Buying a Car at the End of the Year: Why the Pros Outweigh the Cons

 

If you’re in the market for a new car, chances are you’ve heard or read about how the end of the year is the optimal time to buy. And it’s true. There are several times throughout the year that you’ll be able to find some legitimate deals, discounts, and incentives at car dealerships across the country. But you probably won’t find any that match the savings opportunities you’ll see in late December. 

However, there are pros and cons to almost every decision in life, and buying a vehicle is no different. With great end-of-year savings often come a few drawbacks. 

Our dealership thrives on helping each of our customers find a vehicle that meets their wants, needs, and budget. That’s why we’ve provided some information and advice about weighing the pros and cons of buying at the end of the year:

 

The Pros

A lot of things happen at car dealerships as the end of each year approaches. Typically, in late summer or fall, the first vehicles from the next model year start to become available to dealerships across the country. To dealers, selling next year’s model is almost always easier than selling last year’s model. This means that they are often more willing to cut deals on a wide range of vehicles from the previous model year. As you can imagine, the closer it gets to the end of the year, the deeper the savings opportunities grow for car buyers. 

October is when the discounts really start to bloom. Then, November comes, along with the Black Friday holiday, which brings significant sales and promotions in its own right. 

December? Well, you get the picture. At this point, dealers are quite eager to make room in their lots for next year’s models, so the discounts can get deep. A lot of the time, even car manufacturers offer incentives (e.g., cashback offers, great lease deals, 0% interest, etc.) to help dealers clear out their lots for new inventory. 

Another factor to consider is that salespeople are required to meet monthly, quarterly, and yearly sales quotas. By the end of December, all of these quotas come together. If a salesperson has yet to satisfy their quota(s), they will be far more likely to offer you impressive discounts and incentives. 

The benefits of buying a 2020 model right now are quite clear. Simply put, you get a brand new vehicle at a significantly lower price. And if you don’t care about certain upgrades that may come with next year’s model, it very well might be the best decision you could make. 

 

The Cons 

There are some disadvantages to buying a vehicle from the previous model year worth considering before you make your decision. First, your vehicle will be a year old when you drive it off the lot. Yes, it will be brand new to you, but this could affect your resale value down the road. For example, if you are trying to choose between a discounted 2020 model and a 2021 model that isn’t discounted, consider this: Even though both vehicles are brand new and sitting on the lot next to each other, years from now, buyers will think of your 2020 vehicle as a year older, which will impact the resale value. This depreciation could consume some of the savings you gained from purchasing the discounted 2020 model. 

Also, buying a vehicle at the end of the model year means that you might miss out on new technology and features that come with the newer model. Moreover, if the vehicle is undergoing a complete redesign for the new model year, the differences between the vehicles will be far more drastic, and you could be leaving the lot with a vehicle that's design is already outdated.

 

The Verdict 

The end of the year is a great time to buy a vehicle. If you choose a 2020 model, you’ll likely get deep discounts and incentives thrown into the mix. As long as you don’t care about missing out on any upgrades and features offered by the 2021 model, going with the 2020 model is your best bet. This is also the case if you plan to own the vehicle for many years to come because the depreciation probably won’t make much of a difference to you. Furthermore, since it’s the end of the year, you might not have quite as many vehicles to choose from, though that will likely only be a problem if you have a specific make and model in mind. 

If you typically buy or lease a new vehicle every two to three years, then you might consider buying the 2021 model to get all of the newest technology and features. And since it’s the end of the year, you may still be able to get a deal, even on a new model.

Are you interested in seeing a wide selection of 2020 and 2021 models? Schedule an appointment or come by Liberty Buick GMC to see what we have and inquire about the top-notch deals going on here!

The Best Truck Tailgates of 2020 (and How GM’s Revolutionary MulitPro Tailgate Came to Be)

 

For more than a century, all tailgates on pickup trucks served the same basic function, and they also looked quite similar. In short, a tailgate on any model was pretty much just a hinged door that opened and closed downward at the end of a truck bed. However, in 2006, Honda released the Ridgeline pickup truck, which offered a double-hinged tailgate that opened sideways as well as downward. 

Since then, the purpose of a tailgate has become much more than providing practical access to the truck bed. Many manufacturers have been pouring lots of time and money into tailgate development as they look to get a leg up in the uber-competitive pickup segment. The result? Motorization, power locking, barn-door splits, convertible work surfaces, drop steps, and many more features can be found on America’s best selling trucks. 

Though most of these trucks are boasting more impressive tailgates than in the past, not all tailgates are created equally. Below, we’ve compared the gates of five trucks so that you can see what each model offers, and we’ve also recounted a brief history of the groundbreaking MultiPro System developed by General Motors.

 

A TALE OF FIVE TAILGATES 

Let’s start with five major pickup trucks and the features offered by their tailgates: 

 

The GMC Sierra

The MultiPro System is by far the most impressive and functional tailgate on the market, and it’s exclusive to the GMC Sierra, coming standard on all SLT, AT4, and Denali models. What makes the MultiPro stand out? Well, a lot of things. It provides pickup owners with six different functions, each of which solves a practical problem faced by those who work from their truck. Also, the tailgate is lightweight, strong, and durable, and each component is made with quality materials. Oh yeah, and the engineers at GM managed to make this wonder of a tailgate cost-effective. 

In the most basic sense, the MultiPro System is two different tailgates in one. The main gate is hinged and functions as a conventional tailgate. Within the panel of the primary gate is a smaller gate. Operating these two gates in various ways is how you get the six functions of the MultiPro. 

It allows for easier access to items in the front of the bed by bringing you several inches closer to the bed floor. It turns into a seat and an entry step. It converts into a standing work surface and separates storage into two tiers. And there’s even a weatherproof Kicker audio system built into the tailgate that pushes 50 watts RMS per channel; complete with a USB port and auxiliary input, this sound system sounds remarkably powerful and crisp. Yes, the MultiPro is all it’s cracked up to be. 

 

The Ford F-150 

Ford was reasonably quick to respond to the Ridgeline’s disruption of the pickup market. In 2009, a drop-down step and folding grab-handle system were added to the F-150 and Super Duty models, which was considered quite innovative at the time. However, no other notable improvements were made to the tailgate until now. For the 2021 model year, Ford has introduced a re-tooled work-surface tailgate that is sure to please both those who work on construction sites and those who drive their truck recreationally. 

Perhaps the best function of the newest Ford F-150 tailgate is its pairing with the ProPower onboard generator, which makes for a truly effective charging station and workspace. Also, the tailgate is equipped with clamp pockets; this allows workers to clamp a variety of objects to the tailgate without it damaging the outer shell of the gate. Moreover, there are plenty of depressions to hold pencils, cups, and other items, as well as new side-mounted cleats that function both as tie-down locations and bottle openers. 

One downside with the new F-150 tailgate—other than the absence of several of the functions offered by the MultiPro tailgate—is that the gate only swings down the traditional way. This makes it more difficult to access items deep in the truck bed.  

 

The Ram 1500

In the 2019 model year, Ram released its multifunction tailgate on the 1500 pickup models. In one respect, the tailgate is a conventional drop-down gate that can be operated with a remote. But it also contains a 60-40 split that enables the gate to open sideways. This allows for easier access to the truck bed for loading and unloading cargo. And unlike some of its competitors, the Ram 1500 tailgate can be opened and closed when using a trailer. 

The Rambox is another notable feature of the 1500 truck bed. This storage unit is built into the bed, it’s lockable, and it has weatherstripping inside to keep water out. It also comes with a drain plug, which makes it perfect for storing ice, drinks, food, and many other things. 

Though the multifunctional tailgate is better than previous Ram tailgates, it lacks adequate recessed areas and slots, which significantly limits the use of the truck bed as a workspace. 

 

The Honda Ridgeline

The newest Honda Ridgeline tailgate is very similar to the 2006 version that shook up the pickup truck industry. It still has dual hinges that allow for the gate to open and close the traditional way or to the side. This makes it easier to load and unload cargo in the trunk bed, along with providing quick access to the trunk/cooler under the bed. As of 2020, the Ridgeline tailgate comes with remote locking. 

You can also opt for speakers in the truck bed that play whatever you have running through the truck’s main audio system. It’s worth noting, however, that these speakers leave much to be desired and that the sound quality is nowhere close to that offered by the truck bed audio system of the GMC Sierra. 

 

The Chevrolet Silverado

Some critics claim that there are not enough differences between the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra to justify the price gap. The tailgates on the two pickup models are just one of many examples of why that’s not true, as the MultiPro tailgate is exclusive to the Sierra and not available on any Silverado models. 

Though it’s nothing compared to the revolutionary MultiPro system, the Silverado does offer some modernity with its tailgate. A power-operated gate is standard on the High Country trim and optional on the LTZ. By using the key fob, a button in the cab, or a button on the tailgate, you can easily open and close the gate. The sprawling “CHEVROLET” stamp across the tailgate adds a nice touch as well. 

 

THE STORY BEHIND GM’S MULTIPRO TAILGATE 

There’s no question that GM has a leg up in the tailgate race right now, and it’s hard to imagine that a more innovative tailgate than the MultiPro System will be produced in the near future. And there also happens to be an interesting story about how the tailgate was created:

 

A Covert Operation

The MultiPro tailgate was kept a secret—even from the majority of GM employees—until its reveal in March 2018. Why? Because a few GM engineers recognized early on that they were onto something revolutionary. 

This is how Derek Patterson, the lead integration engineer on the project, described it: "We had a 3D printed version of the tailgate that we kept covered with a lock on the door. We'd put it on a gurney and wheel it in the conference room to work on it, then wheel it back to the storage room. We did this all in secret. I kept a list of those who knew about it. No one ever showed anything over Skype."

 

How It Started 

One day in 2009, technician Jim Gobart was asked by his manager to solve a problem. The manager complained about how cargo always seemed to slide to the front of his truck bed, making it hard to reach. Within a few days, Gobart presented a few ideas to his boss. 

He thought about folding the two-foot-tall tailgate in half and then folding the second part down, which would bring a person several inches closer to the front of the truck bed. "Then I thought, if I put another flap on the inside of that and it folds out horizontal, you now have a stair step. I thought that would be very nice for someone who works out of the back of that truck."

Gobart then figured out ways to add storage and seating to the tailgate. After that, he got the go-ahead to develop a mock version. This took about a month and consisted of cutting up two gates and folding them into one. 

The GM leaders loved this first iteration of the MultiPro System, but there were a few hurdles that kept it out of further development and production for about ten years:

1. GM was entering bankruptcy at the peak of the Great Recession, which meant that investing in such an elaborate tailgate design wasn’t practical.
2. The GMC Sierra was soon reaching the end of its product cycle, so it didn’t make sense to introduce such a revolutionary tailgate for the model at the time. 
3. There was still a need for a ton of product testing and refinement.

 

The Innovation Hub

By 2014, GM was in a position to revisit the MultiPro tailgate idea. Though he loved the accessibility and versatility of Gobart’s initial design, Patterson was concerned about the hatches. So, he presented the idea to the newly-formed GM Innovation Hub—a group of GM employees that exists to spark inspiration and creative ideas from various departments. 

This resulted in ideas for a variety of improvements, including ergonomic changes that would help prevent people from bumping their arms when using the tailgate. 

 

The Customer Clinic 

After the Innovation Hub did their part, Patterson asked Gobart to build another MultiPro prototype so they could use it in an upcoming customer clinic. The new-and-improved tailgate was installed on a 2014 Sierra and sent off to the clinic.

At these clinics, the customers don’t know what manufacturers are present. All they see is a tailgate, as the rest of the pickup truck is covered by a curtain. Overall, the tailgate got rave reviews, and people wanted it for their truck. 

Three big things were learned from the clinic. First of all, most customers said the entry step was the most important component. A close second was the ability to get closer to the front of the truck bed for easy access to cargo. And the two-tier storage was a big hit as well.

 

The Testing

From there, it was time for rigorous testing so that GM could develop the tailgate that is now included on the GMC Sierra. The complexity of the tailgate meant that lots of mule versions (23, to be exact) and computer analyses had to be done at GM’s proving grounds and labs. Over the course of almost four years, hundreds of tests—the most ever for any GM piece of equipment—were performed to ensure the tailgate would remain lightweight, strong, and durable. In 2018, it was approved for production.

 

Conclusion 

These days, the tailgate can be a legitimate selling point for a pickup truck. Many of the most successful pickup manufacturers are investing heavily in making their tailgates more innovative and practical for customers. So far, GM’s MultiPro System is in a league of its own, and the overwhelming response from customers suggests that all those years developing and testing the tailgate were well spent. If you want to see it for yourself, be sure to schedule a test drive in one of our new Sierra 1500s at Liberty Buick GMC!

Easy Tips for Prepping Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

 

Coming up on the Thanksgiving holiday means more than preparing to down way too much food and see extended family for the first time in a year. In many areas, it’s also the perfect time to get your vehicle ready for winter weather. Not only do you want your vehicle to make it through the next few months unscathed, but you want to ensure that you and your family stay safe. Whether you’re dealing with snow, sleet, freezing rain, and/or blistering temperatures, here are some simple ways to prepare your vehicle (and yourself) for winter:

 

Watch the Tires 

Having reliable tires is critical to your safety, particularly in winter weather. Once the temperature drops, it can cause your tire pressure to drop significantly. At least once a month, check the PSI in your tires and add air if necessary; typically, you can find the ideal PSI for your vehicle inside the driver's door jam.

Also, check the tread on your tires. Place a penny between the threads, and if you see Lincoln’s forehead, the tread is too low and you will need to replace your tires. Furthermore, if you live in an area that gets severe winter weather, such as in the northern United States, you might consider getting winter tires. 

 

Check the Windshield and Wiper Blades

Another thing you want to do is to check your windshield for any cracks, which can quickly spread once the temperature drops. Even if you spot a small crack, get it looked at by an expert as soon as you can. While you’re at it, have new wiper blades installed so that you can ensure you’re ready to drive in the elements.

 

Inspect the Lights

When driving in snow, freezing rain, and other winter conditions, it’s essential to have functioning headlights and tail lights. If your headlights have issues, it can significantly hinder you from seeing what is in front of you, especially at night. And without your tail lights or brake lights working properly, it can quickly lead to accidents with other cars. 

 

Test the Battery

Cold weather is hard on batteries, and it tends to decrease their capacity. Be sure to get your vehicle's battery checked by a certified repair shop to ensure that it can hold a charge. Also, ask them to remove any corrosion from the connections and posts. Along with getting your battery serviced, keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle as a backup plan. 

 

Give Your Vehicle a Wax Coat 

Road salt is essential to driver safety during winter weather. But due to its corrosive nature, it can be hard on your vehicle’s exterior over time. Adding a coat of wax can help prevent extensive damage to the exterior of your car. When applying wax, focus on the lower areas of your vehicle where salt, snow, and ice set in; this includes behind the front grille, wheels, and quarter panels. 

 

Try Winter-Grade Oil

Another thing to consider when prepping your vehicle for the cold months ahead is the engine oil you use. Generally speaking, the lower the viscosity, the better during winter. So, before the weather gets too frigid or harsh, consider switching to a thinner winter-grade oil; the viscosity of the oil you are using is identified by the first number of the oil specification. For example, 5W-30 oil is ideal for winter while 10W-30 is a little too thick. 

 

Keep an Emergency Supplies Kit

Even if you thoroughly prepare your vehicle for winter weather, you can’t 100% guarantee that you won’t break down on the side of the road or get stuck in the snow or ice. That’s why it’s essential to arrange an emergency supplies kit that you keep in your car. This kit should include any items you think you might need in the event that you are stranded without a working vehicle. Here are some examples of items to consider:

• Extra winter clothes and outerwear
• Gloves and boots
• A blanket (preferably heated)
• A first-aid kit
• Non-perishable foods and jugs of water
• A portable charger for your smartphone
• Jumper cables
• A basic toolkit
• A tire gauge and tire chains
• A functional spare tire
• A wrench, jack, and any other equipment necessary for changing a tire

 

Conclusion

Getting your vehicle ready for the cold months ahead is one of the most important things you can do for ensuring the safety of you, your loved ones, and others on the road. Check your tires, windshield wipers and blades, and exterior lights. Consider putting a fresh coat of wax on your car and changing to lower-viscosity engine oil. And pack an emergency supplies kit. Lastly, remember that it’s always a good idea to take your vehicle to your local professional. Schedule your service appointment today! 

What Your Truck Says About You

 

Whether we notice it or not, our cars say a lot about us. What you drive may resemble your personality, such that if you are environmentally-conscious you might drive a smaller (maybe even electric) vehicle. Or perhaps you enjoy life outdoors and tossing the family in the truck or SUV for a quick weekend camping trip. We love our cars because they do more than just get us there, they become a part of our lives and we rely on them—we trust them. So what does your truck say about you?

You don’t fully understand until you buy your first truck, but there are a TON of options to choose from, whether it’s size, color, shape, power, technology capabilities, and much more. Why wouldn’t you find a truck that matches your lifestyle, your personality? With the popularity of trucks these days, finding one that fits you shouldn’t be a problem.

The thing about pickup truck drivers is there are a few truisms, some good some not so good, that they understand. Here are three important ones:

1. You will be asked by your non-truck driving friends to help move bulky items. This is a fact and there is nothing to stop it from happening. Truck drivers understand—they may not like it, but they deal—and simply wait for the call. 
2. Whereas you used to pay more at the pump with your truck, today’s hybrid trucks provide gas mileage that makes luxury sedans a bit jealous. 
3. The modern truck is just as luxurious and spacious and updated with all the technological and safety fixins’ as any other vehicle type on the road. So why wouldn’t you own a truck?

 

Performance, Comfort, and What Your Truck Says About You

Regardless of the look, the most impressive aspect of your truck should be quality. Since 1902, GMC has been making just that, quality trucks, with the variations of the Sierra. Through the years, the venerated Sierra truck has won countless awards and has climbed the scales of popularity and sales, reaching its way to the top.

 

Big on Performance and Power

If power and performance are your big things, you won’t find a better truck than the Sierra. For example, on the lowest end, the Sierra comes with a 4.3-liter, V-6 engine that can go from 0 mph to 60 mph in just under 8 seconds. But if the work you do requires a bit more power, check out the 5.3-liter, V-8 engine that has 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This bigger engine can tow up to 11,100 pounds! And if that is still not enough power for you there's another: a 6.2-liter, V-8 engine with a 12,500-pound towing capacity plus 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Now that is a lot of power.

 

Quality and Comfort

The GMC Sierra’s power and performance are impressive, but wait until you experience the comfort and quality of the interior. The cabin of the GMC Sierra is big. There is plenty of room to stretch and move around. The seats themselves are plush and easy to nestle into. The driver’s seat allows you to position yourself perfectly thanks to the power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel that tilts and telescopes. There are plenty of soft-touch materials covering the inside, and chrome accents border sections of the dash's control panel and steering wheel to make the cabin pop. Ambient lighting sets a comforting, cool mood. Drivers also get up to five USB ports with both 12- and 110-volt compatibility points so that you are able to charge just about anything from your phone to a laptop. There is more than enough storage room in the middle section of the front seat, and even more, can be found in the door panels and below the seats. To isolate the interior from the exterior, triple door seals are used to block outside noise from polluting the quiet and smooth ride within.

 

A Sweet Ride

Regardless of the type of truck driver you are, a smooth, even ride is surely on your list of necessities, and the Sierra—you guessed it—has that too. All Sierra trucks operate with a front strut and rear leaf-spring suspension. This provides extra cushion and makes the impact of bumps and potholes virtually nonexistent. If you are worried about drive quality when hauling extra big loads, you can opt for the Magnetic Ride Control, which helps reduce intense up-and-down motions. But that’s not all, the steering and control to the Sierra, no matter what you are hauling or pulling, are responsive and fluid naturally and can do wonders to keep you in constant control.

 

So Which Sierra is the Best Fit For You?

This is where truck shopping gets really fun. You know what you want in a truck, and Sierra has it all, but now the big question: which Sierra? The 1500, 2500, or 3500?

 

Sierra 1500

The baseline 1500 is available in a 5.3- or 6.2-liter EcoTech3 V-8 engine. In certain trim levels, the 1500 comes with the Z71 off-road suspension system. And, GMC LED daytime running lights, Stabilitrak, a corner step rear bumper, hydraulic body mounts, and triple door seals come standard with all Sierra 1500 trim levels. As far as towing, the 1500 can handle up to 9,400 pounds with ease. This truck is good for hauling and pulling and truly excels in drive quality. This is the family-man’s truck, and it likes to get stuff done.

 

Sierra 2500

Stepping it up a notch, the 2500 offers everything the 1500 does and more. It comes with a 5.3-liter, V-8, or a 6.6-liter, V-8 Duramax diesel engine. The 2500 also has an Allison Series 1000 transmission, an available spray-on bed liner, and digital steering assist. And, it has a whopping 14,500 pounds towing capacity—making it the perfect work truck. If you need something that can handle those heavier loads and pull some bigger equipment, something that says “hey, this guy knows what he’s doing,” the Sierra 2500 is for you and your crew.

 

Sierra 3500

At the top level, the 3500 exceeds expectations. This truck was built especially for trailering and hauling and can handle as much as 23,200 pounds (using fifth-wheel trailering). The 3500 comes with Digital Steering Assist to help keep control of those heavy payloads, and there is what’s called Hill Start Assist, which momentarily holds the breaks while you switch your foot from the brake pad to the gas. This is especially useful on inclines or unstable surface areas. The 3500 offers everything the other two models do, plus a few extras like an EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate, chrome trailering mirrors, an automatic locking rear differential, and comes in a 6.2-liter engine or a 6.6-liter, V-8 Duramax diesel. If you want your truck to show off your hauling capabilities, this is the one.

But the best part of choosing a GMC Sierra is that you can basically build your own. There are numerous Sierra packages to choose from and even more trim level features to sift through and add on. So if there are aspects you like of all three models of the Sierra, you can actually piece together a version that works perfectly for what you need. This is helpful because you don’t end up getting your crew trucks that have unneeded features or capabilities. This way, your trucks are customized to your company’s needs.

 

Needs and wants for a truck: keep it practical and keep it classy

Your most important job, as a purchaser, is finding a truck that will last and one that fits your personality. Luckily, most trucks these days can be lifted or lowered, made loud or quiet, contain a strong presence, or blend into its surroundings just by making a few tweaks here and there. This means your primary goal is actually to make sure you have something that won’t break the bank due to breakdowns and costly repairs.

When shopping for your truck, narrow down what you are looking for: make and model, gas mileage, longevity, etc., and begin researching those aspects. Chances are you will end up at Liberty Buick GMC, which is perfect because our trained technicians and sales specialists can guide you right into that perfect truck.

Don’t waste your time anywhere else, come see us at Liberty Buick GMC today to find a truck that perfectly resembles you.

Service Coupon: Four-Wheel Tire Alignment

 

The Upcoming Hummer EV SUT and SUV: Get Ready for a Lot of “Firsts”

 

Technically, it would be correct to say that the Hummer brand is being resurrected before our very eyes. But that statement may not do justice to the highly-anticipated pair of EV vehicles set to hit the market in the 2022 and ‘23 model years, respectively. 

Yes, that’s right. The new Hummers, which will carry the GMC nameplate, will be all-electric vehicles. In a market where several manufacturers are throwing around concepts and reveals for electric trucks, General Motors has been advertising the emergence of the Hummer EV SUT and SUV since January 2020. 

Relatively little is known about the Hummer EVs as far as specs and features go, but we do have some media and images released by GM to speculate what the vehicles will offer. So, if you’re interested in trading in the gas-guzzling for something more efficient and even more powerful than its predecessor, read on to learn what we do know about the 2022 GMC Hummer EV SUT and SUV models!

 

Just How Powerful Will They Be? 

The Hummer EVs will supposedly come available with one, two, or three electric motors. More than likely, this means that the single-motor model will be rear-wheel-drive, while the two- and three-motor models will each get their own all-wheel-drive setup. 

GM has claimed that the new Hummer EVs will be able to reach 60 mph in three seconds. That’s simply absurd for a pickup truck or SUV. Also, GM says that top-of-the-line Hummer EVs will produce 1,000 horses and 11,500 lb-ft of torque. Again—absurd. Moreover, we can expect that the towing capacity will be somewhere between 7,500 and 11,000 pounds in order to compete with the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T and R1S. 

 

How Long Will They Hold a Charge?

The Hummer EVs will be built on GM’s BT1 platform, which is an EV variant of the T1 platform that underpins all of GM’s full-size trucks and SUVs. Most likely, drivers will enjoy a range of 400 miles on a charge, thanks to an 800-volt architecture. Expect the Hummer EVs to charge quickly and come with several battery options. 

 

What Will the Cabins Look Like? 

The interior of the Hummer EV SUT and SUV is perhaps the aspect we know least about. However, we do know that the battery pack will be mounted underneath a flat floorboard of each model, which suggests that the cabins will offer generous headroom, legroom, and cargo space. Also, expect there to be versatile cubby storage like in the Silverado, Tahoe, Sierra 1500, and Yukon. 

As far as cab configurations go, we know that the Hummer EV SUT will come in a four-door crew cab, and we don’t expect regular- or extended-cab to be an option. And since the Hummer EV SUV will be sharing a platform with the SUT, chances are quite good that it will provide a large backseat and a third row. Furthermore, leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and an all-digital instrument cluster are a few of the many likely luxuries in both models.

 

What Kind of Tech Will They Have? 

It’s safe to say that technology will abound in the Hummer EV SUT and SUV. After all, we’re talking about an all-electric “supertruck”—as GMC has branded it—and an SUV that is poised to be groundbreaking in its own right. 

Our guess is that a touchscreen of around 15 inches will control a wide range of infotainment features. If other GMC trucks and SUVs are anything to go by, the Hummer EVs will come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot, with an OnStar telematics system optional. Likely upgrades include a state-of-the-art Bose audio system, wireless charging, and an infotainment system in the rear seat. 

The Hummer EVs will also feature the new “Crab Mode,” which allows the vehicles to move sideways, and they will surely come with a suite of safety techs such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blindspot monitoring. And expect them to offer the option of GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system.

 

When Can We Get One?

With a reveal date originally set for May 20, 2020, it was pushed to Oct. 20, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. GM has stated that production for the 2022 GMC Hummer EV SUT will begin in summer 2021 at the GM Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant in Michigan. Fall 2021 is when dealerships expect to get their first shipments of the truck. As of now, it appears the SUV will arrive around a year later. Upon the reveal, consumers can reserve their 2022 Hummer EV SUT for $100.

Electric trucks are set to take over the pickup market in the coming years, and GMC is positioned to lead this market with the release of the 2022 Hummer EV SUT. Both the SUT and SUV models can be expected to provide unbridled power and efficiency, among other never-before-seen qualities and features. And on Oct. 20, you can see the reveal of the SUT for yourself and reserve your supertruck on gmc.com!

Buick Encore or Encore GX—Which 2020 Model Should You Choose?

For the model year 2020, Buick has released the all-new Encore GX—a crossover that is set to add even more depth to an already-loaded compact SUV segment. Unlike what the name would suggest, the Buick Encore GX is not a trim level of the Encore. The Encore and Encore GX are two separate models with their own sets of trim levels. 

Sure, there are some similarities between the two, but there are also some significant differences that should be considered if you are trying to determine which SUV is right for you. Below, we’ve provided some information on both the 2020 Buick Encore and 2020 Buick Encore GX and highlighted some of their key distinctions.

Dimensions

To the casual observer, the Encore and Encore GX are quite similar in terms of all-around design and appearance. However, they are built on two different platforms. Naturally, this means that they differ in overall size. Both the Encore and Encore GX are about 64 inches tall. The Encore is roughly 70 inches wide, while the Encore GX is a hair over 71 inches wide. 

The length is where these two SUVs become noticeably different in appearance. Measuring 175.7 inches long, the Encore GX is significantly longer than the Encore (168.5 inches). Furthermore, the Encore GX’s wheelbase comes in at 104 inches while the Encore’s measures about 100 inches. This extra distance between the front and rear wheels makes for a smoother riding experience and better handling, not to mention a more aggressive appearance. 

Exterior Appearance 

Along with the dimensions, the Encore and Encore GX are distinct in their exterior stylings. Similar to recent years, the 2020 Encore sports sedan-like design with its curved front and compact, rounded grille and air intake. The Encore GX looks more like an SUV. It has more of a squared-off shape overall and a front-end that is more horizontal than it is rounded. 

Set between the headlamps—which are further apart than those of the Encore—is a new grille that also plays a big part in distinguishing the Encore GX from the Encore and other vehicles. A newly-designed lower fascia and fog lights also contribute to a more aggressive appearance. Moreover, deeper character lines along the side and rear, as well as a newly-designed rear fascia and taillamps, help distinguish the Encore GX even more. 

Technology 

Both the 2020 Buick Encore and Encore GX provide drivers with plenty of options in regards to technology. Available in the Encore is a four-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, and a six-speaker audio system, though you can opt for a Bose audio system. The Encore GX comes with GM’s most recent infotainment software, which has been recognized for being especially easy to use and responsive. All and all, you can’t go wrong with either of these SUVs if you want a vehicle with great technology, though the Encore GX offers more standard features.  

Safety Features

The Encore and Encore GX also boast plenty of safety features. However, the Encore GX seems to offer more features standard in this category as well. With the Encore, you can opt for front and rear parking assist, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning. The Encore GX comes standard with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. What’s more, you can get an HD 360-degree camera system and head-up display on the Encore GX, which go a long way in increasing visibility. 

Engines

The engines on the Encore and Encore GX are quite different and can play a major role in determining which SUV is right for you. All Encore trims come with a 1.4-liter DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. This engine is matched with a six-speed transmission, and it provides plenty of power for a compact SUV. 

There are two engine options for the Encore GX: an ECOTEC 1.2-liter Turbo and ECOTEC 1.3-liter Turbo. The 1.2-liter engine is good for 137 horses and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The 1.3-liter makes 155 ponies and comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful engine can be had with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a compact SUV that provides more luxury than the price tag reflects, both the 2020 Buick Encore and 2020 Buick Encore GX fit the bill. The Encore is a solid choice if you like the rounded appearance of recent Encore models and are willing to pass on a few features. However, if you are hoping for a slightly bigger, more aggressive-looking SUV with more standard features, you would do better to go with the Encore GX. Of course, the best way to see for yourself is to schedule a test drive at Liberty Buick GMC!

Carona Carpool: Keeping Your Kids Safe as They Head Back to School

This Fall might just be the strangest return to school our children have ever been a part of, and the very thought of children carpooling to campus registers red flags immediately. But with the proper attitude and preparedness, could there be a safe way to carpool in the midst of a pandemic? At Liberty Buick GMC, we think so, and we have a few tips to follow in order to keep you and your young ones safe as they travel back to school.

 

Whether your child is learning virtually or in-person, chances are you will be traveling more than you did over summer. And though carpooling is a great way to travel, there are specific precautions to be taken.

The first step to a safe carpool is making sure everyone is aware of the situation we are in, and all are on board to work together to keep everyone safe. Begin by contacting the other passengers and drivers who will be in the carpool. There is no need to panic, but you do need to be sure everyone in the car will be wearing a mask, and there will be enough room so that each person can sit without leaning into or resting on another passenger.

It’s also a good idea to have everyone involved agree to take temperatures each day before entering the vehicle. Be sure and have plenty of hand sanitizer, and make it a rule to use it before entering and again immediately after getting out of the car.

 

Here are a few more tips from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention:

 

·         (As much as possible) Try and keep from touching surfaces. Consciously taking into account what is most touched in your surroundings will help you cut down on using hand sanitizer as much. For those cases when you do have to touch something commonly handled, simply apply sanitizer or wash your hands as soon as possible. While carpooling, avoiding surfaces is especially difficult, so wearing gloves is a good idea.

·         Clean those hands. After touching surfaces outside of your own home, be sure to use sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Or, if you would rather use soap, wash in warm water for at least 20 seconds.

·         Reduce the size of the rideshare. Though it might cause multiple trips or even more cars on the road, it is important to create space even in confined spots. Consider cutting the limit to half of what it was before and require everyone in the car to wear a mask during the trip.

·         Keep the ride ventilated. Weather permitting, keep windows open or cracked so plenty of air gets in and out. Good ventilation is key to keep from the spread of germs.

 

More Safety Tips

Here are a few more tips on keeping your young ones safe as you travel:

·         Make sure car seats are tightly secured and wiped down with disinfectant between each use. When clipping in a car seat it is important to make sure it is pulled tightly against the back of the seat. Sometimes you really have to wrench on the belt, but if you can wiggle the seat back and forth with minimal effort, it’s not tight enough.

·         When strapping your child into a car seat, be sure the top strap is pulled up to the top of the child’s chest. You should be able to fit two fingers between the top strap and the child, so it needs to be snug but not too tight to where it’s uncomfortable.

·         Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel. No matter how badly your child is screaming for a toy he dropped on the floor of the car, do not try and reach around or turn around to grab it. If it is something your child needs at the moment, simply pull the car over and put on the hazards. It might only take a second to look back and grab that toy while driving, but it also only takes a second to completely veer into the opposite lane.

The best piece of advice we have for anyone who has to travel is this: take a deep breath and let it out. Relax. You are not alone, and we will get through this! Liberty Buick GMC wishes you all safe travels. 

2020 GMC Sierra 1500—The All-American Pickup Truck

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 builds upon the Next Generation Sierra models introduced for the 2019 model year. A shining example of an American full-size pickup truck, the 2020 Sierra 1500 gets the job done and looks good while doing it. 

Since it is in the second year of a new generation of GMC pickups, it may be difficult to distinguish a 2020 Sierra from the 2019 models, especially for casual onlookers. Nonetheless, there are several factors that set the newest Sierra 1500 apart and that will be sure to attract haulers from around the country. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant features of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500:

Powertrain Options 

Five different engine options and three different transmissions are available in the Sierra. And buyers can opt for rear- or all-wheel drive. 

The base model comes with a 4.3-liter V6 engine that’s good for 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. A 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available on the SLE and Elevation trims and produces 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. Buyers of the SLE, Elevation, SLT, or Denali trim can choose a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder (277 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque), while a 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque) is available in the base model, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The most powerful engine option, a 6.2-liter V8, is available in the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims and puts out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.   

Depending on the engine, buyers will get a six-, eight-, or 10-speed automatic. Additionally, the Sierra is offered in a single cab, double cab, and crew cab with various bed lengths. And buyers can opt for four-wheel drive no matter what cab configuration they choose. 

Fuel Economy 

Due to its wide range of powertrain options, fuel economy for the 2020 Sierra 1500 varies. The most efficient engine is by far the Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder when paired with rear-wheel drive, as it produces 23 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined. Those numbers fall to 22 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, and 24 MPG combined when four-wheel drive is included. 

Buyers who are concerned about fuel economy but want a gasoline engine should consider the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder. When connected to rear-wheel drive, this engine puts out 20 MPG city, 23 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined. Four-wheel drive brings these figures to 19 MPG city, 22 MPG highway, and 20 MPG combined. 

Passenger and Cargo Space 

The best part about the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500’s interior is the functionality and spaciousness it offers. There’s plenty of room in any cab configuration you choose, but as can be expected, the crew cab provides the most legroom. As a rear passenger in the Sierra crew cab, it’s easy to forget that you’re riding in a pickup truck. 

Cargo space is also generous in the Sierra 1500. Plus, you can flip up the rear seats to make even more room, and a large center console and dual glovebox provide additional storage. When it comes to the trunk, buyers of the short box get 62.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the standard box provides 71.7 cubic feet and the long box allows for 89.1 cubic feet.  

Safety Features

The Sierra received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), scoring five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests. 

A rearview camera, teen driver assist, tire pressure monitoring system, and rear seat reminders are included in the base Sierra, while an anti-theft alarm system is added to the Elevation trim. The ProGrade trailer system with HD rearview camera, as well as hitch guidance and hitch view, come standard in the SLT.  

Not surprisingly, the Denali offers the most safety features, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safety alert seat, lane-change alert, and front and rear parking assistance. Buyers who want adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, following distance indicator, and automatic emergency braking with front pedestrian braking can opt for the Driver Alert Package II. 

Conclusion

Those who are looking for a sharp-looking truck that will handle everyday workloads will be hard-pressed to find a better suitor than the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. With a wide array of powertrain options, impressive fuel economy, ample legroom and cargo capacity, and tons of optional safety features, the Sierra is the very definition of an All-American pickup truck. Give us a call at Liberty Buick GMC to set up a test drive—we look forward to hearing from you!

Summer Sizzle Savings

It’s Finally Here! Introducing the 2020 Buick Encore GX

The all-new, 2020 Buick Encore GX is here! Though Buick’s Encore has already seen success as a crossover vehicle, the 2020 GX comes in a new size and look, which creates a completely different, and new, feel to the vehicle. The Encore GX fits itself perfectly between the subcompact Encore and the compact Envision, in terms of size, and it comes with tons of upgrades. Buick is bringing fresh excitement to the crossover market, and at Liberty Buick GMC, we can’t wait for you to drive the 2020 Encore GX. 

America has experienced—and is still exciting—a surge in crossover vehicle sales. Something about having the control and luxury of a sedan mixed with the power and grit of a sport utility vehicle makes us happy and excited to drive. Vehicles like the Jeep Compass, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the Subaru Crosstreck, and the new Mazda CX-30 are all carving out a section for themselves within the crossover family. The 2020 Buick Encore is a perfect addition to this lineup, and not only because it fits the bill as a crossover. The new Encore GX hopes to take a lead in the crossover market by bringing high style, true luxury, and innovative technology to the Encore GX. 

The Exterior 

The 2020 Buick Encore GX has a great new look. It comes in a total of nine beautiful colors:

• White Frost Tricoat
• Deep Azure Metallic
• Burnished Bronze Metallic
• Black Currant Metallic
• Satin Steel Metallic
• Ebony Twilight Metallic
• Summit White
• Dark Moon Blue Metallic
• Chili Red Metallic

The slight curvature throughout the body provides contours and shadows, showing off the sleek design that could easily, at first glance, be mistaken for a modern Mercedes or Porsche SUV. 

After a second look, though, you’ll realize you are in the presence of something impressively unique: a chrome surround starts at the front and reaches to the back; large taillights emphasize the breadth of the vehicle, while the modern design seems to pull the body in, giving it a fit, sporty aesthetic. The large grille up front is non-intrusive, but it does make a statement that this is something new, and quite possibly Buick’s most modern move in years. 

Exterior Specs:

• Wheelbase: (in)100.6
• Track Width, Rear: (in)60.62
• Height, Overall: (in)65.25
• Length, Overall: (in)168.35
• Min. Ground Clearance: (in)6.22
• Track Width, Front: (in)60.65
• Width, Max w/o mirrors: (in)70.1

The Interior 

Inside the Encore GX, there are soft-touch materials throughout, LED lighting to set the mood, and an Infotainment center with all the bells and whistles. 

Compared to the Encore, the 2020 GX has 5.0 more cubic feet of cargo space, and it comes with all sorts of standard safety features: There’s the automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection—a must-have these days; lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning (great for those long, exhausting drives); there is also a rear-camera mirror and a surround-view monitor to keep you always aware of your surroundings; and these safety features only scrape the surface of what’s available. 

Here is a quick breakdown of the interior specs:

• Front Hip Room: (in)51.65
• Front Leg Room: (in)40.82
• Second Shoulder Room: (in)52.5
• Passenger Volume: (ft³)92.8
• Second Head Room: (in)38.78
• Front Shoulder Room: (in)54.18
• Second Hip Room: (in)50.08
• Front Head Room: (in)39.58
• Second Leg Room: (in)35.75

More Features

The 2020 Buick Encore GX comes with a turbocharged I4, 1.4-liter engine and a 6-speed automatic, electronically-controlled with overdrive transmission—with driver shift control. The vehicle itself is considered an all-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle.

The four-door GX holds five passengers with ease and comfort for all, and it has a fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and a combined mpg of 26. Not bad at all, especially for a souped-up, turbocharged engine. 

Here are just a few more features to the 2020 Buick Encore GX:

• Brakes: 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc
• StabiliTrak, stability control system
• Daytime Running Lamps, separate cavity, LED
• Airbags, frontal and knee for driver and front passenger
• Airbag, Passenger Sensing System
• Seat belt, 3-point, driver with load limiter, height adjustable
• Seat belt, 3-point, front passenger with load limiter, height
• Restraint provisions, child Isofix 2 point for outboard seating
• OnStar and Buick connected services capable 
• Buick Connected Access capable 
• Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rear Vision Camera
• Door locks, child security rear, manual
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System, manual learn

With a zippy engine that does well to conserve fuel, a luxurious interior, and a cool-compact look to the exterior, the 2020 Buick Encore GX is quickly winning our hearts at Liberty Buick-GMC.

Visit our website or call us at 704-708-8000 to find out more about the all-new Encore GX.