Lamborghini Aventador LP700 Review

Lamborghini Aventador LP700 Review

As Car & Driver stated, this new Lambo Aventador LP700 "Is not the fastest or the priciest. But the big, V-12 Lamborghini is still the most."

This daring Lambo was named after the famous bull that stared down (and ultimately lost against) Spanish bull fighter, Matador Emilio Munoz, in 1993 in Zaragoza, Spain.  Aventador gave such a fight, that his name will live on, not just in the bullring, but now on the labeling of Lamborghini's newest creation.

Carbon-fiber, and at a hefty price tag of just over $400,ooo, the Aventador is the super car that all others aspire to be - at least in the Looks department.  It received mostly positive reviews from the "Experts" - those lucky enough to give it ride through all sorts of tests, turns, hills, and straightaways.

Sporting a 6.5 liter, 12-V, 691 horsepower, 7-speed power plant, the Aventador has brutal power, but maintains agile sensibilities. Reaching 62 mph in 2.9 seconds, and hitting a top speed of  217 mph, the LP700 is true force, not only via stats, but with its sheer presence.  Rather large, yet F-16ish sleek, phenomenal handling and solid braking, this Lambo gives the best that any super car can give.

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Don't get Sludged. Change your Oil.

Don''t get Sludged.  Change your Oil.

Here's the result of 30,000 miles Without an #OilChange - leaving a huge amount of sludge and gunk.  Many vehicle owner manuals suggest changing the oil every 5,000 miles of conventional oil, or 7,500 with synthetic oil.

Most people never read the owner's manual, and just change their oil around every 3,000 miles.  This is a case where more often won't hurt you.  Vehicles love fresh oil.  It not only helps preserve your engine, but can actually pro-long the fuel filter and allow for optimal MPG.

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(520) 882-9200

Tips on how to Negotiate with a Used Car Dealer

Tips on how to Negotiate with a Used Car Dealer

The biggest tip to learn on how to negotiate with a Used Car Dealer is to understand that most everything is based on the Dealer’s perception of the customer’s goals, financial situation, and negotiating skills. 

As long as they see a customer as knowledgeable and shrewd, the dealer will more likely shoot straight, and talk more about the vehicle specifics and qualified value. Conversely, if the Dealer perceives a customer as less informed, they might try a bit harder to maximize their profit through vehicle pricing, higher interest rates, full-priced extended warranties, or superfluous salesmanship.  Just keep in mind, though, that a car dealership is in the business of making money.   They are not in business of giving away their vehicle. So, no matter who you are, they will try to maximize their return on investment (just like any other business or any private party trying to sell their own car on a street corner).

 Additionally, to help in their bottom line, used car dealers will often try and stretch a customer’s limits – and that is mostly regarding vehicle price and/or monthly payment. However, let’s say a customer is looking for a $20,000 vehicle with a budget of $200 a month.  Basic math dictates that without a $10K down payment, financing $20,000 is more inline with a $400 pmt (at 7.9% at 60 months). An informed customer is actually better for the dealer, because they are starting on the same page of realistic numbers.  Most dealers offer a Loan Calculator on their website to assist customers do just that.

Also, from a bank’s point of view, a higher mileage or older vehicle carries more risk than a new, less mileage one.  It’s a simple matter of the potential risk calculation on how long the vehicle should serve the customer without major breakdowns. A person may not be able to make it into work and pay their car payment if their vehicle is broken.  Therefore, banks will typically offer to lend a much smaller percentage of the price on an older vehicle.  This means a higher interest rate and higher required down payment.  Yet, there are many viable in-house financing options.
So, how do you become a knowledgeable and shrewd used car buyer? First, find out what type and style of car you need or truly want. Educate yourself on websites like www.edmunds.com and www.KBB.com websites regarding fair pricing, reviews, an safety ratings. Second, really know what your credit ranking is by running your own credit history before you even start car shopping. The government provides you with one free tri-bureau credit score each year (without a credit score) at www.annualcreditreport.com. Third, determine what rates are available at local banks for a given year and mileage vehicle.  Again, banks often offer higher rates and shorter terms for older, higher mileage vehicles (remember risk), and their rates can usually be found directly from their website.  Just realize that their posted rates may be for grade A credit scores (720 or above).

Now, you will be ready to start shopping. At this time, bear in mind that you're simply “looking” to make comparisons. But, start by shopping for cars online before visiting the actual lots. Why? Most dealers advertise the cars they may have available for sale online, making easy shopping for potential customers.  Also, many car dealers offer lower prices online than found on their lots. Should you tell dealers you saw one of their cars listed for X amount online, they ought to honor that price.


If you are able to physically visit different car sales lots, do not allow each dealer run your credit unless you found a vehicle you would like to move on. Every time your credit runs, your score decreases.  Bring the credit report that you printed fromwww.annualcreditreport.com along with you, and specifically ask the dealership what rate of interest they are able to provide you with without running your credit.  Before you start talking interest rates, terms, etc., just be certain that this is the right vehicle for you.  Also, you will find that the used car dealer will bend over backwards for you if you commit to buying the vehicle at that time and if all numbers were to work out to “your complete satisfaction”.


Any time you become seriously interested in a vehicle, obtain the exact Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds.com value. You'll need the car's make, model, features, mileage, as well as the dealer's zip code to get an accurate value. Blue Book provides three different values: trade-in (budget friendly), private party (middle), and retail (the very best). Keep in mind that retail values quoted by Kelly Blue Book are negotiable, not firm, numbers, and they also assume that your car was in "excellent condition." Only 5% of used cars for sale are in reality in excellent condition. KBB also conveniently offers a “Fair Price” range, which ensures the customer of obtaining a haggle-freejust price of the vehicle of their choice.


Before ending the negotiations, record everything that needs repair or cleaning (i.e. ashtray missing, rear view mirror loose, trunk dirty, etc). For anything the dealership can't correct, demand a reasonable reduction in price.

If you are actually at the dealership, be inclined to exit at any time. In choosing a big purchase like a used car, you should be certain about what you are getting into.  Also, aim to build rapport with the dealer and your sales rep. The more they like you, the greater they'll be in a position to negotiate and make you happy.  Just have fun, be smart, be realistic, and find a great vehicle at a great deal.

Happy Driving!

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6167 E. Speedway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85712

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How much is too much for Oil Company Tax Rates?

Is the current Oil Company tax rate Fair or Not Fair?

According to DailyKos.com, Exxon is tracking at around $40 Billion in Profit for 2014. Thanks in part to its heavy Federal subsidies, it only paid about 13% Federal Income Tax in the 1st qtr. (compared to 35% for the ave. US company, and aside from the usual plethora of other state, local, and Fed. taxes).

HOWEVER, they will still pay some $5 BILLION in Fed. Taxes, which is drastically beyond the tax contribution of the average US company, which is way light of $1 Million.

Additionally, Exxon employs 80,000 well-paid employees world-wide (40,000 in the US). These employees also contribute significant amounts of federal, state, and local taxes, as well.



And of course, there are many other indirect benefits to the US and world economies, not to mention fulfilling a major societal need. Yet, there have been, and will certainly continue to be, the number of major environmental catastrophes.

With all things considered, do you feel that Exxon's Tax payment is "fair" as it, or do you feel these large oil conglomerates are not paying their #FairShare?  If the latter, what would be a fair share?

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6167 E. Speedway Blvd

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Inside Car Temperature

Summer Reminder that the Inside Car Temperature climbs to dangerous levels even when the outside temperature is relatively mild.  www.thecarlots.com reminds you to please not keep your pets (and children) in your car. It only takes a few minutes for a tragedy.

Here is a graph that shows how quickly car temperatures can climb.  This is not a concern just for the summer, but throughout most of the year.  Think and Be Safe!

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6167 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson AZ 85712
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Guaranteed Credit Approval, The Car Lot - Tucson

Introducing The Car Lot's new Guaranteed Credit Approval Program

GOT A JOB? You're APPROVED!  It's as simple as that!


Visit us at 6167 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson or Call Today (520) 882-9200.

Check out our great inventory selection of used Cars, Trucks, & SUVs or Apply Online at 

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Terms and Conditions vary on individual circumstances.  See dealer for details.

The Car Lot

6167 E. Speedway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 882-9200

Car Dealers in Tucson

There are over 200 Car Dealers in Tucson, which include New and Used Car Dealers (according to yp.com)

 With an average 50 vehicles per Dealer, this equates to over 10,000 new and used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs available in the local Tucson market.  Still can't find what you're looking for?  The greater Phoenix area boasts over three times that number.

So...  why are there so many new and used car dealers in our town?  Simple answer:  There's a need.  The average vehicle gets traded in every three years.  This creates primary and secondary markets for your favorite set of wheels.

The perfect recycled and re-purposed product; virtually no vehicles end up in the city dump anymore.  The average new car gets traded in after a few years, and then re-sold by the used car dealer.  It then gets traded in again after a couple years, re-conditioned / repaired, and then sold again.  This can happen multiples times before the vehicle ultimately ends up in the junk yard.  There, it gets parted out until it has no more valuable parts to part out.  Ultimately, its tires get re-purposed into asphalt and the remaining body/engine gets crushed, sold as scraped, and recycled into new metals for future products, including automobiles. 

We ask so much of our vehicles, and they spend their life giving us back so much!

Have fun, and Drive Safe!

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6167 E. Speedway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 882-9200

The Car Lot Lifetime Engine Warranty

The Car Lot stands behind each of its qualified vehicles with a #LifetimeEngineWarranty!  The program has Zero Deductible, and includes Parts & Labor

This Lifetime Engine Warranty is included in the price of all of its qualified vehicles, and is available at The Car Lot, Tucson's premier used car, truck, and SUV dealer.  Here are a few of our Facebook fan comments:

"Wow! This is an incredible warranty. Peace of mind included!" 
"I love the warranty-piece of mind!"

And if you need warranty service, try Tucson Auto Max

Contact us at (520) 882-9200, or check out our inventory of quality used vehicles at :www.TheCarLots.com

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6167 E. Speedway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 882-9200

100 Years History of MPG Comparison

Here's a bit of MPG History Comparison over the last 100 Years.

After recently filling up my Jeep, I started to wonder about how fuel efficient the cars from yesteryear were.  Interestingly, here is what I discovered - a comparison between the first mass-produced Ford vehicle (Model T) and today's best-selling vehicle in the US, the Ford F-150 pickup.

Although the birth of the first motorized vehicle was in 1886 by German inventor, Karl Benz (as in Mercedes-Benz), most of us better relate to Henry Ford's mass-produced Model T.  The "T" was the new auto-mobile of its time, built for the average man in 1908.  Affordable at only $550, the Model T was lightweight and maneuverable.   Let's see how it compares to today's F-150.

 First, the Ford Model T...

Coming in a around 1,500 pounds, this remarkable car only cost $550 ($14,400 in today's dollars).  Its 4-cylinder engine put out just over 20 horsepower, but 80+ ft-lbs of torque.  With all that "old" technology, the Model T still offered an impressive 22 MPG - no computers, just good 'ole American engineering.

Next, the Ford F-150 Base...

A much more robust vehicle, the base 2014 Reg. Cab F-150 weighs in at 4,700 pounds, and sports a 302 horsepower / 278 ft-lbs of torque V-6.  Although a much safer,  environmentally cleaner, heavier, and more powerful vehicle, the F-150 can only achieve an average 20 MPG.  The stripped down version will set you back $24,000, nearly 70% in comparable dollars than the Model T.  Of course, you do get much more for your money, but certainly not better gas milage.

Sure, the F-150 weighs much more, and has lots more environmental standards to adhere to, but really?  An actual decrease in MPG - in over 100 years of technology?  We're really not better than that?  Now some may think this was done on purpose.  Hmmm...  perhaps yes.  Perhaps no, but really makes you think, doesn't it?  Some may even suggest, "just follow the dollar".

Seems like after over 100 years, we should have done much better with the fuel efficiency part of things.  For goodness sakes, only getting 20 MPG on a base truck - in 2014???  Really kinda sucks, IMHO.  Maybe 100 or 150 MPG would seem more reasonable. Ah, but then again... according to Reformation.org, Henry Ford Company was financed by and became a subsidiary of Standard Oil Company.

My next car is going to be a Tesla.

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The Car Lot

6167 E. Speedway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 882-9200

5 Insider Tips to Buying a Used Car

Need Some Insider Tips to Buying a Used Car? 

Who Doesn't?  From being greeted on the "Lot" to selecting the right vehicle to meeting with the Finance Manager - the whole process can become challenging.  Here are 5 critical Insider Tips to buying that perfect used car that will help make the purchase a more positive and financially sound experience.

Tip 1:  Know your Budget.

This can be a monthly number or an "out the door" cash price.  Remember to account for gas, maintenance, and insurance costs, which can easily add to the monthly payment of the car.  It's important to set a comfortable, yet strict number for your budget so you don't get "up-sold" by the Dealer.  

Also, be wary of extended loan terms.  Your goal should be to find the right vehicle at the right price / budget, and within the shortest term possible.  Under 60 months financing is optimal, but over 60 months means that you are on too much car.  Plus, the vehicle will continue to depreciate dramatically before you get half way through paying it off.

Tip 2:  Select your Target Vehicle

This seems straight forward, but most people do not do this - or at least don't stick with it.   So many people enter a dealership needing a certain vehicle, but leaving with something they wanted, instead.  This is not necessarily bad, as often times we subordinate our needs for our wants.  Just don't be the bonehead that needs a low-milage family car, but leaves with a very high milage BMW coupe just because the Bmer looked cool.  Be realistic with your Target Vehicle and stick to it.

However,  being flexible on the color or equipment actually helps the dealer provide you the best deal possible.  You may prefer a popular white one, but they may have had a red one in their inventory for a long time that they will do anything to move out.

Tip 3:  Do your Research!

The biggest benefit of knowing what type of vehicle you are in the market for is that you can research its reliability, cost of use, and fair market price based on options, milage and condition.  Doing so allows the buyer to drive the negotiations, rather than the dealer.  

So few people research their desired vehicles, and surprisingly most simply buy on emotion.  These are the same customers that end up having buyer's remorse.  Often times, what they just purchased does not pan out like they wanted, or they feel they paid too much after the fact.

Additionally, by pre-selecting a vehicle, the buyer becomes more realistic if that choice is within their budget, and keeps them on a more pragmatic path to a positive car-buying experience.

Tip 4:  Love your Saleperson

Funny thing happens when a salespersons feels a strong connection with a potential customer.  They tend to become a much stronger advocate for the customer.  Prices seem to drop more quickly, and the salesperson truly becomes more helpful.  The buyer ends up selling the salesperson than visa versa. 

However, going into a dealership with a chip on your shoulder, or treating the salesperson with disrespect or omnipotence creates a confrontational situation where they will take you for every dollar they can.

Being nice, though, does not mean being weak.  On the contrary.  You would be surprised to see how much easier it is to get great deal with nothing more than a smile and friendly disposition.

Tip 5:  Don't Love the Car

Or at least, don't show it.  Buying a car is like playing poker.  Those who tip their hand loses part of their pot.  Also, don't be afraid to walk away from the deal.   Just make sure that the salesperson and manager know that you are a serious buyer beforehand, and that you are willing to make the purchase right then and there if they make the deal right for you.  Car dealers will cut a deal to the bare minimum before they let a true buyer walk.

Remember, that you can visit several other dealers before the end of the day, but you may be one of only a few customers that the dealer sees on a given day.  Remember that you are in charge.  It's your money, and the dealer needs to vie to earn your business.  No matter what they throw at you, stick to your plan and keep it pleasant.

Best of Luck and Drive Safe!

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Is a Lifetime Engine Warranty really worth it?

Is a Lifetime Engine Warranty really worth it?

We would all love a Lifetime Engine Warranty for our used car, truck or SUV, but is it worth the cost of admission?  Short answer... Depends.  So many Dealerships are now offering all sorts of special incentives, programs, or offers to "hook" their customers into buying one of their vehicles.  Although deals are abound, the average shopper still needs to practice the age-old "caveat emptor". 

One of the newer, compelling programs is the Lifetime Engine Warranty.  Some dealers charge extra for this additional engine protection, while other dealers include it in the price on all their qualified vehicles.  Regardless of how it is offered, the added engine warranty can offer extra peace of mind.

Now is it for everyone?  Probably not.  If you are buying a new car, and always get rid of it before the factory warranty runs out, then don't bother.  But, if you are planning of keeping your newly purchased vehicle for a very long time, or it already has lots of miles on it, then the Lifetime Engine Warranty may make a lot of sense.

I personally put extended warranties on all vehicles that I buy - typically for 7 years / 100,000 miles.  We tend to keep our vehicles way beyond them getting paid off.   The minimal, added cost to the monthly payments gives me the peace of mind that's absolutely worth it to me.  A big plus is that there is no hesitation in taking the vehicle in for even the smallest repair.  If it turns out to be something even bigger - no sweat.  I'm covered.

The fact that a dealer automatically includes such a permanent warranty with the purchase of their vehicles says a lot about the dealer.  Not many dealers offer this, but those that do just may have inspected their vehicles more throughly, and are more confident of their longevity.

However, as with most things, the devil is in the details.  Most Lifetime Engine Warranties Do Not include all parts of the engine and/or transmission.  They may or may not even cover the labor, which could account for over half the total cost of repair.  Nor, may the warranty transfer with the sale or future trade-in of the vehicle.  So, read over the coverage contract thoroughly to avoid surprises later.

Drive Safe

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The Car Lot

6167 E. Speedway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 882-9200