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Archives for October 2015

Ford Sale Unusual For Good Economic Times

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Year-end new car sales will soon be underway. Ford may have found a better idea as its discounting starts early and goes deep.

The Ford brand is about to launch a major sale, one that begins on Nov. 2 and extends through Jan. 4, 2016, the last date counted for 2015 calendar year sales. Holding sales is nothing new, especially at this time of the year. What is unusual is that Ford will be setting prices at levels not seen since the last recession.

2015 Ford Edge.

2015 Ford Edge.

Friends & Neighbors Pricing Event

Automotive News acquired a copy of a 20-page guide Ford recently distributed to its dealers. The guide, marked confidential, details a “Friends & Neighbors Pricing Event,” which will allow dealers to sell cars at prices within $200 of dealer invoice. The no-haggle pricing initiative should deliver extra savings to customers, especially for people who typically aren’t especially thorough with their research. Further, the discounting can be combined with other incentives — customers should be able to save at least 10 percent off the sticker price of any new vehicle.

Ford’s year-end sale comes as the automaker battles to retain market share. Over the past year, Ford has gradually recovered sales lost as the company transitioned from a steel-bodied F-150 pickup truck to an aluminum-bodied one. The brand has also suffered losses in key segments as competition heats up. For example, sales for the Fusion midsize sedan and the compact Focus are down this year.

Through September, Ford sales are up 4.5 percent (4.6 percent with Lincoln) year to date or slightly below the 5 percent rise for the entire market. Among the largest manufacturers, Fiat Chrysler and Nissan are performing above the market’s pace, while GM, Toyota and Honda follow Ford in coming in below the market average.

Ford Fiesta ST

Hot hatch: Ford Fiesta ST.

How Will Competitors Respond?

The good news for consumers is that additional savings can be had when shopping for a Ford vehicle. Even better will be the responses other manufacturers are certain to provide, by offering incentives of their own. Consumers may find that they have additional leverage, especially if competitors are forced to match Ford’s discounting to close a sale.

One Ford incentive that will go away are interest-free new car loans. Although such loans have been used by dealers to entice customers, they won’t be offered for the duration of the pricing event. This means consumers should carefully shop for a loan with their bank or credit union and have that financing arranged before negotiating the price of a new car.

Ford Mustang

America’s Pony Car: Ford Mustang.

Know the Value of Your Used Car

Shoppers may also find that their trade-ins may not fetch the amount they want — visiting sites such as NADAGuides.com, Edmunds.com, and Kelley Blue Book will tell you what your car is worth along with both the private party and dealer values. Nevertheless, you can often get more for your used car by selling it separately or at least keeping it separate from your new car deal.

Ford shoppers may also find that used vehicles, including those labeled certified pre-owned (CPO) may offer improved discounts too, especially if those vehicles languish on dealer lots and as new car inventories shrink. Typically, CPO incentives are set by the manufacturer and involve a discount, low-rate financing, sometimes both. Regardless of the incentives offered, consumers should negotiate the best deal possible.

Record Ford Motor Company Profits

As with any major sale, manufacturers risk putting to the side profits at the expense of increasing market share. However, the Ford Motor Company reported a record third-quarter pre-tax profit as its income rose by 129 percent, just the sort of good news it needs as it rolls out one of its biggest sales events in seven years.

Ford F-150

The aluminum-bodied Ford F-150.

Recent News

Honda Brings Clarity to its Fuel Cell Plans

Crumbling Chevrolet Sonic Sales Leads to Layoffs

Should I Repair or Replace My Car?

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Burly Beast: Land Rover LR4

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2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

Someone at Jaguar Land Rover loves me. Indeed, not a month, perhaps two goes by and I receive yet another SUV, sedan or sports car. And just when I thought I have seen them all, yet another variant on the iconic British conveyance theme makes its way through my press fleet rotation.

The one elusive model has been the Land Rover LR4, a 7-passenger SUV that comes full of surprises. For one, it features a more traditional look with its boxy frame and squared off lines. Another surprise was its third row seats — they’re actually quite usable and can extend the people carrying capacity where other SUVs fall short. More about these and other tidbits as we move forward.

As tested, my weekly driver was a 2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury edition. This midsize SUV traces its roots to the first generation Discovery released in 1989. In North America, we didn’t see that model until 1994, a vehicle known as the Discovery 1.

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

Generational changes brought forth the Discovery 2 and the Discovery 3, but when the DiscoverY 4 was readied for production, North American models assumed the LR4 model name. This was in keeping with a wider change initiated by Land Rover where its high end models are grouped under the Range Rover line and its standard models are represented by the Discovery range. So, the LR4 is still a Discovery, even if it isn’t known by that name in some markets.

For 2016, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has overhauled its pricing structure, reducing prices for all Jaguar models. Although Land Rover is not similarly affected, you’ll find the price point begins in the high 30s or about $10,000 less than the previously cheapest Jaguar. Land Rover sells about five times the number of vehicles as does Jaguar. Lower prices and the brand’s first SUV should help Jaguar close that gap.

The LR4 is priced from $50,400, a few thousand dollars less than the BMW X5 and more than $13,000 below the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Two higher end models are also offered — the HSE retails from $55,300 and the HSE Luxury from $60,600.

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

For the test model, Land Rover added a Heavy Duty Package ($1,350) — composed of an active locking rear differential, a full-size spare tire on an alloy wheel, and a two-speed transfer case. SiriusXM satellite radio with HD Radio ($750), an apps package ($425), and a hitch receiver with an electrical connector ($650) were also included.

A Black Design Package ($3,500) gave this vehicle its style points as it brought in 20-inch black wheels, a black grille and grille surround, and black trim on the side mirror caps, the door handles, as well as on the side vents. More people than usual commented positively about the look, a very fetching design at that.

Land Rover products are powerful machines with the Range Rover representing the largest of the lot and the Evoque and Discovery Sport occupying the compact range. Whereas the other models offer a more flowing and thereby aerodynamic design, the LR4-in-the-middle look is entirely traditional with a safari-like design. That means a flat fascia, squared lines, a long hood, upright roof pillars, massive wheel wells, and huge rear combination lights. However, modern touches such as LED lights offset the look.

Glass is used in abundance — its greenhouse makes this SUV seem much larger than it is. A moonroof and a panoramic sunroof extend this model’s presence — inside, the look gives each row its own glass partition.

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury
2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

Between the C- and D-pillars (the last two roof pillars) are oversized windows that flow to the roof. At first, they seem out of place — but when the third row is in use, it removes the claustrophobic feeling such rows typically convey. With glass all the way around your view is not impeded either.

Inside, the light and bright interior are covered in leather — across the dashboard, around the steering wheel, on door inlays, and around the seats. Wood touches are on the center console and in the door inlays. Aluminum accents are nearly everywhere.

Behind the electronically controlled tilt and telescopic steering column is a two-analog gauge display — tachometer and speedometer — with a large digital driver’s information center in the middle. The center console is composed of a small color display with buttons, switches and knobs underneath to control same. Window and door lock controls are on the inside of the door running along the belt line. Cruise, audio and other driver controls are on the steering wheel.

At the base of the console are the four-wheel drive controls, allowing you to choose whatever conditions suit you best — mud, sand, gravel, and snow. Alas, my off-road antics were restricted this time around to a gravel road that took me to my son’s soccer field. Anyway, I forgot about the controls as the LR4 covered the unpaved road in 4×2 fashion without a bit of drama.

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

The driver and front passenger are treated to a pair of supportive, electronically controlled seats. Between the two the transmission dial rises from its flush position — I prefer a stick, but hey…. A smart phone holder, two cup holders and a deep storage compartment with cooling capabilities are also present.

If you’re looking for your connectivity options, the upper glove box has you covered. Drop that drawer and you’ll find a pair of USB ports and an auxiliary input port. Surprisingly, this was the first time I found a dedicated area for device connections in a glove compartment.

All four doors come with large open storage areas, including drink holders. Those holders are so wide that your one-liter water bottles won’t stay in place for long. However, your 44-ounce super-sized containers should remain stable as you take to the road — but not if you go off road.

The second row bench seat is a 35-30-35 split folding design. That means the outboard seats fold and flip forward, providing access to the rear seats. If you need the rear seats, they pop up from the floor and the headrests are separately secured in place.

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

Those rear seats are ideal for the preteen and are bearable for adults, at least in a pinch. The seats rest nearly against the back window, turning an otherwise generous storage area into a seating area. I was impressed by the amount of leg and head room available. Its a bit tight at the shoulders and the hips, but it presents a seating option that should not be easily dismissed. By the way, Land Rover supplies cup holders and concealed storage compartments back there, as well as climate control vents and open storage pockets — these added features go further to remove the “penalty box” feel of some models.

Under the hood is a supercharged 3.0-liter, V-6 engine making 340 horsepower. Step on the accelerator and it roars to life — you’ll move down the road with no hesitation. This SUV feels strong and provides a commanding presence. It shines on the straight away and moves with authority. Steering is concise and braking is precise.

If there is a drawback to this model it is its fuel economy. The EPA assigned it with a 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway rating. However, I doubt I got much higher than 12 mpg as I watched the gas gauge drop faster than in any other vehicle I’ve driven in recent memory.

2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

 2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Luxury

  • Sticker price from $50,400
  • Price as tested: $68,270
  • Seats 7 occupants
  • 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 gasoline engine
  • 340 horsepower @ 6,500 RPM
  • 332 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,500 to 5,000 RPM
  • 3.33 inches bore by 3.5 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.5-to-1
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 113.6 inches
  • Length: 190.1 inches
  • Width: 75.4 inches
  • Height: 74.3 inches
  • Passenger volume: NR
  • Storage volume: 9.9/42.1/90.3 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 7,716 pounds
  • EPA: 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 22.8 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 5,655 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Not Rated
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Solihull, UK

Additional New Car Review:

Made-In-China Volvo S60 Inscription Impresses

Driven: 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport

Diesel Does It: Range Rover HSE

The Provocative, Evocative Range Rover Evoque

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Honda Brings Clarity to its Fuel Cell Plans

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New Honda fuel cell model goes on sale first in Japan — North America and Europe will follow.

Since releasing its first delivered fuel cell model in 2002, Honda has quietly been making plans for broadening availability in line with the development of hydrogen fueling infrastructures in Japan and as well as in California.

The original FCX — Fuel Cell eXperimental — was a three-door, four-seat hatchback developed in very limited quantities and offered to customers in Japan and in Southern California. In 2008, the hatchback was replaced by the FCX Clarity, a midsize sedan with room for four. The second model improved upon the original’s 190-mile hydrogen range to deliver 240 miles of fuel cell range.

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

Arriving March 2016: Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

2015 Tokyo Motor Show

With various concepts, prototypes and limited production fuel cell models behind it, Honda has once again presented another fuel cell model, dubbed the Clarity Fuel Cell. Introduced at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show this week, the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell offers room for five and a driving range of 435 miles. The all-new hydrogen-powered sedan will go on sale in Japan next March; an initial annual output of just 200 units is expected.

Significant improvements over the previous generation model have yielded a vehicle with 60 percent longer range. The new fuel stack is 33 percent smaller than its predecessor with 100 kW output attained and with much greater energy density. Honda says the new fuel pack is as compact as a V6 engine, enabling it to consolidate it under the hood for the first time. Energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery; refueling takes about three minutes. Water vapor is this vehicle’s only emission.

Previously, the fuel pack was located below the seats, thus limiting the interior room to four people. With its dimensions similar to the outgoing model and aligning closely with the midsize Honda Accord sedan, the extra seat placement will certainly come in handy.

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Price

Honda says that the Clarify Fuel Cell will cost 7.66 million yen which converts to $63,644 as of publication. That’s about $5,000 more than the competing Toyota Mirai, a fuel cell vehicle just now going on sale. The Clarity is slightly larger than the Mirai and has an 8 percent longer driving range than the Toyota.

US Honda consumers won’t be able to get the Clarify Fuel Cell, at least not initially. Honda intends to deliver its initial batch of vehicles to Japanese government entities and businesses. The automaker says it will “…collect information about the in-market use situation, including the external power feeding device, and gather diverse opinions from customers and other relevant organizations, then later begin sales to individual customers.” Sales will later spread to the United States and Europe, although a timeline has not be released.

US consumers desiring a fuel cell vehicle are currently limited to the Hyundai Tucson FCEV, the Toyota Mirai, Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL, and the upcoming BMW i8 Coupe and the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Even so, those models are restricted to Southern California where the barebones of a hydrogen infrastructure should flesh out to a more robust framework. Toyota plans to eventually roll out its Mirai in the northeast US.

Currently Available Tax Credits and Rebates

US customers who manage to land a fuel cell vehicle are eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. Another $6,500 state rebate for low and moderate income California families drops that price further. Wealthier California residents are still eligible for a $5,000 rebate on fuel cell vehicles, but for those making over $250,000, tax rebates on battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have been eliminated.

Once again, the high cost of buying an alternate fuel vehicle weights in. And with no nationwide infrastructure planned, fuel cell vehicles may long remain a niche segment within the tiny EV sphere.

See Also — Crumbling Chevrolet Sonic Sales Leads to Layoffs

Photo copyright Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Crumbling Chevrolet Sonic Sales Leads to Layoffs

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Small car segment battered by low fuel prices.

Orion Chevrolet Bolt.
Orion plant will begin production of the Chevrolet Bolt for 2017.

Arguably, Chevrolet has the strongest line up it has ever presented in the US market, with solid entries ranging from the full-size Impala to the diminutive Spark. Truck and SUV sales are a bigger factor than ever before, giving the bow tie brand a solid product line from top to bottom.

But not all models are succeeding as consumers continue to make the shift to trucks and SUVs, and at the expense of small cars. Indeed, sales for the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic have fallen by 35 percent year-to-date through September, after rising 9.2 percent in 2014. Gas prices trending toward $2 per gallon is one reason why sales have dropped.

Orion Township Layoffs

Plunging sales mean GM has had to rethink its production plans. To that end, workers manning the second shift at its Orion Township (Michigan) plant will lose their jobs in January. The plant makes the subcompact Sonic as well as the compact Buick Verano, the latter seeing its sales fall by 27 percent through September.

The Orion plant has benefited from $962 million in upgrades since 2010, including $405 million in the past year alone as the automaker readies production of the Chevrolet Bolt, a small pure electric model. The start of production for the new model is months away. In the meantime, GM must align both production and its workforce with demand.

Hamtramck Expands to Accommodate New Cadillac Model

As difficult as layoffs are in the auto industry, this one comes with a silver lining — affected workers will be able to transfer to the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant 35 miles south of Orion. That plan will double its workforce in 2016 by adding 1,200 hourly and salaried jobs as it brings on a second shift. Hiring is currently underway and soon to be displaced Orion workers have an opportunity to find new jobs.

Hamtramck currently builds the Chevrolet Volt, Impala and Malibu as well as the Cadillac ELR on a single production line. Beginning early in 2016 it will start production of the all-new Cadillac CT6. Like Orion, Hamtramck has also received upgrades over the past six years to the tune of $1 billion.

Shrinking Chevrolet Sonic Sales

The Chevrolet Sonic, previously sold as the Aveo, is available as a 5-door hatchback or as a 4-door sedan. Introduced in 2012, GM has not announced plans for a new model yet. The automaker may be waiting out the market to determine if future demand warrants such an investment.

Other automakers appear to be in the same wait and see mode, including Kia with its Rio. Introduced in 2012, Rio sales have fallen nearly as much as the Sonic and are down 31 percent through the same nine-month period. Notably, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Hyundai Accent sales are up for the year. In addition, the Scion iA, an all-new model introduced in September, is showing strong sales out of the gate.

New Buick Verano Planned

Orion’s other model, the Buick Verano, is coming to the end of its first generation run. An all-new model is slated to arrive in 2016 for the 2017 model year, a vehicle that shares its underpinnings with the Opel Astra and Chevrolet Cruze. The new Verano is already on sale in China where both a hatchback and GS editions are now offered. There is no word on whether the US market will receive either new edition.

Sales of another small GM car, the Chevrolet Cruze are also off year-to-date. However, a new model arrives in Chevrolet showrooms this fall, one that is expected to be more competitive in a segment led by the Toyota Corolla followed by the Honda Civic.

See Also — LA Auto Show Sneak Peek

Made-In-China Volvo S60 Inscription Impresses

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Volvo China exports extended wheelbase S60 Inscription edition to the US.

2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription

Brutally tough competition and a change of owners has not brought Volvo Cars to ruination. Instead, the Swedish automaker continues to exploit a safety niche, while bringing forth an assembly of new and updated products.

The Volvo S60 is not new, but it occupies the entry point for the brand, in particular for sedan shoppers. Introduced in 2001, the second-generation model arrived in 2010 and is now in its seventh model year. That’s a bit long in a segment where changes occur about once every six years, but a 2014 refresh along with a Cross Country variant introduced for 2016 keeps this model relevant. Also new is an extended wheelbase Inscription edition — more about that later.

Unlike many of its competitors, the Volvo S60 is based on a front-wheel drive platform with all-wheel drive available. The competing BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, and Infiniti Q50 are each based on rear-wheel drive architecture. On the other hand, the Audi A4, Lincoln MKZ, and the Acura TLX are like the S60 with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. Another Lexus entry-level sedan, the ES series, doesn’t even offer available all-wheel drive for that front-wheel drive only sedan.

2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription FWD

Unless you put premium on handling and performance, the platforms may not matter all that much. What may make a difference are the engine choices available, although it is safe to say that you still have them with the 2016 Volvo S60. At some point Volvo plans to dispense with engines larger than four cylinders, meaning the available inline-five and V-6 engines will go away.

My test model was a 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Drive-E Inscription FWD sedan. With Volvo, you need a scorecard to understand what the sub-models mean. Even then, clarity may remain elusive.

The base model is the T5 Drive-E followed by the T5 AWD, T5 Drive-E Inscription and the T5 AWD Inscription. The T6 Drive-E and the T6 AWD R-Design follow. Each sub-model is further divided, typically with premier and platinum packages. A high performance S60 Polestar is marketed separately as is the S60 Cross Country, the latter representing a raised platform variant. Whew!

2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription FWD

Volvo prices the 2016 S60 from $33,950. The model as tested had a base price of $38,700 and a final sticker price of $45,925. The upgrades included the Platinum package ($3,000) with a Harman Kardon premium sound system, active dual xenon headlights, keyless entry and safety upgrades. A $1,300 climate package brought in heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield. A park assist package ($1,425) added a blind spot information system, while metallic paint represented a $560 upgrade.

Volvo’s entire line of engines are turbocharged, with one engine choice turbocharged and supercharged. The model at hand was powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine, making 240 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. Depending on the model selected a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder or a 3.0-liter, V-6 are also available. On closer inspection, you’ll see that the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a turbo adds a supercharger in select models. Regardless of your engine choice, an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard.

The S60 offers a sporty presentation with sweeping lines present from bumper to bumper. The look is at once athletic as it is luxurious, a combination that works best in this segment. The front fascia is marked by a broad grille with the trademark Volvo insignia also present. Wraparound headlamps with LED accent lights, a sporty lower grille and pockets for the LED fog lights are also present.

2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription FWD

The Volvo S60 has muscular shoulders, large wheel wells, upper profile character lines and side sculpting. The roof line sweeps back to its raised rear deck. That deck is marked by oversized wraparound combination lights and in some models a diffuser with two exhaust tips.

Choose the Inscription package and this model has a power moonroof and Inscription details on the front door kick plates. All S60 models come with alloy wheels and coordinating or contrasting side mirror covers.

Inside, the advantage of standard front-wheel drive becomes apparent as the center drivetrain hump sits lower than in a rear-wheel drive model. That means five people can sit in comfort, with generous amounts of head and legroom. Three large people in the back can make for tight space around the shoulders and at the hips. That’s no worse than any other entry-level luxury sedan I’ve driven.

2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription FWD

Some people may be surprised to discover I am speaking so highly of the S60’s rear seat. After all, the S60 has never garnered accolades for its roomy back seat, but in 2016 it does, provided you choose the made-in-China Inscription model. That’s right, the Inscription S60 is made in Chengdu and limited quantities are shipped to the US. The benefit of this edition is an extra three inches added between the wheels and 3.4 inches of additional legroom in the back seat.

One thing you can say about Volvo interiors is that they are typically well constructed, simply laid out and fairly easy to decipher. The lone exception may be the Sensus Connect infotainment display with its tablet-like keyboard, but other than that you have a cabin where the driver controls are ergonomically placed, the instrument panel is composed of analog and digital readouts, and the secondary driver controls are located on the steering wheel.

The test model offered seats dressed in leather along with wood trim and aluminum accents on the door inlays and around the center stack. Soft touch materials cover the dashboard and are found on the inside top of the doors as well as between the seats. The front seats are supportive and safe — indeed, the space-aged design offers superior whiplash protection, representing just one of several safety features apparent.

2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription FWD

The top of the center stack is marked by a color display. At the bottom of the stack is where said Sensus Connect keyboard resides with its many switches and knobs controlling the telematics and climate control systems. Sensus Connect offers wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, smartphone tethering, a WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system with a host of apps. Earlier media preview models offered access to this password-enabled system, but not this go around — my suggestion here is to spend time with a knowledgeable dealer representative to learn how to work the system before you drive off the dealer lot.

Volvo has long had a reputation for being a safety pioneer. For years, it enjoyed an edge over its competitors in the keeping-you-safe department. In more recent years, however, all manufacturers have been trumpeting their own safety initiatives, using steel cages, stiffer bodies and a host of technologies to achieve their goals.

But Volvo’s safety lead seems intact as each of its models, including the S60, continues to pull down the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Further, its available collision avoidance technologies continue to set the pace, including its City Safety system, what automatically brakes your Volvo. The system is optimized to detect and protect pedestrians and cyclists alike, warning the driver and applying the brakes automatically if necessary. Safety remains an important attribute for all things Volvo and this manufacturer continues to provide it generously.

2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription FWD

So, how does the S60 perform on the road? Quite frankly, it moves off the mark with confidence and reaches highway speeds briskly. Some turbo lag is present, but it isn’t especially annoying. I enjoyed pushing the sedan as I took it out on the highway, passing traffic with ease.

Torque steer, common in front-wheel drive models was manageable, what causes the vehicle to move slightly to the left and to the right when the accelerator is pressed. That problem is largely mitigated with all-wheel drive, which begs this question — why not opt for all-wheel drive for improved handling and control?

2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription FWD

The Volvo S60 won’t ace the turns and curves like the BMW 3 Series, but that’s not the reason you’d consider this sedan. The one demerit I would like to see remedied is in the NVH department — noise, vibration, and harshness. An extra layer of seals surrounding the front doors would have mitigated the wind noise apparent at highway speeds. Fortunately, the ride remains smooth and this sedan is otherwise carefully composed.

Shop the Volvo S60 and you can find an all-wheel drive model with a navigation system, safety upgrades along with a climate package for under $40,000. That’s an important price point in this segment where performance, luxury, technology and safety intersect.

2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription FWD

 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription FWD

  • Sticker price from $38,700
  • Price as tested: $45,925
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 240 horsepower @ 5,600 RPM
  • 250 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,500 RPM
  • 3.23 inches bore by 3.67 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.8-to-1
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 109.3 inches (112.4 inches, Inscription)
  • Length: 182.5 inches (185.6 inches, Inscription)
  • Width: 73.4 inches
  • Height: 58.4 inches
  • Passenger volume: NR
  • Storage volume: 12.0 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
  • EPA: 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 17.8 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,433 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 144 months/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Chengdu, China

Should I Repair or Replace My Car?

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You slip behind the wheel of your car, turn the key and…nothing. You’re not sure what’s wrong with your car this time and it really doesn’t matter whether it is the starter, alternator or the battery causing the problem. You’re facing repairs for the second or third time this year, a potential cost that has you asking — should I repair or replace my car?

Quite naturally, you may think that a repair is the easiest thing to do, one that will extract more money from your wallet, but when it is done puts you back behind the wheel of the car you’re most familiar with. An emotional connection sometimes plays in, but sentimentality can cost you money.

A father and son perform car repair.
A father and son perform car repair.

Before you call the garage to take your car in for repairs, pause for a few moments. Then, head to the Internet to find the current value of your vehicle, warts and all. Car valuation sites such as NADAGuides.com and AutoTrader.com can provide a fairly accurate value of your car. Take the two numbers and find a middle ground to determine its estimated value.

Next, contact your garage to get an estimate for the repairs. If the repair is especially significant, it may outstrip the value of your car. Or at least compose a significant chunk of that cost. You’re looking at repairs that should be bypassed and your car sold “as is” or donated to charity. Importantly, if the repair involves a safety issue or some other significant problem, it could lead to even more repairs later on. It is at this point you may want to avoid throwing good money after bad and extricate yourself from a bad situation.

Indeed, replacing a starter may not be a big deal. But if the problem is engine or transmission related, repairing or replacing the part will prove unreasonable. Notably, a major repair also poses an extraordinary inconvenience. You may find yourself without a car for a week or two — how will that impact your life? Will you be able to get to work? How will you get the children to school?

If your mechanic delivers to you bad news, get an estimate for the cost of the repairs. But don’t stop there: get at least two more estimates from other garages and compare all three. You may be able to save money by choosing remanufactured parts; you may also find some differences in the cost of labor. If you choose to keep your car, ask for a binding price. Insist that no additional repairs be made without your authorization.

Car problems can usually be avoided if you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. That information is found in the owner’s manual, typically found in your glove box. Two schedules are usually offered — regular and severe duty. Most consumers fall under the first category, but if you drive where conditions are dusty or extreme cold is common, then follow the latter. By following the maintenance schedule you will have a regular outlay of upkeep and may avoid the big financial “hits” that follow major breakdowns.

Moreover, never ignore a problem when you first become aware of it. For example, if your mechanic says that your disc brakes are below minimum thickness, your pads or shoes are gone, or your hydraulic system is leaking, then make those repairs at once. To delay will only exacerbate the problem and can also lead to a safety issue — without effective brakes, you will have difficulty stopping your car and you may crash.

Lastly, get in the habit of setting aside money to cover repairs as you’ll be more likely to have them done if the money is on hand. You can also use that fund as a down payment on a different vehicle if you choose to cut your losses and move on.

Further Reading

The Average Cost of Hail Damage Repair

How to Scrap Your Rustbucket

Wheels4Hope: Dependable Transportation For Low-Wage Earners

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Strike a Pose: Nissan Rogue

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2015 Nissan Rogue

Car manufacturers sometimes choose odd names for their vehicles. Most such names, including the Mazda Bongo and the Mitsubishi Pistachio, never make it to the US as marketers wisely intervene and demand changes.

The Nissan Rogue has one of those names that slipped through the cracks, although it is doubtful whether the true meaning of the word is known by many. Of “rogue” Merriam-Webster describes as, “a dishonest, knavish person; scoundrel.” The second dictionary definition may be more in line with what Nissan was thinking, “a playfully mischievous person; scamp.”

Naming choice aside, the Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover sport utility vehicle, just one of several models this Japanese brand sells in North America. The Juke is the smallest of the lot, followed by the Rogue, Murano and Pathfinder. The Xterra — a midsize traditional body-on-frame SUV — was retired at the end of 2015. That leaves the Armada at the top of the SUV pecking order in the Nissan range.

2015 Nissan Rogue
2015 Nissan Rogue

A 2015 Nissan Rogue SV FWD edition was a recent weekly test vehicle, a five-passenger SUV with an optional third-row seat. That two-person seat is part of a $940 SV Family Package, one that curiously includes run-flat tires.

From the get-go, I’ll say this: if you really need room for seven, you’re looking at the wrong vehicle: the Nissan Pathfinder SUV  or the Nissan Quest minivan are better suited for the job. Otherwise, stick with two rows — the third row is mostly useless with little legroom to speak of. Besides, you’ll enjoy the 32 cubic feet of storage space better.

The Nissan Rogue offers standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. It can be had in S ($23,140), SV ($24,590), and SL ($28,540) editions. Curiously, Nissan still offers the previous generation Rogue, calling this model the Rogue Select. Its budget-beating $20,150 price undercuts the latest generation Rogue introduced in 2014, by $3,000. Available in a base “S” trim level only, the previous generation model is not as refined or technologically advanced as the current edition.

If you shop the Nissan Rogue you will find one powertrain combination available in a segment where two is more common. Or, as in the case of the Ford Escape and Kia Sportage, three engine choices are available.

2015 Nissan Rogue

In the Rogue, you get a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine making 170 horsepower and 175 foot-pounds of torque. It comes paired with a continuously variable transmission. This combination delivers superior fuel economy for the segment as this model is EPA-rated at 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

One look at the Rogue and you may confuse this SUV with the larger Pathfinder. Where the Juke has its own quirky styling and the Murano is closer in appearance to the Maxima sedan, the Rogue and Pathfinder are a lot alike.

That look is marked by a pronounced horse collar grille hemmed in by wraparound headlights and LED lighting treatments. The lower grille or air intake is itself offset by pockets or embrasures optionally filled with fog lamps.

From bumper to bumper, the Nissan Rogue flows uninterrupted as the roof line eases back to the liftgate and the belt line suddenly rises at the rear quarter to meet it. Upper character lines, lower body sculpting and available alloy wheels contribute to the mystique. From the rear, the combination lamps include LED treatments. A spoiler, garnish, reflectors and a single exhaust tip are also present.

2015 Nissan Rogue
2015 Nissan Rogue

Inside, the Rogue’s cabin is bright, roomy and intelligently laid out. Not much drama here and that’s a good thing: my test model came with keyless entry, power accessories, a tilt and telescopic steering column, steering wheel-mounted controls, climate control, a navigation system, and cloth seats. Also part of the package was a 6-way power driver’s seat, Bluetooth connectivity, three 12-volt power points, a rear view monitor, and a nifty “divide and hide” under the storage area compartment.

The instrument cluster is a two-analog display — tachometer on the left, speedometer on the right. All the other driver functions are display digitally in a small panel located between the two dials.

Options, beyond the SV family package seats and run-flat tires, were roof rail cross bars ($290) and an SV premium package ($1,500) — what brought in the navigation system, an around view monitor and a power liftgate. All told, this model retails for $28,170 — savvy shoppers should drive away with one for about $25,000.

Choose the Rogue SL and your model adds leather seats, heated front seats, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, and the NissanConnect navigation system.

All models also come with four cup holders and four in-door bottle holders. The Rogue has generous amounts of storage throughout, including an oversized glove box, in-door storage, and console storage. Happily, all controls were operable, sensible, and entirely usable.

2015 Nissan Rogue

Head out on the road and the Nissan Rogue delivers a satisfactory ride. There is no “wow” factor present, nor should you look for one. This vehicle is designed to take you from point to point and do so while maintaining generic handling and delivering optimum fuel economy. That muted drive is a complaint offered by some of my enthusiast-minded colleagues, but Nissan has guessed (correctly) that most customers want an uninvolved driving experience.

That’s not to say that the Nissan Rogue doesn’t also have one quirk that will irritate some drivers. The CVT is your lone transmission choice and it contributes to much noise under the hood. The revs are delivered early on and the engine whines when you push it. But performance is not compromised and that’s the overarching reason why the Rogue attracts a growing legion of buyers.

Shopping the Nissan Rogue also means cross-shopping the competition. The leader in this segment is the Honda CR-V. Other models to consider include the Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Dodge Journey, Subaru Outback, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, and the Hyundai Tucson.

2015 Nissan Rogue

If crashworthiness is a concern, you’ll be happy to know that the 2015 Nissan Rogue is the recipient of a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The institute gave the Rogue one of its highest awards as this SUV performed “good” in all five test criteria categories.

To sum up, the Nissan Rogue should meet many of the criteria shoppers have for vehicles in this segment. And like numerous other Nissan products, this one is built in North America at Nissan’s plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.

2016 Nissan Rogue SV FWD

  • Sticker price from $24,490
  • Price as tested: $28,170
  • Seats 5 to 7 occupants
  • 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 170 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 175 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 RPM
  • 3.50 inches bore by 3.94 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.0-to-1
  • Continuously variable transmission
  • Wheelbase: 106.5 inches
  • Length: 182.3 inches
  • Width: 72.4 inches
  • Height: 66.3 inches
  • Passenger volume: 105.8 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 9.4/32.0/70.0 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 1,000 pounds
  • EPA: 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 14.5 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,413 pounds
  • Limited (new) vehicle warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 60 months/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 60 months/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Smyrna, Tennessee

See Also — White Space Wonder: 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

LA Auto Show: 2015 Sneak Peak

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The Los Angeles Auto Show opens in about a month, the first of four huge auto shows on tap in North America for the 2015-2016 show season.

The show’s timing — just before Thanksgiving — and the California location of the venue, provide an ideal setting for car manufacturers to unveil their latest offerings and concept vehicles.

Infiniti QX30 Concept.
Infiniti QX30 Concept.

2015 LA Auto Show

At least 50 debuts will take place in Los Angeles, including global debuts from Ford, Porsche, Scion, and Land Rover. Several manufacturers will also provide North American debuts, meaning these models have already appeared elsewhere in the world.

The LA Auto Show typically features vehicles that meet the so-called “green” criteria, including numerous alternate-fuel models. That doesn’t mean SUVs, sports cars and other less-efficient models are not showcased. It does mean that the venue serves as an ideal backdrop for presenting the annual “Green Car of the Year” award from Green Car Journal.

Among the manufacturer big reveals set for next month include the following:

Nissan Sentra — The compact segment is led by the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic, with models such as the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, and the Hyundai Elantra also making an impact. The Nissan Sentra is yet another model, with the current generation model introduced in 2013. That means a mid-cycle refresh is due and it should be a significant one. Nissan is gaining market share and has been doing so by refreshing or replacing its core products at a rapid pace. No particulars have been shared about the new model, but its look should align it closer to the refreshed-for-2016 Nissan Altima.

Buick LaCrosse — GM’s premium brand is gaining new product, including the Opel-suppled Cascada convertible. Moreover, the flagship LaCrosse will be all new for 2017 when it goes on sale next year. Buick has selected Los Angeles as the venue to introduce a model that we already know will take its styling cues from the delicious Avenir concept. Just how far Buick goes with porting those design features isn’t yet known. Nor do we know what technologies and trims will accompany the new model.

Mitsubishi Duo — The smallest of all Japanese automakers with a presence left in the United States is Mitsubishi. Its sales are up significantly this year after multiple year-over-year declines. That doesn’t mean Mitsubishi’s road ahead is assured. Indeed, the automaker’s survival is tenuous at best. Nevertheless, Mitsubishi will reveal two models in LA — an all-new Outlander Sport crossover and a refreshed Mirage, the latter its subcompact model. Mitsubishi is coming off of a refresh of its compact Lancer minus its Evo and Ralliart editions, which have been discontinued.

Infiniti QX30 — Infiniti with the help of Mercedes-Benz, is exploring the bottom of the luxury segment with both a Q30 hatchback and an QX30 utility vehicle. The SUV will be introduced next month and should give further clarity on what Nissan’s luxury brand has in store for us from 2017 on.

Scion Concept SUV — About a year ago, it appeared that Toyota would kill its youth-oriented Scion division. Instead, Toyota killed the iQ and xB models and brought to the market two new models: the iA sedan and the iM hatchback. Yet another model will make its debut in California, reportedly a small crossover based on the C-HR concept. So, instead of an SUV slotting beneath the Toyota RAV4, the mono spec model will wear a Scion badge.

Los Angeles Debuts

Among the other debuts that have come to the attention of Auto Trends include the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport, Jaguar’s F-PACE SUV, and the updated Kia Sportage. Other manufacturers such as Ford, Volkswagen, and Mazda will showcase new models too, but that information has yet to be revealed. Lastly, Elio Motors is expected to follow its New York auto show debut last April with an appearance in Los Angeles. Three-wheeled conveyance, anyone?

See Also — Chrysler: Out With the 300,In With the Portal?

Infiniti QX30 photo copyright Infiniti. 

Auto Reliability: Consumer Reports Slaps Acura, Cadillac and, Yes, the Tesla Model S

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Lexus Pulls a Clean Sweep.

All good things must come to an end. One of those “things” is the ongoing loveliest Consumer Reports has had with Tesla Motors, especially the Model S.

The nonprofit consumer organization released the results of its 2015 Annual Auto Reliability Survey on Tuesday, noting that Lexus, Toyota, Audi, Mazda and Subaru are the most reliable brands. At the same time, CR found that Acura and Cadillac had slipped the most, while Buick’s seventh-place finish accounted for the lone domestic brand ranked in the Top 10.

Tesla Model SPerhaps most surprising were the results for the Tesla Model S. CR received approximately 1,400 survey responses from Model S owners and that feedback outlined a pattern of problems with the sedan’s drivetrain, center console, charging equipment, power accessories, along with an assortment of squeaks, rattles and leaks.

As a result of the accumulated data, CR bestowed the Tesla Model S with a worse-than-average predicted reliability score.

The consumer feedback is in stark contrast to CR’s own rating for the Tesla electric sedan. Earlier this year CR noted that the “all-wheel drive Tesla Model S P85D sedan performed better in our tests than any other car ever has, breaking the Consumer Reports Ratings system.”

CR lauded the sedan’s instant acceleration, calling it “brutally quick,” its thrust “forceful and immediate.” The organization also said that the P85D has “better braking and handling” than the standard Model S and pointed out its efficiency, achieving a fuel mileage equivalent of 87 mpg.

CR’s 2015 Annual Auto Reliability Survey weighed information supplied by subscribers covering more than 740,000 vehicles. Both Acura and Cadillac experienced the largest year-over-year drops, with each brand falling by seven places.

Acura was faulted for its in-car electronics and transmissions found in its newest sedans, the RLX and TLX. Similar problems have plagued other manufacturers in recent years including Fiat Chrysler, Nissan, and Ford.

Lexus RC F

Pictured: Lexus RC 350F Sport

Cadillac continued to fall with CR noting complaints about its Cadillac User Experience or CUE infotainment system.

One of the more persistent problems with today’s cars are new transmissions. Complaints about rough shifting and slipping CVT belts have dragged down the scores for several brands. Some of those transmissions involve new systems with eight or nine gears. At the same time, CR praised Audi and BMW for delivering reliable dual-clutch transmissions, while recognizing Toyota and Honda with delivering hybrid models with strong CVTs.

In the CR survey, the organization tracks seven vehicle lines. All seven were led by Lexus, Toyota’s luxury brand. CR noted the continued ascendancy of Audi, a brand that once had its share of demons to exorcise. Today, only Lexus and Toyota are ranked higher than the Volkswagen Group’s premium brand.

Hyundai Sonata Turbo

Pictured: Hyundai Sonata Turbo

Kia and Hyundai, Korean manufacturers joined at the hip, placed sixth and ninth respectively in the latest survey. Both brands are enjoying a steady ascendancy with Kia now ranked ahead of Honda.

Most US brands, with Buick the exception continue to perform below average. Chevrolet and GMC are in the bottom third of the rankings and Cadillac has fallen near the bottom. As for Ford, respondents seem pleased with the F-150 and Expedition, but shared complaints about the Mustang, including its body hardware, drive shaft and vehicle stability control systems.

As for Fiat Chrysler, the lone bright spots are its minivans as both the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan achieved average reliability. As for the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat brands, they bring up the rear in the annual survey once again.

2016 Fiat 500X

Pictured: Fiat 500X

The annual CR survey will receive its due inspection and dissection, and perhaps more attention than it deserves. Nevertheless, the independent nature of this consumer organization means that the results are objectively dispensed and will be given careful review by car manufacturer executives over the coming days.

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Dealers: Use Open Recalls to Drive Sales

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With tens of millions of passenger vehicles recalled over the past year, there is a good chance that your customers own cars with at least one or two open recalls. An open recall means that the recall is incomplete either because the customer has not responded to the notice or the manufacturer has yet to provide guidance for when the work can be accomplished.

Open recalls present an opportunity for dealers to turn owners of recalled cars into buyers of new or certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. Specifically, you can leverage consumer concern about a recall by selling them a different vehicle and accepting that open recall vehicle as a trade in.

Dealers and Manufacturer Buyback

This past July, Fiat Chrysler (FCA) was ordered by the federal government to recall and buy back approximately 200,000 affected vehicles. It is the first time such an order was made and the details of that program have not yet been finalized.

dealers

Dealers: Don’t allow open recalls to sink your sales.

Although the buyback will be a costly one for FCA, it may prove to be a boon as well. Indeed, when the affected customers receive their buyback notices, they will be instructed on how to turn in their Ram or Dodge vehicles. Likely, most customers will be shopping for another vehicle to replace the one turned in, giving dealers a strong opportunity to combine those checks with their own incentives.

Likely, not just FCA dealers will be taking advantage of the buyback program either. Competing brand dealers can join in by wooing shoppers desiring to switch brands. Certainly, you will need to develop your own incentive program — perhaps with manufacturer backing — in a bid to win conquest sales.

(See Also — Attention Dealer Principals: Perfect Dealership)

Dealer Incentive Program

Your dealership already has an incentive program in place as you work with and independently of the manufacturer to increase your sales. To win owners of open recall vehicles, you need to think outside of the box. The following are some points to keep in mind for your dealer incentive program.

1. Train your repair shop team. If customers are coming in or calling your repair shop and are expressing frustration over an incomplete open recall, a sales opportunity may be possible. Specifically, by training your shop team to ask them if they would be interested in trading in their vehicle for another one, that effort could very well lead to a sale. If the customer expresses interest in making a trade, then the repair shop should refer the customer to the sales team.

2. Reach out to your customers directly. You already know which customers have vehicles with outstanding recalls. This is where you can task your marketing team to reach out to them through a direct mail or email campaign. The campaign might address their recall concerns and explain to them that you will buy back their vehicle or give them a competitive trade toward a new or CPO vehicle. If your advertising budget is especially large, then consider running a television or radio ad to reach out to owners of all open recall vehicles in your media market.

3. Address their concerns. An open recall can be a big concern for some, especially if a safety issue remains unaddressed. For instance, a parent with small children may not want to keep their crossover utility vehicle as long as the recall remains open. Here, you could explain that you will accept the vehicle as a trade in and will also cover the necessary repairs.

4. Offer something extra. Customers with an open recall may not have a new car on their minds, but that can change if you sweeten the deal and put a time limit on it. For instance, with gas prices trending downward, you might offer customers free gas for six months, but only if they make their purchase by the end of the month. Add in all available incentives, including the conquest discount for owners of all competing brands. Leverage every angle possible to turn a dissatisfied or concerned owner into the happy owner of a new or CPO Vehicle.

5. Offer special financing. The one thing that may hold some customers back is financing. If the vehicle is leased, find out if the leasing company would consider pulling the lease forward as long as the customer agrees to lease or finance a different vehicle. Some customers may be afraid that they’ll be underwater with their new cars (owing more money on the vehicle than it is worth). Have your finance team work on favorable loan terms and leasing options to allay those concerns. Certainly, keep in mind that as recalls mount, your competitors are looking at ways to win new business too.

Open Recall Considerations

Dealers must be careful about buying open recall vehicles. Besides otherwise having an acceptable vehicle history report, you need to complete the recall before selling the car to a new party. This means working closely with the manufacturer to ensure that parts are available and the recall can be accomplished.

If you fail to complete a recall and offer the vehicle as a CPO, you might be held personally liable if a defect leads to an accident. Lastly, consider the cost of keeping a vehicle in your inventory as you await replacement parts. Keep this mind: a vehicle you are not allowed to sell represents unavailable capital.

See Also — Ford Sale Unusual For Good Economic Times