App of the Week: Vlingo

The daily commute can put a damper on your attitude.  Lets face it, sometimes traffic is the worst thing in your existence.  To make life easier, there’s an app for that.  No it doesn’t fly you over traffic in a hovercraft vehicle equipped with back massager, but it does act as your personal assistant.  According to Vlingo: “Tell your phone what to do!  The Vlingo Virtual Assistant turns your words into action.  Vlingo combines voice to text technology with its "intent engine" to help you quickly complete your desired action.   Simply speak to your phone or type a command through the ActionBar to get just about anything done while on the go.

Looking for directions to a restaurant?  Need to do a quick mobile search for information on bee allergies?  Can’t find the number for a plumber?  Want to update your social status to tell everyone about your new puppy?  Maybe you need to send a quick text to a colleague because you’re running late for a meeting?  Or perhaps you’re looking for a safer alternative to texting while driving?  Vlingo can do all of these things for you, and so much more!  

Vlingo has accurate voice recognition technology, speed and intelligence to help you stay connected with the people, businesses and activities that are important to you. “

The best part?  The app is free.  It’s a safe alternative for getting info while on the road while keeping your family and yourself safe.  Check it out right here: http://www.vlingo.com/.  Vlingo is available on iOS, Android Blackberry, Nokia, and Windows smartphone platforms.

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Automotive Advertising

Automotive App: CarZar

If you’re reading our most recent blog post, then you’re most likely a car enthusiast.  You get a rush shifting gears on the Autobahn, I’m sorry, the I-95 whenever you reach speeds in excess of 80 mph.  If you’re in tune with the digital world, then we recommend a cool new smartphone app for your enjoyment.  CarZar, a social media network that puts a spin on the philosophy is for you.  For example, lets say you see a sweet new car on the street that you really admire.  You can snap a photo of that ride and share that ride with fellow car freaks and earn badges like Foursquare for yopur efforts.  You can also gain followers through your contributions like the Twitter platform. 

After you download CarZar and register your info, You can list your favorite car, favorite car and connect your existing social network accounts.  Then, you're free to snap car finds and share them with your friends on the go.  According to Endmunds: “By hitting the camera icon in the upper-right corner of the Spot screen and following the prompts, you can post a photo of your own automotive discoveries and share info on the car and add comments. In addition to linking your CarZar activity to your existing soical networks.”

Check it out: http://itunes.apple.com/app/carzar/id391972871?mt=8

Safe Driving Tips for the Holidays

It’s an exciting and hectic time.  If you’ve been running around frantically, searching for the best gift, buying decorations, or trying to balance work and home life lately, you’re not alone.  The holidays are a time of love, compassion and the occasional MAYHEM.  While you’re out and about this time of year, take precaution.  Traffic is heavy this time of year and its important to still keep your driving skills up to par.  Here are some tips on maintaining your safety this holiday season.

Vehicle Maintenance

Get a tune up and make sure your car is prepared for travel if you’re taking a road trip.  This is CRUCIAL, especially regarding winter driving conditions.

Restrain Yourself Properly

This should be the norm.  Remember, the rear seat is the safest place for any children to ride.

Stay Alert and Energized

Take plenty of breaks and don’t push to meet unrealistic schedules like finishing all of your holiday shopping in a few hours.  If you feel yourself getting tired, pull over into a rest area or business, and get out and stretch.  If that doesn’t work, find a place to rest.  These crashes most often occur during the late night/early morning hours and the late afternoon hours to drivers who are sleepy.

Keep Speed Down

Hey, Ricky Bobby, give yourself plenty of time and distance to react to the traffic around you.  Let impatient and aggressive drivers pass you.

Choose a Designated Driver

There will be tons of intoxicated drivers on the roadways.  If you absolutely have to drive during this time of year always have a designated driver.

So, do you have any tips?  Feel free to comment below!

Drive safely this holiday season with our blog tips!

How to Buy a New Car in 24 Hours

Contrary to popular belief, many potential buyers dread the car buying experience (cue sarcasm).  They feel it’s too long, redundant, and that sales people are trying to take advantage of their good nature.  Our dealership is different.  We make your car buying experience fun and enlightening.  So, in today’s blog, we’re providing a way to purchase your dream car in one day. 

1.    Find Your Dream Ride

Check out our inventory online to find your perfect fit.  Narrow your search down to color, trim level and the options you desire in an easy quick to use inventory system.

2.    Make a Deal

Call us up and speak to our Internet Manager.  During your chat, ask for our pricing and double-check with us for any incentives or rebates for the vehicle you’ve fallen in love with.

3.    Arrange Delivery

So, you’ve found the perfect car, the price is within your means you’re good to ride off into the sunset.  Don’t cue those closing credits just yet.  Now, you can setup an appointment to close the deal in our dealership.  To speed up the paperwork, just ask us what documentation you’ll need, as well as completing a credit app on our website.   When you come in, just ask us to give you the demonstration of your vehicle.  We’ll show you all of the cool new technology your car offers, how to use certain settings, and answer any questions that you might have about your vehicle.  If you’re pressed for time, just bring your new car in a week later for a detailed briefing.  By then, you’ll probably have a few questions to ask our car gurus. 

We understand that a car purchase is a big decision, but it CAN be done quickly with little to no stress.  Follow the above tasks and you’ll be driving off in your new vehicle in a jiffy! 

Tell us about your best car buying experience below: 

5 Ways to Devalue Your Vehicle

So, you’ve got a reliable vehicle that’s great on gas, looks great, and gets you from point A to B in style.  You want to keep it for a long time, bu you also want to maintain a lot of the value associated with it so you can trade or sell it when you’re ready to update.  In today’s blog, we’re describing 5 ways to devalue your car quicker than you can say “junk it”  So, hold on and be prepared, it’s going to e a bumpy ride (pun intended).

1. Lack of Maintenance and Servicing

Every buyer wants piece of mind.  A feeling of tranquility when they purchase their car AND verification that the vehicle is in a good state of reliability.  Each car comes with a service book, which will be marked and stamped by the dealer, so keep ALL of your records to show prospective buyers (dealerships, too) that your car has a great history.

2. Lackluster Paint Care

DO NOT neglect your paint job.  In most cases, vehicles these days maintain their paint jobs due to the detailed precision of application during the car’s inception.  Don’t buy discount car care products.  The best wax kits include: washes, waxes, polishes, and extra protective layers.  Don’t use brushes to wash your car, but rather soft clothes.

3. No Friggin Insurance

Always get insurance for your vehicle.  Why?  Because it’s the single most important remedy for accidents that can happen when you’re driving.  It also means any damage will be fixed properly, usually by us or a reputable bodyshop. 

4.  Smoking Cigarettes

If you EVER want to resell your vehicle., don’t smoke in it.  Smoking seeps into fabric surfaces, seats, headlining and carpets and is virtually impossible to extract.  This will depreciate any potential buyers who are repulsed by smoke, or potential buuyers with children

5. Not Cleaning Vehicle Interior

For some parts of the day, your vehicle is your home.  Treat it well.   Make sure you keep your car clean and vacuumed.

Our FAVORITE Instagram Photos of the Month

If you're like us, then you have a certain appreciation for the automobile.  It's smooth contour lines, leather seats and the speed and power that comes from a great engine.  As big social media fans, we can also appreciate a vehicle captured in the right light.  In today's blog, we're showcasing our favorite Instagram photo of the month.  A collective effort from our peeps at the dealership.  Check out our favorites below!