syslocate (www.syslocate.com) where you can actually pull up a map and see where your car is parked or driving.
• Install an alarm system. The noise will draw attention to the crime and hopefully chase the thief away.

The other thing is make sure your insurance is paid up to date. Unfortunately, fixing a car isn't cheap these days!

If you are looking for a car or truck, please keep us in mind. Thanks. www.plantationford.com

The stars are aligned for car buyers

All we hear on the news is doom and gloom. Layoffs, closings, bankruptcies. Buying a car is probably the last thing on your mind. Actually, there couldn't be a better time to buy. Here's why:

Manufacturers have high incentives. Huge rebates. A $22,000 2009 Fusion has $3500 taken right off the top from the manufacturer. That is before the dealer discounts it! In some cases, you can finance these new cars for up to 6 years and pay no interest! Where else, except from a kind relative, can you borrow money interest free for 6 years?

Dealers need trades. When new car sales are slow, the amount of used cars in the marketplace is lower. One of the few things that I remember from my economics class is the law of supply and demand. When supply is low, demand is high. This makes the price higher. Your dealer will pay more for your trade to have a used car to sell on the lot.

Cars are getting more economical. Under increasing scrutiny, car makers are always striving to increase miles per gallon. An increase from 15mpg to 20mpg can save $62 a month when gas is $3 per gallon. In addition, gas is about the only thing you will have to pay for on a new car. Maintenance items like tires, brakes, and batteries are not things you will have to budget for. And if it breaks? It's covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

So....even though times are tough, switching vehicles might just save you a few bucks. If you decide this might be an option for you, please consider us. Thanks.
www.plantationford.com

Cool Stuff

While some of our competitors are getting the government to bail them out, Ford has some great cars and trucks that are really cutting edge.

The Fusion Hybrid is here and available for delivery. No long wait! This car gets 41 MPG in the city and can go up to 47 MPH on the electric motor alone. The coolest thing about this car (even though there are lots of cool things) is that it charges it's own battery. No plug in, no waiting for it to charge. The friction energy generated when the brake caliper rubs the rotor is used to charge the battery. The thing that I always wonder about "plug-in" cars is....wouldn't your electric bill just go up? That electricity has to be generated somewhere.

We have 2 of these fusion hybrids available today. www.plantationford.com