Used Car Standouts from the 2004 through 2013 Model Years
YONKERS, NY — With prices at historic highs – even for models with high mileage and seemingly excessive wear – and with so many vehicles from which to choose, shopping for a used car can be a challenge. To help Americans choose the best used car for their money, Consumer Reports compiled a Best & Worst Used Cars list for model years 2004 through 2013.
The full report is available in Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Issue, which is on newsstands now, and at the 2014 Autos Spotlight page on ConsumerReports.org. Highlighted are the best small cars, sedans, and SUVs available in four price ranges: from $10,000 or less up to $25,000. Each performed well in CR’s testing when new and had above-average reliability for the model years shown, based on CR’s Annual Auto Survey. And all models came standard with electronic stability control (ESC).
Over Three-quarters of customers that haggled were successful in negotiating a discount.
YONKERS, NY—Consumer Reports latest survey of repair service satisfaction found the odds are consumers will be more satisfied with an independent repair shop than with a franchised new-car dealership.
The one automaker that outscored the independent shops was the electric carmaker Tesla, which earned high praise for its on-time repairs, courtesy, price, quality, and overall satisfaction. But part of Tesla’s current success might be because it’s new to the market, and it has a relatively small number of customers to satisfy compared with the established luxury brands.
The survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center in 2014, was based on subscriber satisfaction with repairs on more than 121,000 vehicles—80,000 of which were repaired at franchised dealers and more than 41,000 at independent shops.
IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CarMD.com Corporation, a leading provider of car repair data and software as a service solutions, today released its 2014 CarMD® Vehicle Health Index™ Manufacturer & Vehicle Reliability Rankings delineating the manufacturers and vehicles with the lowest combined "check engine" repair incidents and costs. The Index ranks the top 10 manufacturers, top 100 vehicles, top vehicles by category and the most common repairs by make. This year's Index is based on more than 40,400 specific repairs performed on model year 2004 to 2014 vehicles in the United States from Oct. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2014. Current and archived indices are available at http://corp.carmd.com.
"This CarMD Index, now in its fourth year, is the only report to offer an annual ranking of manufacturers and vehicles with the lowest combined check engine repair incidents and costs, which is very different from survey-based reliability lists," says Doug Sobieski, chief marketing officer, CarMD. "While this index is based on in-use vehicle repairs needed over the past year, it has also proven to be a useful tool in helping car and truck shoppers make informed decisions about the vehicles they are considering. This data further empowers our software as a service partners to provide information to help their clients minimize the cost of vehicle ownership."
Gas Prices Increasing After Dropping to Lowest Levels Since 2009
- U.S. average gas prices have increased seven days in a row for a total of two cents per gallon. Gas prices had declined a record 123 consecutive days to $2.03 per gallon before increasing last week for the first time since September 25.
- “Many drivers are noticing an uptick in gas prices for the first time in months,” said Avery Ash, AAA spokesman. “It is typical to see gas prices increase this time of year due to refinery issues, yet hopefully the consumer impact will be less problematic given how low prices are today.”
- Today’s national average price of gas is $2.06 per gallon, which is about $1.22 per gallon less than a year ago. AAA estimates that Americans are spending about $365 million less per day on gasoline compared to this time last year.
- The national average price of gas reached a current 2015 low on January 26 of $2.03 per gallon, which was the lowest average since March 27, 2009.
- Gas prices have dropped about $1.64 per gallon since reaching a national average of $3.70 per gallon on April 28, 2014.
- The average price of gas in January was $2.11 per gallon, which was the cheapest monthly average since April 2009. Gas prices in December 2014 averaged a much higher $2.51 per gallon, while the average was $3.30 per gallon in January 2014.
You may not see them, or know much about them, but engine belts are always working to keep your vehicle moving. Losing a belt can mean immediate trouble for the engine and a breakdown for you. The Car Car Council recommends motorists “be car care aware” and review the owner’s manual to ensure that belts are inspected and replaced at the proper intervals.
A vehicle’s belts are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems of the engine. Serpentine belts are used to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor. Older cars use V-belts for various accessories and failure of this belt could strand a driver.
Winter storm Juno has the potential to create hazardous road conditions for many drivers. Automotive expert Lauren Fix, The Car Coach appears on The Weather Channel to caution those navigating winter driving.
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Automotive Diagnostic Specialties is your headquarters for cutting edge auto repair in Chandler AZ. Their staff uses over 100 years of combined experience and the most advanced computerized diagnostics equipment and software to bring your vehicle back to its prime condition. This approach to automotive repair leads to an experience of unparalleled quality in vehicle maintenance.
Unrivaled quality and exceptional service has led Automotive Diagnostic Specialties to provide certain services that few other shops can boast. This includes the option of custom performance enhancing computer chips for your vehicle. By programming specific instructions into your engine, ADS can increase power, torque and overall drive-ability. Be sure to ask about their high performance chips and they will be glad to go over what they can do for you.
Whether you have a personal diesel truck or car or need repairs for a large work diesel – or even if you need fleet repairs- ADS in Chandler will get the job done right the first time. Their diesel repair shop is equipped with the latest diagnostic technologies and their ASE Certified technicians only install diesel replacement parts from trusted and established brands.
ADS is so confident in diesel repairs that they offer a 24 month/24,000 mile parts and labor warranty on most repairs.
Contact them today at (480) 961-8704 for Automotive Repair and Vehicle Maintenance Estimates or with any Questions, including their Vehicle Repair Warranty.
Automotive Diagnostic Specialties' Diesel Repair Services
Automotive Diagnostic Specialties is a full-service diesel repair and diesel maintenance shop located in Chandler. We service and repair large and small diesel engines and vehicles, as well as all makes of diesel engines, including Cummins, Duramax, and Powerstroke.
While they offer a complete range of services, here are a few of the repairs that ADS customers often need:
- Diesel Injector Replacement and Injection Repair: One of the key differences between a diesel engine and an unleaded one is the injection system. While unleaded systems inject fuel outside of the cylinder, diesel injectors actually inject fuel directly into the cylinder. This poses a different set of challenges when it comes to diesel injector replacements and injection system repairs as they must be able to withstand the heat and pressure inside of the cylinder while still dispersing the diesel fuel in a fine, even mist.
- Common Rail Injection Repairs: Common Rail Injection systems have helped to transform the diesel engine from the slow, smokey, powerful train-like diesel engine of the past into sporty, fuel-efficient, and clean running engines. Its unique division of injections allows the Common Rail Injection system to precisely deliver the correct amount of fuel from its separated pressurizing system. At ADS they have the diagnostic tools and the expertise to provide customers with Common Rail Injection system repair and diagnostics.
- Diesel Injection Pump Repair: Traditionally the diesel injection pump is run from the crankshaft by gears or a belt and delivers fuel based on the RPMs of the engine. Newer systems, including the Common Rail Injection system, utilize external pumps which are regulated by Electronic Diesel Control modules. Regardless of the specific set up of your injection system, ADS can help you with diesel injection pump repairs.
- Diesel Engine Replacement: From time to time the unfortunate reality is that your diesel engine can be beyond repair. When that is the case, ADS can help with finding the correct diesel engine replacement for your vehicle, removing your old engine, and getting you back on the road.
- Diesel Electrical Repair and Diagnostics: Diesel engines, like all engines, involve complex electrical systems. ADS service bays are equipped with electrical diagnostic tools to track down any hard-to-find electrical problems with your diesel vehicle and get your engine running smooth and your amenities working.
- Diesel Transmission and Clutch: ADS offers diesel transmission replacements and services. It’s recommended that you have your transmission serviced regularly to prevent more costly repairs such as transmission rebuilds and clutch replacements in the future. At ADS they offer transmission repairs, replacements, and servicing.
- Diesel Drivability and Performance: If you have concerns about the driveability or performance of your vehicle, ADS offers complete diesel driveability diagnostics and diesel performance upgrades.
For questions about diesel repair services or for estimate call ADS at (480) 961-8704 or visit them at 6835 W Chandler Blvd., Chandler AZ.
Automotive Diagnostic Specialties is a AAA approved auto repair facility and recipient of AAA's "Top Shop" award.
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Automotive Diagnostic Specialties is your headquarters for cutting edge auto repair in Chandler AZ. Their staff uses over 100 years of combined experience and the most advanced computerized diagnostics equipment and software to bring your vehicle back to its prime condition. This approach to automotive repair leads to an experience of unparalleled quality in vehicle maintenance.
Unrivaled quality and exceptional service has led Automotive Diagnostic Specialties to provide certain services that few other shops can boast. This includes the option of custom performance enhancing computer chips for your vehicle. By programming specific instructions into your engine, ADS can increase power, torque and overall drive-ability. Be sure to ask about their high performance chips and they will be glad to go over what they can do for you.
Hybrid cars and trucks clearly aren’t the same as ones that run solely on fuel, and hybrid vehicle repairs and hybrid vehicle diagnostics aren’t the same either.
At the state-of-the-art Automotive Diagnostic Specialties facility in Chandler, ADS has all of the tools necessary for electric vehicle diagnostics and hybrid motor diagnostics so that they repair your vehicle quickly and properly – the first time. Their ASE Certified technicians are experts in hybrid motor repair, including HEV battery system troubleshooting.
Need hybrid vehicle repair or hybrid vehicle maintenance?
ADS is happy to help you get back on the road and thank you for doing your part to care for the environment.
Hybrid Car Maintenance
Hybrid cars and electric vehicles actually require essentially the same maintenance as fuel-powered vehicles despite their obvious differences. Be sure to have your hybrid’s engine oil changed at regular intervals and your transmission flushed. Bring your vehicle into ADS and get the help you need to keep your hybrid car in great running shape! Hybrid battery charging is also available! See ADS today to use their charging stations!
The Biggest Difference in Hybrids: The Battery
Because hybrid vehicles run on fuel AND battery power (hence the term hybrid) this means that the battery in a hybrid plays a larger role than in a fuel-powered vehicle. Special diagnostic and repair techniques are required to troubleshoot hybrid battery issues and make repairs. ADS has both the techniques and the tools to help with all of your hybrid needs, including:
Hybrid Battery Testing and Repair
- HEV Battery Repair
- HEV Diagnostics
- HEV Battery Replacement
- Hybrid Battery Reconditioning
ADS is a AAA approved auto repair shop, and recipient of AAA's "Top Shop" Award. Call to schedule your service at (480) 961-8704 or visit them in Chandler.
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S&S tires in Goodyear AZ is your headquarters for all your Tires & Auto maintenance needs.
With high quality brand names like BF-Goodrich, Michelin, Pirelli and Yokohama, S&S Tire can keep your vehicle rolling whether you take it on long road trips or off road in the Arizona desert. By offering you a total of three locations across the valley, they make sure that you have access to professional, quality tire and car care no matter where you happen to be at the moment. They have worked hard to ensure that the experience at S&S Tire in Goodyear, AZ is unrivaled in customer service and excellence in repair. In 2012 and 2015, S&S Tire were BBB Business Ethics Award finalists.
S&S Tires of Goodyear, AZ has rich history of auto care in Arizona. The first S&S tire was opened in 1976 by owner Bob Slagle. With two generations of the Slagle family overseeing the locations, they have been able to ensure that the traditional family values of their business were not compromised. The real key to success is to provide an experience worthy of remembrance and earn your business for years to come and the road ahead. Altogether, the staff of over forty team members have the skills, experience and training required to get the job done right and on time.
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S&S tires in Peoria AZ is your headquarters for all your Tires & Auto maintenance needs.
With high quality brand names like BF-Goodrich, Michelin, Pirelli and Yokohama, S&S Tire can keep your vehicle rolling whether you take it on long road trips or off road in the Arizona desert. By offering you a total of three locations across the valley, they make sure that you have access to professional, quality tire and car care no matter where you happen to be at the moment. They have worked hard to ensure that the experience at S&S Tire in Peoria, AZ is unrivaled in customer service and excellence in repair. In 2012 and 2015, S&S Tire were BBB Business Ethics Award finalists.
S&S Tires of Peoria, AZ has rich history of auto care in Arizona. The first S&S tire was opened in 1976 by owner Bob Slagle. With two generations of the Slagle family overseeing the locations, they have been able to ensure that the traditional family values of their business were not compromised. The real key to success is to provide an experience worthy of remembrance and earn your business for years to come and the road ahead. Altogether, the staff of over forty team members have the skills, experience and training required to get the job done right and on time.
Bumper Audio Clip of the Week
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