2013 Year in review.

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Here's a top ten list of sorts.   Things that happened in the automotive world in 2013!  Some are huge achievements, others are amazing, and a few are firsts!

1.  Diesel makes an impression on us.   

     Diesel powered vehicles are commonplace in Europe.  What makes us not want to jump on board here?  Many newer cars/trucks are slowly embracing it as engines become cleaner and quieter.  2014 will be the turning point I think!  The 2015 Nissan Titan gets a 5.0 Liter V-8 Cummins diesel engine!   The Titan marks the first full size 1/2 ton truck from a non-Detroit company to get a Diesel power plant! 

Nissan Titan to get Diesel engine!




2.  GM selects first female to lead company!

     GM made headlines this year as they announced that the former executive vp of global product development would take over the helm of the company. 

First female CEO in global auto industry!

3.  Paul Walker killed in car crash.

     Perhaps the worst news in the automotive world was hearing Paul Walker had died.  He was beloved by, friends, family,  fans of his movies, and so many more.  He will be missed by all. 

Paul Walker killed in crash.

4.  Toyota hybrid sales hit record numbers!

      Toyota US sells 2 million hybrid vehicles, contributing to 5 million total worldwide Toyota hybrid vehicles sold.  It's a HUGE accomplishment given that most hybrids just don't hold their footing long.  Toyota has a hit with the Prius and other vehicles.
Toyota hits big hybrid numbers!

5.  Ford's assembly line turns 100

       Not many people think about the vehicle assembly line anymore, but Henry Ford and his team changed the industry forever.  Originally workers went to the vehicles to put them together.  Ford and company though it would save time, money, and amount of labor needed if the cars came to the workers.  This process not only worked, but it's the same (with a few tweaks) that we use to this day!
Assembly line is a century old!


6.  Batmobile doesn't lose a wheel, sells for big bucks!

     The original Batmobile from Adam West's Batman sold for a healthy sum this year.  A businessman ponied up $4.6 MILLION after fees to purchase the classic ride.  He plans on keeping it in his living room.
Batmobile brings big money!

7.  Windshield wipers may get wiped out!

     McLaren, as well as the military utilize a new technology to keep debris from attaching to the windshield.  Either in F1 cars, or Jets, a sonic barrier keeps anything from sticking to the glass surface.  Gov. regulations would keep it from coming to our shores unless they are amended though.  Currently windshields are required to have some sort of motorized wiping device with at least 2 speeds.
Sound waves blast away wipers!

8.  The presidential Cadillac gets topped off!

     Whoops....someone made the mistake of the year.  Transferred with the president to Israel on a trip, the limo was filled with the wrong fuel.  No one knows for certain what kind of engine is in the car, but it's either filled with diesel when it shouldn't be, or gasoline when it shouldn't be.  Either way is bad, but it resulted in a giggle from the rest of us.
OOPS! Wrong Fuel Fool!

9.  First time ever vehicles are available on Amazon.

     Amazon doesn't directly sell them, but a partnership with Nissan lets them spread the word about the new Versa Note.  It was a first for the online retailer.  Don't think it will be the last either!
Shop for your car online.

10.  Man jumps from space

     People remember where they were for the moon landing, the JFK assassination, 9/11, and more.  I think that the feat of Felix Baumgartner will also be remembered.  He is the only human to go up far enough that you can see the curve of the earth, and jump.  It was awe inspiring!  There was real fear he might not make it just like the Apollo astronauts coming back from the moon.  Read more here:
Felix Baumgartner jumps from space...and lives!





All in all, 2013 was a great year.  There were ups and downs, but each year more advancement, more technology, and more discovery spur us to keep going.  All the things we take for granted today, were totally and completely far fetched at one point.

Take a new year, and try to change the world.  If you keep focused on your dreams, NOTHING is impossible!   Let's have one great year!!!

New Year, New Car...FOR LESS!

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     2013 is done, and a new year is starting.  The new year allows us to sit back and reflect on our past and our future.  Sometimes changes need to be made to make life better or easier throughout the coming 365 days of 2014 and beyond.  Your car or truck is no doubt the second most important possession aside from a home.  Some people will keep a car forever, and spend money over time to fix it and keep it running in top shape, while others will trade every couple years to get a new car.  For some, the latter isn't an option.

      Many folks rely on their car, but they don't always have the extra money to fix problems with an older vehicle as they age and become an issue.  An older vehicle, with a larger engine and not maintained, can easily become more expensive than getting a new car to replace it.  Add up the cost of fixing an engine module, a timing belt, transmission, or blown engine, and you are easily putting a hurting on your checkbook.

     It might be time to look at a new vehicle.  "It's too expensive"  you may say, but it is sometimes more affordable than you think.  As the new year looms, so do the next year models.  What this means is that manufacturers place incentives in the form of low APR, cash back, or just flat out discounts on them to move them.  Buying a 2013 at the end of the year doesn't put you behind either.  What it does, is puts you ahead of the pack with used car values, so if you decide to sell it later, you have more equity!  HOW? You take your car, a 2013 __________.  You compare that to someone's  2013 ___________ that bought it in January of 2013.  Your vehicles are identical, BUT you have 1 year worth of mileage NOT on it when you both go to sell them in say 2017. 

     Sure all that might sound good, but where is the payoff?  Trade your car that's been nickel and dime-ing you to death, and get a great rate on a leftover 2013 model!  You get an affordable monthly payment on a vehicle that's safer, more dependable, and much better on gas than your older car.  While it might seem daunting, the confidence in knowing your car won't let you down will definitely be worth it in the long run.  You can make a trip to Granny's house over the river and through the woods without getting stuck in the middle of nowhere!

     Leasing options have grown over the years, and have also become less stressful, and just as easy as a purchase.  The beauty is, you can decide after your lease is up if you'd like to buy it.  It's basically a couple year long test drive.  You pay less over that time, and can turn it in and be done with it if you'd like!   If you've considered getting another car, but think you can't, stop and chat with us at Fitzgerald.  Our low Fitzway price is right on the car, so no hassle with negotiating.  We are a no pressure, family dealership.  No matter what you do in the new year, make it a great one, and enjoy the moments in life that make it worth living!