Having a little fun with Roxio Photo Show to highlight the 2007 Ford Mustang GT Premium, I’m calling “Mustang Sally”. For details and additional photos of this awsome muscle car available as of May 2013, go to www.SouthCoastAutos.com.
Having a little fun with 2006 Ford Econoline High Top Conversion Van – Ready for a Road Trip
April 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Many of us can still remember scenes from the 70’s and 80’s, when wildly painted vans transported some very interesting people to some very strange places. Or maybe on a more conservative note, we might remember a coach transporting his whole team to games, or a large neighborhood family going on extended vacations. Well, the dream is still alive, take a look at our 2006 Ford’s E-150 Econoline High Top Conversion Van.
Some of the options available for today’s conversion van owners might include luxury tailgating, back seat entertainment systems that would rival a true media room, easy sleep-as-you-go camping trips, and just plain roomy comfortable travel beyond any of today’s SUV’s. And even if your neighbors give you a hard time about the size of your new van, they may ask to borrow it for an adventure of their own.
Some of the key features of this particular “king of the road” vehicle include a premium trim package, grey leather seats, special interior lighting, two rows of captain’s chairs, and a 22” DVD/LCD built in television ! The 5.4 liter Triton V8 puts out 255 HP and 350 ft-lbs of torque along with a trailer towing package and big 35 gallon fuel tank.
The Identifix Reliability Rating for this vehicle is 4 out of 5, and it has long been known for its dependability and flexibility. Some of the third party reviews are filled with interesting adventures: “best road trip ever”, “wow, luxury all the way”, “great safety features”, “actually kept my kids out of my hair on a long trip”, “maybe I’m not too old for a cross country drive”, and perhaps a few that are not printable for a PG-rated audience!
Just a couple of cautions: the high top van height needs to be considered when approaching parking garages, car washes, and other low clearance structures, and you may want to explore a rider on your auto insurance to be sure the conversion value is covered (some standard policies cover only the “bare metal van” value).
So who’s ready to get young again?
Watch our own road trip YouTube video in the 2006 Ford Econoline Wagon, click link.
Also available from South Coast Autos the 2004 Ford Econoline High Top Conversion Van:
For Sale: 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Best Way to Convince Your Wife
April 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment
2007 Chevrolet Corvette for sale at South Coast Autos
Back in February a friend and, fellow corvette enthusiast, shared a great article from CorvetteBlogger.com. The author, Mitch Talley recounted how Roy El-Rayes put his Powerpoint skills to work and created a slideshow presentation to plead his case to his wife to buy a Corvette Z06.
“I Would Like to Purchase Corvette Tomorrow” by Roy El-Rayes
Apparently it went viral after Roy uploaded it the Reddit. Mitch got hold of it there and dissected the pitch. The outline describes how Roy hits his wife’s practical side, and as though reading her mind, he answers the big questions like how much the payment would be. He also sprinkles in warm and fuzzy feelings for his wife, pictures of cute little kittens and yes, manages to invoke some guilt. For good measure, he points out that the Corvette is American made, in Bowling Green, KY, and wrapped up with “I love you.” The final slide, and maybe the most important, he coyly asks “Thoughts?”
Roy’s clever proposal got his wife’s approval and he drove the Z06 home the next day.
This got me to thinking, maybe I, having some Powerpoint skills myself, should make a template for husbands interested in our “pre-owned” (used car seems far too casual for an iconic sports car) 2007 Chevrolet Corvette. Using Roy’s blueprint I created a romantic framework for your own heartfelt proposal. Feel free to download it!
Visit www.SouthCoastAutos.com to view the complete listing, along with additional pictures for this 2007 Chevrolet Corvette. There is also a short YouTube video you can view here.
eBay Used Car Virtual Store VS a Roadside Open Air Lot
April 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Texas has been at the forefront of the online car business since its birth, and during its subsequent development. Houston is home to the first and largest mega online dealership, and continues to be the largest eBay used car listing area. Google “used car dealership near me” in Houston, and you can see how densely our area is covered with both franchise and independent used automobile dealerships.
Google Map search results for used car dealership near me Houston, TX
South Coast Autos is one such dealership, that favors the “online” business model. Giving up an open lot for a warehouse – high traffic street location for lower rent - relies purely on being found on the internet.
South Coast Autos is owned and managed by three generations who are totally involved in the business on a daily basis. Grandfather Phil Kowalski handles the financial functions, while Grandson Daniel travels the country hunting down unique “new quality” used cars, SUVs trucks and vans. Son Michael Kowalski, a 23-year veteran GM certified auto technician, inspects each vehicle personally, and is also the lead sales person.
Mike is a true multitasker – owner, salesman, mechanic.
When South Coast Autos started up almost 4 years ago, internet-based dealerships were already starting to saturate the web. It was clear that in order to succeed, South Coast would have to define and effectively operate in a niche within this very large market. This niche is characterized by the special nature and condition of the target vehicles. Daniel’s critical buying function to pursue this business plan means he is constantly looking for the proverbial “needle” (that really special and unique vehicle) in the “haystack” (huge unstructured auction lots).
Daniel Burr at Manheim Orlando where used cars cover 164.77 acres.
With total dependence on web generated customer traffic, the online auto sales model has eliminated the need for a prime real estate, prominent roadside display lot. South Coast keeps all vehicles indoors, out of the weather, in a large warehouse located just behind Memorial Hermann Hospital at 610 and Ella Boulevard (Houston, TX).
The sign above the door reads “Showroom Quality Preowned Cars at Warehouse Prices” and on any given day, visitors will find inside a collection including Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Infiniti; sporty convertibles with perhaps a street legal but scary fast Porsche, Jaguar or Corvette; lifted heavy duty trucks, and high top conversion vans, all lined up and meticulously detailed. A long list of mechanical and operational information is also readily available to every potential buyer.
The used car business is a fast moving, risky commercial arena characterized by significant pitfalls along the way. South Coast Autos has worked to combine the experience of the three generations to focus on the right issues, and execute the plan in an ethical and dependable manner. Some of the key success elements are an extensive mechanical know-how, web site management, high resolution digital photography, and lots of in-depth market knowledge with a good dose of the pure energy and drive that traditionally comes from the younger generation.
Daniel Burr, Phil Kowalski and Michael Kowalski showcasing a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 6.3L AMG 70,592 Miles
One indicator of success is evidenced by South Coast vehicle sales to over 30 states and several foreign countries. Customer acceptance has been outstanding as indicated by repeat business, numerous referrals, extensive positive feedback, and the coveted eBay Motors “Power Seller” and “Top Rated Seller” awards.
Media Contact: Robin Wendell, Robin@SouthCoastAutos.com
Car Care Tip: Windshield Water Repelent
April 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Last night’s torrential rain storm, here in Houston, made me think about the time (26 years ago) Dad and I were driving my brother’s 1977 Datsun 280z from Chicago to St Louis (4.5 hour trip, 297 miles). It was raining pretty hard when the wiper blades literally broke off! That’s the first time I tried Rain-X. A life saver! It repelled the water and we made it home safe and sound.
My daughter, who is now the same age I was then, drives the typical Texas “festival” circuit – Houston to Dallas, Ft Worth to Austin, then on San Antonio and on back to Houston… Well you know the routine if you have college-aged kids. Bottom line I,s I’m comforted to know that her windshield is covered with Rain-X. While I always encourage her to find the nearest safe place to pull off the road, based on my experience with the Rain-X product it’s a great back up plan in a pinch.
Car Care Tip: Used cars can mean used windshield wipers. Be sure to check and or replace your blades and apply some Rain-X to your windshield for added coverage.
RainX Before and After Windshield Treatment
Did you know?
AftermarketBusiness.com says 90% of driving decisions are based solely on vision. Check out more “Wiper and Weather Facts” by Rain-X here.
Calling All Auto Enthusiasts – 1983 Land Rover Defender
March 21, 2013 by 3 Comments
A neighbor, in the Houston Heights, stopped in for help with an appraisal for this 1983 Land Rover One Ten (the official make and model name).
Rare 83 Land Rover Defender 110
According to Wikipedia, this British-designed 4-wheel drive off-road vehicle was first introduced in 1948, and has been widely recognized as one of the best off-road vehicles ever made. In addition to being very “rough and tough”, it is easy to work on and simple to repair. When I saws this absolutely iconic vehicle, I immediately wanted to go on safari! Visions of butting heads with rhinos, steering around elephant herds and having lions sprawled across the hood (or “bonnet” as any proper Brit will confirm) all come to mind. How many great movies filmed in Africa feature Land Rovers?
The one shown here features a four cylinder 2.25 liter diesel engine which is listed as producing 62 horsepower. It also has a manual 4-speed transmission which in earlier models was non-synchronized ! ! Talk about a regression to times when shifting was so much more unforgiving than today. Both the “Ninety”, “One Ten” and “127” models were produced from 1983 – 1990. This One Ten is the military version, which carries the additional designation “Defender”. Military versions of the Land Rover performed very well in Desert Storm, and were favorably compared to the US Humvee in some ways.
The production history of the Land Rover is no less interesting with manufacturing plants located in Malaysia, Jordan, Turkey, and, of course, Kenya, in addition to the traditional plant location in the UK. Some of the features in certain Land Rover models remain truly unique. Bench seats running from front to back seem out of place, but perhaps no more than the front seats covered in elephant hide which is still available today. It’s always great to see and touch a real piece of history like this vehicle.
We at South Coast Autos try to do all we can for our “Auto Enthusiasts”, never hesitate to stop in and share your rare find, classic car or even pimped ride!
Back end of the 1983 Land Rover One Ten
The Corvette Mystique – A Classic Corvette Discussion
February 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The post WWII recovery period saw the US auto industry transition from a total wartime focus back to a consumer driven product development cycle. This did not happen overnight, and the late 1940’s saw some pretty mundane automobiles coming from Detroit. But this all changed in the 1950’s as the
US economy began to flex its muscles, and car buyers started to look for some real excitement.
Perhaps nothing typified this trend more than the Corvette. While the first model offered in 1953 was very stylish, it came with a somewhat unexciting straight 6 cylinder engine. The year 1955 saw the first availability of a V8, and this 265 cubic inch V8 was a clear harbinger of great things to come. Ford offered the Thunderbird in an attempt to compete in this market segment, but somehow it never developed the consistent image as the premium American sports car.
The 1957 283 cubic inch V8 broke new ground in offering one HP per cubic inch in a fuel injected option. Corvette styling remained at the forefront of excitement in the 1960’s with the classic split window Sting Ray, and a 427 cubic inch high performance engine. No matter how old a driver might
be, there is still a feeling of ultimate performance and a road presence unmatched by any other vehicle. Now as the 60th anniversary of the Corvette brand arrives, a 638 hp ZR1 model is available with absolute neck-snapping performance and superb handling.
South Coast Autos is always shopping for Corvettes that offer excitement and memories. We recently sold a 1966 Sting Ray in virtually original condition, and are now offering a 1998 silver Corvette for less than $18,000. This is a rare opportunity to drive an American legend!
State of the Used Car Dealership
February 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment
A bygone era, today just “OK” isn’t good enough.
What ever happened to the traditional “tire kicking” process at the traditional used car lot? The answer relates to the increased availability of online information, and an increased level of comfort with buying large expensive items online.
Today’s car buyer can access a surprising amount of detailed information about any automobile. The days of the limited small-print, finger-smudged, NADA guidebook as the only data source are well behind us. Websites can provide not only information about any car’s history, but relative wholesale and retail pricing. Now anyone looking for information on a used car can easily learn where a car was bought, where in the world it spent its prior life, if it had any accidents, and even its service record. It is also possible to gain a good feel for price ranges given both the history and the model details. Hence the minimally informed buyer of several years ago has been replaced with a buyer who has a tremendous amount of information with which to bargain and decide on a used car purchase.
The second change impacts not only cars, but just about any item in today’s marketplace. People who would have balked at buying even a cheap off-the-shelf item sight unseen a few years ago, now do not hesitate at spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on line. Most people over 40 would pale at the thought of buying a vehicle from a remote seller, but now many such transactions occur on a regular basis. Cars are bought and paid for electronically, and then transported long distances to buyers who have never “kicked the tires” at all.
The impact of these two changes on the used car business are still unfolding, but the one characteristic that remains independent of any change is reputation. And perhaps now more than ever, reputation and trustworthiness are firmly set at the head of the list when people buy used cars. The days of the fast talking, plaid suit wearing and cheap cigar toting salesman are gone forever, and the used car buyer is now in a much the better position to make an informed purchase.
