Last 8 days to Purchase your New Vehicle with 2009 Tax Write off:

The IRS is handing back $1,000 plus on a new car purchase this year. This is a new provision of the Senate’s Version of the economic stimulus bill. The measure, approved by the Senate, would make auto loan interest and state sales tax deductible from federal income tax.

The 2009 stimulus package signed into law by President Obama includes a valuable tax break for people who buy new cars, pickups, motorcycles and motor homes.

“You could save as much as 10% off the price of a new car by writing off state and local sales taxes. “Imagine if you buy a $30,000 car, your sales tax is nearly $3,000. You take a $3,000 deduction right off your federal income tax for 2009.” Says one dealership owner in California.

However, there are a few guidelines that must be followed:

•The deduction is limited to the state and local sales and excise taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of the new vehicle.
•The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.
•The vehicle must be purchased after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010, to qualify for the deduction.
•The deduction cannot be claimed on 2008 tax returns.
So you may want to consider a new car purchase more seriously before this tax incentive expires on January 1, 2010. Come down to L.A. Car Connection and let us help you choose your next vehicle.

The Results of the L.A. Auto Show

Even though there have been some serious ups and downs in the automotive industry and it’s had some major dire straits in the past year, none of which stopped the L.A. Auto Show from happening. As always, The L.A. Auto Show was held at the L.A. Convention Center, starting on Friday December 4^th until Sunday, December 13^th. The whole L.A. Car Connection, Inc. team had the opportunity to go down last week and see the latest and best of the automotive industry. Here are the top ten best new cars:

1. The Audi E-Tron: This Vehicle was one hot looking car. Reviewers were calling it the new “green sports car”. The vehicle is powered with four electri c motors, and a lithium ion battery pack, producing 315 hp.
2. The Jaguar XJ: Jaguar really stepped up their game with the Jaguar XJ. With a sleek body style, and luxurious interior, their German competitors had nothing on them.
3. The Lexus LFA: Eric Brooks, President of L.A. Car Connection, Inc. actually had the opportunity to drive one of these sexy cars a couple months prior to the L.A. Auto show. Eric says “there is nothing like this car.”  This car may have taken awhile to come around but with a speed reaching 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, this car is made for anyone with the need for speed.
4. BMW Vision EfficentDynamics: To describe this vehicle in one word, that word would be unique. BMW plans to continue to make diesel based- plug in hybrids for all their future cars. They’re claiming that this one-of-a-kind will deliver M3 performance.
5. Cadillac CTS Coupe: This is a personal favorite for one of the employees at L.A. Car Connection, Inc. This car is said to be the super classy, very fast station wagon. This two door coupe has a small bumper and smaller curb weight, and is anything but boring to drive.
6. Mini Roadster Concept: If you have never been a fan of mini coopers, just wait until you see this baby. While not as nimble as the original, this new and improved mini cooper gets amazing speed and handles remarkably.
7. Ford Fiesta: Reviewers and local newspapers are comparing this closely to the Honda civic. This vehicle has a very sleek design with the practicalities of everyday driving. Great gas mileage, and overall a great little commuter car.
8. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG :  This Mercedes is not a direct descendent of  the Mercedes 300SL, but is very similar. The SLS AMG, is half the price ($455,000) of the Mercedes SLR, but just as good, if not a little bit better.
9. Porsche 911 GT3 RS: This Porsche is the most performance based Porsche made to date. But hey, that’s what makes them such amazing cars.
10. The Buick Regal: A new Buick Regal was launched in China in November 2008 based on the Opel Insignia.In November 2009, in Los Angeles, GM introduced the car to the North American market. Although such a success in China, let’s see how this vehicle does in the U.S.

Too Busy to Get Your Car Washed? Try Mobile Detailing!

Many enjoy the luxury of getting into a new, freshly washed vehicle but unfortunately do not have the time to either get a quality wash. In between, soccer practice and late nights at the office your find yourself not taking care of your second biggest investment you’ll make….Your vehicle.  Here are some benefits of mobile detailing as an alternative.

1. Protect Your Investment – Think detailing is a luxury service? It’s actually preventative maintenance for the interior and exterior of your car. Failure to properly maintain your vehicle could lead to paint oxidation/fading, clear coat failure, faded trim, and even faded and/or cracked interior plastics and leather surfaces. Regular details ensure that these parts don’t break down over time, which keeps your car in good shape for years down the road.

2. Clean Interiors Are Healthier – What people don’t realize, the average person spends 2.4 hours or longer in their car a week. When your interior is not cleaned on a regular basis, dust mites and other allergens can develop quickly. A detailed interior promotes a healthier environment for you and your passengers.

3. Professional Detailers Do It Right – When you have a problem with your car, you take it to a mechanic because they know cars and have the proper tools to make the repair or if you’re sick, you go to your doctor. It’s the same principal when having a professional detail your car. We have the equipment, products, and expertise needed to do the best job and to do it correctly.

4. Higher Resale Value – Look at it from a different point of view– Would you buy a dirty scratched up car?  Not likely!  A thorough detail before you sell your car increases your chances of it selling quickly, and at a higher price. The extra money could be used towards the purchase of your next vehicle.  This also helps when you turn in a vehicle coming off a lease.  If your car is left in horrible shape when its turned in, you will more than likely be paying a hefty cleaning fee from the leasing company.

5. Enjoy That New Car Feel - Professional detailing performed on a regular basis is a effective way to keep your car looking great and feeling like new.  It’s the next best thing without spending the money on a new car!

6. Portray The Right Image – As quoted in Entrepreneur Magazine “To many, the appearance of a clean, well cared for vehicle, dictates the projections of the owners own personality and upkeep”