Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Tis the Season for Car Shopping

Adage.com Reports Strong Selling December for Lexus, Mercedes and more.


The Auto industry usually has a tremendous budget when it comes to advertising and marketing spend.  Lexus launched their traditional December to Remember event for Christmas this year, (seen below)  and they are now celebrating a great month.




Mercedes has had a good month as well, pushing their 2015 Mercedes C Class.


 Audi, Mercedes and Subaru are trending this month as well.


The Auto Industry still seems to be thriving considering the consumer index has had a slow growth since November, ending at 92.6 from the expected 94, as described by the Wall Street Journal. 2014 was kind of an off year for Car companies and the Super bowl this year. Many of the commercials fell short of expectation or were just flat out weird demonstrating oddly shaped creatures, red pills, blue pills and angel wings.

We'll continue to watch the trends and report on the best and worst selling cars of the year. 

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Portland Takes Legal Action Toward Uber

Portland's City Transportation Bureau Is Suing Uber.




Techcrunch.com reported the lawsuit Mon, 12/8. Uber just launched in Portland last Friday, but the city's Transportation Bureau didn't waste a minute to take action.

It's the same dispute that came up in Salt Lake City Utah and other cities across the nation, it comes down to certain laws regarding for-hire vehicles and their licensing.  Greg Kumparak reports
that the city has issued a "cease and desist commanding Uber to halt operations".

The city hasn't stopped there, they are going after Uber and Independent Uber Drivers by issuing fines up to $2,250 dollars.

As always, Uber is ignoring the legal demands of Portland and other cities, the question is whether or not Uber will back drivers who are fined or not.  If they don't, than they may see a fast reduction in drivers overnight due to Portland's strict ruling.

On November 26, Salt Lake City Council threw the brakes on Uber and Lyft.  Both companies were already operating illegally, but not without a cause. Uber and Lyft insist they "are not transportation companies, but rather only provide a platform by which freelance drivers can coordinate with would-be riders".   Uber and Lyft have seen a big response from the public and rightfully so, as per Salt Lake City's transportation companies are owned and operated by the airport.  Why would the public adhere to ridiculous 30 minute minimum or $30 charge. (Something Salt Lake has changed recently).


Long story short, Portland isn't allowing any slack on ride sharing but Lyft and Uber continue to operate and pay fees for drivers while fighting the battle for freelance drivers and would-be riders. This is their way around liability issues. 


Monday, November 17, 2014

Gymkhana 7 and the Hoonigans






Gymkhana no.7 has just been released by the  Hoonigan team featuring Ken Block and his Hoonicorn,  an 845hp AWD Ford Mustang.




Just about once a year Ken Block performs a some kind of gymkhana stunt in the city, from San Fransisco to Los Angeles and more.   "Gymkhana is is a type of motorsport. Similar to autocross, the goal of gymkhana is to achieve the fastest time possible; memorizing the course is a significant part of achieving a fast time. The name is loaned from the equestrian discipline of gymkhana." as told by Wikipedia.


This would be Ken Blocks 7th Gymkhana stunt over the years. He ventures the freeways, undergrounds and roads of Los Angeles, performing hooniganism along the way.  From Donuts around Randy's Donuts to a subtle pun related to OJ Simpson's police chase.




Gymkhana is now a viral sensation featuring drifting, stunts and burnouts  It shows the power of GoPro and what you can do if you can afford to pay the LAPD to shut down the streets of L.A.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Thursday, October 30, 2014

How Do You Handle Road Rage?



Everyone gets upset behind the wheel here and there.



What this guy does when confronted by another motorist will have you re-thinking your road rage approach...

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Saturday, October 25th Audio.

Utah Car Cents 1280 THE ZONE 97.5FM 1280AM 10-12 Noon. MDT Utah 

 

We have audio.  Tune in here if you missed our last show, Download us on iTunes

Join us on iTunes, sometimes iTunes likes to take up to 24 hours. Like us on Facebook.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Saturday, October 18th Audio.

Utah Car Cents 1280 THE ZONE 97.5FM 1280AM 10-12 Noon. MDT Utah 

 

Saturday's Audio is up and running.  No really, time to chase it down.



Join us on iTunes, sometimes iTunes likes to take up to 24 hours. Like us on Facebook.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Saturday Oct 11, 2014 Audio is Up!

10/15/2014
 Audio is up and running! Tune in to Utah Car Cents on 1280 The Zone Saturday's 10AM-12PM MDT Utah.



Listen to us on the go with iTunes 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/utah-car-cents/id800871964?mt=2

Friday, October 10, 2014

The Internet Has Completely Changed the Car Industry


It used to be that consumers had 3 things to go off of when it came to car shopping. The MSRP, what a friend paid for their vehicle and consumer reports' new car buying advice and ratings.  Dealers knew one thing back then, it was gross, gross, gross.  No, not that gross, but $$$ cash flow, (of income, profit, or interest) without deduction of tax or other contributions; total. Purchasing a car took a lot of time, a lot of haggling and left a bad taste in everyone's mouth.


Of course, that's the way things used to be. Fret not,  for the game has changed.  The internet has leveled the playing field and is fully equipped with the tools and information consumers need for the road ahead.

Do your Homework. Only you can help you.


I know what you're thinking, "Where do I start?"  I'll tell you where to start. First things first, don't get overwhelmed. There are a lot of tools available to help you, the consumer find the right car, the right deal and the best bang for the buck.


Edmunds.com has Edmunds Price Promise® a pricing tool that "makes it easy to connect with dealers that have agreed to provide you with an up-front price on a specific car you want. You'll also have a personal contact at the dealership when you're ready to buy."


Truecar.com has a great new app that lets you scan vehicles and find out what others have paid for the same model and trim in the surrounding area.  They too, like Edmunds, partner with dealers to give consumers an upfront haggle free price.  Nobody likes to negotiate, and if they do, odds are their sitting in the seat across from you.


 Costco members get access to an already pre-negotiated price as well, some costco pricing is spot on and usually only about $500 over invoice.  Everybody wins. 

Two-words: Internet Department. Most dealerships now have dedicated departments to helping consumers get everything done and negotiated before they even walk in the door. The dealership's website is the very best route to take when looking into buying a car.  Most dealerships have a chat service, contact form and even a trade-in appraisal page to help make buying a car as easy and painless as possible.  You shouldn't even have to worry about a bait and switch, and if they do try and pull something fishy on you, pull up your net and turn around and never come back.  Most dealerships will be pretty straight forward with buyers.

Remember, as evil as car dealers may seem to be at times, everyone's got to eat.  Just do a little bit of homework and research before you walk in the door, you'll save some dough and be happy you did.













Thursday, October 9, 2014

Saturday CarCents Audio on 1280 The Zone 10/4/2014

It was a good Saturday this past week. Special Guest and Vice President of Sales for Elio Motors, Jerome Vassallo has a Q & A with Jeff and Tom. 

 

 

We talk about Subaru, Chrysler & Dodge Growth, Harley Recalls, Permaplate and The Top 20 Most Ticketed Cars. 

 


 
Join us every Saturday on 1280 The Sports Network, 1280AM, 97.5FM Utah MDT from 10AM-12PM 
Listen to us on the Go. 

Friday, September 26, 2014

NEW 2015 WRX 6 Speed Manual Transmission

 The New 2015 WRX 6-Speed. Whats Changed?.

 

Subaru's Drive Performance Magazine has released some new insight on the new 6-speed transmission in the WRX. 

2015 WRX 6-speed

Subaru is claiming that the new 6-speed transmission has been engineered for a smoother transfer of power through a Synchromesh Technology.  Basically A synchromesh gear-changing system matches the speed of an intended gear change to the speed of the current selected gear.  (basically elminating any need for double-clutching)  By matching their speeds, the gear change will be smooth and void of any grinding noise. 
Carbon Synchronizers have been used for 1st, 2nd, and reverse gears, in addition with meticulous honing for 2nd and 3rd gears enabling smoother surfaces to reduce wear. 4th, 5th and 6th gears have also been designed with overdrive ratios, helping turn the drive-shaft faster and than the gears are rotating, thus improving fuel efficiency.

Shifter Linkage

2015 WRX 6-Speeds now use a cable shift linkage, rather than rods. It was designed to be quiet and simple, connecting the shifter and the transmission. One cable is located at the top of the transmission housing and the other at the other side.  The side cable moves the selector arm forward and rearward to change gears.  The cable has a counter weight to help shifting feel more engaging.  This method was used instead of a rod mechanism because it provides a quick, responsive shift while transferring less noise to the interior. 


2015 Subaru WRX Gear Ratios

 The total gear-ration coverage coverage of all six speeds is wider than the range of five speed previous generation.  The new ratios have a broader range, more enjoyable and enable easier gear changes. Look for more WRX Acessories and Sport Package Information here.






Thursday, September 25, 2014

The New 2015 Subaru Impreza

Subaru Of America Has Released images of the new 2015 Impreza. 

 

The new 2015 Impreza has some subtle body style changes this year, and newly redesigned interior.  

We see a little bit of WRX styling interior, Dash/Controls and maybe even those seats?


Grille and headlights look the same, with new aggressive styling on the front bumper, similar to the new 2015 WRX.

The exterior also has a slight 2015 Legacy resemblance, the hood in particular.



Subaru's official Press Release

Cherry Hill, N.J. -  Subaru of America, Inc., which has posted record-breaking sales every year for the past six years, has introduced a comprehensively upgraded Impreza® line of compact 4-door and 5-door models for 2015. The Impreza joins the Legacy®, Outback® and Forester® lines in offering the brand’s innovative, award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.

All Impreza models are powered by a 148-hp 2.0-liter Subaru BOXER engine and feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. For 2015, the Lineartronic CVT is now standard for the Premium and Limited trims and it has been tuned to provide a more natural stepped shift pattern. A 5-speed manual continues as standard in the base 2.0i and the Sport Premium trims.

The 2015 Impreza offers improved fuel economy, strengthening its position as offering the highest fuel economy of any gasoline All-Wheel Drive car offered in the United States. Its EPA estimated ratings of up to 28 mpg city / 37 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined for models with the Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT) are comparable with front-wheel drive cars.

New Look, New Value
The 2015 Impreza debuts revised front styling with a new front bumper, grille and headlights that give it a closer kinship to the all-new 2015 Legacy®. A new exterior mirror enhances aerodynamics, as does a low-profile trunk spoiler on 4-door models. The sedans also feature LEDs (light emitting diodes) for the center high mounted stoplight.

Impreza’s updated design includes new measures to make the ride quieter, including additional sound deadening and thicker side glass windows with improved sealing. A quick-ratio electric power assisted steering, standard on all models, enhances handling agility.

Already one of the best-equipped models in its segment, the Impreza gains additional standard features to enhance value for 2015. The base 2.0i model gains standard cruise control and a touch-screen infotainment system, and all trims now have a standard Rear Vision Camera and one-touch lane changer feature for the turn signals.

On Limited, Sport Premium and Sport Limited trims, exterior mirrors feature integrated turn signals. The Limited and Sport Limited trims also have new “welcome” lighting and an upgraded instrument cluster with center-mounted LCD color display and a steering wheel mounted control switch. Keyless Access with Push-Button Start system and PIN code access are new options on the 4-door Limited and Sport Limited.

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is available for 2.0i Limited 4-door and 2.0i Sport Limited; models equipped with EyeSight also come with new Steering-Responsive Fog Lights. This feature, which works only when the fog lights are turned off, activates the left or right fog light independently, depending on vehicle speed and steering angle, to provide enhanced illumination in the direction of the turn. The fog lights are pre-aimed for maximum coverage in corners.

New Infotainment and Rear Vision Camera
For 2015, Subaru has significantly upgraded 2015 Impreza’s infotainment capability. A new standard 6.2 infotainment system in the Impreza 2.0i provides a multitude of music and information sources, all through a 6.2-in. multi-function touch screen display with single-touch gesture control. The display also functions for the newly standard Rear Vision Camera.

The system integrates AM/FM stereo and HD Radio®; Radio Data Broadcast System; single-disc in-dash CD player; Subaru STARLINK smartphone integration with Aha™ Infotainment, Pandora® and iHeart® Radio; Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; iPod® control capability and iTunes® Tagging capability, a USB port and aux. input jack, and four speakers. The Impreza 2.0i Premium features the same system, but with six speakers.

The upgrade infotainment system is standard for the Impreza 2.0i Limited trims and works through 7-inch touch screen display with multi-touch control that offers swipe and scrolling gesture control. This system offers six-speaker audio and all of the features of the base system plus voice-activated controls; SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required); a vehicle information display; SMS text messaging, iTunes® Tagging capability and dual USB ports.

The top infotainment system, optional for the 4-door Limited and Sport Limited trims, adds a navigation system that can be controlled with voice commands. This option expands information content with SiriusXM NavTraffic® and NavWeather® services (subscriptions required) and more.

Fun for the Driver, Comfort for the Passengers
Built on a 104.1-inch wheelbase, the Impreza offers one of the roomiest cabins in its segment. Rear seat passengers have 35.4 inches of legroom. Five-door models offer an impressive 22.5 cu. ft. of space behind the rear seat that expands to 52.4 cu. ft. with the standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded to create a flat load floor.

Liquid (hydraulic) engine mounts on models with the CVT help to dampen vibration. The double-wishbone rear suspension features pillow ball bushings for exemplary ride comfort, straight-line stability and handling agility.

The Impreza’s 2.0-liter 4-cyl. BOXER engine produces 148 hp at 6,200 rpm and 145 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. The long-stroke configuration (84mm bore and 90mm stroke) emphasizes low and mid-range torque. The camshafts are chain driven, reducing long-term servicing costs. Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing optimizes torque performance and emissions.

The responsive BOXER engine can be matched to a 5-speed manual transmission or the lighter, more compact second-generation version of the Lineartronic CVT that is now also offered in all 2015 Subaru models except the BRZ sports car. All Impreza models (5-speed and CVT) feature Incline Start Assist, which helps prevent the vehicle from rolling back when moving away from a stop on an incline.

All Imprezas with the CVT, except the base 2.0i, feature a 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission. In the base 2.0 models with the CVT, a driver-selectable Low shift mode can provide additional engine braking when traveling down a grade, to enhance vehicle control.

Other technologies that help boost fuel efficiency in the Impreza include electric power assist steering (now with a quicker ratio for 2015), along with low rolling resistance tires. An ECO gauge in the instrument panel encourages economical driving.

Proven Subaru Quality and Value
In addition to its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the 2015 Subaru Impreza delivers exceptional value throughout. Rich looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and center console armrest. Roomy door pockets can hold plastic drink bottles and large maps. Numerous compartments located in and around the center console hold all manner of today’s personal items, such as phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

The 2015 Impreza 2.0i offers one of the best values in the compact class. Its lengthy list of standard amenities includes a tilt/telescoping steering wheel; Rear Vision Camera, cruise control; power windows, door locks and side mirrors; 60/40-split fold-down rear seat backs; outside temperature gauge; a multi-function display with fuel economy information; steering wheel audio and Bluetooth® control switches; remote keyless entry system; security system with engine immobilizer; variable intermittent windshield wipers and a low windshield washer fluid warning light. Carpeted floor mats, an extra-cost option in many cars, are standard in all Impreza models.

The 2.0i Premium increases handling agility with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear suspension stabilizer bar. For 2015, the 2.0i Premium gains the Lineartronic CVT as standard. The All-Weather Package, which includes 2-stage heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer, is also standard. The 2.0i Premium 4-door offers an Alloy Wheel Package that, in addition to 17-inch alloy wheels, also includes a power moonroof, fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver stitching, plus other trim upgrades.

For an even sportier driving experience and appearance, the 2015 Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium is a 5-door model with a more aggressive stance from body-color rocker panel spoilers and standard 17-inch alloy wheels to further enhance agility. This trim also brings fog lights, turn-signal mirrors, roof rails, unique seat fabric and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. A power moonroof is available as a standalone option.

Topping the 2015 Impreza range, the Limited and Sport Limited (5-door only) trims deliver the highest level of comfort and convenience offered in the Impreza line. Leather seating is standard, along with the new upgraded infotainment system, turn signal exterior mirrors, a color LCD in the gauge cluster, Welcome Lighting and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver stitching. Additional exterior chrome trim also distinguishes the Limited trims.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Two Different Types
Subaru offers two different versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in the 2015 Impreza, each tailored to the type of transmission. In models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission, the Continuous AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute torque a nominal 50:50 front to rear. Slippage at either the front or rear wheels will cause the system to send more torque to the opposite wheels.

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT use Active Torque Split AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls power distribution in response to driver input, driving conditions and wheel slippage.

The Subaru Safety Standard
The Impreza is built around the brand’s proven Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure for exemplary collision protection. All models are equipped with a standard 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system. The Brake Override system ensures that the engine power will be cut when both the brake and accelerator are pressed simultaneously. Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) combines stability and traction control functions.

The Impreza’s roster of safety features includes a driver’s knee airbag, front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. The passenger-seat front airbag features a shell-type design with a center groove, thus exposing the passenger to less impact force upon deployment.

Subaru produces a full line of All-Wheel Drive sedans, crossovers and SUVs, along with the rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit media.subaru.com.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Motorcyclist Gives Litterbugs a Piece of Her Mind

Have you Ever Wanted To Discourage Littering?



This is a video (we believe may be staged, but still gets the point across) of a foreign motorcyclist who is doing their part to end a horrible litter movement. Or so we assume, nevertheless it is still entertaining. Woman vs. Rubbish



Thursday, September 4, 2014

Thursday, August 28, 2014

One Bad Penny - Man Commits Fraud Over Bugatti Scam

This Bone-Head Tried to Pull Fraud on His "$2.2 Million dollar" Bugatti Veyron




Andy Lee House of Lufkin, TX, pled guilty to wire mail fraud in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas.  He purchased a Bugatti Veyron for $1 Million and then insured it for $2.2 Million with a ridiculous plan to get the increased coverage in payout from the insurance company.  Little did this guy know, he was being watched the whole time.  Now he is about $1 million in the hole and will be serving behind bars. Check out the Youtube Video below.


 

Friday, August 22, 2014

August Audio

Have You Missed Us This Month?  Fret Not.

We have more to come!


Don't forget, we are on iTunes!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/utah-car-cents/id800871964?mt=2

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Luckiest Man Alive.

You won't believe your eyes for this one. Motorcycle win.



This Russian Dash Cam captured one of the biggest motorcycle wins of all time.
You will have to watch this more than once. Guaranteed.
Youtube. Speedsociety

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

What a car dealership should be like... A Hotel.



We've all been to a car dealership at one time or another; whether a friend or family member was in the market for a new car, or simply looking to purchase a vehicle for ourselves.  Odds are, at sometime we also took a visit to a dealer's service department.

Sometimes taking your car in to be serviced can be a nightmare.  We're already upset because our car has been acting up and left us vulnerable and on edge. We walk up to the desk and sit there to be waited on, or we have to stand around aimlessly while waiting to be helped. We explain the problem and try to mimic noises that our car is making with whatever sound effects are possible to impersonate. The advisor helps us out and then we ask the big question, "How long is this going to take?"

What happens from here on out makes or breaks the experience. If it was long, boring and communication was horrible, odds are I will never return.


This is what I would love to expect when dropping my car off to be serviced.  I want to feel like I have just checked into a hotel. I want to feel at home while my vehicle goes under the knife.

I conveniently made my appointment online so I would hope that they were expecting me.  My name, phone number and information about my car has already been recorded. Please don't ask for everything all over again when I pull up.

In a perfect world, I would expect a Hotel greeting and service, while my vehicle is being serviced.




How great would it be to drive right on up and they know you're coming; they may even know your name!

If it's going to be long wait, good strong WiFi is a must, and we will stay occupied. This way I can watch Netflix or Tweet about my experience. Most importantly, if service is going to take a while, food is going to help my hypoglycemic self find peace.

  
Cafe / Food would be great, after all, my only options would be anything (if anything) within walking distance.

A Shuttle Service is one of the most convenient amenities a repair facility could have.  Just having the option to drop my car off, and then hitch a free ride to work and back makes a world of difference.  This service alone,  would lead me to consider all future repairs with the particular facility.

I want to see! We've all heard horror stories, "they took my car for a joy ride" or "they didn't even lift the hood". Just having the ability to peek up at my car and watch it being worked on can add a lot of trust to a service.



A Clean, Vacuumed Car takes very little effort these days, most shops have an automated system installed anyway. Why not do this for free?  This little perk alone would help me justify my oil change. "At least my car will be clean."



Unfortunately there is a very small handful of service facilities that do this, but our very own Mark Miller Subaru is one of them.  We check you in, give you a free beverage and send you to the waiting area to enjoy free WiFi and Direct-TV.  You can see your car being worked on through our managers office or a live feed on our of our TV's.  We'll wash your car, vacuum your car and send you on your way.





Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Utah RAM owner gets truck fixed for FREE after stopping chase.

Do you remember this Utah chase that was put to a stop by this Dodge RAM driver?  The community rallied together and helped fix the truck.






Autoblog and KSL reported Back in June a 14-yr old joy rider stole his grandfather's Hyundai Veloster and was giving chase to local authorities; the Veloster was heading for a park filled with children.  A local man, Bryson Rowley, decided to put the joy ride to an end when he "RAM'd" the Veloster to a stop with his Dodge truck, all in efforts to keep nearby playing children safe.


Bryson's truck has been repaired for FREE. A company called Fusion Bumpers rallied supplied him with a new front bumper.

Get the full scoop and Bryson's story here.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Utah Car Cents Saturday Audio 6/21 & 6/28

Audio from Utah Car Cents. Listen in with Jeff Miller and Tom Barberi on Saturday's 10AM-12Noon MDT.  1280AM The Zone, 97.5FM.



Download our Podcasts!
 https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/utah-car-cents/id800871964?mt=2