Consumer Alert: How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

The theft of catalytic converters from SUVs and Trucks is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. The precious metals used in the catalytic converters can be sold to unscrupulous scrap metal dealers. A replacement catalytic converter costs between $1000-$2000. Here are some things you can do to prevent your vehicle from being an easy target.


How To Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft-Edmunds.com

There are a few options that may help prevent this type of theft. Some mechanics suggest welding the heads on the catalytic converter bolts — or simply shearing them off.

The aftermarket has responded by designing products to deter and prevent catalytic converter theft. The idea behind such devices is that if it takes too long to make the steal, the thieves will move on to easier pickings. The CatClamp, for example, which starts at $225, is a hard-to-defeat cage installed around the catalytic converter. This product can be installed by a mechanic or at home with an included specialized tool and is backed by a money-back guarantee.

While most owners don't give much thought to their catalytic converter, those with vehicles high off the ground might want to think twice. It's always wiser to park in well-lit or protected public parking lots, and to park your car in your home garage if possible. Owners whose vehicles have easy clearance underneath might want to take it a step further with an aftermarket product. Taking these precautionary measures will hopefully deter thieves and keep your car running smoothly.

2010 All New Prius Pics!

Hybrid Wars-Toyota's New Prius

Airtime: Wed. Mar. 25 2009 | :52:5 09 ET

Toyota is being challenged by competitor like never before and is responding with a new version of the Prius. Insight with CNBC's Phil Lebeau.

Is Your Car Covered in Pollen?

Mine is. What was once grey is now yellow. It reminds me of my first car, a yellow Toyota Celica. I can say that pollen was not really an issue on that citrus-lemon-yellow automobile. I digress.

This time of year many Americans spend their Saturdays washing their cars which helps with the pollen, and its good for the exterior of any car. Here are a few tips form the pro's to make sure you are doing it right.

Routinely washing your Toyota is the best thing that you can do to maintain your vehicle's original shine and finish.
Here are a few tips to keep your Toyota looking new:
1) Use a quality car wash soap.
2) NEVER USE DISH DETERGENT to wash your car - it can strip off wax and damage the finish.
3) Car-wash-specific soaps are specially formulated to dissolve dirt without compromising your vehicle's finish.
4) Wash in the shade. This helps keep your car cool while you work, reducing the possibility of water spots.
5) Rinse the vehicle first, then wash from the top down and rinse often.
6) Use a clean 100% terrycloth towel for washing and drying.

Sales Tax Deduction for New Cars and Trucks

Money Back for New Vehicle Purchases. Taxpayers who buy certain new vehicles in 2009 can deduct the state and local sales taxes they paid.

While making the final preparations on my 2008 tax returns, I came across the new 2009 Sales Tax Deduction for Vehicle Purchases on the IRS web site. In a nutshell, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides a deduction for state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase of new cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles through 2009. The deduction is available regardless of whether a taxpayer itemizes deductions on Schedule A. Purchases before Feb. 17, 2009, are not eligible for this special deduction.

The deduction is limited to the tax on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of an eligible motor vehicle. The deduction is phased out for joint filers with modified adjusted gross income between $250,000 and $260,000 and other taxpayers with modified AGI between $125,000 and $135,000. Here is a direct link to the IRS Sales Tax Deduction for Vehicle Purposes Information Page. Please contact the IRS or your tax attorney to verify that this tax deduction applies to you. IRS

2nd Annual Rice Toyota/Scion Doggie Adopt-a-Thon

Mark your calendars!
We are gearing up for the 2nd annual Rice Toyota/Scion
Memorial Day "Doggie Adopt-a-thon." This will take place on May 25th in the morning at Rice Toyota in Greensboro, NC. We'll start about 7:00 am and end about 2:00 pm.

Last year's event was a huge success and generated a lot of exposure for our furry friends (dogs and cats) needing homes. Please spread the word! And we'll keep you updated as the date gets closer.

In the meantime, there are loving animals that are in immediate need of a good home. Please take a minute to visit the Triad SPCA site. There is information on ways to volunteer, charitable donations, and pets available for adoption right now.
Triad SPCA Site

2010 Toyota Prius Fuel Economy vs. Competition

I came across this comparison chart on Consumer Reports Cars Blog and thought I would share.
Jump to Consumer Reports Cars Blog "Prius Fuel Economy vs. Competition"