Shop Carland Dealers Blog

2011 Honda CRZ

Shopcarland.com is the place to go. This website will not sell your information off to a dozen local dealers or other automotive lead companies. This is an actual website from 2 Atlanta Honda Dealers and a Atlanta Acura Dealer. This website will also allow you to view over 400 quality pre-owned, used cars, trucks, and SUVs. You can also apply for credit, build a Honda or Acura to your needs, and schedule a test drive. They list all of the current Honda and Acura Specials in Atlanta. They also list their pre-owned inventory in vehicles under 10,000 and pre-auction vehicles.  The pre-auction vehicles are vehicles they have deeply discounted to try to retail, before they send the vehicle off to an auction. The ShopCarland.com site is a way to protect your information, and work exclusively with reputable online Honda and Acura Dealers. Not to mention on any of the dealer websites you can receive an online trade appraisal that will help you understand the value of your vehicle,

Some have requested updates on some of the new models so here you go!

The 2011 Honda CRZ is a do in the showroom any day! CNN rated the 2011 Honda CR-Z as the #1 Vehicle worth waiting for in the summer! The 2011 Honda CRZ is a Sporty Elite Hybrid. The CRZ is available in 6 spd manual or CVT Automatic with Paddle Shifters. 

The 2011  Honda Odyssey is a must see. The 2011 Odyssey is due out in the fall! If you are considering another Make Minivan that do wait! However, the 2010 Honda Odysseys are under clearance, so bargain shoppers need to look no further.

The 2011 Acura TSX Wagon us due out in the fall. The TSX Wagon will deliver and estimated 30 MPG!

2011 TSX Wagon

The 2011 Acura TSX Wagon has it all-performance, style, technology, and utility! The 2011 TSX should serve the performance enthusiast, techy, greeny,  and utilitarian just fine! Based off of the European Tourer, the 2011 Acura TSX Wagon will be available at local Atlanta Acura dealerships in late fall. Feel free to visit  www.acuracarland.com to get more information.

Weighing in at an expected 201 HP, the TSX wagon will be able to accelerate through local Atlanta trouble spots! Acura.com  expects around 30 MPG, which all but guarantees a 2.4 liter 4cyl model. We have not received any word on whether the V6 will be an option. The signature sport tuned suspension is a given. Acura’s suspensions will optimize the handling characteristics during various driving conditions. Make no mistake, Acura’s TSX wagon will provide highly spirited performance.

Acura techies do not have to worry. Tech Package will be available! The Hard Disk Drive will be available coupled with the 10 speaker ELS surround sound. The navigation will include the “Traffic Rerouting” and weather reports  to help avoid the untimely delays. Zagat ratings will also help reduce the occurrence of visiting that “Tourist Trap” type restaurant during vacation. Not to mention, the fully integrated iPod and USB audio interface will allow you take full advantage of your digital music library. Bluetooth with the phone-book exchange will also be standard.

Interior View TSX

If the acclaimed Acura Gadgetry is not enough, how about a lot of style. For those drivers that feel the mini-van is a quantum leap away from their psycho-graphics. The wagon lover craze is reborn. The Acura TSX wagon is sleek and elegant. Premium leather and interior refinement will soothe the occupants as soon as they close the TSX’s doors. The dash cluster is purposeful and appealing. The ergonomics of the controls are intuitive and precise.   

Utility is a major factor to SUVs, Crossovers, Minivans, and wagons. Storage for everyone! The TSX has a very wide lift-gate opening. The cargo area has a flat floor and is very spacious. The Seating functionality will allow you to fold seats to gain more interior cargo room. Often enough, you will need to have more than one passenger. The TSX wagon has a 60/40 fold down seat, that will allow you to improve cargo room, and allow you to hold 2-3 passengers. Tie downs a skid tracks will help you secure your cargo, and minimize the chance of damaging the interior. Wrap around quality carpeting with minimized plastic panels will also help reduce cargo damage and those unsightly cargo scratches.  So, if you are considering a SUV, mini-van, Crossover, or wagon, please be sure to evaluate the 2011 TSX Wagon. Performance, Style, Technology, and Utility are 4 good reasons to visit Acura Carland, in Duluth, GA.

Wide opening of the liftgate, 2011 TSX Wagon

Atlanta driving is taxing on the driver and environment. Here are a few tips on how to reduce your impact on the environment and your money. There are several service related practices to help in this area. Properly inflated tires are extremely important to gas economy, tire wear, and above all safety. The Carland Groups offers Nitrogen to help reduce the fluctuations of tire pressure during temperature changes. Not to mention, Nitrogen will extend your tire life.  Scheduled vehicle maintenance will help insure your vehicle is properly tuned. When your vehicle is “running rough” , it may reduce your gas mileage by up to 4%. There are some mechanical issues that can reduce your gas mileage by up to 40%!  It is very important to use OEM recommended oil weight. Gas mileage can reduce by as much as 2% if your oil weight or blend is incorrect. www.CarlandService.com is a service website that will allow you to schedule service appointments at all of our Atlanta Honda and Acura service locations. Our service plans are all Enviro-Friendly, service maintenance recommended by Honda or Acura. – every time you visit.

Mechanical is important, but please look at your driving habits! Planning your  daily trips will greatly reduce unnecessary small trips throughout the day. Carpools are  a great way to reduce emissions and conserve on gas.    So, if you have a sizable commute, and co-worker close… by all means organize a carpool. Evaluate what is in your vehicle. Do you have items in your vehicle that you don’t necessary need in your vehicle.  A reduction of 100lbs can improve your gas mileage by as much as 2%. So, no need to drive around with those cases of water bottles, or the chairs and gear from the baseball game from last week!  Cruise control is also key. By using cruise control, you minimize the pedal play, and you can improve your gas mileage. Atlanta drivers all have seen the aggressive drivers. Not only are they unsafe, but aggressive driving can reduce fuel economy by 33%!  Patience truly is a virtue, and above all a dire responsibility while safely operating a vehicle. Excessive idling not only produces unnecessary emissions, but also reduces your fuel economy. If you pull up to a fast food restaurant, and the line is long. Walk in and place a to-go order. No need to wait 10 minutes in an idling car. Again- Enviro-friendly driving is a commitment! All Hondas and Acuras have a overdrive gear, either 5 or 6 speed transmissions, on the later models. Be sure to allow the engine speed to reduce by driving with overdrive engaged. Driving at less RPMs will stretch fuel economy and lower emissions.

Honda Carland, Acura Carland, and Honda Carland North ( www.shopcarland.com ) all offer highly fuel effecient vehicles with outstanding emmision ratings. When considering your next vehicle. Evaluate your need for size. If you rarely go on a trip that requires a larger vehicle. Look at the many different cargo options of the entire Honda and Acura line-up. Roof Racks are available, so maybe a Honda CRV with a Roof Rack and Cargo Box, might be enough to handle that extra hauling needed once a year . Maybe the CRV’s fuel savings will be enough to pay for the annual road trip to Orlando! Too often you see the family of 4, driving a huge SUV, because of the need for space for a family vacation. Rental Cars and Roof Racks can help you save money and reduce the pollution the other 51 weeks in the year. The “Bigger the Better” is not totally true when it comes to emmissions and fuel economy. Not to mention, a stance here would greatly show family and friends your commitment towards crucial conservation.

Driving Enviro-friendly is a commitment to conserve. Earth Day often passes with a small and forgettable reminder of the true magnificence our planet’s gifts. We all need (including myself) to actively pursue a better way. A commitment however small, combined can drastically reduce emissions and help conserve our limited natural resources.

Why would anyone purchase tires at a dealer? A question I have heard, but I ask – “Why would anyone not purchase their tires from a dealership?” I have worked for the Carland Group for over 10 years!  I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most knowledgable mechanics in the industry!

Several myths need to be discussed before we can argue proven reasons. The main reason or argument I hear, is because dealers just rip off or cost too much.  Atlanta Honda and Acura dealerships constantly adjust the prices to match immediate competitors. What happens more often, is Carland Service suggests comprehensive maintenance services that will opitmize the performance of your Honda or Acura in Atlanta. Carland Service will also use OEM parts or in our case- Honda Genuine Parts. This blog  is not condeming after market parts, because some are very comparable to OEM parts. At times, Carland Service in Atlanta may offer aftermarket parts to our customers as a courtesy, to help control costs during these trying times! The difference is we make sure the part meets crucial specifications and warranty at least matches the fantastic Honda Genuine Part’s warranty.  So many of the independant shops will not follow the recommended services of Honda or Acura. They may not inspect or top off, or replace with genuine parts, or even wash your vehicle. So, as the great Warren Buffet states ” Price is what you pay, value is what you get! “  The Carland Group provides Quality and Value! (Yes, we make mistakes like everyone- but we keep trying to improve!) So, check with your local dealer, see what they offer, and then check with the local repair shop. Be sure to check exactly what they are going to do for the $21.95 oil change- many times it is just that … change the oil!

Okay, so getting back to tires! Honda and Acura choose tires that specifically enhance the ride and feel of the vehicle! Carland Service will look at your struts, shocks, and alignment to insure that tire wear is caused by the road and time, rather than replacing your tires- and then replacing them again 25,000 miles down the road. Interesting fact-  weight distribution (Shocks and Struts) is so crucial to brake and tire wear, that the Carland Group will look at the above mentioned items to insure that your new tires will not get cupped or “Chopped” from faulty suspension systems. A 10% improper weight distribution can lower your brake-pad life by 100%  and a loss of 10 feet in braking distance.  Tires are so important to the ride quality, safety, and overall performance of your Honda or Acura. The technicians that the Carland Group employ are extensively trained to insure that the tires that we offer are OEM recommended! Carland Service wants to insure that your vehicle’s performance and safety are not compromised! According to the MAP (Motorist Assurance Program)Organization, struts and shocks should be checked at 50,000 miles. The Carland Group will inspect Alignment, Shocks, and Struts every visit! Some shops may just tell you to purchase a set of $800.oo Michelins, and feel they have completely satisfied your concerns. Since you have so much riding on your tires, please allow Carland Service the opportunity to show you the value of the services we constantly provide!

Here is are some things to consider while looking to purchase tires …http://www.acuracarland.com/j/i/33237/ACURATIRESINATLANTA.html

A lot of that information is from the SafeCar.gov

Please feel free to visit www.CarlandService.com to look for our Atlanta Area Honda and Acura Service Centers!

Acura is billing the ZDX as a 4-door sports coupe.  This may be confusing since the ZDX has more than 2 doors, and looks and feels like an SUV.  In fact the all new 2010 Acura ZDX is more of a cross-over than anything else.  We are at age where cars, SUV’s, trucks, and luxury sedans are all mixed into one vehicle.  And the Acura ZDX is a sleek and functional automobile that Acura is hoping will appeal to the world. Read more…