Michael Finney's Consumer Blog

Discounts hard to come by on car lots

Vehicles are fetching record average prices of $30,748, up 6.9 percent from a year ago, according to the Detroit Free Press. Part of that increase is tied to consumers piling on the accessories, but there's more to it than that.  Car manufacturers are making fewer cars and there are fewer dealerships selling them. Welcome to the new world where car buyers are in a seller’s market. A couple years back you could wander into a car dealer and get a great deal, now you must do your research.

The flying car is finally here!

The New York car show made is making news by showing off the first flying car. Finally! I grew up on predictions we would all be getting around in these things, so I was thrilled. well, talk about a kill joy! Here's consumer reporter’s Kelli B. Grants take on the news.  

Insurance policies on work related driving

Employers love it when you drive your own car for work. Insurance companies, not so much. In fact most insurance policies don't cover work related driving. That 50 cents a mile isn't looking so good anymore, is it?

 

Small cars winning top safety picks

You know the two big reasons to buy a small car: cost less, better gas mileage. Here is a third, they are safer now.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that six of the 13 small cars it most recently tested earned its “top safety pick” designation. They include the 2012 Ford Focus and Honda Civic and the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Juke, Lexus CT 200h and Toyota Prius.Along with others previously tested — including the electric Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt — a total of 22 have earned the institute’s top score. 

California runs out of electric car rebate money

The State of California has run out of electric vehicle rebate money. Buyers were handed a check for five grand for going all electric, but now that money is gone. This is bad timing. Nissan has just announced price increases for its all electric car the Leaf,  and local electric carmaker Tesla is looking towards making bigger - that would be more expensive - cars.

>>Here's the LA Times take

Is it cheaper to fly or drive?

Everyone is trying to save a buck these days, so a question many are asking themselves about vacation is this: Is it cheaper to fly or drive? This calculator figures it out for you. It includes costs like spending the night in a hotel because you drive and using ground transportation at your vacation spot if you fly.  Time spent traveling is calculated as is the wear and tear on your car.

Free windshield cleaning and rain repellent wipes

Finney's Friday Free Stuff. Stay safe on the road. Free windshield cleaning and rain repellent wipes.

>>Get more details at: http://www.invisibleglass.com/Repel/IGRRsamp.asp?Brand_id=4&Category_id=29

NOTE: More freebies to come! Watch ABC7 News at 5 PM for Finney's Friday Free Stuff. Details regarding those offers will be posted at ABC7NEWS.COM at 5:30 PM.

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This giveaway is not conducted by 7 On Your Side. If there are technical problems or issues with the product, concerns should be directed to the offering supplier

 

 

Automakers sell more cars without spare tires

Car makers have figured out a new way to save a buck: stranding you on a lonely highway! More and more cars are coming without spare tires. Manufacturers say tires are better now and many of use roadside assistance so what's the big deal?

>>Here' the LA Times take

Are car dealerships swiping your federal tax credit?

If you buy the new all electric Chevy Volt you qualify for a federal tax credit of $7,500, but you might not get it. A reporter working back east says it appears some dealerships are swiping the credit before consumers can their hands on it.

How? Dealerships are selling the cars to each other, getting the $7,500 and then placing the car up for sale as used. It appears to be completely legal, but executives at General Motors might not be amused, so if you are buying a Volt and not getting the tax rebate, consider placing a call to General Motors.

Can shopping for an auto loan hurt your credit?

Does shopping for a loan, let's say to buy a new car, ding your credit score? Yes. Does asking several companies for quotes ding your credit score several times? No! Credit score giant, FICO, knows you want the best rates, so it counts all credit checks related to the same loan as just one check. Warning: don't drag out the process, make all your related loan applications within a week or two. Otherwise the credit scorer could think you are looking to finance several purchases.