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THURSDAY · JULY 23, 2009 LA JOLLA VILLAGE NEWS
BUSINESS & FINANCE AUTO B IO G RAP HY
Showrooms disappear as used cars take spotlight BY JOHNNY MCDONALD | VILLAGE NEWS
Since buyers are shunning showrooms for the lots, the world of pre-owned automobile searches becomes more than just a kick of a few tires. Glitzy showrooms are disappearing anyway as General Motors and Chrysler eliminate 2,000 dealerships. Ready, set and prepare for the hassle-free, no-obligation pitches. Before you reach for the keys, listen to: Unbelievable prices. Close to new... low mileage. No credit? No problem. Fast approval. Complete service provided. Or the cliché, “A little old lady owned it and only drove to the store.” High-quality used cars may be a coveted and rare commodity, as the auto industries attempt to meet federal government commitments. According to Auto Data Corp., sales of certified preowned cars in January 2009 were up 10 percent from the previous year. But used car prices are up 5 to 15 percent since Jan. 1. People who bought used cars last August can usually resell them — provided the tires are good — for 10 to 30 percent more than they originally paid, and they will have had six months’ driving free. In almost every deal, rubber is the key price factor. Used cars with extra-good tires bring $50 to $100 extra; cars with worn ones may not be wanted at
Dixieline Lumber has donated its 1922 Ruggles lumber truck to the San Diego Automotive Museum to become part of the permanent collection.
with the San Diego consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau if there might be an unresolved customer complaint against a dealer. By law, used car dealers are not required to give customers a right to cancel a purchase within three days of buying. It’s best to understand the policy before buying. Surprisingly, it is the more expensive vehicles that used car shoppers seem to be considering, if Web statistics are anything to go by. Perhaps consumers are accustomed to a certain level of luxury and don’t want to buy a cheap car. ***
all. Quipped a Detroit Ford dealer: “You would think this salesroom was a mosque to see all those guys down on their hands and knees looking at tires.” As a general rule, the average consumer would trade in a car after two to three years, thus providing a steady supply of lowmileage used cars. Under current household budget and credit restraints, drivers might be hanging onto their cars longer and returning them when they’re nearing the junk age. Overall, the most reliable vehicles come from Asian nameplates, according to Consumer Reports data. Though domestic cars are getting better, they still trail the Japanese models. Euro-
pean models are also improving, but the older ones tend to be among the most problematic. Buying a reliable three-yearold model could be a good investment since the steepest part of the depreciation curve is past. ConsumerReports.org respondents reveal that problem rates for cars have decreased across the board, so newer used cars should hold up better than their predecessors as they age. Among 5-year-old and newer cars, Ford, Hyundai and Nissan are about tied in reliability. European cars, long the least reliable overall, are pulling even with the domestics on newer models. The Federal Trade Commission has good guidelines for selecting a used car. Also check
ON • SITE AUCTION August 15th, 11:00 A.M. “Casa Brisas” 941 J Avenue Coronado, CA
After numerous meetings between the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and the Obama administration concerning greater access to floorplan loans, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is launching a program to provide eligible dealers with governmentbacked lines of credit to finance vehicle inventory. NADA praised the SBA for its efforts to expand its loan guarantee program to include wholesale inventory, also known as floorplan loans. Many auto dealers are struggling to survive without access to credit to purchase vehicles for their lots. The pilot program began July 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2010. ■
• Women in Technology International: Summer social networking, July 23, 6-8:30 p.m., Venice Ristorante, 4365 Executive Dr., 6036040 • SCORE Workshop: Business plan 201, how to write a winning business plan, July 25, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., PLNU Mission Valley campus, 4007 Camino del Rio South, $99 prepaid, $109 door, (619) 5577272 • SCORE Workshop: QuickBooks Basic for nonprofits, July 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., San Diego Foundation, Liberty Station, 2508 Historic Decatur Rd., $69 prepaid, $79 door, (619) 557-7272 • SCORE Workshop: Internet marketing 201, build your business plan through search engine optimization, July 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., PLNU Mission Valley campus, 4007 Camino del Rio South, $69 prepaid, $79 door, (619) 557-7272 • Athena Bioscience Affinity Group San Diego: Wine tasting and reception, July 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Cooley Godward Kronish, 4401 Eastgate Mall, www.athenasd.org • SCORE Workshop: Internet marketing 303, social media for small businesses, July 31, 9 a.m.-noon, PLNU Mission Valley campus, 4007 Camino del Rio South, $49 prepaid, $59 door, (619) 557-7272 • MIT Enterprise Forum San Diego: Wine social, Aug. 5, 6-9 p.m., $45-$80, Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, www.sdmitforum.org ■
LA JOLLA SHORES CONDO NEAR SANDY BEACH Panoramic views of large duck pond & waterfall surrounded by the golf course at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club & OCEAN VIEW! 2BR/2.5BA, in security bldg with underground parking. Located appx. 1 block to sandy beach, restaurants, shops & much more. Many UPGRADES including indirect lighting,crown moldings & new Appliances in upgraded kitchen..
Price Reduced to $1,150,000
TOWNHOUSE WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS IN GATED COMPLEX End unit in quiet cul-de-sac with mountain, canyon & nite light views. 3 Bedrooms, 3 full baths, plus Loft with closet,window,& desk built ins. Many upgrades incl. hardwood floors, 2 marble fireplaces. Complex has 6 tennis courts, 2 pools, exercise room, indoor racquetball court, 24 hour guards @ security gate. Offered at $800,000
Built in 1928, this historically designated Spanish revival home has undergone a meticulous restoration with every conceivable amenity. A 3BR/2.5BA main house boasts hardwood floors, arched doorways and custom finishes throughout. An outdoor entertainer’s dream with new pool & jacuzzi, BBQ, frig, sink and fireplace. Additionally, an approx. 806 sq. ft. guest house sits above the 3-car garage. State of the art fixtures, appliances, sound and security systems have been installed. And the list goes on… For property details, virtual tour, floor plans, and for Auction registration information:
w w w. L u x u r y H o m e A u c t i o n s . n e t Open Sat. & Sun. 1–4 p.m. or by appointment Co-listed with David Miller & Bill Simpson, Coldwell Banker (858) 414-3165 And Scott Aurich, Sun Isle Realty, Inc. (619) 987-9797
Mary Ann Holladay 858-456-0141 www.Gallery-Properties.com 7861 Herschel Avenue, La Jolla, California 92037