Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Car Repair Advice

Read it here! http://jalopnik.com/5903066/what-car-repair-is-best-left-to-professionals What Car Repair Is Best Left To Professionals? Working on one's own car is a point of pride for many owners. Doing-it-yourself is both rewarding and a way to prevent someone else from mucking things up. Inevitably — for even the most hardcore gearheads — there are certain tasks best left to people wearing ASE badges on their sleeves. What repair or maintenance tasks are best handled by trained professional mechanics? You can have all the power in the world and all the sophisticated suspension and braking gear ever designed, but if that ability to manage force isn't delivered to the pavement in a precise manner it's badly compromised. Proper alignment is one of the keys to having a happy car. And especially for vehicles with four-wheel independent suspensions, doing a decent alignment job at home verges on the impossible. You'll want to make sure that your shop of choice has a well-calibrated rack, but they will do it better — and much faster — than any amount of driveway fiddling can accomplish. (QOTD is your chance to answer the day's most pressing automotive questions and experience the opinions of the insightful insiders, practicing pundits and gleeful gearheads that make up the Jalopnik commentariat. If you've got a suggestion for a good "Question Of the Day" send an email to tips at jalopnik dot com.) Photo Credit: David Moffitt / Flickr

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Hello....is anybody there?

I was calling the medical clinic I go to the other day to schedule some routine tests. I was ready for the un-ending voice commands to dial this number for this deptartment, this number for that and was taken aback when I got a real voice versus recorded instructions. The funny thing was, I was not really prepared to ask or answer questions right away.

Now how weird is that. We have become so accustomed to getting a recording (you have reached...) or a support line, (please enter your account #) that when we actually get someone it makes us feel like we did something wrong. I do not think I am unique in that I am already frustrated by the time I finally get to speak to someone, if I ever really do. Or if I called during business hours would I get someone to help me right away? Rarely! Unfortunately, this has become the norm.


I understand all the arguments for interactive voice response systems and call routing, but if your business is trying to differentiate itself today, going back to a human connection will do that. We pride ourselves at Fleet Street Remarketing, that the human connection is here and always will be. When you call Fleet Street, you will always hear a real voice and quickly be routed to the right person . Kevin Mcgrath, (owner) understands that great customer service is one of the most important attributes a company can offer and it is our #1 goal! We are well known for how quickly OUR STAFF answers the phone and handles questions.

In the age of rapidly changing technology, texting, smartphones, tablets and “Social Media” everywhere, it is funny to think that our parents and grandparents were better suited to do business today than most companies are. They understood relationships and common courtesies and focused on people first, not selling products. Sometimes going back to what worked before all the technological wizardry we have today is the right way to do business. That is truly "Social"! Call us….you’ll see. 800-539-2277

www.facebook.com/fleetstreetdealergroup

Monday, November 28, 2011

Some of the hidden costs of smoking?

OK,  we all know smoking is bad for you and it costs a lot of money. Consider the additional impact it has on your wallet when it comes time to trade or sell your car. The financial damage can be shocking.... 

 

Decrease In Car Value

When it comes to determining the value of a car, the interior condition of the car is a top factor. Smoking in a car greatly reduces the condition of a car's interior and the result is that the car is worth much less than if nobody had been smoking in it. Due to this smell, smokers receive less money when they try to sell their used car or a smaller trade-in value from a car dealership. Depending on the year and model of the car, the decrease in value will be hundreds of dollars at a minimum and could easily exceed $1000.

There are several factors that conspire together to reduce the value of a car that has had a smoker as an owner:

Smaller Market: The market for cars that have been smoked in is much smaller than that for cars that have never been smoked in. The fact is that many people will not even consider purchasing a car that was previously owned by a smoker. Since the number of people interested in the car is much smaller, there is less competition which results in a lower price offered.

Smell: Cigarette smoke leaves a smell that is difficult, if not impossible, to completely remove. The smell of the car is a major factor of the interior condition. Cars that smell of smoke are much less desirable resulting in people offering less.

Burns: If a person smokes in a car, there is a good chance that the interior has some minor burn marks from fallen ash or accidentally dropped cigarette. These are often unsightly and reduce the value of a car.

Stains: Smoking will usually seep into the seat covers, floor carpet and car paneling. This can stain, dim and discolor the interior of the car all of which will make the car appear older and reduce the value of it.

Assuming that a person keeps their car an average of 5 years and that the value decreases by $1000 due to damage and appearance as a result of smoking, the cost of smoking on the value of a car is $200 a year more for a smoker than a non smoker.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Tune up Your Vehicle for Winter and Holiday travel!

Tune up Your Vehicle for Winter

It’s always smart to get a winter tune up—before winter and all the holiday travel arrives. Tires, batteries, belts, blades and fluids will all be checked or replaced to maximize your car’s performance and safety, during the most challenging months on the road.
To avoid accidents or sliding altogether, never exceed the speed limit. When driving in snow or in freezing conditions, reduce the car’s speed to allow time to react.
If you do hit snow or ice, brake gently, in other words, brake in a slow and steady manner. If the vehicle begins to ‘lock up’ and slide, take your foot off the brake and simultaneously down shift.
Did You Know? If in an accident, dial 911 to get help or to call for roadside assistance. Do not continuously run your vehicle’s engine. If you are stranded, run it about every 30 or 60 minutes to get heat in the car.
Winter Driving Safety Tips
  • If you veer off the road and are unable to maneuver back onto a road, it’s best for your personal safety to stay in the vehicle.
  • Use your lights, high beams, flashlight or flashers to get the attention of other vehicles. Use your cell phone to call 911 to get help or to call for roadside assistance.
  • Do not continuously run the engine. If you are stranded, run the engine every 30 or 60 minutes to get heat in the car.
  • Do not drink alcohol – it will lower the temperature of your body and increasingly make you drowsy.
Keep the following items with you in the trunk of your vehicle:
  • Fist Aid supplies
  • Jumper cables
  • Ice scraper with brush
  • Tire chains
  • Blankets
  • Salt or sand – or, kitty litter
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Emergency flares
  • Snow or retractable shovel
  • Water
  • Extra phone charger
  • Large jar candle and matches
  • Quart of oil
  • Strip of bright colored fabric
If you are looking for a new vehicle this winter..call us @ 800-539-2277 or email sales@fleetstreetusa.com. or karen@fleetstreetusa.com Have a safe and Happy winter/holiday travel season!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

IT'S ALL ABOUT TIMING!

There’s a right time for just about everything, right? Like the right time to get married. The right time to buy a house. The right time to plant a garden. You get my point. And right now it’s the right time to buy a used car at Fleet Street Autos and here’s why:
§                     you have an old car that costs more to repair than it’s worth
§                     it would make the best present ever J
§                     you’ve had a lifestyle change
§                     there are tons of vehicles available
§                     you can get a smokin’ deal
These are truly some things to really think about. If your car has become unreliable and you seem to always be taking it in to get fixed then now is a great time to buy a used car here at Fleet Street Autos. Not only is your car taking up a lot of your time being fixed every other week, but it can also be unsafe.  You should also take a look at the amount of money you’re spending on fixing it compared to the amount it’s currently worth today. You don’t want to be throwing money down the drain. Sure you may have an attachment to your current car, but believe me, when you find the perfect used car at Fleet Street Autos you won’t even look back.
With the holiday seasons coming up, you may want to consider getting one of our great corporate off lease 2010 Ford Fusions as a gift. This is the ultimate present.  Imagine how excited the person receiving the gift will be! The look on their face will be priceless. So if you are getting a used car as a gift, we would love for you to capture the moment and send us a picture!!
It may be time to consider buying a used vehicle if you have had a recent lifestyle change. This can be anything from getting a new job that now takes you on a commute to a new teenager that’s ready to drive.
Right now at Fleet Street Autos we have had the best selection of used cars including our 2010 Fusions and Escapes in our history. I don’t know if you recall, but finding a great used car has been a bit tricky the last year and half. They just weren’t as available as they usually were. But we’ve searched high and low and have brought back the best of the best. Come check them out at Fleet Street Autos  today. And of course tell all of your friends. This is a great used car time to buy.
In addition to not only having the best inventory right now at Freeman Grapevine, we also have great deals. You don’t have to take my word for it, come on down to Fleet Street Autos and see for yourself!

Friday, September 30, 2011

Top 10 Most Affordable SUVs in 2011

Top 10 Most Affordable SUVs in 2011



How many times have you heard or said – “No matter how affordable SUVs get, they’re still gas-guzzler’s!” – for the most part it’s true and continues to be a major roadblock to purchase, especially with gas edging back up over $3.50 a gallon! However, car companies are doing their very best to offer affordable SUV solutions not only from a ‘base price’ perspective but also from a fuel economy perspective – which may be ‘just enough’ for some SUV lovers like myself.
Here are the top 10 most affordable SUVs in 2011 which hopefully will be helpful for those interested in buying a new car within a set price range. Ready? Let’s rock n’ roll…

1. 2011 Jeep Patriot – $15,595

The most affordable SUV, the Patriot packs a punch for its price. The Patriot hearkens back to its off-road beginnings, while providing for on-road driving pleasure.
With twenty-three cubic feet of cargo space and seating for five, the Patriot is the perfect camping vehicle. Cargo space increases to fifty-four cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.

2. 2011 Kia Sportage – $18,295

The Sportage is one of the most affordable SUVs, and one of the safest, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Equipped with Bluetooth technology and a USB port as standard equipment, the Sportage keeps its owners in touch even when off-road.

3. 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport – $18,495

The Outlander Sport was named the US News and World Report’s 2011 Best Compact Crossover for the Money.
Excellent fuel economy and ample passenger and storage room are two factors in US News and World Report’s decision.

4. 2011 Hyundai Tucson – $18,895

The Tucson boasts Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design, ensuring a beautiful exterior. Comfortable seating for the driver and passengers bring the SUV’s fluidity into the Tucson’s interior.
The Tucson’s sporty handling is an added bonus for one of the most affordable SUVs.

5. 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara – $19,199

The Vitara comes with a standard navigational system and one of the longest warranties in its class. Its rugged exterior makes it an impressive vehicle on or off the road.
Its well-designed interior makes it a joy to drive, with automatic climate control, a tilt steering wheel with stereo controls, and keyless entry and start as standard features.

6. 2011 Ford Escape – $21,215

The Escape provides more than thirty-one cubic feet of storage. The storage expands to sixty-eight cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
The Escape’s 2.5-litre engine comes with a five-speed manual transmission for a sporty driving experience or a six-speed automatic transmission for a more luxurious driving experience.

7. 2011 Toyota RAV4 – $22,025

The RAV4 offers comfortable seating for seven and ample cargo room with a solid, beautiful interior that anyone can enjoy.
The SUV that launched the market for SUVs, the RAV4 ranks high for its solid and substantial feel and its versatility.

8. 2011 Chevrolet Equinox – $22,475

This compact SUV boasts the size of a mid-sized SUV and the fuel efficiency of a sedan.
Its organizational compartments and cargo storage provide ample room for running errands. Its smooth handling ensures a quiet, comfortable ride.

9. 2011 Volkswagon Tiguan – $23,720

Bluetooth technology and that famous German engineering combine to create an SUV that can keep up with its owner’s busy life. Combines great design, comfort and reliability expected from the VW brand.
The only German vehicle in its class, the Tiguan is truly in a class by itself.

10. 2011 GMC Terrain – $24,250

The angular styling of the Terrain sets it apart from its rounded counterparts with a super sharp design in this new 2011 SUV!
Fuel efficient and roomy, the Terrain offers a really sweet sliding rear seat, creating extra legroom for passengers and even opening the opportunity to haul weird shaped items.

Wrapping it up…

Well, there you go guys, 10 of the most affordable 2011 SUVs on the market today. Keep in mind that these are base prices and will go up as you add on all the bells & whistles (obviously). However, if your looking to buy an SUV, there has never been a better time with all the great deals that auto dealers are offering to boost both their business and the economy. Happy hunting

P.S.  We have several beautiful 2009-2010 corporate off lease Ford Escapes (and Fusions for you sedan lovers) at great deals! They are going fast so call soon for the best selection at the best price! 800-539-2277