Tag Archives: AutoHwy

Questions Everyone Should Ask When Buying A New Vehicle

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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

QUEENSTON CERTIFIED VEHICLES

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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

Have You Driven the 2012 Honda CR-V?

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Are you looking for a new vehicle? One that can provide luxury and top of the line features without having to pay big bucks for the upgrades?  Take a look at the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V, the top-selling import SUV, built right here in Canada. 

Available for the lowest price in over a decade, the 2012 CR-V has a wide range of features tailored to meet your needs. I had the opportunity to test-drive one and I have to say it exceeded all of my expectations. Before even entering the vehicle, I was struck by its sporty compact appearance and sleek lines.  I almost forgot that the CR-V is classified as a compact SUV. 

Going above and beyond, Honda has created an affordable vehicle that includes real time All-Wheel Drive with intelligent control, Ecological Assist System,  Intelligent Multi-information Display (iMid), heated front seats, easy fold-down 60/40 split rear back seat, multi-angle rear view camera with guidelines and hands-free bilingual Bluetooth, which are available on ALL base models.  The new CR-V has set the bar with its improved fuel economy and state of the art technology – you simply can’t go wrong.

In addition to the many new features it provides, you can’t discount how the car handles.  It makes for a smooth and quiet ride.  Although you have the benefit of being elevated, you feel as though you are driving a car.

If you’re considering purchasing a new vehicle, I strongly recommend you take the 2012 CR-V for a test drive – you won’t be disappointed!  Please visit us at Image Honda or call us at 1-888-375-5914 to schedule your test drive in the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V!

 

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada

What To Do If You’re In A Collision?

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It’s something none of us care to think about, but something all of us need to be prepared for – a collision.  When this occurs, we experience a flood of emotions and it’s often difficult to think rationally.  That is why it is important that you know exactly what to do in such a circumstance so that you, your vehicle and those involved are properly protected.  First and foremost, you want to ensure that everyone involved is safe and unharmed.  If someone is hurt or you believe the other driver may be guilty of an offence make sure to call the police immediately.  If everyone safe, there are a series of steps you need to take.

  • If you are able to safely move your vehicle, move it to the side of the road or away from oncoming traffic.  If you are unable to, insure that you turn on your hazard lights and place hazard cones around your vehicle if you have them.
  • Always make sure you get the details of the accident!
  1. The make and model of other vehicle
  2. Drivers name, address, telephone number and license
  3. Date and time of accident
  4. Location
  5. How it happened
  6. Are there witnesses?  If so, get there contact information as well.
  7. Make sure to get the insurance information of all the drivers involved.

It should be noted that the Insurance Bureau of Canada provides several resources to help you in case of a collision.  They have developed an accident report form, as well as tips and quizzes on distracted driving.  These are available at http://http://www.ibc.ca/

If you are faced with damages from a collision – Image Honda, Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial’s collision centre would be happy to service your needs.  Please contact us at 1-888-440-8577 or visit our websites at http://www.imagehonda.com/ or www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Insurance Bureau of Canada http://www.ibc.ca/en/Car_Insurance/What _to_do_Accident.asp

Hamilton Family Literacy Week Kickoff

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Come help us celebrate a great cause as we kickoff Hamilton Family Literacy Week 2012.  The official launch will take place at Image Honda on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 1 p.m. (155 Centennial Parkway North, Hamilton, ON)  Joining us for this special day is renowned Canadian children’s author Jean Little, musical guests TURKEY Rhubarb as well as a special appearance from the Hamilton Bulldogs very own Bruiser. For more information on this specific event, please contact Amy Cochren at [email protected] or (905) 528-7001 ext 273.

We are also excited to announce that for every new “Like” on our AutoHwy Facebook Fan Page we will donate $2 to the Hamilton Public Library Summer Reading Program.

National Family Literacy Day held on January 27 encourages the value of reading and learning, which is why Hamilton is making it a week-long celebration from January 23 to 27 2012!  In addition to our kickoff celebration, there are other events that will be going on throughout the city such as Snuggle Up and Read and Hamilton Public Library Night at the Hamilton Bulldogs. Go watch the Bulldogs take on the Toronto Marlies on January 27 at 7:30 p.m.  Specially priced tickets are available for ONLY $12 (regularly $26).  To purchase tickets at this discounted rate, please contact the Hamilton Bulldogs’ office directly at (905) 529-8500.

Hamilton Family Literacy week is a program of Early Literacy Hamilton and Hamilton Best Start.  Program sponsors include: Image Honda, Affiliated Services for Children and Youth, Community Action Program for Children, Hamilton Bulldogs, Hamilton Public Library, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Niwasa Head Start Preschool and Ontario Early Years Centres.

For more information and program details, please visit www.myhamilton.ca/early-literacy-hamilton

By: Amy Cochren