rides_october_2012 by The Examiner

Eastern Jackson County’s Premier Dealership’s Magazine

The Examiner

Issue 6

OCTOBER 2012

Get to know your dealerships!

AUTO BITS tip of the week and car Q&A

COMMITMENT LEARN HOW LOCAL COMPANIES ARE INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY!

INSURANCE

OCTOBER 2012 RIDES

WELCOME BACK

Index 3 Auto Bits

McCarthy Blue Springs Nissan

Easy, rider

Dell’s Powersports

Blue Springs Harley-Davidson

Metro Ford

Vehicle Review

Get to know the gang

Oh So Chilly Fall has arrived with a vengeance. It seems to have gone from overwhelming heat to jacket necessary weather in the blink of an eye. I will admit to liking the cooler weather but when it is too cold to roll the windows down and enjoy the sunny day, I am not a fan. A new car can help with keeping you warm though. Let me explain. I drive a 2012 Dodge Charger. I have auto-start and it is a blessing. So few people realize how amazing that little luxury is. Now take it up a notch. I also have heated seats. There are few pleasures in this world that rival a nice warm bum holder. The reason I say that a new car can help is because most of the tiny and often overlooked features are only available on a new car. All of the dealerships I work with have the

auto bits Tip of the Week

Winterize now OCTOBER 2012

Contact Us Phone: 816-254-8600 Fax: 816-254-0211 (news) 816-836-3805 (advertising) Publisher: Stephen Wade stephen.wade@examiner.net Advertising: REGIONAL ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Donna R. Eye donna.eye@examiner.net advertising SALES ASSISTANT Cassandra Conard cassandra.conard@examiner.net ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Josh Englebrake 816-350-6378 josh.englebrake@examiner.net Production: REGIONAL PRODUCTION MANAGER John McCarthy john.mccarthy@examiner.net WebSite: www.examiner.net

Cover: EXAMINER STAFF Photo

ability to make you comfortable in whatever car you drive whether it is new or not. Stop in and let them make sure your heater is working at optimal levels and that your defrost is in excellent shape. A quick service check-up is way better than a drawn out corrective procedure. I do not want to overlook the motorcycle side of things though. I am a rider as well and my favorite time to ride was now. You can bundle up in a comfortable long sleeve shirt and your riding jacket and never get sweaty! It’s always a good feeling when you both safe and comfortable. Enjoy this issue and as always keep the comments coming, drive in style, and enjoy the spookiest month of them all. Keep Calm and Chive On.

“Today’s cars and trucks are overall more reliable than ever before,” says Dan Woods, host and producer of Speed’s “Chop Cut Rebuild” series. “Still, certain systems in all vehicles are more susceptible to cold, snow and ice. It’s important to prepare those systems to handle colder weather.” Woods recommends owners give these areas special attention when prepping their vehicles for winter: n Tires n Visibility n Battery To protect one of your most valuable investments, follow these tips: Protect your paint: The majority of drivers are aware of at least one scratch or chip in their vehicles’ paint. Unfortunately, many will not repair these small damages before they rust and become serious issues. A scratch can rust in just 30 days, and snow, ice and freezing temperatures can accelerate and intensify the damage.

Vision: Winter weather can reduce visibility, so a clear windshield is extremely important to prevent accident damage. To make certain you have an unobstructed view of the road at all times, examine the defroster system and windshield wipers. Replace any old or cracked blades, and don’t forget your rear wiper. Tires: One of the most essential aspects of vehicle winterization is making sure you have a safe grip on the road. Quality tires help keep your vehicle secure, especially in slippery rain or snow conditions, and inadequate tires will not be effective. Inspect your tire tread and pressure (an auto shop can do this for you) and replace worn tires for optimal traction in snow and ice. If you’ve not done so recently, make sure to rotate your tires and have your brakes checked. - ARA

Car Q&A

Start-up knock Q: I notice on late-model cars a start-up knock. Even on my own 2010 Ford Focus. It sounds

like they could use .001 or even .002 U.S. bearings. The knock is very slight. It sounds like what I used to hear with engines having high mileage. Is this normal? A: Today’s engines are built under very close tolerances and the bearing clearances are precise. If there was a bearing clearance problem, the engines would not last and the oil pressure would be low.

Jumpy car Q: I own a 2010 Toyota Corolla 1.8 liter four-cylinder automatic with 47,000 miles. At low speeds, especially 35-40 mph, the car is very sensitive and jumpy. I have had the car to two different dealers, and they say the car is normal, no problem found. A: When I hear complaints like this I ask the owner to drop the vehicle off so we can test drive the vehicle in normal driving conditions. The computer would pick up any conditions not considered in the normal operating range. Leave the car with your local technician and let him drive it overnight and get his opinion.

— Junior Damato, Talking Cars columnist RIDES OCTOBER 2012

NISSAN

McCARTHY AUTOGROUP 0% available on select 2011 & 2012 models 2012 Nissan Sentra 2.0 Sedan $18,670 MSRP

N24338

After all rebates & financing with Nissan

14,976 N24239

$15,915 MSRP

N24327

20,976

$34,495 MSRP

After all rebates & financing with Nissan

www.bluespringsnissan.com OCTOBER 2012 RIDES

$48,020 MSRP

3030 S. Outer Rd., Blue Springs, MO 64015

N24379

26,764

2011 Nissan Murano Crossover

McCarthy Blue Springs Nissan 816-224-7500

19,176

2012 Nissan Maxima 3.5 S Sedan

13,539

$24,240 MSRP

After all rebates & financing with Nissan

2012 Nissan Rogue S AWD SUV

N24405

$23,820 MSRP

2012 Nissan Versa 1.8 Hatchback

After all rebates & financing with Nissan

2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 Sedan

N13792

39,876

NISSAN

Spreading a little sunshine

McCARTHY AUTOGROUP BY EXAMINER STAFF

usie Mayerle needed a lift. And McCarthy Nissan was able to provide it. Saddled with a bad back, a trio of broken down, highmileage cars and mounting bills from a cracked foundation, a child in college and another close to it, Mayerle found a little sunshine from McCarthy last month. Mayerle had a hunch while listening to a radio station, KCMO, 94.9 FM, on the way home from a physical therapy session for her back. She heard a spot about a contest at McCarthy in Blue Springs, giving away a free one-year lease for a new 2013 Nissan Altima in an Ulitmate Altima Giveaway promotion on Saturday, Sept. 8. “They kept talking about the contest and that everyone should come on down, and I told my husband, ‘I think we should do that.’ He thought I was nuts,” she says. The Saturday arrived, and Susie was ready to go, even though it meant a long drive from her Overland Park, Kan., residence to Eastern Jackson County. Her husband Ron, however, wasn’t so enthusiastic. “He may have been the most reluctant person on earth,” Susie says. “He kept saying things like, ‘This is the stupidest thing we’ve ever done.’” Susie was thinking about her three cars that have an average mileage of 160,000 and how badly they worked. She thought of her 95-year-old mother Agnes, whom she would pick up each Sunday for a drive and worry if the car would make it back. “I said to my husband, ‘Come on, play along with me. I’ve got a good feeling about this.’ On the way there, I kept talking to my dad and asking him to help me on this one.” Susie says her father Ernie, who had passed away six years ago, was into entering contests for fun and had good luck at it, one time winning a lawn mower and another time claiming Royals season tickets.

They arrived at McCarthy and Susie said she was greeted warmly by a sales associate. After explaining to him she was there to enter the contest, he led Susie and Ron inside to get registered at KCMO’s radio remote. “Three people got to go in front of me and none of their keys opened the car,” Susie explained. “I was the fourth person and I got to pick a key. I grabbed one, went over to the car, and it went, ‘pop.’ I was screaming, and I think you could’ve knocked my husband over with a feather.” Mayerle got to drive the new slate gray Altima home that day with a free one-year lease and an option to buy it when the lease expired. And Susie says she will likely purchase it when her free ride is over. She had even been test-driving Altimas before she actually won the use of one. “We’re really enjoying the Altima,” Susie says. “It’s a great car and gets amazing mileage and is very comfy, which is important to me because of my back (she suffers from moderate stenosis). It’s very easy to get in and out of, which is important for me. And the dash board is set up just like I would make it. It’s very user friendly. And the McCarthy people have been great. I told them I was going to bring it to them to get oil changes and things like that. “And my kids are drooling over it,” she adds with a laugh. Not only has the car been comfortable, it’s provided the lift she was looking for. “I hadn’t been feeling very well, but I’ve certainly got a kick in my step after this,” Susie says. “I think I started smiling that day and haven’t stopped.” And what did her mother think when she picked her up in a brand new Altima? “She said, ‘Where did you get this car?’ I said, ‘You’re never going to believe this story.’” RIDES OCTOBER 2012

INSURANCE

OCTOBER 2012 RIDES

MONEY

Easy, rider Want to save on gas? Try smarter driving habits By Molly Logan Anderson GateHouse News Service

There’s no doubt that gas prices are on the rise. Conserve a bit with our suggested methods and reap big savings at the pump over time.

stock.xchng photos

SPEED LIMIT

Consider engine size Mechanic Ethan Fuller of Fuller’s Service Center in Hinsdale, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, suggests considering engine size when you’re looking to save on gas. “Small engines burn less gas,” says Fuller. “But keep in mind there’s no magic trick that’s going to help you save. It’s mostly common sense.” If you’re in the market for a new vehicle but are concerned about fuel use and expense, opt for a smaller engine.

Drive smart How you drive can largely affect on how fast a tank of gas is used, Fuller says. “The way that you accelerate from a stop makes a big difference; don’t hit the gas hard,” he says. “Also, starting your car takes a lot of gas. The more often you do it, the more gas you’ll use.” Try accelerating slowly, and plan for infrequent starts and stops whenever possible.

Shop before you spend

Maintenance is key

Constant speeds save

Take a moment to search your ZIP code at www.gasbuddy.com to locate the best fuel deal nearby. You’ll be surprised — prices can vary as much as 20 cents a gallon in a two-mile radius. For a 20-gallon tank, a few clicks can result in a $4 savings. For folks who fill up once a week, that’s $208 saved over a year.

“The best thing you can do for your gas mileage is to keep your car in top working order,” says Fuller, who says many people will continue to drive with illuminated warning lights, such as the “check engine” indicator. “This is a sign that something is wrong and you’re likely burning more gas than necessary.” The check-engine light, as well as other warnings, can refer to an array of maintenance issues and should be attended to as soon as possible.

Fuller says that highway driving is easiest on a vehicle, and your car will reward you with less consumed gas when you do it. “Around-town driving is tough; there’s not much you can do,” Fuller says. “You’re always going to burn more gas this way.”

illustrations by joe greco/GHNS

RIDES OCTOBER 2012

POWERSPORTS VEHICLES

OCTOBER 2012 RIDES

POWERSPORTS VEHICLES

Upcoming Events Month of October ATV Sale

October 20 Customer Appreciation FREE Lunch Cookout!

October 21 Flint Hills Dual Sport Ride Find details at www.dellspowersports.com

“HUNTING” FOR A GOOD DEAL! SUBMITTED STORY

n support of that, Dell’s is very active in organizing local rides for the Kansas City area community. In the fall NASCAR fans are not the only ones caught up in the “Chase”.... deer hunters on both sides of the state line get caught up in a chase of there own! Today top deer hunters have an ATV or Utility Vehicle in their toolbox and no one has a better selection of these tools than Dell’s Powersports located at Wood Chapel rd and 40 Highway in Blue Springs. They carry Honda and Kawasaki vehicles. Honda offers their bullet proof line of FourTrax ATV’s and rugged Big Red utility vehicle that features a large dump bed. Kawasaki brings to the table the ultra powerful Brute Force ATV with stump

pulling power plus their reliable Mule line and the playful Teryx sport utility vehicles. An ATV won’t make you a better hunter but the right ATV or utility vehicle will improve your hunting experience. Talk to the experts at Dell’s Powersports and let them help you pick out the right vehicle. During the month of October Dells is having a huge ATV sale so if your “hunting” for a good deal look no further! They also stock gun racks, winches, snow plows, and safety gear to help their customers get the most out of their Honda or Kawasaki! Also if you already have an ATV of any brand bring it to Dell’s and let their service experts make sure its trail ready! Good luck and happy hunting from the gang at Dell’s Powersports!

RIDES OCTOBER 2012

2012 Holiday Advertising Packages

The Examiner has multiple opportunities to advertise your products & services which also includes online.

Let your customers know what you have to offer during the holiday season.

Contracts must be signed by Monday, October 29, 2012

Offer valid October 31, 2012 thru December 30, 2012

Ads are black and white only; color charges would apply & need to be added into investment.

For more information please call 816-350-6383! 10

OCTOBER 2012 RIDES

HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Upcoming Events October 13 Hogtoberfest

October 16 H.O.G. meeting 7 pm

October 26-27

Tips for motorcycle beginners

en and women who ride motorcycles often insist there’s nothing quite like riding. Riding a motorcycle not only can be exhilarating and provide a feeling unlike any other, but it also requires patience and discipline for beginners and veteran riders alike. Riding a motorcycle carries a certain stigma of being dangerous, but that’s only the case for inattentive riders who forget their responsibilities while on the road. The following are some tips that beginners can put to use when hitting the open road. * Gear up and stay geared up. Beginners often don’t have a problem gearing up, as many are understandably nervous and therefore less likely to

leave necessary equipment in the garage. Always wear a helmet, motorcycle jacket, riding gloves, riding boots and motorcycle pants when riding. Many riders fall into the trap of wearing less gear once they become more acclimated to their bike. But gear should be worn whether you have been riding for 50 days or 50 years. * Prepare, prepare, prepare. There’s no such thing as too much preparation when riding a motorcycle. Motorcycle training guides are valuable tools of information for beginners. These instructional videos or reading materials provide insight into all aspects of riding a motorcycle, and no beginner should get on a motorcycle without first watching or reading a motorcycle training guide.

* Practice away from other motorists. Don’t start riding on a freeway until you have grown accustomed to riding the bike at slow practice speeds you’ve honed away from other motorists. Empty parking lots make ideal training grounds. Once you feel comfortable in the parking lot, gradually move to roads without heavy traffic, such as residential neighborhoods. Once you’re truly comfortable on the bike, then you can hit the highway. * Go to class. A motorcycle safety course might be a requirement in some areas but not required in others. Regardless of whether or not it’s required, take the class anyway. Such classes might cost a few hundred dollars, but their value far exceeds that cost. A safety

Trick or Treat at Blue Springs Harley-Davidson 12:30 pm Kid’s Halloween costume contest

November 3

9-11am $5 buffet with proceeds benefiting Recovery Lighthouse.

November 10 Toy Drive

course prepares riders for anything they might encounter on the road. Just be sure to enroll in a class that teaches accident evasion. * Get the right size. Some riders envision themselves at the helm of a big hog, while others see themselves tooling down the highway on an ultra-light bike. But don’t go to extremes in either direction, at least not with your first motorcycle. A heavy bike might be more stable, but it’s also harder to control. A lighter bike might feel easier to control, but it’s best to wait until you have had a year or two of experience before buying bikes often referred to as “crotch rockets,” which are sporty and fast. SC123927 AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY/ SECURITY CONSUMER TIPS FALLONTHEROADMICROSITE RIDES OCTOBER 2012

FORD

It’s Your Dealer That Makes The Difference!

NEW CAR SPECIALS USED CAR SPECIALS ‘03 Escape

2013 Fiesta

#38186

#23025

0 Down $ 9 Payments 8 $

Payments $

#38174

‘99 Expedition

2012 F150

Payments $

$ #20534

0 Down

89 Payments

2860 S. Noland Road, Independence, MO 64055

816.254.9800 Go to kcmetroford.com for details!

OCTOBER 2012 RIDES

#20827C

‘01 Accord

2013 Edge

185

0 Down $ 9 Payments 8 $

Payments $

160

#38118A

‘03 F-150

2012 Fusion

120

0 Down $ 9 Payments 8 $

Payments $

#38128A #23076A

FORD

Escape a great roadtripper By Barbara Schaffer Auto Digest

ypically a year or two after a new vehicle is introduced, the sales peak and then decline until the next new model is introduced four to six years later. Evidently the Ford Escape didn’t get the message. When Escape debuted in 2000 as a 2001 model, sales were good and reached more than 164,000 during the first full year of production, then went on to average more than 185,000 units annually through 2010. During that time there was a minor freshening in 2007. Then in 2011, the year before the debut of an all-new model, Escape sold a record 254,293 to become the bestselling SUV in America. They definitely didn’t get the message. No longer a boxy-looking wagon, the Escape designers have created sleek lines more like those of its larger sib-

lings, the Edge and Explorer, but with a front end similar to the popular Ford Focus. The result is a dramatic new look that changes the whole complexion of Escape. My driving partner and I chose a Ginger Ale Metallic Escape with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine for our drive from Richmond, Calif., through the coastal mountain range to Bodega Bay. The black leather seats were comfortable, but the dash area seemed a little busy to me with several layers, shapes and visors protruding over some of the instruments. It might have looked busy, but the controls were nicely organized and have a positive quality feel. With the front seats all the way back, the rear seat legroom is tight, but headroom is very good, as is the cargo space. The Escape is

designed for five passengers, but the rear seat is too crowded with three adults. The 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space is will easily haul a week’s luggage for five or a lot of sports equipment. The space grows to 68.1 cubic feet when the rear seatback is folded, and it looks like there’s enough room for two or three bicycles. Escape also

has a 3,500-pound towing capacity when equipped with the optional towing package. The Escape drives more like a small sport sedan than a bulky SUV. It stays flat on the corners and has a precise steering feel. But what most impressed me was how quiet the Escape is. Escape comes in four models, S, SE, SEL and Titanium.

RIDES OCTOBER 2012

VEHICLE REVIEW

new dodge dart is a head-turner By Barbara Schaffer | Auto Digest

he new Dodge Dart is a compact, about the same size as a new Volkswagen Jetta or Chevy Cruze. On the inside, Dart is larger than most compacts, with an interior that qualifies as a mid-size. Dodge designers were in the zone when they penned the new Dart, creating a head-turning design distinctive from the rest of the compact sedans. From the front, there’s no mistaking the Dodge heritage with the latest interpretation of the “split cross-hair” grille. The profile is extreme wedge, with a sweeping roofline and large wheels and tires. Dart planners wanted this to be a car that allowed shoppers a broad range of customization, right off the showroom floor. In fact, there are more than 100,000 ways to customize the Dart from the five trim levels, three powertrains, 14 interior combinations, 12 exterior colors and six wheel choices. If that’s not enough, there are 150 Mopar accessories available with a variety of grilles, hoods, exhaust systems, shifters, steering wheels and more. I loved the new Dart interior, and so did WardsAuto World, which picked it as one of the Wards 10 Best Interiors for 2012. The cockpit style interior has a surprising use of color to set off certain areas. I especially like the instrument cluster with the center mounted seven-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster display. 14

OCTOBER 2012 RIDES

It is customizable with choices of digital or analog gauges, an eco-meter, navigation or many other displays. The touchscreen system (standard on the R/T and Limited and optional on the SXT and Rallye) is mounted just to the right of the steering wheel at the top of the center stack. It is

THE JESTER

one of the best and most userfriendly systems I’ve used. The large 8.4-inch screen has large icons, which control navigation, communications, audio and climate functions. The system responds instantly with none of the delays common with some touch screens in cars. It can also be used to control voice activat-

ed Bluetooth, Sirius XM Travel and weather functions. The Dart’s safety menu is impressive, too, and some features are functions on the same display screen. For example, the Uconnect Voice Command allows the driver to operate a Bluetoothcompatible phone hands-free.

Contributing Artist: Joe Liccar

here to serve

get to know the GANG By EXAMINER STAFF

Eric Myers Sales Manager Blue Springs Harley-Davidson

Eric has been riding for 26 years and has been in the Motorsport industry, especially with Harley’s, for 17 years. He considers all bikes good bikes but no brand has the camaraderie that Harley has. Because he is so passionate about the experience and that translates to his customers, Eric is a very effective sales manager. “The ultimate thing in this world is to get paid for doing something you love,” he said.

John Stenvall Aftermarket manager/ Delivery manager Metro Ford

The best part of his job, John says, is seeing his customers walk out with a smile after they’ve been handed the keys to their new car. John says he’s learned over his 25 years in the industry, all at Metro Ford, what makes a customer most happy and has learned how to deliver that to them. He is married with two sons who attend Fort Osage High School, and his first granddaughter, who will be named Emmalee, is due in January 2013.

He has two daughters and one son who is a senior at Blue Springs High School.

Sandra Chapman Customer care director McCarthy Blue Springs Nissan

This self-described “down-to-earth Kentucky girl” is all about caring for the customer and making them smile when they think of McCarthy Blue Springs Nissan. Sandra, who has been in the auto industry for 18 years, including the last nine months at McCarthy, loves to get to know the customers and making them “super happy.” She is married with one daughter at Blue Springs South High School.

Fred Ginther Service Manager Dell’s Powersports

I’m Fred Ginther, service manager at Dell’s Powersports. I have worked in the industry professionally since 1989 and have been an enthusiast for much longer. I enjoy various outdoor sports and activities such as cycling and skateboarding, and spend as much time as possible doing them with my 13 year old son. My goal at Dell’s is to build on our reputation and become the areas premier service destination. RIDES OCTOBER 2012