(WVLT) - In our Consumer Tests and Tips segment today, Consumer Reports magazine has come out with their annual Auto Issue they say gives you the results of independent testing, reliable information and useful buying advice.
Senior Director of the Auto Test Facility David Champion joined us on East Tennessee This Morning Tuesday to tell us all about this year's issue.
Champion said in the test facility in East Haddam, Connecticut, engineers operate the largest,. most sophisticated car-testing facility devoted to the consumer interest in the world. Consumer Reports buys and tests 80 new cars and trucks each year, including brakes, acceleration, emergency handling, and more. They also evaluate comfort, quietness, ride quality, and fuel economy.
These are some of Consumer Reports' Top Picks for 2007:
- Budget Car Sub Compact: Honda Fit
- Sedan, Less than $20,000: Honda Civic
- Sedan $20-$30,000: Honda Accord
- Sedan $30-$40,000: Infiniti G35
- Luxury Sedan: Infiniti M35
- SUV, Less than $30,000: Toyota RAV4
- SUV, More than $30,000: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Minivan: Toyota Sienna
- Green Car: Toyota Prius
- Fun to Drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata
They also offer these tips when you are buying a Used Car.
- Don't yield to dealer pressure.
- Financing longer than 48 months, comes with a price.
- Make the dealership write any deals down.
- Beware of unnecessary add-ons.
- Don't blindly accept dealer financing, get educated on financing so you know what you're doing.
- Negotiate the lease price.
- Think about leasing vs. buying. Leasing may give you a lower monthly payment, but you'll pay a higher finance charge.
- Don't mention trading in your old car until you've completed negotiations for the new one.
The Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue is on store shelves now. Click here to go to their website.
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