Hit the Road in Style With These Must-Haves Accessories

As a car dealer, we understand the excitement and anticipation that comes with planning a road trip. The stories customers tell are not only fascinating but give us insight as to what you will need on the road.

Being prepared can make all the difference between a smooth, enjoyable journey and a stressful one. That's why we've compiled a list of must-have car accessories to enhance your next adventure:

Essentials for Safety and Preparedness:

• Emergency Kit: This should include essentials like jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and flares. Consider adding a roadside assistance plan for added peace of mind.

• Road Atlas or GPS: While GPS navigation is readily available on smartphones, having a physical backup ensures you're never without directions, especially in areas with limited cell service.

• Car Phone Charger: A reliable car charger is crucial for keeping your phone powered on for navigation, entertainment, and emergencies. Consider a car charger with multiple USB ports to keep multiple devices charged. You should also consider an external battery that can charge devices without having to rely on electricity or the car itself.

Enhancing Comfort and Convenience:

• Seat Gap Organizer: This handy accessory prevents items like phones, keys, and wallets from falling into the abyss between your seat and the center console.

• Car Phone Mount: A phone mount allows you to safely and conveniently use your phone for GPS navigation, hands-free calling, and music streaming while keeping your eyes on the road.

• Cooler: A small cooler is a great way to keep drinks and snacks cold on long journeys, especially if you're traveling with children or pets.

• Sunshades: Window sunshades help keep your car cool and protect passengers from harmful UV rays, especially important for long drives during the summer months.

Keeping Passengers Entertained:

• Headrest Tablets or Portable DVD Players: These keep passengers, especially children, entertained throughout the trip.

• Car Games and Activities: Pack some classic car games, travel journals, or activity books to keep everyone engaged and prevent boredom on long stretches of road.

Bonus Tip:

Consider investing in a cargo bag or roof rack if you're anticipating extra luggage or gear for your trip. This will help you maximize space and keep your car organized.

Remember: While these accessories can add comfort and convenience to your road trip, the most important element is ensuring your car is in top shape. Schedule a pre-trip inspection at your dealership to ensure your vehicle is up-to-date on maintenance and ready for the adventure ahead.

By having the right car accessories and ensuring your car is in good condition, you can set yourself up for a safe, enjoyable, and memorable road trip!

.

Your Next Car!

Carnac The Magnificient

Do you remember Johnny Carson's iconic character, Carnac the Magnificent? Picture him in his flamboyant turban, holding an envelope to his forehead, blurting out the answer to whatever is inside of it. This time he opens the envelope and instead of a question, out pops a Keyfob. As the audience laughs as he gives it to his sidekick who pushes the button. Nothing happens.

Carnac, with a wry smile, looks over and quips, "Sir, may your next journey be as smooth as a gravel road under a flat tire." He then snatches the keyfob back and, with a knowing nod, places it next to his head. This time, a car horn sounds off in the distance.

You Have Special Powers Too!

While this scenario sounds funny, it's actually based on real science! Placing a key fob against your head can indeed extend its range due to the use of the human skull as a conductor. This method leverages the scientific principle that the human body, being composed largely of water, can amplify the fob's signal.

Will Carnac's prediction come true? Is that keyfob going to belong to your next car? Stop by today and take away the guess work. We have a selection of cars to fit your and and your budget. 

And remember May your Keyfob never get lost or the jokes ever be over your head.

7 Steps to Buying Your First Car

Figure out what you can afford Shop around for the best deal Test drive different cars Get a car history report and mechanical inspection Finalize the purchase and register the car Insure your car Enjoy your new ride!

Stick To Your Budget

First time car buyers often make the mistake of rushing into a purchase without doing their research first. This can lead to overpaying for a car that doesn’t fit their needs or budget.

By setting a budget first, you can avoid this common pitfall. Figure out how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a car payment each month. Then, research the Fair Market Range prices for the type of car you’re interested in. This will give you a good starting point

Start Your Research

With an established budget in hand, it’s time to start shopping around for the best deal. There are so many sites online to do research where you can check out safety ratings, available options, interior features and more.

Test Drive Several Cars

After you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to take them for a spin. This will help you get a feel for how the car drives and handles. It’s also a good time to see if there are any additional features that you may want or need.

Get A Car History Report And Mechanical Inspection

Once you’ve found the perfect car, it’s time to do a little digging into its history. A car history report will tell you if the car has been in any accidents or had any major repair work done.

Finalize The Purchase and Register The Car

After you’ve negotiated the price of the car, it’s time to finalize the purchase. This usually involves signing a sales contract and putting down a deposit. The great news is that the dealership will typically handle all the paperwork involved in registering the car.

Insure Your Car

Now that you’re the proud owner of a new car, it’s time to get it insured. The type and amount of coverage you need will vary depending on your state’s laws and your personal driving habits.

Enjoy your new ride!

Buying your first car is a big decision, but we’re here to help make it as easy as possible. We want you to be happy with your purchase and our team will be with you every step of the way.

Contact us today to get started.

The Best Ways To Keep Your Car Smelling Like New Your Car

The smell of a new car is one of the best things in the world. It's like getting a fresh start, every time you get in. But what can you do to make sure your car smells like new for as long as possible? Here are four tips that will help keep your car smelling great.

1. Don't leave food in your car.

This one seems like a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating. Whenever you eat in your car, be sure to throw away any wrappers or leftover food. Otherwise, you're just inviting critters and bacteria to come in and make themselves at home.

2. Vacuum the seats and carpets often

Even if you don't eat in your car, dirt and dust can build up on the seats and carpets. Vacuuming regularly will help to remove these particles and keep your car smelling fresh.

3. Use a fabric freshener to keep the upholstery smelling good

There are a variety of fabric fresheners on the market, both in spray and gel form. These can help to keep the upholstery in your car smelling pleasant.

4. Spray a deodorizer in the car every week or so to keep it smelling fresh.

There are products that are designed to produce the new car smell. These can be found at most auto parts stores and can help keep your car smelling like new.

These are just the basics, but to really get rid of tough odors like smoke, it's going to take a bit more work. Deodorizers and fabric sprays may temporarily cover up smells, but they don’t actually remove them. If you’re looking for a more long-term solution, try an ozone generator.

An ozone generator can also be used to remove smoke odors from your car. They work by producing ozone molecules which attach to and break down the particles that cause odors. Ozone generators can be purchased online or at some home improvement stores.

Top Car Accessories Every Owner Should Try

As a car owner, you are constantly looking for ways to improve your driving experience and make your car more comfortable and efficient. One way to do this is to invest in some top accessories that can help you get the most out of your car. Here are some of the best accessories every car owner should try:

Portable Battery Charger & Jumper Box

If you are someone who is always on the go, a portable battery charger and jumper box is an absolute must. This handy accessory will allow you to charge your car battery on the go, so you never have to worry about being stranded with a dead battery. It is also great for jump starting your car if it ever dies while you are out and about.

Mirror Dash Cam

A mirror dash cam is a great way to improve your safety while driving. It allows you to see what is happening behind you without taking your eyes off the road. There are models that will record both the front and rear view , so you can get a complete picture of what is going on around you. This can be invaluable evidence if you are ever in an accident. Unfortunately there are people who intentionally cause accidents so that they can make an insurance claim. A dashboard camera will help you prove that you were not at fault if this ever happens to you.

Cigarette Lighter Splitter

If you are constantly using your cigarette lighter to charge your phone or power other devices, then a cigarette lighter splitter is a must. This will allow you to plug in multiple devices at once without having to unplug something else. This can be really useful if you are using your navigation system and need to keep your phone charged at the same time.

Frost Guard Windshield Mats

If you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter, then you know how frustrating it is to scrape ice off your windshield. Frost guard windshield mats are a great way to keep your windshield clear and prevent ice from building up. You can find mats that fit over your entire windshield or just the part that gets iced over. Some models come with mirror pockets so that you protect those from frost and snow build up

OBD Scanner Tool

An OBD scanner tool is a must for any car owner. It allows you to read the diagnostic codes that are stored in your car’s computer. This can be really helpful if you are trying to figure out why your check engine light is on. You can also use it to clear codes and reset your engine light if it comes on unnecessarily. Look for ones that have a phone app so that you can read the codes on your phone.

Remote Starter Phone App

If you have a remote starter, then you know how convenient it is to be able to start your car from inside your house. But what if you could start your car from anywhere? With a remote starter phone app, you can do just that. Many features include allowing others to use your vehicle as long as they have the phone app. This can be great for when your spouse or kids need to use the car but you are not home. Just make sure to set up some limits so that you don’t run up your car’s mileage too much.

These are only a few of the great accessories available to car owners. With so many options out there, it is easy to find something that will improve your driving experience. So don’t wait, start shopping for some new accessories today. Your car will thank you for it. Now that you have a list of wish list accessories it might be time to get a new car to put them in! After all, what better way to show off your new toys than in a stylish set of wheels?

Check out our latest models today and find the perfect one for you.

If you love your car, would you get a tattoo of it?

Some people are so passionate about their cars that they would consider getting a tattoo of them. It’s not just a way to show off their devotion to their vehicle – for some people, it’s also a way to express themselves creatively.

A recent article on Autotrader titled The Most Tattooed Car Makes and Models is interesting in that it shows which cars are the most popular when it comes to getting inked. Be sure to read the entire article to learn the methodology behind the results. You'll not only see some of the most iconic used car brands for a few surprises along the way.

You Bought A Car And All I Got Was A T-Shirt

While getting a tattoo in general is not a universal sign of car love, it does show a high level of passion for a certain type of vehicle. More traditional examples of car love include, adding aftermarket accessories such as wearing a shirt with the car brand's logo, or getting a keychain or coffee mug with the car's image on it.

Have You Lost That Loving Feeling?

You probably didn't get a tattoo when you bought your car but there was a reason you fell in love with it in the first place. You kept it washed and waxed and couldn't wait to drive it around and show it off.

 Now you're faced with the reality that your car is getting old and you're not sure how much longer you can keep it on the road. You may be dealing with unexpected repair bills that cause you to question whether it's worth it to keep your car.

 Driving a car you don't love anymore is not fun. Why not trade in your old car for a newer model that you can fall in love with all over again?

 If you have been thinking about trading in your car, now is a great time to do it. We make it easy to sell us your car and get something you'll love again. We'll give you a fair price and take care of all the paperwork so you can drive away in style.

Does The Color Of Your Car Affect Its Resale Value?

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" - William Shakespeare

If you think about it, the color of the rose doesn't make any difference either. But have you ever wondered if the color of a car affects its trade in value?

How People Pick The Color Of Their Car

People pick the color of their car for many reasons. It may be a reflection of their personality or the desire to make a statement about their status, and even wealth.

Colors are often chosen based on comfort, practicality and aesthetics. Some of the most popular car colors are white, black, silver, gray and red.

One of the reasons people may choose white is because it looks clean and sleek. It also has a modern look to it. Plus, white can go with any type of interior.

Black is popular because it is thought to be classic and sophisticated. It also won't show dirt as easily as other colors.

Silver and gray are both neutral colors that go with just about anything. They are good choices for those who want a sleek, modern look.

Red is thought to signify power and strength. It is also seen as a more exciting color than some of the other options.

Trending Colors

Some people choose the color of their car based on what is popular at the time. Others may want to be different and choose an unpopular color. There are also those who believe that certain colors are luckier than others.

iSeeCars recently released an article detailing Which Colors Help and Hurt a Car's Resale Value. They reported:

Highlights:

• A vehicle’s color can have a substantial impact on how quickly it loses value, with the highest depreciating color losing nearly four times the value compared to the lowest

• Popular colors, including white, black, and silver, have minimal impact, meaning they won’t hurt resale value but they also won’t help a vehicle maintain its value

• Some of the most beneficial colors for retaining value, including yellow and orange, may surprise consumers

A car’s color can help or hurt its resale value, according to a recent analysis by iSeeCars.com. After comparing prices of more than 650,000 recently sold three-year-old used cars, iSeeCars determined the average three-year vehicle depreciation rate by car color. 

 “A vehicle’s color is among the primary considerations after shoppers have decided on a make and model,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. “With depreciation being the largest cost of vehicle ownership, consumers should carefully consider their color choice–especially if they plan on selling their vehicle.”

Be sure to read the entire article here

Should We All Just Buy Yellow Cars?

While the numbers speak for themselves, there are other factors you should consider before jumping on the Yellow car bandwagon. Do you really want to drive a yellow car ? If the answer is no, then it doesn't matter how well it holds its value.

The same goes for any other color. If you love the color purple and it just so happens to have a good resale value, then go for it!

Looking for a new car?

You'll love our selection of quality used cars - they're reliable and affordable. And we're here to help you every step of the way. You won't find a better selection or price anywhere else.

We can even find that Yellow car you've always wanted.

Contact us today to learn more!