Category: Used Cars

Your Used Car May Soon Come With Subscription Fees

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Drivers of used cars whom automakers have a direct line to—whether by email or app—are often offered free trial periods aimed at hooking a consumer to the subscription model of car ownership. But many drivers of used cars aren’t so easily targeted, especially those who don’t buy their cars through automakers’ dealer-controlled networks. A 2021 survey of more than 2,000 US car owners led data and analytics company LexisNexis Risk Solutions to estimate that 83 percent of owners of used cars with built-in connectivity “remain untapped”—meaning automakers had left money on the table. Since 2021, LexisNexis has offered a service…
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Used car buying guide: Audi RS2

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In fact, when Autocar timed the RS2 from 0-30mph back in 1994, it turned out to be quicker than the McLaren F1. And although 0-60mph is officially rated at 5.4sec, it’s capable of completing the sprint in just 4.8sec. So yes, it still feels pretty fast even today. On a twisty road, it doesn’t mind some enthusiasm, with strong grip and that powerful turbo helping you to make good progress. You also have a direct six-speed manual gearshift to play with. The RS2 doesn’t really encourage you to push it and find its limits, mind you. Its handling remains capable…
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RA-Metal DP600 Internal Reinforcement Case Study Brazil Tooling

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RA-METAL FERRAMENTARIA is already conquering space in the Brazilian stamping scene by attracting and retaining new customers. The company is situated in Limeira, about 150 km from the state capital São Paulo. They have strategically prioritized development in the engineering sector to meet customers’ tooling demands for stamped parts. Backed by a complete engineering structure focused on stamping simulation, the company also benefits from comprehensive building resources, with 1500 square meters of floor space, including eight machining centers, grinding machines, wire erosion, three tryout presses, as well as a metrology laboratory equipped with a 3D arm and a CMM (Coordinate…
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Used-car dealer US Auto Sales temporarily closes

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The southeastern used-vehicle dealership chain US Auto Sales has closed its 39 locations indefinitely, the company’s website stated Tuesday. “We have temporarily closed our dealerships and are working on a solution to re-open them as soon as possible,” a pop-up on usautosales.info said late Tuesday morning. “But don’t worry, we aren’t going anywhere!” The group, which works with car buyers regardless of credit history, told its customers its consumer auto loan servicing company USASF Servicing remained open for business and car payments. A phone call to US Auto Sales was met with a similarly recorded message: “Unfortunately, we have had…
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Why used car prices are going up again

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New data shows used car prices which surged during the pandemic, are now stubbornly remaining there despite recent weakness in the market. According to the highly-watched Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (which tracks wholesale used-car prices at dealer auctions), used car prices jumped 3.7% in February compared to January of this year, which was also higher than the prior month. Manheim says the 3.7% jump in February was the largest increase for the month on record since a 4.4% rise in February 2009. Manheim says this jump in prices is not typical for the time of year. “The US auto…
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CarMax fights used car inflation with digital shopping

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Used-car retailer CarMax is continuing to fight against a consumer market that was destabilized during the pandemic and has yet to reach equilibrium, mirrored by high prices and slower sales activity.The company told investors Tuesday that it would continue to weather the storm and that it has been pushing to increase sales activity with a shift toward offering online help for shopping and lending.The company saw declines across a number of major financial categories for the fiscal year that ended on Feb. 28. It posted net revenue of $29.7 billion, representing a 6.9 percent decrease over the previous…
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Struggling with an Equivalent Material Card? Material Scattering Simulation Can Help

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It is well known that tool makers really struggle in creating a material card that describes material behavior under deformation made by the stamping process. Most of the time they end up using an equivalent material card or a card created by using a very limited amount of data (and use generic assumptions). In this article Ramandeep Singh, AutoForm Technical Account Manager India, explains how considering material scattering can support engineering delivering reliable data to tool shopsOver the last few decades, simulation software has become standard practice for virtually validating the stamping process. To ensure correspondence between digital and…
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Best Used SUVs, Sedans & Small Cars

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Midsized and Large CarsMazda6 2017-2018The 6 is one of the sportiest midsized sedans. Its quick steering contributes to its agility, and we got a class-leading 32 mpg overall from the 2017 model we tested. Other Good Choices2015-2017 Honda Accords2015 Honda Accord HybridSubaru Legacy 2016-2017Toyota Avalon 2014-2016Toyota Avalon Hybrid 2013-2014Toyota Camry 2015-2017Toyota Camry Hybrid 2015-2016 Luxury Cars2015-2016 Acura TLXLexus ES 2013-2015The TLX had a quiet cabin, came nicely equipped, and was available with a manual gearbox in V6 models. We got 27 mpg overall with the four-cylinder. The Lexus ES is a luxury version of the Toyota Camry. It’s comfortable and…
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