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Brand New Alignment Check Machine in Waldorf Ford’s Service Lane!

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Waldorf Ford’s Service Department

Today I was pleasantly surprised to see our service lane transformed.  What was once a very nice and steady service drive lane, here at your local Southern Maryland Ford Dealer, was now an active and exciting place!  It was great to see both service employees and customers actively engaged in their vehicle health!

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Chris conducting a Wheel Alignment

Today was the debut of the brand new wheel alignment check machine. Here is some trivia for you: Did you know that approximately 60% of vehicles are out of alignment?  After hearing that percentage many customers (me included) were definitely taking advantage of this complementary service.  I was asked by Hunter Engineering’s manufacturer representative if I would like a complementary vehicle inspection that only took 3 minutes!  I thought awesome!  Convenient and FREE?  What more could I ask for? I did have some questions though.  It just seemed too good to be true.  Questions like: how were they able to inspect my vehicle in such a short amount of time? How did the computer work? How could it be free?

Well,  Hunter Engineering Company‘s Representative was very excited about the freshly installed alignment check machine and was more than happy to explain how it worked.  He also encouraged me to learn how the process worked.  He first gave me a step by step demonstration on the inspection process and before I knew it; I was able to inspect the vehicle myself!

The Hunter Quick Check Inspection Process is more than just an alignment quick check system; it allows the operator to optimally test key maintenance items like batteries and tires.

Did you know that over 10% of vehicles have battery related issues? Like many of us, the battery is an afterthought but it’s so easy to test. So, the first thing we did was test battery.  During the test we made sure that it was within OEM (Original equipment) specifications.  Luckily mine was Green for Good; not Red for Bad!

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Inspector Chris checking the Battery

Also, did you know that over 20% of vehicles have one or more tires in need of replacement? That’s right, so that’s why we checked for tire tread depth and tire pressure. What was most cool about this was that they let me check the tire tread depth and pressure on my own – it was so easy!  I got to use this super cool Tread-Depth tool that allowed you one or three-point tire readings.

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Tire Tread Depth Tool

Finally, we determined whether the vehicle needed a wheel alignment. Everything was in the green which was good.

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All of this information was taken by a photo capture that then forwarded to the control console.  Which then after calculating was able to create a special customized printout that clearly outlined all my test results!

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This process was super cool and quick. Thank you to Waldorf Ford’s Service Department! The FREE Wheel alignment Quick Inspection definitely gave me piece of mind!

Stop by Waldorf Ford’s Service Department for your FREE Alignment Check!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 20th – April 14th, 2013

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Erik Abel has been named Official Artist for the 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival

The Nations Greatest Springtime Celebration

Looking for something to do to Celebrate Spring?  Why not visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.  Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates spring in Washington, DC, the gift of the cherry blossom trees, and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries.

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“Today’s National Cherry Blossom Festival has grown from modest beginnings into the nation’s greatest springtime celebration. Over the years, millions have participated in Festival events and viewed the flowering cherry trees.  In 2012, the Festival expanded to five weeks (from 16 days in recent previous years) to provide a grand tribute to the 100-year anniversary of the gift of trees.  Today, more than 1.5 million people visit Washington, DC each year to admire the blossoming cherry trees and participate in diverse programming that heralds spring in the nation’s capital. The Festival produces and coordinates daily events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit.  Events are primarily free and open to the public.” – http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

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Visit us at Waldorf Ford located at 2440 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20601.  Or Visit us at http://www.waldorfford.com!

AAA Auto Buying Experts Choose Ford Fusion and Flex Among Top Vehicles for Commuters

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WALDORF, Maryland, 4/2/13– After evaluating hundreds of vehicles each year for fuel efficiency, comfort and overall performance, AAA Auto Buying experts have selected their 2013 top vehicle picks for commuters. Both the 2013 Ford Fusion and 2013 Ford Flex have been honored with being chosen by AAA in their respective categories of top sedans and crossovers. With an average commute of 25 minutes each way and gas prices hovering about $3.50 per gallon since February, selecting the right vehicle can make a commute more enjoyable and lower expenses.

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“We’re proud to have made AAA’s list with two great picks in the Ford Fusion and Ford Flex,” said Greg Basiliko. “We welcome the community to experience these wonderful products first-hand by stopping by our dealership for a test drive anytime.”

To learn more about AAA’s top commuter picks, please follow the link below: http://newsroom.aaa.com/2013/03/aaa-auto-buying-experts-select-top-vehicles-for-commuters/

Waldorf Ford is located at 2440 Crain Hwy,  Waldorf MD 20601.  Phone: 888-284-1463 and http://www.waldorfford.com.

Benefits of Buying Used Vehicles – Guest Blogger Eric M. Carter

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Editor’s Note: Welcome our guest blogger Eric M. Carter!  He is a Sales Consultant here at the Waldorf Ford & Dodge Pre-Owned Center, located in Waldorf, Maryland. He has been with us for since 2002.  He is originally from Washington, DC and graduated from Largo High School in Largo, Maryland.  Mr. Carter stays very busy with this family. His youngest daughter is a national celebrity!  If you are familiar with the 2013 Super Bowl Champions – The Baltimore Ravens and our much-loved retired linebacker Ray Lewis, you may remember this VISA credit card commercial titled “Visa NFL: Ray Lewis’s Toughest Interview Yet.” The little girl interviewing “Ray Ray” is Mr. Carter’s daughter.  He shows true dedication and heart in everything he does.  From being a beloved father of five children (4 girls and 1 boy) and devoted husband, to informing and supporting all of his customers throughout their buying process; Eric prides himself on providing his customers with the Best Sales Experience. Eric has been in the automotive industry for 11 years and his knowledge is expansive. Please make sure to stop by to see him for help. He enjoys exceeding all of his customer’s expectations!  

Benefits of Buying Used vs. New

1st reason: Used cars cost less.

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They’ve got a few miles on them and they’ve been around the block a few times but for the money you’ll save, that’s no big deal!

When buying used, prices are often softer than new and that means you you’ll be able to stretch your dollar further. If you need a big car for your family, or want a lot of options like a top of the line stereo but can’t afford that option in a new car, you’ll likely be able to afford it in the used car market even among newer used cars that are less than three years old.

2nd reason:  Save on insurance.

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Usually, insurance costs are higher for a new car of the same model sold used.  Buy used and get a lower quote – it is as simple as that!

3rd Reason: Less depreciation.

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The moment you drive a new car off the lot it loses value.  A car doesn’t offer the same kind of investment a home does, it will continue to lose value over time.  But if you’ve purchased a used car, then you’re already paying less and your loss over time will be less.

The reason for this is that the original owner has already absorbed the largest depreciation hit, so you don’t have to.  Finally, another reason there is less depreciation is that you didn’t start at the higher brand new price like in a new vehicle.

4th Reason: Reliability.

Consider the value of a used car between one and three years old.  It still may run like a new car or even better since all the bugs from the manufacturer most likely have been worked out.

For example, a slightly used car has had all those little things fixed from recalls, or for air conditioner components, to a lemon of a stereo of which otherwise is a great car.  Also, a slightly used car will have plenty of life and will run well for many years to come just so that it is properly maintained just like a new car.

Finally: Making the choice to buy.

So, if your still debating on whether to buy a used vehicle start with asking questions. Begin comparing prices and inquiring about the financing opportunities.  But whatever you do, it is always best to buy used from a dealer verse an individual seller.  Buying from a dealer is better because if you ever have any further questions you have a place to go back to!

Visit Waldorf Ford & Dodge Pre-Owned for more information on this story.  Waldorf Ford & Dodge Pre-Owned is located at 2430 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601 or call toll-free at (800) 883-2818.

Evolution of Ford Vehicle Technology – Guest Blogger Clarence Ball

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Editor’s Note: Welcome our guest blogger Clarence Ball!  He is a Sales Consultant here at Waldorf Ford, located in Waldorf, Maryland. He has been with us for since 2001, that’s 12 years to be exact!  He is originally from Waldorf, Maryland and attended the College of Southern Maryland.  Mr. Ball is very active in his community.  From volunteering at local charity events to being visible at all our events here at Waldorf Ford, I am sure you have met him!  His favorite part of the job is making sure his customers are completely satisfied!  He also enjoys learning & developing his product knowledge base as you will see in this blog!  Clarence’s automotive knowledge is expansive so if you have any questions ask for him!

It seems like it was just yesterday when in 2001 Ford Motor Company introduced The Personal Safety System and made it standard on most vehicles.  At the time, this innovative system was a tool that recognized the weight of a passenger, how close they were to airbags, the speed of a vehicle, and also determined the amount of pressure need for each front passenger.  Today, along with the Personal Safety System Ford has added standard side curtain airbags and rear inflatable seat belts in the Explorer and Flex.  Even now the Ford Fiesta offers drivers a knee air bag!

In 2002, reverse sensing and flip down video cassette players were introduced when the Expedition came out.  Since video cassette players, Ford has evolved to flip down DVDs to DVDs in headrests with USB connections.  Then there came navigation systems.  Navigation systems first started with a small screen with seven discs for each region of the United States, now they are large MyFord Touch screens running off a small SD card. That means saving space!  The vehicles still offer the reverse sensing system but now have available rear view cameras which show you backing into a parking space, garage, or even assist in backing up a boat or trailer!  Our trucks and vans now offer a built in trailer brake controller.  This controls the braking of your trailer which is conveniently displayed on your instrument panel and can also STOP your loaded trailer faster than your conventional aftermarket brake controllers!

In 2007, technology in Ford vehicles really took a big leap forward with the introduction of SYNC.  SYNC is an operating system designed by Microsoft that debuted in 2007.

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sync3In the first version, it was just Bluetooth for your phone and music connectivity for your line in or USB devices such as IPODs.    The latest generation of SYNC on 2010 models and newer, feature SYNC Services which has a turn by turn navigation, Vehicle Health Report (gives you the health of your vehicle like when it is time for your oil change), and 911 Assist.  All can be activated on the http://www.syncmyride.com website.

Next jump was the introduction of Adaptive Cruise control in some of our vehicles.  This feature is great for stop and go traffic.  It can measure the distance between you and the car in front of you.  For instance, if the vehicle in front slows down, your vehicle maintains the same distance or gap between the two vehicles.  2011-ford-edge-adaptive-cruise-controlSome of the other great advances are BLIS and Active Park Assist.  The Blind Spot Information System automatically senses vehicles in your blind spot.  It uses an amber indicator that comes on in the corner of your side view mirrors.  Another great feature is the collision warning with brake assist.  This is available on some models.  This feature senses cars in front and gives you a warning if you need to brake quickly.  It actually precharges your brakes so you can stop quicker than without this system.

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Active Park Assist is another great feature.  It can parallel park your car for you once a space is found.

So possibly, one day in the future you might see people with a car that can drive for them.  Like K.I.T.T. on Knight Rider.

hoff-knight-rider-mustangThere are many more innovations in the works and some that are actually arriving in our showroom now.  If you would like to hear more about them, just stop in and see me at Waldorf Ford.  Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.  You can find us online at waldorfford.com.

It’s fast, it’s beautiful AND it’s STREET LEGAL.

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There is a lot of talk recently about the 2013 Shelby GT500.  This car puts out a ridiculous 650 horsepower and 631 foot pounds of torque.  It’s fast, it’s beautiful AND it’s STREET LEGAL.

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Fast.  The force behind the speed is the 5.8L V8 Supercharged engine built here in North America.  In fact, it is the most powerful engine ever built in North America.  Almost every part of the power train has been tweaked to help maximize horsepower and to convert that horsepower to speed.  Built with an all aluminum block, a new supercharger, upgraded cooling system, redesigned connecting rods, higher cooling fan capacity and much more…  To help the driver harness all of this power and translate it to sheer speed, Ford developed Launch Control.   Launch control combines brake and engine management to help keep the tires from slipping.  The unique part of Ford’s system is that the driver can adjust engine speed settings to suit their driving style.  Plus they are in control of other settings to help further define their preferences.  All of these things (and more) packaged in the restyled exterior help Shelby GT500 achieve speeds in excess of 200 MPH.

Beautiful.  Now don’t think for one second that just because the car is fast that you need to drive around town with a paper bag over your head so people don’t recognize you, because the car is ugly.  This car is GORGEOUS!  7 different colors, three stripe options, window louvers, side scoops, two wheel choices and more that you can add or take off to suit your taste.

The Recaro seats are a must, in our opinion, if you are going to add the Track package.  2013 brings some modern touches to the Mustang look.  HID headlamps with LED lighting are book ends for the updated billet grille which looks great above the thinner, neater lower air dams.   The rear deck is updated with LED lamps that have a dark, almost tinted look to them.  I swear, the Mustang looks meaner and tougher than it ever has!

Street legal.  The question is can something this mean looking and fast really be street legal?  YOU BET IT CAN – and it is!  This car will turn heads with its looks and its roar.  It is proof positive that Mustang’s do lead the pack of muscle cars.  In the 1970’s many drag racers were looking for a car like this, something that could run a ¼ mile in 10 – 12 seconds. Now you can get it right off the showroom floor and take it to MIR and post those times…or quicker!

There will be a limited supply of the Shelby GT500 here at Waldorf Ford, in Southern Maryland and nationally.  Don’t let that stop you from coming in to see what we have.  If we don’t have one available, we might just have another Mustang that will fill that need for speed for you.

How many ways can I customize a Mustang?

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“Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black.” Henry Ford.

The thinking at Ford Motor Company has changed a lot since 1906 when Henry Ford made the above quote. Imagine today telling a potential Mustang owner (or any other Ford model) that they can only get their car in black?

If the amount of customization is any indication, This year promises to be a spectacular year for the classic car. For the V6 model ONLY there are 9 color choices, 8 body kits, 5 different decklids, 8 grilles, 4 hoods, 4 louvers, 8 roof choices, you can get it with or without side scoops, 3 side skirts, 8 different spoilers, and 22 different wheels – YES, 22 WHEELS! That isn’t it either, there are choices for door handles, door trim, fuel doors, headlights, hoodpins, side mirrors and 23 choices for stripes and decals. What is even more amazing is that this is JUST THE EXTERIOR! Finally the icing on the cake is that you still have 3 other trim levels to choose from and customizations for all of those!

So, when you are ready to take the plunge and start shopping for a 2013 Mustang, and you start feeling a little overwhelmed by the choices, stop in and see us at Waldorf Ford. We will be happy to sit down and go through it all with you and help you make your PERFECT Mustang. Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC. Call 800-883-1487.

P.S. This is MY Perfect Mustang

My Perfect Mustang

My Perfect Mustang

Fun at the Southern Maryland Food Bank

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Wow, where did the time go. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and not far behind is Christmas and the end of 2011. We at Waldorf Ford and Waldorf Dodge, try very hard to give back to our communities by not only donating money, but by also donating our time and resources. We regularly go to the Humane Society of Charles County to highlight animals in need of new homes. This time we decided to head to the Southern Maryland Food Bank to talk to them about what they do and to see what we, as a community, could do to help them to help others. Check out the video of our visit.

Can you believe the amount of food that they distribute out of such a small space?! We were amazed. As you can see they need more help. So, if you would like to donate food or money, you can contact them at Southern Maryland Food Bank. We are grateful to have them serving our community.