http://www.texasautoguide.com/blog/">Car News

It all started on May 18th, 2006, when the first Texas Auto Guide magazine was placed in racks across Lubbock and the South Plains Communites. Not the best looking first copy but not bad for a first time glossy auto magazine for little ol’ Lubbock.

Today, we are larger than ever. Delievering magazines to almost 300 locations, in 37 towns for the Lubbock magazine and 275 locations and 21 towns for the Midland/Odessa magazine. Dude, times have changed. We also have a graphic design company that produces websites, logos, letterhead, direct mail, post cards and various other graphic design projects.

We also have more competition with the Want Ads 4 U, Thrifty Nickel, Drive and the newspaper. I’m glad these products are being published because it showcases our ability to deliver excellent customer service everyday. Our sales staff has stayed the same for the last 3 years and we’ve even hired a graphic designer to help out with the extra business we’ve taken in. Unfortunately, others can’t say the same.

The success of Texas Auto Guide lies solely in the hands of the people who pickup the magazine. We’d like to thank the people of the South Plains who’ve used our magazine for the last 4 years for calling, buying and selling vehicles in Texas Auto Guide.

Next, I’d like to thank the dealers who use our magazine as a vehicle to sell vehicles. Hmm. They really help out by advertising their cars in our book and without them, you wouldn’t be reading this magazine right now.

I’d like to thank God above and the many blessings he’s brought to my business. He’s really put many special people in my life to which I am eternally thankful. I’d like to thank my wife Meisha and my girls Alyssa and Reese, Elaine my salesperson for the Lubbock area, Shea, our graphic designer, all my buddies at the dealerships and my friends in Lubbock and Smyer for awesome support.

We look forward to a fantastic year and hope your car buying experience begins with Texas Auto Guide.

Rowdy

1. My 66 Land Cruiser. Yes, the same project vehicle I’ve been working on for the last 4 years. I know, I haven’t done much work to it, but that’s about to change. Here are my objectives: Smooth out the body, sand it down and get it prepped for primer and paint, fix the dang shocks, rewire some of the interior, fix the leak on the clutch
and finally, spend some time cruising around town!

2. 2011 Ford Super Duty – Now this in one of those moments where every truck guy is ready to see the goods. We’ve heard all about:
• The New Ford Built 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
• The New 6R140 HD Torq-Shift six speed auto transmission
• Available Ford Work Stations plus a new flow through console with 110-volt inverter, new seats and locking understorage
• New 4.2” LCD Productivity Screen
• The 6R140 Transmission is available with segment exclusive Live Drive Power Take Off (PTO) with the new diesel.
• Improved Fuel Economy with both the Diesel and Gas Engines.
• New Clamshell Hood Design
• And much much more. I believe the guys over at Stanley Ford are advertising one in this magazine (go back a page).

3. 2010 Suzuki Kizashi – Had not heard a word about this brand new Suzuki until I was browsing a dealer’s website. Here are some of the highlights:
• Comes in 4 Different Models
• 6 Speed Manual or a CVT
• 2.4L I4 Engine
• Available Navigation with Backup Camera
• Available All Wheel Drive, Rain Sensing Wipers, Rockford/Fosgate 10 speaker sound system
• And More!
• Starts at $18,999 plus taxes

What are your thoughts? Email rowdy@texasautoguide.com

In this space, I mostly write about my 66 Toyota Land Cruiser and all the work I’ve done to it. But since I haven’t done any work to it lately, there’s not much to write about. I obviously have too many irons in the fire. I plan on working on my Cruiser after the planting of our vineyard is done. I should be able to devote some time to the restoration process this Spring and Summer.

Moving on, there are a few things in the automotive world that have gotten my attention recently.

1. The Ford SVT Raptor – Great design, nice interior, wide stance and a complete diferent look than the F-150. My only question is why couldn’t they build this in a Crew Cab model? Could Ford have sold double, maybe triple the Raptor’s if it had been in a Crew? Also, I’ve read that they may be coming out with a 6.2L V8 for the SVT Raptor.

2. 2010 Cadillac SRX/GMC Terrain/Chevy Equinox – I know that you really can’t group these cars into one category and its true. One’s a luxury, one’s a mid-level and one’s an entry level. But all three of these vehicles are really good for GM. They’ve brought younger customers into showrooms and have made great headway into the Crossover category, dominated by the Lexus RX350 and Nissan Murano.

3. 2011 Kia Sorento – This is one hot midsize SUV! It’s been selling like crazy and the customer response has been great. Everyone I’ve talked to loves this ride. Be on the lookout for the redesigned 2011 Kia Sportage which comes out soon.

4. Toyota – Not very good at letting the general public know what’s going on, but is rebounding from the recall. Last month’s sales show that Toyota has a devoted customer base and should show strong numbers this year.

5. New C.A.F.E or Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards which require auto makers to have an average 35 miles per gallon combined, among all vehicles, were introduced recently. Great for the environment and consumer, not great for the automakers (who’ll have to spend extra to get a vehicle up to standards) and could lead to an unfortunate death to some models due to their fuel inefficiency.

What are your thoughts?

Tax Season Is Here! Some of us dread the IRS and some enjoy the refund we get from overpaying on our taxes.

If you are one of the 100 million or so people who will be getting money back, I’m sure you’ve thought about what to spend it on. Most will think of things around the house, like a washer and dryer or a new refrigerator. Some will hear the sound of the slots ringing as they head to Vegas on a vacation. And for some of you, the thought of a new vehicle is what you are thinking of using your tax return money.

If you are going to buy a vehicle this tax season, there are a few things you might want to be aware of before you start calling dealers in Texas Auto Guide Magazine.

1. How’s Your Credit? With the downfall of the banking industry, many lending institutions are tight on loaning money. Check your credit to make sure there won’t be any crazy things pop up that could prevent you from getting the best rate possible. If your credit isn’t good, you may have to look at buying a car from a cash note lot or from a buy here/pay here dealership. Both have their benefits and both are a great way to get into your next vehicle.

2. Check the car out. If you’ve got a regular mechanic, have them look the car over. Usually, an experienced mechanic can tell you if something doesn’t sound right OR if the car looks like it might be in good shape. It’s a good idea to have it checked out before you buy a car.

3. Get a CarFax. I see this all the time! But a vehicle history report can be very helpful, especially if the dealer purchased the car at an auction. Most dealers can spot a painted car, but a bent frame is something that escapes the eye on a vehicle appraisal.

If you’re going to buy a car with your tax money, choose your car wisely. The decision you make today, will impact you for the next 24 to 36 to 48 to 60 months. If you have a question about a car, dealer or buying a car in general, send me an e-mail to rowdy@texasautoguide.com. I work with dealers every day and I visit with them about all sorts of issues. An answer is just a phone call away.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year’s! I certainly did. Since it’s the beginning of the new year, I figured we’d go start with the New Year’s Resoultions that Texas Auto Guide has this year.

Here we go:

1. Finish the Land Cruiser. Easier said than done. Body still needs some touch up, a good coat of primer and a couple of coats of Freeborn Red. I had/have a guy lined up to do the work and I just haven’t been able to get around to it. The LC also needs some new wheels, tires, shocks, changes to the instrument panel and a good finish on the grille guard. It’s a project vehicle and I’m still working on it.

2. Add more dealers. Not as easy as it was before the recession hit but I know it can happen. It’s a matter of getting in front of more dealers faces and explaing the benefits of advertising in Texas Auto Guide. Wanna see more cars? Guess I got some work to do.

3. Add more magazine racks to stores, restaurants and places where people hang out. This one isn’t too bad. I need to find more places to put the Texas Auto Guide magazine so that readers like you can pick it up and use it’s glossy pages. Got any suggestions for new racks? Send me an e-mail at rowdy@texasautoguide.com

4. Offer some kind of help and solution page online at www.TexasAutoGuide.com. This one I’m kind of looking forward to. I know that many of you have questions about financing, buy here/ pay here’s, comparison’s between vehicles, vehicle searches and so much more. I find many phone calls every week, asking me these kind of questions. Be looking in February for the ASK ROWDY feature on TexasAutoGuide.com.

Happy New Year!