2015 Ford Escape Review

With its athletic looks and performance to match, the 2015 Ford Escape crushes rival crossover vehicles in the same class.

About the only vehicle that rivals the 2015 Escape is the 2014 Escape. The biggest change this model year is the advancement in how user friendly the My Ford Touch has become. Before we get to that aspect of the Escape, let's "touch" on how it continues as the leader in inexpensive crossovers.

There are three available Escape models to choose from ranging in price from $22,610 MSRP up to $29,000. Starting at slightly less than $23,000 the affordable Escape S comes in a 6 speed automatic transmission and has a 2.5L Duratec engine. It has an MPG split of 22 in the city and 31 on the highway. For a couple thousand dollars more you can enjoy the Escape SE with its 23/32 MPG and powerful 1.6L EcoBoost engine. Like the S, the SE has the standard 4.2 inch rear view camera and Sync with MyFord and adds secure key-less entry, a 10-way leather trimmed power driver seat with lumbar adjust and heating capability, Sirius XM satellite radio and Blis with cross traffic alert for added driver safety. For less than $30,000 an Escape driver can step up to the Titanium which utilizes all of the features of the other two models, but also comes equipped with HD radio, a hands free lift gate, Sync with MyFord Touch and driver and passenger seats with memory. One other feature of the SE and Titanium that really shows its boldness is that both models come with available 4 wheel drive with advanced trac and roll stability and ABS. So you can get your roll on without rolling too much on the pavement!

When you or any of the other 4 passengers climb inside the new Escape it will feel as roomy as an old time station wagon. The difference, however, between the Escape and that old dinosaur will be the comfort and control-ability. The Escape drives with a car-like sportiness with crisper handling than its competition, stronger power train and responsive steering. As far as the comfort level goes, it makes creators of rival crossovers very uncomfortable. The seats on the Escape are very slim yet firm. The rear seat flips to add to the already amazing amount of cargo space. Carpeted floor mats allows your passengers to comfortably remove their shoes on long rides. Available dual zone electronic auto temperature control keeps each front seat passenger cool or warm depending on their particular preference. There is also a center floor console with an arm rest that allows the driver to store small items and drive with relaxed style without eating up too much space. Eight cup holders, cargo floor hooks and second row coat hooks are also available. The SE and Titanium models also sport a sensational power panoramic vista roof that tilts up for a quick breeze or opens fully to give you and all your mates a majestic view of the sky. As part of the vista roof the Escape also offers a fixed rear skylight for your backseat guests. So whether you are by yourself on a quick run to the grocery store or packed in with four of your friends for a weekend getaway, the 2015 Escape doesn't discriminate.

Just because this crossover is sexier than its rivals it doesn't mean it's not as safe. It received a 5 star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Besides the advance trac and roll stability mentioned above, this Escape offers available park assist, five airbags, 4 wheel ABS, 4 wheel disc brakes with brake assist, child safety locks and traction control. Cruise control and audio controls are mounted on the leather wrapped steering wheel so drivers need not take their eyes off the road to adjust those functions. Add those features to the fun and fabulous available hands free foot activated lift gate, the heated exterior mirrors and the available rear spoiler and it's easy to realize that indeed it is the Escape owner who is truly spoiled.

Most Ford dealers have plenty of 2015's in stock so it is not too early to get a jump on your neighbors and make them jealous just in time for the Holidays. Purchase this fantastic Ford vehicle now then plan your own "escape" from boring, run of the mill crossovers!

Special Financing: What you need to know if you have less than perfect credit

“Bad things happen to good people.”  Our special finance manager says this all the time, and she means what she says.  It makes sense though - you can’t predict life.  And when it comes to unexpected bills, sometimes there just aren’t many options.  If you know that your credit is a little iffy, there are some things you should know before coming to the dealership that will best increase your chances of leaving with a car.

1. A lot of banks don’t go by credit score.  Banks that specialize in special finance understand that bad credit isn’t always the customer’s choice.  For that reason, many banks will still buy you as a “person.”  They will look at things like time on the job, stability, etc.  Not every 500 credit score looks the same in the eyes of the bank.  

2. Have your documentation ready and the process will be a lot smoother.  We will need your current pay stub, a current award letter, a current bank statement and a bill from last 30 days with name and address.  Bringing all of the relevant information with you will help the finance managers better do their job.

3. Bankruptcy or repossessions won’t keep you from reestablishing.  Just because either of those things have happened, it doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve a new beginning.  Reestablishing credit is like starting at the bottom of the roller coaster hill - you’re slowly making your way up, anxious and excited, and once you make your way to the top, you get to enjoy the ride!

4. Push, pull or tow your trade in.  Just get it here!  If you have a vehicle you can trade in - even if it’s disabled - it’s going to help you.  Most times it can act as equity which will be in your favor when talking to the banks.

5. If you want to help yourself, we can help you. Our job is to get you started or re-established.  On most occasions you will drive off in a vehicle far exceeding your expectations!  There needs to be an understanding from both parties that rebuilding your credit and getting you into a reliable car is the top priority.  Remember to be open-minded.

Don’t let the fear of credit issues stand in your way of getting into a new car.  Our dealership is well equipped to help in these kind of situations, and we WANT to be able to help.  Now that you have the right tools to get you started, give us a call and let us get your credit turned around!  Click here to contact our special finance department today.

2015 Ford F150 Review

Customers who have been waiting for the 2015 Ford F150 to hit showroom floors are going to be rewarded for their patience.

Simply stated, the new F150 blows the beds off the competition. Of course that comes as no surprise to dedicated Ford owners. The F150 has been the top selling vehicle in the U.S. for the past 43 years. That's VEHICLES not just trucks (F150 has been the #1 truck for 32 years too)!

So what separates the 2015 from the rest? Let's start with where it all starts....the engine.

F150's engine comes in a 2.7L, a 3.5L V6, a 3.5L EcoBoost and a 5.0L V8. Horsepower in these bad boys can be as “little” as 283 HP with 255 lbs of torque or as much as 325 HP with 375 mighty lbs of torque. Maximum payload for towing goes all the way up to 8500 lbs. That falls in line with Ford's credo of making towing a ton easier.

Just because the F150 has all of that power it does not mean that any fuel economy has been compromised. In fact, it's just the opposite for this fuel saving stud! The 2015 F150 is the most fuel efficient truck yet. The exact numbers haven't been calculated due to the need to complete the fuel efficiency certification process, but once those numbers are figured out you can figure on some eye-popping totals!

If you are not gassed reading about the statistics of the new F150 then continue on and learn how modern this truck is. The F150 has taken a giant leap in truck technology. It was built using high strength, military-grade aluminum alloy for the body and bed. Also used was high strength steel that is 700 pounds less than its predecessor. For those of us who are into saving the environment, and really that should be all of us, Ford has also invoked the use of recyclable aluminum scrap. All of those materials help the F150 deliver the towing and hauling that was mentioned above while helping resist corrosion like never before.

The inside of the F150 is just as nifty as all of the things happening on the outside. Like a lot of new vehicles there is a command center on the dashboard of the truck. Unlike those others, however, the F150's uses the newest technology and graphics and is truly command central for all of the workings of the truck. All of that info can be found on a digitally delicious 8 inch screen. A 360 degree camera system allows the driver to see all four sides of the truck. The twin panel power moonroof is so spectacular it stretches over the rear seats! That air will come in handy when you are driving around town with the other 5 people you can haul in this six passenger piece. There is also enough room to make sure everyone brought with them what they need. There is a pull out bin in the middle front of the truck that splits 40/20/40 and a fold out storage bin that splits 60/40 plus under seat storage.

If you need more space to store things you can always use the truck's bed that has LED box lighting and sport mirrors!

No doubt this new Ford F150 is well suited to satisfy all former F150 owners. It's the lucky people who have decided to drive Ford for the first time that are really going to be transfixed by this truck!

Top 3 Myths About Buying a Car

In 1898, William Metzger became the first automobile dealer who was not employed directly by any specific manufacturer, making him one of the pioneer car sellers.  As the business of selling cars began to grow, the “car salesman” came to fruition.  So began this world that many people know as a way of life, some people see these individuals as “the villain”, as the process of buying a car became something that is more disliked than getting a tooth pulled at the dentist.  

But it does not have to be that way and car buyers should not think like that anymore.  I can’t tell you how many times I have heard customers say things like, “I can’t believe how easy that was!” or “We’re done already?”

Here are the top 3 myths that customers begin with when they walk into the dealership and are debunked when they leave with a beautiful new car.

1.  “All a car salesman cares about it making a sale.”  This could not be further from the truth.  Yes, many salesmen make their living off of commissions - but everyone has to earn money, right?  With technology encompassing our daily lives, a car salesman’s reputation can be bruised quite nicely in a very short amount of time.  Thanks to websites like Facebook, Twitter, Dealer Rater, etc. - consumers can quickly voice their disapproval and disgust with anything and everything.  Why would someone want to take that chance with their career?  Statistics show that a dissatisfied consumer will tell approximately 100 people about their experience compared to satisfied customers who will tell approximately 5 people.  Customer satisfaction is huge in this industry!  So not only will your salesman want you to leave satisfied (even if you did not buy a car), but they will also want the referral of your family and friends because it will enable their reputation and business to grow.

2.  “If I wait until the end of the month, I’ll get a better deal.”  We come to work everyday, and we need to make a living EVERY DAY.  Whether it’s the first week of the month or the last, a car salesman is going to do everything in their power to find you the perfect car and sell it to you.  Most manufacturer rebates are the same all month long (sometimes they do change mid-month), so there is not usually any extra money towards the end that will save you the big bucks.  So when you’re in the market for a car, don’t feel like you need to wait until a certain date - we would like to earn your business everyday!

3.  “Selling my trade outright will get me more money than if I were to trade it in.”  In some cases, this may be true.  However, you need to think about everything that goes along with selling a car as a private party.  You will need to list the car on a third party website (many charge for this service) or stick a For Sale sign in it.  Then you have to take time to show the car when strangers want to come see it.  And then you have to deduct the tax you make on it.  And then the stranger calls you up every time something goes wrong with it.  All in all, it’s sometimes more advantageous financially to sell outright, but you have to weigh the savings with the hassle it brings.

Unfortunately I can’t promise you that every car dealership that you visit will be a quick and easy trip.  Just like I can’t promise you that you’ll have great food at every restaurant, or a perfect haircut every time you go to a salon.  But I can say with certainty that buying a car is not the same as it used to be - the industry has grown and become more transparent.  Whether we want to accept it or not , much of this thanks goes to one particular phenomenon - the Internet.

2015 Ford Fusion Review

There are a lot of things to love about the 2015 Ford Fusion.

The new Fusion brings back many of the incredible options of the 2014 edition, but adds some features that make this one even more sensational.

For starters, the 2015 Ford Fusion is the first vehicle in its class to offer available inflatable second-row safety belts. These belts help distribute crash force energy across more of the torso than a traditional belt, which reduces risk of injury while providing support to head and neck.

A major safety advantage like that is one reason why its no illusion that the Fusion is ahead of the pack.

Need more proof? The Fusion has a standard back-up camera with 8 inch screen that allows the driver the luxury of an extra set of eyes while maneuvering. It also has advance trace brake traction control to help with stopping.

The best news about the Fusion is it can be purchased for as little as $22,000. That small amount will give the Fusion owner 1 touch power windows, SYNC voice activated technology to aid in controlling music and making hands free cell calls and an awesome 22 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the freeway.

If that magnificent mileage is somehow not enough for you then take a look at the exciting 2015 Fusion Energi Hybrid. This model allows you the availability to either plug in and charge the 7.6 KWH lithium-ion battery with continuous variable transmission or help you pretend you are a guitar star from the MTV generation and go unplugged to take advantage of the estimated 44 miles per gallon.

No matter which Fusion your choosin' you will have room for five passengers. You will also have available standout features such as Sirius/XM satellite radio, Sony premium sound, keyless entry, 10-way power driver's seat and dual exhaust.

The standard gas operated Fusion possesses a 2.5 Duratech engine with Select Shift six speed automatic transmission and a thumb switch on the gear shift knob. Some of those models are equipped with a 1.5 or 2.5 EcoBoost engine with available Automatic Start-Stop, so the engine choices are almost endless.

Great price, gas reliability, top shelf technology and powerful engines make the 2015 Fusion a force in its field.

  

The best way to feel the fury of Fusion is to try one on for size. Test drive the 2015 Ford Fusion soon and get ready to be blown away. Having your checkbook handy is probably a good idea too because once you find a new Fusion you'll want to own one.

3 Important Reasons to Use Nitrogen in Your Tires

If you’re like me, you probably don’t put your tires in the list of top priorities to watch on your car. Besides the amount of gas in the tank and what radio station is currently on, I’m pretty focused on the road and where I’m headed.  But your tires have a bigger role on the car than you think.  Not only are they playing a huge part in getting you where you need to go, they also affect a lot of different factors that can boost or hinder your car’s performance.

The question, or even debate, that is beginning to arise is whether you should be using regular air (like we’ve done for years and years) or the newly popular nitrogen service.  As more studies are done, it’s beginning to become apparent that nitrogen benefits greatly outweigh the benefits from having just plain air in our tires.  Now don’t get me wrong, air is obviously a good thing - I wouldn’t be sitting here if it weren’t for air - but sometimes you just need to say, “Out with the old and in with the new!”

So why isn’t everyone using nitrogen in their tires if it’s so much better?  Fair question.  The answer, in my opinion, is that the general public isn’t educated enough on the benefits of nitrogen yet.  Good news, you’ve come to the right place - continue reading.

Here are the cliff notes: nitrogen tires will stay fuller longer, help with fuel economy, and increase the life of your tires.  The main reason for these three benefits is because nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules.  Simple physics.  But why would that make a difference?  Here’s why:

1. Because of the larger molecules, there is less air loss through the tire walls.  This will keep your tires at the correct PSI longer, therefore needing filled less often.  Safety is also increased because you have a smaller chance of blowouts and worn treads due to under-inflated tires.
2. Money is saved at the pump because inaccurate tire pressure lessens rolling resistance which in turn gives you better gas mileage.
3. When air is pressurized, the humidity in it condenses to a liquid and just sits in the tank where it’s being held.  When you hit up your local gas station for air, you’re not just putting the air but also the liquid into your tires.  As you drive, the heat of the tire will cause the water to expand into gas and in turn will increase your tire pressure.  In addition, having water in your tire will contribute to rim corrosion.

Many dealership service departments all across the country offer the nitrogen service.  And even if your tires didn’t come nitrogen inflated, that doesn’t mean you can’t get them filled that way.

Now obviously you should still check your tire pressure regularly; nitrogen isn’t the end-all, be-all.  But I think you’ll find a more consistent reading than you did when you were using air, in addition to better wear on your tires and slightly longer periods in-between visiting the pump.

If you have more questions about the benefits of nitrogen in your tires, the Fred Martin Ford service department would be happy to help.  Click here for more information on our hours and services.