Buick Encore

Black Friday season has arrived! Here at Liberty Buick GMC, we’ve got deals that are nothing short of amazing on a slew of brand-new models, including Buick’s flagship SUV—the 2020 Encore.

 

Buick and GMC marketing vice president, Phil Brook, said it best when he described the Buick Enclave as “everything [buyers] want in a premium crossover with its distinct styling, quality and driving dynamics.” It’s true. In a crowded midsize SUV class that includes the Enclave’s siblings—the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia—the Enclave is an attention-getter.

Since its design overhaul in 2018, however, the Buick Enclave has offered buyers much more than its sleek and subtle styling. The second-generation Enclave provides performance, comfort, safety, technology, and overall quality to rival any luxury crossover on the market. Yes, the three-row, seven-passenger Enclave makes for a superb family vehicle, but you don’t have to be toting around kids to appreciate its abundance of premium features.

The 2020 refresh of the Buick Enclave comes with several notable changes, such as significant tech upgrades and the new Touring Sport appearance package, among others. Simply put, it’s better than ever, and it just might be the perfect vehicle for you if you’re in the market for a got-it-all midsize SUV.

Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy qualities of the 2020 Buick Enclave and why you should consider making it your Black Friday purchase:

 

Just in for 2020

The newest Enclave receives a number of updates that set it apart from 2018 and 2019 models. First of all, there is some new technology. Buyers of the 2020 Enclave will get the next generation of Buick’s renowned infotainment system and an eight-inch IntelliLink touchscreen standard on all trim levels. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, and six USB ports are still standard. Sirius XM/360L capability and navigation with traffic and weather alerts are still available as infotainment upgrades.

Coming standard on Premium and Avenir models are an HD Rear Vision Camera, HD Surround Vision, and a massage feature and four-way power-adjustable lumbar support for the front and passenger seats.

Also new for 2020 is the optional Sport Touring (ST) appearance package. This package is available on the Essence trim, and it features several exterior tweaks, such as a black mesh front grille, body-color grille surrounding, and 20-inch machined alloy wheels with contrasting graphite pockets. Overall, the ST package adds a little aggression and sportiness to the Enclave.

The 2020 Enclave Avenir has a body-color lower panel, which is sleeker than the black plastic panels on previous models. Also, three colors have been added to the list of Enclave exterior finishes. Avenir buyers can now get the Rich Garnet Metallic, while Champagne Gold Metallic and Dark Moon Blue Metallic are available for all trims.

 

Powertrain and Performance

The 2020 Buick Enclave is available in four trim levels: Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir. All trims come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that’s matched with a nine-speed transmission. Performance is not Buick’s primary goal for the Enclave, but the 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque produced by the engine are sufficient for passing moves and towing up to 5,000 pounds.

When it comes to the ride and handling, the 2020 Enclave is composed, comfortable and quiet. This is largely due to its responsive steering and brakes, as well as a suspension that provides a pleasant ride on smooth and rough terrain alike.Buick Encore

 

Interior

The 2020 Enclave’s cabin comes in impressive design. All and all, it looks simple yet sophisticated, and it’s unmistakably luxury. The wood-grain/metal trimmings, asymmetrical vents, and easy-to-access controls help in that regard. Also, the seats are really, really comfortable, and the Enclave’s cabin is among the top of the class in spaciousness. Plus, with a Pitch Slide seat in the second row and 60/40 folding seats in the third row, even more space opens up for cargo.

 

Safety Buick Encore

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2020 Buick Enclave five out of five stars in crash-test ratings. It comes standard with a rearview mirror camera, and you can opt for automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.

There are plenty of incredible deals to be found at Liberty Buick GMC this Black Friday. If you’re looking for a midsize SUV that comfortably fits seven, looks distinguished inside and out, and has tons of features, the 2020 Buick Enclave could be the one for you. Be sure to come by our dealership to see the deals for yourself and take a test drive!

GMC Terrain

The day after Thanksgiving is well known for attracting droves of American shoppers to retail stores. Considered to be the kickoff to the holiday season, Black Friday now spans over virtually all sectors of retail, and you can find deals on anything from electronics and toys to musical instruments and clothing. And with the prominence of online shopping, a single-day event has gradually turned into an entire weekend of sales that extend well into Cyber Monday.

 

However, retail isn’t the only industry that participates in Black Friday. Did you know that a significant number of shoppers look elsewhere for their deals in late November? Over the last decade or so, these heightened shopping trends have spilled over into the automotive market, with dealerships everywhere offering steep discounts on much—if not all—of their models.

This competition among manufacturers and dealerships creates a great opportunity for people who are in the market for a new vehicle. In fact, you can find some of the best car deals of the year throughout most of November.

Here at Liberty Buick GMC, we’re not holding back on the discounts and incentives this November. We’ve got deals going for tons of brand-new models, and we would love for you to come by and see for yourself. Actually, we’ve got one of the most cost-effective vehicles on the market in stock—the 2020 GMC Terrain. And with additional discounts available, you would be hard-pressed to find another vehicle that offers you this kind of bang for your buck.

 

What makes the 2020 GMC Terrain so cost-effective? We’ll discuss that here, along with many other characteristics of the one-of-a-kind SUV:

 

Overview of the 2020 GMC Terrain 

The 2020 GMC Terrain is in a crowded class of compact SUVs. Competition is fierce from popular models like the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Toyota RAV4; yet, the Terrain holds its own and offers buyers several characteristics not found in other vehicles.

Some describe it as a more upscale version of its sibling—the Chevrolet Equinox. But the Terrain is more than that; it’s an SUV that sets itself apart from the rest of the class with everything from its standard safety features to its attractive design to its tech options. Oh, and its fuel efficiency, among other things, makes it one of the most cost-effective vehicles you can buy today.

The Terrain still comes in four different trims (SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali), but GMC has made some notable changes to the vehicle for 2020. Along with tweaking a few features here and there, the all-wheel-drive models are no longer available with a diesel engine. However, buyers can still opt for a diesel engine on the front-wheel-drive versions of the SLE and SLT trims. Most appealing, perhaps, are the changes to its standard safety features. In recent years, features such as automatic high-beam lights, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assistance were optional; now, they come stock.

 

Let’s get into some of the details of what makes the 2020 GMC Terrain so special:

 

A Distinct Exterior 

The Terrain is a great-looking vehicle. As far as shape and size go, it does share some similarities with the Equinox. However, the Terrain has a distinct design that won’t be mistaken for any other vehicle. It looks refined and unquestionably luxurious with a graceful blend of sharp and rounded character lines, C-shape LED lighting, and squared-off grille. Its overall appearance is attention-getting yet easy to the palate.

There are nine colors available for the 2020 Terrain:GMC Terrain

  • Smokey Quartz Metallic
  • Graphite Gray Metallic
  • Ebony Twilight Metallic
  • Red Quartz Tintcoat
  • Summit White
  • Satin Steel Metallic
  • Blue Emerald Metallic
  • Quicksilver Metallic
  • White Frost Tricoat

 

Buyers who are looking for a more aggressive exterior should consider the Elevation Edition, which is available with the Graphite Gray Metallic, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Summit White, and Satin Steel Metallic colors. The Elevation Edition Terrain features a darkened grille, black roof rails and mirror caps, black exterior accents and trim badging, and 19” gloss-black aluminum wheels.

 

A Handsome and Functional Interior 

Like other GMC models, the 2020 Terrain has got it going on in the interior. It comfortably seats five (with impressive legroom in the back row), and there’s ample space for cargo; actually, it’s among the top of the class in terms of cargo space. Much of this is due to 60/40 split-folding rear seats and an optional fold-flat front seat. With the back seats up, there are 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back row, and that space grows to 63.3 cubic feet when you fold down the back seats. Fold down the front passenger seat, and you can fit objects as long as eight feet in the vehicle.

The interior of the 2020 Terrain also looks really good. The cabin is nothing less than what you would expect from a luxury vehicle, with high-quality design and materials throughout, especially in the SLT and Denali trims. All trims come standard with aluminum trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Whether you opt for cloth or leather upholstery, the seat cushioning is sufficient, and you can increase comfort with features like advanced heated seats (which allow you to heat both the bottom and back cushion or only the bottom cushion) and power-adjustable seats.

 

Lots of Standard Safety Features 

Though the 2020 Terrain comes wrapped in arresting style, one of its most impressive characteristics is how safe it is. It’s arguably as safe as any compact SUV on the market, and GMC added tons of standard safety features to the Terrain in 2020. General Motors calls the new package of active safety technology “Pro Safety,” and it comes on all four trims of the Terrain.

The Pro Safety suite includes automatic high-beam lights (IntelliBeam headlamps), automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assistance, lane departure warning, following distance indicator, and front pedestrian braking.

 

There are also plenty of other safety features buyers can add by opting for the Driver Alert package. These features include:

 

Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert

The main purpose of this feature is to help you prevent side-swiping and other types of accidents. Whenever you’re about to change lanes—or are in the midst of changing lanes—lights on your side mirrors alert you if there’s a vehicle in or quickly approaching your blind spot.

 

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

This comes into play when you are reversing your vehicle, especially in parking lots. If there’s a vehicle approaching your vicinity (left or right), you will see an indicator symbol on your rear vision camera screen. Rear cross-traffic is detected through radar sensors on the back of the Terrain.

 

Adaptive Cruise Control

This technology uses cameras to automatically adapt your vehicle’s cruise control speed to keep a safe distance between you and the vehicles ahead of you. In short, it makes cruise control even safer and more convenient.

 

Front and Rear Park Assist

This feature also uses radar sensors to help drivers in parking lots. When you’re driving at low speeds and trying to park, the feature will give you distance alerts to nearby vehicles and objects so that you can safely park.

 

Safety Alert Seat

The Safety Alert Seat is one of the cooler safety features offered on the 2020 Terrain. In essence, it allows you to replace crash avoidance beeps with vibration pulses on the bottom of the driver’s seat.

 

Teen Driver System 

This feature was created to help teenage drivers develop safe driving habits. When it’s set up, you can activate Teen Driver mode with your key fob. So, if you have a teen driver in your family, the vehicle will provide advice and feedback throughout the driving experience, and it will even produce a report card. Furthermore, you can control which vehicle features are available and which cannot be turned off during Teen Driver mode.

It’s also worth noting the conventional safety features that buyers will find on the new Terrain:

  • Driver, Passenger, Front Head, Rear Head, and Front Side Airbags
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Traction Control
  • Anti-Lock Brake System
  • Daytime Running Lights

 

Top-Notch Crash Test Results 

The safety doesn’t end with the features when it comes to the 2020 GMC Terrain, as it received top marks for almost every category. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a five-star overall rating (out of five), as well as five stars in the front and side crash tests. Its only imperfect score was four stars in the rollover test, but it was evaluated to have only an 18.5% rollover risk.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to evaluate the 2020 Terrain, but the 2019 model was given a “Good” (the highest rating) in all tests administered.

 

Great Fuel Efficiency

One of the main reasons why the 2020 GMC Terrain is such a cost-effective vehicle is that it gets great gas mileage. Buyers have a choice between two four-cylinder engines: a 1.5-liter good for 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter that produces 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both of the engines are turbocharged and matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The 1.5-liter engine provides 30 MPG highway, 26 MPG city, and 28 MPG combined, while the 2.0-liter gives you 28 MPG highway, 22 MPG city, and 24 MPG combined.

 

Trims and Prices 

As previously mentioned, the 2020 GMC Terrain is available in four trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. Let’s discuss some of the main features and prices involved with each one:

 

The SL

The SL is the Terrain’s base model, and it starts at $25,000 MSRP. For a base model, the Terrain SL comes with a lot of features. Safety-wise, it includes front pedestrian braking, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking, all of which are new to this year’s model. It comes with many other safety features as well, such as a rear-view camera system, automatic high-beams, lane-keep assistance, lane departure warning, following distance indicator, and GMC’s Teen Driver system.

Technology-wise, the Terrain SL includes a six-speaker audio system, 7” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, WiFi hotspot, four USB ports, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. Oh, and it throws in a leather-wrapped steering wheel for good measure.

 

The SLE

Going up to the Terrain SLE, the price starts at $28,400. There aren’t a lot of added standard features. However, this is where the buyers are eligible for a slew of upgrade packages, including upgrades to styling, seating, the infotainment system, and safety.

 

The SLT

The SLT comes in at $31,200 and has several notable standard features. First of all, leather seats and remote start come stock. Also standard is dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats. Buyers of the SLT will also get a bigger touchscreen, along with other infotainment upgrades, and satellite radio capability.

 

The Denali

Like other GMC models, the Denali is the most luxurious trim of the Terrain. Starting at $38,300, this trim comes stock with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, a heated steering wheel, powered front seats (both), and a hands-free liftgate.

This is also the trim that provides the most safety features, with additions like lane change alert with side blind zone alert, front and rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and safety alert seat. Moreover, buyers of the Terrain Denali will get a seven-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and navigation.

 

If you’re looking for a great all-around SUV that makes sense economically, look no further than the 2020 GMC Terrain. And be sure to come by Liberty Buick GMC during our Black Friday sales event. We guarantee we’ll have the best deals you can find on all-new GMC models. We look forward to seeing you!

 

 

Military Discount

It’s more adoration than appreciation when it comes to our veterans, which is why we are proud to offer our military men and women the best military discount offered by any other car company.

 

Liberty Buick GMC’s military discount runs year-round, and is offered to the following:

· Active Duty

· Military Reserves

· Veterans

· U.S. Army

· Navy

· Air Force

· Marines

· National Guard

· Coast Guard

 

Eligible military personnel and their spouses save more with the GM Military Discount. The process is simple. Begin by accessing our military discount page on our website and scrolling down to the “Inventory” section. Next, choose the Category, Make, Model, Type, and Year. Then click “Search Inventory.” That’s it. Your list pops up (selections from over 430 vehicles) and you can then scroll until you find something you like.

If you find you need assistance, or you want clarification on anything, you can use our Online Chat feature to get immediate feedback. And, of course, we always welcome phone calls and personal visits!

If you or your spouse has been called to active military duty, please contact us to discuss potential eligibility for certain benefits and protections. Our military rebate is just another way we can say “Thank You” for all you do. Come see us at Liberty Buick GMC today to find out about even more deals and incentives!

Electric Pickup Trucks

Until recently, the electric vehicle (EV) market has consisted primarily of compact/mid-size hatchbacks and expensive luxury sedans. These models have typically been sold to eco-conscious drivers who can afford to help the environment (and save on fuel) by paying the high price tag upfront. 

 

However, EVs are becoming more affordable, and now we are seeing electric sport-utility vehicles entering the EV market, including hybrids and some that are completely battery-powered. Isn’t it only natural, then, that the pickup truck will be the next type of vehicle to be introduced to the EV market? Yes, and a few of America’s leading automobile manufacturers are making their push to establish themselves early on in the game.

 

The General Motors Electric Pickup Truck 

While there is still limited information available about GM’s future EV pickup, we do know that it’s in the works. GM’s chief executive Marry Barra said earlier this year that the company is developing a full-size electric pickup with Josh Tavel at the helm. Tavel was chief engineer for GM’s full-size pickups, along with several of their EVs, including the Cadillac ELR and Chevrolet’s Volt, Spark and Bolt models.

GM’s plans for an electric pickup are part of an overarching plan to offer consumers a full range of EVs sometime in the future. According to her, GM won’t be losing its place as an industry-leading truck and EV manufacturer.

The company has stated that the EV pickup will be built on GM’s global EV platform (BEV3). This third-generation platform is expected to be the foundation of most GM EVs for many years to come.

It’s not clear whether GM will electrify a current pickup model or design an all-new model. However, the company has suggested that their EV pickup will be released by early 2022, and many in the industry speculate that offering an electric version of the Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra would make the most sense.

 

 

Other EV Trucks

In recent years, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has expressed his intentions to create a Tesla electric pickup and surpass industry-leading automakers like GM and Ford. With the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado consistently being the top-selling vehicles in the U.S., Musk undoubtedly realizes this is a tall order. Nonetheless, his plan to develop a “cyberpunk” pickup that performs like a Porsche 911 has sparked a fire in the industry and has ultimately caused Ford and GM to accelerate their EV pickup development.

It appears that EV startup Rivian will be among the first to release an electric pickup on the market. The luxury R1T is due to release by the Fall of 2020. The pickup is being built on Rivian’s skateboard chassis, which places the drive train, battery, and suspension under the vehicle. This significantly improves the vehicle’s center of gravity and provides more space for storage in other parts of the vehicle. A similar chassis is expected to be used on all upcoming EV pickups.

 

 

The Future of the Pickup

Electric Pickup Trucks

While it may still be many years before it’s a reality, developments by companies like Tesla and Rivian, as well as commitments by GM and Ford to step up to the plate, paint quite a vivid picture of an all-electric future.

It will likely take some time to convince most pickup aficionados to give up their trucks powered by internal combustion engines. Even if gas prices were to skyrocket, the practicality of charging

and holding a charge on an electric pickup has yet to be realized. And this is a critical factor, especially for pickup drivers in rural areas where driving an above-average number of miles each day is the norm, and where charging stations are seldom available.

Nonetheless, Rivian claims that the upcoming R1T—starting at $69,000—will have options for a 105 kWh, 135 kWh, and 180 kWh lithium-ion battery pack good for 230, 300 and 400 miles, respectively. Likewise, Musk has declared that Tesla’s EV pickup ($49,000) will provide 400 to 500 miles of range per charge. If these promises come to fruition, it could be a game changer for the entire pickup truck industry.

 

It’s never been easier to imagine an all-electric future. For fans of GM, you will likely get your first look at a GM electric pickup within the next few years. Developments by the likes of GM, Tesla, Rivian, and Ford appear to be turning the entire industry on its head. As of now, the question is not so much if an all-electric future is possible, but rather when it will become the reality.

Leasing vs. Buying

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Chances are you’ve heard about leasing a car, which has become the mainstream alternative to purchasing a car. 

 

Generally speaking, using a conventional car loan to buy a car means that you borrow from a lender and make monthly payments each month for a certain number of years. Most of each payment goes toward the principal as you build equity, while a remaining portion is reserved for interest. You technically own the car, and you can make any modifications to it that you wish. Once the principal is paid down and your equity is built, you own the car free and clear—meaning your debt to the lender is fulfilled.

When you lease a car, you basically pay the value that the car depreciates, which means your monthly payments are cheaper. However, you never own the car unless you agree to buy it at the end of the lease, which means there are restrictions and potential fees associated with driving the car.

Leasing is becoming increasingly popular among Americans, and in 2018, about 30% of consumers opted to lease a car rather than buy one. Just like renting or purchasing a home, there are advantages and disadvantages either way you go.

 

LEASING—PROS AND CONS

So, let’s start with the pros and cons involved with leasing a vehicle:

 

Pros of Leasing

When it comes to upfront costs, leasing a car is significantly less expensive. Since you’re not paying on any principal, the monthly payments are lower than if you were paying a lending company. Leasing vs. BuyingYou’re basically borrowing the car, and whatever value the car depreciates while you drive it is what you pay each month (in addition to finance charges).

Lower payments provide the opportunity to drive a newer, nicer vehicle, and driving newer vehicles usually means you will experience less car trouble. Also, since you’re always driving a newer vehicle, it’s likely you will qualify for free maintenance and oil changes under the manufacturer’s warranty.

There are also conveniences with leasing a car. For instance, you don’t have to concern yourself with the vehicle’s trade-in value, especially if you don’t plan on buying it from the dealer after the lease is through. And when the time comes, you don’t have to worry about selling the vehicle, which can be a laborious process. When the lease ends, you simply leave the vehicle with the dealer. Moreover, there may be tax benefits to leasing a car, particularly if you are self-employed or you own a business.

 

Cons of Leasing

You may see now why leasing is appealing to so many people. However, there are plenty of disadvantages that come with it as well.

In the long run, you will probably end up paying more if you lease a car instead of buying one. This is mainly because vehicles depreciate at such a fast rate. Therefore, if you keep leasing car after car, your monthly payments never end and you never own a car.

There are also restrictions and potential fees to consider when leasing. For example, lease contracts limit the number of miles you can put on the vehicle. Sure, you can go over that limit, but you will pay anywhere between 10 cents and 50 cents for every extra mile. And if you drive under your mileage limit, those miles don’t roll over.

Furthermore, you can’t really make any modifications to a vehicle you lease. Some dealers will agree to professional window tinting and maybe a few other exceptions. For the most part, however, you’re expected to return the vehicle stock. Technically, you can make modifications as long as you undo them before bringing the vehicle back. But if you decide to remove that emblem or badge, and it leaves a blemish when you put it back on, you could face some hefty fees.

Modifications aside, you have to return the vehicle in good condition. If the vehicle has excessive dings and scratches—anything beyond normal wear and tear—you can expect to pay additional fees. And those who decide to terminate their lease before the contract ends will face significant charges.

 

The Bottom Line 

Leasing a car is cheaper up front, which means you can drive a more expensive car than you could otherwise afford. Also, leasing often comes with free maintenance, and it’s a fairly straightforward process—you use the car and bring it back, without having to worry about selling it. However, leasing costs more money long-term, and there are a lot of restrictions and fees to consider.

 

BUYING — PROS AND CONS

By now you probably have a decent idea of some of the pros and cons involved with buying a car, but let’s expand on them a little bit:

 

Pros of Buying 

Over time, buying a car is a better investment because you’re paying to own the car. The longer you drive a vehicle after it’s paid off, the more value you get out of it. So, in the grand scheme of things, the least expensive way to drive a vehicle is to buy one and drive it until it quits.

Also, when you buy a vehicle, there are no additional fees or penalties to worry about. You can make modifications to the vehicle, and you can drive it as much as you want. Plus, you always have the option of selling the car, or you can even trade it in to lower the price of your next car.

 

Cons of Buying 

Though you’re working toward owning a car outright when you purchase it, you still have steeper monthly payments, since you’re paying both principal and interest. And in order to avoid owing more than the vehicle is worth (going upside down in the loan), your down payment will usually be significantly higher. Plus, a manufacturer warranty typically lasts about three years, and you are responsible for all repair and maintenance costs after that.

Additionally, the flexibility to trade-in or sell your vehicle whenever you want is nice. However, neither of these is an easy task. Each is often a long, drawn-out process that can be stressful if not overwhelming.

 

The Bottom Line

If you’re focused on the long-term, buying a car is your best option. Not only is it cheaper, but you won’t have to deal with the restrictions and penalties that come with leasing a car. Also, you have the flexibility to trade-in or sell your vehicle whenever you want. However, your monthly payments will be higher, you’ll have to pay for maintenance and repairs, and trading-in or selling the vehicle is often tedious.

 

WHY THE TIME OF YEAR MATTERS

If you’re considering leasing a vehicle, it’s important to understand that when you lease the car can make a difference in how much you pay. Similar to purchasing a car, there are specific times of the year when you can get good deals on a lease.Leasing vs. Buying

A lot of dealerships have targets and bonuses for making a certain number of sales by the end of each month and year. So, if you walk into a dealership at the end of the month, there’s a good chance that someone will lower the price to sell a lease in order to hit their target for the month. Your chances are even better if you go in for a lease as the year is coming to a close, because more employees are likely to be scrambling to hit a milestone so they can receive their year-end bonuses.

Another common time of year to get good deals is during model changes. Manufacturers often release their new models in late summer or early fall, and if you’re fine with driving last year’s model, you may be able to get a great lease deal when the newer models hit the market. This is primarily because dealerships are eager to make room for the new models, meaning they are more likely to offer lease incentives on the older ones.

Then there are the holiday sales, which you’ve probably seen advertised on TV. Particularly around Christmas, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, you can often score some deep discounts on a lease. However, be sure to look at the fine print, because these promotions often come with stipulations.

Finally, you can also get lucky if a dealership is experiencing slow business or is having trouble selling a specific model. In sum, try to shop for a lease at the end of the month or year, during a holiday promotion, or when business appears to be slow.

 

IF YOU DECIDE TO LEASE        

If leasing sounds like the right thing for your situation, make sure you understand how it works before you walk into the dealership.

To gauge your probability of being approved for a lease, check your credit score with one of three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax). If you want to be extra thorough, get a report from all three, and make sure any inconsistencies are sorted out. Some leasing companies will only approve customers with a 700 or higher. Even if you get approved with a lower credit score, however, your interest rates are likely to be higher.

Also, go through your budget to determine how much you can afford for monthly payments. Generally speaking, you never want your lease payment to exceed 15% of your monthly net pay. And you will also need to factor in costs like insurance and gas.

 

IF YOU DECIDE TO BUY            

As with leasing a car, you will need to determine your budget before buying a car. Follow the 15% rule for your car loan, and be sure to consider additional costs like insurance, gas, sales tax, vehicle registration, routine maintenance, and unexpected repairs. Determine a number for how much you can spend on a vehicle, and consider purchasing one that’s a little less expensive than that number.

Unless you know the exact model you want, research different vehicles to find a few that could meet your needs. Along with learning more information about models you’re interested in, you can look at MSRPs and see how much they’re going for at different dealerships. That way, you can estimate a fair price and set your limit on what you’re willing to spend when you’re negotiating with dealers.

Once you’ve done your research, call a dealership to set up a test drive. Research is important, but actually getting behind the wheel is often what convinces a buyer whether that particular vehicle is the one or not. After a test drive, you’ll be ready to talk prices, start the trade-in/sale process of your current vehicle, close the deal, and drive off in your new ride!

Leasing and buying a vehicle both have their pros and cons. If cheaper monthly payments and driving a new car every few years is the most important thing to you, then leasing is probably your best option. If you care more about making a long-term investment and having no monthly payments one day, then you’re likely better off to purchase a vehicle.

Just make sure you understand the differences between leasing and buying a car, and either way, come up with a plan before you walk into the dealership.

 

– Alex Watson

Traffic

If you have to spend endless hours in Charlotte traffic, it might as well be in a luxury Buick—hey, you might end up finding the standstill bearable, maybe even an enjoyable escape from the grind.

 

It’s no secret the traffic in and around Charlotte is intensifying, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. Sure, nobody likes sitting in a line and watching stoplights going from green to red over and over again. Getting caught in continual traffic congestion is reason enough to move up in levels of comfort, aesthetic, and technology. At Liberty Buick-GMC, we have the next level of luxury you are looking for.

For instance, imagine driving down Independence Blvd. during five-o’clock traffic when you come to a complete stop with nothing but brake lights in your immediate future. The normal reaction is to be frustrated and a bit stressed, but not today. Today you are driving the 2020 Buick Enclave, which sports new and improved performance, a fresh new look, and high levels of luxury.

This luxurious SUV comes with Buick’s next generation of infotainment: an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen that offers connected navigation and Sirius XM with 360L (a system that combines satellite and streaming in order to offer more channels and content to all passengers), plus much more to keep you occupied while sitting in traffic.

Plus there’s the HD Rear Vision Camera and HD Surround Vision Systems to keep you alert at all times on the situation around you.

And for those extra congested times, the new Enclave has a four-way power lumbar seat adjuster that offers both driver and passenger back massages. Now this is a reason to get stuck in traffic.

 

Traffic may be getting intense here in Charlotte, but at Liberty Buick-GMC we have found the best way to bypass it all: by joining it in with a luxury vehicle and enjoying every relaxing minute of it. Bring on the traffic!

 

Buick Enclave

The 2020 Buick Enclave arrives sportier, techier, and more defined by rugged-luxury than most of today’s crossover vehicles. This bold, new design and upgrade in features and performance all line up to form one question: is the 2020 Acadia THE new car for modern America? With crossover vehicles littering the road, this unique and purposeful SUV could end up being a favorite this year.

 

Buick’s flagship SUV packs a punch, and it starts with a flashy visage. The front of the vehicle shows a sporty grille that serves as a welcome invitation to the rest of the vehicle. The 20-inch, bright machine aluminum wheels promote confidence and the notion that this crossover is something special—something a little different from those other crossovers on the road.

Under the hood, the 2020 Enclave comes with a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine with SAE-certified 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Start up the engine and the “something special” becomes a bit more apparent. The soft rustle of the V-6 engine has 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 your around curves and through long, open roads. This is what driving was meant to be like. It’s clear Buick has taken the time to refine and perfect every detail of this SUV’s look and performance with the hope that it can remind us of the joy of driving. In Buick’s construction of the 2020 Enclave there is nothing rushed, nothing taken for granted.

 

An Introduction to the Next Generation

The 2020 Enclave sports new and improved performance and a fresh look, but what’s just as impressive is its added comfort.Buick Enclave

This high-level SUV comes with Buick’s next generation of infotainment: an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen that offers connected navigation and Sirius XM with 360L (a system that combines satellite and streaming in order to offer more channels and content to all passengers), plus much more—and this comes standard in all new Enclaves!

Other features include the following:

  • HD Rear Vision Camera
  • HD Surround Vision Systems
  • Four-way power lumbar seat adjuster that offers both driver and passenger back massages.

Yeah, you read that last one correctly. Back massages. Of course, the first thought that comes to mind upon hearing this is, why don’t all vehicles offer back massages? What could be better than going to adjust your seat on a long drive, your back aching, neck straining, only to remember you are in an Enclave. Now you are smiling and driving and getting those knots worked out of your back and neck. What a way to travel!

Also inside the new Enclave, you have a choice between three new exterior colors: Champagne Gold Metallic; Rich Garnet Metallic (Avenir only); and Dark Moon Blue Metallic.

 

The Price is Right

By taking the Enclave up a few notches for its 2020 debut, it’s only natural to expect a pretty lofty price tag to go along with it. But 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 $41,195, this new crossover is sure to surprise the common Buick driver, as well as, win over a few new ones.

 

Come see us at Liberty Buick GMC Trucks today and find out just why the 2020 Enclave is so impressive. And get a back massage while you’re at it!

 

-Andrae Bergeron

 

*Source

GMC Acadia

The 2020 GMC Acadia has undergone a refresh since its complete redesign that occurred in 2017, and has arrived for our Charlotte area buyers. From the striking new front end to the all new rear end, or the first ever Acadia AT4 model engineered for adventure, Liberty Buick GMC is excited give you the run-down on how you will see yourself in the new 2020 GMC Acadia coming to our showroom this fall.

 

The kids are at home or heading back from camp, but school is just a few days out from coming back into session. Some of us are wrapping up those sweet vacations and plans, and going back to the grind of work and day-to-day life. Summer is in session, but fall is around the corner, and here in Mount Airy, we’re looking ahead to these changing times.

 

Ready for 2020 vision?

For many, August is a month of change and clarity, and arguably a worthy competitor of January 1st. Some New Year’s Resolutions don’t pan out, but August is over halfway through the year and a great time to consider taking up new resolutions, goals, and ideas. August is also the time of year that we start getting exclusive looks at the line-up of 2020 models heading into our dealership this fall. Whether you are looking for greater reliability, peace of mind, power, or style, the 2020 GMC Acadia should be what you set your sights on heading into fall 2019.

The 2020 GMC Acadia delivers a surprisingly powerful performance, and a distinctive bold new look, despite its redesign merely three years ago in 2017. Looking into the 2020 Acadia, GMC has clearly valued great attention to detail when it comes to every inch of the design of this mid-size SUV. With the 2020 GMC Acadia, you will be sure to receive a premium driving experience, whether you choose the Acadia or the first ever 2020 Acadia AT4.

At a glance, the 2020 Acadia will catch your eye for its:

  • New bolder styling with a redesigned hood and grille
  • New LED headlamps and taillamps with signature C-shape lighting
  • Authentic materials throughout, including available real wood accents
  • Available 20″ aluminum wheels
  • Available heated, power-adjustable, power-folding outside mirrors

In fact, the vice president of Global GMC, Duncan Aldred, described the 2020 Acadia as, “…stylish, functional and capable with more of the smart convenience and connectivity features that customers rely on every day. And with GMC’s signature refinement at its core, the new Acadia advances the brand’s commitment to offering premium vehicles for discerning crossover customers.”

 

Does the 2020 Acadia bring more than a facelift in the newest refresh?

Of course, the 2020 Acadia is not vain with just impressive outer appearances. GMC has ensured that what’s on the inside counts just as much, with:

  • Available 3.6L V6 engine with 310 horsepowerGMC Acadia
  • New available 2.0L Turbo engine
  • New 9-speed automatic transmission
  • New Stop/Start technology with deactivation switch

Under the hood, the 2020 Acadia continues with a 193 horsepower, 2.5-liter engine and the 310 horsepower, 3.6-liter engine, but also gains an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine with a new nine-speed automatic suspension on the Acadia SLT and Acadia Denali models. Producing a stunning 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, this engine is designed to provide the perfect blend of power and efficiency, along with premium refinement.  The engine is rated at a GMC-estimated 230 horsepower (172 kW) and 258 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm).

The 2020 Acadia is optimizing the performance for varied driving demands through:

  • High valve lift for maximum power
  • Low valve lift for a greater balance of power and efficiency
  • Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) that disables two of the cylinders in light load conditions to optimize efficiency

 

Reliability for the 2019-2020 school year (and years to come)

A modern vehicle can be as forward thinking and connected as you are, which is why the 2020 Acadia keeps you up to date and on the go. The Acadia is engineered to help you drive with peace of mind, even at maximum capacity.

Whether carpooling to work, serving as the personal Uber to the children as they race from school, sports practice, music lessons, or visiting family locally around the Carolinas or taking long road trips, rest assured that the Acadia is always performing at its best.

This time of the year can be chaotic for families as they head back to school and get back into the swing of new schedules and priorities. The 2020 Acadia refresh has introduced even more cutting edge technology and design to make your driving safer and more efficient. Check these out:

  • New available 6″ diagonal color Head-Up Display
  • New available Rear Camera Mirror
  • New Electronic Precision Shift system
  • Available Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
  • Available Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
  • Active Noise Cancellation
  • Rear Seat Reminder

The Next Generation GMC Infotainment system incorporates an 8-inch color touch screen (with a new and improved user interface from the 2017 redesign), hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto and Apple Car Play, as well as, an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot which can provide connectivity for up to seven devices. Your passengers will love being able to catch up on social media, share their favorite new song, or search that urgent Google search-worthy question facing debate during the ride home.

Certain models can be equipped with embedded navigation that incorporates Cloud connectivity, meaning you’ll experience improved real-time traffic updates or migrate driver profiles, so no more fighting over changing radio station presets or other vehicle preferences between drivers.

 

On the Go, and Looking Better than Ever

With a powerful performance and a bold new look, the 2020 Acadia mid-size SUV offers functional versatility and intelligent technology for a premium driving experience.

The 2020 Acadia has ample and stylish cargo space that can accommodate all the equipment that comes with your busy life.

How will the 2020 Acadia make your life easier? The Acadia certainly delivers with the following:

  • Three rows of seating with third-row 50/50 split bench
  • Smart Slide second-row seating
  • Fold-flat second- and third-row seats
  • Seating options for 6 or 7 passengers
  • New large pass-through under-console storage
  • Available hands-free power programmable lift gate

 

Looking for more of an off-the-pavement type of adventure? Look no further.

In 2020, GMC is introducing the first ever Acadia AT4. Not only does it bring impressive off-road performance to the already powerful and bold Acadia, but it also provides an adventurous design inspired by outdoor lifestyles on the exterior and interior. There’s also:GMC Acadia

  • Advanced twin-clutch AWD system
  • Powerful 3.6L V6 engine
  • 9-Speed automatic transmission
  • Traction Select System
  • Exclusive AT4 17″ wheels with all-terrain tires
  • Exclusive AT4 grille and black chrome exterior accents
  • Black outside mirrors and gloss-black roof rails
  • Exclusive interior with AT4 badging
  • AT4 heavy-duty floor mats and cargo mat
  • Available cargo management system

The AT4 model line incorporates an active, athletic spirit into its design, from its distinct and exclusive black chrome finished grille design, gloss black roof rails, black mirror, caps, and a black chrome tail lamp accent panel, to the 17-inch wheels finished in black chrome (also, exclusive only to the AT4) with all-terrain standard tires. The interior doesn’t disappoint with an extension of style into the cabin with dark chrome interior accents, and Jet Black or Kalahari leather-appointed seats.

The Acadia AT4 offers a five-passenger seating configuration, alongside a Cargo Management System that can provide additional storage flexibility within the cargo area.

 

Drive with confidence: Safety and Prevention Technologies

Every time you get behind the wheel of a 2020 GMC Acadia, you can drive with confidence knowing that you and your passengers are safe. The Driver Alert package, available on Acadia SLE and standard on Acadia SLT, AT4, and Denali, includes:

  • Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert: Provides the driver with an illuminated warning in the side view mirrors before and during a lane change maneuver if a moving vehicle is detected in or rapidly approaching the driver’s blind zones.
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert: When in Reverse, Rear Cross Traffic Alert can provide alerts to help the driver avoid colliding with approaching detected left or right cross-traffic, such as when backing out of a crowded parking space or driveway with side obstructions.
  • Rear Park Assist: This can help drivers avoid certain objects when backing up at low speeds. Rear Park Assist may not detect all children, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals or objects below the bumper. Drivers should remember to always check the area around the vehicle before backing up and make sure the Rear Vision Camera lens is kept clean of mud, dirt, and snow.

The Driver Alert Package II, which is available on Acadia SLT and AT4 models and standard on Acadia Denali, builds off the Driver Alert I package by adding:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking: In some emergency low-speed front-end collision situations, this feature can help reduce crash severity or even help avoid it by either applying the brakes automatically if the driver has not already done so, or enhancing the driver’s braking.
  • Forward Collision Alert: This system can warn drivers of a possible front-end collision situation with a vehicle they are following.
  • Front Pedestrian Braking: In some emergency front-end collision situations, the available Front Pedestrian Braking feature can help reduce injury or avoid the collision with pedestrians by applying the brakes automatically or enhancing the driver’s braking.
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: Provides gentle steering wheel input and alerts to help prevent drivers from unintentionally drifting out of their intended lane.
  • Intellibeam headlamps: High-beam headlamps can automatically be switched on when it is dark enough and when no other traffic is present, and then turned off when conditions warrant, such as when another vehicle is approaching.
  • Front and Rear Park Assist: This can help drivers avoid certain objects in front or behind the vehicle’s path during low-speed parking.
  • Safety Alert Seat: Intuitively communicates the direction of a possible collision threat by pulsing the corresponding sides of the driver’s seat.

 

The 2020 GMC Acadia at Liberty Buick GMC

If you’re looking for a stylish, capable, and impeccably-refined midsize SUV, consider the new 2020 GMC Acadia. The prices of the 2020 Acadia remain unknown, but will likely have mild increases over the current 2019 models, which range from $33,995 to $48,695. Look for the 2020 Acadia to arrive on our lot this fall, 2019.

 

Can’t wait until the 2020 model is here? We’ve got you covered

Currently, we have the 2019 Acadia, Acadia Denali, and Terrain Denali available. Choose your build, view our inventory, and request a quote today! Our team of Acadia enthusiasts is well-equipped to answer any questions that you may have about this capable SUV.

 

-Tayler Green

Open Lanes on Independence Blvd

Jul 30, 2019
By Andrae Bergeron

Open Lanes

One’s location to a car dealership is more important today than ever before. We rely on our dealership for regular vehicle upkeep and keep to us up to date on what’s new with safety, recalls, and so much more. Fortunately, with Liberty-Buick GMC’s location right down Independence, we are in the perfect spot to take care of our customers.

The modern car dealership has changed, morphing into something more of a one-stop-shop where one can buy a car as well as have it serviced for life. At Liberty, we see ourselves as knowledgeable technicians tasked to help customers find the best vehicle for their needs.

We like to keep a relationship with our customers, offering the best deals on oil changes and brakes and more, and our location at 9028 East Independence Blvd., truly helps us serve our growing customer base.

And if you think about it for a moment, it makes sense. You live in the Charlotte area and you are looking for a car dealership, so you will most likely have to choose between driving down South Blvd. or Independence Blvd. Now, we know traffic is bad all over Charlotte, and it only seems to be getting worse, but now that a lot of the roadwork that has been taking place (for years it seems) on I-77 and Independence is finishing up, and the dust and rubble have settled, it seems traffic patterns have changed a bit.

It’s difficult to say exactly why traffic has changed lately, but one thing is for sure: Independence Blvd. has much less congestion—even during rush hour. It could be the fact that Liberty-Buick GMC is located next to intersections for both Highway 51 and I-485, or it could be that traffic has calmed down on Independence (or maybe a little bit of both), but regardless of what has caused the ease in drive, our customers have noticed how quickly they can get to our dealership these days.

 

Maybe it’s true what they say, location is everything.

Since they first broke into the luxury automotive industry, Buick has made a name for themselves in terms of quality and user experience. Because of this, so many individuals want to add a Buick to their garage! Since it is a luxury vehicle, many feel that this dream is unattainable, or that Buick just does not offer the right vehicle for them, but with more and more Buick models being released, that dream of luxury could become a reality. With the recent introduction of the Buick Encore GX, many are starting to wonder if this could be the smooth-riding, power-inducing, and sweet ride they have been dreaming of.

 Buick Encore GX

Why Buick is adding to their lineup

By releasing the Encore GX, Buick has successfully captured drivers in small, compact and midsize sport utility vehicles (SUVs). This revolutionary vehicle bridges the gap between the Encore and Envision in Buick’s SUV lineup. Considered one of the best small (or compact) options for SUV lovers, the new Encore has features that change the way drivers view safety and specifications, for a price incomparable to other SUVs on the market.

With consumer demands becoming more intense in today’s marketplace, automakers are forced to diversify their vehicle lineups. They do this since there is so much existing competition in the market; rather than letting a consumer buy another vehicle, they step in to fill the consumers’ needs. By releasing the Encore GX and “filling” their lineup, Buick is taking another step in the same regard.

The new 2020 Buick Encore GX is meant to give consumers another choice when choosing a Buick vehicle. Once it is officially released into the lineup, it means Buick will be offering four premium SUVs across their consumer segments, making them a leader in the automotive industry.

 

About the Encore GX

First unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, the Encore GX holds true to Buick’s language style, including a chrome body that follows the curvature of the side glass windows, blending into the rear hatch and oversized tail lights; not to mention what brings it all together at the face: the large chrome grill that proudly sports the Buick logo. With all of these stylistic features, the Encore GX undoubtedly lives up to Buick’s reputation for quality craftsmanship and luxury transportation.

Even though the vehicle has already been unveiled, Buick has been refraining from releasing pertinent information about the crossover SUV. Information that has yet to be released includes the model’s exterior and interior dimensions, as well as, price and powertrain information. Despite withholding so many details, the superstar car brand has shared that the Encore GX will come standard with the same safety features as other Buick models; these include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning. The vehicle will also come equipped with a rear-camera mirror and surround-view monitor.

 

How it compares

The unveiling of this new Encore model has many Buick enthusiasts wondering what makes it so different than other Encore models already on the market.

In terms of how it looks on the outside, the new Encore GX carries some resemblance to the original, smaller Encore; however, it has been given a newer dose of Buick’s latest design language and has been said to look more like the Buick Regal or Enclave models.

On the inside, the design from the original Encore has been particularly influential in the Encore GX. Despite this heavy influence, some surfaces have been freshened up a bit to give a heightened feel of luxury.

 

High gear

While we already know of the standard safety amenities that will be included in the new Encore GX, Buick has not been quick to release other technical information about the vehicle. Buick has stated that real specifications about the vehicle and pricing information will not be made available until the Encore GX is released to automotive dealers in the United States, which is not supposed to happen until early 2020.

To all of our Buick fanatics out there: remember, patience is a virtue.

 

The perfect fit

Being first in class for both sophistication and comfort, this Buick model is perfect for drivers looking to accommodate their families, friends, or a full carpool. While the spirited, yet efficient, performance of the Encore GX will surely get your crew where they need to go, it does not stop there. This new vehicle is said to feature five more cubic feet of storage space than the original Encore models, making it a strong option for those in need of a larger cargo area for all of the essentials (and then some), and still want a compact SUV.

What are you waiting for? Contact your local Liberty Buick GMC dealer and to learn more about the release of the Buick Encore GX today!

 

-Morgan Evans