Tuttle-Click Automotive Group
Ford | Lincoln | Mercury | Chrysler | Jeep | Dodge |
Mazda | Hyundai | Commercial Trucks
Visit our website: www.tuttleclick.com
|
|
IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT
The monthly eZine of Tuttle Click Automotive Group
|
 |
|
Volume II, Issue VI, October 2009 |
|
|
|
Five WORST Car Fads
|
MSN Autos recently profiled the worst car fads (so far). Some of these might look really familiar!
1. Vinyl/Landau Roof - all of the problems of a convertible top (tearing, weathering), with none of the pleasures (driving with a top that actually opens, for instance).
2. Faux Wood Paneling - Like the famous woodies of the pre-1950s era (which were, of course, constructed of real wood), these cars showed off their elegantly grained vinyl timbers with pride. That is, until the panels peeled off to reveal the sheet metal beneath.
3. Talking Cars - With a vocabulary of exactly six phrases, the 810 Maxima was the first true talking car, equipped with a digital nanny feature that would chastise you for forgetful behaviors, including not switching off your headlights or failing to buckle your seat belt. And like any true fad, the recordings that were etched into its phonograph-style cylinder swiftly went from way-cool tech to way annoying.
4. Automatic Seat Belts - These mechanized devices meant well but had the incredibly annoying habit of knocking off eyeglasses or clotheslining anyone unaware enough to be leaning forward when the car was turned on.
5. Spinning Rims - Spinners are the ultimate one-trick pony. All they do is spin, and the forty-fifth time you see them, the joy is totally gone.
|
| Battle of the Sexes: Automotive-Style |
A new study from Strategic Vision investigated the differences in automotive preferences between the sexes. Alexander Edwards, company spokesman, says that when it comes to the core qualities an automobile should have, men and women tend to have similar expectations. "It's a misconception that men and women are looking for something dramatically different," he says. In the study, the top three desirable traits in a vehicle, for men and women alike, were "functional," "capable" and "accommodating." Because most vehicles today possess these basic traits, men and women start differentiating on a vehicle's personality. Men use adjectives like "aggressive" and "powerful" whereas women are more interested in "smart," "protective" and "cute" autos.
According to the data, cars like the Chrysler PT Cruiser are popular with women. Men prefer powerful cars like the Dodge Viper - it has a 600-horse V10 engine that can push it from zero to 60 mph in less than four seconds. |
|
Reminder... 2009 IRS New Vehicle Tax Deductions will end soon. |
|
Taxpayers who buy a new car or several other types of motor vehicles this year may be entitled to a special tax deduction when they file their 2009 federal tax returns next year. The tax break is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Here are seven things you should know about this new deduction:
1. State and local sales taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of qualifying vehicles are deductible.
2. Qualified motor vehicles generally include new (not used) cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles.
3. Purchases must occur after February 16, 2009 and before January 1, 2010.
4. This deduction can be taken regardless of whether or not you itemize other deductions on your tax return.
5. Taxpayers will claim this deduction when filing their 2009 federal income tax return next year.
6. The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.
7. The deduction may not be taken on 2008 tax returns.
Consumers who are considering buying a new car may find that this tax incentive means there may have never been a better time to buy.
For more information about the sales and excise tax deduction for motor vehicle purchases visit the official IRS web site at IRS.gov or contact your Tuttle-Click dealership.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
