Thursday, February 28, 2013

Remodel Update

A picture is worth a thousand words...

Front of the dealership

If you haven't driven by the dealership lately, you will be surprised by the recent progress on the front of the building. It won't be long before the iconic Chevrolet Blue Arch is finished!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Buying v. Leasing

Shopping for a new vehicle can be an overwhelming experience. With so many different makes, models, trims and colors to pick from, it's hard to sit down and make a decision in a short time period. Then, once you have spent hours, weeks, or even months selecting the perfect vehicle for your needs, a sales person presents you with two more options: financing or leasing. 

Don't be scared...the last thing we, as a dealership, want you to feel is overwhelmed. Car buying should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience! So while you are researching your next new vehicle, take a minute to review the pros and cons of buying v. leasing. Here are the differences:

  • When you buy, you pay for the entire cost of a vehicle; regardless of how many miles you drive it. You typically make a down payment, pay sales taxes in cash or roll them into your loan, and pay an interest rate determined by your loan company based on your credit history. You make your first payment a month after you sign your contract. Later, you may decide to sell or trade the vehicle for its depreciated resale value.
  • When you lease, you pay for only a portion of a vehicle's cost, which is the part that you "use up" during the time you're driving it. You have the option of not making a down payment, you pay sales tax only on your monthly payments (in most states, unfortunately Illinois requires you pay the tax at signing), and you pay a financial rate, called money factor, that is similar to the interest on a loan. You may also be required to pay fees and possibly a security deposit that you don't pay when you buy. You make your first payment at the time you sign your contract for the month ahead. At lease-end, you may either return the vehicle, or purchase it for its depreciated resale value.

So, which option is the best for you? The answer is – it depends on what's most important to you. All of us have different lifestyles and priorities, especially when it in comes to cars and in finances. Vehicle lease-versus-buy decisions must be made with your own lifestyle and priority attributes in mind. What's right for one person can be totally wrong for another. 

If you still don't know which option is best for you, try our Lease v. Finance calculator or contact a member of our sales staff at 217-935-3156. We would be happy to help answer your questions!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Introducing the 2014 Chevrolet SS Sedan


DAYTONA, Fla. – As Chevrolet’s first V-8, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan since 1996, the new Chevrolet SS is designed to deliver performance on the street and on the track. The 2014 Chevrolet SS will debut this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway as the SS racecar makes its NASCAR debut during the Daytona 500. 
“The Chevrolet brand was largely built on the strength of rear-drive performance sedans, yet it's been 17 years since we've offered one,” said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America. “The all-new Chevrolet SS fills that void and fills it better than any other vehicle in the brand’s rich history. The comfort, convenience, spaciousness and V-8 power make the SS a total performance package unlike any other on the road today.”
The Chevrolet SS benefits from the proven, race-tested, global rear-wheel drive architecture that is the foundation for the Camaro, Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle and Holden’s VF Commodore.
The Chevrolet SS is powered by the LS3 Chevrolet V-8, expected to deliver 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Also used in the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette, the LS3 displaces 6.2 liters, more than the 5.5-liter V-8 powering the Chevrolet SS NASCAR competitors.
The LS3 is married to a six-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. With an aggressive 3.27 final-drive ratio, the Chevrolet SS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds – making it one of the quickest sedans on the market.
To ensure that it turns and stops as well as it accelerates; the Chevrolet SS also features a sport-tuned chassis, including:
  • MacPherson strut front and multilink independent rear suspension geometry
  • Electronic power steering system, optimized for sport driving
  • Standard Brembo brakes, with ventilated, 355-mm rotors and two-piece, four-piston front calipers
  • Forged aluminum wheels, wrapped in ultra-high-performance Bridgestone tires: 19 x 8.5 inch wheels with 245/40ZR19 tires in front; 19 x 9.0 inch wheels with 275/35ZR19 tires rear
Handling is also improved by a near 50/50 weight distribution, and a low center of gravity – made possible in part by the aluminum hood and rear deck lid that are 30 percent lighter than traditional steel panels.
“Our goal was to create a car that delivers incredible grip and handling balance while cornering, while still being comfortable to drive on the road,” said David Leone, executive chief engineer GM global programs.  “The perfect weight balance and lower center of gravity were a big part of that goal because it enabled the team to tune for a more comfortable highway ride without sacrificing handling or driver confidence while cornering at the limits.” 
Similarly, the design of the SS blends performance cues and premium details.
“From every angle, the Chevrolet SS says power and performance,” said John Cafaro design director Chevrolet passenger cars and small crossovers. “The combination of an aggressive rear-wheel drive stance and body-side attitude with the right balance of detail and refinement inside and out are the perfect home for Chevrolet’s V-8 performance package.”
The staggered front and rear wheels, which are pushed out to the corners, enhance the sporting, muscular stance of the SS. Up front, the aluminum hood features a subtle “power bulge” hinting at the power of the engine underneath. At the rear, the tapered, tear-drop shape contributes to improved aerodynamic performance. Premium cues include jewel-like chrome accents, standard high-intensity discharge headlamps and light-emitting diode daytime running lights.
The spacious interior of the SS will comfortably accommodate five adults, with 42 inches of front legroom, and 39 inches of rear legroom. Leather seating surfaces are standard, as are eight-way power adjustable front bucket seats with additional side bolstering that hug the driver and front passenger in tight-handling situations. The SS emblem is prominently stitched onto the soft-touch instrument panel which features two types of chrome finishes – a satin gloss and a bright chrome.  At night, the interior is illuminated by ice blue ambient lighting.
An integrated center stack includes infotainment, climate and other vehicle controls. The Chevrolet SS also offers a long list of technology features as standard equipment including:
  • Color, in-dashboard touch screen that supports Chevrolet MyLink and the next-generation navigation system
  • Bose® Nine-speaker premium sound system
  • Color heads-up display
  • Push-button start
  • StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Side Blind Zone Alert
  • Rear-vision camera Rear Cross Traffic Alert
The SS is also the first Chevrolet to offer Automatic Parking Assist, which provides hands-free parking help. This efficient ‘hands-free’ parking assistant uses the ultrasonic sensing system to detect the width and depth of either parallel or reverse right-angle parking spaces. While the driver controls the throttle, transmission, and brake, the Automatic Parking Assist controls the steering inputs necessary to neatly park the Chevrolet SS. 
The 2014 Chevrolet SS will be available in the fourth quarter of 2013, with prices set closer to the on-sale date.  When it arrives in showrooms, the SS will join the Corvette and Camaro, whose combined sales have made Chevrolet America’s favorite performance brand for the last two years.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
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*Press release courtesy of General Motors. 

Monday, February 11, 2013

You Don't Have To Up Size to Upgrade

After months of waiting, the 2013 Buick Encore has finally arrived! We have been very anxious to see the Encore in person and now that it is here, we are very excited to introduce it to our customers. 

2013 Buick Encore

Here are some of the highlights of this luxurious and sporty new crossover:
  • Starting MSRP at $24,200
  • Seats up to five passengers comfortably
  • Features sophisticated chrome accents
  • Available features include:
    • Remote start
    • Rainsense wipers
    • Rear view camera system
    • Memory seats and mirrors
    • Rear park assist
    • Front park assist 
  • 10 standard airbags
  • 1.4L ECOTECH 138hp turbo-charged engine
  • EPA estimated 33 MPG highway and 25 MPG city
  • Optional all-wheel drive

Stop in today and see for yourself that you don't have to up size to upgrade! For more information visit www.baumchevybuick.com.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Truck Month



It's Chevy Truck Month! Now through the end of February, you can take advantage of the following rebates: 

  • up to $5,750 in rebates on all 1/2 ton extended and crew cab Silverado models, PLUS a $1,500 package discount on select models
  • up to $4,000 off 3/4 and 1 ton Silverado models when you trade in an eligible vehicle


*ONLY AT BAUM CHEVROLET BUICK: You will receive $250 worth of GM accessories with the purchase of your new Silverado! 
-Offer expires February 28, 2013. Please contact us for more information.

View our complete inventory here!