When you are contemplating a new car purchase, you want to make sure you consider costs beyond the sticker price so you can find a vehicle you can afford to buy and maintain for the 
long-term. Our Honda dealership in Pinellas Park Florida has an extensive inventory of quality Hondas and you can likely find just what you are looking for in your next vehicle.
One of the price considerations you should be making outside of the purchase price is the total cost to own the vehicle you choose. This means calculating the cost of ownership for the length of time you own your Honda car or truck. You want to consider what it will cost to repair and maintain the vehicle over the years to find out what you can afford.
Our Pinellas Park Honda service department experts can help you figure out some of the costs. As a general rule of thumb a compact Honda model may be more cost-effective to own and maintain than a full-sized Honda sport utility vehicle. This is due to larger tires, a bigger engine, and the additional fuel requirements of a larger vehicle. While Honda offers so many options to consider, the cost of ownership can help ensure you say within your budget.
You can save some of the money on the sticker price of your initial purchase by considering a certified pre-owned Honda. You can get all of the technology and luxury Honda offers but at a more affordable price than buying used. The good news is our certified Hondas have been thoroughly inspected by our expert technicians so they are guaranteed to be of the highest quality. They are also backed by a warranty for extra piece of mind.
Contact our dealership for an appointment to test drive one of our many quality pre-owned Hondas. We can show you the many benefits of buying a certified vehicle as well as all of the different technologies available. If you are interested in additional accessories for your pre-owned Honda, just check with our service center team to discuss what you are looking for in your next Honda. We can help you calculate an estimate of the cost of own so you can be assured you are making the right decision on your next vehicle purchase and be totally satisfied with your choice.
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Battery Care a Primary Concern for Summer Time Vehicle Owners Says Crown Honda Pinellas Park Dealer
When you are battling the summer’s high temperatures, make sure your Pinellas Park Honda’s battery gets the proper care it needs. Because the hot sun can have a negative effect on 
your Honda’s battery, it is important to have your battery and the engine as a whole routinely tested and checked for damage.
Car batteries can overcharge fighting hot temperatures and as a result the life of your battery can be shortened. This can lead to your being stranded on the side of the road when you least expect it. A dead battery can be very frustrating and result in the cost of a tow service to our service center for a new battery. It is better to be proactive than find yourself stuck on the side of the road when temperatures are soaring.
Another maintenance issues surrounding batteries you need to be concerned about is the actually damage high temperatures can case to your battery. The heat generated in the engine combined with the hot sun can cause the fluid in your battery to evaporate overtime. This will lead to serious damage in the structure of your battery. A crack or other damage to the battery is a safety hazard and the battery should be replaced as soon as possible.
Ideally batteries should be maintained on a regular basis but even more so in the summer time. We recommend scheduling regular service appointments so our Pinellas Park Honda service center technicians can make sure the amount of fluids in your battery is at the proper levels and there are no leaks or cracks present. If it is time to have your battery replaced, our service center will ensure a high quality battery is used to ensure the proper functionality of your Honda.
Our technicians will also evaluate the condition of your battery to ensure rust and corrosion hasn’t built up on the connections to the engines. If this occurs the battery won’t be able to properly charge the engine with enough power and you may find yourself stranded. Trust our Honda care experts for your battery and all your auto service needs. We can establish a regular maintenance schedule to ensue your vehicle is always running safely and effectively. We keep the necessary Honda parts and accessories in stock to ensure servicing and repair appointments are done in a timely manner.
Getting caught with a dead battery is not the right way to start your day. While some batteries simply wear out over time, many incidents of dead batteries are due to car owner 
mistakes or neglect. Our Honda dealership in Pinellas Park wants to make you aware of the things that may reduce the life expectancy of your battery. With proper care, your Honda battery can last for years before needing a replacement.
The first thing you need to understand is that your vehicle’s battery needs proper maintenance to serve you well. After regular use, rust and corrosion can surround the connections on your battery until power is no longer able to be properly transferred. It is important this debris be cleared away to ensure connections between the battery and the engine are good. Another part of the servicing for a battery includes regular checks for leaks or damage to the battery case.
Our Honda service center in Pinellas Park FL can perform routine battery inspections and make sure there are no issues that would lead to mechanical failures. We can test your battery’s connection and make sure it is replaced when it’s time has come to keep you running safely on the road.
Other issues drivers need to consider when it comes to protecting their batteries concerns wasted energy. Don’t waste the battery power in your vehicle by leaving your headlights or interior lights on when leaving your vehicle. Don’t run your accessories when the engine is not on including your audio system, video player, or other features. This can run down your battery to the point it will not be capable of starting your vehicle without an intervention.
Even if you provide care for your battery, you never know when something may go wrong. Invest in a quality set of jumper cables which can be used to jump start your engine from another driver’s vehicle. These cables will come in handy and can help prevent the extra costs associated with a tow service or emergency roadside assistance.
If you have not had a routine engine tuneup in some time, contact our service center today. Our Honda experts can check all components of your engine in a proactive attempt at keeping your vehicle fully functional including the battery. If your Honda needs a new battery, our dealership’s service center has the high quality, Honda-standard batteries to use as a replacement.
Not many drivers can say they have escaped unscathed from minor incidents affecting the body of your new or pre-owned Pinellas Park Honda. Many drivers experience small body 
damage and they don’t even know it. After taking your vehicle out in public and parking in public areas, all kinds of damage can occur without your knowledge.
Minor issues like scratches, dents, and dings can be caused by people bumping into your vehicle or rubbing the paint as they pass by. Sometimes the damage can be intentional as in the case of vandals that scratch the finish with hard objects or make deep dents in the body. Whether this damage is intention or accidental, many drivers do not notice until some time has passed and the damage has progressed.
When body damage, even minor issues, is left neglected rust can develop pretty quickly and ruin not just the finish of your Honda but also the stability of your vehicle. Rust can lead to holes that compromise the integrity of your Pinellas Park Honda car or truck. It is important for vehicle owners to routinely inspect the body of their vehicle to check for even minor damage. If you notice problems, contact our service department right away to schedule a professional inspection.
Our auto body shop can make sure all problem spots are identified and properly repaired. This repair work will fix the issues but also bring your vehicle back to like-new condition. Our technicians are certified in the Honda brand so we have the necessary parts and equipment to get the job done correctly and bring it back up to Honda standards.
We also recommend that you schedule regular detail service appointments at our service center. A thorough cleaning of your vehicle’s exterior will help keep its finish looking great but also will enable our technicians to find any body damage issues hidden by dirt and grime caked on the body of the vehicle. Regular detailing is a great way to protect your Honda’s finish and keep your vehicle looking great.
Contact our service center today if you have discovered body damage issues so we can ensure they are repaired properly to keep your Honda safe. We encourage all drivers to keep up with regular maintenance services and if your vehicle is in need of a good detailing, let us know.
Your Pinellas Park Honda dealer offers some tips that could help you get more money for your trade in. That means you will spend less money on your new car. When is saving money 
ever a bad thing?
Clean Up the Car Before You Bring it to the Dealership
The dealership doesn’t want to have its cleaning crew spend a lot of time on your trade in. The more dirt they see inside and outside your car, the lower your trade in value will be.
Unless your car is truly filthy, you can do this clean up job on your own. Vacuum all of the nooks and crannies inside your car. Wash the outside thoroughly (don’t forget the tires). And wipe down every inch of the interior. The more filth you can remove, the more money you’ll get for your car.
Know How Much Your Car is Worth
Do some research to find out how much your car is worth. There are plenty of resources that will help you decide how much you should get for your car. If nothing else, explore Craigslist ads to see what other people are asking for similar vehicles.
The dealership won’t pay you the full value of your car. That’s the price of convenience. If you want to get more money for your old car, then you’ll have to put in time and energy selling it to an independent party.
Knowing the value of your car, however, shows that you’re informed. Salespersons tempted to lowball you will think twice, and they’ll respect you for doing your homework.
Explore Dealers for the Best Deal
Not all car dealerships will give you the same price for your car. It’s possible that a dealership across town will want to give you an extra $1,000. It’s unlikely, but it’s possible.
Talk to dealerships to find out how much they would give you for the trade in. Then you can use this as a negotiation tactic when you go to other dealerships. When you have offers on the table, those other dealerships are more likely to take you seriously and give you a good deal. After all, they want to take your car because they want to sell it at a higher price on their lot.
These tips won’t help you save thousands of dollars, but they can help you get a little more for your trade in. Don’t be afraid to talk to the dealership so you can reach a fair agreement.
Your Pinellas Park Honda dealer wants to make sure you make an informed decision when you purchase your next car, so it explores the pros and cons of buying new versus b
uying pre-owned cars. There are good points and bad points to both. You just have to decide which option is best for you.
Pro to New: New Cars Have Better Features
If you’re looking for a car that gives you the best features, then you have to buy a new one. Car manufacturers constantly update their vehicles to keep up with each other. Just a few years ago, no one thought that base cars would come standard with things like Bluetooth connectivity and navigation systems. Today, we find those features all over the place.
Con to New: You Have to Pay More for the Newest Features
If you want a brand new car with the latest technology, then you will have to pay a higher price. There’s no way around that. New cars cost more than pre-owned cars. If you don’t have enough money for a new car, then this could make the point moot. You buy what you can afford.
Pro to Pre-Owned: You Can Get More for Your Money
This year’s cars might have the latest technology, but last year wasn’t that long ago. Those cars also have great features. You might even find that you can get more features in your car by choosing pre-owned vehicles. When you save money on the car itself, you can spend more on the features you add to it.
Con to Pre-Owned: You Can’t Really Know the History
Yes, plenty of companies claim that they can give you complete histories of cars before you buy them. Many of those companies are good at what they do, but they can’t possibly give you a complete history on every pre-owned car for sale.
That means you take a bigger risk when you buy a used car. If you’re lucky, the dealership will offer some kind of warranty. If not, you could quickly learn that your car didn’t get the maintenance it needed when it was young. Now you’ll have to pay for repairs. That could end up costing more than buying a new car.
Obviously there are good things and bad things no matter which option you choose. Think about these factors to decide which way you want to go. If you choose a great dealership, you can’t go too wrong.
Your St. Petersburg Honda dealer knows that the smell of cigarette smoke can drastically affect the value of a car. If you want to boost your car’s value, or simply make it more 
pleasurable to drive, try using these tips to get the smell out of your vehicle.
Replace the Ashtray
If a smoker has used the car’s ashtray, then the scent can linger for years. Cleaning the ashtray carefully will reduce the smell, but you can’t get rid of it completely. Your best option is to remove the ashtray. Replace it if you want to fill in the hole, or leave it empty so no one else tries to ash in your car.
Leave the Windows Open… for Several Days
Park your car in a private garage, open the doors, and turn on a fan. With any luck, this will reduce the smell in your car. It might not eliminate the odor, but it can drastically reduce it.
Turn to a Professional
Professional detailers know how hard it is to get smoke out of a car. But they also know a few good tricks that will slowly eliminate that nasty smell.
Don’t expect immediate results. The detailer will probably need several sessions with the car before he can get rid of the bad smell.
Use a Carpet Washer on the Upholstery
Upholstery holds the smell of cigarette smoke for years. You might not know what that gross scent is, but it’s something stale and undesirable.
Treat your upholster just like you would heavily soiled carpet. Start by using spray carpet cleaners. Let the cleaner sit for a while before wiping it up.
It that doesn’t work, rent a carpet cleaner that has a portable handle. Use the handle to scrub every inch of your car’s fabric. If that doesn’t help, nothing will.
Cover it Up
The smell might be there forever, but you can at least try to cover it up. Forget air fresheners. They often smell just as bad as the smoke. Try a natural approach that will fill the car with pleasant scents. Lemon, potpourri, and mint all work well. You could even try basil or something with a very strong smell, like coffee beans.
Change the Air Filter
Change the car’s air filter as soon as possible. It probably contains carcinogens, tobacco flakes, and other stinky items that will keep your car smelling. The sooner you get rid of that nasty filter, the sooner your car can start to purge itself of the cigarette smoke.
Your Honda dealer near Clearwater reviews the 2012 CR-Z hatchback to help buyers compare this unique vehicle with other options. When you know more about your choices, you can
make an informed decision that will benefit you for years to come. Your Honda dealer wants to make sure you understand your purchase so that you’re happy with your car at all stages of its life.
Quick Facts About the 2012 Honda CR-Z
- Has two trim levels
- Has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine
- Gets up to 39 mpg on the highway
- Stability control, traction control, and side/curtain airbags are standard
An Introduction to the 2012 Honda CR-Z
The 2012 Honda CR-Z isn’t for everyone. It has a small cabin that only lets two adults sit comfortably. If you want a family car with a lot of space, then you should consider another Honda vehicle.
If you want a peppy car with plenty of style, though, the 2012 Honda CR-Z could match your needs perfectly.
This is just the second year that Honda has sold this hatchback, so you could be one of the first people you know to own this fun vehicle. Friends who still have kids in the house will likely eye you with envy.
What’s Special About the 2012 Honda CR-Z?
If you want a sporty coupe, you can find plenty of options on just about any dealership lot. If you want a hybrid, you almost have the same number of options (not quite, but close). But where can you find a sporty coupe that uses hybrid technology?
The 2012 Honda CR-Z is one of the few vehicles that fit into both categories. That makes it special for eco-conscious drivers who don’t want to give up sporty styling for the futuristic looks that so many hybrid car-makers use today.
What’s Under the CR-Z’s Hood?
If you haven’t gotten used to hybrid vehicles, what you find under the CR-Z’s hood might surprise you a bit. It pairs a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor. By working together, they can give you 122 hp. That’s not a ton of power, but consider that you get 39 mpg on the highway and 35 mpg in the city.
A lot of people are willing to give up a little power for those gas savings. If you’re a speed demon, this won’t appeal to you. But you’re not the target audience.
If you want a reliable hatchback with great fuel economy and enough pep to have fun, the 2012 Honda Crosstour could work well for you.
A Largo area Honda dealer offers this review of the 2013 Crosstour hatchback to help consumers make informed choices when they purchase their next vehicles. The Crosstour has a 
unique combination of features commonly found in SUVs and wagons. If you would like a hatchback that mimics larger vehicles in some ways, the Crosstour might suit you well.
Quick Facts About the 2013 Honda Crosstour
- It comes in two trim levels: EX and EX-L
- Base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
- MP3 player standard
- Bluetooth comes standard
- Has side/curtain airbags, stability control, and traction control
A Look Under the Crosstour’s Hood
The 2013 Crosstour gives buyers two engines to choose from. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder will meet the needs of most people. It’s 192 horsepower works well in this lightweight hatchback.
A 3.5-liter V6 engine, however, offers exceptionally more power (278 hp). When paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, the EX-L can go from zero to 60 mph in just over seven seconds.
Safety Features for the 2013 Honda Crosstour
The Crosstour comes with the standard safety features that you would expect from a hatchback in this price range. Standard features include:
- Active head restraints for the front seats
- Stability control
- Traction control
- Side curtain airbags
- Side airbags for the front seats
The EX-L adds a few features that make the Crosstour even safer. Those features include a lane-departure warning system, blind-spot monitoring system, and=forward collision warning system.
If features don’t impress you, consider that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety gives the hatchback its top rating in three crash protection tests.
Features for the 2013 Crosstour
The base EX comes with plenty of impressive features that offer a comfortable, entertaining ride. Some features worth mentioning include:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Sunroof
- Keyless entry
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Rearview camera with an 8-inch screen
That’s quite an impressive list of standard features.
The EX-L adds several features that demanding drivers will appreciate, including 18-inch wheels, driver memory functions, and leather upholstery. It also comes with satellite radio and heated front seats.
It’s hard to complain with so much luxury at every level.
If you’re in the market for a peppy hatchback with great safety features and plenty of style, then the 2013 Honda Crosstour could be the perfect vehicle for you. Make an appointment with your Largo area Honda dealer to test drive the Crosstour at your convenience.
Your Tampa Bay area Honda dealer reviews the 2013 Accord so buyers will know more about their options. The Accord is a popular vehicle that appeals to many people. If you find the 
following review helpful, schedule a test drive so you can get the full experience.
Quick Facts About the 2013 Honda Accord
- Comes in four trim levels
- The top trim level features a 3.5-liter V6
- Other models have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
- Bluetooth and iPod connectivity standard on all models
- Uses a continuously variable transmission
An Introduction to the 2013 Accord
You probably think you know the Honda Accord pretty well. For 2013, though, Honda has re-conceptualized the popular coupe, making it unlike anything the company has built before.
These design changes mark a big step forward for a car that everyone thinks they know.
What’s Under the Hood?
The first four trim levels have the same 2.4-liter engine with four cylinders. It offers better performance than the 2012 Accord’s engine. The 2013 creates 185 hp. That’s 8 hp more than last year’s.
You can get an even more powerful engine by choosing the EX-L V6. Its 3.5-liter engine gives you 278 hp. Paired with a six-speed automatic, this engine gives you 34 mpg on the highway. That’s quite impressive for a sedan that can jump from zero to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds.
How Safe is the 2013 Honda Accord?
Honda took some shots for safety concerns a couple years ago. Now, the company has learned from its mistakes and come back stronger than ever.
Standard safety features in the 2013 Accord include:
- Traction control
- Antilock disc brakes
- Side curtain airbags
- Active head restraints
- Stability control
As you progress into the upper trim levels, you get even more safety features, such as the LaneWatch blind-spot system and the forward-collision warning system.
Without or without these luxury safety features, the Accord is a safe sedan worthy of any family.
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