BRIEFLY IN THE AUTO NEWS OF THE WEEK
- Updated October 10, 2008
As I told you a few weeks ago, GM will not be sponsoring
next February's Academy Awards ceremony and also would not
have any ads in the Super Bowl. Without much hesitation,
Hyundai Motor Company gobbled up the Academy Award spots
GM abandoned. It is not clear if they will be promoting
their Hyundai or Kia brands, or perhaps both.
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In an unusual move, a Japanese newspaper is reporting Toyota
would begin exporting trucks OUT of the United States next
year. The main destinations will be Latin America and the
Middle East. This move would keep their factories running
but would ease the number of trucks the dealers have to
stock. Toyota has not confirmed or denied the story.
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Honda has announced pricing on their Insight hybrid that
comes out next spring. The new small car, intended to compete
with Toyota's Prius, has a target price of around $19,000.
Honda says the Insight would get the same fuel economy as
the larger Civic hybrid, but would cost about $4000 less.
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A new study done by Mercedes shows overtired drivers cause
more highway accidents than alcohol. The study says 25%
of all highway accident are caused by overtired drivers
and after 4 hours of driving, reaction times can be 50%
longer. They are looking at systems that would warn the
driver should they go to sleep while driving.
--------------------
In the continuing saga of the Bill Heard Chevrolet closing,
his attorney told a bankruptcy judge that Heard was preparing
to sell his jet and beachfront condos, plus his 17 million
dollar Georgia lakefront mansion. I hope they are nice enough
to cover the 40 million dollars in unsecured loans, plus
another 229 million owed to GMAC for new vehicles.
-------------------
GM is looking to re-finance their Detroit world headquarters
known as the Renaissance Center. If a deal cannot be struck
that is favorable, they may consider selling the complex
and leasing the building back. GM has acknowledged that
it is also selling their medium truck business and the Hummer
brand.
--------------------
In the 2008 Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog, the Dallas-based
retailer announced this week that they would offer 31 special
edition BMW 7 series sedans for $160,000 each. Winning entries
will take delivery of their new vehicles in Munich, Germany
next April. All 31 cars are expected to sell within minutes.
This will be the 5th Neiman Marcus edition vehicle since
1995.
LATEST DFW GAS/DIESEL PRICES: DROPPING
LIKE A ROCK!
DFW average today: $3.30
DFW average one week ago today: $3.54
National average today: $3.31
National average one week ago today: $3.55
DFW gas prices one year ago today: $2.75
Cheapest unleaded in DFW today: $2.98
Cheapest diesel in DFW today: $3.64
Cheapest premium in DFW today: $3.29
Cheapest mid-grade in DFW today: $3.25
Remember, if you want to find the cheapest gas in YOUR area:
http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx
SO WHAT IS THE CARGUY DRIVING THIS
WEEK?
I have always had a thing for Cadillac Escalades, and own
one myself. So this week when I got the new 2009 Escalade
hybrid, there was no learning curve with the features and
accessories of the vehicle. It was equally wonderful, but
other than the engine there was no noticeable difference.
I have often said hybrids don't make a lot of sense for
most people, but I think this one may be the exception.
Like the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids, the Escalade is powered
by the 6.0 V8 with GM's two-mode system. Here is how it
works: when you take off gingerly, you run on straight battery
power and can get up to 30 miles per hour before the engine
kicks in. If still accelerating, you go right into V8 mode,
then when you get to cruising speed the engine will go down
to 6 cylinders, and eventually 4. The transition is seamless.
Another gas saving feature of this system is when stopped
for any reason, the gasoline engine shuts off and converts
to full battery. It is pretty amazing technology actually,
especially how you cannot tell without looking at the hybrid
gauge what you are running on. My test vehicle was Diamond
White with tan interior and fully appointed. MSRP was just
a little over $72,000 with hybrid option accounting for
a little under $11,000 of that.
The Escalade hybrid carries EPA ratings of 20 in town and
21 on the road. I actually averaged 21 in town and I am
here to tell you that on the road at 65 miles per hour,
I consistently got over 30 miles per gallon. That is just
slightly over twice the mileage my pure gas Escalade gets.
The ONLY knock on this vehicle is it is over-badged big
time. There is a hybrid emblem on the engine vents on both
sides, another one on outside between the 2nd and 3rd row
seats, across the windshield, on the rear glass and the
worst ones are 9" letters running between the wheels,
low on the vehicle. I did check and those could be easily
removed, as could the windshield and rear glass ones. GM
REALLY wants you to know it is a hybrid.
I called Wayne Massey at Massey Cadillac and told him I
thought he had a real winner here and if you'll drive one,
I think you will agree!
Oh, I also had the new Mitsubishi Galant. What a simply
horrible car. I think I prefer the Saab.
NEXT UP: 2009 Infiniti EX
BUBBA'S TOP 5 LIST FROM LAST WEEK'S
SHOW
Top 5 signs you bought a vehicle at the Auto
Show at The Great State Fair of Texas
#5 ~ You've now got enough stuffed animals to qualify for
the HOV lane.
#4 ~ I got four words for ya: Deep-Fried Stick Shift!
#3 ~ You drove it as far as Grand Avenue before somebody
stole
the dang rims!
#2 ~ Good luck explaining that car-model in the skimpy
dress to yer
wife
#1 ~ When you start it up, the navigation system says:
Howdy Folks!
KEVIN'S WORD OF THE WEEK FROM LAST SATURDAY'S SHOW
Word: Incommodious
Pronunciation: in-kuh-MO-dee-us
Definition: not accommodating
Used in a sentence: Kevin can never call the staff at Herb's
Paint and Body incommodious; no matter how many times he
visits.
AVERAGE GUY'S QUESTION FROM LAST WEEK'S SHOW
Q. Is it better to go to the same dealership for service
where you leased the vehicle, or can you go to any dealership
for warranty work?
A. IF the dealership where you bought the car is convenient
and does a good job, then yes I would use them. But it is
myth that other dealers will not service you well or put
you at the back of the line if you didn't buy from them.
Odds are, the service advisor that helps you will have no
idea if you bought from them or not. I run into this concern
a lot with people who drive distances to buy a car at one
of our dealers, but it is too far for service or maintenance.
The truth is the factories pay the dealers very well to
perform warranty work. And with sales up and down like they
have been, service is a critical part of a dealership's
profit stream. They will welcome you with open arms!
I know dealers that are GREAT in service, but their sales
departments are bad. The opposite is also true and then
there are dealers who are terrific at both. Good question
Average Guy, I get this one often.
OCTOBER INCENTIVES: A GREAT TIME TO BUY!
Truck and SUV incentives actually got better on the Ford
vehicles and now we have a choice of 0% 60 month financing
on all pickups. In some cases, there is 0% for 60 months
PLUS rebates of $2600.
On the F250 through F450 Super Duty trucks, the rebates
went up to $8000! WOW! Or you can get 0% for 60 months.
Here is an example of current pricing on their most popular
model, the 2008 F150 XLT SuperCrew full 4 door truck ONLY
GOOD at one of Sam Pack's stores:
This is a very loaded truck by the way, 4.6 liter V8, automatic,
power windows and locks, power seat, chrome step bars, CD
player, 18" chrome wheels, keyless entry, 6 months
of Sirius radio, and a lot more.
MSRP $32,595
CarGuy Show price $29,853
Rebates (-$9100)
Price: $20,753
Yes, that is almost $12000 off MSRP. With a lot of these
incentives, if you can lower your vehicle payment (and you
certainly should be able to with $9100 in cash back), fuel
costs don't hurt so badly and this will fix ANY kind of
upside down problems. With these kinds of deals, lower your
monthly vehicle payment and eliminate repairs to make up
for the high cost of fuel. The rebates above include financing
with Ford.
Other notable Ford rebates:
Expedition: $5000 in rebates plus $1000 more if you finance
with Ford.
Explorer: $5000 plus $500 more if you finance with Ford.
Escape: $2500 on 4 cylinder/$4000 on 6 cylinder.
Edge: $4000 cash back or 0% 60 month financing.
Focus: $2500 cash back and $500 more if you finance with
Ford
Mustang: $3000 cash back on V6, $4000 cash back on GT.
Fusion: $4000 cash back.
Taurus: $3500 cash back.
Ranger: $2500 cash back
Sport Trac: $4000 cash back.
Flex: $2500 cash back.
Ford has also quietly put some pretty nice rebates on the
2009 models too. A couple certainly worth mentioning is
2009 Focus has $2500 and Fusion has $3500.
GM offers
Chevy: Vette and Malibu have 2.9% for 60 months, Trail Blazer,
Silverado extended and crew cabs all have $5000 cash. Colorado
has $2500 while Impala has $3000. Avalanche has $4000 cash
back, while Suburban and Tahoe have 0% for 72 months.
Pontiac: G6 has $3000 cash back, Grand Prix has 0% for 72
months, and Solstice has 2.9% for 60 months.
Buick: All lines have 2.9% for 60 months.
GMC: Sierra pickup has $5000 in cash back, Yukon 0% for
72 months, and Envoy has 0% for 60 months.
Cadillac: Escalade and SRX have 0% for 60, DTS & STS
have $7000 cash back, CTS has $2000 cash back.
Saturn: Aura has $2000 to $3000 cash back, Vue has $1000
to $2000, Sky has $2000 cash back and Outlook has $1000
cash.
Toyota incentives!
I know Dane Minor has $1000 rebates on the 2009 Camry and
Corolla. Also $1500 cash back on 2008 Highlander, and Tundra
has $2500 to $5000 or 0% for 60 months. Tacoma has $500
to $2000 on 2008 models or there is a lease special. They
now have 11 models with 0% financing, just about everything
they sell as a matter of fact!
Other notable incentives
Mazda: CX9 has 0% for 60 months, CX7 has 2.9% for 60 months.
Mazda 6 has $2750 cash back, RX8 $3500, and Tribute $2500.
Lincoln: MKX & MKZ has $4500 cash back, Navigator has
$7000.
THE AIRCHECK TEXAS PROGRAM--NOW IN FULL SWING!
CarGuy Show listeners are already getting their vouchers
and getting into newer cars. This is a great program to
get old polluting cars off the roads of Texas!
The North Texas Central Council of Governments is administering
the AirCheck Texas program and has started accepting applications
from people with 1998 or older cars. If you are not familiar
with the program, the idea is to take older cars that pollute
more and give you $3000 to $3500 to help get you into a
newer, more fuel efficient vehicle.
If you couple this $3000 along with the CarGuy Show prices,
you'll maximize buying a new or newer vehicle.
I have updated all the current information. It is at the
VERY BOTTOM of this newsletter, under my signature. If you
know anyone with a 1998 or older vehicle, please pass this
on to them! Almost ALL of our dealers are participating
and are very knowledgeable of the program!
HOW TO CHECK FOR A FLOOD-DAMAGED VEHICLE
After Hurricane Ike, there will be a bunch of water damaged
cars, and DFW will get the lion's share of them. Some are
VERY hard to detect. Besides running an AutoCheck report,
which I will run you for free, the State of Texas has a
database for vehicles that were in floods.
If you would like to check out a vehicle:
http://www.txdot.gov/services/vehicle_titles_and_registration/flood_damaged.htm
CARGUY'S MAILBOX
Jerry,
I drove from East Texas, about 110 miles one way to go to
Five Star Ford in Carrollton to meet with BJ about a new
F250 diesel. I have to admit that the entire time I was
driving there I was hoping you were the real deal and were
the honest guy you come across as. I pleased to report I
was not one bit disappointed.
Your son took GREAT care of me and I did not one time feel
any pressure. I had done my homework and the price and window
sticker you emailed me was a better deal than my local dealer
offered me by over $1000.
It is hard to tell these days who is blowing smoke and who
is telling it like it is; you sir, do everything you say
you'll do and that is really refreshing.
If anyone EVER has any doubts about this, please give them
my email. Sam Pack is lucky to have BJ at his dealership
and it is easy to see why he has so many awards in his office.
In fact, EVERYBODY there was terrific. It is easy to see
why you recommend that dealership for your Ford listeners.
PLEASE keep up the good work, your services are badly needed.
Joe
*****************
HI JERRY!!
JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU THANKS FOR SENDING ME TO RICK AT
CLASSIC CHEVROLET IN GRAPEVINE LAST WEEK. I WENT THERE,
ALONG WITH MY SON, (THE NEGOTIATOR), AND I LEFT THERE WITH
A 2008 CHEVY EQUINOX. RICK PASSED ME ON TO DALE, AND HE
WAS VERY KNOWLEDGABLE, HAVING WORKED THERE FOR 35 YEARS!!
THEY WERE ALL GREAT PEOPLE TO WORK WITH, AND THEY WERE NEVER
PUSHY, WHICH MADE THE EVENING VERY COMFORTABLE.
THANKS AGAIN,
CONNIE B
*************
Went to the 5 Star Ford location on north Loop 820 in North
Richland Hills. I talked to GM Terry Rich for an hour or
more on the phone while driving home on Friday, which further
convinced me we needed to see this vehicle. He turned us
over to Justin Conrad who handles all the Jerry Reynolds
deals. We were able to get the top end Limited version at
invoice minus the J.R. discount, and 1.9% financing. There
was an additional $2000 rebate available, but we chose the
lesser finance rate instead.
Most important thing is my wife is happy. You know the old
saying, Happy wife, happy life. Me, I think the car is so
ugly it's cool.
Norm
**************
Well Jerry you did it again!
I've been meaning to thank you for your referral when I
called in on your show back on Sept. 6th.You told me to
call Gary Cooper @ Freeman Toyota. I did so and he managed
to have exactly the truck I was looking for. I purchased
a 2008 Tacoma access cab 4x4 w/the SR5 pkg. (and tow pkg.
for my bass boat).
The 4.0 V6 has plenty of power and I love the new interior.
I really appreciated the Car Guy special treatment and the
price was fair considering the truck and options. Gary and
crew were really terrific and it's been fun visiting with
them on my return trips,( I've bought a few extras since).
Sorry to take so long to thank you but it's been pretty
hectic out here at Jerry World, the new stadium that is.
Now if I'm smart; I'll keep my wife in her Miata and out
of my new Tacoma!!!
Thanks again Jerry. My regards to Kevin & the Car Gal,
Luther
*********************
Jerry
I recently pulled a Kevin and need the services of a good
body shop. I went ahead, based on your recommendations,
and told my adjuster I wanted to use Herbs Paint & Body
on Preston Rd. in Plano. When I got there I was greeted
by John McLeod. He was already expecting me. Short story,
I got my car back sooner than promised. They had taken the
time to wash it, too (not my normal experience with body
shops). Throughout, John kept me posted on the progress
and was extremely customer oriented. Hopefully I won't be
a repeat customer, but if I ever do need repairs I will
go back there.
Just thought you might like to know that your advertisers
really do come through.
Thanx.
Chuck
*********************
Jerry,
Just a note to thank you for your help with my recent car
buying experience.
I ended up getting an 08 Toyota Tacoma from Freeman Toyota,
here in Hurst.
The contact you gave me was Gary Hopper (seemed to be busy)
but referred me to Ken Laird, which I think was a good thing.
Both assured me I would benefit from the Jerry discount
which I believe was true. Although they didn't have the
exact model and color I wanted, Ken did find one and negotiated
getting it to Hurst. Ken Laird did a fine job, and indicated
they valued their association with you. So thanks for your
help, and keep up the good work and program.
Incidently, the folks at Sam Packs in NRH were great to
work with, just didn't have exactly what I wanted.
Jim H.
WELCOME TO SOME NEW CARGUY SHOW SPONSORS!
These dealerships are new to the show, but you'll certainly
recognize their names! Recently, Mr. Teape of Teape Lincoln
Mercury and Teape Mazda in the Duncanville area sold his
dealerships there (he still has two others, Subaru and Suzuki).
Luckily, we already had dealers for these cars in the CarGuy
Show family. So in the future, if anybody needs a Lincoln
or a Mercury, we'll be going to see Rick Wick at Classic
Lincoln-Mercury. Rick has been a longtime fan of the show.
For people wanting Mazdas you will have two choices now!
My buddy Larry Chase, the long-time GM at Freeman Mazda
will be helping you, OR Classic Lincoln-Mercury also has
Mazda! You can choose whichever is closer to you, Irving
or Denton!
I am very pleased to have both these great dealerships as
part of the show!
I CAN SAVE YOU MONEY AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE FUN
BUYING A VEHICLE!
Buying a car should be a fun and exciting experience and
in fact CAN be! When I send you into a dealership, you'll
get terrific treatment and a fast, no hassle, rock bottom
price. Don't risk paying too much for a car! If I set you
up, you are assured of getting the best terms available.
Go back and see some of the listener feedback above!
You can see all our dealers at: http://carguyshow.com/sponsors.htm
. But before you go one of these dealerships, send an email
to jerry@carguyshow.com . On average, I help 150 listeners
per month get the car of their dreams at a super price.
But please contact me in advance of visiting any of our
sponsors. I have designated people in each dealership that
work with my listeners to give them a quick, easy and hassle
free buying experience.
I am also happy to help any of your friends, family, or
co-workers who might need help. Just pass my email address
or phone number along to them. Happy listeners and happy
sponsors is what I concentrate on daily.
NITROGEN FOR YOUR TIRES---I'VE GOT YOU HOOKED UP
ON A DEAL!
I get a lot of questions about nitrogen in tires after mentioning
this a month or more ago on the air. I am a big believer
in it. NASCAR and 18 wheeler operators have used it for
years. All you listeners know how much I harp on you about
checking your air pressure in your tires. Most of you still
don't do it so for you nitrogen is a God send.
Two weeks ago I got a low tire light on my Escalade. It
had leaked down to 28 from the recommended 32. So I quietly
went to City Garage in Addison and asked if they could put
the nitrogen in all 4 tires. It was 5:30 in the afternoon
and the place was busy. I really wanted to see what they
were all about. The service advisor said yes, it would take
about 15 minutes, and would be $7.50 per tire plus tax.
Off he went with my vehicle. 10 minutes later he was pulling
back up with it, and in the meantime checked with me twice
to tell me how it was coming. I was in no hurry really,
I was in their super clean waiting room using their free
WiFi.
I contacted their corporate office to first thank them and
second let them know that I was a huge fan of Nitrogen.
They told me all 16 of their DFW locations were able to
perform this procedure. I let them know I would be telling
CarGuy Show listeners.
Scott Morrison then offered to do it for CarGuy Show listeners
for $5 per tire, or $20 for all 4! That, my friends, is
a GREAT deal! All you have to do is tell the person who
helps you that the CarGuy sent you!
Proper tire pressure saves gas AND makes your tires last
longer and your car ride better. I checked my Escalade today
and all 4 tires are still sitting at 32 pounds. If you don't
check your tires weekly, I strongly suggest you get this
done on all your cars.
You can find the City Garage nearest you on their terrific
website: http://citygaragedfw.com
Many thanks to the good people of City Garage for doing
this for CarGuy Show listeners!
CAR MD: SPECIAL OFFER FOR CARGUY SHOW LISTENERS!
I've told you about a handy device I found called CarMD.
It is a diagnostic tool to tell you why your check engine
light is on or you can just plug it into your car and it
will spit out a report on your car's general health. It
will tell you things that will need your attention soon.
I have one myself and it is terrific!
The device is easy to use and including tax is $98. For
a limited time, CarGuy Show listeners get free shipping.
Just enter CarGuy in the discount code box on the order
page, it's that simple.
Order online at www.carmd.com or watch the demo here: http://www.carmd.com/Demo
MORE COOL NEW AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Ford Motor Company is introducing next year MyKey, a programmable
key that will allow parents to set the maximum speed of
80 miles per hour in your kid's car. In addition, you can
set the volume of the radio to a maximum level, you can
set it to chime when the car gets low on fuel, and you can
set it to chime every 6 seconds if your child is not wearing
his seatbelt.
GM's Onstar turned on yesterday a vehicle slowdown service
for stolen vehicles. Here's how it works: An Onstar subscriber
reports his vehicle stolen. Onstar finds the vehicle through
GPS and notifies the police department of the town the car
is in. When the police spot the car, Onstar will turn the
flashers on so the police know they have the right car,
and then slowly cut power to the engine, all the way down
to idle so the power steering and brakes continue to work.
This is going to save lives AND keep police officers safer
when they are in a chase.
BRAVO to both these items!
FOLLOW UP: HELP FROM YOUR TEXAS DRIVER'S LICENSE
Last week I told you that your Texas driver's license has
a phone number on the back, just above the bar code on the
lower left side: 1-800-525-5555.
A very loyal listener named Phil Herbst with the Texas Department
of Public Safety clarified some things for all of us. Here
is what he said:
The number 1-800-525-5555 is answered at the Texas DPS headquarters
Communications facility in Austin. If the caller is in an
area where TxDOT runs Courtesy Patrols such as Dallas, Fort
Worth, etc. the caller will be either connected to TxDOT
or a call will be placed for them for a TxDOT truck to come
out - if available. There is a misconception that we (DPS)
send out free wrecker service. If TxDOT is not available,
we will call a wrecker if requested, but the standard wrecker
service fee for the service called will be incurred by the
motorist.
A trooper will be sent by if requested in the areas we (DPS)
patrol i.e., rural roadways. For example, in our area -
Kaufman, Rockwall, Collin, Hunt., etc or other rural counties.
However, one of the more common calls we receive is to send
a trooper by to unlock a car with the keys locked inside.
Unfortunately, we can't help there - our troopers are not
equipped for that plus there is the possibility that we
might damage the lock mechanism - again we (and I would
assume TxDOT as well) would have to refer to a locksmith
or sending out a wrecker. We also don't take gasoline to
motorists out of gas - TxDOT will if in their area.
Historically that number was originally created (and used
by several other states as well) to provide a method for
the motoring public to report traffic accidents, DWIs, road
hazards, etc, but evolved into including requests for assisting
motorists by a policy change by the former Chief of Highway
Patrol George King (now deceased).
Dialing " *DPS " (Star D P S) on a cell phone
will reach the same place.
Thanks Phillip, that is GREAT info!
NEW PERSONALIZED PLATES AVAILABLE!
Hot pink license plates in the state of Texas? Can an orange
license plate be official? Well, what about purple? The
answer is yes!
The roads are a lot more colorful as My Plates, a new first-of-its-kind
program, takes off in Texas. My Plates debuted more than
20 new license plate designs in August, and now hundreds
of the new specialty plates are on cars all across the state,
prompting a lot of questions. My Plates' customers have
reported being stopped in grocery store parking lots and
at tailgate parties by people wanting to know whether the
plates are real and legal.
"It's a sign we've done our job well," said James
Power, president of My Plates. "State lawmakers charged
us with creating plates that would offer Texans more choices
for fun and self-expression through their cars. Our designs
are like nothing ever seen on Texas roads."
The new www.myplates.com website lets you create your own
personalized plate combination, check its availability and
order online. There's even a way to print out a paper copy
of the plate to test how it looks on your car.
My Plates is a Texas-based company chosen by the Texas Department
of Transportation (TxDOT) to handle the design, marketing
and sale of new specialty license plates.
This innovative public/private partnership is the first
of its kind in the country. It will give Texans more opportunities
to express their creativity while also generating new income
for the state. A portion of the sale of each plate will
go into the General Revenue Fund, which provides services
that benefit all Texans. The contract guarantees a minimum
of $40 million to the Fund over a five-year period.
Texas currently has the country's lowest percentage of drivers
with personalized license plates. Fewer than 1% of the 21
million vehicles registered in Texas have personalized plates.
The price of plates depends on the style and the level of
personalization. Plates are divided into three series: Custom,
Premium, and Luxury. Prices start at $95 a year, or from
less than $40 a year if you buy a ten-year term. Before
now, Texans had to renew specialty plates each year. With
My Plates, you can also choose a five or ten-year option.
My Plates will also offer gift certificates for its specialty
license plates, another unique aspect of the program.
Besides the exciting new designs, the key difference in
the new system is the ease of picking a plate, personalizing
it and completing the order. My Plates has developed a user-friendly
website (www.myplates.com ) and has added a professionally
staffed call center in Austin to handle orders through their
toll-free number, 877-769-7528 (877-7MYPLATES). On the site,
you can see all the color and design options and check availability
of a letter/number combination
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBER "SECRET WORD" CONTEST
This contest is only for the subscribers to the newsletter.
Sometime during the show, I will use the word CHEVETTE.
When you hear that word, the first person to call 817 695-0037
will win golf for two including cart at the new and refurbished
Eastern Hills Country Club in Garland. You'll want to be
sure to eat there too; they have a new Chef and he is putting
out some of the best food I have ever eaten!
Congratulations to Steve Daniel of Forney who knew last
week's word was Bonneville.
Here is the website to Eastern Hills: www.easternhillscc.com
LICENSE PLATE GAME: WIN AN OIL CHANGE FROM SAM
PACK!
The first person to correctly guess all 5 and email me will
win a free oil change from one of Sam Packs three Ford stores
(gas engines only).
1. XKWIZIT
2. YBNRML
3. MI3SUNZ
4. NANYMIN
5. YYUUUU
Answers from last week's puzzles:
1. 2M8OS-Tomatoes
2. QTPA2T-Cutie Patootie
3. MUDNYI-Mud in your eye
4. I12BUGU-I want to bug you
5. NIZ2CU-Nice to see you!
Congratulations to last week's winner, Krista Sleeper, the
first person to get all five correct AND at 5:32 AM!
GOOD LUCK!
AUTOMOTIVE VIDEO OF THE WEEK & 2010 CAMARO
ORDERING INFO
Jay Leno looks at the 2010 Camaro!
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=730502
Also, if you've been waiting for the new Camaro, Classic
Chevrolet is taking orders as of today! You can call rick
Hammonds at the Grapevine store, 817 421-7223 or Jason Jeffrey
at the Granbury store, 817 578-2227. As you probably know,
it is Classic's policy to never charge over MSRP for any
vehicle.
MY WEEKLY CH. 21 TV SEGMENT
I will not be on tonight because of the two hour segment
I did on Wednesday night. I will return next Friday as usual.
If you missed last week's talk about flood cars or would
like to see that beautiful Escalade hybrid I reviewed last
week, all you have to do is click here: http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=33196@ktvt.dayport.com
In fact, you can see 62 videos I have done this year, click:
http://tinyurl.com/jerrythecarguyseriesTHIS WEEK'S CARGUY
SHOW
We'll be in studio again this week and you'll get two hours
of straight talk and honest answers about everything automotive.
WBAP's call in number is 214 787-1820 from anywhere in the
Metroplex. Outside the DFW area, its 1 800 288-WBAP or #
820 if you are a Verizon user. If you would like to get
through on air, call EARLY. After the first segment of the
show, the lines fill completely and it's very difficult
to get through.
We would love it if you would take a moment and tell a friend
about the show. Most of our listeners tell us that they
never thought they would look forward to a show about cars.
You may have friends or relatives that feel the same way.
THANKS!
CARGUY COMMENTARY
I am going to tell you again to TURN THE NEWS OFF! The media
is having a FIELD DAY with the economic situation that is
going on. I will not try to tell you it is not serious,
it is. However, the media would have you believe it is the
end of the world because that keeps you watching. We live
in a very resilient country and there are some smart people
trying different things to turn this thing around, and I
have faith that will happen.
I was part of a two hour TV special Wednesday night. I represented
the auto industry, and there was a bankruptcy attorney,
a mortgage guy, financial planner, a psychologist, a head
hunter, and a relationship expert. We did no rehearsal before
hand, had no idea what people would ask by phone, email,
or live TV.
It was interesting to me that we all agreed during the show
that the best thing to do is NOT PANIC. Stay the course
and work hard, and everything is going to turn out OK. Fear
is a powerful emotion and it is gut-wrenching. But you have
to understand this is where TV ratings come from. The race
between the stations is who can make their story seem worse
than the competition's. And too many people fall into the
trap. Internet emails being passed around are not helping
either, most of them are false, but people keep passing
them around.
As far as the auto industry goes, I wanted people to know
that right now is actually a TERRIFIC time to buy a car.
There is plenty of money to lend, there are HUGE incentives
on just about everything, and the dealers are eager. That
is GREAT news for consumers! Gas is falling like a ROCK.
Unleaded is under $3 per gallon now in many places.
As I said Wednesday night, the dealers that have made a
living in the past marketing to the wrong crowd would be
the ones in trouble right now. For the vast majority of
car buyers, they will notice no change. If you have a low
credit score, the days of getting a brand new car with no
money down are gone but for most car buyers and listeners
to the CarGuy Show, you won't notice a thing.
So if you have been thinking about a car, NOW truly is a
good time to get a real deal. As always, let me know if
I can help you.
As we discussed last week, the good dealers will be fine.
And for the rest, they need to go away any way so the good
dealers can continue to grow healthy businesses.
Until next week, stay safe and DON'T WORRY YOURSELF SICK!
CarGuy
Jerry Reynolds
President, Car Guy Media
Office: (972) 755-7575
Fax: (972) 755-7599
THE STATE OF TEXAS PROGRAM TO GET OLD CARS OFF THE ROAD
As noted above, the program is in full swing and lots of
folks will be getting their vouchers for $3000 or $3500
and going to see our dealers to upgrade vehicles.
To apply by phone, here is the best number: 1 800 898-9103.
They will take all your information, ask you all the qualifying
questions, and then direct you to send the documentation
needed. Your voucher will then be mailed to you.
If you have not heard me talk about this on air, the idea
is to take older cars that put out more emissions off the
road and replace them with newer, less polluting cars. The
State has earmarked a pool of money, raised from inspection
sticker fees, to give you $3000 if you buy a newer car or
$3500 if you buy a hybrid car.
• The cars that are targeted are 1998 models and older
and gasoline powered. They must be running and they must
have had an inspection sticker in the last 15 months. They
also must have been registered for a year in one of the
eligible counties. It is important to note that there is
no limit on how old the car can be as long as it is a 1998
model or older.
• Eligible counties in North Texas are: Dallas, Tarrant,
Ellis, Rockwall, Collin, Denton, Parker, Johnson, and Kaufman.
• There are income requirements also, based on your
NET (or take home) income and based on the number of people
in your household. You will be required to prove your income
through check stubs, W2s, or tax returns. Here are the maximums
you can earn net to be eligible for the $3000 cash rebate:
Family of 1: $31,200. Family of 2, $42,000. Family of 3,
$52,800. Family of 4, $63,600. Family of 5, $74,400. Family
of 6, $85,200. Family of 7, $96,000. Family of 8, $106,800.
If your family is larger than that, add $10,800 for every
member over 8.
• You can buy a car, minivan or SUV that is a 2006
or newer model, and if it is a pickup, 2007 or newer. $25000
(after any factory rebates) is the maximum you can spend.
• Your old vehicle will be picked up by a salvage
yard for whatever recycling can be done, and then the vehicle
will be crushed.
Essentially, that is the program. Not all dealerships will
participate but most of our sponsors will. I have worked
with all our dealers to make sure they are TOTALLY up to
speed. I heard horror stories last year of dealers who screwed
the process up. One case ended up with the consumer NOT
getting their voucher at all. If you deal with one of our
dealers, you don't have to worry about that sort of thing
happening.
There has been $21 million allotted for the 8 counties in
North Texas. However, that money will go fast and once it
is gone, the program is over. Stay tuned to the show for
more updates and I will keep you posted through the newsletter
also. If you know anyone that has a 1998 or older vehicle
that would like to trade up and get $3000 from the State,
please pass this information on to them.
