Car Prices Blogs

2013 Chevy Malibu ECO

Have you been waiting for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu? Chevrolet has been on a roll since the Cruze was launched in 2011, and the new Malibu promises to be even better than the outgoing model.

Chevrolet is now offering the Chevrolet Malibu in ECO trim. The good? The Malibu ECO achieves 37mpg/highway by utilizing technology and advanced aerodynamics. The bad? The price. But we will get to that later.

For starters, the Malibu ECO has aero shutters that closes the air dam to create a more aerodynamic profile. The aero shutters are electronically activated to open again if the engine needs sufficient cooling (like driving in traffic, for example.)

But the Malibu ECO utilizes more than trick gadgetry to achieve phenomenal efficiency. The whole shape of the Malibu is partly responsible for the 37mpg rating. The bold exterior styling was created to provide beauty and substance in creating a smooth, aerodynamic shape. Even the tail lamps were designed to smoothly disperse the aero resistance of the car while travelling at speed.

Engine

The all new Chevrolet Malibu ECO is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder E-assist engine that generates 182hp. The engine is paired with a 15KW electric motor generator. The Malibu ECO is essentially a mild hybrid, utilizing the electric motor to store energy on lithium-ion batteries. The Malibu ECO has also a regenerative braking system that converts heat energy from the brakes to electrical energy. You never need to charge the batteries as the simple act of driving the car is enough to charge the batteries.

The Malibu ECO is rated at 25mpg city and 37mpg highway. The car uses the gasoline engine to accelerate and build up speed. When the car comes to a halt, the gasoline engine shuts down and the batteries take over to power the vehicle. The batteries can also provide a performance boost on demanding situations such as driving on a hill or during overtaking.

Fuel Economy

Imagine driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco with just a single tank of gas. That is approximately 580 highway miles. That is what it feels like to drive a car that is capable of 37 highway miles to the gallon.

Interior

The Chevrolet Malibu ECO has more room compared to the old car and still retains the dual-cockpit design theme on the interior. Ambient interior lighting gives the car a premium feel and the refined surfacing of the dashboard gives it an expensive and classy look. The Malibu ECO also has the Chevrolet MyLink System that uses voice command and a touchscreen to control the various functions and entertainment features of the car.

Safety

The chassis and the frame of the Chevrolet Malibu Eco was built for safety. The Malibu ECO comes standard with 8 airbags as well.

Price

Starting at $25,235 the Malibu ECO is not exactly cheap. But then again, it is not a normal car. You will have to wait for the other variants of the Chevrolet Malibu in the coming months, but with fuel prices reaching $4/gallon, it is hard not to take a look at what the Chevrolet Malibu has to offer.

It is difficult to ignore the popularity of the crossover vehicle. Despite rising demand for car-based SUV’s with an elevated driving position, many people are unaware of the difference between an SUV and a crossover vehicle.

Even car makers are trying to find ways on how to fuse the genuine toughness and off-road ability of an SUV with the comfortable cabin and easy to drive nature of a crossover. What is the difference between an SUV and a crossover?

The Difference between SUV’s and Crossover Vehicles

Take a look at the new Dodge Durango. Since it was launched in the American market in 1998, the Durango was always marketed as a midsize SUV, slotting between the full size behemoths and the compact crossovers.

Now, the Dodge Durango is a proper crossover vehicle. The difference is not in the design. It has nothing to do with the amount of equipment and standard features.

It is the chassis that truly defines a real SUV.

Crossover vehicles normally use the chassis derived from a sedan. This is most commonly called the unibody design. Engineers try to raise the ride height, give the car a bigger body and a revised suspension system. The Toyota RAV 4 is an example. The RAV 4 was derived from the chassis of the Toyota Corolla. The same can be said for the Honda CR-V and even the Mazda CX-9 (the CR-V gets the chassis of the Honda Civic, the CX-9 is derived from the chassis of the Mazda 6.)

Traditional car buyers who really want the toughness and off-road abilities of an SUV will settle for no less than a truck with a ladder frame chassis. The trouble with using a truck chassis when designing a crossover vehicle is the weight.

Tough trucks need all the muscle they can get to pull heavy loads and survive extreme off-road situations. Truck ladder frames are heavy and are designed for maximum strength.

Previous generations of the Dodge Durango were all based on the innards of a truck. The result is a tough and durable SUV with a combined fuel economy of 15mpg due to the weight penalty. The new Dodge Durango is able to accomplish a combined mileage of 19mpg, reaching up to 23mpg in highway driving.

Modern crossover vehicles need to provide the same amount of room, comfort, versatility, and practicality of a truck while consuming less fuel. In order to do this, car makers must find new construction techniques in order to fuse the attributes of an SUV (off-road ability) with the easy to drive nature of a conventional car.

J.D. Power vice president David Sargent has some good news for car buyers. He claims that “cars get better every year, but 2012 presents the biggest improvement despite the economic recession.“

Now is the best time to buy a new car. Competition is healthy for any type of business, as it prevents the top brands and marquees from being complacent. Instead of just being content with a car that has–for instance–more legroom, car makers are now making sure that their new models are sure to deliver customer satisfaction, both in the aspects of design, engineering, and safety.

The J.D. Power and Associates Annual Vehicle Dependability Study starts with surveying 31,000 car owners from the USA, mostly composed of 2009 model cars. The company then gathers information regarding the complaints that consumers had about their cars. Did you know that car owners experienced an average of 132 problems for every 100 brand new vehicles, in a span of three years of ownership?

Find the best deals and the lowest car prices in your zip code by requesting a free online quote. You will easily find the dealer invoice and true dealer cost of new cars, enabling you to pay less and save money.

Since we are talking about car prices, let us start with the basics. If you are considering a small and stylish car, then both the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle and the 2012 Hyundai Veloster are worthy candidates indeed.

The redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has retro cool looks while the Hyundai Veloster sports a more modern and upscale look. Both cars have almost the same price and cater to the same demographic of buyers. Both also shed some practicality for some added style, and both cars are extremely fun to look at and fun to drive.

VW Beetle

The VW Beetle starts at $18,995 in base trim, and the top end black turbo edition can breach past $24,950. Base models get standard equipment such as air conditioning, full power accessories, CD player, heated mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The base model Beetle is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that develops 170hp. A 5-speed manual transmission can be paired with the engine, but the six-speed remains a good option. Average fuel economy is 25mpg combined.

Hyundai Veloster

The Hyundai Veloster starts at $17,300 and offers a novelty that is absent on most sporty hatchbacks–it has a passenger-side rear door that improves the practicality of this sporty coupe. The Veloster does not belong to any specific category due to the presence of the third rear door, but it does add convenience without doing any harm to the flowing lines of the car.

The Veloster comes standard with tech gadgets such as Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, 6-speaker audio system with iPod connectivity, and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia interface. It also comes with full power accessories, LED exterior lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Hyundai’s Blue Link system.

Power comes courtesy of a 138hp 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. If you love steering mounted paddle shifts, then you should opt for the DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel economy is at an average of 32mpg in the combined cycle.

There you have it. The Volkswagen starts at a higher base price but the retro stylish looks comes at a price. The Veloster sparks the imagination at a lower base price, and it adds a ton of standard equipment to the already impressive price tag.

One thing is for sure, though: buyers who are considering the Beetle or the Veloster for their next car will turn heads, no matter where they go.

Learn the invoice price and the true dealer cost of the VW Beetle and Hyundai Veloster by requesting a free, no obligations price quote. This is an easy, no-cost way to know the latest car prices in your zip code.

Used car shoppers are in for a surprise: used car prices are steadily on the rise, and they show no signs of going down soon. In fact, prices are expected to rise by mid-2012.

The average price of a used car is up by as much as 1.8%, and is anticipated to rise as the year 2012 progresses.

Think that 1.8% is not enough? Consider the price of a used family sedan, one that is not more than 5 years old. The average price today is around $11,800. Back in 2009, the same car will only be sold at an average price of $10,300.

Considering the fact there are new cars which can be yours for around $12,000 or less, this further validates the claim that buying a new car is a wiser option.

Used Car Prices on the Rise: The Cause

It was not too long ago that the used car market was a haven for shoppers who wanted a decent car for less money. This was due to the fact automakers were constantly shoving new cars into showrooms. Car dealers were also giving marvelous incentives, cash backs, and discounts on new cars, hence making the deal even harder to resist. Customers were obligated to buy a new car and hurriedly traded in their old cars. The offers were just too hard to ignore.

When the financial crisis struck in late 2007 and early 2008, people held on to their old cars, which crippled the sales of new cars. Automakers reduced their production as no one wanted to take a loan on a new car during the recession.

The result? People who wanted a car bought used cars instead. The law of supply and demand takes over from this point. As the demand rises, so does the cost.

The economy is slowly recovering as we speak. There are now new cars that can be bought for as low as $10,000–brand new. Take the Nissan Versa, for example. The Versa earns the reputation for being the cheapest car sold in America today, with an MSRP that starts at $10,990 for the four door Versa sedan.

And then we have the Hyundai Accent, which starts at only $12,545. Although the base trim does not contain enough creature comforts to make it a justifiable bargain, remember that this is a brand new car, complete with the standard factory warranty.

Buying a used car is okay. Buying a new car, however, is better.

Request a free new car price quote

New car prices are subject to change depending on a variety of factors. This makes it hard to compare the cost of new cars.

We are here to provide you with a few simple tips on how to figure out which is the best car to buy.

Remember that buying a new car is similar to buying a laptop computer: what’s the use of spending close to $1,000 on a powerful gaming laptop if all you need is a portable computer for word processing duties?

It is the same with a car. Sure, you may have the means to buy an expensive luxury SUV but do you frequently carry more than 4 passengers? Do you live near an area where unpaved roads are considered civilized?

You need to be wise when it comes to buying a new car. In order to fully understand the logic behind comparing new car prices, let us use the base models of the Chevrolet Cruze and the Honda Civic.

Compare the Cost of New Cars

If you have a particular car in mind, you should compare the price with another car in the same trim model. This will make it easier which car offers the most standard equipment and safety features for the price. In this example, we will use the base model Cruze LS and the Civic DX.

Chevrolet Cruze LS

The Cruze LS is priced at $16,800. The LS comes equipped with a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine with 138hp. Standard equipment includes a 6-speed manual transmission, 10 airbags, stability and traction control, OnStar, Sirius satellite radio, air conditioning, and Bluetooth.

Honda Civic DX

The Civic DX is priced at $15,805. The DX comes equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 140hp. Standard equipment includes a 5-speed manual transmission, stability control, front-seat and side curtain airbags, power windows, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

Summary

It is easy to see that the Cruze LS is more expensive than the Civic, but it does offer more standard equipment for the price. The base model Civic DX does not come with air conditioning or satellite radio.

The Civic does offer more power, but the Cruze offers a bigger body, hence a roomier interior.

Which car should you buy? The Civic is an industry leader in terms of reliability, but the Cruze is proving to be a solid and well-built car as well.

This will all depend on your personal preference. If you prefer comfort, space, and refinement in a compact car then paying the extra money for the Chevrolet Cruze makes a lot of sense.

If you are a first time car buyer and would prefer a sporty driving demeanor with the durability of a tank, then the Honda Civic is the right car.

Want to see the complete lineup of new car prices in your area? Request a free price quote, and you will find it easier to determine which car brings the best value for your money.

General Motors CEO Daniel Ackerson has every reason to smile in the year of the Dragon. His company General Motors, after filing for bankruptcy three years ago, is now back as the world’s top automaker, surpassing the global sales of Toyota and Volkswagen and earning $8.1 billion in profits for 2011.

The GM News website made the announcement last January 19,2012. Chevrolet is largely attributed for pushing back General Motors to #1, with global sales reaching 4.76 million vehicles all over the globe.

However, the surge back to #1 is somewhat expected. Who can forget the ugly stigma of the Toyota recalls involving brake pedal and accelerator pedal problems? Japanese car maker Toyota, who has been in the #1 spot since 2008, claims to have sold around 7.9 million vehicles globally. The recent flooding in Thailand and the disastrous effects of the tsunami and earthquake incidents in Japan are all factors that prevented Toyota from selling more automobiles than GM.

The truth is, GM’s rise back to #1 is not merely by chance. For example, when the Chevrolet Cruze was launched in 2009, it was the compact car that shattered public perception on what a compact car should truly be. The Cruze is bigger and wider that your average compact, and it also had an attractive interior, making you feel like you are driving a more expensive car.

GM sold more than 670,000 units of the Chevrolet Cruze worldwide, with a total of 1.13 million sold since the launch in 2009. This alone is proof of the fact that consumers are growing tired of the familiar compact variety. Chevrolet has done its homework, and there are no signs of slowing down.

The Chevrolet Sonic is slated to follow in the success of the Cruze. There is a lot to love about the Chevrolet Sonic, and this goes beyond the $13,865 base price. The Sonic is light and nimble to drive, and also easy on the eyes. It too has a simple yet high tech interior, and is built to withstand the rigors of time.

More than 60% of Chevrolet sales are from outside the United States. This makes Chevrolet a true global brand. Asia and the rest of the world have warmed up to the Chevy bow tie brand. China, in particular, is the second largest market for Chevrolet cars next only to the United States.

What this does all mean to the car buyer? Will numbers bring justice to the truth? The answer is a big YES!

Chevrolet and GM have learned a lot from Toyota. Volkswagen is hot on the trail of the world’s #1 automaker for 2012. This is going to be an interesting battle.

Remember that quality competition is good for the business. As global car makers strive to become #1, car buyers reap the benefits in the long run.

How?

By taking ownership of the most brilliant, well made, well engineered, practical, and high performing new cars.

We first presented you with a list of the 3 most affordable midsize cars that you can buy today.

We now present to you the overall list of the 5 best midsize sedans, which, not surprisingly, includes the three cars that were mentioned in our previous post.

It was not too long ago that the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord was the default choice when looking for the best midsize car.

The 2012 Toyota Camry has been improved for more comfort and livelier handling. The Honda Accord, in the meantime, retains the title of the most reliable midsize sedan according to J.D. Powers and Associates.

Now is the best time to buy a new family car. If you have your eyes fixed on either a new Camry or Accord, you should take the time to check out the best midsize cars of 2012, based on price, value, and performance.

Best Midsize Cars of 2012

1. Suzuki Kizashi

The Suzuki Kizashi is an underdog in the midsize segment. It is included in our list because it delivers the handling characteristics of a more expensive car. The Kizashi also offers an available AWD system along with a pleasantly engineered and refined interior.

2. Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai is clearly aiming for world dominance with the new Sonata.Starting at less than $20,000, the Sonata delivers inspired looks, a fuel efficient line of engines, and more standard kit compared to other cars in the segment. The Sonata is also spacious, comfortable, and engaging to drive as well.

3. Ford Fusion

The new Ford Fusion posts a big threat to the dominance of Toyota and Honda in the automotive market. The Fusion offers everything that a car buyer will want in an affordable midsize car–maybe offering a bit more than expected. The Fusion makes use of powerful yet efficient gasoline engines and is even offered as a hybrid model as well.

4. Kia Optima

Do you still have doubts about the build quality, reliability, and refinement of Kia cars? Have no fear. Parent company Hyundai is here to make sure that all Kia cars follow the same level of reliability similar to Hyundai cars. The Optima is loosely based on the current Hyundai Sonata platform and gives the driver a more affordable approach towards luxury cruising.

5. Mazda 6

The Mazda 6 deserves your undivided attention especially if you are looking for a sporty family car. Few people will argue that the crisp styling cues of the Mazda 6 makes it the perfect choice for young urban warriors who like the comfort and space of a bigger family car. The Mazda 6 offers an exquisite interior for the price and offers marginal amounts of legroom both in the front and the rear seats.

We will continue to provide you with a list of the best cars to buy for 2012. If you want to find out the latest car prices of the best midsize sedans stated above, then you can do no better than to ask for a free online price quote, courtesy of CompetingCarPrices.com.

The 2012 Tesla Model S is a car that deserves to succeed. Tesla recently announced the pricing for all the trim models of the all-new Model S, and everything seems fine from the looks of it.

Tesla provides a unique alternative to other vehicles in the market today. If you have doubts about the efficiency and range of modern electric cars then the Model S will definitely surprise you.

Tesla Model S Introduction

Let’s keep it simple: the Tesla Model S is an all electric luxury sedan. It has the design aspirations of an Aston Martin from the front and the Jaguar XF in the back. In short, it is a very pretty sight. Viewed from the exterior alone, one cannot tell that the Model S makes do without a normal gasoline-fed engine under the hood.

The Model S is the epitome of electric car performance with a practical twist. The Model S provides cavernous amounts of interior room for five full sized American adults. It also comes with the option of 2 rear-facing child seats. That gives it a total passenger capacity of seven people.

Tesla Model S Pricing

The Model S with the 40kWh battery is priced at $49,900. This battery is able to give an estimated range of 160 miles at a speed of 55mph and enables the car to hit from 0 to 60mph in 6.5 seconds. Gorgeous 19-inch wheels and the 17-inch touchscreen vehicle information display also come standard.

The Model S with the 60kWh battery is priced at $59,900. Expect a maximum range of 230 miles and a 0 to 60 run of 5.9 seconds.

The 85kWh battery option will set you back $69,900. Range is extended to 300 miles and a 0 to 60mph run of 5.6 seconds. Top speed is pegged at 125mph.

The Model S Performance package is priced at $79,900. This trim model utilizes the same 85kWh battery that produces 435hp and sprints from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds.

The Tesla Model S Signature package offers luxurious Nappa leather interior and active air suspension. Rounding out the list is the Model S Signature Performance trim for $97,900.

All the latest car prices for the Tesla Model S are after a $7,500 federal tax credit.

The Toyota Camry is still one of the most capable midsize sedans in the market today. However, the competition is slowly catching up in all aspects of the trade, including on-road performance and price.

The market is now literally brimming with choices if you want a midsize sedan. The 3 best and most affordable midsize sedans for 2012 are those that deliver style, comfort, and substance at a very friendly price. Now is the best time to choose a family car!

The 3 Best and Cheapest Midsize Sedans for 2012

1. Ford Fusion

Base price: $20,200

The Ford Fusion is a perfect blend of everything that is deemed pleasant in a family car. The Fusion has clean styling cues that is not too sporty nor is too conservative, either. It provides ample seating for five people and provides a lot of room for cargo as well. The Ford Fusion also delivers a smooth and pleasant ride while still allowing the driver to relish the responsiveness of the chassis and the steering. In short, the Fusion is spacious, fun to drive, well equipped, and starts at only $20,200.

2. Hyundai Sonata

Base price: $19,695

Wondering why Hyundai cars are slowly gaining ground in the highly competitive automotive market? The Hyundai Sonata is just one of the brilliant cars in the Hyundai lineup and starts at just $19,695. Many experts are saying that the Sonata is a serious contender in the midsize sedan category and is even capable of outclassing top contenders such as the Honda Accord and, yes, the Toyota Camry as well. The Sonata delivers a roomy and spacious interior, inspired levels of performance, and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

3. Suzuki Kizashi

Base price: $18,999

Why is Suzuki building a midsize sedan? Why not? The Kizashi is one of the sportiest and most dynamic sedans that money can buy. Starting at a low base price of $18,999 and available with the option of all-wheel drive (AWD), the Kizashi offers European inspired looks and the handling capabilities of a more expensive sports sedan. The interior is made from high quality an durable materials that will never look out of place in an entry level luxury car. The Kizashi delivers plenty of bang for the buck.

Keep in mind that car prices will vary according to your zip code. When searching for the perfect family car, the 3 best and cheapest midsize sedans should certainly be on top of your shopping list.