July 11, 2008
July 10, 2008 Las Vegas, Nevada
2009 hyundai genesis
I took the 2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8v6, six speed Automatic out for a test drive and road review today. I was excited about the look of the car. Total class. The grill says status and luxury as it sweeps into jewel-cut head lamps, elegant lines roll over the wheel whells and into the doors. The windshield and windows wrap around and the side-view mirrors have the signals like all the luxury models for 20k more. The Push-button start with keyless remote entry and lock button on the outside handle are all reminescent of the Infinti G37/35. From the back it looks like the new revision of the BMW. If you didn’t see the “H” you’d NEVER guess it was a Hyundai. That’s scary for the Korean manufacturer who made it’s name on supplying cheap, reliable transportation. Having graduated to the big leagues, the looks will get many former car snobs to take a look and a test drive. It’s not a chick or guy car. The styling is dead-on for the sophisticated business person and fashion diva.
SO then you slip inside. The leather is perforated so even in 111 degree heat in LV the air blows colder than most domestics, equally to the Japanese, and there was no sweating. The wide dash is treated to wood and metal accents but understated. The three dimensional dials don’t shout at you, and glow subtly at night. GREAT visability, I found no blind spots to un-nerve me as I shouldered the merge with highway traffic. The acceleration of the 3.8v6 was smooth and handling is VERY responsive. The tires are pushed out to the edge which makes tire patch and traction surefooted. The fit and finish runs through to the underpinnings with attention to frame and axle quality. No oversteer or under steer, the turning radius is surprisingly tight for the larger platform. The engine gives a tempered growl when you push it, reminding you that more acceleration means more fuel when you straightline to red. Passenger comfort is impressive, even with a six footer in the driver’s seat. The romminess of the interior means everyone gets a piece of the armrest without touching. I’d say it’s bigger in the backseat than a 5 series BMW, but smaller than the Chrysler 300. The rear seats have air vents and a hold down armrest that hides a pass through from the trunk. By not dropping the back seat, the rear cushion is more comfortable for long trips. The truck easily holds three normal golf bags, and tall guys have plenty of head room even with a moonroof. There are so many standard features that match-up with luxury brands twenty to thirty thousand more expensive. I have to say my favorite part of driving this car was going to all the casinos and watching the valets try to figure out what it was. They parked it upfront just to show it off to their friends.
The 4.6L v8 with the I-drive interactive technology is suppose to arrive this fall. With gas prices pushing $5.00 a gallon, I’m not screaming for the Hemi-like roar of 14mpg. This one gets 18 and 27, respectively. The one I drove listed for $36,000, which plants it firmly in the Avalon, Lexus IS250, InfinitiM35, BMW3 series ball park, but loaded with more size, HP, and standard features than all of them. If you can live without the loaner cars and expensive maintenance services, I call the 2009 Hyundai Genesis: SMART MONEY COOL.
You can see my video with Dr. Bob and Mr. M. at http://www.youtube.com/v/aFlWptb71Bc
for a great deal without the hassle and haggle of typical car dealers call me: www.mycarlady.com
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Automotive, BMW, Dodge, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Volvo, cars, cars I own, chrysler, daimler, women car buyers | Tagged: hyundai genesis, luxury autos, car reviews | 
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Posted by mycarlady
July 6, 2008
July 5, 2008 Leasing vs. Buying in today’s market. In the past leasing has been a confusing pitch to consumers wanting more car and lower payments. Many customers tried it and found while they liked the idea of a new car every three years, the limiting mileage per year and questionable “wear and tear” charges at turn-in time, left them cold. Enter 2008; the year of the REBATE. As interest rates have dropped in the general economy, many car companies have trimmed their 0% offers. The result is a trend to consider leasing instead of 72 month loans. If you can answer YES to at least 3 of these five questions, leasing may make sense for you.
1. You drive less than 18,000 miles per year. 2. Lifestyle or work could change, affecting your vehicle needs in the next 5 years. 3. You own a business where a car/truck can be expensed. 4. You prefer vehicles under service warranty during ownership period. 5. You have an above average AUTO credit rating score.
There are several nuances to be aware of when trying to understand how some cars cost more and have lower lease payments than others. Many European vheicles have a higher payment that the Japanese manufacturers (even those built in the USA) because the used car or depreciated value is expected to be higher at the end of the lease period. The higher the residual, the lower your payment (a form of participating in the depreciation of the vehicle during your ownership period). In some cases the manufacturer is subsidizing the interest rate (called a money factor) to help keep the payment down, in the hopes you will return to the brand again.
When shopping lease payments read the fine print. Dealers often advertise leases as a lump sum of the total payments, or put heavy down payments and LOW mileage allotments on the offer. Many national television ads are pitching models the dealers don’t stock or require “dealer participation” which means the dealer loses money doing one of these deals, so they don’t have to honor the ad. BEWARE of leases that want multiple security deposits to make the deal. IF you total the car you may have a tough time getting those deposits back. AND last but not least, make sure your lease has GAP protection in the contract. GAP covers any difference between the value of the vehicle and the insurance payoff in the event of a total loss.
Most leasing offers advertised today are a great way to get into a new car without a long term relationship. Look for new models which often offer great intro deals to get the cars out on the street. Hybrids however, have lousy lease programs as the banks are reluctant to stick their neck out on a residual when the technology is changing so fast and they are selling so well there is no money factor discount going on.
If you want a great deal without the hassle, on your next car go to www.mycarlady.com.
Yorus, SLM
2 Comments | 0% auto loans, Automotive, BMW, Blogroll, Dodge, GMC Yukon, Honda, Hybrid vehicles, Infiniti, Jeep Stuff, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, RAm trucks, Toyota, Volvo, cadillac escalade, cars, cars I own, chevy tahoe, chrysler, crossovers, cummins deisel, daimler, diesel engines, ford trucks, fuel economy, gmc, hybrid cars, hybrid trucks, women car buyers | Tagged: lease vs buy, residual, depreciation on vehicles | Permalink
Posted by mycarlady
July 2, 2008
July 2, 2008– CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT for Dodge Cummins 6.7 Diesel owners? There are many 2007 and 2008 Dodge 2500 and 3500 Cummins 6.7 owners fed up with the chronic issues they have experienced with the new technology of their Dodge trucks. In writing this post I have been besieged with requests for assistance and guidance regarding the constant check engine light, stalling and numerous other complaints you can read in the back history of this blog.
Last wee I received two comments asking if I knew of a lawyer or lawsuit that addressed the common complaints. I do not. However, in my research I have found that while the laws in each state differ regarding LEMON LAWS for new vehicles, there are some attorney’s that specialize in such litigation, looking closely at the potential for such an action.
As many of you know, there is a third party arbitration agreement often signed at the time of purchase, or included in your package of ownership materials. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, look in your owners manual kit, paperwork from the day of purchase or call your sales person.
If you think there is merit in such a call to action, please send me a comment. I’ll forward the information to those owners considering such an effort. I’m not sure what will come of it, since the NHTSA has yet to call for a full out recall, but nothing can happen, if no one speaks up. SO, feel free to sound off here, and maybe Dodge will listen and respond to your cries for help.
I have had many folks report they have taken the EGR and DF Poff, or modified it, regardless of the factory response, and things are better. However, IMHO, when you spend 50k for a truck, you shouldn’t have to modify it and void the warranty, to make it run the way you intended to use it.
—SLM
9 Comments | 0% auto loans, Automotive, Dodge, RAm trucks, cummins deisel, daimler, diesel engines, fuel economy | Tagged: dodge diesel problems | Permalink
Posted by mycarlady
