Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Wednesday Maintenance Tip: Online Tire-Buying

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Some people might assume that buying tires online and having them shipped to you is too expensive, time-consuming and cumbersome. So they continue to schlep down to the corner tire store, or buy from a chain store and wind up paying more than is necessary.

However, thanks to easy-to-navigate Web sites, consumers can provide their car's year, make and model and quickly be shown a wide selection of tires that fit their vehicle. The choices are easily sorted based on the driving requirements, prices or other factors. The tires are then "drop-shipped" to a local tire store for installation at an additional cost. Consumers we have talked with have been amazed at how smoothly the online tire-buying process works. In fact, one shopper called it, "One of my best online-shopping experiences."

Advantages of Online Tire-Buying

The Internet route offers the following advantages over the traditional tire-buying experience:

  • Online tire prices are lower, particularly when compared to inflated costs at dealerships.
  • Consumer reviews help buyers make informed decisions.
  • Buyers avoid aggressive "upselling" found in many brick-and-mortar stores.
  • Some online tire-buying Web sites, such as Tirerack.com offer their own independent tire tests.
  • There is no state sales tax on most Internet purchases (depending on the laws in your state).
  • One can find an excellent selection of hard-to-find performance and specialty tires.

Disadvantages of Online Tire-Buying

Purchasing tires over the Internet does have a few drawbacks. Here are a few things to know before proceeding:

  • The purchase requires advance planning and takes days.
  • Buyers can't inspect the actual tires before purchasing.
  • A trusted local installer still needs to be located.
  • Some buyers prefer the face-to-face interaction with an expert.
  • Shipping costs are high, particularly for overnight delivery.

Navigating Your Way to a Good Deal

The process starts with choosing the right tires for your needs. With some 160 different brands in the marketplace, the choice can be overwhelming. Many people are confused by what has been called sidewall graffiti, the hieroglyphic-like information about size, speed and load rating. In most cases, all you need to know is the year, make and model of your car. If you have put aftermarket wheels on the vehicle, you might need to know your wheel size before proceeding.

Nearly all online tire-buying sites allow you to view the list of tires using different sorting methods. If you have a brand preference, such as Michelin, you can sort the list so you can look at all those tires first. You can also cross-shop other brands by reading reviews from people who have bought these brands. While consumer reviews are important, it's also a good idea to read the opinions of experts who have a greater depth of comparative knowledge.

If you don't know a lot about tires, an easy way to make a decision is to look at the provided star ratings and the price range you have in mind to find the best intersection of these two factors. However, while most people like to save money, it's also important to make tire safety a priority.

Sorting Through Price

In tire stores you are likely to be quoted a per-tire price, so you have to do the math on the fly. On the Internet, the computer totals the cost of the four tires and gives you a better idea of whether this will fit into your budget. Keep in mind that while you are likely to be paying a hefty shipping price, you will probably not be charged sales tax by the company unless they have an office or warehouse in your state.

If you want to do a cost comparison to traditional tire-buying, keep these factors in mind:

  • Cost of the tires
  • Shipping cost
  • Savings from not paying sales tax, depending upon the merchant and where you live
  • Cost of installation
  • Disposal fees and excise taxes

Getting Your Tires Mounted and Balanced

In addition to the tire cost, you will also have to pay to have the tires mounted and balanced. Tirerack.com has a list of local installers arranged by ZIP code, so when you order you can have the tires shipped directly to the store. When the tires arrive, the installer calls you to bring the car down to have the job completed.

It's a good idea to read reviews of the installer ahead of time, and call and confirm the price for the work you need done. You will have to buy valve stems from the installer, have the tires mounted and balanced and have the old tires disposed of. The cost for all this ranges from $15 to $20 per tire depending on tire size and type.

Give the Online Route a Try

If you can save $15 per tire, that's a total savings of $60, not to mention you'll avoid some of the pricy extras many chain tire stores push on unwary customers. So give this new shopping experience a test-drive next time the tread is wearing thin on your tires. Like many other consumers, you might be so satisfied you'll never go back to the old way of doing things.

Courtesy of Edmunds

Monday Maintenance Tip: Online Tire-Buying

Tires1
Some people might assume that buying tires online and having them shipped to you is too expensive, time-consuming and cumbersome. So they continue to schlep down to the corner tire store, or buy from a chain store and wind up paying more than is necessary.

However, thanks to easy-to-navigate Web sites, consumers can provide their car's year, make and model and quickly be shown a wide selection of tires that fit their vehicle. The choices are easily sorted based on the driving requirements, prices or other factors. The tires are then "drop-shipped" to a local tire store for installation at an additional cost. Consumers we have talked with have been amazed at how smoothly the online tire-buying process works. In fact, one shopper called it, "One of my best online-shopping experiences."

Advantages of Online Tire-Buying

The Internet route offers the following advantages over the traditional tire-buying experience:

  • Online tire prices are lower, particularly when compared to inflated costs at dealerships.
  • Consumer reviews help buyers make informed decisions.
  • Buyers avoid aggressive "upselling" found in many brick-and-mortar stores.
  • Some online tire-buying Web sites, such as Tirerack.com offer their own independent tire tests.
  • There is no state sales tax on most Internet purchases (depending on the laws in your state).
  • One can find an excellent selection of hard-to-find performance and specialty tires.

Disadvantages of Online Tire-Buying

Purchasing tires over the Internet does have a few drawbacks. Here are a few things to know before proceeding:

  • The purchase requires advance planning and takes days.
  • Buyers can't inspect the actual tires before purchasing.
  • A trusted local installer still needs to be located.
  • Some buyers prefer the face-to-face interaction with an expert.
  • Shipping costs are high, particularly for overnight delivery.

Navigating Your Way to a Good Deal

The process starts with choosing the right tires for your needs. With some 160 different brands in the marketplace, the choice can be overwhelming. Many people are confused by what has been called sidewall graffiti, the hieroglyphic-like information about size, speed and load rating. In most cases, all you need to know is the year, make and model of your car. If you have put aftermarket wheels on the vehicle, you might need to know your wheel size before proceeding.

Nearly all online tire-buying sites allow you to view the list of tires using different sorting methods. If you have a brand preference, such as Michelin, you can sort the list so you can look at all those tires first. You can also cross-shop other brands by reading reviews from people who have bought these brands. While consumer reviews are important, it's also a good idea to read the opinions of experts who have a greater depth of comparative knowledge.

If you don't know a lot about tires, an easy way to make a decision is to look at the provided star ratings and the price range you have in mind to find the best intersection of these two factors. However, while most people like to save money, it's also important to make tire safety a priority.

Sorting Through Price

In tire stores you are likely to be quoted a per-tire price, so you have to do the math on the fly. On the Internet, the computer totals the cost of the four tires and gives you a better idea of whether this will fit into your budget. Keep in mind that while you are likely to be paying a hefty shipping price, you will probably not be charged sales tax by the company unless they have an office or warehouse in your state.

If you want to do a cost comparison to traditional tire-buying, keep these factors in mind:

  • Cost of the tires
  • Shipping cost
  • Savings from not paying sales tax, depending upon the merchant and where you live
  • Cost of installation
  • Disposal fees and excise taxes

Getting Your Tires Mounted and Balanced

In addition to the tire cost, you will also have to pay to have the tires mounted and balanced. Tirerack.com has a list of local installers arranged by ZIP code, so when you order you can have the tires shipped directly to the store. When the tires arrive, the installer calls you to bring the car down to have the job completed.

It's a good idea to read reviews of the installer ahead of time, and call and confirm the price for the work you need done. You will have to buy valve stems from the installer, have the tires mounted and balanced and have the old tires disposed of. The cost for all this ranges from $15 to $20 per tire depending on tire size and type.

Give the Online Route a Try

If you can save $15 per tire, that's a total savings of $60, not to mention you'll avoid some of the pricy extras many chain tire stores push on unwary customers. So give this new shopping experience a test-drive next time the tread is wearing thin on your tires. Like many other consumers, you might be so satisfied you'll never go back to the old way of doing things.

Courtesy of Edmunds

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Head Turner

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The 2013 Accord Touring Sedan features Honda’s first use of light-emitting diode (LED) headlights. The dual-lamp LED projector array provides improved light distribution for improved visibility and enhanced nighttime driving performance. But wait, there’s more: LEDs require only one-half the electrical power of conventional halogen/projector headlights. That sounds good. But maybe even better is the way the lights look when the Accord Touring Sedan rolls by after dark. Oh yeah – that’s an Accord!

Courtesy of 2013Honda AccordLaunch

Monday, October 22, 2012

Check out the all new 2013 Honda Accord Touring Edition

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This week, we're behind Honda's all-new generation 2013 Accord, delivered in Touring Edition dress which happens to be the most expensive Accord available.

Accord enthusiasts, who have waited eagerly for the all-new new model, have been rewarded for their patience. Explicitly, the new Accord is perhaps one of the best cars Honda has ever built, featuring a sleek new design that is sporty yet classical and re-defines the amount of luxury a car builder can put into a vehicle that starts at just $21,680.

Arriving on our shores in 1976 as a 2-door 68-horsepower 2,000 lb. compact, Accord quickly became a Honda best seller in the compact and mid-size class. Today's Accord, which is built in Marysville, Ohio, and was the very first foreign car built in America, has grown in dimensions (3,500 lbs.) and horsepower (278), along with a bevy of standard features many higher priced luxury cars charge extra for.

Competing in the popular mid-size Camry, Taurus, Malibu, Sonata, Avenger and Altima class ... which just happens to be the most sought after "best selling" category in automobile manufacturing ... Accord is a staunch opponent and ready to knock Camry off its list as the number one seller.

Our Accord Touring tester features no options whatsoever, as the top line model comes fully loaded. It features a unique high-tech Honda "Lane Watch," which activates a camera on the passenger side that allows the driver to see what is going on from front to rear on the passenger side. "Lane Watch" helps when re-entering the right lane after passing and also assists in parallel parking. When stopped for a red-light, the system sees small children or dogs and a host of other happenings. Your Honda dealer will gladly explain both standard and optional high tech features, which are many.

At this point, everyone's perhaps thinking that the aforementioned base LX Accord doesn't feature much at just $21,680.

Think again, sans the "Lane Watch" which is available on the EX series ($24,605) or higher.

For $21,680 Accord LX comes standard with a 185-hp 2.4-Liter four-cylinder, vehicle stability assist, 4-wheel disc ABS, traction control, 6-speed manual transmission (automatic CVT transmission is $800 more), Eco assist system, hill start assist, 16-inch alloy wheels, security system with remote entry, chrome door handles, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, SMS Text Message, steering wheel-mounted cruise, audio, phone and i-MID Controls, Pandora internet radio, all the airbags, USB audio interface, MP3, eight-inch 480x320 resolution display screen with rearview safety camera and chrome exhaust tips. Fuel mileage is 27 city and 36 highway with the CVT transmission, which I recommend over the 6-speed manual, which delivers 24 and 34 MPG, respectively.

Consumers can then move up the Accord ladder to Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6 and top line Touring V6, the latter loaded with numerous luxury amenities and a powerful V-6 under the hood. There is also a two-door coupe for the younger set, which is equally impressive.

Speaking of the V6, get ready for some real Honda horsepower and good fuel mileage, too. The 278 horsepower feels more like 350 for whatever reason, and the non-CVT six-speed automatic is properly geared for both performance and economy.

On the highway, Accord Touring is poised and ready for any merge or curve you throw at it thanks to a front strut and rear multi-link independent suspension. You'll enjoy secure handling and a ride that is quiet and refined with room for five adults.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 109.3 inches, 3,559 lb. curb weight, 15.8 cu. ft. of cargo space and a 17.2 gallon fuel tank.

There's little not like about Honda's all new Accord, and you owe it to yourself to see and drive on if you are shopping this market. You won't be disappointed.

 

Courtesy of Daily Review

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Worldwide Sales of Honda Hybrid Vehicles Reach One Million Units

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Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that cumulative worldwide sales of its hybrid vehicles surpassed one million units as of the end of September 2012. This milestone was reached 12 years and 11 months after the start of sales of the first generation Honda Insight in Japan on November 1999, which achieved a fuel economy rating of 35km/liter1, then rated as the world's most fuel efficient vehicle among all mass-production gasoline-powered vehicles.

Honda began hybrid vehicle sales in U.S. in 1999 with the 2000 Honda Insight – the first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle sold in America. Cumulative sales of Honda hybrid vehicles in the U.S. market have now reached over 318,000 units, predominately sales of the Insight and Civic Hybrid.

Capitalizing on the unique features of Honda's original lightweight and compact IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system, Honda has been enhancing its hybrid vehicle lineup and currently sells eight hybrid models in approximately 50 countries around the world, including four distinct models in the U.S.

In May 2012, Honda began to produce hybrid models in regions outside of Japan starting with the Acura ILX Hybrid2 in the U.S., followed by production of the Jazz (Fit) Hybrid in Thailand. Honda will also begin production of the Jazz Hybrid in Malaysia at the end of October in an effort to deliver hybrid vehicles with speed, affordability and low CO2 emissions for customers in Asia where demand for fuel-efficient vehicles is expected to grow in the future.

In addition to further advancing the current hybrid model offerings equipped with the one-motor IMA hybrid system, Honda is introducing new hybrid systems for mid-size models that will be equipped with a two-motor hybrid system. Additionally, a highly-efficient and high-output three-motor hybrid system, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive), offering both superior dynamic handling and fuel efficiency, will be applied to the Acura NSX and RLX Sport Hybrid model, as well as the successor model of the Legend, scheduled to be introduced in Japan.

Under the global environmental slogan of "Blue Skies for Our Children," Honda will continue its efforts to further market penetration of hybrid vehicles to realize a low carbon society.

Courtesy of Honda News

Monday, October 15, 2012

Kudos to Keith for achieving 100 percent customer satisfaction

Dealer-rater-logo
"We were looking to buy two used cars and happened to stop by White Plains Honda to check out a CRV. Keith Johnson was the sales person who supported us. Keith was very knowledgeable, friendly and genuinely interested in helping us choose the right car. He patiently spent quite a bit of time with us showing available cars, reviewing Carfax reports to shortlist the right vehicles based on our criteria and helping us make the right choice. Based on our trust & confidence in Keith, we ended up buying both our used cars at White Plains Honda. Thanks Keith & the dealership team (Joe & Juan) for the service & positive experience. Thanks Gustavo (Business Manager) for working hard to organize financing." - sampata

Click here to read this review and many more on DealerRater.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

The 2013 Honda Accord is better than ever

Norma, thank you for sharing your experience with us

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"I just wanted to express my greatest appreciation towards Alex Vargas. He was the one that was able to put me into my brand new 2013 Accord. After an exhausting search all i was really looking for was someone that i can trust. We all know that next to buying a house, a car is someone 2nd biggest purchase. Thanks to my professional sales consultant, Alex, I Was able to feel comfortable enough to go forth with my purchase. I would like to say if you are looking or even considering a Honda please go and see Alex Vargas At White Plains Honda. He's AWESOME!!!" --- Norma S.

Click here to read this review and many more on DealerRater!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Everything You Want. And Less.

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The new Accord has more standard features than ever before, although Honda engineers did cut back on one thing: weight.

Weight is the enemy of automotive performance. Every pound of vehicle mass has to be accelerated up to speed by the engine, herded around every corner by the tires and steering, and eased over every bump by the suspension. And when it’s time to stop, the brakes have to work that much harder to drag it back to a stop.

Honda engineers had their work cut out for them when they set out to design the new ninth-generation Accord. On one hand, it needed to hit the highest internal targets ever for fuel efficiency and overall performance. That meant it had to be light. On the other hand, to compete in its market segment, the new Accord needed to have a quieter, more comfortable interior, raise the bar in terms of safety engineering and have more standard features than ever before. All that stuff means extra weight.

So after years of development, how did the Honda engineers do? Even though it has a far more quiet and refined interior and has gained standard features like an “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID), standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Eco Assist™, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera and much more, the new Accord actually weighs 24 pounds less than the previous-generation Accord.

Nice work, guys.

Courtesy of 2013HondaAccordLaunch.com

Monday, October 8, 2012

Happy Monday fans! Extend the life of your car with this week’s maintenance tip!

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Care For Anti-Lock Brakes

  • An anti-lock brake system is sensitive to moisture, which can ruin the expensive ABS pump and rot the brake lines from the inside. Since brake fluid attracts moisture, it should be “bled” or purged at least every three years, or as specified in your owner’s manual.

Thank you Elvin, for this tremendous review! Keep up the great work team!

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White Plains Honda - (5) Star Review on Yelp

  • I gave it five stars because my experience at the White Plains Honda was a very good one. I went in  just to look at the new 2013 Honda and got out owning one. From the service department to the sales associates this place is honest and competitive when comes to prices. Offer after offer was made until we agreed and settled for one. General manager was understanding and cooperative in regard to my issues.
    The sales associate at White Plains Honda was Marsel Paloka with his honesty and dedication in finding me the best deal we were able to finalize one.
    I recommend White Plains Honda to all and go see the sales associate Marsel Paloka for understanding and sincerity in regard to your issues thus helping find the best deals on your new car being leasing or financing! -Elvin S.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Meet Maya Cameron, who will guide you through an exclusive tour of the all-new 2013 Honda Accord.

A huge thank you to the two authors of these outstanding reviews! Keep up the great work team!

Dealer-rater-logo
White Plains Honda - Two (5) Star Reviews on DealerRater

  • I took my Honda accord 2010 to get it serviced here and these guys were amazing. Not only did they fix the problem that I was having they also fixed another problem. They had my car for about 1 week they kept me updated everyday on the status of my car. And as soon as it was done they called me right away. Thumbs up on the great work guys. -Anothersatisfiedcustomer
  • Great Review. I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Sandy Vargas and Gustavo for the finance part. I don't usually do the rating for review but I had a great experience and I greatly appreciated all that Ms. Sandy did so wanted to give her a great review.

    This was my second place looking at for a certified honda in my price range. I talked to Sandy Vargas she was very polite, friendly and had a lot of knowledge about all Hondas, she broke everytime down to me and explained what was different about each one. Most dealers barely know so I was very greatful to have her for my dealer. She worked very hard at getting me the right type of honda I was looking for and for a great price. She spent a lot of time and effort into the perfect honda for me and my family and I appreciate all of her help.

    I want to think Ms.Sandy for her hard work, kindness and great hospitality. She made my experience easy and stressless. I also want to thank Mr. Gustavo for findimg me a great payment plan and APR. I appreciate all you guys hard work and dont want it to go unrecognized. Thank You all once again.

    She is a great asset to your staff at White Plains Honda. I was very satisfied with my Honda outcome. Best car dealership experience I have had so far thanks to Ms.Sandy.

    I recommend this dealership to anyone looking for great Honda at a great price range. -misskia

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Honda Accord "Cash Car" Hits New York, Chicago, Phoenix and L.A. Starting This Week in Contest Hosted by Ben Bailey of "Cash Cab"

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As a part of the comprehensive marketing launch surrounding the all-new 2013 Accord, Honda kicks off the first-ever Accord Cash Car competition event Saturday, Oct. 6 in New York City's Times Square, to be followed by appearances in Chicago, Phoenix and Los Angeles. The interactive Accord Cash Car promotion allows participating contestants to trade knowledge of the all-new 2013 Honda Accord's innovative new features for cash prizes and the chance to win a 2013 Honda Accord.

Hosted by Emmy-winning stand-up comedian and television personality Ben Bailey of "Cash Cab" fame, the fun and entertaining Accord Cash Car events will see participants teaming up to answer a series of questions related to the innovative new features on the 2013 Honda Accord. Correctly answering questions can earn participants cash prizes, and each contestant will also be entered for a chance to win an all-new 2013 Honda Accord.

This initiative by Honda is designed to raise awareness among consumers of the numerous advanced technologies and ample standard features found in the 2013 Honda Accord. The Accord Cash Car marketing program is geared to show consumers that the completely redesigned, ninth-generation Accord is not a one-spec machine, but the total package of luxury, safety, efficiency, agility and technology which makes it the smartest choice in its ultra-completive segment.

"With an innovative, fun-to-drive product like the all-new 2013 Honda Accord, we wanted to create an exciting, innovative contest to help people experience it," said Mike Accavitti, vice president of automotive marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.  "Accord is the new value leader in the mid-size class because it excels in all areas and the Accord Cash Car promotion will bring that story to life."

The Accord Cash Car events will kick off Saturday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. in New York City's Times Square, and will feature an outdoor set replete with several models of the all-new 2013 Honda Accord. The six-hour event will allow multiple sets of three-person teams to participate as contestants each hour, with their shot at the cash awards broadcast live to attendees on a large-screen display. After the New York City event, the Accord Cash Car event moves to: Chicago's Navy Pier Gateway Park on Saturday, Oct. 20; the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix on Saturday, Nov. 3; and the Hollywood & Highland Central Courtyard in Los Angeles next to the Kodak Theater on Nov. 10.

To promote the event, both previous and current Accord owners will be contacted via email in local event cities, with local Honda dealers also providing invites. Honda will also be promoting the event via banner ads on Honda.com, via its Facebook page, as well as through a dedicated Accord Cash Car website.

About the 2013 Honda Accord
The all-new 2013 Honda Accord bring remarkable levels of luxury, agility, efficiency and sophistication to the midsize segment's legendary nameplate. The ninth-generation Accord offers an all-new direct-injected powertrain, class-leading safety innovations and an upcoming plug-in hybrid model. Better, not bigger, the completely new Honda Accord lineup includes Sedan and Coupe models powered by 4-cylinder,  V-6 and hybrid powertrains, teamed to manual, automatic and continuously variable transmission (CVT) options. The 2013 Honda Accord Sedan went on sale September 19, with the Coupe to follow on October 15, 2012. An all-new, two-motor 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan is scheduled to debut in early 2013, followed by a conventional hybrid based on the same powertrain architecture in the summer of 2013.

Courtesy of Honda News

Monday, October 1, 2012

It’s that time of the week again! Here is a maintenance tip to help extend the life of your car.

Dry-alloy-wheels
Use Wheel Cleaner

  • Your car’s wheels are down there on the road, taking the brunt of road dirt. Add in the dust that wears off your brake pads and you’ve got a formula for stains that are tough to remove when you wash your vehicle. Car-washing liquid won’t do the job. You need a wheel cleaner specifically formulated to remove such stains. Be sure to buy the correct formulation. Some cleaners are designed for metal wheels, and others for painted or clear-coated wheels. The metal wheel cleaners come in various formulations as well, depending upon whether your metal wheel has a satin, aluminum, or chrome finish. Protect metal wheels with wheel polish, painted wheels with a coat of wax.

Many thanks to the authors of these great reviews! Keep up the great work team!

Dealer-rater-logo
White Plains Honda - Three (5) Star Reviews on DealerRater

  • First let me say car buying process leaves alot to be desired most dealers and salesman are very decieving i ran into a few ,but when i called your dealership and spoke to keith johnson i felt very welcomed,then i got to the dealership keith was very friendly, honest and very informed about the honda product he explained everything to me calmly and i knew i was in good hands,we were able to agree to a deal thanks to managers and i was happy when all the paperwork came out i was expecting to see bogus or inflated fees ,instead i got no fees a straight forward deal what a pleasant surprise most dealers suck you in with a low price and then get you at the end with fees ,none here I wont forget this and will tell others about your dealership, Keith and the staff are great people and your dealership was fantastic. thanks -Sal E.
  • It was a great experience, I was showed a lot of different cars that fit my needs. they were friendly and worked out a great deal for me. The best thing is they would spend all day just making you happy. -Jamup78
  • I have given the rating I have because these employees had been so helpful answering all the questions abouts all the doubts and concerning In getting a new car. -Achon