Lauren Fix, The Car Coach offers Car-Ma

Automotive Ambush #4 - Lauren Fix, Auto Expert

2012-01-23T20:22:00.000-08:00

It's Winter outside - Are you ready for winter? We went to Buffalo NY at the Walden Galleria Mall to see if drivers are ready for cold weather. Lauren Fix ambushes drivers in Buffalo, NY.

aired: January 2, 2012

The Car Care Council offers a FREE car care guide at: www.carcare.org

MORE INFO AT: www.laurenfix.com

Special Thanks to: The Weather Channel

Car Coach Report- Your Car is Old

2012-01-23T04:20:00.000-08:00

1-20-12

YOUR CAR IS OLD EDITION

New cars in the U.S. may be getting better gas mileage than they used to, but that doesn't necessarily mean the vehicles on the road are a whole lot more fuel efficient, overall. That's because more and more of us are driving older cars and light-duty trucks.

It was reported this week that the average age of cars in the U.S. is 10.8 years. That’s pretty old!

The average age of the approximately 240 million light-duty vehicles on U.S. roads has risen about 12 percent in the past five years, according to automotive data research firm Polk. The average car or light truck on the road last year was 10.8 years old, up from a 9.7-year average in 2006. Cars were, on average, 11.1 years old in 2011, while trucks were 10.4 years old, Polk said.The age increase reflects how consumers cut back on new-vehicle purchases during the most recent economic downturn. Americans bought almost 13 million new vehicles last year, down from an annual rate of about 16 million a decade ago, but up from about 10 million during the depths of the recession. Such longer ownership spells good news for repair shops and sellers of aftermarket auto components, but not for overall fuel economy. The average new vehicle in 2000 got about 12 percent lower fuel economy than vehicles sold during the 2010 model year, the most recent tracked by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

There’s no doubt that the depressed economic situation is causing owners to hold on to their cars longer, forcing them to drive around in non-warranteed vehicles that likely cost them a bundle in repairs and maintenance, not to mention gas since older cars are less fuel efficient.

With this in mind, I pose the following question: When is the right time to get rid of your car and buy a new one? Some will say they will hold on to their cars forever while others can’t stand the thought of owning a car more than three years old.

The answer: Well, there really isn’t a right answer. But I can tell you that once your car starts costing more than a few thousand a year in repairs, it’s probably a good idea to ditch it. Don’t keep spending good money after bad hoping that your car will miraculously stop breaking down soon. Once it starts going downhill, it usually keeps going downhill causing a giant money pit in your driveway.

A new transmission here, an A/C repair there, new CV joints, new brake rotors…it all adds up very quickly and there’s likely a lot more on your car that can break down than you think.

At some point you have to ask yourself if repairing an older car that is rapidly decreasing in value is worth it. Can you really afford to break down on a busy freeway? How about if there are kids in your car?

Saab’s U.S. arm will be liquidated

The administrator handling Saab Cars North America’s finances told creditors last week that the company will be liquidated.

“We notified creditors that it is our opinion that there is no way to salvage the company,” said Jim McTevia, of McTevia & Associates, the administrator appointed to operate the U.S. distribution arm.

Parent company Saab Automobile filed for liquidation Dec. 19 in a Swedish bankruptcy court. Saab Cars North America suspended operations that day.

Saab Cars North America “laid off probably 80 percent of the employees” on Jan. 13, said McTevia.

He said he is seeking a buyer for the U.S. parts distribution business, which he described as the only meaningful asset.

Tim Colbeck, president of Saab Cars North America, expects a buyer for the parts business will be found by the end of February. “There still will be a market for parts,” Colbeck said. "The question is whether there will be a U.S. distributor for parts.”

Saab attracts several potential bidders, receivers say

Chinese group Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile could make a fresh bid in the coming week, sources have told Reuters. The receivers for bankrupt carmaker Saab said they are are talking with several possible bidders and would like to sell the Swedish company as a whole, but there have been no formal bids yet.

Brightwell Holdings, a Turkish private-equity firm, has said it plans to bid for Saab.

Indian utility vehicle maker Mahindra and Mahindra is also interested in Saab, Swedish newspaper Dagens Industri has reported.

"We have had discussions with a number of interested parties. Some of them are interested in the factory as a whole and some of them are interested in parts of it," Hans Bergvist, one of the receivers, told Reuters in a telephone interview on Saturday.

"There have been no formal bids," added fellow receiver Anne-Marie Pouteaux.

Neither Bergvist nor Pouteaux would name any of the parties interested in buying Saab or parts of it.

"We do have an objective to sell a totality (of Saab)," Pouteaux said.

General Motors, which still licenses technology to Saab, blocked earlier rescue efforts, saying it did not want to help competitors.

Saab was declared bankrupt in December after rescue efforts by its former owner, Swedish Automobile, failed.

Saab hit a crisis point early last year after its 2010 sales fell short of targets. It was forced to idle its production line in April after supplier's suspended parts shipments, and it has not made a car since then.

Sources: Reuters and Bloomberg

Barrett- Jackson Auction - Phoenix, AZ - Results

We've been busy covering Barrett-Jackson this week, but there are plenty of other auctions going on in Scottsdale as well. One of those is Gooding & Company, which has been selling some pretty incredible cars. Perhaps the most significant is this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, which is just one of 29 built with an aluminum alloy body.

Standard 300SL Gullwing prices can exceed millions of dollars, so this particular example was expected to sell for anywhere between $2,500,000 and $3,000,000. These alloy 300SL Gullwings come up for sale infrequently, though, which is perhaps why the final bid of $4.2 million was so high. With auction fees, the final selling price of the 300SL was an incredible $4.62 million, a new record for this car.

1948 Tucker Torpedo Saturday Lot #5008

January 19, 2012

Preston Tucker’s automobile company, the Tucker Corp. of Chicago, built only 51 of its three-headlight, rear-engined Torpedos. One of those 51 American classics is being offered at a Barrett-Jackson auction for the first time in a decade.

As if Tuckers weren’t highly prized by car collectors on their own merit, they have become symbols of American culture since the debut of the 1988 c movie, “Tucker: The Man and His Dream,” starring Jeff Bridges as the automotive innovator.

“The movie created a great deal of awareness,” said Barrett-Jackson’s Vice President of Consignment Gary Bennett, who at one time or another has owned three of those 51 Tuckers.

Bennett said the car’s desirability is partly the result of movie lore, partly because so few were built, and partly because of the car’s amazing architecture and well beyond state-of- the-art safety features.

He added that the car’s innovation goes beyond such obvious things as the rear-mounted engine or the big Cyclops’ headlamp. There are nuances as well.

The final bid came in at an impressive $2,650,000.

Some Chevy dealers spurn Volt allocation

2012-01-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

Some Chevy dealers spurn Volt allocation

GM cites concern over fire investigation

GM had hoped to sell about 10,000 Chevy Volts last year. The actual figure: 7,671.

Mike Colias
Automotive News -- January 23, 2012 - 12:01 am ET

Add a comment

DETROIT -- Some Chevrolet dealers are turning down Volts that General Motors wants to ship to them, a potential stumbling block as GM looks to accelerate sales of the plug-in hybrid.

Dealers took just 31 of them, the lowest take rate for any Chevy model in that market last month. That group of dealers ordered more than 90 percent of the other vehicles they were eligible to take, the source said.

For example, consider the New York City market. Last month, GM allocated 104 Volts to 14 dealerships in the area, according to a person familiar with the matter.

In Clovis, Calif., meanwhile, Brett Hedrick, dealer principal at Hedrick's Chevrolet, sold 10 Volts last year. But in December and January he turned down all six Volts allocated to him under GM's "turn-and-earn" system, which distributes vehicles based on past sales volumes and inventory levels.

GM's "thinking we need six more Volts is just crazy," Hedrick says. "We've never sold more than two in a month." Hedrick says he usually takes just about every vehicle that GM allocates to him.

GM spokesman Rob Peterson confirmed that "dealer ordering is down" for the Volt. He said many dealers have been waiting for resolution of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's investigation into the risk of fires in the car's battery pack. Last year three packs caught fire in the days or weeks following government test crashes.

This month GM announced a voluntary repair aimed at protecting the battery pack. And last week NHTSA said it has closed its investigation, concluding that the battery pack poses no significant fire risk.

"There's a lot of misinformation that has swirled over the past month," Peterson said. "Dealers are kind of waiting for things to settle down."

Hedrick and other dealers say that their GM zone reps aren't pressuring them to take more Volts. "They haven't jammed us," he says. "I think they'll just give them to somebody else."

Industry insiders are closely watching sales of the Volt and Nissan Leaf as barometers of market demand for electric vehicles. Several other automakers are set to launch EVs this year.

At the Detroit auto show this month, GM executives said they wouldn't chase a previous Volt production target set for 2012 -- 60,000 units, three-quarters of which would be for U.S. sales -- and vowed simply to build as many as customers want.

GM sold 7,671 Volts in the United States in 2011, short of its 10,000-unit target. It launched the car in seven key markets starting in late 2010, but didn't begin a national rollout until this past autumn.

"We haven't satisfied demand," GM North America President Mark Reuss said on the sidelines of the Detroit show. He said GM will be able to gauge Volt demand by sometime in the second quarter.

Many dealers say they no longer have customers waiting in the wings

One East Coast Chevy dealer said he agreed to take all five of the Volts that GM allocated to him this month, even though he has seen a "huge dropoff" in customer interest.

"I probably should have taken only one," he said. "Sometimes as a dealer you choose to do things that are good for the company. I believe in the car."

The sales staff at Ourisman Rockmont Chevrolet near Washington, D.C., sold 19 Volts last year. General Manager Dug Dugger says "there are more buyers out there."

He's about to find out. Last week he had 18 Volts en route to his dealership.

Dugger says: "I'm not about to run scared until I have a feel for what the appetite is."

You can reach Mike Colias at mcolias@crain.com.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20120123/RETAIL07/301239977#ixzz1kG2iQqkV

The Car Coach: 2012 Toyota Prius V - YNN, Your News Now

2012-01-19T21:25:00.000-08:00

The Car Coach: 2012 Toyota Prius V - YNN, Your News Now

LINK : 2012 Toyota Prius V

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

The 2012 Toyota Prius V gives buyers a larger, more family-friendly alternative to the standard Prius hatchback. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.

Make/ Model: 2012 Toyota Prius V
MPG: 44 city/40 hwy mpg
Engine: 1.8L 4-cyl. hybrid engine- 134 hp. The Prius V is available only as a gas-electric hybrid.
Price: starts from $26,400

The 2012 Toyota Prius V is an all-new wagon based on the standard Prius. Toyota says that the “V” in Prius V stands for “versatility. “

The Prius V wagon has four doors and a lift gate. Inside is a traditional center bin, armrest, and center stack that gives easy access to trays, cup holders, and full color navigation and stereo systems.

My test drive north of NYC proved that the Prius V was perfect for that everyday commute. Simply tap the Prius V’s Power mode button and you get the extra passing power you need.

The Prius V comes in three different models. Model Two comes with standard features including:
•Keyless access system
•Push-button start
•iPod/USB-compatible stereo
•Automatic climate control
•16-inch alloy wheels
•Backup camera
•Tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth, and climate controls in the steering wheel plus voice-activated navigation controls.

The Three and Five Models offer the following additional features:
•Entune cloud based infotainment system.
•One of two navigation systems
•Heated faux-leather seats
•Panoramic transparent roof
•JBL stereo

Options:
•Adaptive cruise control
•Self-parking system
•Toyota's Safety Connect telematics service, similar to GM's OnStar

A fully loaded Prius V tops out at $35,000.

Competes with:
•Ford Escape Hybrid
•VW Jetta Sport Wagon Diesel
•Chevy Volt
•Honda Insight

Likes:
•Great fuel economy
•Large trunk capacity
•Quiet and comfortable ride
•Plenty of head and legroom
•Clean, modern design in and out
•Entune infotainment system

Dislikes:
•Awkward driving position
•Disappointing interior materials
•Busy gauge cluster

The 2012 Prius V offers the ideal combination of fuel economy and interior space but lacks the power you may need. Still, it offers all the technology and safety options you could want.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

2012-01-18T18:29:00.000-08:00

01/10/2012 05:00 AM

LINK: The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

If you’re interested in a SUV that can drive off-road and still provide all the daily comforts, here’s one car to consider. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, has a closer look at the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo.

Make/ Model – 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
MPG – 17 city/23 hwy mpg
Engine - 3.6L V6 flex-fuel or
Optional 5.7L V8 engine
Price – starts at $26,995

Standard/ Options:
•4-wheel drive
•MP3 Player
•Side/Curtain Airbags
•Stability and Traction Control
•Navigation System (Optional)
•Bluetooth (Optional)
•iPod input (Optional)
•Satellite radio (Optional)

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is a mid-sized SUV that offers rugged off-road capability with a well-trimmed and roomier interior, powerful V6 engine, and a more refined performance and ride.

This Grand Cherokee still upholds its reputation for off-road competence, offering an optional adjustable air suspension ("Quadra-Lift") that can vary the ride height from 6.6 inches for easy passenger and roof rack loading, to 10.7 inches for serious off-road work. Additionally, a drive-mode selector ("Selec-Terrain") can tailor the suspension for specific types of terrain.

The Grand Cherokee is available in two-wheel and four-wheel drive configuration with four trims levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland, and SRT8.
Inside, the Jeep Laredo offers adaptive cruise control, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated leather seats, heated steering wheel, power liftgate, rear seat DVD entertainment system, and a rear parking camera. A multimedia infotainment system with 30-gigabyte hard drive navigation system, and UConnect wireless connectivity is also available.

For 2012, a new SRT8 trim has been added, featuring a 5.7-litre V8 engine, six-speed automatic, unique front and rear fascias, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes, and real carbon fiber interior accents.

Competes with:
•Chevrolet Equinox LTZ
•GMC Terrain SLT
•Ford Edge
•Hyundai Santa Fe
•Nissan Pathfinder
•Honda Pilot
•Toyota 4Runner

Likes:
•Luxury levels of interior comfort
•Legendary off-road capabilities
•Plenty of rear-seat space

Dislikes:
•Poor fuel economy
•High base price
•Dated five-speed transmission

With its on-road refinement, well-trimmed cabin, and legendary off-road ability, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a fully competitive midsize SUV.

The Car Coach: History of the gas pump

2012-01-18T18:21:00.000-08:00

01/12/2012

The Car Coach: History of the gas pump

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

In 1900 there were 20 million horses and only 4,000 cars in the United States. Stables and blacksmith shops stood where we have gas stations today.

Before the automobile, gasoline was sold in hardware stores, often out of a barrel. The way that gasoline was sold changed to accommodate the growing number of car owners. The new market for gas and consumer desire to buy gas more easily soon led to a landscape dotted with gas stations-more than 200,000 by 1935.

On September 5, 1885, the first gasoline pump was manufactured by Sylvanus Bowser of Fort Wayne, Indiana and delivered to Jake Gumper, also of Fort Wayne. The gasoline pump tank had marble valves and wooden plungers and had a capacity of one barrel of gasoline.

These filling stations allowed consumers to pull off of the street and out of traffic in order to refuel their automobiles. This new architectural form - with the buildings away from the street - became standard for gas stations. This model was later adopted by other businesses that catered to car-driving consumers by advertising plentiful parking spaces.

2012 VW Golf TDI: Teen Car Review- Car Coach 2.0

2012-01-18T11:29:00.000-08:00

Check out the new 2012 VW Golf TDI Test Drive & Car Review
Host: Shelby Fix, The Car Coach 2.0

The Car Coach: Fixing frozen locks - YNN, Your News Now

2012-01-18T11:22:00.000-08:00

The Car Coach: Fixing frozen locks - YNN, Your News Now

The Car Coach: Fixing frozen locks

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

No matter where you live, when the temperatures get cold, it’s easy for your car door locks to freeze. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, has some tips to make sure you don’t get stuck outside.

No matter where you live, when the temperatures begin to drop, there’s a chance that you will find a frozen car door lock. Plan your attack on frozen locks in advance, before you get stuck out in the cold.

The first thing you should do when encountering a frozen door is to try accessing the car through other doors, or the rear hatch if necessary. Jump in, start the engine, and let it run for several minutes. It won’t take long for your car to heat up and thus warm the locks on all the doors.

Here are some other quick thawing solutions:

Things You'll Need:

• Matches or lighter
• Hair dryer
• Toilet paper tube or straw
• Lock de-icer
• WD-40

1. ?Heat your key. Sometimes a frozen lock needs a little warmth to get the tumblers moving. Wearing thick gloves, carefully use a match or lighter to heat your key and then insert it into the lock. The heat will melt ice inside the lock and allow you to unlock the door. WARNING: Modern key fobs contain computer chips that are easily damaged. Unless you have a single key, this is NOT a good option.

2.? Keep a straw or toilet paper tube handy during winter months. In the event that your lock freezes, place the tube over the lock and warm it with your breath. This technique may look silly, but it works. Your breath can be all that it takes.

4.? Using a hair dryer to heat the key or the lock itself is another good option, but finding an electrical outlet nearby can be a problem. You’ll need a long extension cord or a portable hair dryer if your car isn't within reasonable range of an outlet.??

5. Prevent your locks from freezing by keeping a can of de-icer or WD-40 on hand and spraying your locks at the end of the day. Since most frozen door locks are the result of condensation inside the tumblers, de-icer will help keep the condensation from freezing. You can find de-icer in most hardware and automotive stores or in gas stations and convenience stores during the winter months.??

Warning:
NEVER pour hot water over your lock. This will increase the amount of water inside the lock and result in future frozen locks.

If you think that using a remote is the best solution, think again; doors freeze shut too.

One final tip: cover a rag with baking spray and wipe the weather strip (rubber door seal) in the evenings to prevent your door from sticking in the morning.

THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW 1-6-12

2012-01-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

THE CAR COACHREPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW

January 6, 2012

DETROIT AUTO SHOWPREVIEW EDITION

The first, the biggest and themost important auto show of the year is upon us: The North American International Auto Show inDetroit. This is the show where the automanufacturers pull out all the stops and introduce their new models for theupcoming year or so. This is the make itor break it show where car makers are judged by the media and the public to seeif they have what it takes to compete. This is the show that thousands endure the cold for, including me, tosee shiny new sheet metal, the latest technologies, and the hottestconcepts. This is Detroit and it meansbusiness.

Here are some of my favoritepreview picks:

The return of the Dodge Dart: Chrysler is bringing the name back from the '60s but the vehicle is very different. It is ultra efficient and full of futuristic technology. Will it live up to the Dart’s sporty namesake or will it be just another disappointing nameplate revival? It’s based on an Alfa-Romero so it already has that going for it: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2013-dodge-dart-news.

The Smart For-Us: The diminutive Smart For-Two has grown into a tiny pickup truck but why? What can you actually haul with this thing? A screwdriver and a hammer? Perhaps a toy sailboat? I’m not sure I understand the thinking here. http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/smart-for-us-pickup-making-its-world-premiere-at-the-detroit-aut/

Acura NSX: Honda is bringing back its supercar after being absent for more than a decade. This time it's a hybrid with 400 hp, but again, I ask why? Sports car enthusiasts generally don’t want hybrids. They don’t care about gas mileage. The extra mechanicals only add weight and headaches. Couldn’t Honda make this a naturally aspirated car with 400 hp?

Cadillac ATS Sedan: Cadillac is introducing an all-new model to compete with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class. This is a very important model for Cadillac as it tries to appeal to younger buyers and I truly hope it can compete with its German rivals. The CTS is a wonderful car, and if the ATS is anything like it’s bigger sibling, it will be a true contender. http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/detroit/2012/1112_2012_detroit_2013_cadillac_ats/

Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Concept: This is one hot looking concept from Lexus that demonstrates the future of Toyota’s upscale division’s design, hopefully. It’s too often that car manufacturers show off a concept only to water down the design for the production cars. Lexus desperately needs a shot in the arm styling-wise and the LF-LC could very well be what enthusiasts are looking for. Hopefully some non-hybrids will be built too. http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-31229_7-57352460-257/lexus-shows-full-frontal-of-lf-lc-hybrid-sport-coupe-concept/

My Final Thought

Here is an interesting story withwhich I completely agree: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/global-auto-execs-dont-see-electric-cars-making-big-inroads-for/

In case you didn’t click thelink, it basically says that global auto executive think electric cars won’t beall that viable for at least 10 years. I’vesaid all along that EVs are expensive to produce and purchase, don’t travel farenough, are prone to an entirely new set of technical failures, and are a painto have to plug in every night.

Until the technology improves andbecomes cheaper, and until EVs can travel for hundreds of miles before needinga recharge from an inductive charger that requires no plugs, they will remain aniche vehicle.

What are your thoughts?

Email me at thecarcoach@laurenfix.com

See you next week! Love Your Car! --Lauren Fix

The Car Coach: The 2012 BMW X3

2012-01-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

01/03/2012

The Car Coach: The 2012 BMW X3

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

There’s nothing like driving an SUV that handles like a car; it’s a sports activity vehicle you may want to own. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.

Make / Model: 2012 BMW X3
Manufactured: Spartanburg, SC
MPG: City: 19 Highway: 26
Engine:
240-hp, 3.0-liter I-6
300-hp, 3.0-liter I-6
Price: Starting $36,850–$42,400
Standard features: All-wheel drive, Bluetooth; iPod input; Side/Curtain Airbags; Stability and Traction Control
Navigation System and Satellite radio (Optional).

My test-drive vehicle, the 2012 BMW X3 35i, handled with the tightness and accuracy we’ve come to expect from a German brand. The speed-sensitive steering gives the X3 a nimble quality that makes you feels as though it were a sports sedan. The Dynamic Handling package adds different driving modes for off-road and snow conditions.

New features worth mentioning:
•M Sport Package
•Eight-speed automatic transmission
•Choice of six-cylinder engines
•Standard all-wheel drive
•Optional panoramic moonroof

Competes with:
•Acura MDX
•Audi Q5
•Cadillac SRX
•Infiniti EX35
•Land Rover LR2
•Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
•Volkswagen Touareg
•Volvo XC60

Likes:
•Improved ride comfort
•Driving dynamics
•Stout powerful engine
•Visibility
•Gas mileage

Dislikes:
•Abrupt acceleration
•Stops can be jerky
•Quality of optional leather

The 2012 BMW X3 is a versatile sports activity vehicle, blending all-road capability and utility with sports car-like performance and handling.

Remember, when shopping for a new car, test drive as many vehicles as you can in the class you are looking in to make sure you find the car that is best for you.

Visit www.bmwusa.com for more information.

The Car Coach: The 2012 Ford Focus SE - YNN, Your News Now

2012-01-07T19:01:00.000-08:00

The Car Coach: The 2012 Ford Focus SE - YNN, Your News Now

01/05/2012

The Car Coach: The 2012 Ford Focus SE

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

Are you in the market for a spacious, comfortable, and economic car? Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes the 2012 Ford Focus SE for a test drive.

The 2012 Ford Focus SE is now eleven years old. Ford has completely redesigned the Focus to be edgy and sporty. Let’s take a closer look.

Make/Model – 2012 Ford Focus SE
MPG – 28 city/38 hwy. mpg.
Engine - 2.0L 4-cyl. engine
Price – starts at $17,400

Standard Features:
•Bluetooth
•iPod input
•Side/Curtain Airbags
•Stability Control
•Traction Control
•Navigation System (Optional)
•Satellite radio (Optional)

The 2012 Ford Focus is available in four trim levels – S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Ford has redesigned the Focus for the 2012 model year. The new Focus is available as a sedan or hatchback, both 5-passenger vehicles.

All models receive a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, torque vectoring control and airbags with adaptive venting technology that reduce pressure for smaller occupants.

The 2012 Focus includes two other great features: MyFord and MyKey. MyFord integrates entertainment, navigation and communication into a touch screen console. MyKey is a safety feature that restricts vehicle speed and stereo volume for teen drivers.

Competes with:
•Chevrolet Cruze
•Mazda3
•Volkswagon Jetta
•Hyundai Elantra
•KIA Optima
•Mazda 3
•Subaru Impreza
•Honda Civic

Likes:
•Nimble handling;
•Refined ride;
•Stylish Europen design
•Well-made soft touch interior;
•Peppy engine;
•Abundant list of upscale and high-tech options

Dislikes:
•Cheap interior plastics
•Excessive wind noise
•Slow throttle response

The 2012 Ford Focus SE has excellent fuel economy, a great European look, and tight handling, all at a solid value.

Remember, when shopping for a new car, test drive as many vehicles as you can in the class you are looking in to make sure you find the car that is best for you.

Drunk Driving Over the Limit. Under Arrest

2011-12-31T16:47:00.000-08:00

Drunk Driving Over the Limit. Under Arrest! : http://www.stopimpaireddriving.org/tools-campaignheadquarters.htm

JUST IN CASE YOU WERE THINKING OF DRINKING AND DRIVING TONIGHT...PLEASE TAKE 30 SECONDS TO WATCH THE VIDEO ...

DWI Roadblocks are out in force TONIGHT! Its amateur night!

The law and all police departments are stepping up enforcement of DUI/DWI laws, it is important that YOU NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!

If you chose to ignore the advice today, be prepared to take legal advice tomorrow!

Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR! PLEASE DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! Don't ride with anyone who has - be smart - call a cab! Lets make 2012 an AWESOME YEAR!

The Car Coach: New Year's resolutions for drivers - YNN, Your News Now

2011-12-29T21:35:00.000-08:00

The Car Coach: New Year's resolutions for drivers - YNN, Your News Now

The Car Coach: New Year's resolutions for drivers

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

Losing ten pounds? Quitting cigarettes? Or just giving up your Xbox addiction? If you haven't made your New Year’s resolutions yet, consider adding a few from behind the wheel. A change or two to your driving style can make all the difference on the highway - and could even save your life. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, has more.

1. Buckle yourself and your children properly. No single thing can prevent more highway accident injuries and deaths than belting in, especially for children and small adults.

2. Concentrate on driving. If you must use a car phone, use a hands-free device. If you must eat on the road, pull over for fifteen minutes so you're not balancing a 64-ounce drink in your lap while doing 70 mph on the highway.

3. Stay in control. Aggressive driving doesn’t only occur during commutes. If someone irritates you or makes threatening maneuvers, don't challenge them. Instead, slow down and blend into more sane traffic.

4. Become a mirror-checker. Not for your makeup or hair, but for the flow of traffic. You’ll see many potential incidents before they happen if you scan your mirrors - rearview and side mirrors - every half a minute or so.

5. Pass left, drive right. The left-most lanes are meant for passing. If you're not passing or not completing a pass in less than a minute, move over and let others by.

6. Park with a conscience. Other people's cars deserve the same care you'd give your own. If a space is too tight to open your doors comfortably, find another spot.

7. Learn how to stop in a hurry. While anti-lock brakes are standard or available on most cars today, many drivers still aren't familiar with how they work. If you've never experienced your anti-lock brakes in action, find a parking lot to test them out. It’s easy to hit the brakes hard and feel the pulsation on the brake pedal. Don’t lift your foot; keep it on the pedal firmly. That pulsation is your anti-lock brakes working.

8. Create some breathing room. The proper following distance of three car lengths is almost nonexistent in today's traffic-clogged commutes. Still, there's no reason to travel tightly packed. Open some space between your bumper and the car ahead and you'll cut the risk of being a statistic.

9. Pay attention to flashing lights. Whether it's an emergency vehicle, police car, school bus, or a fellow driver flashing to pass and pull right, pay attention to vehicles that require extra attention.

10. Change lanes safely. Missed your exit? Need to make the next right-hand turn - but you're in the left lane? Don't move across 3 lanes of traffic or cut off other drivers - wait until the next opportunity, go back, and try it again. It may save your life or the lives of others.

Resolve to be a better driver in 2012.

Car Coach: Finding a reliable collision shop - YNN, Your News Now

2011-12-27T21:12:00.000-08:00

LINK: Car Coach: Finding a reliable collision shop - YNN, Your News Now

Car Coach: Finding a reliable collision shop

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

If you've been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important for you to utilize a collision shop that meets proper quality standards. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, has some tips.

Although no one plans to be involved in an automotive collision, it is important for you to utilize a collision shop that meets proper quality standards. Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments and the safety of your family is priceless. I’ll show you how to identify a quality collision repair shop to protect yourself and others.

Vehicles on the roads today are sophisticated, hi-tech pieces of machinery. When a driver has an accident, it’s second nature for him or her to contact an insurance agent right away. What you may not know, however, is that you have the right to choose which collision shop performs your car’s repairs.

Here are some tips on how to find a quality collision repair business near you.

Some shops and technicians are ASE-Certified, which means that they have passed a voluntary competency test or tests offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). When the technicians are I-CAR trained, it means they have attended a course or a series of courses offered by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) to upgrade their repair skills and obtain the knowledge and skills required to repair modern vehicles.

While identifying a certified repair shop is important, a VeriFacts VQ repair shop employs technicians that have been exposed to the best repair practices available in the collision repair industry. Technicians at these shops undergo rigorous reviews and assessments to ensure their excellence in collision repair.

When you're choosing a collision repair center, look for legitimate training certificates including, but not limited to, I-CAR or I-CAR Gold Class certification, Auto Motive Service Excellence (ASE), and VeriFacts VQ program certification.

It’s your vehicle and it’s your right to choose a certified collision repair business. With a little time and effort, you can find a technician with the proper training to bring your damaged vehicle back to its pre-accidental condition.

Chevy Volt Sales or Dolt with Lauren Fix-Automotive Expert

2011-12-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

Chevy Volts sales are far from the projections, is the Volt a "dolt"? The government is the best Volt customer, if so why is each city that's buying Volt's paying different prices? These questions are answered. Post your comments.

aired: December 19, 2011

MORE INFO AT: www.laurenfix.com

Special Thanks to: Fox Business Channel - Power and Money

The Car Coach: 2012 Chrysler 200 - YNN, Your News Now

2011-12-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

The Car Coach: 2012 Chrysler 200 - YNN, Your News Now

12/20/2011

The Car Coach: 2012 Chrysler 200

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

The 2012 Chrysler 200 Limited is stylish with a comfortable ride. Lauren Fix, The Car Coach, takes a closer look.

Make / Model – 2012 Chrysler 200 Limited

MPG – 20 city /31 hwy mpg.

Engine - 2.4L 4-cyl. or

3.6L V6 flex-fuel engine

Price – starts at $21,370

The 2012 Chrysler 200 is available in four trim levels -- LX, Touring, Limited and S models. The Chrysler 200 drives down the road with poise. The suspension provides a comfortable, well-controlled ride and its handling is better than that of many other midsize sedans.

Performance with the 2.4-liter 4 cylinder engine is acceptable and adequate for most drivers. The 3.6-liter V6 is quite energetic. A more robust engine, it delivers strong acceleration without a tremendous sacrifice in fuel economy.

Standard Features:

MP3 Player

Satellite radio

Side/Curtain Airbags

Stability and Traction Control

Navigation System (Optional)

Bluetooth (Optional)

Competes with:

Hyundai Sonata
Volkswagon Passat
Ford Fusion
Chevy Malibu
Toyota Camry
KIA Optima
Mazda 6
Honda Accord
Nissan Altima

Likes-

Balanced look inside and out
Strong, smooth V-6
Minimal road noise
Smooth highway ride
Great technology and entertainment feature

Dislikes-

Cramped interior
Torque steer in V-6 models
Standard equipment is less than that of competition
Small trunk

The 2012 Chrysler 200 Limited offers comfort and performance. It’s a top safety pick that is also stylish.

Remember, when shopping for a new car, test drive as many vehicles as you can in the class you are looking in to make sure you find the car that is best for you. For more information visit www.chrylser.com and www.transitowne.com.

Weather Channel Auto Ambush 3 with Lauren Fix

2011-12-15T22:01:00.000-08:00

It's Winter outside - Are you ready for winter? We went to Buffalo NY at the Walden Galleria Mall to see if drivers are ready for cold weather. Lauren Fix ambushes drivers in Buffalo, NY.

aired: December 14, 2011

The Car Care Council offers a FREE car care guide at: www.carcare.org

MORE INFO AT: www.laurenfix.com

Special Thanks to: The Weather Channel

Sign up for a FREE newsletter @ www.laurenfix.com
twitter.com/laurenfix

The Car Coach: KIA Rio-5 - YNN, Your News Now

2011-12-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

The Car Coach: KIA Rio-5 - YNN, Your News Now

The Car Coach: KIA Rio-5

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

Looking for a car that’s big on fuel economy, technology, warranty and design? It’s known as the “new cool” and that’s coming up on The Car Coach.

The 2012 KIA Rio-5 is a value-packed car that is best described as the “new cool.” Let’s take a closer look.

Year / Make – 2012 KIA

Model – Rio-5

MPG – average 30 city / 40 highway

Engine – 1.6L GDI engine -138hp and 2.0L aluminum engine-164hp

This great drive comes with a 6 speed automatic or 6 speed manual transmission with 2 overdrive gears for better fuel economy.

Price – Starts at $16,500.

I test-drove the KIA Rio-5 through Austin, TX. Austin’s mix of beautiful country roads and city driving conditions was the perfect chance to showcase the “new cool” ride from KIA.

The 5-seater, mid-sized compact was fun to drive and attracted plenty of attention due to its new front-end, hood, and LED headlights and taillights. It has an appealing new, muscular look that makes a big statement.

"Idle stop and go" improves fuel economy with ISG that turns the engine on and off. When you stop, it stops, when you go it, goes- seamlessly.

STD equipment

Push button start with smart key

Low rolling resistant tires

Vehicle stability management

Premium look with soft-touch interior

Adjustable arm rest

Toggle switches inspired by airplanes.

Power folding mirrors.

Rear spoiler and front spoiler

Standard safety: front and side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, traction, and stability control.

Optional:

15, 16, and 18" alloy wheels

Backup camera

UVO infotainment and navigation system

Competes with:

Ford Fiesta

Chevy Sonic

Nissan Versa

Honda Fit

Likes:

Distinctive design

Lots of head and leg room

Versatile cargo area

UVO infotainment system

Infinity 350-Watt sound system

10 year / 100,000 mile warranty

Dislikes:

Back seat is tight for adults

Steering wanders a bit

The KIA Rio-5 is no longer driving in a penalty box; it's riding in a box suite with fresh styling, many new and additional features, and class-leading powertrain technology.

Remember, when shopping for a new car, test drive as many vehicles as you can in the class you are looking in to make sure you find the car that is best for you. For more information visit www.kiausa.com.

Don't touch that dial! (No, really, it could be illegal)

2011-12-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

The NTSB and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood are at it again. They want to ban all cell phone use while driving, including hands-free calls. LaHood even wants to ban OnStar and Ford's Sync system in cars.

This is the latest news today from our nanny-state government even though traffic fatalities are at their lowest point since the 1940s.

Additionally, the NTSB said that 9.4 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2010 were due to distracted driving but doesn't quantify what distractions were present. Were passengers distracting the drivers? Were the drivers eating? Putting on makeup or shaving?

I'll be the first to tell you that texting while driving is just plain stupid but to go so far as to say hands-free calls and a telematics system that saves lives should be banned is just ridiculous.

Besides, aren't we all distracted while driving? What's next, no thinking about anything but the road while driving?

Are these outrageous claims to get something through concessions - is it all about negotiating? What is Ray LaHood looking for? This is so ridiculous that one can not figure out what the government's ultimate goal is.

I am pleased with the statistics that our government has provided me. With that, I will make a decision as an adult how to drive.

How many countless millions of dollars will they throw at this only to conclude the obvious.

Government intervention into my driving habits is unnecessary and unwanted. As with any of the other unenforceable laws that they spend millions of dollars on and countless hours of Congressional time wasted, those who want to text, will.

It is also unlawful to drink and drive, however, people still do. Make it unlawful to text and people still will, albeit a very bad idea

Stay out of our lives, thanks again for the statistics, now let me make my own decisions.

Car Coach Report

2011-12-12T03:45:00.000-08:00

Car Coach Report - December 12, 2011

Fiat 500, in another setback, gets 3-star safety rating

DETROIT -- The slow-selling 2012 Fiat 500 now has another obstacle in its sales path: It has been tagged by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a three-star safety rating, the lowest of any new model tested so far.

The two-door subcompact received four stars from NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover accidents but received just two stars for side-impact crash safety, the agency announced on its Web site, safercar.gov.

Ford recalls Fusion, Milan to fix wheels that may fall off

The recall covers certain 2010 and 2011 Fusions and Milans.

The cars' wheel studs may fracture while driving, leading to "vibration and/or wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash," the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a notice on its Web site. The recall covers certain 2010 and 2011 models, the notice said.WASHINGTON

(Bloomberg) -- Ford Motor Co. is recalling 128,616 Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans to fix defective wheels that may fall off, the U.S. Transportation Department said today.

The vehicles were built from April 1, 2009, through April 30, 2009, and from Dec. 1, 2009, through Nov. 13, 2010.

Dealers will replace lug nuts on all four wheels and inspect rear-wheel disc brake surfaces and replace them as necessary, the agency said.

"Affected customers can continue to drive their vehicles," said Susan Krusel, a spokeswoman for Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford. "We are not aware of any accidents or injuries."

The recall covers cars originally equipped with 17-inch steel wheels built at a plant in Hermosillo, Mexico.

NHTSA and Chevy Volt – 6 months late

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently reported that the Chevy Volt could catch fire after a crash. While no Volts in the real world have combusted, NHTSA claims three separate incendiary incidences occurred days after crash testing.

While this is useful information for Volt owners and GM alike, it appears NHTSA knew about it for as much as six months before making it public. It’s times like these that I have to ask why a government agency that purports to be operating in public’s best interest would sit on information that could cost lives.

Okay, let’s give NHTSA the benefit of the doubt for the moment. Perhaps they wanted to conduct further testing to ensure their results weren’t a fluke. Maybe NHTSA quietly told GM about the issue and gave the General a timeline to fix the problem. When the General didn’t deliver, perhaps NHTSA went public to put pressure on GM. Maybe hell froze over and Elvis came back from the dead to cure cancer.

The more likely scenario is that since the U.S. Government (aka taxpayers) owns part of GM, it wanted to remain quiet about the Volt to avoid giving GM’s halo car a bad rap. I think NHTSA wanted to see if the Volt would live up to its sales goal of 10,000 cars per year and only made the report public when they knew it wouldn’t.

Now, the Republican-majority House is going to hold investigative hearings on the Volt fire silence.

It will be very interesting to see what come out of this. First it was Fast and Furious, now we have Slow and Silent.

Mild hybrids on the rise

A couple in their 50s recently arrived at a Buick dealership in Chelsea, Mich., looking for an attractive sedan with decent fuel economy. They left in a LaCrosse with a four-cylinder engine teamed with General Motors’ new mild hybrid system.

The buyers were a far cry from the green types who do exhaustive research before plunking down money for a Toyota Prius or Nissan Leaf. They were trading in a Buick and had never heard of GM’s system, dubbed “eAssist.”

“We just explained that this is a new technology that allows a sizable car to get an extra 5 or 6 mpg in an inexpensive way,” says Lance Underwood, general sales manager at Chelsea Chevrolet-Buick.

A mild hybrid uses a small electric motor that assists the gasoline engine but can’t propel the vehicle on its own. The technology has occupied a low-key spot along the spectrum of alternative powertrains. But that’s about to change.

GM is the first automaker to introduce mild hybrids in a big way, adding the technology to high-volume models. This fall GM began selling it on the 2012 LaCrosse and Buick Regal. (The four-cylinder LaCrosse with eAssist, for example, gets 25 mpg in city driving and 36 on the highway compared with 19/30 mpg for the outgoing four-cylinder model.) It will be on the Eco version of the redesigned Chevrolet Malibu this spring.

A few other automakers offer mild hybrid technology, sometimes called “light electrification,” though none is deploying it as aggressively as GM. Honda pioneered the technology in the late 1990s with the Insight before focusing more on full hybrids, though it still sells a mild hybrid: the new CR-Z coupe. BMW and Mercedes-Benz co-developed a mild hybrid system that both companies offer on their range-topping vehicles.

The Car Coach: Holiday gifts for car lovers - YNN, Your News Now

2011-12-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

LINK: The Car Coach: Holiday gifts for car lovers - YNN,Your News Now

The Car Coach: Holiday gifts for car lovers

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, shows us some gadgets that are hot off the press and PERFECT for your car this winter.

1. Flare Alert LED Light Sources are safer than striking flares and have multiple

uses. Unlike striking flares, Flare Alert Beacons can be used without the risk of inhaling toxic fumes, starting brush fires, igniting spilled fuel or oil, or burning equipment or yourself.

The Flare Alert Beacon generates its own light, is visible day or night, works in all weather conditions and is even magnetic.

It’s ready to go with just a push of the button.

Price: $9.99 each Available at Lowes and online

2. The Bag Fix: "Eliminate Dirty Purse Bottoms!" Get your purse or bag off the floor! This is the auto hanger you really need.

The Bag Fix® prevents bags and purses from falling on the floor during hard braking. This simple tool keeps your belongings clean and eliminates straining your shoulders or neck as you reach into the back seat.

You'll find that the Bag Fix® fits easily between the headrest posts on alm

ost any vehicle.

Lauren Fix's The Bag Fix® is strong enough to hold:

• shopping bags,
• coats,
• brief cases,
• laptop bags,

• workout gear

The Bag Fix® holds over 20

pounds and is ideal for having your purse handy for drive- thru's or easy access to a diaper bag. For children, this hook holds toys and keeps back seats

organized.Keep your bags off the dirty floor and have easy

access to bags when you need it!

Price: 2 for $19.95

Available at www.laurenfix.com

3. Tread Ahead:
Tread Ahead gives your tires instant traction by gripping the snow and ice below. Never get stuck again! Tread Ah

ead replaces lost traction and helps you get “unstuck”. No more shoveling, pushing or expensive tows. Simply wedge Tread Ahead between your tire and the slippery surface and then drive off! The patented Dual Grip design grips into ice on one side and gives your tires the

traction it needs on the other. Get out of ruts in snow, ice, mud or sa

nd the first time! This handy tool works for cars, SUV

s and trucks. It’s

strong, reusable, portable, lightweight, and easy to use. This great device is made in the USA and can also be used as an ice scraper.

Price: $9.95 - available on-line.

4. Peak Wireless Reversing Camera with Color Screen:Getting your car into tight parking spots or backing-up in any driveway can be tricky.

When visibility is poor, it can be downright dangerous as well. Boost your confidence and reduce your chance of a collission

with this handy reversing camera.
This 2.4 inch color monitor is powered by your cigarette

lighter and allows you to watch what's happening behind your car. The wide-angle camera attaches to your reversing light and automatically begins to transmit video when you switch in

to reverse.

Price: around $50.00 - available at parts stores and mass merchandisers.

5. Escort Entourage GPS Vehicle Security, Recovery and Tracking Device:
Welcome to the ultimate in location awareness and vehicle security. These new Entourage products use GPS technology to provide location awareness for the things that matter most. Put one in your car, luggage, golf bag, and even your child' s backpack. Entourage also allows you to become more aware of your

teenager's driving habits, by monitoring their loca

tion and their speed. An easy-to-use, web-based interface allows you to track precious items anytime. Instant alerts via text messages and email keep you posted when one of your belongings changes location.

Price: $299.00

6. Emergency Kit for all year round:
Many people are confused when it comes to finding an emergency kit that fits their lifestyle. My new emergency kit has essential items that drivers need and a few extra bonus items too. This bright orange has 100 essential items for most road side emergencies and is compact and easy to store. The first aid kit detaches from the bag in the event you’d prefer to store it in your glove department. I’ve also included a Car Care Guide that answers most of the “how’s” and “why’s” of car parts

and where and when to get them replaced. As an ex

tra bonus, it also includes a LED light source that is safer than a flare.

An Emergency Car Kit is a great gift idea and includes:
* 10 Gauge / 8' Booster Cable
* Tire Sealant - 14 oz
* Flashlight + 2 x D Batteries
* Cable Ties - 25 Pcs
* Help Sign
* Knit Gloves
* Tie Down - 24"
* Space Blanket
* 2-In-1 Screwdriver
* Rain Poncho
* First Aid Kit - 63 Pc
* Car Care Gulde
* Accident Document Kit
* Emergency Contact Info
* Deluxe Carry Bag - PLUS a Car Care Guide AND The FlareAlert™ battery operated electronic safety flare visible for miles from both the ground and air.

Price: $39.95

PURCHASE THIS KIT at www.laurenfix.com

6. XM Snap In-Vehicle Radio l#: XSN1V1-CORE:
The XM Snap makes it easy to add Satellite Radio to your vehicle. Just plug it you’re your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or power adapter socket, connect the antenna, and listen to SiriusXM through the existing ve

hicle radio with a simple, do-it-yourself installation. It's fully adjustable for convenient placement in the vehicle, so you can easily access the radio controls and clearly view the high-contrast display. The simple controls make it a snap to use – the large arrow

keys navigate through categories, the rotary knob changes channels, and the preset keys store favorite channels for one-touch access. It includes everything you need to listen in your vehicle.

Price: $29.99 with a 3 month subscription

Surprise the drivers in your life with these hot car gadgets or splurge on a car accessory or two for yourself this holiday season.

The Car Coach: Nissan PRO-4X - YNN, Your News Now

2011-12-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

The Car Coach: Nissan PRO-4X - YNN, Your News Now

5:00 AM

The Car Coach: Nissan PRO-4X

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

If you are a true off-roader, then there are a few trucks that might just fuel your interest. Lauren fix, the Car Coach has the details.

The 2012 Nissan PRO-4X truck line includes the Xterra, Titan, and Frontier pickups. Let’s take a closer look.

What is PRO4-X? The PRO-4X package tosses in Bilstein off-road struts, an electronically-locking rear differential, hill descent control, hill start assist, and a pair of off-road-only driving lamps mounted on the roof. Only available on four-wheel-drive models, these add around $1,500 to the bottom line.

Nissan and its trucks have a well-established history with ranchers, farmers, and off-road racers. Nissan offers three trucks in the new PRO-4X family that are ready for off-road driving.

I test drove the Nissan's midsize Frontier truck, full-size Titan pickup and the compact XTerra, which were all locked and loaded with the PRO-4X packages. All three trucks proved to be impressive off-road trucks. Most drivers don’t take their SUVs or pickups off-road, but after test-driving these vehicles, you may have a new weekend adventure in your future.\

The XTerra PRO-4X SUV features 16-inch wheels, BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tires, a rear-locking differential and four skid plates. The XTerra packs a lot of features into its very capable off-road SUV:

4.0L V6 engine

Automatic or Manual transmission

16 city/20 hwy. mpg

4-wheel drive

Starts at: $29,670

The PRO-4X Frontier, described by Nissan as offering "full-size hardware with compact pickup value," the Frontier is built with a fully boxed frame, five bed rails with a 4.0 liter V6.

The Frontier's rugged construction results in a go-anywhere / do-anything pickup in either extended or crew cab configuration.

Automatic transmission

15 city/20 hwy. mpg

4-wheel drive

Starts at $21,120

The Titan is a full-size pickup complete with King Cab rear doors, factory spray-on bed liner, and Utili-track tie-downs. It’s powered by a 5.6L V8 or flex-fuel engine.

Automatic transmission

12 city/17 hwy. mpg

4-wheel drive

Starts at: $35,140

All three models come standard with:

Stability & Traction Control

Side/Curtain Airbags

Satellite radio

MP3 Player, iPod input (Optional)

Competes with:

Ford, GM and Dodge Trucks

If off-road driving isn’t your style, this may not be a line of trucks for you. Another option is to purchase aftermarket parts for your vehicle to make it off-road ready.

The Nissan Pro-4X line of trucks is an impressive mix of performance, style, and off-road capabilities.

Remember, when shopping for a new car, test drive as many vehicles as you can in the class you are looking in to make sure you find the car that is best for you. For more information visitwww.nissan.com.

Improve the Value of your Used Car - Lauren Fix

2011-12-04T13:24:00.000-08:00

Lauren Fix on the Daily Buzz shows you a few free tips to improve the value of your used car and keep the value higher than you expect.

5 Tips to improve your use cars value
By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®

If you only plan to keep your car a few years, then it's in your best interest to keep its resale value as high as possible -- after all, that's more money to put down on your next new car. These five tips will put your car well ahead of the pack and help to maximize its resale value.

1.] Inspect your fluids and change your oil.
Checking the oil is an easy step any potential buyer can take. If they do a quick inspection of the dipstick and the oil comes back low or discolored, they'll instantly drop their asking price. Topping off the fluids and changing your oil cost very little, but it says a lot about how you've cared for your car.

Follow the maintenance schedule - You'll find the maintenance schedule in the back of the owner's manual

Test the fluids and save money- buy a fluid test folder at local parts stores
This answers the questions: "What is the condition of my vehicle's fluids and do they need to be serviced?"

2.] How to make your car look better for less
Keep it clean. The better your car appears to be kept up, the more it will be worth, and most people associate cleanliness with care. Washing and waxing your car on a regular basis is a much easier way to keep it looking good than paying for an expensive detail job when the time comes to sell. I'll show you a buffing wheel that will do it all in a sort time and save you money too. Clean the junk from the trunk and the interior.

3.] Seeing clearly-
Glass may not seem like much to may drivers but 80% of your driving is based on visibility. A crack can be repair or a windshield replaced, but did you know that it can be done wrong and the windshield is a part of the air bag system. Replacing or repairing glass is much more critical to your safety and the value of your car. I'll show you what to look for so you can protect yourself and your investment.

4.] Resist the urge to customize. Spending money on your car can actually decrease its value. If you do have your car customized, stick to non-intrusive upgrades such as new wheels or an upgraded stereo that won't require extensive re-wiring or cutting up the dashboard. Save the old parts so you have the option of returning your car to its original condition before selling.

5.] Keep all receipts
Buyers will be willing to pay extra for a car with a fully documented service history. Keep receipts for all maintenance and repair work, no matter how minor. That battery warranty will show that you care about your car.

Did you know that the value of your car goes down by 65% in just 5 years of normal driving? Learning to properly maintain your vehicle from day one is the surest way to maintain a top resale value, but if your decision is spur of the moment, these tips are for you, too. Before hastily slapping a "for sale" sign on your back window or placing an ad in the local newspaper when deciding to sell, you can take advantage of these easy and fairly inexpensive tips beforehand to cash in your car for hundreds more than its blue book value, which, by the way, is nothing more than a baseline estimate. Actual vehicle values vary depending on your location, the demand for the particular make and model of the vehicle, the vehicle's mileage, overall exterior and interior condition, parts replaced, and even simple things like odors inside of a vehicle.

WHERE THERE’S VOLT, THERE’S FIRE?

2011-12-02T09:43:00.000-08:00

THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW

12-02-11

WHERE THERE’S VOLT, THERE’S FIRE? EDITION

The next time someone says “Fire up the Chevy Volt,” you may want to seek shelter. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and GM are currently investigating fires that erupted from the Volt’s battery pack after three separate crash tests.

While GM says NHTSA possibly failed to follow the proper post-crash protocols and that no Volt on the road has experienced a fire, they are doing everything they can to put customers’ minds at ease, including buying back the plug-in hybrid: http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2011/12/gm-may-buy-back-chevy-volts-from-worried-owners/

Furthermore, GM also said they would loan ANY GM car to Volt owners until the issue has been resolved: http://jalopnik.com/5863479/yes-gm-will-loan-you-a-corvette-if-your-chevy-volt-scares-you

This means that Volt owners could potentially drive Corvettes, Cadillacs or Camaros until their vehicles are fixed. If I were a Volt owner, I’d ask for a new Z06 or a CTS-V. The ZL-1 Camaro wouldn’t be a bad choice either!

I’m not certain buying the Volt back from owners is the correct course of action on GM’s part. This only adds fuel to the fire (no pun intended) that the volt is in fact dangerous and faulty. GM will likely redesign the battery pack and replace it: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/gm-may-redesign-chevy-volt-battery/

In the meantime, GM can show Volt owners that their other vehicles are must-haves by providing top-notch loaner cars.

Besides, the NHTSA tests showed that the post-crash Volts catch fire only after sitting for a few days. Apparently, the battery pack’s liquid coolant crystallizes after being exposed to air and causes a short. This seems like an unlikely scenario in the grand scheme of things and likely wouldn’t endanger a driver’s life unless he or she plans on sitting in a crashed Volt for days on end. Automotive body shop workers have more reason to worry in this case.

Additionally, the Chevy Volt just topped a Consumer Reports Satisfaction survey—93 percent of Volt owners surveyed said they would buy the car again: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-57334967-48/chevy-volt-scores-highest-satisfaction-rating-in-consumer-reports-survey/ I’m glad this report came out when it did. The Volt could use some positive publicity. GM has not sold anywhere near the 10,000 Volts it wanted to sell this year and the NHTSA tests certainly don’t help its sales numbers.

I’m not saying that I’m a huge Chevy Volt fan but it is a good car. I think GM didn’t market it correctly by saying it is an electric car when it is in fact a plug-in hybrid that has a very short electric-engine-only range. Even still, Jay Leno managed to put 11,000 miles on his Volt without ever stopping for gas: http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/jay-lenos-chevy-volt-still-has-original-tank-of-gas-11-000-mil/ This is entirely possible if your daily commute is less than 35 miles a day roundtrip, which is certainly the case for some. I just hate to think what happens to the fuel in the gas tank if it isn’t used.

My Final Thought:

In keeping with today’s theme, Acura just announced that it’s next NSX will be a hybrid. Why is it necessary for Honda/Acura to make their triumphant return to the sports car market with a hybrid?

Sports car enthusiasts typically aren’t interested in saving fuel and hybrid batteries only add weight. I realize that Acura likes to be on the cutting edge of technology but I see this as completely unnecessary.

What are your thoughts? Email me at thecarcoach@laurenfix.com

See you next week! Love Your Car! --Lauren Fix

The Car Coach: The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle - YNN, Your News Now

2011-12-01T21:05:00.000-08:00

LINK: The Car Coach: The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle - YNN, Your News Now

The Car Coach: The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a look at the original people's car reincarnated: the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is completely new and has dropped those familiar feminine details for a more masculine feel. Let’s take a closer look.

Make:2012 VW
Model: Beetle or Bug
Where Manufactured: Mexico
MPG: 22 city/31 hwy. mpg
Engine:200-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 (premium)?, 170-hp, 2.5-liter I-5 (regular gas)
Price: starts at $18,995–$24,950
Safety:Standard features include antilock brakes, side curtain airbags, and an electronic stability system.
Backed by a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission options.

My test-drive in the 2012 VW Beetle proved that it was a blast to drive. I loved the new Fender premium sound system and a sunroof that’s 80 percent bigger than previous models.

Volkswagen has combined retro and modern design cues in styling. The result is a significant change in the car's appearance, making this great-looking car slightly wider and longer.

Available features include 19-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, and a rear spoiler. Volkswagen also plans to cater to customizers by offering numerous paint colors and wrap options, as well as releasing a "theme" model each year.

It's not all about performance. There are a million drivers out there who grew up with the old air-cooled bugs. Finally, VW is giving us a modern version of an incredible classic.

Competes with:
• Mini Cooper
• FIAT 500
• Hyundai Veloster

Likes:
• Unique styling
• High-class interior
• Capable handling
• Comfortable ride
• Fun-to-drive turbo engine
• Strong list of standard features
• Lots of space for storage

Dislikes:
• Poor fuel economy
• Tight back seat
• Navigation system takes time to learn.

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is a completely new redesign with a Turbo model. It has a more masculine exterior, better fuel economy, and is fun to drive.

The Car Coach: Car-buying services - YNN, Your News Now

2011-11-29T13:35:00.000-08:00

The Car Coach: Car-buying services - YNN, Your News Now

The Car Coach: Car-buying services

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

If you decide to solicit an expert’s advice to buy your next car, you still need to choose the right service. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, has more.

If you find the car-buying process intimidating or are just too busy, you might want to consider using a car-buying service or concierge.

Car-buying services work either by charging you a flat fee or claiming a percentage of what they save you on the purchase price of a car. These services will help you choose a vehicle, negotiate the best price, get trade-in values, review the purchase contract, and arrange to have the vehicle delivered to your home or office once the contract is signed. While car concierge services charge an upfront fee, they promise to negotiate a low price that yields net savings for the buyer.

There are many services offered by insurance companies, banks, buying clubs and independent companies. Here are just a few:

AutoNation Direct taps into its 200 AutoNation outlets across the country. A car-buying consultant advises you what new or used car to buy, locates the car, and arranges test-drives, pricing, and trade-ins.

USAA offers a service called Auto Circle with up-front member prices on new and used cars from USAA certified dealers.

AAA Car Buying Service helps you find your perfect vehicle with exclusive access to great deals.

AutoFinder.com offers pre-negotiated Dealer Pricing for all new vehicles.

Carsala.com assists you in buying used cars at new-car dealerships. A "negotiator" will locate a used car, negotiate the lowest price and arrange for delivery or pick-up at a dealership.

Club car buying services, such as those offered by Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club, are free to members and promise improved pricing. The services usually point buyers to a representative at a designated dealership that provides up-front pricing. Club car buying services seem to work well for commonly available cars. Beyond that, personalized service will be limited.

Car brokers are paid by the dealer, so it is a free service for the car purchaser. The broker will find the vehicle, negotiate a price, and have the car delivered. Some brokers only buy from certain dealerships, which may limit your choices.

All of these services can be beneficial for car shoppers who hate to haggle and have limited time. They all will locate your car and do the negotiating, which is the step most consumers hate. All these services offer a certain level of protection, keeping an unprepared car buyer from being thrown into the wheeling-and-dealing car buying process. Although the prices of these services may vary, as a buyer you can expect expert consultation and a variety of car choices to meet your needs.

*** This is a national hit - I'm sending the Buffalo Link ****

GM Controversy Surrounding Chevy Volt Fires

2011-11-29T13:06:00.000-08:00

Recent news stories have caused some concerns amongst the press, Volt owners and potential owners. Is this a PR concern or is it real? It appears to be a combination of issues.

A federal investigation into the safety of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid is real and consumers are concerned or should be.

On Monday, GM sent letters to about 2,500 Volt dealers and more than 5,000 customers detailing an investigation opened Friday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA said that three Volt batteries ignited in the days or weeks following separate crash tests conducted by the agency.

GM on Monday assured customers that the Volt is safe and offered loaner vehicles to any Volt customers who are uneasy about the car's safety. So far, many dealers say they've had no takers.

The key messages in GM's letter to dealers and customers was that NHTSA's probe is focused on the risk of fire days or weeks after a severe crash, and that the Volt "is as safe as conventional vehicles for its occupants before, during and immediately after a crash."

Many dealer claim they haven't had any customer questions - Volt owners should ask questions.

Sometimes all the details are not released and this can create a PR nightmare for any company.

If you are worried in any way - talk to your dealer, get a loaner and do your homework.

Bottom Line: Make sure that you and your family are safe on the road

Car Coach: 2012 Honda Civic EX-L

2011-11-25T09:47:00.000-08:00

11/17/2011

LINK: 2012 Honda Civic EX-L

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

Has it been almost 40 years? Hard to believe, but the 2012 Honda Civic marks the model's ninth generation of production in the United States. This week, Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a look at the 2012 Honda Civic EX-L.

The pint-size hatchback, which first showed up in the US during the historic oil crisis, has now evolved into sedans, coupes and hybrids. I test-drove the 2012 Honda Civic EX-L. Let’s take a closer look.

Make: 2012 Honda
Model: Civic EX-L
MPG: city / 39 hwy. mpg.
Engine: 1.8L 4-cyl. engine with 140 hp.
Price: starts at $21,955

The 2012 Honda Civic Sedan is available in four trim levels -- DX, EX, EX-L, and high-performance Si -- each with its own assortment of standard features, from cloth or leather seating, available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with 6.5-inch color touch display, and voice activation on upper trim levels.

Standard on the EX-L:
•Navigation System
•Bluetooth
•iPod input
•Satellite radio
•Side/Curtain Airbags
•Stability Control
•Traction Control
•Driver and passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
•Emergency braking assist

In Car Entertainment:
•7 total speakers
•360 watts stereo output
•AM/FM, CD, MP3 with USB connection and iPod integration
•Speed sensitive volume control
•8” subwoofer
•Red ambient lighting on the center console

Competes with:
•Nissan Sentra
•Volkswagon Jetta
•Ford Focus
•Chevy Cruze
•Hyundai Elantra
•KIA Optima
•Mazda 3
•Subaru Impreza

Likes:
•“Econ” button worked really well
•Impressive navigation system
•Smooth ride
•Great trunk storage

Dislikes:
•Cheap interior plastics
•Excessive wind noise
•Slow throttle response

The 2012 Honda Civic EX-L has excellent fuel economy, tight handling, and a solid value.

The Car Coach: Deer vs. cars

2011-11-25T09:43:00.000-08:00

11/22/2011 05:00 AM

LINK: Deer vs. cars

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

Deer crossing the roads pose a very real threat to drivers. Our Car Coach, Lauren Fix, shares tips on how to protect yourself and our wildlife.

Deer-car collisions can be a very serious situation for drivers. Recent growth in deer populations has led to an increased frequency of deer-car collisions, especially in areas where new construction is taking place.

According to the National Safety Council, there were 530,000 animal-related accidents in 2003 and these collisions resulted in 100 deaths and 10,000 reported injuries.

The average cost per insurance claim for animal-related collision damage is $2,800, with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of damage. When you factor in auto claims involving bodily injury, the average rises to $10,000.

To avoid become a statistic in a deer-car accident, you need to follow these important tips:

Be aware of posted deer-crossing signs as they denote unusually high deer populations or frequent deer crossings. Many highway areas are marked with deer crossing signs where there have been numerous deer-vehicle collisions.

Keep in mind that deer generally travel in herds, especially during the mating season. If you see one deer, assume more will follow.

Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. Many of these devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.

Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.

Two-thirds of all deer-vehicle collisions happen during October, November and December. Daily deer activity peaks at dawn and dusk, which often are peak commuter traveling times.

Follow these simple tips to keep you and your family safe and to protect deer and other wildlife.

The Car Coach: The 2012 Buick Regal - YNN, Your News Now

2011-11-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

The Car Coach: The 2012 Buick Regal - YNN, Your News Now

11/24/2011 05:00 AM

The Car Coach: The 2012 Buick Regal

The 2012 Buick Regal is not a traditional sedan for the average shopper. The latest Buick Regal is front-drive, powerful, polished and has knockout styling. Let’s take a closer look.

Make: 2012 Buick
Model: Regal
MPG: 19 / 31 mpg
Engine: 2.4L ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine with eAssist technology) with a 6-speed automatic
Price: starts at $22,000

The Regal is GM’s global, mid-sized sedan, sold in Europe as an Opel Insignia. The Buick’s dynamic shape is obvious in the renowned waterfall grille applied to the front of the car. This classic looks blended with the new modern interior makes the 2012 Buick Regal an impressive sedan.

The fuel-efficient eAssist engine provides:
•Fuel shut-off at stops and during deceleration, plus the “torque smoothing” electric motor provides greater fuel efficiency and a smoother drive.
•“Electric boosts” to the powertrain system during heavy acceleration helps the automatic transmission to operate more efficiently while a “hill-assist system” helps the driver stop easier and saves gas on down-hill steep grades.
•17-inch wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires.

Standard safety features include: antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control, OnStar, front seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Rear-seat thorax airbags are standard on the Premium 2 and above trim levels.

The Regal had a nice quiet interior and had very little wind and road noise during my test drive.

Competes with:
•Acura TSX
•Volkswagen CC
•Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
•Audi A4
•Volvo S60

Likes:
•sporty handling;
•high fuel economy with eAssist
•upscale cabin
•lots of standard features
•IntellliLink smartphone integration

Dislikes:
•Sluggish acceleration
•some interior discomfort
•some visibility issues
•narrow trunk.

The Buick Regal is a Euro-sized car with tight handling, especially when driving on twisty roads.

Weather Ready- Automotive Ambush Part 2

2011-11-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for winter? We went to Buffalo NY at the Walden Galleria Mall to see if drivers are ready for cold weather. Lauren Fix ambushes drivers in Buffalo, NY.

The Car Care Council offers a FREE car care guide at www.carcare.org

MORE INFO AT: www.laurenfix.com

The Weather Channel
November 21, 2011

Sign up for a FREE newsletter @ www.laurenfix.com
twitter.com/laurenfix

Weather Channel- How Clean Is Your Car?

2011-11-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

How clean is for car? IS the air dirty - it sure is! Lauren Fix show you some simple tips that use every day household items to keep your auto clean.

www.carcare.org for a free Car Care Guide

Items shown: Dash Away Odor Eliminator

MORE INFO AT: www.laurenfix.com

The Weather Channel
November 14, 2011
Sign up for a FREE newsletter @ www.laurenfix.com

2012 Honda Civic Review

2011-11-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

Shelby Fix, The Teen Car Coach - Review for the 2012 Honda Civic EX-L!

Follow Shelby and her car information:

http://www.facebook.com/theteencarcoach
www.laurenfix.com/teen-car-coach

2011 Mazda 2 Review

2011-11-16T22:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a review on the 2011 Mazda 2.

The Mazda 2 is a perfect first car! It's fuel efficient, it has sporty handling, great color choices, and it's at a great price!!

The Mazda 2's starting price is: $14,180

www.facebook.com/theteencarcoach
www.laurenfix.com/teen-car-coach

The Car Coach: Thanksgiving travel

2011-11-16T05:18:00.000-08:00

LINK: Thanksgiving travel

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year and now more people are driving than flying due to the increased costs. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, has some Thanksgiving travel tips.

Plan ahead -- you won't be alone on the roads this year. Families accustomed to the convenience of air travel may decide to endure a long drive instead this year to cut down on costs. With proper planning, you can have a safe and cost-effective trip.

Auto check up: Before you leave home, have an ASE certified technician inspect your car. Make sure he or she checks for any car maintenance left undone, inspects your tires, and provides a tune-up to help you get the best fuel economy on your trip.

Make frequent stops. Stop at least once every two hours to stretch your legs and walk around a bit.

Keep the little ones engaged. Magnetized board games, travel bingo, and word games are saviors on long car trips. Newer vehicles often have video displays and DVD players for the backseat. If your children watch movies or use game consoles, provide them with headsets so they don’t distract the driver.

Bring snacks. Most kids are content with small snacks throughout the day. Greasy "road food" definitely isn't the right thing for staying alert or feeling good on trips. Bring fruits and vegetables that are easy to eat, like carrot sticks, bananas, and apples. Also consider easy snacks like granola bars and pretzels. Stay away from excessive caffeine and sugary soft drinks, in favor of juice and water. If you must use caffeine to stay awake, you probably shouldn't be on the road.

Make it an adventure. Make a pit stop at a zoo, tacky tourist destination, or ask relatives or friends for advice for a stop on your route that the kids might enjoy. Both you and your kids will look forward to these breaks that parcel the trip into manageable pieces.

Use The Internet: Plan in advance with websites like Rand McNally, Trip Advisor, or MapQuest to decide your route and get turn-by-turn driving directions. For off-the-beaten-track ideas, turn towww.roadtripamerica.com and www.roadsideamerica.com for inspiration.

Be Weather Ready: Prepare for inclement weather and bad road conditions. If visibility is poor or the road becomes slippery, slow down. Prepare in advance for problems by packing a winter emergency kit. Also pack extra blankets, clothing, hand warmers, and water for each passenger.

Have patience! Holiday travel - especially in bad weather - may take much longer than anticipated. Allow extra time for weather and traffic, and arrive safely.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Weather Ready - Winter Tips Anyone Can do for FREE

2011-11-14T23:09:00.000-08:00

Is your car ready for winter? Everyone said YES - but here 's what we found. Lauren Fix show you some simple tips that use every day household items to keep the ice and snow at bay.

www.carcare.org for a free Car Care Guide

SEMA 2011: Classic Tube with Paul Fix

2011-11-14T07:05:00.000-08:00

If you've done a restoration project at some point you've most likely bought from Classic Tube, but did you know they have parts for late models?

The Car Coach: Three pet peeves

2011-11-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

10/31/2011 02:55 PM

LINK: Three pet peeves

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

Driving shouldn't be a stressful experience. Unfortunately, all that power behind the wheel can result in many bad driving habits. I’m going to cover three of the biggest “Pet Peeves” to help all drivers stay safe on the road.

Are you a pain to your fellow motorists? Ask yourself if this is you! If so, here are some tips.

1. Forgetting to use YOUR turn signals – turn signals are one of the only methods you have to communicate with other drivers. Being lazy or absent-minded about your turn signal can cause a rear end collision, or cause someone to attempt to pass you at the worst possible time. It’s equally important on expressways when changing lanes. Remember, that person in your blind spot can’t read your mind.

Bottom Line: Remember to always use your turn signals.

2. Hogging the Left Lane: The fact is, the left lane is supposed to be the passing lane. Slower drivers in the left lane can actually be cited for obstructing traffic. Those who stake out permanent positions in the left lane tend to provoke other cars to drive faster, often giving them no other choice but the dangerous strategy of passing on the right.

Bottom Line: Moving over isn’t a matter of courtesy; it’s a matter of safety. It is also a matter of doing one's part to help traffic flow smoothly.

3. Cut out distraction – Many of us like to multi task while driving. This can be very dangerous. Anytime you become preoccupied or distracted, you’re letting down your defenses. As always, minimize your eating, drinking, loud music choices, and cell phone conversations. Save these for when you’re stopped in a safe place. If you must talk and drive, use a hands free device – they are worth every penny and in many states they are required by law.

Bottom Line: Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

If you feel you or someone else you know requires more help with bad driving habits, consider enrolling in a defensive driving course. Depending on your state, many insurance companies can offer a premium reduction for approved courses.

The Car Coach: Halloween driving tips

2011-10-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

10/27/2011 05:00 AM

LINK: Halloween driving tips

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

On the evening of October 31, hordes of little goblins, creepy creatures, superheroes, and princesses will take to the streets for candy and treats.

Beware! The chances of children being hit by a car are much higher on this night than any other night of the year.

Drivers need to take special precautions and watch out for young pedestrians on Halloween night.

The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that there are more than four times the average number of deaths for children between the ages of five and fifteen due to pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents on Halloween. Try to avoid venturing out in your car during this time, but if you have to, beware of the dangers and be very, very careful.

Tips for Drivers:

• Keep in mind that children may have very limited visibility due to the restrictions of their costumes. Don't assume that they see you.
• Stay below the posted speed limit and never exceed 25 mph in any area where there might be trick-or-treaters, even if the posted speed is higher.
• Don't pass other vehicles on the road that may be slowing down for trick-or-treating pedestrians. You may not see the kids, or they could be picking up or dropping off children.
• Please use added caution at intersections to look out for children who may be crossing the roadway.
• NEVER use your cell phone, navigation system, sound system, or other distracting devices while in a residential area that may have trick-or-treaters or other pedestrians.

Tips for the Parents:
Here are some reminders to help them stay safe and out of trouble.
• Warn children to cross the street only at intersections. More than half of child pedestrian casualties involve children darting into the street between intersections.
• Instruct children to always walk facing traffic, avoid trick-or-treating on busy streets.
• If a costume is particularly dark or camouflages with surroundings, apply reflective stickers or tape to make your child more visible to drivers.
• Have children carry a flashlight or glow stick while walking between houses to enhance visibility.
• Also, make sure children can see out of their costumes. Avoid using masks that may impair the child's vision.
• Walk with your children or use a chaperone if possible.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

The Car Coach: 2012 Mini Coupe

2011-10-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

10/25/2011 05:00 AM

Link: 2012 Mini Coupe

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

Make:2012 Mini
Model:Coupe
Where Manufactured:England
MPG:The performance model I tested averaged 32 mpg
Engine:2.0L Inline 4 cyl.
Base Engine:121hp
S Model:181hp
John Cooper Works:208hp
Price:Starts at $22,000. The John Cooper Works car I tested came in at $31,900. Destination fees were built-in to the cost.

My test drive in the Mini Coupe was in the mountains around Nashville, TN. The two-seater Coupe has a distinctive design, incorporating a quirky "helmet roof" with a trailing edge spoiler to prevent dirt from accumulating on the rear window. It also improves the car’s aerodynamics.

The rear spoiler automatically rises when driving over 50 mph and detracts at 30 mph for visibility. The Coupe’s handling was tight and precise, like a slot car.

The interior design offered better headroom, a parcel shelf with a lip for packages and a pass-through with a cubby leading to a huge trunk with removable cargo cover.

The Mini is offered in nine colors and three stripe options with a black, red or silver roof and interiors colors of toffee, black, beige, or gray.

Competes with:
• Audi TT
• Porsche Boxster
• BMW Z4
• Mercedes SLK

Likes:
• Unique design and styling
• Comfortable interior
• Mini Connect Infotainment
• No cost maintenance 3/36 miles
• Clears people over 6 feet

Dislikes:
• Road hum at 60 mph
• Needs more than 2 cup holders
• Couldn’t leave spoiler up permanently.

The Mini Coupe is filled with cool features and a unique masculine look that will appeal to all buyers; it's a small car with a spirited ride.

If you like the Mini but want a roadster version, you’re in luck. There’s one coming in February 2012.

Automotive Ambush - Weather Channel 10-2011

2011-10-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

Is your car ready for winter? Everyone said YES - but here 's what we found.

www.carcare.org for a free Car Care Guide

MORE INFO AT: www.laurenfix.com
The Weather Channel October 24, 2011

The Car Coach: Hyundai Veloster

2011-10-20T20:09:00.000-07:00

LINK: Hyundai Veloster

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

My test drive in the Hyundai Veloster proved it to be a spirited performance compact car. It was fun to drive. With an aggressive design and functional 3rd door, the Veloster shows a completely new, modern look for Hyundai.

Veloster's sleek sportbike-inspired interior designed includes the new Blue Link™, which offers Location Sharing, Voice Text Messaging, and advanced voice recognition so you can search your music and find points of interest without distraction. The standard 7-inch multimedia touch screen can be personalized with one of three visual themes, and displays views from the available rearview camera for backing up. You can also watch video and play video games when parked.

Veloster offers a full slate of advanced active safety features including a sophisticated Vehicle Stability Management system. In the event of an accident, Blue Link with Automatic Collision Notification and Assistance detects when the airbags have been deployed and automatically transmits a signal to a call center that directs help to your location.

MPG: up to 40 mpg with a manual transmission
Engine: 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection engine standard 6-speed manual or optional automatic transmission with paddle shifters
Price: starts at $17,300

The Car Coach: Technical Service Bulletins - YNN, Your News Now

2011-10-18T04:38:00.000-07:00

The Car Coach: Technical Service Bulletins - YNN, Your News Now

The Car Coach: Technical Service Bulletins

By: Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

If you have the dreaded check engine light on your dash, an electrical problem or another car repair issue, have you checked to see if there’s a TSB or recall? Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, explains how a little homework could save you a lot of money.

TSBs, or Technical Service Bulletins, are released by manufacturers to dealerships concerning problems that should be fixed or technical service issues that are known by the manufacturer. If you’re the original owner of a vehicle, you should receive them in the mail. If you’re a subsequent owner and have a transferable warranty, you may still receive them in the mail. Either way, check the Internet or call the service department at your local dealership for any TSBs. Some repair shops have access to this information and can repair the problem too.

Recalls are mandates by the federal government or the manufacturer. If you receive one, it may affect your car’s safety, performance or maintenance, so be sure to take care of the issue immediately. A recall will be repaired at no charge.

A TSB may or may not be repaired for free, so ask before you bring your vehicle in to the dealership or your favorite independent repair center.

If you have a check engine light turn on, it most likely is an emission or engine maintenance problem and should not be ignored.

Do NOT wait for a recall letter. If you are experiencing problems or you’re on the recall list, write down your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN#), call your local dealership and ask for the service department. Read them the number and they can tell you if you are under the recall. If you are having other problems, tell the service adviser and make an appointment immediately. Also, make sure to register any other problems at www.nhtsa.gov, so they can track reoccurring issues.

The dealership is responsible for repairing all recalls with or without a letter. Demand the proper repair for the sake of your safety and the safety of others!

If the repair is your expense then ALWAYS take it to an ASE certified technician.

A TSB may or may not be repaired for free, so ask before you bring your vehicle in to the dealership or your favorite independent repair center.

If you have a check engine light turn on, it most likely is an emission or engine maintenance problem and should not be ignored.

The dealership is responsible for repairing all recalls with or without a letter. Demand the proper repair for the sake of your safety and the safety of others!

If the repair is your expense then ALWAYS take it to an ASE certified technician.

The Car Coach: Asleep at the Wheel - YNN, Your News Now

2011-10-13T21:29:00.000-07:00

LINK: Asleep at the Wheel

Have you ever nodded-off while driving only to be woken up by the edge of the road or, even worse, hitting a road barrier? Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, has some tips to help you fend off drowsy driving.

Research shows that you have a higher chance of falling asleep at the wheel if you drive in the wee hours of the morning. This is especially likely when the driver is an hour or so away from home.

Drivers involved in these types of accidents are those that force their physical limitations and try to push through sleep deprivation to get home. The easy answer for these types of drivers is never to start either a long or short drive while tired, and don’t continue to drive when drowsiness sets in!

Are you tired or fatigued?
Sleepiness and fatigue are not exclusive to drivers with inadequate sleep. Long, dull roads and sitting in one position for long hours is draining. The lack of varied stimulants on wide, endless highways is also a factor. Certain cars emit a hum or flat noise that can put you to sleep at the wheel.

I’ve had to drive back from events where I thought I was perfectly awake. Then, as I’d drive down the highway, I’d suddenly get drowsy. No matter what I tried to do, within an hour my body seemed to just want to force my eyelids closed and start my head nodding.

Here are some other ideas to do to fend off drowsiness:
• Carry on an active conversation with a passenger.
• Listen to a good book on CD.
• Listen to whatever interests you most on the radio - a talk show you can shout back at or music you can sing while driving.
• Keep the interior climate a little on the chilly side. If the air gets too warm it will give you the nods.
• Chew on something that is noisy, such as carrots, celery sticks, pork rinds or something a little spicy.
• Everyone thinks that the caffeine in coffee, cola or tea will do the trick, but be advised that this will only work for a short period of time.
• Take an active break every hour. Get out of the car and trot around for a few minutes. Stretch or do a few jumping jacks.
• Swap drivers frequently, if you have someone with you.
The only sure thing is to stop and find a motel. If catnaps work for you, take a 10- to 20-minute snooze in the car with the doors locked. Be advised that resting in your car on the side of the road or at a rest area can be dangerous. Just make sure to drive safely.