Tag Archives: Texas GMC Dealer

Dallas GMC Dealer Explains the Truck Driver’s Blind spot better than anyone

If you’ve ever driven, or even ridden in a car in Dallas or Fort Worth, then there is no doubt you’ve seen the large, commercial trucks that roam our already over crowded highways and byways. Especially right out here in front of Freeman Grapevine on 121 and 114, in fact, you literally see them everywhere, transporting goods to stores and construction sites, but their drivers may not be able to see you.

Now, you get used to dealing with big rigs on the road. The are imposing, they are loud and they always seem to find a way to pin you between the barrier wall and their cargo trailer. I haven’t even mentioned the tsunami that incurs when they hit patch of standing water on the highway. A wall of water is the best way I can describe it. For a seasoned driver, this is tolerable, but for a new driver it’s terrifying.

So, when I found an article about the Street Survival School held at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, I was eager to find out what skills they were teaching our young drivers. The idea was to set up a demonstration to show teen drivers the limitations with truck drivers’ visibility and teach the young motorists how to safely maneuver around big vehicles. Something we all could have probably benefited from as young drivers.

During this class session, they parked one of their track-maintenance dump trucks, a 10-wheeled monster, in the parking lot, with shiny new cars arrayed around it as if on a freeway. The kids got to climb in the cab to check which cars they could see. The nearest car behind, barely visible by bobbing your head among the various mirrors, was parked about 50 feet behind the dump truck. This gave the young drivers a real feel for the visibility limitations of commercial truck drivers, and it will hopefully encourage them to think about how they position themselves in traffic.

Seeing what it is like for a truck driver provided valuable insight for these kids, no doubt. The adage about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes really goes a long way when seen from the driver’s seat of a rig. Watch the video below and see for yourself. It might just make you a safer driver, as well.

 

 

Vent Windows Can Be A Costly Window Repair

One would think that some of the smaller components, such as those little vent windows wouldn’t cost too much to replace…that is until you’ve actually broken one. Of course, everyone knows that there are many components of automotive glass on the car that will largely differ in cost. Lots of individuals don’t understand how much the tiny vent window on a new or used car in Dallas may cost to fix.

Here’s a scenario you may have experienced:

You’re running behind for the most important meeting of your life and after switching off your car, you grab the keys and put them on the passenger seat while you collect your notes. After this you hop out of the vehicle and click the lock button on the door prior to shutting it. As you are actually letting go of the door, you remember your keys sitting in the front…but it’s too late. The door slams and is now locked…with your keys inside. Now what? Call a locksmith? Nope, there’s no time. So you choose to break the small vent glass and take care of the cost later…after all, how much can that actually cost?

So your meeting is over and you now need to contact and arrange an autoglass replacement for that small vent window you decided was your key back into your car. Of course, after talking with the autoglass center, you find out that the little vent window you broke is one of the priciest parts of glass on your automobile. D’OH!

What people don’t understand is that the vent window might be small compared to the other glass on the car but it is not often mass produced like the windshield or door window. Quite often, the vent window will need to be special ordered which means the manufacturer will likely need to commit additional time to custom cut this piece of glass. The vent window normally consist of lots of curves which will also increase the time it will take to custom cut the window.

Therefore should you find yourself in a bind and feel you must break a window on your automobile then you should bust the door window rather than that small vent window. The vent window can ultimately cost you 2 or 3 times what it would cost to replace the door window. Sad but true.

Finding it tough to search for a windshield repair service center nearby? Hope is not dimmed yet, whether you are in Fort Worth or Dallas come to your Texas GMC dealer with all your new and used car needs and let us help you today….and that includes choosing another way to retrieve your keys without breaking the bank.

Hints To Buying a New Car

The excitement of buying a new car usually comes just before you make that decision to get a new car, and just after you’ve left the lot with that new car and sealed the deal.  Who really enjoys the actual process of buying a new car? Not many. However the car buying process shouldn’t be as stressful as it is perceived when you understand the process.

For instance, do your research first, have a few options in mind, procure your loan early so you know what is really in your budget and don’t be scared to shop around. Of course I want you to come and buy from Freeman Grapevine, but for your own satisfaction, see what else is out there.

The advice on this video should help out. Additionally, do some research online before you go, and do some research on the dealership itself too.

So the bottom line is: Be Prepared! Not only do you want to do your research, but you also want to know what your credit report score is before you go. If you walk in to a dealership and they know more about your credit than you do, that’s just bad. Also, when you do check your credit report, you may find an error that will affect whether you can get a car loan or not!

After all is done, then come to Freeman Grapevine. We like our buyers to be educated about the industry, the products and the Dallas car dealers.

But if you aren’t, that’s okay too!

Figure Out Your budget for a New GMC Dallas

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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.

Your Tires Are Sucking Your Bank Account Dry

Alright, maybe not “dry”, but they could really be affecting your MPG. It’s no secret. The tires you choose to put on your Dallas GMC could be affecting your fuel economy. Larger rims, low pressure tires, it doesn’t matter, if your tires aren’t inflated to the proper PSI, you’re just burning fuel and ruining your tires.

If you choose to spend big bucks on your tires, you should take as good of care of them as your can, right? I ran across a story in Consumer Reports that I thought I should share with you.

Your car’s tires can play an important role in helping you get the best gas mileage and save money at the pump. Checking tire pressure regularly is one step toward optimum fuel economy, but your choice of tires can also help.

Automakers often specify low-rolling-resistance tires as original equipment to enhance vehicle performance in government fuel-economy tests. But replacement tires are not limited by any vehicle manufacturer’s requirements, and attributes such as all-season grip and tread life are big selling points. In the past, consumers often had to weigh a trade-off between low rolling resistance and other performance capabilities, such as wet braking. But in recent years, tire manufacturers have been achieving a better balance of rolling resistance and all-weather grip.

Consumer Reports recently tested a few all-season tire models with low rolling resistance and found that those tires can improve fuel economy by an additional one or two mpg. The reward for replacing a less-optimum tire can be a payback covering most of the cost of the new tires over their lifetime in fuel savings. Moreover, you generally don’t have to pay more to get a tire with better rolling resistance.

Here are some additional tips for getting the most fuel economy from your tires:

  • Keep your tires properly inflated. (A label on the driver’s doorjamb tells you the correct pressures to use.)
  • Check inflation pressure at least monthly; do this when the tires are cool.
  • If you were happy with the tires that came with the car when it was new, consider replacing them with an identical set. Low rolling resistance is a common trait of original-equipment tires.
  • Before buying replacement tires, check Consumer Reports’ Ratings for tires that excel in overall performance and use rolling resistance as tie-breaker

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YneL_hECRo0&feature=player_embedded

If you ever have any questions regarding your tires, or more importantly, “the feel” of your car, call us at Freeman Grapevine, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Fort Worth & Dallas: FIX YOUR POTHOLES

Hey, it happens even to the best of us here at Freeman Grapevine. You’re driving along, focusing on the road ahead, and you might not even notice the huge hole in the road…until you drive over it.

Bam, you just hit a pothole. It might have sloshed your coffee, or made your CD player skip. You quietly curse the pothole and you might even shake an angry fist in the rear view mirror, but then you just go about your day. What you might not know is, driving over potholes can cause serious damage to your car.

First off, what exactly is a pothole? Well, as roadways freeze and thaw, some of the water erodes the dirt beneath the surface of the road. Then the asphalt will start to crack and chip away. This leads to small holes in the road, and they will eventually turn into potholes.

How can potholes affect you? Well, you could notice immediate damage via a flat tire or long-term damage could start to affect your alignment and steering. Pothole damage accounts for about 500,000 insurance claims every year, so you should look for any signs of damage as soon as possible.

If you have aluminum rims, they might become bent or warped if you hit too many potholes, and they just can’t withstand the impact that older, steel rims can. If you hit a deep pothole, it could chip away some of the rust proofing on the undercarriage of you car, and you will want to get that repaired as quickly as possible.

The biggest problem will have an effect on your steering and shocks. If you notice that your car starts to pull in one direction or the other when you let go of the steering wheel, your alignment is probably off. If you notice that your drive is becoming a little rougher and you can feel every little bump in the road, those potholes might have messed up your shock springs.

Let me know if you have any funny or nightmarish pothole stories, and I might include them in a future blog post! Of course, if that pothole has left you with any of the issues I mentioned above, then feel free to bring it into Freeman Grapevine so we can take a look.

Dallas GMC Dealer gives hints on the “Right” way to buy as used car

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I’ve always wanted to do a “How To” list. If there’s one thing I know about, it’s buying and selling new and used cars. So here it is, the insider’s secret on “How-To-Buy a Used Car”

The one thing to always remember is that it won’t be a bargain if you have to spend a ton of money on repairs, so learn how to spot a lemon (buying from a reputable Dallas GMC dealer is a great first step). However, you’ll still want to follow this list regardless of who you buy from.
To complete this How-To you will need:

Time

Patience

Diligence

Step 1: Figure out how much you can spend

Figure out how much you can spend—either in cash or in monthly loan payments. Tip: Don’t forget about the costs of owning a car, like insurance and maintenance.

Step 2: Research models

Research the models you’re considering. Car information websites will help you compare both the performance and long-term reliability of various cars.

Step 3: Locate car

Locate a car that you want to check out. Search used car lots, classified ads, car dealerships that sell pre-owned vehicles, and special used-car publications and websites.

Step 4: Ask seller about condition

 

Ask the seller about the general condition of the car, including mileage, extra features, and whether service records are available.

Tip: If you’re buying the car from an individual, ask if he or she is the original owner and the reason for selling the car.

Step 5: Inspect & test-drive

Inspect the car and test-drive it. You want to make sure that it performs well, runs smoothly, and feels right.

Tip: Don’t let the seller rush you through the test-drive.

Step 6: Find out if warranty included

Find out if the car comes with a warranty.

Tip: If a warranty isn’t included, have a mechanic inspect the car for you. Let the seller know that the sale is contingent on a professional inspection.

Step 7: Get vehicle history report

Get a vehicle history report from one of the companies that sell them online. See if the vehicle has been damaged in an accident or flood—and if the odometer may have been rolled back.

Step 8: Find out worth

Find out how much the car is worth by consulting online used car guides or visiting the library.

Step 9: Negotiate

Negotiate. Using the market value of the car as a guide, make an offer on the low end. Don’t be afraid to walk away.

Tip: If you’re trading in your car or having a dealership arrange financing, negotiate the price of the car before you discuss trade-in value and financing to assure you get the best deal.

Step 10: Close the deal

Close the deal. If you’re buying from a private seller, make sure you get the title. Register your new vehicle with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

Tip: If you’re buying from a dealership, they will handle most of the paperwork for you. Just make sure you read any contracts or paperwork carefully.

Step 11: Drive home

Drive home in your snappy new ride.

As always, if you have any comments, suggestions or questions leave me a note, or if you’re in Grapevine, just swing by Freeman Grapevine.

Dallas GMC Dealer’s take on surviving an accident Financially

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Have you been in an accident in your new car recently, are you suffering pain as a result of your car accident and it wasn’t your fault? Does this sound like an advertisement for an ambulance chasing lawyer? Well, regardless if it does or not, the fact of the matter is that this Dallas GMC Dealer believes you may have a good compensation claim against the other party.

Now, I hope you are never in a car accident accident and if you were I really hope that you don’t have to go through the stressful experience of a lawsuit of some kind. However, this is real life and things happen…here’s what to do if they do.

Many compensation personal injury solicitors now work on a No Win No Fee basis meaning you don’t need to pay them a penny for their services. If you win your case you will not have to pay their legal costs and the fees and cost for helped you will be collected from the other party. If you lose your case , it is very likely to get nothing, that’s why they mostly take cases on they believe will win.

In regards to insurance, any medical costs from the hospital, health care and also any medicine you’ve had to purchase can probably be claimed. If any other costs have arose from this car accident then make it clear when you speak to your lawyer, they will need to know the full facts of the accident as well as the pain and costs you have or are suffering from.

Remember, every car accident compensation claim is completely different from any other. It depends on the injuries that were caused, any costs or medical treatment, time off work needed and much more. As well as the time it took them to close the case. It could take a few months or a couple of years, so just keep this in mind when choosing your compensation claim lawyer, get a good one.

Some good questions to ask are :

• Will I get the ‘whole’ of my compensation? If yes… continue
• Will I need to pay a fee? If no… continue
• Do you recover costs from the other side (i.e. people at fault)? If yes… continue
• Would I need to pay anyone any money once my claim is settled? If no… proceed.

Again,  Freeman Grapevine hopes you never have to experience any of the above. However, if you do, know that you have recourse to file claim against the offending party. Be wise in your choice of lawyer, he should have your best interest in mind…not his.

New Dallas Buick Dealer approves of co-signing

Now this article isn’t for everyone. It’s for a lot of you, but not all of you. It for those people who ar looking to buy a new car, possibly their very first even. It’s for the people who have had a blemish or two on their credit history. Hey who hasn’t, really. This is just a way you could go if you really needed  a new car. Here’s a hint, check out your friendly Dallas Buck Gmc Dealer in Grapevine. (oh, come one you know I have to do those right? Those shameless Plugs? Something about SEO, or something)

BUT I DIGRESS!!! No really, this is some good advice.

Ahem! “The Co-signer”. The co-signer is the person who will accept the responsibility for your car payment, should you not be able to pay your monthly note for what ever reason. Now if you are honest, have a steady job and have lived at the same address for more than two years, then getting that next new car might be easier than you thought.

Let’s get to it, I’ll try to make this as interesting as possible, I swear.

Do you know how important a co-signer can be in obtaining a new or used car in Dallas? Do you know what their obligation as co-signer is? This is important to know for any potential new car buyer who is looking to have somebody co-sign their contract, or for somebody who is being sought after to co-sign a contract. Here’s the bottom line, the creditor for your car loan may allow you to have a co-signer on the finance contract with you in order to make up for any shortfalls in your credit history. This is a good thing because it opens up criteria for issuing the loan.

Don’t abuse the trust and good will of your co-signer by purchasing a vehicle you know you won’t be able to afford. A co-signer has equal responsibility for the contract, not some, not most, but equal responsibility. If you skip on your payments, your co-signer is legally obligated to cover your debt. Further, this contract and any missed payments will show up on the co-signers credit history. Therefore, if being asked to be a co-signer, make sure that this is somebody that you have a large amount of trust and confidence in, because it could have dire effects on you if this person cannot hold up their end of the loan.

Co-signee! Don’t mess it up! You are holding the good faith of your co-signer in your hands. Cover your debt so your co-signer doesn’t have to go through the process of suing you…good advice ; ) In the meantime, trust-worthy co-signee, enjoy your new Buick! (COME ON! I sell Buicks, man!)

If you have some credit issues, a co-signer could be the key to your new car. Check out this video for some more good advice.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vtNGQGbTug

Dallas Buick Dealer and the New Buick LaCrosse Concept

Buick Dallas, GMC Dallas, Texas Buick, Texas GMC, Texas GMC Dealer, Used Car Dealers Dallas, Used Cars Dallas, used cars fort worthAs a Dallas Buick Dealer, I know that when some people think of Buick, they don’t necessarily think of the word “luxury”. “Comfortable, smooth, well-built” are the words I hear the most to describe the Buick LaCrosse.

Well, it was only a matter of time before we started to see more refined sensibilities come out of the Buick design factory, and if this new Buick LaCrosse Concept give any hint of what to come from Buick, I think we are all in for some really nice surprises.Buick Dallas, GMC Dallas, Texas Buick, Texas GMC, Texas GMC Dealer, Used Car Dealers Dallas, Used Cars Dallas, used cars fort worth

Some upgraded luxury touches include  a palette of trims including cabernet red, dark cocoa brown and caramel chocochino; French-stitched premium leather seats; suede on the headliner; and a red exterior with tinted chrome accents.

“Every surface in the interior of the LaCrosse GL has been crafted with the knowledge that Buick customers enjoy the finer things in life, but don’t need to flaunt it,” Magdalena Kokoszynska, creative designer on LaCrosse GL said.

Buick Dallas, GMC Dallas, Texas Buick, Texas GMC, Texas GMC Dealer, Used Car Dealers Dallas, Used Cars Dallas, used cars fort worthThe exterior of the Buick LaCrosse GL Concept is colored in red with brushed and tinted chrome accents on the grille, door handles and deck lid, as well as around the windows, taillights and headlights.

“The LaCrosse GL concept expresses Buick’s distinctly human kind of luxury – one that is as warmly inviting as it is elegant and refined,” said David Lyon, executive director of design. “The design cues that already distinguish the production LaCrosse – such as the premium leather-upholstered seats, ice blue ambient lighting and soft touch surfaces – are amplified in the GL and serve as inspiration for future Buick models.”

Now of course we’ll see some type of price restructuring, but as of now, since there is no word of a production model yet, I guess Buick is just testing the market to see what type of reaction the LaCrosse GL receives before making any decisions.

If you are interested in seeing the current production model of the Buick LaCrosse, don’t hesitate to swing by your Dallas Buick Dealer and take a test drive. You’ll be glad that you did.

Feel free to leave any questions or comments below.