Newsletter

March 2012

Discover the 2012 Ford Escape, and learn about what goes into selecting the perfect pre-owned car.

Pre-Owned Vehicles

We’re not your ordinary pre-owned car dealership.  A growing number of car shoppers are taking a closer look at pre-owned vehicles as an option.  Buying a pre-owned vehicle can be a smart move, provided you’re not buying a problem someone else just disposed of.  If you’re like many people, you may be a little apprehensive about buying or leasing a pre-owned model.  These days you can buy a pre-owned car from a variety of places, including independent lots, national chains and private buyers.  But when you buy from York’s of Houlton, you can be sure of getting a reliable vehicle at a fair price.

Galen Howe has been the Pre-Owned Sales Manager at York’s of Houlton for over 25 years.  He goes to auctions, in-state and out-of-state, on an average of twice a week and is very particular about the vehicles he selects to sell here.  When the vehicles are delivered here from the auctions, Galen is very involved in the process of getting them onto the sales lot.  He makes sure that they are inspected and detailed thoroughly before they are driven onto the lot.

Our pre-owned selection of vehicles offers virtually every make, model and color.  If you are looking fro a particular vehicle land and don’t see it on our lot, please let us know.  We have access to thousands of vehicles – both foreign and domestic – so we can make finding the car of your dreams a reality.  At independent car lots, you choose from what you see; and when buying from private owners you might spend days driving around to find exactly what you want.  However, if you pick the right dealer – like York’s of Houlton – and know what to look for, you should end up with a model that looks and drives like it is brand new.  We want to make sure you purchase the perfect vehicle, so we’re offering these pre-owned car-buying tips:

• Some people like to buy a pre-owned model from a private owner.  But keep in mind that, when you buy from a reputable dealer like York’s of Houlton, you are purchasing a vehicle that has passed a comprehensive safety and mechanical inspection to ensure its safety, reliability and durability.

• When you spot a particular model you like, examine it thoroughly and be sure to take it for a test drive.  Does it ride smoothly?  Are there any unusual noises?  Do the radio, power windows and all other options work?  What is the condition of the carpet, paint and tires?

When you are ready to shop, be sure to stop by York’s of Houlton first.  We have a large and diverse selection of pre-owned vehicles and we’ll make sure you drive away with not on a car you can be proud of, but peace of mind as well.

Pictured: Galen Howe

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In-House News: Financing Your Vehicle

Financing a car can be frustrating and even a little intimidating if you have never been through it before.  At York’s of Houlton, Emily Homchuck and Willis Nason work hard to make sure that your vehicle purchase goes smoothly and painlessly.  Emily and Willis work in the Finance and Insurance division of the Sales Department and are here to help you with all your financing needs. 

After you have selected the vehicle you want, typically your Sales Consultant will then introduce you to either Emily or Willis in the F&I Department.  They will review the sales figures with you and confer with you about needed services or products.  They will review your credit application and credit report and discuss the available finance options to meet your needs.  Once the financial arrangements have been finalized, they will prepare the delivery papers, including the loan documents.  They will also help you get your insurance switched over to your new vehicle.

Financing a vehicle doesn’t have to be scary, and here at York’s of Houlton it isn’t. Our car loan process is fast and simple.  We are here to help you get the new or used vehicle you want, and will work with you to make that happen. 

Pictured: Emily Homchuck

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Employee of the Month

Every month at York’s of Houlton, the Management Team selects an individual for Employee of the Month. The employee is typically selected because they consistently turn in a stellar performance every month and deserve to be recognized for their hard work. Our employees are an important part of our business, for without our people nothing gets done! It is their dedication and diligence to quality and the day-to-day effort to keep everything moving that allows us to enjoy our reputation as a great place to do business.

York’s of Houlton management congratulates Jen McGary on her achievement of winning the Employee of the Month Award for the month of February 2012.  The way Jen has performed throughout last month shows her hard work, her sincerity, perseverance and diligence.  The company appreciates Jen’s high level of proficiency in handling the tasks assigned to her, her communication skills and her craving for perfection. 


Pictured: Jen McGary

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Product Information: 2012 Ford Escape

Already dreaming up your next road trip?  Perfect.  Grab the keys to your new Escape and get going.  The standard 2.5L Duratec I-4 engine gives you 28 mpg hwy.  Or you can get the best mileage of any SUV in America – 34 mpg city on Escape Hybrid.  If you’re headed for roads less traveled, intelligent 4WD is just your thing.  Imagine taking calls without picking up your phone.  Summoning songs without touching your media player.  Escape can even steer you into those tricky parallel parking spots downtown.  Seriously.  This may be your best trip ever. 

Escape Hybrid doesn’t have to use any gas to operate at speeds of up to 44 mph or when it’s stopped in traffic.  Plus, the powertrain automatically recharges itself, so it never needs to be plugged in.  The 2.5L 0-VCT Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine works with the electric traction  motor to create plenty of horsepower: 177 net.   When passing or merging, the hybrid drive mode even gives you an extra power boost to ensure a lively performance.  It doesn’t get any better than the most fuel-efficient SUV in America.
 
Escape seat up to 5 adults in fully supportive style.  Another reason to feel good in here: The seat cushions contain environmentally friendly soy-based foam that helps conserve limited resources and reduce CO2 emissions.  Supple leather trim with heated front seats, plus gleaming chrome and black accents, are standard on Escape Limited and Hybrid Limited.  No matter which model you choose, Escape is bound to be the perfect fit you’re your adventures.

Whether you pair it with the 5-speed manual transmission or the 6-speed automatic, the standard 2.5L Duratec I-4 engine delivers a remarkable 28 mph hwy.  It also supplies a spirited 171 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 3.0L Duratec V6 engine is flex fuel capable, so you can run it on gasoline, E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), or any blend of the two.  Mated to an efficient 6-speed automatic transmission, it cranks out 240 horsepower and tows up to 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped.

Every Escape is naturally nimble thanks to a fully independent suspension and outstanding clearance.  Add our Intelligent 4WD and let the all-terrain adventures begin.  Always on and always working, it automatically monitors traction 200 times per second (much faster than any person could) and adjusts torque distribution as needed.

York’s of Houlton would love to assist you with your next vehicle.  If you haven’t driven the 2012 Ford Escape, stop by for a test drive.  After all, that’s really the best way to get to know a vehicle.  And you can get to know us better, too.  We’re dedicated to serving you now and in the future.  Whether you’re seeking a new or used vehicle, Ford custom accessories, or convenient maintenance and service, we’re here for you.  Let us prove it.


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Safe Side: Safety Check

Whether you’re a new or experienced driver, following these common sense tips can help keep you, your passengers and your car safe, and your premiums low.

Before You Get Behind the Wheel

Keep up with car maintenance – Well-maintained cars are safer cars, so make sure you change your oil on a regular basis and make sure all the parts of your car (engine, tires, belts, hoses, mirrors, windows, windshield wipers, lights, horn, etc.) are working properly.
Consider installing a car alarm to deter potential thieves.
Plan ahead – Consider the safest route and give yourself enough time to get to your destination so you don’t feel the need to speed.
Check the forecast to find out if severe weather is expected when and where you’re driving, then plan your trip accordingly.
Be prepared for emergencies – All drivers should prepare an emergency road kit and store it in the trunk of their vehicle.  Suggested items include a flashlight, road flares, a first aid kit, blanket, water, road atlas and warm clothes for use in the winter season.

When Driving

Don’t drive tired – Make sure you’re well rested and alert for your journey.
Avoid driving distracted – Put down the cell phone, food, hairbrush and makeup.  Avoid adjusting the radio, heater/air conditioner. Stay focused on the road ahead instead of the scenic view and any accidents that might be on the side of the road.
Follow the driving laws – Buckle up, maintain a safe distance from other cars, stay out of the passing lane if you’re not passing another vehicle, etc.
Be patient and considerate to other drivers – it’s important to treat other drivers as you would want to be treated.  Aggressive driving, following too close and using high beams improperly are all examples of actions that can lead to serious accidents.

When You Park Your Car


Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up, and take your keys with you.  Don’t make it easy for thieves to steal your car or the items in it.
Remove valuable items from your car or keep them out of plan sight so thieves won’t be tempted to break in and steal them.
Park your car in a well-lit, well-traveled area.
Avoid parking next to large vehicles or any objects (dumpsters, large trees or shrubbery, etc.) that someone could easily hide behind.

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Tech Tips: Auto Glass Repair

Auto glass repair doesn’t have to be a big deal, but it is important to make sure you hire someone who is experienced and reliable.  Here are some facts and tips about auto glass repair that can help you understand the process.

Certified technicians should repair your glass.

Rather than having just anyone fix your windshield or other automobile glass components, it’s important to employ a certified tech for this particular fix.  Auto glass needs to adhere with a special urethane adhesive, which requires trained professionals.

For functioning passenger airbags, you need correct glass installation.

Your car’s passenger side airbags actually utilize the windshield in order to deploy properly.  As such, your windshield must be strong enough to withstand the impact of the airbag when it deploys.  If it has a chip or break, the windshield could crack and hurt your passenger.  With proper glass installation, this should never be a problem.

Auto glass also protects passengers in other ways.

Did you know that your car’s glass can protect passengers during a rollover accident?  Windshields prevent the passenger side compartment from being crushed.

Details are important when a technician installs your auto glass.

Auto glass installation expertise isn’t just about using the correct adhesive.  It’s also about wearing clean gloves when handling the glass and putting down the necessary primers before applying any adhesives.  These little things can give you the best glass installation possible.

Auto glass work doesn’t take as long as many other repairs.

Having your window or windshield repaired or replaced can take as little as an hour, which makes it easy to get on with your life and have your beloved vehicle at your side.

Windshield repair can have unexpected benefits.

Having your windshield repaired can restore visual clarity to the front of your car making it easier to drive safely and confidently.  It can also help your windshield wipers work well.

Whether your are looking to have a windshield repaired or replaced, York’s of Houlton Body Shop can help you out. 

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A Message from Dick York

Step onto the lot at York’s of Houlton these days and you will immediately feel the energy.  The showroom floors are buzzing with activity.  I wondered where this was coming from and concluded it could only be the result of our top-notch sales team. Our sales staff has been eagerly absorbing the high traffic volume of returning and new customers passing through our doors of late.

The team is a well-diversified group of thirteen talented sales people providing all levels of experience and knowledge to help our showroom visitors feel comfortable with our sales process.  Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as our unit sales count this year is higher than usual.
    
As you well know, difficult economic times have put stress on most industries the last few years.  The new vehicle sales business has fallen more than most, but is now rebounding. In fact, we expect to sell ten percent more new vehicles this year than last. We have also planned to, and actually have, increased our used vehicle sales as well. The slow new vehicle sales rate the past several years has created a bit of a shortfall in used vehicle availability, thus leaving a strong demand for good quality pre-owned vehicles.  We are now scanning the country to find just the right cars and trucks to meet our customers’ needs. This is a part of my job I take special pride in.

Last week it felt like we would get a very early spring. Today I’m not having that feeling; it’s in the middle 20’s and windy!  We’re hopeful to increase production on our farm this season. Our last crop of potatoes was of poor quality but our other vegetables (beets, turnips, rutabagas and carrots) were excellent.  We are going to try to plant early this season so I am hoping for a lot more of the weather we had last week.


Pictured: Dick York