Warranty Scams: What you need to know

You may have recently received a letter, a postcard, an email or a phone call that looks or sounds very important concerning "your expiring auto warranty."

That eye-catching correspondence usually has the words "final notice" attached to it aimed at forcing you into a panic. When we are harried like that a lot of us tend to make irrational decisions. In this case, that bad move is to shell out our hard earned money on something that really doesn't help us at all.

Car warranty scams are something that have increased greatly over the past few years. The Better Business Bureau reported last year that over 1200 complaints were made to its company about predatory extended auto warranty companies. Those evil outfits are especially on the prowl during income tax refund season because they know most of us have extra money to spend. The last thing you want to do in February or March is fork over the federal money you banked in the previous 11 months to sleezy scam artists. If you don't want that to happen, read the next few paragraphs carefully so you can recognize when a warranty is warranted.

The best warranties to purchase are the extended ones offered through your local car dealership or a another reputable party who works in conjunction with your car dealer of choice. Later, you can read the factors that make up the best extended warranties, but first let's seize these scammers.

A third party scammer has no direct business relationship with the product it covers....namely your car! A manufacturer's warranty uses original parts on your car and factory trained technicians to tend to it. There is no such attention to detail by these third parties. When a telemarketer calls you about extending the warranty on your vehicle please excuse yourself from the call. Telemarketers should never be calling on behalf of a warranty company and in some instances they may be breaking FCC rules. The caller should always provide his/her name, the name of the business they represent and the number should appear on your caller I.D. If a message is left, the caller must identify the business represented and leave a return phone number. In the case of a warranty scam artist, these steps are grossly skipped. If you do choose to talk to these "helpers" please never provide any personal information. If you get a letter or post card in the mail that has the looks of something official you can either use it to help keep the flames roaring in your fireplace or you can call the sales associate or dealership you bought your car from and ask them about it. If you bought your car from a private dealer then you know for certain that this piece of mail is junk. An email from a scamming company like this usually will fall into your junk mail where it actually belongs, but in the case it doesn't, there is no reason to respond to it unless it came from your sales associate or dealership. Also, be leary of any company that provides "limited time offers" or trashes another company's reputation on its advertisements. That's not only tacky, but it also screams scam!

As mentioned previously, the best extended warranties are bought at the dealer or through an organization that your dealer recognizes. The average cost of a warranty is between $700-$2000 depending how in depth you want to go. If you want the extra protection, make sure you know just what is covered by it and what isn't. There are six things to look for that are vital to have if you are buying an extended warranty. That sensational sextet are: using a company that allows repairs at any ASE certified shop, choosing a warranty that pays the entire bill for you up front and doesn't make you pay for it first then wait for reimbursement, make sure the warranty is transferable if you sell your car, demand that the warranty takes effect the day you purchase it, check that the company you buy from is highly insured and uses a top rated insurer for their "claims reserve account" and be positive that you can cancel your warranty within 30-60 days if you decide to and receive a 100% refund.

No matter which warranty you choose it will still behoove you to do the routine maintenance on your vehicle as scheduled and to keep proof of that work. Some companies, even if they are trustworthy, will use the excuse of a lack of maintenance as a way to weasel out of doing repairs.

If you feel you have been the victim of a warranty scam by a telemarketer and want to file a complaint you may contact the FCC at: fcc.gov/complaints or call 1-888-callfcc (225-5322). You may also contact your local Better Business Bureau to investigate any info you receive in the mail.

Getting your oil changed at your local dealership versus your local quick lube

Going to the dentist is a biannual event that most of us despise doing.

The automotive equivalent of getting your teeth pulled is taking your beloved vehicle in for an oil change. One of the main reasons this task inflicts so much pain on us the consumer is that we really aren't sure what is best for "our babies" when it becomes time to make that change. There is a small percentage of car enthusiasts who are very adept at, and find it very enjoyable, to do their own oil changing. For the rest of us who are not so mechanically savvy, there are questions that need to be answered before sinking our hard earned money into lubing our cars.

Years ago, about the only place to take your car for a complete oil change was the dealer where you purchased your prized possession. Over the past couple decades more and more quick lube shops have popped up offering ten minute service while you sat in your car and, more importantly, discounted prices. It's hard to determine which avenue is the better one driven, but there are some things you should consider before choosing between the dealer and "Mr. Quickie."

Money, as is usually the case, is a great place to start this conversation. A normal oil change will cost anywhere between $19.99 and $39.99. Now there are exceptions such as the sensible shopper who clips coupons that may save them as much as 20%, to the paranoid person who always seems to think what they are receiving in service is never enough and tends to buy "add ons" that increase the final total. For argument's sake let's assume the average cost for an oil change will be $30.

So what should I expect for that decent sized fee? No matter where your oil change is done, it should always include a few standard procedures. The mechanical metamorphosis will start with draining the old engine oil. Removal of the old oil filter and replacing that dirty part with a new one will be the next step. A new crush washer should now be installed followed by proper torquing of the drain plug. One important detail to remember is that the new oil that is poured into your engine should always be filled at proper weight. We are now out with the old and in with the new.

While staying strapped in your seat and spending less time getting your car serviced than it normally takes to get through a Starbucks drive-thru may sound appealing, waiting at the dealership does have its advantages. First off, most dealerships are equipped with state-of-the-art waiting rooms that offer big screen televisions, comfortable leather chairs and free wi-fi. Secondly, complimentary refreshments are on hand to keep you satisfied. While your sipping a soft drink and checking the internet, your vehicle is going through a thorough examination by someone who is trained to take his or her time. The specialist at the quick lube is proficient at changing oil and filters and filling tires, but the mechanic at the dealership is certified to find other things that may be happening to your car that is totally unbeknownst to you. If a part is needed to fix that unforeseen ailment, there's a great possibility it's in stock at the dealership and you won't have to come back to get it serviced again. Also, these same mechanics get paid and graded by the job meaning their performance may be taken more seriously.  Some dealerships also offer free car washes with each oil change, a discount on tire rotations and a "discount card" that has you pay for a certain amount of oil changes before receiving a free one.

If managed well, the quick lube shop is still a viable option too.  Although, a lot of dealerships offer no appointment oil changes you still may have to wait up to an hour before your car is completed. There is a lot to be said for cruising into the quick lube at lunchtime, getting the oil changed and still having time for a sandwich and fries before heading back to work. Just make sure that quick lube establishment you choose is reputable, the service technicians are knowledgeable and you get the complete service you are supposed to be getting without any up-sale.

That leads us to our final piece of advice on oil changes, which is avoiding a rip off. We all work too hard to spend our money foolishly. Spending too much when you are falsely advised it is necessary is downright aggravating. Whether you go to the quick lube or dealership, there is usually a basic oil change and a signature oil change offered. On most occasions the basic one gets the job done, but if the signature satisfies you more make sure it is worth the extra money you are spending. 

It is important that a new filter replaces the old one so before you go for the oil change put an X on the old filter with a sharpie. If the "replacement" filter still has that mark on it, make sure you speak up. If you are paying for extra services that are not part of the basic plan, get proof that those services are performed. 

The good thing these days is that, unlike in our father's time, our new cars don't need to have the oil changed before 5000-7500 miles. In most cases that cuts our trip to the quick lube or dealership's service department down to twice a year. A lot of vehicles even alert us when our oil needs replaced giving us something that is valued by us all.....one less thing to worry about.

Fred Martin's award winning service department is here to answer any additional questions you may have about your car.  Feel free to call us at 330.793.2444.

2015 Ford Fiesta Review

It is said that the best things come in small packages and that statement is spot on when describing the 2015 Ford Fiesta.

The newly redesigned Fiesta has combined attractiveness and power with a price tag that won't send you into sticker shock. Fiesta is ranked in the top three of most affordable subcompact cars. The starting MSRP on the base model is just $13,965, not too shabby for a car that seats up to five people. All of those passengers will be amazed by the high quality interior and well built cabin. Whoever is lucky enough to be the co-pilot will appreciate the spacious and comfortable front seats and plenty of leg room.

Everybody who drives the 2015 Fiesta will feel power usually saved for vehicles much larger and definitely more pricey. For the first time in Fiesta history there is a model with an optional 3-cylinder, 1.0L turbocharged engine that provides plenty of punch when your foot hits the gas pedal. It is fueled by direct injection, 123 HP and 125 LBS of torque. That motor was voted 2014 International Engine of the Year. The Fiesta ST model has a turbocharged 4-cylinder, 1.6L EcoBoost engine that ups the ante on the acceleration of the 3-cylinder to even greater heights. That same force can be found in Fiesta's SE and Titanium models as well. No matter which Fiesta you feast your hands on, you will have the luxury of 28 MPG in the city and a whopping 36 MPG on the highway. So while your Fiesta will be small and compact, your wallet will be overstuffed with all the money you'll save on gas!

Now that you have your Fiesta filled with fuel you will want to drive it all over to show off to your friends. Of course, in this era where we can turn on our house lights from our phones, nobody will be impressed with your car unless it has the latest technology. Thankfully, this 2015 Fiesta is chalk full of gadgets. It all starts when you enter your vehicle using the optional intelligent access with push button start. This gives the Fiesta owner the ability to open the driver's door and start the car with the key securely stuffed in one's pocket. If you allow a friend or family member the pleasure of driving your new Fiesta, Ford's MyKey option encourages responsible driving by limiting top speeds and decreasing audio noise when your guest driver gets behind the wheel. There is also an optional rear view camera with reverse sensing system for helpful backup assistance to anyone who is driving. Another cool feature is the automatic headlamps that activate when wipers are in motion. As in other Ford vehicles, some of these new Fiesta's offer the owner the SYNC system with MyFord Touch. This phenomenal feature comes with a 6.5 inch LCD touch screen, SYNC voice activation, available navigation, SD card reader and 2 USB ports. The Titanium model also has a premium Sony audio system.

We know that those interior features are music to one's ears, but the Fiesta's exterior is pretty fabulous too. The 15 inch wheels on the base model are spunky and cute and make a great little brother to the sweet looking 17 inch painted aluminum wheels that decorate the Titanium model. Those wheels are accompanied by dual chrome exhaust, front fascia lower extensions and side rocker molding. Sport tuned suspension and advance trac with electronic stability control are a couple of other features of the Titanium, which provides a nice balance to its 197 HP and 202 LBS of torque. You can also choose a rear spoiler and a fancier grill on the Fiesta Titanium making it look way more expensive than just the $17,915 you spent on it. Ambient lighting in all Fiesta models starting with the SE enhance the spotlight that is placed on this incredible vehicle.

One last thing that is great about the 2015 Fiesta is that even though it has upgraded considerably from year's past, it hasn't forgotten where it came from. Once again in 2015, you will be able to purchase the Fiesta in a hatchback model. The hatchback comes in four variations starting with the base S at just $14,365 and climbing to the ST type, which you can buy for only $20,945. A unique feature of the ST model is that it is the only Fiesta that can be found in the color Molten Orange. Talk about juicing up the excitement level! You may go to many parties in your lifetime, but none will share the thrill you will have everyday when you climb into your very own Fiesta!

The Benefits and Differences Between Buying and Leasing a New Car

Growing up the daughter of a used car dealer, it was instilled into me that you always buy a car - a used car - because it’s the best investment for your money.  From age 16 until now (I’m 26), I’ve had 5 different cars...all used of course.  And they truly were good investments.  I bought them at a great price (thanks to dad) and I was able to sell them in a few years and get back almost what I paid for them.  It worked for me and it works for a lot of people.  

Now that I work at a new car dealership, the temptation of a shiny new car is always around me.  I decided to step out of my comfort zone and lease a new Fusion.  It was pretty terrifying at first, I’m not gonna lie, but once I sat down and thought through the logistics I felt a lot better.  Next to your house payment, most peoples’ highest monthly payment goes to their car - so obviously it’s a huge investment and shouldn’t be taken lightly.  Each option has benefits, and each option would be appealing to different people for different reasons.  If you’re like many car buyers who haven’t tried leasing, you may not truly understand how it works and what it has to offer.  Continue reading.

Payment:  When a payment is figured on a lease, the dealer is basing it on what’s called a “residual” value, or what the manufacturer determines the vehicle to be worth at the end of the term of the lease.  So if it's not worth what you can buy it for, you're protected to not have to own it. Therefore the payment is generally lower because you’re paying on a percentage of the vehicle as opposed to when you purchase a car, you’re paying on the entire amount of the vehicle.  

Warranty:  On a short term lease, you’ll be under the full warranty for the entire duration of your lease.  On a purchase, depending on how long you keep your car, you’ll be under the manufacturers warranty until it expires and then you’ll be responsible for any repairs from that point forward.

Options:  When your lease expires, you have 3 options.  1. You can lease a different car.  You’ll start over with the full warranty plus you’ll have the latest and greatest of what’s out there.  2. You can purchase the car you just finished leasing.  Maybe you really love the car and don’t want to see it go - then just buy it!  You’ll pay the value that was locked in at the beginning of the lease (the purchase option price).  3. You can simply walk away.  Maybe you decided you didn’t want to lease again and just wanted to go in a different direction; it’s all good!  When you purchase a car, you will pay for it until you’ve satisfied your loan and then it’s all yours.

So like I said earlier, both leasing and buying has its advantages and each one appeals to different buyers.  Talking to a sales professional about your options is always a good idea.  After all, it’s what they’ve made their career out of and they can give you all the information you need to make a well informed decision.

So whether you decide you want to lease a new car, or purchase a new or used one, all of us at Fred Martin Ford are eager to help you drive away with your perfect vehicle!

2015 Ford Mustang Review

The 2015 Ford Mustang has been fully redesigned from end to end in order to make itself even more attractive to a worldwide audience.

That doesn't mean, however, that the new Mustang doesn't stay true to its roots. The 2015 Mustang is still as American as granny's freshly baked apple pie, but has enhanced itself greatly. Now it brings the iconic pony car into a more fuel efficient future without sacrificing any of the trademark swagger or performance that we all have fallen in love with. This Mustang offers a best in class 21 MPG in the city and an astounding 32 MPG on the highway for a combined 25 MPG. In other words, you can truly lead this horse to water (or the gas pump), but you can't make it drink.

J.D. Power and Associates has given the 2015 Mustang a top rating in all reliability categories including powertrain, body and interior. None of the five types of Mustang parked in the stable has an engine with less than 300 HP. The most standard model, the V6 Fastback, is loaded with a 3.7L/V6 and can be taken home for as little as $23,600. The first ever 2.3L EcoBoost engine can be found in the Eco Fastback and Eco Premium models for just $2000-$4000 more. At $32,100, the galloping GT Fastback burns up the road with a 5.0L/V8 and carries a Herculian 435 HP with 400LBS of torque. Larger intake valves and exhaust valves makes this type of engine possible. At the top of the Mustang food chain is the ultra-powerful GT Premium priced at a reasonable $36,100.

Whichever Mustang model you prefer, you will not feel like you are driving an ordinary vehicle. Everyday you drive your new Mustang it will feel like "Throwback Thursday" due to the return of the old fastback roofline. Yet, the 2015 stays contemporary with modern sheetmetal surfacing and features such as HID headlights. Also featured in the 2015 is an all new fully independent double ball joint front and rear suspension, improved pitch control during hard acceleration and braking and less body roll.

The interior goes retro with the familiar dual-cowl dashboard and large circular gauges, but the rest of the inside is redesigned to allow you to feel that you are seated in the cockpit of a stealth fighter jet. Flat toggle switches have been added to the center stack of the console to give it a sporty,fancier look and to give you easy access to four selectable drive modes. Large instruments and robust round vents accentuate the interior.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard in all 2015 Mustangs because, really, who doesn't want to shift this magnificent machine themselves? Other optional equipment includes: intelligent access with push start, illuminated entry, enhanced 6-way leather trimmed power seats, Shaker pro audio with 12 speakers, subwoofer and amp, launch control, dual-zone temperature control and BLIS with cross traffic alert. The wheels on this near perfect pony start at 17" and range up to 19x9". Wheel finish options are sparkle silver, black painted, gloss aluminum or ebony black aluminum depending on which model you choose.

One last thing this new Mustang offers to prove it is competitive with the times is the new mobile app. This app displays a quick start guide, a race track locator, links to Mustang's resources, a brief history of the Mustang and a tour of this venerable vehicle. Fans of the Ford Mustang are also using this app to stay connected with each other and to share stories of their beloved brand.

With a wide range of engine options, new front and rear suspension and more refined interior as some of its highlights, the 2015 Mustang easily ascends to the top of its class. The way that Ford has fused these modern upgrades with all of the classic features Mustang lovers are used to has indeed put this pony at the front of the pack. One test drive and you'll undoubtedly want to be a part of the hard-charging "Pony Express".

Preparing your Vehicle for the Winter

     With the winter months upon us, it's time to start thinking about how your car will handle the snow and ice. One of our Ford Certified Technicians wanted to share a few simple things you can do at home to double check your car if you can't make time just yet to have it inspected at your local dealership.

• Check your tire pressure and tread depth. To ensure the pressure is at a safe level, get a pressure gauge and check your tires cold - meaning before you've driven or 3 hours after you've driven - by inserting the gauge onto the valve stem on each tire. The correct pounds per square inch (psi) will be on a sticker on the inside of your driver side door. To check the tread, place a penny in-between the "ribs" of the tire (the raised portion) and turn Lincoln's head so that it points towards the tread. If you see the top of his hair disappear between the ribs, your tire tread is still above 2/32"; which is good.

• Take good care of your wiper blades - they can be your best friend. We've all been there when you're driving through a strong rain or snow storm and your wipers are going a million miles a minute (or so it seems). To ensure you're keeping them at their highest quality for the longest amount of time, be sure to separate them from the windshield before trying to turn them on if they're frozen. You can also pull them forward off the windshield before a snowfall to keep them from freezing in the first place. Lastly, be sure not to let the wipers drag across the ice on the windshield. This will cut the blades and cause them to need replaced faster.

• Be sure to check the engine coolant and fluid levels. Because of the drastic temperature changes in our area, it is recommended that you check your coolant every 30,000 miles.  If it's getting close to that time frame, it may be smart to purchase a coolant tester just to make sure everything is still in tip-top shape. In addition to checking the coolant, take a peek at the antifreeze and the oil as well. Make sure you have enough of both under the hood, especially before going on any long trips, and keep some extra in your trunk just in case.

     There's always some other little tricks you can do to keep the frustrations of the icy weather to a minimum. You can spray silicon on the weatherstrips of your doors to help keep them from freezing shut. A hair blow drier can also be utilized to un-freeze your locks. But as always, stop in and have your vehicle inspected by a Ford Certified Technician to keep it in top notch condition. We'll even throw in a free car wash to clean that annoying winter salt from your ride!  Click here to schedule an appointment with our service department.

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!