The Best Twitter Profiles for Car Lovers: 2012 Edition

If you’re a social media fan (like we are) then you’re always looking for the coolest, most innovative individuals to “Like” on Facebook or “follow” on Twitter.  We know that because you visited our blog, that you’re also a car lover.  In today’s blog, we’re listing the most interesting and cool automotive Twitter followers we could find.  So, open up our browser (or smartphone) and get ready to jot these down.  Enjoy!

@Jalopnik – a hilarious site that creates an innovative spin on automotive news

@KelleyBlueBook – Great source for automotive commentary, news, and auto expert facts

@edmunds – they empower the automotive consumer with cars, news, pricing, research and more

@BBC_TopGear – awesome group of guys that do the craziest stuff when it comes to cars

@CarandDRIVER – a worldwide leader in providing objective results and expert vehicle reviews.

@cartalk – Just people talking about cars, that just so happen to be REALLY knowledgeable!

@Carmagazinenews – Up-to-the-minute car news and information.  They also have the scoop on new cars!

@DanicaPatrick – Racecar driver of the #7 & #10 goDaddy.com cars, you might have heard of her!

@InsideLine – Edmunds InsideLine is an online car magazine featuring the latest reviews, blogs, photos and HD videos

These are just a FEW of our favorites; do you have any that you would like to add?

Full Size Remote Racing Car? There’s An App for That

We’re HUGE fans of technology.  At the dealership, our lives revolve around the constant shift and change of our vehicle lineup as more technological advances make our vehicles even more cutting edge than their existing models.  Like kids in a candy store, we perfect our craft, getting to know each vehicle in and out.  

In today’s blog, we found out that an automotive engineer that shares our passion for cars has taken it to the next level by teaming up with a mobile phone game developer to create the first ever full-sized remote racing car driven remotely by…you guessed it: a smartphone.  

As part of a promotion for the new Sony Experia smartphone Dr. Brighton, the automotive engineer, turned two roadsters into giant remote control cars. 

"The primary challenge is trying to create an interface that someone can actually drive a car with in a similar manner to the way they drive the game," he said.  Martin Noriander, co-founder of Pixelbite, challenged English technology journalist Hunter Skipworth to a race at Bentwaters, an abandoned RAF air base about 130km northeast of London.”

Both cars made it through the course unscathed, with Skipworth winning by a hair.  "I never thought I would end up using a phone to control a car," Skipworth said.  

Self-driving cars? Wow, the future is here!  Tell us what you think below. Visit http://www.texasmotorsford.com/

5 Hot US Spots for a Road Trip

“America the beautiful” written by Katharine Lee Bates is the soundtrack to planning a road trip, which is an inexpensive alternative to air travel.  Road trips are both enjoyable and historically enlightening.  You would be surprised as to what’s in your backyard.  If you have been thinking of taking a road trip, look no further, we will provide you with several great spots to get some much-needed R & R.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is colder than most vacation spots, but it also offers some of the greatest historical sights in the US.  World-renowned museums, shows, concerts, Red Sox games at World famous Fenway Park, and the Freedom Trail.  If you enjoy the bar scene, you could also enjoy Boston’s plethora of pubs, hangouts, and just spend a day barhopping.  Great food balances out the equation. 

The California Coast

Take a direct ride up the coast from San Diego to San Francisco for a great view and an even more amazing feeling.   You can bask in the sun on any beach that permits, check out the Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, the possibilities are as endless as the shoreline. 

New York City

This is hands down one of the places required to visit on your trip (if you haven’t been).  Public transportation to any location is convenient.  The Empire State Building is amazing, Staten Island ferry, Greenwich Village and Soho, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chinatown, and Times Square make New York City a town chock full of the American dream.  Then when you’re too tired to walk and need a seat, watch a Broadway Show you will be amazed at the production value!

Disney World, Florida

Disney is a land of freedom from adulthood, and a child’s paradise.  It has countless rides and amusement parks, colorful characters of our favorite cartoons, delicious food, and Mickey Mouse!  What more could you ask for?

Grand Canyon, Arizona

One of the greatest national wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking formation of natural beauty.  Views from the South rim, hiking trails, and a rafting tour make The Grand Canyon a stellar vacation spot.  The scene is truly breathtaking.  This should be one location where you should save massive space on your camera memory card.  Say cheese!

Ok, so we’ve provided several spots for your next road trip.  Have you had any road trips experiences you would like to share, or maybe we missed your favorite hot spot?  Feel free to comment below:

Dealership Dictionary Vol. 1

 Hey Fans! There are a lot of acronyms, sayings, and verbiage used in the auto industry nowadays.  Sometimes, the savvy buyers can pinpoint exactly what they mean.  On the other hand, buyers may be confused as to what these certain words mean.  In today’s blog, we’re providing a quick list to reference before you come in to see us.  We’ll be happy to elaborate!

APR – Annual Percentage Rate: this is a ruler used in comparing the various ways of computing interest or finance charges for all loans

Cap Cost Reduction – refers to any cash the leaseholder may pay upfront, this can include a down payment, trade-in credit, or rebate.

Dealer Trade – This is when a dealer will exchange one of his cars with another dealer to meet a customer’s likes or requirements in color, or model.

Free & Clear – A customer’s trade-in, which has no liens on it.

House Financing – This is a customer’s purchase, which is financed through the dealership

MSRP – Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of a vehicle.

These are just a few terms that we use in order to make your experience simple, easy, and effective.  For details, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Why You Should Choose the Dealership For Service

So, you’ve driven your car off the lot.  The paint is shining and you’re smiling from ear to ear as that “new car smell” fills your senses with potent delight. You’re more than confident in your decision.  Then it hits you, thousands of miles down the road your vehicle will have to be serviced.  Oil change,  tire rotation, etc…but where should you go?  Are the smaller independent car shops for you?  We don’t think so, and in the following blog, we’ll discuss how dealerships are the best way to go regarding service and maintenance for your vehicle.

The Staff

At our dealership, our technicians are specialists; manufacturer trained individuals who work on your specific vehicle.  We have an ongoing program for the service staff and managers that continuously puts their skills to the test.  Manufacturers offer training programs ONLY to their network of dealers.  The service specialist are masters at your make and model, making them a more specific asset than their garage counterparts.

Warranty

At a dealership, if your vehicle is still under warranty, countless repairs are included, free of charge.  We’re paid by the manufacturer to perform these services and once the problem is identified, we receive authorization to fix the problem.  Even if the warranty is expired and you pay out of pocket for your service outside of the warranty, your repairs are backed by a nationwide warranty.  So, if the repair doesn’t hold, it can be fixed free of charge.

Customer Satisfaction

At the dealership, we pride ourselves on positive customer satisfaction.  Our dealership principles fall in line with every individual who works within our organization, trickling into the heart and attitude of each transaction.  We represent the manufacturer, so our goals are the same as yours: “great & efficient service with a quick turnaround”.  At a smaller shop, you won’t receive the personal relationship that comes from an individual who represents a stellar brand.

We’re here to service you and make sure your experience is a positive one.  If you have any comments to add, feel free!  We love your feedback!