Category Archives: Tips and tricks

lease a car

What parts of a car lease are negotiable?

Are car leases negotiable and tax deductible?

This year the number of Americans leasing new cars has reached an all-time high, and for good reason! Not only are the monthly lease payments often lower than the monthly cost to pay off a purchased vehicle, there are also a variety of great lease specials to take advantage of. Maybe you’re interested in the sporty, sophisticated 2014 Nissan Maxima but couldn’t find a lease special you liked on the Matt Castrucci Nissan website. Are car leases negotiable and tax deductible? Read the rest of this entry >>

graduates after college

Tips for buying a car after college

How to buy your first car after college

Congratulations! You finally have the degree you’ve been working so hard to obtain. Pat yourself on the back because you’ve come a long way. Now comes the official entrance in the “real world” and the start of your career. Having a reliable vehicle is an essential part of that process, but how do you buy your first car after college? With debt and other obligations in place, is there a way to afford it? There is and here are some ways to do just that. Read the rest of this entry >>

2015 Nissan Rogue side view

Crossover vs. SUV: What’s the difference?

What’s the difference between a crossover and an SUV?

The auto industry is full of jargon and it can make things a bit confusing. We’re here to help simplify things. Two of the most misunderstood segments in the auto industry are the crossover and SUV. While both are similar, there couldn’t be more differences between the two. So what is the difference between a crossover and an SUV? Read the rest of this entry >>

2016 Nissan Altima Car seats

3 answers to the car seat questions you’ve had for years

Where to get car seat installation checked

Spring is nearly here and that means it’s time for an annual deep cleaning of the garage, car, attic and storage shed. It’s a messy job, but someone has to do it…eventually. For families with young children old car seats are among some of the many discarded items that pile up as children get older. But what do you do with those old seats? What about that car seat that’s still in the box and that you’ve been meaning to install. Can you still use it and how will you know for certain if you’ve installed it the right way? We’re glad you asked. Car seats can be tricky, but luckily there are many resources available to help keep you and your family safe. Without further ado, here are the answers to some of your car seat questions. Read the rest of this entry >>

Clock

Spring ahead: Clocks change March 8

When is Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight Saving Time is upon us again and on March 8 we will set the clocks ahead one hour. While we lose an hour of sleep, Daylight Saving Time is an indicator that the days are getting longer and that means spring is on its way. Most clocks are automatic and will update on their own, but be sure to change the clocks that aren’t. Clocks in microwaves, car dashboards and ovens are some of the time-telling devices most likely to need a manual update. While we’re talking about it, here are some little known facts about when and what Daylight Saving Time is.  Read the rest of this entry >>

Test Drive

What to look for when you do the test drive

What to ask during a test drive

The search for a new or used vehicle can be quite the journey. It can be stressful and there’s a lot of time that goes into conducting the research to find just the right vehicle for your lifestyle and needs. But don’t worry, the fun part is just around the corner. The test drive. Finally you get to experience all the technology, safety and convenience features you’ve spent hours reading about firsthand. But what does one actually do during a test drive and – most importantly – what do you ask during a test drive? What are some things you should look for? We’re glad you asked. Here are some of our tips and tricks to getting the most out of the test drive. Read the rest of this entry >>