Archive for July, 2012
The 2013 Chevrolet Volt will be bigger and better. The bigger part refers to the battery; the new battery will be able to go an additional three extra miles when driven solely on the battery. The new battery is not any heavier or larger, just “electrically bigger.”
Volt chief engineer Andrew Farah said improving electrical range was the number one request from customers. Three miles may seem like a minor improvement but it actually is incremental. Ultimately it enables people to go gasoline-free in their daily driving, those miles add up over a week. Importantly, Farah said that the EPA made no major changes to the test procedures, so it is legit to compare the 2013 MPGe number to earlier ratings.
The extra range can also be attributed to different battery chemistry as well as the size, a 16.5kWh instead of a 16kWh. While the initial increase may seem small, Chevy Volt Phoenix drivers can expect incremental changes in future Volts. Bill Wallace, GM’s director of global battery systems engineering, added that they are constantly researching how to improve the energy storage and power of batteries, and the future looks infinite in possibilities for improving the battery systems.
Outside of the battery other changes in the Volt are minor. There is now an arm rest between the two back seats. A new power gauge in the dash that shows more information about how and where the energy being used is coming from, it displays how much is from the battery and how much is from the gas tank. There is also a collision alert and lane departure warning. The 2013 model will also have additional interior and exterior colors such as pebble beige and silver topaz metallic. Finally there are also all new sport alloy wheels.
The 2013 Volt goes on sale in August. GM said there has been no change in pricing or destination fees compared to 2012 model. For more information on the new Volt check out your Chevrolet Chandler dealer.
Dealerships usually do a good job of helping customers find a right vehicle at a fair price but when buying a car make sure to keep your interests up front and center. Follow these tips to save money and get the right car at any Phoenix Chevrolet dealership.
Make sure you do your homework. Stay in control of the buying process by gathering key facts and preliminary pricing quotes on cars of interest. Research different choices and read reviews from multiple sources. Check out the reliability, safety, fuel economy, and pricing of any new Chevy Phoenix models you’re considering. Also make sure to do any test drives before the day the car is going to be purchased. Also if you have a trade-in, know the approximate worth of the vehicle, along with its age, condition, mileage, and equipment.
Don’t assume the sticker price is the purchase price. For the lowest price start with a price that is not based on the sticker price but on how much the dealer paid for the vehicle. The dealer invoice price can usually be found online and in pricing guides. A reasonable price to start negotiations is either 1 to 5 percent over what the dealer paid, depending on the demand for the model. Also keep in mind the price is negotiable to a degree so make sure not to just take the first price thrown out.
Negotiate one thing at a time. Salespeople like to mix financing, leasing, and trade-in negotiations together this may give the dealer more latitude to offer a lower monthly payment and inflate another area of the deal. To avoid this make it clear that having the lowest possible markup available is a priority. Also mentioning you intend to visit other dealerships to ensure the lowest price. Once a price has been settled on then discuss financing, leasing, or a trade-in, as necessary. Negotiate each individual item and remember you’re in charge of what you spend and what you want.
Arrange financing options in advance. Make sure to research what financing option is best ahead of time. Compare interest rates at several banks, credit unions, and loan organizations before checking the dealer’s rates. Automakers often offer attractive financing terms but make sure you are preapproved for them or qualify for them or else you may be stuck getting sucked into a higher interest rate than you could’ve gotten elsewhere.
Finally, don’t pay for extra items you don’t need. There are a number of extra add-ons dealerships may try to sell you such as rustproofing, fabric protection, and paint protection, or push etching your Vehicle Identification Number on your window. Don’t accept these unnecessary services and fees unless you really want or feel like you need them. If these items are on the bill of sale, put a line through them.
Head to Freeway Chevrolet for a great deal and fair pricing on any and all of our cars!
