My First Ford

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How I Survived - and Actually Enjoyed - My First Car Buying Experience
by Jeff Nerstander, One Satisfied Customer

‘Car buying’ was a phrase I was brought up to hate. Growing up, when someone in the family announced they were in the market for a new car, a collective sigh filled the room. So when the time came for me buy my first car, my initial thought was “HELP!”

Fortunately, in this technology age, help wasn’t far away. Aside from some ghastly advice I received from family and friends, I was able to really hone in on one really good rule of thumb: Do your research. With the internet at my disposal, I found researching car buying methods was really a fantastic way to learn about the industry, sales pitches, and financing options.

Money, unfortunately, was my big obstacle. I only had $5,000 to plunk down on a car. Could I even find a decent one for that price?

I live in Gulfport and knew I wanted to stay in the area to look for a car. With gas prices as high as they are, traveling a long distance just wasn’t worth it for a $5,000 car. I surfed the internet, searched the classifieds, and finally decided to contact a dealer. I figured the pros could make this real easy for me. Turns out I was right.

An ad for Darryl ‘Your Car Guy’ at Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury caught my eye. I headed over to their lot on Highway 49. I immediately knew I’d leave there with a new car - well, new to me that is. Darryl came right out and took me over to the pre-owned car lot. I told him my budget and he pointed out five cars that were in my price range. I was pretty impressed by the selection, especially given I only had $5,000 to spend. After a spin around the block, I settled on a little Ford Focus - black with tinted windows.

Into the back office we went to figure out a payment plan. Given my situation I knew I would buy the car, but I still chose to finance $3,000 plus tax and license. Fifteen minutes later I was tooling around Gulfport in my new ride.

See, car buying is easy if you just do your research. Oh, and I think Darryl at Russ Mullin had a little something to do with it too!

Sure glad I could help you, Jeff.

* In Mississipi, contact Darryl Your Car Guy at Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury in Gulfport, MS Phone: (479)-283-7147

GM Gambles on Small Car While Ford Pushes for an EcoBoost

Automotive Heavyweights Go Head-to-Head on A New Generation of Fuel Efficiency

The same day General Motors announced that it will invest more than $500 million in the U.S. to build its next-generation compact car, Ford came out swinging. It too had an announcement. In Detroit, Ford President Mark Fields demonstrated a prototype of the new EcoBoost engine. The crowd was blown away. “This,” Fields said, “will put a smile on your face.”

Ford’s EcoBoost engine promises to get drivers 20 percent better fuel economy with 15 percent less CO2, causing even less damage to the environment. Fields says the EcoBoost system combines turborcharging and direct injection to provide better performance and higher gas mileage. The new engines will debut on the Lincoln MKS sedan next year. Ford plans to make it available on 90-percent of its models by 2013.

General Motors already has similar engines in limited production, but plans to really capitalize on its new 45 mpg small car, the Chevy Cruze. While it won’t go into production until 2010, GM is already touting its benefits saying that it will not only save consumers fuel costs, its production will re-energize Detroit’s sagging auto sector.

Fuel efficiency is the wave of the future. At least that’s how heavyweights Ford and GM see it. Both plan to spend the next five years stoking sales, restoring profits, and putting money back into consumer pockets. Experts say the U.S. can expect to see an exciting fight in the race for supreme fuel-efficiency. Enjoy the ride.

So who will win? My money’s on Ford.

What are your thoughts? Have your say in the comments.

* In Mississipi, contact Darryl Your Car Guy at Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury in Gulfport, MS Phone: (479)-283-7147

To Lease or Buy

How to Make an Informed Decision About Your Next Car Purchase

Here is a report from one of our satisfied customers …
“You’ve just picked out a brand new car for yourself. You want it - bad. But should you buy or lease it? It’s a dilemma almost every new car shopper faces. Even I, the savviest of car shoppers, have been stuck with this decision. Fortunately, as I’ve learned from financial professionals, there is no right or wrong answer. Your decision should be based on your own needs.

Leases and purchase loans are simply two different methods of automobile financing. When you buy, you pay for the entire cost of the car regardless of how many miles you drive it. You typically make a down payment, pay sales tax and an interest rate. When you lease, you pay for only a portion of the car’s cost. You don’t have to make a down payment and you only pay sales tax on your monthly payment. At lease-end, you may either return the car, or buy it for its depreciated resale value.

All of this was explained to me by Darryl Deschamp and his finance manager over at Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury in Gulfport. They spelled out my options in simple terms that were easy to understand. They said that when making a ‘lease or buy’ decision you must look at not only financial comparisons but also at your own personal priorities.

Here are some questions they threw my way:

* Was having a new car every two to three years with no major repair risks more important than long-term cost?

* Or are long term cost savings more important than lower monthly payments?

Bottom line, leasing typically does not build equity, while buying does. The reason that a buyer has equity at the end of his loan is that he purchases the equity by making higher monthly payments.

* Leasing - lower payments, no equity.

* Buying - higher payments, partial equity.

So there you have it. With this information I was able to make an informed decision about how to buy my new truck - which, by the way, was a Ford Ranger. Thank you Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury for making that terrifying decision an easy one.”

How can we help you, today?

* In Mississipi, contact Darryl Your Car Guy at Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury in Gulfport, MS Phone: (479)-283-7147

New “Air Car” Creates Buzz

Affordable Car Promises an Unprecedented Cut in Fuel Costs

A new car could be the answer to our pump price despair. A company named Zero Pollution Motors says it plans to bring a car powered by air to the U.S. sometime in 2009 or 2010. Yes, I really mean air. If you’re awed by this concept and how it works, read on.

The six pistons in the Air Car’s engine will be pushed by compressed air rather than gasoline combustion, an idea developed by an FI race car engineer. Sounds ingenious, right? Well it gets better.

At $18k, the Air Car promises to get 106 miles-per-gallon utilizing an eight gallon fuel tank and a compressed air tank under the deck. Overall, experts believe this car can achieve approximately 800 miles per tank. Pretty incredible.

Early projections indicate that when the car is driven at speeds in excess of 35 mph, the fuel - gas, ethanol, or biofuel - will kick in. The amount of fuel used will depend upon the speed. Zero Pollution Motors says top speeds will reach approximately 90 mph.

So what does it look like? It’s not big by any means. The Air Car will, however, seat six passengers comfortably. Its four doors are incorporated into its sleek, aero dynamic body, which is made mostly of fiberglass and foam. Instead of the usual speed and RPM gauges in the dashboard, the Air Car will use an in-dash computer with displays for speed and engine revolutions. This dashboard computer will also be used for navigation, media playback, and communication.

While the Air Car sounds promising for U.S. consumers, it’s already generating some buzz overseas. The compressed air car will get a chance to prove itself next year when it competes for the Automotive X Prize. It has also drawn the interest of India’s largest automaker, announcing an agreement to further develop and refine Air Car technology.

When the Air Car hits U.S. showroom floors, I will be eager to see if it really lives up to its specifications. Do you think it will? Add your comments below.

Photo: m-c

* In Mississipi, contact Darryl Your Car Guy at Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury in Gulfport, MS Phone: (479)-283-7147

Gustav Alert Biloxi-Gulfport

Gustav vs. Katrin- Biloxi-Gulfport- Locals Better Prepared

Well, it looks like it is that time of year again. LSU is creaming their opponent, everyone is cleaning their grills in preparation for the big labor day weekend. Except here on the Gulf Coast of  Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama we are busy making last second preparations for a steadily approaching hurricane. Gustav.

Gustav Now a Category 4-Soon to be a Category 5

Gustav a large and dangerous category four, soon to be category five, hurricane is plowing  its way into the Gulf of Mexico. Anytime a storm makes its way into the gulf we here on the Mississippi gulf coast know that it is time to start preparing.

Though Gustav is presently forecast to make landfall well to the east Gulfport , these storms are often unpredictable and waiting until the last minute to make sure you are ready, in case of a sudden turn, is ill advised and sometimes deadly.

That’s why I spent today going over my hurricane checklist and making sure that, if worst comes to worst, I am prepared.

Click for National Hurricane Center here

Hurricane Preparedness: 90% Preparation….and  10%Execution.

Hurricane preparedness starts at the beginning of the season. As summer approaches and the days start getting longer all coastal residents should make sure to start keeping an eye on tropical weather forecasts and to reacquaint themselves with their local evacuation routes. It is a good idea to check first aid kits and make sure that they are well stocked and up to date. Next….

Battery Powered Weather Radio

It is also important to make sure you have a weather radio that is in good working order, fresh supplies of batteries and bottled water, a bright flashlight and are well stocked with non-perishable food items. And don’t forget to check those storm shutters or plywood supplies so you aren’t running to the lumber yard at the last minute only to find empty shelves.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Hurricane Evacuation:

Of course hurricane preparedness doesn’t stop with the home. When a storm the size of Gustav approaches it is often the best decision to evacuate coastal areas, and before doing so, it is important to make sure that the car is prepared to take you where you need to go. As a car guy I always make sure to give the same attention to preparing the car as I do to preparing the house.

Hurricane Supplies for your Auto

It is always important to keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance on any car, but it is even more crucial when you might need the car to escape from an approaching hurricane. I’m sure to always check fluid levels and tire pressures before setting out on the interstates.

There are also a number of items that you should carry in your car if, or when, evacuation time comes. First, you should make sure you have proof of insurance and registration. You should also check the spare tire for proper inflation and make sure the jack is in good working order. Make sure you have a good set of jumper cables as well, and basic tools such as screwdrivers, a hammer, and perhaps a socket set or some wrenches.

You will also want to stock your car with some of the same items you stocked for your home preparedness kit. Bottled water, a good flashlight and a first aid kit can often come in handy during evacuations. I also make sure I have working road flares and rain gear just in case the unexpected does occur.

Last Stop the ATM: Cash is King…You will always need Cash for an emergency.

h these few simple steps taken, I’m am now prepared.  This morning I simply went over my checklist, making sure that I still had sufficient supplies of batteries and water, went and topped of my gas tank, got some money from the ATM. When Katrina hit all the electricity was cut off. With no electricity your credit card was worthless because no transactions could be run. You better have a two or three day supply cash.

With hese few simple steps taken, I’m am now prepared.  This morning I simply went over my checklist, making sure that I still had sufficient supplies of batteries and water, went and topped of my gas tank, got some money from the ATM. When Katrina hit all the electricity was cut off. With no electricity your credit card was worthless because no transactions could be run. You better have a two or three day supply cash.

I am keeping an ear to the forecasts in case of a change in the anticipated storm track. Storms like Gustav are always dangerous, but if you are prepared and stay calm you can minimize that danger substantially. What ever happens, make sure you are among the Biloxi-Gulfport locals who are better prepared for Hurricane Gustav

* In Mississipi, contact Darryl Your Car Guy at Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury in Gulfport, MS Phone: (479)-283-7147

Car Reviews - Useful Online Sites

The internet is a great source for information and car reviews - sites that offer auto buying tips, safety reports and reviews of vehicles

Here’s my selection for this week. Let me know if you find them helpful.

Read more

* In Mississipi, contact Darryl Your Car Guy at Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury in Gulfport, MS Phone: (479)-283-7147

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