In wake of General Motors Co.proclaiming itself the post-apocalyptic king of pickups, a very obvious question arises: Should Ford Motor Co. retaliate?

In its 2012 Super Bowl ad for the Chevrolet Silverado, GM did some mudslinging at Ford, alluding if you’re driving a Ford during the apocalypse you will die (or not make it to your destination for Twinkies).

GM has been anything but apologetic when it comes to the commercial, as well as its feelings of being better than its competitors – particularly crosstown rivals Ford and Chrysler Group LLC.

“We can wait until the world ends, and if we need to, we will apologize,” said GM Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick in response to Ford asking the company to remove the ad before the Super Bowl. “In the meantime, people who are really worried about the Mayan calendar coming true should buy a Silverado right away.”

The “good-humored ad,” which has received nearly 6.5 million hits on YouTube, shows the Silverado navigating a completely over-the-top, outrageous version of the devastation and destruction predicted to occur this year by the Mayan calendar. It includes giant attack robots, meteors and frogs falling from the sky.

A group of men, who are Silverado owners, make their way to a designated meeting spot but notice one of their buddies is missing. The missing friend, however, did not drive a Chevrolet. Instead, he drove a Ford and doesn’t appear to have made it to the meeting point alive.

“We actually think it’s a pretty darn positive ad,” Ewanick said earlier this week during an “Ask Me Anything” web chat on Jalopnik.com. “You have to break through, you have to be funny — and remember there’s two truck brands — there’s Chevy and there’s Ford. We want people to know that like Pepsi or Coke they have two choices.”

In this case, GM is Pepsi. Ford is Coke. Pepsi has a history of taking shots at Coca-Cola, without much retaliation from the soft drink giant.

So, should Ford retaliate? It didn’t retaliate against Chrysler for the Dodge Durango showing “the Ford Explorer a thing or two about what it means to have best-in-class towing.”

In 2011 the Ford F-150 was the best-selling pickup and vehicle in America with 584,917 sold, compared to 415,130 Chevrolet Silverados and 244,763 Ram full-size pickups.

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We all know Ford is the better truck. Do we need to stoop to their level? Tell us what you think!

But even the lemon we are talking about can leave a bitter taste in your mouth and a pretty sour headache. Below we have listed a few helpful tips you should take into account when you are in the hunt for a car, and what to do if faced with the unfortunate situation of buying a lemon.

(via Consumer Reports)

How to spot a lemon

Finding a trouble-free used car has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with applying good research and investigative skills. Knowing how to spot potential problems and determining how reliable a used vehicle is can save you from expensive automotive headaches down the road. The following advice can help you determine whether a used vehicle is a good value or potential trouble.

1. Check the reliability record.

A good way to reduce the risk of purchasing a trouble-prone vehicle is to select models with a good reliability record before you begin shopping. Consumer Reports’ annual subscriber survey provides exclusive real-world reliability information that can help you narrow your selections. See Best and worst used cars for a quick-reference list of the best and worst used cars from our most recent survey. Also read the reliability-history charts that accompany most of CR’s vehicle profiles to get a more detailed view at how specific models have held up in 17 trouble areas as well as overall.

2. Read the window sticker.

The Federal Trade Commission requires dealers to post a Buyer’s Guide in every used vehicle offered for sale. Usually attached to a window, it must contain certain information, including whether the vehicle is being sold “as is” or with a warranty, and what percentage of repair costs (if any) the dealer is obligated to pay. The Guide information overrides any contrary provisions in your sales contract. In other words, if the Guide says that the vehicle is covered by a warranty, the dealer must honor that warranty. If any changes in coverage are negotiated, the Guide must be altered to reflect them before the sale.

If a sale is designated “as is,” it means that the dealer makes no guarantees as to the condition of the vehicle, so any problems that arise after you have made the purchase will be your responsibility. Many states do not allow as-is sales on vehicles selling for more than a certain price.

3. Check the exterior.

Begin by doing a walk around of the car, looking for dents, chipped paint, mismatched body panels or parts, broken lamp housings, and chipped windows. Gaps between body panels should be of a consistent width and line up.

A closer inspection can reveal paint overspray on chrome or rubber trim or in the vehicle’s wheel wells. This is a telltale sign of body-panel repair.

Test for the presence of body filler with a small magnet. If the magnet doesn’t stick to the panel, the car may have filler under the paint (some vehicles with plastic or fiberglass panels, however, won’t attract a magnet at all). A door, hood, or trunk that doesn’t close and seal properly is evidence of previous damage and/or sloppy repair work. A CAPA (Certified Automotive Parts Association) sticker on a body panel means the part has been replaced. Inconsistent welds around the hood, doors, or trunk also indicate repair.

4. Check the interior.

A long look into the cabin can reveal many obvious problems, such as a sagging headliner, cracked dashboard, and missing knobs, handles, and buttons. Frayed seat belts or ones with melted fibers (because of friction) may be evidence of a previous frontal impact above 15 mph–damaged safety belts should always be replaced.

Prematurely worn pedals or a sagging driver’s seat are signs that the vehicle has very high mileage. An air bag warning light that stays lit may indicate that a bag has deployed and been improperly replaced–or not replaced at all. A mildew smell, caused by a water leak, can be very hard to get rid of. Discolored carpeting, silt in the trunk, or intermittent electrical problems may be signs of flood damage.

5. Check under the hood.

At first glance, the engine, radiator, and battery should be relatively grease-free and have very little or no corrosion. Belts and hoses should be pliable and unworn. Look for wet spots, which can indicate leaking oil or fluids. Melted wires, tubes, or lines, or a blackened firewall may be signs of overheating or even an engine fire.

With the engine cool, insure that all fluids are clean, filled to the proper level, and do not have leaks. Check the engine oil while the engine is cool. Remove the dipstick from its tube and clean it with a dry rag, reinsert it and remove it again. The oil level should be between the “full” and “add” marks. Normal engine oil is brown or black, depending on when it was last changed. Gritty or gelatinous oil may indicate long stretches between oil changes. Thin, frothy oil that’s the color of chocolate milk may point to a blown head gasket or to a severely damaged block or cylinder head. Fine metal particles in the oil indicate internal damage or heavy wear.

The transmission fluid dipstick is usually located in the rear of the engine compartment. Check it right after the car has been driven for more than 10 minutes. With the engine at idle and both the brake and parking brake applied, shift through all the gears. Leave the engine running and put it in neutral or park (according to the owner’s manual) and check the level in relation to the dipstick marks. Also inspect the fluid’s condition. The transmission fluid should be bright red to light reddish brown, not dark brown, black, or mustard colored; those colors can indicate serious problems. If it has a strong burned smell, that can indicate severe wear.

6. Check the tires.

Wear should be even across the width of the tread and the same on the left and right sides of the car. Tires that are frequently used while over-inflated tend to have more wear in the middle; tires driven while under-inflated tend to wear more on the sides. Heavy wear on the outside shoulder near the sidewall of the tire indicates a car that has been driven hard. This can be a sign that other parts of the car may suffer from excessive wear due to aggressive driving. Cupped tires, those that have worn unevenly along the tread’s circumference, can indicate various problems with the steering, suspension, or brakes.

7. Check the steering.

With the car idling, turn the steering wheel right and left. Check that there isn’t any slack or “play,” or clunking noise in the steering. Excess play may indicate a worn steering gear or damaged linkage.

While driving at normal speeds on smooth, flat pavement, the car shouldn’t wander or need constant steering corrections. A shaking steering wheel often indicates a need for a wheel balancing or front-end alignment, which are easily remedied. However, this may also be a clue that there’s a problem with the driveline, suspension, or frame, which could mean expensive repairs are in order.

8. Check the suspension.

Check the suspension by pushing down hard on each fender and letting go. The car should rebound softly, once or twice. More than two severe rebounds indicate worn shock absorbers or struts. Also, drive the car over a bumpy road at about 30 mph. A car that bounces and slams at moderate speeds over common pavement may have a worn or damaged suspension.

9. Check the tailpipe.

A puff of white smoke upon start-up is probably the result of condensation and not a cause for alarm. Black smoke after the car has warmed up indicates an overly rich air-fuel mixture–usually due to a dirty air filter, a faulty oxygen sensor, or mass-air meter (which measures the amount of intake air). Blue smoke indicates oil burning–a bad sign, requiring expensive repairs. Billowing white smoke indicates water in the combustion chamber, usually because of a blown head gasket, damaged cylinder head, or even a cracked block–all expensive repairs.

10. Step on the gas.

While driving, does the engine rev excessively before the car accelerates? This is a common sign of a misadjusted or worn-out clutch, or a damaged automatic transmission. A clutch adjustment is a relatively inexpensive service, but a damaged clutch or automatic-transmission repair can be extremely expensive.

Listen for knocks and pings while accelerating. These indicate bad ignition timing or an engine beginning to overheat.

11. Check for recalls and TSBs.

Check to see if any recalls were issued and if recall service was performed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.dot.gov; 800-424-9393) lists all official recalls. Ask the seller for documentation on recall service. If any recall work has not been performed on a car that you’re considering, it should be done as soon as possible. Automakers are required to perform recall service free of charge, regardless of the vehicle’s age or how long ago the recall was issued.

Technical Service Bulletins, or “TSBs,” are reports a manufacturer sends its dealers about common or recurring problems with a specific model, and how to rectify them. Because TSBs aren’t typically safety related, manufacturers are not obligated to notify owners or pay for the repairs, though an automaker may pay for some or all of the work–if an owner asks them to. Lists of TSBs can be found at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/index.cfm. Check for any TSBs that were issued for the model you’re buying and if the seller had any necessary repairs performed.

12. Check the vehicle’s history.

A vehicle-history report from CarFax (www.carfax.com) or Experian Automotive (www.autocheck.com) can alert you to possible odometer fraud; reveal past fire, flood, and accident damage; or tell you if a rebuilt or salvage title has ever been issued for the vehicle. To access this information, provide the vehicle identification number, or “VIN,” which is on the top of the dashboard, near the driver’s side roof pillar. Reports should cost $15 and the process takes about five minutes. (CarFax’s Web site provides Consumer Reports’ advice and information on buying used cars.)

13. Visit a mechanic.

Before you buy a used vehicle, have it inspected by a qualified mechanic that routinely does automotive diagnostic work. A thorough diagnosis should cost around $120. An organization called the Car Care Council (www.carcare.org) certifies diagnostic shops. If you’re an American Automobile Association (AAA) member, you could use one of the organization’s recommended facilities.

In addition to doing the basic diagnostic, ask the mechanic to put the vehicle on a lift and inspect the undercarriage. Kinked structural components and large dents in the floor pan or fuel tank can indicate a past accident. Welding on the frame suggests a damaged section might have been replaced or cut out during repairs. Have the mechanic look for fresh undercoating, which can be used to hide recent structural repairs.

A dealer should have no problem lending you the car to have it inspected as long as you leave identification. A private seller may be more reluctant, however. You should offer to follow the seller to the shop where the inspection will take place.

(via the Federal Trade Commission)

One of the most important factors in maintaining a decent gas mileage is by keeping your engine tuned at all times, which has been known to increase fuel-efficiency by four-percent. Another is to keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. And the third most important is to keep your oil changed when ever it is needed. Some oils contain friction-reducing additives that can improve fuel economy.

Check your owners manual for the recommended and most-effective octane level for your vehicle, and check where the cheapest gas prices are in your area.

Gas mileage decreases very quickly at speeds over 60mph, so it is important to maintain the speed limit.

Idling when you are stopped is a waste of fuel and money, and your vehicle may use more fuel when idling than it takes to restart your engine.

Overdrive gears and cruise-control on the highway have been known to improve fuel economy.

Anticipate traffic and road conditions to minimize the need for braking. Letting off the gas around bends can help eliminate that need on familiar roads.

Using the air conditioner can suck gasoline out of your engine a lot faster than when not in use so only use the AC when it is absolutely necessary.

Any unnecessary extra weight in your car can decrease the fuel-efficiency by up to two-percent.

So, there you have it, folks. A few tips courtesy of Bill Talley Ford (and Uncle Sam) to help keep your vehicle’s thirst quenched, and your pennies un-pinched.

But for a real money-saver, stop into Bill Talley Ford and pick up a new, fuel-efficient Ford….(wink)…

We hope you enjoy looking at these  as much as we do.

Won’t you be my Ford?

There is a fine line between the differences of old and new vehicles in regards to how the motor deals with cold weather, but there are a few tips you can use on any engine to keep your car running like a top.

One of the biggest problems is the car battery. Older batteries have a more difficult time cranking in cold weather so it is always a good idea to get your battery tested and charged to prevent getting stuck somewhere. Fluids are the lifeblood of your engine and although it’s important to keep them regulated in all seasons, there are a few changes you can make for colder temperatures. Engine oil is one of the most important fluids to maintain at a proper level, and some cold weather may cause your engine to require a lower viscosity for better flow in the cold. It is also critical to keep anti-freeze at the proper level to avoid freezing the engine, and it should be a 50/50 mix of water and anti-freeze to keep the coolant from turning into an icicle.

Cold weather can be quite a nuisance, but taking care of your car in those lower temperatures can make it much easier on your car and, in return, keep you driving happy.

Ford does quite a bit to make sure any issues that could arise in cold temperatures are as minimal as possible. This is a great article about the secrets behind Ford’s cold weather engine tests, and boy does -40 degrees Fahrenheit seem cold!

For added help:

Engine Idling Tips & Myths (via Bridgewater Motorworks’ blog)

• The Environmental Defense Fund’s the Idling Gets You Nowhere campaign advises drivers to turn off their cars if stopped more than 10 seconds. After 10 seconds more money is wasted running the engine than stopping and restarting it.
• Did you know driving the vehicle warms it faster than letting it idle? It is true.  It is also true that drivers enjoy a warm car but idling doesn’t do anything to preserve the vehicle’s engine.
• Idling puts the pinch on your wallet. Idling a vehicle for five minutes a day every day for a year will waste up to 20 gallons of gasoline.  At $3 per gallon that’s an annual waste of $60; at the estimated future price of $5 per gallon is an annual waste of $100. Ouch!
• Running the car in the driveway causes the engine to operate in an inefficient manner that can degrade your engine’s performance, reducing  its mileage and causing carbon residue to build up inside the engine.
• Idling in the garage is toxic even with the door open. An idling car releases dangerous carbon monoxide and other noxious gases.

Why you should buy American. 

Quality: The quality of American cars has vastly improved over the years. Both Ford and Chevy have worked hard to improve the quality of their cars and it shows!! The Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado are two of the best trucks out there. In fact the Ford F-150 was just voted Motor Trend’s ruck of the year for 2012!

Price: When purchasing an American car you are almost guaranteed to pay less. It is expensive to import foreign cars and you will see that in the price. Foreign taxes are generally much higher especially on European cars; Buy American and you can avoid paying high taxes. American cars are also much cheaper to maintain. Replacing car parts can be a burden when you have to pay for them to be imported and wait for international shipping. American made car parts are less expensive and will arrive at your local mechanic in no time, if they don’t already have them in stock.

Economy: Not only are insurance rates lower on American cars, but they also heavily impact the economy. Buying an American made vehicle strengthens the economy, supports domestic manufactures nation wide, and generates thousands of jobs.  Also buying a car that has been manufactured in the U.S. is actually good for the environment. When vehicles are internationally manufactured there is a higher demand for freight transport. When your car is delivered overseas it is both wasteful and harmful to the environment.

Fuel Efficiency: American manufacturers are jumping on the hybrid wagon. Ford has a great variety of affordable, award winning hybrids. There are several great American made green options for the environmentally conscious driver who doesn’t want to compromise on performance. The ford Fusion Hybrid gets you a combined 39 mpg and can go 0-60 in about 8 seconds.

The Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel efficient SUV in the world. It has better gas mileage than most passengers cars and at the same time, it can also performed heavy duty jobs. It yields a whopping  34 City/31 Hwy

Here is another article that is all about the 5 new electric cars Ford will release in the upcoming year: http://bit.ly/yee9ji

Electric not your thing?

If electric isn’t your thing Ford also gives you the option of buying cars that are top competitors in the industry for gas mileage. The Ford Fiesta: 29 City/40 Hwy and Ford Focus: 24 City/35 Hwy are also great cars.

So there you have it, whether you want power, fuel efficiency, or an all around good quality vehicle the choice is simple; BUY AMERICAN!

Where to find a reliable, cheap car: There are endless resources available for used car shoppers. Your own neighborhood is a great place to begin your search. Many private sellers display for-sale cars in their own front yards, so take advantage of this convenient search. Another great source is the local news paper. There are hundreds of cars posted in the paper weekly, many of the posts include photos, milage, and price which is helpful when refining your search. If you have little experience in buying cars and need some assistance, visiting a car dealership may not be a bad idea for you. Car dealerships will have a wide variety of used cars that are ready for you to test drive. Finally if you have some experience under your belt, Auto auctions are another great source. Auto auctions are a great place to get deals on used cars. Car Auctions can be found on the web and also in your local paper.

How to compare cars: When comparing it is important to do your research. A really fancy, inexpensive car may seem like a steal, however the car history may be a horrible so it is always important to check. On every car is a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) make sure to take note of this so that you can do a vehicle history check. You can check car history on service such as CarFax. These reports  show things like repairs, damage, and accidents that the may not have mentioned by the seller. Also services like care fax are inexpensive and worth it in the long run. Be sure check safety ratings and car reviews to get other opinions. Another great resource is sites like cars.com, this site allows you to specifically compare cars side by side.

What to do once you have found the car you want: Ask Ask and Ask again. It is crucial that you make a list of questions you have about the car, especially if you are buying from a third party. Car dealers and independent sellers will not give up any information that would hurt their sale, so be sure to ask.  Make sure to have the car professionally inspected at least once, it is also a good idea to get a second opinion. Your interest in the car could be heavily impacted if any problems are found. Asking for previous inspections or receipts is a great move when buying from an independent seller. Doing so shows that you are on top of your research and thus you are less likely to be taken advantage of.

Purchasing your car: Always negotiate! It never hurts to try and negotiate, more than likely the seller will lower their asking price. If the price is as low as it will go also try adding features. Questions like “can you replace the windshield?” or “is there any chance you can instal a new stereo/speakers?” may save you a few hundred dollars. Another way to lower the asking price is to point out any cosmetic defaults, such as marks, tares, or burns in the seats or dents and cracks in the body. Never buy a car you can’t afford. Signing yourself up for an expensive payment plan with high monthly bills will make you hate your car. You wont enjoy your car and of you are struggling to pay it off. When paying a third party make sure the title is signed over to you and avoid paying cash. Giving a third party in cash for a car makes it very difficult to trace your payment. When buying from a dealership scrutinize the fine print and be careful what you sign, especially if you go on a payment plan.

If you stick to these tips you will be satisfied with your purchase and can avoid getting yourself into debt.

Here are some helpful sites to visit when buying a used car. HAPPY HUNTING!

www.dealerrater.com

www.kbb.com

www.billtalleyford.com

There have been no studies so far that have documented significant differences in the number of car accidents between handheld and hands-free phones. However, it seems that hands-free devices are just as risky as handheld phones. It is the distracted driver that is really the issue here. While headsets are a big distraction, they could also impair the driver’s ability to hear noises such as other vehicles, horns and emergency sirens.

The dangers of wireless headsets have been known for years, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has kept quiet and did not released any research until recently. Why they would withhold such crucial information is the question many of us have. The answer? According to CNN.com it is simply because the government didn’t want to bump heads with the wireless industry that has spent over $35 million promoting hands-free devices.

Hands-free devices often are seen as a solution to the risks of driver distraction but there is nothing safer than keeping your mind, eyes, and ears on the road at all times, so HANG UP and DRIVE!

Facts about hand-held devices

• Nearly all legislation focuses on banning only handheld phones or only texting while driving.

• All state laws and many employer policies allow hands-free cell phone use.

• Public opinion polls show people recognize the risks of talking on handheld phones and texting more than they recognize the risks of hands-free phones.

• Many drivers mistakenly believe talking on a hands-free cell phone is safer than handheld.20

• Hands-free devices do not eliminate cognitive distraction.

• Even with hands-free devices, there is still a risk, because you are concentrating on the conversation and being distracted from the road and other vehicles.

• The human brain is involved in many complex decisions while driving and it’s more difficult to make those decisions if you’re talking on the phone.

• Multitasking is a myth and impairs performance; the human brain is already using visual, auditory, manual and cognitive functions while driving.

• The brain has a slower reaction time when it has to shift back and forth between tasks.

Sources: www.cnn.com , www.nhtsa.gov

In the last post I challenged Ford Motor Company because they have repeatedly stated that they are “dedicated to developing fuel-efficient Cars, Trucks, CUVs and SUVs that are environmentally sustainable.” So I found out that it’s a pretty accurate statement from the all American Car Company… but I decided to take it a step further and look at their sports cars and see if they too are environmentally friendly.

This may seem unfair as they never claimed to have Eco-friendly sports cars but who cares? I challenged them anyway!

Here is what I found for you readers…

If you are one of the few of us who has an unlimited amount of disposable income and still care about the planet, then by all means go for the one of the following:

The lightning GT is great on gas- in fact it doesn’t even use gas. It’s an all electric sports car with a top speed of 130mph and can go 0-60 in only 4 seconds! It takes 10 minutes to charge and can go for 250 miles.

This is a British car so those of you looking to buy all American can forget about this one altogether.

It is a great Eco-friendly alternative to the sports car you are driving today as long as you are willing to drop $300,000

The Scorpion, a Ronn Motor’s car, actually does use gasoline . Well not 100% gas powered as it combines the use of Hydrogen too! Also, Ronn Motors is actually American!! This car will go 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and give you a whopping 450 hp!

You can get up to a top speed of 200 mile per hour with the Scorpion and with its 1.5 gallon water tank this car will give you 40 miles to the gallon. Not bad! Not bad at all if you have an extra $150,000 laying around.

Ok so there you have it if you want to be Eco-Friendly and get higher mileage per gallon you have to be rich or buy a foreign car!

Just kidding! Here’s what I found at the Ford Motor Company in the way of All American sports cars that are also great on gas.

The 2012 Ford Mustang with the V-6 engine will give you 305 Horse Power and 31 miles to the gallon. Yes that is all gas and all American!

You may be wondering about the Eco-friendliness of this machine as it is a gas powered automobile. You can rest assured that Ford Motor Company spends big bucks researching and developing cutting-edge technology that allows you to have your cake and eat it.

The V-8 version of this classic can deliver 25 miles to the gallon and a brutal 412 horse power!

The 2012 have a 6-speed transmission and can get from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. This is still extremely fast considering that the other cars above are just a second or so faster but also about 10 times more expensive on the starting price.

This beautiful American classic will yield high performance, high miles for your gas dollars and they start at around 22,000 which is as American as Apple Pie to me.