2015 Ford Mustang Arrives at Irwin Ford
The completely re-designed 2015 Ford Mustang has landed at Irwin Ford! Hurry in today to see the new model for yourself! The 2015 re-design of the Ford Mustang marks an important milestone in Ford’s history; it is the 50th anniversary of this iconic muscle car. During the 50 years since the Mustang’s first launch, it has become not just a household name, but an American icon. The designers at Ford had a lot to live up to for the re-design, and they did a great job! The all-new 2015 Mustang has the same sleek, powerful looks that it is known for, along with the sporty performance you would expect from the Mustang nameplate. The 2015 Mustang will have three available engines: a 5.0L V8, a 3.7L V6, and an all-new 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost engine. The V8 produce 420 horsepower, gives the throaty rumble that is just as much a part of the Mustang brand as the tri-bar tail lamps. The V6 has 300 horsepower, which delivers terrific get-up-and-go along with nimble handling and great fuel economy. And if you want the sheer good looks of the Mustang along with class-leading fuel efficiency, the 2.3L EcoBoost engine cranks out 305 horsepower and gets the best fuel economy of them all.
In addition to great performance, the 2015 Mustang has the great technology that Ford is known for. Every Mustang built comes with SYNC and MyKey. Selectable drive modes mean you can get the most out of your driving experience by tuning the engine response, transmission, and stability control to be perfect for whatever type of road you are driving on. From hills, to twists and turns, to straightaways, there is a setting on your Mustang to deliver the optimal driving experience for the road you are on. And to celebrate the legacy of 50 years as an American icon, every 2015 Mustang will come with a badge that reads, “Mustang – Since 1964.”
The Mustang was first released on April 17, 1964 as a 1965 model year car and was an immediate success. Ford’s original sales forecasts counted on selling 100,000 Mustangs in the first year, but the Mustang was so well received that 100,000 Mustangs were sold in the first three months! At the end of the first year, ford had sold 418,000 Mustangs, more than four times the 100,000 they initially hoped to sell during that same time.
The Mustang was not just an overnight hit for Ford, it even inspired Ford’s competitors to launch a series of Mustang-inspired vehicles known as “pony cars.” Pony cars are compact, stylish cars with an emphasis on performance and an affordable price tag. Notable pony car competitors that were inspired by the Mustang include the Pontiac Firebird and Chevrolet Camaro (both launched in 1967) and the pony car version of the Dodge Challenger (launched in 1970).
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How Long Should My Car Loan Be
When it comes time to be a new car, most people look at the price in terms of how it fits their monthly budget. Monthly budgeting has been especially important since the financial turmoil stemming from the subprime mortgage meltdown. It is perhaps because of this focus on the monthly budget that the average length of a car loan has increased over the past decade; whereas it was once unusual for a car loan to be longer than 5 years, the average car loan is now 5.5 years, according to data from Edmunds. Moreover, this same data shows that 38% of auto loans in 2012 had a term of 5.5 – 6 years, and 12% of the loans had terms of 6 – 7 years.
Longer loan terms allow the borrower to spread repayments over a longer period of time, which reduces the amount paid every month. However, by doing this, the borrowers ignore the cost of interest on the loan as well as the length of time it takes to pay off the loan. The fact is, the longer a loan is, the higher the interest rate. A quick search on bankrate.com shows that lenders are advertising a 60-month (5 year) loan for a new car at rates between 1.99% APR and 2.34% APR. The same site shows 72-month (6 year) loan for a new car advertised between 2.44% APR and 3.59% APR. This means that by taking a 72-month loan compared to a 60-month loan, a customer will pay a higher interest rate for a longer period, meaning that they pay more in interest charges over the life of the loan.
For example, let’s take a 60-month new car loan of $25,000 at a rate of 2.25% APR. My trusty Excel spreadsheet tells me that this is a monthly payment of $440.93 per month for 60 months. This is a total of $26,456.02 paid over 60 months on a $25,000 loan, with $1,456.02 in interest payments.
Let’s also look at a 72-month new car loan of $25,000 at a rate of 3.25% APR. By extending the term an additional year, the payments are now down to $382.64 per month for 72 months for “savings” of $58.29 per month. However, the 72 monthly payments of $382.64 come to a total of $27,550.40 paid on a $25,000 loan, for a total of $2,550.40 in interest payments; nearly twice the cost of the 60-month loan.
Another factor to consider is the risk of becoming “underwater” in your loan. Shorter loan terms allow you to gain equity faster, and reduce the risk of you owing more than the car is worth, should you decide to trade it in.
The moral of the story is that monthly budgets are important, but you need to look at the overall cost of a loan as well to make sure that is makes financial sense for you. On a related note, if you want a really low monthly payment without the risk of being caught underwater, you might want to consider leasing a vehicle. A lease allows you to borrow a vehicle for a period of time. Rather than paying to own the entire car, you merely pay for the time that you use the car. And when your lease is up, you have the option of either buying the car or just walking away. Leases generally have much lower monthly payments than even a long-term car loan, and carry none of the risk of being caught underwater.
2015 Ford Transit Van Arrives at Irwin Ford
The completely redesigned 2015 Ford Transit has landed at Irwin Ford! This versatile full-size van is designed with commercial applications in mind, and can be tailored to meet the needs of your business. The Transit does everything from hauling cargo to hauling people, and is available as either a cargo van (that comes with three different body lengths and three different roof heights) or a passenger van that can seat 8, 10, 12, or 15 passengers, depending on the model you choose.
Because of the numerous configurations of the Transit, cargo volume can range from a minimum of 246.7 cubic feet to a maximum of 487.3 cubic feet. The 2015 Transit can handle payloads up to 4,650 pounds and up to 420 pounds of weight on the roof.
There are also three different engines available in the new Transit: a 3.7L V6, a turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and a 3.2L I-5 Power Stroke Turbo Diesel.
In terms of construction, the Transit is built using high-strength steel and boron steel to make a unibody construction that is lighter than body-on-frame, while still strong and durable.
The Transit may be designed for work, but that does not mean that is just utilitarian. There are a variety of convenient technology features such as hands-free calling, Bluetooth connectivity, and a GPS-enabled “black box” called Crew Chief that allows you to track the location, speed, airbag status, and remaining oil life of your vehicle, all from the comfort of your own computer.
To learn more about the right transportation solution for your business, please contact our fleet manager, Steve Pouliot, at 603-581-2945 or steve.pouliot@irwinzone.com.
2015 Lincoln MKC at Irwin Lincoln
The all-new Lincoln MKC will be arriving at Irwin Lincoln this month! The MKC is a compact SUV that offers the best of both worlds: the luxury of the Lincoln brand, and the fuel-economy of a smaller SUV. Powered exclusively by EcoBoost engines, the MKC saves gas in both the FWD and AWD configurations. The FWD version is available with either an EcoBoost 2.0L I4 or an EcoBoost 2.3L I4. The FWD version is epxected the achieve 19 mpg on the highway! The AWD version of the MKC comes exclusively with the 2.3L EcoBoost which delivers 285 horsepower. Although small on the outside, the MKC promises to provide a spacious and airy interior with a passenger volume of 97.9 cubic feet.
The class-exclusive hands-free liftgate is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, while technophiles will love the MyLincoln Mobile App with an embedded modem that allows you to stay connected. Need help parking in a tight spot? Active park assist makes parking a breeze! The Approach Detection with Welcome Mat feature senses your key from up to 8 feet away and illuminates both the driver and passenger entrance.
Is Your Car Making Your Allergies Worse?
Routine maintenance is necessary to prolong the life of your car and to maximize your car’s fuel economy, but did you know that some routine car maintenace may even have a positive effect on your health? According to a recent article released by the Car Care Council, your vehicle’s air conditioning and ventilation system can become clogged with pollen, dust, and other pollutants. The cabin filters that clean the air coming into your car need to be changed regularly the prevent the build up of dust and pollen in your car’s ventilation system. According to Rich White, excecutive director of the Car Care Council, “A dirty or clogged cabin air filter can cause contaminants to become so concentrated in the cabin that passengers actually breathe in more fumes and particles when riding in the car than when walking down the street.”
Cabin air filters should be replaced regularly, according to the specificiations listed in your owner’s manual. A good rule of thumb is that air filters should generally be replaced once a year or every 12,000 miles. Having air filters replaced is quick and affordable, and can done while you wait with no appointment necessary at our Laconia Quick Lane location.
Be sure to include your car on your list of spring cleaning items, and have those air filters replaced. That way, your car will drive better and you will breathe easier during the apring allergy season.
F-150 vs Silverado 1500
The recent news that the 2015 Ford F-150 will shed 700 pounds by using high-strength aluminum has got a lot of people talking, and has seriously worried the competition. Following the news that the redesigned 2015 F-150 will be a game changer, an article in the Wall Street Journal announced that GM has partnered with Alcoa to provide aluminum for the GM pickup fleet. However, GM will not be able to bring their re-designed trucks to market until 2018, giving Ford a three year head start in the reduced-weight pickup market.
Ford has researched the use of aluminum in body panels for years, a technology that Ford pioneered when it still owned the Jaguar brand. Additionally, Ford can draw on the experience of CEO Alan Mulally, who worked as an airplane engineer at Boeing. Aluminum is used extensively in aerospace design and manufacture, and as such, Mulally is very familiar with the properties and characteristics of the metal, and with the processes necessary to work with it.
Even when GM does manage to bring its aluminum-based pickup to market in 2018, it will be three years behind Ford. Ford is doing something truly exceptional in the pickup world, and the competition is struggling to keep up.
Presidents Month Sales Event at Irwin Ford
Irwin Ford is proud to announce the Presidents Month Sales Event going on from now until February 28th! Many of our new Ford trucks, SUV’s, and sedans offer 0% APR financing in addition to our low prices, $1,000 savings voucher, and more! The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling, most trusted truck on the road for years. Test drive a new F-150 today and you will be amazed by its solid construction, spacious and quiet interior, great visibility, and sheer power. Plus, is you happen to try an F-150 with the EcoBoost engine, you will be driving a full-sized pickup that has the power and ability of a V8 and the fuel economy of a V6!
If you are looking for a mid-size sedan, look no further than the stunning new Ford Fusion. Fusion got a gorgeous redesign for the 2013 model year, and features am attractive grille, sleek atheltic stance, and crisp body lines. The Fusion is available in a variety of configurations and has several available engine sizes. The standard engine on the new Fusion is a naturaly-aspirated 2.5L I4 engine that acheives up to 34 mpg on the highway. There are three different turbocharged EcoBoost engines to choose from: a 1.5L, a 1.6L, and a 2.0L. The two smaller engines top out at 37 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0L EcoBoost will get you 33 mpg in the FWD congiguration and 31 mpg in the AWD configuration. The AWD option will continue to be popular with New England drivers due to its reliable performance in a variety of road conditions. Any Ford fans with long commutes to work will love the Fusion Hybrid, which provides an incredible 47 mpg in both city and highway driving. The Ford Fusion Hybrid is able to boast this amazing fuel economy thanks to its 2.0L Atkinson-Cycle I4 Hybrid engine.
Or if you are looking for sheer unbridled driving fun, defintiely check out the Fiesta ST which is a whole lot of fun in a tiny package!
Top 10 in the Country!
Irwin Ford was recently named the #10 Ford dealer in the entire country for the number of tires sold in 2013! We attribute our success to our incredibly low tire prices, free lifetime tire rotations, and the expertise of our Tire Specialist, Mike Hayes, and our Quick Lane Manager, Bill Salta (formerly of Salta Tire). We will meet or beat any competitor’s price on tires, and we provide free lifetime tire rotations for our tire customers. In fact, we are offering up to $130 in rebates for our tire customers during the months of March and February! We are offering the following rebates on the purchase of four tires: a $80 rebate on Pirelli tires, a $70 rebate on Micheline tires, a $60 rebate on Goodyear, Dunlop, Bridgestone, and Yokohama tires, a $50 rebate on General Tire tires, and a $40 rebate on Firestone tires. On top of those savings, if you place the entire purchase of all four tires on your Ford or Lincoln Service Credit Card or your Quick Lane Credit Card, you will be eligible for another $50 rebate!
The 2015 F-150: Ford’s Bold New Design
The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling, most-trusted pickup truck on the road for decades. It is used by more builders, contractors, landscapers, and workers than any other truck, and that’s a fact*. It would not be too much of a stretch to call the F-150 and American icon. With all that in mind, there is huge news for the devoted legions of F-150 fans out there: the 2015 Ford F-150 will future a revolutionary redesign that will make it stronger, lighter, and more fuel-efficient than ever before. The 2015 Ford F-150 will be roughly 700 pounds lighter than the 2014 model; that is a weight reduction of about 10-15% depending on whether it is a regular cab, extended cab, or crew cab. This reduction in weight is achieved through using a combination of high-strength boron steel for the frame, and high-strength aluminum for the body panels. The addition of high-strength aluminum is the result of more than 25 years of research on Ford’s part, as well as billions of dollars in investments for new tools, machines, and processes to work with the new material.
High-strength aluminum is not your run-0f-the-mill aluminum found in soda cans: this is a material used in aerospace and military designs due to desriable properties such as its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. In fact, the aluminum body panels will be much more resistant to rust and corrosion that the current steel panels.
The 2015 F-150 will also feature several engine options depending on your specific truck needs. The current 5.0L V8 will still be available in the next generation of the F-150, along with two turbocharged options. The current 3.7L turbocharged V6 will be down-sized to a 3.5L turbocharged V6 that will get even better fuel economy. Then there’s the real kicker: a 2.7L turbocharged V6 that is expected to achieve about 30 mpg on the highway. The 2.7L V6 is designed specifically for those whose lifestyle demands a full-size pickup, but who does not need to tow a huge boat, for example. The 5.0L V8 and 3.5L V6 turbocharged engines will still deliver the same raw power and torque for towing, hauling, and everything else you need a pickup for. But for those who need a pickup bed and less towing capacity in exchange for truly impressive fuel economy, the 2.7L will be a complete game-changer for the full-size pickup class.
*Based on Polk survey data for light-duty pickups
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