The Modern Car-Buying Experience

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The modern car-buying experience

Rapid technology developments in the automotive industry benefit consumers, from product selection to service quality. Car buyers are getting more for their money than ever before—more vehicle configurations, more power and more features.

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), founded in 1917, Presented by www.nada.org represents approximately 20,000 new-car and -truck dealers, both domestic and international, with more than 43,000 separate franchises. Special Advertising Section

The modern car-buying experience

Technology has accelerated our Fortunately, the research tools have custom lists of models that have lives in the 21st century—online kept pace with automotive progress, the attributes you seek. and in the fast lane. putting tremendous resources just a NADA offers a full suite of few mouse clicks away. online tools to assist car shoppers Cars are now being developed more Given how traditional car types have rapidly, enabling swifter response to become blurred, with once narrowly Community Service Department market trends with vehicles that boast defined segments merging together, increased powertrain sophistication it is important for consumers to weigh While auto dealers are clearly leading the way when it comes to and enhanced safety features. all options early in the research phase. buying a car, few people realize the Along with technology comes A decade ago, for example, SUVs were extent to which they take a lead more new-car data, putting consumers mostly truck-based vehicles, but today in community service. For nearly in the driver’s seat for choosing, many share more in common with cars. 40 years, TIME has recognized buying and maintaining their next These so-called “crossover vehicles,” or these dealers for the quality of vehicle. Likewise, car dealerships are CUVs, promise the best of both worlds: service in their business and in better equipped to communicate with the comfort and refinement of a wagon their community. Each candidate customers and service their modern and the stance, all-weather traction is nominated by either state or machines than ever before. and cargo capacity of an SUV. For many local associations of franchised This section, brought to you by consumers, such a segment-busting new-car dealers, and then a the National Automobile Dealers vehicle may be the perfect solution for faculty panel from the University Association (NADA), will empower their daily needs. Such genre-blending of Michigan Graduate School of you to make a smart purchase decision models exist throughout the automotive Business Administration selects on a model that will deliver many spectrum. the finalists and the winner. satisfying miles. All major car magazines now have Some of the 2007 finalists have very robust Web sites, with reviews, been highlighted here, making it How to find the right model auto show coverage and buyer’s guides. easy to see why they are making Due to continuous automotive These destinations are joined by Web- tracks in their community. advancements, many car buyers may only automotive information outlets. not be aware of how much has changed Many of these sites have sophisticated since their last vehicle purchase. “car selectors” that can put together Special Advertising Section

Buying Pre-Owned Consumers continue to be drawn to certified pre-owned (CPO) cars. Budget- focused buyers will find that the models enrolled in the CPO programs tend to be just two to four years old, with relatively low mileage and in top condition. The dealership has gone through the car, from bumper to bumper, ensuring it meets exacting criteria for condition and addressing any possible shortcomings. There are essentially two types of CPO programs: national, manufacturer-supported and the local, dealer-sponsored varieties. Because automakers have to share earnings from

© Marc Romanelli / Workbook Stock / JupiterImages Stock Workbook / Romanelli © Marc participation in the national programs, there is the potential to save money (NADAguides.com), spanning from Many dealerships exemplify the from a dealer, or dealer group, program. the browsing phase all the way automotive revolution with show- With CPO, consumers can get to contacting a local dealership. rooms that are being modernized a good price on a lightly used car Reviews are provided by independent to enhance the shopping experience, with all the peace of mind of buying professional groups, providing details offering comfortable waiting rooms new. And with the savings, you on both new and used models. These and with myriad conveniences. This can drive home a bit more car than are supported by extensive photo new wave of dealers has invested would otherwise be possible. galleries and 360-degree views, as in making your major purchase and well as complete pricing information. subsequent ownership as easy, and While doing your homework even pleasurable, as possible. Community Service Department online can prepare you for visiting And now, even research can be your local dealers, there is no conducted in many dealerships, with replacing hands-on experience. interactive kiosks bringing the cars to life with video, and available Wi-Fi and Welcome to the modern dealership computer stations enabling on-premises When you visit the new-car showroom, Web access. Some dealers have added you will find sales staff trained in the amenities from coffee shops and fitness latest automotive technology and ready centers to massage services and child care. to explain the newest features. Seeing Used with the courtesy of The Huntsville Times. Times. Used with the courtesyThe Huntsville of with permission. Reprinted All rights reserved. the high-tech elements in person, and Price quotes from home even using them yourself, can help in Most car dealers maintain their own Driving Force in Huntsville understanding their use and value. Web sites, allowing a customer to e-mail Tracy Shields Jones, President, For instance, features once or chat with a salesperson and often Century Automotive Group, Huntsville, AL reserved for high-end luxury vehicles providing a means to schedule a service are now becoming available, and even appointment. Tracy Shields Jones wanted to standard, on mainstream models. In In addition, many dealers participate make a difference in the lives of your shopping, be sure to learn more in online quote services, enabling car women battling breast cancer. As an involved member of the about in-car navigation systems, shoppers to request a price on a specific community, her “Drive for the Bluetooth connectivity and premium model from local dealers through Cure” campaign has made her audio systems with MP3 playback, iPod third-party and manufacturer sites. dealership the No. 1 participating compatibility and five-plus channel This service can save consumers time BMW dealer on the East Coast for sound. These are prime examples and money, effectively addressing the the past 10 years, receiving much where the written word can’t compete purchase negotiation from home on praise from The Susan G. Komen with a simple demonstration. their own schedule. Foundation and her community. Special Advertising Section

Modern car and truck technologies Today’s vehicles roll with amazing technology, improving performance, even add a few tricks of their own: safety and entertainment. Often, the most impressive features are ■ Premium audio. For discriminating hidden from the driver, as high-tech wizardry works to enhance even ears, premium car stereos combine mainstream autos to a level beyond the reach of premium sedans from multichannel audio, with separate just a few years ago. speakers for bass and treble, along with the thumping support of a subwoofer. While many of these electronics- the number of gears in automatics Upscale applications may have crisp HD driven features remain indulgences, an climb to five, six and even seven radio, DVD audio and noise-canceling informed consumer should know what gears. More gears enable these smart systems that effectively quiet the cabin standard features are available today transmissions to react to power to enhance audio clarity. Stereos are and what may trickle down from the demands and elevate fuel economy. now commonly available with satellite luxury autos tomorrow. Let’s lift the radio and Radio Data System (RDS) for Modern Safety hood to examine some of today’s most displaying station and song information. intriguing technologies. Cars have become significantly safer ■ Many factory head units are due to advances in vehicle engineering MP3. capable of playing CDs with MP3 Improved performance and safety systems. For example, and WMA audio files—common Addressing consumer demand for crash tests show the clear value in formats for computer music software improved performance, automakers side and side-curtain airbags for and online song libraries. have made great strides in horsepower occupant protection. Other systems in recent years, while maintaining becoming available that promise to ■ Navigation. Both in-car and and even improving fuel economy. keep motorists even safer include: portable navigation systems continue to add features, one of the latest The technologies that help make this ■ Active head restraints. Although being traffic monitoring service possible include: commonly referred to as headrests, for major metropolitan areas. A ■ Cylinder deactivation. These systems the function of these restraints is to premium service in most cases, allow large engines, such as V-6s, V-8s reduce the risk and severity of neck this feature enables commuters to and V-12s, to cut back the number of injuries. Many brands now provide active route around a potential problem. operating cylinders under light load, restraints that can move toward the which includes modest-speed cruising head and cradle it during impact through or driving down hills. By reducing the various mechanisms, providing an extra Community Service Department cylinders used, the engine conserves measure of safety from common injuries fuel and reduces emissions. often caused by rear-end collisions. ■ Advanced valvetrains. Increasingly ■ Lane-departure warning. Inattentive complex, variable systems allow and/or sleepy drivers are alerted when fine electronic and mechanical the car wanders from its lane, reducing control over the valvetrain. The more the risk of a leading cause of highway sophisticated management of the accidents. intake and exhaust valves improves ■ Pre-collision. These systems use Raising Spirits both power and efficiency. sensors to predict an imminent Peggy A. Proko, Vice President, ■ Transmissions. Electronic impact and prepare the car for a Peters Auto Center, Nashua, NH transmissions have improved possible crash. Some versions will For the past 15 years, Peggy Proko performance, and we are now seeing warn the driver, and even take action has been acting as a local fairy to apply brakes, adjust seats and godmother. In conjunction with activate seat belt pretensioners. the High Hopes Foundation, Proko has helped grant the wishes of Mobile Entertainment nearly 50 terminally ill children in Car stereos have long been at the center New Hampshire. In support of the of any road trip. Today’s best systems foundation, her dealership has advance the audio art by adapting features sponsored an annual hot air balloon

Understanding today’s safety features Electronic stability control could save 10,000 lives annually if all vehicles were equipped with it. Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

test ratings available online quickly shows how many vehicles deliver poor or fair performance without them. Tire pressure monitors have become standard on all passenger vehicles for the 2008 model year, reducing the risk of tire-related accidents due to underinflation. The systems range in ability from providing a warning when the tire pressure is too low to displaying Standard safety equipment improves with each model generation. the pressure in each tire. While a The new car you are considering will likely have more features and welcomed, passive safety aid, these provide better protection than the one you are trading in. should not be considered a replacement for a simple once-a-month visual tire Advances in computer-aided design possibly avoiding another car or road inspection and manual pressure check. and virtual crash simulation have obstacle. Without ABS, the car would enabled increasingly sophisticated be locked into a single trajectory. This engineering to protect occupants. In ability is something that should be tried Community Service Department the real world, avoiding the accident in safe conditions in order for the driver can be even more valuable than to become comfortable with the system. being prepared for one, making Electronic stability control (ESC) helps active safety systems like electronic drivers avoid accidents by using the stability control a “must have.” antilock brake system to correct sliding, When selecting a new car, factor or rotational, movement. ESC assists in crash test performance among your keeping a vehicle on its intended path primary considerations. The National in slippery conditions caused by both Highway Traffic Safety Administration weather and simply overdriving the Shifting toward Excellence (safercar.gov) provides crash test car. With rollover mitigation systems, David C. Wintrode, President, results and rollover ratings on new ESC can also significantly reduce models. Also check the findings from Causeway Family of Dealerships, rollover risk. All passenger vehicles will Manahawkin, NJ the Insurance Institute for Highway be required to have ESC as standard One of the U.S.’s largest literacy Safety (iihs.org), which conducts more equipment by 2012. stringent evaluations. surveys revealed that 30 million Side and side-curtain airbags can people have below basic reading Safety essentials protect occupants from hard surfaces skills. It is no wonder David Wintrode Antilock brakes (ABS) have become and even an intruding vehicle during side dedicates himself to promoting literacy in his community. He founded quite common on new vehicles, giving impacts. In a frontal collision, the car can the Literacy Coalition of Southern motorists significantly more car control have several feet of structure to absorb Ocean County, which sponsors a year- during slippery conditions. By pulsing and distribute the metal-twisting forces. round program called “Reading for the brakes faster than humanly possible, However, from the side, there is precious Excellence.” Nearly 3,200 children, ABS can shorten stopping distances on little separating loved ones from the in six different school systems and wet and icy surfaces. During panic stops, front of another vehicle. As proof of their eight Head Start preschools, have it allows the driver to still steer the car, effectiveness, scanning the side-crash benefited from this program. Special Advertising Section

Maintaining your vehicle We all take cars for granted—just turn a key and go. Today’s cars same model daily and know the right are built to reliably provide years of service, transporting family and way to keep it running. NADA member friends to work, school and vacation destinations. But to ensure dealers, numbering more than 20,000, the car is always ready to go when you are, and do so safely, it is adhere to a strict code of ethics that guides honest, quality work at a fair important to adhere to a routine maintenance schedule. price. Also, having your service records When to service the car or “severe” duty cycle. Don’t jump to all at one location can help track issues The intervals between service visits conclusions here. It is worth reading the and avoid redundant work. When it have been increasing over time due to descriptions for each carefully, as more comes time to sell or trade in, complete changes in assembly, improvements in cars fall into the “severe” category than service records can make a good wear items and the ability for the car to you might think. This category covers impression and possibly add value. actively monitor its health. Now, more vehicles used for frequent, short trips; than ever, it is important to consult your trailer towing; and those that face hot, Driveway inspections owner’s manual to ensure you provide cold and dusty conditions. In between scheduled visits, there are proper service and not spend money on An increasing number of vehicles easy checks you can perform in the following a more aggressive schedule have built-in maintenance reminders driveway once a month and before long than is necessary. to recommend when service is needed road trips. While sealed bearings and self- based on the vehicle’s specific usage. ■ Engine oil: Check condition and adjusting valvetrains have eliminated The better systems warn as service time volume with the car parked on a the need to lubricate and tune these approaches, with some even indicating level surface, wiping the dipstick and key components, there are still many the oil life in percentages. reinserting for a clean read. A lowering elements that do require routine Ultimately, take the vehicle to a oil level and/or spots on the driveway inspections and replacements. Air service center you can trust. A car dealer can indicate serious problems. filters, brake pads, coolant, engine oil, is a natural choice, as their service ■ Fluids: Check the steering and spark plugs and transmission fluid have department is trained and equipped for brake fluids. For non-sealed automatic evolved significantly in recent years, and working on your specific vehicle. These transmissions, check the level by dipstick in some cases, they may last longer in a local experts maintain and repair the with the engine warmed up and running. new car than in the one you are trading ■ Tire pressure: Check before driving in. But don’t make assumptions. Replacing a clogged air filter can the vehicle when the tires are cold. In determining the frequency for improve your car’s gas mileage The recommended tire pressure is basic visits, most owner’s manuals guide by as much as 10 percent. usually found in the owner’s manual or the driver to identifying a “normal” SOURCE: fueleconomy.gov doorjamb, but never on the tire itself. The number on the sidewall refers to the maximum pressure and has no bearing on the proper pressure for your specific vehicle. Also, visually inspect the tire, looking for sidewall damage and penetrating objects. The tread depth should be at least 4/32 of an inch. Check the spare tire pressure every two to three months to ensure it is ready to use. ■ Wash: The simple act of washing your car provides a hands-on exterior inspection that can identify scratches, rust and loose trim pieces that warrant attention. Keeping the paint in good condition, with annual waxings, will improve both appearance and resale value. Special Advertising Section

How to choose a fuel-efficient vehicle

Fuel economy is a leading consumer concern, and the auto industry is responding with continued engine improvements, often enabling more power and better mileage with each new model generation. There are a growing number of hybrid and diesel vehicles on the market today, giving consumers more choices than ever.

Diverse vehicle offerings better enable considering (fueleconomy.gov). There car buyers to find the right fit for their you will also find emissions ratings to lifestyle. In particular, the blossoming inform “green” considerations. crossover vehicle (CUV) market is adding Before buying, clarify what fuel is new models that blur the lines between required. Many luxury and sporty cars conventional car types. These crossovers demand premium, high-octane fuel ride on a car-like platform, as opposed that can add significantly to operating to the body-on-frame construction of costs. Upon closer inspection, many traditional SUVs and trucks. The benefits models “recommend” premium for peak to ride and handling are obvious, but performance, but will operate just fine on these new-wave CUVs also weigh less, regular gasoline. Such cars may have an enabling smaller engines and greater incremental performance compromise— fuel economy than their conventional a non-issue for most drivers. competitors. Such segment blurring creates Dawn of the new diesels Once outlawed in many states due new choices that may not have existed focused on maximum fuel economy. In to poor emissions, diesel cars are when your last car was purchased. As fact, some models use the electric assist entering a new era ushered in by a result, car buyers today can better more for power than mileage. There are federally mandated ultra-low-sulfur target their specific needs, rather than two basic configurations: mild hybrids fuel. Combined with particulate traps compromise on a model that may be that use the electric motor to assist the and other technologies, this fuel now engineered for true off-roading or for gasoline engine and full hybrids that can at the pumps allows the newest diesel towing massive trailers, for example, operate solely on electric power. engines to boast a 90 percent or more when that capability isn’t needed. While hybrids do deliver better reduction in harmful emissions. While small cars are clearly more fuel fuel economy than their gasoline- Expect to see a diesel resurgence efficient than large SUVs, every vehicle driven peers, the higher purchase from coast to coast, since these clean- class has models that perform better price limits potential fuel cost savings. burning powerplants promise about than others. It is well worth researching Of course, the economics vary by 30 percent better fuel economy than the performance of the models you are model and driving situation, but their gasoline-fueled peers. While generally speaking the appeal for they typically carry a price premium, Due to new EPA regulations, buying a hybrid should also include the potential long-term savings and the window stickers on low emissions, reducing the national reputation for high-mileage reliability dependence on oil and technology 2008 models show fuel add to their appeal. economy numbers that are affinity—not just pump savings. closer to real-world driving Hybrid revolution performance. Although the The poster child for the green movement, Produced by TIME Marketing in collaboration with the NADA Public Affairs Group. numbers will be lower than hybrid cars combine a gasoline engine, electric motors and a battery pack to NADA Public Affairs Group: David Hyatt, VP; last year, the vehicles do not create an adaptive powertrain that can Seena Faqiri, Specialist; Deborah Hopkins, Communications; Jeff Beddow, PR perform worse; the figures continuously adjust to provide power TIME Creative Services: Liza Greene, Director; are just more accurate. in the most efficient means possible. Ray Rualo, Art Director; Cindy Murphy, Source: U.S. Department of Energy But beware: not all hybrid models are Production; Shanna Yehlen, Coordinator