Are You Hurting Your Car? |
Jan 12th, 2019 |
Whether you treat your car like a member of the family or simply view it as a means to get from point a to point b, we all want our cars well cared for.
But what if you are doing things to your car that are hurting it without knowing? Here is a list of things you may be doing that are damaging your car unintentionally:
-Keeping the Gas Tank Low -Suddenly Shifting Gears from reverse to drive -Revving your engine before it's heated -Riding the breaks when you go downhill -Driving an overweight car -Putting your car in neutral when the light is red
For more details, check out this really interesting article from World of Buzz-
https://www.worldofbuzz.com/6-things-car-without-knowing-much-damage-can-cause/
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Winterizing your Vehicle |
Nov 29th, 2018 |
It that time of year. Dead battery time! Cold weather is especially hard on our batteries. All the fancy new electrical gadgets in cars these days can shorten the life span of a battery as well. You might be in danger of being stuck with a non-starting vehicle if: -You hear a grinding or clicking sound when you turn on the ignition, -Your vehicle cranks slowly when attempting to start. -Your headlights dim when idling but brighten when the engine is revved. -Your battery is more than three (3) years old. If these things are true you may want to buy a new battery before you're stuck. But good news, you don't have to open your wallet and pay whatever auto zone or the dealer says. If you're on a budget consider a refurbished battery from a company like Battery Specialist over near us on Furman Hall Rd. OR even better (you knew this was coming) just come buy a newer car from us! See our inventory at www.northsideautogreenville.com
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CAR BUYING DURING THE HOLIDAYS |
Nov 17th, 2018 |
We here at Northside Auto love the holidays. We can't wait to fill our bellies and give you the best deal possible. Why are we talking about this now? Well.... the holidays are a great time to buy a car. If you don't beleive us... check out this article from Newsday.com about the best times to buy cars... November and December are on the list!
https://www.newsday.com/classifieds/cars/10-best-and-worst-times-to-buy-a-used-car-include-christmas-new-year-s-thanksgiving-1.11801028
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CAR-TRIVIA!! |
Nov 10th, 2018 |
We here at Northside Auto love cars and we love games!! We love quiz games the best.. in that spirit, can you answer these questions? Message us!
1. In Back to the Future 2, Doc Brown and Marty Mcfly are chasing Biff and Marty suggests blocking his car with their Delorean.. Doc Brown says because of the make and model of Biffs car, he would rip through them like Tin Foil... What kind of car was Biff driving?
2. It can be argued in the film Wayne's World, that their car was basically another character..what kind of car was it?
3. In the fist Transformers movie, Bumblebee transforms from a robot into a Chevy Camaro..what kind of car was he in the animated series from the 80s?
4. In Tommy Boy, our lead characters are taking a road trip and think they have accidentally killed a cute animal that ends up waking up and destroying their car..or what's left of it...what was that animal?
5. In Taladega Nights, Ricky Bobbys father straps what he says is an illegal substance to the bottom of the car and called the cops. When Bobby finds the package, it's not an illegal substance..what is it?
We hope you enjoy this and check us out anytime you need help with purchasing a vehicle from a relaxed, low key, reliable dealer!
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Camaros In Film |
Aug 11th, 2018 |
Here at Northside Auto, we love sports cars. Well, truth be told we like all cars, but sports cars definitely hold a special place in our hearts. They are fun, sexy and definitely upgrade anyone's cool factor. Who doesn't love the idea of tooling down the road, sunglasses on your face, feeling like you're in an action movie.
There have been lots of cool cars in action movies, but being that we now have a gorgeous Grey Chevy Camaro on the lot, we figured we would show you this list of Camaros featured in movies and while ours hasn't been seen in film yet, you never know.... you could be driving a famous car!!! Give us a call!
https://www.complex.com/sports/2012/03/the-25-best-movie-camaros/
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SPACEBALLS MERCEDES |
Jul 28th, 2018 |
Mercedes cars have been the definition of class since Karl Benz created the Benz-Patent Motorwagen in 1886. There have been alot of updates since then and they have proven to be one of the most celebrated and desired classy cars on the market. They are so regarded as upscale that when the Star Wars spoof movie Spaceballs (1987) needed a spacecar driven by a princess, they called on Mercedes.
In the beginning of the film, Princess Vespa leaves her planet because she does not want to be forced into marriage with the barely awake Prince Valium, she jumps into her own personal Mercedes Spacecar, pictured below.
So, basically, Mercedes is such a classic, that even spoiled space princesses have to have one. Well...we don't have one that can fly, but we have some beauties!
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BULLITT |
Jul 21st, 2018 |
If you love cars like we do, you love car movies. One of the best of all time was Steve Mcqueen's action film Bullitt from 1968. Directed by Peter Yates, it is hailed as one of the best car movies ever made with the best car chases. It even won an academy award for film editing!
Mcqueen based his character, Frank Bullitt on real life detective Dave Toschi. If that name sounds familiar, it's because Toschi was the lead detective on the Zodiac serial killer case. Mcqueen even based his now iconic quick draw shoulder holster on Toschi.
But the most influential thing about the film is of course, the cars. Using a combination of real locations, not sets, impeccable sound design, stunt work and editing, Bullitt became one of the most celebrated action movies of its time and one of the most commercially and critically successful.
We have had the great fortune of having some awesome muscle cars on our lot, cars that make you feel like Bullitt when you're behind the wheel... and while we've never had the specific cars used in the movie in our inventory, we certainly have had the same models on our lot and will have them again. Our question to you is... without googling..what cars were used in Bullitt??
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F-150 Trim Comparisons |
Jul 10th, 2018 |
F-150
Trim Comparisons
2015
was really a game changer for the F-150, as it launched a fully
redesigned chassis with a sturdy aluminum construction, for better
fuel economy and stellar performance. This success soon made its way
into the cars of the upcoming years.
XL
The
XL is incorporated with numerous cab and engine options. It has a
3.3-liter Ti-VCT V6 base engine with 290 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft.
of torque. Automatic transmission is standard, and the handling is
competent. It doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity, although the XL
can include Sync for an extra cost. Safety features consist of
rear-view camera with dynamic hitch assist and AdvanceTrac with Roll
Stability Control.
XLT
As
is evident from the name, the XLT an upgraded version of the XL! The
addition of Sync makes all the difference since you can connect your
phone through Bluetooth. It comes standard with the same 3.3-liter
engine as the XL, so you can expect similar horsepower and torque.
There is also a privacy tint in the rear window.
Lariat
The
Lariat is priced around $40,000. It has a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6
engine delivering 325 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. If you
want better power, simply swap the engine to a 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost
or a 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine. Other features include LED box
lighting, halogen Fog lamps, Sync 3, an eight-inch productivity
screen, MyKey, and rear power sliding glass window with privacy tint.
Raptor
The
Raptor comes with a 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine that can maneuver
its way smoothly around all kinds of roads be it rugged terrain or
paved pathways. Achieving 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque,
this high-performing engine generates even more power than the
previous 6.2-liter V8 offered. It has most of the features of the
Lariat, along with quad-beam LED headlamps and LED tail lamps with a
black surrounding. Exterior upgrades include cast aluminum running
boards, heavy duty front and engine skid plates, and a unique grille
with Ford in block letters.
King
Ranch
Yes,
this version is slightly pricey, but it comes with loads of
technological advancements and a sturdy 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine
capable of 395 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. It has a remote
tailgate release and 110-volt/400-watt power inverter on the
instrument panel. The color touchscreen is truly praiseworthy as it
conveniently displays phone, audio and available navigation
functions. Sync 3 also allows your King Ranch to connect to Wi-Fi.
Platinum
The
Platinum version costs almost $55,000 new, and has worked hard to
surpass the King Ranch. The standard Platinum equipment includes
automatic high beams, black carpet flooring with unique front and
rear mats, rain-sensing wipers, and a black leather-wrapped steering
wheel. Notable improvements include the Blind Spot Information System
with Cross-Traffic Alert that offer excellent coverage as you drive.
Limited
If
you don’t mind stretching your budget, go for the Limited (the most
expensive F-150 till date). It incorporates all features of the
Platinum, along with a 360-degree camera with a split-view display,
adaptive cruise control and collision warnings with brake support. A
lane-keeping system, black mesh grille insert, and satin chrome door
handles with a boxy color bezel complete the trim. The engine is a
3.5-liter V6 eco boost capable of 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of
torque.
F-150
trucks are smooth, efficient, and reliable – you are spoiled for
choice when it comes to trim options!
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Option levels of Jeep Wranglers |
Jun 26th, 2018 |
Jeep
Wrangler Trim Comparisons
The Jeep Wrangler has
been ruling the roost in the off-road vehicle market for more than
ten years. There are three main types of Jeep Wranglers: the Sport,
Sahara, and Rubicon. In addition to these models, there are also
special editions available that do vary from year to year. 2018 is
going to be an exciting year with exciting Wrangler models to choose
from, either in a two-door version or a four-door version called the
JK Unlimited.
Sport & Sport S
Being the most basic
model, the Sport version is extremely cost-efficient as well.
Features include manual windows and locks, 16-inch steel wheels, a
High Pinion Dana 30 front axle, and a Low Pinion Dana 44 heavy-duty
rear axle. The black fender flares and Sunrider Soft Top outside also
capture your attention straight away. By opting for the cheapest
Wrangler model, you can have extra cash to put toward aftermarket
additions for your rig.
If you wish for an
upgrade, buy the Sport S that comes with a leather-wrapped steering
wheel with audio and speed controls, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and air
conditioning. Additional options available are side steps, deep tint
sunscreen windows, a Power Convenience Group, etc. This is apt for
those who want to add more features to make their car more comfy
without shelling out a fortune.
Willys Wheeler &
Willys Wheeler W
The limited edition
Willys Wheeler features all the same components of the Sport model,
with a few additions including a Willys emblem on the hood of the
Jeep, off-road rock rails, and 17-inch high-gloss black Rubicon
wheels with BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires. The Dana 30 front axle and
Dana 44 heavy-duty rear axle is similar to the Sport models, but the
3.73 gears ensure an improved performance both off-roading and on the
highway.
Here too, the Willys
Wheeler W is the upgraded version like the Sport S. It includes all
parts of the Willys Wheeler, but it has air conditioning too. The
Power Convenience Group, which contains power door locks, heated and
auto-dimming mirrors, power windows, remote keyless entry, and a
security alarm, is standard for the four-door Willys Wheeler W.
Freedom
The Freedom models are
detailed in such a way that they pay a tribute to our nation’s
heroes in the finest way possible. Features include similar aspects
to the Sport S, with extra ones such as off-road steel bumpers,
leather-trimmed seats with an embossed Oscar Mike logo, premium
off-road rock rails, cast rear differential cover, body-color fender
flares, a premium black soft top, and a 115V auxiliary power outlet.
The Power Convenience Group is also standard on the Freedom Edition,
as well as a heavy-duty suspension with gas shocks.
Sahara
This trim was launched
within the first-generation YJ Wrangler lineup and is one of the most
sought after versions of the Jeep brand. Sahara is typically known
for forest green and tan interiors, body-color fender flares, and
limited-edition decals. It has a five-speed automatic transmission
with a 3.73 gear ratio, but a manual transmission and 3.21 axle ratio
are standard. You will also find heavy-duty suspension with gas
shocks, automatic headlights, LED fog lights and reflector headlamps,
and deep-tint sunscreen windows.
Rubicon
If you are fond of
off-roading on a regular basis, then the Rubicon is right up your
alley. It gets the name from the Rubicon Trail in California, which
is why it is equipped to handle all kinds of terrain quite
efficiently. It has the Rock-Trac 4x4 system, 4.10 gears, Tru-Lok
front and rear locking differentials, an electronic front sway bar
disconnect system, Dana 44 heavy-duty front and rear axles, and a
performance suspension system with high-pressure monotube shocks and
tunable valves. The off-roading performance is off the charts so to
speak!
Compare the features of
the trims and models carefully to find out which one suits you the
best, and then proceed accordingly. If you know what you want, name your price, we can help you find it! Call today about our Custom Car Buying Program!
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Best and Worst Engines of All Time |
Jun 12th, 2018 |
A
powerful engine is one of the key aspects that define whether a car
is a good or bad one. While technology has advanced greatly nowadays,
there have been times when it has failed miserably in terms of car
engines.
Here
is a list of the best and worst engines over the years – take a
look:
Best
Engines
Chevrolet
small-block V8
The
small-block Chevrolet is the definitive American V8. Ever since its
introduction in the year 1955, GM and its subsidiaries have made over
100 million small-block V8 engines. The reason for its popularity was
the engine ran smoothly and could be easily modified if you wanted
more power. The small-block Chevy has powered Le Mans class-winning
race cars, bread vans, compacts, sedans, pickup trucks and everything
in between
Ford
flathead V8
The
Ford Model T completely changed the way people drive cars, with the
Ford flathead V8 playing an integral role even though it is
technically not the first V8 to run super fast or the first
mass-produced version. But it was the first V8 that was easily
affordable to the masses. Suddenly, the average family could afford a
car that could go 60 mph! The name stems from the fact that the
valves are seated in the block and the head is a perfectly flat “lid”
that simply bolts onto the deck.
Duesenberg
straight eight
The
Duesenberg J is touted to be one of the most classic American cars to
be made. These regal, two-tonne locomotives of chrome and lacquer
paint were the pinnacle of the automotive world when new. There were
three versions of the 6.9L engine, made between 1928 and 1937. The
naturally aspirated version made an impressive 265 horsepower. But
Duesenberg also made 36 supercharged cars, and those made 320 hp
each; top speed of the supercharged ones were over 200 km/h. The SSJ
versions were exclusively made for Clark Gable and Gary Cooper with
supercharged engines delivering 400 hp.
Worst
Engines
Cadillac
V8-6-4
Engineers
at Cadillac made a valiant effort back in 1981, to design an engine
with cylinder deactivating capabilities. The V8-6-4, as it was
called, could eliminate or activate two cylinders at a time as power
requirements decreased or increased. However, the custom hydraulic
lifters were operated by solenoids that often failed, and when they
didn’t engage accordingly lifters would collapse and valves
couldn’t do their job. This made throttle hesitation a
major issue for the V8-6-4, and when cylinders were deactivated
enormous amounts of lag could be felt, especially in such a heavy
chassis.
Mitsubishi
3-cylinder
The Mitsubishi Mirage’s
naturally aspirated 3-cylinder could only deliver 78 horsepower and
74 pound-feet of torque. The 1.2 liter engine offers extremely slow
acceleration, so traveling along the highway is not only tedious but
also quite dangerous. Vibration and other noises were common
complaints as well.
Mopar
2.2-liter
This
engine was launched with a lot of hullabaloo but sadly it couldn’t
live up to its hype as it quickly began to be called the “rod
knocker”. Everything from the Dodge Daytona to minivans were
receiving these powertrains in the 1980s, and almost all of them met
the same fate in due time.
Before
buying any vehicle, check the engine and conduct research to see if
its any good, or else your money goes down the drain.
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Most Frequently Asked Financing Questions |
Mar 13th, 2018 |
Very often I get asked what the down payment, monthly payment and interest rate will be and sometimes if they'll be approved on a car loan before the customer gives me a credit application.
So this is how financing Works.
Term: (number of months a vehicle can be financed) is determined mostly by miles and year of the vehicle and can range from 12-52 months for a pre-owned vehicle.
Monthly Payment: Your gross monthly income and debt to income ratio (how much you of your monthly income is already spent) will determine the maximum payment you can afford. Usually between 17%-20% of your gross monthly income.
When you factor in the interest rate you qualify for, the term the car can be financed for and the payment you can afford you get the Amount that can be Financed. The difference between your "Amount Financed" plus tax (minimum 10% of the total cost of the car) is your minimum down payment.
The more you put down, the lower your monthly payment can be and you’ll lose less cash to interest.
These are steps that all legitimate lenders use to set their customers up for success. Many Buy Here Pay Here Dealerships actually plan to repossess your car and resell it, so watch out for that. To find out how expensive of a car you can afford for yourself check out this calculator. http://money.msn.com/car-buying/car-loan-calculator.aspx
If you'd like to fill out an application please visit our secure website at http://www.northsideautogreenville.com and click on the financing tab.
These are steps that all legitimate lenders use to set their customers up for success.
Here is an example to give you an idea.
A car that cost $10995 plus $395 for tax title and tag financed over 42 months at 14% and $2000 down would come out to $284.08 per month.
Can't you, Northside Auto, get me financed? We are not a buy here pay here but we can assist with financing! We use banks, credit unions and finance companies to find the best deal for you and your specific situation. Typically we look for a credit score above 500 and no resent or multiple repossessions. We have a first time buyers specifically for folks in SC. All that said, a strong down payment of 25-50% can over come a lot of credit issues!
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SPACEBALLS MERCEDES |
Nov 30th, -0001 |
Mercedes cars have been the definition of class since Karl Benz created the Benz-Patent Motorwagen in 1886. There have been alot of updates since then and they have proven to be one of the most celebrated and desired classy cars on the market. They are so regarded as upscale that when the Star Wars spoof movie Spaceballs (1987) needed a spacecar driven by a princess, they called on Mercedes.
In the beginning of the film, Princess Vespa leaves her planet because she does not want to be forced into marriage with the barely awake Prince Valium, she jumps into her own personal Mercedes Spacecar, pictured below.
So, basically, Mercedes is such a classic, that even spoiled space princesses have to have one. Well...we don't have one that can fly, but we have some beauties!
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