Car Prices Blogs - January, 2012

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.