Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: Podcast Archives

November 8, 2007

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July 30, 2007

Car Buyer's Notebook Now Available in Nine Languages!

Thanks to the Babel Fish translation software from AltaVista, Car Buyer's Notebook is now available in translation for nine languages. If you include English.

The alternate languages include: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Portugese.

All you have to do is click on the appropriate flag in the box that is on the right hand side of the site.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Spanish.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in French.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Japanese.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Chinese.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in German.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Korean.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Italian.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Portugese.

July 4, 2007

Get the Car Buyer's Notebook Widget!

Aren't you tired of constantly navigating to sites, several times a day to keep up with the latest news?

I know I am -- and that's why I love widgets.

Widgets are these cool pieces of desktop "furniture" [like ours at right] that you can add to your computer -- and thus have a continuous live feed of updated news -- without going to a website to scan for cool stuff. [The widget can either be "parked" on top of all windows, or left underneath -- they're customizable, too!]

In the case of Car Buyer's Notebook, we have created just such a widget for you to download to your desktop -- and when you see a story you're really interested in, click on the title and it will take you to a new browser window to see the whole thing.

Getting our widget is simple -- there's only two steps:

1. Go to Springwidgets and download the widget software.

2. Go to this page, and get the Car Buyer's Notebook widget by clicking on the little green cog underneath the widget itself. This will add our widget to your widget menu.

And you will be in automotive widget heaven!

April 20, 2006

Is the New Dodge Ad Offensive to Assholes? -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #169

Yesterday we wrote about the non-controversy over whether the Dodge Caliber fairy ad was offensive to homosexuals.

Then last night we saw the sick puppy ad, and have to ask ourselves -- is this offensive to assholes?

We know we're insulted.

See if this link works to view the video.

Listen to the podcast by clicking here.

You can also subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

April 18, 2006

Standup Comedy Day -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #168

For some reason the funny stories just kept coming over the Internet today, and the podcast is dedicated to covering all the humor we've found in the world of cars and transportation.

Listen to the podcast by clicking here.

You can also subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

April 10, 2006

like a polluted river flowing -- a podpoem -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #166

For today's podcast we read a Charles Bukowski poem, "like a polluted river flowing," or, his take on the daily commute.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

April 7, 2006

I Love the King of Cars -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #165

Okay, this is the last I'm going to write about King of Cars for a while -- but I love this show! It's funny, outrageous and is one of the first shows ever to look at the reality of the retail auto sales industry.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

April 5, 2006

Niche Car and New Model Analysis -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #164

After spending 12 hours staring at sales data, we picked out two interesting phenomena -- the relatively short shelf life of niche cars, plus the perhaps false, or at least misleading sales increases made possible by new models in the car companies' lineups.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

April 4, 2006

Teaching Titenda to Drive -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #163

In this podcast we talk about our experience with teaching a young person to drive. It was cool to help someone out, but as the saying goes we learned more than the person being taught -- chiefly that driving is extraordinarily complicated!

The other thing is an old piece of wisdom -- that the closer you are to a person the less of a good idea it is that you teach them how to drive.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

March 8, 2006

How Roadside Assistance Programs Work -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #162

In this podcast you will learn how Frank the Genius killed a battery on a new car, BUT it does give us the opportunity to review how roadside assistance programs work for new vehicles.

In particular, it allows us to heap praise on Volvo's Roadside Assistance Program, which worked flawlessly. The operator was so professional in fact, she didn't even mock me for leaving the lights on!

Also, we need our listeners to fill out a simple, 8 question survey to get a read on our audience, so in turn we can get some advertising revenue -- click here to help us help you!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

March 2, 2006

The Four Kinds of Concept Cars -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #161

In this podcast we discuss the four basic kinds of concept cars, only two of which have any actual value, in terms of the industry, consumers and technology.

Also, we need our listeners to fill out a simple, 8 question survey to get a read on our audience, so in turn we can get some advertising revenue -- click here to help us help you!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

March 1, 2006

Write for Car Buyer's Notebook -- Podcast #160

Several listeners and readers have contacted us, inquiring if we would accept article submissions on cars -- and the short answer is, absolutely, yes, send it in!

Listen to the podcast for details on what we're looking for -- we don't want resumes or story pitches, but complete, short stories. Writers will receive credit, but no money, sorry.

Also, we need our listeners to fill out a simple, 8 question survey to get a read on our audience, so in turn we can get some advertising revenue -- click here to help us help you!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

February 28, 2006

GM's Ethanol Campaign & Dodge Caliber Walkaround -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #159

In today's episode, we talk about how GM seized image leadership on ethanol with their Live Green Go Yellow campaign, and then we leave you with a pretty cool audio walkaround of the new Dodge Caliber, from the company website.

Also, we need our listeners to fill out a simple, 8 question survey to get a read on our audience, so in turn we can get some advertising revenue -- click here to help us help you!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

February 27, 2006

Check Out A Cabin in the Woods – A Podnovel by Frank Giovinazzi -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #158

We interrupt the normal programming for this website to introduce our new audio novel, A Cabin in the Woods. We're calling this project a podnovel because we've set up a new channel to publish the weekly installments of the story, a fantasy/horror novel set in the woods.

The main character, Roger Cooke, is a college student who moves to a cabin in the woods to write the Great American Novel, but things take a turn for the weird in a hurry. One of the really cool things about this book is the structure – set up like the Thousand and One Arabian Nights, it goes back and forth between the narrator and the tales, creating its own special world, if you will.

You can listen to this off-topic podcast by clicking here, or you can listen to the introduction to the novel here.

The first chapter of the book is already posted, you can listen to it here; if you're totally into audio books in the Stephen King/Twilight Zone vein, you can put this RSS string into your podcatching software to get the regular downloads: http://acabininthewoods.libsyn.com/rss

If you'd like to check out the text entries for A Cabin in the Woods, you have two choices, at http://www.FrankGiovinazzi.com/a_cabin_in_the_woods/, or www.ACabinIntheWoods.libsyn.com.

Ten of the Biggest Underreported Automotive Sales Stories of the Year – Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #157

With sales reports out in a couple days, I thought today would be a good time to put out a story that highlights what everyone else is overlooking. Folks, get ready for some real automotive journalism!

Here's a preview of today's podcast:

Ten Underreported Automotive Sales Stories

1. Toyota is ready to become the #3 best selling car company in America. They've been beating Chrysler for a couple months, 3 brands versus 3 brands, but Chrysler has been adding their Mercedes numbers to avoid the embarrassment.
2. Nissan's sales have been down 4 months in a row. They may not hit a million, unless pride gets in the way of profit.
3. BMW is the second best selling luxury brand in America. Beemer was behind Lexus in January by only 384 units, or 2%.
4. The Chevy Cobalt is a hit. Sales were up 140% in January.
5. Audi is coming on. Sales were up 19.8% in January, and they could be looking at a 100,000 units in 2007.
6. Pontiac is surging. Sales of the G6 were up 273.6% in January, Pontiac as a whole was up 55.3%, and the SOLSTICE BEAT THE MIATA.
7. The Honda Ridgeline still isn't selling. Only 3,814 units in January, despite winning awards and a generous lease. And the Hummer H3 sold 3,777 units but gets no press!
8. The Range Rover Sport is Land Rover's best-selling vehicle.
9. The PT Cruiser is the best-selling crossover/wagon in America.
10. Toyota's hybrid SUVs are failing in the marketplace.

Also, we need our listeners to fill out a simple, 8 question survey to get a read on our audience, so in turn we can get some advertising revenue -- click here to help us help you!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

February 25, 2006

My Sister's Leasing a New Car -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #156

My sister's about to get out of her lease on a Chrysler 300 at $389 a month, and she wants something a little more affordable.

Luckily her bro keeps track of current offers and there are some juicy lease deals out there right now.

Also, we need our listeners to fill out a simple, 8 question survey to get a read on our audience, so in turn we can get some advertising revenue -- click here to help us help you!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

February 22, 2006

Wash Your Damn Car! -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #155

In this episode we get down and dirty and implore all of you to wash your cars.

It's an unscientific fact -- clean cars run better, require less maintenance and have fewer accidents. They also make our lives a little easier.

Also, we need our listeners to fill out a simple, 8 question survey to get a read on our audience, so in turn we can get some advertising revenue -- click here to help us help you!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

February 21, 2006

Using the Ford Explorer Navigation System -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #154

Man, there is nothing like using a navigation system on a trip into unknown territory. While we having made it down to Mexico yet, we have been exploring the peaks and hollers of West Virginia, and the system has been a godsend.

Come to think of it, it's saved us over $300 with just one small feature, but you're going to have to listen to the podcast to learn what it is!

Also, we need our listeners to fill out a simple, 8 question survey to get a read on our audience, so in turn we can get some advertising revenue -- click here to help us help you!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

February 17, 2006

We're Driving a Ford Explorer to Mexico! -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #153

We're taking a long ride in the new Ford Explorer this weekend, gonna' crack the knuckles on this baby, first stop, West Virgnia, and after that, who knows? Maybe we'll drive down to the Ford plant in Hermosillo, Mexico and hire a mariachi band to do background music.

Probably not, but we are taking it on a long trip, and will come back with an in-depth review. This podcast is worth listening to because it's so damn funny.

Also, we need our listeners to fill out a simple, 8 question survey to get a read on our audience, so in turn we can get some advertising revenue -- click here to help us help you!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

February 16, 2006

Ford Freestyle Test Drive -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #152

The Ford Freestyle entered the market like a sleeper movie -- a quiet opening weekend, but with word of mouth and relying on its essential quality and features is slowly building into a long-term hit.

We enjoyed driving it -- especially with the black clearcoat paint and all-wheel drive, so listen to the podcast for more details.

Also, we need our listeners to fill out a simple, 8 question survey to get a read on our audience, so in turn we can get some advertising revenue -- click here to help us help you!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

February 15, 2006

Buying a Car in a New York State of Mind -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #151

I don't know why people are so afraid of walking into car dealerships, but the bottom line is, you don't have to take any guff!

If you think you're getting manipulated, glommed or suffocated -- cop an attitude! Specifically, an attitude that stems from having a New York state of mind.

Also, we need our listeners to fill out a simple, 8 question survey to get a read on our audience, so in turn we can get some advertising revenue -- click here to help us help you!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

February 13, 2006

Nitty-Gritty Car Buying Research -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #150

Want to really get the scoop on your used or new car?

Check out the Office of Defect Investigation website, run by the federal gubbament, that houses all kinds of data on recalls, complaints and technical service bulletins.

But there's a catch -- listen to find out more!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

February 8, 2006

Deep Mechanic Reveals Car Secrets -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #149

In a dark and smoky bar, we met up with "Deep Mechanic" a fleet manager for a national rental company, and he let us in on some secrets you may not ever hear anywhere else.

Included are some scary details about the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon front end, Nissan rotors and how Carfax doesn't always get you the best information.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

February 7, 2006

Should You Buy a Car During Mercury Retrograde? -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #148

Several times a year, Mercury, the planet of communication and technology, goes retrograde, appearing to move backward in the heavens.

Astrologers say it is inadvisable to buy a car during retrograde periods -- the next one occurs from March 2-25, 2006. To learn more about Mercury retrograde, click here. File this one under "Frank's different."

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

February 2, 2006

Are the Car Companies in an Arms Race? -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #147

Is it possible that the current standard of spending $300 million to as much as a billion dollars on introducing new vehicles is a form of arms race where the smaller companies will have to fold?

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 31, 2006

When the Lowest Price Isn't -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #146

Everybody wants a good deal, but when is working the system akin to overworking it? In other words, if you squeeze every last ounce of blood out of a salesperson, are they going to have any energy left to provide service after the sale?

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 30, 2006

Ringtones, I Hear Ringtones -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #145

This podcast is a regular rodeo of automotive news -- informing you how to get your very own 2006 Ford Mustang ringtones, sign up to win a free Buick, telling you about a reader who got their deposit back, one who got jammed on a bad warranty deal, and more!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 29, 2006

Scizophrenic Consumers -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #144

Let's have a little sympathy for the car companies -- whether or not it makes sense, they have to give consumers what they want -- or what they think they want.

The best example of this is third row seats, particularly in small to midsize SUVs and crossovers. It's impossible to get in most third row seats in these vehicles, and they are generally of poor construction quality.

But what's a car company to do? Say they're stupid? No, that's for us to say!

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 25, 2006

Auto Shows From Sea to Shining Sea -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #143

While everyone pays big attention to the big auto shows in Detroit, LA and New York, there are events in practically every city in the United States, all designed to introduce the general public to new products as well as concept cars and the general wondrousness of four-wheeled transport.

For example, this week the Washington Auto Show is going on, and by going to this website, you can find a show that is scheduled to take place in a city near you.

And we highly recommend that folks check out these local events -- they're a fun, low-cost, low pressure way to see dozens of cool vehicles under one roof at the same time. The entrance fee generally runs from $5 to $15, and you can find out where and when your local shows will be, by going to this page.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 24, 2006

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Designer Interview -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #142

We interviewed Joel Piaskowski, Hyundai's lead designer who's responsible for the 2007 Santa Fe -- the company's first vehicle designed in the United States for this market.

While the Santa Fe won't be available until this summer, you can check out a gallery of pics as well as watch a video of the unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show by going to this minisite.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 23, 2006

Dodge Challenger Interior Design -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #141

In this podcast we interview Alan Barrington, the Dodge designer responsible for bringing the Challenger concept vehicle's interior to life in the present day.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 19, 2006

Subaru Outback Sedan Test Drive -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #139

How many folks know you can get an Outback in a four door sedan? Of the eight Outbacks offered by Subaru, two come in the non-wagon configurating, and the experience is a pleasant surprise -- the package combines sportiness, performance and practicality all in one, wrapped around a feeling of Subaru durability.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 16, 2006

Dodge Charger Design with Ralph Gilles -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #138

At the Detroit Auto Show we caught up with Ralph Gilles Design Director for Chrysler Group and he spoke to us about the design of the Dodge Charger -- what their goals were, why they did certain things and of course, why they're so proud of it.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 13, 2006

The New Camry is a Stake in the Heart of Detroit -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #137

Make no mistake -- the new Toyota Camry for 2007 is the biggest news to come out of the Detroit Auto Show. Not only is the car a homerum for Toyota, it's an absolute disaster for the domestic automakers. Because no matter what they do, no matter ho wmuch they improve, Toyota is a force in motion, and they're getting better all the time.

This podcast is short and not so sweet for domestic auto watchers.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 8, 2006

What Car Dealers Think -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #134

The night before the Detroit Auto Show started, we went out to dinner with a group of car dealers, and, outside the environment of making the sale, a couple of them agreed on the basic truth about vehicles in marketplace.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 6, 2006

Cash is King -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #133

A few readers have written complaining that while they were able to get good deals on new vehicle prices, they had to walk away from the transaction because they got walloped with high dealer finance rates.

This is a good reminder that when you go into a dealership to buy a new vehicle, there are two transactions at play -- buying the vehicle itself and "buying" the financing.

Even though you can't see or drive the money, you are paying for it just as much as you are for the metal. So it's recommended that you always try to get outside financing, either from a bank or credit union, before you go into a dealership.

This allows you to negotiate as a "cash" customer, because alll you're doing is buying the car. The bank is paying for it, and you in turn, make the payments to the bank.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 5, 2006

GM Announces California Ethanol Initiative -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #132

General Motors announced a major E85 initiative with the state of California today, in a move that will put more Flex-Fuel vehicles on the road, as well as provide the refueling infrastructure and the fuel itself.

We interviewed Beth Lowery, GM's Vice President for Environment and Energy, and she explained how the partnership will help California become less dependent of foreign fuel while providing new jobs to state residents.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

For the 2006 model year, GM offers nine E85 flexible fuel vehicles, including the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Impala, and the Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

January 4, 2006

Are Expensive High-Tech Options Worth the Price? -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #131

When talking about non-essential features like GPS Navigation systems and in-car DVD entertainment units, the high prices charged by car companies simply do not justify what you're getting.

What, this, coming from Frank who loves navi? Yes, that's right citizens, you can do better in the aftermarket.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 3, 2006

Howard Stern Countdown -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #130

The King of All Media returns to the airwaves officially on January 9, but we have a clip from his very first words uttered over the satellite airwaves.

In case you weren't aware, Howard Stern left his traditional radio perch, where he had 10 million subscribers, to bolt to Sirius radio, where at best he'll have 3 million. Is this a new frontier for him to conquer [as they're spinning it] or a swan song into oblivion?

If you're interested in taking a virtual tour of his studios, check out this link, here is the link to the main Stern page on Sirius.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

January 2, 2006

Can You Get Your Deposit Refunded? -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #129

A reader wrote us, asking about getting their deposit refunded, and while we're not lawyers, we would like to pass on some links and research to you. Did we mention we're not lawyers? And that this isn't legal advice?

Anyway, most of the websites we visited for states' Attorneys General say consumers are not entitled to either cancel a signed contract, OR to get their deposit refunded. This comes with the caveat in some states such as New York, however, that if the dealer is helping you get financing, you can cancel the deal before you sign the finance agreement and get a full refund of your deposit.

In the case of the reader that wrote to us, it appears as if they are entitled to a refund of their deposit, but then again, we're not lawyers.

What this comes down to is two things -- first, read what you're signing and don't take anyone's verbal assurance. Second, check the laws in your state. Vermont, for instance, lets you cancel deals made over the phone, and New York also allows you a refund on a lease deposit before you've signed the paperwork.

To listen to today's show, click here to play it directly on your computer.

Or you can subscribe to the daily Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast feed by putting this URL in your podcatching software: http://carbuyersnotebook.libsyn.com/rss

December 30, 2005

Using the Internet to Buy a Vehicle -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #128

This is really cool -- a Car Buyer's Not

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April 20, 2006

Is the New Dodge Ad Offensive to Assholes? -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #169

April 18, 2006

Standup Comedy Day -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #168

April 10, 2006

like a polluted river flowing -- a podpoem -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #166

April 7, 2006

I Love the King of Cars -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #165

April 5, 2006

Niche Car and New Model Analysis -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #164

April 4, 2006

Teaching Titenda to Drive -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #163

March 8, 2006

How Roadside Assistance Programs Work -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #162

March 2, 2006

The Four Kinds of Concept Cars -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #161

March 1, 2006

Write for Car Buyer's Notebook -- Podcast #160

February 28, 2006

GM's Ethanol Campaign & Dodge Caliber Walkaround -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #159

February 27, 2006

Check Out A Cabin in the Woods – A Podnovel by Frank Giovinazzi -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #158

Ten of the Biggest Underreported Automotive Sales Stories of the Year – Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #157

February 25, 2006

My Sister's Leasing a New Car -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #156

February 22, 2006

Wash Your Damn Car! -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #155

February 21, 2006

Using the Ford Explorer Navigation System -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #154

February 17, 2006

We're Driving a Ford Explorer to Mexico! -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #153

February 16, 2006

Ford Freestyle Test Drive -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #152

February 15, 2006

Buying a Car in a New York State of Mind -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #151

February 13, 2006

Nitty-Gritty Car Buying Research -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #150

February 8, 2006

Deep Mechanic Reveals Car Secrets -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #149

February 7, 2006

Should You Buy a Car During Mercury Retrograde? -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #148

February 2, 2006

Are the Car Companies in an Arms Race? -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #147

January 31, 2006

When the Lowest Price Isn't -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #146

January 30, 2006

Ringtones, I Hear Ringtones -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #145

January 29, 2006

Scizophrenic Consumers -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #144

January 25, 2006

Auto Shows From Sea to Shining Sea -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #143

January 24, 2006

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Designer Interview -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #142

January 23, 2006

Dodge Challenger Interior Design -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #141

January 19, 2006

Subaru Outback Sedan Test Drive -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #139

January 16, 2006

Dodge Charger Design with Ralph Gilles -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #138

January 13, 2006

The New Camry is a Stake in the Heart of Detroit -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #137

January 8, 2006

What Car Dealers Think -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #134

January 6, 2006

Cash is King -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #133

January 5, 2006

GM Announces California Ethanol Initiative -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #132

January 4, 2006

Are Expensive High-Tech Options Worth the Price? -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #131

January 3, 2006

Howard Stern Countdown -- Car Buyer's Notebook Podcast #130