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Car Confusion

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Toyota isn't the only car company having problems. The meter is running out for several car models.

And even if you get a great deal on the last ones on the lot, will you be able to get it fixed?

Does the word "discontinued" mean a deal... or a dud? We wanted to find out.

Mara Woloshin has been a loyal Saab customer for more than a decade.

"I love the way this car is designed," she said. "It's six-speed, it's got a beautiful interior," she said.

But GM is winding down the Saab brand, and Mara's local dealership is already closed. Now, she has to drive more than 100 miles to get her beloved car serviced.

"I'm very concerned about parts, service and how I'm going to be able to cost-effectively maintain my car," she told us.

(GM has recently entered a pending agreement with a Dutch company called Spyker Cars to sell Saab. The deal could be finalized at some point this month.)

It's not just Saab--the auto industry is putting the brakes on underperforming brands. Volvo is in transition… and Pontiac and Saturn aren't going to be manufactured anymore.

We asked James Bell, the Vice President of Kelley Blue Book, what that will mean for consumers.

"It's sad to see a brand like Pontiac disappear," he said. "But you know what? It's going to allow General Motors to survive and that's the important part."

Bell said there's no need to panic if you do own a discontinued car. You are still under warranty, and can still get your car serviced. Also, the federal government is keeping a close eye on the situation.

"The government has made sure that General Motors is going to have a good supply of parts and service facilities available in your area. It just probably won't be nearly as convenient," Bell explained.

But there are some possible downsides to buying a car that's stopping production, said Phil Reed, who is a senior consumer editor at www.edmunds.com.

"In most cases the resale value of these vehicles is going to drop very steeply. So if you're buying a car that you want to turn around and trade it in three years, this is not the car for you," Reed advised.

But he added that if you plan to keep the car for seven years or longer, you may actually want to buy.

"They're basically offering fire sale prices for the vehicles and they're trying to sell everything they can before they have to close," he explained.

Dealers are offering rebates and negotiating deep discounts. But do your research online before heading to the lot... And be prepared to haggle.

"The only way to get your best price is going to be going through aggressive negotiation because we have something here that we really can't chart, which is how low will a dealer go? Because they're basically in a position where they're trying to cut their losses," Reed said.

Mara doesn't need to negotiate.She loves what she drives and is just sad this Saab will likely be her last.

"I don't want anyone to go through whatI am going through right now --of being very content with a car that has absolutely no foreseeable future," she told us.

Experts say if you're seeking out a discontinued car, you'll have to buy off the lot. So be prepared to compromise on color, trim and options packages if you want the best deal.

 

Next Article in Special Assignments: On Your Side: Cell phone companies are watching you

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