January 2022
A Letter from Herb
Peace of Mind
As 2021 comes to a close and a new year is ahead of us, we tend to start plotting out what changes and decisions we will make to help ensure a successful future. We may choose to plan for home renovations, make strides toward healthier living, or set other personal goals in our “New Year’s Resolutions.” Assessing the health and longevity of your automobile’s life is another consideration you may have.

Until new vehicle inventory levels begin to normalize, the demand for pre-owned vehicles is expected to remain high. In fact, current owners of pre-owned cars, trucks or SUVs may choose to hold on to their vehicles longer than they initially expected. Keeping your vehicle for a few years more can mean additional expenses as wear and tear becomes more obvious.

Many consumers are seeking peace of mind when it comes to repairs. One way to prepare for the decision to hold on to your vehicle a little longer is to purchase an Extended Service Agreement, also known as a Vehicle Service Agreement (VSA), which could cover certain repairs on your vehicle for another 3-5 years.

Getting an Extended Service Agreement is a great way to help you feel protected when you are on the road. There are a variety of coverage options to consider. For instance, an Expense Reimbursement Package offers reimbursement for the cost of a rental car if you are unable to drive your vehicle due to a breakdown. Another nice security feature is the Travel Lodging coverage. If you are stranded overnight at least 100 miles from home, you may be reimbursed for lodging and meals.

Consumers can purchase a VSA at the time of buying their new or pre-owned vehicle, or even during their current ownership. If you are approaching the end of your manufacturer’s warranty, we can help provide options, at any Herb Chambers dealership. A Herb Chambers Business Manager can help you find the best coverage to fit your budget.

In general, VSA’s may cover items such as:

  • Transmission and engine systems
  • Exhaust system
  • Steering system
  • Heating and air conditioning
  • Drive train
  • Pumps, alternators and manifold
  • Warranty Deductible
  • Expense Reimbursements

Ultimately, you should consider how long you plan on keeping your current vehicle and determine the cost of coverage versus the cost of any anticipated repairs. We will present the available options to help you preserve the life of your vehicle, and when you are ready to purchase or lease a new vehicle, we will be here to help with that too! Visit Herbchambers.com now and start planning for the New Year!

Happy Holidays!
2022 Toyota RAV4
By KBB.com
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 does everything most people need a compact SUV/crossover to do. And does it well. Not surprising, really, since Toyota pretty much invented this kind of vehicle with the first RAV4. So the company has had a lot of customer feedback as well as time to perfect the recipe.
 
This is also one of the best-selling compact crossovers in the world, with more than 10 million finding homes since the RAV4 launched in 1994. The current generation is the fifth, which debuted for 2019. So here is a compact crossover employing technology that perhaps isn’t cutting edge but still sufficiently modern, with the benefit of an outstanding pedigree.
 
Spacious, safe and fuel-efficient, the RAV4 has to be on the short list of anyone looking at a new compact crossover SUV.

How are all-weather tires different from all-season tires?
There's a decent chance you drove the wrong tires last winter. But there's still time to install the right set this year.

The wrong tires?

Many Americans enter the winter months not realizing their tires aren't up to the task. And who can blame them? They're called "all-season" tires, right?

All-season tires aren't built to perform in snow, ice or temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Their compounds are crafted to provide durability and high performance in warmth and rain, but when temperatures drop, they harden and lose much of their grip.

So what should I drive?

2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
By KBB.com
Drivers looking for something on the sporty side of compact luxury SUVs should test drive the 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. This crossover captures the character of the Alfa Romeo brand in the form of a practical SUV. From its exotic styling to its exciting performance, the Stelvio has the soul of a sports car and the body and interior of a crossover.

You wouldn’t be off-base if you thought of the Stelvio as a more budget-friendly alternative to the Porsche Macan. Both are similarly sized, performance-oriented luxury SUVs, but the starting price of the Stelvio is about $10,000 lower than the Macan. If you like the idea of daily driving an Italian sports car but need the practicality of a small crossover, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a happy medium between the two.

Unsurprisingly, performance is one of the strong suits of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. It boasts the most powerful base engine in its class, which is a 280-horsepower turbocharged inline-4. When equipped with all-wheel drive, it accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Not only does it have a lively base engine, but the Stelvio also benefits from near-perfect weight distribution, resulting in agile handling for a crossover. This is an SUV that’s engineered like a sports car.

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