It’s a Luigi!

I was very fortunate to meet a man named Luigi Galeazi, who just happens to be one of the finance managers for AutoPark Honda of Cary, 3 years ago. He has a son that I taught as a 2-year-old pre-school teacher. I just happened to love this little boy very much because he is bright, articulate, and has the most amazing cognitive ability of any two I had every had the pleasure of teaching.

What has this got to do with cars? Nothing. And everything. You see, Luigi helped to get me a job selling cars. I never thought I could do it, you have probably felt that same way. I can’t sell cars. Yes you can. Because we all sell our selves every day…and what we do. We just don’t realize it. I mean I had to sell my expertise to parents when they toured my class while they made the decision to enroll their child in my class or someone else’s. Was the trust  factor there? Yes, because I had a waiting list for my class that was over a year and a half long, but I digress.

Luigi gave me a referral that got me a job selling cars. And I sold cars for about 8 months, when I was recognized for my customer care. Then I was given the opportunity to work solely with customers in their satisfaction with their experience at our dealership. And I can tell you that this job is just as frustrating, rewarding, and fulfilling as my teaching position.

So thank you, Luigi Galeazi for the chance…a chance that has lead me somewhere I never thought I would ever be. Do I miss working with kids? Absolutely. Do I miss selling cars? Sure. But I absolutely love what I do now. And I am sure this is what teaching all those 2 year olds prepared me to do.

YOU Are YOUR Best Car Buying Guide

Is there really such a thing as the best way to buy a car or the right way to buy a car? No, there really isn’t. The only right way to buy a car is the way YOU feel is best. Am I right? Or am I right? Because you are different from everyone else out there buying a brand new car. How can there be a science to buying a car when we are all different with different personalities…and don’t get me started on the person assisting you with your car purchase. That adds a whole new dimension to the  process

You may not care what you get when buying your new car, as long as it’s the best price OTD and the negotiations happen the way you envision from reading all the guides, articles, and books on car buying. But there is no science to this. Maybe a little math.

So take the equation: shopper + car + price = happy customer. How can you honestly configure a way to make this equation work perfectly every time? You can’t. I’m not saying it’s impossible…wait…maybe I am. But we are emotionally made up human beings. Otherwise, we would all drive the same car, in the same trim, with the same color. That’s not going to happen because I want to stand out from you. Ha! Ha! Ha! And we aren’t Vulcans.

Car buying guide at it’s best:

• Do your homework on what you need for your driving lifestyle.
• Then…and only then…go and test drive and get a feel for the car you want.
• Lastly, the math…add it all up just like Mama always said, if you have the money for it, you buy it. If not…get what you can afford. You remember the saying about hamburger and filet…

So trust YOURSELF when buying YOUR next car…not someone else. Because it’s YOUR car, YOU drive it, and YOU pay for it. And if all else fails…go in with YOUR best price. Because YOUR best price isn’t the same as my best price or ayone elses. Therefore,  the dealer’s best price doesn’t matter, it’s YOUR price that counts.

Animals aren’t the only things that are going extinct!

One of the most important things to me is customer service. I feel like it is going extinct. Between automated voices and smart phones…you can’t replace the human touch.

Don’t all of you hate having to push button after button to get to the right menu or option to have your question(s) answered? And doesn’t it just drive you insane that on some menus 0 [zero] is no longer for Operator, but an invalid response!?!?!

We are an instant gratification society, from weight loss to quitting smoking! So to use technology as an avenue for faster, better customer service…seems like a paradox. How can an automated voice get offended when I am yelling at them? I want a human now!

How can you expect to want “it” now and get “it” fast then complain about customer service? Buying a car is MAJOR! Just like buying a house…it is HUGE! Why would you not want to make the time to see the car, sit in the car, test drive the car, and meet the person you do business with? Think about it. Not take the time, but actually make the time because your car is worth this investment and so are you.

Your time is valuable and can never be replaced, I get that. I also get that I would not want to rush into making a MAJOR purchase without being thoughtful and concise.

That is where customer service comes in…having a professional to guide you, advise you, research for you, and work for you…no computer can do that (because it would actually be you pushing the buttons on the phone, and looking things up on the internet by typing). And who would you yell at if the car you bought didn’t have the rear arm rest in it because you thought you knew what you were getting when you read the website offering this for that on the car you want?

That’s right, people! There will always be competitive pricing, competitive products, but it’s who you want to do business with. It’s about who has the best customer service. Wouldn’t you agree? Good! Now, let’s start up our save customer service fund!  Why? Because you deserve it!

Winds of March

Here in Cary, North Carolina, March did not roar in like a lion. It came in with clouds and really cold temperatures. That doesn’t seem like a lion’s roar as much as a hyena laughing.

But here at AutoPark Honda of Cary, our first day of March roared in like a lion. The showroom was bursting with people and noise. It was very carnivalistic. (I love blogging because you can create words.) And cars were being sold left and right. It seemed like people thought it was the end of the month, at the end of the year of a model being discontinued and the prices were slashed!

This is what car dealerships like…hustle and bustle, people, noise, energy…and don’t forget the smell of popcorn. We have that popping all day long at AutoPark Honda of Cary!

The winds of March may not have ushered in like a lion weather-wise, but it sure did roar in at AutoPark Honda of Cary. Looks like it will roar out going into April too.

Honda @ Super Bowl XLVI

Super Bowl XLVI is quickly approaching… can you feel it? Not only are you watching the best of the best football teams compete, but you’re also watching the best of the best commercials as well!

This year Honda is showcasing the redesigned CR-V and the “leap list”, which is ambitious life goals put forth by twenty and thirtysomething year olds.

The leap lists in the campaign reflect “the life change, the life transition, that Generation Y is going through,” and how the CR-V “can help you accomplish things, get things done,” said Joe Baratelli, executive vice president and executive creative director at RPA.

You’ve probably seen these commercials on TV and online already, but the Super Bowl commercial will be a different ‘leap list’.  And, lucky us, it will be launched via YouTube 10-14 days before its Super Bowl showing, which means any time next week!

Here’s an interesting fact: Honda introduced the CR-V with a commercial in Super Bowl XXXI in 1997.

If you have a leap list and need a vehicle that will help you to check things off of it, then stop by AutoPark Honda today and take a 2012 Honda CR-V out for a test drive.

2100 AutoPark Boulevard
Cary,  NC  27511

919-439-7982

The 2012 Honda CR-V

The 2012 Honda CR-V has a bold, new look that’s bound to get noticed. A redesigned grille and front bumper give the CR-V an impressive new style on the outside. While inside, the ECON button allows you to decide if you want more zip or better mileage & the Eco Assist helps you drive more efficiently.

If safety is at the top of your list, you’ll get peace of mind knowing that the 2012 CR-V has anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control, hill start assist, electronic brake-force distribution, side-curtain airbags for all occupants (except the one in the rear middle seat), front side airbags and dual-stage front airbags for the driver and front passenger.

Perhaps you’re move of a gadget person, this vehicle has you covered there as well. With standard USB port, rearview camera, Pandora Internet radio interface, Bluetooth and voice text messaging you’ll have fun connecting while staying hands free!

Here are some of the facts: (visit us to learn more)

• Powertrain: 5 speed automatic 2WD, AWD
• Engine: 185 hp, 2.4L, In-Line 4-Cylinder, Aluminum-Alloy, 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC^®, 163 lb-ft
• Length/weight: 178.3 inches / 3305-3545 lbs
• Wheelbase: 103.1 inches
• EPA fuel economy: city 22-23mpg / hwy 30-31mpg / combined 25-26mgp
• Cargo capacity: 37.2 cubic feet, with rear seat down 70.9 cubic feet
• Towing Capacity: 1500 lbs

Stop by the dealership once you have a minute after the holidays, we have a couple 2012 CR-V’s on the lot, come see what all the fuss is about.

2100 AutoPark Boulevard
Cary,  NC  27511

919-439-7982

A multi-point inspection… what is it & why?

It’s a fact, a well maintained vehicle runs more efficiently, and that means more money in your pocket and less time in the shop.  It’s our goal at AutoPark Honda to catch any potential issues by offering you a free multi-point inspection.

Multi point inspection checklist

What is a multi-point inspection you may ask?  Well, it involves looking at all your vehicle’s major systems.  Checking all the fluids, belts, hoses, air filter, tires, shocks / struts, exhaust, transmission & drivetrain, steering components & brakes.

Why should you have a multi-point inspection done?  Taking care of your vehicle now means it will take care of you by getting you to where ever you need to be… sounds cliché, but it’s true.

Help your vehicle be the reliable vehicle you bought… print this coupon and book your free multi-point inspection today, before one of those freak North Carolina snowstorms roles in and your stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.

2100 AutoPark Boulevard
Cary,  NC  27511

919-439-7982

Print coupon

They call him ‘Million Mile Joe’

You want to talk quality long-lasting vehicles?

Nothing speaks to quality long-lasting vehicles more than the story of Joe and his 1990 Honda Accord.  Joe drives an average of 62,500 miles a year… that’s not a typo, it’s not a misquote, it’s the truth. For the last 14 years he’s been a claims adjuster in Maine, and he’s crossed Maine many, many, many times.

Want to know the secret to getting more miles out of your vehicle?  Here’s how Joe did it:

1. read and follow the owner’s manual and maintenance schedule to the letter
2. check fluids often (Joe did it weekly) switch fluids seasonally (10w-30 in summer & 5w-30 in winter), he also changed them every 5,000 miles… he never let it get below a quart and used the same brand each time
3. never let the fuel get into the E zone
4. used only Honda air, oil and fuel filters
5. never rode hard on the brakes and changed their fluid every few years
6. he also replaced the fuel pump, both cooling fans and the radiator twice
7. last but not least… Joe gave his Accord a lot of TLC

Joe used to work as an automotive technician for 18 years, which helped him to reach such a milestone, but let’s not forget that Honda has a reputation of building durable, reliable vehicles.

Joe has taken more than 661 photos of his odometer… “A Million Miles in 45 Seconds”

Yesterday, Honda hosted a surprise parade in Saco, Maine, to celebrate Joe’s amazing accomplishment. The parade interrupted a brief press conference where Joe was scheduled to receive an oversized key to a new 2012 Honda Accord from Ms. Maine, Ashley Marble.

Way to go Joe!

Stop by AutoPark Honda to get your very own Honda or bring your car into our service center… let’s see if we can get your vehicle to the million mile mark also!

Map & Contact Info