Olympia Auto Mall
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Friday, March 31, 2017

Lifted Trucks and SUVs

What is a lifted truck or SUV?

A lifted truck or SUV is a pickup truck or sport utility vehicle whose suspension has been modified to raise it up. This is typically done to increase clearance and performance, especially for off-road use.

There are type types of lifts – Body Lifts and Suspension Lifts

Body Lifts

Body lifts are the more economical approach to modifying your truck or SUV. These lifts do not change the ride of the vehicle, they simply give the tires more clearance for off-roading. While the factory suspension and alignment remains intact. The biggest downside to the body lift is that the frame of the vehicle is more visible.

Suspension Lifts

Unlike a body lift which can only raise the body 1-3 inches, a suspension lift can go as high as the driver wants. This type of lift makes the suspension more articulate and allows the owner to purchase larger tires if desired. The downside of a suspension lift is the expense, both in the initial effort to lift the suspension as well as in the maintenance. In addition, while larger tires can be purchased and often are, the oversized tires and high profile lead to poor gas mileage.

Expert advice on Lifted Trucks

If you are considering purchasing a truck and/or lifting your existing truck or SUV, check with an expert on the best way to proceed for your particular use. Learn from South Sound Trucks all the pros and cons, and everything you should consider when making these modifications. You can find South Sound Trucks at the Olympia Auto Mall, a convenient location for new and used vehicles, maintenance, service, and truck lifts.

The Olympia Auto Mall – proudly serving Olympia, Puyallup, and Tacoma for over 30 years!

It’s Simple! More Cars, Less Money
The Olympia Auto Mall


Friday, March 24, 2017

Minivan and Crossover News

The family car of the past was the station wagon. Some manufacturers still refer to their vehicles as wagons but the station wagon of the past with roof racks and wood paneling have evolved. Their modern-day cousins are the Minivan and the Crossover. Let’s take a deeper look into the Minivan and Crossover of today.

Volkswagen in the News – from Bus to Crossover

Volkswagen used 20,000 Lego blocks to showcase the connection between the Bus (an early and unique version of the minivan) and its new concept vehicle the Atlas Weekend Edition at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. This new crossover sports 3 rows of seats and an interesting assortment of accessories for the active weekender. Read the full article here.

In Paris, Volkswagen revealed is new electric microbus, the VW ID Buzz. Still a concept car, the ID boasts a 270-mile driving range, 369 horsepower, and an uptake on a classic body style. Read more.

The Ford Transit Minivan

With a focus on utility and economy, the Ford Transit is a 2017 pick for best van. The Transit is available in 2 wheelbases accommodating seating for up to 7 in three rows. With more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space, this vehicle has all the carrying capacity of an SUV with more fuel economy, with a turbo option as well.

The Kia Sedona Minivan

With luxury seats in the cockpit and First-Class Lounge seating in the second row, this amazing minivan is very versatile.  The 2nd row seats feature a slide-n-stow function that allows them to fold upright while the 3rd row seats fold under the floor. Equipped with AC outlets, USB charging, and premium audio, this Kia accommodates all your high-tech needs.

The Honda Odyssey Minivan

The Honda Odyssey combines clever packaging with responsive handling and a super smooth ride. The Odyssey can seat eight in comfort, with varying configurations for cargo and passenger needs. Easy access combined with child-seat accommodations and plenty of cabin storage make this a great family vehicle.

The Toyota Sienna Minivan

The Toyota Sienna is designed for comfort and convenience. The wraparound dash puts all the controls right at your fingertips. The passenger seating (second and third row seats) can be folded for extra cargo space. This versatile minivan is available with dual power sliding doors and dual moonroof, so everyone can enjoy the fresh breeze or a clear view of the stars.

The Mazda CX-5 Crossover

Beautifully crafted with a welcoming cockpit, the Mazda CX-5 crossover was built with the driver in mind. Striking a nice balance between fuel efficiency and performance, this crossover offers a great driving experience and all the options for comfort, technology, and safety.
The Lincoln MKC Crossover

For a luxury experience, take a drive in the Lincoln MKC crossover. Push button start, ambient lighting, and hands-free liftgate are just a few of the features of this peaceful driving machine. Use the 6-speed SelectShift to engage the 2.0L or 2.3L turbocharged engine. In addition to all the technology amendments, this crossover is also available in All Wheel Drive.

The Subaru Crosstrek Crossover

Make the most of every journey with this impressive All Wheel Drive Subaru. It offers ample cargo capacity, impressive fuel economy, and a balanced design for stability and traction. This right-sized compact crossover offers an excellent 33 MPG highway and maneuverability without sacrificing space.

Minivans and Crossovers at the Olympia Auto Mall

Shop for your next minivan or crossover at a location that can offer you the best selection and the best prices. The Olympia Auto Mall proudly serves the greater Olympia area including Tacoma and Puyallup. With the largest selection of minivans and crossovers your trip to the Olympia Auto Mall will be well worth your time. In fact, make for visit even more successful by search our online inventory of vehicles. The Olympia Auto Mall offers special e-Pricing, making your online search even more valuable.

The Olympia Auto Mall – proudly serving Olympia, Puyallup, and Tacoma for over 30 years!

It’s Simple! More Cars, Less Money
The Olympia Auto Mall

Friday, March 17, 2017

What is the best used SUV?

If you are looking for the best SUV for your money, where do you start? Most of the major car manufacturers offer some type of SUV, Crossover, or Wagon. How do you decide what is best for you and what is the best value for your money?

Buying a used SUV

When buying a used SUV, you should ask yourself some important questions about size, usage, price range and fuel efficiency. SUVs come in small, medium, and large sizes and depending on the size of your family and how you plan to use your vehicle, the size of the SUV may give you a great start as to the type of SUV that would be most suitable.

For example, if you are a small family of four and your usage is mostly small, local trips, to and from school, sports practice, etc. then a small SUV may be just what you need. The small SUV will offer better gas mileage and will be easier to park for all those in-town trips.

If you have a larger family or perhaps you are a coach or soccer mom who is regularly transporting lots of children and gear, then a medium or full-size SUV may be required for both the seating and rear cargo capacity. The larger SUVs feature 3 rows of seats and the capacity to carry lots of luggage.

For those who take their SUVs off-road, 4-wheel drive and ground clearance are a must. Depending on the activities of the vehicle, other features may be desired, such as off-road bumpers, push bars, and grille protection. Learn more about these accessories before you buy as many aftermarket parts may void a manufacturer’s warranty.

For others, the desire for an SUV is simply the durable body style and elevated frame that offer an extra feeling of safety and security.

Where to buy used SUVs in the Tacoma and Puyallup areas

If you live in the greater Tacoma and Puyallup Washington area and are considering buying a used SUV, then shop the location that can offer you the best selection and the best prices. The Olympia Auto Mall proudly serves the greater Olympia area including Tacoma and Puyallup. With the largest selection of new and used SUVs, your trip to the Olympia Auto Mall will be well worth your time. In fact, make your visit even more successful by search our online inventory of new and used SUVs. The Olympia Auto Mall offers special e-Pricing, making your online search even more valuable.

The Olympia Auto Mall – proudly serving Olympia, Puyallup, and Tacoma for over 30 years!

It’s Simple! More Cars, Less Money
The Olympia Auto Mall

Friday, March 10, 2017

When is it time to buy a new car?

What makes you start to consider buying or saving for a new car? Is it after your cars has over 100,000 miles on it? 150,000? When you start hearing noises you’ve never heard before? Or, is it just that your best friend just bought a new car and you’re jealous?

Buying a new car

For many people, buying new cars is done on a schedule. They prefer a car that is under warranty and won’t unexpectedly have mechanical trouble, so they trade in their car every 3-5 years, upgrade to the latest model, or even switch manufacturers just to experience a variety in driving experience.

For others, the latest TV commercial showing you that your current vehicle is no longer the latest and greatest get them motivated. Tons of money is spent every year by the automobile manufacturers to lure you into the seat of a new car. Buying a new car can be expensive due to the depreciation in the first 3-4 years. However, if you have the money to spend on a new car, the technology improves every year and you will enjoy keeping pace with the improvements.

Where to buy new cars in the Tacoma area

If you live in the greater Tacoma Washington area and are considering buying that new car, then shop the location that can offer you the best selection and the best prices. Your time is valuable, so shopping for your next new car in an Auto Mall that can allow you to test drive all the cars on your bucket list and in your price range in one convenient location is a great advantage. You can also visit us online and search our entire inventory of new and used vehicles.

The Olympia Auto Mall – proudly serving Olympia, Puyallup, and Tacoma for over 30 years!

It’s Simple! More Cars, Less Money

The Olympia Auto Mall