When you step onto the lot of a new car dealership in Hollywood, you may feel like the options are endless. There are many vehicle choices to choose from and by asking a few questions and doing some research, you can drive away in the vehicle of your choice.
Narrowing down your options and choosing the right automobile for your lifestyle, your finances, and your driving needs can seem overwhelming. But, it certainly is not a decision that you want to make impulsively. A vehicle is a large investment and you want to choose wisely. You want a vehicle that will last you several years and will cater to all of your needs. As you visit the new car dealer in Hollywood, here are four types of features you should carefully consider before you sign on the dotted line.
1. Safety Features
One of the most important things to look at on any vehicle is the safety features available. The vehicle must be able to easily get you and your family from point A to point B safely. While there are many standard features such as seatbelts, airbags, etc., some vehicles have more advanced features such as collision control, back-up cameras, lane warnings, and more. Do your research to determine exactly what safety features matter most to you and don’t settle for anything less. Your family is the most important thing to you and it is important that you have all the features and capabilities available to keep them safe and protected.
2. Entertainment Options
No matter if you are commuting by yourself to work each day or you chauffer several kids in the afternoon to their various activities, you likely spend a lot of time in your vehicle. This means that you want to have all the entertainment features available to keep you and all of your passengers entertained.
There are many entertainment features available in vehicles and some automobiles may have more than you desire. Some automobiles may have touchscreen computers that allow you to easily control all of the music. USB ports allow you to connect your smartphone or tablet to the vehicle and enjoy hands-free access. You can listen to music, podcasts, the radio, etc., without even touching your phone. Plus, the USB connectivity will charge your device, ensuring you have battery life no matter where you go.
Some vehicles may also have full entertainment systems with screens located on the back of seats so your passengers can watch movies on those long trips. This will ensure that both you and your children can have more enjoyable rides.
There are also many other advanced features you may want to ask your salesperson about to keep yourself and your children entertained on long rides. These may include built-in Wi-Fi hotspots, Bluetooth connectivity, and even Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibilities.
3. Convenience Features
Your driving experience should be as smooth and easy as possible. It should not be a pain and require much work no matter how far you are traveling with all the latest features and technology. Many vehicles that you will find at a Honda dealership in Hollywood boast a plethora of convenience features that will make you fall in love with your vehicle.
A few features you may want to consider include keyless entry. With this tool, you don’t need to insert the key into the ignition to start the vehicle. Rather, the key fob can be in your pocket, in the cup holder, etc., and you can simply push a button and the vehicle will turn on.
A digital dashboard is also becoming quite popular among vehicles. With this feature, all of your vital driving information such as your speed, mileage, etc., is all digitally displayed right in front of you. This makes it easy to keep track of where you are while you are driving and will ensure that you stay safe throughout your entire drive.
Other convenience features that you may consider include computer console, navigation systems, power seats and windows, automatic lights, and more. Talk to a salesperson to discover some of the top features and if they are worth your time.
4. Comfort Options
You will likely spend an ample amount of time in your vehicle. This means that you need to be comfortable and relaxed. To ensure this happens, you want to purchase an automobile that boasts numerous comfort features to keep you and all of your passengers nice and cozy, particularly on those long drives.
A few things you want to look for in an automobile include ample seating. You want to carefully think about how many people will often be in your vehicle and ensure you have enough seats for them. If you carpool or you drive around your children’s friends on a regular basis, you may want a vehicle with a few extra seating options for these situations. You also want to make sure there is plenty of room in between all of the seats and that nobody feels cramped.
As a driver, you may want to carefully think about your own comfort features. For example, you may desire heated seats or a heated steering wheel. You also want advanced temperature control features in the vehicle to ensure yourself and your passengers are comfortable. You may want to look for a vehicle that offers separate controls for your front seat passengers as well as those in the back seat.
When finding the perfect vehicle for yourself and your family’s needs, there are many choices available and each has a plethora of features. By knowing what features and specifications you desire, you can more easily narrow down your options and find a vehicle that you can drive around happily and with confidence.
Negotiating at a Car Dealership
Before one goes to a new car dealership in Hollywood, it could be useful to know a few tips on how to negotiate with the new car dealer in Hollywood they will be talking to. This way, the chances of a buyer walking away with a great car that came at a great price highly increase.
Know Its Worth
Doing one’s research before going to a new car dealership in Hollywood is important, because if one doesn’t know how much a car is supposed to be worth, they won’t know how to make a correct offer. As such, they should look online to see what other, similar cars have sold for in order to know how much they can negotiate.
Discounts
There are countless of unique discounts available out there, from students, to AAA members, to military vets. There are some automakers that give loyalty cash to returning buyers, while others offer conquest cash to those who own a different brand. Finding the unique discount that’s right for an individual will help make the car more affordable.
Talk to a Banker
For those thinking of getting a new car from a dealer in Hollywood, it’s a good idea to chat with a banker first, and see what sort of interest rate they can get. While many dealerships do offer financing, they could be 2 to 3 percentage points higher than that the bank would offer. However, it is worth knowing that since dealers get profits from financing they provide, when a buyer does use their financing, they may be able to offer a bigger discount on the car.
Shop Around
One can’t know how big a discount they’ll get from a new car dealer in Hollywood, because they can’t know how close they are to the next level of incentives. This is why it’s a good idea to go around and ask several dealers for the price they can give.
Long Term
While lower monthly car payments may sound wonderful, one should be wary of them. New car dealerships in Hollywood can lower their monthly payments by extending the term of the loan by several years. This translates into an individual paying more for the car than they should.
Be Firm
If a dealer doesn’t meet a buyer’s terms, the buyer should simply walk away. They should let the dealer know in a polite way what their bottom line is, and if it isn’t met, then they don’t have to wait around. Plus, if the dealer will actually be able to get closer to the buyer’s terms, they will give them a call.
Knowing how to negotiate can take off some of the price of a new car, which is why one should learn how to do it.
As you drive your Honda throughout Los Angeles, you likely love the freedom and independence that this vehicle provides. You are able to get from point A to point B with ease and you can bring your entire family with you. But, to ensure your automobile runs at its best, it is important that regular maintenance is performed.
For many car owners, vehicle maintenance is a priority. When the vehicle is well cared for, you encounter fewer issues and you are able to catch many potential problems before they become a costly, inconvenient frustration. And while many of these maintenance tasks are repairs you can make on your own, there are also many you only want the help of a professional, particularly if you know very little about vehicles and how they operate. Let’s take a look at several maintenance tasks you must complete to keep your vehicle running at its best.
1. Oil Change
One of the most common maintenance tasks is completing regular oil changes on your vehicle. Ideally, you want to change your oil at least every 3,000 miles but depending on the type of oil that you choose and the vehicle itself, you may be able to wait and change it every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
This task may seem small but it is critical if you wish to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition. This is because the oil helps lubricate various parts on the engine. When these parts are not well lubricated, the engine doesn’t work as well. Or, if the oil is dirty and has not been replaced for quite some time, that grime and dirt can damage the engine parts, causing wear and tear at a much faster rate and possibly costing you extensive damage to the vehicle.
2. Air Filters
Replacing the air filter in your vehicle is another task that takes very little time and money but is vital if you want your vehicle to run at its best for long periods of time. The air filter helps clear out debris, dirt, and other elements that may enter your engine and clog it up. When the air filter is dirty and is in need of a replacement, it also makes the engine work harder, requiring more fuel to and energy to run it.
While you don’t need to replace the air filter in your automobile as often as you do your oil, you want to replace it at least once a year. When you receive an oil change, ask the mechanic to check the air filter on your Honda Odyssey to ensure that it is in ideal condition as you drive around Los Angeles.
3. Battery
A strong battery connection is vital to keeping your car healthy and working at its best. When a connection is faulty or you have a bad battery, your vehicle will not run as smoothly and will be more difficult to start.
To clean your battery, it takes just a few minutes and something you can do yourself. You want to first remove your battery terminals and then you will clean the posts. You want to ensure that you use the proper cleaning equipment for your battery and you can pick it up at a local automotive store. Then, you rinse the cleaning solution, dry it, and reconnect the battery terminals. You may need to do this often and again, it may be something you ask your mechanic to look at when he or she changes the oil in your vehicle.
If you have a dead battery and your vehicle won’t start even with a jump, you will need to purchase and install a new battery. Again, this is a straightforward process but you may want the help of a professional to ensure everything is connected correctly and you have no further problems.
4. Brakes
If your brakes are starting to wear thin, you are not only causing damage to your vehicle but you are putting yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road in danger. Replacing the brakes is a task that many drivers don’t want to pay for but must. It is also a task that should be completed by a professional mechanic, like those at a Honda dealership in Los Angeles, to ensure everything is installed correctly and everyone is safe on the road.
You can begin to know if you need new brakes by how well the vehicle handles and if you hear any unusual sounds. If you press on the brakes and you hear any squealing or grinding noises, it is time to get your vehicle’s brakes inspected. Additionally, if you notice the vehicle doesn’t slow down as quickly as it did before, it shakes when you press on the brakes, etc., you also want to have a professional mechanic look at the vehicle to ensure the pads need replacing and to determine if there are any other complications that you should be aware of.
5. Tires
The tires are another expense that many drivers don’t want to pay for but is necessary if you want to keep yourself and other individuals safe on the road. Over time, the tread on the tires will begin to wear thin and you will lose control and stability on the road. You can determine if the tires need to be replaced by conducting a penny test.
There is no set rule on how often your tires need to be replaced. Many tires will last between 25,000 to 50,000 miles before replacements need to be made. However, this number will differ depending on how well you drive, the type of tire, the road conditions, etc.
If you want to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition, you must maintain it. Keep the above five tasks in mind and perform them regularly to ensure your vehicle runs at its best.
How to Car Shop
Buying a Honda in Los Angeles is a wonderful time, filled with possibilities. However, if one doesn’t go about it the right way, they could end up with a car that they don’t like or one that doesn’t fit their specific needs.
End of a Model Year
For those who are in no rush to get their Honda in Los Angeles, it’s a good idea to know that the end of a model year makes it more likely for shoppers to get a great deal. While the exact end of model year may be difficult to figure out, it’s good to know that at any point, a dealer will have two years of new car. The older ones are likely priced to move. Another good time to get a car is the last week of a year, as there are lots of manufacturer incentives at that point.
Visiting
For those thinking of getting a Honda in Los Angeles, but are not quite sure yet, a good time to visit a dealership is the afternoon of a weekday. That’s because the sales representatives will be less busy than during the weekend, and thus more able to provide personal attention.
Suggestions
While listening to the dealer’s suggestions may not intuitively sound like a good idea to those people who are suspicious, often times, there may be good alternatives being offered. It is quite common for buyers to walk in wanting a certain model thanks to its low price, but end up walking out with a better car at the same low price. That’s because there may be incentives or special programs they couldn’t have known about without talking to the dealer.
Prepared
For those who have already picked out the car, and settled on a price, they should do as much of the paperwork over the phone as possible. This way, they could be out of the dealership in less than an hour, saving them valuable time.
Test Drives
Test drives are incredibly important when purchasing a car. One should bring with them the individuals who will be regularly using the car with them. All seats should be tried, and all features reviewed and understood.
Negotiating
For those who like to negotiate, they should give the dealer a reason to lower the price. For instance, if one is planning on using the service department of the dealership, they should mention it. If they’re thinking of purchasing a future car from them, or if one is planning on referring friends, the dealership should know about that too.
Armed with a few simple suggestions, an individual should be better prepared to purchase their dream car.
Simple Tips for Night Driving
Driving at night is definitely much more challenging as compared to driving during the day. Even if you have perfect vision, the decrease in visibility at night puts you at risk even before you start your engine. It has also been statistically proven that although fewer people drive at night, accidents are more likely to occur at this time. Here are some ways to stay safe at night while you wait for the sun to rise.
Drive Slower
You need to be extra careful when you are driving at night so it is best that you drive slower than you normally would. This will allow you to have enough time to react in case something suddenly appears in front of you that you were not able to see earlier because it was dark. Still, a word of caution: don’t drive at a speed that is way below normal so that you become a hazard to other vehicles on the road as well. Make sure that you don’t become an obstacle that other drivers on the road will need to avoid.
Use Your Headlights
Having your car’s headlights on at all times is very important when you are driving at night. Make sure they are positioned accurately so that the light bounces off correctly. It is best to turn them on as soon as it starts getting dark. When nighttime finally comes, be careful though that your lights are not too bright that they blind other drivers coming from the opposite direction. Observe road courtesy at all times.
Clean Your Windshield
Having a clean windshield on your new Honda Civic that you got on lease can definitely aid you while you are driving in Los Angeles at night. You need to know what’s going on outside your car at all times. A dirty windshield can be distracting, to say the least. It will certainly minimize visibility. Keeping your windshield clean at all times will help you avoid unfortunate mishaps on the road.
Get Enough Rest
Driving is a task. It is a physical activity. If you know in advance that you need to drive at night, try to get enough sleep the night before or take a nap during the day if you can. This will give you energy for the night time drive. When you already have been driving for a relatively long period, stop every so often so you can get some fresh air or even a cup of coffee. If after taking some breaks and a few moments later you still feel tired and sleepy, find a place where you can stop and park your new Honda Civic which you got on lease in Los Angeles. Take a nap. Or better yet, wait for the sun to come up before hitting the road again. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Gear Up For A Long Drive
Some people consider going for a long drive with their car as a fun adventure. Others though feel that it’s an arduous task and would try to avoid having to do it at all cost. Whatever side of the spectrum you are on, you probably would need to take a couple of long drives in your lifetime and so it would be good to know what you need to do to prepare your car before you embark on your journey.
Under the Hood
Check all car fluids, namely your engine oil, transmission fluid, the engine coolant, the brake engine fluid, the power steering fluid, and windshield fluid. Make sure your air filters are working properly. Your battery, brakes, and engine belt need to be in excellent condition as well. You might want to bring your Honda Fit to a garage for a quick checkup a few days before your trip out of Los Angeles, just to be sure everything is in order.
Your Car’s Exterior and Interior
Now that you are done checking the inside of your car, you can then check the exterior parts. Check your tires. They should have the right amount of air pressure. Check that all of the car’s lights are functioning properly. Even a simple thing such as the windshield wipers should be working perfectly as this will help get you a clear view of the road ahead. Don’t forget to position your rear view mirror correctly. You should be aware of everything that is going on around you while you drive.
You also need to clean your car. Now you might be thinking, why clean the car when it will probably get dirty anyway? Again, it is a matter of being able to have a clear view of what is happening outside while you are driving.
Everything Else That Matter
Know your destination ahead of time. For instance, if you are planning a trip out of Los Angeles in your Honda Odyssey, you should find out what the weather will be like during your trip. What are the roads like? Where exactly will you leave your car while you are there? All these factors will affect how you need to prepare your car for the long drive. You also need to remember to bring your spare car key, the car manual, a brand new spare tire, an extra bottle of engine oil, as well as a car toolkit for any small emergency repairs.
If you do all these preparations, you can be sure that you will have a smooth journey. Before you know it, you’d have arrived at your destination safely and in no time.
Why You Should Join A Car Club
Unless you are a die-hard car enthusiast, perhaps the idea never crossed your mind. Why join a car club? You might find yourself pleasantly surprised once you start to consider not only the benefits but also the pleasures that belonging to a car club can bring. And you don’t even need to own a car or a particular type of car to be able to join one. All you need is a genuine interest and an open mind.
For the Car Enthusiast
If you are already a car enthusiast, it will not take a lot of convincing for you to join a car club. It may be that you are just not aware that there is actually a car club that you can join, not only within the area where you live, but even online. There are no borders in this age of the internet. By joining a car club in Los Angeles, you will be able to interact with like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for your Honda HRV. You can exchange ideas, not only about the latest make and models available on the market, but also about new car technology. While you may own a particular type of car model, other members in the club may get you interested in other types and models as well. You may meet vintage car collectors or race car enthusiasts who may open up new avenues for you to explore. You will be updated not only on exciting developments in the industry but also about car events and club activities.
For the Regular Car Owner
Being a member of a car club presents many practical benefits for a regular car owner, not the least of which is meeting other members who are wise on the ways of car ownership and car care. They can exchange information as to where to go for reliable car service and maintenance as well as where to get the best deals for car parts and accessories. They can share up-to-date announcements about discounts and special offers. You may even be able to pick up some DIY advice on how to keep your Honda CRV in tip-top shape in Los Angeles. And on those unforeseeable times when your car breaks down and you find yourself stranded out on the road, you can always call your fellow car club members for help.
For the Non-Car Owner
If you simply want to expand your social circle, why not join a car club? Car enthusiasts could very well be among the most interesting people you can meet. People who are passionate about something usually are. They cannot wait to infect you with their passion, and all you need to do is listen and learn. Who knows, you just might end up wanting to own a car of your own.
A Brief Financial Guide For Buying A Vehicle
There are three basic steps to follow when you are buying a vehicle. First, you need to gather as much information as you can on the types of vehicles available in the market. This step would include knowing the prices of the vehicles so that you can narrow your search within your budget. Next, you need to choose the make and model of the vehicle. Lastly, you need to pay for the vehicle.
Though paying for the vehicle is the last step in this process, it is definitely the most important part that you need to prepare for from the moment you’ve decided to get a vehicle. Thankfully, there are a number of options available for you to choose from, to be able to pay for that dream vehicle.
Get A Loan
This is usually the most common payment option people take when buying their vehicle. While getting financing at the dealership may appear to be the most convenient way to go, it may not always give the best deal that you can get. There are many financing companies that offer car loans in Los Angeles for you to be able to pay for your new Honda. Be patient as you search for the one that will be most beneficial to you. You may also consider getting a bank loan or a personal loan. Just make sure that you are able to meet your monthly payments.
Get financing for not more than four years, since your vehicle will depreciate over the first two to three years of use, and you may actually be paying more with the added burden of maintenance costs. You can consider entering instead into a lease arrangement for a new Honda Accord that you may find in Los Angeles. The downside is that you don’t own the vehicle, but it will cost you less as well.
Use A Credit Card
Your credit card is another tool that you can use when you purchase your vehicle. Check that you qualify and that you do not exceed your credit limit. Be aware of the interest rates and other charges. Remember also that there are other expenses to consider, such as insurance, fuel costs, and maintenance. Be vigilant with your budgeting to avoid unnecessary headaches when it comes to your financial health. Also, be aware that some dealers charge a card handling fee. Some do not accept credit card payments at all.
Pay In Cash
If you have enough money in the bank, you might choose to pay for your vehicle in cash. By paying with cash, you will avoid paying for interest rates. It’s not a very common way to pay for such a large purchase, but it certainly can be done. If you do decide to go by this option though, remember to keep in mind that you should leave enough money in your bank account for your daily living expenses as well as any emergencies that might come up.
Planning A Great Vacation
You have been working hard for the past few months. You need to take a break and to recharge. At long last, after months of waiting, the first day of your vacation leave has finally arrived. You decide to take your new Honda Civic from Los Angeles and spend some time in another city. With a bit of planning, you can be sure that this well-deserved break will truly be an enjoyable one. Here are some ideas for you to be able to maximize your holiday.
Do A Checklist
For each trip that you take, whether it’s a short one or a long one, the first thing you must do is to make a checklist. You can divide your list into three categories namely: before, during, and after the trip. Some questions you need to think about are the following: What do you need to bring on this trip? Think about clothes, gadgets and even a few snacks you might want to have with you. What do you want the trip to be like? It can be a food trip, a cultural trip, or even a shopping trip. As soon as you get back home, what are the things that you need to attend to immediately? One of your priorities might be to store all your souvenirs so that you can still recall the great trip that you just had for many years to come.
Prepare An Itinerary
Vacations can be a lot of fun. Having a well thought out itinerary that still leaves some room for spontaneity is the best kind of plan to have. Knowing the places you want to go to even before you start your trip will guarantee that your time will be well spent. With your Honda Civic, you can check out all the must-see tourist attractions while you are away.
Make Reservations
From the hotel you want to stay in, to the restaurants you want to try, the activities you want to do and the tourist attractions that you hope to see, try to book as many things as possible in advance. This will save you both time and effort once you get to your destination. If you already have things booked ahead of time, all you need to do is to show up and have fun.
Get Your Car Ready
Even if you are driving a new Honda Civic, you still need to prepare your car before you go on your trip. You need to fill up the tank, check your tires, make sure the lights are working. Most importantly, don’t forget to have a list of garages in Los Angeles in case you need a tune-up before your vacation.
Keeping Safe on the Road
Owning a car is a big responsibility. This is especially true when you are out on the road and you are the one behind the wheel. While you are driving, you need to be constantly aware of your surroundings. You should not only be concerned about yourself but you should also be conscious of the other vehicles and the people around you. Here is a list of the things you need to do to ensure that you will be safe while you are on the road.
Know Your Car
Each car, even if they are of the same make and model, can still be slightly different from one another. You need to familiarize yourself with your car. Only you would know how you intend to use your car, whether regularly for work or just for leisure. You should be able to tell how your car will respond to the way you handle it. For example, if you are planning to buy a Honda Accord in Los Angeles, you should know how this car can best perform in the city. You need to know your car’s capabilities as well as its limitations.
Be Alert
When you are driving, you must focus 100% of your attention solely on this task. No checking of your mobile phone, no eating, and no playing of games with your friends. You also need to be mentally alert and physically able to drive. So if you are too tired or sleepy, it is better for you not to drive your new Honda Accord. In cities like Los Angeles, there are a variety of options you can choose from for public transportation.
Check the Weather
Extreme wind, rain, or fog can make driving extra challenging. The road condition on these occasions will be very different from a normal day and you might not be used to it. If you feel that it will be too dangerous to drive, then you should not drive at all. It might be better to just leave your car at home and take a cab or bus instead. Or better yet, you might decide to just stay home.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Even for people who drive on a regular basis, they can never predict when their car will break down. You might be driving your Honda Accord in a big city like Los Angeles where it is easier to call for help, or you might be out in the woods where there is no gasoline station in sight for miles on end. You need to have a list of emergency contact numbers so that you can get help at the critical time when you need it.


