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February 3, 2011

Gas Price Comparison Tools

It seems gas is always going up, so it makes sense to watch the price at the pump in search of the cheapest price per gallon. Over time, the methods for gathering and sharing information on pumps with the lowest prices have evolved.

Do you remember long ago when you could sign up for an email distribution list that would provide weekly alerts for gas stations in your area ranking the various prices around town? Now days, tracking gas prices has become increasingly more sophisticated. One of the most popular gas price comparison tools is GasBuddy.com, which has been around since 2000. When you visit the site you can select your area by zip code and view all three grades of gasoline as well as diesel prices. Folks in the community post regularly, so you can often see real-time prices listed as recently as just a few minutes prior to your inquiry. Other websites have also gotten into the act. For instance, you can also compare gas prices through MapQuest, GasPricewWatch.com and AAA Club online. You can experiment with those and others and figure out pretty quickly which is the most useful.

Need more options? Well, you guessed it! Pick up your smart phone, and there’s probably an app for that. iPhone offers a GasBuddy app, and the other major cell carriers have other versions of gas comparison tools that either come bundled with your service or can be added as a premium option. You just have to decide if it makes sense. Adding a $15 per month service to save $10 or $12 a month on gas isn’t worth it. However, when you find the right gas price comparison tool for you, it’s possible that you could save $100 or more a year by just shopping around.

February 2, 2011

Gadgets

With our digital devices tethered to our sides at all times, it’s no wonder that each year more and more technology goes into making the cars we drive safer, better equipped and – yes – smarter. But are those buttons doing us any good? Better yet, do we even know what they are or how to use them?

It’s an interesting question. For example, a friend just discovered late this summer that she could roll down all the windows and open the sunroof of her car remotely. That would have been great to know at the beginning of the hot, humid summer experienced here in Memphis and the Mid-South. Some of you are probably wondering what handy features you’re missing out on in what you drive or what features that are of importance to you are available in your next vehicle.

From heated and cooled cupholders – never mind seats – there are a host of options that can make a difference in your comfort and safety behind the wheel. Ford is one of the manufacturers leading in bringing the latest technology to consumers in a moderate price range. For instance, a 2009 Ford Taurus Limited comes equipped with SYNC, one of the latest innovations for drivers. SYNC features allow drivers to enjoy hands-free calling, voice-activated driving instructions, traffic alerts and audible text messages. How amazing is that? Only if you can use it – right?

Most vehicle owner’s manuals cover how to set-up and use major features; however, if the feature has been not clearly described, you can always visit the manufacturer’s website for additional details. At City Auto, our salesmen tend to specialize in the pre-owned makes that they sell and can help you with your questions. They’ll be more than happy to describe the features or even do a mini-tutorial. Just ask!

September 30, 2010

On Empty Again

These days most everyone is thinking about how to economize at least a little bit, and there are few things as irritating as having to fill up the tank every time you turn around. Now, obviously, some vehicles are worse than others. But there are still some ways to ease the drain on the tank and get a few more miles down the road before you have to pull back up at the pump.

First, watch your driving habits. Avoid things like speeding and pouring on the pedal to get through that yellow light before it turns red. Instead, apply the pedal with ease when starting up from a complete stop. While this won’t magically turn 18 MPG into 30 MPG, it can improve your gas mileage significantly when done consistently.

You can’t always skip the A/C, especially in Memphis’ hot, humid summers. But now that cooler weather is here opt to skip the air conditioning and crack the window for a little fresh air, which can help you conserve.

Have you had your vehicle serviced recently? A fresh oil change and oil filter and, if needed, a fresh air filter can make a difference, too. Fully-inflated tires, an alignment and tires that have been rotated and balanced also can boost gas mileage.

Keep a record when you fill up. Watch how many gallons your tank takes and set your trip odometer and start measuring how much you’re getting out of a tank. It takes several tanks to see if you’re experiencing poor gas mileage or improving it.

July 26, 2010

Summer Driving

With summertime, we like to enjoy a little easy living. However, when we pack up and hit the road, driving usually isn’t the easy part. Hot weather – especially in the South – means that high temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle. Whether you’re taking a road trip or commuting to work, here are some tips to make getting around in significant heat a little easier.

Take Excellent Care of Your Vehicle

Seems like common sense but it is so easy to forget the regular maintenance that keeps your auto in top shape. This means keeping on top of regular oil changes, tune-ups and other routine service. Don’t forget to get the brakes checked, tires rotated and balanced and possibly a transmissions flush. If you’re not sure what needs to be done, check your owner’s manual and stick to the guidelines provided there. Regular maintenance goes a long way to making sure you have peace of mind when you hit the road.

Check Fluid Regularly

Oil changes should not exceed 7,500 miles between changes. Some folks prefer to change oil every 5,000 miles. If fact, you’ll find some who change it every 3,000 miles. One point to keep in mind is synthetic oils will allow you to go 5,000 or more miles before your next oil change. Don’t forget the new oil filter if you’re changing your oil yourself.

Coolant and antifreeze should be changed once a year. Also, ask your mechanic to flush the entire system and check for wear and tear on hoses and valves. If you’re not sure it’s being done, make sure that brake fluid and steering fluid is also checked when you’re in for scheduled service. Other things to check are wiper fluid, proper inflation of tires and spare.

If you questions, find a qualified ASE certified shop. There, you are sure to find quality information and answers to your questions.

Hit the road with confidence whether going cross-county or across town.

March 15, 2010

How Much Insurance

What Type of Coverage

While you’re working on determining your budget for your next vehicle purchase, you’ll also need to consider how much insurance coverage you require. Some simple strategies can help you save time and money.

Today, it’s easier than ever to make a smart decision and save money on auto insurance. There are a number of websites that offer free, no obligation information and rates quotes. By entering a little basic information, you can compare rates from several companies. By using the search term “insurance quote,” you’ll get multiple sources to choose from and begin your research.

Review rate quotes carefully. You may determine that you don’t require as much coverage as initially quoted. The state minimum may be a satisfactory amount of coverage, but be sure to consultant an insurance agent to be sure the coverage is sufficient.

There are various categories such as good credit, non-smoker and multi-vehicle discounts that may lower your insurance premium. So it pays to be informed and compare coverage options.

It pays to compare and shop with City Auto where you’ll get the best deal on a great pre-owned vehicle. Be sure to ask us about GAP insurance, warranties and financial products including competitive financing options and apply for credit right here on cityauto.com.

February 5, 2010

What Our Customers Say

We're excited to share comments from our customers with you. It's important for folks to know what others experience and why - from their perspective - City Auto is different. And there's no better way to do that than to let actual customers tell their story.

Dr. Frank Reichen, DDS, has told a number of friends and even some patients about his City Auto experience. Reichen loves cars and recently purchased a Lexus ES 300. “We had a tremendous experience at City Auto. Everything went smoothly, and it didn’t take a lot of time,” said Reichen. He was not only pleased with the process but also impressed with the selection and was able to find exactly what he was looking for in a vehicle.

Finding a vehicle that meets your needs is important. That was the case for Betsy and Jeff Horton. Mr. Horton had been looking for just the right SUV for his family, and his wife Betsy had some specific features she wanted in that vehicle. They were able to find the exact make, model and options they’d been searching for when they came to City Auto. “We found exactly what we wanted right off the bat, so it wasn’t hard for us at all,” said Jeff Horton.

At City Auto, we strive to help you find what you want and complete the process smoothly and quickly. Our goal is your complete satisfaction.

February 3, 2010

Toyota Recall

Information and Resources

We are committed to making certain that you are informed of the method by which your Toyota vehicle may be properly repaired as part of the recall on your model Toyota vehicle. Toyota has published a procedure for repairs to be made, and we are attaching that procedure to this letter. It is our understanding that the repairs set out in the attachment are free and that you will not incur any expense in that process.

We are also attaching a list of the Toyota dealerships that are charged with the duty of making those repairs and recommend that you select the dealership that you are most comfortable with geographically as well as reputably.

Please make every effort to timely take your vehicle to one of these dealerships listed herein. This is an important safety concern, and we urge you to take care to have the repair made as soon as possible.

Detailed information about the recall is available to all customers online at www.toyota.com/recall and by phone at Toyota Customer Experience Center 1-800-331-4331.

Memphis Area Toyota Dealers
Wolfchase Toyota: 901-377-8000
Performance Toyota: 1-866-559-3344
Chuck Hutton Toyota: 901-345-3200

February 1, 2010

Doing Your Homework

Making Your Best Deal

Purchasing a vehicle is an important decision, and doing a little homework can help you choose the right vehicle for your needs and help you save money, too. Some essential things to consider before making your purchase are the value of your trade – if you have one – your financing options and how much car you need.

City Auto makes this process easy and convenient with several handy features right here on cityauto.com. Navigate to the “Sell Your Vehicle” link on the homepage and enter some basic information about your vehicle to get a free evaluation from Black Book on the value of your trade-in.

While you’re on the site, taking a look at the vehicles you’re interested in, you can also submit a secure credit application online. Once you have narrowed your selection down, you can submit a credit application on the exact vehicle you’re interested in by clicking on the “Apply for Credit” button on the lower right-hand side of the vehicle detail page.

Be sure to drop by our Elmore Road showroom soon and take a test drive. We want your car- buying experience with us to be easy and hassle-free. Find out what it’s like to shop with no pressure, just great service.

Did you know we have the Mid-South’s largest selection of pre-owned vehicles? We average 700 to 800 vehicles on our website and 1,000 on our lot. Because we handle such volume we can offer the best prices to you. Come see us!