We’re in the midst of an automotive era where everything seemingly is “smart” – smart cars, smart features, even the word chosen as one carmaker’s brand.
If it’s not specifically called smart (as in, the Smart Fortwo), new cars are marketed for a variety of reasons including smart entertainment systems that accept iPod plug-ins, smart voice-controlled stereo commands, or smart tax decisions by buying not-yet-too-popular hybrids.
While innumerable car buyers want to look fuel-efficient-smart by cruising in a hybrid such as the Toyota Prius or Honda Civic Hybrid, those models have sold so well that they no longer qualify for federal tax credits if you purchase one.
Not so for other smart hybrid choices such as the Nissan Altima Hybrid or Ford Escape Hybrid. The IRS still allows you to recover up to $2,350 in tax credits toward the purchase price, and even more in certain states.
Few are aware that Nissan offers the Altima Hybrid, and for an even better price you can get the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Don’t forget the savings down the road from much better gas mileage than your typical gas-only new vehicle – and the Ford Escape model doesn’t sacrifice in terms of cargo space.
They’re not quite the ultra-popular Prius or Civic hybrids, but they’re smart drives nonetheless.
Focus on Looking Smart in Your Car
If you choose to stick with gas-only new cars, plenty of smart choices remain. An up and coming model is the Ford Focus, a small car that from the outside may not jump right out, but inside you sure can look pretty smart.
The Focus has a suite of high-tech features, including the Microsoft-based SYNC information/entertainment system that is so far unique to Ford.
With it you can control your iPod, mobile phone, and any Bluetooth-able device managed by voice commands. This can be vital when states are banning drivers from talking on the cell or even sending text messages while driving.
The most affordable SYNC-equipped Focus can be yours for a smart low price of $15,500 – and imagine impressing passengers by saying “Play artist Rolling Stones” and having “Jumping Jack Flash” blast through speakers and subwoofers.
If you want to stay small to look smart, but without coming across as someone only focused on a very low price, think MINI Cooper, essentially miniature BMWs.
The MINI Cooper looks pretty cool, very European, and it’s smart to drive around getting 29 miles per gallon in combined fuel economy. Not to mention, a price that can be lower than a Pontiac G5 or Nissan Sentra.
Smart Trucking in a Fluctuating Auto Market
While record-high gas prices have shaken up the automotive sales world, not every motorist is ready to completely shift into a tiny new car.
Sure, the Smart Fortwo can park straight into a curb, and not sideways like most parallel parkers, without its end even sticking out. Additionally, its safety rankings are solid, and fuel efficiency even more solid.
But are you ready for a car that seats only two and does not yet look normal on American roadways.
Some industry watchers say that while sales of sport utility vehicles and trucks have dropped as fast as gas prices have risen, those sales have almost hit rock bottom and it’s a great time to buy a truck nowadays.
You could choose the reliability, and still-decent fuel economy, with a model such as the Toyota Tacoma.
It’s the smallest truck by an automaker known for producing very reliable vehicles, getting 25 miles per gallon on highways. It’s also the safest small truck out there.
Understand that when sales of certain models are very down, prices will drop accordingly, so it might be a smart time to go with a truck.
Plus, think of your popularity with those who need to haul large items but are stuck with owning, say, a Prius or MINI Cooper. You’ll look pretty smart.
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?William Travis
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