Lincoln’s College Student Purchase Program

May 22, 2013 10:31 pm / Leave a Comment /

Lincoln's College Grad ProgramRemember all those times you complained in school about how you would never use math in real life? Well we’re here to tell you you’re wrong (sorry!). With the Ford and Lincoln College Student Purchase Programs, you can pick out the ride of your dreams and watch as the savings add up!

Before you come to the dealership, make sure you fill out this form to get a $500 Student Bonus; after filling this out, come on in and we’ll help you figure out the rest! You can combine any Ford or Lincoln public incentives when purchasing or leasing a new 2012 or 2013 vehicle. To be eligible, you must be a full-time or part-time college student, graduate student, trade school student or recent graduate and be living in the United States.

Head in today to find the car of your dreams and put those math skills to good use! Click here to schedule a test drive today!

Posted in: Car Financing, Information, Sales Events / Tagged:

New Law Means No Phones for Teens Behind the Wheel

May 16, 2013 7:35 pm / Leave a Comment /

Beginning March 28, 2013 Michigan passed a law causing young and inexperienced drivers to put away their most prized possession before getting behind the wheel of a car – their cell phone.

SB 756, also known as Kelsey’s Law, was passed after Kelsey Raffaele was killed in an auto accident in 2010 at the age of 17. Weeks later, it was discovered that she had been on the phone while trying to pass another car when her car hit ice and resulted in the accident that claimed her life.

Kelsey's Law means no phones for teens while driving

Before you take those keys to your new car, make sure you put away your phone; it’s the law!

This new law prohibits the use of cell phones and other electronic devices by Michigan teen drivers who have a Level 1 or Level 2 driver’s license under the Graduated Driver Licensing program.

Michael Shaw, Michigan State Police Lieutenant, believes anything which removes distractions from a new driver is a good thing and says placing a cell phone in a young driver’s hands can be very dangerous.

In Michigan, as well as many other states, texting while driving is illegal for all drivers and many believe this is a positive step towards drivers being safer on the roads. Exemptions to the law include emergency devices and hands-free devices.

Getting a driver’s license is the first step in becoming an adult but many responsibilities come with this privilege and if a teen violates this new law, it is considered a civil infraction with a fine up to $100.

Teens, keep in mind driving is a privilege, not a right and as you transition into your first steps towards adulthood, every time you get behind the wheel of a car, you are now responsible for the safety of yourself, passengers and others around you. Nobody is important enough to put your safety in danger.

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The Hybrid vs. Non-hybrid Debate

May 1, 2013 11:38 pm / Leave a Comment /

There’s no doubt that hybrid vehicles are the way of the future and with all the hype of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, we have found ourselves asking whether a hybrid or normal gasoline car is better for our consumer. There are many advantages and disadvantages to these cars, so we wanted to go over them with you.2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Hybrid Advantages

  1. With an impressive 45 mpg fuel economy rating, who wouldn’t want a hybrid? A hybrid car is a combination between gasoline- and electric-powered vehicles in attempt to get the best of both worlds.
  2. Car emissions are one of the leading causes to global warming, and driving a hybrid reduces these emissions from 25-90 perfect, depending on the usage. They produce lower levels of gas fumes from exhaust and contribute less than internal combustion engines to create smog.
  3. Since so many people are focusing on hybrids, the used vehicles are also in high demand which then makes the average resale value higher. In the event that you have to sell your hybrid, you can count on making a good chunk of change in return.

Hybrid Disadvantages

  1. Although you will keep more money in your pocket by saving on gasoline, you will pay more for your car up front and it will take a few years before you see the savings. However, the price of hybrids is slowly getting closer to the non-hybrid counterparts.
  2. Hybrid cars weigh less than standard cars. While this may not sound like a disadvantage right away, when you consider the handling of a car, it can become an issue. As you add weight in a car, you subtract the number of miles a car can drive on a gallon of gas, so to cut back on weight, hybrids often have less bracing and support in the suspension and body.
  3. While you’re saving money at the gas pump, if you ever need to make a repair on your vehicle, it could end up costing more because of the complexity of the dual compulsion system.

The best way to know if a hybrid is the right car for you is to discuss this with your dealer. Make sure to know your driving habits and the price you are willing to spend on a car. For more information on our hybrid selection, stop in and see us today!

Posted in: MKZ Hybrid, Models, New Lincoln Models / Tagged: , , , , ,

Sharing the Road with Cyclists

April 26, 2013 11:17 pm / Leave a Comment /

Spring has sprung here in Grand Rapids, and all of us at Pfeiffer Lincoln are excited to hit the road and head for the beach. We’re not the only ones taking to the roads, however. Warmer weather is sure to bring out motorcyclists from their deep winter hibernations, so for everyone’s safety—both drivers and cyclists— we’ve prepared a list of safety precautions to take when sharing the road with cyclists:

  1. See the road through a cyclist’s point of view. Imagine, for a moment, that you are on two wheels with no protective steel shell. The road’s suddenly a lot scarier, eh? You’ll have to dodge potholes and road kill like your life depends on it Cyclists hit the streets(because it does). You’ll also need to be aware of every surrounding car’s blind spots so you can stay out of them. Because motorcyclists’ behavior on the road may vary greatly from a four-wheel driver’s, it’s important that all drivers are familiar with this seemingly odd behavior—and are able to predict it.
  2. Stay back. Give a motorcyclist far more distance than you would give another car. While no one likes an accidental rear ending, a fender bender with a motorcyclist won’t just result in a two-hundred dollar bill and an annoying call with the insurance company: it could mean serious injury for the cyclist, or worse.
  3. Watch those turns. If you are aware that a motorcycle is behind you, be very clear that the cyclist knows when and where you’re turning before doing so. And if a cyclist is coming in the opposite direction as you’re preparing for a left turn, do not underestimate how fast he or she is going. If in doubt, wait until the cyclist has passed before turning.
  4. Remain vigilant. Always be on the lookout for cyclists, and when you are driving near one, pay special attention to where he or she is moving at all times.

The most important tip we at Pfeiffer Lincoln can offer is to practice safety by following all the roadway laws (they’re there to protect you after all) and always remaining focused on the road with both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road. Happy spring!

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Throw Back Thursday Honors 1962 Lincoln Continental Convertible

April 19, 2013 12:15 am / Leave a Comment /

In honor of Throw Back Thursday, we thought we’d take a look back at the 1962 Lincoln Continental!

1962 Lincoln Continental Convertible

This third generation, almost 5,000 lbs. Lincoln with a 430-cubic inch V8 engine was originally intended to be the new Ford Thunderbird, but the concept was enlarged and slightly altered before being switched to the Lincoln Line. The most recognized trademark, known as the “suicide door,” was the front opening rear doors. This style became the best-known feature of the 1960s Lincolns.

The 1961 model (very similar to the 1962 model) was designed solely by Elwood Engel and was the last time a single individual was responsible for the complete design of a production car. He even designed the dashboard! This design won major design awards and was copied for the 1963 Cadillac and the 1963 Buick Electra.

This Continental has been the star in many movies such as The Matrix, The Last Action Hero, and Inspector Gadget movies, and has recently made its debut on the series Entourage.

The 1961 Lincoln sold over 25,000 in 1961, and over 30,000 in both 1962 and 1963 and the design wasn’t updated until 1965, however the suicide doors weren’t changed until well into the ‘70s.

So now the question is, would you rather have a hardtop or a convertible? Our vote is the convertible!

Posted in: Lincoln History / Tagged: , , , ,

Re-Launch of 2013 Lincoln MKZ

April 12, 2013 6:47 pm / Leave a Comment /

Some of you may remember seeing the 2013 Lincoln MKZ commercial during the Super Bowl, and if any of you tried to find it on a lot, it was nearly 2013 Lincoln MKZimpossible. Well the good news is Lincoln is looking to re-launch it! However, it’s not going to be easy.

And Lincoln felt the effects of the longer production. In fact, they hit a 32-year low in sales for the month of January, which isn’t very good as Lincoln is trying to get back on their feet.

According to Bloomberg reports, workers producing this car were taking longer because they were doing more quality checks before they were rolled off the line. Lincoln didn’t want to run into the same recall issues which have affected the Ford Escape crossover and Ford Fusion sedan, both models which the MKZ resembles closely under the hood.

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Super Bowl commercial was to symbolize the rebirth of the Lincoln brand, and they want the MKZ to be the leader, so a re-launch with an ample supply is just what they feel is needed.

Check out the commercial below and tell us what you think!

For more details on the 2013 Lincoln MKZs offered at Pfeiffer Lincoln, check us out here!

Posted in: Information, MKZ, New Lincoln Models / Tagged: , , , ,

How to Survive When Living in your Car

April 8, 2013 10:57 pm / Leave a Comment /

Sleeping in your car

This might not be an occurrence that every reader has experienced or ever will experience; however, if you ever find yourself in it, one should know how to survive for an extended period of time in their car.

There are plenty of blogs and websites out there that can tell you firsthand what it’s like to live in your car, but these are the most important things we found from them all. Consider this your one stop shop to figure out what you need to live in your car. Whether it’s for a cross country trip or you find yourself in economic hardships, we want you to know how to prepare for this new adjustment.

So what are you going to want to have handy?

From the Bedroom 
Sleeping bag/blankets
Pillow and Tent
Clothes

From the Bathroom (these items should be kept in a reusable bag so nothing leaks)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Soap, shampoo, conditioner
Deodorant
Washcloth/towel
Toilet paper
Pee bottle (optional)

From the Kitchen
Spoon, fork, knife
Cooking set (plate/bowl/cup/pan)
Can opener
Trash bags
Cooler

Tools
Rope/duct tape
Spare tire/jack

Food
Nonperishable food items
Crackers, bread, tortillas, bagels
Dried fruit, peanuts, trail mix
Cereal, oatmeal
Fresh veggies, fruits, cheese, meat, eggs or milk (must be eaten quickly to avoid spoiling)

Road_desert_08

So now that you’re all packed and ready to move out, where should you consider sleeping? There are sites such as the Walmart RV Yahoo! Group helps determine which Walmarts allow overnight parking. If you would rather camp, freecampgrounds.com is a great resource to find campgrounds for $15 or less! If you’re not traveling and you must sleep in your car, make sure to never stay at the same place twice, as this might raise suspicions to your vehicle. Parking at 24-hour stores or rest stops provides you with a restroom when necessary. If you would rather not sleep in a parking lot, you can always attempt to find street parking in a crowded urban area.

The most important thing about sleeping in your car is your hygiene, so being able to find a shower is important. Many articles suggest joining a gym because then you have somewhere to work out and shower, but if money is tight, you could try couchsurfing. Most Pilot truck stops also offer showers for the general public for $10.

The last few important things are:

  • Pay bills online
  • Invest in a P.O. Box or set mail to general delivery to be picked up from the post office
  • Have a lock box welded in your trunk
  • Tint windows or use a sunshade for extra privacy (if possible)
  • When encountered by police (yes, it will happen eventually) fib a little and tell them you were driving but were too tired so you wanted to power nap before continuing.

Obviously this lifestyle isn’t for everybody, but now if you ever find yourself having to live in your car, you will know some quick tips to doing so successfully.

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Lincoln MKT Wins U.S. News Award

March 27, 2013 11:21 pm / Leave a Comment /

Looking for a family car can be a stressful ordeal. You want to make sure it has all the features that you need as a busy, on-the-go parent while still offering ample safety and comfort for the precious cargo that will be along for the ride.

U.S. News annually provides us with their “Best Cars for Families” awards. The 2013 awards focused on cars, vans, and SUVs that provided the best blend of space, quality, and family-friendly features for 19 separate categories of vehicles. The scores are complied, and the vehicle with the highest score in each category is named the “Best Cars for Families” of the category.

2013 Lincoln MKT

The Luxury 3-Row Midsize SUV category award goes to the Lincoln MKT. The 2013 Lincoln MKT offers comfort, smooth ride for passengers, premium handling for drivers, high-quality standard and available features, and a luxurious interior.

Come see us at Pfeiffer Lincoln today to see why the Lincoln MKT has been awarded the “Best Cars for Families” distinction.

Posted in: Information, MKT / Tagged: , , , , ,

The Next Generation Lincoln Navigator is Expected to Shed Two Cylinders

March 22, 2013 10:18 pm / Leave a Comment /

Lincoln NavigatorA lot of buyers have traded in their full size SUV’s for more compact crossovers due to increased fuel costs and environmental awareness; you may even be one of these buyers.  However, with new technology, better fuel economy is now a possibility for those massive gas guzzlers you used to drive.

Right now, the focus for this trend is Ford’s next generation Lincoln Navigator.  It is expected to arrive hauling a twin turbo V6 EcoBoost engine.  Now, just because the efficiency is increased doesn’t mean power is lost.  It actually will have similar, if not more power, than the current V8 and better torque.

So, for those of you pump conscious drivers, you can keep your full size SUV and save some money too!  The next generation Lincoln Navigator will not go into production until early next year but keep a look out for other new Lincoln models rolling into our dealership, at Pfeiffer Lincoln.

Posted in: Information, Navigator / Tagged: , , , ,

Car App You Won’t Want to Miss

March 15, 2013 5:57 pm / Leave a Comment /

It has probably happened to us all at least once – there is some funny icon on your dashboard, and you have to go digging through the owner’s manual to find out how important it is. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an app for that? Well, lucky for us, now there is!

iEngineCheck AppNow, there is a handy app called the iEngineCheck App. This convenient app allows you to select your car’s make and model. Once selected, a list of dashboard warning lights and a description of their meanings appears.

Some other clever features of the iEngineCheck App include: potential solutions to the warning light selected, ability to share information found on the app with others via text message or email, and power to let the creators know if they do not have your particular car.

The iEngineCheck App is currently available to iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad users. It is available through the iTunes App Store for less than $1. A version for Android users is underway and should be available in the near future.

If you have any other useful car apps, come let us at Pfeiffer Lincoln know!

Posted in: Information, Technology / Tagged: , , , , , ,