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PrintTwelve Cars of Christmas
January, 2007 - Issue #27
At this time of year we joyfully revel in tradition. Decorating a tree, sharing a family meal, singing carols; they're all part of the season.
But the carols were written long ago. This is the 21st century. Our modern world has lost the meaning of those songs from bygone eras. Look at "The Twelve Days of Christmas." In our super-sized society, it's unlikely any lords, much less 10 of them, will leap any appreciable distance. And no one gives birds as gifts anymore. Geese? Not only does the humane society recommend against animal gifts, but have you looked at a modern SCV tract house lot lately? There's not enough room for a pair of tsetse flies, let alone herds of barnyard fowl. Besides, the CC&Rs surely include a clause prohibiting such pets.
But all isn't lost; look at our garages. We don't have room for livestock, but we have garage bays for more horsepower than the cast of Bonanza. Cars make perfect gifts, even for yourself. Let's update the song with the twelve cars of Christmas. If you want to see your sweetheart's eyes light up, put a big bow on a car and leave it in the driveway. Remember, nothing says loving like something from Detroit (or Munich, or Japan.).
There's plenty of reason to buy locally, though. The City of Santa Clarita derives a significant portion of its general fund revenue from sales tax on local transactions. "Sales tax is a huge generator of funding for nice parks and beautiful trails," says Mayor Laurene Weste. Over 40 percent of the city's general fund comes from sales tax revenues, and of that, auto dealers account for 22 percent. Public Information Officer Gail Ortiz notes that Santa Clarita relies more heavily on sales tax revenues than many other cities. "We're all about sales tax," she says, because Proposition 13 dictates property tax revenue distributions according to the shares collected when it passed in 1978. Since Santa Clarita didn't incorporate until 1987, we can't rely on property tax revenues the way other older cities can.
You can't avoid sales tax; if you travel to Ventura to buy a car you won't enjoy their lower tax rate. California law mandates that the dealer collect sales tax based on your county of residence, not where you're shopping. But if you buy in Ventura, Santa Clarita won't get any of the tax revenue.
Beyond taxation, shopping locally makes sense for other reasons. Buying a car begins a relationship with the dealer. Too many buyers think of the sale as the dealer/buyer interaction's beginning and end, but it really just starts the process. With today's complex automobiles, it's likely you'll be back for a warranty or recall repair some time in the first couple years of ownership. While returning to the seller isn't mandatory for service or warranty work, it can't hurt to have a good relationship with the dealer.
When a car is repaired under warranty, the dealership does the work and bills the manufacturer for the parts and labor. But sometimes the manufacturer will deny the claim, citing abuse, or wear and tear. In that case, the dealer absorbs the loss. Say you open the glove box and the lid breaks. Was that a warrantable defect or just the result of your ham-fisted behavior? The answer will determine whether you have to pay for the repair. Even if it looks like the latter, a savvy dealership, especially one that's motivated to maintain a good relationship with an established customer, might be able to convince the manufacturer's "zone representative" to approve the repairs for goodwill. Think a dealer that sold you the car might be just a little more inclined to go to bat for you?
Finally, local dealers not only contribute to the local economy via jobs and business spending, they also donate to many charitable causes in the valley. It makes selfish sense for us to support them, as they support our community.
So, we're going to buy the car here. Now let's go over some of the newest offerings on Auto Row.
Crossover SUV
Ford Edge
Base MSRP: $25,995
Ford knows trucks. With its F-Series pickup (best selling vehicle in the U.S.) covering the workhorse end of the market, Ford now turns to the people-hauling crossover segment with the Edge. Available in front- or all-wheel drive, the Edge's 265 horsepower V6 and six-speed automatic transmission promise an engaging driving experience while the bodywork lures ogling eyes like an NFL cheerleading squad. With seating for five and an available panoramic Vista Roof, the Edge will have your friends suggesting you drive, again and again.
Luxury SUV
Acura MDX
Base MSRP: $40,665
Acura was the first Japanese luxury brand to reach our shores. With the new 300 horsepower MDX, Acura proves that they know what we want. This seven-passenger unibody SUV handles like a car, thanks to the Super Handling All-wheel Drive system that can actually speed up the outside rear wheel to enhance the driver's control. Other stability systems use the brakes; leave it to the enthusiasts at Acura to engineer a system that uses acceleration.
Compact SUV
Honda CR-V
Base MSRP: $21,195
The third generation CR-V has arrived. Available in front- or all-wheel drive, CR-V delivers true five passenger comfort in a sleek new wrapper. Choose the navi model and get voice-activated navigation, a 270-watt stereo system and a built-in subwoofer. The silky four-cylinder engine shows why it's called the Honda Motor Company. Packed with Honda's legendary build quality and anvil-solid reliability, the CR-V does it all, while delivering up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
Large SUV
Chevrolet Tahoe
Base MSRP: $34,565
The all-new Tahoe can seat up to nine while its slippery bodywork and available 320 horsepower 5.3 liter V8 can achieve 22 mpg on the highway. This large SUV dominates the road with its roomy interior and huge cargo capacity while coddling occupants in a beautiful, ergonomically designed interior. You can even get a flex-fuel version that purrs while sipping 87 octane gasoline, E85 fuel, or any combination of the two.
Mid-Size Sports Sedan
BMW 3 Series
Base MSRP: $33,095
3 Series drivers know more about the road than anyone; this car's chassis communicates better than a TV anchorman on ecstasy. The big news is the introduction of a sexy coupe that could define the word "lust." Powered by martini-smooth inline six-cylinder engines, 328s get a 230 horsepower mill while 335s include a twin-turbo 300 horsepower unit that will bring shock and awe to your street.
Luxury Sedan
Lexus LS460
Base MSRP: $61,715
New for 2007, the LS460 slips a rear-drive 380 horsepower platform under a fine luxury sedan. The interior appointments rival a day spa for pure relaxation, especially if you popped for the Mark Levinson audio system to drown out the outside world. Optional Advanced Parking Guidance System can parallel park the car for you, but it would be a shame to let anyone else, even a computer, take away any of your driving pleasure.
Luxury Mid-Sized Sedan
Lincoln MKZ
Base MSRP: $29,890
The "Hot Rod Lincoln" is back with the sporty and beautiful MKZ. Sporting a classic shape and an interior voted "best premium car interior," the MKZ has something for everyone. Power junkies will mainline the 3.5 liter V6's 263 horsepower and audiophiles will covet the 14-speaker, dual subwoofer THXII sound system. Break out the oldies CD and hit the road for a modern take on a classic car with a classic song.
Mid-Sized Sedan
Chrysler Sebring
Base MSRP: $18,995
Redesigned for 2007, the Sebring comes with a fuel-efficient 173 horsepower I4, a smooth 189 horse 2.7 liter V6 or the powerful 235 pony 3.5 liter V6. Choose the big motor and you'll be rewarded with a six-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, so you can control the gears. The interior coddles the driver with available leather and real California walnut interior trim. And don't miss out on the available heated/cooled cupholders.
SUV with Attitude
Dodge Nitro
Base MSRP: $19,885
The all-new Nitro has more attitude than a WWE wrestling match. This four-door crossover SUV offers five-passenger seating, a choice of two-wheel or all-wheel drive and a pair of powerful V6 engines. The available MyGIG infotainment system stores up to 20 gigabytes of your music library. You're going to be stuck in traffic, so why not enjoy it?
Jeep for the Rest of Us
Jeep Compass
Base MSRP: $15,985
Jeeps are known for the ability to tackle terrain that would scare a mountain goat. Since not all of us enjoy bashing our car against rocks or scraping "Texas pinstripes" into the paintwork, Jeep has introduced the Compass, a small SUV that combines Jeep attitude with economy-car fuel mileage: 26/30 mpg. What it lacks in trail-busting capability it makes up in street cred with its optional 458 watt Boston Acoustics sound system.
Multi-Passenger Crossover
Mazda CX-9
Base MSRP: $29,035 (Estimated)
Available in early 2007, the "Zoom-Zoom" company's new CX-9 wraps seating for seven in a futuristically sexy package. Powered by a 263 horsepower 3.5 liter V6, the CX-9 will offer front- or all-wheel drive. With options including a Bose 5.1 audio system, backup camera and DVD navigation, the CX-9 is certain to be your go-to vehicle for long trips and Sunday drives.
High-End SUV
Land Rover LR2
Base MSRP: To be determined
Available in early 2007, the all-new LR2 offers dramatic styling straight from the brand's flagship Range Rover. With the patented "Terrain Response" system, the LR2 alters the action of the vehicle's engine, transmission and drivetrain to best suit the type of terrain you're driving on. And with this car, there's a wide range of terrain to sample: from broken urban pavement to the wilds of the Paris-Dakar rally, the LR2 can handle it in style.
But the carols were written long ago. This is the 21st century. Our modern world has lost the meaning of those songs from bygone eras. Look at "The Twelve Days of Christmas." In our super-sized society, it's unlikely any lords, much less 10 of them, will leap any appreciable distance. And no one gives birds as gifts anymore. Geese? Not only does the humane society recommend against animal gifts, but have you looked at a modern SCV tract house lot lately? There's not enough room for a pair of tsetse flies, let alone herds of barnyard fowl. Besides, the CC&Rs surely include a clause prohibiting such pets.
But all isn't lost; look at our garages. We don't have room for livestock, but we have garage bays for more horsepower than the cast of Bonanza. Cars make perfect gifts, even for yourself. Let's update the song with the twelve cars of Christmas. If you want to see your sweetheart's eyes light up, put a big bow on a car and leave it in the driveway. Remember, nothing says loving like something from Detroit (or Munich, or Japan.).
There's plenty of reason to buy locally, though. The City of Santa Clarita derives a significant portion of its general fund revenue from sales tax on local transactions. "Sales tax is a huge generator of funding for nice parks and beautiful trails," says Mayor Laurene Weste. Over 40 percent of the city's general fund comes from sales tax revenues, and of that, auto dealers account for 22 percent. Public Information Officer Gail Ortiz notes that Santa Clarita relies more heavily on sales tax revenues than many other cities. "We're all about sales tax," she says, because Proposition 13 dictates property tax revenue distributions according to the shares collected when it passed in 1978. Since Santa Clarita didn't incorporate until 1987, we can't rely on property tax revenues the way other older cities can.
You can't avoid sales tax; if you travel to Ventura to buy a car you won't enjoy their lower tax rate. California law mandates that the dealer collect sales tax based on your county of residence, not where you're shopping. But if you buy in Ventura, Santa Clarita won't get any of the tax revenue.
Beyond taxation, shopping locally makes sense for other reasons. Buying a car begins a relationship with the dealer. Too many buyers think of the sale as the dealer/buyer interaction's beginning and end, but it really just starts the process. With today's complex automobiles, it's likely you'll be back for a warranty or recall repair some time in the first couple years of ownership. While returning to the seller isn't mandatory for service or warranty work, it can't hurt to have a good relationship with the dealer.
When a car is repaired under warranty, the dealership does the work and bills the manufacturer for the parts and labor. But sometimes the manufacturer will deny the claim, citing abuse, or wear and tear. In that case, the dealer absorbs the loss. Say you open the glove box and the lid breaks. Was that a warrantable defect or just the result of your ham-fisted behavior? The answer will determine whether you have to pay for the repair. Even if it looks like the latter, a savvy dealership, especially one that's motivated to maintain a good relationship with an established customer, might be able to convince the manufacturer's "zone representative" to approve the repairs for goodwill. Think a dealer that sold you the car might be just a little more inclined to go to bat for you?
Finally, local dealers not only contribute to the local economy via jobs and business spending, they also donate to many charitable causes in the valley. It makes selfish sense for us to support them, as they support our community.
So, we're going to buy the car here. Now let's go over some of the newest offerings on Auto Row.
|
Crossover SUV
Ford Edge
Base MSRP: $25,995
Ford knows trucks. With its F-Series pickup (best selling vehicle in the U.S.) covering the workhorse end of the market, Ford now turns to the people-hauling crossover segment with the Edge. Available in front- or all-wheel drive, the Edge's 265 horsepower V6 and six-speed automatic transmission promise an engaging driving experience while the bodywork lures ogling eyes like an NFL cheerleading squad. With seating for five and an available panoramic Vista Roof, the Edge will have your friends suggesting you drive, again and again.
|
Luxury SUV
Acura MDX
Base MSRP: $40,665
Acura was the first Japanese luxury brand to reach our shores. With the new 300 horsepower MDX, Acura proves that they know what we want. This seven-passenger unibody SUV handles like a car, thanks to the Super Handling All-wheel Drive system that can actually speed up the outside rear wheel to enhance the driver's control. Other stability systems use the brakes; leave it to the enthusiasts at Acura to engineer a system that uses acceleration.
|
Compact SUV
Honda CR-V
Base MSRP: $21,195
The third generation CR-V has arrived. Available in front- or all-wheel drive, CR-V delivers true five passenger comfort in a sleek new wrapper. Choose the navi model and get voice-activated navigation, a 270-watt stereo system and a built-in subwoofer. The silky four-cylinder engine shows why it's called the Honda Motor Company. Packed with Honda's legendary build quality and anvil-solid reliability, the CR-V does it all, while delivering up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
|
Large SUV
Chevrolet Tahoe
Base MSRP: $34,565
The all-new Tahoe can seat up to nine while its slippery bodywork and available 320 horsepower 5.3 liter V8 can achieve 22 mpg on the highway. This large SUV dominates the road with its roomy interior and huge cargo capacity while coddling occupants in a beautiful, ergonomically designed interior. You can even get a flex-fuel version that purrs while sipping 87 octane gasoline, E85 fuel, or any combination of the two.
|
Mid-Size Sports Sedan
BMW 3 Series
Base MSRP: $33,095
3 Series drivers know more about the road than anyone; this car's chassis communicates better than a TV anchorman on ecstasy. The big news is the introduction of a sexy coupe that could define the word "lust." Powered by martini-smooth inline six-cylinder engines, 328s get a 230 horsepower mill while 335s include a twin-turbo 300 horsepower unit that will bring shock and awe to your street.
|
Luxury Sedan
Lexus LS460
Base MSRP: $61,715
New for 2007, the LS460 slips a rear-drive 380 horsepower platform under a fine luxury sedan. The interior appointments rival a day spa for pure relaxation, especially if you popped for the Mark Levinson audio system to drown out the outside world. Optional Advanced Parking Guidance System can parallel park the car for you, but it would be a shame to let anyone else, even a computer, take away any of your driving pleasure.
|
Luxury Mid-Sized Sedan
Lincoln MKZ
Base MSRP: $29,890
The "Hot Rod Lincoln" is back with the sporty and beautiful MKZ. Sporting a classic shape and an interior voted "best premium car interior," the MKZ has something for everyone. Power junkies will mainline the 3.5 liter V6's 263 horsepower and audiophiles will covet the 14-speaker, dual subwoofer THXII sound system. Break out the oldies CD and hit the road for a modern take on a classic car with a classic song.
|
Mid-Sized Sedan
Chrysler Sebring
Base MSRP: $18,995
Redesigned for 2007, the Sebring comes with a fuel-efficient 173 horsepower I4, a smooth 189 horse 2.7 liter V6 or the powerful 235 pony 3.5 liter V6. Choose the big motor and you'll be rewarded with a six-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, so you can control the gears. The interior coddles the driver with available leather and real California walnut interior trim. And don't miss out on the available heated/cooled cupholders.
|
SUV with Attitude
Dodge Nitro
Base MSRP: $19,885
The all-new Nitro has more attitude than a WWE wrestling match. This four-door crossover SUV offers five-passenger seating, a choice of two-wheel or all-wheel drive and a pair of powerful V6 engines. The available MyGIG infotainment system stores up to 20 gigabytes of your music library. You're going to be stuck in traffic, so why not enjoy it?
|
Jeep for the Rest of Us
Jeep Compass
Base MSRP: $15,985
Jeeps are known for the ability to tackle terrain that would scare a mountain goat. Since not all of us enjoy bashing our car against rocks or scraping "Texas pinstripes" into the paintwork, Jeep has introduced the Compass, a small SUV that combines Jeep attitude with economy-car fuel mileage: 26/30 mpg. What it lacks in trail-busting capability it makes up in street cred with its optional 458 watt Boston Acoustics sound system.
|
Multi-Passenger Crossover
Mazda CX-9
Base MSRP: $29,035 (Estimated)
Available in early 2007, the "Zoom-Zoom" company's new CX-9 wraps seating for seven in a futuristically sexy package. Powered by a 263 horsepower 3.5 liter V6, the CX-9 will offer front- or all-wheel drive. With options including a Bose 5.1 audio system, backup camera and DVD navigation, the CX-9 is certain to be your go-to vehicle for long trips and Sunday drives.
|
High-End SUV
Land Rover LR2
Base MSRP: To be determined
Available in early 2007, the all-new LR2 offers dramatic styling straight from the brand's flagship Range Rover. With the patented "Terrain Response" system, the LR2 alters the action of the vehicle's engine, transmission and drivetrain to best suit the type of terrain you're driving on. And with this car, there's a wide range of terrain to sample: from broken urban pavement to the wilds of the Paris-Dakar rally, the LR2 can handle it in style.
|
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