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6 Benefits of Getting a Tire Rotation for Your Mazda

A tire rotation involves swapping each tire on your car to a different position to extend the life of the tires. Regular rotations at your Mazda dealer provide a whole lot of benefits, with the added advantage of saving a bundle of cash. more 6 Benefits of Getting a Tire Rotation for Your Mazda at Your Mazda Dealer 1. Your Tires Will Last Longer When you take your Mazda for the factory-recommended oil change intervals every 7,500 miles or six months, your Mazda technician will also switch the tires on your vehicle to different positions. The repositioning of your car's tires will ensure that all four tires wear down evenly at an equal rate and last longer. You will find the oil change and rotation intervals for your vehicle's model and year in your car's owner's manual or ask your Mazda technician for assistance. 2. The Tires Will Wear Down Evenly Each one of your car's tires wears down at different rates. The front tires wear down faster than the rear tires on front-wheel drive vehicles because they are used for turning and braking. The Mazda technician will swap your car's front tires to the rear, cross the rear tires, and fit them to the front of your vehicle. By repositioning the tires regularly, they will wear down more evenly and last longer. Different types of cars require different rotation patterns. Your Mazda technician knows which rotation pattern to use for your specific vehicle. You will also find the rotation pattern for your car in your owner's manual. 3. Rotations Will Minimize Vibrations When you don't get your tires switched regularly,  the tread on tires wears down unevenly. Uneven wear causes vibrations you will feel through your steering wheel. If you don't ask your technician to sort out the problem, over time, the vibrations will cause damage to your vehicle. The vibrations will affect the wheel alignment and balancing. To reduce the risk of vibrations and damage to your car, ask your Mazda technician to rotate your car's tires every time you take your vehicle for an oil and filter replacement. 4. Your Tires Will Regularly Be Inspected Another benefit of regular rotations at your dealership is that the Mazda technicians also perform thorough tire inspections to determine the condition of your vehicle's tires. The technician will check the tire tread depth, inspect each tire for cracks and bubbles, and inflate the tires to the proper pressure levels. After every rotation, you can rest assured that your tires will be in excellent condition. 5. Regular Rotations Will Increase Your Safety Safety is the most crucial benefit of regularly switching the tires on your vehicle. Regular rotations will ensure that the tread depth is the same and the wear is even across all four tires. Even depth and tread wear will increase traction, especially on wet and slippery road surfaces when accelerating, braking, and cornering, ensuring that you and your passengers will be safe. 6. Regular Rotations Will Save You Money We all want to save money, and this is what you will do when your tires are rotated at regular intervals. The tires on your car will last longer because all four tires will wear down at the same rate, and you will not have to buy a new set of tires as often, saving you money. Generally, it's more expensive to buy and replace just one tire than purchase and mount a new set. Ask your Mazda technician to switch the tires on your vehicle to make them last longer, increase your car's performance and your safety on the road, and, best of all, save money. Visit Tom Bush Mazda today to reap all the great benefits of regularly rotating your vehicle's tires.

Need an Engine Diagnostic? Visit Your Jacksonville Mazda Dealer

There are times when you know you need an engine diagnostic. However, sometimes you may wonder, would a diagnostic be good, or should I wait? There are many reasons you should get a diagnostic, especially at your Mazda Dealer. more Need an Engine Diagnostic? Visit Your Jacksonville Mazda Dealer Signs You Need a Diagnostic There are many signs that let you know you need a diagnostic. The most unmistakable sign is your check engine light; this light is a warning that you need to visit an auto shop. Power outages or a car that stops and needs to be restarted are both huge signs that you need to get a diagnostic soon. If you notice that your engine is running rough or that your fuel mileage is decreasing, it is another sign that you should get your car into a mechanic quickly. Other signs that you may notice are odd smells and unusual sounds. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, consider going in for a diagnostic. Your engine should not clunk, grind, squeal, or make any other odd sounds. Additionally, you need to get it in if your engine continues to run after turning the key off. Waiting and ignoring any of these problems will not make them disappear. Avoid extensive repairs by fixing the problem when it is still small. Reasons to Get a Diagnostic Your check engine light doesn't have to be on to make a diagnostic useful. A diagnostic can detect problems before they become large and expensive issues. However, there are other reasons to get a diagnosis for your vehicle. These tests ensure that everything in your car is in proper working order and can even increase your fuel mileage with minor tweaks and repairs. These tests are also fantastic at ensuring your pass emissions tests. Many counties in the United States have started requiring vehicles to pass emissions tests to ensure they aren't releasing extreme amounts of harmful pollutants into the air that we breathe. A diagnostic will reveal if your car will pass the emissions test and let the technician know what needs to be done if your vehicle fails. Reasons to Choose Your Dealer The technicians that work in a certified dealership service department are trained to work on your specific model. Additionally, because these technicians work predominantly on these models, they quickly gain experience in diagnosing and repairing issues your vehicle might experience. These certified techs will also have access to state-of-the-art technology and the best diagnostic tools. Your dealership will not give you sub-standard parts or services. If you need a replacement or repair, the parts you will receive will be OEM, and the dealership guarantees high-quality workmanship. Other mechanics may have diagnostic tools; however, they will not have parts on hand or the expertise that your dealership technicians will provide. If you are ready to get a diagnostic completed for your car's engine, then we have certified and experienced technicians for you. Contact Tom Bush Mazda of Jackson to schedule an appointment with our certified service department today.

Brakes

Do You Need a Brake Repair? Visit Your Mazda Dealer Today

Your Mazda is a safe vehicle that will serve you and your family for many years to come. However, taking it to your Mazda dealer for regular maintenance is crucial for keeping it running well. So is knowing the signs to look for that tell you it's time for a brake repair. more Do You Need a Brake Repair? Visit Your Mazda Dealer Today You Notice That Your Brake Warning Light Is On If your brake warning light comes on, it means there has already been an issue or malfunction within the system. Your brakes should give you other warnings that they need attention before the light comes on. So, get your brakes checked immediately once you notice the light. Your Brakes Aren't Working As Well as Usual Pay attention if you notice it takes longer for your brakes to engage when you stop. If you need to press on them harder to slow down, it's time to have your brakes inspected. Your Brake Pedal Feels Different If your brake pedal feels different when you press it, this is a sign your brakes need attention. A squishy feeling brake pedal could mean that your brake pads are worn down. It can also mean that you have brake fluid leaking within the system. Get your brakes checked as soon as possible to determine the issue. Your Vehicle Is Acting Differently When You Brake If your vehicle shudders before it comes to a stop, or if it pulls to one side during the braking process, this can be a sign of uneven rotors. This is something that needs to be inspected right away. Your Brakes Are Making Noise When your brake pads become too worn down, your brakes will rub directly on the rotor. This can emit a grinding or screeching noise. This issue should be addressed right away because you may only need to replace your brake pads instead of the entire brake system. You Smell Something Strange When You Brake When your brakes are engaged too often, they can overheat and emit a burning smell. This can occur if you ride your brakes while driving down a large hill or if you're stuck in stop-and-go traffic. It's normal for this to happen occasionally, but if you notice your brakes smell often, get them checked out. Your Brakes Look Quite Worn Every so often you should check out your brake pads yourself. You simply need to look at them through the spokes on your wheel. You'll see your brake pads held in place under the rotors. If you don't see at least a quarter of an inch of the pad on each of your tires, it's time to get new brake pads. At Tom Bush Mazda, we have a true passion for Mazda vehicles! We would love to pair you with your next new or used vehicle and help you keep it running well. Please stop by or contact our stellar customer service sales and service team at Tom Bush Mazda today.

Engine shot of Mazda

How to Tell If Your Mazda Needs a Radiator Repair

A car's engine generates immense heat as it burns fuel, and this heat has to be removed or critical parts of the engine can be damaged. Your radiator's function is to remove that heat and keep your car at a safe operating temperature. The radiator will age and start to fail. These are some of the signs to look out for that you may need a radiator repair, and as your Mazda dealer, we will fix it for you. more How to Tell If Your Mazda Needs a Radiator Repair By Your Mazda Dealer Trapped Air in the System Your engine needs a huge amount of airflow to cool it down. It is possible that air can get into the cooling system, and if that happens it can slow the flow of coolant through the engine. A reduced flow of coolant will result in the engine temperature rising. Our technicians will investigate, and bleed the air out if that is the issue. A Broken Water Pump The water pump circulates coolant under high pressure through the cooling system. As with any mechanical part, it may fail and if it does coolant will no longer flow through the engine. A buzzing or whining sound from the engine could be a sign that the pump pulley has a problem or that there is a loose bearing in the pump itself. A water pump is easy for us to replace, and it will help to prevent engine damage. Contaminated Coolant Old, unchanged coolant or rust in the radiator can contaminate the coolant. This will lead to a sediment buildup, and the coolant will turn into sludge which can block the cooling system. We would, unfortunately, have to replace your radiator but this will prevent more serious damage to your engine. One of the ways to prevent this contamination is to ensure that the coolant is changed regularly according to your car's service schedule. Malfunctioning Thermostat The thermostat is a regulator that usually sits between the radiator and the engine. It is designed to release coolant when the engine temperature reaches a certain preset point. This coolant will flow through the engine and reduce the temperature. A worn thermostat will fail, and can then stick in either an open or closed position. If it is in the open position, coolant will continually flow through your engine which will keep it colder than it should be and you will use more fuel. If the thermostat is closed, it won't release any coolant and your engine temperature will rise into the redline very quickly. The thought of being stuck on the side of the road with steam billowing from the engine is a very scary one. As you have seen some of the signs of a potential radiator problem, this is now unlikely to happen. If your engine temperature rises too high, call us immediately at Tom Bush Mazda. Our technicians are perfectionists, and we will ensure your car is safely and speedily repaired for you.

Mazda Battery

3 Signs Your Mazda Could Use a New Car Battery

Cars are complex machines with a huge amount of pieces and parts. When your prized Mazda starts acting wonky or won't start at all, it often seems impossible to know what the root problem actually is. Sometimes the problem is serious, but many times it's something simple like a faulty or dying battery. Your battery is a great place to start the diagnosis, and it often gives plenty of fair warning that you need a new car battery. more 3 Signs Your Mazda Could Use a New Car Battery 1. Slow Engine Crank Have you ever gone to start your car just to hear a slow whirring whine from the engine before it finally starts? This usually signals that there is a problem with the ignition process, and your battery is the first link in the chain of that process. The battery powers the starter and ignition, and a slow-turning engine may be the result of a battery with insufficient charge to get everything going. 2. Dim or Flickering Lights If the lights on your dashboard are dim (and you haven't dimmed them yourself) or are flickering, your battery could be to blame. The battery is responsible for powering your car's electrical system, so it's logically one of the first parts you should check. This could also be an issue with your alternator, but it's more economical to try the battery first! Likewise, you may also need a new battery if you notice that your headlights are dimmer when you're at a stop than when you're moving. Dim headlights while idling is often the result of a low-power battery. However, keep in mind that, much like your internal lights, headlight dimming could also be the result of issues with the alternator. 3. An Ancient or Corroded Battery If you haven't replaced your Mazda's battery in over five years, it's probably about time. The average lifespan of a battery typically ranges from three to five years, so it's a good idea to start testing your battery regularly (if you haven't already) once it turns three. Certainly, at five years it's good to start thinking about a replacement so your battery doesn't decide to surprise you by dying when you're out driving in the middle of nowhere. You should also think about replacing your battery if you notice that there are significant accumulations of white or blue powdery particles on the battery, usually around the contacts. This means your battery is corroded. Occasionally, cleaning the contacts helps but this is not so if there's a significant amount of corrosion visible. Replacing your battery is ideally something you'll want to do before it dies. Anyone who has ever been stranded because their car won't start can tell you that it's not a pleasant experience. So, make sure that you pay close attention to your vehicle for any potential indications of a dying battery. If you have more questions about batteries or are interested in a sleek, new car altogether, contact Tom Bush Mazda and we'll make sure you're taken care of.

Driver side headlight on red Mazda

Is It Time for New Headlights for Your Mazda?

Are you experiencing difficulty seeing at night? If you are, you just may need new headlights for your Mazda. Headlights are important for clearly seeing the road ahead, and if they're not working properly, it could compromise your safety. Here are several signs that indicate you need fresh headlights from your Mazda dealer: more Signs You Need to Get New Headlights at Your Mazda Dealer Headlights Are Dim The light output of a headlight decreases over time. If you notice this happening, you should clean the area around your headlights and see whether the light quality improves. If your headlights still appear dimmer than they used to, it's probably time to have them replaced at your local dealer. You must do this as soon as possible as bad headlights can lead to accidents! Broken Lenses When your headlights' lenses fracture or become hazy, the light will scatter rather than focus straight ahead. And since the beam is spread out over such a wide area, it will be nearly impossible for other motorists to anticipate where your car will go. However, you can fix this issue by bringing your car to your local dealer and having fresh bulbs installed. Headlights Are Blurry Much like how dirty glasses distort objects at a distance, the same can be said for dirty lenses in a headlight. You can try to clear up your blurry headlights by cleaning them but if they remain blurry, it's a clear sign that you need to have your headlights replaced at your local dealer. One Headlight Is Working If one of your headlights is no longer working, the issue is unlikely to go away if you just change one bulb. This is because they are linked, which means chances are they'll burn out at the same time. If you are experiencing this issue, strongly consider having both headlights replaced. Headlights Are Flickering Your headlights flickering may be caused by a faulty connection or harness. If you want to be sure that it won't mushroom into a bigger problem, you should immediately get your lights checked by a reputable mechanic at your local dealer. Headlights Are Dead When your headlights won't turn on, you should take the time to replace them immediately. It's unsafe and illegal to drive around without any headlights on so you should visit your local dealer as soon as possible to buy fresh headlights and have them installed by a Mazda-trained professional. Headlights are Foggy Moisture from the road can cause your headlights to become hazy. This will not only reduce the amount of light striking the road, but it will also lead to a decrease in their efficiency and cause eventual burnout. Make sure your headlight component is completely sealed to prevent moisture from seeping in and causing trouble. This is a crucial tip to follow if you reside in a region where there's a lot of rainfall all year long. If you need headlights for your Mazda, we'd love to help! Contact Tom Bush Mazda today or visit our website to learn more about what we can do for you.

7 Car Safety Features You'll Find in Today's Mazda Cars

Your Jacksonville FL Mazda dealer is not only concerned with selling you a vehicle to help you get to your destination in style, but also to get you there safely and securely. The fact that the Mazda CX-5 was awarded the 2021 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ goes to show that safety is paramount at Mazda. Here are 7 car safety features available in the current Mazda models. more 7 Car Safety Features You'll Find in Today's Mazda Cars at Your Jacksonville, FL Mazda Dealer Driver Attention Alert You'll never fall asleep at the wheel while driving today's Mazda vehicles because they just won't let you. Warning sounds and an LCD Meter Display alert will be activated when the Driver Attention Alert system detects driver fatigue or decreased vigilance. Smart Braking Systems Your Mazda can see into the future, at least when it comes to predicting an accident. When a collision is imminent, the Smart Braking System will warn the driver and even apply the brakes if necessary. This automatic braking technology is available even when your vehicle is in reverse. Mazda Radar Cruise Control On long highway trips, take your foot off the gas in comfort and confidence by activating Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go technology. Because you'll maintain a minimum distance from the traffic ahead, if the car in front of you slows or stops, your Mazda will automatically slow or stop right along with it. Blind Spot Monitoring If you can't stand wrenching your head around to monitor your blind spot, today's Mazda has you covered. Blind Spot Monitoring will keep you aware of any objects in your blind spot, sending you not only a chime, but a warning light in the Active Driving display as well as the side mirror. Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist The Lane Departure Warning system on your Mazda will help you “stay in your lane”, quite literally. Activated above 37 mph, it will give you both audible and visual notification should you begin to unintentionally veer off course. Lane-Keep Assist will then step in and correct your steering to get you back on track. Adaptive Front-Lighting System Have you ever wanted to be able to see around corners? Well, today's Mazda can help you do just that with this available system, which kicks in as you turn a corner. The LED lights rotate in the direction of your turn, giving you greater visibility, and awareness of any potential problems ahead. Rear Cross Traffic Alert Eliminate those parking lot fender benders that usually result when you're backing out but have other things on your mind. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert system can quickly aurally warn you if there's trouble behind you in the form of another vehicle. The side mirror and the rearview camera display will alert you as well, just in case you're blasting the radio. Drive today's Mazda vehicles in relaxed comfort and confidence that you'll get to where you need to go in safety. Visit Tom Bush Mazda now and find out for yourself.

5 Signs Your Mazda May Need an Alternator Repair

Have you had trouble starting your car recently? Are your headlights acting funny? Have you noticed your dashboard displaying your battery warning light recently despite having a nearly new battery? If so, you may need an alternator repair at your Jacksonville, FL Mazda dealer. Here's a closer look at some of the most common signs. more 5 Signs Your Mazda May Need an Alternator Repair at Your Jacksonville, FL Mazda Dealer 1. You Have Trouble Starting Your Car If you're having trouble starting your car, there is a good chance that something is wrong with your alternator. Your battery needs power to create a spark that ignites combustion in your motor's cylinders. However, if your alternator doesn't charge your battery when you turn your key in your ignition, no spark will occur. In the absence of a spark, your motor will remain dormant. Sometimes, when your car won't start, your battery doesn't have enough cold-cranking amps to start your motor. However, if your battery can't create a spark because it's not charged, there may not be a problem with your battery holding a charge. Rather, your alternator may not have enough power to charge your battery. 2. You Have Malfunctioning Headlights Malfunctioning headlights are another sign of a failing alternator. The role of your alternator is to distribute power to every electronic in your vehicle, including your headlights. If it is dying, you may notice such problems as flickering headlights, excessively bright headlights, or dim headlights. 3. You Have the Battery Warning Light On Your Dash If your dashboard is indicating a problem with your battery, there is a chance that the real problem lies with your alternator. This case is especially strong if you have recently replaced your battery or a recent battery test has indicated that there is nothing wrong with your battery. Even if your car starts when you turn your key in your ignition, it is possible that your battery isn't being charged enough by your alternator. Also, your battery warning light can be an indication that your alternator is operating at a voltage outside of the normal range of 13 to 14.5 volts. 4. You Have Malfunctioning Accessories Often, people with a failing alternator will experience problems with their radio. Sometimes, it will work just fine. Other times, it will cut off randomly and may or may not turn back on. Also, people with failing alternators often notice problems with other accessories, like power windows and seat warmers. 5. You Have Trouble Keeping Your Car Running Finally, there is a very high likelihood that your alternator needs to be repaired if your car frequently stalls when you drive. This problem occurs when the alternator can't send enough power to the spark plugs. You may need to have your alternator fixed if you have trouble starting your car, your headlights malfunction, or your dashboard is indicating a problem with your battery. If you've seen any of these signs of a failing alternator, don't ignore them. Contact us today at Tom Bush Mazda on Atlantic Blvd right away to schedule a service appointment.

4 Signs It May Be Time for Your Mazda to Get a Transmission Repair

Your transmission is an integral part of your powertrain. When it is in need of repair, your gears may slip while you're driving, your shifting may be delayed, and your fuel economy will decrease significantly. If you're not sure if your transmission is in need of repair, keep reading to discover four signs it may be time for your Mazda to get a transmission repair in Jacksonville, FL. more 4 Signs It May Be Time for Your Mazda to Get a Transmission Repair in Jacksonville, FL 1. You Smell Something Sweet If you smell something sweet, there is a very good chance your transmission is in desperate need of repair. Smelling something sweet is a sign that your transmission fluid is leaking. This is a clear sign that something is wrong because your transmission system is closed. If transmission fluid is leaking, there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed quickly. 2. You See Liquid Beneath Your Vehicle You may also have a transmission leak if you see fluid under your vehicle. Typically, transmission fluid is pink in color. However, it may appear dark red or brown depending on how old it is. If you smell something sweet, we recommend checking underneath your vehicle for visible signs of leaking fluid. If you see transmission fluid under your vehicle, make sure there is still enough transmission fluid in the reservoir before you drive it anywhere. If there isn't enough transmission fluid in the reservoir, the moving parts of your transmission will not be properly lubricated. They will overheat quickly and experience excessive wear and tear. 3. You Notice Your Transmission Slipping You must bring your vehicle in for transmission work as soon as possible if you notice your transmission slipping. If the problem is corrected in a timely manner, you may only need to replace one or two gears. Similarly, you may only need to repair a couple of gears if you come in for a repair as soon as you notice a problem. On the other hand, you may need to replace your entire gearbox if you put off necessary repairs. 4. You Hear Knocking Noises It also may be time to bring your Mazda in for a transmission service if you hear strange sounds when you drive. For example, you may hear knocking, clunking, whining, humming, shaking, or grinding sounds. None of these sounds should occur when you drive. If you hear knocking sounds when you accelerate or decelerate quickly or shift gears, there is a good chance something is wrong with your transmission mount. At first, it may only be loose. However, if you ignore the sounds for too long, your transmission mount may break. If you've noticed any of the aforementioned signs of a dying transmission, do not put off your repairs. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will become. The worse off your transmission is, the more expensive your repairs will be. To avoid needing a complete transmission rebuild, visit us today at Tom Bush Mazda on Atlantic Blvd to have your transmission fixed.

Is It Time to Replace Your Mazda Tires?

It's no secret that tires are one of the most critical parts of your car. They provide traction on the road and help to keep you safe during an emergency stop or turn. But, like any other type of rubber product, they wear down over time. So, if you're noticing more vibration in your steering wheel or uneven tread wear on your tires, it might be time to replace your Mazda tires with new ones at your dealer in Jacksonville, FL! more Is It Time To Replace Your Mazda Tires in Jacksonville, FL? 1. You've Had the Same Tires for a Decade+ Tires are made from a rubber compound that can break down with exposure to the elements. Fully synthetic tires only last about 10 years! And while this might not seem like a big deal, it's best to keep an eye on your tire wear and replace them regularly before you have compromised handling quality or cause damage to your car. 2. Vibrations If you notice a vibration when you're driving, this could be a sign that it's time to replace your tires. When the rubber on your tire becomes so thin that it no longer can support proper tread depth, this causes the tire to wobble and results in reduced grip when you're driving. 3. The Tread Is Worn Down on One Tire This is a possible indicator that one of the tires needs to be replaced! When there's an imbalance in wear between your front or rear tires, this means that they need to be swapped out for new ones, as your car will start to pull towards one side while you're driving. 4. A Bulge or a Tear in the Sidewall If you see a small tear or prominent bulge right on your tire's inner or outer edge, then this is an obvious sign that you need to replace your tires immediately. If a tire is compromised like this, it can suddenly blow out without any warning and put you at risk for an accident! 5. Rapid Tread Wear on One Side Rapid tread wear is almost always caused by dragging on the road or off-center weight distribution. So, you'll want to have your alignment checked as soon as possible and make sure that nothing is dragging on the bottom of your car. And if there's evidence of off-center weight distribution, this could point toward a possible tire problem with uneven wear on only one side! 6. You Can See the Tread Wear Indicator Bar Most new tires are designed with a treadwear bar located near the bottom of the tire. If you can see this, then it's time to start thinking about replacing them! The only caveat to this is driving in heavy snow and frequently swapping your tires back and forth between summer and winter sets. In that case, you probably won't see the tread wear bar until the regular replacements become necessary. You put a lot of time and money into your Mazda, so it's essential to keep them safe by maintaining the quality of their tires. As an expert in all things automotive, we at Tom Bush Mazda would like you to make sure your car's tires are up-to-date with replacements when necessary! Have any questions about our services? Call Tom Bush Mazda today to get all the information you need!

5 Keys to Getting Car Financing at Your Jacksonville Mazda Dealer

So you're ready to purchase a vehicle from your local Mazda dealer, but you're a little unsure about the car financing process. The good news is, it's actually pretty simple. By following a few simple steps, you'll be able to arrange excellent financing at your Jacksonville, FL dealership. more 5 Keys to Getting Car Financing at Your Jacksonville, FL Mazda Dealer 1. Know Your Credit Score One of the most important steps you can take before you head to the dealership is to check your credit. Your credit history and score play a huge role in determining what type of financing you'll be offered. Those who have excellent credit scores are usually offered the lowest interest rates, which means you'll pay less out of your pocket over the life of the loan. Checking your credit in advance should give you a pretty good idea of what type of financing you can expect to be offered. And if your credit score could use a little work, it may be smart to postpone your purchase for a few months while you work on improving your score. 2. Be Realistic About Your Budget It's easy to walk into a dealership and fall in love with the most expensive model on the floor. But it's important to be realistic about which vehicle will best suit your needs and your budget. Think about what you can afford and what type of payment will fit into your monthly budget. If you're borrowing less because you're purchasing a less expensive vehicle, you may be more likely to qualify for a lower interest rate. 3. Make a Down Payment Another way of lowering the total amount you're borrowing is to make a down payment on the vehicle. It is possible to purchase a new car without putting money down, but it's a wise move to put cash down if you can. 4. Aim for a Shorter-Term Loan Shorter-term loans, which are repaid over fewer years, are always going to be your best financing option if you can swing them. Shorter-term loans usually carry higher monthly payments, and you'll want to make sure you can accommodate those payments in your monthly budget. But the faster you pay off the loan, the less you'll pay out in interest over time. 5. Pay Fees in Cash In addition to the purchase price of the vehicle, you'll also be paying taxes, fees, and in some cases the expense associated with a warranty. These fees are often lumped into the total purchase and become a part of the financed amount. But this means you end up paying interest on those fees. The smart way to go, if you can afford it, is to pay for those extra fees and taxes separately with cash. That means you're paying just the fees, and not interest on the fees. Armed with these financial tips, you'll easily be able to arrange a terrific financing package. Head on over to Tom Bush Mazda today and pick out your next vehicle!

White Mazda Miata

5 Favorite Features of the 2021 Mazda Miata

The MX-5 Miata has been loved since it was first introduced in 2016. The fourth generation, the 2021 Mazda Miata, remains true to its origins with some added improvements. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient sports car that is smooth and fun to drive, you have to check out this vehicle. Here are five of our favorite features. more 5 Favorite Features of the 2021 Mazda Miata 1. Exhilarating Drive Some people buy sports cars for their aesthetic, but most people buy sports cars for their drive. Featuring an RWD platform and a curb weight of only 2,341 to 2,403 pounds, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata does not disappoint in this department. This lightweight car comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder motor that can produce up to 181 horsepower. More importantly, this vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds with a manual transmission. While you'll never need to go from a complete stop to highway speeds, it's important to be able to accelerate quickly when you merge onto the interstate or change lanes. Additionally, this car is extremely fun and safe to drive thanks to its smooth, reliable responsiveness. 2. Style The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring looks sleek and strong from the outside, and the interior is just as stylish. You'll find you have plenty of legroom and headroom in the cabin, and there is excellent forward visibility. Additionally, the controls are very to use. 3. Fuel Economy We also love the fuel efficiency of the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring. Whether you opt for a manual or automatic transmission, you can expect to get an EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon in the city. On the highway, you can expect to get 34 miles per gallon if you opt for a manual transmission. If you opt for an automatic transmission, you can expect to get 35 miles per gallon while driving down the highway. 4. Integrated Technology Despite the relatively small cabin, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring manages to pack in plenty of technology. You can expect standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, reliable, easy-to-use Bluetooth connectivity, a high-definition radio, a 7-inch touch screen, and two USB ports. We also love the quality of the Bose sound system that comes standard with nine speakers. These speakers don't just filter out ambient noise, like the wind. They also output incredibly high-quality sound. Furthermore, the infotainment system responds to voice commands, so you don't have to take your hands off of the wheel. 5. Safety The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata also comes standard with numerous safety features, including: Rear cross-traffic alert Blind spot monitoring Lane departure warning Automatic emergency braking Low-speed forward collision warning Rearview camera If you're looking for a stylish sports car that accelerates quickly and responds smoothly, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata may be right for you. To learn more about this car or take it for a test drive, swing by and see us today at Tom Bush Mazda.

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