Safest Vehicles for Teens

When it comes to buying a car for your teenager, safety is of utmost importance. For beginners, it is essential to prioritize a well-built vehicle equipped with excellent safety features. At Melloy Dodge, we understand this concern and have compiled a list of three vehicles that meet these criteria and are available at our dealership. These vehicles are: 

Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango is built almost like a tank with its rugged, high-strength steel safety frame. New models are also equipped with various safety features, including blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, and a total of seven standard airbags. Furthermore, in a state like New Mexico, where winter weather can get harsh in certain areas, you can't go wrong with a 4x4 SUV that offers different driving terrain options, so you know your teen will be driving safely, regardless of the type of roads they're going on.

Dodge Charger

Yes, you saw that right. The Dodge Charger is not only a favorite amongst the younger crowd due to its engine and sleek exterior but also one of the safer sedans. The 2023 Charger is equipped with blind spot and lane change assist features. However, it also offers newer features such as ParkSense, which uses cameras and alarms to make parking and backing out of parking spots more accessible. Additionally, it has a full-speed forward collision warning with active braking, which alerts you with visual and audio signals if the vehicle gets too close to another one and even slows down the car if necessary, making it an excellent feature for parents of teenagers.

RAM 1500

A truck will always be one of the more popular options for teens. The RAM 1500s drivetrain is unmatched. It's also high up from the ground, which helps in case of an accident, and it has phenomenal traction for extra safety in a wide range of road and weather conditions. The 4x4 model is one of the top pick-ups in its class for a reason.

Choosing your teen's first car is a significant decision they will always remember. At Melloy Dodge, we understand the importance of this decision and strive to ensure that you and your teenage driver are satisfied with the choice and safe on the road. While there are many options, we recommend these three vehicles as they offer features that meet safety standards. We welcome you to visit our dealership to learn more about these vehicles and to take them out for a test drive with your teenage driver.

Three Things You Can Do to Retain Your Cars Value

 If you plan to trade in or sell your current vehicle for cash, keeping it in excellent condition is important. Although depreciation is inevitable, you can retain some of your vehicle's value to increase its resale value in the future. To help you achieve this, we've compiled three tips you can follow. 

Clean Your Vehicle Thoroughly and Often

Cleaning your vehicle is one of the easiest and no-brainer things you can do to retain some value. It's crucial to maintain the cleanliness of your vehicle, both inside and outside. Suppose you allow dirt to accumulate on the exterior and debris to accumulate on the interior. In that case, it can cause corrosion on the body and permanent stains or fading on your upholstery. This upkeep is vital if you have leather seats, as they can crack and look worn if not adequately maintained. By keeping your vehicle clean, you can avoid it looking like an eyesore and, at the very least, prevent value loss. We recommend a thorough cleaning at least once a month.

Drive in a Safe Manner

It's a common scenario. You buy a car like a Dodge Challenger and suddenly feel part of the "Fast and the Furious" cast. While enjoying your new purchase is excellent, it's important to remember that going overboard can only lead to negative consequences for your vehicle. Everything from excessive acceleration, braking, and engine revving can hurt it. Limit excessive use of all that and drive carefully to minimize the wear and tear. Also, since we live in and drive on New Mexico roads, avoid potholes or other dangerous hazards.

Get Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly 

Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping the value of your vehicle intact. Make sure to have the oil changed according to your owner’s manual and the tires rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. When it's time to replace things like shocks and brakes, do it promptly. Delaying these repairs will only lead to damage to other supporting parts. Furthermore, make it a regular thing to check your vehicle's fluids to ensure they're not running low. And remember, our Melloy Dodge service team is well-equipped to help with any of these issues, so if you need help knowing where to start, give us a call!

A vehicle is a huge investment for anyone. Whether you're trying to sell or trade it in for a new Dodge offering, we want you to have the information needed to maintain its value and near-pristine appearance. When you're ready to evaluate its worth, choose Melloy Dodge! We'll provide you with the bluebook value and help you find something new you'll adore.

November Vehicle Spotlight: FIAT 500X

 The Fiat 500X is an Italian Crossover AWD SUV whose iconic design will impress and is ideal for commuters—especially with gas prices through the roof! It even comes standard with a turbo and boasts a decent fuel economy. The 2023 Fiat 500x is our November Spotlight Model. The Italian car maker brings two different versions of the 500x to the market in 2023/2024, detailed below with engine specs:

1. 500X Pop and Sport: 177hp, 1.3-liter Intercooled Turbo Premium Engine

The 2023 Fiat 500X is a solid choice for those looking for a tasteful and sporty SUV. Equipped with standard AWD and a nine-speed automatic transmission, this vehicle offers a smooth highway experience and is considered one of the top cruisers in its class. Car and Driver found a reasonable 24 mpg city and 30 highway in their fuel-economy testing. The website Fuelly.com rates the 2022 FIAT 500X at almost 40 mpg-- now we’re saving money! 

When it comes to the interior, the 2023 Fiat 500X offers a practical cabin design with flexible driving positions. The control layout is solid and uncluttered. The 7.0-inch infotainment screen is easy to use and has Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Sport version has even better-quality seats and additional fashionable details. Remember that this micro-SUV is not designed to fit four people and groceries. Still, it is pretty comfortable for a single person or couple.

The FIAT 500X comes in four different color options, including Italia Blue. Blu Venezia (Blue Metallic), Grigio Moda (Graphite Gray), Nero Cinema (Black Clear Coat).

Overall, the Fiat 500X is a good choice for people who seek a sporty crossover with decent fuel economy and smooth riding. Please take advantage of your chance to experience it, as Melloy Dodge, your Albuquerque Fiat dealer, has many models to choose from! Please browse our inventory or stop in for a test drive today!