City Mouse Versus Country Mouse: How to Shop for a Car that Fits Your Location
City Mouse Versus Country Mouse
How to Shop for a Carthe Fits Your Location
Part 1: The CityDweller
While exciting, living in a major or even minor metropolis likedowntown Frederick for example requires certain considerations when you’reshopping for a new vehicle. Congested roadways, swiftly moving trafficpatterns, and the scramble for limited parking are all hallmarks the downtown dwellerknows all too well.
So what features are most important to have in your newvehicle if you live in a city?
Advanced SafetyFeatures
Picking a vehicle with high safety marks will serve you wellin the city. Accidents happen everywhere, but are even more common in congestedurban centers. Picks like our 2016 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition can offer you real peace ofmind, as it ranks among the safest brand of vehicles on the road today.
Parking Assist
This ain’t the suburbs. If you live in a city, you mayparallel park on the daily, both at work and at home. And let’s face it, streetparking is perhaps the most intimidating of all parking–requiring skill,confidence and calm under pressure. Gone are the days however, when you have toface this feat alone. Many newer car models come equipped with parkingassist features such as a rearview back-up camera. One such option is our 2017 Chevrolet Equinox LT. Let the vehicle work for you when you’re backing in andalert you when you’ve come a bit too close for comfort to another vehicle.
Blind Spot Detection
We hesitate to use the word “aggressive.” But one must be assertivewhen driving in a the city. Getting to your destination often requiresswitching lanes and passing many times over. And hazards abound in tight cityroadways, like traffic entering from alleys, cyclists sharing the road, pedestrianswalking into the street and the stray open car door here and there. Finding avehicle like our 2015 Cadillac Escalade Luxury is a huge help for the city driving. This vehicle offersblind spot detection which alerts you when an unseen object has entered yourblind spot, allowing you to assess when it’s safest to make your move, withoutruining anyone’s day.
A Technology Package
You may not think all the bells and whistles matter toomuch. But purchasing a vehicles that’s outfitted with tech like a Wi-Fi hotspot,bluetooth connection, satellite radio and premium navigation can be a literal lifesaverand timesaver. Many of these option can be found in vehicles like our 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude. Enjoy the opportunities to stay both entertained and informed asyou can access your podcasts and music easily and tap into your navigation system maps to get you where you need to be without missing a beat.
Lifted Vehicle Experts: How to Lift A Truck
Lifting Your Truck? Youalready know you can look no further than Krietz. That’s because Krietzexpertly installs custom vehicle work using all the leading brands.
Looking for a little insightinto our process? Here’s a step-by-step guide to how vehicles are customized.
The first step in customvehicle work is deciding on the kit. The right kit for you will depend on howyou want your truck to look and perform. Are you trying to stand out in a crowd?Maybe you want to be able to crush difficult terrain. The options are there.Here’s what to expect from each kit.
Leveling Kits
Leveling Kits are used toraise the front end of your vehicle, making it level with the rear.
This is done in two ways:
Strut and Coil Spacers
Leveling is typically accomplishedby placing a spacer at the top or bottomof the vehicle’s front strut assembly or coil spring.
Torsion Key
For vehicles that have atorsion-bar suspension, a replacement torsion key or torsion-spacer is used tolift the front of the vehicle. Replacing the torsion key requires use of aspecial tool that makes this installation a more complicated process.
Suspension Lift Kits
If you’re looking for themaximum lift and you want your vehicle to be a top performer off-road, then suspensionlift kits are the way to go. This type of kit offers the most diversity as it caninclude a combination of the aforementioned strut and coil spacers and otheroptions like shock absorbers or mounting brackets.
Block Lifts
This is used on the rear of avehicle equipped with leaf springs. In this case, the block acts as a spacerbetween the axle and leaf springs. These are sometimes used with a front structor coil spacer for a simple lift.
Leaf Kit
Leaf kits are almostexclusively used on the rear of vehicles. Leaf springs are installed on theexisting spring pack for lift.
Shackle Lifts
Shackle lifts replace theleaf-spring shackles that came on your vehicle in order to raise the height ofthe leaf spring suspension.
Spindle Lifts
A spindle lift raise thefront end around 3 inches using a modified spindle.
Shock Absorbers
Suspension lift kits ofteninclude new shocks, that help with longer suspension travel. Kits may offerdifferent options like dual front- shocks
At Krietz, we carry a widevariety of products for lifts, but here’s what our standard upgrade wouldinclude: a Leveling Kit or 6” Rough Country Lift, 20” or 22” Fuel Offroad, MotoMetal, KMC XD Series, or Hostile Wheels and Four Wheel Alignment, Four Wheeland Tire Mount, Balance and Lug Nuts, 35” Nitto Tire-Terra Grappler 62, TrailGrappler or Ridge Grappler, Color Match Fender Flares.
Optional Upgrades wouldinclude anything from Rough Country DS2 Drop Steps to Weather Tech Floors Mats. For more info about our Custom work visit us here.
How to Save Fuel and Money
It’s no secret that the price of gas is always fluctuating.According to AAA, the national average priceof gas today is $2.87 for Regular and $3.13 for Diesel. Although this is nowherenear the all-time high –$4.11 for Regular Unleaded, there’s always room inyour life to learn how to save fuel and money.
Purchasing a vehicle that rates highly on fueleconomy is the most obvious way to get the most bang for your buck. Butconsumers can spend less with any vehicle if they’re mindful of certain things.
5. Oil and Filter Change
Clean oil reduces friction between moving partsin your engine and heightens fuel economy and reliability. Removing harmfuldeposits extends the life of an engine. Check your vehicle’s owner manual forthe recommended oil and filter charge schedule.
4. Properly Inflated Tires
When tires aren’t inflated properly, it’s likedriving with the parking brake on. Your technician should make sure your tiresare properly inflated when you come in for preventive maintenance. A tire that’sgoing flat can cut your fuel economy by 2% per pound of pressure below theproper inflation level. It’s a great idea to get into habit of checking yourtire pressure regularly.
3. Oxygen Sensor
Oxygen sensors is one of the top ways to make anoticeable difference Properly functioning oxygen are good for the environmentand save hundreds of dollars in fuel costs over their life.
2. Spark Plugs
Each vehicle normally has four, six or eightspark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times resulting in a lot of heatand chemical and chemical erosion.
1, Air Filters
A dirty air filter clog’s an engine’s airsupply, causing a higher fuel-to-air ratio and thereby increasing gasolineconsumption. Replacement depends on where and when you drive, so have a techniciancheck your air filter during regular maintenance.
Krietz Auto: NIADA Certified Pre-Owned Dealer of the Year
Car Buying Tips – A Checklist
Vehicle on its last leg? You’re ready to purchase something but youdon’t know where to start? Car buying is a major life event. After a home, it’sthe generally the second biggest purchase you’ll make. We understand that thisprocess can be intimidating. Here are a few basic things to do before you buy.
1. Budget-Start by determining what you can afford. Your perspective vehicle should beworked into your monthly budget so you have an idea of what’s realistic.Remember the costs associated with purchasing a vehicle include but are notlimited to: a down payment, a monthly loan or lease payment, fees forregistration & title, cost for vehicle inspections and emissions testing,dealer fees, taxes, insurance, etc.
2. New,Certified Pre-Owned or Used– We know our choice, but you’ll have to decidefor yourself if you want a New, Used or Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle. Researchthe risks and benefits associated with each type. The benefits of buying a Newcar are obvious. But it is your most expensive option. Buying Brand New mayalso not be the best investment, as new cars depreciate in value very quickly. Manypeople look to used cars as a much less expensive option. But the risks hereare obvious too. And, to avoid buying a lemon, choosing Certified Pre-Ownedover other used vehicles can offer many protections. At Krietz for example, ourCertified Pre-Owned Vehicles are sold with a better warranty and have undergonea rigorous 125-point inspection process for example.
3. Financing-Spend a little bit of time researching your financing options. Dealers willoften coordinate financing for you. But you can also look into the bank orcredit union you’d like to finance through and dealers like Krietz for example,will work with your choice. One of the biggest things to mindful of here isfinding the lowest interest rates and setting up a financing schedule that willget your vehicle paid off quickly.
4. NarrowDown Your Choices to a few Cars– Before you head out the door to thedealer, narrow down your choices to just a handful of make/models you’re mostinterested in. When making this list, consider what vehicle functions mattermost to you. Are you a commuter looking for the lowest gas mileage? Are youparent who needs plenty of seating for kids? Do you need to haul your bike orsporting equipment in the back of your vehicle? Figure out what matters mostfor you and your lifestyle. And keep in mind again, your budget.
5. Test Drive – A good dealer willrecommend this, but always test drive your vehicle before you purchase. Whenyou do test drive, take your time and get the full driving experience. Playwith car’s controls, adjust the seats and make sure it’s a great fit!
The Title And Registration Process Explained: Part 2
What is a car registration?
A motor vehicle registration is simply the legaldocumentation that your vehicle is registered with a government authority. Itestablishes a link between a vehicle and the owner or user of the vehicle.
After purchasing a vehicle you need to register it with yourlocal Department Of Motor Vehicles, Secretary of State, Department of Revenue,Motor Vehicle Division or other local body that is responsible for settingvehicle regulations in your state.
Before You Register Your Car, You’ll Need to:
- Have a title in yourname
- Pass an emissions orsmog check
- Pass a vehicle safetyinspection
- Be covered by carinsurance
There are Three Registration Categories: Renewal, New Purchase,New Resident
We’ll use our home state of Maryland as the example here. Thevehicle registration process in Maryland requires that you visit your local MVAoffice with your driver’s license, vehicle title, bill of sale and payment foryour registration fee.
Depending on whether your vehicle is new or used, or if youare a Maryland state resident, you may also provide additional paperwork.
Maryland requires that all vehicles be registered with theMVA in order to legally be driven on the road.
New Resident
If you’re new to the state of Maryland, you must registeryour vehicle within 60 days of moving. You will be titling your vehicle at thesame time as getting your vehicle registration.
Before you go to register, be aware that you must have asafety inspection completed on your car. Documents required:
- A vehicle title from your previous state
- A completed Application for Certificate of Title
- If your vehicle is leased, your lease agreement and proof ofmonthly payments
- A completed Security Interest Filing Statement, if there ismore than one lien on your vehicle
- A power of attorney if anyone other than you is registeringyour vehicle and signing the titling forms
- The Maryland Safety inspection Certificate from a licensedMD inspection station -the certificate is only valid for 90 days after it isissued
- Payment for the Maryland vehicle registration/title fees andany applicable taxes
Renewing Your Registration
The state of Maryland sends a renewal notice approximately60 days prior to the expiration of your current registration certificate. Thisapplies to all vehicle. The notice includes:
- A renewal fee
- Deadline for renewal
- Emissions check requirements
- List of red flags
In Maryland, there are several options for renewing yourregistration. You can renew online, in person, by phone, mail, or even at aself-serve kiosk.
Whichever you choose, in order to renew, you’ll need thesame basic information ready:
- Current Registration or Registration Renewal Notice
- Completed Emissions Test Certificate, if required.
- Proof of Car Insurance
- License Plate Number
- Your means or Payment, whether it be Check or Credit Card
Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership (Like Krietz!)
Car Dealerships usually submit the registration and titlingpaperwork for you when you purchase a vehicle. You receive a bill of sale andeither temporary or permanent tags/license plates. And your Title is mailed toyour provided address.
If your dealer does not handle registration paperwork foryou, you must visit your local MVA branch office and submit the followinginformation:
- Completed Application of Certificate of Title
- Insurance Information
- Ownership Documents
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement
- Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate
- Lien or Lienholder information
- Payment
- Power Of Attorney
The Title And Registration Process Explained: Part 1
Part 1: What is a Vehicle’s Title?
You’re interested in buying a car. You know you’llfill out a lot of paperwork at the dealership and need to obtain things like avehicle title, but do you know why? What is a car title anyway?
According to DMV. Org, a vehicle’s certificate of title, aka “car title” or “pink slip,” is thelegal document that proves your ownership. It may include the owner’s name, aswell as any current lien holders. It is typically issued by a state’s secretary via the Department of Motor Vehicles.
When a new person takes over ownership of a vehicle itstitle must be transferred to them. The owner “signs over” the title to thebuyer/new owner.
The following situations require a title transfer:
- Buying or selling a Vehicle
- Removing Lien Info
- Family Transfers
- Donating a Vehicle
- Inheriting a Vehicle
- Making a Name Change
- Gifting a Vehicle
The process for titling a vehicle is relatively straightforwardbut can vary from one car-buyer to another based on where/how their vehicle is being purchased or obtained and in what state it is being registered.
The title certificate looks different from state to state,but includes the same basic information.
This includes the purchase price of the car; owner informationsuch as name and address, the car’s year, vehicle vin number, license platenumber, technical information, make, model and the date on which the car wasfirst sold.
A title can also tell you important information about thevehicle’s history. Major “events” in the life of a car are recorded on thetitle by the owner’s auto insurance company.
When shopping for a used vehicle, it’s ideal to purchasesomething with a “clean title,” which means it hasn’t been in any majoraccidents and has never been declared a “total loss,” by an insurance company.
Buyers should also make sure their vehicle has a “cleartitle,” which means that’s there is no financial lien or levy against it and nocreditors can come out of the woodwork to claim ownership of it.
It’s important to note that because most vehicle purchasesare financed through a bank loan, the certificate of title is normally held bythat lender, to be released to the purchaser once the balance owed on the carhas been paid off.
This is not always the case, however. In our home state ofMaryland for example, the transferred title is sent directly to the purchaser,but the lender’s information appears on that title document. Once the vehicle hasbeen paid off, the lender sends a notarized “release” to the car-owner.
A buyer uses their title to register their newly purchasedvehicle in their state of residence.
When you purchase from a dealership, the dealer willgenerally help handle the car title transfer and registration process for you.
Regardless, it’s useful to know just what to expect from thecar-buying process, as titling a vehicle is just one of the many aspects you’llencounter.
Krietz Auto Blog offers Tips, Advice, and In-depthAutomotive Information for Car-Buyers and Drivers.
How to Finance A Car with Less than Perfect Credit
So you’re ready tobuy a car but you, like many of us, worry that your credit isn’t good enough tofinance the vehicle you need or want.
Here at Krietz Auto,we understand your predicament and we take steps to make sure that even buyers withless than ideal credit ratings, still have the opportunity to walk away withthe automobile of their dreams.
CreditReport
Maybe you are bogged down by student loan debt that you’ve fallen behind on in the past, or you’vemissed some payments on your credit card. This activity can reflect poorly inyour credit report, but a lower credit score can also be caused by inaccuraciesin your credit history.
The firststep in financing a new vehicle is to get informed about your credit byrequesting a copy of your credit report from one of the big three reportingbureaus –Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
Accordingto the Federal Trade Commission ,you’re actually entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months,so now is the time to take advantage.
The FTCsuggests you order your report online from annualcreditreport.com, the onlyauthorized website for free credit reports, or call 1-877-322-8228. You willneed to provide your name, address, social security number, and date of birthto verify your identity.
Budget
Before youcome in to shop, plan. Adjust your monthly budget to include the expensesequated with buying a car. This can include things like:
- Monthly Loan/Lease Payment
- Auto Insurance Premium
- Fuel Economy Estimates
- Fees for Vehicle Tags, Registration,Licensing, Emissions Testing, State Inspection, Documentation, etc.
- State and Local Taxes on YourVehicle
- Maintenance and Repair Costs
- Value Depreciation
Yourbudget should also include a complete inventory of your income and monthlyexpenses. From this you can gauge a comfortable price range for your vehiclepurchase. According to the advisors at Money Under 30, this is the rule of thumb to follow:
“20/4/10”
Meaning: “whenbuying a car, you should put down at least 20 percent. You should finance thecar for no more than 4 years, and you should keep your monthly car payment(including your principal, interest, insurance and other expenses) at or below 10 percent of your gross (i.e. pre-tax) monthly income.”
Accordingto them, your total cost for buying a vehicle can fall in the range of 10 to 50percent of your gross annual income.
Want to see what you’d probably end up paying for a $20,000car?
You can try our free payment calculator for a general estimateof your monthly vehicle payment.
FindA Good Loan Program
Thebiggest thing to keep in mind about trying to buy a vehicle when you have a lowercredit score is that the financing lender you choose may ask you to reach someadditional requirements before they offer you a loan.
Accordingto our COO Laura Bowen-Krietz, these requirements can include anything from proofof income, proof of residence or even personal references.
Sheexplained that Krietz works with lenders who are willing to make deals withclients who have challenged credit.
“If youhave any concerns about your ability to finance a vehicle, we suggest you fillout our credit application, so we can get the process started on an approvalfor you.”
She warnedthat the process to get approved takes time. So remember to be patient!
Lookingfor Your Next Vehicle? Check out Our Inventory!