Best SUV’s under 25,000
Kelly Blue Book has compiled a list of the 10 Best SUV’s of 2014 that are under $25,000. Preston Automotive group has four of those 10 available for purchase today. With the largest inventory on the Eastern Shore you are bound to find the perfect SUV that fits your needs.
Number six on KBB’s list is the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe. The 2014 Santa Fe comes standard with 18 inch wheels and 290 horsepower. The Santa Fe has seating for up to seven passengers. It offers more standard V6 horsepower than the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9. The Santa Fe is also extra roomy, it has more total interior volume than many other crossovers. It has seats for up to 7 which includes available second row captain’s chars. The seats can be stowed to make the most of its total interior volume which is 160.0 cubic feet! The 2014 Santa Fe has an abundance of great features that keep the customer at ease and help make driving comfortable. For customers with families, the interior features seats that help fight stains. The seats also have an antibacterial feature which helps to control odors. Blue Link is standard on the Santa Fe and has an array of features to make the customers life easier. Connect to Blue Link through a smartphone, web application, or an in car system to start the vehicle remotely, locate a gas station, find a shortcut, or learn about mechanical issues.
Next on KBB’s list is the 2014 Ford Escape at number four. The aerodynamic design and eco-friendly side of the Escape make it a must see. Not only does the Escape look great but it also is shaped in order to reduce drag on the vehicle body that wind resistance produces. The Active Grille Shutters also help cheat the wind. When the shutters are closed they reduce aerodynamic drag caused by air traveling through the radiator. The Escape features an interior that is modern yet sophisticated. It aims to maximize seating comfort and ergonomic convenience. Available interior color choices include Charcoal Black on Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black on Medium Light Stone. Escapes come equipped with a class exclusive foot activated liftgate. With the intelligent key in the owners pocket or purse all they need to do is swipe their foot under the bumper and the power liftgate automatically opens. This makes it easier when the customer is lugging groceries and doesn’t have a free hand. Also available on the 2013 Ford Escape is Sync with MyFord Touch, this helps the driver keep their eyes on the road and stay connected to the world. Hands free calling means the driver never has to miss a call and they can make a call with the touch of a button. The driver can say “bluetooth audio” and listen wirelessly to whatever is on their phone or to Pandora internet radio. Another great hands-free feature is the driver can have incoming texts read to them so that their hands stay on the wheel the whole time they are driving. Preston Ford has an abundance of new 2014 Ford Escapes, they have over 40.
Coming in at number three on the list is the 2014 Nissan Rogue. The Nissan Rogue is redesigned for 2014 from a striking new front end to the muscular arches along the flowing new character lines the Rogue is top of the line! A brand new exclusive feature is the daytime running lights and the class exclusive headlights! The interior also has brand new redesigned features which include stunning chrome accents. There isn’t an ambience like the one in the Rogue anywhere else! The 2014 Rogue also now has not only two rows of seating but three rows of seating! The third row turns this compact crossover into a serious people-mover! Getting into the back of the Rogue doesn’t require you to climb over the 2nd row with the EZ Flex second row. This redesigned vehicle has everything to offer and then some! The new power panoramic moonroof is an excellent feature available on the 2014 Nissan Rogue. Every seat in this vehicle has a window seat. When purchasing the new Rogue the customer will also be connected to more than just the road. NissanConnect with Navigation uses hands-free technology, a smartphone, and Nissan’s display screen to help the owner stay in touch with the outside world from their driver’s seat! There are plenty of apps to play music, keep tabs on social networks and help to navigate any city like a local.
The last vehicle that made the list is the 2014 Mazda CX-5. The 2014 CX-5 inherits its fluent, flowing lines and bold curves from Mazda’s signature KODO design philosophy. The CX-5 is a striking stance and illusion of constant motion which is sure to turn heads even when it is sitting still. The stylish sculpting is also highly functional. The CX-5 has uncompromised performance with Mazda’s SKYACTIV 2.0L gasoline engine. It produces 155 horsepower and an impressive 150 lb-ft torque all on 15% less fuel than Mazda’s previous engine. The interior of the Mazda CX-5 is very luxurious. The CX-5 has many sophisticated details, like available double stitched premium leather trimmed seats and a power moonroof, and ample passenger and cargo volume to create a stylish all purpose cabin. Available for the CX-5 is advanced keyless entry and start system. Mazda has also partnered with TomTom, the industry leader in navigation system, to give the CX-5 state of the art navigation. The fully integrated dash system has a 5.8 inch color touch screen display which features intuitive voice recognition so the driver can keep their eye on the road at all times.
By: April Green
Preston Ford had three goals for the month of December. They called it Mission Possible and their goals were to be #1 in the region for the month of December, Top 10 in the Country for the month of December and to be a Top 100 Ford Dealer in the Nation for the year 2013. In order to make these goals Preston Ford had to exceed all expectations. They set numerous goals each day as to how many vehicles they had to sell.
Their first goal was set for December 20th, this goal was to sell at least 200 new Fords. When December 20th came Preston Ford surpassed their goal of selling the 200 new Fords. Another goal was set on a Saturday and Sunday to sell 50 new Fords. When December 30th hit Preston Ford successfully sold their 400th brand new Ford vehicle! This was a huge accomplishment. Also on December 30th Preston Ford stated that they needed to sell at least 100 new Fords in a matter of three days. On January 1st Preston Ford still needed 42 more new Fords in order to reach their goal of 500. The morning of January 2nd David Wilson Jr told the Preston Ford Team that they needed to sell over 50 new Fords that day in order to make it into the Top 100 and secure their spot. At the end of the day on January 2nd, Preston Ford sold an astonishing 515 new Fords for the month of December!
For the month of December Preston Ford accomplished every goal that they set out to achieve. Preston Ford is number one in the region, which was accomplished by around 250 units! Top 10 in the country was accomplished and Preston Ford finished at number 3 in the nation out of 3,300 plus Ford Dealers. Preston Ford also made the Top 100 for the year of 2013. They finished 90th in the nation when they first came into the month at 147.
Preston Ford could not have done all of this without the support and dedication from their customers, friend and wonderful team members. Mission possible was a huge success!
History of Top 100 and Preston Ford
For the past few years Preston Ford has made the Top 100 Ford Dealers in the Nation! This is a huge accomplishment for the small town of Preston! Starting in 2009 Preston Ford was 109th in the Nation out of all Ford Dealers. In 2010 Preston Ford was 93 in the Top 100 Ford Dealers in the Nation. Again in 2011 Preston Ford moved up in the ranks to 89th place for the Top 100. When 2012 came around Preston made it to 102nd place just barely missing the Top 100 Ford Dealers in the Nation.
E-Series Vans are perfect for those who own their own business and are looking for the perfect vehicle to work from. Everything on these vans can be customized to the customer’s preference. Whether the customer is looking for a cargo van, passenger van, or cutaway van Preston Ford has the perfect match for anyone’s preferences.
The E-Series cutaway vans are perfect for people who want a lot of storage and a lot of customization. These vehicles can pull up to 10,000 lbs. The inside of these vehicles are designed to help the customer be productive. Bucket seats, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM stereo and air conditioning are all available in E-Series Cutaway Vans. Ford has put a slimline engine cover console in the E-Series which has three cup holders plus a shelf for items such as a clipboard. The owner can choose the tool boxes they would like on the back of their E-Series and also choose the shelving in the inside of the van. There are many shelf options available for whatever the need is. All of the toolboxes on the side of the E-Series can be locked for safety so tools do not get stolen.
E-Series engines deliver the power the customer needs in order to get the job done efficiently. Each engine is mated to the TorqShift 5-speed automatic transmission. The 5.4L Triton V8 engine is standard, for the more demanding the 6.8L Triton V10 is available.
E-Series models are equipped with several safety features including the standard 4-wheel antilock brake system that helps the driver maintain steering wheel control when braking. There are also airbags for the driver and the front passenger.
E-Series Vans can also be customized to become a passenger van. These vans are perfect for road trips or when working with a large group of people and needing to travel together.
The versatility in the E-Series van is endless. Available is the Ambulance Prep Package which includes 4.10 limited slip axle, extra heavy duty 225 amp alternator, dual heavy duty 78 amp batteries, maximum front GAWR of 5,000 lbs, auxiliary fuel port, auxiliary heater/air conditioning connector package, telescoping trailer tow mirrors with manual adjustments, and a spare wheel and spare tire.
Another prep package available is the Shuttle Bus Prep Package. This includes manual pedestals, power windows and door locks, standard front GAWR of 4,600 lbs, engine block heater, frame pucks, and a heavy duty amp alternator. This is a great package for those who are trying to start a business in the shuttle industry.
At Preston Ford we have many available body types for the E-Series Vans. They are Omaha Standard, Reading, Weather Guard, Fisher, Dejana, Thermo King, Knapheide, and Western. Preston Ford has over 40 new E-Series Vans ready to be customized.
Preston Ford, Pitsville Ford and Denton Ford have the largest line-up of 2014 Ford Escapes on the Eastern Shore. The aerodynamic design and eco-friendly side of the Escape make it a must see. Not only does the Escape look great but it also is shaped in order to reduce drag on the vehicle body that wind resistance produces. The Active Grille Shutters also help cheat the wind. When the shutters are closed they reduce aerodynamic drag caused by air traveling through the radiator.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMeJwcHiT_E
The Escape features an interior that is modern yet sophisticated. The Escape aims to maximize seating comfort and ergonomic convenience. Available interior color choices include Charcoal Black on Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black on Medium Light Stone.
The 2014 Ford Escapes come equipped with a 6-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission. When the 6-speed automatic transmission is paired with the optional 1.6L EcoBoost engine, the Escape has surpassed automatic transmission highway fuel economy. It also adds a little fun to the drive. A switch on the gear shifter knob lets the driver easily and quickly shift gears without having to engage the clutch.
Escapes come equipped with a class exclusive foot activated liftgate. With the intelligent key in the owners pocket or purse all they need to do is swipe their foot under the bumper and the power liftgate automatically opens. This makes it easier when the customer is lugging groceries and doesn’t have a free hand. Also available on the 2013 Ford Escape is Sync with MyFord Touch this helps the driver keep their eyes on the road and stay connected to the world. Hands free calling means the driver never has to miss a call and they can make a call with the touch of a button. The driver can say “bluetooth audio” and listen wirelessly to whatever is on their phone or to Pandora internet radio. Another great hands-free feature is the drive can have incoming texts read to them so that their hands stay on the wheel the whole time they are driving.
Active park assist has been designed to help the driver parallel park easier and quicker. While driving near parking spots, activate this feature and it scans for available parking spots. The ultrasonic sensors measure the distance to the curb and other parked cars. Once a big enough spot is found the driver is signaled to stop and accept the system’s assistance. All the drive has to do is control the shifting, accelerating, and braking. David Wilson Jr. says that “parallel parking has never been easier.”
Not only is the Ford Escape stylish but it is also environmentally conscious. The hood insulation on the Escape is constructed of post-industrial scrap metal. Materials like scrap cotton from jeans, sweaters, t-shirts, and other items that would have otherwise been sent to a
landfill are used in sound-absorption material. The carpet in the Escapes is manufactured from a blend of postconsumer and postindustrial polyester fibers, which helps reduce the need for raw materials and helps eliminate waste. The post-consumer fibers are derived from recycled plastic bottles. In the carpeting about 25 recycled 20-ounce bottles are used.
Combined Preston Ford, Pittsville Ford and Denton Ford currently have over 60 brand new Ford Escapes ready to be purchased. They have stocked up on all vehicles for their Mission Possible Top 100 Sales Drive.
By: April Green
The Transit Connect is engineered with one goal in mind, to keep the customer productive at all times. All Transit Connect models will offer a class leading maximum payload of 1,710 lbs and best in class towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. The customer can choose from van or wagon models in long and short wheelbase configurations with a wide range of upfit options. Dual sliding side doors are standard on all models in order to make loading and unloading cargo much easier.
The Transit Connects are customizable for all of the customer’s needs. It can be equipped with everything from rooftop ladder racks, literature holders, storage cabinets, dividers, double floors, drawers, cargo management packages and many more. For the customer’s convenience, there is also a a front overhead storage shelf with a retaining net for items you need to keep within reach. Also in the Transit Connect there is map pockets in the front door trim panel pockets.
Transit Connects are available in two different wheelbases. The short wheelbase models help the customer maneuver when driving down tight city streets and makes parking in small spots much easier. The long wheelbase van provides 130.6 cubic feet of storage capacity behind the front row seats. The long wheelbase also provides seating for seven passengers.
Another way the Transit Connect is flexible to meet the customer’s needs is there are rear door options. The customer gets to choose what best fits their needs. The XL and XLT models have the option of 180-degree symmetrical rear cargo doors or liftgate. The titanium wagon models have a standard liftgate and do not have the cargo door option.
The Transit Connect can be a mobile business card for the owner. With its modern look the Transit Connect projects a professional image and one that will speak volumes about the business. With its large side panels the owner can proudly display their company name with colorful and effective graphics. The customer can choose from templates and graphics that are professionally designed and installed, the customer can also have their own design created and put onto their Transit Connect.
Inside the Transit Connect is modern and functional. It all starts with the seats, the customer can choose from easy to clean vinyl or cloth seating surfaces.
Every 2013 Ford Transit Connect features a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine good for 136 horsepower and 128 pound feet of torque. The standard safety equipment on every Transit Connect includes four-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, and front side airbags. In the brake test by Edmunds, the Transit Connect came to a stop from 60 miles per hour in 135 feet, which is excellent for a commercial vehicle.
Mazda’s Concept Car, the Mazda Shinari
The Mazda Shinari concept gives us a clear idea as to what the next Mazda6 might look like. The Shinari concept is stunning, it is a four seat coupe that looks like the combination of a Maserati GranTurismo and a Jaguar XF. The swoopy lines and giant 21-inch wheels give the impression that Mazda might be going for a new look.
Chief designer Ikuo Maeda said his intentions behind this concept car were to “build the car I want to buy and drive,” he is moving away from the flowing, nature inspired Nagare design theme. Maeda was the chief designer of the RX-8 and the Mazda2 and he has been with the company for nearly 30 years.
The Shinari is based on a new architecture that can be front, rear, or all wheel drive. Further proof of the Shinari’s 6-ness comes in the confirmation that the concepts architecture will underpin the next generation of Mazda C and D segment vehicles. Underneath the hood of this concept vehicle is a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, likely with Mazda’s new Sky powerplants.
While the exterior is certainly different than previous Mazda designs, the interior is perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Shinari. The interior is possibly the most attractive and stylish interior seen in a Mazda vehicle. It features authentic aluminum tim, leather covered surfaces and double stitching at nearly every turn. In the back of the vehicle there is rear bucket seats. The gauges are modeled after popular watch designs which up the class of the Shinari quite a bit. The glass roof helps make the interior feel open and airy.
The Shinari features quite a bit of technology that looks forward to the new applications of driver automobile interactions. The Human Machine Interface is split into three modes; Business, Pleasure and Sport. Potential uses range from looking up bios of a business contact before a meeting to a rally style co-pilot feature that could alert the drive of characteristics of upcoming turns.
For updates about the Mazda Shinari Concept car please visit Preston Mazda’s Facebook page.
By: April Green
Car Seat Safety and Laws
Safety Facts about Child Passengers:
- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children older than the age of 2
- A total of 1,210 children younger than age 15 died in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2010
- The number of child passenger deaths has declined by half since 1975
- Proper restraint use can help reduce deaths even more. The proportion of fatally injured children who were restrained rose from 15% in 1985 to 59% in 2010.
Starting in 2014 there are going to be some changes to the car seat laws for toddlers and babies. The new recommendation states that the Latch system should no longer be used when the child and car seat combined weight is over 65 lbs. This is an amendment to the law which in 2001 recommended that all children up to 65lbs remain in a car seat or a booster seat. This did not take into account the weight of the car seats. Car manufacturers can’t guarantee the strength of the anchors when adding the weight of the child as well. Therefore, there is a need to modify the law. If you’re child and the car seat are over 65lbs combined then start using the seat belt restraint versus the latch system. In order to check the combined weight first weigh the car seat, next weigh your child once you have done both add the two numbers together and if it is greater than 65 lbs you should begin using the seatbelt restraint.
Maryland’s current state law requires that children under 8 ride in an appropriate child restraint unless the child is 4’9” or taller. Child restraints include car seats and booster seats and other federally approved devices. Every child who from 8 to 16 years old who is not in a child restraint must be secured in the vehicle’s seat
Maryland’s child passenger safety laws do not prohibit children from riding in the front seat. The exception is placing a rear-facing child in the front seat with an active air bag. If a driver can’t turn off the air bag then it is a violation of the law as well as extremely dangerous for the baby, to place a rear facing child in the front seat.
Currently taxis are exempt from the law. They are not required to transport children using a car restraint.
The driver and the front seat passenger must wear seat belts at all times. This is now a primary law which means an officer can pull you over and ticket you for not wearing your seat belt. It is strongly recommended that all passengers no matter what they age wear a seatbelt restraint.
Maryland State Police have introduced the Click It Or Ticket program. Every year, law enforcement conducts mobilizations at various times of the year across the State to ensure that everyone is buckled up! With that being said don’t rick a ticket or even your life by not buckling up! Make sure you buckle up every time you get into a vehicle.
Also always remember that cell phones are no longer aloud to be used while driving! If you are talking on your phone and driving or texting while driving then a cop can pull you over and give you a ticket.
By: April Green
Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
Preston Mazda has many Certified Pre-Owned Mazdas that are ready to be driven home today! The benefits of purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle are endless! You get great warranties, roadside assistance, and transfer benefits. If you are a buyer looking for true value and great benefits then a Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is the vehicle for you!
Certified Pre-Owned Mazda Tribute
Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicles don’t get the once over. They get a thorough quality check. Everyt
hing under and above the hood is analyzed for maximum performance. If a vehicle doesn’t meet Mazda’s high standards it undergoes a thorough reconditioning using Mazda Genuine Parts until it does meet the standards.
Under the hood the belts are checked for cracks, wear and proper tension, this is 1 of 28 checkpoints, the engine is checked for smooth acceleration which is 1 of 7 checkpoints, the exterior must be free of cracks, large chips and improper repairs. The transmission is checked for shift quality and shift points. The a/c and heating is pressure tested to check and correct leaks. The seats and headrests must work properly in all positions.
The Certified Pre-Owned Mazdas are full of confidence that goes the distance. Starting with the 12-month/12,000 mile limited warranty which starts when the factory warranty ends. There is also a 7-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty. In the rare even that a covered part needs to be repaired or replaced your total out of pocket cost will be zero at Preston Mazda! Along with the 7-year/100,000 comes 24 hour emergency roadside assistance. The autocheck vehicle history report with a 3-year buyback gives the owner piece of mind.
Also available with Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles is an extended coverage. If and when the time comes that your say goodbye to your Mazda there are transfer benefits. Your car will be even more attractive to potential buyers since the Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Limited Vehicle and Limited Powertrain Warranties are transferable to future owners at no cost.
CPO Mazda CX-7
Come see our inventory of Mazda Ceritified Pre-Owned vehicles, we have the best inventory on the Eastern Shore! To view our inventory of Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicles please visit
This month Ford was the most talked about brand throughout social media, this widened its lead in overall online discussions even further! Last month Ford was talked about on the web about 1.3 million times! Ford is the second largest U.S. based automaker and the fifth-largest in the world! The most popular discussion among the Ford brand were discussions of quality and fuel efficiency. The Preston Automotive Group is proud to be a Ford Dealer and we are striving to be in the Top 100 for the year of 2013.
It isn’t surprising that Ford is the most talked about brand with the launch of the newly designed Ford Mustang , its innovative technology, the new line of electric and hybrid vehicles, and the announcement that they are collaborating with Coca-Cola to create new sustainable fabric!
The wait was over on December 5th, 2013 as Ford introduced the all new Ford Mustang! The 2015 Ford Mustang will become available in late 2014, the Mustang looks entirely new but still has the soul of the well-known Mustang! It will have a 3.7 liter V6 and an available 5.0 liter V8, the best news of all is that Ford has paired the Mustang with an EcoBoost engine. Every feature in the Mustang enhances your driving experience whether it be the advanced sensors that detect cars in your blind sports or the advanced communications system. Don’t forget that the 2015 Ford Mustang will also be available in a convertible!
The lineup of Hybrid and Electric vehicles Ford has introduced is amazing! Available is the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi. Both of these vehicles run on electric and gas! They can go up to 20 miles running on just electric! Not to mention that the gas mileage on these vehicles is astounding! Combined they get an estimated 108 mpg! At Preston Ford we have a great lineup of both the Ford Fusion Energi’s and the C-Max Energis!
Another exciting thing that Ford is up to is they have been collaborating with Coca-Cola! They are collaborating to create a 100% PET, bio-based, sustainable fabric that could be used in future vehicles! The fabric in the vehicles would utilize Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle material which can generate polyester from the bottle’s plant sugar! Fabric made from PlantBottle Technology consists of up to 30 percent plant-based materials! Some of the materials even performed better than the original fabric that wasn’t using the plant based technology.
It’s the last month of the year and at Preston Ford we are preparing for this to be our best year and month yet! We are currently in our Mission Possible, Top 100 Sales Drive. We are giving great deals and have the largest inventory we have ever had in 6 years! You will find your dream car at Preston Ford.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytz_gtUnFIk&feature=youtu.be
By: April Green
Do you Name your Car?
More and more people have started the tradition of naming their vehicles. It gives the vehicle a personal touch just like you name your dogs and cats, naming your car is now being seen as normal! Considering how much time we spend with our cars it’s no wonder that we bond with them and care about them. By personalizing them this makes the car feel like a trusted old friend so it makes sense to name them.
According to a survey taken women are more likely to name their car than men and women also usually drive with greater care and consideration. It has also been proven that people who are emotionally attached to their cars tend to look after them better than those who are not attached. Many people also seem to feel that by naming their cars they can communicate with them and even negotiate or please with them to keep going if they are getting ready to break down. According to another survey people tend to give their cars a name of the opposite sex, 81% of men give their car a female name and 91% of women refer to their car as masculine.
Nationwide Insurance has named October 2 it’s “National Name your Car Day”. This holiday gave Nationwide an excuse to poll more than 1,000 U.S. car owners. This poll found that close to 25 percent of the respondents have a name for their car. Car owners between the age of 18-34 were more likely to name their cars!
The most popular car names are Beast, Bullet, Bat Mobile, and Big Red. Also don’t forget that many cars that are featured in movies have also been named! The movie Dukes of Hazzard has the General Lee, Kitt from Knight Rider, Batmobile from Batman, Bumblebee from Transformers, Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters and of course Herbie from The Love Bug! The Batmobile in Batman was originally a Lincoln Futura concept car that was later made into the Batmobile!
What have you named your car??
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