Blog

Preston, MD - J.D. Power designated 2014 Accent as its most appealing small car in its 2014 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released today. Hyundai is also the highest-ranked non-premium brand in the J.D. Power 2014 Initial Quality Study SM (IQS), marking the first time a nameplate has ranked highest among non-premium brands in both APEAL and IQS in the same year. In its 19 th year, the APEAL study examines owners' assessments of the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicle. Vehicles and their brands are scored on a 1,000 point scale. Just one month ago, in the acclaimed J.D. Power Initial Quality (IQS) study, Hyundai was the highest ranked non-premium brand and the Genesis, Elantra and Accent all received awards in their respective segments. In this year's APEAL study, Hyundai again claimed top spot among non-premium brands while improving five spots among all brands to rank 13 th overall. "We are so pleased to see the recognition that Accent has received in this year's J.D. Power APEAL study," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. "And it's especially gratifying coming on the heels of our best-ever IQS showing just one month ago." Additionally, in the tightest race in the study, the 2014 Hyundai Sonata finished third by just two points – 819 v. 821 – in the midsize car segment. The Hyundai Veloster finished second in the Compact Sporty Car segment. "We expect the all-new 2015 Sonata to do even better next year," O'Brien added.  This is the highest Hyundai has ever ranked in the APEAL study. Preston Hyundai is excited for the 2015 line-up coming to the Autoplex. Check us out on the web to see our full inventory and special offers. "Everyone in our staff fall in love with the Hyundai product", says Mary Jane Haney, GM of Preston Hyundai in Maryland and Delaware, "The new 2015 Hyundai will be even more impressive."

Customers that are looking for a vehicle with a great track record will love the 2014 Ford Taurus.  The Taurus has won many awards that will come of no surprise to many customers.  Kelley Blue Book named the 2010 Ford Taurus as a “Top 10 Family Car for 2010”.  In 2011 Kelley Blue Book also named the Ford Taurus as one of the fullsize sedan cars with the best Resale Value Award.  J.D.  Power and Associates named the Ford Taurus the “Highest Ranked Large Car in Initial Quality” in 2010.  Not only is the Ford Taurus an overall great vehicle but iSeeCars has put together a list of the 10 cars which are most likely to go for 200,000 miles. The Ford Taurus is one of those vehicles that made the list.  For a car to make it to 200,000 miles is a great accomplishment.  Preston Ford is grateful to be able to sell such a great, long-lasting vehicle.  U.S. News has also named the 2014 Ford Taurus as #9 in affordable large cars.  This ranking is based on analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Ford Taurus.  Reviewers of the 2014 Ford Taurus commented on its powerful base engine, roomy interior, and large trunk. The exterior of the 2014 Ford Taurus features sharp, clean lines and a customer’s eye is drawn to the bold grille.  From the outside the customer can clearly tell what they are about to experience behind the wheel.  The standard 3.5 liter V6 engine offers advanced technology to deliver the very best performance.  The Ford Taurus also gets an EPA-estimated rating of 29 mpg highway fuel economy. The 2014 Ford Taurus is filled with great technology that helps make driving easier.  It has the well-known SYNC with MyFord Touch.  This system is all about staying in touch and staying entertained.  MyFord Touch lets the customer customize systems like climate controls and available voice activated Navigation System.  There is also the highly desired Blind Spot Information System which lets the driver know when a vehicle is in their blind spot or is approaching when the driver is slowly backing out of a parking space.  Another great feature is the adaptive cruise control.  This automatically slows the Taurus down when traffic ahead slows down.  There is available active park assist, this will take the dread out of parallel parking. In the interior of the 2014 Ford Taurus no detail has gone unnoticed.  The center console is a focal point which is attractive but also highly functional.  The controls on the center console are easy to reach and operate.  A great interior feature is the heated/cooled front seats which can keep the driver and passenger warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  The driver no longer has to sit on freezing cold seats in the winter they can turn on their heated seats and stay warm.  There is also an available heated steering wheel to keep the drivers hands warm in the winter as well.

Boulevard Ford in Lewes is stocking up on Jeeps for all the beach goers.  They currently have over 20 pre-owned Jeep Wranglers! People are likely to recognize a Jeep when they see one.  Jeep is a globally recognizable brand. The Jeep Wrangler has been known for its off-road capabilities.  It was first produced for the military over 60 years ago.  The Wrangler is a more suitable off-road SUV for anyone who loves traveling to the beach or who travels on the highway every day.  The newer Jeep Wrangler has the option of a two door of four door SUV and includes a more modern interior.  In the 1950s was a huge time for the Jeep vehicle.  Enthusiasts helped launch Jeeps and took the original freedom machine to new heights thanks to seven different models.  In 1960 emerged the Jeep Wagoneer, this represented unparalleled refinement and innovation.  The Jeep line-up grew to include 14 different models.  These models were for work, play, recreation and luxurious transportation.  The first full time 4x4 system was introduced in 1970s.  The 2-door full size Cherokee swept the 4WD of the Year awards that year.  Sales at this point were at an all time high.  The Jeep Cherokee came about in the 1980s, this help revolutionize the 4x4 market.  By the 1990s the all new Jeep Grand Cherokee set a new industry benchmark due to its off road capability.  In 1999 the new Grand Cherokee was marketed as the most capable SUV ever!  In 2011 the Grand Cherokee was redesigned and it was again refreshed in 2013 with many new styling cues including a new 3.0L EcoDiesel engine! Most of the Jeep models that are available at Boulevard are the newer models!  The models in stock range from the year 2007 to 2014!  Now is the perfect time to get a pre-owned Jeep from Boulevard Ford.  Jeeps make for great beach vehicles.  The Jeep Wranglers are available in soft top convertible so you can ride with the top down on the way to the beach!  This will even help when you are carrying all the beach items to and from the beach!  It gives you plenty of room to stack your beach chairs and beach towels.

Starting tomorrow July 3 rd and on July 5 th if you make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project you will receive a free oil change at either Denton Ford, Boulevard Ford in Lewes or Boulevard Ford in Georgetown. Wounded Warrior Project began when several veterans and friends were moved by the stories of the first wounded service member returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq.  These people took action to help others in need.  It was first started as a program to provide comfort items to wounded service members but it has grown into a complete rehabilitation effort to assist warriors as they transition back to civilian life.  Currently in the Wounded Warrior Project Alumni there are 51,744 members and 7,117 family members!  The term alumni indicates a mutual shared experience and denotes that the members place in the organization was earned. The Wounded Warrior Project’s mission is to empower Wounded Warriors.  Their vision is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members that the nation has ever seen.  Their purpose is to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members.  Also to help the injured service members and assist each other.  Their last purpose is to provide unique, direct programs and service to meet the needs of injured service members. So now it is your turn to give back to those who have fought for our independence and when you do give back you will receive a free oil change from three of the locations within Preston Automotive Group.  These three locations are Denton Ford, Boulevard Ford of Lewes and Boulevard Ford of Georgetown.  At Boulevard Ford in Lewes and Boulevard Ford in Georgetown there will also be dunk tanks!  Come out and watch some of our staff get dunked and maybe even dunk them yourself!

With June coming to a close and July starting Preston Nissan is ready to have a great month selling Nissan Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles. Nissan Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles must be six years or newer and have less than 80,000 miles.  All Nissan Certified Vehicles include 150 point inspection, CARFAX Vehicle history report, $50 warranty deductible,  24 hour roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage up to $500 per incident, Sirius satellite radio 3 trial months of service, and 84-month/100,000 mile limited warranty from the vehicles original in service date.  The multi-point inspection includes OEM service bulletins and recalls, diagnostic trouble codes, powertrain/chassis, body frame, road test, interior and body exterior.  The roadside assistance is for the duration of the 7 year/100,000 mile limited warranty from the original service date of the vehicle.  There are many certified benefits which are exclusive to Nissan.  Certified Pre-Owned Nissans get emergency roadside assistance.  This is 24/7 emergency roadside assistance which provides flat tire change out with the spare tire, dead battery jump or lock out assistance for the duration of the 7 year/100,000 mile limited warranty.  Nissan also offers towing assistance.  Up to $100 towing assistance.  If necessary Nissan will even tow the vehicle to the nearest Nissan dealer within 250 miles.   With a certified pre-owned Nissan there is car rental reimbursement.  Up to five days car rental reimbursement at a maximum of $35/day for mechanical breakdown of covered components.  The Trip interruption coverage is another great benefit.  If a mechanical breakdown of a covered part takes place when the vehicle is more than 100 miles from home then Nissan will cover up to $500 for meals, lodging and alternate transportation. According to Autodata Corp. there were 12,713 Nissan brand certified sales in May which is a 24 percent increase over last year.  This also means that there are more certified Nissans out there for customers to choose from. Preston Nissan currently has a great inventory of certified pre-owned vehicles.  They have multiple Nissan Altima’s available right now on their lot.  The Nissan Altima has been sold for nearly two decades.  It originally started out as a small midsize sedan and later became a full size family sedan.  To date there have been five Altima generations so far.  The current Altima is available with one of two engines, either the standard 2.5 liter of the 3.5 liter.  Both are equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission.  Most people are very impressed with the Altima.  From the passenger space to the overall driving experience a Certified Pre-Owned Altima is a great choice for a family sedan. The Nissan Maxima is also an available Certified Pre-Owned at Preston Nissan.  The Maxima is a midsize sedan that packs 290 horsepower 3.5 liter engine.  For the most part other than a few slight styling tweaks and variations in standard and optional equipment the Maxima has been relatively unchanged since the 2009 model year.  The Maxima offers great interior space and excellent driving dynamics.

The all-new 2015 Nissan Murano will be coming in late 2014. The Nissan Murano was first introduced in 2002 and was a true original.  There wasn’t really anything else like it on the road.  It introduced a great combination of utility and style and was on the forefront of the automotive segment.  The 2015 Murano is said to redefine the crossover segment once again. In 2013 Nissan introduced the Resonance Concept at the Detroit Auto Show.  This concept vehicle was said to be the next generation of the Murano and the future of the crossover.  Now two years later this concept is becoming a reality as Nissan is introducing the 2015 Murano. The Murano will have a floating roof appearance.  This gives the 2015 Murano a lower, lighter profile, which is in contrast of the traditional SUV.  The pillar less effect carries through the interior giving it an open feeling.  The taillights on the Murano have been completely redesigned.  They give the Murano a sleek, symmetrical profile.  The boomerang taillights are another new Nissan design feature.  The grille has also been redesigned.  The futuristic styling showcases the new Nissan design cues.  The Murano is also equipped with boomerang shaped headlights which integrate with the aerodynamic profile. The interior of the Murano is nothing short of impressive.  The available power panoramic moonroof reaches over both rows of seats.  This means that even passengers in the back seats have a clearview of the sky and can experience and open natural atmosphere rarely found in the back seat! The Murano also has NASA inspired zero gravity seats.  These seats replicate the weightlessness of space to the driver a natural and neutral seating position.  There is also the available heating and cooling seats up front and the available heated seats for the back seat passengers.  The new expanded center console adds distance between the front seats so that more interaction can happen between the front and back seats.  The console has an available 8-inch touch screen display as well as two USB ports.  There is one for the front seats and one for the back seats, this allows everyone to plug in their phones, play music and even project on the 8 inch display screen.  Nissan has also equipped the Murano with ambient lighting.  When the sun goes down the light casts a warm glow throughout the cabin adding even more to the premium interior cabin. Stay tuned for updates on when Preston Nissan will be getting their first 2015 Nissan Murano on Facebook or right here on the blog!

The 2015 Ford Edge was just recently revealed in Europe.  The Ford Edge is a midsize crossover vehicle which many have come to love.  The Preston Automotive Group has always been a huge fan of the Ford Edge and it has always been a top seller at our dealerships.  Preston Ford still currently has a huge inventory of the 2014 Ford Edge! The Edge was first introduced in 2006 for North America.  The 2015 Ford Edge Is 3.9 inches longer at 188.1 inches overall versus the previous models.   There was also a one-inch increase in wheelbase to 112.2 inches.  The cargo capacity in the Edge is also up seven cubic feet with a longer load floor!  New coil springs and an advanced antiroll bar system result in 20 percent more roll stiffness than the previous model and the greater use of high strength steel helps increase stiffness and improve the noise and vibration. The most noticeable thing about the all-new 2015 Ford Edge is the sheetmetal.  The exterior shows a significant change from the previous crossover model.  The back of the Edge might have the most drastic change to the style of the vehicle.  The body spanning taillight is very similar to that of the all-new Lincoln MKC which is making its way on the dealers’ lots soon.  Inside the vehicle the changes are a little less dramatic.  The interior will stay familiar to the recent model of the Edge.  The center stack has received a slight redo.  The cabin focuses on material quality and makes healthy improvements over the current model of the Edge. The Edge comes equipped with a black grille, black 21 inch wheels and the new 2.7 liter EcoBoost V-6 engine.  The Edge is the first Ford to have an EcoBoost base engine.  Ford has stated that the engine is virtually new, with the addition of a twin scroll turbo to minimize lag.  A stop/start system is also optional with the 2.0 liter engine. Ford has also expanded Sync with MyFord Touch availability across Edge trim levels.  The Edge will also be the first of the Ford products to offer an adaptive steering system.  This will be available as standard equipment on the Sport and come at an extra-cost on the Titanium model.  Adaptive Steering essentially varies the steering ratio constantly.  This means adjusting the vehicles speed in order to provide the appropriate level of turn-in for the required situation.   At lower speeds; such as pulling into a parking space the new system makes the vehicle more agile and easier to turn as it dials more steering into the road wheel.  When on the highway the system further optimizes steering response enabling the Edge to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input.  This helps to make any drive more enjoyable. There is going to be a plethora of technology options which are both standard and optional on the Ford Edge.  The Active Grill Shutters will be available on select models to help counter air resistance.  There will also be adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support.  This uses radar to help detect moving vehicles directly ahead and change the cruising speed if necessary.  The Auto Start-Stop Technology turns the engine off to save fuel when the vehicle is stopped, the engine is then restarted within milliseconds of when the brake is released.  There is also a new 180 degree front camera with a washer featured for the first time on a Ford vehicle!  The side parking sensors use sensors and algorithms that measure speed and steering wheel angle to warn drivers of obstacles on either side of the vehicle during parking or low speed maneuvers.  The new inflatable rear safety belts are an excellent new safety feature.  This is an advanced restraint system that combines attributes of safety belt and airbag technologies.  This is designed to reduce head, neck and chest injuries for the rear seat passengers. The 2015 Ford Edge will be available in four different trim levels, these will include SE, SEL, Sport and the top of the line Titanium.  The 2015 Edge is a great move forward in material and visual quality.

There have recently been an abundance of vehicle recalls on many models.  You should know what to do in the case where your vehicle is recalled, or is recalled for a safety recall.  Recalls are happening more and more often.  In the year 2013 there were 632 recalls which impacted 22 million vehicles according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  In the year 2014 there have already been more than 120 recalls affecting nearly 13 million cars.  This means this year is on pace to break the previous record which was set ten years ago. Recalls are issued because the defect or possible defect might make the vehicle unsafe.  For any recall, defective parts are placed at no cost to the owner.  Engineering errors which can be both large and small can cause significant defect that can compromise the driver’s safety and require a recall.  These types of errors are usually on specific models produced during a specific period of time at the manufacturing plant. The most common defects include: Wiring or leaks that cause fire Accelerators that break suddenly Ineffective steering parts that may cause a loss of control Air bags that deploy late Faulty seat belts that break An official safety recall notice is sent to vehicle owners at risk.  These owners are typically identified through DMV records.  The notice explains the following things; the safety hazards that may result from the defect, how to fix the defect and eliminate the safety hazard, when the defect repair will be available and how long it will take to be completed, and who to contact in the case of difficulty. Remember that recalls are meant to protect you!  This doesn’t mean you purchased a lousy vehicle.  New vehicles are made with millions of moving parts and mistakes are bound to happen.  Even for the biggest automotive manufacturers, these recalls are meant to fix the wrong doings!  Ignoring a recall is not a good idea, as soon as you are notified you should try to get the recall fixed!

The 2014 Hyundai Tucson is a great competitor among compact SUVs.  U.S. News names the 2014 Hyundai Tucson as number 10 in affordable Compact SUVs.  The Tucson has seating for five and a six speed automatic transmission with a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine which comes standard.  A new feature for 2014 is Bluetooth.  The Tucson offers spacious room for the driver and the passengers.  The Tucson has 101.9 cubic feet of space so that everyone can stretch out while riding in the Tucson. The 2014 Hyundai Tucson has a great turning radius.  This makes it easier when a driver is maneuvering through narrow streets or making U-turns.  The Tucson’s turning radius is 34.7 feet.  With the purchase of a Tucson the customer gets a better set of wheels than other competitors at no extra charge.  Standard with the Tucson are 17-inch alloy wheels. The Tucson also offers an available panoramic sunroof.  Some of the Tucson’s competitors don’t even offer a sunroof. The interior received a refresh for 2014.  The cabins layout is very functional and the materials that make up the interior are high quality.  The front seats have plenty of room.  The driver’s seat can be configured 6 different ways and on the Limited it can be configured 8 different ways.  There are also available leather heated seats with dual automatic climate control.  This maximizes comfort no matter how long or short the drive is.  The second row is also very spacious.  There are new features to the second row such as a new two-stage reclining rear seat as well as available rear seat heating and air conditioning vents.  The second row seats can be folded flat for extra cargo space in case the owner is hauling a lot of items. The 2014 Hyundai Tucson has phenomenal technology which helps the driver get where they are going.  It has optional touchscreen display, rearview camera and navigation options.  The touchscreen display is a new 4.3 inch color screen with a rearview camera option.  There is also an available navigation system which features a 7-inch touchscreen with rearview camera and HD Radio technology.  There is also NavTraffic with real time road conditions that help the driver avoid traffic and gives them alternative routes.  The driver can also easily connect with Blue Link.  Blue Link Technology is designed to make everyday life a little easier.  It can be connected to through a smartphone, web application, or an in-car system to locate gas stations, find a shortcut, and learn about mechanical issues, call for help and much more.  Another great feature now available on the Tucson is the proximity key.  Many vehicles now have this great feature.  The customer can approach their Tucson with the proximity key in their pocket, purse or briefcase and press a button to unlock or lock the vehicle.  Once inside the vehicle the customer can start the engine by button their foot on the break and pressing the start engine button. Preston Hyundai is thrilled to offer Maryland and Delaware such a great selection of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson.  They find it hard to keep the Tucson on their lot being as it is such a great choice for a compact SUV.  Not only does Preston Hyundai have a great selection of the Tucson to offer Delaware and Maryland but they also have a great selection of all Hyundai vehicles.

As much as vehicles cost it is important to keep them in the best shape possible.  That is why Preston Automotive Group offers  high quality oil changes and service repairs.  Engine oil provides three key functions in the engine.  It first helps keep the engine components working smoothly together.  Inside the engine there are thousands of controlled detonations happening every minute, it can be extremely hot and oil helps draw heat away from the combustion chamber.  It also helps prevent carbon and varnishes from accumulating in the engine.  Oil also helps to keep the vehicles engine clean.  The oil within the engine is constantly cleaning as it lubricates picking up and holding dirt.  Oil is similar to a sponge.  A sponge has the ability to pick up and hold fluids, dirt, etc.  When a sponge becomes saturated it cannot hold fluid any longer.  These same things apply to motor oil.  When oil becomes saturated with contaminants and can’t hold any more than the excess falls out of suspension and can form deposits in the engine.  Regular oil changes will remove suspended contaminates before they can form.  This helps the engine run cleaner and much smoother. It is also important to know what oil to use.  There are many different types of oil and it should be fairly easy to determine which kind a vehicle takes.   The owner’s manual will usually contain this information. There are two different types of oil; synthetic and conventional oil. Oil changes are often recommended when a certain mileage or time limit is reached.  The most common interval is 3,000-5,000 miles or three months. The changing of oil is a simple process of draining the old dirt oil from a car and replacing it with a new supply.  When a customer comes to any of the Preston Automotive Groups Service Departments to request an oil change they will also receive a check on the all-around vehicle.  The first thing that is checked of course the oil level.  Then after the oil is changed they service technician’s top off the windshield washer solvent.  They also check the power steering fluid as well as the transmission fluid and the brake fluid.  The tire pressure is also checked and if the tires need air then they are filled.  Lastly, they service technicians visually inspect the whole vehicle and make sure everything is working properly.    Oil level, top of washer solvent, check power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, tire pressure, visual inspection of whole car.  Mike Snyder, a Master Certified Mazda technician at Preston Mazda said “changing your oil is cheap insurance, it is around $30 whereas a new engine job would be around $9000”. The Service Centers with Preston Automotive Group are open Monday through Friday from 7:30-5:00 and on Saturdays are open from 8:00-5:00.  At Preston there are many professionally trained technicians who are very well knowledgeable on all models of vehicle.  The Master Certified Technicians have been working on vehicles for many years.

The summer heat is upon us and as it arrives everyone will try to keep cool.  Just as heat will have an impact on people it will also have an impact on car reliability and safety.  You can easily reduce the risk of tire blowouts if you follow some of these simple maintenance tips.  Something as little as having your tires properly inflated will go a long way in helping to avoid failures!   Hot weather causes heat build up and weakens the tire, potentially leading to abrupt failure.  On a 90-degree day surface temperatures can easily hit 150-degrees. First you should check the inflation pressure in each tire, including the spare tire.  You should do these when the tires are cold or have been sitting for more than three hours You should also inflate the tires to the recommended setting outlined on the tire information placard found most often on the driver’s door jamb and or the vehicle owner’s manual. Check your tires monthly.  Tires can typically lose up to 1 psi per month.  The pressure in the tire drops about 1 psi for every 10-degree drop in the air temperature. You should invest in a good tire gauge.  It is even a good idea to also buy a portable compressor that works off of the cars power outlet. Tires also lose air to common punctures.  If you find you are always adding air to your tire than you might have a slow leak in your tire.  Have this checked at your local service garage which includes the many service departments with the Preston Automotive Group.

If you want to reset your keyless entry keypad from the original factory setting then you will find there are just a few straightforward steps!  The SecuriCode keyless entry keypad is located on the driver’s door and it allows you to enter a code in order to unlock your vehicle. Before you even begin you should read the locks and security information which is located in your owner’s manual.  You will also need to find the original five digit security code which is printed on the owner’s wallet card in the glove compartment. 1. The first step to programming your keyless entry keypad is to enter the factory set code, which again is located on the owner’s wallet card. 2. Now within five seconds of entering the factory code you should press the 1-2 button on the keypad. 3. It is now time for you to enter the five digit code that you would like to use.  Each number must be entered within five seconds of the previous one! 4. If your Ford is equipped with the memory recall feature then press the 1-2 button to store Driver 1 settings and 3-4 to store Driver 2 settings. 5. The doors should lock then unlock, this will confirm that your personal entry code has been programmed. Now your door will be programmed to the key code you want which will make it easier to remember!