A Closer Look at the 2024 Nissan Murano
If you are in the market for a spacious two-row, all-wheel-drive luxury SUV, you need to swing by your Nissan dealer to check out the Murano. The 2024 Nissan Murano seats five with excellent head, shoulder, and legroom in both rows. This AWD SUV has a powerful engine and agile handling that make it a blast to drive.
Introducing the 2024 Nissan Murano Available at Your Nissan Dealer
The Murano is a smooth and capable SUV with bold sweeping lines that draw your eyes along the length of the vehicle. This SUV is available in seven exterior color themes, including the striking scarlet ember tint coat and the cool deep ocean blue metallic. The Murano is available in four trim levels, which are the SV, the SL, the Platinum, and the Midnight Edition. You can also choose whether you want a FWD or an AWD model.
Power and Performance
The Murano has a standard 3.5L V6 engine that delivers an incredible 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of maximum torque. This powertrain is paired with a silky smooth Xtronic automatic CVT. This transmission and powertrain combo provides you with aggressive acceleration and instant throttle response for an exhilarating driving experience.
The powerful engine on the Murano is capable of pulling up to 1,500 pounds when the SUV is appropriately equipped. That’s enough power to pull your trailer, ATV, dirt bikes, and other recreational equipment for a weekend of fun.
Intelligent Systems
When you choose an AWD Murano, you get the benefits of an advanced, intelligent all-wheel drive system that ensures you can drive confidently through changing road conditions. The intelligent AWD on this SUV monitors the road and your driving and then adapts to those changes by shifting the power distributed between your wheels to maximize your traction and control.
This SUV can also be equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control. This system uses sensors and monitors to constantly evaluate the traffic around you so you can lean back, relax, and let the Murano do the hard work. The intelligent maintains preset distances between you and vehicles ahead by adjusting your throttle and brakes. The system utilizes limited braking and should not be confused with a collision avoidance system.
Connectivity
Fully integrate your compatible smartphone device using either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay inside the Murano. These features allow you to use voice commands to pull up directions, make hands-free calls, manage messages, listen to music, and much more.
If you are ready for a luxurious SUV with roomy seating and impressive AWD capabilities, you need to check out the ’24 Nissan Murano. Visit us at Granite Automotive to check out our new and used inventory, including our certified pre-owned vehicles, today.
4 Essential Services for Your Nissan
If you’re passionate about your Nissan and want to ensure it receives the best care possible to keep it running at its best, then rely on your Nissan dealer. We offer a comprehensive range of exceptional Nissan maintenance services by Nissan-trained technicians who understand your vehicle and what it takes to keep it in excellent condition.
Nissan Maintenance at Your Nissan Dealer: 4 Essential Services for Your Nissan
1. Oil and Filter Changes
Oil and filter changes are critical maintenance tasks to keep your engine well-lubricated and protected. The oil in your car is a lubricant that prevents friction between all the engine’s moving components, while the oil filter keeps contaminants away from the engine.
Our Nissan technician will inspect the level and condition of the oil, drain it if needed, use the correct oil for your specific model, and replace the oil filter when you bring your vehicle to us for an oil and filter change. Check your owner’s manual for your particular model’s factory-recommended oil change intervals, or speak to one of our Nissan technicians for more information.
2. Complimentary Battery Diagnostic Tests and Services
Your battery must always be in good condition to ensure your car takes you where you want to go. If you encounter clicking noises while turning the key, dimmer lights than usual, struggle to start your vehicle, or if the battery light on your dashboard is illuminated, it might be time to get a new battery.
Bring your vehicle to us, and our Nissan technicians will perform a complimentary battery diagnostic test to determine if you need a replacement. We have a variety of genuine Nissan batteries that meet your Nissan’s original specifications and are backed by an 84-month Limited Warranty.
3. Complimentary Brake Inspections and Services
It’s important to prioritize regular maintenance for your car’s brakes to ensure their proper functioning and your safety on the road. Our team of Nissan-trained technicians offers complimentary brake system inspections to help you avoid braking issues, such as unresponsive brakes due to worn brake pads and damage to braking components.
4. Tires and Tire Services
When your Nissan needs a new set of tires, we make it easy, convenient, and affordable. We offer a wide selection of Nissan-approved tire brands at reasonable prices. Our tire specialists are well-informed and always available to assist you in finding the right tires for your particular model.
Our team of Nissan experts is dedicated to providing outstanding services to help you keep your Nissan performing at its best. Schedule a maintenance appointment at Granite Automotive today by calling us or using the helpful online appointment tool on our website. Our qualified and experienced team of Nissan technicians will take expert care of all your vehicle needs and ensure your Nissan runs perfectly.
8 Signs Your GMC Needs a New Battery
Your GMC’s battery is the heart of its electrical system, playing a crucial role in starting the engine and powering the on-board electronics. Recognizing the signs of a failing battery is key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns by getting quick battery service at your GMC dealer.
8 Signs You Need Battery Service From Your GMC Dealer
1. Slow Engine Crank
When you turn the key or push the start button, if the engine takes longer than usual to roll over or cranks sluggishly, it might be a sign of a weakening battery. This slow crank is often the first symptom that your battery is losing charge.
2. The Check Engine Light
Sometimes, a weak battery can trigger the check engine light on your GMC’s dashboard. While this light can indicate various issues, it’s wise to get the battery checked if it illuminates unexpectedly.
3. Swollen or Bloated Battery Case
Extreme temperatures can cause the battery case to swell or bloat. If you notice any deformation in the battery case, this is a clear sign that the battery life is compromised and replacement is necessary.
4. Battery Age
A car battery typically lasts about 3–5 years. If your GMC’s battery is approaching or has surpassed this age range, have it tested regularly and be prepared for a replacement.
5. Electrical Component Issues
If you start experiencing issues with electrical components in your vehicle, such as dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, or slow power window operation, these could be signs of a failing battery.
6. Corroded Connectors
Check the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion (white, ashy substance). Corroded terminals can lead to voltage issues and trouble starting your vehicle.
7. The Smell of Sulfur or Rotten Eggs
A damaged or leaking battery can sometimes emit a sulfuric or rotten egg smell. While bad smells are never something you want to detect in your engine, this is usually a serious sign that the battery needs immediate inspection and likely replacement.
8. Frequent Jump Starts
If you find yourself frequently needing to jump-start your GMC, it’s a clear indicator that the battery is losing its ability to hold a charge and needs replacement. However, if you find your car dying in the middle of a drive and a jumpstart won’t get it going again, the alternator rather than the battery is likely the issue.
Recognizing these signs can save you from the inconvenience of a dead battery at the wrong time. If you notice any of these symptoms with your GMC’s battery, visit Granite Automotive right away for a comprehensive battery check and replacement if needed. It’s always better to be proactive about your vehicle’s health.
Your Guide to the 2024 Nissan Frontier
The 2024 Nissan Frontier is a smaller truck with excellent on-road handling capable of towing virtually anything. The coming year’s Frontier is shaping up to be a Nissan dealer best-seller.
Meet the 2024 Nissan Frontier Today at Your Nissan Dealer
Impressive Mechanical Specs
The Frontier’s base model KING CAB® S boasts a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 24-valve engine. This engine grants the Frontier 310 281 lb-ft of torque as well as 310 horsepower. The engine features an idle stop/start function to reduce gas emissions. The Frontier’s robust engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the pickup truck has an independent double-wishbone front suspension with a stabilizer bar.
The Frontier has speed-sensitive power steering that automatically matches the engine, and several brake programs are always active while you’re behind the wheel of your truck. The front and rear brakes are vented discs, and the four-wheel antilock braking system works in tandem with the electronic brake force distribution program.
Infotainment
You can access your Frontier’s infotainment hub through the eight-inch color display touchscreen located in the middle of the center console. The cabin of all Frontier models is equipped with Voice Recognition software, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Siri® Eyes Free, a Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant, and Bluetooth®.
Driver Assistance
Nissan’s top 2024 pickup truck has cruise control capabilities with steering wheel-mounted controls. The Intelligent Forward Collision Warning system comes standard on all Frontier models. This program employs sensors on the front bumper that can detect and respond to possible front-end collisions quickly enough to lessen the impact or avoid it entirely. The onboard RearView Monitor automatically displays a live feed of the space behind your Frontier on your infotainment screen when you put your truck in reverse.
The Automatic Emergency Braking system includes Pedestrian Detection software for spotting smaller collision objects such as cyclists and people on foot. This system will warn you and/or apply the brakes on your behalf to avoid an impact. The Intelligent Driver Alertness safety system watches for signs of driver fatigue such as repeated drifting into other lanes, and this system will warn you when it’s time to take a break from driving.
Available Driver Assistance Features
You can choose to upgrade to the Intelligent Cruise Control system that automatically adjusts your Frontier’s speed to match the traffic ahead of you. You also have the option of adding the Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert safety systems. The Rear Sonar system, Rear Automatic Braking, and High Beam Assist can also be yours if you opt for them.
The 2024 Frontier is a perfectly balanced combination of power, on-road prowess, and comfort. Visit us here at Granite Automotive as soon as you can to meet the Frontier in person and take it for a test drive.
The 2024 Nissan Leaf: Six Features Drivers Love
When it comes to fully electric vehicles, nothing can beat the 2024 Nissan Leaf. At your Nissan dealer, you will be able to check out trim level options for the 2024 Leaf and all the features that make each model special.
The 2024 Nissan Leaf at Your Nissan Dealer: Six Features Drivers Love
1. Electric Motor
The S trim has a 110 kW AC synchronous electric motor, which produces 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This electric motor is paired with a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery, which can be charged to 100% in 7.75 hours or 80% in about 40 minutes.
The SV Plus trim has a 160 kW AC synchronous motor, which produces 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, and a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery. The battery for this model can be charged to 100% in 11 hours or 80% in 45 minutes.
2. Driver Assistance Technology
The S trim has driver assistance technology such as cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and a rearview monitor. The SV Plus trim comes with ProPILOT Assist, an intelligent around-view monitor, and intelligent driver alertness. Both trim levels have standard driver assist technology such as an e-Pedal, high beam assist, hill start assist, intelligent trace control, rear automatic braking, active ride control, rear cross-traffic alert, and intelligent lane intervention.
3. Seating
The seating for the S trim includes a six-way manual adjustable driver’s bucket seat and a four-way manual adjustable front passenger bucket seat. The SV Plus trim has an eight-way power adjustable driver’s bucket seat with two-way lumbar support and heated front seats. Both trims feature a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat and cloth seat trim.
4. Infotainment
Features such as a seven-inch information display, NissanConnect eight-inch color display, and voice recognition are standard on both trims. The SV Plus trim also supports Nissan door-to-door navigation with Premium traffic. The S trim has a four-speaker audio system, while the SV Plus has a six-speaker system.
5. EPA Range and Fuel Economy
The fully electric driving range for the S trim is 149 miles, while the SV Plus trim has a range of 212 miles. The fuel economy for the S trim is 123 MPGe in the city, 99 MPGe on the highway, and 111 MPGe combined. The SV Plus, on the other hand, gets 121 MPGe in the city, 98 MPGe on the highway, and 109 MPGe combined.
6. Interior Volume
The maximum interior volume of the 2024 Leaf is 116 cubic feet, with 23.6 cubic feet dedicated solely to the cargo volume when the rear seat is folded up. If the rear seat is folded down, the cargo volume increases to 30.0 cubic feet.
EV vehicles such as the 2024 Leaf are quickly becoming popular because of how well these fuel-efficient vehicles perform. Check out your favorite trim when you visit Granite Automotive.
Unveiling the 2024 Nissan Altima
The 2024 Nissan Altima is a fuel-efficient car with five well-equipped trim packages to choose from. As a Nissan dealer, we are excited to introduce you to the many options you have this year. Read on to learn more about the features Nissan has added for 2024.
Your Nissan Dealer Unveils the 2024 Nissan Altima
Five Attractive Trim Options
The entry-level S is well-equipped, with a suite of safety assist technology, 16-inch steel wheels, and a seven-inch touchscreen display. The elevated SV adds 17-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels and an eight-inch touchscreen. Choosing the SR will provide you with an even smoother ride, thanks to features like paddle shifters and sport-tuned suspension.
Drivers looking for more horsepower will want to consider the SR VC-Turbo, with its 2.0-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine. This model comes with ProPILOT assist and upgrades the touchscreen to a 12.3-inch display. Drivers who choose the SL will enjoy their leather-appointed seats and the convenience of a wireless smartphone charger.
A Fuel-Efficient Car
One of the reasons drivers have always loved the Altima is its fuel efficiency. In 2024, Nissan’s popular car is averaging 39 miles to the gallon on the highway with its standard engine. This vehicle achieves 27 miles to the gallon in the city.
Upgrading to the available turbocharged engine lowers the fuel economy, but only slightly. The turbocharged Altima still averages 34 miles to the gallon on the highway.
Safety Assist Technology
The standard 2024 model comes equipped with a long list of excellent safety assist features. Your drive will be supported by technology like an intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a lane departure warning. You’ll also have a blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, so you’ll be more aware of obstacles that are normally hard to see. Your high beam assist feature will be appreciated by other drivers as your vehicle automatically adjusts your headlights to prevent glare.
There are plenty of available safety assist features for the higher trims as well. These options include intelligent lane intervention, which will activate whenever the vehicle can see the lane lines on the highway. There’s also an available traffic sign recognition feature, making it easier to stay aware of changing speed limits.
Infotainment Options
The entry-level Altima comes equipped with an excellent seven-inch touchscreen. This system has Bluetooth capabilities, so you can easily stream music from your smartphone. Upgrading to the SV provides you with a slightly larger eight-inch touchscreen. If you’re really looking for the largest infotainment system you can get, you’ll want to consider the available 12.3-inch display.
The Nissan Altima is a reliable car that sips gas as it comfortably takes you on your daily commute. Interested drivers won’t want to miss the 2024 model. Visit Granite Automotive now to discover our wide selection of new vehicles.
There’s nothing worse than being in a rush in the morning and going outside to your vehicle to find that it is frosted over and covered in snow, forcing you to clear it off so you can see during your commute. Luckily, garages exist so that we can avoid this unfortunate scenario. Besides the obvious reasons to keep your vehicle stored in a garage, there are several factors to the importance of storing your car in a garage, including:
1. Basic protection for the paint. Hail, wind, sun, bird droppings etc.
2. Keeping the vehicle inside allows the engine oil to cool down slowly.
3. There will be less chance of pipes freezing or getting damaged in the cool weather.
4. Wipers have a less chance of going brittle, from not being exposed to the harsh elements.
5. Engine oil is more reliable when better maintained and will do an enhanced job of lubricating your engine when kept at regular temperatures.
6. Your transition from the house to the car will be more enjoyable.
7. Save minutes and stress each morning not having to scrape your car windows!
If all else fails and you do not have a garage, one of the best ways to protect your car is to purchase a cover. Car covers are an efficient way to aid in preventing scratches and discoloration to your car. Keeping your vehicle in a garage or covered is sure fire way to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle!
Check back regularly for more tips on keeping your vehicle looking and running great for years to come!
Despite the strides in female representation in virtually all other industries, the statistics regarding women working in the automotive dealership industry are bleak. While research shows that women comprise 62% of car buyers, only around 7% of dealership jobs are held by females. And, if you look at the number of women in management positions at dealerships, that number plummets to below 5%. Even in 2023, dealerships continue to be a male-dominated workplace across the United States.
Granite Automotive’s new owner, Terishka Franco, aims to change that.
“I’ve been in [the automotive] industry for 40 years, and it’s changed very little,” Franco explained. “And, if females do work at a dealership, they’re often receptionists or work in the office. They very rarely have sales, service, or management roles.”
In 2023, Franco, along with business partners Sam and Ray Agha, made the decision to buy Granite Automotive after Ross McKie, whose family owned the dealership for over 40 years, opted to step down and sell the business.
As part of her new role, Franco will work on location to oversee all operations at both of Granite Automotive’s dealerships: Granite Buick GMC and Granite Nissan. Since her arrival, Franco has exuded a tenacity and calm demeanor that has resulted in a smooth transition for both her and Granite’s employees. However, Franco has faced many obstacles on her path to becoming one of less than 100 women owners of car dealerships in the United States.
Starting Up the Ladder
Terishka Franco got her first taste of the dealership world at the age of 15 in Kalispell, MT. At the time, Franco was in high school and worked at a bank, where she often assisted with the titling process for a Toyota dealership. During her time at the bank, she streamlined the process, turning an hours-long ordeal into a five-minute task.
After observing her ingenuity and problem-solving skills, the owner of the dealership, Dugan, offered Franco a management position in his finance department, which she accepted.
Over her three years of employment, Dugan became her mentor, showing her the ins and outs of how to successfully run a dealership. Her hard work resulted in the small Montana dealership becoming one of the top Toyota dealers in the entire Western region, beating out dealerships located in large metro areas such as Los Angeles and Seattle. She was invited to share her expertise in customer service at a week-long dealership seminar in California.
When she returned to the office on Monday morning, Franco was in tears. “Dugan laughed and asked me if I got a job offer,” she recalled. “I told him I got five.”
The recent high school graduate was considering college at the time, especially after receiving a scholarship. But at that point, she was already making more in the car business than many of her friend’s parents. Dugan eventually convinced her to continue her career in the automotive industry and helped her choose the best out of the five job offers, an auto group located in San Francisco, CA.
Although she was only 18 years old and had never been to San Francisco, Franco was ready for her new venture. She packed up her bags, loaded up her car, and headed to California.
Overcoming Adversity
In San Francisco, Franco settled into her role of Finance Director of five stores. Still a teenager, she was now in charge of a group of all men, many of them her parents’ age. It was then that she really experienced the discrimination of being a woman in the auto industry.
“I was managing 40-year-old men who thought they knew it all, and all of a sudden I come in and ruffle up their world because I had a different way of doing things,” she said. “I would call Dugan crying, and he would tell me ‘You gotta stick it out kiddo. You know your stuff. Don’t let anyone get in your head.’”
“I had people come after me personally, professionally,” Franco continued. “It’s hard to not let people get to you, especially people who are jealous and threatened.”
Despite the hardships, she never gave up. At 23 years old, she was promoted to Vice President of the auto group and oversaw the operations of all the group’s stores.
Witnessing Franco’s commitment to learning the auto industry and her vast potential, the president of the auto group sent her to a General Motor’s university program. As part of the program, she held every dealership position, from front desk to the service department, for at least six months. This experience was crucial to her future success. “It set me up to becoming the owner of a dealership long before I even thought about being a dealer,” she said.
Franco’s career was on the fast track and the possibilities were endless. Then she had her first child, and, all of a sudden, her perspective and priorities changed.
Making the Hard Decisions
A new mother, Franco was still putting in long hours in her executive role. After a year, she was still putting in 15-hour days and working seven days a week. She had three caregivers for her son and was having a hard time not spending more time with him. Unlike her male peers, many of which had stay-at-home wives to care for the family, Franco was struggling to solely handle all aspects of her life.
“To me, it was unfair because I felt that I had to choose between being a mom and my career. I worked so hard to get where I was. In the end, there was no choice – my son needed me. I couldn’t keep working those kinds of hours,” she explained.
A co-worker connected Franco with one of the dealer group’s vendors, and she accepted a position. Now working on the opposite side of the auto industry, Franco was working fewer hours and making less money, but was able to achieve the stability she needed to raise her son.
Although her new boss was a female, Jill, who also became a trusted mentor, Franco quickly realized that it was very male dominated on the auto industry’s vendor side as well. “I was up against men, everywhere I went. Managing men much older than me with more experience than me, that doubted my expertise and ability.”
Nevertheless, Franco continued to excel. In her new position, she evaluated struggling dealerships and determined if they were able to recover, or if their franchise should be closed. Her experience working in every aspect of a dealership made it easy for her to identify issues and create plans to fix them. She helped dealers grow their business, buy businesses, sell business, get profitable, and navigate through problems.
“I did that for over 28 years,” Franco remembers, “And that’s where I was when I met Sam.”
New Horizons
When Franco started working for Sam, she not only had expertise in running a store, but she also had marketing and business experience on the manufacturing side as well. Sam Agha recognized this, telling Franco, “You have helped so many dealers become millionaires or increase their millions. You should put that skillset to work for you. If you do well as an employee, imagine what you will do as an owner.”
“I always came close to being an owner. It was always the next step, but a man would always be chosen,” she said.
When Franco and the Aghas came across the opportunity to buy Granite Automotive, they grabbed it. At the time, Sam and Terishka were running a dealership in Los Angeles, CA, and were experiencing high turnover and other issues that go along with managing a dealership in a large metro area. They liked the fact that Granite Automotive was located in a more rural setting and maintained the family-owned, small-town feel that could not be found in California.
Franco’s appreciation for Granite solidified when she first sat down with the dealership’s executive management team and looked around the table. “I realized we are all women! We stepped into that, we didn’t create that. And I’m very proud of it.”
The Future of Auto is Female
As a female auto dealership owner, Franco hopes to bring more women into the industry. “I’m going to broadcast loudly that Granite Automotive is a female-run operation,” she exclaimed.
One way she hopes to achieve her goal is to partner with area schools to encourage more females to choose automotive careers. “I don’t think that women think of [automotive careers]. I want to show that it possible for females to get far in the industry.”
“I’m all about leadership and women empowerment,” she continued. “I realized out of the gate when I was 15 years old that I’m in a male-dominated career, but I really liked it and was good at it. So, I was either going to continue in my career that I loved, or I was going to let men dictate that I wasn’t welcome. I chose the former.”
Granite Automotive Group in Rapid City is celebrating their new ownership by inviting the public to a grand re-opening event on Friday, August 18th at the Granite dealership locations on East Mall Drive.
The festivities kick off at 10am and feature plenty of activities for all ages. Derby cars will be on display starting at 10am, with derby drivers on hand to sign autographs. Nugget from the Rapid City Rush is slated to make an appearance from 11am – 12:30pm. The celebration also includes a dunk tank benefiting JourneyOn, face painting, and a bouncy house to round out the fun. Food trucks will be in attendance from 11am – 2pm, with Mercy’s Tacos, Patas Azules, and Gilligan’s Shaved Ice Paradise serving up a variety of delicious options.
Door prizes will be awarded every hour from 11am – 2pm, with prizes including fair passes and entries to Reptile Gardens. Must be present to win. Those that purchase a car on August 18th will also have the opportunity to play Plinko or Spin the Prize Wheel for the chance to win additional prizes.
The celebration continues on Saturday, August 19th with Billy Q’s breakfast starting at 8am.
Granite Automotive Group acquired new owners in May 2023 after over 40 years of ownership by the McKie family. New owners Sam Agha, Ray Agha, and Terishka Franco are excited to bring their dealership expertise to Rapid City while still honoring the legacy of the McKie family.
“It’s been an easy transition because we’ve kept the true core of the business. We’ve kept all of the employees, which was important, as well as the name,” Franco explained. “It’s the McKie legacy and it’s important for us to honor that and keep moving forward.”
For Granite’s new ownership team, moving forward means providing the dealership’s current team with the training tools they need to develop their skills and grow as leaders. “We’re fortunate that we have such great people to work with,” Franco said.
Celebrate this promising new beginning for Granite Automotive Group on Friday, August 18th at Granite Buick GMC at 2454 East Mall Drive and Granite Nissan at 2626 East Mall Drive.
About Granite Automotive Group
Granite Automotive Group, LLC, is Rapid City’s premier auto dealership, providing a robust inventory of used and new vehicles. They also offer a service department that is staffed by certified technicians, providing all vehicle servicing needs from routine maintenance to extensive repairs.
Granite offers an experience unlike any other dealership, with a waiting room boasting complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, premier coffee, fruit, and freshly made popcorn. There are also a children’s play area and a putting green to stay entertained during the wait.
Granite Automotive Group is proud to provide unbeatable service, a wide selection, and exclusive amenities to make purchasing and servicing your vehicle a truly hassle-free experience.
Top 10 Factors in Choosing a Vehicle Model
How do buyers choose to drive a specific vehicle model? While the right price point is certainly a factor, the most recent J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study indicates that other aspects weigh just as heavily. Why do we choose to drive what we do? Here are the top 10 reasons:
- Reliability and Durability. For 3 consecutive years, reliability and durability are the most common reasons for selecting a particular model.
- Interior Comfort. A relaxed ride is the second-most-frequently cited reason in vehicle selection.
- Exterior Styling. Sometimes, appearance really does matter. In recent years, exterior styling has increased in importance among new vehicle buyers.
- Fuel Economy. Of course, gas mileage is always a factor, especially in recent years during which it’s taken on a new level of importance.
- Quality of Workmanship. This factor has actually fallen since 2010, and is tied in fourth place with fuel economy.
- Dealer Satisfaction. People buy from people they like, which we see every day at Granite Automotive. Buyers generally prefer to shop locally, choose to do business with a convenient dealer, and say they’d rather buy from someone they like than someone who has the best deal.
- Performance. This element has consistently held the 7th spot in deciding factors.
- Advanced Technology. During the past 3 years, technology has risen from the 10th spot to the 8th spot, meaning that buyers truly care about innovative advancements.
- Image. Purchasing a specific make and model because of the image it portrays ties with technology as the eighth most cited factor.
- Safety. Safety declined in importance, though we feel this consideration is just as important as a vehicle’s comfort levels, image, or tech gadgets.
Selecting your next vehicle is a highly personal, important decision. You should consider the factors that mean the most to you, and prioritize a list of must-haves before you start your search. At Granite Automotive we are proud to carry vehicles that meet all of these standards, and are excited to find the make and model that fulfills each of your needs.
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