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2011 Ford Mustang GT – Old Habits Die Hard

Thomas Rosquin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:04:08 +0000

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.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Elizabeth Tackett — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:48:55 +0000

GM unveiled the 2010 Buick LaCrosse at the 2009 Detroit auto show. And as expected the LaCrosse looks like a dead ringer for Buick’s Invicta concept car. The styling of the LaCrosse is quite multi-dimensional. It sports a signature Buick grille, has large chrome trimmed LED taillights, chrome trim around the window openings, and a visual crease that flows from the grille. It has a boat tail crease in the rear bumper, integrated exhaust ports, and large headlights.

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.

New Cars a Better Deal than Used?

Coleen — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:00:01 +0000

The days of buying what you want when you want it are gone, especially on big ticket items like cars. People are holding onto their old cars longer. If the old car can’t hold out any longer, many are looking at used cars. But everything is about supply and demand. Used cars are in demand, and their prices are increasing accordingly. At the same time, dealers are offering price reductions, rebates and low interest rate financing to sell the new cars that are just sitting there collecting dust.
So maybe you should get a new car instead of a used car. Well, it depends. Here are some factors to consider.

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!