Monday, 28 April 2014

Used Luxury-Car Prices Fall Again in April, Mainstream Models Rise ...

Used Luxury-<b>Car Prices</b> Fall Again in April, Mainstream Models Rise <b>...</b>


Used Luxury-<b>Car Prices</b> Fall Again in April, Mainstream Models Rise <b>...</b>

Posted: 23 Apr 2014 07:52 AM PDT

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Luxury models again dominated the list of used cars with the biggest price drops, with nine of the cars in this month's top 10 from traditional luxury brands. Hyundai's full-size Equus sedan — a luxury car from a non-luxury brand — took the 10th spot. Luxury models have made up the majority of cars in the top 10 every month so far this year.

More Used Car News

The average asking price for Land Rover's flagship Range Rover SUV dropped the most in April, falling 4 percent ($2,871). The Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class round out the top three with price drops of 3.1 percent ($752) and 2.9 percent ($1,730), respectively.

The list of cars with the biggest April price gains was considerably more varied, with everything from heavy-duty pickup trucks to an electric car. The Chevrolet Express 1500 full-size van had the largest jump in asking price with a 2.9 percent ($594) increase. Close behind were the GMC Sierra 3500 and Nissan Leaf, which were up 2.6 percent ($1,158) and 2.5 percent ($488), respectively.

After a couple months of mostly static average used-car prices, asking prices ticked up in April. Late-model used-car prices were up .75 percent ($175) from the prior month to $23,418. The increase might be a reflection of more shopping activity as the spring selling season begins following a long, cold winter in many parts of the country.

The charts detail used cars from the 2011 to 2013 model years with the biggest price drops — as well as those with the biggest gains. To be eligible for the lists, a model had to have at least 250 cars in Cars.com's national inventory.

APRIL-DOWN

APRIL-UP

Source: Cars.com used-car listings, 2011 to 2013 model years

Cars.com photo by Evan Sears

Used <b>Cars</b> In Five Segments Will Soon Be Cheaper - AOL Autos

Posted: 21 Apr 2014 03:30 AM PDT

Used cars across five different segments will soon get much cheaper, according to data from Black Book. This means that if you're in the market for one of these types of vehicles, you may want to hold off shopping until late spring or summer.

The period between February and April has been known as the "tax-buying" season in the used-car market because many Americans use their tax refund checks from Uncle Sam toward a new used vehicle. Black Book has been tracking this trend over the past couple of years and discovered that used-car values tend to hold steady or even increase during this period, as the market experiences higher than average demand. Then, as the season ends, values drop rather rapidly.

In other words, used cars will be noticeably cheaper starting in May and continuing through July.

Black Book expects the cycle to continue in 2014. According to the company's research, used vehicles in the entry mid-size car, full-size car, full-size crossover, upper mid-size car and compact car segments will experience noticeable declines in value starting in the late spring.

As an example, the average price for a used entry-level car in April is currently $10,741. Black Book expects the average car in that segment to begin declining in value in May, eventually dropping 5.9 percent in value by July. This will bring the average price down to $10,107. Other segments will experience similar declines, with full-size cars dropping 4.2 percent, full-size crossovers dropping 3.6 percent, upper mid-size cars dropping 3.5 percent and compact car prices declining 3.4 percent.


Canadian classic <b>car prices</b> stay strong at spring auction | Driving

Posted: 05 Apr 2014 06:02 PM PDT

A "new" 1968 Buick Skylark California GS with only 8,640 miles on the odometer sold for $27,500; a restored 1965 Mustang convertible with the rare "K code" 271-hp engine option crossed the auction block for $83,000; a beautifully restored, multi-award-winning 1956 Ford Fairlane convertible went to a new owner for $82,000; and a 2009 Bentley Arnage R sedan was hammered down at $104,000 Saturday at the Toronto Classic Car Auction. A 10 per cent buyer fee is added to winning bids.

Close to 300 classic cars and trucks crossed the auction block ranging from a wood-bodied 1915 Ford Model TT depot hack selling for $9,000 to a near-perfect 1971 Pontiac Trans Am with a 455 cu.-in. engine and four-speed transmission at $34,000. The Trans Am owner claimed the "nut and bolt" restoration cost $75,000.

This wood-bodied Ford Model TT depot hack drew a winning bid of $9,000.

This wood-bodied Ford Model TT depot hack drew a winning bid of $9,000.
Alyn Edwads, Driving

There were bargains for sharp bidders. A red 1986 Porsche 944 sports car originally from Texas drew a winning bid of only $2,250. A lucky buyer closed on a show quality 1934 Chevrolet coupe streetrod with a 435 horsepower engine for $23,500.

Chris Verden flew in from Winnipeg for the auction to buy a Corvette. He scored a fully optioned 1977 model that had travelled just 87,800 kilometers for $7,700 plus 10 per cent buyer fee. "I love Corvettes and it was always my dream to own one," says the moving company owner who was a teenager when he decided he would own a Corvette one day.

Chris Verden traveled from Winnipeg to buy this 1977 Corvette for $7,700 at the Toronto Classic Car Auction.

Chris Verden traveled from Winnipeg to buy this 1977 Corvette for $7,700 at the Toronto Classic Car Auction.
Alyn Edwards, Driving

"I started my company in 1977, so it was only fitting that I buy a 1977 model," he says. Apart from a missing turn signal lever and broken headlight switch, he was happy with his purchase. "The three days here is my vacation and I got what I came for."

Not so lucky were Alain and Denise Courtois who drove to the auction from Victoriaville, Que. They specifically wanted to buy a fully restored 1952 Chevrolet ice cream truck that is completely functional and spent its working life selling frozen delights in the Texas panhandle before ending up in a junkyard.

Alain Courtois, who operates a body shop specializing in vintage vehicles, was outbid at $27,000 and the 60-year-old ice cream truck went to someone else. "C'est la vie!"

Alain and Denise Courtois traveled from Victoriaville, Quebec hoping to buy a 1952 Chevrolet ice cream truck at the Toronto Classic Car Auction.

Alain and Denise Courtois traveled from Victoriaville, Quebec hoping to buy a 1952 Chevrolet ice cream truck at the Toronto Classic Car Auction.
Alyn Edwards, Driving

Cambridge Custom Chrome shop operator Brian Pollock brought a piece of local motoring history to sell at the auction. His 1936 Packard 1408 limousine with a smooth-running V12 engine was purchased originally by the owners of the century-old Walper Hotel in Kitchener.

The car chauffeur-driven limousine was used to pick up hotel guests at the train station. Among the thousands of passengers helped into the luxurious rear seating compartment over the years were Will Rogers, Bob Hope, Eleanor Roosevelt, Liberace, Guy Lombardo, Duke Ellington, Tony Bennett, Art Carney, Bob Newhart and James Brown.

The car was retired from service in 1961 and given to the employee who had chauffeured passengers in the old limousine for 25 years. The engine had developed a knock and a series of subsequent owners stored the car for more than 40 years.

This 1936 Packard limousine ferried passengers from the Kitchener train station to the Walper Hotel for 25 years.

This 1936 Packard limousine ferried passengers from the Kitchener train station to the Walper Hotel for 25 years.
Alyn Edwards, Driving

The car is completely original inside and out with missing paint patina. The original engine has been rebuilt. Owner Brian Pollock was hoping offers would exceed his reserve price of $65,000. "I have butterflies," he said as the car was driven onto the stage in front of several thousand spectators. The final bid of $54,000 just wasn't enough and he took his venerable limo home.

But there were many vintage vehicles that did change hands including a beautifully restored midnight blue 1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe sedan sold for $22,000; a 1936 Auburn 852 cabriolet, $87,000; a 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge, $64,000; a 1935 DeSoto Airflow sedan, $27,500 and a red 1963 Falcon Futura convertible hammered down at $14,000.

A seldom seen 1958 Oldsmobile Super 88 hardtop in red sold for $54,500. It featured the rare "J2″ triple carburetor engine option and a three-speed standard transmission.

Pickup trucks continue to bring strong money including a 1947 Studebaker selling for $16,500, a red 1958 Chevrolet Apache 3100 for $34,000 and a medium blue 1958 Chevrolet Cameo bid up to $50,000, which did not meet the reserve price.

Continuing the country theme was a restored 1949 Massey-Harris Pony tractor in red with yellow wheels, which sold for $5,100. It would make a terrific piece of yard art for the new owner or be used to pull a hay wagon.

The auction runs until Sunday in Toronto. Stay tuned for more coverage and photos.

2014 Lexus GS - Specifications, Pictures, <b>Prices</b> - Leftlane News

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 01:22 PM PST

Now in its fourth generation, the Lexus GS mid-size luxury sedan can be had in two distinct forms: the hybrid GS 450h and the gas-powered GS 350. Both models are designed to be more stylish inside and out than their somewhat bland predecessors and the GS 350 ups the performance ante with an available driver-focused F Sport package.

Recent Changes
For the latest model year - the GS' second on the market - the sedan benefits from an efficient new eight-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel-drive models. Other tweaks include a color display for the optional Heads-Up Display, the addition of Rear Cross Traffic Alert and power-folding mirrors to the available Blind Spot Monitoring package and an optional power trunk opener. The previously optional Lexus Night View system has been discontinued.

Overview
The GS sports Lexus' new corporate "spindle" grille that juts inward to emphasize the stylized "L" badge at its center. Underscored by hood detailing and pointed headlights, the grille is distinctive and visually signals that the GS is not just another staid Japanese luxury sedan. Elsewhere, some of the car's detailing is derivative - the LED accent lights were pioneered by Audi, while the side windows terminate in yet another interpretation of BMW's famous Hofmeister kink - but overall the look is far more likely to incite double-takes than the outgoing model.

Inside, the GS takes cues from both the LFA supercar and CT five-door hybrid with an elegant five-passenger cabin highlighted by an enormous (optional) 12.3-inch split screen navigation display. A three-spoke steering wheel and meaty side-view mirrors signal the car's sporting intentions, while elsewhere items like an understated analog clock and tasteful contrasting stitching help to create an air of refined, high-quality luxury. The dashboard contains relatively few buttons due to a mouse-like knob that handles audio and navigation adjustments. Many buyers find that the somewhat fiddly knob is a love-it-or-hate-it item, so shoppers are strongly encouraged to try before they buy.

The GS' interior is exceptionally quiet except when the accelerator pedal is thrust all the way to floor, at which point intake plumbing sends extra underhood music into the cabin.

Let's Talk Power
The GS 350 is powered by a carryover 3.5-liter V6 that uses direct injection to produces 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The mill sends power to the rear wheels through a new eight-speed automatic gearbox that increases fuel economy to 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

An optional all-wheel-drive system makes the car all-weather capable but carries 200 pounds of extra weight, entails a less efficient six-speed automatic and ultimately reduces highway mileage 26 mpg. The system sends 30 percent of power to the front during normal circumstances, but slushy conditions can see a 50/50 split when needed.

The highlight of the GS 450h is its efficient hybrid powertrain. A detuned version of the aforementioned 3.5-liter V6 works with a pair of generators and a 240-cell nickel metal hydride battery to send a total of 338 horsepower to the rear wheels through a CVT. Even with the additional 400-pound mass of its hybrid system, the GS 450h is actually slightly quicker than the less powerful GS 350.

The GS 450h is rated at 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

F Sport Package
The GS 350's optional F Sport Package ratchets up the performance factor with a host of technologies designed to improve handling. These are highlighted by the Lexus Dynamic Handling system with Dynamic Rear Steering, which monitors vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs in order to calculate the optimum steering angle for all four wheels. The system can independently manage both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control and overall agility when cornering.

Lexus says that an Adaptive Suspension system included in the package helps front and rear wheel control and provides agile, sharp and confident driving behavior with a more direct response to the driver's actions.

Visual changes include more aggressive air intakes on the lower front fascia, a unique rear lower valence, a rear lip spoiler and F Sport mesh grille inserts. Special 19-inch wheels shod with meaty tires round out the upgrades included in the package.

Luxury Comes Standard
The GS comes standard with perforated-leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a power sunroof, an eight-inch high-resolution multimedia display, a backup camera, a 12-speaker audio system, automatic dual zone climate control, cruise control, a USB audio device input, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, HD radio with iTunes tagging, a backup camera and more.

Optional Features
For customers desirous of an extra dose of luxury, Lexus offers several GS option packages.

The Premium Package includes rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats and power rear sunshade.

The Luxury Package includes Premium Package features plus Adaptive Variable Suspension, an Adaptive Front Lighting System, unique high gloss espresso wood ornamentation, semi-aniline leather, 18-way power front driver and passenger seats with articulated back, side bolster and thigh support controls, four-way lumbar, butterfly headrests, passenger seat memory, rear HVAC and audio controls, rear manual side sunshades, 18-inch alloy wheels and wood and leather-wrapped (or trimmed) steering wheel.

Besides the massive 12.3-inch screen, the optional navigation system allows access to Lexus's Enform Application Suite, which pairs with the owner's iPhone, Android or Blackberry to provide local searches through Bing and utilize voice-enabled apps to make restaurant reservations through OpenTable, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com or tap into internet radio, including Pandora or iHeartRadio.

The system also provides ability to check-in on Facebook and search for various business reviews including restaurants on Yelp. SiriusXM data services offer information on stocks, traffic, weather, sports and fuel prices.

Audiophiles will appreciate the available 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system. The system provides 7.1 channel surround-sound through 10 channels using a new class D Digital amplifier with a clean 835-watts from 20-20,000 hz at only 0.01 percent total harmonic distortion. Green Edge speakers, a Lexus first, are lighter, more energy-efficient and have less distortion than conventional units.

Occupant Safety
The GS is equipped with 10 airbags, including a knee airbag for both driver and front passenger. Outboard rear seats have seat-mounted side airbags, and all four outboard occupant seating positions are equipped with side curtain airbags.

New Whiplash Injury Lessening front seats reduce the space between the occupant's head and headrest to help limit excessive head movement and help decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries in certain types of rear end collisions.

Available options to help further enhance occupant safety include a Pre-Collision System (PCS), which uses the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System to provide early warning of upcoming objects that might result in a collision. The system also uses an infrared camera with new scanning technology to monitor the driver's eyes - in the event that the driver does not appear to be looking forward when a collision appears imminent, the system will initiate the warning at an earlier threshold. If the driver still does not respond and make the appropriate maneuver, the system will initiate braking intervention up to 1.2 seconds prior to impact to help lessen the severity of the collision.

Other optional safety systems include a Heads Up Display; a Blind Spot Monitor (packaged with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and power-folding mirrors) that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). LKA provides a small amount of active steering torque to help maintain course, while the LDW feature alerts the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane.

Key Competitors
Some of the Lexus GS 350's main competitors include the luxurious but conservative Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the elegant and technology-laden Audi A6. Those its handling isn't as focused as that the of the outgoing model, the latest BMW 5-Series is still a strong choice and offers a class-exclusive manual transmission.

The GS 450h squares off against Infiniti M Hybrid and the BMW ActiveHybrid 5, which skew slightly more towards the performance edge of the spectrum. Those looking for decreased fuel costs but don't have to have a hybrid should consider the Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluetec, which features a torquey diesel engine that returns 33 mpg on the highway.

<b>Pricing</b> for Options on the 2015 Ford Mustang Appears Online <b>...</b>

Posted: 23 Apr 2014 02:42 PM PDT

2015 Ford Mustang Pricing / Options Leaked

2015 Ford Mustang Pricing / Options Leaked

The pricing for the options on the 2015 Ford Mustang has gone live on the ordering screens of Ford dealers across the nation, and the internet is all abuzz with juicy morsels of product information. From what we've seen so far, it appears that there will be five different basic models: a 3.7-liter V-6 (P8A), a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with EcoBoost (P8T), a 5.0-liter V-8 GT (P8C), a special 50th Anniversary GT (P8R), and an SVT (P8J) which is rumored to be the next Shelby. All that is missing, sadly, is the base pricing…

Fresh from the stand of the New York auto show is the 50th Anniversary Edition, which will be a special version of the GT; the option price is $1595. It appears that it will be offered in either Wimbledon White or Kona Blue, and will come with special interior accents. Better move fast to place your order: Only 1964 copies of the 50th Anniversary Edition will be available this fall.

There are lots of other packages as well. The GT Performance package caught our eye—its $2495 list price was the first one we saw that exceeded the $2368 list price of the original Mustang. (And yes, we know that would be $18,049.74 in 2014 dollars; we just like that old-school number.) Content-wise, the Performance package will include HID headlamps, a Shaker Pro audio system with 12 speakers, and 235/50R-18 shoes. There will be a similar Performance package offered for the EcoBoost model as well, priced at $1995. No other details regarding what that package might include was available.

2015 Ford Mustang GT interior

2015 Ford Mustang GT interior

Other options on the list include a six-speed automatic transmission for $1195, EcoBoost Preferred Equipment Group at $1795, a 3.55:1 limited-slip rear differential for the GT priced at $395, leather Recaro bucket seats for $1595, adaptive cruise control for $1195, and backup assist for $295. The navigation system appears to be a deal at $795, but an as-yet-price-unknown Tech package may be required first. There are also 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch wheel packages (at $155, $995, and $1295, respectively, for the GT), and an intriguing Track package. No pricing or additional info available for that option, however.



Of course, this is all compiled from a wide spectrum of sources, and prices are going to vary from model to model because of standard equipment. Many of the juicy details of the 2015 Mustang are becoming clearer, though, and it's only a matter of time until the Mustang online configurator goes live. We can't wait to see the drop in the productivity of office workers around the globe when that happens.

2015 Ford Mustang GT

2015 Ford Mustang GT

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