Things To Consider When Purchasing A Used Vehicle

Purchasing a new vehicle is a big decision, comprised of many components to consider before taking that leap.  This is even more true when you are purchasing a used vehicle, or as I like to call them, a previously loved vehicle.  If you or a loved one is currently in the market for a previously loved vehicle, there are a few thins that you should be aware of that will protect yourself and your wallet.

1. Make sure that the dealer you are shopping at is a member of the UCDA - Used Car Dealers Association.  The UCDA represents 4600 dealers in Ontario, which accounts for about 70% of the active participants in the used car market of Ontario. 
2. If the dealer you are shopping at is not a member of the UCDA, you could potentially be at risk to falling into the hands of curbsiders.  Beware of curbsiders!
•   A curbsider is defined as, "one who is in the business of offering vehicles to the public for the primary purpose of making a profit, but behaves as if he or she is selling their own personal vehicle."  In the first place, a curbsider is an individual who routinely sells vehicles but is not registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. The curbsider usually offers the "family car" straight from their house or residence.  
• Secondly, a curbsider is defined as one who acts as if he or she is a private individual but is really registered under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. Often these people have used false information to become registered and this allows them to purchase vehicles from other dealers or at auctions.
3. It is always crucial to inquire about the dealer's inspection process.  If you are shopping at an established dealer, with a good reputation, they usually will go above and beyond the provincially mandated safety standards.
   
4. Make sure there are no hidden fees.  The Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, or OMVIC is charged with regulating the motor vehicle industry of Ontario and sets very specific pricing guidelines.  
5. Make sure that before you purchase your previously loved vehicle, you ask to see a UCDA Auto Check, or Car Proof.  Dealers are mandated to show you this report, which contains the following information: 

• Cross Canada Registration Status
• If the vehicle has been imported from the US
• If the vehicle is reported stolen
•  Accident information in dollar amount

 Finally, make sure you love the vehicle you are purchasing!  

The Faces of Southbank

Everyone knows that the majority of the time, people spend more time at work than they do with their families at home.  That is the case at Southbank.  This is why we call ourselves: The Southbank Family, because we are, simply put, a family.  We may not agree with each other all the time, or share the same personality traits or likes and dislikes, but we come together every day to make the best of Southbank. 

 

In visiting Southbank, you will notice that we have a very eclectic staff.  One that spans the globe and that could fill hundreds of books with their personal stories.  The shared differences is what makes Southbank an amazing place to work. 

 

Here are some Southbank Stories:

 

Stanford Noble

 

Stan is a very familiar face to the staff and long time customers of Southbank.  He began working at Southbank as a sales representative in 1991 and has not looked back since.  Stan hails from Jamaica and is affectionately known as "Agent 35" to the Southbank staff.  His professional demeanor, dapper style and caring attitude have made him irreplaceable to Southbank. Stan spearheads the Southbank Social Committee along with Southbank's involvement in many organizations, including The Rideau Carleton Race Track.  He is the go to Southbank photographer and handy man.   Stan has traveled the world and has many a story up his sleeve, but he says his heart will always be in Jamaica and Southbank of course.

 

Gustavo Aliaga

 

 

Gustavo, or Gus as he is known at Southbank, has been with Southbank as a sales representative for nine years.  Gus hails from Peru and has proven to be a great asset to Southbank's Spanish speaking community.  Gustavo is a father figure to the younger members of Southbank's sales team.  You can always catch him fixing some one's tie, or giving them a few styling tips.  Gus is famous for his dance moves.  Every year at the Southbank Christmas party, he never ceases to amaze with his Latin dance skills and boundless amounts of energy.  Gus is a proud grandfather to a beautiful little girl and is the only grandfather we know who still does 100 push ups a day.  His coined phrases "It's unbelievable" and "Amazing!" are what bring life into the Southbank showroom.  And if you have any doubt about Gus' push up abilities, we have the video below to prove it!  Go to: http://www.facebook.com/southbanknation to see it!

 

 

Norm Haggar

 

 

Norm has been with Southbank since the tender age of twelve.  Now maybe that could be a slight exaggeration, however, Norm has been with Southbank for over twenty four years and is a Southbank lifer.  Norm began in the Southbank Service department as a coop student, a program that Southbank still participates in to this day, and rose through the ranks.  From student, to mechanic, to shop foreman, to service manager, Norm has seen and done it all.  Southbank customers have never shown more loyalty than to Norm and he feels privileged to have grown with his customers and their families.  After taking six months off to travel the world and work on his tan, Norm is back and in the sales department trying something new!  The Southbank family is happy to finally have him back and jealous of his tan.  



 



 

 



The Most Frequently Asked Questions of the Southbank Service Department

The Southbank Service Department has established itself as a leader in the city of Ottawa, providing the best care for our customer's vehicles.  Our trained technicians continually educate themselves to improve their knowledge and skills, so that Southbank customers can reap the benefits. 

 

To most people, taking your vehicle in for servicing can be a daunting task.  We the general population are not trained technicians, nor do we have any kind of knowledge on the inner workings of our vehicle.  That is why Southbank Nation asked Peter Lafrance,  a ten year Southbank employee and Shop Foreman of the Southbank Service Department to list the benefits of the top three services.

 

 

Wheel Alignment

1- Better gas mileage.  When the wheels are aligned there is less rolling resistance.
2- Better mileage out of your tires, misaligned wheels will wear tires prematurely.
3- Keeps your tire warranties.
4- Less wear on other part's (tie rods/ball joints).
5- Easier to drive, meaning your vehicle will not pull to one side or the other, or wander when driving.  This also maintains the safety of the driver and passengers in the vehicle.
Peter recommends wheel at least once a year, depending on your driving conditions.

 

Tire Rotation

1- Longer tire life, which in turn will save  you money on tires.

2- Better fuel economy, due to better handling and steering.
3- Better performance and a better driving experience. Your tires are worn evenly.
Peter recommends a tire rotation every 10,000 to 12,000 km's or roughly every second oil change.

Fuel System Cleaning Benefits                               
1-Better fuel economy
2-Starts easier
3-Better acceleration
4-All around smoother, cleaner running vehicle
Peter recommends a fuel system cleaning every 30 to 36,000 km's.  Peter also stresses that it also really does depend on your driving conditions; long idle times and city driving can change these intervals.

Peter Lafrance, being awarded the Bernard Frappier Southbank Service Award

 

So the next time you are in for service, make sure you say hi to Peter! 

He and the rest of the Southbank Service Team will be waiting for you!

 

 

 



Jeep and Dodge Are Named in Forbes Top 15 Least Expensive Vehicles to Insure

When purchasing a vehicle, there are so many things to consider before making that final selection.  Aside from choosing the color you like best or the options that are best suited to your lifestyle, there is one thing that is always at the top of a consumer's mind: Insurance.

 

Insurance is a necessity, but can sometimes prove a challenge to some consumer's budget.  It is that extra cost that must be configured into the monthly car payment.  And sometimes it can be the deciding factor between the consumer purchasing the vehicle they want, or the vehicle they can afford.

 

This is where the Jeep and Dodge brands come in.  Forbes Magazine just released their list of the 15 Least Expensive Vehicles to Insure.  The Jeep and Dodge brand took an amazing four spots out of fifteen, more than any other automotive brand.

 

Jeep

 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Compass

The Jeep Patriot

 

Dodge

 

The Dodge Grand Caravan

So when considering your next vehicle purchase, remember to consider Jeep and Dodge.  Not only would you get an amazing vehicle, but also, a little extra money in your pocket!

 



2013 Ram Wins Motor Trend Truck of the Year



 

 

When you dedicate yourself to continually raising the bar, great things happen. The 2013 Ram was built on a legendary history of durability and capability.  The 2013 Ram 1500 sets a new standard for excellence, which in turn has earned the prestigious title of 2013 Motor Trend Truck of the Year. 

 

 

Judges from Motor Trend were impressed with not only the new engine and fuel economy of the 2013 Ram, but with the Ram's air suspension system, which allows Ram drivers to vary the truck's ride and handling and, with a setting that lowers the truck's ride height on the highway, contributes to additional gains in fuel efficiency.   

 

 

With best-in-class fuel efficiency of up to 36 mpg, class-leading, storage solutions like RamBox, and available segment-exclusive technologies including Active Grille Shutters, 4-corner Air Suspension, and 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, the 2013 Ram 1500 redefines what a consumer should expect in a pickup. The Ram is here to stay.