GM to test offering insurance for 1 year to buyers in Northwest

General Motors -- testing a new sales promotion -- is offering Oregonians and Washingtonians a new incentive to buy or lease a GM vehicle.

Any driver from the two states who buys or leases a new vehicle through Sept. 6 and titles the vehicle in either state will receive a free one-year automobile insurance policy from MetLife Auto & Home.

The offer is part of a GM pilot program to see if offering a year’s worth of free insurance boosts sales.

GM chose Oregon and Washington to launch the program because the automaker has had traditionally weak sales there, GM spokesman Tom Henderson said.

The offer includes 2010, 2011 and 2012 models, GM said.

GM's U.S. sales are up 17 percent this year in a market that has advanced 13 percent.

If the pilot is successful, GM would consider expanding the program to other markets, Henderson said.

The policy covers the vehicle and any driver as long as the initial customer owns or leases the vehicle. Drivers aren’t required to accept the MetLife insurance.

Any driver with a valid operator's license is eligible for the offer, Henderson said. Commercial and fleet customers are not eligible.

The insurance incorporates liability and physical damage coverage, exceeding the legally required amount of coverage in both states, GM said.

Liability coverage is capped at $100,000 per person, and up to $300,000 per occurrence. Collision coverage is limited to the value of the vehicle.

MetLife’s policy stipulates that if a vehicle is totaled within a year of purchase or before 15,000 miles, the insurer will repair or replace the vehicle without deducting for depreciation, GM said.

“This offer enhances the vehicle’s value proposition because our policy is considered one of the most comprehensive in the industry,” Bill Moore, president of MetLife Auto & Home, said in a statement. “Our new car replacement feature is a benefit not found in most auto policies.”

Manheim used-car price index hits another record high

Tighter new- and used-vehicle supplies and increased retail demand helped push the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index to another record in April.

The index, which measures used-vehicle prices, stood at 126.6 last month, up from 124.2 in March and 120.7 in April 2010. The previous record was set in January 2011 at 124.9.

“Wholesale used vehicle prices are also now being supported by the new-vehicle market’s tight inventories, steady demand and higher net transaction prices,” Manhiem said in its monthly commentary.

The index started in January 1995 at 100 and is adjusted for vehicle mileage, model mix and time of year.

Citing data compiled by CNW Marketing Research, Manheim said used-vehicle sales by franchised and independent dealers rose to 7,158,917 units in the first four months of 2011, up 10 percent from the year-earlier level. Sales rose 14 percent to 2,650,619 in April.

Manheim also said certified used-vehicle sales are on pace to set a new record in 2011.

Get the best deal buying a car in a fallin market!

Since automotive sales are tanking, now's the time to put off that new car purchase, right? Wrong. While it may seem silly to part with your hard-earned money right now, economic doldrums mean that now is one of the best times in years to get an incredible deal on a new car. The deals won't just happen by themselves, though.

1) Show the dealer you're a strong, serious buyer who can either afford to pay cash for the car or will qualify for financing.

2) While sales are down overall, some individual models, and even some brands, are still going strong. To get the best deal, you have to target your shopping. Look for good cars that aren't selling well.

3) Remember that no matter what incentives are available, you still may be able to negotiate for more. Play your cards right and you may turn a $2,000 incentive into $4,000.

4) While paying 0 percent financing on a car loan may not be as exciting as getting $3,000 cash back, over the long term, the lower financing rate may save you more money.

5) Remember that you can always negotiate the price of your trade. It's always a good idea to bring in an online estimate of your car's value. Full Article

Buy a 2010 Chevy Camaro ~ order one now

Order a 2010 Camaro Coupe Starting October 13

Chevy is pleased to announce that the day you've been waiting for has arrived – you can submit an order for a 2010 Chevy Camaro (scheduled to be available spring 2009) starting Monday, October 13, 2008.(1) Chevy dealers across the country will be able to submit customers' orders for the new 2010 Chevy Camaro Coupe, with its outstanding performance and efficiency, sleek styling and unexpected array of features, including: - Price starting at $22,995(2) - Choice of six-speed transmissions: manual or TAPshift automatic - Projected 300 hp DOHC V6 engine that gets an estimated 27 MPG hwy with automatic transmission(3) - Projected 400 hp V8 engine with automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management for added fuel savings - Projected 422 hp V8 engine with manual transmission - 4.5-link independent rear suspension - Six air bags(4) - Bluetooth® wireless technology available for select compatible phones(5) - USB connectivity available on select models - Standard one-year OnStar Safe & Sound plan(6)

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in the market to buy a used mid-sized sedan

QUESTION:

I am in the market to buy a used mid-sized sedan. I am looking to spend $10,000-12,000. What would be the best deal, and how long could I expect it to last?

ANSWER:

You could purchase a 2003 or 2004 Toyota Camry for that price. I have always been impressed with this car. A well-cared-for Toyota will give you many miles of happy motoring.

Best gas mileage vehicles - top 10 in U.S.

America has been broadsided with the $4 gallon and Americans are answering back with buying more fuel efficient vehicles. The Ford F-150 used to be the number one selling vehicle for the past 17 years but not anymore. In May of 2008 that all changed. Now Honda and Toyota has surpassed the mark and have sold more Civics and Corollas than the F-150.

This is a sign to the manufactures and they are taking measures by putting more efforts into creating new Hybrids and spending more on Research for the future "Gas Savers". There strategy so far has been to make the vehicle with less weight and Hybrid Technology .

The following is a list of the Top 10 most fuel efficient vehicles in the U.S. compiled by Car and Driver :

1. Toyota Prius 2. Honda Civic Hybrid 3. Smart Fortwo 4. Nissan Altima Hybrid 5. Toyota Camry Hybrid 6. Volkswagen Jetta TDI 7. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid 8. Toyota Yaris 9. Mini Cooper/Clubman 10. Honda Fit