Automotive World

Car brands come and go, but more so with individual models. American car manufacturers are often “disloyal” to certain models as evidenced by GM’s constant name changing when it comes to compact cars. The compact Vega gave way to the Cavalier which later became the Cobalt and is now sold as the Cruze worldwide.

Several models on the market as of 2011 will likely be pulled from the market in 2012 or 2013, some of which may be a big surprise to you. Let’s take a look at five car models, domestic as well as foreign, that are most vulnerable and likely to be terminated.

Buick Lucerne — This full size, front-wheel-drive five or six passenger sedan is based on a GM platform that dates back to the late 1980s. That in itself signals why the Buick Lucerne won’t be around much longer. Moreover, the brand has been given a new lease on life and is targeting up and coming professionals as its customers. That means the Lucerne just doesn’t fit the image of the new Buick. Look for the current Buick LaCrosse, a larger midsize model to take over the brand’s flagship sedan status and newer, smaller models such as the compact Verano to enter the line up.

Dodge Caliber — Following the eleven year run of the Neon, Chrysler decided to build this compact crossover-like vehicle. Although a capable performer, the Caliber never has stood out in a class of small cars. The most fuel efficient model is rated at 32 mpg which is far below the 40 mpg offered by the Hyundai Elantra. Chrysler will remedy the problem in 2012 when a Fiat-derived model replaces the Caliber. Much improved mpg is expected too, perhaps reaching 40 mpg.

Mazda 6 — Who would have thought that the sedan which spawned the popular Ford Fusion would go away? But, that’s something Mazda appears ready to do according to Automotive News. The Mazda6 is a slow seller and has been outflanked in a highly competitive segment dominated by the Toyota Corolla and Honda Accord and featuring new cars such as the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. Mazda hasn’t signaled that the Mazda6′s plans are definitive, but the Japanese automaker reportedly would like to give up its Flat Rock, Mich. plant that it co-owns with the Ford Motor Company, quite possibly moving production to Mexico instead.

Mitsubishi Galant – Another midsize sedan that is vulnerable is the Mitsubishi Galant, a model that hasn’t been updated since 2004. Mitsubishi sales, which has fallen sharply in recent years are on the rebound, but the dated Galant is not leading the charge. This Japanese car manufacturer has a manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill., but will be introducing new models in 2012 before sealing the Galant’s fate. An updated Galant is possible, but likely will carry a new name if and when that vehicle debuts.

Subaru Tribeca — Originally called the B9 Tribeca, when this medium sized crossover made its debut in 2006, it featured a grille that was every bit as ugly as the Ford Edsel. Subaru eventually remedied the problem, but the Tribeca has never been a big seller for this Japanese automaker. In April 2011, Subaru recorded its best sales month ever in America, with 24,762 units sold, but only 241 Tribecas were included. Expect Subaru to concentrate on its Forester, Impreza, Legacy and Outback once it kills off the Tribeca.

Are other models vulnerable? Absolutely. Any car that doesn’t sell or isn’t updated will be removed from the market as automakers concentrate on selling cars that customers want and are profitable.

Buying a car is no longer a luxury, but a necessity today. Even so, owning one is still beyond the reach of the average person. An auto loan is the answer to overcome this monetary hurdle.

Since a loan would require periodical repayments to be made, an assessment of the monthly family expenses would be helpful in deciding how much ought to be allocated toward car repayments. Though a twenty percent spend from the monthly budget is advised by expert opinion, it must be determined on a personal basis, of course.

However, before applying for the car loan, one needs to make sure what one wants and how much it will cost. The search for a suitable make and model should begin keeping in mind the family’s size, lifestyle, and what one can afford. This would include the options of a new or used machine. A balanced approach would be best when selecting a model. The sports coupe may look fabulous, but may not suit your budget, or your needs. The more sober sedan may be the right one for you.

If you decide in favor of a new machine, being aware of the manufacturer’s rebates and concessions on offer would be prudent. Magazines, such as Automotive news, Consumer News, New Car Price Service, etc., are a rich and reliable source of such information, which include dealer costs for various makes and models. You could check for other free deals too, such as extended warranties, free accessories, etc.

It is a good idea to gather as much information as possible before actually buying your car. Researching on the web, talking to various dealers, collecting and studying brochures and other material would be a good way to begin. In addition, you could put together a folder with all the information you’ve garnered, to show the dealer whom you’re buying from, to let him know exactly what you have in mind. This has the added advantage of telling your dealer that you are aware of other options available, along with the prices. You could also keep him guessing about whether you actually will buy from him, or go to a competitor, to get the best deal from your car dealer.

You can get your purchase financed through a bank, credit union or even the dealer, or any other financial institution. The preferable option would be to get a prior approval from a credit union, as their interest rates are generally lower than the bank. Keep in mind that interest rates for new cars are lower than those applicable to used cars, and that the period of repayment for the new ones is also longer. However, the interest rates for a very long repayment schedule of 72 or 84 months will eventually cost much more, which will be advisable to avoid.

Once you’ve taken care of the nitty-gritty involved in choosing the car you always wanted and getting the loan for it, drive home in your dream car, confident that you have got the best deal against your loan.

This is a hotly contested debate which has probably been running since human beings first took to wheeled transportation. That said perhaps all bets were off when Boudicca demonstrated her skills with the chariot to the Romans.

Men usually start with the ability of female drivers to park a car. Following on from some research by Ruhr University it was discovered that the sample of female drivers in the study took on average 20 seconds longer to park in a space than it did their male counterparts. It has long been established that the male brain has better spatial awareness and has therefore an advantage with tasks such as parallel parking. There are also many videos flying around on YouTube making fun of how bad women are at parking –although very funny, these videos do not help and even cause more damage to the public perception towards women drivers. However females taking longer to park could just reinforce women’s attention to detail about things.

In terms of breaking the law on our highways this accolade goes firmly to the men. Over 80% of traffic offences are committed by men. Add to this the fact that men also have twice as many accidents as women and we are starting to build up a picture. There will always be the counter arguments that men drive more than women and this would have a significant bearing. If car insurance companies can be considered arbiters in this matter then they fall down on the side of women drivers through the cheaper premiums they offer.

However, European Court has recently decided that it is illegal for the car insurance companies to offer cheaper premiums to women drivers due to the equality law while the insurance industry experts disagree that the insurance costs are based on statistics and the risks which the insurance companies take rather than the sex of the drivers. Evidently, a recent figures from the department of transport also show that men account for 76% of all road fatalities.

An area however where women drivers fall down is cleaning their cars. Statistics show that 56% of women drivers don’t clean their car for 6 months or more, compared with 44% of their male counterparts. Women are also more likely to pay someone to wash their car.

So who then are the winners, well financially speaking, both men and women will pay the same price for their car insurance, so I believe it is a draw!