Administration fees are part of the cost of selling cars

Many dealers do include an administration fee on all vehicle transactions. It’s a real cost that is passed onto the car buyer and it’s meant to cover the cost of processing vehicle orders and preparing new and used vehicles for delivery — purchased or leased.

The admin fee includes licensing, processing a loan or lease with financial institutions, arranging insurance documentation, conducting vehicle lien searches and vehicle history reports, registration fees for extended warranties, activation of satellite radio, Bluetooth and other technologies, and so-on.

Often, dealers are required to advance funds for outstanding fines and license infractions on behalf of the purchaser or lease, prior to provincial registration. Unfortunately, there are administrative costs to all these tasks.

On lease termination transactions, where the finance source is directing the sale to the driver or a third party, the dealer is the facilitator (not the end buyer, nor the seller) and is responsible for: preparing the bill of sale; inspecting, storing and completing vehicle condition reports; arranging and ensuring the proper Safety Standards Certificate; Drive Clean emission testing; collecting and remitting to the finance source (not only the agreed purchase price, but any outstanding vehicle payments); excess km charges and reconditioning fees as well as satisfying all MVDA and OMVIC requirements.

The majority of car buyers that I’ve worked with over the years acknowledge that dealerships invest time and resources to prepare a vehicle for delivery. They understand the necessity of a modest fee for those services.

This reader suggests, however, that dealers act unscrupulously by pretending that the fee is mandatory. Dealers do not make any such claims, and to suggest otherwise is wrong.

Today, many retailers and professionals charge an administration fee for products and services. For example, doctors and lawyers charge fees for items like prescription renewals or property searches. Ticket agencies charge a processing fee for concerts. Bank fees/charges are an everyday fact of life.

Home utility bills contain fees, over and above the energy or water consumed. When purchasing a major appliance, delivery and setup fees are the norm. If you buy something on the Internet, you will likely pay a processing fee, in addition to the actual cost of delivery.

There are fees associated with dining out as well. Large groups patronizing certain restaurants generate an automatic gratuity (call it an admin fee) on the total bill.

People accept these “additional” fees because they are reasonable in light of the product or service that’s provided. It’s all about perceived value.

Administration fees in our industry are not a hidden markup and, for the most part, are more transparent to purchasers than they are accustomed to from other retailers.

This column represents the view of TADA. Email president@tada.ca or visit tada.ca

Joel Cohen, president of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association, is a new car dealer in the GTA.

Chevy Cruze Knocks the Honda Civic off Consumer Reports Recommended Pedestal

by Michael Accardi October 25, 2016

SHARE (1129)

COMMENTS (1)

The Chevrolet Cruze just pulled off a significant coup in the compact class, taking Consumer Reports’ coveted “Recommended” rating away from the venerable Honda Civic in the publication’s latest Auto Reliability Survey.

Chevrolet was lauded for the “stellar reliability of the redesigned 2016 Cruze,” which catapulted it to the top of the 2017 compact class. Meanwhile the segments perpetual stalwart, the Honda Civic, was dropped courtesy of infotainment and engine issues, tarnishing the 10th generation’s reliability ratings.

“We are ecstatic about this report,” Sherry Gaunt, vice president of United Auto Workers Local 1714, told The Tribune Chronicle. UAW Local 1714 oversees Cruze production at GM’s facility in Lordstown, Ohio.

More than 3.5 million Chevy Cruzes have been sold globally since 2008, more than 1.5 million of those units rolled off the Lordstown assembly line.

“Getting this kind of recognition simply shows that others recognize the quality and workmanship that we’ve worked, on both sides of the plant, to place in this vehicle,” Gaunt continued. “We always strive to build a number one quality car.”

Consumer Reports forecasts the reliability of 2017 vehicles based on survey responses from its subscribers, 2017 findings were based on 500,000 responses.

Truck or Treat Sale!!!Oct 25- 27th!!!

Enjoy exclusive offers:
• Test drive any vehicle and be entered to win
a $100 gas card.
• Dinner on us Draw at end of sale
Prize – $150.00 Value.
• Up to $13,000 off new vehicles.
• 0% finance up to 84 months.
• 1 Year Free Walkaway Assurance
with the purchase of vehicle.
• $500 Free Extra Value Package-
Warranty and Undercoat! Details with sales team
Dress up in a
Used Vehicle for Halloween!
We have over $1,000,000
in used inventory that has to go!

GMC Sierra vs. Ram 1500: Compare Trucks

Full-size pickup trucks draw some of the most loyal vehicle shoppers of all. But now that the perennially popular GMC Sierra and Ram 1500 have added new trims and editions, is there reason for the faithful to switch sides?

At first glance, the styling race is the Ram’s to lose. The latest GMC Sierra has some starch in its sheet metal—more than the Chevy Silverado—and it’s a handsome, broad-shouldered kind of pickup (looking especially well-dressed in top Denali form, of course). The Ram 1500? It’s still the champ at channeling the brute appeal of a tractor-trailer outside, while it softens up the cabin to carlike levels inside. Neither truck suffers any of the hard plastics or cheap finishes from trucks of the past: the Sierra’s swathed in soft-touch and aluminum trim, while the Ram can be a riot in tony brown—or a country-western centerpiece in Longhorn trim.

Most truck buyers look past that fancy stuff when outfitting a truck for hard work, though. At the hardware level, the Sierra and the Ram split off from the full-size benchmarks in some important ways. Both come now with a base V-6/automatic drivetrain that’s strong enough to give shoppers a reason to study their towing and hauling needs carefully; the Ram’s 8-speed automatic gives it an EPA-best 25-mpg highway rating, while GMC’s V-6 sports an excellent 7,200-pound maximum tow rating, with fuel economy info yet to come. A step up brings a pair of V-8s in either direction: Ram’s Hemi gets the 8-speed too, while GMC starts with a 355-hp V-8 with excellent 23-mpg highway ratings—or a 6.2-liter V-8 that claims best-in-class towing of 12,000 pounds.

Four-wheel drive’s a no-brainer, and both the Ram and Silverado have electric power steering that actually improves on the old racks both had in prior generations. The Ram’s suspension scores some versatility points on the road, however: optional air springs have five settings from aero to off-road, while the Sierra totes those heavy loads with leaf springs.

The Ram 1500 and Sierra 1500 both have a trio of bed lengths and body styles, and they pad ’em out with all kinds of nooks, crannies, and conveniences unimaginable to pickup drivers of a generation ago. The Ram has under-seat storage in the middle section of the front bench, under the rear seats, and in the truck bed’s sides. The Sierra? It can sport up to five USB ports, has an iPad tray in its center console, and comes with LED bed lighting and a built-in step bumper.

GMC’s pickup earns five-star scores from the feds and “Good” results from the IIHS, which is a step ahead of the Ram’s four-star overall scores and “Marginal” roof strength and small overlap rating. Rearview cameras and parking sensors are offered on both, and trailer-sway control is standard. Importantly, the Sierra now offers automatic emergency braking as an option on mid-level trucks and standard on the Denali range.

Finally, when it comes to the world of tomorrow, the Ram takes a final point from the Sierra thanks to its UConnect infotainment system. Most Rams come with the system and with a big 8.4-inch screen, which works with reconfigurable gauges, optional navigation, and tethered Sprint data for on-the-go connectivity. The Sierra’s GMC IntelliLink system is colorful, sharp, and standard on almost all models, and provides many of the same services, with just a touch less user-friendly layout (and dealer-installed data links).

The Ram falls shy of the stellar towing and hauling ratings of the Sierra, but takes control when it comes to ride and infotainment. If we pulled a trailer often, and if it were our $40,000 to spend, we could easily spend it on the GMC

The difference between all-weather and all-season tires

The names seem to mean the same thing, but these two types of tires deliver significantly different results – and only one of them is good for year-round use

By Emily Chung

March 9, 2016

Lately, there’s barely any snow on the roads and temperatures are above freezing; this year’s winter season has been a bit of an anomaly – people were even golfing in the Greater Toronto Area during December. But one thing’s for sure, we’re still the Great White North, and it gets cold and snowy here. Even so, many Canadians still don’t equip their vehicles with winter tires because “it’s too expensive.”

This logic is interesting, because when you switch between two sets of tires, you prolong the life of each; you extend the life of your all-season tires when you store them in the winter. And if you ride on all-season tires year-round, as many drivers do, you’ll be replacing those tires more frequently than if you had two sets – so any “savings” is considerably reduced.A lot of drivers who stick with all-season tires throughout the year also say that they don’t want to be bothered with yearly tire changeovers or storing tires in their garage or condo lockers. While it may be a hassle to have two sets of tires for your car, remember that winter tires are part of the cost of driving in our climate. Plus, in a recent Kal Tire study, a vehicle with winter tires stopped almost 15 metres sooner than its all-season tire counterpart.

Canadians are generally well versed in the differences between all-season and winter tires. For those of you who want vehicle safety but don’t want to switch between two sets of tires, take heart – all-weather tires are a good option. If you’re thinking they should come up with better names to differentiate the types of tire (all-season versus all-weather), trust me – you’re not the only one who’s confused. From my experience, few Canadians are aware that all-weather tires exist, or understand how they differ from all-season tires. Here are a few examples to show the variations:

IMG Nokian All Season eNTYRE

Look at the Nokian eNTYRE’s all-season tire tread; see how the treads are relatively smooth and straight? These help with gripping the road in moderate to hot temperatures, and repel water when you’re driving in the rain.

IMG Bridgestone Winter Blizzak

Bridgestone Winter Blizzak

Car Buying Myths and Misconceptions

Myth: Rainy Days Make for Good Car Deals

A dusty old adage is that rainy days are good for car shopping because the bad weather keeps away other buyers. In truth, the lot is jammed with people all thinking they are getting the inside track to a good deal.

Myth: Read All the Fine Print in the Contract

Reading every word in your sales contract is outdated advice. But it is essential to carefully review all the numbers before you sign.

Myth: Play Gotcha with the Car Salesman

Thinking about hiding the trade-in and then springing it on the unsuspecting car salesman at the last moment? This is an old ploy that will not likely get you a better deal.

Our parents and friends give us a lot of great advice about life and (in some cases) about the best way to buy a car. But with all due respect to friends and family, some car buying advice is outdated — or just plain wrong.

Sometimes I cringe when I read these tips because I know that if people follow them, something is likely to backfire. So often, people think they have a silver-bullet solution for getting a super-low price on a car, but they miss the bigger picture of the new car deal.

The flawed advice I read seems to fall into two categories. The first is the mistaken belief in a “gotcha” style of car buying, where the buyer is somehow going to turn the tables on a car salesperson. The second category is made up of car-buying myths and misconceptions. Some of these tips might have worked at one time, but they have outlived their usefulness. Other bits of “wisdom” were never true, but live on as myths that are about as useful as believing in the Tooth Fairy.

Many car-buying myths stem from the same assumption: Car salesmen are trying to screw you, so go ahead and screw them back. If you really believe a salesperson is trying to pull a fast one, walk away. Find a good dealership and a good salesperson who will work with you on a good, straight-up deal. There are good car sellers out there, and they want your business.

Also, remember that your needs are very close to the salesperson’s goal. You want a car and salespeople want to sell you one. Find a comfortable middle ground and you’ll both be happy.

Here, then, is a collection of car-buying myths and dusty old tips you should dump:

1. Buy a car on a rainy day. The idea is that due to bad weather, no one will be on the car lot and the dealer will be desperate to move metal. One problem: Many people have heard this advice, which means the dealership is both wet and crowded. We recently ran this past a car salesman while both of us were standing in the rain. “Actually we’re really busy on rainy days,” he said. “Everyone thinks it’s going to be empty.”

Another variation of this myth is to go to a dealership just before it closes. Then, supposedly, the sales staff will agree to a lower price because they want to go home. In actuality, they’ll work well past closing time to finalize the deal. Here are some actual good times to buy a car.

2. Hide the trade-in until you finalize the price of a new car. Then spring it on the salesperson. Do you really think salespeople haven’t heard of this strategy before? And do you really think it will get you a better price? It doesn’t work.

The best tactic is to compartmentalize the deal. Know the price of your trade-in by using TMV to get its actual worth and get as close to that as possible. If you don’t like the offer for your trade-in, pursue other trade-in options.

3. Don’t reveal that you’re leasing until you negotiate the price of the new car. The assumption is that if you tip your hand early, a salesperson will snow you with leasing jargon and inflate the price of the car. The savings on these lease specials are better than you would get by just leasing a car based on a low purchase price.

Another way to get the straight scoop on a lease price is to solicit quotes from competing dealerships, as described in our article, “Quick Guide to Leasing a New Car.”

4. Be prepared to walk out. This is good advice for people who insist on shopping in person at a car lot. But it’s no longer good advice in the Internet age, mainly because we don’t recommend that you ever walk onto a dealership lot cold. Instead, use the Internet department and Price Promise for a hassle-free, low-cost shopping experience.

5. Read every word of the contract. If you follow this advice, you’ll be there all day. Besides, most sales contracts are boilerplate that’s regulated by the state’s motor vehicle registry. It’s not necessary to read all the words in the contract. However, it is absolutely essential to review all the numbers in the contract. For more on this, read “How To Review Your New Car Sales Contract.”

6. Call the sales manager, tell him you’re buying a car in an hour and demand his lowest price. The principle of this “game theory” approach is to pit dealerships against each other. Believe me, they are already well aware of the competition. Furthermore, this confrontational style is harder to pull off than you might think. Maybe it sounds fun to put the salesperson on the spot. But try it and see how far you get. Here’s a nonconfrontational approach to car buying that will get better results.

7. Bring a cashier’s check for exactly the amount you want to pay and say, “Take it or leave it.” We like to imagine how cool and invincible we would feel by doing this. But if you bring a check with a figure you cooked up, you won’t be leaving in a new car. Where did you come up with this price? Did you correctly add fees and taxes for all the options on a specific vehicle? How do you know the dealership wasn’t ready to give you a price lower than the one on your check?

It’s better to solicit Internet quotes, negotiate a good deal on an actual car, get a rundown of all the necessary fees and taxes and then bring a cashier’s check. It’s not a sexy power play, but it works. Better yet? Use Price Promise and skip the haggle.

2017 Acadia

INTERIOR

The all-new 2017 Acadia SUV personifies our Professional Grade attitude and dedication to precision. Acadia’s flexible, versatile space and functionality is seamlessly melded with style, safety, and technology.

 

• 

REFINED, COMFORTABLE INTERIOR

A premium driving experience awaits you in the 2017 Acadia mid-size SUV. Available French-stitched seats emphasize comfort with refined, soft touch materials and real aluminum trim throughout the cabin. The Acadia SUV’s innovative storage options increase capability. Features include:

 

• Attractive trim accents
• Active Noise Cancellation for a remarkably quiet cabin
• Two-way adjustable front head restraints for greater comfort
• Purposeful interior lighting accents

 

 

VERSATILE

Up to 7 passengers fit with comfort and ease, thanks to premium seating and easy access to the 3rd row. And with Acadia’s fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, you’ll have plenty of room for the next adventure.

 

• Enhanced second-row Smart Slide^®seats provide easy access to the third row
• Passenger side second-row seat can tip, pitch and slide-even when a child seat is attached.
• Available second-row bucket seats with centre pass-through
• Built-in seat release levers make it easy to fold the second-row seats flat from the rear of the vehicle

 

CONTROL AND CONVENIENCE

Everything is within arm’s reach in the all-new Acadia mid-size SUV, so you can stay comfortable and in control.

 

• Innovative available 2nd-row pullout console drawer
• Covered underfloor cargo area storage
• 5 USB ports³
• Rear climate controls
• Available 120-volt power outlet

EXTERIOR

The all-new 2017 GMC Acadia mid-size SUV is designed to make a lasting impression. Its bold, sculptural lines, advanced technologies and refined details are the marks of Professional Grade engineering.

• 

BOLD NEW LOOK

The Acadia SUV makes a strong impression with its confident stance and bold styling from front to back, and its details, big and small, make it a truly distinctive crossover vehicle. Features include:

 

• Distinctive grille designs
• Bold new wraparound headlamps
• 17”, 18” and 20” wheel options
• Wraparound rear glass

 

 

 

LED SIGNATURE LIGHTING ACCENTS

Attractive headlamps, tail lamps, and available fog lamps on the Acadia mid-size SUV assures form follows function – letting you see and be seen.

 

• Standard projector-beam headlamps with LED daytime running lamps
• C-Shaped signature GMC lighting
• Available halogen fog lamps with projector technology help reduce glare and improve visibility in foggy conditions
• LED tail lamps

 

 

 

KEYLESS OPEN AND START

The innovative Keyless Open and Start feature – standard on the Acadia mid-size SUV – makes entering and exiting the vehicle effortless.

 

• Allows you to access all four doors when it senses your key fob approaching and starts the vehicle with the push of a button
• When you exit, the vehicle automatically locks within several seconds of the last door being closed

 

SAFETY

The 2017 Acadia mid-size SUV offers a comprehensive suite of available Driver Alert and Active Safety technologies that rely on a sophisticated network of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to help prepare you for the unexpected.

• 

SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT⁴

When a car is detected entering the Acadia SUV’s side blind zone, the available system displays a symbol in the outside mirror to provide an alert to the driver that the space is occupied. If the turn signal is activated and a vehicle is also detected on the same side, the display will flash as an extra warning not to change lanes.

REAR CROSS TRAFFIC

Available Rear Cross Traffic Alert uses radar sensors to help warn drivers of approaching cross traffic when backing up. Especially helpful in parking lots, this innovative feature will alert you if moving vehicles are detected behind your Acadia SUV, so you can back up with confidence.

REAR PARK ASSIST

Available rear park assist uses ultrasonic sensors to help drivers avoid objects while in reverse. An obstacle is indicated by audible beeps, and the interval between beeps becomes shorter as the vehicle gets closer to the obstacle.

REAR VISION CAMERA

Rear Vision Camera helps drivers see stationary objects behind the vehicle when it’s travelling in reverse at low speeds. This high-tech camera will work with you to help you confirm the coast is clear before backing up.

TECHNOLOGY

The all-new 2017 GMC Acadia mid-size SUV offers the latest technology and infotainment innovations that help you stay conveniently connected and in control.

• 

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

Innovations like the 203mm (8-in.) diagonal Colour Touch Audio System with IntelliLink^®5 make your drive an inspired experience. Additional features include:

 

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility⁶
• Available Active Tow system
• 5 USB ports³
• Available IntelliLink^®5 with navigation⁷
• 4G LTE with Wi-Fi Hotspot¹

 

REAR SEAT REMINDER

This new feature is activated when a second-row door is opened and closed during or just before a trip. When Acadia is turned off, five audible chimes and a message in the Driver Information Centre remind you to check the second row.

 

CONNECTED AND IN CONTROL

IntelliLink⁵ keeps your infotainment simple. Its cutting edge voice-recognition and touch screen technology allows you to listen to your favourite music, initiate phone calls from your smartphone or USB-enabled³ device hassle-free.

• Download in-vehicle apps via Shop
• Partial name speech recognition

TOW WITH CONFIDENCE

The available Active Tow Trailering system makes hitching easier by employing an advanced rear vision camera with dynamic guidelines to help you line up the Acadia SUV’s hitch with the trailer, as well as provide you with views of the trailer while driving.

PERFORMANCE

The 2017 Acadia mid-size SUV builds on a solid track record of GMC Professional Grade engineering focused on delivering performance and handling dynamics that help keep you confidently in control – no matter where the road takes you.

• 

POWERTRAIN PERFORMANCE

Acadia’s performance is powered by a standard 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed transmission with advanced stop/start technology. Upgrade to the available 3.6L V6 engine with Active Fuel Management and 310 horsepower for the more heavy-duty tasks.

TRACTION SELECT

Acadia features a standard Drive Mode Selector which lets the driver seamlessly switch between different modes for various road conditions. Modes include:

• Normal (FWD)
• AWD Disconnect (AWD)
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD Only)
• Off-Road (AWD Only)
• Snow (FWD Only)
• Sport
• Trailer/Tow (if equipped)

  TRIMS

  At every trim level, the GMC Acadia offers features to meet your needs. Explore your available options and build an Acadia that’s all your own.

  • 

  ACADIA SLE-1

  • Front-wheel drive
  • 193 hp 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with start/stop technology
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with Duralife^TM rotors
  • StabiliTrak stability control system
  • Traction control
  • 7-passenger premium cloth seating with convenient Smart Slide flat-folding second-row 60/40 split bench seat
  • 60/40 split-folding third-row bench seat for added utility
  • Centre console with rear storage drawer
  • Enhanced Driver Information Centre with exterior temperature and compass display
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with Bluetooth^®3 audio system and cruise controls
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control with individual settings for driver and front passenger, and rear-seat passengers
  • Automatic dual halogen projector-beam headlamps
  • LED daytime running lamps
  • 17″ painted aluminum wheels
  • Bluetooth^®1 hands-free phone connectivity
  • 178 mm (7″) diagonal colour touch-screen audio system IntelliLink⁵
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility⁶
  • 6-speaker sound system
  • SiriusXM Satellite Radio^®8
  • OnStar5 with 6 months of the Guidance Plan
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi^® hotspot1 for 3 GB or 3-month trial, whichever comes first
  • 8 airbags⁹
  • Rear Vision Camera

  ACADIA SLE-2

  • In addition to the standard features listed above, Acadia SLE-2 includes:
  • 6-passenger seating with second-row Smart Slide captain’s chairs
  • 8-way power driver seat adjuster
  • Heated front seats to quickly take the winter chill off
  • Remote vehicle starter system
  • Power programmable liftgate
  • Fog lamps
  • 18″ machined aluminum wheels

   

  ACADIA SLT-1

  • In addition to the standard features listed above, Acadia SLT-1 includes:
  • Advanced all-wheel drive
  • 310 hp 3.6L V6 engine with Active Fuel Management, Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
  • Dual exhaust
  • Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert
  • Lane Change Alert
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Rear Park Assist
  • Perforated leather-appointed seats
  • 8-way front passenger power seat adjuster
  • Driver and front passenger power lumbar control
  • 203 mm (8″) diagonal colour touch-screen audio system IntelliLink⁵
  • Universal Home Remote
  • Bose^® 8-speaker premium sound system
  • 120-volt power outlet
  • 18″ painted aluminum wheels

   

  ACADIA SLT-2

  Acadia features a standard Drive Mode Selector which lets the driver seamlessly switch between different modes for various road conditions. Modes include:

   

  • In addition to the standard features listed above, Acadia SLT-2 includes:
  • Heated rear outboard seating positions
  • Memory settings for driver seat and exterior rear-view mirrors
  • Low speed Front Automatic Braking
  • Front Pedestrian detection
  • IntelliBeam^® headlamps
  • Front and Rear Park Assist
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Following Distance Indicator
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Safety Alert Driver Seat
  • 20″ bright aluminum wheels
  • Trailering package

 

How to End Your Lease Early

BY JEFF YOUNGS, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

When leasing a vehicle, the buyer is agreeing to make regular payments, follow a scheduled maintenance plan, and keep the vehicle for the duration of the contract. A popular misconception is that it is impossible to end a lease early. In truth, all leases can be terminated early. However, since lease agreements are not designed to be broken, substantial penalties and fees are usually associated with early termination. It is, in the end, a question of cost.

In many cases, from unexpected lifestyle changes to just boredom with the vehicle, buyers may consider ending their automotive lease before the end of the term. With appropriate vehicle preparation and picking the right time to end the lease, it may be possible to terminate a lease early and do so with very little penalty.

Prepare your vehicle

• Wash and detail. Whether you intend to sell your vehicle or return it to the leasing company, it needs to appear clean and maintained. At a minimum, completely wash the exterior and vacuum the interior. At best, pay to have the vehicle professionally detailed.
• Check the tires. Tires show obvious wear and tear. Make sure the tires have plenty of tread remaining. If the tread is worn or uneven (check your lease contract for minimal acceptable tread depths), purchase new tires at a local tire shop before you return the vehicle to the dealership or attempt to sell it.
• Take pictures. Once the vehicle is clean, take a few good photographs of the interior, exterior, engine, and odometer (for mileage). You may also want to take close-up pictures of the tire tread. You will need the pictures if you are selling the vehicle, and they will also be very helpful if the condition or mileage of your lease return is ever questioned.

What are my options to end my lease early?

• Return the vehicle to the dealership. This is a traditional lease termination, and it is an expensive option. When you return the vehicle to the dealership, you will be required to pay all penalties. In some cases, you may be required to make all outstanding payments, and pay additional penalties on top of any other fees. This should be a last-resort option.
• Trade in your vehicle for another vehicle. It may be possible to lease another vehicle at the same dealership. The penalties and fees from your original lease will be rolled in (included) with the new vehicle contract, making your payments higher. This option is also expensive, but it allows you to absorb the penalties from the old lease over an extended period.
• Find someone to take over your lease. You may be able to find a family member, friend, or co-worker to assume the balance of your lease payments. Several online companies offer this type of service for customers looking to sell their leases. Each leasing company has its own set of requirements, which often include a credit check and transfer fees, and there may be out-of-state restrictions to consider. Use caution when exercising this option: though you are no longer responsible for monthly payments, many leasing companies hold the original lessee liable in the event of a default.
• Purchase the vehicle from the leasing company. Every lease has a buyout or payoff. This is the amount due to the leasing company if you wish to purchase the vehicle outright at any point during the lease. Depending on the resale value of the vehicle, the payoff may be at or above market value, potentially requiring you to pay more for the vehicle than it is actually worth.
• Sell the vehicle. Using the payoff amount from the leasing company as a guide, sell the vehicle to another private party. Again, if your vehicle has a high payoff it may be very difficult to sell without incurring a loss. Even if you are forced to take a financial loss, it may be a less expensive option than continuing the outstanding monthly payments on the lease contract. Selling the vehicle is also an excellent option if you want to avoid penalties for excess wear and tear and having exceeded the allocated lease mileage.

All 2017 Silverados to upgrade with 8-speed automatic; what else might Chevy do?

What changes will make the 2017 Silverado 1500 different?

New paint colors, repackaged options, and a complete phase-out of 6-speed automatic transmissions for more sophisticated 8-speed automatics. These 2017 updates will come on the heels of a substantial model-year 2016 update that included freshened styling. Also updated was GMC’s version of this half-ton pickup, the Sierra 1500. It was the first notable change since these full-size pickups were fully redesigned for model-year 2014.

Why should I wait for the 2017?

To take advantage of a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Its availability should no longer be limited to the most expensive trim levels and drivetrain configurations. Chevy started rolling out this gearbox during the 2015 model year. Availability was restricted to Silverados (and Sierras) equipped with the most powerful and most expensive engine, a 6.2-liter V-8. All other models continued to use a 6-speed automatic. For 2016, Chevy began paring the 9-speed with the far more popular 5.3-liter V-8, but only on Silverado’s top-line LTZ and High Country models. In 2017, we expect the 8-speed to become standard equipment across the entire Silverado 1500 line.

Aside from possible additions of even more special-trim versions, such as Black Out Edition and limited-availability Custom grade added during 2016, the core of that lineup should again consist of the contractor-class Work Truck (WT); the volume-selling LS and LT; the upscale LTZ; and the flagship High Country. The 2-door regular cab body style will return, as will the extended Double Cab and the roomiest and most popular, the Crew Cab. The latter two have front-hinged rear doors that open independently of the fronts. Expect the regular cab and Double Cab to again be available with a 6-foot 6-inch-long short-bed cargo box and an 8-foot-long long-bed, with Crew Cabs available with a 5-foot 8-inch short-bed and a 6-ft-6 long-bed.

Should I buy a 2016 model instead?

Yes, if your truck budget points you to a version with the proven 6-speed automatic transmission. It delivers a good driving experience, sacrificing just a trace of throttle response to the 8-speed. And depending on the trim level you choose, fuel economy will likely be a wash. The ’16 styling updates will carry this truck through to its next redesign, likely for model-year 2019 or ’20, although a 10-speed automatic transmission is slated for model-year ’18. Of course, buying a ’16 helps you avoid model-year price inflation. And you’ll save even more by taking advantage of the perpetually generous financial incentives GM offers on its full-size pickups. During spring 2016, for example, Certain Double and Crew cab models qualified for factory and dealer rebates of $10,000 or more off list price. This doesn’t mean your Silverado of choice will necessarily be cheap; loaded versions top out around $60,000. But your dealer should have plenty of room to drive down the price.

Will the styling be different?

Not after Chevy re-worked the Silverado’s exterior appearance for 2016. The truck’s basic design and engineering dates back to the 2014 model year. While that model received significant enhancements under the hood and inside the cabin, the exterior styling remained rather conservative. The 2016 freshening addresses this somewhat with a bolder front grille and sculpted hood. WT, LS, Custom, and LT models received LED accent lighting while the LTZ and High Country get the full LED headlight treatment. The overall design should continue into 2017 with no major changes until the next-generation Silverado 1500 comes online. The core lineup for ’17 should return with the WT, LS, and LT models available in all three cab configurations, the LTZ offered in Double and Crew cabs, and the High Country as a Crew Cab only.

Any mechanical changes?

As noted, the 8-speed automatic transmission should become standard equipment on all 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models. Expect engine choices to stand pat. Standard on all but the LTZ and High Country would be a 4.3-liter V-6 with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. Standard on the LTZ and High Country and for about $1,200 on all the other models, you can get what is, by far, the most popular engine on this truck: a 5.3-liter V-8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Available for about $2,500 on the LTZ and High Country is a 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine is shared with the high-end GMC Sierra Denali pickup and Cadillac Escalade premium-large SUV. Rear-wheel drive is standard. Full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) that can be left engaged on dry pavement would be available for an additional $3,150. The system includes low-range gearing for heavy off-road use. When properly equipped, the Silverado’s maximum towing capacity is a robust 12,000 pounds.

Will the fuel economy improve?

Probably for lower-trim models, thanks to the 8-speed automatic. Oddly, 2016 EPA ratings were slightly lower for 5.3-liter-V8 models equipped with the 8-speed than for those with the 6-speed. That may have reflected the higher curb weights of the LTZ and High Country trims, the only versions available with the 8-speed for ‘16. The 8-speed should help V-6 Silverados beat ’16 ratings of 20 mpg city-highway combined with rear-wheel drive and 19 with 4WD. They may or may not change for the 5.3-liter V-8 with the 8-speed, which rated 18 mpg combined with rear-drive and 17 with 4WD (versus 19 and 18, respectively, with the 6-speed). With the 6.2-liter V-8, Chevy will try to leverage the 8-speed to beat ’16 ratings of 17 mpg city-highway combined with both rear- and four-wheel drive.

The V-6 and 5.3 V-8 will again use regular-grade 87-octane gasoline or E85 ethanol-blended fuel. GM will again recommend premium-grade 91-octane gasoline for the 6.2 V-8. Both V-8 engines will again come equipped with GM’s Active Fuel Management that shuts down four of the cylinders under cruising and light load conditions in order to save fuel.

Will it have new features?

Probably not, per se, but expect existing options to be repackaged into different groups to potentially offer buyers greater value. Model-year 2016 brought the addition of several useful technology and convenience items, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system; available wireless phone charging; an optional remote locking tailgate; and a Cargo Convenience Package that includes a spray-on bedliner, cargo tie-downs, and a cross-rail tiered storage system.

Silverado customization is limited pretty much only to your imagination. At the bottom of the pecking order, Work Trucks are for blue-collar businesses who need dependable rigs to run their companies. While you can get niceties such as power windows and locks, it is possible to equip a WT without them if you’re really watching your bottom line. At the other end, the High Country is for business owners or recreational users who crave luxury-sedan trappings but need to tow their horse trailers and/or moderately sized watercraft. These trucks are available with high-grade leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, power running boards, a navigation system, and more.

How will 2017 prices be different?

They’ll doubtlessly be higher, but probably only by a few hundred dollars. A 2016 regular cab WT starts at $28,090, including $1,195 destination fee. A decked-out 4WD High Country (which is crew cab only) with the $1,095 Premium Package (forward collision alert, lane keep assist, high beam assist); $2,495 6.2-liter V-8; extra-cost paint ($395-$995); and 22-inch wheels ($2,995) will top out at $60,000, give or take a grand or two. A more modestly equipped 4WD LT Crew Cab, which should account for the majority of non-fleet sales, should sticker for about $46,000.

When will it come out?

Expect a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 release date in the fall 2016.

Best competitors

Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra

What change would make it better?

Chevy once offered Silverado in a Double Cab long-bed version and some buyers might appreciate its return; Ford is the only rival currently offering such a combo. It’s also pioneered the use of aluminum instead of steel for body panels and bed. GM touts the all-steel construction of its trucks now, but it, too, will employ some aluminum body panels in its next-generation full-size pickups. Otherwise, the Silverado should soldier on as a reliable workhorse with a wide range of body styles and features to suit most any truck shopper. It lacks the forward-thinking styling and engineering of the Ford F-150 or the excellent road manners and available diesel power of the Ram 1500. These points won’t matter to Chevy die-hards, but first-time buyers or those not loyal to any brand may want to consider the competition first, at least until the next-generation Silverado is ready to roll.

Is it Safe to fill out a Credit Application on a Dealership’s Website?

 

As a result, many people are very weary of filling out a credit application online, particularly on a dealership’s website.

 

Having bad credit can be very stressful. Not only do many people find it embarrassing to some degree, but they also have to constantly worry about whether they will be accepted or not when they are attempting to finance something, such as a car.

 

A dealership’s finance managers will make sure that they make you feel comfortable when you share your credit information with them. It is their job to help find you a payment plan that works best for you. They are also responsible for keeping your information private, so you don’t have to worry about them sharing it with others.

 

Filling out an application online is a good idea as it will save you a lot of time. You can figure out your financing before you enter the dealership, which will put your mind at ease and won’t make the entire car-buying process stressful.