Which automakers provide free car maintenance?
Cars are not cheap (duh), but some automakers make the ownership experience less painful for the first few years. Automakers like BMW and Land Rover provide free car maintenance for up to 4 years, and that could be the deciding factor for a number of shoppers choosing from the luxury brands on the market.
Car Brands Offering Free Maintenance
BMW
BMW calls its maintenance plan “BMW Ultimate Service” which goes for the first 4 years of ownership, or the first 50,000 miles. Here is some info about the plan (from the BMW website):
- BMW Maintenance Program: One of the most comprehensive maintenance programs in its class covering all factory-recommended maintenance, oil service and fluid service, as well as items that need replacement due to normal wear and tear - such as brake pads, brake rotors and wiper blade inserts.
- Four years of the BMW Assist™ Safety Plan: Many 2007 and later models include a four-year, unlimited mileage subscription to the BMW Assist™ Safety Plan including TeleService, an exclusive BMW benefit which allows your vehicle to contact your BMW center directly when it needs service or maintenance.
Ford canceling Taurus X and Mercury Sable
Although recently named one of the safest cars in the U.S., the Mercury Sable is on the chopping block at Ford, along with its stablemate, the Taurus X crossover. Both are pinned to the Ford Taurus (previously called the Ford FiveHundred), which is being redesigned.
Neither the X nor the Sable have had much success in the marketplace, even though the Sable has received pretty high accolades (for safety, pricing and comfort). However, the public just didn’t like the Sable’s bland styling, and Ford is introducing the next generation of the Taurus in the spring.
The Taurus X is being phased out in place of the new Ford Flex, which is admittedly a much better vehicle, even if its boxy styling is a bit controversial.
Personally, in my opinion the Sable was a slightly better-looking vehicle than the Taurus, but both are pretty boring to look at and drive. Ford didn’t advertise the Taurus/Sable/Taurus X nearly as much as the Fusion, and thus sales suffered.
Did Detroit Oversell?
Apparently the Big Three U.S. automakers (Ford, GM and Chrysler) are finding out their business plan over the last few years wasn’t much of a plan at all. By pushing cars, trucks and vans to millions of Americans who couldn’t actually afford them, they created their own “auto bubble”.
CNN published an article today title “Pop goes the market: Detroit’s auto bubble woes” that chronicles the numerous mistakes Detroit made in offering 0% financing (among other creative financing options) plus huge rebates and cash back offers. Not only did the strong sales make the automakers think they were on the right track, it also caused them to make some risky deals with the UAW that they can no longer live up to thanks to the down economy:
The strong sales also allowed General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler LLC to generate healthy profits, which led them to agree to contracts with the United Auto Workers union that they ultimately couldn’t afford over the long-haul.
HFC Test Drive: 2009 Acura TL
I have a special place in my heart for the Acura TL. Back in 2001, I laid my hands on a brand new 2002 Acura TL Type S. The regular TL had been around for years, but Honda decided to pump up the engine, throw on some different wheels and seats, and call is Type S (for “Screaming”). I got an Aegean Blue Pearl with black leather interior, which I still think is the best color option to-date on the TL.
After 4 years of racing around local roads and highways, I had to hang up the driving gloves and sunglasses and trade in the TL for a pickup. I was a homeowner now, with grand visions of hauling tons of stuff for home improvements. And now 2.5 years into being a truck driver, and with an entire version of the TL come and gone, I felt it was time to check out the newest offering from Acura: the 2009 Acura TL.
10 Most Decadent Car Options
Ok, so you think your $100 all-weather mats or $2,000 navigation unit upgrades are pricey. Check out this list from Car and Driver of the 10 most expensive (and truly decadent) vehicle options:
Here’s my take:
10. BMW Comfort Access: $500-$1000. I don’t understand why it’s so expensive. Our Chevy Malibu had remote start for like $100-150 extra (even on the base model), and our VW Passat, MINI Cooper and Honda Ridgeline all roll down their windows via the key remote (just hit unlock twice and hold it down on the second press). It wasn’t an extra option at all, it just does it.
9. Porsche Customized Leather List:$365 for leather-covered vent slats: Why do you need leather on your vents? Why don’t you just ride a cow around the track?
8. Mercedes Benz Designo Interior: $12,015 for the Designo interior. Although you may think velour floor mats are ridiculous because they would get ruined with rain and snow, you’re right. But 12-large for a designer leather interior? Makes the Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer option look like a steal!
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