Drive the New Ford Fiesta

Published: May 16, 2013
Posted in Ford Dealer

Ford Dealer of New Ford Fiesta Cars for SaleAt Jack Schmitt Ford, we take great pride in our full inventory of new Ford cars, trucks and SUVs.  Over our next few articles, we will highlight a few of the key features in some of the new Ford models that you will love.  Take a minute to browse our online inventory and then make plans to stop in to test drive the car of your choice!  The first car we are highlighting is the new Ford Fiesta.  Ford Motor Company invests more time and resources into finding out exactly what their consumers what than any other manufacturer in the industry.  The new Ford Fiesta has exactly the formula that you need when it comes to safety, affordability, reliability and fuel efficiency.

This new four-door subcompact is powered by a 1.6-liter I-4 engine and comes in three different trim levels: S, SE, and Titanium.  Whether you choose the subcompact or the hatchback body style, you will be impressed with the list of features that come along with it.  Car experts from kbb.com has reviewed the newest 2014 Ford Fiesta and this is what they have to say:

The 2014 Ford Fiesta may be the only American sub-compact that can truly stand up to the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. Slick Eurostyle looks, outstanding fuel economy and true fun-to-drive chassis tuning do the trick. The Fiesta also loads on features unexpected in this class, including wild interior and exterior colors, a version of Ford’s SYNC infotainment system and a dual-clutch automatic transmission. You’ll like this car if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient small car, but you don’t want to sacrifice the interior quality or modern features usually found only on larger, more expensive models, the 2014 Ford Fiesta sub-compact is a good choice.

Stop by your local Jack Schmitt new Fiesta Ford dealer in Collinsville to test drive this new car.  Read more about the Ford Fiesta on our website today!

 

 

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Happy Mother’s Day from Jack Schmitt Ford

Published: May 12, 2013
Posted in Used Ford

Used Ford Specials for SaleMother’s Day is a very special day of the year that is celebrated by families all across America today.  According to Wickipedia,

The modern holiday of Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Grafton, West Virginia. She then began a campaign to make “Mother’s Day” a recognized holiday in the United States…Jarvis’ holiday was adopted by other countries and it is now celebrated all over the world. In this tradition, each person offers a gift, card, or remembrance toward their mothers, grandmothers, and/ or maternal figure on mother’s day.

The United States officially adopted Mother’s Day as a holiday in 1914 and mother’s have earned the benefits of this special day for almost 100 years now.

Hopefully, if you are a mother you feel special everyday.  At Jack Schmitt Ford we go the distance to make sure that our guests feel great about their experience any time they walk through our dealership doors or browse our inventory of cars, trucks and SUVs online.  We recognize that buying a new or used car isn’t just about getting what you want for the best price.  It is also about how you are treated along the way and we strongly believe that you will be more than happy with your special treatment from all aspects of our business.  Whether you are here to buy a new or used car, or having your current vehicle worked on in our service department, we think you will love everything about our Jack Schmitt Ford dealership.

If you are reading this and you aren’t a mom, maybe you are thinking about treating mom this time of the year with a new or used car!  Ford has earned a name and reputation from consumers and especially from moms!  Ford’s design and features were created with families in mind and will give you the room and the comfort your family needs when spending quality time in the car.  Add in the affordability and efficiency factor and you will quickly see the difference a Ford can make in your life!

Check out our huge inventory of used Ford cars in Collinsville today!  We look forward to seeing you soon! …Happy Mother’s Day!

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Leasing from Your Ford Dealer Part 2

Published: May 10, 2013
Posted in Ford Dealer

Ford Dealer of New Cars, Trucks and SUVsIn our first article we talked about the first 2 essentials to know and understand when choosing to lease a new car.  We finish off our list with our final 3 thoughts from Edmunds.com.

3. Review the Lease Agreement

It is important to make sure you fully understand the lease agreement and ask any questions about areas that are in need of clarification.  Contact your insurance company and get new car insurance lined up.  Edmunds suggest paying attention to important lease-specific details such as:

  • The length of the lease in months (typically 36 months).
  • The amount due at signing.
  • The number of miles allowed per year (usually 12,000).
  • The monthly payment, including taxes and all fees.
  • The inclusion of gap insurance in the contract.

4. Take Delivery
Because you are leasing this car, you will want to make sure it is free of any scratches or dents before you leave the salesman.  It is best to walk around the car and inspect it with your salesman and make sure any problems are either documented or fixed.  Check to make sure you have an owners manual and a spare key.  Ask any final questions you may have including how to operate features and electronics in the car.

5. Managing Your Lease
Once your lease agreement is final and the car is now yours, it is important to make sure you stay on top of the maintenance of your new car and that you keep a close eye on the miles you are driving to avoid extra fees and costs associated with the terms of your loan.

Once you are come to the end of your term on your lease you will want to start thinking about what you want to do next.  You will have the choice to turn the car in and lease or purchase a new car, or if you have really come to enjoy the car you can even talk to a salesman about turning your lease into a purchase.  What ever you decide, you Jack Schmitt Ford dealer of new cars in Collinsville is here to help you make the right choice.  Contact us today to find out what your leasing options are.

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Leasing From Your Ford Dealer

Published: May 9, 2013
Posted in Ford Dealer

New Cars for Sale at your Ford DealerBuying and leasing are two options for obtaining a new car and in the more recent days, leasing has become a much more popular choice than it used to be.  If you are shopping for a new car, it is important to fully understand what it means to lease a car and whether or not it would be a good fit for you.  We are going to take a few of our next articles to break down the leasing process so you can decide if it is the best choice.  With the help of Edmunds.com, we have their suggested five essentials you need to know.

Most people who consider leasing go down this path because they desire to have a nice, new car with all the bells and whistles but they may not be able to afford the high monthly payment that comes along with purchasing one.  Or, they may be the type of person who enjoys getting a brand new car every few years so car ownership is never really something that proves to be necessary.  Here are the five important details to know from Edmunds:

1. Check for Lease Specials

Contact our sales and finance team to learn about our monthly lease specials.  We can help you get into the best car for your budget and many times we can accomplish this through specials and incentives such as down payment incentives and special financing.

2. Locate Your Vehicle and Compare Quotes
According to Edmunds, “After you know what to expect in terms of payments, the next step is to locate the vehicle and request a quote…Once you’ve narrowed the cars down to a few candidates, call or e-mail the Internet manager to verify that the car has the options you want. Ask about any additional fees that may not have been listed in the advertisement.” 

At Jack Schmitt Ford, it is always our goal to get you the best deal around.  If you have found a better deal somewhere else, let us know and we will help you get into the car you want for less money.

Check back in tomorrow and we will have the final three essentials that you need to know when choosing to lease a new car from your new Ford dealer near Edwardsville, IL.

 

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Final Thoughts on New Safety Measures

Published: April 26, 2013
Posted in Ford Dealer

Ford Dealer of New and Used Cars for SaleIf you have been following our last few blogs, you might find yourself wondering what the difference is between someone utilizing their smartphone as opposed to built-in vehicle entertainment.  With the capabilities of most cellular phones these days, there doesn’t seem to be much that you can’t accomplish.  This is the very argument that lobbyists who are against the regulations of built-in features make.  Specifically, they argue that “overly restrictive limits for built-in devices could make automakers’ new built-in features less useful and cause drivers to use the same functions on mobile devices instead.”

In a recent release about this technology, the following was stated:

“Portable phones and navigation devices are everywhere, and consumers are using these devices in their vehicles,” the Alliance said in a statement today that praised NHTSA for signaling the importance of hands-free technology. “Pairing mobile phones with our built-in systems designed for driving is a top priority.”  NHTSA has said that after finishing its guidelines for in-car equipment, it intends to set guidelines for portable devices and for voice-activated features.  Automakers were measured today in their response to the final rules, saying they needed time to review the final NHTSA guidelines.  “Our members have already factored in many of the recommendations in the draft NHTSA guidelines for in-vehicle devices in their internal design processes,” said Michael Stanton, president of the Association of Global Automakers, which includes Toyota, Honda and Hyundai, in a statement.

LaHood also speaks out about this potential major change within the auto-industry as he has proven to make distracted driving a focal point and signature issue during his time as the United States Secretary of Transportation.  ”The agency will consider including the distraction guidelines in its New Car Assessment Program, which is used to devise the government’s five-star safety ratings system for light vehicles, Strickland told reporters.”

 It will be interesting to see how the entertainment features within automobiles will change as standards and regulations evolve.  Either way, Ford automakers strive first for safety and will do whatever needs to be done to ensure this remains the case.  Contact your local new and used car Ford dealer near Glen Carbon IL today to test drive a new Ford car, truck or SUV and see the Ford difference in safety!

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More on Safety in New and Used Ford Cars

Published: April 25, 2013
Posted in Used Ford

Used Ford Cars and Trucks for SaleIn our last blog post we discussed a little bit about the concerns of electronic technology in new and used cars and the need to automakers to meet those growing demands with a higher level of safety technology to offset the risk that some of these electronic technologies can pose to drivers on the road.  According to a recent news release from autonews.com, Ray LaHood from the Department of Transportation commented on the issue stating, “There’s no doubt that drivers appreciate these technologies, but we’ve got an obligation to balance the innovations consumers want with the safety we all need.”  The NHTSA has set new suggested guidelines and suggestions for legislation regarding these electronic advancements.  These guidelines were introduced back in February of 2012 and are still a hot topic today.  The suggestion of the NHTSA would recommend “limiting the amount of time a driver must take their eyes off the road to perform a single task for 2 seconds.”  In addition, “drivers would be limited to six screen touches in 12 seconds to perform a task, reducing the time they can take their eyes off the road.”  Tasks that would be effected by these recommendations include things like:

  • Operating the radio
  • Adjusting the temperature in your vehicle
  • Using the phone with your built-in hands-free software in your vehicle
This is a reduced time from the currently suggested 20 seconds according to guidelines from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.  As with most new guidelines and suggestions for automotive safety, auto makers are listening and taking these suggestions seriously, but not totally without criticism.
If you are the owner of a used Ford car in Collinsville IL, you can drive down the road with confidence that you are driving one of the safest cars on the streets.  Tomorrow we will have our final blog on this study and the new recommendations from NHTSA.

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New Ford Cars Will Always Be Safe!

Published: April 24, 2013
Posted in Ford Cars

New Ford Cars and TrucksWatching the automotive industry adapt to the growing technological demands of consumers has been an interesting sight to see over the years.  One of the obvious concerns that consumers and industry leaders alike have in common is keeping up with safety measures as quickly as the demands grow for technology.  Many auto-makers, such as Ford have proven to go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to safety technology, however it is becoming more and more difficult to meet the needs of both components.  In other words…many automakers are trying to figure out how to meet the technology needs of consumers without sacrificing a highly sought after level of safety in a vehicle.

Of course, this concern is many times alleviated through legislation that makes certain requirements regardless of the demand for certain technology.  According to recent news reports from autonews.com, federal regulators have “issued final voluntary safety guidelines that would disable certain in-vehicle functions such as manual texting, Web browsing and video phoning while driving.”  This comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released their recommendations to disable certain features that a vehicle is capable of performing unless the car or truck is stopped and in park.  These recommendations for limited functional use include:

• “Manual text entry for the purposes of text messaging and internet browsing”

• “Video-based entertainment and communications such as video phoning or video conferencing”

• “Displaying certain types of text, including text messages, Web pages, and social-media content”

While these are all voluntary guidelines at the present time, they will undoubtedly become integral to the future investment and engineering plans for future model releases of car companies who put safety first.

We will have more about this study and how it could effect the future of car electronics, as well as what Ford thinks about these suggestions in our article tomorrow.  In the meantime, your local dealer of new Ford cars in Collinsville always encourages and promotes safety behind the wheel.  For more information, please check back tomorrow!

 

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Your Ford Dealer has Green Cars!

Published: April 23, 2013
Posted in Ford Dealer

Ford Dealer of New and Used CarsIn the United States today, people are finding more and more ways to save money as well as ways to help the environment.  According to Kelley Blue Book, “green cars have gone mainstream” and people all across the country are excited about each year’s new models as they become more highly advanced with technological features and more affordable at the same time.  Everyday, shoppers visit local dealerships to test-drive the latest hybrid and even electric cars.  For many people, there has been an underlying fear that has kept them from buying a hybrid or especially an electric car.  That fear is that it is such new technology that something major may go wrong.  That fear is beginning to wane as people are seeing the proof in the longevity and the money saving potential of these fuel efficient cars.

If you are still feeling hesitant about purchasing a hybrid or electric car, you can alleviate those fears by doing a little research before you start shopping.  Finding the best brands in this division is a great start to picking a green car that will last years to come.  Kelley Blue Book recently published the 10 Best Green Cars list of 2013 and Ford and Lincoln proudly took 3 of the top 10 spots!

According to a recent news release from Ford Motor Company, “Ford Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid were named to the KBB.com list of 10 Best Green Cars of 2013. Kelley Blue Book editors chose the vehicles for being environmentally friendly and for providing commentary and mileage information. Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi and MKZ Hybrid all feature SmartGauge® with EcoGuide to give owners a more connected, fuel-efficient driving experience by coaching them on how to optimize hybrid performance. KBB.com noted Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi are fun-to-drive vehicles, while Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is “a modern technological powerhouse on all fronts.” 

Here are some of the important aspects of each model according to kbb.com:

2013 Lincoln MKZ

  • Traditional luxury with a modern technological powerhouse
  • 45 city/45 highway/45 combined mpg

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi

  • Most affordable plug-in on the road
  • First 21 miles: 100 mpge combined/Next 599 miles: 43 mpg combined
2013 Ford Focus
  • Cool features and advanced powertrain
  • 110 city/99 highway/105 combined
  • Range: 76 miles

Contact your local new car Ford dealer near Troy IL to test drive any of these award winning green cars of 2013!

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Ford Supports Safety Training Initiatives

Published: March 31, 2013
Posted in Ford Dealer

New and Used Ford Cars, Trucks and SUVsFord is always going the extra mile to increase the level of safety on the American roadways.  In many aspects, this is done first and foremost through education and awareness programs and Ford is at the leading edge of many of these safety initiatives.  According to a recent report from Ford Motor Company and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Traffic fatalities are the leading killer of American teens, with about 2,700 drivers ages 16-19 killed annually on American roads.”

In an effort to decrease these statistics, Ford is pushing their safe driving campaigns to the next level.  “Inexperience is the leading cause of crashes in young drivers, and Ford Driving Skills for Life includes a variety of engaging and targeted methods to deliver key skill sets that boost young drivers’ confidence and knowledge,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “Our mission is to make the roads safer for everyone.”
They plan to accomplish these goals by reaching as many students as they can this year.  Through their school programs, they will not only provide fun ways for students to learn about safety, but they will also get valuable training materials into the hands of students and parents that could have the potential to save lives.  Ford plans to visit at least 40 high schools across the nation this year.  Through these visits, they will reach about 40,000 teen drivers and that provides the potential to impact a great number of people!  During these clinics, they will promote skill building in four areas: 1) driver distraction, 2) speed/space management, 3) vehicle handling, and 4) hazard recognition.
“Ford’s commitment to partnering with states on teen driver education remains unprecedented,” said GHSA Chairman Kendell Poole. “With state and federal highway safety funding continuing to be limited, Ford’s support is increasingly critical.”
Among the various forms of training that Ford plans to provide, they will include a web-based training called “The Academy.”  This training will utilize various forms of social media and interactive tools to reach students, parents, community organizations and educators all across the globe.
When you purchase a new or used car, truck or SUV from your local new and used Ford dealer in Collinsville, you help to contribute to initiatives like these and countless others all across the globe!  Visit Jack Schmitt Ford today!

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Ford Hybrids are Selling Fast

Published: March 30, 2013
Posted in Ford Cars

New Ford Cars C-MAXThe new Ford C-MAX hybrid car is gaining momentum with car enthusiasts and it is no surprise to Ford Motor Company that it is quickly outselling some of the most popular hybrids in automotives today.  According to recent news reports from Ford Motor Company, the “unique advertising” used to promote the C-MAX has a lot to do with this burst of excitement for the car.  Nielsen data is bringing those thoughts home showing that the campaign’s “message communication, brand communication and purchase consideration are significantly higher than the norm.”  This means higher awareness for Ford and that awareness ultimate generates more sales for the auto maker.

Ford doesn’t plan to stop where they are with the new C-MAX.  “We had a strong launch and are pleased with the overall reception of the C-MAX launch campaign,” said C.J. O’Donnell, marketing and strategy manager, Ford Electrified Vehicles. “But this is just a start; we intend to take a much larger share of the hybrid market.”  Ford already has plans to build on this excitement by blasting the C-MAX across billboards, gas pump screens, TV advertising, theater promotions, and of course…with commercial ads during the popular show American Idol.”
Ford also plans to continue using the C-MAX Hybrid for their Go Further Tour and Green Festivals relationship.  In 2012, these promotions “gave more than 16,000 people around the U.S. a chance to test drive and experience – most for the first time ever – an electrified vehicle.”  With the goal of introducing this car to as many people as possible, Ford did what they set out to do.  While Ford’s “share of the hybrid market grew nearly 9 percentage points last year, Toyota’s share dropped 8 points” according to Ford Motor Company.
Visit your local Jack Schmitt dealership of new and used Ford cars in Collinsville to test drive the Ford C-MAX Hybrid today!

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Jack Schmitt Ford Lincoln • 1820 Vandalia Street • Collinsville • IL • 62234

Sales: 800-255-3673 • Service: 800-255-3673