Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Know Your Credit Score


Before you even decide which new or used vehicle you want, you should know your credit score. The credit score affects your interest rate, down payment and even how much vehicle you are able to afford. If you decide you want a new or used vehicle from Melloy Dodge you should have a credit score that will help you get a lower payment.

Lower Interest Rates

The higher your credit score, the better the interest rate you'll get on your vehicle loan. When you are able to shave dollars off the monthly payment due to lower interest rates, you'll be able to afford a more expensive vehicle. This could mean the difference between a higher trim level with the options you want or even the type of vehicle you are looking at.

Get the Vehicle You Want

Your debt to income ratio is part of determining whether you are eligible to finance a certain amount. If your debt exceeds your income, you may have less money that is available for car payments. Thus, knowing your credit score helps you choose the vehicle you want. You may not be able to afford a $40,000 vehicle but may be able to afford a $20,000 vehicle. If your credit leaves something to be desired, you may have to choose a vehicle that is less expensive so that you qualify for the monthly payments.

You are able to pull your own credit report through various websites. Or, you may ask us to qualify you for an amount before you start looking. If you have bad credit, no credit, or past credit problems, contact New Mexico Credit Center, a proud partner to Melloy Dodge. New Mexico Credit Center can help you establish your credit, so you can find a new or used vehicle that you will enjoy and that fits your budget.

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Should I Buy Automatic, Manual or CVT?


Shopping for a car is an exciting experience when you have so many options available to you! Most cars will get you where you need to go, but depending on what you’re looking for, your lifestyle, and your personal taste, not every car will be right for you. At Melloy Dodge, we have many great options that will suit you, but to help you narrow down your choices, here’s a look at the different types of transmissions that are available.

Automatic. Perhaps the most common transmission now, automatic offers convenience and ease of driving. An automatic transmission changes gears without needing any input from the driver, it’s done electronically or hydraulically, the vehicle monitors speed and the engine’s rpm to automatically shift gears while driving. Automatic vehicle’s transmissions are nearly impossible to stall, and typically they need less maintenance than their manual counterparts. Six-speed and eight-speed automatic vehicles are very common. More gears mean quieter driving on the highway, superior acceleration, and better fuel economy.

Manual. Commonly known as stick-shift, manual transmission requires the driver to manually shift gears with a clutch. Unlike an automatic with two pedals, a manual vehicle has three pedals. The third pedal, located to the left of the brake, is used when the driver changes gears. Driving a stick shift is a skill that takes a little bit of time to learn, but it is much simpler than it sounds. Driving a stick shift as opposed to an automatic can also result in better gas mileage and more power when you need it.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Continuously Variable Transmission is a type of automatic transmission that uses pulleys instead of fixed gears. CVTs are relatively less expensive to build than conventional automatic or manual transmissions because they require fewer parts. Acceleration is limited, so wasted power is minimized. Most small cars on the market utilize a CVT, and it is expected that this transmission will likely become more popular.

So which is right for you? The answer depends on your driving style and the type of vehicle you’re looking for. If you consider yourself a car enthusiast and want something engaging to drive, you may prefer a manual transmission. If you have a commute that consists of stop-and-go-driving, you may need an automatic or CVT. At Melloy Dodge, we have a variety of new Dodge and RAMs, as well as a large selection of newer used vehicles. Whatever your driving style or vehicle preference, we can show you some great options, and offer you a great deal!

Thursday, February 15, 2018

When You Need a Work Truck: 2018 RAM 3500 Big Horn


When you need a work truck but want the comforts and conveniences of  a luxury vehicle for a long road trip, choose the 2018 RAM 3500 Big Horn, now available at Melloy Dodge. This truck is the perfect combination of utility and comfort for both uses. Order the truck with the Harvest Edition Package or the 22Z Big Horn Package and you'll be ready to work or play.

The Harvest Edition Package includes black tubular side steps to make it easier to get in and out of the truck and a cargo view camera with CTR stop lamp, so you can keep an eye on things in the bed or on a trailer. Additional equipment includes an electroluminescent instrument cluster, heated front seats and steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power folding trailer tow mirrors and a spray-in bedliner to protect the truck.

The 22Z Big Horn Package includes 18-inch wheels, Big Horn badging, fog lights, a remote start system, remote USB port for charging and a power 10-way driver's seat. Go for the 6.4-liter heavy-duty V-8 Hemi engine with tip start and a next-generation engine controller. The Hemi engine features cylinder deactivation, sequential multi-point fuel injection and variable valve control to help with better fuel economy. It makes 410 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 429 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is backed by a six-speed automatic manual-shift transmission.

Additional features include ParkSense front and rear parking assist to make parallel parking easier, an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Uconnect, dual-zone air conditioning, a GPS antenna input and GPS navigation, and smartphone capabilities.


Contact Melloy Dodge

Stop by Melloy Dodge to test drive the 2018 RAM 3500 work truck and learn more about this model's safety, security, convenience and entertainment features.