Friday, January 29, 2010

Just a bit about us......


Hoyte Dodge Chrysler Jeep has been in Sherman, Texas for years 20 years selling new and used cars and trucks.

In the summer of 1996, Hoyte Ridlehuber opened Hoyte Dodge, Inc., where after only several years, earned the Five Star rating for customer service in sales and service and became one of the best dealerships Texas.

Hoyte Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep, Ltd. employs more than 50 employees ranging from Service to Parts to Internet sales and is located in a prime area of the Sherman/Dennison part of Texas.

Hoyte Dodge Chrysler Jeep has an outstanding Service Department with highly recommended Technicians and helpful and knowledgeable Service Advisors to help in your repairs or warranty issues.

Hoyte Dodge is located at 2300 Highway 75 North in Sherman, TX and is open all days except Sundays and have several ways to be contacted: by phone or submit a request online~

Sales: 866-445-8510
Service: 866-445-9112
Office: 866-618-5689

We make it easy to view our vehicles online just in case you decide to car shop from the convenience of your home. Grab a cup of coffee and check out our virtual tours of cars on popular internet sites as Youtube, or, Yahoo videos or just check out of weekly specials at HoyteDodge.com!

Feel secure when buying a car from Hoyte Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Sherman!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Red means STOP!


Here you are, driving down the highway and a light comes on your instrument panel! I think we all know that the lights come on when you start your car, but what the heck do you do when they pop on for no reason? Well, there is a reason and you need to know what it is.

One rule of thumb is to treat the engine light like a traffic light. We all know that Red means STOP!

The red light could be over heating, low oil pressure, low battery voltage or brake failure. Don’t play around with the red lights, it could be dangerous for you and permanent engine damage could occur. Red means immediate danger. Pull over, turn your car off and call for help

A yellow warning light (most of the time is a Service engine soon) light means, “proceed with caution”. The yellow light comes on to let you know that there is a potential problem. Some things that might cause the yellow light to come on would be a problem with the anti-lock brake system, air bag issue, emissions, or a faulty sensor. Ask yourself some questions when the yellow light comes on: Was their any problems starting the car, or a decrease in fuel mileage? What about any odors? Do you hear any noises?

Make sure that you document the exact area of the light and wording of the lights since you will need to tell your dealership or service department or mechanic. Check your service manual or warranty information as well.

Make sure to note the exact location and wording of the light that has been coming on, because Murphy's Law dictates that the light will suddenly not come on when you take it in to the repair shop.

When taking your car in or talking with your mechanic, make sure to communicate clearly and be specific as possible. You would hate to be on vacation with the whole family and have one of these lights come on. Nine times out of ten we will forget which are the light was on by the time we get help.

Save yourself the headache and financial headache and have your car serviced often and document things that are not running correctly. You will not regret it.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Check your tires!


Properly caring for a car is all part of being a car owner. If you do not take care in maintaining your vehicle, then you will most likely have a larger problem down the road. Many car owners do not know at what point things should be changed, rotated, or filled.

When you buy a used car, truck, or other vehicle from a dealership, you will be benefitting from more than if you buy a car from a individual, unless of course you are trained in maintenance of the vehicle.

Once you become the owner, however, you will be responsible for the care and maintenance of the automobile.

One of the most import parts of the vehicle are the tires. It is best to give them a little attention every now and then to be sure their condition is in good working order. It helps to be able to recognize when your tires need to be fixed or maintained.

When driving the vehicle:

  • Are there any changes in the way it handles, perhaps small vibrations or hydroplaning in shallow water?
  • Does the tread look worn down?
  • Visually take a look at your tires, are there any tire wear or cracks or bulges?
  • Have you checked your tire pressure?

A general rule for determining tread issues is the ‘penny test.’ You run this test by placing a penny into a tire groove with the President’s head facing the tire. If the top of the head is showing, you probably need new tires. Tires should be rotated on a regular basis, as they wear differently by location and doing this can increase the life of your tires.

Whether or not you know what to do or not to do, ask your dealership when you bought the car, what to look for regarding your tires. You also can visit a automotive or tire store and they can help you too. Don't assume that your tires are always going to be ok, it could be a deadly mistake.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Getting their "swagger" back!

If you are fortunate enough to be in Michigan next weekend whether on business or personal travel, you should stop by the North American International Detroit Auto Show! This year’s 2010 Auto Show will be at Cobo Center, One Washington Blvd. in Detroit.

5,000 journalists will flock to Detroit for the presentation starting Monday of about 700 new model vehicles and car concepts for the future and as many as 700,000 visitors are expected from January 16-24, when the show opens to the public.

The public show times are: Saturday, January 16 - Saturday, January 23, 2010
9 a.m. - 10 p.m and Sunday, January 24, 2010 from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tickets are 12.00 per person and you can purchase E-tickets as well. There are group tickets available and Seniors are 6.00 with children (7-12) being 6.00 and age 6 and under free.

Getting their swagger back for Chrysler Corporation will not be hard to do with the introduction of the updated and re-vamped vehicles!

Watch for the updates and exciting ventures of Chrysler and success in 2010 or visit your local Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership to check them out!

Friday, January 1, 2010

Car buying mistakes of the New Year


You are looking at the internet, scanning the newspaper and notice all the ads for “New year special car buying deals”, and it can be a bit exciting thinking you are getting such a good deal. All the hype can also cloud your mind when choosing the right car for you and your family.

Many consumers make mistakes when purchasing a used or new vehicle, mistakes they might regret later down the line. Purchasing a new or used car can be a complex process so make sure you do not make mistakes that often time buyers do.
  • Don’t just “fall in love” with a certain model vehicle. Have an open mind to alternate models and focus on value and accessing what your true needs and wants are. You can “fall in love” later. Check new car reviews.
  • Don’t skip the “test drive”, this is one major mistake that will create “buyer’s remorse” later on down the road.
  • Make sure you negotiate the price. Don’t walk into a Car dealership and expect the best price right off the bat. Secure your investment by talking with the salesman and seeing what the best price is and what are all your options, and this can be a bit time consuming.
  • Don’t focus primarily on your monthly payment, look at the car as your long term investment. Weigh your options of leasing or buying and then make your decision based on your deal that you have negotiated.
  • Don’t focus on the “deal" you think you are receiving on the vehicle, focus on what you need for you and your family and the investment you are making.
  • No need for all the new “bells and whistles”, those can lead to additional expenses and ones that we might not ever use on down the road.
  • Make sure you check your trade in value and do your research. Check the Kelly Blue Book value and have your paperwork in hand when you enter the car dealership.
  • Most importantly, make sure you have time to sit down and talk and are comfortable at the car dealership you have chosen to work with. Choose a local car dealership that you trust and can visit close to your home or office.
This is a very time consuming event, buying a new or used car so take your time, enjoy the experience and feel great about your choice when you leave.

Hoyte Dodge Chrysler Jeep wishes you and your family a wonderful New Year!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Don't get "washed up" when buying a car...


With 2010 fast approaching, you are seeing many New Years car ads and commercials, with specials and deals on Pre-owned cars or New vehicles. We tend to get wrapped up in the “awe” of buying especially if we think we are getting a “great deal”. We all want to think that people are out to help us and that most are honest in their reporting of a car, that is why it is best to ask questions and deal with a honest and reliable car dealership.

In Texas, weather changes daily and with the upcoming months, Texas will see a lot of rain and some flooding. When purchasing a used car, make sure that you are asking the right questions and investigating a bit further on car flooding and water damage.

Whether you are buying from a respectable dealership like Hoyte Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Sherman, TX or an individual, it is OK to inquire and ask questions and it is your right to do so.

  • Check Carfax for flood damage reports
  • Turn the ignition key and make sure that accessory and warning lights and gauges work properly.
  • Check the trunk, glove compartment, dashboard, and below the seats for signs of water damage such as mud or rust.
  • Test power and electronics systems such as interior/exterior lights, windows and door locks, radio, cigarette lighter, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure they work.
  • Take a whiff… musty odors? Strong perfumes? Could be a sign of musty smell or water or mold
  • Wet wires will become brittle when dry, take a look at them and bend to see if dry or cracked.

At Hoyte Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Sherman, TX we welcome vehicle questions and concerns and will work with you to find the perfect vehicle for you and your family.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

What is a Kelley Blue Book anyway?

Obviously most of us have shopped for a used or new car, motorcycle or boat at some point in our life and most likely used the Kelly Blue Book (KBB). If you have not used the Kelly Blue Book, your not alone either, some have no idea.

The Kelley Blue Book is a handy little guide that gives the value for cars, truck and other items such as motorcycles or boats. Many times you will hear the seller or buyer quoting, “what is the blue book value”?

The KBB is most useful when purchasing a used car and is divided into several categories determined by the vehicle’s condition. A car that is in “good condition” will be at a higher value than a car is “poor condition”.

The Kelley Blue Book also lists trade values on vehicles. You can look up your used car or truck and access the trade value on that vehicle. If you are planning on trading your vehicle in, this can give you a good idea of that the value of your vehicle is, and what you are looking at in terms of the trade-in offer from the dealer. The used car blue book is quite popular and can be a huge help when considering the purchase of a used vehicle. It can mean the difference between paying the asking price and being able to negotiate down the price by a few hundred dollars or more.

The Kelley Blue Book is available both online and in hard copy that can be purchased at most book store. The online version of the blue book is an easily navigable tool that allows you to check used car values or new car pricing. There is also a Kelley Blue Book for several other vehicle categories, including boats, motorcycles and classic car and also is a new Kelley Blue Book "green" version"!