On June 18, 2012, in their “Money” section, Time published an article online entitled “4 Rules for Getting a Car Loan”. The author touches on some important tips that bear repeating. Some thoughts: If you plan on financing a car through a dealer, you should be aware of your credit before go. Review your credit…
The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and the North American Consumer Protection Investigators (NACPI) recently released findings of an annual survey they conducted based upon information from 38 state, county, and city agencies in 22 states across America. The agencies that provided complaint numbers for the survey received a total of 289,732 complaints last year….
Maybe the bailout was not such a bad idea? Now, thanks to the Obama administration, the US is home to the world’s largest auto maker, rather than the world’s largest bankruptcy. GM is reporting its largest profits ever now, and the US is a 500 million dollar shareholder.
JD Power indicates the number of lemons hitting California streets is decreasing. 25 of 32 brands improved their reliability scores. Toyota Yaris is the most reliable subcompact, the Prius was the most reliable compact, and the Toyota Tundra was the best pickup. Toyota’s recalls of more than 10 million cars for unintended acceleration began in…
An auto lenders trade group says it’s somewhat reassured by what staffers from the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are telling it. But they’re still anxious about how the new regulatory body will carry out its mandate. Last week, members of the American Financial Services Association met privately with bureau representatives during the AFSA Vehicle…
Automotive News reports on an alleged scam regarding lease turn-in charges for consumer vehicles and an ongoing court case. The case started with Ford Credit’s assessment of $2,658 for excess wear and use on a Windstar that a consumer leased from 2000 to 2003 through Ford Credit’s Red Carpet program. Ford Dealerships conducted lease-end inspections…
The Consumer’s Friend recently posted a story about a retired lawyer taking on Honda over mileage in small claims court. She’s won, for now. The Torrance Small Claims Court Commissioner ruled that American Honda Motor Co. misled the woman by claiming the hybrid could achieve as much as 50 miles per gallon, the Los Angeles…
California’s goal of 1.4 million zero-emission or plug-in vehicles on the road by 2025 is being debated at California’s Air Quality Board. Manufacturers including Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Group LLC, General Motors Co., and Nissan Motor Co, Ltd., in brief statements say they generally support the goal. Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy division of…
GM (which includes Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Opel, Vauxhall, and Holden) is on pace to sell more new cars than Toyota, Volkswagen or any other Japanese or European car manufacturers. Toyota and Honda, however, have had production hurt by the earthquake/tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster. New designs at Chevrolet and flood-damage in Japan may be…
Reports just came out in the Union Tribune that San Diego new car sales are up 15%. Over the past 15 months, at least five new car showrooms or lots have opened in San Diego County, including San Diego European Motorcars and Mini of San Diego in Kearny Mesa; Hoehn’s Jaguar/Land Rover and Bob Baker…
