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Grande Prairie Auto Group, We sell more … so you pay less! Being the largest automotive dealer group North of Edmonton, we have a distinctive advantage that many other dealerships envy. The Grande Prairie Auto Group has 5 major brands to their credit: GP Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge; GP Hyundai; GP Subaru; GP Mitsubishi, and GP Nissan. The Grande Prairie Auto Group work with a variety of lenders, this ensures the best possible financing options to the customer; affording our clientele choices empowering them to make smart financial decisions. Now more than ever, the Grande Prairie Auto Group is the smart choice for buying a new or used car. Get the quality, value and peace of mind you need from a company you trust. www.gpautogroup.com
The original tires I had on my car wore out so I bought some high performance summer tires and the ride is worse than it was before. I took them to a local shop and they inflated them to 36 psi all around, saying that is what is recommended by tire maker but the owner’s manual I have says 32/30 – what should I have them at?
Normally it is always best to stick with the owner’s manual and this case is no different – that one tire will fit a diversified selection of units and each one will require different tire pressure. When a manufacturer designs a vehicle they spend a great deal of time determining what size of tire and what pressure are needed for optimum performance; so what is in the manual is generally the best answer.At the recommended pressure your car will have better vehicle balance and supply better grip – if for some chance you do not have the owner’s manual anymore in a case like this call the manufacturing dealership.
My old car didn't have cruise control. All the new ones I'm looking at do have this feature. I know it's convenient, but just how safe is it?
Ah yes, the great cruise control debate. For years there has been back and forth about how safe cruise control really is and although I have blogged about some great upcoming technologies to increase safety we aren’t there quite yet.
If a vehicle is mechanically sound cruise control is perfectly safe to use that is if it is used properly. In ideal conditions, drivers will be on a stretch of road that is long, flat, and dry and in light traffic conditions.
Cruise control can help drivers maintain a legal speed and increase fuel economy by maintaining a constant pace; also used to prevent driver fatigue however, when using cruise control drivers should not get “too” comfortable for your reaction time could be crucial in case of emergency.
This should be common sense but cruise control is not meant for windy roads, higher speed limit roads (anything over 100 km/h) , or less than optimal road conditions, something seemingly harmless such as rain could cause your vehicle to hydroplane and drivers could lose control.
A new technology called adaptive cruise control can sense the proximity of other vehicles and will automatically slow down your vehicle to allow proper spacing; however, the majority of cruise control systems don’t have this level of sensitivity.
It’s also important to understand cruise control systems out there can’t slow a vehicle down. If you can coast faster than what it’s been set for, your speed will go past that. So if you’re set for 80 km/h and come over the crest of a hill, you could end up doing 100 km/h by the time you reach the bottom.
Most accident caused with cruise control on is from driver distraction or error – this feature is a convenience not a toy. Be safe out there folks.
I'm looking to buy a new car, rather than a used one, because I want a vehicle with a good warranty. What options should I be looking for in a warranty?
There are two types of warranty available on new cars, Comprehensive and Powertrain. The Powertrain covers your engine, transmission, turbocharger, transfer case and drive axle; Comprehensive covers items such as air conditioning, electrical issues, brakes, fuel system, and front and rear suspension. Most vehicle brands typically offer 5 years or 100 kilometers on the Powertrain and 3 years or 60 kilometers on Comprehensive warranty coverage. Currently in the market Mitsubishi offers the best warranty coverage for a new vehicle. Mitsubishi will provide 10 years or 160 kilometers for Power train and 5 years or 100 kilometers for Comprehensive.
Don't forget that there are options available for warranty contacts when you purchase pre-owned vehicle. Based on your driving habits and needs the Business Manager at the dealership will be able to go over the different service/warranty programs available that would be best suited to your needs.
You have various import dealerships. Do you see putting one of these in Peace River. Would make my buying decision much easier
At the current time we do not have any immediate plans to open an import franchise in Peace River however, our import dealerships (GP Nissan, GP Hyundai, GP Subaru, GP Mitsubishi) stay extremely competitive enabling customers from the Peace River area to purchase top quality import brands at extremely reasonable prices. Having exclusive rights to Air Miles allows us to provide even more value to our clientele as we can offer up to 1000 Air Miles with any purchase of a new or quality pre-owned vehicle to all of our customers who purchase a vehicle from the Grande Prairie Auto Group.
When I purchase a new car, they ask if I want undercoating. Is this a good idea or a waste of money.
Undercoating protects the undercarriage, a car's most vulnerable area. Unlike visible portions of a vehicle, the undercarriage doesn't get washed regularly but does absorb most of the moisture, salt, grime and other substances you come in contact with as you drive.
In addition to protection from elemental damage, good undercoating can also reduce road and engine noise, leaving the passenger compartment quieter than before.
Why purchase from a Dealer vs. a Private sale?
Purchasing a vehicle from a credible dealer like the Grande Prairie Auto Group can save you time and money, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re dealing with people who stand behind what they sell and will be there when you need them. Referrals and repeat customers is vital to the success of our business, unlike an individual trying to sell one vehicle, whom you will likely never see again if and when problems arise.
Does buying a car help build/restore credit?
Yes, a car loan can help build/restore credit. Having an auto loan can teach money management because you make payments each month for a number of years.. It is especially important to have good credit when you want to get financing to purchase almost anything large-scale: a house, furniture, motorcycles, boats, and automobiles. Having a good car loan history can almost guarantee improved credit almost always meaning lower interest rates for the consumer.
What are the benefits of servicing a vehicle at a dealership?
The technicians and service staff at the dealer level are specialists; they are manufacturer-trained. The Grande Prairie Auto Group has 5 major brands to their credit along with specially trained parts and service department staff waiting to share their knowledge and expertise with our customers. Having a “brand specialist” work on your automobile will save our customers time and money as our technicians have the advantage of advanced brand training, (not available to general mechanics) affording vehicle diagnosis and repairs more efficiently.