Owner Loyalty

I have to say, I'm not surprised.  The more I drive around, the more I spot Hyundai vehicles. 

Kelley Blue Book just announced that Hyundai is #1 for owner loyalty for the second consecutive quarter.  

Hyundai has upheld it's number 1 position in brand loyalty, which I felt the need to look up.  Brand loyalty is defined as the situation in which a consumer generally buys the same manufacturer - originated product or service repeatedly over time rather than buying from multiplier suppliers within the same category. There, that's better, now we all know the lingo.  This means, you love your Hyundai and you want to buy another.  That's true for me too. Got my eye on a Santa Fe. 

"American consumers are so happy with their Hyundais that they put it at the top of the brand loyalty list, according to Motor Trend" --brandchannel.com

Here's why this might have happened. 

-the creation of delightful new products

-100,000 mile warranty program

-vehicle improvements in styling

-high level of quality for a lower cost

This jump is mildly historic for Hyundai, we're expecting to stay at the Top!

Commuters Beware!

Have we got the perfect cars for you.  With the gray fall weather coming, we know what you're thinking, "no more vacations."  you've got to sit at the desk from 9-5, at least until Christmas.  What could possibly make this better?  Something awesome to drive home.  

The Smart Buy

This 5-door "compact" lets you have the versatility of a station wagon with the gas efficiency of a teensy compact.  The 40 MPG will let you save money on gas without forcing you to compromise style and I'd say it looks even snazzier in the kiwi green.  Hyundai Accent starting at (4-door) $13,205 and (5-door) $15,355 

The Stylist

The Elantra is a size upgrade from the Accent but retains the same MPG.  40.  40 miles per gallon means you can get to and from work on a gallon.  Talk about the penny pincher.  But with heated rear and front seats, leather interior and a smart blue link, no one will know about your penny pinching habits.  you can stop and go all the way from  your door to your desk.  Still under $20,000.

The I-Just-Want-to-Bring-it-All-With-Me

Ever not wanted to unload your car after the kids soccer game or the trip to the outdoor concert?  Well, now you don't have to.  Leave everything just as it is, for next weekend.  Take this baby to and from work and your car will be your best friend.  The Elantra Touring starting at just over $18,000 and giving your 30 MPG this station wagon will have you smiling for years to come.

The Crowd Pleaser

 The Sonata has gotten all sorts of praise from Drivers all over the world.  Want to find out why?  

Not only is it priced to please but this undeniably roomy sedan has lots of space for you,  your goods, and your big family.  The styling is new and makes you feel like a million bucks for just around $20,000.  And the MPG stays well maintained at 34 MPG.  Happy now?

The Mountaineer

This car is more fuel efficient that the Honda CR-V and Rav4.  It has an MPG of 31 and costs around $20,000.  It is a top safety pick and has your name written all over it.  Not only will you see above the crowd in this one but you'll be styling all the way to work.  Enjoy!

The Car-Pooler

The Hyundai Santa Fe is designed for heavy lifting without sacrificing basic essentials. Starting at around $23,000 this SUV has a versatile interior and a handsome, athletic exterior.  Designed to carry you and your friends to work with a hop, skip and a jump.  

Teen Driving.

 Considering buying the baby a car for their upcoming birthday?

Here are some interesting things to consider.

• Look for a car that minimizes the odds for an accident & if an accident occurs - your driver will incur minimal harm
• Inexperience can lead to lots of problems - it can take a long time to master driving in wind, rain, ice & snow, and since we can't all move to Arizona, help your teen choose a reliable car that won't keep you awake worrying about it having problems.
• A CAR is the best choice.  With good visibility and lower chance of fishtailing & spin outs.  
• A BIG car is an even better choice.  Heavy and large leads to safer driving.
• Make sure that the car is completely roadworthy.  If you are not mechanically inclined have someone take a look at the tires, battery, spark plugs, even the windshield wipers will help assist in clarity.
• A car dated 2005 or later will usually have great airbags - which clearly offer more security and safety.  If you feel a smaller car is the best (or only) choice for your teen, get one with great airbags.  
• Here's an interesting thought:  purchasing a car with manual transmission could be a great option.  This will teach your child responsible driving (it is even required in Europe).  The automatic transmission cars can be often too easy to drive, resulting in speeding and irresponsible behind the wheel behavior.  A manual transmission will help your child focus.  
• On the new Hyundai Veloster the Dual Clutch Transmission (which is manual) mimics an automatic transmission in that it anticipates what gear you will use next making the manual transmission a smoother ride - and a cheaper option too.    

With all of that said, come browse our used & new cars.  

I'm sure your new teen driver will have fun looking through all of our options!

photo courtesy of www.vehicle-tracking.com

What to do: Car Accident

Oh no, terrible feelings are usually tied to car accidents.  Our minds just don't think clearly when we are squished into another car.  And it just feels like no car accident comes at the right time.

I have researched this brain tangling problem & come up with some helpful tips.

• This seems trivial but try to think clearly.  Take a few deep breaths and wrap your brain around what happened before hopping out of your car and being confronted with the opposing driver.
• Determine the extent of damage or injuries:  anyone need immediate medical attention?
• Try to file an accident report with the police. Even if it's just a fender bender & do not leave the scene until police file full report.  Please note:  if in Texas the police will not come to the scene if both cars are drivable and no one is injured, unless they see it happen (which happened to me)
• Something I wish I had done: gotten the police officers names, district numbers and badge numbers.  They told me the other driver was at fault but couldn't file a report and then left...guess who ended up paying: me

• Get the facts:  write down your interpretation of what happened at the accident.  Then get names, addresses, phone numbers of EVERYONE involved in the accident (passengers, drivers, passerby-ers that stopped), description of cars and license plate numbers, insurance company (make sure their insurance is not expired), company number and VIN # of car(s) involved.
• Call your insurance agent as soon as possible, even at the scene.  There is usually a 1-800 number you can call 24/7.  

Sometimes people are hoping that the insurance companies will pay top dollar to help repair their car.  This, sadly, is usually not the case.  Total Loss has a slim-to-none  likelihood of happening to you.  The definition of a totaled car is when the cost to fix is more than the value of their car.  To consider the value of your car your insurance company will asses pre-loss condition + options (stereos, Ltd edition, sunroof, etc) + mileage.  

Here are some useful websites for your review: Texas Drivers Handbook & Car Accident Checklist

If you're car isn't totally paid off yet, this is where Gap Insurance comes in handy.

Long awaited arrival: Veloster

It's here!  We couldn't be more excited.  Finally this car has come to fruition after months of waiting.

 

driver side : one door

passenger side : 2 doors

push start engine, xm radio & blue link

back up camera : this might be my favorite feature

stylized front with panoramic sunroof

Alright, come on in and schedule your test drive at Eckert Hyundai!

Hyundai Veloster

Drooling yet?  I am. 

Our brand new 2012 Hyundai Veloster comes out soon!  We will be getting a few of these before you know it.

For now, can I tell you my favorite parts?  (are you sitting?)

• Secret door - I know, everyone loves a good secret.  This is not a suicide door, these doors are set up just like a normal sedan.  But they are only on one side.  No more awkward exits for your friends that sacrificially sit in the back seat.  Everyone will want to ride with you and it's ok because you have...

• 40 MPG on the Highway!  This is one of Hyundai's 4 cars with 40 MPG on the highway.  I love choices, don't you?
• Lately I feel like I have been doing double takes at hatchbacks.  The extra room would sure be nice when we take trips.  Well, not only do you get the vanity of a sports car, but you get the practicality of a hatchback.  Without really acting like you have a practical bone in your body. 
• Panoramic Sunroof Please.  Really get a tan, see the stars or daydream stoplights. 
• Best-in-Class Interior for "compact sporty car segment."  Another step in the right direction of practicality. 
• Blue Link.

So come check the Hyundai Veloster out at Eckert Hyundai.  You'll never want to leave.

Blue Link Favorites

Some time ago I wrote a post about Blue Link, Hyundai's new "easy-to-use system, which provides owners and drivers with the information and connectivity they need for a richer, more convenient, and more secure driving experience...offering over 30 different features aimed towards...simplifiying your life."  Thursday, March 3, when I wrote the article we didn't even have cars that offered this feature.

Lucky for you, now we do.  The 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and 2012 Hyundai Veloster.  Sadly we do not have the last two in our lot yet.  But they'll be rolling in soon.  And you can bet your bottom dollar we are excited.   We do have the 2012 Sonata, quite a few.

So for now, I feel compelled to share with you my favorite features of Blue Link.  But for more information I HIGHLY suggest you check out this website.   Then look at Eckert Hyundai & see which of your favorite cars have Blue Link, and check often for updates!  Happy Labor Day!

Daily Route Guidance 

:  allows you to pre-design several different routes to your regular designations, you can  avoid traffic congestion on all of your pre-selected routes to get you where you need to go safely AND on time.

 POI Web Search

 

:  allows you to search for points of interests, business and addresses without stopping to ask for directions!

Eco-Coach

   :monitors your vehicle's mileage and emissions on a continual and historical basis and offers recommendations to help promote better fuel efficiency.