Should I Buy or Lease My Next Car?
Decisions, decisions! The answer to this question is going to vary from individual to individual and from circumstance to circumstance. We’re here to make this important car shopping decision a little clearer for you.
First, a look at the benefits of buying a car:
- Eventual ownership
- No mileage limits
- Modify the car without fear of breaking contract agreements
- Once you pay it off, sell it at any time
Sounds great right? Maybe to some, but maybe not to everybody. So, here’s a look at the benefits of leasing a car:
- Lower down payment
- Lower monthly payments available
- Repairs will typically be covered under warranty
- No selling involved
- An option to get a new car every few years
Generally speaking, there are three factors to consider when deciding whether to lease or buy a vehicle.
- Monthly Costs: It is important to remember that this includes more than just monthly payments. You also need to consider car insurance, as collision and comprehensive coverage may be required when you’re financing a car or leasing one. It may also be a good idea to look into adding GAP insurance too, though some lease agreements will include it at no additional cost (always ask if it’s included).
- Overall Costs: This includes down payment, repairs, depreciation, and leasing fees. Examples of leasing fees you may have to pay are:
Acquisition fee- covers costs for arranging the lease.
Security deposit- Roughly equal to one month’s payment.
Early termination fee- Charged if you end the contract early. Amount can vary.
Disposition fee- Covers costs for cleaning and selling the car at the end of the lease.
- Flexibility: Are you the type of person that cringes at the idea of being locked into one car for a long period of time? If so, then leasing might be your best option. However, it is important to remember that leasing may not be as flexible as it appears. If you break your lease early, you could be liable to pay steep penalties including covering all of the remaining lease payments and additional penalties on top of other fees.
This might be a lot to take in, but here at Scott Clark Honda we’re here to help! You can take our Buy Vs. Lease Questionnaire on our site, and stop by to talk to any of our knowledgeable sales men and women. We’ll be more than happy to help you figure out which option is best for you!
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When to Change Your Car Air Filter
It is recommended you change your car air filter every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, you need to be on the lookout for signs of an air filter that is past its prime. Here’s how you’ll know it needs to be replaced.
- You see a decrease in gas mileage: A common symptom of a dirty air filter is a decrease in fuel efficiency. Due to the lower amounts of oxygen, your engine compensates by consuming more fuel to produce enough power.
- You hear unusual engine sounds: When the engine is turned on, but the car is not in motion, you should hear the smooth hum of an efficient engine. What a sound! However, if you notice your car is vibrating or you hear a slipping or coughing sound, this could be a sign of rough idling taking place. This can occur due to a damaged spark plug resulting from a clogged air filter.
- The engine misfires: Speaking of engines, if you begin to notice your engine not easily starting up, it may be due to a dirty filter. An unclean air filter significantly hinders the amount of airflow to the engine. This, in turn, can have many effects on how the engine operates.
- Flames of black smoke exits the exhaust: An insufficient air supply can result in some of the fuel not burning and exiting the car through the exhaust pipe. If you see black smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, then it’s time to schedule an appointment!
- The service engine light comes on: Yes, the dreaded service engine light that every car owner fears. This is a useful sign that your air filter (among other things) needs to be checked. It’s advisable to never ignore the service light in your vehicle.
- You notice a drop in horsepower: If your car does not respond normally when you press the gas pedal, or if you notice jerking movements, this is a sign that your engine is not receiving the air it needs to perform. When this occurs, you should check and replace your filter if it appears dirty. Speaking of which…
- Your air filter looks dirty: Appearances go a long way, and a new air filter should appear white or off-white. Over time as it gathers more dirt and dust, it will turn darker in color. Once that happens, it is time to have it replaced.
Never forget that you have certified auto mechanics that will always be around when you need them. Whether you need an air filter change, oil change, or any other maintenance issue, Scott Clark Honda has your back! Schedule an appointment online today, and make sure your car’s needs are taken care of.
Members of The Scott Clark Auto Group present Marty Clary, President of the Boys and Girls Club Greater Charlotte, with a $10,000 donation.
What started off as a unique campaign idea ended up having a big impact at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte with a large financial donation of $10,000, ice cream, and special recognition to children who participated in an art contest.
It all started with Rick Smith, President of Impact Promotions and founder of Helping Kids Help Kids, was looking for a campaign that would be different and fun. Having worked with The Scott Clark Auto Group for over 10 years, and hearing about the great work the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte does, he decided to work closely with the two organizations and hold a special art contest for the children of the Boys and Girls Club. When it came to the guidelines for the contest, the rules were simple. “I want kids to be kids, so I want them to draw whatever they want and anything to do with a car.” said Rick Smith.
After collecting all of the entries, the top 3 winners were chosen and awarded a plaque with their name and artwork on it, in addition to a gift card. The first-place winners artwork was also sent out to 30,000 people in the Charlotte area.
First-place winner Imani Hull receives her awards plaque from Scott Clark at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte.
After the awards recognition, ice cream was on hand for all of the children and staff.
Marty Clary, the President of the Boys and Girls Club Greater Charlotte, is thrilled with the turn of events. “The support that The Scott Clark Auto Group gave us today is a huge boost. This club and other clubs in the Charlotte area will benefit greatly from the financial contribution provided.”
It stood without question, from all in attendance, that the ability to help out children is the biggest win of them all. “This will provide our kids with the opportunity to come after school to do homework, have fun activities such as visiting museums, and just enjoy themselves after school, out-of-school, and during the summer.” said Smith.
To make your own donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte, visit bgccharlotte.org.
Offering the most room and smoothest ride in its class, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is a sophisticated option for buyers in the market for a mid-size pickup. Fully redesigned, the 2017 model boasts a handsome interior with highly-rated technologies, a two-way tailgate, and crossover-style; these considerations make the Ridgeline one of the most innovative trucks available. Here are just a few features that make this vehicle a standout.
Seating for Five
Unlike most pickups, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline has enough space for five occupants, and the best part is everyone will feel comfortable no matter where they’re setting. The reimagined truck is better at seating all passengers than any other four-door crew cab. In terms of ride comfort, the Ridgeline is second to known, blending Honda’s crossover SUV underpinnings with its classic truck roots. As a result, occupants will enjoy a quiet ride and a climate control layout that’s perfect for families.
Check Out These Animal Encounters in Charlotte, NC
Are you looking for some wild adventure? Get close to nature at these Charlotte animal attractions.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden and North Carolina Zoo
The zoo is the first place that comes to mind when planning an animal visit. Just 85 miles south of Charlotte, you’ll find the Riverbanks Zoo, or head 88 miles northeast to visit the North Carolina Zoo. Both attractions are home to over 1,000 animals representing hundreds of species from around the world. Both zoos offer a variety of exhibits, attractions, and events. The botanical garden at the Riverbanks Zoo is on HGTV’s list of the 20 greatest public gardens in America. While it is the smaller of the two, the North Carolina Zoo is considered the world’s largest natural habitat zoo.
How to Decide if the HR-V or CR-V is Right for You?
You know you want a leading sport utility vehicle, and it’s only natural to consider Honda’s award-winning lineup, but how can you decide between the CR-V and HR-V? Both are well-rounded crossovers that deliver value and quality like no other competitor can, which is why U.S. News & World Report named Honda the Best SUV brand winner for 2017. So, which do you choose? This handy guide should help narrow down your options.
2017 CR-V: The Family-Friendly Option
The Honda CR-V was completely redesigned for the 2017 model year, making now a great time to buy. Still, the outgoing CR-V was the best-selling in its class, so you may want to consider a pre-owned model if you’re on a tight budget. For this comparison, we’ll focus on the 2017 models and how they differ.
Farmers markets present a unique opportunity to bring shoppers and local producers together within a vibrant environment. You can shake hands and trade smiles with the very people who share top-quality, farm-fresh, and hand-crafted items each week at some of the best farmers markets in Charlotte. If you’re looking for fresh cut flowers, uniquely scented soaps, creative crafts, delicious pastries, decadent jams and jellies, fresh produce, or more, you’re bound to find satisfaction at any one of these locations.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
1801 Yorkmont Road, Charlotte
Car buyers looking for spacious and affordable cars should seriously consider the Honda Fit. The 2017 model includes a spacious design that many underestimate when looking at it from the outside. This hatchback, however, has a large backseat, making it a great option for families that provides more legroom than many mid-size sedans. If you’re considering a 2017 Honda Fit, here are some features of the base model that make it a great choice.
Amazing Fuel Mileage
For a car that isn’t a hybrid, and doesn’t have the higher hybrid price tag to go along with it, the Honda Fit gets great gas mileage. That means that this is a great commuter car and will save you money at the pump. Plus you won’t have to go to the gas station as often or plug in your car every night.
Visiting Charlotte? Or are you a local looking to try something new? As one of the United States food capitals of the world, exploring Charlotte through the food and beverage industry will lead to both a delicious and fun time. One of the best companies in the area that features these specialty tours is Tour De Food. This group holds a variety of walking food tours throughout the city of Charlotte. From exploring the different districts of Charlotte to tasting some of the area’s best food and beer, any walking tour from Tour De Food definitely doesn’t disappoint. Below we’ve described some of the most popular tours that we recommend you go on.
Featured Tour #1: Uptown Charlotte
Offered every Saturday and Sunday, this food tour showcasing Uptown Charlotte is one of the most popular by Tour De Food. The perfect place to become a foodie, this tour starts at the 7th Street Market. From there, you’ll be guided through the bustling city while stopping to sample food from farm-to-table restaurants, sipping wine and champagne, and nibbling on delicious pastries. On this tour, you’ll also get to meet the chefs behind the incredible dishes to find out what motivates them, and learn all about the history of Charlotte.
Choosing From The 4 Most Efficient 2017 Honda Models
If you are looking for a fuel-efficient car that offers more than just great mileage, Honda has some vehicles that offer both excellent fuel economy and great driving experiences. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort and convenience to save money on gas. Here are some of the most efficient 2017 Honda models.
The 2017 Honda Accord
The 2017 Honda Accord is a full-size sedan that offers excellent fuel economy for a gas-powered vehicle, and it comes with all the latest technology and comfort features. The Accord has a large cabin, so all its passengers can ride comfortably. It comes in several trim levels, so you can get the features you want. The stand-out trim is the Accord Sport Sedan. This comes with a powerful 2.4-liter engine, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and sleek-looking cloth seats with imitation-leather bolsters. Choose the automatic transmission, and you’ll also get shift paddles.
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