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If your Mazda came with Apple CarPlay or you’ve had Velocity Mazda install the upgrade, there’s a smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car. With CarPlay, most tasks you previously performed using your phone are on the built-in display. Once you're connected use that display or steering wheel controls to get turn-by-turn directions, place calls, check or send messages using your voice and ask for directions. This article walks you through setup and answers some of the most frequently asked questions. Apple CarPlay Controls The whole point is to keep your eyes on the road. Control Apple CarPlay through your car's knobs, buttons, touchscreen or through Siri voice control. Activate Siri by pressing and holding the voice control button on your Mazda's steering wheel. If you're stopped or riding as a passenger, access icons with your vehicle's touchscreen just like you would a big iPad. You can also control the volume or change stations like you would with any infotainment system, using the knobs and buttons around the screen. Apple CarPlay Setup for Mazda Setup is easy and straightforward. First, put your car in park and engage the parking brake. Start your car and check to make sure Siri is on. Plug in your USB cable to the port with the CarPlay or smartphone icon or press and hold the voice command button on your Mazda's steering wheel. Your Mazda Connect system will detect your iPhone and you'll see prompts on your vehicle's screen. Press and hold the home button above the commander knob until you see the Apple CarPlay user interface. Use the knob to scroll over and highlight the Apple CarPlay icon in the top corner, then press down on the knob to make your selection. On your iPhone, you may need to go to Settings > General > CarPlay. Then, tap the option for available cars and choose your Mazda. Once connected, you'll have easy access to many of the apps already installed on your phone. Apple CarPlay Frequently Asked Questions What iPhones work with CarPlay and Mazda? If you have iPhone 5 or newer, it will work with Apple CarPlay. Can I get CarPlay in an older Mazda? Yes! See a list of the Mazda vehicles in which you can have Apple CarPlay installed. What apps are CarPlay compatible? A lot of them. You'll be ale to use Maps, Phone, Messages, Music, Podcasts, Audiobooks and several other apps. Your phone itself will lock while connected to help you resist the temptation to use it while you're on the road. What happens if there's no cell signal? Most CarPlay apps need a cell signal to work. In areas with a bad signal, you can still use Mazda's built-in navigation system. What if I have problems with my Apple CarPlay? At Velocity Mazda, we're here to help. Just stop by and we'll walk you through how to get the most out of your Apple CarPlay.

Mazda recently announced it's building not one, but two new crossovers for the United States and Canada, and car enthusiasts immediately started speculating. The teaser photo is dark and mysterious, with little more than a silhouette and seductively glowing taillights. Experts say the first will be similar to the Mazda CX-4 currently available in China. What the second might be is anyone's guess. We do know where Mazda will make the new cars. Right now in Huntsville Alabama Mazda and Toyota are working together to build a $1.6 billion factory. Mazda and Toyota will share the space and build cars they sell in the U.S. right here in the South. China's Mazda CX-4 Crossover Mazda has been selling the Mazda CX-4 since 2016, but only in China. It's based on the Mazda CX-5, the manufacturer's extremely popular crossover. It's larger than the Mazda CX-3, with an additional foot in length and a taller profile. It has the unmistakable KODO design found in all Mazda vehicles with a wide stance and sleek lines. Its high ground clearance makes it suitable for a range of road conditions. In China, Mazda CX-4 sells with the same i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies, excellent handling and environmental safety you find in similar Mazda vehicles we sell here in Tyler, Texas. Is Mazda CX-4 What's Coming? The teaser photo looks a lot like the Mazda CX-4 produced in China. In early February, Mazda spokesperson Drew Carey referenced the photo and said Mazda would reveal the car in Geneva, and that car would be coming to the United States. However, that's all the information he gave. It could have a different name, exterior and powertrain. The Geneva Motor Show starts Thursday, March 7 and runs through Sunday, March 17. Second Crossover in the Works Mazda is being vague about the details. Mazda North America CEO Masahiro Moro told reporters only that the second vehicle will be "a new crossover SUV which is exclusively designed for the North American market." He said both new vehicles would share the same architecture, and that Mazda is still finalizing the concept for the second. Crossovers have been wildly popular in the United States. In 2018, Mazda sold 150,622 Mazda CX-5s, more than half of the brand's total of 300,325 sales. Mazda and Toyota broke ground on the Alabama assembly plant in January of this year. The plant will employ up to 4,000 Americans and produce around 300,000 vehicles annually. Half of those could be the two new Mazda crossover models. Production is planned to start sometime in the middle of 2021, so that's the earliest we can expect to purchase the new vehicles.

Your Mazda has been with you through thick and thin. It gets your heart pumping and is there for you when you’ve had a bad day. Your Mazda takes you places you couldn't go alone. It never asks for flowers and chocolates but will appreciate a little TLC this Valentine’s Day. Routine maintenance ensures you and your Mazda can enjoy years of happiness together. Skip it, and the repair bill could break your heart. Preserve your relationship with these tips for Valentine's Day and beyond. Schedule February Maintenance Whether you do it yourself or turn it over to the pros, give your Mazda what it needs: Schedule an annual tune-up for consistent power and fuel economy. Change your oil and filter as instructed in your Mazda owner's manual. Check tire pressure every month, especially now when temperature averages fluctuate so much. Don't forget to check your spare. Check your wheel alignment. East Texas roads can be unforgiving. If your wheels aren't properly aligned it impacts your gas mileage, handling, driving pleasure and safety. Inspect lights and windshield wipers. They need periodic replacement from normal wear and tear. Give Your Mazda a Spa Day If you have somewhere warm to work, spend some time with warm soapy water and a sponge washing away all that winter road grime. Follow up with a good wax. Clean all the extra items out of your interior and trunk. Vacuum and wipe that dust off your dash. Add an interior air freshener so you get a mental lift when you slide behind the wheel. After its spa treatment your car will look better, and when you pull out of the driveway you'll feel like you have a new ride. Buy Your Mazda Accessories Your Mazda wants to stand out from the crowd. Genuine Mazda accessories fit perfectly, work like a dream and take your car's appearance to the next level. Buy audio and electrical accessories like remote engine start or Apple CarPlay integration. Get a "Zoom-Zoom" license plate that still has people humming the original commercial theme in their heads. Add cargo capacity with a roof rack or protect your baby from the elements with an all-weather car cover. Genuine Mazda accessories are available for browsing online. Once you find what you want, get in touch for current pricing and availability.

Thirty years ago at the Chicago Auto Show, Mazda revealed what became the most beloved roadster of all time, the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It was 1989 when the public first saw the two-seater that has become a legend. Now in 2019, the company will celebrate Mazda MX-5 Miata's 30th birthday with an Anniversary Edition. Mazda released a teaser photo that barely gives us a glimpse of what we'll see. At first glance, you may not think you can see anything at all. Look again. Toward the top, you see the curve of Mazda MX-5 Miata's roof. Along the pavement, what appears to be metallic wheels. We'll know more closer to the Anniversary Edition Mazda MX-5 Miata's reveal in February. What 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Offers Now This model year came with big changes already. It has new standard and available safety features, a new level of trim and loads more power. Mazda MX-5 Miata comes in three trim levels if you're buying a soft-top: Sport, Club and Grand Touring. The hard-top RF comes only in Club and Grand Touring. This is the first year a rear backup camera comes standard. It also has a telescoping steering wheel, making the seating position even more comfortable on long, winding roads. The engine has small tweaks that make a big difference. Lighter pistons with re-shaped domes improve combustion. The Mazda MX-5 Miata has bigger ports and valves and a high-flow exhaust manifold for more air. These and other changes added 26 more horses and 3 pounds-feet of torque. What Happened Last Time Mazda Released an Anniversary Edition Mazda MX-5 Miata Five years ago, Mazda released the limited-edition 25th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster. The manufacturer only debuted 100 of them at first, and they sold out in 10 minutes. The cars had a special white leather interior and came with a Torneau watch that matched the exterior red. Pricing for the Mazda MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition started at an MSRP of $32,205 for a manual transmission and $32,655 for automatic. 30th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 Miata Predictions Mazda says they created the car to show appreciation for the people who have helped MX-5 become and stay such a success for three decades straight. The new anniversary edition will most likely have unique factory graphics, anniversary badging and special-edition paint. It could also have anniversary-edition specific wheels and embroidery. The good news is, you don't have to wait to see a Mazda MX-5 Miata that will make you fall in love. Come by Velocity Mazda on the loop in Tyler any day of the week and take one for a spin. Check out our online inventory or set up your test drive now.

When January 1 rolls around, East Texans vow to exercise more, lose weight and give up unhealthy habits. There’s another way to shape up in the New Year, and it involves your financial health. You may be thinking of making a major purchase, or you might just be tired of the struggles that come with debt. If you're shopping for a new car, we can help you get financing even if you have credit issues. Plus, check out these tips for improving your credit in the year ahead. Use Technology Making payments on time is one of the best ways to improve your credit. There are a few ways you can use technology to make that happen. First, set up reminders. If your bank or credit card company offers that feature, have them text or email when a payment is due. Next, don't rely on yourself to respond to those reminders. Automate every payment you possibly can. If that makes you nervous, set your card up to pay the minimum balance. When you want to pay more, you can always do it manually. If all you have that month is the minimum, at least you won't forget and get hit with a late fee. Reduce Your Debt Improving your credit is a little like losing weight. Some parts just aren't any fun. It takes self-discipline over time, but it's so worth it. Reducing the amount you owe will go a long way toward improving your credit score. Do these things to reach your goals: Stop using your credit cards. That puts the brakes on debt growth. Get a copy of your credit report to make sure you know what you owe and who you owe it to. Make a payment plan that covers the minimum on each account and pays the rest of your available debt reduction income on the accounts with the highest interest rates, not the highest balances. As soon as you pay off one balance, devote that amount to the next on your list until they're all paid off. Don't Finance Small Purchases It's tempting to get a bigger TV, dazzling jewelry or new furniture when it comes with a low, low monthly payment. That's how people get in trouble fast. Make a commitment to only financing large purchases. If you don't have the money for a TV, start a savings account. It will cost you less to buy it outright than it will to finance and pay interest. Make it your aim to only finance your home and your vehicle. Then you'll have better credit and keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket. Understand the Impact of Negative Information Some information stays on your credit report longer. Here are a few of the time frames: Delinquent accounts show up for seven years. Car repos stay seven years. Chapter 7 bankruptcy follows you for 10 years, while Chapter 13 lasts for seven years. If you apply for credit, the inquiry lasts two years. Public record reports like liens against your property last seven years. Buying a Mazda With Credit Issues At Velocity Mazda, our finance managers work with people from Tyler, Longview and all of East Texas to give our customers the best financing fit and the most competitive rates. If you need a car, we can help you finance it, even if your credit isn't perfect. Fill out our online finance application or get in touch with us today.

From now until after New Year's there are more drivers on the road driving long distances. For many East Texas drivers, the season means spending hours in the car as you travel to visit friends and family members you don't see the rest of the year. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day and Christmas are the most dangerous days to be on the road. The American Safety Council reports those days see the highest number of traffic fatalities. It isn't just drinking and driving that causes accidents. Holiday travel often involves little passengers that can cause distractions. Tyler traffic is bumper-to-bumper on Broadway all month, increasing driving stress and incidences of road rage.  People sleep less during the busy season and drive drowsy. We want every single one of our customers to stay safe throughout the season. We've put together these tips for safe holiday travel. Schedule Vehicle Maintenance Have your car and tires inspected before you leave town. Make sure your battery and charging system won't leave you stranded in cold weather. Inspect belts for cracking and fraying. Visually inspect hoses, air filters, coolant levels and light operation. Replace windshield wiper blades if needed and fill your windshield washer fluid reservoir with a solution that contains antifreeze. Our service center provides maintenance for all vehicle makes and models. Take Safety Seriously Decide now you won't drink and drive. Put your cell phone away when you're in the car every single time. Insist all riders use a seat belt even if you're just driving to the corner and back. Anticipate Problems Take time to think about what you're driving into. In East Texas we have severe weather, but many Tyler drivers lack experience when it comes to driving in snow and ice. If travel to your destination takes you through areas where that's a possibility, plan ahead. Expect heavier traffic than normal and allow for extra time. Don't just plug in your destination as you leave the driveway and let your infotainment system or cell phone take over. Map your route a day or so ahead and look to see where you might encounter problems. If there's road construction, can you see an alternate route? If you're on the road for more than an hour, plan for bathroom breaks and meal stops. In Tyler it's easy to find a gas station, but that isn't true everywhere. If you're driving to the airport, expect heavy traffic and packed parking garages. Again, allow yourself plenty of time to park your vehicle and get to your flight. Teach Kids Safe Habits Now is a good time to remind young passengers not to talk to strangers. When you stop, stick together for bathroom breaks.

A car is one of the most exciting, extravagant gifts a person can give. If that's something you've been thinking about, we can help you make it happen. When customers come to Velocity Mazda staff to plan that kind of a surprise, we get as excited as they do. It takes some planning, but it's possible to surprise someone with a new Mazda for Christmas. Step 1 -- Choosing the Car A car is a huge commitment. If you're going to give a gift that big, you definitely want to make sure it's the perfect one for the recipient. This part takes the most undercover work. Hopefully, you've been listening to their wants and needs the past few months, and you already have an idea what they might like. Do they need to transport a lot of people or gear? If so, a CX-5 or CX-9 provides extra seating and carrying capacity. Have they always dreamed of a sporty two-seater? The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the most fun-to-drive sports car you can buy. If they're a new driver or heading off to college, we wrote an article on Top Mazda Picks for Students. In terms of both versatility and class, a Mazda6 takes top honors for a mid-sized sedan. Step 2 -- Visit Velocity Mazda This can be a little tricky. It's always best to take a test drive before you choose a car. If you can, stop by with your loved one "just for fun." Get in touch with a Velocity Mazda staff member early in the game and we can help you evaluate what type of car will most delight your loved one. Let us know what your plan is and we can help when you bring your loved one by. We'll steer them toward test driving a selection and ask key questions to find out how they really feel without letting them know what you're up to. Step 3 -- Talk Financing You can fill out a credit application online so you don't have to make a separate trip to the dealership. It's possible to get pre-approved before you start looking at specific vehicles. Our financial services include the following: Competitive rates from both Mazda and local lenders Fast approval Additional services to help protect your investment Extended warranty financing Your credit doesn't have to be perfect to qualify for financing. Our team can overcome most credit problems and will tailor a loan package specifically for you. If you need your loved one's income to qualify for financing, keep in mind they'll know if you use their information to apply. We can work with you to complete the deal after Christmas day if necessary. Step 4 -- Plan Your Mazda for Christmas Surprise! We're closed Christmas Day, so you'll need somewhere to hide the car if you're planning a Christmas morning surprise. Consider enlisting a neighbor's help and hiding it in their garage until it's time for the big reveal. We'll help you get it there if you make arrangements by Saturday, December 22. Wrap the keys in a box or plan a scavenger hunt that leads to the vehicle's location. Make sure you ask your neighbor or another family member to have their camera ready to capture the surprise. You'll treasure the memory almost as much as your loved one will treasure their new Mazda.

Clear your calendar for the evening of Thursday, December 6. If you made plans to get a jump on your holiday shopping or bake your Christmas cookies, cancel them. The 2nd Annual Velocity Mazda Motorsports Night is the one event you don't want to miss. Here's why. Pro Racing Driver Jonathan Bomarito Jonathan Bomarito won the 2010 Rolex 24 at Daytona in the GT category driving a Mazda RX-8.  Then, he went on the capture the 2010 Grand-Am Series Rookie of the Year. Bomarito, who grew up in Monterey California, won the 2003 USF2000 open-wheel championship. He was a race winner in the Mazda-powered Atlantic Series, raced at Le Mans and nearly won the 2014 IMSA GTLM drivers’ championship before starting his current position in the Mazda Prototype program. Jonathan is the consummate professional in and out of the race car. He has represented the brand perfectly during his nearly 10-year association with Mazda. See him in person at the 2nd Annual Velocity Mazda Motorsports Night. John Doonan, Director of Motorsports at Mazda North America John Doonan from Mazda USA   It's possible no one on this planet knows more about professional Mazda racing in the U.S. than John Doonan. He joined Mazda as regional advertising manager in 2003 and quickly became integral to motorsports and team development. Mazda promoted him to Director of Motorsports in 2011. Now, he's in charge of crafting overall strategy and administering Mazda Motorsports for the entire continent. One of his responsibilities is the Mazda Road to 24, a driver development program for young people who want to go from grassroots to professional racing. The Mazda Road to Indy program provided support for those in open-wheel racing. Your chance to meet this key player in Mazda Motorsports is December 6. Mazda RT24-P When a coiled tiger leaps, that moment those powerful muscles become movement is poetry and music. When a cliff diver first leaps or horse surges from the gate, lines and angles go from solid to fluid. KODO Design embodies the moment energy becomes motion. You'll find it in every Mazda vehicle, including the prototype race car RT24-P. Mazda describes it as a 200-mile-per-hour rocket on wheels that's as beautiful as it is fast. Mazda named the car for their Road to 24 driver developmental program. It's powered by a turbocharged 600-horsepower engine. Light dances across its Soul Red Crystal paint whether it's moving or still. See it live at Velocity Mazda. Mazda MX-5 Global Cup Car MX-5 Cup race cars start as MX-5 road cars. Then they undergo more than 250 modifications and component changes before they hit the track. We'll have one at the 2nd Annual Velocity Mazda Motorsports Night. Mazda's Racing Simulator How do professional teams prepare for an upcoming race? Pro drivers get up to speed on tracks they've never been to by spending hours behind the wheel honing their craft. One of the best ways to do so is in a driver-in-the-loop simulator. The simulator coming to our event puts you in the driving position of an actual race car with the same steering wheel and pedals. It's a mental and physical experience that lets you experience a taste of what the pros do. Q & A Starts at 6:30 We'll hold a question and answer time with Doonan and Bomarito starting at 6:30 p.m. The cars and simulator will be available until 8 p.m. If you have questions, call our dealership at (903) 361-6398 or message through our Facebook page.

Okay, we're going to be upfront with you. The title is a trick question. Choosing between a Mazda hatchback or Mazda sedan is a matter of personal preference. There are pros and cons to each. There are more sedans on the road, but hatchbacks are becoming increasingly popular. Let's look at each individually so you can decide which one is right for you. Mazda3 Sedan From the front, the Mazda3 Sedan and Mazda3 Hatchback look the same. Step to the side and you'll see the sedan is about five inches longer and much more tapered in the back. The exhaust pipes are tucked away for clean lines and a classic look. As far as passenger seating goes, the space is the same for both the sedan and hatchback. Here are some of the reasons people say they choose the sedan: It costs less, with MSRP on a 2018 Mazda3 4-door starting at $18,095 while the 5-door hatchback starts at $19,345. Not everyone needs the extra cargo space. Many customers tell us the Mazda3 trunk gives them plenty of room. The more aerodynamic vehicle gets extremely high fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg. Some buyers say they like being able to lock valuables out of site in the trunk, which isn't possible if you're stowing large cargo in a hatchback. Mazda3 Sport Hatchback While the Mazda3 Sedan is sophisticated and refined, the Mazda3 Hatchback has a sporty European look. The dual exhaust and chrome finishes are showy. While seating in both options is the same, the Hatchback has significantly more (60 percent more in fact) cargo space. Not only can you stow more, but the opening is also much wider, which a lot of our customers love. Here are some of the things they say: The large opening makes it easy to get cargo in and out. The back seats fold down, giving even more room for hauling. They just like the overall styling better. They need more hauling capacity than the sedan provides but they don't want to have to struggle to find parking. People who travel with their pets or haul sports equipment say the extra carrying capacity is indispensable to their lifestyle. It's easy to switch from transporting a back seat full of passengers to driving home with that prize antique they found at Canton. The higher roofline means more window space for better visibility. That extra capacity costs a little in terms of fuel efficiency, but at 35 highway miles per gallon, most owners feel it's still extremely good. Compare Mazda3 Hatchback and Mazda3 Sedan Side by Side The best way to make the decision is to test drive both. Did you know you can set up your test drive online? Click here to schedule your test drive and we'll be in touch.

At Velocity Mazda in Tyler, Texas, our goal is to connect people with the car that's right for them. There are so many factors that go into making that choice. Buying a car is a big financial decision. It impacts your family's long-term comfort and safety and reflects your personal style. Meet the team that can help you find just the right fit. Jose Garcia -- Finance Manager Jose grew up in the car business and started working at Tyler dealerships from a young age. He's been working at Mazda since the dealership opened. Like everyone at the dealership, Jose is Mazda certified, and he also received Ethos Group training. He promotes a customer-focused approach to the sale, financing and servicing of every vehicle that passes through the dealership. Here are some of the things customers say about Jose: " Special thanks to Jose for the 'no hassle' buying experience! " - Monica Ballinger " Great experience start to finish. Really appreciate all the hard work Jose put into making a deal for me and I'm loving my new car! " - Alyssa Phillips " Jose was extremely helpful in getting me the financing I needed and also getting me a warranty that fit my needs. They didn't sell me stuff that wouldn't benefit me like I've experienced in other dealers... " - Justin Pike " Finance Mgr. Jose Garcia found me the very best lowest rate and was so nice to speak with. He handled the closing paperwork in a very expeditious and timely manner in under fifteen minutes. " - Michael Franks John Kummerfield -- Product Specialist John has been working at Velocity Mazda for more than seven months, and he describes it as a cool place to work. John served as infantry in the United States Marine Corps before coming to East Texas. The California native moved to Tyler to attend college. When you ask him what he likes about working at Velocity Mazda, he says he enjoys working for Camden and he's into racing. He's consistently impressed with Mazda vehicles. He recently bought a 1999 MX-5 because Miata is so fun to drive and its handling is amazing. Dana Phillips -- Product Specialist Dana came to Velocity Mazda from another dealership because she saw new challenges and an opportunity for professional growth. She had no idea Mazda vehicles were so solid and luxurious. "They're beautiful cars, now I want one," she laughed. She has her eye on a black CX-5 for its technology, dependability and safety, all of which are especially important to this mother of two children ages 5 and 7. To Dana, it's important to help people into their next vehicle with no pressure, just support. Like everyone else at the dealership, she describes the environment as calm, easygoing and positive for customers and employees alike. Brian Davis -- Product Specialist Brian just started working at Velocity Mazda, but he's already a fan of the vehicles. He says prior to starting his job he didn't realize how well made and technologically advanced Mazdas are. He says from the beginning the dealership emphasized customer service in training. He looks forward to developing one-on-one relationships with each person who walks through the door. Victor Ortiz -- Product Specialist This cheerful Tyler native worked in immigration law, but the work was monotonous and he was stuck behind a desk all day. Victor wanted a position where he could interact more with people and says he always wanted to work in the car business. He too believes in what he sells, confidently stating that "Mazda has the best product on the market." Behind the Scenes -- Owner Camden Jones Owner Camden Jones is always at work behind the scenes. If you talk to anyone who has bought a car at the dealership, they almost always mention Camden's involvement in reviews like the following: " Mr. Jones, the dealership owner has created a close-knit, family-like culture of which you truly become a member with the V on the back of your car... " - Michael Dixon " Camden went above and beyond, to sort out every issue we had to ensure we were able to get the perfect car. When an advertisement says a dealer is honest and reputable, this is one you can believe. He obviously sets an example for every employee at Velocity... " - Darlene Wagner "...The color my wife was interested in wasn't in stock; however, owner Camden Jones secured what she wanted and it was ready 24 hours later! Mr. Jones stayed personally in touch with me throughout the entire buying process and was 'hands on' to ensure my questions were answered timely and thoroughly, even going so far as to give me his personal cell # - what dealership owner does that? " - Michael Franks If you're looking for a car but you think dealing with a dealership is a headache, you haven't experienced Velocity Mazda. Shop our online inventory or get in touch with one of our staff members today.

Do you take labels at face value, or do you approach them with suspicion? Some advertising claims don't really mean anything. Fast food places say they have all natural choices when really they're full of things that aren't good for you. Retailers promise the lowest price, but often you can find a better one somewhere else. And what's up with grass-fed beef? Isn't that what cows prefer to eat? Mazda Certified Pre-Owned isn't like that. It's a designation that actually means something. When you buy a used car in East Texas, our pre-owned warranty program and inspection process lets you buy with confidence. What We Take in Trade We'll take any car as a trade-in, but we don't offer everything for resale on our lot. Frankly, not every car is good enough to be a Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. To start, vehicles must be less than six years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles. Before we offer a car on our lot it goes through a rigorous 160-point inspection by one of our factory-trained technicians. Here are just a few of the many things we check: Air conditioning and heating performance Interior seating function -- Does everything perform properly in all positions? Exterior -- Is the windshield unblemished and is the exterior free of large dings or improper repairs? Brake performance on hard stops Shifting quality and shift points of transmission Engine function We also run an Autocheck vehicle history report we pass on to the buyer. Biggest Benefit of Buying Mazda Certified Pre-Owned The whole program is great, but perhaps the most important benefit is the warranty. Where else can you buy a used car in East Texas and get seven year/100,000 mile powertrain protection? We also give buyers a full year or 12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and get this...that warranty starts when the original warranty expires. So if the car you buy still has some of its original bumper-to-bumper warranty left, you get an extra year once that ends. You'll probably never want to give up your Mazda, but if you do decide to sell during the warranty period it's transferrable. That could make your vehicle worth more in the eyes of prospective buyers. It doesn't cost a dime to transfer the warranty. It's automatic. So Much More The warranty is huge, but you'll also receive these benefits: Zero deductible on repairs. If you need work under warranty, you pay nothing. Free 24-hour roadside assistance. If your battery dies, you lock yourself out, you have a flat or any other emergency it doesn't matter where you are. We'll come help. For seven years. Free 3 months of SiriusXM. Because driving is even more fun with music. When you buy a used car in East Texas, start with us. We'll help you find the car you're looking for and make sure you feel good about your purchase. We don't just sell Mazda, click to check out our available used Ford, Ram, Nissan and more.

When you get the new car itch, you probably don't drive straight to an East Texas car lot. A whopping 86 percent of car shoppers do online research before they go to the dealership. Some consumers choose to complete the entire transaction from their living room without ever setting foot on a car lot. It sounds convenient but buying a car online could create some problems. How East Texas Car Buyers Search Most the time we find people start their search on their cell phones. A GeoMarketing article says first, 32 percent of car shoppers visit an aggregate site like Carvana or Auto Trader. Those sites show cars for sale from dealerships and private sellers all over the nation. Another 24 percent already have an idea what they want, so they go straight to a local dealership's website. We're fascinated with the stats, so here are a few more: At the beginning of the process, 6 out of 10 buyers are thinking about multiple types of vehicles. 71 percent of online shoppers spend their time comparing car prices. 68 percent do an online comparison of actual models for sale. Most people (63 percent) look up what their trade is worth online. More than half of shoppers prefer walking into the dealership over online first contact. Pros and Cons of Buying a Car Online Buying a car is a huge commitment. For most people, the payment is a significant percentage of their monthly income. The more you know, the better. The main benefit of online shopping is the ability to do extensive research. Compare car financing options. Read dealership reviews to see if people found sales staff helpful or pushy. Do a side-by-side comparison of different trim packages to evaluate what's really important to you. Online shopping is great, but online buying is not. Buying a car online has these cons: Buying out of state can complicate the registration and titling process. When you buy local, you can go back to the dealership you purchased from for service and maintenance. Completing the whole purchase process online from sites sounds convenient, but there's no replacement for a test drive. If you buy online, what happens with your trade? Carvana says they'll give you an online estimate, but what you actually get depends on final inspection after you drop it off at one of their "vending machines." There are only 15 across the nation, and none of them are in East Texas. Cars for Sale in East Texas If you're one of the six out of 10 buyers considering more than one type of car, a test drive makes all the difference. We'll let you test drive each of them with no pressure to buy any of them. In reality, you can spend days looking at cars online, but there's no other way to get a feel for them. All cars look shiny and luxurious in ads. You want the car that when you drive, it connects with your soul. We encourage online research, but we also have knowledgeable salespeople on hand. Not all online information comes from a trustworthy source. It's always a good idea to verify what you've read with someone who has credentials and proven expertise. If you haven't visited our site lately, why not start there? Check out our online inventory to start your online research. Or just come on in and check out our cars. See you soon.   Sources: V12Data article on how consumers shop for cars