Our last road trip special started out in Huntington Beach and made its way all the way down to San Diego, enjoying all the great scenery and fun activities along the way. But we certainly can’t neglect the north, which has just as much (or more) to offer avid road-trippers. So, pack up the Honda Accord and get out of Los Angeles for the day, the weekend, or maybe even a whole week.

Malibu

This is a great starting point, chock-full of beautiful mansions, picturesque canyons, and incredible ocean scenery. Who knows, you might just pass a celebrity or two out for their daily beach walk.

Santa Barbara

Known for its amazing stuccoed white buildings with their red roofs, Santa Barbara has occasionally been referred to as “The American Riviera”. High-end dining, luxury hotels, and elegant dining options are available on seemingly every corner.

Pismo Beach

A surfer’s delight, Pismo Beach has the obligatory great waves and incredible scenery common to any perfect beach town. No one-trick pony, however, it also features Dinosaur Caves Park and Monarch Butterfly Grove.

San Luis Obispo

Affectionately known as “SLO”, this is one of the oldest cities in California and is wonderfully located right in the middle of wine country.

 Hearst Castle

This beautiful retreat built in the early 20^th century was originally referred to as the “Enchanted Hill”. Originally the home of Senator George Hearst, it now boasts an excellent art museum, fine dining, and informative tours.

Big Sur

This rough and gorgeous section of coastline lies sandwiched between the roaring Pacific to the west and the Santa Lucia mountains to the east. The roads are winding, the views are stupendous, and there are plenty of available hiking trails.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Like a slice of Europe dropped onto the rugged California coast, visitors find themselves enthralled with the moss-covered cottages and their cobblestone courtyards. Check out the 17-mile drive past famous Pebble Beach golf course.

 Santa Cruz

This cool town is full of vintage shops, skateboarders, modern restaurants, and graffiti. Santa Cruz is also hugely popular with beach volleyball players.

 San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, the Mission District, touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, and a ride on a vintage cable car – just the starting points for a great San Francisco weekend.

While the debate rages on – north or south? – those who take the time to get out of Los Angeles on a Pacific Coast road trip really can’t go wrong either way. Whether you’ve got the surfboards packed on top of your vintage VW van or are just going for a comfortable cruise in your Honda Accord, there is more than enough to keep you occupied on one of the world’s great drives.

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Hybrid cars are big sellers in California, and it’s nice to know that they are becoming more and more popular and accessible to the masses. After all, cars are one of the biggest polluters, and anyone who lives in Los Angeles will be able to tell first-hand stories about the smog.

So now that there are so many more hybrids and electric cars on the market to choose from, is it time to bite the bullet and make a more ethical choice, even if it’s a little pricier? Here are some points to help you decide.

Mileage

You’re obviously going to save on fuel with a car like this, but how much you save depends on how much road you cover. The amount of savings that you will see depends on your overall usage—basically, the more you use it, the faster you’ll see that payback from fuel.

Length of Trip

 Hybrids and especially electric vehicles can’t actually be driven that far on a single charge, and stations are showing up more and more, but are still relatively rare. So you will need to make sure that within your daily trip you’re able to recharge regularly. Of course, between technological innovation and the fact that there will be more stations in the future, this is likely to be less of a factor in the coming years.

Highway Driving

The more time you spend on regular roads (not the highway), the more you’ll save on lifetime costs for these types of vehicles. Hybrids especially are designed with stop-start technology, meaning that they’ll get good mileage if this is your regular pattern.

Charging Stations

Are you able to get a charging station at home, or do you know that there’s one nearby that you can use readily? While they are becoming more commonplace, this is still an issue when it comes to electric vehicles.

Driving Performance

If you love driving at high speed a hybrid will use up more gas in these instances. Many models probably aren’t designed for performance driving at this time either.

Bonuses for Going Green

If you’re in california and you drive a zero emission or natural gas vehicle, you’ll be able to qualify for special privileges such as the use of HOV lanes. You should also be eligible for special tax credits if you have a green vehicle.

Today we’re seeing more and more affordable green vehicle options out there that are just as safe, reliable and stylish as other cars. Honda even offers a plug-in hybrid Accord. If you’re in the Los Angeles area and you’re looking to buy a greener vehicle, visit your local Honda dealer today.

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Road-tripping along the beautiful California coast is one of the iconic American activities that far too many Los Angeles residents never get around to experiencing. Despite the easily accessible beauty throughout the state, road trips close to home are one of those things that seem all too easy to put off to another time. Whether you drive a convertible Caddy or a practical Honda Civic, make sure you don’t fall into this trap. Set aside a weekend to get out and enjoy some of these amazing Pacific highlights.

Huntington Beach

Everything that comes to mind when you think about California beach life. A variety of terrific surf breaks for beginners and experts alike. Dozens of beach volleyball courts, a wide variety of beach-front bars, and plenty of nearby shopping. Don’t miss the International Surfing Museum.

Laguna Beach

This beautiful, placid coastal city is the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and maybe even brush up on your knowledge of nature and biology. Well-known for its fascinating tide pools, you will also want to check out some of the trendy cafés and galleries, or stop by Crystal Cove State Park for some snorkeling or scuba diving.

Oceanside

The home of an annual Ironman competition, Oceanside is all about getting physical with a wide array of outdoor activities. From swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and surfing to walking, running, or biking, this is the place to go for exercise in a beautiful environment.

Encinitas

Yet another of the terrific surf destinations along the California coast, Encinitas has been named one of the top 20 surf towns in the world by National Geographic. A big hippie and surfer hangout full of surf shops and cool cafés, Encinitas has also been called the “flower capital of the world” thanks to its bevy of natural flowers and the San Diego Botanic Garden.

La Jolla

It’s hard to go wrong in stunning La Jolla. Obviously, the location offers amazing scenery, there is a world-renowned coastal walking trail to enjoy, and the quiet village atmosphere makes it a favorite of the many return visitors. Plus, it is also justifiably known for outstanding food, with a huge selection of top restaurants, many featuring great coastal views.

San Diego

Around 130 miles south of Hollywood you’ve reached your final stop, where you can settle in to enjoy some of San Diego’s famous microbrews, wander the Gaslamp District, and take some time to enjoy pretty Balboa Park.

It tends to be the sights close to home that are least appreciated. Avoid that mistake by getting out of Los Angeles and hitting the road in your new Honda Civic for some sun and scenery.

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While buying brand new may seem like a pricey consideration to some, there are actually many benefits to choosing this route if you’re already in the market for something that will last. You may think that it will cost a lot more, but there are plenty of affordable cars out there that will not cost much more than their used counterparts but will take you much further.

Fewer Repairs

Beyond just your basic costs that can be unpredictable but that are more frequent the older your car is, there are always basic maintenance costs. From oil to tires to break pads, there are regular maintenance costs that you have to factor in no matter what. You’re just going to have less to fix if you buy a newer car.

Fuel

Depending on what model you buy, of course, you’ll probably have a loot better fuel efficiency the newer your car is. And if you are in the market for an electric or hybrid car, then you’ve got it made as far as saving on long term fuel as well as enjoying extra rebates.

Previous Ownership

If you live in a warm climate like California, you’ll need something stylish yet affordable, so a new Honda car might just be your best bet for cruising the streets of Los Angeles. And with a brand new car, there will be no worry whatsoever about what the previous owners did (or didn’t) do in terms of care and maintenance. You don’t have to worry about being “ripped off” or entering into some sort of dishonest deal. You’ll know every single detail about your purchase from the get go, and they’ll be no guessing or mishaps.

Overall Maintenance

If you keep on top of all of your car’s maintenance needs, and are committed to driving safely on the road, you’ll prevent wear and tear over time, thus slowing the overall depreciation curve. The other thing is that with newer cars you’ll have a comprehensive warranty as well as extra incentives to help you save money.

Safety

There’s something to be said about the innovative safety technology that’s coming out today with the newest cars. From side airbags to anti lock brakes, you can be sure that you’re getting the best of the best in terms of technology with a new car.

If you’re living in a warm place like Los Angeles and are looking to lease an affordable and new car, you may want to consider putting a stylish new Honda Accord or LX Sedan on a lease. Contact your local Los Angeles dealership for more information on financing options.

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If you’re in your teens or 20s and are looking to buy your first car, or if you’re a parent looking to buy for your teen, you may be wondering what the best options are. You know can’t afford anything fancy, since tuition is expensive, but you’ll need something reliable and sturdy.

You think you may want to buy new (or almost-new), and are just starting to understand what’s on the market. So, where do you start?

Affordability

Of course, you know you can’t afford much, but how much is too much? When buying a new car, it’s important that you don’t get carried away, and calculate all costs over the course of about 5 years, or however you’re committed to owning the car. You want to consider gas, insurance, warranties, repairs and financing costs. Don’t forget that all cars depreciate the moment they roll off the lot.

Safety

There are different safety aspects that you want to look for when buying your first car, and all of this information is readily available with a quick Google search. It’s easy to find a smaller, inexpensive starter car that is extremely safe. Start by choosing a few models that are in your price range, then look up the safety specs from there.

Crash testing incorporates many different areas of the car, including front and side impact, as well as rollover and roof strength testing. Other safety features might include traction control, brake assist, stability control, front side airbags and 4-wheel ABS.

New or Used?

It may be empting to buy something used for yourself or your kids if you’re tight on cash, however considering all of the new safety features (not to mention fun gadgets) that are available on new cars these days, as well as the overall depreciation that will happen anyways with heavy use, finding something new might be just the ticket. Buying a newer car will also offer extra safety features that might make the parents feel better like hands-free phoning and innovative crash prevention technology.

Warranty

A good warranty is recommended in any case, but especially if you are a new driver and first-time car owner, you’ll want to have extra backing against costly repairs. There’s nothing like going to pay your already costly tuition and finding out that that money has all gone into your car.

Honda offers a range of affordable vehicles that are perfect starter cars for college students. You may want to look into purchasing a Honda Civic or HR-V for a safe, quality drive. If you’re in the market for this type of car and you’re in Los Angeles area, visit your local dealer today.

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Having a good, responsive set of brakes on your vehicle is one of the most important safety features you can have. No one ever knows exactly what Hollywood roads will throw at them and having brakes that can get you stopped on a dime is crucial for the safety of everyone in the car, not to mention others on the road. Having new brake pads installed by a new car dealer in Hollywood is the bare minimum starting point but there are also other ways to keep your brakes in good working condition. 

Driving Habits

Aggressive drivers wear their brakes down much faster than those who drive more slowly, leave more room between vehicles, and employ a more gradual decrease in speed up to red lights and stop signs. Intense stopping and starting will lead to more wear and tear on your brakes, while those who are better at maintaining a steady speed and slowing down gently will find their brakes retain their effectiveness much longer.

Urban or Rural?

This can go either way. Driving in the city will involve a lot more stopping and starting which will wear brakes down much quicker. Cars that are driven mainly on highways and freeways, however, use their brakes far less on a per mile basis, so if most of your driving is done on the open road you can probably wait longer than the recommended maintenance times to have your brakes updated. On the other hand, if you do a lot of rural driving on dirt or gravel roads the brakes will be subjected to more dust and debris that can eventually reduce the effectiveness of your braking system.

Don’t Leave it Late

Most brakes are equipped with a warning system that notifies drivers when the brake pads are starting to get low. That squealing noise you may have heard is actually by design, to warn you that your brakes need maintenance. While you still have some time after the noise starts, it is important you don’t wait too long because once the pads are completely gone the caliper will begin grinding directly on the drum or disc. If you let it get to this point, not only is it dangerous, but serious damage can occur that will cost far more in the end than a new pair of brake pads.

One area on your vehicle that should never be neglected is your braking system. Being able to stop quickly when necessary is absolutely essential for the safety of you, your family, and everyone else you encounter on the road. Either maintain them yourself or enlist the help of a new car dealership in Hollywood to ensure they are effective and up-to-date.

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Have you ever dreamed of cruising through the Hollywood hills after taking a new car straight off the dealership lot? If you’re in California, you probably don’t have to worry too much about weather wear, which makes buying new more realistic than if you lived in some other places.

Buying a new-to-you car is an exciting time, and it also comes with a considerable financial output at the outset, plus inevitable depreciation over time. It used to be that an almost-new car was the best choice when it came to purchasing, since there would still have been a warranty but the major depreciation would have already happened.

Buying New

If you’re one of the lucky people in the world who don’t need to finance and can afford to buy new—and this is important to you—well then there’s not much to say. There’s always depreciation, but the overall wear and tear will be entirely in your hands. You won’t have to worry about what went on with previous owners, and how that may affect the maintenance and cost.

Financing

For those who are financing a newer car, it’s sometimes possible to find rates that are considerably cheaper than the actual cost of the car. Some cars may be able to be financed at an extremely low rate.

Certified Pre-Owned Cars

These types of cars come with a guaranteed inspection and repair before it’s even put up for sale. Usually these come with a extended warranties and a selection of useful services. This extra feature of course costs more. If you are looking for something reliable but you don’t need something brand new, you’ll want to consider this as an option.

Demo Cars

Here’s an interesting option you may not have considered: a demonstration car that is used on-lot for test drives, and on occasion by dealership staff. These cars are usually sold at a discount but, other than having a few miles on them, they’re basically the same as having a brand new car. They often come with rebates, promotions and even extra fun add-ons that you may not otherwise choose to have added on.

Regular Maintenance

If you keep on top of car care and stay safe on the road—that is, if you know that you’ll do everything possible to prevent wear and tear—you can certainly factor this into depreciation.

Shiny brand new cars do feel like the best of the best, and they can take some of the hassle out of buying. If you’re looking for something straight off the lot, contact your local new car dealer in the Hollywood area today.

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There are many dangers to watch for when driving and the many safety features of Honda vehicles help to protect you from a lot of them. However, angry drivers are another danger and it is best to have a plan in place regarding how to deal with them and to not become one yourself.

Road rage is the type of behavior that angry or aggressive drivers exhibit. These behaviors include yelling, insults, rude and/or offensive gestures, threats of a physical nature, and unsafe driving that is directed at another driver or pedestrian. The angry drivers are either trying to intimidate other drivers and pedestrians or to simply release the frustration they are feeling. Most drivers will see examples of road rage almost every day while driving a Honda in Los Angeles because of the stressors of driving in heavy traffic and people being in a rush. The following tips will help you to deal calmly with angry drivers and will improve your daily commute better.

Plan Your Trip

Do the research to determine when your route will be the busiest. If possible, plan any appointments or obligations at times when the traffic will be lighter. If you have to drive during the busiest traffic times, research apps that will help to find alternative routes to find your most efficient journey. Ask at your job if it is possible to start a little earlier or later than the normal time so that you can miss peak rush hours.

Move to the Side

If you see someone behind you that is showing signs of road rage like waving their arms around or tail-gating, it may be best to just change lanes and let them go by. Never interact or respond to someone who has road rage as it can escalate quickly. The best idea is to let them move on and forget about you.

No Eye Contact

When someone is trying to get you to look at them, perhaps by driving alongside you and motioning, never look at them. The simple act of making eye contact can give them an excuse to get even angrier. Keep looking to the front and ignore them. Eventually, they will give up and continue on.

Calm Your Mind

If you know that you will be driving on a busy road and you are prone to road rage an option is to play calming music or get an enjoyable audiobook to listen to as you drive. An entertained mind is a calmer mind. Doing some deep breathing will also slow down your heart rate and help you relax.

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A car is one of the biggest purchases most people will make in their lives, other than buying a house. It’s a significant investment and many people put off getting a new car for as long as possible. When it comes to deciding whether or not you should buy a new car for yourself, there are a number of factors to consider, but these are all the great reasons why you should visit your local Los Angeles Honda dealership and buy a new vehicle.

1. Your Current Car is Unreliable

If your current vehicle breaks down frequently, you should seriously consider purchasing a new car, truck, or SUV. Frequent car trouble means hefty mechanic bills with money that can be better spent on payments on a new car. In addition to avoiding spending a fortune on repairs, it’s not safe to drive an unreliable car. You never know when it can break down or something can go wrong, putting you and your family in an unsafe position. You also may find yourself stranded when you can’t get to work or make it to meet up with your friends or family because your car isn’t working or it’s in the shop for repairs.

2. You are Celebrating a Milestone

Some occasions call for a special gift to yourself and a new car is one of the best things you can purchase to celebrate. Perhaps you just got a big promotion at work or landed your dream job and you want to reward yourself with a new car. Or you could be celebrating a significant birthday or retirement. A new car is always a fantastic gift when a loved one is celebrating a child’s graduation or if you want to treat your spouse for a special anniversary. Giving a new car as a gift is a way to make a bold statement and really show how much you care. Whether you’re buying it for yourself or you’re giving a new car to a loved one, this is a gift that truly keeps on giving every time you get behind the wheel.

3. Your Lifestyle Has Changed

When you experience a significant lifestyle change you often require a new vehicle to accomodate for it. For example, a single young man usually chooses to buy a new car when he gets married and has children. In this case, a sports car just isn’t as practical as an SUV or minivan which is better suited for families. Other times, a couple might become empty nesters and they will want to downsize their vehicle to a small sedan that works better for two people and doesn’t need as much cargo or passenger capacity.

Don’t delay in getting to the closest dealership and buying a new car that you’ll love and enjoy every day.

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When you head into a Honda dealership in Hollywood, chances are that you have a lot of different things in mind, from how comfortable your ride’s going to be to your budget. However, one other thing that shouldn’t be neglected is safety. There are a variety of different features that carmakers are working on day after day in order to help keep you and your family safe. Here are some standouts.

The most common reason that people tend to get into accidents is due to driver error. This can stem from a variety of things, whether it’s people on their phones, talking to someone else in the car, or being impaired. Safety features may not be able to correct human nature, but they can mitigate the impact of a moment of distraction. One great example of this is lane keeping assistance. Think of this as the next level of a lane departure warning system, which gives you some sort of signal or indicator when you drift outside of your intended lane. Lane keeping assistance actually takes things even further, working to try and steer a car into a lane when you are drifting.

The other most common issue is visibility problems, especially in certain areas where bad weather is common or people do a lot of night driving. There are a variety of different car cameras available to help handle this issue. Rear-view cameras are a relatively common addition to cars, but other cars can improve on this idea that implements a 360-degree camera for parking. The result is added peace of mind in tight parking spaces. Combined with things like automatic parallel parking, it’s that much easier to park wherever you need to, even in the tightest urban areas.

Of course, we’re only scratching the surface of where car safety can go. Some people consider self-driving cars as the next step of car safety, removing human error from the equation. Something we may see a little sooner, though, is facial recognition tech. This will be able to detect when you are tired or distracted and give you a visual or physical signal.

When it comes to buying a car with safety features, different makes and models have different takes. In some cases, the carmaker may offer a safety suite of features for certain models or trims that combines the features that we mentioned above along with a lot of other potential options. In other cases, you may be able to pick, bit by bit. While safety features are no substitute for good driving intuition, there’s no reason to have a car not help you stay safe.

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