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Well… here is a surprise

Published October 7th, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Email This Post Email This Post

From the September 14th issue of Automotive News, “Clunker Shoppers Didn’t Play Hardball; Margins Soared.” The article states that (surprise, surprise) dealers took full advantage of cash for clunkers customers by selling new cars for far more money than they had previously been selling for.  The article continues “Consumers did not understand that the cash for clunkers program rebate should be a starting point, not a conclusion.”  No Duhh!

Tru-Car, a firm that tracks vehicle pricing says “Average margins at Kia stores went from 2.4% before the program to 5.1%.  The firm says “Consumers left an average of $2,868 on the table for Mitsubishi, $2,500 for Toyota Prius, and $1974 for Mazda 3.”  Oh yes and $3,810 on overage for Nissan Murano.

And! These figures do NOT include what happened in the finance (remember F&I?) office.

That, folks, is why Credit Unions and their members need Auto Solution.  If your Credit Union does not offer Auto Solution, do them a favor–let them or us know.

Notice from Government regarding Cash for Clunkers

Published October 7th, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Email This Post Email This Post

Contingent Deals

Generally

A dealer has demanded that I sign an agreement that requires me to pay the dealer $4500 [or $3500] if the dealer’s credit application is rejected. Am I required to agree to this?

No.To participate in the CARS program, you do not have to sign an agreement to pay back the dealer the CARS credit amount if the deal is rejected.

The dealer says that I should take my trade-in car home after I sign the purchase agreement for a new car under the CARS Program, and that I can pick up my new car after the dealer is paid by the government. Can I do this?

No. The dealer must take possession of your trade-in vehicle in order to submit a credit for reimbursement under the CARS Program. You may not keep possession of your old car.

Specifically

A dealer has demanded that I sign an agreement that requires me to pay the dealer if the credit application is rejected because I submit incorrect information regarding my name, residence address, driver’s license number, or the title to my trade-in car. Am I required to agree to this?

No. However, be aware that to participate in the CARS program you must certify under penalty of law that all information you provide is true. If your CARS program credit is denied because of a false statement made by you, the dealer may take action to recover the money or vehicle regardless of whether you sign such an agreement.

A dealer has demanded that I leave a signed check or credit card authorization in the CARS credit amount ($4500 or $3500) that he will return to me if the credit application is approved, but keep if the credit application is rejected. Is the dealer allowed to do this?

No. The dealer must reduce the price of the new vehicle by the credit amount. If a dealer has a check or credit card authorization given by you at the time of the sale, the dealer has not actually reduced the price as required by the CARS program. Please contact NHTSA immediately and take your trade-in to another dealer if a dealer requires this.

A dealer said he will wait to extend me the CARS program credit amount until after the dealer gets the money from the government. Is the dealer allowed to do this?

No. The dealer must certify in its application for reimbursement that the dealer has already reduced the price of the new vehicle in the amount of the CARS program credit it requests.

A dealer has included in the purchase agreement a requirement that I return the new car or pay the dealer the amount of the CARS program credit if the credit application is rejected. Do I have to sign this in order to participate in the CARS Program?

No. You are not required to sign an agreement like this to participate in the CARS Program. However, you may agree to such a term, but your choice to agree is between you and the dealer.

The dealer has told me that I cannot take my new car home and that I have to wait until the CARS credit application is approved before I can take possession of my new car. Can the dealer do this?

No. If the dealer has the new car, the dealer must allow you to take possession of the car before the dealer may submit the CARS credit application to the government. Please report any dealer to NHTSA that does not allow you take possession of a new car purchased under the CARS Program.

OK – Time for some Clunker Information

Published October 7th, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Email This Post Email This Post

#1  Overhead in a dealership
“No, during the Cash for Clunkers program, we do not negotiate off the sticker price.  You are being allowed $4500 on your clunker.  Isn’t that enough?”

Answer! No, that’s not enough.  “Clunkers” has nothing to do with the cost of the new vehicle.
Auto Solution gets the new car close to invoice and you’ll get the government’s “clunker” money.
Do not let dealerships charge too much because you’re in the Clunker program.

#2  Yesterday a member called
..and purchased a new Subaru–on the Clunker program.  Well guess what, when we saw the trade-in “Clunker,” it was not a clunker at all.  We took it in trade instead and netted her more money.

–Pay Attention–
If your trade is worth more than $4500, get Trade-In value, not “Clunker Cash.”

This program may seem simple, but there are pitfalls.

  1. Don’t overpay for the new car.
  2. Don’t let a dealer “steal your trade.”  You may think the government is your friend, but is your car dealer your friend too?

Questions?  Go to our website (home page) or call one of our consultants in Oregon (800-207-2429) or Washington (800-935-2886)

OK-I’m Back…

Published October 7th, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Email This Post Email This Post

GM Bankrupcy!
Bout time!  Never seen anything so dysfunctional, but it’ll get worse with the Government involved.  Buy a GM car now?  You bet–they have some great models and the prices now can’t be beaten–Call us–

Oh yeah, if your new GM vehicle needs warranty work, Nancy Pelosi will personally come out in designer coveralls and take care of any problem.

Ditto Chrysler
The car landscape is sure changing.  Auto Solution has gone from 70-75% new vehicle to 70-75% used.

And speaking of used, you should be in constant touch with our website, www.cu-autosolution.com as we sell a good number of repossessions for Credit Unions and some are an excellent buy.

And last but not least.  Seems that leasing is trying to make a comeback.  One word of advice–Don’t lease (ok 2 words).  Credit Unions have money to lend.  It’s the best way to go.  Leasing is the worst.  No matter what the car salesman says.

And now the good news…

Published February 17th, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Email This Post Email This Post
Auto Solution is doing great!
It is tough, today, as you know if you turn on any news broadcast (Doom & gloom)
But if you do things right it’s not so bad.

Read the paper (woe is me)…no financing is available. Really? Call Auto Solution, we’ll hook you up with hundreds of Credit Unions who want to loan qualified buyers money–not just for cars either!

Listen to the news (we’re Done)… dealerships closing. True. There were too many and a bunch who should have been gone long ago.

The truth–This is a hard time for a lot of people, but the sky is not falling. People are still doing business (we had our 2nd best January ever!). Cheer up!!

Customer Service is what is called for. The bottom line takes care of itself. We’ve been selling service, not cars, for years and it pays off.

And as an added bonus to customers, Auto Solution sells a limited number of Repossessions direct to Credit Union members. Credit Unions use us to market select repossessions for them. It’s a win-win. The Credit Union gets a greater return than by auctioning the vehicle and the Credit Union member (that’s you) gets a great deal.

Go to our website www.cu-autosolution.com and click on Repossessions.

Credit Union executives can email mark@cu-autosolution.com for more info.

And remember, despite what CNN & NBC say, the sky is not falling.

Now might be the time to buy…

Published October 23rd, 2008 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Email This Post Email This Post

Well, well.
Seems our elected officials have opted for the $700 billion bailout. I should have failed in business. Would have been more profitable in the long run.

But enough of that. At least your money is safe–if it’s in a Credit Union.

Cars, oh yeah–
Guess what? The dealers with the multi-million dollar inventories are starting to call. Subarus below invoice. Used cars below wholesale, etc, etc. Not a bad time to buy if you’re looking.

Let’s talk hybrids. The straight scoop is they don’t save you money. In the true “cost to own” derby from Edmunds the Prius comes in 34th.  Why? Currently there is a Prius shortage, so the price is artificially high.

Next is gas prices and consumption. How many miles do you have to drive to make up the $4000(+-) premium for the hybrid? The answer is lots–

Go to http://www.edmunds.com/calculators/gas-guzzler.html to see if you are really going to save money.

I’m not anti-hybrid, I am pro-green (green as in money)–spend yours wisely.

Remember Auto Solution and your Credit Union will save you money on the purchase and financing of your next vehicle.

And just to lighten it up a little, here are the top 10 ways to tell if you need a new car:
     10. Your passenger seat is on the National Register of Historic Places.
     9. Instead of an air bag, there is a whoopee cushion taped to your steering wheel.
     8. You lose the stoplight challenge to a 14 year old on a moped.
     7. 15 Minute Jiffy Lube needs to keep your car for 3 days.
     6. When you gas up, the attendant asks, “Can I re-duct tape that windshield for you?”
     5. Thieves repeatedly break in your car just to steal “The Club.”
     4. While sitting at a stop light, people keep running up to you and asking if anyone was hurt in that  wreck.
     3. For the last five years, you’ve had to settle for making “vroom, vroom” noises while in the driveway.
     2. You keep losing dates on left turns.
     1. Traffic reporters start referring to you by name when discussing morning tie-ups.

We’re back!

Published October 2nd, 2008 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Email This Post Email This Post

Here we go—

The return of Fastrax.  Absent for a while, for no particular reason, you’ll be receiving a Fastrax approximately every 10 days… so hit unsubscribe if that’s not good news.

What better to lead off with than an almost-funny-if-it-weren’t-so-tragic switch of position? Cars have always been a depreciating asset while homes were a safe haven… yeah right!! Lately small cars have increased in value and home values are falling like a rock. It won’t last but it seems strange. Besides, probably not too practical to move your family of four into the family Prius.

How about this from Experian…

Of all vehicles (1.3 million) severely damaged by collision, weather, or fire in the first 1/2 of 2008, 15% (195,000) now have clean titles. Read another way, almost 200,000 totaled cars are returned to the roads of America—illegally—every 6 months.

Protect yourself. How? Experian and CARFAX both have programs to help consumers. Auto Solution has a program through Experian to help Credit Unions protect themselves from financing those vehicles. Call us!

From a consumer’s position there is nothing more important than knowing that you are buying from a reputable source (that’s why well over 300 Credit Union outlets recommend Auto Solution).

And, especially now, if you’re thinking of a new vehicle don’t forget incentives, the money paid to dealers and sometimes consumers by manufacturers to encourage sales. Right now some manufacturers are paying loads of money to dealers on some models and you need to know before buying or chances are good the dealer will forget to mention the dealer money to you—Imagine—

If you are a consumer, call us. We’ll tell you if your vehicle of choice has incentives. And if you’re a Credit Union, we’ll advise you monthly, upon request, of all incentives.

We’ll talk soon—don’t let all the doom and gloom on the nightly news get you down.

Recession????

Published March 24th, 2008 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Email This Post Email This Post

On the cover of Automotive News (Feb 4th) the headline screams!” In an Icy Economy, Early Signs of Frostbite–January sales soften, dealers scramble”

That sure is interesting, I know Auto Solution doesn’t speak for the industry at large, but we had our best January in 3 years–maybe consumers are looking around for good deals…ya think?

Ok, here’s Toyota’s newest- A system that monitors the eyes of a driver to tell when he or she is getting drowsy. If your eyes start to close it sets off an alarm. Guess you wouldn’t be able to drive and listen to the presidential primary speeches…

Maybe quality is not the problem- The CEO of one of our Credit Unions ordered a new Chrysler Town & Country van eight weeks ago. We dutifully ordered it through a Chrysler dealer and waited…3, 4, 5, 6 weeks with no news. I get on the phone to the dealer and he says:

“Oh, Chrysler didn’t have enough orders so they closed the plant for a while.”

“Closed the plant? What about the customer?”

I called the CEO and today delivered her a new Honda Odyssey. The problem wasn’t quality, it was a complete lack of customer service. I am a buy-American guy but I agree with her–Chrysler doesn’t want the business, so go somewhere else.

That’s it for the exciting update.  But believe me something funny will happen soon.  This is, after all, the car business.

Let’s have some fun with rebates

Published January 26th, 2008 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Email This Post Email This Post

You remember — money back that manufacturers were going to eliminate a few months ago. Well here we go — remember these may vary by region but show that the car business isn’t booming.

These are just examples, they are nowhere near a complete list. (Email me for a specific car.)

Chevrolet

  • 07 Aveo – $1250
  • 07 HHR – $2000-$2500
  • 08 Malibu (New) – $1250
  • 08 Uplander  – $2000

Ford

  • 07-08 Fusion – $2500
  • 07 Focus – $3000
  • 07 F-150 – $4500
  • 08 Ranger – $2500
  • 07 Explorer – $4000

Honda

  • Civic Hybrid – $500
  • 07 V6 Accord – $2000
  • 08 Pilot – $1500

Just for Fun

  • BMW Z4 – $7500
  • Saab 9-3 Cvt – $5000
  • 07 Cadillac Escalade – $4500
  • Isuzu Ascender – $6000
  • 07 Hummer H3 – $3500
  • Mercury Grand Marquis – $5500
  • Volvo S-60 R – $7000
  • Mercedes SL550 – $12000 (Dealer Cash)

Nice huh?

If you’re thinking of a new car email me or go to our website www.cu-autosolution.comand click on the “Rebates link.”  You might just save some money.

You are always better off to take the rebate and pass on the manufacturers “cut rate” financing.

Remember, Auto Solution is here to save you money and provide you with the best Credit Union financing available.

Thanks,
Mark

Funniest thing I’ve seen contest

Published October 5th, 2007 in Uncategorized. 1 Comment Email This Post Email This Post

FasTrax reader submissions — a totally unscientific (for humor only) contest to see who has the best “funniest thing you have seen someone do while driving” submission.  I will judge all entries and publish the two funniest, and winners will receive $100 gas cards. So enter often and please keep submissions mostly true. Email submissions to mark@cu-autosolution.com. This was brought on by a woman I saw applying makeup while drinking a “Starbucks” and talking on the phone–while driving.

Top vehicles for 1st 6 months (by sales) of 2007:

1. Ford F Series
2. Chevrolet Silverado
3. Toyota Camry
4. Toyota Corolla/Matrix
5. Dodge Ram

Seems $3.00/gallon gas isn’t hurting truck sales.

Here is proof positive that not everyone reads FasTrax:
Quarter One of 2007–
Of the 10 top auto lenders in the Pacific Northwest, only 2 were Credit Unions. Despite CUDL (Credit Union Direct) at the dealer financing. Come on folks — If you’re not financing at your Credit Union, you are losing, plain and simple.

Some Credit Unions are doing “Green Loan” promotions with Auto Solution. Buy a “Green Car” and get a better rate — a neat idea. If your Credit Union isn’t doing it, ask ‘em about it. Auto Solution has a turn key promotion geared toward “Green Loans.”

Ok that’s it. Be sure to enter the ‘Funniest thing I’ve Seen’ contest and win some gasoline.

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