Category Archives: New Cars

The 2015 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL & Yukon Denali Redesign Is Here

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Hot on the heels of the 2014 Sierra remodel come the newest from the GMC design camp is the 2014 GMC Yukon, 2014 GMC Yukon XL and 2014 Yukon Denali. Let me tell you, just like the 2014 Sierra, the 2015 Yukon is impressive.

There are no sacrifices in the motivation department, the 2015  GMC Yukon are fitted with the EcoTec3 5.3-liter V8 as standard. Thanks to direct injection and a host of other improvements, the new-generation small-block V8 is substantially more powerful, generating a projected 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. Those figures compare with 320 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque for the outgoing SUVs’ 5.3-liter V8.

For the 6.2-liter V8 — at first available only for the up-market 2015 GMC Yukon Denali — the numbers are a strapping 420 hp (17 hp better than before) and 460 lb-ft of torque compared to the previous 6.2-liter’s 417 lb-ft. [source: edmunds.com]

The whole vehicle is much more streamlined. Make no mistake, the 2014 Yukon is sleek, athletic and bold. One of the unique features is the inlaid doors which are cut under the roof line. This provides two very important functions. First, it really adds to the overall streamlined look of the the new Yukon. The other benefit is the added sound baffling. The triple sealed doors provide an even quieter ride.

Now, not necessarily one of the things that GMC wants to really brag about, but it is one that they have certainly have made considerable improvements on and that’s the popularity of GMC with thieves. In order to curb this dubious distinction, multiple anti-theft deterrents have been put into place, to curb any theft. Of course, they can’t keep you from keeping your purse, or laptop in plain sight on your front seat …that’s on you.

Call Freeman Grapevine today to set up a test drive of the all new 2015 Yukon, Yukon XL and Yukon Denali. I promise, you will not just be pleasantly surprised , but thoroughly impressed as well.

 

What’s The Difference Between Severe And Ideal Driving Conditions

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check engine light, oil change, engine maintenance, freeman graprvine

What’s the difference between severe and ideal driving conditions? The answer may surprise you. We’re not talking about weather here folks, or even roadway conditions. What we are talking about it how much stress you are putting on your engine through your daily driving habits. For example, what does Start & Stop driving do you the life of your oil, as well as the engine itself when compared to driving longer distances at a constant speed?

There is a long running debate among your average drivers which questions the standard 3,000 mile interval of oil changes. Is it 3,000 miles, is it 5,000 miles? Do you just follow blindly what your owner’s manual tells you. Have you taken into consideration “how” you drive?

Look, some manufacturers vary somewhat in their descriptions of what constitutes severe driving conditions. But as a general rule, a vehicle falls into the sever service category if it experiences any of the following conditions during a typical week of driving:

  • Extensive stop & go driving.
  • Frequent trips under 5 miles
  • Prolonged idling of the engine.
  • Driving in mountainous terrain
  • Operating in cold weather below 10* F (something we don’t need to worry about)
  • Operating in heat above 90* F (something we DO need to worry about)
  • Operating in extreme Humidity
  • Hauling heavy loads

Under any of these conditions, manufacturers usually suggest that the normal interval be cut by anywhere from to one half. Your owner’s manual should list recommended intervals for your particular vehicle under ideal conditions as well as severe driving conditions.

For more information on how to understand the ware and tear that your vehicle may be experience, don’t hesitate to call Freeman Grapevine , or leave a comment below..

The Top 5 New Car Maintenance Issues

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NEWS FLASH! You have to do more than just fill up your car with gas and occasionally clean the windows!

The American Automobile Association conducted nationwide clinics at 25 different AAA clubs that included inspecting 6,082 vehicles to find out the five most common car problems–all of which are easy to fix with just a little time and not too much money.

1. Tire pressure

Drivers should check tire pressure at least once a month to ensure tires are not under- or over-inflated. Low pressure in the tires can increase wear and fuel consumption, while having too much pressure may reduce traction. Keeping tires properly aligned will also help assure longer tire life and improve fuel economy.

2. Clean Air Filter

Maintain and replace air filters as often as is recommended in your owner’s manual to ensure better air flow through the engine. This, in turn, will improve engine efficiency and result in more power and better fuel usage. (This is probably one of the easiest and most overlooked general maintenance

3. Insufficient tire tread depth

For sufficient traction, tires should have a minimum of 5mm tread depth. Use a depth gauge to check. Most tires also have built-in tread wear indicators that let you know when tire replacement is necessary. If you happen too have a Quarter or Penny on you you can check the depth by placing the coin head down in the tread like the picture below:

4. Engine oil that is low or needs to be changed

Dirty oil will increase engine wear, while low oil levels can lead to overheating. If the oil level drops too low, lubrication will be lost and severe engine damage can result. Regular oil changes will add longevity to the engine.

5. Worn-out windshield wiper blades

Rigid, cracked or torn wiper blades can greatly reduce visibility when driving in rain and snow, which could increase your chance of having a crash. Examine and replace your windshield wiper blades once a year or sooner if streaking begins.

Your vehicle should be well taken care of. Whenever there is a need of the auto repairs you should contact the best auto repair facility in the town.

An Insider’s Perspective

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Recently a customer came to us at Freeman Grapevine and asked, “Why is car buying so difficult?”  I understand why she asked that, it can be very challenging, and can be as equally frustrating for both a customer and the dealer, but it doesn’t have to be.  As an insider, let me explain why,

There are three main components to buying a car: price, trade in and financing.  Let’s review each.

Price

This should be the easiest part of the car buying process.  When a customer researches a car, and inevitably gets quotes from multiple dealerships, they should compare apples to apples.  In other words, you want to make sure you’re comparing the same vehicle with the same equipment and options.  A simple way to do this is to make sure the MSRP’s are the same.

As a salesperson, the hardest question to answer for a customer is “what’s your best price?”  I’ve told my sales people to show customers the invoice when asked that question.  This shows what the dealer paid on that car.  Most good dealerships will gladly show you the invoice so you know where their numbers are coming from.  You should calculate in any rebates, as well as a small profit, which all dealers are entitled to make.  It’s that easy.

Trade-In

If you’re trading in a vehicle, you’ll want top dollar for it.  Determining the trade-in value isn’t an exact science.  The year, make, model, condition and mileage all factor in to the equation.  Most customers research their vehicle’s worth on Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) or NADA Guides (www.nadaguides.com) to give them a ballpark estimate before bringing it to the dealership.

Financing

The last piece of the puzzle is financing.  A customer’s credit score is the biggest component of this.  Whether you have a good financial history including paying off creditors on time & every month, your monthly income and how many outstanding balances you have, all affect your credit score.  A dealer’s relationship with its lenders is also important.  If they work with several lending institutions that offer a variety of financial programs depending on a person’s credit, can make the difference between going to one dealership or another.

A tip if you’re credit isn’t as great as  you’d like:  the higher down payment, the better.

Of course this is the process in a nutshell, however, it really is this easy. There is no reason buying a car should be stressful, or uncomfortable. In fact, buying a new Buick, or GMC from Freeman Grapevine will be one of your most pleasant car buying experiences ever. Trust me. We know how to take car of our new Buick and new GMC customers.

Adapting A Vehicle For Handicapped Use

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If you are, or know someone who is a person with a disability then you may understand the limitations that also come with being disabled. They can be quite frustrating. However, those limitations shouldn’t impede a persons ability to own and operate their own car, truck or SUV. That’s why I would like to share some great resources that discuss some of these accessories and adaptations that can be adapted to your own vehicle to make it easier, or for some even possible to drive a vehicle, like a Freeman Grapevine Buick GMC

Here is a list of motoring accessories for disable people:

  • hand controls to operate the accelerator and brake
  • steering wheel knobs that help you turn the wheel more easily and give greater control
  • wheelchair hoists, ramps and tail lift accessories to help you get in and out of your vehicle
  • seat support, cushions and covers for more comfort
  • adapted mirrors
  • adapted safety belts, seat belts and harnesses
  • seats that rotate
  • people lifts
  • wheelchair hoists

Here are some accessories for people who have lower body disabilities

  • a steering wheel knob fitted to the rim of the steering wheel
  • automatic transmission
  • direction indicators and the horn within finger reach or as foot controls, which you can operate without letting go of the wheel
  • moving the handbrake to the right of the driver’s seat
  • joystick steering

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnOHRxMIVOE

According to some resources, if you have an artificial limb fitted below the elbow you can drive a car using a special concave limb attachment fitted over the steering wheel or the gear lever.

Even if you have lost the use of both arms, it is possible to still drive with redesigned car controls. Another option is a foot steering system.

Here are some options and adaptions to consider  if you have lost the use of one of your legs or have reduced usage in one leg :

  • an automatic transmission car, which does not require the use of a clutch
  • moving the accelerator on an automatic car to the left side of the foot brake if you have a right leg disability
  • a semi-automatic clutch, which allows you to use a manual gearbox without clutch pedals

If you have lost the use of both legs, you may consider adaptations like:

  • hand controls with an automatic transmission
  • steering assistance

If you have your vehicle modified or buy an adapted vehicle, it is important to learn how to operate the vehicle. There may be options to take training course to get comfortable with driving with these adaptations.

Just about any vehicle, new or used, can be adapted to fit the needs of most people with disabilities. If you, or someone you know owns and operates a specially designed vehicle and we’ve left out any important information above, please don’t hesitate to leave a few comments in the section below. We may have missed something and your knowledge will be much appreciated by everyone here at Freeman Grapevine and by all of our readers.

Figure Out Your budget for a New GMC Dallas

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GMC Dallas, Buick Dallas, Used Cars Dallas, Texas GMC, Used Cars Fort Worth, Used Car Dealers Dallas, Texas Buick, Texas GMC Dealer, Used Cars DFW, GMC Dealer Dallas
Set a realistic new car budget.

No matter how much you believe your new car budget is, it is still best to figure out a true budget friendly car payment when you are planning to buy a new car. This will enable you to stretch your budget more effectively. Here are the common tips to figure it out.

First Tip: Take Note of the loan’s Length The monthly payment is dependent on the length of the loan. Long term loans are appropriate to those who have a tight budget. The longevity of the period will allow them to raise funds for the payment. The short term loan on the other hand is favorable to those with sufficient money. They are able to pay the loan even in shorter period. Short term loans has lower interests. With long-term loans, however, you’ll encounter higher high interest rates.

Second Tip: Be Sure to Pay a Down Payment No matter how tight your budget is, make sure that you pay the car’s down payment. The down reduces your car’s monthly charge. It also lowers down the interest of the original loan since a large part of this was already paid.

It is also important to pay the necessary down payment because it protects the car from annual depreciation. Most dealers demand a down payment equals to the 20% of the car’s loan value. This rate is also equal to the vehicle’s annual depreciation rate.

Third Tip: Be Aware of the Annual Percentage Rate The Annual Percentage Rate affects your car’s installment payments. Paying the car’s bills with a lower Annual Percentage Rate is beneficial on your part. This could mean that you will be paying the car with lower interest.

Reliable Annual Percentage Rates are obtained from banks. It is helpful if you will conduct good research with several banks. Low APR however are only granted to creditors with good credit records. Those who have bad credit records are left with no choice but to bear the burden of high interest payments.

The three useful tips described above can help you figure out a budget friendly new car payment. It would be better to look for other useful tips to add up to these three. Car payment should as much as possible be budget friendly.

Fresh Rain Brings Fresh Accidents To Dallas Fort Worth

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Summer time in the Dallas Fort Worth area usually doesn’t get too rain, but when we do, the roads become unnervingly slick and your Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC dealer, Freeman Grapevine has seen plenty of fender bender repairs come through our shop. While accidents can happen at any time, they chances start to increase with bad weather, and knowing how to be a better driver during and after the rain falls can help protect you and your car.

If you are driving on roads that have experienced rain for the first time in a couple of weeks, you have to take extra caution.  While it may not seem like too much water is on the road, the little bit that there is can loosen up all the oil, grease, and dirt that has dried on the asphalt.  This can turn any road into the world’s largest slip and slide, causing you to have trouble braking and turning over this slick surface.  If you are planning on driving on wet roads, be sure to give yourself more travel time so you don’t feel like you are running late which may cause you to drive less safely.

While driving, keep extra distance between your car and the car in front of you.  This will give you more time to brake and adjust to any other situation in front of you.  If you do need to brake, do so earlier and with less force than you normally would.  If you slam on your brakes, your tires may lose traction on the wet and slippery road and it may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If you are on a highway or multi-laned road, drive in the middle lane or the lane farthest from the curb.  Water can accumulate in places that you may not see causing you to hydroplane.

If you start to hydroplane, take your foot off the pedal and allow your tires to catch up with the speed you are going.  Don’t accelerate or brake, because this will cause your car to veer, and hold the wheel firmly to avoid causing your wheels to change directions.  Driving on wet roads means more caution is needed so be sure to act accordingly.  If you are looking for a new car for any kind of weather, then be sure to come into Freeman Grapevine.

Dallas GMC: What Does It Mean To Be Professional Grade

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professional grade, brake pads, Buick Dealer, buying used car, child proofing your car, dallas Buick Dealer, dallas flooded cars, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dallas Used Truck. New Car, DFW Buick, dfw car dealer, dfw gmc, Fort Worth Buick, fort worth gmc, Fort Worth Truck Dealer, Ft. Worth Buick, Ft. Worth car dealer, ft. worth gmc, GMC Dealer, GMC Truck, Used Car, Used TruckWhat does it mean to be “Professional Grade? Freeman Grapevine knows. It’s not just something GMC says, it’s something they live by. In the video below, GMC designer Jeff Perkins shares how unexpected things like power tools inspire designs that are uniquely GMC. Check out the video and see for yourself!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvgDe1SNLig

I just have to throw this out there. When it comes to attention to detail, driver comfort, power, fuel consumption and looks, you just can’t beat the power of GMC. Swing by and see me at Freeman Grapevine if you really want to experience the ultimate in premium appointments, top of the line components and about 1,000 other things that will make you say, “WOW!”

Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC: 5 Steps For Child Proofing Your Car

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child proofing your car, brake pads, Buick Dealer, buying used car, dallas Buick Dealer, dallas flooded cars, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dallas Used Truck. New Car, DFW Buick, dfw car dealer, dfw gmc, drivers test, Fort Worth Buick, fort worth gmc, Fort Worth Truck Dealer, Ft. Worth Buick, Ft. Worth car dealer, ft. worth gmc, GMC Dealer, GMC Truck, Used Car, Used TruckKids, Kids, Kids, Freeman Grapevine loves kids. After all, we do sell some of the best family vehicles on the market in Buick and GMC. But, did you know that there are things you can do to child proof your car much in the same way you would your home? If you have kids yourself you probably already know this. However, if you are a new parent, you may have to live and learn before you realize that there are certain things you can do to help make your car a comfortable and safe place to be. I’m hoping to give you a little “heads-up” first.

There are 5 important things you can do to child proof your car.

1. Car seat: this is a no-brainer. It must fit your child and be anchored properly in the vehicle itself. A poorly secured seat can be just as much of a hazard a just plopping your child down and driving off. Read your owner’s manual for proper installation. If you are unsure, swing be Freeman Grapevine and we can put it in for you. Also keep in mind that your child must fit in that seat, so if you are trying to cram your toddler into a newborn sized car seat, you are creating a hazard.time for a bigger seat.

2. Keep them distracted: Having an unruly or overly playful child in the back can be a distraction to you and affect your focus on the road, so distract them back. Most new vehicles have options for entertainment systems, think about getting one in your new car. If you aren’t in the market for a new vehicle, iPods, soft books and soft toys are your best bet. The bottom line here is that if you have to correct any behavior while driving, you are setting yourself up for a potential problem.

3. Limit clutter and remove loose objects: these things become dangerous projectiles if you are ever in a collision with your child in the car. A 1lb toy can emit a lot of velocity and pressure if your car comes to a dead stop. So it stands to reason that a 10lb object can be deadly. If you don’t need it for that trip, just take it out.

4. Communicate: After your child grows past his or her toddler stage, the begin to be more inquisitive and interested in things such as door handles and automatic window buttons. Make it clear to your child, when they are the appropriate age, that while in the car, they need to obey the rules of riding in the car. For starters, tell your child: don’t scream; don’t throw; and don’t unfasten your seat belt. He or she might not always listen, but it’s important to at least try.

5. Obey the Rules of the Road: This one is for you, Mom and Dad.  Be a safe driver. Leave a few minutes early so don’t have to rush. Don’t speed up to catch a yellow light. Don’t talk on your cell phone, eat a sandwich while you drive, or blast Bon Jovi on the radio. You have a child in the car and you can greatly improve his or her well being by simply being a safe driver.

If you have any questions or insights on this subject, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment or drop me a line at Freeman Grapevine.

Dallas Fort. Worth GMC Dealer: See What You’ve Been Missing In The 2012 GMC Terrain.

GMC, New Cars, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2012 gmc terrain, Buick dealer dallas, buick dealer fort worth, dallas Buick Dealer, dallas fort worth used car, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dfw driving, fort worth Buick dealer, freeman grapevine, GMC Dealer, GMC Professional Grade, GMC Truck, gmc truck month, professional gradeThe 2012 GMC Terrain as been one of GM’s most popular vehicles since it’s debut. In fact it’s one of the most popular vehicles I sell here at Freeman Grapevine. I suspect that one major reason is the size. Somewhere in between a compact and a mid-sized SUV, the GMC Terrain is the perfect for the “Goldilocks” crowd: Not too big, not too small, but just right.

Terrain is a true crossover inside and out. It has the capability and cargo space you’d expect from an SUV but the comfort, technology, quietness, and superior fit and finish you might expect to find in a luxury sedan. Which means that the Terrain continues to offer the driving public and small SUV shoppers an excellent alternative to the rest of the herd.

Let’s check out the new 2012 GMC Terrain:

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGJ3unPPkJQ

The Terrain is the classic “‘tweener”. It’s wider and more powerful than it’s earlier relatives, without compromising any of the utilities offered to both drivers and passengers. In fact, some of it’s coolest changes can’t bee seen, like the integration of modern electronics and a back-up camera.

Of course the only way to really get a feel for the 2012 GMC Terrain is to come on over to Freeman Grapevine and see one for yourself. You are going to really be impressed by both what’s under the hood and inside the cabin.