On the Road with Bob Davidson

How to Maximize Your Trade In Value:

Trading in your car can be a sticky subject for both retailers and consumers. The key is to understand what the trade in value is (the wholesale value of your car), the different values your car has (wholesale, private party value and retail value), and that we here at Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln are trying to max out your trade in value and give it all back to you.

The better condition your car is in, the more it is going to be worth. There are a few things you can do to make sure you get the maximum trade in value for your car. The first is to make sure all the original equipment is included: both sets of keys, floor mats, owner’s manual, etc. These can all affect your trade in value, especially if the dealership is planning to resell the car. The second is to make sure the vehicle is clean. Dirt won’t be held against you, but if the car is beyond reconditioning it could hurt the value. Don’t be afraid to run it to the car wash before you bring it in, first impressions always count! The closer your vehicle is to how it was the day you drove it for the first time, the better.

There are plenty of resources out there (in print and online) that will give drivers an idea of what their car is worth; popular publications include Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADAguides.com. All of these will give you a general idea of the price range you should be looking for, but it is important to realize that most dealerships do not use these guides. Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln, as well as many others, uses the Black Book which tracks real auction sales. It takes into consideration many categories and is generally a very accurate guide the value of a car.

Getting the Most Out of Your Test Drive

Buying a car can be a challenging experience at times and we here at Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln want to make the process as easy as possible. Obviously the color, price and style has to be right, but our number one suggestion in determining if a car is right for you is a test drive.

A new car is a long-term decision and you need to make sure you are comfortable in the vehicle you are buying. Once you are in the car, pay attention to your line of sight and how the seat actually feels around you. Then consider if the car is big enough to fit your family and all of their belongings. Our recommendation is to use your test drive to simulate your everyday driving patterns.

We offer extended test drives so that you may take the car to your home, drive to work and back, drive to your child’s school or places you go every day. Simulating your everyday activities will help you decide whether that is the right car for you and your lifestyle.

A car is a big purchase, and we want to make sure you are doing what’s right for you. While research is extremely important, when it comes time to make a final decision, be sure to get behind the wheel for a while!

Ways to Save at the Gas Pump

We here at Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln know summer is a busy time filled with lots of travel plans for area families. But before you pack up the car, hit the road, and head to your favorite vacation destination, we wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some tips for saving at the pump. Below are some gas saving tips and ways to get the best mileage out of your car when traveling this summer:

1. No idling – turn off your car if you’re stuck in a time-consuming traffic jam
2. Keep your tires properly inflated
3. Slow down your speed
4. Drive at an even pace as much as possible – no speeding up and slowing down
5. Combine your trips to cut down on mileage
6. Reduce the amount of weight in your car (check the trunk before you leave for your trip – and leave unwanted baggage at home)
7. Check your route for the best course
8. Track the best gas prices for the return trip

If you are able to master these tips and follow all 8 you can save roughly 35 cents per gallon at the gas pump. Whether you blow your money on gas or take our advice and spend the extra money on ice cream cones and rides on the boardwalk, all of us here at Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln wish you a happy and safe summer!

Tips to Improve Your Fuel Economy

As we all experience higher gas prices throughout Maryland, we need to know the right ways to improve our fuel economy in all of our vehicles.  Now more than ever, we need to maximize our vehicle’s efficiency during these times so we can save money and save the life expectancy of our cars.

Please check out the blog from Consumer Reports this morning to help us save money at the pump:

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/03/10-tips-to-improve-fuel-economy-and-save-money-on-gas.html

These are very resourceful tips for all of us to use, so be cognizant of all of these when you are out driving on the roads!

During the winter months, driving in snowy or icy conditions can be a stressful experience for many people. Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln Mercury’s Adam Butler shares some safety tips and thoughts on what every driver should keep in mind and also keep in their car before heading out on the roads during the winter months.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Bobdavidsonauto?feature=mhum#p/a/f/0/yzaAgHPg8_U

Have a happy and safe holiday season from Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln Mercury!