The most obvious choice for this would be the famed, anamorphic,  Volkswagon Beetle Herbie, aptly called The Love Bug. The original Love Bug movie was filmed by Disney in 1968 and has produced a total of four movies (one in 2005 with Lindsay Lohan) a made for TV movie and even its own TV show.  In theory, Herbie was called the Love Bug because he actively conspired to bring the movies lead actor into a romance with the lead actress. Clever right? However, we think it is also because America as a whole fell in love with this car as the Love Bug movie was a smash hit in the box office.  Is a VW Beetle romantic? More like cute, but it could work under the right circumstances. At Ford Service Omaha you will find a great deal.

How about a truck for romance? Before you laugh think about it. First of all, it is pretty common for a girl to sit in the middle seat, right next to her special somebody, and leave the passenger seat open. Sweet isn’t it? But there is more. If you clear the beer cans out of the back you can use it for some creative dating. Pack a picnic, some camping gear and using the trucks off road capabilities, head off into the mountains for a getaway. Best of all, lay in the back of the bed at night and watch the shooting stars cross the sky. Laugh now, but she will love it.

Maybe you want something less country. How about a motorcycle? It has attitude and an element of danger, and let’s face it, girls love that stuff.  Best of all, if you ride it together, she has to put her arms around you and hold you tight. Not a bad deal at all.

Lastly, how about a classic car? Sure they are probably pricey or it will take a lot of fixing up, but a classic Ford or Chevy from the 50’s practically screams “date me.” A vintage Chevy Bel Air or Ford Thunderbird has class and nostalgic romance all rolled into one. Drive to the beach, get a burger and shake and watch the sun set.  There you go, the car can get you started, now the rest is up to you.

If your car needs a little love, come to Toyota Repair Riverside to patch things up.

This goes for car manufacturers as well. So far few automakers have really captured that market but GM and Chevy think they have some clues. In fact, they have gone so far as to test drive and research at universities and high schools.

One of the biggest surprises is that unlike decades pass, the Millennial shoppers are sticking mainly with used cars. With today’s economy few want to start making car payments. Those that do want new cars, have come up with some interesting ideas. The usual smaller cars and hatchback are out. The 20’s crowd wants a car with style, room in the back seat and some pep to it. Come to used vehicles for a great deal today.

This has emerged into a couple of different designs. For one, coupe type cars are in. Think similar to the Mini or the newly released Fiats. They are small, affordable and efficient yet stylish. Another option is a design that is a little boxier in the back with a front that faintly resembles a Camaro, Dodge Charger or similar “tough” cars. There were the prototype concept cars that Chevy and GM displayed recently in the famous Detroit Auto Show. They will be priced around 19k – 24 and GM hopes to start producing them within the year.

The Millenials are an interesting crowd. In the past, most people, especially the under 30 crowd, were really into cars to one degree or another.  Cars were seen as a sign of independence, adulthood and freedom. As soon as young adults turned 16 they would race out to get their driver licenses.

Gen Y has proven otherwise. Only 30 percent of them are getting their drivers’ licenses right when they turn 16 and many are waiting until later. Not only that, but they have little interest in owning their own new, fancy car and are far more likely to share a car with friends or family.

A large part of this is because Gen Y is much more into technological gadgets instead of cars. They would much rather have smartphones and Apple products then a car. In fact, one recent survey showed that they preferred not to drive because it meant less time online or texting. Japan’s youth culture began this trend a couple of years ago so it should be no surprise that it has spread over here. Still, for whatever market there may be for Gen Y and cars, GM and Chevy are determined to be a major player in it, both domestically and internationally.

Check out these used car dealers for a great deal today.

The Mustang GT has had a 5.0 liter engine in its bay for almost 30 years.  It was only in 1996 that Ford went with the 4.6L engine.  Well now the 2011 Mustang GT will get an increase in displacement to meet the 5.0 liters of days gone by.  Since the Mustang was redesigned in 2010, not much has changed on the outside; but a lot has changed under the hood.
In order to deal with the Chevy Camaro and its 426 horsepower, Ford need to add some more muscle for the 2011 model year.  So a bump in displacement and a reworked engine will net 416 horsepower; enough to contend with the Camaro SS 426HP and the Challenger SRT8 425HP.  The Mustang already is the best handling car of the bunch, and with the added horsepower, the GT should establish itself once again at the top of the muscle car heap.

Chevrolet struck a heart string with buyers when the 2010 Camaro came stock with a V-6 engine that produced 300 hp while getting 30 MPG on the highway.  Ford has decided to follow suit and will introduce a 3.7 liter, V-6 engine in the stock Mustang that will generate 305 Hp, which is more than the Camaro V-6.  Fuel Economy numbers for this engine is right at the 30 MPG mark on the highway.

On the inside, the cabin is two tone with a outsized instrument panel. At the top of the center stack a large touch screen navigation system is placed. There is also blue ambient lighting in the center console and door panels as well as real wood inlays and a silver trim.

As far as under the hood, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse comes available with a six speed automatic 3.0 Liter V6 direct injection engine producing 255 horsepower and 211lb-ft of torque or a 3.6 Liter direct injection V6 with 280 horsepower and 261lb-ft of torque. It also comes available in three trims, the CX, the CXL, and the CXS. The CX trim is standard while the CXL trim has leather seats, dual zone climate control, fog lamps, LED turn indicators, 18 inch wheels, and an all wheel drive option. The CXS package gets similar upgrades in addition to real time active dampening suspension and 19 inch wheels as an option.

Estimated fuel efficiency for the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is about 18mpg in city and 27mpg in highway for the basic 3.0L unit and 17mpg city and 26mpg highway with the 3.6 Liter. Buick is pinning a lot of hope on the new LaCrosse, and has accordingly paid a lot of attention to the little things the company hopes will make it a success.

Materials, style, design, accessories, and features are all intended to provide a world-class experience. The new Buick will be assembled at GM’s Fairfax facility starting in February. The LaCrosse should hit showrooms in 2009 as a 2010 model. Estimated price for the new LaCrosse is $27,085.

Cost of Repairs

Most people don’t expect to pay much for maintenance on a new car. Fewer things should break during the first few years, and if they do, they’re typically covered by the warranty.  A used car is more likely to need repairs, especially as it gets older. When you’re looking at buying a used car, there’s a huge range. You can get a car that’s only a year or two old with low mileage. Many dealers will “certify” a used car that’s in good condition and offer a warranty with it. This, of course, will cost more than an older car.

Gasoline Expenses

How many miles to you drive on a regular basis? Gas hogs are no longer popular, and their prices show it. If you don’t drive a lot, getting a used SUV could be a cost effective plan. Compare the price difference between a gas guzzler and a more fuel-efficient car with the amount you expect to spend on gas.  If you drive a lot, a hybrid might be worth the extra upfront cost.  Check out the new 2009 Escalade Hybrid with its 20 mpg – not bad for a luxury SUV.

Financing

Dealers are offering great interest rates on new car loans – as low as 0% for 36 months on some models. Check out the offers on the 2009 Mazda 5! Used cars are typically financed at about 7% for a three year loan. The longer loan period on a new car combined with the low (or zero) interest rate will lower your monthly payments. But often the lowest rates are only available to those with stellar credit.

Insurance

Insurance is usually higher on a new car because the value is higher.  The model of car will make a difference too. For a new driver or a driver with a less than perfect record, insurance costs will play a bigger role.

Which is the most cost-effective decision – new or used?  It depends on your situation. But don’t discount the possibility of a new car without checking it out. You might be able to buy a brand new car and honest tell your spouse that it was too cheap to pass up!