Automotive Addict

You have probably seen the commercials by now, "May The Best Car Win." GM has taken a new course of action when it comes to advertising. You have up to 60 days to bring your Car back if you dont like it? Well, Almost, Lets take a look at General Motors Buy Back Plan.

One of GM's requirements is, You have to keep the car at least 30 Days. You can only bring a car back between the owning days of 31-60. You have to keep your GM Model at least 31 days and not more than 60 days. I guess the GM Advertising Guru's are thinking if you keep the car at least 30 days, you will fall in love with it.

Your General Motors Vehicle MUST have less than 4000 miles. You must keep it 30 days, but dont drive it too much. If you have more than 4000 miles, you cannot bring the car back. Also, remember the program only applies to Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, and GMC models. This is the GM Models that are planned for future production. This program does not apply to Pontiac, Saab, Hummer, or Saturn.

If you bring your 2009 GM vehicle back, you will be reimbursed 67% of MSRP. Your new 2010 GM will be reimbursed up to 74% of MSRP. Negative Equity must be paid and finance charges are not reimbursed.

GM did put an option in for those who do not want to participate in the buy back program to get a $500 rebate on top of all other rebates and incentives. This is the option that everyone is taking because if they buy a GM Vehicle, they plan to keep it and dont want to worry with all the stipulations of the Buy Back Program.

General Motors is actually making some great cars, trucks, and SUV's that customers love. They are finally getting the message that quality counts and are taking a leading role in new gadgets and options on cars. GM has some of the most loyal customers, but you have to give customers what they want and you have to make it right and GM is now doing just that.

Thank you GM for taking the lead on this ad campaign and not following someone else. I do love the quote, "Let The Best Car Win." It is a bold statement and is bringing customers into GM Showrooms.

This is the top 20 reasons that women purchased GM vehicles, including cars, trucks and SUV's.

1. Exterior Styling 63.3%
2. Vehicle Ride 58.0%
3. Dependablility/Reliable 55.2%
4. Exterior Color 52.5%
5. Interior Roominess 49.4%
6. OnStar 49.2%
7. Feeling Safe 48.8%
8. Seating Comfort 47.8%
9. Vehicle Reputation 46.5%
10. Dealership Sales 44.5%
11. Manufacturer Rep 44.1%
12. Value for Money 44.1%
13. Interior Styling 42.7%
14. Fun To Drive 42.3%
15. Handling/Maneuverable 41.3%
16. Exterior Size 38.8%
17. Brand Reputation 38.6%
18. Vehicle Quietness 38.4%
19. Seating Capacity 37.4%
20. Brand Name 37.0%

Over 70% of OnStar Subscribers indicate they will purchase their next vehicle with OnStar equipped.

Looking to buy a New Car? Why not make sure you get the best price possible. Get A Quote. Quick.and FREE so you know you received a Great Deal on your New Car!

This is a guide to check your February 2008 GM Rebates and special interest rates for Pontiac, Buick, and GMC. I say this a guide because when you go to your local dealer they will enter the VIN of the vehicle you choose to get exact rebates. Each vehicle has to be entered because there may be extra rebates on some. Also General Motors has different regions in the country that may offer different rebates, so check with your local dealer to get exact information. This is just a guide.

The special interest rate is if you give up the rebate to get a lower interest rate. The rates are in order for 36 months/48 months/60 months/72 months. The conquest rebate is for owning a non-GM vehicle and may be limited to certain regions of the country so check with your local dealer for specific details.

Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Rebates:
Buick Enclave $0
Buick Lacross $1500
Buick Lucerne $2000
Pontiac G5 $1000
Pontiac G6 (all) $2000
Pontiac Grand Prix $2000
Pontiac Solstice $500
Pontiac Torrent $2000
Pontiac VIBE $1250
GMC Acadia $500
GMC Canyon Reg Cab $500
GMC Canyon Ext/Crew $2000
GMC Envoy & XL $3000
GMC Sierra Reg Cab $1500
GMC Sierra EXT $2000
GMC Sierra CREW $2000
SIERRA 2500/3500 GAS $1500
SIERRA 2500/3500 DIESEL $1500
GMC Yukon $2000
GMC Yukon XL $2000

Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Special Rates:
Buick Enclave 5.9/6.9/7.9/std
Buick Lacross 3.9/4.9/5.9/6.9
Buick Lucerne 2.9/3.9/4.9/5.9
Pontiac G5 4.9/5.9/6.9/std
Pontiac G6 (all) 2.9/3.9/4.9/5.9
Pontiac Grand Prix 2.9/3.9/4.9/5.9
Pontiac Solstice 3.9/4.9/5.9/std
Pontiac Torrent 0.0/0.9/1.9/3.9
Pontiac VIBE 4.9/5.9/6.9/std
GMC Acadia 5.9/6.9/7.9/std
GMC Canyon Reg Cab 3.9/4.9/5.9/6.9
GMC Canyon Ext/Crew 3.9/4.9/5.9/6.9
GMC Envoy & XL 1.9/2.9/3.9/4.9
GMC Sierra Reg Cab 3.9/4.9/5.9/6.9
GMC Sierra EXT 3.9/4.9/5.9/6.9
GMC Sierra CREW 3.9/4.9/5.9/6.9
SIERRA 2500/3500GAS 3.9/4.9/5.9/6.9
SIERRA 2500/3500DIE 3.9/4.9/5.9/6.9
GMC Yukon 4.9/5.9/6.9/std
GMC Yukon XL 4.9/5.9/6.9/std

Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Conquest and Bonus Cash:
Buick Enclave $500
Buick Lacross $500
Buick Lucerne $500
Pontiac G5 $500
Pontiac G6 (all) $500
Pontiac Grand Prix $500
Pontiac Solstice $0
Pontiac Torrent $500
Pontiac VIBE $500
GMC Acadia $500
GMC Canyon Reg Cab $0
GMC Canyon Ext/Crew $0
GMC Envoy & XL $500
GMC Sierra Reg Cab $0
GMC Sierra EXT $2000 Invoice Credit 9-1-07
GMC Sierra CREW $2000 Invoice Credit 9-1-07
SIERRA 2500/3500GAS $750 Bonus Cash+2000 Invoice Credit
SIERRA 2500/3500DIE $1750 Bonus Cash+2000 Invoice Credit
GMC Yukon $0
GMC Yukon XL $0

The GMC Sierra $2000 Invoice credit is if the vehicle was invoiced prior to 9-1-07 and this extra money ends on 2-13-07 so you need to hurry to get this extra rebate. The Sierra listed are 1500 (half tons) unless denoted by 2500/3500 which are 3/4 tons and 1 tons. There are also some February Dealer Bonus Cash Certificates in some regions that dealers can apply to 07/08 Sierra's. They can apply a $250 certificate up to 4 certificates equal to an extra $1000. You can see why when you go to the dealership and the salesman says we have to enter the VIN to see what rabate to apply, they are not lying. GM has some of the most complex rebate structures in the industry, but it is used to keep the inventory newer. The older units are given a higher rebate to move them out and get new units on the ground. These rebates are scheduled to go thru 3-3-08 but may change at any time. I will say again, this is just a guide and check with your local dealer for exact rebates for your region.

This is a break down of some of the rebates and rates for Pontiac, Buick, and GMC. Check out what you can actually buy the vehicle for from the dealer not including rebates. You can get a price before ever visiting the dealer by entering your vehicle of choice at Yahoo Auto's!

Every auto ever made has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It does not matter if it is a car, truck, van, or SUV, it will have a VIN number found on the driver door panel and in front of the steering wheel on the dash-seen from outside the car. Over the years the VIN numbers have grown in length to signify different things. They are currently 17 digits long and mean the following.

1st digit: Country of origin, 1 is US, 2 Canada, 3 Mexico, Germany is W, and Japan is J. Don't ask why Germany is W??

2ND digit: Manufacturer. A is Audi, N is Nissan, B is BMW, G is General Motors.

3rd digit: Tells the make of the Car. In the diagram 1 is for the Chevrolet division of General Motors.

4Th and 5Th tells what type of car. The YZ is a Corvette ZR1.

6Th digit is the body type. 2 is 2 door hatchback and 3 would be 2 door convertible.

7Th digit is the type of restraint system. It this instance the 3 means manual belts with driver air bag.

8Th digit is the engine type.

9Th is a check digit. It will be a number from 0-9 and supposedly it can be told if the VIN has been tampered with.

10Th digit is very useful especially when appraising a car because it tells what year the vehicle is. It used to be represented by letters and now is using numbers. P-93, R-94, S-95, T-96, V-97, W-98, X-99, Y-00, 1-01, 2-02, 3-03, 4-04, 5-05, 6-06, 7-07. Well you get the point. The letters go back further and if you notice there are some letters that got skipped. I, O, Q, U, Z, because they could have confused with other numbers.

11Th digit is where the vehicle was manufactured. 5 being Bowling Green Kentucky, 9 is Detroit Michigan.

The last six digits 12-17 are the production sequence numbers.

Now you will look at VIN numbers in a different way. Impress your friends, count back 8 from the end and this will tell the year of the vehicle.

One of the largest expenses over the life of an auto is oil changes. When you figure $15-$25 every 3000 miles, it really adds up, but is essential to the longevity of a car.

GM has a unique intelligent system called an Oil Life System Monitor. Each GM vehicle has a computer that calculates the revolution of the engine and can even tell what type of driving you do. If you do all highway driving or in town driving. The benefit to the customer is Reduced Cost of Ownership, Reduced National Consumption of Oil, and full usage of your oil.

This Oil Life Monitor for GM cars, trucks, and SUV's will tell you when to change your oil. It may be at 5000 miles and may be at 9000 miles. You can read more about this system in your GM owners manual, but my car can usually go 6000-7000 miles before it comes on. If you have a Drivers Information Center in your vehicle to check tire pressure, and different settings, you will notice an oil life percentage. If it is at 70%, it means there is 70% of your oil life remaining.

Now, consider half the oil changes of the competition. It may not sound like much, but do the math. In every 100000 miles you will change the oil 33.3 times if you change every 3000 miles. Multiply this # by an average of a $22 oil change and it comes up to $734. Cut this in half and you get $367. That is just for oil changes and only figuring it will get 2 times more mileage. You also have long life spark plugs and coolant. GM is thinking of the customer more than ever trying to regain market share.

Remember, the GM Oil Life System does not check oil levels, just when the oil starts to break down and needs changed. You still have to check levels.

There is a simplified GM maintenance schedule. This is performed when your change oil light comes on.
Maintenance 1:
-change oil and filter
-reset oil life system
-inspect engine air cleaner filter-change as needed
-rotate tires and check inflation pressures and wear
-inspect brake system
-check engine coolant and washer fluid
-any other needed services

Maintenance2:
All services from maintenance 1 plus:
-inspect suspension and steering components
-inspect cooling system
-inspect wiper blades
-inspect restraint components
-lubricate body components
-inspect throttle system

You can alternate in between maintenance 1 and maintenance 2 each time the light comes on. Tires should be rotated every 5000 to 8000 miles.

General Motors showed off 3 Minicar concepts at the recent New York International Auto Show. The Cars were designed in its South Korea design studio in Inchon. GM were asking potential customers to go to www.vote4chevrolet.com to cast a vote on their favorite of the 3. I believe GM was testing the waters to see if any of the 3 would float.



The first being the Chevrolet Beat Concept which has a 1.2 liter gasoline engine and automatic transmission. It is a 3 door hatchback that has a fabric covered instrument panel that will give it an uplevel feel.


The Chevrolet Groove Concept is a 4 door and features the only deisel engine of the minicars. It is a 1.0 liter deisel and could get up to 50 miles to a gallon. The Chevrolet Groove has a matte finish similar to the finish on cell phones, but GM is concerned the sought after matte finish will shine up from buffing of car washes.


The Chevrolet Trax Concept will feature a low cost All Wheel Drive option with a 1.0 liter gas engine. The Chevrolet Trax uses thermoplastic components that are injected with paint on the front fenders and front and rear facia.

When I voted, and I will not tell which I voted for, the Groove was in the lead with 53.8 percent of the vote. The Beat was a close second with 37 percent, and the trax just had 9.2 percent.

General Motors is trying to take the GM or Certified Used Vehicle Sales to the next level. They will be offering a 100000 mile warranty on USED VEHICLES! WOW!

First, it has to be a Certified Vehicle from a Certified Used Dealer. A Certified Used GM Vehicle is a car, truck, or SUV from the year model 2002-2006 with less than 60000 miles. Notice that I did not include 2007 models. This is because they already have the 100000 mile warranty included. Brands included are Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Buick.

The warranty is a warranty that will cover engine, transmission, drive train. It is not a bumper to bumper warranty, but will cover the major components that cost the most to fix. This will take the GM sales to record levels this year as it will offer peace of mind. Imagine, you are looking at a 2003 GM Car with 45000 miles. Under the old Certified Program, you would receive a 3 month, 3000 mile bumper to bumper warranty only. You still receive this, but also get the 100000 power train warranty. I am happy to be a GM Salesman during this Awesome program! Way to go GM, lets take this to the next level.

If you need an Auto Warranty that wont break the bank, Get a FREE QUOTE NOW! This quote is good for ALL Makes, Models, and years. Chevy Car and Truck Warranties, Ford Car and Truck Warranties, Dodge Car and Truck Warranties, and even Toyota, Nissan, and any other makes or models. You pick the place to work on your Auto. Best of All, finance your warranty at 0% interest. Check it out, FREE Extented Warranty Quote!

"Only GM has the most cars that get 30 miles per gallon or better on the highway". You have heard the commercial, well here is a list of the cars: Buick Lacrosse, Chevy Cobalt, Chevy Aveo 5, Chevy Malibu, Chevy Malibu Maxx, Chevy Monte Carlo, Chevy Impala, Chevy HHR, Pontiac G6, Pontiac Vibe, Pontiac Grand Prix, Saab 9-3 Sport sedan, Saab 9-3 SportCombi, Saturn Ion.
*Based on 2006 EPA highway estimates.

GM is also looking to the future with advanced engine technology to save us money on fuel costs. Have you heard of Active Fuel Management? This is a technology that allows the vehicle to operate on 1/2 of the cylinders when driving with light loads. When full power is needed, the other cylinders kick in. For instance, at cruising speeds on the highway, your V8 engine will operate on 4 cylinders. When you are accelerating from a traffic light, your vehicle will operate on 8 cylinders. The vehicles that offer this technology in the 2006 model year are: Buick Rainier, Chevy Trailblazer, Chevy Monte Carlo SS, Chevy Impala SS, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Envoy XL, GMC Yukon, Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, and Saab 9-7X.

Still looking at GM Engines, there is (VVT) Variable Valve Timing. This helps to lower emissions and optimize combustion for greater performance and fuel economy. This is done by keeping the timing of the intake and exhaust valves in sync. The 2006 GM vehicles offering VVT are Chevy Colorado, Chevy Malibu Maxx SS, Cadillac CTS, Buick Rainier, Chevy Monte Carlo, GMC Envoy, and Pontiac G6 GTP.

Now for Flexfuel engines using E85 Ethanol. E85 vehicles can run on gasoline or a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Did you know that for every 37 gallons of E85 ethanol used you are saving a barrel of oil! GM is projected to have nearly 2 million Flexfuel vehicles on the road by the end of 2006. Available Flexfuel vehicles are these 2006 models: Chevy Avalanche, Chevy Impala, Chevy Monte Carlo, Chevy Silverado, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL; and these 2007 models: Chevy Avalanche, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon.

GM has numerous Hybrid transit buses on the road in US and Canada which reduce emissions by up to 90%. Also, BMW and DaimlerChrysler have joined GM to develop a two-mode full hybrid for rear, front, and all wheel drive vehicles.

Maybe if more manufacturers would join together for the good of all we could drastically reduce our dependance on foreign countries for oil. I have heard of an engine that is in the prototype stage that converts H2O Liquid to an H2 Gas. Wouldnt it be nice to run our cars off water! I believe the technology is there, but it will take money out of too many pockets to push forward.

GM's OnStar is becoming more popular with the car buying public. On Star's one year free safe and sound package covers airbag deployment notification, remote vehicle diagnostics, remote door unlock, emergency services, stolen vehicle location assistance, roadside assistance, accident assistance, remote horn and lights if you are having trouble locating your vehicle, and 30 minutes free personal hands free calling. When OnStar was first introduced customers were apprehensive and did not want this feature and now they will not consider a vehicle without it. The dealership that I work at has a 92% renewal rate after the first year. The second year costs $199, but most customers feel this is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

GM's OnStar Feature has added voice activated Navigation. You contact an OnStar Advisor, tell them where you want to go, they download the route to your vehicle, voice commands tell you every turn to make. You can even go to Map Quest on the Internet and plan out a trip, download the trip to your OnStar Account, after naming the trip you can download it to your vehicle for directions and destinations that you have pre-determined on Map Quest. You can even plan how many miles you want to drive per day, where you want to stay, etc. OnStar is adding new features that Customers have found they do not want to live without.