Questions Everyone Should Ask When Buying A New Vehicle

When it comes to life’s big decisions, rarely do we act impulsively, so buying a vehicle should be no different.  If you are in the market for a new car, truck or SUV, it is important that you explore all of your options and know exactly what it is you want; otherwise, you can easily get distracted with the many choices that are out there.  To help you out with burdens that are sometimes associated with such a purchase, we have put together a list of questions you should ask before making the big decision.

 1. Why do I need a vehicle? Some reasons may include:

  • Too old
  • Luxury, style and compatibility
  • Lifestyle
  • Costly repairs
  • Dependability
  • Mileage

 2. What can I afford? 

Sure, it would be nice to drive off the lot in the car of your dreams, but it is important that you are realistic about what you can afford.  Not only do you need to look at the cost of the vehicle, but you should also research your insurance rates associated with the new vehicle, gas mileage, and warranty.  All of these are considerations that should not be left out of the purchasing process.

3. Should I buy new or used?

There are pros and cons to both new and used vehicle purchases.  When it comes to used cars, you are not as limited with your options as you used to be.  If you are considering purchasing a used vehicle, it is important to take a look at certified pre-owned vehicles.  To see more on certified used vehicles offered by Image Honda, click here.  If you would like information on certified used vehicles offered by Queenston, click here

When it comes to purchasing new vehicles, you have greater flexibility, especially when it comes to leasing. It is also important to note that your options for safety features will be greater on the new models.

4. What’s my credit like?

Unless you are paying cash up front for your new vehicle, you should know that your credit will be looked at.  Depending on your credit rating, your options for financing may be restricted.  It is important that you know what your options are before you go to make your purchase, for it could affect the amount you are loaned, as well as the interest rates you are given. That being said, if you have slow, bad, or no credit, have gone to collections or declared bankruptcy, there are options available and we can help.   Apply online at www.getapprovedtoday.ca or contact us at 1-866-532-4218.

5. Should I have a down payment?

It is not necessary to have a down payment when purchasing a new vehicle.  Nevertheless, if you can afford one, it will serve in your best interest by lowering your payments.

6. Can I get money towards a new purchase if I trade in my vehicle?

Absolutely! Come drop by our Image Honda or Queenston  locations for an appraisal. Bring us your car, get a quote and receive an offer – it’s as simple as that. We are prepared to pay you top dollar for your trade.

By: Amy Cochren

THE BENEFITS OF HONDA’S GENUINE 0W-20 SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL

You may or may not be aware that Honda has made a switch to a full synthetic motor oil for all 2011 and newer models.  There are numerous benefits to synthetic oil, and it is important that you, as a Honda customer, know what they are. 

Engines operate at extreme temperatures and require substantial lubrication to operate at their maximum capacity.  Petroleum based motor oils are mineral based, which start to breakdown at high temperatures, shortening the engine life.  Synthetic oils do not break down, which allow for a cleaner running engine.  The thinner viscosity of Honda’s 0W-20 synthetic oil is another important feature.  Oil naturally thickens at lower temperatures and thins at higher, thus, the thinner the viscosity the better.  Since the properties of Honda’s synthetic engine oil are thin, it has a low viscosity, allowing the oil to flow faster and circulate more freely then petroleum based engine oils.  This makes synthetic oil essential to your vehicle’s peak performance, minimizing the wear on your engine’s internal components.  Honda synthetics simply offer better engine protection, performance, and better flow in cold starts then when using traditional motor oil. 

The key features to take away are:

  • Full synthetic formulation provides advanced protection against oil breakdown and a cleaner running engine.
  • Ultra-low viscosity  grade improves fuel economy and power, with reduced friction
  • Superior to conventional motor oils for high and low temperature engine wear and protection
  • Improves cold start protection, which is when most engine wear takes place

If you are interested in Honda’s 0W-20 Synthetic motor oil and are wondering about its compatibility with your vehicle’s engine, or you have any additional questions, please contact us at Image Honda 1-888-375-5914.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada

QUEENSTON CERTIFIED VEHICLES

At Queenston, we are committed to providing you with a vehicle that suits your needs and meets your budget – a vehicle that you can depend on and enjoy.  More importantly, we will provide you with the best value for your hard-earned dollar.  Only offering you high quality vehicles that are thoroughly inspected and reconditioned above industry standards, all of our certified pre-owned vehicles come with extended warranties, life and disability insurance and appearance protection products.

Why buy from Queenston?  Let us tell you –

  • 10 year, 400,000 km Quaker State engine lubrication limited warranty (see dealership for details)
  • Carproof vehicle history report
  • 150 point certified vehicle inspection
  • 7 day or 1,500 km exchange policy
  • 24 hour roadside assistance
  • Student graduate rebate program
  • Professional written appraisals
  • Quick &Easy to obtain information and pricing
  • Competitive pricing and interest rates
  • On-the-spot credit approval
  • On-the-spot bank financing, including RBC, BMO, CIBC, SCOTIA and TD Canada Trust
  • Leasing available on all makes and models
  • Full-service dealership, including Sales, Service, Parts, Department and Body Shop
  • Part of the community for over 40 years
  • Service and support after the sale
  • Member in Good Standing with the OADA and OCDA                                       

For more information on our Certified vehicles visit us at www.queenstonchev.com or stop in and visit us at one of our 2 convenient locations in Hamilton.

Queenston on Centennial                           Queenston on the Mountain

282 Centennial Pkwy                                      2260 Rymal Road East
Hamilton, Ontario                                            Hannon, Ontario
905-560-2020                                                     905-528-7001

The 24th Annual 2011 Sales Awards Banquet for the Hamilton Burlington Automotive Dealers Association

The 24th Annual 2011 Sales Awards Banquet for the Hamilton Burlington Automotive Dealers Association is being held this Wednesday, February 15, 2012.  The event is held annually to bring together dealers and industry partners, as well as recognize Hamilton and Burlington’s top sales producers.

This year we are proud to announce the recipients of this award for our three locations – Image Honda, Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial.

Image Honda proudly recognizes Rob Cahunek as this year’s HBADA sales winner for the 3rd year in a row.  Rob has been a sales expert at Image Honda since 2006 and has also been a “sales leader” with Honda Canada Sales Council in 2009/2010.  The runner up for the HBADA Sales award is Andy Hewitt.  Andy has been serving Image Honda’s sales department since 2010, but has been in the automotive industry since 2007. Originally from the U.K., Andy arrived in Canada three years ago.

Queenston on the Mountain is proud to announce Chris Hopf, as this years HBADA Sales Award Winner.  Chris has been a member of the Queenston on the Mountain sales team since 2009.  His goal is to ensure that every customer knows that he is there for them, especially for the long haul. We are also pleased to announce Bill Palmer as this year’s HBADA sales winner runner-up. Bill has 11 years’ experience in automotive sales and leasing of new and pre-owned vehicles.  He has been a member of Queenston on the Mountain’s team since 2010.  His previous work experience includes over 20 years in finance, budget and corporate purchasing. 

Queenston on Centennial’s HBADA sales winner is Billy Zych, who has been with Queenston on Centennial since 1984.  Billy has been in the car business for over 36 years, and has been a Gold GM Sales Marketing Guild member for more than 35 years.  His passions are the car business, his historic Chevy Nova and his family.  The runner up for the 2011 HBADA sales award is Mark Petz, who has been in the car business for 11 years and a member of the Queenston team since 2002.  Mark has been a GM Sales Marketing Guild member for over 5 of those years.  Known as an electronics gadget guy, Mark loves learning new things and he loves selling cars.  He has been quoted as saying, “There is no greater exhilaration then the sweet sound of a customer saying yes!”

Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients and runner-ups!

 

 

By: Amy Cochren

The All New 60/40 Fold Down Seats on the 2012 Honda CR-V

You’re running late for your child’s hockey game because “Darn it” you can’t seem to fit all of their equipment in the car.  Maybe, you’re planning a camping trip up north this coming week-end and aren’t quite sure how you’re going to get up there. How are you going to get the tent, the sleeping bags, the BBQ, the coolers and all that fishing equipment to fit in your vehicle? No wait, you’re a student heading back to university and you need to get all those boxes up to your apartment – Hmm, maybe you can get your parents to help you drive some of the stuff up in their car.  Forget all your stress and worrying when it comes to your vehicles capacity with the new all new 2012 Honda CR-V.

The new CR-V has been redesigned to make your life easier and stress-free!  One of the most compelling new features is the 60/40 fold down seat available on all 2012 models.  This feature is hassle free with the simple pull of a small lever located near the rear tailgate of the car.  All you have to do is simply pull at one of the straps and voila, your CR-V has been transformed.  To show you how simple it is, please view our video below.

Currently- If you come down to Image Honda and test drive the all new 2012 Honda CR-V, you will receive your choice of a $20 Bon Appetit Dining E-Card eligible at any Swiss Chalet, Montana’s, Kelsey’s and Milestone’s across Ontario or 2 movie tickets to any Cineplex Entertainment LP Theatre.  Don’t miss out on this limited time offer!
*Visit our dealership to learn more.

If you would like to schedule a test drive, click here or contact us at Image honda at 1-888-375-5914

By: Amy Cochren

“Super Bowl” of Football or Advertising?

Some would say this Sunday is the biggest day of the year – Can you guess what I am referring to?  If you aren’t already aware, this Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday. Whether you are cheering for the Giants or the Pats in this much anticipated re-match, you can guarantee that you won’t simply be entertained by the game alone. With more then 100 million viewers expected to watch, this day is no longer just about the Football, but has also become a “Super Bowl” for advertising.  Each year, companies out do themselves with more expensive and more captivating ads and 2012 will be no exception, especially, when it comes to the automotive industry.  The automotive recession has passed and the auto industry is letting us know that they are BACK!  According to today’s Washington Post, a 30 second spot costs $3.5 million.  Stepping up their game this year are Chevrolet and Honda, who have created some of the most wildly anticipated ads.  Chevrolet releasing 7 ads (two pre-game 30 second ads, three 60 second in-game ads and another two 30 second post game ads) will specifically focus on the Camaro, Cruze, Silverado, Sonic and Volt.  Not to be out done, Chevy has ensured that their in-game ads will be aired without any advertisements from competing auto makers. 

Among the most anticipated advertisement from Chevy is their 60 second “Sonic Stunt Anthem” commercial, in which a Sonic is thrown out of an airplane, sent bungee jumping and goes kick flipping through the air.
 

Chevy also markets the Silverado with their “2012” commercial saying “when the post-apocalyptic dust settles, you’ll be glad your truck is a Chevy.”  Their other commercials include the Camaro “Happy Grad”, the Volt’s “Aliens”, Chevy Sonic “Joy”, the Volt “Morning in Hamtramck” and “Projections:”  To view all of these commercials please click on the names above.

More modest in their number of advertisements, Honda is not to be out done this year with their commercial for the updated 2012 CR-V.  This hysterically entertaining 60 second commercial featuring Matthew Broderick, pokes fun at Ferris Bueller some 20 years later as he drives around town in his new CR-V.

If you are looking forward to watching all of these commercials come game day, you are not alone.  In fact, we want to know what your favourite Chevrolet commercial is!  Are you a huge fan of Ferris Bueller? What did you think of Honda’s spin on this classic movie?  Share your opinions with us on our AutoHwy.com Facebook page or let us know who you are cheering for this Super Bowl XLVI and remember – For every new “Like” we receive on our page, we will donate $2 to Hamilton Public Library Literacy Programs.

Go Giants…or Pats!

Amy Cochren

Credit:

http://www.chevrolet.com/culture/article/superbowl-2012-commercials/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/theyre-super-bowl-ads-were-a-hit-but-how-did-chrysler-groupon-others-fare-after-the-game/2012/02/03/gIQAvZQbmQ_story.html

http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/story/2012-01-31/super-bowl-car-ads/52908314/1