Are you in the market for a different vehicle? Or maybe you're considering a purchase sometime down the road. Well you have several options including a straight purchase, a lease, a leadership purchase, or maybe you would like to consider a pre-owned vehicle.

If you are interested in a pre-owned vehicle, you will want to read this article about the advantages of a certified pre-owned option.

How I Got More Car for My Money by R. Cory Fossum

After ten years and over 100,000 miles, the time had come to replace my beloved old car. Since I'm always on the prowl for a deal, a friend of mine suggested that I look into buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle. Not only would I save money, he said, but I would also be able to get a lot more car for my money. So I did my research, and what I discovered thrilled me.
Turns out that buying a CPO vehicle offers all of the financial benefits of buying a used car. However, it also comes with a manufacturer's warranty and has passed a rigorous 100+ point inspection. So I would be able to avoid the uncertainty that can sometimes accompany buying a used car, and still get a relatively new car with low mileage. My friend also pointed out that I would be able to deflect a large chunk of the depreciation costs that force new cars to lose their value so quickly.
I wondered how this was possible. He explained that once a car is returned from a lease or offered as a trade-in, the dealership evaluates its potential through a set of its own standards and conditions. If these conditions are met, the car is put through a detailed series of manufacturer-specified service checks. By the time we see a CPO vehicle, it has been completely examined and fixed up by qualified technicians, and covered with a manufacturer's warranty.
At first, buying a certified pre-owned vehicle seemed like it might be more expensive than purchasing its used counterpart. But the more I thought about it, I realized that I would actually save money through significantly lower service bills. Since a CPO vehicle is already in excellent condition, I wouldn't have to worry about paying to get it up to speed or fixing a defect that the seller failed to mention. Plus, I'd be getting a manufacturer's warranty that I just couldn't get if I bought a regular used car.
Speaking of warranties, I learned that the ones offered by a manufacturer and dealerships are not always equal. Since a manufacturer's corporate reputation is on the line, the standards it sets for vehicle inspection can sometimes be higher than those of a dealer. Plus, with a manufacturer's warranty, I wouldn't be tied to having to use a specific dealership in the event that I moved or had to relocate for business. I made sure to carefully evaluate each warranty that I read.
I also learned to be very cautious about "certified" used cars that come with a third-party warranty. These warranties are simply extended service contracts without the stamp of approval of the manufacturer. Aside from requiring varying deductibles, some third-party warranties would have required me to pay for services up front and wait for reimbursement. This works great for some, but I really like the security that comes with a warranty from a manufacturer or dealership.
Price and security are not the only advantages that come with buying a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle. As I did more research, I noticed that some dealerships were offering new car financing rates as incentives to buy their CPO vehicles. This had the potential to save me hundreds-even thousands-of dollars in interest over the life of the car.
Plus, some dealerships said I would be eligible for many of the perks enjoyed by new car customers. These include service loan cars, shuttle services, roadside assistance, and free maintenance. Once I found this out, I always made sure to ask if these features were included in the manufacturer's warranty.
So if you're in the market to buy a new or used car, do yourself a favor and explore the possibilities of a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle. I found that I could save a significant amount of money compared to buying an equivalent new car. Plus, I could enjoy the security of a manufacturer's warranty that I just wouldn't be able to find with a used car.
But best of all, I was able to get more car for my cash. And since my CPO vehicle has been inspected to meet the manufacturer's specifications, I feel much more secure and confident that there will be no surprises down the road.

Midlands Honda is proud to introduce the new Honda Accord Crosstour. We received it Saturday and have it prepared for demonstrations and, of course, for purchase.

I personally took it out for a test drive and was thoroughly impressed with not only the expansive cargo capacity, but even more so with the performance of this crossover vehicle.

This vehicle un-apologetically eats up the road, glides through turns with precision and confidence, and leaves a trail of envy in its wake.

You have got to do yourself a favor and come out for a test drive...you will not be disappointed!!

Get up to speed on the vehicle that’s thoroughly up-to-date.

Bold, Sporty Design
Sleek, aerodynamic shape
Attention-grabbing presence
18-Inch alloy wheels (EX-L)

Big on Utility
51.3 cu ft of cargo space
Easy fold-down 60/40 split rear seat back
Hidden, removable utility box

Performance to Match Its Size
271-hp V-6 engine
Enhanced handling
Available Real Time™ 4-Wheel Drive

Children's Halloween Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

Ghost, ghouls and monsters aren't the only things to be afraid of on Halloween. Accidents and mishaps increase dramatically when children trick-or-treat.

To avoid the many dangers children face while trick or treating, use common sense. Be aware of potential Halloween hazards and take precautions to eliminate them. Consider heading for an indoor Halloween party and bypass any chaos or danger.

Halloween Costume Safety Tips

Wear flame retardant costumes.

Make sure your Halloween costume is colorfast so the color doesn't run onto your other clothes if it rains.

Try on costumes before Halloween to allow time for altering.

Hem your costumes so you don't trip and fall.

Apply reflective tape to your Halloween costumes.

Avoid cumbersome masks. Use make-up instead.

Make-up should be hypoallergenic and non-toxic.

Wear comfortable, practical shoes.

Double tie your shoelaces so you don't trip.

Keep your costume and wig away from candles.

Don't carry fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories that look authentic. Make sure they're flexible and cannot harm anyone.


Trick-or-Treating Tips:

Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.

Take along money for a phone call.

Wear identification that's easy to read.

Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.

Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight.

Plan your route ahead of time.

Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.

Walk. No running.

Don't trample through flower beds and gardens.

Watch out for open flames in jack-o-Lanterns.

Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.

Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings.

Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses.

Don't enter any houses unless you know the people.

Carry a spare Halloween bag -- in case yours breaks or you fill your original one.

Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.

Don't cut across yards and stay out of back yards.

Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk.

Always watch for cars backing up or turning.

Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire.

Never accept rides from strangers.

Respect other people and their property.

Be polite and say "thank you."

Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering under bright lights.

Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade.

Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may choke on.

Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.

Consider having a party instead of Trick or Treating.

New 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Not long now...Honda will soon be introducing the New Accord Crosstour. We are expecting to receive it this November.

Presenting the all-new 2010 Accord Crosstour, going on sale this November. Based on the award-winning Honda Accord, the Accord Crosstour makes its own statement with enhanced utility, standard V-6 power and available 4-wheel drive. Building on Honda's longstanding reputation for maximizing space, the Crosstour offers sleek modern styling as well as a roomy and versatile interior.2010 Honda Accord Crosstour InteriorOffers Innovation in Space UtilizationV-6 engine standard, four-wheel drive availableTORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 6, 2009 - The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstourwill feature a versatile, upscale 5-passenger interior with an innovative rear storagearea, a standard 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine and available four-wheel drive when it goeson sale in November, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today."Honda has a longstanding reputation for maximizing interior space and utility inits vehicles," said Erik Berkman, vice president of corporate planning and logistics forAmerican Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Like the award-winning Honda Fit, the AccordCrosstour uses a versatile design to create an interior that functions with the practicalityof a larger vehicle."The rear storage area features an innovative 8-inch deep under-floor HiddenRemovable Utility Box with a reversible lid, featuring both plush-carpeted and durableplasticsides. Levers near the interior fender wells, conveniently accessible from thetailgate opening, allow for one-touch conversion of the seats into the floor for additionalcargo space.The interior design is intended to enhance the feeling of width and space in thepassenger cabin while creating a premium and accommodating atmosphere. The insetsculpting of the instrument panel along with a wide center console increases the senseof roominess. Intuitively grouped controls for the audio, climate and available navigationsystem are designed to operate with solidity and precision.The exterior styling evolves the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) concept byintegrating a sleek and aerodynamic shape that blends sporty, low-profile contours withversatile CUV functionality.The Accord Crosstour will be positioned at the top of the Accord family when itgoes on sale in November. Additional details will be announced later in the year.Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com/future-cars. Additionalmedia information regarding all Honda products is available at www.hondanews.com.

New Midlands Honda Website!

We haven't posted in a while... been working... still working dilligently on the new website.

Check it out...
www.midlandshonda.com

Midlands Honda will be at Earth Fare's "Spring Fever " Event...

Natural foods leader Earth Fare, the healthy supermarket, will hold a "Spring Fever" event at its Columbia location on March 28th in conjunction with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. The activities of the day will show customers how to reduce, reuse, recycle and revitalize. In addition, Earth Fare will donate 5% of total store sales that day to the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.From 1-5 pm, guests can participate in a variety of activities, kid's projects, and do-it-yourself seminars in celebration of the eco-centric seasonal fever that drives gardeners, gourmet cooks and nature lovers alike. There will be a number of environmental organization at Earth Fare talking with people one on one about how they can help our local environment, including Midlands Honda, who will have one of their hybrid vehicles on hand explaining the benefits of these vehicles, there will be hot dogs for one dollar with one hundred percent of proceeds benefiting the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, free eco-friendly crafts for kids, a mini farmers market featuring local and organic farmers, sustainable cooking classes, a DIY class on how to make your own natural cleaning products, free eco-friendly samples and give-aways, a chance to win a rain barrel and other prizes, live music, and even a recipe swap. Local foods will be featured on Earth Fare's hot bar, as well."Earth Fare's commitment to the community goes beyond selling foods that are the healthiest available and most sustainable for our planet," said Troy DeGroff, marketing director for Earth Fare. "By partnering with local non-profit groups to hold quarterly events like these, we are able to highlight like-minded organizations that are really making a difference in our communities. It's a win-win for all of us."Earth Fare was founded in Asheville, N.C. in 1975 and has grown into the premier chain of natural foods supermarkets in the Southeast. Located in N.C.., S.C., G.A., and T.N., all Earth Fare supermarkets provide customers with real food that tastes better - fresh, locally grown organic produce, artisan products such as raw milk cheeses and specialty wines, traditional hard crusted bakery breads and pastries, as well as antibiotic and hormone free meats and poultry, and sustainably harvested seafood.

We're excited about the new Insight!

Come and see... the all-new 2010 Honda Insight goes on-sale Tuesday, March 24 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19,800 for the Insight LX. Yes, you can now own a fun and efficient hybrid for less than $20K!

USC Baseball Ticket Winners

Midlands Honda loves the Gamecocks... and apparently so does most of Columbia!!

We've had an overwhelming response to our weekly ticket drawing. Check out our ad on Gamecock Central or go to our website, www.midlandshonda.com to register under the "Community" tab. Here are just a few of our happy winners:

Congrats!

Congratulations to Preston Locklear for the highest Customer Satisfaction Score for the month of February!

Preston has been a devoted employee at Midlands Honda since January of 2005, working his way up from the detail department to a very successful service advisor.

He receives much support from his family... his wife Katie and his two year old daughter, Kalee.

Preston’s genuine concern for the customer has proven to be the number one reason why customers return asking for him by name.

He is a true asset to Midlands Honda and we are honored to have him as part of our service
team!

Honda tops Consumer Reports 2009 Automaker Report Cards... again

GO HONDA!
Link to article:
http://tinyurl.com/bn427d

A Record Day

We may have set a guiness book record today... 19 preowned cars sold on a rainy day in February. We sold 4 new cars for a total of 23! We had buyers from Spartanburg, Orangeburg, Greer, Charlotte, Raleigh, Charleston, Sumter, and of course Columbia. We had one all the way from Arkansas! We're attributing the increase in sales to several things, but we're thinking one of the most important is that we're carrying a much broader variety of makes and models. We're paying more attention to what our customers want and if we don't have it, we go get it!

On another note... Columbia is expecting snow tomorrow. School is already called off, but we will be at Midlands, open and ready for business. Come by and see us, call us, email us, comment on Facebook, follow us on Twitter... however you communicate-- we're there with you!

We have arrived... ?

Wow... we're in a world that is constantly communicating!

We want to serve our customers in every possible way, and if this means that we need to adjust to this community that is constantly and amazingly interconnected... we will!

We want to share important information about our store, Honda, and our community. Please follow us or share this new world with us!