EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: 01.30.2012

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NEW ARRIVALS
Last week, we had a lot on new arrivals. There were also a lot of new arrivals this week:

2002 Honda Civic EX w/Side SRS, Silver, Sedan, 79255 mi, http://bit.ly/y07oEM Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 26/35

2006 Scion tC, Black, Coupe, 99637 mi, $9,900 http://bit.ly/wPwa1I Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/27

2001 Toyota Celica GT, Red, Coupe, 125007 mi, http://bit.ly/wzq0lX Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 25/32

2003 Toyota Corolla S, Silver, Sedan, 105636 mi, $7,900 http://bit.ly/AusumN Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 28/36

2009 Toyota Yaris, Green, Liftback, 83272 mi, http://bit.ly/ysQ01u Subcompact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 29/36

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8L, White, Station Wagon, 107796 mi, http://bit.ly/w11ixY Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 19/27

2007 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition, Grey, Sedan, 106208 mi, $9,900 http://bit.ly/wHucvs Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 19/28

HYBRIDS
We have a couple of hybrid electric cars on our lot:

2005 Toyota Prius, Beige, Hatchback, 96636 mi, $10,900 http://bit.ly/ujEn1A Mid-size, MPG = 48/45

2010 Toyota Prius II, Hatchback, Silver, 61066 mi, $19,900 $16,900 http://bit.ly/n0bgLR Mid-size, MPG = 51/48

2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Grey, Sedan, 58425 mi, $16,900 http://bit.ly/wWKgn7 Mid-size, MPG = 33/34

2010 Honda Insight LX, Sedan, Blue, 51400 mi, $16,900 $14,900 http://bit.ly/phQlxw Compact, MPG = 40/43 BLOG: http://bit.ly/ojnCN6

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid, Blue, Sedan, 65693 mi, $14,900 $13,900 http://bit.ly/tq5RSQ Compact, MPG = 40/45

VOLKSWAGEN JETTAS
Last week I pointed out that there are a lot of Honda Civic’s on our lot.

There are also a lot of Volkswagen Jetta’s on our lot. Like the Civic, the Jetta is a compact, economical car. However, the Jetta is a little big larger.

2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5, Sedan, Grey, 87494 mi, $9,900 http://bit.ly/yqbAzd Compact, 6-spd automatic, MPG = 19/28

2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Sedan, Red, 81136 mi, $12,900 http://bit.ly/wvfXg9 Compact, 6-spd auto-shift, MPG = 30/38

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8L, White, Station Wagon, 107796 mi, http://bit.ly/w11ixY Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 19/27

2007 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition, Grey, Sedan, 106208 mi, $9,900 http://bit.ly/wHucvs Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 19/28

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2009 Blue Toyota RAV4 V6 4x4 (SUV)

2009 Toyota RAV4 V6 7 Pass, Blue, SUV, 61994 mi, $18,900 http://bit.ly/xqwzOo Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 19/26

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV. It can seat seven passengers & had almost as much cargo space as a mid-size SUV.

This model has a V6 engine, meaning it has lots of horsepower. It will handle well in rough weather & terrain.

SPECS / FEATURES:
@ Yahoo! Autos

@ AOL Autos

@ MSN Autos

VIRTUAL TOUR:
@ Yahoo! Autos

PICS: @ AOL Autos

 

EXPERT REVIEWS:
New Car Test Drive:

INTRODUCTION: “The Toyota RAV4 offers seating for seven and cargo capacity comparable to mid-size SUVs in a compact package. It's quick, relatively easy to maneuver, and comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive…

Among the best of the compact SUVs, the current-generation RAV4 was introduced as a 2006 model. The RAV4 excels at convenience and ease of use. Getting in and out of the driver's seat is easy. It can move lots of people or lots of gear on a moment's notice. And it comes standard with a long list of safety equipment. Ordered with the optional V6, the RAV4 is a regular hot rod, scooting around with 269 horsepower.”

FEATURES: “Standard features for all RAV4s include air conditioning; cruise control; AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, MP3/WMA capability, integrated satellite radio, and auxiliary input jack; power windows; power foldable mirrors; keyless-remote locking; 60/40 split second-row seats with manual recline and for-and-aft adjustment; tilt-and-telescope steering wheel; three 12-volt power outlets; and auto-off headlights. The base four-cylinder RAV4 has P215/70R16 tires on steel wheels with hubcaps. The V6 is upgraded with P225/65R17 tires on styled steel wheels. All models come with a full-size spare tire.”

SAFETY FEATURES: “Safety features on all RAV4s include dual-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags. New for 2009, active headrests on the driver and front passenger seats move up and forward in certain rear-end collisions to help reduce the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest. Front seatbelts incorporate pre-tensioners and force limiters. Also standard are LATCH child safety seat anchors, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), and a tire pressure monitor.”

DRIVING IMPRESSION: “The current-generation Toyota RAV4 offers improved stability (from its wider track) and a smoother ride (from its longer wheelbase) when compared with pre-2006 RAV4s...The optional V6, with its head-of-the-class 269 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque, is a different story. With its impressive acceleration comes torque steer, particularly in front-wheel drive models: Hang on to the steering wheel, because when you floor the gas pedal the engine feels like it wants to pull the wheel from your hands. You'll get used to it, and the V6 sounds much better than a four.”

“Hill-start Assist Control provides additional control for on-road and off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface. Downhill Assist Control is designed to enhance low-speed descending ability by helping to hold the vehicle to a target speed with minimal intervention from the driver.”

USER REVIEWS:
@ MSN Autos

VIDEOS:
OVERVIEW:

REVIEW:
 

EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: 01.16.2012

**UPDATED 01/23/12**

NEW ARRIVALS
2005 Honda CR-V SE, SUV, Black, 87550 mi, $12,900 http://bit.ly/xtMQpZ AWD, Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 20/25

2009 Honda Fit Sport, Blue, Hatchback, 22102 mi, $14,900 http://bit.ly/yQWb6z Subcompact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 27/33

2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited, Blue, Sedan, 101090 mi, $11,900 http://bit.ly/z8NzQZ Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/28

2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Grey, Sedan, 58425 mi, $16,900 http://bit.ly/wWKgn7 Mid-size, MPG = 33/34

2009 Toyota Matrix, Grey, Hatchback, 68815 mi, $11,500 http://bit.ly/xorX66 Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 25/31

2009 Toyota RAV V6 7 Pass, Blue, SUV, 61994 mi, $18,900 http://bit.ly/xqwzOo Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 19/26

TRUCKS / SUV / MINIVANS
We have several trucks, SUVs, and minivans on our lot. Most are four wheel drives.

If you need lots of cargo space and/or great handling during the harsh winters in Vermont, check these out.

2005 Ford F-150 STX, Pick-up truck, Red, 112263 mi, $11,900 $10,900 http://bit.ly/pyktBZ Full-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 12/16

2008 Jeep Wrangler X, SUV, Black, 53087 mi, $18,900 $17,900 http://bit.ly/rjSMOd 4WD, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 15/19 BLOG: http://ht.ly/6o506

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X, Blue, Crossover SUV, 71309 mi, $16,900 $15,900 http://bit.ly/uqjJZq AWD, Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited, Silver, Crossover SUV, 93726 mi, $12,900 http://bit.ly/vcZfWU AWD, Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26 SOLD

2007 Toyota Highlander V6 w/3rd Row, SUV, Red, 80273 mi, $16,900 $15,900 http://bit.ly/pLqiwX AWD, Mid-size, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 18/23

2007 Toyota Sienna LE, Blue, Minivan, 76751 mi, $16,900 http://bit.ly/sTlUFz AWD, 5-spd automatic, MPG =16/21

HONDA CIVIC’S
The Honda Civic is one of the top selling compact, economical cars in the world. We have four Honda Civic’s on our lot. Coincidently, all are 2009 models and have an automatic transmission. Two are the same color (silver). The others are white and blue. The blue one is a hybrid model. The three gasoline ones are LX models.

2009 Honda Civic LX, Silver, Sedan, 32171 mi, $14,900 http://bit.ly/vjCAWj Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 25/36

2009 Honda Civic LX, Sedan, White, 54712 mi, $12,900 http://bit.ly/ztK5Ir Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 25/36

2009 Honda Civic LX, Sedan, Silver, 14834 mi, $13,900 http://bit.ly/wlgqVM Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 25/36

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid, Blue, Sedan, 65693 mi, $14,900 $13,900 http://bit.ly/tq5RSQ Compact, MPG = 40/45

2005 Honda Civic, Black, Sedan, 124849 mi, $6,900 http://bit.ly/xV9PsM Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 26/35

2008 Honda Civic EX w/Nav, Black, Sedan, 50438 mi, $13,900 http://bit.ly/xlfBox Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 26/34

BMW’S
BMW is one of the top luxury car brands in the world. We have two BMW’s on our lot:

2005 BMW 325 xi, Sedan, Blue, 88934 mi, $12,900 http://bit.ly/zHd5ab AWD, Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 17/24

2008 BMW 328 xi, Black, Sedan, 36860 mi, $26,900 $22,900 http://bit.ly/uKHFes AWD, Compact, 6-spd automatic w/auto-shift, MPG = 17/25

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 1998 Black Volvo V70 AWD

**UPDATE** THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SOLD

1998 Volvo V70 AWD, Black, Station Wagon, 75933 mi, $6,900 http://bit.ly/tuUm7R 4–spd automatic, MPG = 16/22

SPECS / FEATURES:
Yahoo! Autos http://autos.yahoo.com/volvo/v70/1998/all-wheel-drive/features.html

AOL Autos http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volvo-V70-1999-Base__4dr_All_wheel_Drive_Station_Wagon/equipment/

MSN Autos http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=1998&make=Volvo&model=V70&trimid=1128#trimsel

USER REVIEWS:
MSN Autos http://autos.msn.com/research/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?modelid=2983 (1998)

http://autos.msn.com/research/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?modelid=2990 (1999)

EXPERT REVIEWS:
NewCarTestDrive http://www.vehix.com/car-reviews/1998/volvo/v70/expert-reviews/nctd

“The introduction of a new Volvo is such a rare occasion that it deserves to be noticed. Change comes slowly to the Swedish firm, which tends to keep good products in its catalog far longer than industry norms.

It's not entirely correct to call the S- and V70s totally new. There's a strong resemblance to last model year's 850 that will be readily apparent at a glance. Good reason: The 70-series sedans and wagons are mildly facelifted 850s, with some improvements made where they count most and a new face that follows Volvo design tradition but is more up-to-date.”

“The 70-Series new interior represents a major improvement over what was already a well-designed and roomy cabin. Former hard corners have been rounded off, giving dashboard, center console and door panels a more attractive look. Soft-faced switches are placed for easier use. For example, window switches are now on the driver's door armrest rather than the center console, and the seats have new frames and padding.

Other important changes are invisible. The B or central roof pillar has been reinforced to provide extra crush resistance in side impacts; driver and front-seat passenger are further protected by standard side-impact airbags. A new steering column design reduces wheel intrusion into the cabin in frontal impacts. 

Those items add mental comfort for occupants who are already well taken care of in physical comfort terms. The new seats are excellent, most comfortable in their standard velour upholstery.

Though more stylish, the interior has lost none of its functionality. The driving position is, as always, good, made better for all drivers by tilt/telescope steering wheel adjustments. Gauges for car and engine speed, fuel level and coolant temperature have large, clear markings, and can be supplemented with an optional trip computer. Stretch-out room for all five occupants is more than ample, and the sedan's large 15 cubic-foot trunk can be doubled in size by folding the rear seat back. The versatile wagon, of course, can swallow considerably more.”

“Our tester, which we drove during a mid-winter trip to Arctic Scandinavia, was a V70 AWD wagon, which adds the tractive benefits of all-wheel drive to an excellent chassis. Even in Arctic weather conditions, the V70 AWD felt safe and secure, picking its way over snow- and ice-covered roads with considerably more ease than its front-wheel drive counterparts, even when the latter were equipped with the optional TRACS traction-control system.”

"The 850 was a very good car. The 70-Series is better. With a host of changes that go well beyond new badges, the newcomer is still recognizably a Volvo when judged for looks and driving feel, and far more competitive compared to its many rivals.

With the addition of the C70 coupe, the 70-series lineup offers something for everyone. And these cars are so well developed that there are no either/or situations: You can have performance, safety, comfort, excellent handling and all the utilitarian virtues in a single package."

VIDEO:

EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT 01.11.2012

NEW ARRIVALS
2005 BMW 325 xi, Sedan, Blue, 88934 mi, $12,900 http://bit.ly/zHd5ab Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 17/24

2009 Honda Civic LX, Sedan, White, 54712 mi, $12,900 http://bit.ly/ztK5Ir Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 25/36

2009 Honda Civic LX, Sedan, Silver, 14834 mi, $13,900 http://bit.ly/wlgqVM Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 25/36

2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5, Sedan, Grey, 87494 mi, $9,900 http://bit.ly/yqbAzd Compact, 6-spd automatic, MPG = 19/28

2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Sedan, Red, 81136 mi, $12,900 http://bit.ly/wvfXg9 Compact, 6-spd auto-shift, MPG = 30/38

2009 Honda Civic LX, Silver, Sedan, 32171 mi, $14,900 http://bit.ly/vjCAWj Compact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 25/36

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid, Blue, Sedan, 65693 mi, $14,900 http://bit.ly/tq5RSQ Compact, MPG = 40/45

2007 Honda Fit, Blue, Hatchback, 53026 mi, $11,900 http://bit.ly/vqt47M Subcompact, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 27/35

2007 Toyota Sienna LE, AWD, Blue, Minivan, 76751 mi, $16,900 http://bit.ly/sTlUFz 5-spd automatic, MPG =16/21

HUGE SALE
We are over a week into the New Year, but our end of the year huge sale is still going on. There are still many cars on our lot that are part of the sale:

2008 BMW 328 xi, Black, Sedan, 36860 mi, $26,900 $22,900 http://bit.ly/uKHFes Compact, 6-spd automatic w/auto-shift, MPG = 17/25

2005 Ford F-150 STX, Pick-up truck, Red, 112263 mi, $11,900 $10,900 http://bit.ly/pyktBZ Full-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 12/16

2010 Honda Accord 2.4 LX, Sedan, Polished Metal, 25436 mi, $16,900 $15,900 http://bit.ly/oRrqMY Full-size, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 21/31 BLOG: http://ht.ly/7lRQS

2008 Honda Accord 2.4 LX-P, Sedan, Nighthawk Black, 29128 mi, $15,900 $14,900 http://bit.ly/s3V3As Full size, 5-spd automatic, MPG= 21/31

2010 Honda Insight LX, Sedan, Blue, 51400 mi, $16,900 $14,900 http://bit.ly/phQlxw Compact, MPG = 40/43 BLOG: http://bit.ly/ojnCN6

2008 Jeep Wrangler X, SUV, Black, 53087 mi, $18,900 $17,900 http://bit.ly/rjSMOd Automatic 4-spd, 4WD, MPG = 15/19 BLOG: http://ht.ly/6o506

2009 Nissan Versa 1.6, Silver, Sedan, 30642 mi, $9,900 $8,900 http://bit.ly/s1LeX4 Subcompact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 26/34 BLOG: http://bit.ly/tCe1Xa

2006 Scion xB, Minivan/Hatchback, Blue, 51341 mi, $9,900 $8,900 http://bit.ly/pwFXaD Subcompact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 26/30

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X, Blue, Crossover SUV, 71309 mi, $16,900 $15,900 http://bit.ly/uqjJZq 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

2005 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, Hatchback, Grey, 119122 mi, $10,900 $9,900 http://ht.ly/5BM5W Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

2007 Toyota Corolla CE, Sedan, Silver, 88529 mi, $10,900 $9,900 http://bit.ly/naw7ga Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 28/37

2007 Toyota Highlander V6 w/3rd Row, SUV, Red, 80273 mi, $16,900 $15,900 http://bit.ly/pLqiwX Mid-size, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 18/23

2010 Toyota Prius II, Hatchback, Silver, 61066 mi, $19,900 $16,500 http://bit.ly/n0bgLR Mid-size, MPG = 51/48

2007 Volkswagen Eos 2.0T, Convertible, Blue, 46579 mi, $19,900 $17,900 http://bit.ly/qwhMVc Compact, 6-spd auto-shift, MPG = 20/29

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S, Silver, Hatchback, 59082 mi, $11,900 $10,900 http://bit.ly/w3qP0I Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 21/30

EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2006 Red Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Sedan, Red, 81136 mi, $12,900 http://bit.ly/wvfXg9 Compact, 6-spd auto-shift, MPG = 22/29

FEATURES / SPECS
MSN Autos http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=2006&make=Volkswagen&model=Jetta&trimid=101680#trimsel

Yahoo! Autos http://autos.yahoo.com/volkswagen/jetta-sedan/2006/gli/features.html

AOL Autos http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2006-GLI__4dr_Sedan/specs/

VIRTUAL TOUR
MSN Autos

USER REVIEWS
Yahoo! Autos

MSN Autos

EXPERT REVIEWS
NewCarTestDrive http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2006-GLI__4dr_Sedan/expert-review/

“The new Volkswagen Jetta lineup features a complete line of models for 2006. A sporty turbocharged GLI model joins the line along with a fuel-efficient TDI turbo diesel. That's in addition to the most popular models, which are powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. 

The Jetta was redesigned and re-engineered from the ground up midway through the 2005 model year. 

The new Jetta GLI features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a broad power curve boasting 0-60 in 6.7 seconds. 

Regardless of engine, we found the new Jetta responsive around town and comfortable on long trips. Volkswagens are known for handling, and the new Jetta carves through corners with precision. Indeed, the GLI reminds us why Germany is renowned for building excellent sports sedans. 

The new Jetta is larger than previous models, and it features a more spacious interior stuffed with convenience and lavished with Volkswagen's legendary attention to detail. Its driver enjoys excellent visibility and ease of use with logical controls and instruments. Build quality is superb inside and out. All in all, the new Jetta is a solid car” 

“The turbocharged GLI…adds or upgrades a number of features: eight-way manually adjustable height and reach sport front seats with fabric upholstery and adjustable head restraints; a three-spoke sport leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and telephone controls; alloy interior trim and drilled pedals; metal loading edge protection for the trunk; special blue-tinted glass; bi-xenon headlamps with auto-leveling and headlight washers; and halogen projector lens foglamps. GLIs ride on 17-inch summer performance tires on 7x17-inch alloy wheels.” 

“[The New Jetta] is larger, dimensionally as well as visually, in every direction. Compared to the previous Jetta, it has a longer wheelbase and wider track…and there's a larger trunk and more interior room, particularly for rear seat passengers.” 

“Volkswagen interiors are closely studied by the competition for good reason. Volkswagen designers accomplish more with less, combining expensive-looking materials with simple but attractive styling and excellent ergonomics. The result is inviting cockpits that are pleasant places to spend time behind the wheel.”  

“As soon as the Jetta pulls away from the curb, there's a noticeable feel of solidness and a clear sense of high build quality. As there should be. A large part of the investment in the Jetta went toward increasing structural integrity. The stronger structure forms not only a more solid grounding for suspension and drivetrain components, it helps reduce unwanted noise from being transmitted into the cabin. 

The other element that was considered most critical in the design of this performance-oriented car was the suspension. This is, without question, the best handling front-wheel-drive car Volkswagen has ever produced yet, somewhat paradoxically, it all starts with the new multi-link setup in the tail of the car.” 

“The all-new Volkswagen Jetta is a delectable dish of European-bred automotive technology, superior materials and tangibly good build quality. This new Jetta is both a comfortable long-range cruiser and a snappy runabout. 

For those who want to make quicker progress down the road, the turbocharged GLI is a slick performer right out of the box. As a platform for the furious youth who want to go fast, it might be the best since the original GTI.”

At A Glance http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2006-GLI__4dr_Sedan/at-a-glance/

Vehix.com http://www.vehix.com/car-reviews/2006/volkswagen/jetta-sedan

 

VIDEOS
TEST DRIVE

REVIEW