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The Real Cost of Waiting in Charlotte: What’s Driving Vehicle Prices Higher If you are planning to buy a vehicle this year, it is worth paying attention to something most people overlook. Prices are not just influenced by demand. They are being pushed by rising fuel costs and global trade pressures, and once those forces start moving, they tend to carry forward for months. What Global Fuel Disruptions Mean for Your Next Vehicle What does the Strait of Hormuz have to do with your next vehicle purchase, and why should you care? More than most people realize. When that shipping lane slows down, fuel prices go up quickly. What follows is less obvious but more important. Even if everything reopened today, the effects would not disappear. Higher fuel and transportation costs are already working their way through the system, and that process usually takes three to six months to fully show up in the price of parts, goods, and vehicles. By the time it reaches the dealership, those increases are already built in. That is how this kind of economy works. It moves slowly, but once it starts, it is difficult to reverse. No matter how you feel about the reasons behind it, the outcome is the same. Costs rise, and they tend to stay elevated longer than expected. Here is the part most people miss. There is a window before the broader market reacts, before inventory tightens, before pricing fully adjusts. That window is where the advantage is. Most buyers will not connect the dots until months from now, when prices are already higher and options are more limited. If you are paying attention, this is your opportunity to move ahead of that curve. Securing the right vehicle now, especially one that helps manage fuel costs over time, is not about rushing into a decision. It is about making a well-timed move while conditions are still in your favor. Tariffs Are Adding to the Upward Pressure Fuel costs are only part of the equation. Economists and suppliers estimate tariffs could add around $3,000 per vehicle on average. For full-size trucks and SUVs, that impact can be even more noticeable due to: Increased material requirements Advanced technology and components Higher transportation costs These increases tend to show up gradually, but once they do, they are rarely temporary. Why This Matters for Drivers in Charlotte and the Carolinas In Charlotte and across North and South Carolina, drivers rely heavily on: Full-size trucks for work and towing SUVs for family travel and daily use Longer commutes across a growing metro area That means both the purchase price and fuel efficiency play a major role in long-term cost. The Opportunity Right Now for High Inventory at Low Prices Current inventory was largely priced before the full impact of these cost increases.  That creates a window where buyers can: Lock in Today’s Pricing Avoid Future Adjustments Choose From a Wider Selection of Available Vehicles For buyers who are paying attention, that timing matters. GMC Options That Balance Power and Efficiency If you are looking to stay ahead of rising costs while maintaining capability and comfort, these GMC models stand out: GMC Sierra 1500 (Duramax Diesel) – Strong towing capability with impressive fuel efficiency for its class GMC Acadia – A refined SUV with practical fuel economy for families GMC Terrain – Efficient, versatile, and well-suited for daily driving GMC Yukon – Full-size capability with improved efficiency and premium comfort These vehicles are built not just for performance, but for long-term value. Market shifts like rising fuel costs and tariffs do not happen all at once, but once they begin, they tend to stay in motion. Waiting can feel like the cautious choice, but in this environment it often means: Paying more later Facing higher operating costs Having fewer options available For drivers in Charlotte and across the Carolinas, making a well-timed decision now can help you stay ahead of those changes and get more value out of your next vehicle. GMC Trucks Charlotte Buick GMC SUV Buyers Start Here Charlotte NC Car Buying - Preowned Buyers Start Here!

Your Ultimate End-of-Year Car Buying Guide — Liberty Buick GMC in Matthews & Charlotte, NC Serving Matthews, Charlotte, and the surrounding North Carolina communities, Liberty Buick GMC is proud to help buyers make confident decisions during one of the most important vehicle-buying seasons of the year. If you’re planning to purchase a vehicle during the holidays or before year-end, you’re shopping at a time when strong incentives, model-year transitions, and inventory movement can work in your favor. However, the buyers who get the best deals are the ones who come prepared and understand how dealerships evaluate purchases and trade-ins. This end-of-year car-buying guide combines insider knowledge from Greg Mongelli, Lead Sales and Business Management Manager at Liberty Buick GMC, to help both first-time buyers and experienced shoppers get the most value from their purchase. Start Your Year-End Buying Process at Liberty Buick GMC Before visiting the dealership, taking a few proactive steps can save time and reduce stress. Shoppers are encouraged to browse current inventory online at clickliberty.com, get pre-approved for financing, and research their trade-in value ahead of time. These steps create clarity and confidence when it’s time to make a decision. A strong example of current year-end inventory is the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro, a versatile crew cab truck that offers durability, capability, and long-term value. View this vehicle here: https://www.clickliberty.com/new-Matthews-2025-GMC-Sierra%2B1500-Pro-3GTNHAED6SG272518 End-of-Year Buying Tip #1: Preparation Is Everything Whether you are entering the car market for the first time or upgrading your current vehicle, preparation gives you a clear advantage. One of the most common issues dealerships encounter is buyers arriving without proper identification. A valid driver’s license or state-issued ID is required to move forward with financing and documentation. Forgetting this simple item can delay or prevent completing a purchase. Insurance information is another key detail that buyers frequently overlook. Having your insurance provider selected and bringing relevant contact details, quotes, or policy information allows the transaction to move smoothly and avoids unnecessary delays during a busy holiday season. For younger buyers or those with limited credit history, bringing a co-buyer can significantly improve financing options. A co-buyer can help secure better rates, improve approval odds, and open additional purchasing opportunities. For more “Insider Tips” Watch Greg’s Video on How To Get Your Best Deal https://youtube.com/shorts/4VToOliuFss End-of-Year Buying Tip #2: How Dealerships Really Value Trade-Ins Trade-ins play a major role in end-of-year deals, especially for buyers looking to reduce their overall purchase cost. Many people assume trade-in values are based solely on mileage and condition, but dealerships evaluate vehicles using a broader set of criteria. Factors such as vehicle age, trim level, accident history, maintenance records, and market data all contribute to a trade-in evaluation. However, one of the most overlooked elements is local market demand. If a vehicle is popular and sells quickly in the Matthews and Charlotte area, it may be valued higher than expected. If resale demand is lower, the trade-in value may come in below what an owner anticipates. This is not arbitrary; it reflects real-world resale potential in the local market. During the end-of-year season, demand for certain vehicles can shift due to weather, lifestyle needs, and inventory availability. Trucks and SUVs, for example, often perform well in regional markets, which can positively influence trade-in values. For more “Insider Tips” Watch Greg’s Video on How To Get Your Best Trade-In Deal End-of-Year Buying Tip #3: Timing Is More Than Just the Calendar While December is widely known as a strong buying month, the best deals are not tied to a single day. Inventory levels, manufacturer incentives, and buyer demand can change weekly throughout the holiday season. Successful buyers focus on readiness rather than waiting for a specific date. Knowing your budget, understanding financing options, and being flexible with vehicle selection can significantly improve outcomes. It’s also important to evaluate the entire deal, not just the monthly payment. Trade-in value, interest rate, incentives, and long-term ownership costs all contribute to the overall value of your purchase. End-of-Year Buying Tip #4: Transparency Leads to Better Results Open communication between buyers and dealership professionals helps create a smoother experience. Being upfront about budget, credit history, trade-in expectations, and timing allows the sales team to recommend realistic options and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth. Honest conversations help ensure the vehicle you choose fits both your financial goals and your lifestyle needs. End-of-Year Buying Tip #5: Ask Questions and Stay Informed Buying a vehicle is a significant investment, and informed buyers tend to be more satisfied long term. Asking questions about incentives, financing structures, trade-in calculations, and vehicle features helps eliminate uncertainty. At Liberty Buick GMC, education and transparency are a priority. The goal is to ensure every customer understands their options and feels confident in their decision. Why Trucks Continue to Be a Strong Choice Trucks remain among the most popular vehicles in the North Carolina market. Models like the GMC Sierra are known for strong resale value, versatility, and long-term reliability. For buyers considering a trade-in or new purchase, this category often provides strong value retention. The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro currently available at Liberty Buick GMC is a solid example of a truck that balances capability with modern features, making it a practical choice for both work and everyday driving. Vehicle details can be viewed here: https://www.clickliberty.com/new-Matthews-2025-GMC-Sierra%2B1500-Pro-3GTNHAED6SG272518 Final Thoughts on Year-End Car Buying The end-of-year buying season presents real opportunities, but the best results come from preparation, understanding the process, and working with experienced professionals. Whether you are purchasing your first vehicle, trading in an existing one, or looking to take advantage of year-end incentives, Liberty Buick GMC in Matthews and Charlotte, NC is here to help guide you through every step. To explore inventory, value your trade, or begin the financing process, visit clickliberty.com.

For decades, shoppers have heard that the best time to buy a car is at the end of the year, especially around Christmas. But is that true? Does the calendar really matter as much as people think? At Liberty Buick GMC, located right here in Matthews, NC, we believe the real answer is a bit more nuanced. While the holiday season can be a great time to purchase, it is not for the reasons most people expect, and it is not the only factor that leads to a great deal. Here are the myths, the realities, and the factors that help you decide whether a Christmas-time purchase is right for you. Myth #1: End-of-Year Means Automatically Better Prices Truth: Prices are shaped more by the market than by the date. While the end of the year can bring extra incentives from manufacturers, most pricing changes happen because of real-world factors such as: Changes in interest rates Supply and inventory fluctuations Model updates and discontinuations Manufacturer rebates or special holiday programs These factors do not follow the calendar. A great deal can appear just as easily on December 12th as on December 31st. Myth #2: Dealers Are Desperate to Hit Year-End Quotas Truth: At Liberty Buick GMC, relationships matter more than quotas. We are not a big-city mega-store. Our team is rooted in this community: your neighbors, friends, and longtime local experts who have served Liberty for decades. Our success is not defined by cramming in last-minute deals. It is built on earning trust and helping families return again and again. That means: No high-pressure end-of-year push No gimmicky price games No rushing customers through a major purchase Your timeline, not the dealership's, is what matters. Myth #3: Discounts Only Happen in December Truth: Today’s pricing is more transparent and stable. Automakers now provide tighter pricing guidelines to help protect long-term vehicle values. As a result: There is less variation from month to month Discounts tend to be structured, not unpredictable Shoppers can trust they are getting a fair price regardless of the date Yes, December can bring holiday incentives, but those are not guaranteed and they are not the only time to save. Myth #4: Shoppers Save Most at the End of the Year Truth: Modern buyers know that total ownership cost matters more. Today’s consumers consider far more than the sticker price. Other factors such as interest rates, fuel efficiency, and expected maintenance costs often have a greater impact than a small price drop. Real savings often come from: Securing the right interest rate Choosing a model with strong long-term reliability Finding a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and mileage needs The best time to buy is when you have found the right vehicle, with the right financing, at a dealership you trust. Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Vehicle at Christmas? Yes, if you have found the right car and the numbers make sense for your situation. For some, year-end incentives and the excitement of a Christmas car make December the perfect moment. For others, the right deal might appear in March, June, or September. At Liberty Buick GMC, we offer honest guidance instead of pushing you toward a specific date on the calendar. If you have made the decision to buy a Christmas Vehicle, should you spend those end-of-year savings on an Extended Warranty? This is one of the most common questions we hear, and our Car Sales Manager, Greg Mongelli, has a straightforward answer: it depends. Extended warranties, officially called Vehicle Protection Plans, can be extremely valuable for some buyers and unnecessary for others. Greg shares a personal example to illustrate the point. When an Extended Warranty Makes Sense On a personal note: Greg purchased an extended warranty for his son's vehicle for several reasons: His son lived out of town and he wanted him to have dependable, certified dealership service whenever he needed it. He didn’t want his son to spend his own money on an unexpected repair. For families like Greg’s where kids are far from home, or away at college, peace of mind plays a major role. Extended warranties also make sense if: You drive a lot of miles - More miles increase wear and tear. High-mileage drivers often see the most value from extended coverage. You drive long distances regularly - Long commutes or frequent travel naturally increase the chances of mechanical issues. You drive aggressively or in challenging conditions - City traffic, mountain roads, hot climates, and towing can all accelerate wear on major components. You want predictable ownership costs - An unexpected repair can be expensive. A protection plan helps avoid financial surprises. When You Might Not Need an Extended Warranty Your annual mileage is low You trade vehicles frequently You are comfortable paying for occasional repairs You prefer using an independent mechanic you already trust In these cases, the cost of a plan may not deliver enough value. Final Word: Should You Get One? Ask yourself the following: Will this car be driven long distances or under heavy use? Is the driver young, away from home, or not mechanically experienced? Do I prefer predictable monthly expenses instead of unexpected repair bills? Do I plan to keep this vehicle for many years? If most of your answers are yes, an extended warranty may be a smart investment, especially if you saved money by purchasing during the holiday season. At Liberty Buick GMC, our team can walk you through real numbers, real coverage options, and real scenarios based on how you drive. No pressure, no gimmicks, just honest guidance.

Car Battery Care: Tips, Tricks & Troubleshooting with Scott Shirley at Liberty Buick GMC Your vehicle’s battery is the heart of its electrical system and neglecting it can leave you stranded at the worst possible time. To help drivers stay powered up, Scott Shirley, Lead Auto Mechanic and Service Manager at Liberty Buick GMC, shared his expert insights in our recent video on battery maintenance. In this post, we’ll expand on Scott’s key advice with practical maintenance tips, troubleshooting steps, and must-know facts every car owner should understand. Common Signs Your Battery Might Be Failing Before a battery completely dies, it usually gives a few warning signs: Slow engine crank: The starter motor struggles or hesitates before the engine catches. Dim headlights or interior lights: Low voltage reduces brightness when the car is off. Dashboard battery light: Often indicates a charging system problem, not just the battery. Swollen battery case or corrosion: Heat, overcharging, or leaks can cause visible damage. Clicking noise when starting: Suggests the battery doesn’t have enough power for the starter. Scott Shirley recommends addressing even mild symptoms early. “If your car sounds slower to start, it’s already telling you something — don’t wait until it won’t start at all.” Preventative Maintenance & Best Practices A few simple steps can dramatically extend the life of your car battery: Inspect regularly. Check for corrosion, dirt buildup, or loose cables every few months. Keep it clean. Use a brush and a mix of baking soda and water to remove terminal buildup. Secure the battery. Make sure it’s tightly mounted to prevent vibration damage. Drive longer distances occasionally. Short trips don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery. Avoid parasitic drain. Turn off lights and unplug accessories before leaving the car. Test annually. Have your battery conductance-tested at least once a year, especially before winter or summer extremes. Pro Tip from Scott: “Batteries don’t like extremes. A 110-degree day or freezing morning can finish off a weak one fast.” Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Car Battery Follow these easy steps to inspect and maintain your battery safely: Turn off your engine and open the hood. Look for corrosion around terminals and cables. Check cable tightness — wiggle gently; they shouldn’t move. Read the date code on the top or side — batteries over 4 years old may be due for replacement. Use a voltmeter: 12.6 V = fully charged 12.4 V = partially charged Below 12.0 V = discharged or failing Clean terminals if needed (always disconnect negative (–) first, reconnect it last). Apply anti-corrosion spray or petroleum jelly on terminals before reconnecting. Always wear eye protection and gloves when working around a car battery. Troubleshooting Chart: Common Battery & Starting Issues Myths & Misconceptions The Hidden Battery Issues That Costs Drivers Hundreds Every Year Myth: “My battery is fine because it’s new.” Truth: Even new batteries can fail early due to extreme heat, vibration, or improper charging. Age isn’t the only factor — how and where you drive plays a big role in battery health. Myth: “Jump-starting fixes the problem.” Truth: A jump-start only gets your car running temporarily. It doesn’t solve the underlying issue, which could be a failing alternator, bad connections, or a battery that can no longer hold a charge. Myth: “All batteries are the same.” Truth: Every vehicle requires a specific battery type with the correct cold-cranking amps (CCA), size, and terminal layout. Using the wrong one can shorten lifespan and cause electrical issues. Myth: “Short trips recharge the battery.” Truth: In reality, short drives often do the opposite — the alternator doesn’t run long enough to fully recharge the battery. Over time, this can lead to a weak or drained battery even if you drive daily. Final Advice from Scott Shirley “Think of your battery like your heart — it keeps everything running, but you can’t see when it’s getting weak. A five-minute check can save you a hundred-dollar tow.” Before seasonal changes, visit Liberty Buick GMC’s Service Center for a complimentary battery and charging system inspection. Proper maintenance today means fewer surprises tomorrow. Watch, Learn & Share Watch Scott Shirley's Batter Maintenance Tips Schedule your next service at Liberty Buick GMC - Certified GMC & Buick Service.

2024 Buick Envista This year Buick introduced the brand-new 2024 Buick Envista. The most recent sibling added to the Buick lineup, the 2024 Envista is a sporty crossover that comes in three different trims, all at a great price: Preferred (base, $23,995), Sport Touring (mid, $25,795), and Avenir (top, $29,695)–and all come standard with an ECOTEC 1.2-liter Turbo engine and six-speed automatic transmission. At Liberty Buick GMC, the 2024 Envista is already one of our more popular test drives. In particular, the Avenir trim level is already a crowd favorite. Let’s take a closer look at what comes with this model: Forward collision alerts along with automatic braking Intellibeam and auto high beams Following distance indicator Front pedestrian braking Lane departure warnings with lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alerts LATCH car seat anchor system OnStar MyGuardian app An upgraded suspension 19-inch nickel-finish wheels and a power liftgate Color-matched body trim and Avenir sill plates Keyless entry Perforated leather seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and wireless phone charging Buick’s new coupe-like SUV Envista is similar to the Chevy Trax, Mazda CX-30, and Volkswagen Taos, only with the 2024 Envista, you get a much sleeker and more luxurious vehicle and at a much better price. Buicks are one of America’s most reliable brands, and now more than ever, Buick’s dedication to building formidable, classic vehicles is paying off. Since American-made cars are coming off the line faster than ever, there are more Buick vehicles available, and as always, at a great price. At Liberty Buick GMC, we have everything you need to know about why this is the year to buy a 2024 Buick Envista. 2024 Buick Encore Slated as a “Premium Small SUV,” the 2024 Buick Encore is the most compact of Buick’s three SUVs, and though it might not be considered as family-friendly as the Enclave, the Encore is perfect for the daily commuter. It comes with premium comfort, a quiet ride, and a number of impressive features. Under the hood, the all-new Buick Encore has a 1.4-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission. It sits high, and even though it’s not the biggest SUV on our lot, it still has plenty of room for you to stretch, stow, and relax. New this year, the 2024 Encore comes with Buick’s Driver Confidence. This built-in system elevates driver awareness and puts confidence in the driver through six primary features: Forward Collision Warning Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection Lane Departure Warning Lane-Keeping Assistance Safe Following Distance Indicator Automatic High-Beam Headlights Each of these features plays a specific role to either assist or alert the driver in different situations. As anyone who lives in or near the city knows, traffic in Charlotte is no fun. The standstill can be painful, but it doesn’t have to be, especially with great fuel economy. 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway keep dollars in your pocket—honestly, these numbers sound more like that of a small sedan than an SUV. But the Encore is not your normal SUV: Rather than a gas-guzzling six or eight-cylinder engine, the Encore incorporates a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that saves you at the pump but gets you moving when you need to. And, it comes with the Buick Infotainment System, and available Alexa Built-In, which keeps you hands-free and always connected. 2024 Buick Envision Buick continues to bolster its bloodline with updated features, looks, and performance levels for vehicles in the company’s lineup, including a refreshed 2024 Envision. This crossover, in its second generation, comes with important updates this year, such as higher levels of comfort and safety, a bold new look, and it still has plenty of power under the hood. Specifically, the 2024 Envision comes with a new 30-inch display (comes standard) that is surrounded by a plush, newly-designed interior and exterior styling. Additionally, since it has had so much success, Buick is keeping the 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine that provides 228 horsepower and 258-lb-feet of torque (all working through a nine-speed automatic transmission). The 2024 Envision’s powertrain can go from 0-60 in about 7 seconds, which shows that it isn’t necessarily the fastest luxury crossover on the market, but it is definitely one of the smoothest driving–making the Envision a perfect guide through picturesque landscapes such as the Blue Ridge Parkway. SUVs and crossovers have become an American staple. These days, they are much more than a crossover between a truck and a sedan, they have become their own entity, proving their worth over years of adjustments and perfection. One company that has managed to lead the charge in the world of SUVs/crossovers is Buick. Since 2014, the Buick Envision has won drivers and critics year after year. This year, Buick continues to plug away at making quite possibly the best running crossover on the road, and at Liberty Buick GMC we have just updated our selection of brand-new Buick Envisions. 2024 Buick Enclave This year, Buick’s Enclave SUV comes with the same flashy visage and 20-inch, bright machine aluminum wheels, as well as a suite of other high-tech features and performance levels. Though there have not been any major updates done to the 2024 Buick Enclave, there are still plenty of features to focus on and experience with the new Enclave. Under the hood, the 2024 Enclave boasts a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine with SAE-certified 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Start up the engine and a little something special becomes a apparent: the soft rustle of the V-6 engine with a quiet power that matches the vehicle’s overall feel and look. The Enclave is not meant to cause a scene; it’s meant to complement its surroundings by sweeping you around curves and through long, open roads. Driving from Matthews to Charlotte, even during high traffic, can actually be enjoyable in an SUV such as the Enclave–pop into Liberty Buick GMC and test drive one to see for yourself! In 2022, Buick took the time needed to refine and perfect every detail of this SUV’s look and performance with the hope that it could remind us of the joy of driving. Clearly this endeavor was a success, and Buick has made plans to update the Enclave once again in 2025. Buick knows who its core audience is - those unassuming Americans who still love to drive; they know luxury and quality when they see it, and they don’t cotton much to flash and superficial accolades. Priced at around $43,000, this luxurious crossover is sure to surprise the common Buick driver, as well as win over a few new ones

The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike is coming to a historical head. The strike specifically impacts three major automotive manufacturers: Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. Though it emerged on September 15, we won’t feel or understand the full effects of the strike on the market overall until more time has passed. That said, we know the strikes will impact the automotive industry as a whole. And consumers have a few pressing questions, such as: “Should you buy now knowing that cars may cost more later?” If you’re unsure, it might be a good idea to check prices on the vehicles you’ve been eyeing for some time and consider moving on to buying a new vehicle. Liberty Buick GMC is especially poised to help you make that purchase; you’ll have confidence in the price and leave with less fear of what the future market could bring. Don’t let worry prevent you from making the smart move. Reach out to our dealership today to close the deal on one of the fantastic new models we offer! This Strike’s Place in History The 2023 UAW strike has captured the attention of many. It has received hours of press coverage, and as of September 26, is the first strike ever joined by a sitting US President. This is not the first strike, but the most recent one before 2023 occurred in 2019. Founded in 1935, the UAW has been intimately involved with the automotive industry and has existed through many changes, actions, and strikes. The Union also survived the 2008 recession and its impact on employee benefits and pensions. We’ve seen so many strikes this year some experts have dubbed it “The Summer of Strikes.” And the automotive industry isn’t unique — many also know about the writer’s strike in Hollywood. Many of these labor actions are expected to persist through the year's end. To put the scale of these strikes into perspective: In 2023, some 362,000 auto workers went on strike—an astronomical jump from 36,000 auto workers over the same period just two years ago. This strike arose due to recent growth in the US automotive industry. With record gains due to the booming SUV and truck markets—in which American manufacturers have traditionally invested and pursued innovation—many workers feel they deserve more benefits, pay, and support in proportion to the growth. You can see this innovation and understand the shift in the market by looking at the SUV and truck pages at Liberty Buick GMC. “The North America Automotive Market size is expected to grow from USD 0.94 trillion in 2023 to USD 1.22 trillion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.43% during the forecast period (2023-2028).” - Mordor Intelligence The UAW’s Demands So what exactly are the UAW organizers and Union members demanding for the strike to end? And how will this affect the length of the strike? While many companies in the automotive industry seem far away from the union demands, these four points drive many of the strikes: Wage Increase of around 40% – A substantial wage increase is perhaps the most prominent demand and one in which the UAW seems most unmoving. This is deeply rooted in the growth and anticipated growth outlined earlier. Reinstating Cost of Living Protections – Major automotive manufacturers did away with cost-of-living adjustments in the post-2008 recession world. The UAW is demanding those benefits back going forward. Ending the Two-Tier System – This may be the most confusing to those out of the loop. New hires make less than veterans since the changes made after 2008. It takes eight years for a hire to make it to the top rate; now, the UAW is pushing for a 90-day period to achieve that same pay. Increased Job Security Amid a Changing Automotive Landscape – It’s no secret electric vehicles and hybrids seem to be the next step for the automotive industry. Liberty Buick GMC, for example, has much of its new inventory represented by these energy-efficient vehicles. And with the increase in popularity, many working in automotive manufacturing are concerned it could put them out of a job. These are the most represented demands, but others include a four-day work week (with overtime pay over 32 hours), increased union representation in new plants, and improved work conditions overall. Inventory, Cost, and the Consumer Impact Now that you’re up to speed on the strike, how can you expect it to impact you as a consumer? We have some good news: it will likely take time for you to feel the effects, “Analysts say there is a risk that the strike could eventually push supplies down and prices up, but that would take a long time to materialize.” - Camila Domonoske, NPR Liberty Buick GMC is located in Matthews, NC —near the Charlotte GM plant—where strikes could grow and continue. Factory strikes could make it difficult for brands connected to GM to find parts, especially as the strikes spread and become larger. Because Liberty Buick GMC sells vehicles from GM, our customers may feel the impact of the strike’s connection to the local plant. Pete DeVito, a United Service Workers Union (USWU) representative representing car dealerships like ours, had this to say: “It could mean cars that need repairs are stuck at dealerships or body shops for two months, for three months, when it should be there for two or three weeks because they can't get a part." Some dealerships are more prepared than others with stocked-up supplies, but those can only last so long. With the uncertainty of the strike duration, now is an excellent time to spring on a repair or overhaul to the vehicle you’ve been sitting on. Liberty Buick GMC’s service department is ready to repair and assist quickly so you can stay prepared and protected. Still, the long-term impacts will continue to be debated and analyzed. Shaw Fain, UAW President and one of the driving forces behind the strike, disagrees with some about its economic impact: “It’s not we’ll wreck the economy. We’ll wreck their economy. The economy that only works for the billionaire class and not the working class.” Others, such as Elon Musk, are confident it will negatively impact the US auto industry and consumers. Musk predicts the UAW demands will “drive GM, Ford, and Chrysler bankrupt in the fast lane.” What’s Next? No one can anticipate when the strikes will end. We can expect that the longer it continues, the more time it will take for the industry to re-correct for some of the shortages identified earlier. Dealerships will be protected in car sales for some time. Large amounts of inventory that have come online after the Covid slowdown will keep inventory and supply high, resulting in competitive prices. Dealerships like Liberty Buick GMC, which has superior supply, will be even better positioned to thrive through a prolonged strike. It’s important to remember that nothing lasts forever; supply could dwindle and increase costs. If you’ve been waiting to buy, consider scheduling an appointment and making the leap! Buying With Liberty Buick GMC If you want to buy a vehicle quickly, be sure to do so with a dealership that’s ready to help. Liberty Buick GMC has helped the Matthews area secure new vehicles at a great price for years. We have hundreds of reviews to confirm this, specifically praising our speed, professionalism, and ability to connect buyers with exactly what they want. Check out this recent review from Mr. Lingerfelt: With great deals, solid inventory, and countless reviews validating our ability to deliver a flawless experience, don’t wait for the market to change or worsen. Come to Matthews and buy with Liberty Buick GMC today!

Driving during any form of severe weather–rain, floods, lightning, hailstorms, high winds–can be tricky. Should I slow down? Do I pull over? Turn on my hazard lights? Knowing what procedure to take during a storm is only one side of the coin. There’s also the element of extreme danger: finding yourself in a flash flood or popup storm can be life-threatening. This is why it is imperative drivers know even the basic guidelines to staying safe while driving in severe weather. There are some basic guidelines for keeping safe while in such a situation. This time of year, these days between summer and fall, strange weather tends to creep through. Wild winds, hail, and even tornados can strike up at any moment. So far, we have already experienced some extreme thunderstorms that have flooded low areas and knocked the power out of varying parts of Matthews and Charlotte. And though anything can happen, this is the type of weather we usually get. When encountering such weather behavior, it’s important to remain calm and rational. When in doubt, turn on the hazards and pull over or off the road. There are plenty of reasons to use your car’s hazard lights. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, one should use them when involved in an accident; approaching cars crossing into your lane; a tire blowout; engine failure; flooded roads; and hydroplaning. If you are slowly making your way through a storm (with your hazard lights on), do your best to stay out from under large trees or, more specifically, large tree branches. All it takes is one strike of lightning to bring one down. And if it’s not difficult enough looking for swaying tree limbs, you also need to be mindful of what’s happening on the road–and not only staying on it. Large puddles can easily form due to poor drainage. Driving into one of these even at a low speed can bring you to a quick halt, and even do some damage to you and/or your car. The following is a list of basic tips for when encountering a side effect we see from one of these severe storms within the city–flooding: If you ever come upon a flooded area of road, slow down as much as possible and approach the water. Put on your hazard lights so other vehicles can see you are alert, and check your surroundings. Turn off the air conditioning or heat to be sure the fan in the engine compartment is not running. If the flooding is high enough, it could damage the fan if it’s circulating. Put the vehicle in the lowest setting possible (first gear if driving a manual, and the + - if an automatic) and slowly enter the flooded area. Move forward at a gradual pace, and keep the steering wheel as straight as possible. Try not to slam on the brakes or accelerate quickly. The goal is to coast through the water smoothly. Stay alert. Once you are halfway or so through the flooded area, do your best not to stop. This could damage the engine and leave you stranded in the water. Keep moving and keep monitoring the water to be sure it is not becoming too deep. If the water happens to be deep enough to cover your hood, stop and put the vehicle in reverse to backtrack. Do this with smooth motions, but move quickly. Once the water begins to decrease, carefully start accelerating until you are completely out. Turn off your hazard lights, put your vehicle into the appropriate gear, and get yourself back up to speed. In these types of situations, it helps if you are driving an SUV. Even a compact one. Something like the GMC Yukon or the GMC Acadia is a great option, as it sits a little higher. GMC’s High Level of Safety Luckily, car companies like GMC, have taken driver safety to a whole new level. Those at GMC know that basic safety begins with what you can see, and luckily they have grouped together various monitoring systems so you can see way more than only what’s in front of you. Here is what GMC has to offer in terms of safety: High Definition Surround Vision This digital bird’s-eye view comes in high definition and gives a crystal clear image of the area around your vehicle when driving at low speeds. The image of your area pops up on the Infotainment display, which helps you to avoid objects and perfectly park in just about any spot. Hitch Guidance with Hitch View Using the Rear Vision Camera, this special feature enables you to align your GMC with a trailer by using a zoom camera that can pan and tilt. Not only that, but once the trailer is connected and you are driving down the road, you can view the trailer while driving. Rear Camera Mirror What we like about this camera is that you can use it inside the mirror or you can use the camera mirror display, which gives a clear, wide image and you can zoom and tilt vertically. While GMC has drivers covered on what they can see (by allowing you to see all around your vehicle in real time), what about those severe weather situations where you can't see what is happening? A heavy rainstorm or, worse, a hailstorm. GMC thought of that too and has provided some amazing sensory safety technology. Check it out: Following Distance Indicator This clever tool is set to keep you at a particular distance behind the vehicle in front of your vehicle (you can readjust the setting to be closer or farther if you like). If your car creeps up too close, the Following Distance Indicator will alert you immediately so you can quickly apply the brake and back off a bit. Forward Collision Alert Similar to the previous feature, Forward Collision Alert uses sensors to indicate the space between you and the vehicle ahead, only this detects and alerts when a front-end collision is imminent; for instance, if the vehicle ahead is at a complete stop as you come upon it, the Forward Collision Alert feature will give you more time to apply the brake even if the collision is still going to happen. This is one feature you hope to never have to use, but it's one that can definitely save your life if you ever do. Front and Rear Park Assist Park assist detects objects or people around you when you are driving at low speeds—typically, used when parking or navigating through congested areas. We have found this feature to improve even the worst of parallel parkers. Lane Departure Warning This warning feature can be turned on or off by the driver, and it’s perfect for longer drives, as it helps to keep you from drifting out of your lane. When you are driving, and you begin to veer, the steering wheel will tighten (not completely, but enough to get your attention) so you know to make the correction. If you are changing lanes, simply apply the blinker to disengage the Lane Departure Warning. Safety Alert Seat This specialized seat vibrates and pulses at the bottom of the chair for various warnings. This feature is an option instead of having auditory or visual warnings. This is a great option to keep you safe when you have a car full of talkative kids, or you feel like blasting your favorite song. Now you are covered visually and when you are driving in severe conditions. There is one more step GMC has taken. The most advanced safety technology is that which can presuppose possible accidents before they even happen. Check out what GMC has to offer in this high-tech area: Adaptive Cruise Control—Advanced This is one of our favorite safety features, as it enhances regular cruise control by incorporating specialized sensors and radar technology so that your car can adapt to the driving conditions around it. For example, once you have set the preferred distance between your car and those ahead of it, Adaptive Cruise Control—Advanced, will speed your car up or slow it down in order to maintain that distance. Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking When driving below 50 miles per hour, this feature will alert you if there is the potential for a front-end collision, and it will also automatically apply emergency braking if the driver does not respond quickly enough. This safety feature works for pedestrians as well. If the Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking system detects a person, or people—even animals—it will alert the driver and begin braking.

It’s an interesting time to be a car manufacturer. The sweeping acceptance of hybrids and EVs has us all looking to the future, but it’s also important not to lose sight of where we are now: straddling that line between the past and the potential future — we want innovation but we're still enjoying the present. So what is a car company to do? Continue plugging forward in both arenas, hybrid/EV and gas-powered are what we want. This year, both Buick and GMC are doing some pretty big things, with every decision made based on the driving habits and desires of you, the consumer. Buick and GMC plan to have a big year in 2023. It’s a calculated process to decide which models should change, stay the same, or even be completely cut from the family. But it's necessary for any company to remain relevant and keep a claim on the standard American driving machine. We’re not 100% sure yet of when the new models will be fully stocked on the Liberty Buick GMC lot, but we do know of the changes that were made to this year’s lineups. Let’s closely look at what you can expect in ‘23 from two of our favorite car companies. What’s New For Buick’s 2023 Lineup Though there honestly haven’t been any major enhancements or changes made for Buick this year, the little ones add up, not to mention the discontinuation of a model. Over the years, we've seen major popularity in the Encore GX. Its sales continue to climb along with its popularity, but this isn’t necessarily the case for the standard Encore, which is the smallest model of the Encore family. Due to a decline in sales and popularity over the years, Buick has decided to give the basic Encore the axe. Now the brand can focus more on the Encore GX, Envision, and Enclave in the hopes of continuing their popularity. If you're a fan of the Encore, worry not. The GX and the other two models are similar, only they have special features like sportiness, roominess, etc. It’s an upgrade to drive the GX, Envision, or Enclave for sure. In 2023, the Encore GX and Envision are available in the new Moonstone Gray Metallic exterior color, with the Envision also offering the new White Frost Tricoat color. The Enclave receives a few updates as well: Moonstone Gray Metallic exterior color as an option New Sport Touring Edition Now Available on the Essence trim level Comes with 20” Gloss Black wheels As you can see, Buick is excited about its new exterior color, Moonstone Gray Metallic. It's a great modern color, but these are the most notable changes this year. Looks like a year of honing in what is already working and cutting out what is not. Sounds like a solid New Year’s resolution for us all! What’s New for GMC in 2023 Similarly to Buick, GMC is not doing any big overhauls this year, but it's making minor tweaks that add up and will make some heads turn. Let’s see what’s in store in 2023 for the GMC SUV lineup: the Terrain, Acadia, and Yukon. 2023 GMC Terrain The base model Terrain and engine will increase horsepower by five to provide more grit to the lineup. Drivers also get an u pgraded brake system. Sure, that doesn’t sound like much, but when you realize the entire system now has an additional electronic braking force assistance, it seems like a bigger deal! This new system will cause the brakes to apply more smoothly and react faster, no matter the style of the surface on which you are driving. GMC has added a few new colors to the Terrain: Volcanic Red Tintcoat, Sterling Metallic, and Deep Bronze Metallic. The top-of-the-line Denali trim comes in a brand new package called Black Diamond, which opens the Denali trim to all the availabilities of the Terrain lineup, something not seen before with this SUV. Some other Terrain updates include: A new steering wheel Switchgear for the audio and cruise control systems (another first) New color options: Volcanic Red Tintcoat, Ultra Blue Metallic, and Sterling Metallic. 2023 GMC Yukon Since the Yukon is one of the most popular SUVs on the road today — and has been for some time now — GMC drivers have been anxiously waiting on what 2023 will bring by way of upgrades. The first thrill is the arrival of the Denali Ultimate: a fancier version of the (already fancy) Denali trim level. This high-level driver comes with about every option you can imagine, as well as a pretty steep price tag at around $96,000. That’s about $20,000 more than the regular Denali trim price. What does the Denali Ultimate include? Check out these features: Alpine Umber leather upholstery throughout the SUV 16-way power front seats, including a message feature Open-pore wood trim running throughout 18-speaker Bose sound system with all the modern features Super Cruise Control — a hands-free autonomous driving system that helps to keep you safe and on the road at all times A Maintained Focus on Safety As important as it is to keep up with the trends and desires of the modern car driver, it's also important — at least for car companies like Buick and GMC — to lead in modern safety trends and technologies. Here are a few of the high-tech safety features you can expect to find when shopping at Liberty Buick GMC: High Definition Surround Vision This digital bird’s-eye view comes in high definition and gives a crystal clear image of the area around your vehicle when driving at low speeds. The image of your area pops up on the Infotainment display, helping you to avoid objects and perfectly park in just about any spot. Rear Camera Mirror What we like about this camera is that you can use it inside the mirror or you can use the camera mirror display. This provides a clear, wide image, and you can zoom and tilt it vertically. You'll never have to second-guess your backing-up skills again! Forward Collision Alert Forward Collision Alert uses sensors to indicate the space between you and the vehicle ahead, and it detects and alerts when a front-end collision is imminent. For instance, if the vehicle ahead is at a complete stop as you come upon it, the FCA will give you more time to apply the brake even if the collision is still going to happen. This is one feature you hope to never have to use, but it's one that can definitely save lives. Safety Alert Seat This specialized seat vibrates and pulses at the bottom of the seat for various warnings. This is an alternative to auditory or visual warnings, and it's a great option to keep you safe when you have a car full of talkative kids or feel like blasting your favorite song. Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking When driving below 50 miles per hour, this feature will alert you if there is the potential for a front-end collision, and it will also automatically apply emergency braking if the driver does not respond quickly enough. This feature works for pedestrians as well. If the Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking system detects a person, people, or even animals, it will notify you and begin braking. Stop in at Liberty Buick GMC today and test-drive a few brand-new models. You have to experience some of these features for yourself!

As the year draws closer to its end, the chill in the air becomes increasingly hard to ignore. The drop in temperatures makes more and more drivers dread those morning run to their cars. But drivers aren’t the only ones struggling — chances are your vehicle isn’t a big fan of the winter either. So, how do you ensure your vehicle can make it through the winter months, especially while keeping you warm and tackling some brutal weather conditions? It may not sound easy, but the professionals at Liberty Buick GMC have you covered with some helpful tips to protect your vehicle, both mechanically and aesthetically. Don’t just worry about the chill; prepare to protect yourself and your car during the colder months! For Those Who Don’t Live in Harsh Winters Drivers who don’t live in traditionally “cold” areas like the Northeast or Midwest may skim over cold weather tips. After all, extremely low temperatures are rare and less sustained outside of those regions — right? Surprisingly, short periods of extreme cold can do a comparable amount of damage to your vehicle, especially when temperature spikes. As such, people in traditionally warmer climates should be aware of those radical drops in temperature and prepare much like their Northeastern counterparts when necessary. Here’s the bottom line: Even if you don’t live in the Northeast, showing your vehicle some extra TLC going into winter will ensure it has a long and productive future. Invest in Winter Tires If there’s a chance you’ll be driving during a cold winter, investing in winter tires is a must. Winter tires are made with softer rubber that allows for more flexibility when temperatures drop. The change in material accompanied by unique tread patterns and wider grooves allows for easy driving on icy or snowy roads. It’s also important to note that having four winter tires is better than two, with two winter tires actually leading to less traction because of the mismatch in treads. People who live in areas that receive snow just once or twice a year may feel less inclined to spend big on specialized tires. Still, it’s necessary to ensure the tires you have on your car are in good shape. Worn-out tires have less traction, which can be the difference between a safe drive and a dangerous one in winter. If you can’t tell if it’s time for a tire replacement, use the penny trick! Simply place a penny in the tread of your tire. Make sure the penny is positioned so that Lincoln's head points down into the tire. If the top of Lincoln's head isn’t visible, your tread is still okay; if not, it may be time to buy some replacement tires. If you find that you need new tires, don’t fret — Liberty Buick GMC has you covered. Our Tire Center is well-prepared to provide brand-new, affordable tires to last several winter seasons. As our tire department states: “Your vehicle's tires are the first and only contact with the road, so it is important to choose the right set when replacing them.” If you don’t know what kind of tires your vehicle needs, we’re more than equipped to help you find the perfect match. Just touch base with a Tire Center professional today! Wash Your Car Frequently Washing your car is a task everyone can relate to putting off, but it carries extra significance in the winter. There are a few key reasons to keep your car clean during the winter and ensure a long vehicle lifetime. One reason to wash your car is to remove road salt build-ups because road salt is terrible for your car. The average state spends 20% of its maintenance budget on winter road care, and that amount of money translates into a lot of road salt being put onto our roads. This substance may make your driving experience safer, but it spells trouble for your vehicle. Road salt creates a chemical reaction that causes corrosion and rust, with the exposed metal parts of your car being most at risk. But the corrosion isn’t limited to exposed metal; it can damage your vehicle’s clear coat, paint, undercarriage, and brake and gas lines. Here’s the main takeaway: Keep the road salt off your car and on the road. Washing doesn’t just eliminate salt; it reduces grime and buildup which can limit or reduce visibility. In the wintertime and when driving in less-than-ideal weather conditions, visibility is often the difference between a safe drive or an accident. Keeping grime and salt off your windows, mirrors, and headlights will increase your visibility and safety. Drive Smart Each year, 24% of weather-related automotive accidents occur during snow or ice. While some of those accidents could be avoided by following tips related to vehicle maintenance, others could have been prevented by employing safer driving practices. Adapting the way you drive is a necessary practice to maximize the safety and protection of your vehicle during the colder months. Icy and snowy conditions severely impact the amount of time it takes to bring your vehicle to a full stop, so increasing the distance between the car in front of you and your vehicle is an excellent first step in adopting safer practices. Similarly, it’s a good idea to decrease speed in icy conditions due to the lack of traction. Outside of those tips, you’ll want to know what to avoid when driving in winter. Here are a few things to look out for: Avoid puddles and potholes. They may not seem dangerous, but you never know what puddles and potholes are hiding. They collect salt and dirty water that contribute to the corrosion we discussed, but they can also be much deeper than they appear and cause severe damage to your car and/or tires. And when it’s colder, they can turn into slick ice spots that impact your traction on the road. Avoid driving in deep snow. Much like puddles, you never know what deep snow could be hiding. Deep ruts, low-bearing shoulders, and more can be obscured by snow, leaving a driver and their car at risk. Packed snow that’s been on the ground for some time also contains a lot of salt and grime, which can undo all that car cleaning and prepping you spent so much time and money on. Further, driving through deep snow can pack snow into your wheels, causing them to shake in transit. That's not good for you or your car; so if you notice it, get to the car wash immediately! Avoid parking on the street. Parking on the street in the winter puts your car on the frontline of the salt spray and snow scrapes. Snow plows could push deep snow against your car, and even if you luck out on that front, the salt spray can cause severe body damage if you don’t wash it off immediately. Whatever the case, it’s a good idea to move your car if you know a winter-weather event is on the way. Stock Your Car With The Right Tools We’ve covered what you can do to the outside of your car to ensure it’s well taken care of, but what about the inside? Preparing something like a winter-driving safety kit can go a long way in protecting you and your vehicle. Here are a few essential things to keep in your car throughout those cooler months that will make driving much easier and safer: Ice Scraper: As we touched on earlier, visibility is everything in bad weather conditions, so getting that morning ice off your car is a must. Invest in a well-designed, reliable ice scraper. It’s a tool you’ll often use, so relying on a cheap product can cause headaches! A Small, Collapsible Shovel: You never know when your car will get stuck or surrounded by deep snow. Keeping a collapsible shovel in your vehicle ensures you can dig yourself out of tough situations, instead of pushing your car to the brink of damage. Sand or Kitty Litter: This one might seem strange, but it can be a real lifesaver during a snow or ice storm. Using a coarse material around your tires can provide extra traction and get your car out of a sticky situation. Jumper Cables: Colder temperatures can affect your car battery and put your car in a situation where it needs a jump. Having cables on hand makes that as easy as possible and keeps your car charged and running all winter long. Portable Air Compressor: Tires are everything in the winter. After all, they connect your vehicle to the road! It’s essential to monitor your tire pressure and keep a tool handy that can bring the tire pressure up to its recommended level. Liberty Buick GMC You should have a winter accompanied by a well-running vehicle if you employ these tips. Still, some vehicles are more equipped than others for challenging weather conditions. If you worry about your vehicle every time the weather cools, it might be time to invest in a new GMC that fits any road condition. SUVs like the all-new Acadia and trucks like the Sierra offer next-generation off-roading and winter weather capabilities. And those two models only scratch the surface of GMC’s ambitious 2023 lineup. Moreover, if you count yourself among the millions of people who own a GMC, now may be a good time to get it serviced and examined as weather conditions worsen. Our dealership is more than equipped to provide an excellent car buying and servicing experience. If you’re ready to prepare for the winter months, don’t hesitate to connect with Liberty Buick GMC today and get your vehicle ready for any season!

Like many car manufacturers, Buick has been working hard to provide a product fitting for 2022. This innovation sometimes necessitates growing pains, evident with Buick’s decision to discontinue the base Buick Encore model after 2022. The Buick Encore may be finished, but true to its name, it’s not the end of the show. It will continue with the Encore GX, an improved iteration of the model. While this is just one example of Buick’s shift and adaptation to an ever-advancing car market, it’s not the only one. The Buick lineup is perfect for anyone seeking a new car and the folks at Liberty Buick GMC have the expertise to provide you with the support and sales experience necessary if you’re looking for an upgrade. A Look At The Models Sold At Liberty To best understand just how much Liberty Buick GMC offers with their current selection, it’s important you know what new Buick models are for sale in 2022. Buick Encore Even though the 2022 Buick Encore is scheduled to be the last version of the plain Encore for the foreseeable future, its 2022 edition has a lot to offer. It’s a smaller size SUV perfect for your average family. While it leans on the smaller side it provides the space perfect for whatever you may be hauling, from groceries to bigger objects from the hardware store. Buick Encore GX The Buick Encore GX is the successor to the base Encore. Because of this connection, the GX shares some of the best features of the regular Encore, with other additions going beyond what those familiar with the regular Encore are familiar with. The Encore GX expands on the flexible seating that made the Encore a fan favorite for toting cargo. With seating options that expand cargo space, you’re ready for any possibility, like road trips, farmers market runs, days at the beach, and even some bigger home moves. Its size also provides performance with a tight turn radius, competitive fuel efficiency, and drive options suited for any type of weather. These are just some of the highlights that show why the Encore GX is prepared to not only be a top-of-the-line SUV in 2022 but also to serve as a successor for the much loved Encore. Buick Envision For those not totally sold on the sleek small SUV design of the Encores, the Buick Envision is perfect for you. Featuring a wider, more imposing stance, it displays what a bold design can be in an SUV. This design isn’t just for appearance. It creates an aerodynamic vehicle capable of traveling and maximizing fuel efficiency. The increase in size also creates more cargo space and gives the interior room to experiment. A driver-focused cockpit makes the driver feel totally in control, alongside the help of displays fit for a modern era. The Envision also has multiple drive modes and other trims to choose from, pleasing a variety of drivers seeking a somewhat traditional, but still ever-innovative SUV. Buick Enclave Buick Enclave models are marketed as a “refinement in technology” and they often live up to that title. Seating seven, the car’s interior is its main focus, trying to provide the comforts of home while you're hitting the road. While most vehicles equipped with that much seating sacrifice natural light, the Enclave has a moonroof that provides all the natural light you could want. A smart slide second-row opens up seating options and makes accessibility much easier. Those looking to splurge can opt for massaging seats, making every rider want to stay in the car as long as possible. Like the previous SUVs, those seats are also foldable, providing storage space fit for a vehicle of this size. The Enclave also has towing capabilities, able to pull up to 5,000 lbs. That towing capability alongside intelligent all-wheel drive and five-link rear suspension shows why the Enclave is always able to ride smoothly, with power that can handle any condition. Buick Enclave Avenir The Buick Enclave Avenir represents the very best Buick offers in luxury. Building on everything the base Enclave can offer, it pushes the capability of what a modern vehicle can include and pull off, and does so excellently. Infotainment systems allow everyone in the family to connect devices and optimize your traveling to please everyone in the family. Its interior offers the same unrivaled comfort that the base Enclave does. The Enclave Avenir hosts more customization than its predecessor, with wheel and drive options that will please everyone. Technologies New Buicks Share Each vehicle listed has unique aspects that set it apart. While those differences are great, being a part of the Buick family provides some universal perks too. Here are just a few of the features you can find in all of the new vehicles on the lineup. Hands-Free Power Liftgate Storage and travel were a similar theme shared in much of the new vehicle packages. Storage and space are only as good as they are accessible. That’s why Buick makes use of the FOB technology, allowing you to put your foot under the trunk hitch to open your trunk. Perfect for packing when you’ve got a handful. Keyless Open and Start The FOB technology that makes the hands-free power liftgate possible also allows for a keyless open and start on new Buick models. Using the Buick app you can start your car from a distance, lock or unlock, etc. All to make your experience easier. QuietTuningTM Technlogy Countless hours of engineering and research went to develop the QuietTuning technology included in every new Buick. The intention behind the design is simple, taking every step necessary to create a quiet, calm space in your car cabin, no matter what’s happening outside of it. This innovation has paid off. Folks who invest in new Buicks can drive with little interruption of wind, clatter, or road sounds that make road trips and driving more of a headache than anything else. While some of these steps are known to other manufacturers, Buick has gone above and beyond, taking measures that no other manufacturer gets close to, creating the patented QuietTuningTM technology you can rely on. Buick Driver Confidence Plus Safety is among the biggest things to consider when buying a new car. That’s why Buick has worked to include Buick Driver Confidence Plus in every new vehicle. Safety and driver assistance technologies give you the confidence you need when heading onto the road. Features include: ● Automatic Emergency Braking ● Following Distance Indicator ● Forward Collision Alert ● Front Pedestrian Braking ● IntelliBeam auto high beams ● Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert ● Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning ● Rear Park Assist ● Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Buying Your Buick If you made it to the end of this article, you’ve likely seen something in Buick’s new lineup that’s suited to your needs. So if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, it’s important to know just where to go to get one. Liberty Buick GMC has been serving the Mathews area for years. With every new model on the lot at their dealership, you have the chance to see what Buick’s innovation looks like for yourself. Professionals will be there to help with any questions you may have during the car buying process. While purchasing a new vehicle is intimidating, the financial center offered by Liberty Buick GMC has a record of flexibility and excellent customer service, giving you the tools you need to make the jump and purchase a new Buick. Whatever the case, if you’re ready for a modern vehicle that can do it all, call Liberty Buick GMC to find out more!

New year, new you and what better way to show it than with a new ride. It’s the year of new things, so do yourself a favor and dream big, find that vehicle you’ve always wanted and get it! It’s safe to say there has been a shift in recent years for car dealerships to shake off the sales vibe and gravitate towards a more personal feel to the buying process. What has helped create this pivot in the procedure is the prevalence of desperately needed vehicles: family cars that don’t look, you know—like family cars; trucks that operate just as easily as an office and luxury ride as they do mudslinging rock climbers. There are more vehicle options than ever before and the demand for them is real. This has instilled even more confidence in car companies like GMC and Buick, as they both have a clear vision for the future of driving, and that vision includes anyone looking for innovation, safety, and high levels of performance in their vehicles. GMC has every right to be confident, the accolades the company has received over the years—for more than just the Sierra truck series—could stand up against any other car company out there. They simply build tough, reliable vehicles. And they’ve been doing it for as long as the company has been around. That’s quite a long time. Buick, on the other hand, is a little different. Because they needed to completely change their brand, this could be looked at as a sign of weakness. Obviously, something was not right if they had to change things up on such a major scale. Moreover, before the big overhaul, Buick was known more as the old person’s car. They just weren’t popular with the wider, younger market. But despite all of this, Buick has come out boldly with new products that appeal to the older crowd, as well as the younger. The company’s incredible sales and continued commitment to excellence provide nothing but confidence for this company, as it has positioned itself right between high-end workingman’s vehicles and luxury drivers. If you are embracing the idea of “new things” this new year, start with Buick and GMC. Getting What You Want Buying at the beginning of the year is a sure way to find the biggest variety of both new and used vehicles. Room has been made on the lot for all of next year’s models and they are all shiny and new, and we are already itching to get them off the lot. Come vehicle shopping in January and February and you will find yourself with more options than you could ever imagine. So how do you decide which vehicle is best for you? As with any significant purchase, research and patience are necessary. In a perfect vehicle-buying situation, you the customer, as well as the salesperson, are both benefiting during the buying process. Waiting until the end of the workday is good, holding out until the end of the month is better, but if you can withstand the temptation to buy the first thing that sticks out, and you put the time and research into it, you will most likely end up driving home in something you truly want. It takes time to find the right vehicle. You want something tough, something you see on the road a lot—not the side of the road. For example, how many Buick or GMC models do you see broken down, shamefully sitting on the side of the highway? Not often, if ever, and that’s because they are trustworthy workhorses that last a heck of a long time. For example, the new Buick Encore GX easily gets 29 miles mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is not bad at all for such a powerful SUV. Moreover, this is a perfect family mobile: it’s not too big or weirdly shaped (like a lot of minivans and crossovers), and inside it has plenty of room and features to keep the entire family comfortable and happy. Buying a Truck: First Thing’s First Before you go to buy a new GMC Sierra truck, it’s important to think about how you will use it. The 1500, 2500, and 3500 all have unique components, which make them a perfect match for different types of truck drivers. Here are a few things to consider when deciding on your GMC Sierra: • What sort of things will you be carrying and hauling? If you only need the truck for around the house (hauling mulch, pulling a small trailer, or even some fun off-roading), you might consider a light-duty truck with four-wheel-drive like the GMC Sierra 1500. On the other hand, if you need to carry heavy loads and pull big pieces of equipment, you might consider a heavy-duty truck, like the GMC Sierra 3500. And there’s also the mid-duty truck, the GMC Sierra 2500, that isn’t quite as extreme as the heavy-duty but can do more than a light-duty. This level of truck is nice for those who will mostly use it around the house but occasionally will need it for some big jobs. • Just as important as choosing the right size of truck is finding the right engine. The advancements in the modern truck have made it a bit more powerful than that of the old days. Now, a 6-cylinder truck engine can outperform just about any older V-8. And the modern V-8? Well, these are nothing but raw power and can pull and carry just about anything. Heavy-duty, mid-duty, and small-duty trucks can differ in engine sizes. A small-duty truck usually comes with either a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine, and a mid-and heavy-duty can be a 6 or an 8. Again, just depends on how you plan to use your truck. • Another thing to think about is the cab size you will need. A regular cab offers a single row of seating and can create tight quarters for three passengers. A crew-cab, however, has two rows of seating, offering extra space and is more comfortable for longer trips. The size of the cab also affects the length of the bed. The less cab room, the more bed space. There are special cases when you can get an extended bed, which offers the best of both worlds, but this will add length to the truck as a whole, which can take some getting used to. It can be a lot to think about, but there’s no reason to stress—it’s worth the time you take to make sure you are getting what you need and want. If you find yourself struggling to decide between the right truck, we can help. With a new year upon us, and a fresh lineup of new Buick and GMC vehicles on the lot, now is the perfect time to get that vehicle you have been wanting, whether it’s a truck, family car, or something special just for you. We have you covered at Liberty Buick GMC.

Buicks are one of America’s most reliable brands, and now more than ever, Buick’s dedication to building formidable, classic vehicles is paying off. Since American-made cars are coming off the line faster than ever, there are more Buick vehicles available, and as always, at a great price. At Liberty Buick GMC, we have everything you need to know about why this year is the best year to buy a Buick. Over the past seven years, Buick has managed to completely overhaul its entire lineup of vehicles. The veteran car company has taken a classic that has been around longer than most other sedans, the Regal, and successfully turned it into a luxurious, sturdy, and powerful machine—something many other American car companies are still struggling to produce in a sedan. Buick has also created something new and enticing in the Encore, a compact SUV. This sporty ride has helped provide a new face for Buick, something brighter and more vibrant, and this “new vibe” seems to be working for the car company. If Buick has lacked in distant years with marketing themselves as a competitive car company, it sure doesn’t show now. Buick is not only in the game, they are upfront helping to lead the charge. A Couple of Our Favorites The Buick Encore and the Buick Enclave are excellent SUV choices. Each has its own unique characteristics and special features, but they both share in Buick’s commitment to quality, and both have served as a perfect foil to overpriced, luxury SUVs. With the Encore and Enclave, you get the luxury, not the superfluous cost. Let’s start with the Buick Encore. Slated as a “Premium Small SUV,” this is slightly smaller of the two SUVs, and though it might not be considered as family-friendly as the Enclave, the Encore is perfect for the commuter. It comes with premium comfort, a quiet ride, and a number of impressive features. Under the hood, the all-new Buick Encore has a 1.4-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission. It sits high, and even though it’s not the biggest SUV on the lot, it still has plenty of room to stretch and store and relax. As anyone who lives in or near the city knows, traffic in Charlotte is fun. The standstill can be painful, but it doesn’t have to be, especially with great fuel economy. 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway keep dollars in your pocket—honestly, these numbers sound more like that of a small sedan than an SUV. But the Encore is not your normal SUV: Rather than a gas-guzzling six or eight-cylinder engine, the Encore incorporates a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that saves you at the pump but gets you moving when you need to. And, it comes with the Buick Infotainment System, and available Alexa Built-In, which keep your hands free and always connected. Though the pollen is just a tad disagreeable at the moment, once everything is in bloom and the Allegra has kicked in, you remember that the nice thing about living in a city with winding roads, arching hills, and endless trees is the natural beauty they provide. This is where the comfort of the Buick Encore comes into play. The substantially plush front seats keep you comfortable for long periods of time. The surprisingly spacious back seats have plenty of room for stretching out and enjoying the seemingly always-green landscapes of the QC. And the mix of muted colors and line-work throughout the Encore’s interior induce a calm, tranquil atmosphere, keeping you happy the entire ride home. Enclave Buick’s truest family vehicle is the Enclave. Buick created the Enclave back in 2008 with the understanding that modern drivers needed something that had the look and sophistication of a luxury SUV, but the roominess and comfort of a minivan. The result was a high-selling crossover vehicle that continues to be praised for its classy look—chrome waterfall grille and curvy line work throughout the body—and its ability to haul up to seven passengers without feeling stuffed. With its three rows of seating, it can hold up to seven passengers comfortably. Its ultra-smooth ride is due to the tough 3.6-liter, V-6 engine, which has noticeable punch and power. The “Three Row, Premium SUV” Enclave comes with 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, nine-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, plus available WiFi hotspots and so much more. Whether you are a single commuter or a small family driver looking for something smooth and stylish, or you need something roomy and powerful enough for fun trips with the entire crew, Buick has the vehicle for you. What We Have on the Lot Buick wins for having some of the best deals in pricing this November. Not only is the Buick company doing a bang-up job at reintroducing its lineup to the general public with innovative designs and superior performance, but it also knows the importance of offering a great deal. For instance, right now you can finance varying models for as low as zero percent and get incredible cash-back rebates (be sure to check out other small-print dealer rebates too). Here are some examples of what you can save this year at Liberty Buick GMC: 2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred MSRP: $27,780 Discounts: Dealer Discount ($3,333), Loaner Discount ($1,000), Purchase Allowance ($3,700) Our Price: $19,747 2020 Buick Envision Essence Group MSRP: $41,445 Discounts: Dealer Discount ($4,973), Purchase Allowance ($6,450) Our Price: $30,022 2020 Buick Encore GX Select MSRP: $30,495 Discounts: Dealer Discount ($3,659), Purchase Allowance ($3,700) Our Price: $23,136 2020 Buick Enclave Premium MSRP: $52,400 Discounts: Dealer Discount ($6,026), Purchase Allowance ($5,950) Our Price: $40,424 Top 5 Reasons To Buy A Buick The Buick brand continues to accelerate as vehicle sales increase among an ever-growing customer base. The American car company’s updated marketing plan and bold new colors and designs are keeping Buick relevant, innovative, and impressive—increasingly to younger drivers. Here are five reasons you should be driving a one: A competitive lineup. Over the recent years, Buick has overhauled its complete lineup of vehicles. Paying more attention to details such as performance, up-to-date technology, design, and safety, Buick has been able to create a collection of cars and SUVs that hold high levels of luxury at a reasonable price. Luxury at a low price. Buick is considered a luxury line of vehicles, and if you have driven any of the new models, you’re likely to agree. The extra-smooth ride and handling. The plush seats and calm, cool interior lighting. It all makes you feel like you are in something elegant and expensive. But what makes this luxury car company unique is the level of quality you get for such a reasonable price. Buick has bridged the gap between reasonable pricing and high quality. And continuously high sales and vehicle ratings show this is paying off big. No strings attached. When buying a Buick there are no gimmicks. What you see is what you get. All warranties, for used or new Buicks, are clear and honest, and you never have to worry about inflated costs for basic necessities like oil changes and tire replacements. The Buick brand works against the notion that all car companies and car sellers are trying to pull the wool over the consumer’s eyes. A clear and honest approach to car building and selling is the only way Buick operates. A bright future. Buick is the oldest running American car company. And it is thriving. Buicks sell all over the world—China is actually the company’s biggest market. And the company has big plans for impressive new vehicles to come out. When you buy Buick you support quality craftsmanship, honest marketing, and good old American ingenuity. No matter how you cut it, Buick is pretty impressive. It’s not just the vehicles they make, it’s the thought and care that goes into every detail of the entire process. They choose to be honest and forthright in what they do. There are no scandals, no pretending to be something they are not. And that’s the same type of operation being run at Liberty Buick GMC. We are here to serve you, and that means honesty and expertise from start to finish. Come in and see us today at Liberty Buick GMC and let us get you into a brand new Buick or GMC—you will be glad you made the choice to car shop with us.