Finding a Compact Car in Today’s Market

Even though today is a buyer’s market for cars, not all models are easily found, and when they are, they’re not easily discounted. While you can get 5-figures knocked off the price of a Hummer H2, and maybe even a Hummer H3 (it’s sitting on the lot over 200 days average), you can’t expect the same for the other end of the auto spectrum.

Getting a Discount on a Compact Car

While I must admit that your results will vary depending on your location and market, generally all small cars, such as the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Mazda3 and even domestics like the Chevy Aveo and the Korean Hyundai Accent are selling for MSRP. At best, but still possible, you can negotiate down close to dealer invoice on these vehicles, but again it really depends on your market.

For example, if you’re looking for a Mazda3 sedan or hatchback, you’ll have more luck in an area like mine where there are 4-5 nearby Mazda dealerships than in Nowhere, Pennsylvania where the closest dealer is 30 miles away. I can pit the salesman against each other because they know I can more easily travel to the competitor.

Meet the New Honda Prius…Wait, What?

Look at that photo and tell me what you see. If you’re like me, you see slightly restyled Toyota Prius. But we’d both be wrong; that’s not a Prius.

That’s the newly redesigned Honda Insight Hybrid.

Normally we hear about the Koreans copying designs from the Japanese, Americans or Germans for their new models, but now the Japanese are copying each other! Whodathunkit?

So basically Honda has restyled the Insight to no longer be super-efficient 2-door model (although from marketing shots, one should be available eventually). Rather, they’ve upgraded it to 4 doors and 5 passengers. Unfortunately, though, it sounds like it still won’t be a “true hybrid” where the car can run on the battery alone. Instead, it will continue to use Integrated Motor Assist like in the Civic to aid the electric motor at low speeds. The car will also shut off when idling as with other hybrids.

The Insight will be smaller, lighter and (hopefully) less expensive than the Civic Hybrid, but pricing isn’t out yet. The vehicle is expected to premier at the Paris auto show in October.

Buying a BMW? Buy now or spend more in 2009

First gas prices skyrocket and average Americans need to pinch pennies and forgo driving to save money. Now, even the rich (and wannabe-rich) are hurting. BMW has announced price increases across the board for the 2009 model year. So if you’re looking at getting a shiny new Bimmer with that fat bank loan, you might want to pick up a 2008 model and save anywhere from 1%-3%, depending on the model.

And what makes this worse is that most BMWs, except for the 3 series, remain the exact same in 2009 as they were in 2008. That means you’re simply paying more for the same car just because it has a ‘9′ in the model year instead of an ‘8′.

2009 BMW Base Prices:

Base MSRP pricing does not include $825 destination:

1 Series

2009 128i Convertible $33,800
2009 135i Convertible $39,900
2009 128i Coupe $29,200
2009 135i Coupe $35,600

10 Cheapest Cars to Own in 2008

Photo by Bruno Guerreiro

Well, the list is in and my Lamborghini didn’t make the list of the 10 cheapest cars to own by BankRate.com. I’m just as surprised as you are!

BankRate compiled the list based on 8 factors:

1. MSRP
2. Taxes and fees
3. Depreciation
4. Finance interest
5. Insurance
6. Fuel Cost
7. Maintenance
8. Repairs

Drumroll Please!

If you thought the cheap American Chevy Aveo was number 1, you’d be wrong!

Starting from a base price of $13,950, the Honda Fit comes out to about a $34,000 cost of ownership after 5 years. Heck that’s nearing what I paid for my Honda Ridgeline truck after tax, registration and extended warranties! Maybe I should have gotten a Fit.

HFC Auto Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

Screw BMW. Screw Mercedes. Screw Lexus and Audi. To us mere mortals, we perceive drivers with a shiny new Mercedes E class, or BMW 5-series as either flush with cash, or more likely, carrying long leases with heavy down payments just to barely afford that luxury. While you drive around in your flashy car with your cigar ablaze, I’m stuck in my crummy Honda. Not that I’m bitter or jealous or anything.

But not any longer. Now there’s a new luxury player in town. Are you ready for this? Get ready cause you won’t believe it. It’s the 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan! And it’s even rear-wheel drive!

Stop laughing. I know it’s a Hyundai. But this isn’t like when Volkswagen tried to shove a $60,000-110,000 über-sedan (the Phaeton) into the market, expecting people who buy those kinds of cars to want to mingle with the ones buying $15,000 Jettas. Why is it different? Well first, the Genesis starts at just $32,250. Want a V-8 engine? Tack on another $5k. That’s still half the price of the Phaeton (VW had to bump up the price into the $80ks to make up for currency exchange and other costs).