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SPENDING SMART

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:59:51 +0000

SPENDING SMART

When a manufacturer shows transparency as Toyota has done recently, consumers can feel good about their loyalty to brands and dealers. Keeping all this in mind consumers still need to use the power of the internet to gain the knowledge needed to approach their purchasing decision with confidence. The Boston Globe recently published this article about smart buying in a down economy. Well written and full of knowledge – enjoy and let us know what you think!

New Car Networks endorses the Herb Chambers Companies as the Northeasts best dealerships for sales and service. Visit any of their dealerships that range from Vespa, Ford, Honda and Toyota to Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, Lamborghini and Lexus to find a shared knowledge and commitment to excellent sales and service. – CLICK HERE

Recalls add a new twist to buying a car, but a few easy steps can steer you clear of sour deals

By Johnny Diaz, Globe Staff | April 11, 2010

BRAINTREE — Bill Bailot narrowed his new car search down to the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion.

His 2005 Camry has been very reliable, wracking up 122,000 miles, and the two car manufacturers’ latest incentives — zero percent interest for 60 months — are a draw. But the recent Toyota recalls drove Bailot toward the Ford.

“My hesitation and ultimate decision not to go with [Toyota] again is the apprehension I felt over their recently discovered and reported mechanical problems,’’ the Weymouth moving company analyst said after signing the paperwork on his new sedan at Herb Chambers Ford recently.

Buying a car can always rev up some angst. But buyers today have to navigate a choppy sea of car recalls and mea culpas from automakers. In addition to Toyota’s recent recall of 8.5 million vehicles for problems related to unintended acceleration and brake failure, General Motors Corp., Honda Motor Co., and other manufacturers have issued various recalls in recent months. That makes it more difficult for prospective car buyers to avoid getting a defective vehicle, auto analysts say.

Jake Fisher, a senior automotive engineer for Consumer Reports magazine, said most cars “undergo a recall in their lifetime,’’ so that doesn’t necessarily mean a model is unsafe. Likewise, he says, “finding a vehicle that has no recalls doesn’t assure you that you are going to have a reliable, safe vehicle.’’

Analysts say that there are several ways consumers can protect themselves from buying a lemon, though. “People don’t realize how easy it is once you know the tools you have to work with,’’ said Philip Reed, senior consumer advice editor for auto research website edmunds.com.

Safety first

There are a number of places for consumers to find safety information about new cars. The websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at nhtsa.gov, or the Center for Auto Safety at www.autosafety.org, inform people about recalls, potential defects, and complaints.

Car analysts also suggest buyers do an Internet search to find out what other drivers are saying about a particular car. They say this is sometimes an easier than going through the national federal database, which doesn’t say which complaints might be the result of driver error or a defective car.

“It’s easier to get information from enthusiasts’ message boards where people are talking about a particular brand of cars,’’ said Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing at edmunds.com. “If you see lots and lots of the same thing, it can rise to the level of a potential problem with the car.’’

Consumers also can find out the number of accidents and previous owners for a used car by supplying the vehicle identification number to Carfax Vehicle History Reports by going to carfax.com, for example. But you’ll have to pay for these background searches. A single report from Carfax costs $35.

Other sites including Edmunds Inc.’s edmunds.com, AAA’s aaa.com, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, and Classified Ventures LLC’s cars.com, give people an idea of what a dealer’s costs are on the car, what other people might be paying for the same model, recent reviews, as well as crash safety test information.

Additionally, concerned car buyers can take a look at a model’s technical service bulletins. These bulletins are what manufacturers issue to dealers when they’ve received a large number of customers complaining about an issue but not enough to warrant a recall. Often, the bulletins include extended warranties or promises to fix the problem if someone shows up at a dealer with a faulty car.

Analysts also suggest buyers read up on the state’s three specific lemon laws, to make sure that they are familiar with their rights when purchasing a car. The state attorney general’s office and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation provide buyer’s guides under the lemon law section at www.mass.gov/consumer.

On the website, you can also find a sample letter car owners can use to send to dealers when their cars need repairs.

“You can’t buy a car from a dealers as is,’’ said John Paul of AAA Southern New England.

Getting a deal

Paul said that thorough research can only help a shopper get a good deal on a new or used car. Calling various dealerships ahead of time to collect quotes on a specific model for comparison purposes can save you time on showroom visits.

“The more prepared you are and the more information you go in with, the more likely the salesperson will recognize that you are a serious buyer and the more likely that salesperson is going to give you the best price that they can,’’ he said.

But the research doesn’t have to end at home. One car analyst suggests what the “out-the-door’’ price will be once you’re at the dealership, meaning, “How much would the car cost with all the fees included?’’

“What they may do is give you a worksheet where they list all the fees and you can look that over and see if there is anything extra,’’ said Reed of Edmunds.com. “You want to make sure there aren’t any advertising fees and additional preparation fees. What should be charged is sales tax, documentation fees, [registration] fees, and in some cases, some minor environmental fees.’’

Also, some analysts say that buyers should be careful in choosing the color for their new car if they want to save cash. Certain model colors sell faster than others. Blue, silver, and gold are popular right now, according to some analysts. You may be able to save money by buying a car of a color that isn’t as popular.

Additionally, the car’s engine can affect the overall price.

“The bigger the engine and the higher the horsepower, the more the car costs typically,’’ said Mark Ragsdale, a former Massachusetts car dealership owner and current author of “Car Wreck — How You Got Rear-Ended, Run Over, & Crushed by the US Auto Industry.’’ “This may also increase your annual insurance premiums.’’

Other considerations

Shoppers should call their auto insurance company to check whether the model they’re interested in is on a high-theft list because that may increase premiums.

“Insurance costs can be a deal breaker depending on your own driving record and the type of car it is,’’ said AAA’s Paul. “Remember, car insurance can be an expense that you have to deal with on a yearly basis.’’

Experts also suggest scheduling a test drive ahead of time through the dealership’s Web sales department. They are less likely to hound you than the showroom staff once you’re there, say some analysts.

“The only thing you need to do in the dealership is the test drive,’’ said Reed, with edmunds.com.

Reed suggests that car buyers can even do the financing and negotiating ahead of time remotely, via phone or e-mail. This way, he said, “you can avoid one of the worst parts of the car buying process, which is the finance and insurance offices.’’

After you strike a deal, be careful with extended warranties, some analysts say. New cars come with warranties that range anywhere from three years or 36,000 miles to 10 years or 100,000 miles, depending on which the car reaches first.

Optional extended warranties, which vary by model and manufacturer, are lucrative for dealers for both new and used cars, but you don’t have to buy one when you purchase a vehicle.

You may be able to get an extended service contract later on from the manufacturer or through a third-party insurer such as AAA or EasyCare. Prices vary for both manufacturers’ and third-party extended warranties.

Erin Ailworth of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Johnny Diaz can be reached at jodiaz@globe.com.

Detroit News – F-150 Un-American?

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:44:13 +0000

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Survey: Camry more American than F-150

Alisa Priddle / The Detroit News

The Toyota Camry is more American than the Ford F-150, at least according to Cars.com’s annual American-Made Index.

The findings further muddy the buy American debate that rages across the country.

Toyota Motor Corp. also is the most American car company, according to the rankings of the index in terms of U.S. content in its cars and trucks.

The findings are based on where each vehicle is built, its popularity based on sales volume and the percentage of the parts made in the U.S. based on the cost or value of those parts.

This year, the Camry (not counting the hybrid or the Solara) dethroned the F-150 which had been a five-time winner. The Ford truck came in at No. 2.

Toyota had the most individual models on the list with four, including the Sienna minivan in the sixth spot, followed by the Tundra full-size pickup, and the new Venza crossover at No. 10.

Detroit’s Big Three automakers collectively have five vehicles in the top 10 spots, which is their lowest showing since Cars.com started the index in 2006 and was conducted twice a year initially.

“This year was unique for our index, to say the least,” said Patrick Olsen, editor of Cars.com. “The difficult sales environment and changes in cars’ domestic-parts content — both important factors in our index’s equation — played a huge role in how the rankings changed from last year.”

The results likely won’t go over well in Detroit, said analyst Joe Phillippi of AutoTrends Consulting Inc. in Short Hills, N.J., but the more important point is that the vehicles and many of their parts are made in the U.S. and “we need all the payroll generation we can get.”

To its credit, Toyota has maintained its headcount in the U.S., Phillippi said. “There have not been wholesale firings and mass layoffs and they continue to employ a lot of people even in a downturn and their game plan is to continue to employ more.”

General Motors Corp. results were impacted because the methodology used excludes models slated to be discontinued that do not have a clear successor. That wipes out the Pontiac G6, for example, which has scored well in the past, but has fallen victim to GM downsizing. Also absent from the list this year is the Chevrolet Cobalt, which has fewer domestic parts and seen its sales fall off because it, too, is being discontinued. It will be replaced by the all-new Chevrolet Cruze next year.

GM retains three vehicles in the top 10 with the Chevrolet Malibu taking the third spot and the Chevrolet Silverado (5th) and GMC Sierra 1500 pickup (8th).

The Ford Taurus had the most domestic parts at 90 percent but landed 9th on the list, largely because the new Taurus is selling about 2,000 units a month compared with about 25,000 Camrys a month.

Chrysler Group LLC has no vehicles in the top 10. The company’s high-volume minivan is made in Canada.

Phillippi said while the results may surprise some consumers, it likely will have little impact on buying decisions and he doubts many shoppers research domestic content. “These days, price and incentives are at the top of the list given the squeeze on peoples’ budgets.”

The index provides some justification for consumers who have been loyal to imports, Phillippi said.

Jim Hall, analyst with 2953 Analytics in Birmingham, called the claims “spurious” and questioned the math given that the index uses a parts count but does not go deeper and calculate the number of labor hours to make each part — a figure that varies greatly with an engine being very labor-intensive, for example.

In terms of validity, “it’s like Michael Jackson saying he’s the King of Pop,” Hall said of the self-proclamation of the superstar and the Web site in its findings.

apriddle@detnews.com (313) 222 – 2504

Find this article at:
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090704/AUTO01/907040376/Survey–Camry-more-American-than-F-150

Boston Mercedes-Benz Dealers

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:11:38 +0000

Mercedes Dealers Boston

New Car Networks is on the move and working on localization as promised! We released Mercedes Dealers Boston not too long ago so chalk it up playing catch up. New Car Networks has been very busy working hard to bring you a premier network of informative automotive related sites.

Not too long ago we released Mercedes Dealers Boston into the New Car Networks site offerings. This represents one more level of niche’ local marketing we want to bring to specific automobile consumers.

Since New Car Networks is using the New England footprint to roll out the enterprise so what better dealership to endorse in the area than…

The Herb Chambers Companies

Herb Chambers Mercedes-Benz

No other dealership sells more vehicles than Herb Chambers – Period!

Check for yourself and read the outstanding reviews – Just CLICK HERE.

New Car Networks couldn’t be happier by endorsing Herb Chambers Mercedes-Benz as the premier Mercedes-Benz dealerships in New England!

New Car Networks invites you to visit the Herb Chambers Mercedes-Benz Dealerships!

Click Here – Flagship Motorcars of Lynnfield, A Herb Chambers Company

Flagship Motorcars of Lynnfield

Here are The Herb Chambers Companies Mercedes-Benz Dealerships:

Click Here – Mercedes-Benz of Natick in Natick Massachusetts, A Herb Chambers Company

Click Here for Chambers Motorcars of Boston / An AMG Performance Center

Boston Toyota Dealers

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:22:43 +0000

Toyota Dealers Boston

New Car Networks has a lot of catching up to do for our new and pre-owned automobile enthusiasts. We have been very busy working to bring you a premier informative automobile network of sites.

Not too long ago we released Toyota Dealers Boston into the New Car Networks site offerings. This represents one more level of niche’ local marketing we want to bring to specific automobile consumers.

Since New Car Networks is using the New England footprint to roll out the enterprise so what better dealership to endorse in the area than…

Herb Chambers Toyota

Herb Chambers Toyota of Auburn

CLICK HERE to get to Herb Chambers Toyota of Auburn ONLINE.

Herb Chambers Toyota of Boston

CLICK HERE to get to Herb Chambers Toyota of Boston ONLINE.

Herb Chambers Toyota Sales Specials

Auburn – CLICK HERE

Boston – CLICK HERE

Best Scion Dealers Launches!

admin — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 03:55:39 +0000

New Car Networks Is Growing Again!

New Car Networks continues to roll out and launch its network of informative automotive properties; this time showcasing Best Scion Dealers; Herb Chambers – New England’s Number One Car Dealer! Herb Chambers Company once again triumphs in the category of Scion Dealers! Scion is without a doubt one of the most market segment savvy automobile manufacturers!

With amazing commitment to their core customer base and a continued reach for more youth market share Scion continues to grow and rack up awards.

CLICK HERE to visit Best Scion Dealers!

Thank you for visiting New Car Networks!

Best Saab Dealers – Saab of Boston!

admin — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:24:53 +0000

Best Saab Dealers is a resource for consumers and Saab enthusiasts. In the future we will continue to add video, reviews, photos, features and more…

We look to Saab to continue as an innovator in the automotive industry.

Best Saab Dealers endorses Herb Chambers Saab of Boston as New England’s Best Saab dealership! This is based on a series of criteria including; overall performance in terms of sales etiquette, follow up, thorough service and an overriding commitment to excellence.

Please visit Best Saab Dealers – CLICK HERE

Visit New England’s Largest Car Dealership: Herb Chambers Company – CLICK HERE.

Please Visit These Other Herb Chambers Sites:

Herb Chambers MPG – CLICK HERE

Herb Chambers Videos – CLICK HERE

Herb Chambers Hybrids – CLICK HERE

Herb Chambers Customer Service – CLICK HERE

Herb Chambers Company Sponsor of Luxury Car Dealers Boston - CLICK HERE

Best Audi Dealers – Launches!

admin — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:23:51 +0000

One of the best imports is of course Audi!

New Car Networks welcomes Best Audi Dealers to our family of websites!

Spotlighting the best car dealership in New England; once again we choose Herb Chambers Company; Audi Burlington as the class of New England!

Audi Burlington sells the MOST AUDI automobiles in New England!

Best Audi Dealers is also offer information on the lastest models, interesting news and events surrounding the Audi brand!

Visit Best Audi Dealers Today – CLICK HERE!

Audi Burlington, A Herb Chambers Company

New Showroom – NOW OPEN!

Best Audi Dealers is proud to showcase Audi Burlington, A Herb Chambers Company as its Best of New England Audi Dealership!

Herb Chambers Company sells the most cars in New England and is recognized by Audi as an Award winning dealership!

More information on Audi Burlington:

Audi Burlington is conveniently located in Burlington Massachusetts, just minutes away from Boston, Salem and Andover.

Audi Burlington has the areas largest selection of Audi and certified preowned vehicles from cars and trucks to vans and SUVs.
Audi Vehicles

Audi Burlington is proud to be a Magna Award winner. They are the leader in customer service before and after the sale. They have built their reputation on honest pricing and employing only the best in brand specialists.

Visit them at www.herbchambers.com or visit their new and expanded location open which is open now!

At Audi Burlington, they are committed to providing the highest levels of customer service through unsurpassed knowledge of Audi vehicles they sell and service.

Their staff is Audi Certified, meaning they are able to answer any and all of your questions.Their mechanics are factory trained to maintain the latest Audi vehicles. The Parts Department is ready to assist the do-it-yourselfer and those who wish to add some custom touches to their Audi.

Come visit their Brand New facility and check out their beautiful showrooms and meet their exceptional sales crew!

If you are looking to buy a new or used vehicle and need financing, Audi Burlington is the dealer for you. Their finance team can assist you with securing affordable options on any new Audi A3, A4, A4 Avant, A4 Cabriolet, A6, A5, A6 Avant, A8, allRoad Quattro, Q7, R8, RS4, S4, S4 Avant, S4 Cabriolet, S5, S6, S8, TT Coupe or TT Roadster.

Visit their showroom today at:

Audi Burlington

93 Cambridge Street
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803

Audi-Porsche of Burlington CALL 877-819-7025

Best Land Rover Dealers

admin — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:58:53 +0000

New Car Networks continues to roll out and launch showcasing New Englands Number One Car Dealer! Herb Chambers Company once again triumphs in the category of Land Rover Dealers! Land Rover is turning 60 CLICK HERE to learn more about Land Rovers rich history and participate in Best Land Rover Dealers Blog!

Thank you for visiting New Car Networks!