Garage Sale 2016

 

The 3rd Annual Knoepfler Chevrolet Garage Sale is happening on Saturday, January 30! For this sale, the service shops are cleared out, and new and pre-owned vehicles are brought inside! With over 25,000 sq. ft. between the two shops, there will be plenty of vehicles to check out INDOORS!

Not only will customers enjoy shopping for vehicles in the comfort of the dealership, but there will also be low prices on both new and pre-owned vehicles for one day only. Deals include $9,000 off a NEW 2016 Chevy Silverado (#S2099), a 2016 Chevy Cruze Lease (#S1003) for $159/mo., and pre-owned vehicles priced way below NADA.

Stop down to 100 Jackson Street to kick some tires without the tingle in your toes on January 30th from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

What is the difference between 4WD, AWD, FWD and RWD?

In advertisements for vehicles, you often see descriptions like "four-wheel drive", "all-wheel drive" and "front-wheel drive." You might be asking yourself, what's the difference in these? It all comes down to which wheels the power from the engine goes.

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD, 4x4): With four-wheel drive, engaged power from the engine is split equally between front and rear wheels. Therefore, front and rear wheels are turning together. This provides more traction for those icy and snowy days. 4WD vehicles have more weight and complexity, which makes them more expensive. In most vehicles, the 4WD capability can be switched off which helps increase fuel economy and saves the vehicle from locking up when road conditions are normal. 4WD technology is brilliant when driving forward, but the challenge comes when turning. For a vehicle to make a turn, the inside wheel has to turn more slowly than the outside wheel, something that 4WD does not allow for. If a vehicle can't do this, the inside wheel loses traction and it spins freely. Therefore, 4WD should only be used in suitable conditions, like icy rods, uneven terrain or loose gravel.

Chevrolets: Silverado, Colorado, Suburban, Tahoe

All-Wheel Drive (AWD): An all-wheel drive vehicle splits the power from the engine between all the wheels with about 80% going to the front wheels and 20% going to the rear wheels as opposed to split equally. The driver does not have to switch it into AWD. Instead, the system automatically kicks in during unexpected road conditions (like ice) to increase grip and control. The system gains feedback from the tires and sends the most power to the wheels which are receiving the most traction, which is why AWD vehicles usually get a higher safety rating. Although, AWD does do well in slippery road conditions, it would not be suitable for extreme off-road conditions.

Chevrolets: Equinox, Traverse, Trax

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): In a front-wheel drive vehicle, the wheels that receive power from the engine are the front wheels and the rear wheels are spinning with no power coming to them. With the weight of the engine over the front of the vehicle, FWD vehicles offer good traction in slippery surfaces and while climbing hills. The front wheels have to do two things, put the power to the ground and steer the vehicle. FWD vehicles are cheaper to manufacture, offer better fuel economy and give enhanced space efficiency.

Chevrolets: Equinox, Traverse, Trax, Impala, Cruze, Malibu, Sonic, Spark

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Oppositely, in a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the wheels that receive power from the engine are the rear wheels. With a RWD vehicle, the rear wheels move the vehicle and the front steers the vehicle. Most trucks and heavy-duty vehicles are rear-wheel drive. When a RWD vehicle is carrying a load, that load pushes down on the driving wheels offering durability and increased traction. Luxury cars and true sports cars tend to have rear-wheel drive, which offers the capability to deal more effectively with higher engine outputs and higher vehicle weights. Since the power is coming only to the rear wheels, these vehicles usually have less traction on slippery surfaces.

Chevrolets: Camaro, Van, Corvette

If you have additional questions about these options and which might be best for you stop in and see our Sales Department at 100 Jackson Street in Sioux City.

Sources:
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/whats-the-difference-between-four-wheel-drive-and-all-wheel-drive/
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/2wd-awd-or-4wd-how-much-traction-do-you-need/index.htm
http://www.woodwheaton.com/gm-resources/awd-vs-4wd/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2015/01/09/whats-best-on-snow-and-ice-four-wheel-drive-versus-all-wheel-drive/2/#2715e4857a0b57c973311285
http://www.kbb.com/car-advice/articles/which-wheel-drive-is-best-for-you/

January Lease Specials

 

#S1012. $0 Down. No payment due at signing. 27 months, 10,000 miles a year. Total Mileage Allowed: 22,500 MSRP: $19,795, Total Capital Cost: $15,943.72, Total Residual: $11,679.05. Tax, title, license and doc fee extra. Good until 2/1/16.

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#S1008. $0 Down. 1st Payment Due at Signing. 27 months, 12,000 miles a year. Total Mileage Allowed: 27,000. MSRP: $26,085. Total Capital Cost: $20,511.62. Total Residual: $14,981.95. Tax, title, license and doc fee extra. Good until 2/1/16.

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Customer Interview: Jeanne

We interviewed customers who purchased vehicles at Knoepfler Chevrolet to find out about their experience. Here is a bit about Jeanne and her purchase:

Customer Profile: Jeanne Newton

Birthplace/Hometown: Sioux City, IA

What did you purchase? 2014 Chevy Malibu

Favorite Features of the Equinox: I love everything about it, but I really love the gas mileage and the smooth ride. It's such a luxurious car.

Why were you in the market for a new vehicle? I had a 2012 Malibu before, so I was looking to upgrade to a new model.

Why did you make your purchase at Knoepfler Chevrolet? I purchased my previous vehicle there and really enjoyed the salesmanship from Renette, working with F & I and the customer service I received. I have been servicing my vehicle there, and the service department takes such good care of me. They treat you like a person, not a number. That means a lot. They really care about the service they give you and being #1.

How was your experience with your Sales Associate? It was wonderful. Renette was so sweet! She makes the process effortless. When I bought vehicles other places before, the purchasing process was almost an all day thing. At Knoepfler Chevrolet, it was so quick and easy! I really enjoyed that there weren't constant interruptions. I had her undivided attention.


While working with the other employees, did you feel that they were honest and respectful? Definitely! They were amazing. So sweet and kind. I am happy with the whole crew!

Overall, how was your buying experience? It was a really pleasant experience. They put it all together so fast! I have never experienced that before.

There used to be a stigma that women car buys are treated differently. Do you think that is still true today? Absolutely not. I think at Knoepfler Chevrolet, they go over and above to make sure those things don't happen today. They build a trust with customers, because they want them to come back and spread the word about their dealership. Years ago, I am sure women were treated differently. But I had no worries about that during my last purchase. I trusted they were doing the best thing for me.

Customer Interview: Alison S.

We interviewed customers who purchased vehicles at Knoepfler Chevrolet to find out about their experience. Here is a bit about Alison and her purchase:

Customer Profile: Alison Seuntjens

Birthplace/Hometown: Kingsley, IA

Family: Two children - Sydney and Carson

What did you purchase? 2015 Chevy Equinox LT AWD

Favorite Features of the Equinox: Even though its a smaller SUV, I like the fact that I still have the space I need and all-wheel-drive feature.

Why were you in the market for a new vehicle? I was in the market for a a new vehicle to replace by GMC Acadia. I wanted something smaller and with better gas mileage, however I still wanted a vehicle with AWD.

Why did you make your purchase at Knoepfler Chevrolet? I researched small SUVs online and then began comparison shopping online with a couple dealerships. I knew what my vehicle was worth and what I was able to spend. I inquired about the Equinox I was interested in online. Knoepfler Chevrolet was in the running right on target with the price and model I was looking to purchase.

How was your experience with your Sales Associate? After sending an email request to Knoepfler Chevrolet, I was contacted by Renette. She said she was interested in answering any questions I had about the Equinox and would be happy to have me come in to drive one. I had an extremely positive experience with Renette. She was very helpful and answered all my questions fairly and honestly. She did everything in order to help the process go smoothly.

While working with the other employees, did you feel that they were honest and respectful?
Yes, absolutely. It is a big purchase and commitment and something that takes time, research and thought. I felt comfortable asking any question. Everyone was very friendly and willing to assist me in any way they could. I felt it wasn't just about making a sale with them, but rather making sure I was completely satisfied with the experience overall.

Overall, how was your buying experience? It was overall a great experience, and I am so thrilled to have made the purchase close to home. I met the service department manager and found out how to schedule vehicle maintenance. Renette helped set up the OnStar and XM features as well as offered any assistance during and after the purchase should a question come up.

There used to be a stigma that women car buys are treated differently. Do you think that is still true today? I never felt during my car buying experience that I was treated any differently because I was a woman. I think there are many women out there who are independent and making their own

vehicle purchases. I have worked with both men and women sales associates alike and didn't feel that was a factor in the sale of the vehicle. It just proves that women have made the conscious effort to empower themselves in any situation that arises including financial independence. Car dealerships are aware of this and are evolving as well to meet the needs of every car buyer whether man or woman.

New Commercial Starring a 1999 Chevy Suburban

In December, Knoepfler Chevrolet produced a new testimonial commercial. It is greatly appreciated when customers are willing to tell others about the great products and service they receive at Knoepfler Chevrolet. Word of mouth and referrals are a huge part of the success of our business.

Joe Twidwell, Vice President of Security National Bank, willingly volunteered to be the star of our commercial. He has been a customer of Knoepfler Chevrolet since moving to Sioux City in 2001 purchasing a 2010 Equinox, 2015 Equinox and a 2000 Corvette all from Knoepfler Chevrolet. The focus of this commercial was not on sales, though, but rather his experience with the Service Department.

The real star of the commercial is Twidwell's 1999 Chevy Suburban that he drives daily. Twidwell is the original owner and has put 509,000 miles on it! Twidwell calls his Suburban "Seymour". Even the Knoepfler Chevrolet technicians recognize Seymour when he is brought in and refer to him by name. People develop relationships with their vehicles especially if the vehicle has been with them for a long period of time. In Twidwell's case, Seymour is practically a member of the family. He was there to transport all his kids to college, for family vacations and to haul items for all of his kids' weddings. Seymour seemed to have a part in every major milestone of the Twidwell family.

Twidwell trusts the Knoepfler Chevrolet Service Department with Seymour. The Service Department has been caring for all of the Twidwell family's vehicles throughout the years, and Twidwell appreciates that the staff will only recommend  the services that need to be done. Twidwell mentioned during filming that while he was putting kids through college, money was tight. His service advisor, Tom Murphy, would let him know what maintenance needed to be done now and which ones he could hold off doing until a later date. Twidwell has complete confidence in the staff's recommendations and the quality of service provided.

Twidwell attributes the longevity of Seymour's life to the scheduled maintenance Seymour receives at Knoepfler Chevrolet. While serving in the military, Twidwell was taught that if you take good care of something it'll be reliable and last you for a very long time. Seymour is proof of this. This 1999 Suburban with half a million miles on it is in great shape!

Keep a lookout for the new Knoepfler Chevrolet commercial which will be debuting in January - February 2016.