The Pro’s and Con’s of Leasing a Vehicle

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Krissyar

Most people will tell you that buying a car is the smartest way to go; and from a financial perspective that could be true. If you make the higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and then keep the car for at least a few years after. But leasing a vehicle has some great options as well, it can be less expensive month-to-month, and if you like a new car every few years, it may be the way for you to go. The best way to make a decision is like Mom says right? Make a list of pro’s and con’s.

Pro’s of Leasing
Less commitment. Hey you commitment fobs – here you go. Most lease terms are 24 to 36 months. At the end of the lease you have the option to buy out the lease and keep the vehicle, or return it to the dealer, hands clean.

Lower monthly payments. Essentially this is just paying for the time you are driving the car, versus the full car price. It’s a long term rental agreement you may say. So therefore you can get more car, for less.

Low or no down payment. Watch for incentives; sometimes they offer a super low or NO down payment at all on a new lease especially if you have a good credit score. Combine that with the lower monthly payment, and it sounds like a pretty sweet deal.

Manufacturers warranty. The warranty from the manufacturer is usually for the entire term of your lease agreement. Which means no extra out of pocket costs for maintenance or repairs.

Con’s of Leasing

Sometimes leasing has higher finance charges.

Leasing contracts can restrict your travel! Leases restrict the number of miles you can drive per year, or per lease agreement. They usually want you to stay within a 12,000 to 15,000 mile per year mark. If you are someone who travels a lot for work, or has a long commute, leasing probably wouldn’t be a good idea for you. They can charge you if you exceed the miles, and that can be quite the hefty fee!

Again, you don’t own the vehicle. It’s not yours. In essence , you are renting a car for a very long period of time.

If you have kids – especially young kids – the wear and tear penalty fees could really add up. Or if you are a ‘bumper’ you know, you bumped into the pole, into that cart, or you just overall aren’t meticulous about the condition of your vehicle, the fees could really cost you a lot.

If you are looking for flexible, affordable ownership options and the ability to drive a brand new vehicle every couple of years, leasing is for you!

 

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Why You Should Get a Pre Approved Car Loan

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Krissyar

Before you start the hunt for a new car, one smart thing to do is get pre approved for your loan. When you are pre approved and shopping at a car lot, you are in a better position to negotiate.

It’s pretty easy to get pre approved for a car loan with credit unions, banks or online even no matter what your credit rating. When you do get pre approved it gives you a lot of benefits like better interest rate, helps you set a realistic budget, simplify the dealership experience, and like I mentioned, negotiate more effectively.

Once you are pre approved, you can set that budget for your car purchase by using an auto loan calculator. Just add in the loan factors such as down payment, trade in amount, your interest rate, total loan amount, and about 10% for taxes and such. The loan calculator will give you a general idea of where you should stick to when it comes to a total price, and don’t forget to include insurance and maintenance in your budget.

Don’t Forget to Check Dealership Offers 

A lot of times auto dealers get a bad rap – just like us insurance agents =/
But we all aren’t bad –  a lot of times they want you to get a great deal, as much as they want the sale. So don’t ignore financing offers, and especially the manufacturers incentives because they come from the dealership. A lot of times dealerships can negotiate a better interest rate then even your pre approval from the bank or credit union. Rebates, cash back and other incentives may be worth having them check.

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Pay Less and Get More with New Car Purchase Rewards

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Krissyar

Buying a new vehicle is a big decision, and also quite the commitment. You want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck, and some dealerships offer just that. Take East Hills Chevrolet for example; they offer an Auto Rewards program that is hard to beat, and a lot of other dealerships seem to be following suite.

Don’t just settle for a air freshener as a thank you gift for your new car purchase. There are dealerships out there that want to get your business – and keep it. They want to make you happy, and offer all kinds of great incentives to buy from them again..and again.

3 Day / 100 Mile Exchange Program
Have you ever bought a car and realized, “Crap, I really needed more room, or maybe a 4 door would be better than a 2?” Well with the Exchange Program you can do just that – you have 3 days, or 100 miles (which ever is less) to bring your vehicle back and get what you really want and need.

$7 Oil, Lube and Filter Change
Well, I can’t really say more than this. $7 oil changes? Filters too?! Platinum Elite members get this deal on their select vehicle, and that alone is worth it to me!

They are also offering loaner vehicles (while your car is in the shop) a free towing program, members only part & service pricing (another benefit worth its weight in gold) and tons of options that make Auto Rewards Programs  a deal ‘sealer!’ Check with your local dealership to see what type of auto rewards program they are offering in your area!

 

 

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Subaru Starlink Technology

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Krissyar

Safety features are usually the top concern of a new car purchase – how the vehicle rates after an accident, how it drives in bad weather, and of course technological advances to keep us safe as well. Subaru has an awesome safety features that tops its peers – Subaru Starlink Technology.

Starlink has safety and security that help keep you and your Subaru safe. The Starlink has services that include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Remote Services.

Automated Collision Notification
When an airbag is deployed a Starlink Customer Care Advisor will call you via the speakers in your car, find out what is wrong, if anyone is injured, and send the appropriate help.

Enhanced Roadside Assistance
Just press the blue ‘i” button on the overhead console for non-emergency roadside assistance. Help will be sent to your exact GPS location.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery System
If your vehicle is ever stolen file a police report ASAP and contact Starlink Customer Care; they will work with the police to help recover your vehicle.

Remote Services 
Probably my favorite Starlink option is the Remote Service capability. You just use the MySubaru app on your smart phone and it allows you to activate vehicle features remotely! Such as remote lock/unlock, remote horn and lights, and remote vehicle locator (alright, I’ve already decided – this is the car I will be having my kids drive!)

It also offers diagnostic alerts, and monthly vehicle health reports so you can keep your Subaru purring like a kitten!

 

 

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Check Out the Specs on the 2017 Dodge Durango

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Krissyar

I have 3 kids to lug around and I can tell you, sometimes a 2 row vehicle just doesn’t cut it. When you are chauffeuring  kids and their friends, or kids to ball practice, or even getting groceries, there is a lot to be said for having a bigger vehicle. I am not quite ready for the ‘soccer mom’ van, but a sporty SUV with 3 rows is right up my alley – just like the 2017 Dodge Durango. 

Not only does it have what I need for space – it has some great power. With the exception of the R/T model, the 2017 Durango comes standard with a V6 engine, and gets about 21 miles to the gallon.

Of course safety is a big concern, and a great feature of the new Durango. Anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, driver knee airbag and full length side curtain airbags. There is also a rear view camera and rear parking sensor option. It also has a touchscreen system that is bundled with emergency assistance and stolen vehicle tracking. In crash test, the Durango scored a four out of five stars for safety, with four stars for total front-impact safety and fiver stars for side-impact safety.

Safety is obviously number one, but lets get back to space – like those third row seats. Most third row seats only have enough leg room for kids only, but on this Durango there is a generous amount of space in the third row, enough for an adult to be comfortable during a road trip. The side doors also open to a nearly 90 degree angle, so it’s a lot easier for adults to get out of of the back seat. The Durgano’s maximum cargo capacity is 84.5 cubic feet, and their is 47/7 cubic feet behind the second row.
Of course the space behind the third row is a bit limited (it’s not a soccer Mom van after all) but it’s pretty deep and wide, and the back row can be laid down for additional room if needed.

Check out all the new buyer incentives and deals at East Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge

 

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