Doral Volkswagen Blog

Driving to College

Sep 5, 2019

You have recently graduated high school and now you are ready to go to college. Whether you are in-state or out-of-state, get ready to go on the best road trip of your life. But first, you’ll need a car. Here, you’ll find tips on buying and leasing.

Buying

Establish a Budget

Start by asking yourself what you can afford. This will let you know which cars you can buy and which ones to save for when you graduate college and get a full-time job. If you can afford to buy it upfront, then go for it! If you can’t, financing is an option.

If you do choose to finance, calculate how much you can spend a month on car payments. In this case, it’s best if you don’t spend more than 10% of your monthly gross income on payments.

Identify and Prioritize Your Wants

What do you want most in a car? Do you want a good looking car? An economical car? A sedan? An SUV? A truck?

Make sure you know the answers to those questions, otherwise you might end up with a car that you didn’t want in the first place.

Test Drive

This is one of the most important steps.

Test drive all of the options to make the perfect selection.

New cars are usually in good conditions. Old cars, however, may not be, so make sure you run the car through a professional mechanic. Sure, it may cost money, but it could save you in the long run.

Leasing

Many drivers are aware of how car leases work, but they don’t know that by using just a few tips, they can end up saving a lot of money. Here are four leasing strategies you may not have realized existed:

Extend Your Lease Month-to-Month

Just because your lease is about to expire, it doesn’t mean that you’ll have to decide whether to buy the car immediately or whether you should find a new one. Many dealerships will let you extend the lease on a month-to-month basis if you’re still unsure if you want to keep the car or not. This gives you extra time to do further research on vehicles currently on the market and to decide if you want to purchase the car you’re leasing.

Sign a Single-Payment Lease

If you have an influx of cash and prefer to lease instead of finance, you should inquire about signing a single-payment lease. A single-payment lease, also known as a single-pay or pre-pay lease, is similar to a standard lease, the only difference is that instead of having monthly payments, the entire amount is paid at the beginning of the lease. This will help you avoid the burden of having to pay a set amount each month you’ll also probably get a lower interest rate.

Gap Insurance

According to the Insurance Information Institute, gap insurance is “the difference between what a vehicle is currently worth and the amount you actually owe on it.” In the event that you get into an accident, gap insurance would cover you for this difference between market value and the amount you own on the vehicle. It’s a good idea to get gap insurance when leasing since you generally pay less on a monthly basis and you could otherwise end up owning thousands of dollars if your car is totaled early in the lease.

Make a Bigger Down Payment

When leasing, you’re paying the difference between the price of the vehicle and the value at the end of the contract, making a bigger down payment is the way to go. For example, if you’re considering buying a vehicle worth $25,000 and make a down payment of $2,500, you’re paying 10% of what you owe if you finance. However, if the residual value of the car is $12,500, paying that same amount for the down payment, means that you’ve paid 20% of what you owe, which could mean a lower monthly rate.

If you’re thinking of buying or leasing a car, call 305-928-8612 or visit our website to learn more about what models we have available. We hope you have a safe drive to school!

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Introducing: Volkswagen College Grad Program

Jul 27, 2019

At Esserman International Volkswagen, we know what it’s like to be a recent graduate in desperate need of a car. This is why we offer the VW College Graduate Program. Through the Volkswagen College Graduate Program, qualified recent graduates can get a $500 Contract Bonus when purchasing or leasing a new, unused Volkswagen vehicle through Volkswagen Credit.

Top Program Highlights

Up to $500 Contract Bonus
If you lease, there’s no security deposit required.
Competitive rates even if you have no credit. Credit history is not required, but if you have existing credit, it must be in good standing.
No co-signer required.

How to Get Started

To get started, visit Esserman International Volkswagen today to apply. You’ll need to meet the following requirements:

You graduated within the past 24 months or will graduate in the next 6 months from an accredited US or Canadian College or University
You have a full-time (permanent) job or have a written commitment from your future employer.
You have received credit approval from Volkswagen Credit

When you visit our dealership, you’ll need to provide the following:

A copy of your degree or transcript and contact information for your college or university.
A copy of proof of income and full-time (permanent) employment as well as a name and phone number for a contact in human resources or payroll.
Contact information for two (2) personal references. One must be a relative.

Get Protection

MyVWInsurance is the only insurance that lives up to the high standards of a Volkswagen. We think you’ll agree.

When you insure your Volkswagen through Liberty Mutual Insurance, you could receive exclusive savings of up to 10%–as well as valuable benefits such as:

Genuine Volkswagen replacement parts
Towing to your nearest Volkswagen dealership
New Car Replacement
Accident Forgiveness
Multiple discounts

For more information, call 1-888-323-6053 or get a free quote now at libertymutual.com/vwcollegegrad.

Make the choice that is right for you.

You’ve just finished (more or less) four years of hard work. You deserve to continue your journey in a brand new Volkswagen.

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2020 VW Passat

Jul 20, 2019

Eight years after the last redesign debuted, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat has been announced and it is one of the most looked-forward-to cars of the year, mostly due to brand new features:

Comfort for your whole crew.

Designed with all passengers in mind, not just the driver. You’ll notice multipurpose details all over the place. Once you’re done sinking in and admiring the view, of course.

V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces

It looks like leather, but it’s really V-Tex leatherette. This available seating surface is comfortable, stylish, and easy to maintain.

Climatronic® dual-zone climate control

Some like it cool. Others like it hot. With available dual-zone climate control, you can make everyone happy.

Rear legroom

Providing more than three feet of rear legroom, friends of all sizes can stretch out and enjoy. Pretty soon, every turn will be your turn to drive.

Two rear USB charging ports

Because your friends want their devices too. The Passat is equipped with two available rear USB ports so everyone can get a charge out of the ride.

Rear air vents

Allow friends in the backseat to redirect their own airflow. Extra touches that make for an extra-memorable (and comfortable) ride.

Heated front seats

Now you can stay warm on chilly evenings, with available heated front seats for you and your plus-one.

R-Line design

The available Passat R-Line steps up the bold and sporty attitude for even the most sophisticated drivers. With a sporty front end and rear bumper, 19″ wheels, and performance design cues, you may notice an increase in double takes.

LED projector headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

LED projector headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights help illuminate your drive as well as highlight your sense of style.

LED taillights

Sure, they look great, but that’s only part of the story. They’re also efficient and long-lasting.

Rain-sensing wipers

Are you sensing inclement weather? So can your Passat. When rain hits the windshield, available rain-sensing wipers even know whether to swish faster or slower.

Auto-dimming rearview mirror

Help lessen the glaring lights from those traveling behind you. The available self-dimming rearview mirror can handle that garish light by dimming when things get too bright.

19″ alloy wheels

Standard on your Passat R-line, these broad 19″ wheels come in an eye-catching two-tone of machined alloy with a unique split-spoke design.

Sunroof

Nothing like an available power sunroof that tilts and slides to shine a little natural light on your drive.

Take your apps for a ride.

To start App-Connect simply plug in your compatible smartphone and watch as your select apps appear on the touchscreen display of your Volkswagen.

The perfect partner for your hi-tech life.

From touchscreen to push-button, it’s all about sitting, setting up select apps, and seeing where the day takes you. The Passat is full of the very technology you need for your very full life.

6.3″ touchscreen sound system

This feature lets you experience your music through more than one of the senses. With voice control and an intuitive proximity sensor behind a clear glass display, you’ll see, feel, and hear the difference.

Keyless access with push-button start

Available keyless access lets you lock, unlock, start, and drive your car without ever having to take your keys out of your pocket. Press the brake and push the start button, and your engine’s running and ready for action.

Premium color Multifunction Display (MFD)

Its graphic and colorful interface shows your media, compatible phone, and vehicle info and settings in plain sight.

Blind Spot Monitor

When driving, if you attempt to change lanes, the Blind Spot Monitor can help alert you to cars that may be in your blind spot. The Active Blind Spot Monitor (available when the vehicle is equipped with Lane Assist) on select models can also counter-steer within the limits of Lane Assist to help keep you in your lane if you attempt to change lanes when a vehicle is in your blind spot.

Remote start

On cold days, warm up the Passat while you stay inside sipping your coffee. Or, on hot ones, cool it down before you get in. Just use the available remote start feature.

SiriusXM® All Access

Get your fingers warmed up. SiriusXM All Access offers music, plus major sporting events and some of the biggest names in entertainment, news, and comedy are available with a 3-month trial subscription.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) helps the vehicle maintain a preset speed and distance from the car in front of you. When activated, if the car in front of you speeds up or slows down, the sensors can detect the change and your car follows suit.

Turbocharged engine

As part of the turbo technology in the new Passat, cooled air is forced directly into the TSI® engine, helping to give you impressive performance, horsepower, and torque.

Leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters

Get a grip. With comfort and technology right at your fingertips, you won’t want to let go. Available track-inspired paddle shifters also give you quick-shifting capability at your fingertips, so you don’t have to.

6-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode

The automatic 6-speed transmission cruises you from 0 to 60 and back down so smoothly you’ll feel like a pro. And if that isn’t sporty enough for you, switch into Sport mode for a more active feel advancing through the gears.

Safety Cage

Front and rear crumple zones help absorb crash energy, while a rigid safety cage helps deflect it away from the driver and passengers.

Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS)

In the event of a collision that deploys the airbags, the ICRS can turn off the fuel pump, unlock the doors, and activate the hazard lights. It helps react if you might not be able to.

Rear View Camera System

Benefit from the view of a wide lens when you want it. It can help you see obstacles when backing up, a feature so helpful you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

Automatic Post-Collision Braking System

Not every collision brings a car to stop. That’s why our vehicles include the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. It can also help slow the vehicle down after a collision, helping reduce the chance of any additional impacts.

Buying with Esserman International has never been easier. Come to our dealership today and test drive the world’s finest cars.

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Financing With Esserman International Volkswagen Explained

Jul 13, 2019

Why Esserman International Volkswagen?

We’re Volkswagen Credit, not your average or typical, everyday financial services company. Our friendly financial professionals work with associates from all over including Miami, Hialeah, and Fort Lauderdale to ensure our customers get what they deserve, only the best. With over than thirty years of financing experience, we pride ourselves with providing quality assured financial products and superior customer support to the Volkswagen family. We truly care about what we finance, and even more important, who we are serving with our services. You are our priority.

Simplicity

Nobody likes complicated or messy, at Esserman Volkswagen we strive to create an easy financing experience. This means no speed bumps, no detours, and no sweat on your journey to riding in an Esserman Volkswagen vehicle. We offer flexible payment options, online account management, and helpful lease-end guidance for your convenience.

Speed

We get it, dinner isn’t ready, the kids need to be picked up, and you haven’t walked the dog. Time is not a thing we like to waste. We value our customer’s time and efforts. Our dealership aims to make car financing a quick and to-the-point experience. Our focus is surrounded around our customers at all times. For your convenience, we offer an online financing application to get you on your way quicker. This application is a quick and secure way to assure that you will be approved before you even set foot inside a dealership.

Clarity

No need to think too hard, a clear-cut and easy to understand the financing process is something we take pride in at Esserman Volkswagen. All the information you may need is right at your fingertips with our expert support team and convenient account management.

Expertise

Being part of the VW group gives us an advantage. We are the preferred financial service company for Volkswagen. With our thirty years of experience, we are able to offer expert customer service and exclusive deals and savings that can’t be beaten. Our experts are trained to give you top-notch car buying experience.

Trust

Trust isn’t an easily earned thing; let us show you why you can count on us to go the extra mile. Our driven commitment and unwavering dedication to the Volkswagen brand and family shows how we will serve you.

Incentives

Esserman customers deserve something special; this is why we created custom-built incentives for our special customers. Our Volkswagen College Graduate Program allows for qualified recent graduates to receive a $500 Contract Bonus when purchasing or leasing a new, unused Volkswagen vehicle through Volkswagen Credit. Other incentives include the First-Time Buyer Program, the Loyalty Program, the Corporate Program, and the Foreign Business Professionals Program.

FAQ

What financial services are offered?

We offer competitive rates directly from the manufacturer and local Florida banks. Quick approvals are a guarantee. Value-added services are an option offered at Esserman International Volkswagen to protect your vehicle investment. We offer a variety of extended warranty programs. Numerous other finance programs are available to fit the needs of our customers.

How do Auto Loans work?

Filling out our online credit application is the first step for an auto loan. After filling out the application, you will instantly know if you are eligible for our finance programs. We also offer a payment calculator to estimate your buying power and monthly payments.

What about my credit?

Whether it is perfect or not so great, we can custom design the right financing package for your next vehicle purchase. Visit our FREE credit online application. Once the application is completed, the Esserman International Volkswagen team will customize a loan package that is tailored specifically for you.

https://www.doralvw.com/Credit-Application.html

How to apply for financing?

Visit our online financing application. This is an easy 6 step process to get you going on your journey to purchase a vehicle at Esserman International Volkswagen.

https://www.vw.com/web/vw/vci2/index.html

Trust Esserman International Volkswagen with your car buying needs. We are always excited to answer any questions you may have. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!

https://www.doralvw.com/contactus.aspx

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Top Reasons to Buy a Volkswagen

Jun 17, 2019

With over 30 automotive brands that exist in the world today, it’s kind of hard to choose the best one. However, due to the quality, design, reliability, and safety of its vehicles, it is evident that Volkswagen is one of the top brands in the automotive industry today. Here are the top reasons you should buy a Volkswagen vehicle today:

High Quality

When it comes to good and high-quality vehicles, Volkswagen is the manufacturer everyone thinks about. Starting with the classic Beetle all the way through the Golf and Passat, Volkswagen has sold millions of high-quality cars worldwide, which has no doubt aided it in becoming one of the top car manufacturers in the entire world.

Durability

Generally, when buying a new car, we expect it to last a few years. This simply isn’t true when it comes to Volkswagen. With the proper care and regular check-ups, Volkswagen vehicles can last a lifetime.

Efficiency

While the average mpg for the majority of cars in the US is 24.7, Volkswagen vehicles average out at 26-30 in the city and it can go up to 40 on the highway. The Jetta, one of Volkswagen’s most popular models, averages 33 MPG combined city and highway. The Golf Alltrack averages 26 MPG combined, the Golf’s mean MPG is 29 combined, and the Beetle checks in with a 29 MPG combined rating.

Interested in purchasing or leasing a Volkswagen? Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. Our staff is happy to answer any and all inquiries in a timely fashion. We look forward to doing business with you!

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