The Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-liter V12 powered race car that seats two people.  The DBS has excellent performance, a beautiful interior and all the newest technology.  With the sleek body style and great features this car even more eye catching!

Aston Martin DBSs Available: DBS Coupe

MSRP: $265,000

Seating Capacity: 2 People

Key Features:

• V-12 engine
• Heated seats
• Bluetooth
• Navigation system
• (MP3) audio file compatibility
• Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DBS sound system
• Integrated Apple iPod connector
• Satellite radio system

Gas Mileage: N/A

Awards won: No awards won

New Articles:

• The New York Times
• Aston Martin BDS Auto Shows

Videos:

• 2009 Aston Martin DBS
• Auto Show

Aston Martin DB9s Available: DB9 Coupe, DB9 Volante

MSRP: $171,000-$185,000

Seating Capactity: 4 People

Key Features:

• Ipod Integration
• Up to 330 MPH
• V-12 engine
• 450 HP engine

Gas Mileage: 11/17

Awards won: No awards won.

News Articles:

• The 2009 Aston Martin DB9
• Driving the new Aston Martin DB9

Videos:

• Aston Martin DB9
• DC Auto Show

The first Audi A4 was introduced in 2000 and ever since they have been a great hit.  The Audi A4s have many different types available, great features and a good gas mileage.  The German company is very happy with their creation and plan to keep them selling.

Audi A4s Available: 2.0 T Sedan FrontTrak Multitronic, 2.0 T Sedan quattro Tiptronic, 2.0 T Avant quattro Tiptronic, 3.2 Sedan quattro Tiptronic, 2.0 T Cabriolet FrontTrak Multitronic, 2.0 T Cabriolet quattro Tiptronic, 3.2 Cabriolet quattro Tiptronic.

MSRP: $30,000-$48,000

Seating Capacity: 5 People

Key Features:

• Sunroof
• Heated front seats
• Bluetooth
• Ipod Integration
• SIRIUS Satellite radio

Gas Mileage: 21/27

Awards won: No awards won.

Videos:

• “New Audi A4“
• 2009 Audi A4

New Articles:

• The Audi A4 Buyers Guide
• The New Launch

On the heels of the announcement of a new president-elect, the automakers have announced that they are going to request immediate aid from the federal government, in the form of a 25 billion dollar bailout package, to help the struggling corporations avoid bankruptcy.  The government had previously agreed to a 25 billion dollar bailout loan back in September to update auto plants.  The new request is in addition to the previously approved bailout.  Recently, GM requested a 10 billion dollar loan from the federal government to facilitate its desire to purchase the struggling Chrysler corporation.  It is currently unclear as to whether the 25 billion dollar request is in replacement of the 10 billion, or in addition to it. 

In reaction to expected dismal earnings projections by the automakers, Ford has already hinted that it will suspend production to recoup some of it losses.  Gm is in worse shape, and is expected to announce layoffs.

The problems in the auto industry are seeming to mirror the problems in the housing industry.  Too many products, too few consumers.  While the automakers continued to crank out production line vehicles at record breaking volume, the consumers were learning to maintain their current autos and try to get as much mileage out of them as possible before shopping for a new car or truck.

The consumer is not trading in the old vehicle as they did ten years ago, the current consumer is driving it until it dies, donating it to charity, and then attempting to purchase a gently used car.  Many people have been capitalizing on the previous trend of the wealthy to lease a vehicle for a year, then turn it in for another.  This practice flooded the auto market with 12 month old vehicles that were still under bumper-to-bumper factory warranty until at least 36,000 miles, and had the advantage of being driven enough to work out the new car bugs.  Consequently, many many people currently own more than one vehicle.

Unfortunately, the auto market may have to wait it out, and some automakers may have to go under, before the volume of consumers one again outnumbers the volume of working vehicles on the road, and thereby creating a need for new production.  The mindset of the current consumer is no longer driven by status as it was in the past.  The current consumer is returning to a more conservative, need-based rationale that is making the outlook for the automakers seem more and more discouraging.

First and foremost, if you are a woman wanting to buy a car, new or used, and are not the type that enjoys challenging the men around you, just bring a man with you.  Seriously.  So much less hassle.  Everything from the fake compliments, to questioning the number of credit cards on your TRW, to trying to convince you that every car falls apart immediately so you just have to buy the added warranty to keep yourself safe. 

Know What You’re Talking About

If you want to go the challenging route, be sure you know a few things about cars before you begin looking.  At least, do a little research on the vehicle you are interested in.  A few tidbits of background knowledge will let the salesman know, of at least think, that he’s dealing with someone who knows what they are talking about and he will be less likely to fling a lot of bull around just to make a sale.

Ask for a SalesWoman

No kidding.  I know a middle-aged woman who had a showroom full of men breaking their necks to service her in a professional manner, and all she did when she walked in was demand to speak to a saleswoman.  Of course, they didn’t have a saleswoman, so when she turned to walk out, the show began.  The dealerships know that there are other dealerships selling the same vehicles, and holding this over their heads may be the best way to get fair service.

Be Willing to Walk Away

Again, there are other dealerships.  If you feel at all uncomfortable with the way you are being treated there is no reason not to walk away.  Do not let anyone pressure you into a sale, no matter how much time they have spent with you.  It’s their job.  And let them know that, if necessary.  Many times, the salesmen are just convinced that women only buy a car because they like how it looks.  Hey, many times, it’s true.  Big deal.  This does not mean that just because a woman is doing the purchasing, that she’s going to be so emotionally attached to the color of a car that she will settle for any price.

Know How Much You Want to Spend

And phrase it as “this is what I can afford”, and stick to it.  The dealer will need to know what your income in, if you are choosing to finance, but he does not need to know what all of your financial obligations are.  He will try to convince you that you can afford that extra $50 a month.  Tell him he is wrong.  You have other financial obligations that are none of his business, and you will not spend more than XX amount.  If he continues to push, see the previous recommendation.