DRIVE - New Car Buying Guide 2016

BOULDER COUNTY – FALL 2016

New Car Buying Guide

MARKET ING FEAT URE

NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE | Timing Your Purchase

New models, quotas and the holidays are just a few reasons why dealerships offer the best deals at year’s end. (Fotolia)

Fall: A good time to buy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emma Castleberry, A. Martin PHOTOGRAPHY Acura, Audi, Kia, Ford, Subaru, Volkswagen, Fotolia ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Kelly Hendershot ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mary Romano DESIGNER & EDITOR Greg Stone

Drive is a marketing feature published by the Daily Camera. ©2016. All Rights Reserved.

Prairie Mountain Media.

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ew models, quotas and the holidays are just a few reasons why dealerships offer the best deals at year’s end. There are many incentives a dealer can obtain if they are able to hit the numbers that are set for them. Why not help them help you?

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Fall ushers in the last few months of the year. Car dealers and manufacturers are in a frenzy to finish the year strong.

Traditionally, the first few months of a new year are slow ones in the car sales department, making it a necessity for local dealers to boost their end-ofyear sales to get through the slow months.

Capitalize on leftover inventory You will likely grab a great deal on a new vehicle by waiting for late summer and early fall. This is generally

when dealerships are rolling the year’s newest models into their showrooms, meaning they begin marking down last year’s models to unload inventory.

Out with the old, in with the new is a practice for dealerships during the fall season. It’s in your best interest to take advantage.

Holiday sales Car dealerships have jumped on the Black Friday shopping phenomenon. Great deals can be found the day after Thanksgiving and the weeks immediately afterward as

manufacturers offer reduced pricing on new models.

Other than great prices, be on the lookout for financing deals and various rebates that can make a big difference in your final cost.

Smart spending Consider getting a big purchase like a new car out of the way before the holidays tighten your wallet. Taking advantage of sales in September or October can give you plenty of time to readjust your budget for Christmas gifts.

If your current vehicle isn’t the most reliable machine, a new vehicle can give you peace of mind that you’ll safely get where you’re going during the busy holiday travel season.

Fall 2016

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ebhardt BMW Authorized Dealer

per month for 36 months*

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Must be financed through BMW Financial Services. Pease see your client advisor for details

www.gebhardtbmw.com Gebhardt BMW - 4740 Valmont Rd., Boulder • 303-502-2840

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NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE | Car Shopping

Buying your first hybrid H ybrid vehicles have been growing in popularity thanks to their reputation of being better for the environment and their great fuel economy. If you’re considering making your first hybrid vehicle purchase, there are a few factors you should keep in mind.

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a new car. (Fotolia)

Finding the right fit here are many factors to consider when purchasing a new car.

It is crucial to consider your budget, an accommodating size and various comfort and safety features. The average car loan will require payments for five years. It is important to determine that any upcoming life changes will be compatible with a vehicle that you will likely have long after the loan is repaid.

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The good news is, you’re not alone in this decision. It is in your local dealer’s best interest to ensure that you are purchasing a car that will meet your needs.

But what questions do you need to ask your local professional?

Is it in your budget?

Besides your initial investment of a down payment plus monthly payments, make sure that you can afford regular maintenance on your new vehicle. Your dealership’s salesman or local parts store will be willing to do research to determine the cost of regular maintenance for your new vehicle.

There’s a large cost difference between oil changes for a truck with a diesel engine and a standard passenger car that uses gasoline. It’s important to know these cost differences before you commit to a five-year loan.

Does your new car fit your family?

A sleek body style and extra horsepower under the hood can be tempting to anyone. But if you have small children, you know that convenience is second to 4 DRIVE

none. Perhaps, a two-door coupe isn’t the best vehicle for you if you’re constantly shuttling kids around town.

If you have children or are considering adding to your family, a sedan, SUV or minivan may be your best bet. These will supply comfort and convenience for your budding family.

If you’re concerned about gas mileage, consider a small or crossover SUV.

Owning a new hybrid isn’t all great gas mileage and a lower carbon footprint. Maintaining a new hybrid car can be expensive, so it’s important to understand what you’re getting into before signing the final sales contract.

What is a hybrid vehicle?

A hybrid vehicle generally uses two different powertrains – typically a gasoline engine along with an electric motor. By working together, they are able to consume less fuel by allowing the gasoline engine to carry less of the load.

Regenerative braking is one of the signature features of a hybrid vehicle. When you apply your brakes, it causes the electric motor to run backwards in order to stop the vehicle. While the motor is in reverse mode, it feeds electricity to the batteries.

This system is one of the most unique features of hybrid vehicles on the market today.

Gas mileage Toyota boasts that its new 2016 Prius will get an average of 54 miles per gallon. While some

hybrids may get lower mileage than the Prius, the numbers are still much higher than a convention gasoline vehicle.

While you’re getting more bang for your buck at the pump, also know that you’ll get less power from a hybrid than you would a conventional engine.

Gasoline engines will accelerate considerably faster and offer more horsepower. Consider this major difference when making your decision.

Maintaining a hybrid Possibly the biggest issue related to owning a hybrid vehicle is the cost of maintenance. Replacing a hybrid battery can cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately, car manufacturers usually offer great protection on the hybrid components, so make sure to understand what kind of warranty you’re getting.

When it comes to a hybrid, a good rule of thumb is to go back to your local dealer for repairs. Their mechanics have been trained on the complexity of a hybrid engine and will have special tools for repairs.

Do you need extras?

Your new car may come with extras that you never considered, but these extras come at additional costs. Ask yourself if you need the extra towing package. Sure it can be handy, but if you have never considered hauling a trailer, then it’s probably an extra that you don’t need.

Another extra is four-wheel drive. If you live in an area that experiences tough, snowy winters, four-wheel drive will probably be beneficial. If you don’t plan on driving in snow or off-roading, however, you’re safe to bypass this pricey option that can also cost you in gas mileage.

If you’re considering making your first hybrid vehicle purchase, there are a few factors you should keep in mind. (Fotolia) Fall 2016

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NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE | 2017 New Models

Rev your engines A glimpse at new 2017 models offering exciting new designs and features

By Emma Castleberry, Drive

The 2017 Acura NSX will be the only supercar designed, developed and manufactured in the U.S. by Acura.

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utomakers are pulling out all the stops for the 2017 model year. Lighter, more agile vehicles are the name of the game, meaning drivers will save on fuel and have greater access to new terrain. Automotive engineers are rapidly mastering the art of combining fuel efficiency with comfortable, sleek design and unmatched drivability, so consumers no longer have to make any sacrifices when it comes to choosing their ride. With the help of newly developed materials and smaller, more efficient part design, cars this year will weigh less than their predecessors, allowing the driver increased mobility and ultimately, increased safety. The 2017 models are designed to allow their owners to drive anywhere and everywhere with peace of mind. Whether you’re looking to off-road in the rugged Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew, experience top-of-the-line automotive technology in the exclusively American-made Acura NSX, or slash your fuel budget with the premier Kia Niro HUV, 2017 has something for you.

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(Acura)

2017 Acura NSX The 2017 Acura NSX will be the only supercar designed, developed and manufactured in the U.S. by Acura. The NSX’s 3.5-liter twinturbocharged V6 engine will be hand built at the Anna, Ohio engine plant and the supercar will be manufactured exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.

Acura will only produce 800 of these vehicles in 2017. “It’s going to be an instant collectible,” says Paul Solko, sales manager at Flatirons Acura.

“This is Acura’s halo car. It’s going to showcase all the technology that Acura has to offer.” That technology will include never-before-seen Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, as well as a multi-material body structure and advanced aerodynamics.

Flatirons Acura, 5995 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 866.934.7249; flatironsacura.com.

Fall 2016

2017 Audi Q7

One of the crowning achievements of the new Audi Q7 is its weight. Despite being a large SUV, the Q7 weighs just over 4,343 pounds.

Depending on the engine model, this means a weight savings of up to 716.5 pounds in comparison with the previous model. This low weight improves the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and contributes to a lower CO2 yield over its lifetime. But weight-savings don’t mean a sacrifice of interior space: the Q7 has the most spacious interior of its segment. The Q7 also features the option of a new infotainment system, MMI navigation plus, that provides passengers with a wifi hotspot and smartphone interface.

2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle

The Kia Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) is for the driver that wants it all: a smooth ride, stylish design and the efficiency of an eco-car. The Niro HUV comes with a specially designed 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine. This engine works with a 43-hp tractive motor to deliver 146 horsepower through a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission: the key to smooth shifting. The marriage of this engine, motor and transmission make for an easy drive and a fuel efficiency rating of 50 m.p.g. A 106.3inch wheelbase makes for a roomy interior and the battery’s position underneath the rear seats allows for more space where you really need it. Extensive insulation, body sealant, expanding foam, acoustic windshield glass, and carefully crafted side mirrors all work to mitigate noise from the wind and the road. The Niro HUV is the first of Kia’s new ecocar platform, an important part of Kia’s mission to triple their green car lineup by 2020.

Fisher Kia, 6025 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, 303.245.6416; fisherkia.net.

2017 Subaru Impreza 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew

The new Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew will allow passengers to off-road in comfort and style. The purpose-built engine, chassis and suspension make this Ford perfect for any terrain, from rock to sand. The wheelbase is 12 inches longer than the standard Raptor Supercab and both the front and rear shock canisters have a thicker diameter of 3 inches. The new Raptor SuperCrew also features 17-inch wheels and a dual exhaust for increased stability. A super efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine in combination with a lightweight design using advanced steel and alloy mean the Raptor has one of the best power-to-weight ratios available, which increases off-road agility.

Fall 2016

Available in both sedan and 5-door styles, the 2017 Subaru Impreza will debut a new, more sculptural design while maintaining the classic hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights. The new Impreza will be just over an inch longer and wider than its predecessor for a spacious and comfortable ride, but slightly shorter for supreme aerodynamics.

The new Impreza will also be markedly safer, with crash energy absorption 40 percent better than the previous model. A lower center of gravity and improved suspension will make it easier for drivers to avoid sudden road hazards. This model will be trimmed out with all the high tech multimedia features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the option of harman/kardon audio equipment.

Flatirons Subaru, 5995 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 888.349.3954; coloradosubaru.com.

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NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE | 2017 New Models

Volkswagen introduces

2017 Golf Alltrack o say that Jack Wroten is excited about Volkswagen’s new 2017 Golf Alltrack is perhaps an understatement.

Wroten is the general manager for Gebhardt Volkswagen. He described the new model as “a huge opportunity,” both for the automaker and his dealership.

Indeed, the Alltrack comes with some impressive features nearly guaranteed to pique the curiosity of more than a few Colorado residents. With the versatility of a crossover, the off-road chops of an SUV, and the handling of a sports sedan, what’s not to love?

Marlu Gurr, a trainer for the Volkswagen Academy, recently spent a day at Gebhardt Volkswagen going over all the bells and whistles with the sales staff. She’s the go-to source for anything and everything you might want to know about the Alltrack.

Let’s start under the hood.

The Alltrack boasts a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine capable of 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. Or, said in laymen’s terms, this car has

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some get up and go. But perhaps even more noteworthy is how Volkswagen has implemented the all-wheel drive.

As Gurr explained, the Alltrack “has off-road capabilities as well as intelligent all-wheel drive.” In normal driving conditions, the vehicle functions like any other frontwheel drive car, which means excellent handling combined with fuel economy. But if the onboard sensors pick up slippage, as much as 50% of the car’s power can be distributed to the rear wheels. Given the winter road conditions in Colorado, that’s not just convenient. That’s a significant safety feature.

Additionally, there are three distinctly different drive modes for the vehicle. Normal mode employs intelligent all-wheel drive as described above. Offroad mode adjusts the traction control, allowing for better handling on non-paved surfaces, and adds hill descent control.

Finally, sport mode makes use of the turbo engine, providing a more responsive driving experience akin to what you’d

By A Martin, Drive

expect from a sports sedan.

In a sense, Alltrack is three cars in one, giving drivers a wide variety of options without having to swap out vehicles.

And as if that weren’t enough, the Alltrack will be available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. As Car and Driver noted in their review, “an all-wheel-drive wagon with a stick is a rarity in the U.S. market.” That alone sets the Alltrack apart.

But how does it drive?

When asked this very question, Gurr didn’t hesitate. “It’s unbelievable,” she said.

She’s been driving one for the past several days, getting a feel for how it handles in each mode.

She reports that it’s a pleasure on and off the road. It corners well, rides smooth, and has the kind of high-performance responsiveness you’d expect from a sporty model.

Turning to the inside of the vehicle, Gurr describes the interior as “impeccable.” All trim levels are packed with features, including Volkswagen’s App-Connect which allows

drivers to utilize their Apple or Android smart phones via a seamless plug-and-play experience. Streaming tunes or using Google Maps for directions has never been easier.

Higher trim levels will also make use of MirrorLink, which syncs the infotainment system’s touch screen so that it actually mirrors your phone’s display.

Gurr says it’s “very, very user friendly.”

The layout of the interior is spacious and lush, comfortably accommodating drivers of any shape or size. Gurr related that she’s seen men as tall as 6’8” sit comfortably behind the wheel with plenty of headroom. The knee room in the backseat is also generous.

As for safety, the Alltrack passes standard tests with flying colors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the Alltrack an impressive 5-Star safety rating. The vehicle comes with typical safety features, like front and side airbags, crumble CONTINUED - See Alltrack, Page 10

Fall 2016

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Alltrack (continued) zones and motor mounts that drop the engine in the event of a front collision, as well as a re-enforced light steel frame assembled with laser seam welding.

Gurr said, “Safety was engineered into that vehicle.”

Virtually everything about the Alltrack looks great on paper.

The real question is, who will this vehicle appeal to?

“It’s going to support, I think, a wide range,” Gurr said, adding that many of the folks who buy the new Alltrack will be “very active people.”

That makes a lot of sense.

The Alltrack is both visually appealing and fun to drive.

But more importantly, it’s an outrageously versatile car. It will handle well, whether you’re knocking around Boulder, taking to the highway on a road trip, or off the beaten path pursuing any number of outdoor activities.

And because the driver can proactively choose the sort of driving experience he/she wants, there’s no limit to what the Alltrack can tackle.

Not surprisingly, the Alltrack is already being compared to similar offerings from Subaru. There simply aren’t an abundance of all-wheel drive sport wagons available. Buyers looking for this specific type of car will welcome another model to the niche market. And with the option of a manual transmission, the Alltrack is truly noteworthy.

Given everything the Alltrack offers, it comes as little surprise that Wroten expects very positive reception from buyers.

“We won’t be able to keep them on the lot,” he said.

In fact, several pre-orders have already been placed, even before a single model has arrived at Gebhardt. Wroten expects the first Alltracks to make an appearance within the next week. He said this first batch will serve primarily as test drive vehicles for placing orders. More should arrive before the end of the month.

Gebhardt Volkswagen, 2470 49th St., Boulder, 720.548.2214; gebauto.com.

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NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE | Tips

Get the best trade-in deal f it’s time to purchase a new car, it may also be time to upgrade your current vehicle to maximize its trade-in value.

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There are many ways to make this happen.

In addition to a down payment, a good price on your trade-in can greatly lower the total amount that you will ultimately owe for your new vehicle. It’s important to research your vehicle’s value so you’re not negotiating blindly when it’s time to close the deal.

Research

A good way to get a great handle on the trade-in value of your car is to check with a resource like Kelley Blue Book.

You can use the company’s database to find a rough estimate of what a dealer may offer for a trade-in. Answer the website’s questions honestly to give yourself the most accurate value.

Dealers are experienced in this department and know what they’re looking for when valuing a trade-in. It’s easy to be discouraged if you are offered less than you are expecting, so having a realistic value in mind is critical to keeping you on track at the dealership.

Give your vehicle some TLC

The impression your vehicle makes on the dealer is up to you. Make sure to spend some time scrubbing the exterior and vacuuming the interior. It may not be a bad idea to hire a local professional detail company to really make it shine.

Many of these detail companies also work for dealerships, sprucing up vehicles before they’re sold. They will have a good understanding of how to beautify your vehicle when you tell them you’re taking it in for trade.

If it’s time to purchase a new car, it may also be time to upgrade your current vehicle to maximize its trade-in value. (Fotolia)

Mechanical difficulties?

Apart from the appearance, you will benefit from correcting any minor mechanical problems your car is experiencing. If you’re hearing noises from under the hood, that may be unattractive to a dealer looking to re-sell. Have a local expert take a look and give you advice

on which repairs are most pressing.

Knowing about these minor issues will give you an upper hand when negotiating. You can refer to your mechanic’s repair quote, letting your dealer know exactly what type of work is required to get the vehicle into top shape.

Fall 2016

NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE | Financing

Leasing vs. buying he decision of whether to lease or buy a vehicle is one worth considering if you’re shopping for a new vehicle.

Both options carry pros and cons. Ask yourself if you’re looking for a long-term vehicle or would rather have the option to switch out your ride every few years.

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When leasing a vehicle, you will likely pay less per month than you would by buying.

Think of leasing and buying a vehicle the same way you would think of renting or buying a home. Your personal situation and preferences should be the defining factors in your decision.

Lease terms While every dealership will be different, a lease term will have its own unique stipulations. Typically, you will receive a mileage limit for your leased vehicle. You will be required to keep the mileage under a certain number during the term of your lease.

Otherwise, there is a chance that you will be responsible for paying a fee for every mile over your limit. There may be lease-specific contingencies, so

make sure you understand what you’re getting into.

Maintaining your vehicle When leasing, it’s important to remember that the vehicle is not actually yours. You are required to return your vehicle in excellent condition to avoid paying a penalty. However, if you own your car, you can endure some scratches or dings that may come up.

Your leased vehicle will typically be under warranty for the duration of the lease, so you shouldn’t have to worry about any pricey repairs.

One con to consider when purchasing is that once your warranty expires, all repair responsibilities are placed solely on you.

How’s your financial situation?

For many lease promotions,

Improve your credit hen it comes to purchasing a new car, a good credit score is one of the most important weapons you can have in your arsenal. That’s because more than 85 percent of American consumers rely on financing to obtain a new vehicle, according to Experian’s 2016 State of the Automotive Finance Market report.

Bad credit can lead to no financing. Good credit, however, shows lenders that you are reliable when it comes to making payments on time, which leads to a better chance of securing a loan. Besides that, a better credit score usually

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Fall 2016

means a lower interest rate.

A simple online search will reveal many sites where you can check your credit score before you begin your search for your dream car. If your credit score is less than perfect, there are some simple ways to improve it. A good rule of thumb is to consider your credit score as important as your driving record. Both can greatly improve or hinder your everyday life.

Lower your credit card debt The 2015 American Household Credit Card Debt Study found that the average American household carries

Both leasing and buying carry pros and cons. Your personal situation and preferences should be the defining factors in your decision. (Fotolia)

you are generally required to come up with a down payment.

When buying, it may be easier to use the value of a trade-in vehicle as a down payment, rather than coming up with a certain percentage of the total price in cash.

If your credit is less than

perfect, you may have a harder time leasing. Dealers can be more apt to lease their vehicles to people with reputable credit scores. When buying, banks can be more lenient on a purchaser with a lower score and allow for a cosigner.

a credit card debt of $15,762.

The easiest way to cut down on your credit card debt is to start with the smaller outstanding balances.

Once you resolve a smaller debt, start applying that money toward a card with a larger balance. Obviously you’re not going to overcome your debt overnight, but by cutting out smaller debts, the extra money will make your larger debts look less intimidating.

Sometimes it is too easy to justify spending the electricity bill on something frivolous and trying to make up for it the next month. This is a downhill battle.

Your credit score will thank you if you make an assertive effort to make sure your bills are paid first.

Pay your bills on time Today’s technology gives us a huge advantage in the struggle to pay bills on time. With nearly everything being electronic, we are able to have our creditors take payments out of our bank accounts automatically on the due date.

Properly use your credit card An active credit card shows lenders that you are in control of your credit. How you use credit cards can be the most beneficial or detrimental influence on your credit score. The trick is to pay your balance off in full before your due date.

A month’s worth of gas or groceries that you charge to your card can be a great help to your overall score if paid in full on time.

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Fall 2016