10-things-when-buying-a-car

10 Things to Consider Before Getting a New Vehicle

Buying a new car can be complicated, especially if you’ve never done it before. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of things to look out for when when considering a new vehicle purchase or lease.

Check out these 10 things to consider before deciding on your new ride:

  1. Reliability
    When selecting the make and model of your next vehicle, consider its reliability. Take a look at the brand’s background and the model’s previous versions to see if they have a history of recalls, constant malfunctions or well-known mechanical issues. This can save you some problems down the road and lower the possibilities of breakdowns or costly repairs.
  2. Safety
    Take a look at the standard and available safety features on the vehicle. Every year, new safety measures are developed and integrated on new models. Not only will these features protect all passengers and make your life easier by helping to prevent accidents, but they may also reduce your insurance costs.
  3. Standard Features
    Compare vehicles taking into consideration what features come standard with each model. Some models may cost more, but come with more features you want or need. Look for new technologies, safety features and premium additions. Having more standard features might change the MSRP, but they may also offer more value for the price. Furthermore, they may add several thousand dollars to your resale (or residual) value.
  4. Mileage
    Be sure to verify the vehicle’s fuel economy. Having more MPG will help you save on gas and means fewer stops at the gas stations. This will be a key feature for people with longer commutes, however, it could impact the engine power.
  5. Maintenance
    Some vehicles require more maintenance than others. Also, the cost for that maintenance will vary between models. Some models even come with basic maintenance included. It’s important you’re aware of the average price paid for basic maintenance and parts replacements costs so you can avoid an unpleasant surprise later on.
  6. Price
    Once you narrow down your search criteria, try to find the average price paid for that specific model. There are several web sites with this information. Getting an idea of what other buyers paid for the vehicle you’re interested in will give you more negotiating power. Furthermore, establishing your budget beforehand will help you narrow your search and select the best vehicle for your needs.
  7. Real Cost to Own
    Once you have a budget in mind, check out each model’s real cost to own. Consider gas costs, maintenance, upgrades, ownership expenses, financing, insurance, and other miscellaneous payments that will add up to the vehicle’s overall price, over time. Even if some vehicles appear to be cheaper than others - take into consideration the length of their warranties, whether or not maintenance is included, how much average repairs are and their MPGs.
  8. Insurance Costs
    Insurers calculate the cost for your policy based on your driving history, location, age, gender, marital status, insurance history, credit score, commute AND the type of vehicle. Plus, depending on your coverage and deductibles, costs can go up or down. So, browse different insurers, get quotes and figure out the difference in insurance costs for your top-options.
  9. Warranty
    Different brands offer different warranty coverage. For instance, Volkswagen has the best bumper to bumper warranty in America (6 years/72,000 miles), while other brands offer you basic coverage or a slightly better powertrain warranty. Selecting a vehicle with a great warranty will ensure your car stays in its best shape for a longer time and can save you hundreds on maintenance, repairs and manufacturer’s defects.
  10. Reviews
    Get to know what actual car owners say about the vehicle. Take a look at what reviewers have to say about the feel, features, specs, power and technology. Get real input from actual drivers. Check forums for the model you’re considering and see what the average person has to say about it. Also, browse car review web sites for a breakdown of each car you’re considerig.

Now that you have a general idea of what to look for when browsing for your next car, take a look at what VW South Florida has to offer. Use this list as a guide when reviewing your options and be sure to keep in mind your must-have features for your next vehicle. Check out the new lineup of VW models, learn more about their features and see how they compare to other popular models. If you feel like you need further advice or would prefer to check out the vehicles in person, feel free to contact us or visit us at any of our 11 conveniently located VW Dealerships. We’re happy to help!

buy-vs-lease

Buying vs Leasing

Deciding whether to buy or lease a new vehicle is a tough decision. There are a lot of factors to weigh including what type of vehicle you want, how often you plan to get a new vehicle and what your financial situation is. Before deciding to buy or lease, you have to weigh the benefits and the drawbacks of each.

Leasing usually means you can get a better vehicle for a lower payment. That’s because, when you lease a vehicle, you are only responsible for the depreciation of the vehicle for the amount of years you have it and not the full price. Leasing is also great for people who want to update their car every few years. Plus, you won’t have to worry about selling it later on or negotiating a fair price for a trade-in. Typically, leasing terms allow for the vehicle to stay within its warranty so there are fewer maintenance costs. You’ll also have lower up-front costs because leasing usually requires a smaller down payment.

However, leasing a vehicle is not a fit for everyone. For instance, if you have a longer commute to work, leasing isn't the best option because lease terms set mileage limits ranging from 9,000 miles to 15,000 miles a year. At the end of the lease term, there's a charge for every additional mile. Also, when you lease a vehicle, you have to drive extra carefully to avoid any damages and potential charges when your lease is up. You can't make any permanent changes to a leased vehicle either - so customization is off the table. Lastly, when you lease you don’t build equity and, since you don't own it, you'll get zero dollars when you turn it in at lease-end.

On the other hand, when you buy a car, you own it. That means that you can customize your vehicle, won’t have mileage restrictions, no excess wear fees and, best of all, you won’t have to make any more payments once your loan is paid off. If you decide to buy a vehicle and finance it, you’ll need to be aware that long-term loans typically have a higher interest rate. Also, you’ll need a bigger down payment to make your monthly payments more affordable. But now, because you own it, it has value. You can sell it, for cash, any time! And if you do need a new vehicle, you can trade it for your down payment.

When you choose to buy or lease a vehicle, take into consideration your needs, driving habits and budget. At VW South Florida you’ll find many options to choose from. Whatever your decision, visit one of our conveniently located dealerships in South Florida - from Miami-Dade County to West Palm Beach – and drive away in your brand-new Volkswagen. We’re happy to help.

2018-VW-atlas-photo

VW's New Atlas vs. Hyundai's Santa Fe

The long-awaited 2018 Atlas is not only Volkswagen’s newest vehicle, but it’s also its biggest outranking the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Atlas has a cargo capacity of 96.8 cu.ft. versus the Santa Fe’s 80.0 cu.ft. That means the Atlas can hold more than 16.0 cu.ft. of cargo vs. the Santa Fe. That means you and your family get more space for everyone’s stuff.

And when you’re not using the second and third row seats to store cargo, you can fit up to 7 passengers comfortably. The new VW SUV leads its class in 3rd-row legroom with 33.7 inches. The Santa Fe can only hold up to 6 passengers with 30.9 inches of 3rd-row legroom.

Both the Atlas and Santa Fe come close in the battle of gas mileage, but the Atlas comes out on top with an estimated 23 mpg highway compared to 22 mpg’s for the Santa Fe.

The Atlas and Santa Fe offer similar safety features including parking assist, blind-spot monitoring systems and lane departure warning, but I think we both can agree, the Volkswagen wins in the ‘looks’ department.

For many years Hyundai has been the industry leader in new car warranties, but Volkswagen has just stepped into the ring to claim that title. Volkswagen’s People First Warranty now offers new Volkswagen owners six years or 72,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper transferable coverage including powertrain components. Hyundais only have 5 years/60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and it’s not transferable.

So if you're thinking about the Santa Fe, you may want to reconsider. Volkswagen has upped its game as evidenced by the slew of awards this new SUV has already raked in. Check out the all-new 7-passenger Atlas at vw.com to do a little research or visit one of our VW South Florida dealerships, test drive one, and see for yourself.

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Your Back to School Partner

August is here, and everyone is getting ready to go Back to School. This year, prepare yourself with the all-new Atlas SUV or the 7 passenger Tiguan SUV; You’ll get the style AND the space you need for every extracurricular activity… perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, when you drive a Volkswagen, you’ll find any excuse to be on the road.

In our beautiful and comfortable SUVs, you’ll enjoy the ride so much that you’ll volunteer to take the kids and their team to every practice, every game or any gathering. You’ll have more than enough space and comfort to fit the kids and all their stuff! Not to mention, the latest technology, a great entertainment system, safety features and up to 17 cup holders for a fun-for everyone ride! Talk about the coolest parents in town!

Both the Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan come with the America’s Best Warranty: The People First Warranty. It’s the longest bumper-to-bumper limited warranty on the market, offering up to 6-years or 72,000 miles of coverage. So, no matter how many practices, games, tournaments, playoffs or championships you’ll travel to, your only worry will be how many trophies your kids take home.

Let Volkswagen be a part of your back to school plans! Make your life and your commute easier and more comfortable in a new SUV from your nearest VW South Florida dealership. Come see which model is a perfect fit for you; contact us for further information or schedule a test drive today.

tiguan-adventure

Adventurers’ Getaways in Florida

We all enjoy going on little adventures, but it seems we hardly have the opportunity to plan those getaways. Even when we do, we don’t usually have time to do all the things we’d hoped to do. There’s hassle involved with most travel: long lines at the airports, flight delays, uncomfortable seats…

But what if I told you that, with our latest Volkswagen models, you can skip the baggage fees, enjoy comfortable seats with plenty of legroom, listen to your favorite music or podcasts at the touch of your finger and spend quality time with your family? We’ve put together a list of some of the best road trip adventures you can have without even leaving Florida… just hop in and go!

For the Nature Lover - Florida Keys & Naples

If you’re into colorful reefs, exotic flora and fauna and the occasional cold beer, the Florida Keys might be the perfect place for you. On your drive there, stop at Bahia Honda State Park and Beach on Big Pine Key for a hike or maybe an afternoon of snorkeling. It’s known as one of the best beaches in the Keys. Continue making your way south to Key West and take advantage of Barefoot Billy’s action-packed tour choices. You can take a 2-hour Jet-ski tour for a 26-mile adventure; sign up for a Seabreeze Morning Island Cruise or Key West Sunset Cruise; watch dolphins; rent a scooter or bicycle and explore the island – and after the sun sets, there are tons of local restaurants and bars worth a visit.

White sand beaches, high-end shopping, 5-star restaurants – if that’s more your scene, Naples is the way to go. Some of the world’s most beautiful beaches with pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters are found on the southwest coast of Florida. Relax on the sand, searching for shells or try kayaking or paddle boarding, searching for dolphins. Scuba diving the crystal waters of Naples you’ll discover reefs full of colorful coral, sea turtles and thousands of fish; you can even go Lionfish hunting. If you’ve had enough beach time, cruise Fifth Avenue for luxury boutiques, custom clothing, jewelry and fine dining. Resort spas are sprinkled all over Naples so you can choose your favorite for an afternoon of pampering. The Naples Preserve is a protected nature area with a boardwalk fun to explore and Picayune Strand State Forest takes you into the Everglades for a hike. Naples is a destination that appeals to all, for a romantic getaway, family vacation or even some well-deserved alone time.

If you’re headed to either of these destinations, consider a new Volkswagen Atlas or Tiguan – both allow room for 7 passengers and tons of cargo. You can cruise in comfort for the 3 to 4 hours to Key West or the 1 to 2 hours to Naples. You’ll enjoy touchscreen access to your smartphone apps right on the dash and you can tune to any one of 150 Sirius XM stations during your drive. Come take a test drive and see for yourself why the VW SUVs make the best road trip transportation!

For the Culture Lover – Miami, Tampa & St. Petersburg

If you are more interested in culture, food and nightlife then read on. Visit Tampa to take in the sights at the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Bay History Center or the Florida Aquarium. Or unwind with a drink and a tour of Cigar City Brewing, an award-winning craft beer brewery. Visit the historic Tampa Theatre, built in 1926 or relax in Fort De Soto Park, crowned TripAdvisor’s top beach. If you happen to be an animal lover, you must make a stop at the Big Cat Rescue – one of the world’s largest wildlife sanctuaries of its kind - and get a glimpse of more than 150 big cat species!

For the art lovers, try St. Petersburg for the Dali Art Museum Chihuly Collection and other Fine Arts. They even have their own Second Saturday Art Walk on Central Avenue. St. Petersburg was selected as one of America’s top arts places by ArtPlace America and by the New York Times as one of America’s 10 Most Beautiful Cities.

If fashion is more your scene, the Miami Design District boasts designers like Marni, Dior and Céline. Tree lined streets shade the sidewalks in front of hundreds of local boutiques. Visit the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens or enjoy modern and contemporary art at the Pérez Art Museum Miami.

If you’re a foodie, Miami is your Mecca. Whether it’s beach-front dining, high-end style or just a chill bar, Miami’s got you covered. Visit Makoto in the Bal Harbour Shops for modern Japanese dishes or try some authentic sandwiches on South Beach at La Sandwicherie. Joe’s Stone Crab is a South Florida institution worth checking out and Bombay Darbar has been said to have some of the best Indian Food in Florida.


The Volkswagen e-Golf is meant for city driving. Convenient charging stations are found throughout these big cities. Think about gas economy! You’ll be able to travel further for so much less! Also, with safety features like Front Assist and the intelligent crash response system you’ll feel safe while navigating the traffic you’re bound to get caught up in.

Not interested in electric? The all-new 2019 Jetta has just been released and what better way to cruise these fashionable cities than with the stylish new sedan? You’ll turn heads with the Jetta’s customizable ambient lighting and thumpin’ BeatsAudio® sound system.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your getaway and visit one of our 11 local Volkswagen dealerships to find your perfect road companion.

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Top 3 Florida Staycation Destinations

Sometimes we want to relax and unwind - to explore and visit undiscovered places. Well, a staycation is in order! Discover the charm of our historic places or indulge on one of our gorgeous beaches, all without the need to buy expensive plane tickets.

Here are some options to explore some of the most relaxing and enjoyable places Florida has to offer! And, with our latest Volkswagen models you’ll find the perfect companion for your road trips…with the style, space, comfort and performance you’ll savor.

For the Family - Sarasota

If you are looking for a family fun vacation, consider Sarasota. There, you’ll encounter beautiful beaches and a relaxed environment to enjoy with your loved ones. Spend the day at Siesta Key. It beach has the reputation of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Or, visit Sarasota’s famed circus and art museum to enjoy a guided tour. Learn about the history of the circus, walk through the rose garden or enjoy the sculptures, baroque paintings, and galleries.

For family packed fun, take one of our family-sized SUV’s. With the all-new 2018 Atlas, you’ll enjoy even more passenger space and up to 96.8 cu-ft. of cargo space for your family and all their stuff. It also has a panoramic sunroof, 3rd row seating, great entertainment systems and 17 cup holders! Everyone will be happy!

For the History Lovers - St. Augustine

Travel to the northern Floridian city of St. Augustine to experience the “Old World”, Spanish charm – cobblestone streets, forts and all. Visit Castillo de San Marcos to experience the battles on the defense line that consists of 20.5 acres of land and includes a stone and mortar wall that weathered numerous attacks during the colonial wars. You can also sign up for a tour of Flagler College for a showcase of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Or sign up for one of the ghost tours around the city.

And to fully experience the place and all its charm, why not go with the Convertible Beetle? Put the top down, pump the speakers, breathe in the fresh St. Augustine air and enjoy the best views of the city from the comfort of your car. Plus, the Beetle comes with tons of safety features for peace of mind throughout your trip.

Relax and Unwind - Anna Maria Island

Look no further for your next relaxation staycation than Anna Maria Island. It has all the relaxing less-active activities you crave - from a day at the beach to a day on the boat. And even some of the more active ones, including: fishing, watersports, golf courses and more - all available with beautiful scenery at every turn! Book a paddle board yoga session to get refreshed. View the island from another perspective on a parasailing expedition. Or simply spend the day at a spa.

For any activity you plan on doing, the Passat might be the way to go. It has the space you need and the performance to fully enjoy the ride to your staycations. Expect a great entertainment system, panoramic sunroof and luxury ride that make any trip – even a trip to the store – more enjoyable.

Whichever staycation destination you choose, we have the VW model to suit your needs and style. Visit one of our 11 dealerships near you to find your perfect fit!

For more information on these exciting local vacation options, check out:
https://www.visitsarasota.com
https://www.visitstaugustine.com
http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/anna-maria-island.html

19jetta

Volkswagen Cruises into 2018 with BIG Changes

Volkswagen to release new 2019 Jetta and replaces CC with 2019 Arteon.

In less than two months the all-new 2019 Jetta will be available in the U.S. This beloved model has been a popular option since the 80s, and its redesign has made its release highly anticipated. Volkswagen is also making changes to another vehicle in its lineup. The CC, short for comfort coupe, is being replaced with the Arteon, a four-door hatch-back with coupe-like style cues.

The new 2019 Jetta made headlines when it first debuted at the Detroit auto show in January, showing off its wider, lower and longer look. Volkswagen has high hopes with the revamping of the Jetta. The Volkswagen site has referred to the redesign as “a tasteful, more premium look and feel”. Reviews posted online also raved about the new look and tech-forward features. Equipped with a 10” customizable cockpit screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the all-new, exclusive-to-Volkswagen, BeatsAudio™. The Jetta is also stepping up its safety features like collision alert and automatic braking, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

Reviewers online, likewise, had positive things to say about the Arteon. “The Arteon combines the design elements of a classic sports car with the elegance and space of a fastback," said Volkswagen head designer Klaus Bischoff. “It’s an avant-garde business-class Gran Turismo that speaks to the heart and head alike."

For more information on the new releases or about the Volkswagen brand, customers can visit any of Volkswagen’s 11 convenient South Florida locations from South Miami to West Palm Beach.

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Best Warranty Puts You First

When looking for your next car, you shouldn’t be ONLY looking for the latest models, features, space and price...you should also be looking for quality craftsmanship, a model that fits your needs and, perhaps most importantly, a great warranty to keep you covered and give you peace of mind. Fortunately, new 2018 Volkswagen models have it all!

When Volkswagen decided to offer a warranty, they thought about people first. While most car companies, like Toyota and Honda, offer a standard three year or 36,000 miles warranty, Volkswagen thought you deserved more. They wanted to create an aggressive new-vehicle warranty that ensured their customers would be protected, and they did.

Volkswagen is proud to offer America's Best Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 6-years or 72,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and it's fully transferable to subsequent owners. That means the warranty not only covers the Powertrain (engine, transmission, front/rear axles and other drive components), like most top competitors, but Volkswagen also covers just about everything else, too! When Volkswagen says "bumper-to-bumper", that means it includes limited coverage of your battery, brake pads, wheel alignment, paint, wiper blades and mechanical adjustments too! All the makings of this unmatched warranty is to ensure the reliability and longevity of your vehicle. And best of all, if you decide to switch to a new car before your warranty is up, (but, really, why would you?) the remainder of the warranty coverage is transferred to the new owner at no cost to you.

Volkswagen’s The People First Warranty gives you the peace of mind you need. But don’t just take our word for it, let’s compare the warranties from those other competitors. (Don’t worry, we did the research for you.)

Toyota's Coverage

Let’s start by analyzing Toyota’s New Owner warranty which offers its new car owners 3-years/36,000-miles of coverage for most components (also known as basic warranty); it has 5-year/60,000-mile coverage for its Powertrain components and 5 years of rust-through coverage. Volkswagen beats their basic warranty with bumper-to-bumper coverage for an additional 3 years.

Honda's Coverage

A similar option is offered by Honda. Theirs also offers 3-years/36,000-miles on all components (other than normal wear) and 5-years/60,000-miles on the Powertrain components. Additionally, they cover replacements for original parts for up to a year and roadside assistance for vehicles that are not older than 3 years. Talk about basic. Volkswagen’s got that one beat too!

Hyundai's Coverage

As for Hyundai, they offer basic coverage of 5-years or 60,000-miles. This includes coverage of any component manufactured or originally installed by Hyundai that is defective in material or factory workmanship, including the audio system. Paint is covered for 3 years / 36,000 miles and the battery is covered for 2 years. The rest of the wear items (belts, brake pads, wiper blades, etc) have a 1 year / 12,000 mile warranty. And yes, they're known for their 10-year/100,000 mile coverage - but that’s only good on the Powertrain and only available to the car’s original owner.

Volkswagen's Warranty

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Volkswagen took a unique approach in offering a bumper-to-bumper warranty for 6-years/72,000 miles. Volkswagen has such faith in the quality and craftsmanship of their vehicles that they’re backing it with this unparalleled warranty. It’s a pretty bold declaration, but we can see why.

Volkswagen’s People First Warranty is the best of its kind. It will cover the cost of repairs for any defect in manufacturer material or craftsmanship for 6-years or 72,000-miles. That's better and longer coverage than any of the top competitors! It even covers the battery, paint and bulbs for 3 years / 36,000 miles and brake pads and wiper blades for 1 year / 12,000 miles.

So, why settle for a basic warranty when you can have America's Best Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty? Visit your South Florida Volkswagen dealers and choose a VW model you love!

For more information or specific details on warranty coverage, please visit https://www.vw.com/warranty/ or visit one of your local VW dealerships.

*Certain limitations and restrictions apply. 6 years/72,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty on MY2018 VW vehicles, excluding e-Golf. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.

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Pass on the Accord for the Passat!

The Volkswagen Passat is the midsized car for family-sized fun. And to keep that fun going, the Passat is jam-packed with active safety features including Lane Departure Warning unlike the comparable Honda Accord. The 2018 Passat has also earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And it's been named a 2017 Top Safety Pick (when equipped with Front Assist) by the prestigious Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Not only are Volkswagen vehicles beautifully crafted, but they're also beautifully crafted with safety in mind.

Speaking of safety, Park Assist is a must-have feature for any driver nowadays. Luckily, it comes standard on the Passat SEL V6. Park Assist determines if a parking spot is the right size for your Volkswagen and will help steer your vehicle into the space: either parallel or perpendicular. Imagine having a car that can park itself! You won’t be able to do that with the Honda Accord.

Two engine options are offered with the Passat giving the consumer the power to choose. You can select either the 2.0-liter TSI engine or a 3.6-liter V6. The Accord also offers two engine sizes, but they fall short in performance compared to the Passat.

The Passat’s 2.0 TSI engine boosts an EPA-estimated 36 mpg highway. The Accord’s 2.0-liter only gets 32 estimated mpg highway. That makes the Passat a perfect companion for any road-trip. And Volkswagen has recently introduced its People First Warranty. The new VW warranty covers six years or 72,000 miles - longer than any Honda vehicle. That’s not a typical powertrain warranty either...it’s a BUMPER-TO-BUMPER warranty. The Honda Accord has basic coverage for three years or 36,000 miles. No contest.

CROC

As if sharks weren't enough...

Crocodile comes ashore on Hollywood beach. The 8-foot, 145 pound prehistoric monster showed up Monday, November 20th to the surprise of local beach goers and guests of the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. It drew television crews, crowds and wildlife officers.

A Hollywood police officer approached people taking photos and told them to back up.

“Can you run 18 miles an hour?” the officer asked one woman.

“No,” she said.

“He can,” the officer said. Everyone backed up.

It was finally caught late in the day by officials and released elsewhere.

But, seriously, it wasn't enough to have jellyfish, stingrays and sharks to watch out for...now we need to worry about crocodiles now too?

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