Shopping for Cars? How to Make the Most of the Test Drive

After a home, buying a car is the biggest purchase many of us have to make. To ensure you're making a smart investment, it's important to do a thorough test drive before purchasing a car. A short drive around the block doesn't constitute as a test drive, as it gives you little time to assess a vehicle's comfort, features and how it rides. When shopping at car dealerships in New Jersey, consider these tips to get the most out of your test drive. 

Know what you're looking for

Before visiting car dealerships in New Jersey, you should have an idea of what you're looking for. Know the options you're interested in, including the make and model. When you get to the dealership, test drive your top contenders back-to-back, so you can properly compare them. Let your salesperson know the vehicles you are interested in and that you want to test them consecutively for a proper comparison. Allow about a half hour per test drive.

Before the test drive

Before the driving aspect of the test drive, the salesperson will explain the features of capabilities of the car. Take note of the cars' safety features, fuel efficiency, and electronic amenities. For used cars, inquire about the previous owner and the vehicle's accident and maintenance histories.  For new cars, ask if it's been used in demos. 

Walk around the car to examine the exterior to ensure it's in good condition and to your liking. When you get inside, spend some time observing the interior, including the car's design, comfort level, and storage space. Also sit in the backseat to ensure there's enough space for your passengers. 

Adjust the seat, mirrors, and HVAC system to your liking, and become familiar with the controls. Take note of their location, and test everything from the locks and windows to the radio and electronic amenities. Consider whether you like the layout of the dashboard. If you are satisfied with the car, then you can move on to the driving portion.

Getting behind the wheel

When driving the car, you want to mirror your driving habits. Do you drive frequently on bumpy backroads? What about fast, smooth highways? Test drive the car on a variety of road conditions to ensure you like how it operates. If possible, bring a partner or friend along to help you make observations during the drive. Have them jot down some notes based on your observations.

Analyze the smoothness of the ride and how easy the car is to operate. Take note of the car's maneuverability. Do the brakes bring you to a quick and smooth stop? Is it easy to turn and accelerate? Also be mindful of the car's visibility, and turn off the radio to see if the car makes any strange noises or vibrations. 

Reflection

The test drive is an essential part of the car buying process. When it comes time for the test drive, don't rush through it. Take your time to become acquainted with the vehicle to be sure it's right for you. After the test drive, reflect on the experience. Think about what you liked and didn't like about the car and decide if it's still a contender.

5 Tips for a Successful Road Trip

With the lowest summer gas prices in 12 years, many American families are planning to hit the road this summer. Fifty-five percent of Americans are planning to take a road trip this year due to cheaper gas prices, according to a AAA study. At 69 percent, the road trip is the most popular vacation for families planning to travel in the next year, followed by national parks (49 percent) and theme parks (42 percent).

Road trips are popular because they promote family bonding and allow travelers to see sites they probably would not have otherwise seen.  If you're planning a road trip this year, follow these tips from Autoland in Springfield, NJ. 

Have a Plan

When it comes to road trips, you can't just get in the car and head towards your destination. Road trips require careful planning and preparation to ensure you don't miss out on must-see sites or exceed your budget. For a successful trip, you should plan your route ahead of time. Your plan should include when and where you'll stop for food, gas, attractions, and lodging. Also be aware that your trip may not go as planned. Unexpected delays, like road work or bad weather, might set you off schedule and require you to adjust your route. Expect a few minor bumps in the road when budgeting and timing your trip. 

Make Frequent Stops 

Driving for several hours on end can make you feel groggy and less alert. Even if you don’t feel tired, pull over and take a break every few hours. Stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and grab a bite to eat. If you need to, switch drivers or take a nap before hitting the road again. Also, while it may be tempting to drive through the night, it's best to get a good night's sleep to ensure you are awake and alert for the long drive ahead.

Keep Your Gas Tank Half Full 

Don't wait until your gas gauge is on empty before you refuel. Letting your gas tank sit on empty is never good for your car, but it's an especially bad choice for long-distance travel. When you're on the open road, the next gas station may not be for another 100 miles, so you should fill up when you can. Always keep your gas tank at least half full to be safe. 

Avoid Breakdowns 

Before you hit the road, ensure your car is in the best possible condition. Make sure the tires are properly inflated, all fluids, including power-steering, windshield wiper, and engine oil, are at the right levels, and the headlights, taillights and signals are working properly. Also have your vehicle professionally inspected to be sure everything is in tip-top shape. Let your mechanic know you are going on a road trip, so he/she can do a thorough inspection of your tires, brakes, battery, and so on. Many New Jersey new and used car dealers offer vehicle service and repairs. At Autoland Springfield, we have highly-trained service staff and technicians, so stop by our dealership on Route 22 to have your vehicle inspected.  

Consider Entertainment 

After spending several hours in the car around the same scenery, your family could start to get bored. Especially if you have children, come prepared with entertainment. Think of fun road trip games, such as road trip bingo and the license plate game, to keep everyone excited and entertained. Also download games, music, and movies on your smartphone or tablet ahead of time, and bring your children's favorite handheld games and toys.  

With these tips, you and your family can have a successful road trip that will be remembered and cherished forever. Happy travels!

Introducing the $109 New Car Lease Event!

Are you in the market for a new car in New Jersey? Then you’re in luck! 1800 Autoland, one of the best car dealerships in New Jersey, is currently hosting a $109 new car lease event! There are 4 styles that you can choose from where leasing will be only $109 per month! These vehicles include the 2015 Jeep Cherokee, the 2015 Toyota RAV4, the 2015 Toyota Corolla, and the 2016 Toyota Camry. Here is a little bit of information about each vehicle to help you to choose which one is best for you.

2015 Jeep Cherokee – 1800 Auto Land has a large inventory of 2015 Jeep Cherokees available. We have them available as both the 4WD Lattitude SUV style, the 4WD Trailhawk SUV style, and the 4WD Sport SUV style. The average manufacturer’s resale price for these vehicles is typically between $30,000-$40,000. Our price? Make an offer because we’re open for discussion! These vehicles average about 20 MPG for their gas mileage and have 9-speed automatic transmissions. They are all very roomy with the ability to hold 5 passengers, making them the perfect family vehicles. Additionally, they also come with many modern features including remote keyless entry, audio controls on steering wheel, cruise control, SirusXM Satellite radio, and more.

2015 Toyota RAV4 – The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is one of our most popular vehicles at 1800 Auto Land! For this reason, we make sure to have plenty for you to choose from on our lot! Presently, we have the AWD LE SUV, the AWD Limited SUV, and the AWD XLE SUV models available. Just like the 2015 Jeep Cherokee, these vehicles are all great for big families due to all of the room they provide. We are willing to negotiate our prices with you, so make an offer! All of these vehicles have 6 cylinder engines and automatic transmissions. These vehicles are a bit more powerful than the 2015 Jeep Cherokee due to the bigger engine. They also have a couple more luxury features including a CD player, memory card slot, and more.

2015 Toyota Corolla -If you’re looking for the vehicle with the best gas mileage, than the 2015 Toyota is the perfect option for you. These cars get an average gas mileage of 36 MPG. They are also a bit sportier than the 2015 Jeep Cherokee or the 2015 Toyota RAV4, making them great for smaller families that don’t need as much space. 1800 Auto Land has this vehicle available in the Sedan CVT Automatic LE 4 Dr, Sedan 4 Dr Car, Sedan CVT Automatic S Plus 4 Dr Car, and Sedan CVT Automatic S w/Special Edition Package 4 Dr Car styles. These cars normally retail for $20,000-$25,000, but as always, we are willing to negotiate and allow you the chance to make an offer. These cars have many modern day features including heated mirrors, Bluetooth capabilities, a CD player, memory card slot, and more.

2016 Toyota Camry -The 2016 Toyota Camry is the newest of the bunch and already one of the most loved vehicles we have available! We have this vehicle available in a wide variety of styles. Our customers love it because like the 2015 Toyota Corolla, it too, is great on gas averaging at about 35 MPG. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price tends to vary depending on style, but we are open for offers. This vehicle combines many of the top features of all other options available for the $109 lease event; it is sporty like the Corolla, but roomy with a capacity of 5 like the SUV options. It also includes many modern features such as a cd player, remote trunk release, Bluetooth capabilities, and more.

Which of these vehicles is your favorite? All of them are available now with $109 leasing per month for 24 months at 1800 Auto Land!

A Quick Guide for Learning about Your Newest Car

There's nothing more exciting than finally being able to drive away with your next vehicle. You've been to car dealerships in New Jersey and have talked to financial planners, banks, friends, and car salesmen. Having your labor finally pay off is a wonderful feeling. The hard part is over, but now you have to focus on getting used to your new car. No vehicle is alike, and each has its own quirks and features. Here are some steps you'll want to take to ensure the smoothest transition possible:

Do a little research

You may have thought that websites like Kelley Blue Book and Consumer Reports are only useful for the buying process, but they can also help you learn about your new car. If getting a used car, download the CarFax app so you can learn about the vehicle history before you make a purchase. You'll be able to find out about any problems the previous owner had, and about the general history of your new vehicle. 

Getting to know the basics

Every car drives differently, and you should get to know everything you can about this one. Drive in familiar places to learn a bit about how your car accelerates and brakes, and be sure to keep an eye on the gas gauge to see how often you'll generally need to fuel up. Know the make and model of your vehicle, and find out how to put air in your tires, replace the windshield washer fluid, and change your oil. All of these things will help make it easier to see when something is wrong with your car, and can alleviate some of your initial new driver's anxiety.

Prep for car emergencies

You never know what will happen when you're behind the wheel. Accidents and car problems are a part of life when you're a licensed driver, and you need to be prepared for them. Your cell phone can be your most valuable tool when something goes wrong, so make sure that it's fully charged when you head out (and if possible, you should have some kind of car charger for your phone). Carry a few emergency supplies in your car, like flashlights, road flares, and spare tires for an emergency. You may also want to look into getting a AAA membership, as it can come in pretty handy in an emergency.

These are just a few things we at Autoland advise for new car owners. Call or contact us with any questions or concerns!

Five Questions That Will Make Buying a Breeze at Our NJ Car Dealerships

Buying a used car actually takes more effort than shopping for a new one. Pre-owned vehicles come with performance histories.  For example, automotive specialists at our car dealerships in New Jersey fully inspect every used car before we allow it on our used car lots. We know our inventory so well, it's like we were the original owner. We can answer all of the questions you may have. We aim to help a potential buyer find an ideal car at the best price possible.

Unlike a private seller, we want to build a lifelong trust with our customers. Unlike an Internet seller, used vehicles at our car dealerships in New Jersey are available for inspection and test drives. Unlike a website auto auction, we don't expect buyers to pay cash for every purchase. And, unlike all of these other avenues, we aren't afraid to answer questions; in fact, we encourage customers to ask questions about the cars they are interested in buying.

No matter where someone shops for a used car, there are at least five basic questions that a buyer should ask before buying:

1. Is this a one owner car?

Several prior owners may indicate problems that are not visible without a trained eye.

2. Does the vehicle have any remaining warranties or guarantees that can be transferred to a new owner?

While we would certainly let you know, there have been plenty of Internet purchases that have left new buyers in the dark.

3. Will the dealership offer any parts and service guarantees, either in number of days or miles?
 A guarantee on a vehicle's performance is a buyer's safety net against unknown problems.

4. Ask for a CARFAX report.

Check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the report matches the VIN on the vehicle. Notice if the car's prior locations were in flood- or storm-damaged areas.

5. Ask if the vehicle has all original parts and if there was any damage or accidents.

The majority of owners buying used cars from our car dealerships in New Jersey qualify for dealer financing. We also help buyers with the title and tag paperwork needed to register their cars. Our goal is your satisfaction, and our reward is gaining your trust and repeat patronage.