February 2012

Kelley Blue Book names top 10 family cars of 2012

(February 29, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — The editors from Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com today announce the 10 Best Family Cars of 2012. All families are not created alike, so it stands to reason that all family cars shouldn't be alike either. Each year the kbb.com editors decide the 10 Best Family Cars, which cater to unique family specifications and situations. 

New for 2012, the editors not only name what they feel are the 10 Best Family Cars of the year, but also rank their selections.

Toyota Sienna minivan found to be least expensive vehicle to insure

(February 28, 2012) Insurance rescource web site Insure.com surveyed auto insurance rates for more than 900 vehicles in the 2012 model year and found that this year’s least expensive vehicle to insure is the four-cylinder Toyota Sienna LE minivan. Insure.com estimates the average insurance bill for the Sienna LE is $1,111.

'Rising tide' of buying conditions bolsters February sales

(February 27, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The automotive industry continues to move along at a brisk pace, with an estimated 1,095,059 new cars sold in February, forecasts Edmunds.com. This would result in a projected Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) of 14.4 million units and would be a 19.9 percent increase over January 2012 and a 5.9 percent increase over February 2011.

This may be time to buy a Saab, auto analysis firm ALG says

(February 26, 2012) SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — While the Saab brand continues to be in limbo, consumers may find value in purchasing a Saab — if they can find one. According to a recent analysis conducted by ALG the value of the Saab brand as well as the residual value of their vehicles, has likely bottomed out.

Experts advise consumers to do the math when considering fuel-efficient cars

(February 24, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com today advises car shoppers to weigh their options carefully before making vehicle purchase decisions, in light of rising fuel prices. Fuel prices are up to $3.59 per gallon nationally and there are growing concerns that they will surpass $4 per gallon sometime this year.

Edmunds offers advice to 'subprime' buyers to avoid high interest rates

(February 23, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Car buyers with very poor credit are known by lending institutions as "subprime," and are often charged very high interest rates when they take out loans. Instead of taking out such loans, subprime car buyers are better off using the money they've set aside for a down payment to buy a solid inexpensive used car outright, advises Edmunds.com.

Kelley Blue Book forecasts February sales to be up 6.4% over 2011

(February 23, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book projects new-vehicle sales to surpass 1,050,000 units and reach a 13.8 million seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for February 2012, improving 6.4 percent from this time last year.

February sales will be aided by increased inventory levels, improved access to credit, attractive finance offers available to consumers and one additional selling day due to the leap year. New-vehicle sales have remained above 13.6 million SAAR since November 2011; however, Kelley Blue Book believes the annualized sales pace will slow after April, as pent-up demand is satisfied from Toyota and Honda's inventory shortfalls.

Consumer Reports impressed by new vehicle crash prevention technology

(February 22, 2012) YONKERS, N.Y. — An ambitious new safety system being developed by government, universities and automakers designed to prevent vehicle crashes from occurring has impressed researchers at Consumer Reports magazine.

Save money by understanding auto insurance coverage options

(February 22, 2012) NEW YORK — Whether buying coverage for the first time or renewing an existing auto insurance policy, consumers should take advantage of a highly competitive insurance marketplace, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Consumers can contact their insurance agent or company representative to make sure they are getting the right type of auto insurance at the best possible rate. As a consumer, it is important to educate yourself about all of your coverage options by asking questions and making sure you are getting any available discounts.

TrueCar says the 25th best day in February to buy new car

(February 20, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar, Inc. has found the best new car deals on vehicles including cash, finance and lease deals available nationwide, and is forecasting that Saturday, Feb. 25, will be the best day of the month to purchase a vehicle with an average discount of 8.34 percent, according to data from its February TrueTrends Report.