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Buying Smart While Staying Safe

When you’re shopping for a used car, safety is often the first thing on your mind and for good reason. That’s why so many buyers look to the 5-Star Safety Ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) when comparing vehicles.

Recently, NHTSA announced that its planned update to the 5-Star Safety Rating system originally scheduled for 2026 models will now be delayed until 2027. At first glance, this might sound like a complicated government decision. But for used car shoppers, it actually brings good news.

Current Ratings Still Count

Because the updated standards are postponed, all vehicles on the market today are still measured by the existing criteria. That means a 2019–2025 vehicle with a 5-star score remains just as trustworthy today as when it was tested. For anyone shopping used, this stability is reassuring: your car’s rating won’t suddenly feel “out of date” in the next year or two.

Many Used Cars Already Have “Future” Features

Even though the government won’t officially include them in ratings until 2027, many late-model used cars already come equipped with advanced safety technology. Depending on the year and trim level, you can find features such as:

• Blind-spot monitoring  helps spot vehicles you might not see in your mirrors.

• Lane-keeping assist gently corrects steering to help keep you centered.

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection  added peace of mind in city driving.

• Adaptive cruise control  maintains a safe distance automatically on the highway.

These are the very features regulators will highlight in a couple of years. Smart shoppers can enjoy them today often at thousands less than the cost of buying new. Browse our latest selection here: Shop Our Inventory.

Value That Lasts

Since the new safety criteria won’t apply until 2027, a used car you buy now won’t lose its credibility on resale. In fact, vehicles already equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems may hold their value even better as demand for those features grows. Thinking ahead about equity? See what your current vehicle is worth: Value Your Trade.

We Help You Shop Smart

Our team can also help you identify which models in our inventory already include features that align with the next generation of safety standards.

Prefer to get a head start from home? You can streamline your visit by starting a secure financing application in minutes: Apply for Financing.

The Bottom Line

The NHTSA’s delay in updating safety ratings may sound like a technical detail, but here’s what it really means: today’s used cars remain a safe, reliable, and value-packed choice. With many pre-owned vehicles already equipped with features regulators will soon highlight, there has never been a better time to consider buying used.

Next step: Explore our certified pre-owned options, schedule a test drive, and let our team help you find a vehicle that fits your budget and your peace of mind.

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Comfort, Capability, and Beyond

When the first SUVs rolled onto the scene decades ago, they weren’t built to turn heads. They were built to work hard. Farmers used them in the fields. Adventurers trusted them to get down muddy trails. Families packed them up for camping trips. These vehicles were simple, tough, and designed with one purpose in mind: utility.

Fast-forward to today, and the SUV is almost unrecognizable. Step into a modern SUV, and you’re greeted with leather-trimmed interiors, panoramic sunroofs, cutting-edge tech, and even massaging seats. Somewhere along the way, the SUV went from being a tool to being a statement — from rugged practicality to rolling luxury suites on wheels.

The Early Days: All About Capability

In their early years, SUVs were known for four-wheel drive, strong towing power, and rugged frames. Comfort was secondary. They were vehicles you didn’t mind getting dirty, because that’s exactly what they were made for.

Families Changed Everything

By the 90s, a shift started happening. Families began trading in their minivans for SUVs that offered extra space, safety, and versatility. Suddenly, the SUV wasn’t just about off-road adventures — it was about road trips, school drop-offs, and everyday life. Automakers responded by making SUVs more comfortable and easier to drive, while still keeping their power.

The Luxury Boom

Then came the turning point: luxury automakers entered the SUV market. Suddenly, you could get premium sound systems, plush interiors, and advanced technology all wrapped in the practical SUV package. An SUV wasn’t just a family hauler anymore — it became a status symbol.

Today: The Best of Both Worlds

Now, SUVs sit at the top of the automotive world. Whether you want something that can handle the mountains, sip fuel efficiently, or rival a luxury sedan in comfort, there’s an SUV out there for you. Features like hands-free driving aids, huge touchscreens, heated steering wheels, and hybrid or electric options make them more appealing than ever.

At our dealership, we see it every day — shoppers who want the strength and space of an SUV, but also the comfort and style of a luxury car. Today’s SUVs let you have it all.

The Road Ahead

The future of SUVs is only getting brighter. With more electric SUVs, smarter technology, and sustainable design, they’ll continue to evolve in ways that surprise us. But one thing hasn’t changed: the SUV still promises versatility, whether you’re headed to the mountains, across the city, or just around the corner.

Ready for Your Next Car?

The SUV’s journey from rugged utility to refined luxury shows just how far the automotive world has come. And no matter what kind of SUV you’re looking for — something adventurous, something family-friendly, or something downright luxurious — there’s never been a better time to find one.

Ready to experience the evolution of SUVs for yourself?

• Browse our inventory to find the SUV that fits your lifestyle.

• Thinking about upgrading? Value your trade and see how easy it is to get behind the wheel of your next SUV.

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Why Wheel Alignments Are a Smart Financial Move

If you're trying to stretch your car budget further, one of the smartest moves you can make is investing in regular wheel alignments. While many drivers only think about alignment when their car starts pulling to one side, treating it as part of a long-term financial strategy can prevent costly repairs and protect your vehicle’s value.

Here’s how something as simple as a wheel alignment can pay off big in the long run:

1. Preserve Your Tire Investment

Tires aren’t cheap — replacing a full set can easily run hundreds of dollars. Misaligned wheels wear down your tires unevenly and prematurely, sometimes in just a few thousand miles. A small investment in an alignment helps ensure you get the full lifespan out of every tire.

Savings tip: Proper alignment could help you avoid buying tires every 20,000 miles instead of 50,000. That’s potentially hundreds saved per year.

2. Improve Fuel Efficiency and Cut Gas Costs

Did you know that misaligned wheels create extra drag? Your car ends up working harder to move forward, which means it’s burning more fuel than necessary. Over time, that extra gas usage adds up — especially if you have a long commute or drive frequently.

Financial impact: Even a 5% drop in fuel efficiency could mean $100–$200 more at the pump every year.

3. Avoid Expensive Suspension Repairs

When wheels are out of alignment, the suspension system absorbs the stress. Over time, this accelerates wear on shocks, struts, bushings, and more. These are expensive components to repair or replace.

Think long-term: Spending a little now on alignment can save you thousands in future suspension work.

4. Protect Your Vehicle’s Resale Value

When it comes time to sell or trade in your car, signs of uneven tire wear or handling issues can turn off buyers or reduce your offer. Regular maintenance — including alignments — shows that you’ve taken care of your car, which can mean more money in your pocket.

The Bottom Line

A wheel alignment might not seem glamorous, but it’s one of the most cost-effective maintenance steps you can take. For a relatively small upfront cost, you’re avoiding premature tire wear, saving fuel, extending the life of expensive parts, and protecting your car’s resale value.

Pro tip: Make it part of your routine service schedule — ideally once a year, or whenever you rotate your tires.

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