Category Archives: News

Is Idaho Really Home to America’s Rudest Drivers?

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Posted in News

Surprisingly, yes.

We’ve all encountered rude drivers. Some have behaved aggressively, cutting us off and flipping the bird as they zoomed ahead. Others have been more passive, like the kind of self-absorbed numbskulls who putter along in the passing lane, leisurely enjoying a cell phone chat.

A survey conducted asked approximately 2,000 licensed drivers across the U.S. for their opinions about the states with the rudest drivers. Pollsters then carried out a bit of simple math to calculate averages for each state. They also kept tabs on where complaints were coming from, so they could identify not only the home states of rude drivers, but also the states that hated those drivers the most.

Interestingly, Idaho — quiet, out-of-the-way Idaho — nabbed the survey’s top spot, thanks to its 50/50 mix of aggressive and clueless drivers. The state’s reputation was worsened by its mountainous, sometimes hazardous terrain, which causes many newcomers to slow down, holding up restless natives in the process. Of those surveyed, folks from Arizona seemed to hate Idaho drivers the most.  Rounding out the top five “rudest” spots were Washington, D.C. (hated by drivers from Maryland), New York (loathed by Californians), Wyoming (despised by their neighbors from Montana), and Massachusetts (strongly disliked by their peers in New Hampshire).

At the bottom of the list, we find the nicest drivers — or rather, the least rude. And among Americans, no state’s drivers are nicer than those from North Dakota (though folks from Michigan have worse things to say about them than most). Also faring well on the survey: Maine (hated by Marylanders), New Hampshire (hated by Minnesotans), Montana (hated by D.C. residents), and Minnesota (hated by those from Wisconsin). Which only goes to show: you can’t please everyone.

Survey respondents were also asked about the one or more behaviors that they despised the most in a fellow motorist. Of the 18 possible options, these were the most frequently cited:

Talking on a cellphone while driving – 47%
Tailgating – 37%
Not signaling turns – 35%
Weaving in and out of lanes – 28%
Driving too fast, like every road is a highway – 26%

Beach Auto Brokers has been in business since 1985, Driven by excellence and proudly serving the Hampton Roads community for over 25 years. The Beach Auto Brokers full inventory of vehicles is available for you to look at, test drive, and ask questions about.  And our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you.  And while you’re here, we’ll take a look at your current vehicle and tell you what its worth – on the retail market and the trade-in value.

The Apple vs Android Battle is Taking It To The Cars!!!

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Posted in Dealer Information, News

The Apple vs Android battle has been going on for a few years now… and the battle may be turning into a war – as Google unleashes its plans for dashboard domination.  Before the end of the year, we will see the Android infotainment system in Audi, General Motors, Honda, and Hyundai vehicles.  The official name for this new system – Android Auto.

Of course there is a catch, you have to have an Android smartphone for the system to work.  Well, this is great news for Android users, but not so great for iPhone users – who will have to wait for CarPlay.

So, how does this system work?

Android Auto users will plug a phone into the dashboard, then pair the device with Android Auto via Bluetooth.  Once that’s done, the car’s center tack essentially becomes a second screen for the phone. If you have an Android device, or even if you use Google Chrome as your web browser, you’ll find some familiar offerings among Android Auto’s feature set.

Google Maps will be used for navigation.

You will have a Concierge that you can ask about operating hours for restaurants and other key information.

You’ll be able to browse through and play all of your music.

Android Auto will tell you when you receive a text message, and even read it aloud to you.

And if you use other Google services – calendar, email, hangouts – Android Auto will integrate those into your vehicle for you as well.

Regardless of what technology you get in your next vehicle, Beach Auto Brokers is here it help you!  Beach Auto Brokers has been in business since 1985, Driven by excellence and proudly serving the Hampton Roads community for over 25 years. The Beach Auto Brokers full inventory of vehicles is available for you to look at, test drive, and ask questions about.  And our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you.

Great Job America!!!

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Posted in News, Tips

There are a lot of questions that we get when people are looking for a vehicle – What are the safety features?  Does it have the latest technology?
And the most common question – What is the fuel economy like?   And we confidently answer:
Cars are much more efficient and cleaner than in 2007!!

How do we know this?  Smaller and more efficient vehicles are becoming more popular in the U.S., so it should be no surprise to learn that fuel economy figures have climbed steadily since 2007.  New data from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) has determined that the combination of average fuel economy and emissions is at its lowest level in the United States since 2007.

The distances driven are still at 95% of what they were in 2007, but the amount of fuel used has dropped considerable as well as the emissions of greenhouse gases from new vehicles.  The latest data shows a 23% reduction in overall vehicle emissions over the last six and a half years!!  The average fuel economy today is 25.2 mpg; representing a significant increase from 2007 when it was 20.1 mpg.

So we have to repeat – Great Job America!!!

Regardless of what your questions are about your next vehicle, Beach Auto Brokers is here it help you!  Beach Auto Brokers has been in business since 1985, Driven by excellence and proudly serving the Hampton Roads community for over 25 years. The Beach Auto Brokers full inventory of vehicles is available for you to look at, test drive, and ask questions about.  And our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you.

50 AND FABULOUS!!

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Posted in Dealer Information, News

There are 2 big milestone birthdays being celebrated this year.  The Ford Mustang and the Plymouth Barracuda are both entering The Golden Era!!!  While the Ford Mustang galloped into American culture almost 50 years ago and today seems as though it is just getting warmed up, let us not forget that it wasn’t the first sporty American car based on a compact car platform aimed at younger buyers. Instead, Chrysler beat Ford to the punch by a couple of weeks, so let’s take a moment to celebrate the Plymouth Barracuda’s 50th birthday.

Unleashed on April 1, 1964; Plymouth’s new Valiant Barracuda package was unlike anything else on the market at the time.  Buyers would be able to choose between manual and automatic transmissions, and a generous selection of options allowed buyers to configure their new sporty Plymouth to suit individual tastes. The car’s most distinctive feature, however, was likely its large glass rear window, which flowed into a rear deck lid raised to meet the bottom of the glass.  The Barracuda evolved and changed over the years until its final year on the market – 1974, when just 11,734 units were sold.  Sadly, this was hardly a fitting send-off for the car that helped establish the pony car segment.

There has been talk in recent years of a Barracuda revival (illustration shown above), with rumors of a performance model slotted in below the Challenger in Chrysler’s lineup. With no Plymouth division remaining, this would seem oddly out of place, and with the government’s renewed focus on fuel economy over performance, such a revival seems unlikely. However, on the occasion of the car’s 50th birthday we can imagine what the Plymouth Barracuda would be today; or perhaps its best to remember it as it was, then, and not as it could have been.

Beach Auto Brokers has been in business since 1985, Driven by excellence and proudly serving the Hampton Roads community for over 25 years. The Beach Auto Brokers full inventory of vehicles is available for you to look at, test drive, and ask questions about.  Stop by today – our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you.

Is There A Gender Preference For Vehicles?

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Posted in Dealer Information, News

“Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus” – and yes, there is a gender preference for vehicles.

The catch is that we’re not looking at what women and men prefer in their own vehicle, but actually what they look for in the opposite sex!!

That’s right!  I survey completed by Insure.com has determined that women prefer a man to drive a black pick-up truck.  And not just any truck… an F-150.  They also concluded that men prefer a woman to drive a red BMW.  How specific and particular we all seem to be when it comes to the car we want to see someone of the opposite sex driving.

There are a lot of questions that we get when people are looking for a vehicle – What is the fuel economy like?  What are the safety features?  Does it have the latest technology?  But we never expected to hear “will it be attractive to potential mates?”

Regardless of what your questions are about your next vehicle, Beach Auto Brokers is here it help you!!!

Beach Auto Brokers has been in business since 1985, Driven by excellence and proudly serving the Hampton Roads community for over 25 years. The Beach Auto Brokers full inventory of vehicles is available for you to look at, test drive, and ask questions about.  And our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you.

Beach Auto Brokers Is Proud To Be Partnered With The US Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Program As A Drop Off Site!

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Posted in Dealer Information, News

The Mission of the US Marine Corps Reserve:
To collect new, unwrapped toys, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Beach Auto Brokers is whole-heartedly supporting the effort this holiday season!!!  We are proudly accepting donations as a drop off site through December 21, 2013.  The holiday season is a great time of year to be involved in the community and lend a helping hand.  In the spirit of the holidays, we are adopting and carrying out the objective of the Toys For Tots program:  to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to improving communities in the future.

Over its lifespan, the US Marine Toys For Tots program has distributed over 469 million toys to over 216 million less fortunate children.

Help us out and stop by with an unwrapped toy today!!

At Beach Auto Brokers, our goal is to help you in finding the right vehicle for you.  Check out our inventory page to see what we currently have in stock.  Don’t see what you’re looking for?  Give us a call – that vehicle may be on its way in.  If not, we’ll find it for you!

Did you know Beach Auto Brokers is a MAPP Dealer?

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Posted in Dealer Information, News

We are proud to be a MAPP Dealer.

People often ask us what this means, so we thought we’d share the details:

  • Dealers are accredited by the Better Business Bureau of Greater Hampton Roads (BBB).
  • Dealers follow the Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association (VIADA) code of ethics.
  • Third party contract review upon request.
  • National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) or Kelley Blue Book (KBB) value provided before you sign contracts.
  • 24-hour hold on your vehicle with a fully refundable $100.
  • Deal canceled if the sale is not approved as written by the dealer.
  • Copies of all paperwork including MAPP documents.
  • Test drive with salesperson.
  • On-the-lot inspection.
  • MAPP point of contact for problem resolution.
  • BBB and Military Legal Assistance for unresolved problems.

Beach Auto Brokers has been in business since 1985, Driven by excellence and proudly serving the Hampton Roads community for over 25 years. The Beach Auto Brokers full inventory of vehicles is available for you to look at, test drive, and ask questions about.  And our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you.

Signing and Driving the EZ Way

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Posted in News

What to Ask Before You Sign and Drive

In the market to buy a new car, but turned off by what you anticipate to be the fine print and surprise costs?  Remember these questions and your next car buying experience will be smooth sailing.

 

So, you already know what you want.  You know what you are willing to pay.  And you feel confident about going to the dealership and negotiating for exactly those terms. But that nagging little voice in your head is asking, “What am I missing?  What am I not prepared for?”

Ease your fears and arm yourself with these questions before committing to any deal and you will be sure to drive off the lot a much happier person.

  1.  What fees will I have to pay that are not included?  So far you have probably picked out the car, talked about your monthly car payment, and the sales person is most likely asking, “Do we have a deal?”  What you haven’t talked about are costs like sales tax, registration fees, and any documentation fees.  Most times, dealerships will want you to pay those before driving off the lot.
  2. Are there any additional parts I need to purchase?  For example, a lot of cars nowadays come with Bluetooth as an option.  And if Bluetooth is something that you really want, make sure that feature is already installed and running in the vehicle before you agree to the deal.  You don’t want to get that surprise when you get it home and it doesn’t work.
  3. Are there any additional services I need to purchase?  This seems to always be the kicker.  You have signed your name and are ready to drive away, but wait!  “Do you want the Special Paint Warranty or Tire Warranty?”  Find out what it is exactly, how much it will cost you that day, and what are your requirements to keep your vehicle within that warranty.
  4. What is the exact mileage on the vehicle?  It may be a brand new vehicle, but how long has it sat on the lot.  And how many people have test driven it?  This is especially important to those who are buying a vehicle from a dealership miles away and have found the car through the internet.  If the car is new and has more than a few hundred miles on it, then you need to negotiate the purchase price lower.
  5. Can I drive it home today?  From extra services to actually ordering the car from another dealership, there are many different reasons why you may not drive off the lot that day with your new car.  It can be a real buzz-kill after all that negotiating not to have your new toy to show off.

These questions should help cut down any surprises and keep you feeling confident and in control of your next car buying experience. Beach Auto Brokers Located in Hampton Roads! Your #1 Used Car SuperStore!

We’re Giving Back, Help Us! Toys for Tots Drop off Location

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Beach Auto Brokers a used car dealership in Hampton Roads, Beach Auto is honored to be a official drop off location in Norfolk Virginia. The next coming weeks Hampton Roads customers will be receiving a bonus when  they purchase from our Norfolk Dealership! The history of the program extend back to 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, United States Marine Corps Reserve and a group of Marine  Reservists in California collected and distributed toys to local needy children.

The idea came from Bill’s wife, Diane. So in 1947, Diane handcrafted a Raggedy Ann doll and asked Bill to deliver the Raggedy Ann to an organization, which would pass it on to a needy child at Christmas. Bill determined that no agency existed, Diane mentioned to Bill to start one. He did! and in1947 the project was so successful that the Marines adopted Toys for Tots program in 1948 and now in 2012 it has grown into a National Campaign. That year,

Marine Corps Reserve units across the nation conducted Toys for Tots campaigns in each community in which a Marine Reserve Center was located. Beach Auto Brokers, which is located close to the largest naval ship port, Norfolk Naval Base and Military families have come to the aid of needy children year after year. So come on down to Beach Auto Brokers as our box is filling up at 3510 East Little Creek Rd and change the feeling for a needy child this Christmas.

Norfolk Car Dealer Thanksgiving Black Friday Sales Event

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Posted in News

While the stores in Hampton Roads are advertising huge discounts for Black Friday, it is a great time for getting the best deal on a used car in Norfolk. We’ve marked huge attractive discounts on great makes and models.

Plus being the end of the month, Beach Auto Brokers will be ready to negotiate to meet your needs. From Ft. Eustis to Oceana Naval Air Station we have you covered!

In addition, there are bonus incentives for returning customers and military personnel available on many models, providing even further financing options! Beach Auto is a Mappva dealership and will do everything to get our Military in a GREAT Vehicle and riding hassle free.

The current used car inventory are the best  car deals around the Hampton Roads area, meaning there are notable discounts on models that meet Consumer Reports criteria to be recommended. These vehicles have new inspections, and have been through a multipoint inspection to give our customers reliability. Thanksgiving Black Friday Sales event at Beach Auto Brokers! We look forward in helping you!