The biggest factor into how well a cash loan will work with the automakers will be the number of total auto sales in the United States. If an automaker makes the right projections they should be able to figure out how much money they'll need to get them through this downturn. So how did they each do in their projections? Let's take a look and grade them. Here are the sale projections from the three automakers:

Photo Credit: Christopher Furlong / Getty Images News

...you spot a Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe in front of you in the McDonald's drive-through. Also, the driver's ordering from the value meal menu. Oh, and it's not Britney Spears behind the wheel. And no, they didn't "super size" it.

[TopSpeed]

10.) Ferrari 400i

The Ferrari 400-series cars are the best example of everything that's wrong with the Italian automaker's Malaise Era attempts at front-engined grand touring cars. Hidden below the stylish, though decidedly un-Ferrari, skin was the first automatic transmission offered in a production Ferrari. The base 400i featured a GM-sourced hydromatic three-speed transmission. Nothing like Italian power being routed through three speeds of American glory! Modern Ferrari tourers, like the 599 GTB FIorano have taken the bad taste out of our mouth, but opening the doors on an original 400i is like cutting through a crisp, buttery pie crust and finding tapioca pudding.

9.)Jaguar X-Type

If you're curious how Jaguar ended up being owned by an Indian company, look no further than the Jaguar X-Type. Designed to appeal to a wider audience than the typical Jag, thereby picking up significant market share, they hoped to sell 100,000 X-Types a year. That didn't happen. People saw through the distinctive Jaguar grille and headlights to the Ford Mondeo platform beneath. The FWD/AWD compact luxury car segment wasn't impressed by the lackluster performance, styling or luxury. Instead of saving the company, the X-Type became a moving example of Ford's mismanagement of the once premium brand. Cranberries out of the can do not an adequate side make.

8.)Datsun 280ZX Turbo

A classic Datsun 240Z, the original Z, is such a fine car that it's almost hard to remember that the 280ZX ever existed... until you see one. The 280ZX essentially takes the beauty of the Z and "modernizes" it to what was modern in the late 1970s. Those smooth lines become crisper (or at least crunchier), the unbroken hood gets oh-so-many ducts, and the once solid roof gets a pair of cheap-looking T-tops. Even better, emissions laws meant a successor that was less powerful than its predecessor until the later Turbo model. It's like when one of your relatives tries to spice up the green bean casserole by adding capers and endive. If you're going to change it, don't make it worse.

7.) Honda Insight

Though the 2010 Honda Insight hopes to win back fame for Honda's hybrid brand, the original Insight still sticks in our minds as a rare misfire for the brand. It wasn't a problem of foresight as, we were soon to learn, hybrids were the next big thing. It wasn't engineering as the Hondas achieved incredible mileage and tend to hold up fairly well. It wasn't even price, though the $20,000 price was a high premium for the two-seater. The Insight's main fault was that it assumed the market for hybrids would be urban and require something that looks radically different and suits only two adults individuals. The original Prius didn't look much different from most compact cars and easily carried as many adults as a Toyota Corolla. Like the first person to offer tofu for Thanksgiving dinner, the Insight was a pioneer. But with the Tofurkey and Prius, it took someone willing to shape it more conventionally to build a proper demand.

6.) "Slant Nose" Porsche

There's nothing hotter than a "slant nose" Porsche 935 racer, yet there's also nothing lamer than a custom- or factory-built Porsche slant nose. Meant to mimic the racer, the slant-nosed Porsches somehow manage to transform the aerodynamic look of the competition cars into an image of a sleazy stock broker rocking the Don Johnson white jacket and pastel fitted t-shirt. Originally offered only by customer companies, Porsche rode the wave in the mid-to-late 1980s by selling a slant nose version for basically every rear-engine car for sale. Despite the factory blessing even the OEM slant noses looked as fake as easy cheese on apple pie. [Photo: PCA.org]

5.) Chevrolet SSR

The retro-styled, hard-top convertible Chevrolet SSR was GM's answer to the retro-styled Plymouth Prowler though, perplexingly, it was designed as a truck. At over $40,000 a piece, the sport pickup wasn't exactly a bargain considering its Chevy TrailBlazer-based platform meant it wasn't quite sporty enough to be a sports car and its small bed large fender flares meant it wasn't quite useful enough to be a pickup. It also wasn't particularly fast. The SSR was simply as ill-timed and ill-designed as a Thanksgiving Day dessert of Easter-egg shaped candy canes.

4.) Volvo 262C Bertone Coupe

Designed to be the Swedish answer to the Lincoln Mark IV, the two-door Volvo 262 C Bertone Coupe instead ended up as an expensive European oddity appreciated more for its strangeness than anything else. Based on the basic 262GL platform, the Volvos were shipped off to Bertone's factory in Turin for the addition of custom body panels, vinyl roof and leather interior. Rather than sporting a special engine, the Volvos carried the same V6 the company shared with Peugeot-Renault. Substituting a 262C for a true European coupe is much akin to showing up with Becherovka when you were asked to bring a bottle of wine. It's unique and memorable though you wouldn't go so far as to describe it as pleasurable. [Photo/Source: Hemmings]

3.) Chrysler Crossfire

The Chrysler Crossfire has the novelty of being one of the few cars so unloved it was sold en masse on Overstock.com. The successor to the Plymouth Prowler, a car that was more quail than turkey, the Crossfire is the only true progeny of the Mercedes-Chrysler marriage. German engineering and American design, what could go wrong? The coupe, and eventually the roadster, were built on a borrowed SLK platform but wrapped in an uninspiring body. The mix of old mechanicals, bland styling and a high price tag made the Crossfire the unofficial pace car for the DaimlerChrysler merger's race to dissolution. Like turkey stuffed with spaetzel, the Crossfire was only good on paper.

2.) BMW Z1

The BMZ Z1 was a car of the future that became part of the past before it went on sale. When it debuted at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show the Z1 received a lot of positive attention and it was set for a production launch in early 1989. Unfortunately, the time that passed between the concept and final car was not good to the design. The strange doors, which dropped into the car, were neat as a concept but strange in a production car. The drivetrain, consisting of a Getrag five-speed matched to the 170 HP inline-6, also didn't provide the zip to match the unique design. The Z stands for Zukunft, the German word for future, and the Z1 holds a special place as vehicle that eventually led to the far more successful Z3 Roadster/Coupe, Z4 and Z8. Like that first Thanksgiving dinner, not everything went right with the original Z but it laid the ground for a future that would be gobble gobbled up.

1.) Chrysler TC by Maserati

Then Chrysler Chairman Lee Iacocca gets a lot of credit for his role in the creation of the modern minivan, which is why history has been kind enough to forget the Chrysler TC by Maserati. Before Chrysler learned that mixing with the Germans wouldn't work they tried to shake some dollars out of a pairing with another Axis power, with similarly disastrous results. Though the 1989 TC came equipped with a powerful turbocharged version of the 2.2-liter Chrysler engine, few could get past the weird combination of Opera windows and a LeBaron-esque profile on what was a $33,000 car. Aunt Sally may claim that the "special" $12 jar of organic mayo in her spinach dip is worth the price, but like the TC, no one buys it.

Average Gas Prices Per Gallon From Friday
• Detroit, Michigan — $1.76

• Houston, Texas — $1.78

• Atlanta, Georgia — $1.88

• Boston, Massachusetts — $2.01

• Chicago, Illinois — $2.10

• Washington — $2.19

• Los Angeles, California — $2.22

[Source: CNN, Photo: Whitney Curtis /Getty Images]

Hi Matt.

The recent request Toyota made to have certain photos of Toyota vehicles removed from the public wallpaper site, DesktopNexus, was the result of an internal miscommunication.

To protect the legal rights and agreements we have with the photographers we hire, we ask that the photographs not be used for direct consumer advertising, sales brochures and the like.

If people wish to post their own photos of one of their own vehicles, that's their right. In fact, we're pleased that people would want to show their Toyota vehicles to the world. So have at it. Consider the wallpapers on DesktopNexus to be fair game for personal use.

Please let your readers know that we offer a sincere apology to the DesktopNexus site and its users for any inconvenience or disruption this miscommunication may have caused.

Thanks for your understanding,

Scott DeYager
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Corporate Communications

FORD OFFERS BRAND NEW BONUS INCENTIVE FOR FUEL-EFFICIENT VEHICLES PLUS EMPLOYEE PRICING

* Ford, Lincoln and Mercury are announcing a new plan to offer employee discount pricing plus additional cash back for customers who purchase a range of 2008 or 2009 Ford, Lincoln or Mercury cars, crossovers or trucks between Wednesday and Jan. 5
* Zero percent financing for 36 months will be offered as an additional ‘plus’ for buyers of the company’s most fuel-efficient 2009 cars, crossovers and trucks
* Ford Credit provides additional $500 Ford Credit Bonus Cash on most Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 18, 2008 – Ford is offering a first-ever bonus incentive tied to fuel-efficient vehicles, extending an extra benefit to customers beyond “Employee Pricing Plus” deals it’s already offering across its 2009 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle lineup.

Customers who buy one of the company’s nine most fuel-efficient Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicles will be offered the bonus incentive of 0 percent financing from Ford Credit for 36 months in addition to Employee Pricing. The fuel-efficient vehicles include:

* Ford Focus, delivering up to 35 mpg: The sporty small car comes equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I-4 Duratec 20 engine producing 140 horsepower and mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.
* Ford Fusion, up to 29 mpg: The current model of this mid-size car is a leader in driving dynamics, offering up 29 mpg on the highway, with the front-wheel-drive Fusion’s 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine.
* Ford Escape, up to 28 mpg: Equipped with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, Ford Escape delivers best-in-class fuel economy in the small SUV segment with 28 mpg highway/20 mpg city.
* Ford Flex, to up 24 mpg: With front-wheel drive, the Ford Flex offers unsurpassed fuel economy in its segment – up to 24 mpg on the highway. Even with standout fuel economy, Flex offers creature comforts and room for up to seven passengers.
* Mercury Milan, up to 29 mpg: Mercury’s most fuel-efficient car delivers up to 29 mpg on the highway, courtesy of it 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine.
* Mercury Mariner, up to 28 mpg: New, 171 hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with intake variable cam timing enhances fuel economy and performance, gaining 2 mpg in highway fuel economy when equipped with the new six-speed transmission.
* Lincoln MKZ, up to 28 mpg: Equipped with Duratec 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the Lincoln MKZ features a premium six-speed automatic transmission with standard electronic stability control.
* Lincoln MKS, up to 24 mpg: Powered by a new 3.7-liter V-6 engine, this Lincoln MKS powertrain has been derived from the proven 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Lincoln MKX and MKZ, which was voted one of Ward’s 10-Best Engines for 2007 – and delivering fuel economy among the best in its class.
* New F-150, up to 21 mpg: Unsurpassed fuel economy in the full-size pickup segment delivering up to 21 miles per gallon highway with F-150 SFE “superior fuel economy” edition.

Note: 2009 F-150 not included in the “Employee Pricing Plus” program – but is eligible for the special 0 percent financing offer tied to the company’s most fuel-efficient models.

“Ford is bullish on fuel economy,” said Ken Czubay, Ford’s vice president of Sales and Marketing. “Each new and significantly freshened vehicle we’ve brought to market in the past year has the best or among the best fuel economy in its segment, and we want to provide customers an extra reason to drive one of these high-quality, fuel-efficient cars, crossovers and trucks.”

The Plan
Beginning Wednesday and running through Jan. 5, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury are making their highly prized employee discount pricing even more attractive through the “Employee Pricing Plus” program.

The special incentive not only offers customers employee pricing on most 2008 and 2009 Ford, Lincoln Mercury models but will additionally offer up to $6,000 cash back. Alternatively, if customers select one of Ford’s most fuel-efficient vehicles, they will have the option for 0 percent financing for 36 months. For example:

Excluded from the Employee Pricing Plus plan are 09MY F-150, 08/09MY Escape/Mariner Hybrids, 08/09MY Shelby GT500, F-Series chassis cabs models and E-Series cutaways models.

“Now is the best time to buy one of our Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicles,” says Czubay. “The Ford Employee Pricing Plus program offers customers an unparalleled value on Ford’s fuel-efficient, technology-leading, high-quality lineup.”

[Source: Ford]

The automaker clearly owns the car images it created, such as press photos and catalogs. However, Toyota loses some authority over these works when they disseminate them tot he public at large. But let's ignore that for a moment and focus on the other side of content — works created by individuals of Toyota products owned by individuals. An automaker doesn't posses the copyright far a painting of a Toyota Camry produced by an individual and uploaded to the site. They don't have the copyright on an image of a Toyota as shot by someone else, like this shot of someone's personal Highlander.

As Torrent Freak points out, Toyota hasn't sent an official copyright notice to the site but has merely unofficially requested the images be taken down. If they sent a DMCA (The Digital Millennium Copyright Act) notice, there would have to be a discernment between different wallpapers. The desktop site's owner said that Toyota wants to be paid to identify what is and what isn't a photo covered by Toyota's copyrights. The Japanese carmaker can win, essentially, by dragging this out into an expensive legal standoff. But why should they try?

Most of these images are actually used as promotional materials, which means that the company hopes people will share them. Many of them are wallpapers. From what we've seen on the site, most of the wallpapers are created to promote Toyota vehicles. In fact, the only negative images we've seen came after Toyota made this move. It seems strange that they're looking to piss off the same demographic group they created an entire brand to capture. Of course, the Scion Taco Truck will surely bring them back.

[Torrent Freak]

2009 Pickup Truck Comparison: Auto Cross

2009 Pickup Truck Comparison: Braking Challenge Results

2009 Pickup Truck Comparison: Drag Strip Acceleration Results

2009 Pickup Truck Comparison: Towing Results

The competitors represent some of the best engineering from the minds of both Detroit and Japan, entrants this year include the 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500, the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, the 2009 Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500, 2009 Nissan Titan, and the 2008 Toyota Tundra. Competition has driven the capabilities of trucks forward in such a way that this modern crop will do more than their forebears could even conceive. However, this relentless march of capability has left us at a point where numbers no longer relate to real world usability and as such the competitors have begun to differentiate. The Ram with its new focus on ride and handling, the Titan is a bit more athletic, the F-150 is the heavy hauler, which leaves the GM twins as the remaining set of do-alls in a crowd of specialists.

Crowning A Champion>

We're going to come right out and say reviewing trucks is, in a way, a bit silly. Trucks, and specifically the half-ton truck segment, are frequented by some of the most loyal product buyers in the world. Magazines and websites opining passionately on the newest offerings don't really matter for these buyers. Reviews speak primarily in this segment to first-time truck buyers, and these days those are few and far between.

But, that being said, we must crown a winner. If we go by the numbers, it's the 2009 Ford F-150 that emerges as the winner when balancing capabilities against performance, finishing at or near the top in every category. But the absolutes of the statistics leaves out the subjective feel of these trucks and ignores that people buy them for different reasons.

But, saying the Ford is the best of the bunch is simply unfair. Is it the most well-rounded? Yes. But what about the most fun to drive? Certainly not. Is it the best styled? That's up to you. Does it have the best interior? Nope. So why is it the best? It just does everything well. The F-150 is, for lack of a better term, the working man's truck. The new F-series offers the greatest capabilities and the best long-term value resting on top of a long history of accolades. It really is a great pickup, but that's not to say it's everybody's cup of tea.

Then there's the Nissan Titan, which objectively scores in last place among the competition. If we were to build a truck for the person who occasionally needed the capabilities of a truck, wanted something incredibly entertaining on the street, offered reasonable fuel economy and a no-nonsense interior. We'd be hard pressed to build something more fitting than the Titan. Think Nissan Altima in truck form.

That's not to say that nobody wants a monstrously big pickup able to out-tow almost everything, rides like an old Cadillac and has an interior you can live with if you don't look too closely at the details. That would be a slot perfect for the Tundra. A truck so good at doing its job you actually overlook it as trying too hard and delivering where it almost doesn't count anymore.

And what of the Silverado and GMC Sierra? They run down the same assembly line, but have vastly different characters. The Silverado finishes a close second to the the F-150 by the numbers and, depending on what you're looking for, could be a better truck. The GMC feels better but somehow doesn't reflect so in the scoring. In fact, when pressed to make an overall choice, we'd be in a pickle to choose the Titan or the Sierra, the two "losers" in the field. Goes to show how much personal preference plays into the decision.

Anyway, if there's one thing we learned over our two day pickupgasm, it's this — there's a truck out there for everyone who wants one. Unfortunately, there's just not that many people who want them right now.

Thanks to Rust-MyEnemy for the tip! [eBay Motors]

According to Automotive News, there will be an economy version of the 2009 Nissan Versa that will have an MSRP of $9,990, more than $2,000 off the base price of the lowest level model Versa. The cheapest cars currently are the 2009 Chevy Aveo ($12,625), 2008 Kia Rio ($12,145) and 2009 Hyundai Accent ($11,070), putting the Versa well below these competitive models.

UPDATE: Nissan has revealed the details of their new Versa sedan, which explains how it will be the cheapest car in America. The new Versa sedan will be offered with a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine as opposed to the 1.8-liter currently found in the Versa sedan and hatchback. This model will come equipped with a five-speed manual transmission that, combined with the new engine, will help it achieve 34 mpg highway. We assume there will also be some cutbacks inside, though we haven't seen the details of that yet.

Update #2: From Nissan USA, we're hearing that when the new, cheaper Versa comes out on November 18th here you can expect to see some more changes in addition to the new transmission and engine: different seat cloth, 14-inch wheels w/ wheel covers and less chrome accents.

As for the 0% financing, Nissan joins Toyota among Japanese automakers offering nil financing to get people to actually buy a car. The deal applies to the Rogue, Altima, Sentra, Versa and Murano (sorry Maxima buyers). The company will also offer attractive lease deals and extend their $399-a-month lease offer on the new Maxima. We like the Versa and for $9,999 it seems like a nicer choice than a Rio or an Aveo.

Nissan Announces Lowest-Priced New Car in the U.S.*

- New, 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 Features $,9,990 MSRP, Excellent Fuel Economy, Design, Quality and Reliability; Available at Dealers November 18 -

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (October 31, 2008) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced a new 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 model, which features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $9,990* (excluding Destination and Handling). The new Versa focuses squarely on value and fuel economy, with its standard 107-horsepower DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivering responsive performance and a 34 mpg highway fuel economy rating (with the 5-speed manual transmission).

The Versa Sedan 1.6 goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning November 18, 2008.

"Starting under $10,000, this new Versa Sedan 1.6 has the lowest new-car MSRP in the United States," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. "It combines the low price of a used car with the dependability, high quality and full factory warranty of every new Nissan. It's our way of saying that in tough economic times, Nissan is here to help."

Since its introduction in 2006, Nissan Versa has enjoyed strong appeal in the marketplace among buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess. Versa offers one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings and the largest interior in the entry-level segment – along with excellent quality, reliability and durability.

The new high-value Versa Sedan 1.6 model features a smaller displacement 1.6-liter engine (versus the standard 1.8-liter), standard 5-speed manual transmission and simplified content. It is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual and 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic.

"The new Versa Sedan 1.6 is another way in which Nissan is taking a leadership role in reassuring consumers that now is a great time to consider a new car," said Carolin.

* Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,990 for the new, 2009 model year Versa 1.6 Sedan. Claim based on competitive MSRP's in the Lower-Small segment for new, model year 2009 vehicles. MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice. Destination and Handling $695.

Source: Automotive News (subs. req) via eGMCarTech, Nissan]

The Ten Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles For 2009

We've provided you two lists, one of the top ten vehicles ranked by highest fuel economy in city driving, the other, by highest fuel economy on the highway

Make Model: City or Highway

By City:
1.) Toyota Prius: 48
2.) Honda Civic Hybrid: 40
3.) Nissan Altima Hybrid: 35
4.) Ford Escape/Mariner Hybrid 2WD: 34
5.) Smart Fortwo: 33
Toyota Camry Hybrid: 33
7.) Volkswagen Jetta/SportWagen Diesel: 30
8.) Toyota Yaris: 29
9.) Mini Cooper: 28
Honda FIt: 28

By Highway
1.) Toyota Prius: 45
Honda Civic Hybrid: 45
3.) Volkswagen Jetta/SportWagen Diesel: 41
Smart Fortwo: 41
5.) Chevy Cobalt/Pontiac G5 XFE: 37
Mini Cooper: 37
7.) Toyota Yaris: 36
Honda Civic/Civic CNG: 36
9.) Chevy Cobalt/Pontiac G5: 35
Toyota Corolla/Honda Fit: 35
Ford Focus: 35

The Most Fuel Efficient Cars By Category

This list covers the most fuel efficient cars by EPA category.

Two-Seater Cars
Smart ForTwo: 33/41

Minicompact Cars
Mini Cooper: 28/37

Compact Cars
Honda Civic Hybrid: 40/45

Midsize Cars
Toyota Prius Hybrid: 48/45

Small Station Wagons
Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Diesel: 30/41

Midsize Station Wagons
Kia Rondo: 20/27

Small Pickup Trucks
Ford Ranger 2WD: 21/26

Standard Pickup Trucks
Chevrolet C15 Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrid: 21/22

Cargo Vans
Chevrolet/GMC G1500: 15/20

Minivans
Mazda Mazda5: 22/28

Sport Utility Vehicles
Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner/Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD: 34/31

[Source: FuelEconomy.gov]

10.) Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit

9.) Mazda Mazda5

The Mazda5 may seem like an unconventional choice for a live-in automobile, but it offers a lot for a little. Based on the sporty Mazda3 platform, the Mazda5 has the benefits of a small economy car: good mileage, low cost-of-ownership and affordability. It also offers some of the benefits of a minivan: sliding doors, three-row seating, fold-out table, under-floor storage and fold-flat seats. The possibility of getting one with a manual, no longer a possibility with most vans, makes it the perfect choice for a down-on-their-luck dad who still likes to drive but may have to outrun creditors.
Price New: $18,665 (base)
Price Used: $12,500 and up

8.) Ford Econoline

We imagine people have been jamming Econoline as long as people have been living in vans. They're cheap. They're big. They're available in a privacy-enhancing panel version. When Chris Farley's motivation speaker said he was "living in a van down by the river" he was almost certainly talking about a Ford Econoline. The panel version is the cheapest model and, though it lacks carpeting, has ample room for an air mattress or stolen love seat. A top-of-the-line conversion Econoline from the 1980s can be had with a TV/VCR combo, reclining bed, wood inserts and velour drapes. If it's good enough for Mike Watt, it's good enough for us.
Price New: $23,940 (E-150)
Price Used: $3,000 and up

7.) Honda Element

The Honda Element may be one of the most configurable cars available. The SUV with the soul of a Civic, the Element's seats can be stowed, laid-out or removed as necessary. All of the Honda's seats can be folded backwards to create two long, thin beds. This is the ideal living space for a close couple not willing to face the harsh elements outside of an Element. Additionally, the water resistant interior means that you can hose off the interior after it collects the various liquids of life. Those with a little extra dough can get an ECAMPER conversion for a true camper experience.
Price New: $20,990
Price Used: $8,500 and up

6.) Chevy Suburban

There have been a few large SUV models in America's history, but none of them have lived as long as the Suburban, which holds the record for longest continuous nameplate in production. That's good if you're looking for parts for your new home. An increase in gas prices has caused an increase in availability and a decrease in price (the base model came with a 5.7-liter V8). Now that gas prices have dropped along with the economy, it's now even affordable to drive. At over 18-feet long, the Suburban's interior rivals some small studios. The GMT400 models from the 1990s could have come with the 6.5-liter diesel, which is perfect for long nights of idling to keep the heat running. Older models are tough and cheap while newer models get more expensive but offer more in the way of creature comforts.
Price New: $40,820
Price Used: $2,500 and up (GMT400)

5.) Volvo 740 Wagon

A Volvo station wagon is a great choice for a family looking for a safe place to live and the Volvo 740 is perhaps the best balance of value and space. Nearly 16-feet long, the early 1990s models run cheap and aklthough not fast, they're quite roomy. Most importantly, the build quality and reliability of the last model years of the 740 are among the highest of any vehicle Volvo's ever built. When you get kicked out of your gated community you can also use it to sneak back in as a soccer mom and not as someone who uses a soccer ball for a pillow.
Price New: N/A
Price Used: $2,000 and up

4.) Dodge Caravan

What better way to celebrate your new life in a failing economy than buying a car from afailing automaker? Kids love the Caravan because of the cool features, like the fold-out table, DVD player with A/V hookup for the video games, fold-flat seats, tall roofs and many storage spaces. When the kids ask why they spend all the time at the beach and never go home just tell them it's like that vacation you took to Florida.. except it never ends. A small family could do much worse than life in a Caravan or its ritzy Town & Country brother, though we recommend a third generation if you want all of those features.
Price New: $28,500
Price Used: $14,500 and up (third gen), $2,500 and up (second gen)

3.) Ford Flex

The automotive gypsy lifestyle once meant big vans or SUVs but the era of the crossover is here. Balancing van-like space and amenities with car-like handling, the crossover could be the sleeping place of choice for the next Great Depression. The Ford Flex might be the best choice for those who may soon be evicted but are currently of some means. The long, seven-seater Flex offers space, comfort and luxury in a package that looks like a house. Throw in a fridge in the second row console that can fit a six-pack of beer and you've got quite a home.
Price New: $28,295 (base)
Price Used: $25,000 (or even as low as $7,500 off of a repossession. How meta is that anyway?)

2.) Volkswagen Vanagon/EuroVan Westfalia

The Westfalia VWs were designed for living for, though not necessarily for extended periods of time. Offered through VW, the Westfalias were essentially a Volkswagen Vanagon or EuroVan with a camper top that folds out to create a living space. Many also came equipped with small refrigerators, stovetops, sink and other appliances. The Vanagon pictured above was created by this guy to be an all-season living space. They no longer sell the Westy here in the US new, so you'll have to find one on the used market.
Price New: N/A
Price Used: $6,000 and up (Vanagon) $12,000 and up (EuroVan Weekender)

1.) Dodge Sprinter

There's really nothing like a Dodge Sprinter commercial van if you have to live your life on wheels. Daddy Coppola turned one into a portable studio and we'd be proud to live in one. Based on the Mercedes Sprinter van, this is the Mercedes of commercial vans. At nearly 23-feet long, nine-feet tall and six-feet wide the cargo area of a Sprinter is a cave. Throw in a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, 12-volt power outlet and a hydraulic jack and you're traveling the US in comfort. For real style you can convert your Sprinter into a Mercedes with a few cheap trim pieces. In extended form there's enough room in the back for a bed, small couch, table and desk. High-mileage, used cargo versions can be found at quite a reasonable price. And, we hear it may actually be bigger than Wert's entire place in Manhattan — and for 1/10th the price new!
Price New: $42,170
Price Used: $14,000

We're hearing that approximately 90 Tesla employees, or 90% of the Detroit office, was simply let go, and the remaining employees have to make their way to the San Carlos headquarters with no moving costs covered, no increase in salary and no help getting rid of their old homes. Fortunately, the real estate market in Detroit is red-hot, and the cost of living is about the same in San Carlos.... right?

The relevant section from the Tesla pink slip blog-post-of-death below:

There will also be some headcount reduction due to consolidation of operations. In anticipation of moving vehicle engineering to our new HQ in San Carlos, we are ramping down and will close our Rochester Hills office near Detroit. Good communication, tightly knit engineering and a common company culture are of paramount importance as Tesla grows.

That's right folks, "good communication" is key.

[Photo: James Nielsen/Getty Images]

It turns out it is. GasBuddy currently lists Oklahoma City as the U.S. community with the cheapest price per gallon — $2.78. What a choice for consumers — fill up your tank or fill up your 401k. Frankly, you'll probably go farther on the tank fill-up.

Now, if you're like us, those stock price numbers make you say, "damn," but they don't really translate into anything tangible. Thankfully, the Detroit News lays out the effect the drop has had on the Ford family fortune: When Bill Ford Jr. took over the company in 1999, the Ford family's special Class B shares were valued at $2.25 billion. Five months ago, they were worth $586 million. Today, they'd bring less than $189 million. That's a loss of $2.06 billion in less than 10 years; real money, in other words.
[GasBuddy, Google Finance, Detroit News]

The Volkswagen Rabbit and Eos remained in first and second place, respectively. Mazda’s MAZDA3 gave up the third slot to its sister car from Mazda, the MX-5, which now shares that position with the Audi A3. For the first time, there were multiple ties on the list. In addition to the tie for third, the MAZDA3 and VW Jetta vied for the fourth slot, the Saab 9-3 and Dodge Caliber both slotted in at 6th and the newcomer Toyota Matrix joined the MINI Cooper as the 9th Most-Researched Vehicles. Rounding out the Top 10 is the Maserati GranTurismo - the first exotic vehicle to ever appear on the list. Here's the full list:

10. Maserati Gran Turismo

9. Mini Cooper and Toyota Matrix (tie)*

8. Smart ForTwo

7. Volvo C30

6. Dodge Caliber

5. Saab 9-3 and Dodge Caliber (tie)

4. VW Jetta and Toyota Yaris

3. Audi A3 and MAZDA3

2. VW Eos and Mazda MX-5 Miata (tie)

1. VW Rabbit

[via Gaywheels.com]

7. More Incentives

Insecurity in the market will lead to fewer people buying new cars than before. It is no surprise that when car sales drop, incentives increase. GM just ran a long "employee pricing" deal, leading to a sales drop that wasn't as bad as expected, meaning that other automakers may follow suit. We've even seen dealerships running their own employee pricing deals on top of automaker offers. This is especially significant for truck buyers, who may see "owner loyalty" and "special overstock" pricing deals. Make sure to inquire about all available incentives if you're shopping for a car.

6. Fewer Dealerships

5. Lower Financing Costs

For the first time in years Toyota is offering 0% financing on 11 of their models, a sign that the company wants to move inventory. With the exception of super-premium automakers like Ferrari and Maserati, who aren't typically impacted by these market fluctuations, most carmakers rely on selling a large volume of cars and will offer discount financing as a way to get through tough times. If you have good-to-exceptional credit then you may be able to get a great interest rate on a new car loan.

4. Less Easy Credit

While buyers with a solid credit history may get a great deal on a new car loan, those with limited credit histories or average-to-bad credit may not be able to get a loan at all or may have to offer up more proof of their creditworthiness, as banks are taking a greater interest in those who are asking for loans. A finance manager at a dealership in New Hampshire told the local paper that "They're looking at things they never used to look at. We work very hard to get approvals . . . what used to take me nearly two hours maybe will take me two days." Buyers should also expect to spend more time securing a loan than before.

3. More Fuel Efficient Models

When Heard Enterprises closed up shop they blamed their high inventory of trucks and SUVs. Look for more fuel efficient versions of vehicles and smaller cars to take up more space in showrooms. Those looking for fuel-sippers will no longer have to walk to the back of the lot to find something that gets good economy.

2. Less Model Variety

With truck and SUV sales falling it is no longer profitable for most dealers to keep a large variety of those vehicles on the lot when they could have more fuel-efficient models. Those looking for a specific color of truck or a special model sports car may have to look harder and drive further for them. This will become an even larger issue this fall when the 2009 models start arriving at dealerships. [Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]

1. Better & Worse Dealership Service

Dealerships will have to decide whether they want to attempt to make cuts in the service departments in order to lower their bottom line or increase customer service in order to retain a larger share of the dwindling new car buyer pool. It isn't clear yet which approach is winning out, though some dealerships have been hiring top employees from recently closed dealerships, a hopeful sign that they may be choosing better service. [Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images]

Conclusion

There's no doubt that consumers with strong credit histories or the cash to buy a new car are going to make a killing. With the floor plan system, new car dealers are paying interest on every car that sits on their lot, giving them a major incentive to find a way to make a sale. On the other hand, fewer dealerships and harder-to-come-by credit will mean new difficulties for car buyers.

[Top Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]

10.) A Bike

It may not be as glamorous as a Rolls or as fast as even a Kia Rio, but a bike will help you glide past those gas shortages already starting to appear in parts of the southern US. The only fuel is you, so you're only limited by the meager diet of 1,200 calories a day you get from the soup kitchen and rummaging in dumpsters. Put a milk crate on the back and you'll have space for your remaining unbartered possessions. Don't be surprised if you see sos10 sailing by with a Bible, a toothbrush and a dog ironically named Smith Barney. [Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images]

9.) Mini-Winnie

They can't take your home if you run off with it in the middle of the night. In that spirit, a small RV is a great option. Easy to park in tight spaces (abandoned caves) and comparatively easy on the fuel, a classic and tiny Winnebago is the most comfortable way to enjoy your life on the road. The Winnebago Warrior, built off a Toyota truck frame, typically comes equipped with the Toyota 22R engine. This is a workhorse engine found in countless Toyota vehicles, making replacement parts easy to find. When you're sleeping under an overpass, smalleyxb122 will be sleeping in one of these... parked under an overpass. [Photo: HitTheRoadRV]

8.) Scooter

If you don't quite have the muscles or stamina to pull-off a bike, a scooter is a reasonable alternative. There's a reason why scooter shops are fairing better than some car dealers lately. There's also a reason why individuals in developing nations have always looked to the scooter as an efficient, reliable and easy-to-maintain alternative to a car. Get a classic Vespa and you can pretend that your new-found poverty is just a fad. Commenter Knyghtryda isn't poor, he's just simplifying. [Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images]

7.) Classic Beetle

If it's good enough for wartime Germany, it's good enough for us. The original Type-1 Beetle had a nearly unparalleled product run of 58 years. It sits five people, or one person and enough canned food, barrels of gasoline and jugs of water to last about three weeks. The use of a rear-mounted engine not only creates fuel-saving airflow, it also means you can take a few bullets head-on from scavengers and keep driving. It's definitely the way Dave7 plans to survive the next great depression. [Photo: OMAR TORRES/AFP/Getty Images]

6.) Boring, Mid-Sized Sedan

Your typical mass-produced mid-sized sedan is usually rather boring, but the characteristics that make these cars unappealing in a financial boom are the same ones that make them so desirable in a recession. They're cheap. They have a low cost of operation. They're abundant. They're relatively roomy and safe. They're robust enough to jump a curb or run over a pothole, which is good for a future when local governments lack the money to maintain roads. They don't draw attention from the even-less-fortunate. Commenter LuciferV8 recommends the 3rd-Gen Ford Taurus as the ultimate in recession transportation because of the sheer volume produced and simple design, but a an Accord or Camry should do the trick as well. However, be prepared to defend the Accord or Camry as they were two of the top targets for stolen vehicles even in the BCC (Before Credit Crunch) era.

5.) Quantya Strada

Steal yourself a diesel generator and a Quantya Strada electric bike and you'll squeeze a few more miles out of each drop of fuel. The Quantya is comfortable on or off the road, making it a great vehicle on its own. The electric motor is much quieter than the typical motorcycle, allowing c0de to sneak up on the unsuspecting and grab vittles for the night.

4.) Model T

As we pointed out yesterday, the Model T was designed to go one million miles, meaning that if you can find one with less than 500K you've got another 500K to go. The engine runs on gasoline, but it was also designed to run on ethanol, meaning that you can grow your own fuel on your new rooftop garden. It's like the AK-47 of cars in that most of the pieces can be replaced by simple, hand-built parts, which saves you the trouble of fighting over spares. They're not exceptionally fast, but how quick do you need to be to outrun someone on foot? [Photo Source: Jim Johnson]

3.) Public Transit

You may think that public transportation is just for the poor and mentally unstable, but we'll all be poor and mentally unstable soon anyway, so you might as well learn your route. When local governments collapse the driver's unions will step up to deliver efficient transportation... at a price. Even if the trains eventually stop running, Adidac knows that he'll have an edge when it comes to finding the subway station most suitable for his family to take up residence. [Photo HIROKO MASUIKE/AFP]

2.) Classic German Diesel Automobile

Having owned a Mercedes-Benz 300D, we can attest to the indestructible nature of the W123 series cars. The five-cylinder diesel variants, especially those without turbos, are basically glorified tractor engines and will run on almost any type of fuel you can throw in them. Built from the mid 1970s until the mid 1980s, they're tough as grit, easy to repair and, as Hwyengr points out, they've got a bit more class than your typical cheap ride. Bonus points if you can find a wagon. [Photo: MSDRA]

1.) Whatever You Own Now

We hope you like whatever is in the driveway right now, because with all the credit gone and the banks running away with your hard-earned, rapidly inflating currency, you're not going to be able to finance a cheeseburger, let alone a new car. Those of you currently without transportation or holding onto something expensive and finicky might consider investing in cheap, reliable transportation while you can. As prndl points out: you don't want to get shot stealing a car.

Nothing Leaves
On any other Saturday at Bill Heard in Sugar Land, Texas, the dealership's main sales lot, one of the largest in the state, would be filled with salespeople and prospective buyers. This Saturday it's empty but for two armed security guards who claim they were hired by GM to make sure that "nothing leaves" the lot full of product. The two guards were out-of-state, called in to guard locations affected by the recent Hurricane Ike, and were reassigned to this shift last Thursday after the last dealership employees left.

A line of unsold trucks sitting unattended on the Bill Heard Chevrolet lot in Sugar Land, Texas.

Instead of protecting damaged banks and buildings along the Gulf Coast, the two guards are the only sources of information for customers driving up to the dealership looking for answers. There's not much the guards can tell people, other than the dealership is closed. For most people, it's just a matter of having to look elsewhere for a new car. But for others there are serious unresolved issues.

One man drove three hours from Corpus Christi with a check, expecting to pick up a truck for his son, sitting in the passenger seat. The resolution to that issue is fairly simple: they're going to have to try and get the same price somewhere else. Another man, a recent immigrant who only wanted to go by the name Eric, needs the license plates for the Chevy Express work van he recently purchased. There are numerous others in this exact predicament.

When Eric arrives at the dealership he pleads with the guard to let him inside to get his plates. The guard attempts to explain that he's sympathetic to the man's circumstances but there wouldn't be anyone there to help him even if he did go inside. Eric shows that he's paid for the van and then shows him the expired paper plates. To make maters worse, the maintenance light on the van has already illuminated, indicating that there could be a problem with it.

He's actually better off than some. Eric has ownership papers and should be able to get plates elsewhere. Those lacking those papers will have to go through other channels to get proof of ownership before they can go to the state to apply for permanent plates. Exacerbating the situation is the fact many people in the Houston area still don't have power and haven't seen the news that the dealership is closed. It isn't until they're stopped at the gate that they realize something is amiss.

Working Late To Help Customers?
Empty chairs, family photos and deflated balloons from the sudden closure and departure.

Inside the dealership's main offices it looks as though the entire showroom floor was frozen in time. Deflated balloons hang off of cubicle corners and showroom models. A loan application sits on a desk, unfinished. A framed picture of a family going down a roller coaster at Sea World hangs above an uncleared desk, one of many family photos that indicate the suddenness of the announcement.

If you're to believe one of the managers of this particular dealership, the employees stayed late into the night helping customers get their plates processed and out the door. Contradicting this is an article from Wednesday in the Houston Chronicle in which the operations manager of Bill Heard Sugar Land, Linda Patterson, claimed they were selling vehicles into the night and would continue to stay in business. But by the next morning it was announced they would be closing, possibly for good.

This leaves customers in the process of buying a car from the dealership, perhaps even ones sold cars on Wednesday night, without answers. This isn't unique to this one dealership. In Georgia, people are reporting unreturned deposits and cars locked in the company's shop.

A History Of Problems
An engine light shines in a truck recently purchased from Heard. The owner's paper plates are expired and he said no one let him know the dealership was closing.

The company claimed in a statement that "rising fuel prices, a product portfolio of mostly heavy trucks and sport utility vehicles, economic recession, unfavorable local market conditions for vehicle sales, the crisis in the banking and financing sectors, and other factors all combined to create a business environment in which the company simply did not have the resources needed to continue to operate." It would be hard to ignore, though, the many consumer issues the company has been famous for.

For the last few years, Bill Heard's dealerships generated numerous complaints for questionable business practices such as advertising cars they didn't have, selling lemons and sending out fake recall notices to attract customers. The online report from the Houston office of the Better Business Bureau includes numerous warnings, including this relevant passage:

The BBB worked in conjunction with Dateline NBC on an investigation of Bill Heard Chevrolet's advertising practices. It was alleged on film that this company did not have the cars in stock that they were advertising and that they immediately tried to sell a higher priced vehicle than the one advertised. Any time you make a purchase, it is best to comparison shop prior to making a purchase.

The Office of Consumer Affairs in Georgia issued 16 actions against Heard Enterprises in the past 15 years with total fines of approximately $280,000. There is at least one deceptive advertising case pending against Bill Heard, but the bankruptcy has thrown that into question.

What's Next?
A bankruptcy judge will have to determine what happens to the dealerships in the near future as filings show the company has between $500 million and $1 billion in assets and debts. Much of the money is owed to banks and various states in taxes. While other sources have pointed out the implications for the industry of this dealership failure, it isn't until you visit with customers on the ground that you realize how close to the consumer this failure is. In the meantime, customers who still have unresolved issues with Bill Heard will have to wait and see.

Land Rover Discovery

No arguing that the Land Rover Discovery is about as timeless as a modern SUV can get, but since most people are born with a natural instinct to avoid buying used British vehicles, prices for a decent used one are cheap. PopMech suggested looking for a '93-'98 model, but we found this clean-looking '99 for just $4795 buy-it-now. The only problem we can think of is that we'd likely attempt growing a handlebar mustache and wearing one of those safari hats everywhere if we bought this. [ebay]

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Think of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer as part Hummer and part good ol' family station wagon. There was once a time when the woody side panels would have guaranteed that'd you'd never have any friends, but nowadays the Grand Wagoneer has undeniable retro-cool appeal. This one is available in Colorado for just $3400 buy-it-now. [ebay]

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Try not to think of all the soccer moms that flocked to the Jeep Grand Cherokee when it was new. Remember instead the way Bob Lutz drove one up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a glass wall at its debut during the North American International Auto Show. Regardless of whoever bought the Grand Cherokee, it was still a full-on Jeep. Nowadays, they're not just cheap, but have a great range of aftermarket parts available too. [ebay]

Toyota Land Cruiser

The only thing missing from this FJ80 Toyota Land Cruiser are the letters "UN" painted in bold black font on the sides. These things are great for tackling sand dunes, but if you feel like having a different sort of fun, you can always take some air out of the tires and try to balance it sideways up on two wheels. At least, that's what all the cool kids do. [ebay]

Toyota 4Runner

A close cousin to the indestructible Hilux, these old 4Runners were versatile not just because you could drive them over any terrain, but also because they had a lift-off top. Yes, it's a convertible SUV. The whole rear section would pop off, leaving the rear passengers with a full open-air experience. [ebay]

Chevy/GMC Suburban

If the point of this is list is to show affordable vehicles that can go off-road, tow a big trailer, and carry a bunch of people, then perhaps nothing meets those qualifications better than an old Chevy Suburban. This one we found even comes lifted on 35" tires. Sure you might not get the best gas mileage, but this seller claims theirs returns over 16 MPG on the highway after installing manual lock-out front hubs. But either way, who cares? You'll be getting so much truck for your buck anyways. [ebay]

Ford Bronco

Sure, driving a white Ford Bronco will make people think you're OJ Simpson, but why not have some fun with it and paint "I DID IT" on the hood or "If the glove don't fit, you must acquit" on the back? That seems like enough of a reason to buy this '94 model for cheap. [ebay]

Isuzu Trooper

The Isuzu Trooper may have a bad reputation for rolling over, but c'mon, doesn't that just make it cooler? Ok, not convinced? Well, then check out this rare turbocharged model and try to tell yourself it isn't dripping with a certain arms-dealer aura of cool. Those anti-Clinton bumper stickers are included in the $3750 buy-it-now price. [ebay]

Mitsubishi Montero

Sometimes overlooked, the Mitsubishi Montero is a solid choice if you want something with a plenty of off-road capability and interior plushness. This '95 model we found even has the fold-down rear-facing jump seat in the back. [ebay]

Nissan Xterra

The Nissan Xterra may be a very recent vehicle, but with its no-frills character it fits right in with this rough bunch. Common, yes, but between its ruggedly handsome looks and old-school body-on-frame architecture, you can't go wrong.[ebay]

Jalopnik-Approved Alternate Option: LaForza

Italian style with a Ford V8, now that's what we call a winning combination. But does the $5500 buy-it-now price make it a bargain, or is it just the start of a journey into an endless money pit.[ebay]

1. Decide What You Need In A Car

You may want a Ferrari Enzo, but if a large part of your day-to-day driving experience involves towing a boat it may not be the best choice. Choosing the car you want is a visceral decision that relies mostly on emotions, but picking the car you need is a logical decision that relies on thoughtful analysis. Make a list of the typical driving tasks this car will need to undertake (this is especially important if this will be your primary vehicle). Here's an example list:

I Will Use This Car For:

• Driving back-and-forth from work (80 miles roundtrip)
• Carpooling with two coworkers
• Weekend Vacations
• Tailgating

In this situation, the driver needs something that can comfortably carry three people, lots of gear and get reasonable gas mileage given the long commute. An ideal vehicle could be a sedan with a large trunk, a station wagon or a small SUV. If the driver wants something sporty or luxurious there are options for each. If mileage is a concern, you can use sites like Fuelly to determine how certain cars perform in your area. If you haven't memorized the features and offerings of every car from every carmaker, the Perfect Car Finder is an option.

2. Know What You Should Pay For This Car

The old saying is that a car depreciates the second you drive it off the lot, but no two cars depreciate in the same way. Factors such as quality perception, availability and the number of cars that end up in the rental fleet all impact the price. Thankfully, there are many companies that evaluate all of the factors and will give you a price for a specific car based on the mileage, features and condition. These include Cars.com, Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book, which is the industry standard. But there's a catch.

Mileage, features and make/model are all objective measures that are easy to get and hard to lie about. Condition is an important factor but is a subjective measure. Anyone searching on Craigslist knows that nearly every car seems to be listed in "GOOD CONDITION!" despite occasionally not having a motor. Don't take the seller's word for it.

Conditions range from "Poor" to "Fair" to "Good" to "Excellent." Few cars are truly excellent as that rating means the car has no defects, no visible scratches or dents and has never needed nothing other than regular service. The majority of cars are either "Good" or "Fair" and the price will vary based on that determination. According to KBB a "Good" car means:

the vehicle is free of any major defects. This vehicle has a clean Title History, the paint, body and interior have only minor (if any) blemishes, and there are no major mechanical problems. There should be little or no rust on this vehicle. The tires match and have substantial tread wear left. A “good” vehicle will need some reconditioning to be sold at retail. Most consumer owned vehicles fall into this category.

By comparison, a "Fair" car meets the following description:

“Fair” condition means that the vehicle has some mechanical or cosmetic defects and needs servicing but is still in reasonable running condition. This vehicle has a clean Title History, the paint, body and/or interior need work performed by a professional. The tires may need to be replaced. There may be some repairable rust damage.

Being able to prove the difference to the seller could result in a lower price or, at the very least, help you avoid paying too much. [Source: Autos.MSN.com]

3. Learn About The Car's Seller

One of the best ways to avoid being ripped off is to know more about the person selling the car. You probably wouldn't buy an iPod from someone with a pocket full of them on the subway, so why would you buy something that costs 100 times as much from a random person? The amount of information you can get depends on where you're buying the car from.

If the car is being sold by a major dealer of new and used cars there are numerous resources. Check with friends, google the company and, most importantly, check with the Better Business Bureau. Most large companies will have some complaints, but you can check to see if there are numerous unresolved issues. This is especially important for smaller used car lots along the highway.

If the car is being sold online you've got a few resources. Buyers on eBay have a distinct advantage, as the site tracks "feedback" for buyers. You can search for the seller ID and lookup feedback. Using this feature you can see if they have a high positive feedback rating (over 90% is good), if they have lots of experience selling items (little experience is bad) and will let you see what other people say about them (if it says "They lie about the condition of their cars" beware).

If the car is being sold on an online listing board like Craigslist it is harder to discern if the seller is on the up-and-up, but even here there are a few things to look for. Look out for keyword spammers, people who are unable to use proper English and PEOPLE WHO USE ALL CAPS.

If you're buying the car in person it is hard to know for sure anything about the person unless you ask. This is one of the few cases in your life where it is completely acceptable to discriminate when buying a product. No