Mar 19

BY ALAN MCPHEE, THE DAILY NEWS

If you count in all the model variables by brand, there are no less than 50 compact SUV/CUV choices on the Canadian market; all with a numbing sameness that makes it difficult to separate one from another.

They are all pretty much the same size, powered by similar base 4-cylinder engines mated to either 5-or 6-speed automatic transmissions; they all offer seats for five, roughly the same fuel economy and about the same cargo capacity. And they all include some variation of a FWD/AWD powertrain.

Chevrolet already has a player in this league with the Equinox and so one would wonder why the bow tie brand would want to add another to this crowded niche. On the other hand, they may have seen something the others have missed.

First of all, the new Chevrolet Trax is not like the others. It slots in just below those other compacts, in price and size, with a starting base of $18,495 (that’s about $2,000 -$5,000 less expensive). Built on the Chevrolet Sonic platform, it is also shorter in overall length (by about 300 mm/12.0-inches) with-out compromising 5-passenger comfort or competitive cargo space. To further emphasize the difference, Chevrolet describes the Trax as the ‘City SUV’, suggesting its agility and convenience have been designed for the family that lives in an urban landscape most of the time. The Trax is part of Chevrolet’s global marketing plan and will be sold in more than 140 markets worldwide. According to Marc Comeau, vice-president sales and marketing for Chevrolet Canada, “The Trax will be a popular choice with Canadians looking for the convenience and utility offered by a small SUV, ideal to drive in urban centres and cities across Canada.”

The Trax sports the characteristic Chevrolet bi-level grille found on the Cruze, Sonic and Malibu, flanked by nicely detailed Halogen headlights and fog lamps. With its shorter body and wide stance, it has a pugnacious look that suggests it’s ready to take on all-comers. Four models are offered starting with the LS/FWD ($18,495), 1LT/AWD, 2LT/AWD and LTZ/ AWD. Our tester was the LTZ/ AWD finished in Champagne Silver Metallic with two-tone Black and Light Titanium leatherette seating.

All models are equipped with Chevrolet’s proven Ecotec 1.4-litre, 138 horsepower, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, mated to either a 6-speed manual (FWD models only) or 6-speed automatic with manual mode.

The combination of a small displacement engine with a turbocharger is becoming the powertrain of choice for small and compact vehicles because it gives you the best of both worlds…excellent fuel economy in normal driving and lively performance when the turbocharger is engaged. Standard dynamic assists include Stabilitrak (electronic stability control system), Traction Control, four-wheel power disc brakes with ABS, BA (Brake Assist) and Hill Hold Assist (prevents rolling back when starting on a steep hill).

A 4-cylinder engine works harder than a V6 and so the 6speed automatic transmission is kept busy providing smooth, seamless shifts while the engine is commendably quiet, especially at cruising speeds. I particularly like the manual mode.

A thumb button on the inside of the gearshift lets you ‘toggle’ up and down to select the gear you want. Our Trax LTZ featured the upgraded ‘Touring Ride and Handling’ suspension that provides a firmer but supple ride with flatter cornering and sharper steering response.

The front bucket seats are nicely formed to hold you comfortably and are handsomely finished in two-tone leatherette with Jet Black side bolsters and Light Titanium seating surfaces. Both front seats are heated and the driver gets 6-way power and lumbar tensioner.

The unique instrument cluster consists of a conventional analog tachometer alongside a wide screen with a bold digital speed readout and other trip information including fuel, engine temperature, odometers, instant and average fuel economy, range, ambient temperature and compass. The tilt-telescoping steering wheel is leather covered and includes fingertip controls for audio, cruise and Bluetooth connectivity.

Our LTZ came with Chevrolet’s MyLink system featuring a large, 7.0-inch colour touch screen mounted in the centre dashboard. It’s the command centre for your Bluetooth audio streaming, Premium Bose AM/ FM and XM Satellite Radio (3 months free service) and also serves as your rear backup camera view.

The rear bench seat is split 60-40 and can be folded flat to increase interior cargo capacity to a very useful 1,375 litres (48.5 cu-ft.). The front passenger seatback also folds flat to allow for longer loads. There are lots of cubbies and cupholders plus a storage tray under the front seat. Standard features you won’t find on the competition include 6 months of GM’s OnStar ‘Directions & Connections’ with automatic Crash Response, Turn-by-turn Navigation and OnStar Remote Link.

All the usual power features are included plus power, remote heated side mirrors with inset ‘blind spot’ mirrors; automatic headlamps; rear ultrasonic parking assist; remote start; engine immobilizer; 18-inch, silver painted aluminum wheels; auto-dimming rear-view mirror; roof rails and solar ray, deep tinted rear glass. Our tester also included the optional, power glass sunroof.

The Trax is equipped with a unique set of 10 airbags that include dual-stage front airbags, front side seat airbags, front knee bolsters, rear seat side cushion airbags and front-to-rear side curtain airbags.

Chevrolet has squeezed an enormous amount of content into the Trax. They call it a small ‘City SUV,’ but it’s only small on the outside.

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The 2013 Chevrolet Trax for sale in Bancroft, at your local Chevrolet dealer, Bancroft Motors. You can book a test drive online, see what your trade is worth even apply for financing. Visit us today at www.bancroftmotors.ca 

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Feb 08

Are you in the market for a new or used vehicle, but aren’t quite sure which one to choose?  With thousands of different vehicles available, deciding which type of car would be best for you may become frustrating.  You want to make a wise investment, and purchase the best car possible.  Here are a few areas that may help you decide whether a used car in Peterborough or an SUV would be more beneficial to your lifestyle.

You first want to determine the primary function of the vehicle.  Will it be transporting the entire boys’ soccer team to practice?  Will it be taking you to work and around town on errands?  If you have a large family that you drive around on a regular basis, you may want to consider a SUV.  A SUV allows everyone to have their own space, making for a comfortable drive.  You won’t have to worry about fitting everyone in the car, and you have plenty of storage space for groceries, strollers, and other supplies.  You can even have a media center installed for added kid entertainment.

If you are single or have a small family, a car might be a better option for you.  You may not need the extra space that the SUV provides, and you will enjoy getting better gas mileage in your car.  Used cars in Bancroft are also great for road trips consisting of 4 people or less.  The adding savings in gas money can go a long way.

Safety issues are another consideration when purchasing a vehicle.  If you live in a snowy climate or enjoy going up in the mountains for recreational purposes, a SUV may be a safer choice.  While some cars are good in the snow, they may not be as reliable as a SUV with 4-wheel drive options.

Choosing between a car or an used SUV in Bancroft is simply a matter of functionality and personal style for your family.  After factoring in the cost of gas, the amount of miles you drive regularly, who will be riding in the car, and the amount of space that is available, you can make an educated decision on which vehicle to choose.

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Jan 07

Buying a car can be intimidating. Even at the best price, buying a car is a large financial commitment and you want to make sure you’re making the right decision. You may be wondering what to look for in a quality car dealer in Bancroft, how you can go about getting financed, and what sorts of makes and models are the most reliable. These questions can seem overwhelming, but purchasing a car can be a genuinely fun experience. With a little time, a little know how, and an internet connection, you are going to be able to learn exactly what to look for in a quality car dealer, how to go about purchasing your car and what sort of car financing in Bancroft that are available to you. Financing can be a tricky part of buying a used car. Life comes at you fast and sometimes as a result the quality of your credit score can be negatively affected. Many car dealers understand this and offer a wide range of financing options to their customers, both those with good credit and those whose credit has been injured because of the nature of life.  These types of dealers are willing to work with their customers as best they can, and it is a good thing to look for, although not required.

As you look for places to purchase your car from, try to find a company that has several reviews that you can read. If you are able to read reviews about the company before you even enter into a business transaction with them, you can safely get an idea of who they are and how they operate.  Good reviews are just one example of what to look for in a quality car dealer, but it can be a big one. Reviews can also be obtained in person. Try asking you family and friends who they went with when they needed to buy a car. Often times they will have advice to give you and you will be well on your way towards obtaining a quality new or used car in Bancroft and the freedom it affords you.

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Aug 03

 

If you are in the market for a used car in Peterborough and are looking for more information about used cars, buying policies, or dealerships, then we invite you to take a closer look at our Web site. Our Web site is loaded with information that can help you find the right used car for your needs, find the best prices for used cars, and start the process of getting a used car loan in Bancroft.

Here are just a few ways that you can use our Web site to learn more about getting a used car:

Inventory

Whenever you buy a large item, such as a used car, it is important to be sure that you know as much as possible about that purchase before you buy. In order to help you get as much information as possible about our huge inventory of used cars, we have a Web site that is loaded with photographs and information for each of the used cars in the lot. This online inventory includes specific information about our used cars, including information about mileage, accessories, year of the car, and more.

Trade-in

Many of our customers trade in their existing cars for a percentage off of the cost of the new used cars that they buy from us. If you think that you will be trading in the car that you currently own when you buy your new used car, then take a look at our online trade-in evaluator in order to get a general idea of how much money you could save by trading your used car in. We have a link to the Canadian Black Book, which provides approximate values for used cars. Of course, we’ll be able to tell you more information after as inspect your used car!

Credit application

Many of our customers also take out loans in order to buy their used cars in Bancoft. If you think that you will be taking out a used car loan, then start the process from the comfort of your home or office by completing our online credit application. The online credit application will help us to learn more about your financial history and specific financial situation. We can then use this information to develop the right loan for your needs.

We look forward to helping you get the best used car for your budget and lifestyle. Contact us today for more information or to get started!

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Dec 14

 

If you’re in need of a new vehicle or used car in Peterborough, you’ve probably considered which would be the best option, which is either to get a car loan in Bancroft vs car leasing.  There are a lot of things to think about, but the central point is whether you want to own the car, or just want to keep paying for your method of transportation.

This is an important thing to decide, but you also need to make your choice as soon as possible. The worst situation you can get into is deciding to lease a car and then changing your mind later on, at which point the costs will be considerably higher than if you had just decided to buy in the first place.

This line of thinking lends itself more to buying a car than renting one. You should expect to drive around 22 000kms a year and to pay your loan off in four years. As such, you’ll only have 89 000 kms at the point where you can stop paying, and have many more kilomoeters to go for free.

Still, there are things that might push you to opt for a lease instead. It can be very nice always having a new car, it terms of both aesthetics and safety. In terms of money, you’ll reduce both your down and monthly payments, and you won’t have to worry about taking on the costs of repairs down the line.

Do keep in mind that the payments won’t stop coming, the way they would if you had bought your new or used car in Peterborough. Some people really appreciate being able to say their vehicle really belongs to them. You shouldn’t back out of a lease once you get into it, so above all, you must always know you’ve made the right decision. In the end getting car loans in Bancroft or car leasing in  comes down to preference, so there really is no wrong solution.

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Mar 30

Whether you have a used car or a new car, proper car maintenance can reduce your service bills, keep your car running smoothly, and extend the life of your car and its engine. Here are some of the things you need to look for when caring for your used car in Belleville:

Belts

Belts help to ensure that your engine runs smoothly and that you stay safe while driving. In order to check your belts for durability and quality, simply push on the belt with one finger. The belt should only move by about half of an inch. If it moves more, you may want to have it checked by a professional. Also, make sure that the belt does not have any cracks or worn places.

Hoses

It’s important to check the hoses in your used car in Limerick regularly to ensure that they do not crack, tear, or leak. To check your hose, simply pinch the hose in between your fingers. If the hose feels spongy or sticky, then it’s time to replace it.

Tires

The tires should be one of the easiest things for you to check on your car because they require very little expertise in order to see if they are worn. When inspecting your tires, check to see how thick the treads are. If they look worn down or smooth, then you are experiencing balding, which could reduce your traction and increase the risks of driving. If your tires are balding, it’s time to replace them.

Windshield Wipers

It’s important to remember that on a used car in Bancroft, windshield wipers are not just there for convenience; they are also critical safety mechanisms that will help to keep your line of vision clear in rainy weather. Check to make sure that the rubber blade of the windshield wiper is in good condition, that it is not cracked, and that it is attached to the metal or plastic part of the wiper securely from end to end.

Keep in mind that if you used your windshield wipers to help remove ice from your windshield in the winter, then the wiper may become more easily cracked or damaged. Therefore, you may have to replace your wiper more frequently in the winter.

Contact Bancroft Motors for more questions about how to maintain or service your car in Bancroft. We’re always helpful to provide tips or schedule an appointment with one of our mechanics.

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Jan 02

Happy New Year to all of our customers,  from the Bancroft Motors team.  We wish you and your family all the best in the coming year, and look forward to serving you in 2011.

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Nov 10

Whether you have a used car or a new car, proper car maintenance can reduce your service bills, keep your car running smoothly, and extend the life of your car and its engine. Here are some of the things you need to look for when caring for your new or Bancroft used car:

Belts

Belts help to ensure that your engine runs smoothly and that you stay safe while driving. In order to check your belts for durability and quality, simply push on the belt with one finger. The belt should only move by about half of an inch. If it moves more, you may want to have it checked by a professional. Also, make sure that the belt does not have any cracks or worn places.

Hoses

It’s important to check the hoses in your used car regularly to ensure that they do not crack, tear, or leak. To check your hose, simply pinch the hose in between your fingers. If the hose feels spongy or sticky, then it’s time to replace it.

Tires

The tires should be one of the easiest things for you to check on your car because they require very little expertise in order to see if they are worn. When inspecting your tires, check to see how thick the treads are. If they look worn down or smooth, then you are experiencing balding, which could reduce your traction and increase the risks of driving. If your tires are balding, it’s time to replace them.

Windshield Wipers

It’s important to remember that on a new or used car, windshield wipers are not just there for convenience; they are also critical safety mechanisms that will help to keep your line of vision clear in rainy weather. Check to make sure that the rubber blade of the windshield wiper is in good condition, that it is not cracked, and that it is attached to the metal or plastic part of the wiper securely from end to end.

Keep in mind that if you used your windshield wipers to help remove ice from your windshield in the winter, then the wiper may become more easily cracked or damaged. Therefore, you may have to replace your wiper more frequently in the winter.

Contact us today for more questions about how to maintain or service your car. We’re always helpful to provide tips or schedule an appointment with one of our mechanics.

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Oct 10

If you are like many of our customers, money is at the top of your mind when it comes time to buy a used car. Regardless of how much money you are able to spend on your used car, it is always a wise idea to look for ways to increase your savings and decrease your expenses. Here are a couple of ways that you can save money by buying a Bancroft used car:

Look for Specials

Many dealers, like us, run special programs throughout the year in order to provide our customers with opportunities to save even more money than before. Many of these specials are seasonal or announced when the next year’s models hit the market. These specials may allow customers to buy a car with no down payment, they may provide extra savings off of the cost of the car, and they may even provide a special low interest rate. Contact us or look online to find out what specials are currently going on or to learn about upcoming specials that may suit your needs.

Trade in Your Car

We have a trade-in program that allows our customers to trade in their cars for a price off of the cost of a new or used car. Our trade-in values are based on the Canadian Blue Book values for cars. To get started learning more about our trade-in program, fill out an online trade-in informational sheet or contact a dealer to learn about the value of your car.

Financing

We offer a wide range of options for vehicle financing. These options often include loan programs. In order to get a loan for a car, our customers are welcome to fill out a convenient online credit application. They can also come into the store to fill out the application in person. We will review the credit application and discuss all lending options with our customers.

The greatest part about our loan program is that each loan is customized to meet the needs of our customers. When you apply for a car loan, we will develop a number of different loan options that may suit your lifestyle and preferences. You select the option that you like the most!

Contact us today  to learn more about the loan programs that may be right for you. We can get you approved for your car loan, and driving a car or truck today that suits your lifestyle and your budget.

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Sep 10

If you are in the used car buying market, chances are good that you have been very careful about looking around at what used cars are currently on the market. You may have even drawn up a budget in order to determine what kind of used car you can really afford to buy. No matter what kind of used car you’re in the market for, we  are here to help you get the best rates and used car packages for your needs.

Here are 3 things we think you need to do before you buy a used car :

Make a list

Make a list – and check it twice – of all of the things that you need and want from your used car. This list should include the things that you can’t compromise on, such as space, reliability, and features that you definitely need. The list can also include those things that are wants, such as leather, a sunroof, GPS system, and more. By having this list in hand, you’ll be able to make a better assessment when looking over available used cars in order to determine what cars suit the items on your list.

Develop a budget

Having a used car buying budget is important. When you have a budget, you know that the used cars you look at will need to fall within that budget. Then, when you go to buy a used car, you can be certain that the used car you end up buying actually suits you budget.

Making a practical budget can be challenging for everyone – especially when it’s tough to predict what will happen in the future with your job and the economy. Our financial experts are standing by to help you develop your budget and come up with a financial plan that will make it possible for you to easily afford to buy your car, so fill out our online credit application.

Inspect the car

When buying a used car , it is essential that you inspect the Bancroft used car. During your inspection, it is important that you not only take a look at the exterior and overall look of the car, but you’ll also want to look at the engine and structure of the car. We also offer a warranty to cover issues that happen down the road!

Contact us today to learn more about our used cars or to get started with your search today!

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