The Sky’s the Limit with the 2009 Lincoln MKX

0 | January 5th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized

Lincoln wants you to know that the “Sky’s the Limit” with the Lincoln MKX - so clear the roadways; you’ve got no boundaries with this car! From cutting edge safety features to amazing vistas, the Lincoln MKX is the car that will not only safely get you where you’re going, but you’re sure to enjoy the ride.

We know that one look at the Lincoln MKX will hook you, but we’d like to share a few of our favorite things about the Lincoln MKX anyway:

Panoramic Vista Roof™

Ever wish you could see the stars while driving on those long country roads at night? Most modern cars do have a sunroof option that allows the driver and passenger to get a quick glance upward. The engineering dreamers over at Lincoln, however, have designed a Panoramic Vista Roof™ that allows not only the front passengers to get a clear view of the sky, but also the rear passengers.

The moon roof opens in two parts across the top of the car to allow for a clear view of the sky or to allow for a gush of fresh air on your trip. You can also have control over which moon roof you open and which roof stays shut, allowing for optimal control over your viewing (and ventilation) experience.

Easy-Open Trunk

Everyone that has ever had to haul groceries of luggage to their car using all available hands and arm space knows that the toughest part of the job isn’t always carrying the items; it’s getting them into the car. The Lincoln MKX comes loaded with a hands-free liftgate, making it easier than ever to get your goods into and out of your car - even if you don’t have an extra set of hands to do it with! Simply press the liftgate button on your remote keychain and the gate will open and close on its own.

The liftgate also features 16 LED light bulbs to make seeing your vehicle easier (and safer) than ever.

Adaptive Headlamps

Adaptive headlamps make driving in Canada’s unpredictable wintery weather safer than ever. The headlamps help to illuminate road hazards by cutting through fog and highlighting the entire path in front of you. Using the Lincoln MKX headlamps, you’ll see 36 feet longer than standard headlamps.

Contact us today at www.woodridgeford.com  for more information about the Lincoln MKX and how you can get behind the wheel of one of these luxurious and sporty vehicles!

Tagged in: ,

The Basic Differences Between Leasing and Financing a Car

0 | December 30th, 2008 | Posted in Leasing/Financing

When it comes time for you to get behind the wheel of a car, you’ll have many options in front of you in terms of how you are going to afford the car, what kind of car you are going to buy, and more. One of the first choices that people have to make is whether they are going to buy a car through financing or lease a car. Here are some basic differences and similarities between the two methods of getting a car:

Monthly Payments

Whether you buy a car through financing or lease a car, you’ll still have to pay a monthly payment towards the purchase of the car. Perhaps the biggest advantage of buying a car through financing is that when you are ready to change cars, you may get a portion of your money back when you sell your car. However, if you lease a car, you will not get any money back from the sale of the car.

However, when you lease a car, you can change cars according to you contract, meaning that you will always have the option to drive a newer car or to downgrade to an older car with a lower monthly payment. Leasing a car may, therefore, provide you more flexibility. On the contrary, it may be hard to refinance a car loan in order to make a monthly payment if the payments become unaffordable.

Damage

When you buy a car through financing, you’re responsible for the car. The car might technically belong to both you and the lender. However, you are responsible for repairs and maintenance to the car. The negative side is that if you total the car or damage the car to the degree that it loses its value and is not drivable, you still have to pay off the loan, even if you can’t use the car.

However, when you lease a car, the leasing agent will often pay for normal wear and tear to the car, including maintenance. Therefore, the financial burden of maintaining a car and repairing unpredicted damages is alleviated with a leased car. The negative side is that, while the leasing agent will pay for many of the expected minor damages to the car (such as scratches on the door and worn upholstery), you may have to pay for major damages, depending on your contract.

Contact us today at www.woodridgeford.com  for more information about financing and leasing options. We’re always happy to help you get behind the wheel of a car that not only suits your lifestyle, but that also suits your budget and is easy to afford for the long-term.

Tagged in: ,

Getting a Car Loan, The Basics

0 | December 9th, 2008 | Posted in Car Loans

When it comes to purchasing a new or used car, most people require a loan. A loan is an amount of money that an entity will give to a buyer so that the buyer can purchase something, such as a car. A car loan should be specifically used for the purchase of a car (not a big-screen TV or any other desired item.) Here’s what you need to know about finding a car loan:

 

What is a Loan?

If a borrower takes out money from a lender, the borrower will have to pay back the loan amount to the lender. The borrower will not only have to pay back the principal interest (which is the exact amount of money borrowed), but the borrower will also have to pay back interest on the loan. Interest rates vary a great deal depending on the lender and the credit history of the person borrowing the money.

 

How to Choose a Lender

There are many resources for borrowers that need to finance the purchase of a car.  Car loans are one of the most popular types of loans that people take out from lenders. You can not only get a car loan from a bank or private lending institution, but you can also get a car loan from our dealership.  We deal with many financial institutions, and getting you approved is quick and easy.

 

In order to find the right place for you to get a car loan, we recommend comparison shopping. As you compare lenders, it is important to take a look at the amount of money that they will lend you as well as the interest rate that they will apply to the loan.

 

What You Should Know About the Loan Amount

Many lenders will only lend you enough money to cover the cost of the car itself. You will have to speak with a lender to determine whether you can get additional money if you have additional needs. For example, if you would like to take out a car loan for a truck, but need additional features attached to the truck (such as a gun rack or bed cover), then you may need to take out extra money on the loan to cover these costs.

 

Final Tips

Buying a car doesn’t have to be a daunting process as long as you know who to turn to for your loan. Be sure that you work with your lender that will review your budget and work with you to make arrangements that suit your long term financial situation, let our credit specialists get you approved today.

 

Contact us for more information about our loan program or to have us develop a financial plan to help you purchase your car and be able to afford it for years to come. Call us today at 1.800.461.8258, or visit us on-line at www.woodridgeford.com  Come see the difference at Woodridge Ford, in Calgary, Alberta.

Tagged in: , ,

Getting Your Car Ready for Winter

0 | November 27th, 2008 | Posted in Service, Uncategorized

 It’s important to have your car in tiptop condition for Canada’s unpredictable - and often extreme - winter weather conditions. Cold temperatures can be hard on an engine, icy road conditions limit traction, gravel pits paint, salt rusts, and frost heave leaves damaging potholes on the road.

Check your tires
You can’t control the road conditions, but you do have some control over your vehicle’s response to icy roads. Worn tires should be replaced. Consider snow tires, which are optimized for snow and ice conditions.

Check your tire pressure. Air contracts in cold weather, so check regularly to make sure your tires are properly inflated.

Fluids
Check your fluid levels.

Your owner’s manual will list the manufacturer’s oil recommendation for different climates. This is important to the life and performance of your car. As temperatures plummet, the oil in your car thickens and that can lead to difficulties with oil properly lubricating the engine. Winter oil tends to be thinner.

To prevent moisture from freezing in the gas lines, keep your gas tank as full as possible during the cold winter months. Don’t let your gauge drop below the half full mark.

Winter gear
Check your car’s heater, block heater and defroster. Are they in good working order?

Check the battery
“The battery is the most important aspect of your winter checklist,” says Boulanger. And, in winter checklists, it’s often overlooked. Cold weather weakens batteries and can leave your car and you potentially vulnerable. Check your battery to make sure posts and connections are corrosion free, and consider having the battery checked by your mechanic if it’s older than three years.

Service
Are you due (or overdue) for a service check? Winter is not the time to delay regular service and maintenance.

Brakes
When was your last brake check? Refer to your owner’s manual for regular maintenance, but consider having them checked if it’s been six months or more.

Check your windshield wipers
A snowstorm is not the time or place to discover you’ve waited too long to replace your wiper blades. In many areas of Canada, winter temperatures can fluctuate wildly and it’s important to keep your wiper fluid levels up in anticipation of quick thaws. Inspect your wipers closely. With wear and salt buildup, it’s easy to go through a pair of wiper blades every year.

If your windshield has chips and cracks, give serious consideration to replacing it. Dramatic differences in indoor and outdoor temperatures - called thermal shock - can turn a minor crack into a major visibility hazard if it starts to run. Often small chips can be inexpensively filled, saving you money in the long run.

A relatively quick winterization of your vehicle can ultimately save you time and money. More importantly, it could save you!

Tagged in: , ,

The Ford Model T Turns 100 This Year

0 | October 14th, 2008 | Posted in Uncategorized

The Ford Model T celebrates its 100th birthday this year, marking a new age for travel and success across the world. Many folks will be able to see a special parade unit featuring the Model T in America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, which will take place on November 27th in Detroit, Michigan.

Henry Ford launched the first Model T on October 1, 1908, making it the first mass-produced car of its kind. Since that initial car came off of the line, Ford put out 15 million more over the course of the next 19 years. The Model T remained one of the most popular and purchased cars until production ended on May 26, 1927.

During the America’s Thanksgiving Parade®, the 19 Model Ts will represent the 19 years that the car was in production. Each of these Model Ts was sold for $825 in its day, making it a truly universal car, as was Henry Ford’s vision. As a sort-of two-door roadster, the car made a name for itself by being able to power through even the deepest mud and toughest of storms.

Still, though the price was considered low and the vehicle considered powerful, Ford continued to refine the car’s capabilities on the assembly line. By 1921, more than 57 percent of the automobiles in production were Model Ts.

Currently, Ford still works hard to be on the leading edge of technology and advancement in the automotive industry. Its newest line-up of cars feature EcoBoost engines, which offer fuel-efficient powertrains, and also provides some of the world’s smallest cars on the market.

The company is still based in Michigan, though it has moved over to Dearborn. Ford cars can be found on six continents around the world and are made from 90 plants worldwide by more than 229,000 employees.

Tagged in: ,

ABC News: Aged Tires

0 | October 1st, 2008 | Posted in Uncategorized

Ford - A Safe Choice of Vehicle

0 | September 24th, 2008 | Posted in Ford

Ford - A Safe Choice of Vehicle

Ford has long had a reputation for building family-friendly cars that suit the needs and budgets of drivers around the world. However, the company is also developing a strong reputation for infusing tried and true safety technology into each of its vehicles.

Since acquiring Volvo - a reputedly safe vehicle - Ford has been leading the way in design, technology, and education with each of its new car and truck models. Here is a brief overview of some of the safety features that you can expect from your next Ford car:

Personal Safety

Ford carefully designs a safety system for each passenger in the car, including the driver. The Ford Personal Safety System® is uniquely designed with the driver and the front passenger in mind in the event of a head-on collision of some magnitude. Crash severity sensors adjust the deployment of the front airbags in response to the differing severities of the impact. In addition to responding with the airbags, the system is designed to adjust the safety belt retention, deploy dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, and measure the position of the driver’s seat for optimal protection from injury. Therefore, each passenger and collision will be responded to with a unique safety formula that helps to keep the passenger safe.

Side-Impact Airbags

Most Ford models come standard with side-impact air bags for the driver and the front passenger. Because the whole body needs to be protected in the event of a collision, the armrests in the door and the door trim neatly tuck away airbags that are designed to protect the abdomen and the torso. What’s more, each door comes standard with a four-inch foam block that helps to protect the passenger’s hips during a collision.

Intelligent Safety System™

The Intelligent Safety System™ is an expanded version of the Ford Personal Safety System® and is installed on the Ford Explorer and Ford Mountaineer. This system comes equipped with safety sensors that help to analyze the size of the crash, the position and size of occupants, and the seat belt response.

The Intelligent Safety System™ comes with seven unique response features that respond to a collision within milliseconds in order to protect the passengers and drivers, including adaptive steering, adaptive airbag venting, and the enhanced occupant classification system.

No matter what kind of Ford vehicle you are looking at, you can rely on the safety and protection that you and your passengers will receive from the vehicle. While no driver ever wants to be involved in a crash, having a reliable safety system, like the Ford system, in place can mean the difference between life and death. Therefore, when searching for vehicles, you can feel comfortable using the Ford safety features as a measuring point against safety features for all other manufacturers. Built Ford Tough has now become Built Ford Safe.

Tagged in:
RSS for Posts RSS for Comments