Happy Holidays All,

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday over the long weekend. I was up in the Valley for the big day (San Joaquin Valley that is). It was a rather quick trip as like many I had to be back this morning ready to rock for work. While on my holiday I was asked a very common question and felt compelled to share with my readers.

While in casual conversation Christmas Eve someone mentioned they were considering a new Lexus RX. This comment was soon followed by, "So when's a good time to buy?� I think many people in the market ask this question as they should if they are a savvy shopper. The answer is simple and I'm sure some already know it. End of day, end of week, end of month, end of year.

It may make you feel better to say it after you get a ticket but I regret to inform you that CHP do not have quotas! Now when it comes to the auto business yes, people do have goals to make and numbers to meet. So as the day, week, month or year ends they get closer to crunch time to meet the goals set forth. So, my answer is NOW! Especially since many dealers both foreign and domestic are still sitting on '06 inventory as we speak. Now those smart Germans have had a brilliant marketing strategy for years to remedy this annual dilemma for dealers. We have all seen the BMW with a bow or the wives argue over whos new Mercedes is parked out front. Unlike most manufacturers they bump up advertising at years end with Christmas commercials encouraging consumers to buy while ’06 models last and at excellent prices.

A smart car shopper will end up saving the most dough. If you do your homework on the car you’re shopping for you will most likely find minimum changes between the '06 and '07 models. Unless a new platform or body change was introduced (i.e. Infiniti G, Toyota Camry, BMW 3 series coupe) chances are only little changes occurred. Take for example my recent purchase of a new Pontiac GTO. I purchased a NOS (New Old Stock) '05 instead of a '06 for two reasons: 1. I preferred the transmission of the '05 model and 2. The cosmetic changes were so minor it was not worth spending an additional $8,000. The end result is I saved enough money to spend a little to personalize the car with aftermarket wheels, exhaust, tint and more still having cash to spare.

So, if you’re in the market this weekend is the end-all beat-all weekend as it’s not only the end of the week or month it is also the end of the year!

Happy New Years, Lance

Greetings All,

I would like to introduce myself and give you a bit of background on what brought me to be known as "Motorhead�?.

My name is Lance Lambert and I am the Automotive Digital Advertising Consultant here at the Ventura County Star. My primary job is sales and assistance for online and day to day operations of www.venturacountystar.com/cars. I also sell all advertising here on our main site as well.

My history is a bit much but hey, we only have to do this once right?
I am third generation of a strong automotive family. My grandfather was an owner of a chain of gas stations in Colorado and raced oval in the early 30's and 40's. My father as well did his time at the gas stations wrenching before moving on to writing service then eventually to Regional Transport Manager for the GM "Numi�? plants in the SF Bay area where I grew up. Like my father, I also grew up working on cars every weekend as apposed to watching guys in tights chase the "pigskin�?!

My professional auto career (surprise) started at a gas station along side my brother at an early age of 15. Here's where we try to cut to the chase. My father had an apprenticeship set up for me to become a mechanic after high school so I worked in all kinds of shops (bodyshops, detail shops, performance shops). I was ready to rock! Then I figured why not try the college thing first? Even though my major was Criminal Justice in college, I worked in "the business�? to be there. I did 2 years at a motorcycle shop in parts and sales then, 3 ½ years in roadside assistance for AAA before moving on to management for a performance parts manufacturer then at Sears Automotive Group.

At age 27 I decided to venture out with my years of knowledge and experience. I started my own High-line transport company (Essentially AAA for luxury and collector cars) but even though I was doing well I was forced to sell after being diagnosed with cancer. After a full recovery I took a position as a District manager for Jiffy Lube for several months before heading off on my own again to run an Avis franchise. Then the shift to automotive advertising came with an offer from a large player in the online used car world. Well word got out of my knowledge and customer service to the powers that be and that's what landed me here at "The Star�?.

So, 16 years professionally working in the automotive industry and 25 years working on them, dreaming about them and drooling on them makes me a true Motorhead! The more common term is "Gearhead", I just like the sound of Motorhead better. My goal here is to help everyone understand and embrace the love of the automobile as we know it. I will be sharing my experiences at various shows like SEMA in Vegas or The LA Auto Show. As well I will share proper practice for maintenance, buying and driving your auto. I respect that just as I care about what kind of oil I use in my car many of you simply view your car as an "A to B form of transport�?. Point is that we all are around them everyday and it never hurts to be in the know when it comes to auto.

Cheers, Lance