Chicago Auto Show

Well, its that time again.  Here is all information on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.  I'm sure some of us at Brown And Brown Chevy Hyundai will be there!!

The 2012 Chicago Auto Show will feature two days of media preview, with events starting February 8 and ending the afternoon of February 9.

After each media preview news conference, we will post releases and photography related to that event. Releases and photography will be posted in the Online Newsroom.

Continental Media Center - The Continental Media Center is located in Room N426 of McCormick Place--the same as in past years. When you enter McCormick Place from Gate 3 (where the hotel shuttles will drop you), proceed up the escalator and follow the signs through the Grand Concourse. You will go up two more escalators and then cross over to the Grand Concourse to get to N426.

Official Hotels - The Chicago Auto Show is pleased to announce their partnership with the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. The Sheraton Chicago is conveniently located for easy access to McCormick Place, the Grand Ave./Illinois St. corridor, and the busy Michigan Ave. "Magnificent Mile". The recently renovated Sheraton Chicago is offering Chicago Auto Show media, exhibitors, and attendees a fabulous rate and wonderful add-ons.

Spend Wisely to Save Money

Have you ever noticed that the things you buy every week at the grocery and hardware stores go up a few cents between shopping trips? Not by much…just by a little each week but they continue to creep up and up.

All it takes for the price to jump up by a lot is a little hiccup in the world wide market, note the price of gasoline as it relates to world affairs.

There is a way that we can keep these price increases from impacting our personal finances so much and that is by buying in quantity and finding the best possible prices for the things we use and will continue to use everyday… things that will keep just as well on the shelves in our homes as it does on the shelves at the grocery store or hardware store.

For instance, dog food and cat food costs about 10% less when bought by the case than it does when bought at the single can price and if you wait for close out prices you save a lot more than that.

Set aside some space in your home and make a list of things that you use regularly which will not spoil. Any grain or grain products will need to be stored in airtight containers that rats can’t get into so keep that in mind.

Then set out to find the best prices you can get on quantity purchases of such things as bathroom items and dry and canned food.

You will be surprised at how much you can save by buying a twenty pound bag of rice as opposed to a one pound bag but don’t forget that it must be kept in a rat proof container.

You can buy some clothing items such as men’s socks and underwear because those styles don’t change, avoid buying children’s and women’s clothing, those styles change and sizes change too drastically.

Try to acquire and keep a two year supply of these items and you can save hundreds of dollars.

Crazy Deals This Month!!!!!!!!!!!!! Click The Image To See The Deals!!

SONATA'S ON SALE NOW

Hello everyone. I just wanted to let you know that we are selling ANY NEW 2011 Sonata for $300 under invoice.  You come on in and pick out the car and I show you the invoice and we take $300 more off!! No haggle pricing to make your car buying experience a easy one.  YOU MUST ASK FOR ED MAISONNEUVE. Offer good through March 14th 2011!!

Chicago 2011: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the fastest, most powerful ever [w/video]

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was a performance monster, featuring an all-aluminum engine displacing 427 cubic inches that was originally intended for racing. Just 69 units were built, and they are highly coveted by collectors today. Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise, then, that Chevrolet chose to resurrect this classic moniker for what it is calling the fastest and most technologically advanced Camaro ever built.

At this point, specifications are still preliminary, but Chevrolet is estimating that its supercharged and intercooled 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine will put out around 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Those ponies will be sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission using a dual-disc clutch that's necessary to properly harness all those horses. There's also a dual-mode exhaust system that alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm.

Chevrolet tells us that its goal was to build "a Camaro intended to reach optimal lap times on top road-racing circuits and excellent driving dynamics on the street." To that end, the 2012 Camaro ZL1 will be fitted with a new electric power steering system and Magnetic Ride Control that will offer both Tour and Sport modes. Brembo brakes measuring 14.6-inch (370 mm) in the front (with six-piston calipers) and 14.4-inch (365 mm) at the rear (with four-piston calipers) bring it all back down from speed.

Naturally, there's an updated body kit to differentiate the ZL1 from lesser machines. Most notable are the redesigned fascia that features a front splitter, vertical fog lamps and air intakes designed for brake cooling. There's also a new aluminum hood with a raised, satin black-finish carbon fiber insert that uses a unique air extractor that is said to increase downforce by directing oncoming air over the car. There's also a spoiler at the rear of the car and new 20-inch aluminum wheels fitted with specially developed Goodyear Supercar F2 tires.

Chevrolet promises to have the Camaro ZL1 on dealer lots in the beginning of 2012, and it will be available in any color offered on the Camaro. We can hardly wait. In the meantime, check out all the details in the video and press release after the break, and feel free to drool over the high-res image gallery below.

Used Car Check List From Brown And Brown

Initially: Any "bad" records in a VIN history report?
Any maintenance records, mileage proof?
How many previous owners?
Why do they sell a car - tired of fixing it?
Any accidents, engine, transmission repair?
Has the car passed last Emission Test?
Start with exterior.
Indications of possible problem:
Are the exterior lines not straight? Ripples? Misaligned panels?
Driver's door has free play in the hinges? Troubles to close?
Are the gaps between panels too narrow (too wide) on one side of the car?
Lots of rusty spots?
Mismatched colors? Painting over spray?
Any panel of the car seems to be repainted?
Why? Accident? Corrosion?
Trailer hinge? The car was using for towing?
Indications of possible engine problem:
Any oil or coolant leaks from the engine?
Is the engine dirty or oily?
Is the oil level low? Is the oil on the dipstick too dark?
Any indication of poor quality repair work / lack of maintenance? (e.g. badly corroded battery terminals, very low oil level, etc.)
Start the engine:
Does it work unevenly?
Any knocking, pinging, whistling?
Any smoke? (slight water steam is OK)
Any warning lights come on while the engine is running?
"Check engine" light?
Is the engine oil pressure too low at idle?
Any hesitation on acceleration?
Is the engine enough powerful?
Does it look very dirty under the oil cap?
Smell of the burnt oil under the hood?
Possible automatic transmission problems:
Any previous transmission repair? Was it rebuilt?
Does the transmission fluid smell burnt?
Is the tranny fluid on the dipstick too dark/dirty?
Start the engine and try to switch from P to D and from P to R holding the brakes -
Is the time between shifting and the moment the transmission kicks in too long?
Any strong noises or jerks?
During a test drive:
Any delays or troubles shifting?
Any shudder? Does the transmission slip or jerk harshly?
The shifting seems to be delayed?
Does the kick-down function work?
The manual transmission:
Any leaks?
Any noises while driving?
Any troubles changing gears?
Is the clutch slipping?
Any trouble to shift into reverse?
The suspension problems:
Is any of shock absorbers leaking?
Is any of the shock absorber boots broken?
The steering has notable free play?
Does the car bounces too much when you push one of the corners down?
Tires have irregular wear? (alignment problem)
Does the car sit level?
During a driving test:Any knocking or creaking noises when driving over bumps?
Does the car pull aside? Is the steering wheel out of center?
Does the vehicle feel unstable on a freeway?
Any humming or growling noise?
The brakes. Possible problem:
Is the brake fluid container leaky?
Is the brake fluid level too low?
Brake pedal goes down to the floor? Break pedal is too soft (spongy)? Too hard? Any brake fluid leaks under the car?
Badly corroded brake lines? Brake rotors appear corroded? During the test drive. Any brake pedal or steering pulsation while braking?
Does the vehicle pull aside while braking?
Any grinding noise?
Does the brake warning light or ABS light come on while driving?
Tires:
Any cracks, bruises?
Tread appears low?
Mismatched tires?
Damaged rims?
Vibration at high speed?
Humming noise? (uneven tire wear?)
The interior:
Is the driver seat / steering wheel worn excessively?
Dampness under the carpet or in the trunk?
Does the Radio / CD / Tape work?
Has the odometer any evidences of being tampered?
Does the air conditioner provide really cold air?
Are the power locks, windows, mirrors, sunroof, etc. working?
Are the heater, rear window defogger working?
Wind noise while driving?
Any of warning lights come on while driving?
Do you feel comfortable in driver's place?
Seats, seat belts, mirrors, controls, steering, visibility?
Spare tire, jack, wheel wrench?