The Dealership Fast Lane: Get Your Docs in a Row

Although it can be very exciting to  find yourself at a dealership buying a car, there is definitely some waiting involved.  When you are in the process of buying a car, it’s not like you’re going to McDonalds to get a burger and you’re in  and out.  

The car buying process often involves arranging financing, registering the car, and signing sales contracts.  New car buyers spend half a workday in dealerships in 2011 - about 4.3 hours according to a recent J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index.  Make the process go smoothly by bringing the following:  

• No surprises.  Be on board with how much your make and model of car is going to cost to insure.  Learn what the timetable is for informing your insurance agent about your new car.  Not being proactive enough and not getting this information ahead of time can be costly.  
• Talk to your bank or credit union and get preapproved for a loan you’ll need.   By getting pre approved, you will know the total loan amount and the interest rate you qualify for.  If you’re preapproved, even if you’re planning on going through the dealer for financing, you’re less likely to see a longer term or higher interest rate.
• Be careful about credit inquiries.   While the general rule is any amount of inquiries within 2 weeks counts as one entry,  some consumers  have had their credit scores dropped as a result of multiple auto loan inquiries.
• Bring your driver’s license and proof of auto insurance with you.  Seems obvious, most people do not get into a car without the two documents, but in the excitement sometimes we forget.  
• A down payment. Be sure you have a way of funding your down payment. If it’s not cash, make sure the dealer accepts the form of payment you’re planning to use.  It is a good idea to call beforehand and make sure they accept a personal check or credit card payment.  Phone first.  

If you plan to trade your car in, be prepared for a little more paperwork.  

You will need

• the car’s certificate of title
• the car’s current registration
• all your car keys and the owner’s manual

With all your documents in order you will be more proactive, ultimately putting you in the driver’s seat.  

At Expressway Dodge we have a strong and committed sales staff with many years of experience satisfying our customers' needs. Feel free to browse our inventory online, request more information about vehicles, and set up a test drive or inquire about financing!

Call us (888) 508-6421.

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Sources

http://blog.credit.com/2015/02/buying-a-car-from-the-dealership-heres-what-to-bring-with-you-108317/

https://www.lendingtree.com/auto/car-loan-documentation-checklist/

Tailgait This Fall With a New Truck

Fall is in full swing, and with the season comes campfires, football games, and tailgating. When you’re not using your truck as a tool this fall, use it for some fun and stock up on these fun additions for your next impromptu tailgate party.

1. Shovel: A small shovel can go a long way. Grab yourself a 3-foot shovel to keep in your pickup so that next time you’re prepared to dig a fire pit or pack a sand couch.
2. Sturdy Wooden Boards: Grabbing a few wooden boards to store in your truck is a great idea. Lay them across your truck bed as an impromptu table for your guests to eat at, or if your truck gets stuck in the sand, they can also come in handy to get some traction.
3. Cooler: This item is pretty self explanatory. Big or small, coolers can play a big part in the success of your tailgate party. After all the drinks are gone, you can also use them as additional seating.
4. Compact Grill and Grilling Gear: These are a must have for any tailgate, and compact grills can grill more than you think. After you’re done, you can clean it, pack it up, and it’ll practically disappear in the back of your pickup.
5. Blankets: Fall nights can cool off fast, so it’s important to come prepared for the chilly weather with a few blankets. The more the merrier!
6. Canopy Tent: Grab a generic canopy tent or support your home team. These tents can help shelter food if the weather takes a turn for the worse, or protect it from the sun. It can also come in handy as extra shelter for any friends with musical talents that decide to put on a last minute concert.
7. Battery Jumper Pack: Tailgating often involves a lot of lights and music running, even when the truck isn’t. This can mean dead batteries, and a jumper pack can help solve that problem when you don’t have any other options.
8. Chains/Recovery Straps: Sometimes your truck can get stuck in the sand, and what are you going to do to get it out? It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan, and this is where extra chains or recovery straps come in handy.

If you’re looking for a new Dodge truck to show off at your next tailgate this fall, Expressway Dodge can help find the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle. Give us a call today at 888-508-6421 or visit our website to browse our current stock.

The Benefits of Owning a Jeep

The first jeep ever made was produced for military use, and since then, has become an automotive icon. The distinct shape of the circular headlights and seven slot grill are recognizable everywhere, and have become a trademark of the brand. Read below to learn more about the benefits of owning a Jeep.

Reliability

Jeeps are known for being durable and reliable, and have proven themselves to be time and time again. Jeeps will perform year after year, especially if you keep up with routine maintenance checks and keep it in great shape, your Jeep will keep going and going for years to come. Not only are Jeeps reliable, they are simply constructed, making them easy to repair when the time comes.

Customization

There’s no doubt that Jeeps have a different look to them, and one great aspect of that is the ability to customize them as little or as much as you want. Switch up the top, rims, tire covers and more, and when the weather changes, you not only have the ability to take the top off completely, but you can also take off the doors for an incredibly fun ride. Most personalizations and customizations can be done after you buy your vehicle, so you know you can change things up down the road.

Durability

Jeeps go back all the way to World War II, and were created to withstand all types of weather and terrain. The exterior is durable and made to weather all types elements including wind, rain, snow, mud, and sand. Not only will the exterior stand up to tough conditions, but the interior will hold up through long road trips, weekends camping, or just short trips to the grocery store.

They’re Fun

Because Jeeps were built to hold up against the test of time, and pretty much anything you put them through, you can really have some fun with your vehicle. Heading out on weekends to the trails and really putting your Jeep to the test is something Jeep owners all over the country enjoy, and taking out your friends and family, Jeep owners or not, will be a great time.

Whether you’ve owned a Jeep before or are looking to purchase your first one, Expressway Dodge has the perfect vehicle for you. Give us a call at 888-508-6421 to set up a test drive, or visit our website to check out our new and used stock.

Get the Right Service at Our Service Center

Would you go to a general practice doctor to treat a broken limb? In most cases you probably would seek out the care of an orthopedic specialist to ensure that your condition was treated properly. This is because an orthopedic doctor is specifically trained to work with conditions that impact the bones. So why would you go to a general mechanic to fix your car? Your dealership has intimate knowledge of all the cars they sell. This makes their service center more qualified to repair them.

• Certified technicians - Not only are the technicians at a dealership service center extremely knowledgeable about the type of car sold on their lot, they are also certified to work with those models. This means that the technicians at Expressway are certified to work on Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ram vehicles. This provides you peace of mind in knowing that they will be able to diagnose and fix any issues with your vehicle quickly and reliably.  
• OEM parts - In addition to having a staff experienced in servicing your car, we have the parts that are recommended by the manufacturer. We also utilize state of the art technology to diagnose and service your vehicle. This means your car will have the equipment needed to run efficiently and effectively.
• Price – The biggest complaint that customers have when dealing with a dealership service center is the price. Our service center offers a variety of specials every month to ensure that our customers are getting the best possible service at a fair price.
• Convenience: Not only can you schedule your service online, but you can choose from a wide range of service hours. And, if you need a ride to work, we offer a complimentary shuttle service so your repairs can be conducted and ready at the end of the business day.
• Satisfied Customers -  Our goal is to provide each of our customers the best possible care. We thrive on customer service and ensure every client gets personalized attention for all their vehicle's needs.

Does your vehicle need a checkup? Contact the Expressway Dodge service center at (812) 702-4086 to schedule an appointment. Or use our handy online scheduling tool.  

Coming Soon to an Expressway Dodge Near You - The All New 2018 Jeep Compass

The wait is almost over! The Jeep Compass is completely redesigned for the 2018 model year. In terms of appearance, Jeep will continue its highly successful strategy of evoking the ruggedness of the more expensive Grand Cherokee with a bold front end. The compact crossover has gained a more efficient engine, an updated range of transmissions, and the latest connectivity and safety features. Enthusiasts can also look forward to new 4x4 options like the first-ever Compass Trailhawk.

Some upscale features help set apart the latest Compass from the version it’s replacing. For example, available LED taillights offer a premium look, while a new panoramic roof will be a first for the model. An available gloss black painted roof enables drivers to achieve a more unique look whether on the road or out on the trail.

Underneath the hood, the 2018 Compass has a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 180 hp with 175 lb-ft of torque - identical to that of the FIAT 500X. The outgoing Compass features a 2.0-liter engine making 158 hp and 141 lb-ft, although a 2.4-liter mill is optional, producing 172 hp and 165 lb-ft. One notable addition is the stop-start technology for enhanced efficiency.

A 6-spd manual transmission will be available on all versions of the new Compass. On 4x2 versions, a 6-spd automatic will also be available. However, the bigger news is the addition of a 9-spd automatic on 4x4 models. Although the 9-spd is a first for the Compass, it has faced criticism for lacking smoothness and refinement in other vehicles like the Jeep Cherokee.

Drivers looking for more serious off-road capability will want to consider the new Trailhawk model. Jeep says the Trailhawk will be able to pass through up to 19 inches of water and be capable of towing up to 2,000 lbs.

Safety is another area in which the Compass aims to outshine its predecessor. Drivers have the ability to configure their vehicle with the latest driver assistance tech such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and more.

We invite you to check out the all new 2018 Jeep Compass as soon as it is available. We guarantee it will be well worth the wait! Expressway Dodge is located at 5531 E. Indiana St in Evansville, Indiana. Stop in Monday through Saturday anytime between 8:30 AM and 8:30 PM, to test drive a vehicle or meet with one of our salespeople. Please don’t hesitate to call (812) 770-4034 with any questions you may have.

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Sources:

http://www.expresswaydodge.com/ (images from client website of 2017 Jeep Compass)

http://www.allpar.com/SUVs/jeep/compass.html

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/jeep/compass/2018/

http://www.jeepproblems.com/trends/9-speed-transmission-problems/

Summer Is the Best Time to Buy a Dodge

Do you see yourself out on the open road this summer with a new vehicle? Summer is one of the best times of year to buy a vehicle at Expressway Dodge. Our summer specials this year mean that you could be driving your new Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, or Dodge to your next camping trip, fishing expedition, or family vacation this season!

 

As an added incentive, we’re also currently offering our Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash offer for trading in your current vehicle. Get a real offer based on trusted Kelley Blue Book values today! In addition, manufacturers frequently offer their own incentives on top of dealership specials. Check here for current manufacturer incentives from Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and RAM today!

 

Right now, for example, you can purchase this 2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude for the sale price of $22,892. That’s over $7,300 off the MSRP of $30,220. Combined with your Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash trade-in value, you could walk away with savings of over $10,000. This vehicle boasts a 9-speed automatic transmission, and an estimated 29 mpg rating!

 

Even our pre-owned vehicles are on sale, if a used car is more your “speed.” The best way to take advantage of our inventory and specials is to make a visit to our dealership. Our dedicated staff will go over our current specials, can set up vehicle test drives, and help you choose the best fit for you.

 

Expressway Dodge is located at 5531 E. Indiana St in Evansville, Indiana. Stop in anytime during our sales hours from Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM, to test drive a vehicle or meet with one of our salespeople. We also would be happy to answer any questions about our inventory at (812) 770-4034.

Why Choose a Dodge?

For someone in the market to purchase a new vehicle, the options for which car brand best suits your needs seem endless and occasionally overwhelming.

 

We consider Dodge to be the vehicle manufacturer that suits every driver. Our experts at Expressway Dodge proudly represent this exceptional car make because it is a brand that we truly believe in. Dodge vehicles are known for their superior quality, unmatched service, and pioneering the latest innovations in vehicle technology and safety.

 

Here are a couple of reasons why Dodge is the best choice for your next car purchase.

 

It’s Always an Exciting Ride

A Dodge is a car for the adventurer, for the risk taker, for those of you who like the feel of an adrenaline rush. Every Dodge vehicle, from the Charger to the Challenger, the Durango to the Viper, offers you the exciting sensation you should feel every time you get behind the wheel.

 

Quality Comes First

No aspect of a Dodge car is overlooked when it comes to quality. Each element of a Dodge car is perfectly built to make you love your vehicle just as much as we do. 

 

Their Warranties are Among the Best in the Industry

No brand takes care of your vehicle, or wants it to have a quality lifetime, more than Dodge. The extensive Dodge warranty coverage plans keeps you driving safer, farther, longer, and harder, than any other car make on the market today.

 

There are also plenty of warranty options to choose from, to ensure you are getting the coverage you need and want for your precious vehicle. A customer favorite at Expressway Dodge is the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty; among other potential issues, this warranty protects you from problems with your gas engine, transmission, and drive systems. Dodge is also proud to offer a 3-year/36,000 mile basic limited warranty and roadside assistance service to all of its valued drivers.

 

When you are choosing your next vehicle, rest assured that there is no better alternative for you than the high quality, superior ride that Dodge is known for. And when you’re choosing Dodge, look no further than Expressway Dodge. We are here to get you into the Dodge of your dreams. Call us today if you have questions about your upcoming Dodge purchase at 812-770-4034. You can also pay us a visit and explore our vehicles in person at 5531 E. Indiana Street.