2051 Horseshoe Pike Honey Brook, PA 19344 610-942-7000

Why is Subaru the Car for You


Learn more about our amazing lineup of Subaru crossovers, hatchbacks and sedans! 

2017 Subaru Outback 2.5 Touring AWD 

“The Subaru Outback is a great pick if you’re shopping for a used wagon. The Outback takes on weekend road trips with ease thanks to its smooth ride, comfy seats, spacious cabin, and class-leading cargo space. It can take on some pretty rough terrain as well, thanks to its high-riding stance and standard all-wheel-drive system. Factor in a solid predicted reliability rating, great safety scores, and a long list of driver assistance features, and it’s easy to see why it won our 2017 Best Wagon for Families.” US News and World Report 

“The verdict: Whether you consider the 2017 Subaru Outback a wagon or a crossover SUV, it’s a home run for families and well-rounded enough to appeal to a large crowd. Versus the competition: Though the Outback doesn’t have the sheer capabilities and size of a traditional midsize SUV, there’s enough SUV flavor there to satisfy more than just loyal Subaru owners.” Cars.com https://www.cars.com/research/subaru-outback-2017/

2018 Subaru Forester 2.5 Premium AWD

“If you want a 5-passenger crossover SUV with the surefootedness that comes with all-wheel drive (AWD) and has great visibility, laudable fuel economy and above-average ground clearance all at cost that’s a good value up front and great in the long-term, you’ll find it in the 2018 Forester.” Kelley Blue Book 
https://www.kbb.com/subaru/forester/2018/

“2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick” 
IIHS https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/subaru/forester-4-door-suv/2018

2017 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium

“When it comes to the driving experience, the 2017 Subaru Legacy stands out for the performance of its four-cylinder engine as well as its standard all-wheel drive. Its impressive visibility and headroom throughout the cabin allow for a comfortable ride.”
Cars.com https://www.cars.com/research/subaru-legacy-2017/ 

“Yes, there’s all-wheel drive, and even though AWD isn’t unique to Subaru anymore, its system is among the very best. But beyond that, the 2017 Legacy is comfortable, quiet, offers good fuel economy and reliability, all in a package with plenty of interior space and with excellent safety scores.” Kelley Blue Book https://www.kbb.com/subaru/legacy/2017/

2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0 i Limited

“If the foul-weather security of all-wheel drive is at or near the top of your shopping priorities, but you can’t break your compact-car budget, then the Subaru Impreza is the only way to go. Even if you ignored its standard all-wheel drive, the Impreza would still be a cutting-edge choice, and comes as a hatchback.” Kelley Blue Book https://www.kbb.com/subaru/impreza/2018/

“First off, if you're in the market for a traditional compact car with the stable traction provided by all-wheel drive, you can end your search with the 2018 Subaru Impreza. It's the only car in its class to offer it. But you don't need to live in a climate with a lot of rain or snow to appreciate the Impreza. Redesigned just last year, the current-generation model's build quality and technology interface are vastly superior to its predecessor's. Compared to other models in this class, the Impreza is a standout for its stellar handling, roomy cabin, available hatchback body style, and a number of widely available advanced driver aids.” Edmunds https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/impreza/2018/hatchback/

To view our Subaru inventory, follow the link below at the top of the page!


02/17/2021 in Car Buying Tips

Subaru, used car, affordable, safety, reliability,

Work Vehicles are Eligible for a Tax Deduction!

*For more information, and to see the "instructions" referenced in this post, please visit: https://www.section179.org/section_179_deduction/

Vehicles and Section 179
One of the more popular uses of the Section 179 Deduction has been for vehicles. In fact, several years ago the Section 179 deduction was sometimes referred to as the “Hummer Tax Loophole,” because at the time it allowed businesses to buy large SUV’s and write them off. While this particular use (or abuse) of the tax code has been modified with the limits explained below, it is still true that Section 179 can be advantageous in buying vehicles for your business. Vehicles used in your businesses qualify – but certain passenger vehicles have a total deduction limitation of $11,160, while other vehicles that by their nature are not likely to be used more than a minimal amount for personal purposes qualify for full Section 179 deduction (full policy statement available at: IRS.gov: https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i4562#d0e3005).

Note: the deduction for business vehicles is the same whether they are purchased outright, leased, or financed with Section 179 Qualified Financing.

What Business Vehicles Qualify for the full Section 179 Deduction?
Note that because many vehicles can serve business and personal function both, the rules for business vehicle deductions are always evolving, and can be complicated. It’s easier to list the typical vehicles that will generally qualify for a full section 179 deduction, and then discuss the rules for other vehicles. Many “work vehicles” that, by their nature, are not likely to be used for personal purposes will usually always qualify for full Section 179 deduction. This includes the following vehicles:

  • Vehicles that can seat nine-plus passengers behind the driver’s seat (i.e.: Hotel / Airport shuttle vans, etc.).

  • Vehicles with: (1) a fully-enclosed driver’s compartment / cargo area, (2) no seating at all behind the driver’s seat, and (3) no body section protruding more than 30 inches ahead of the leading edge of the windshield. In other words, a classic cargo van.

  • Heavy construction equipment will qualify for the Section 179 deduction, as will forklifts and similar.

  • Typical “over-the-road” Tractor Trailers will qualify.

What are the limits on Typical Passenger Vehicles used for Business?
For passenger vehicles, trucks, and vans (not meeting the guidelines below), that are used more than 50% in a qualified business use, the total deduction including both the Section 179 expense deduction as well as Bonus Depreciation is limited to $11,160 for cars and $11,560 for trucks and vans. Exceptions include the following vehicles:

  • Ambulance or hearses used specifically in your business

  • Taxis, transport vans, and other vehicles used to specifically transport people or property for hire.

  • Qualified non-personal use vehicles specifically modified for business (e.g. work van without seating behind driver, permanent shelving installed, and exterior painted with company’s name)

  • Other heavy “non-SUV” vehicles and trucks with a cargo area at least six feet in interior length (this area must not be easily accessible from the passenger area.) To give an example, many pickups with full-sized cargo beds will qualify for a full deduction (although some “extended cab” pickups may have beds that are too small to qualify).

Limits for SUVs or Crossover Vehicles with GVW above 6,000lbs
Certain vehicles (with a gross vehicle weight rating above 6,000 lbs. but no more than 14,000 lbs.) qualify for deducting up to $25,000 if the vehicle is purchased and placed in service prior to December 31 and meets other conditions.

Update / IRS Guidelines for Vehicles
As stated earlier, the vagueness of business vs. personal use can be complicated. To help, please refer to page 6 of these Instructions for Form 2106 to read the exact IRS language. For complete IRS information on Depreciation and Amortization, see Instructions for Form 4562

Other Considerations
Vehicles can be new or used (“new to you” is the key). The vehicle must be acquired in an “arms-length” transaction, financed with certain qualified leases and loans, and titled in the company name (not in the company owner’s name). The vehicle must also be used for business at least 50% of the time – and these depreciation limits are reduced by the corresponding % of personal use if the vehicle is used for business less than 100% of the time. 

Remember, you can only claim Section 179 in the tax year that the vehicle is “placed in service” – meaning when the vehicle is ready and available – even if you’re not using the vehicle. Further, a vehicle first used for personal purposes doesn’t qualify in a later year if its purpose changes to business.

As always, if you have questions, consult your tax professional for exact rules regarding Section 179 and vehicles.

12/04/2020 in Car Buying Tips

Used car, affordable, near me, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Lancaster, Downingtown

Our Response, and How to Purchase a Car Remotely




As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, RideSmart has committed to taking all necessary precautions to conduct business in these uncertain times. Unfortunately we do not have the luxury of shutting down to ride this virus out. We are a small business, and we must continue to do business to survive. So, we have instituted new practices to ensure our customers it is still safe to buy a vehicle at this time. In fact, with interest rates plummeting, now might be the BEST time to buy. Here are a few things we are doing to protect the health of our customers:

  • Sanitizing office spaces/common areas hourly.
  • Sanitizing the interior of all vehicles customers and employees come in contact with.
  • Social distancing, including eliminating handshakes, and sitting the recommended 6ft apart.
  • Wearing protective gloves when handling vehicles and paperwork.
  • Remote transactions.
  • Car delivery.
Your health and safety are our absolutely priority. We look forward to doing business with you!

For Remote Transactions:
  1. Browse Online Inventory https://www.ridesmartauto.com/creditapp
  2. Fill Out a Credit Application https://www.ridesmartauto.com/newandusedcars?clearall=1
  3. Call Us! (610) 942-7000
  4. Purchase Your Vehicle of Choice
  5. Get Your Car Delivered!






03/16/2020 in Car Buying Tips

Used car, affordable, used car near me, used car dealer, pre-owned vehicle, reliable, safe, leather seats, SUV, Chevy, Chevrolet, Chevy Trax, Good price, Good used cars, Dealer, Dealership

Ford Makes Car Parts From Coffee Beans


The ever industrious Ford has teamed up with McDonald's, taking their coffee scraps and turning them into car parts. Coffee chaff is the dried husk of the coffee bean that falls off during roasting. This by-product is considered somewhat of a nuisance to coffee roasters because so much of it is produced. Now, Ford has developed a process to heat the chaff, combining it with plastics and other additives to create a composite material. Ford intends to use this composite for interior and under the hood parts. They are already making headlight housings out of it! Ford says they would like to expand their usage of recycled material, even hinting at using ketchup and potato skins. "We're convinced we can probably do some chemistry and make something out of those as well" says Debbie Mielewski, senior technical leader of Ford's sustainability and emerging materials research team. Ford and McDonalds could make a major impact on the problem of food waste with this initiative. Additionally, the composite parts are far lighter than traditional plastic, increasing fuel economy thus reducing emissions. 

12/07/2019 in News

Ford, cars, used cars, affordable, sustainable, eco-friendly

Volkswagen TDI Post Emissions Scandal


In the wake of the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, many people are left wondering whether they should be buying one of the affected cars. In this piece, we will clear up the confusion surrounding Volkswagen TDI models, and show you why it may be a smart investment to buy one. For those not familiar, Volkswagen outfitted their TDI models with a "defeat device", designed to cheat U.S. EPA emissions testing. Once the car had made it through testing, the device switched off, and the car emitted far more pollution than the EPA says is acceptable. When it was discovered that VW had cheated on their emissions testing, they were made to pay billions in restitution, and buy back all affected vehicles at the original price from the owners. Looking to make some extra cash after forking over billions, Volkswagen has modified all TDI vehicles to ACTUALLY meet U.S. emissions standards, and started selling them back to the public. Not only are the majority of these cars in like-new condition, but VW has decided to issue extended warranties that cover the vehicles for up to 11 years or 162,000mi, depending on the vehicle's age. So, what is covered under this extended factory warranty, and is it worth buying one of these re-fitted cars?

In short, the answer is a resounding YES.

First, lets explore post-modification performance. Cars.com conducted their own experiment, where they tested the power and acceleration of a TDI model before and after the emissions modification. Here is what they found:

  •  Before the fix: The best run returned 135.4 horsepower at around 3,900 rpm and 225.3 pounds-feet of torque at around 2,400 rpm.

  • After the fix: Our best run produced 133.1 horsepower and 217.0 pounds-feet of torque, at similar respective rpm.

From Cars.com's calculations, we can see that peak horsepower fell just 1.7%, while peak torque fell 3.7%. These are negligible differences, especially for the average driver. When testing 0-60 mph speeds, Cars.com discovered something interesting: the TDI was faster AFTER the modification. Go figure!

  • Before the fix: The best of six acceleration runs clocked 9.75 seconds from zero-to-60 mph.

  • After the fix: The best of six zero-to-60 mph runs was 9.67 seconds. 

Overall, the car's performance was barely effected by the emissions modification.


Diesel cars are often touted for their incredible MPG as apposed to gas cars. Cars.com tested this factor as well, to make sure no value was lost in the modification. This is what they found:

  • Before the fix: Over 135.5 miles, our loop returned 44.2 mpg at an average 40.0 mph.

  • After the fix: Over 136.2 miles (longer because of an accident detour) our loop returned 42.4 mpg at an average 34.5 mph.

The higher cost of diesel fuel is combated and then some by the efficiency of the diesel engine. Plus, you can rest assured that your car is not polluting at an alarming rate, and falls well within EPA standards.

So, should you buy a Volkswagen TDI? Cars.com sure thinks so, and so does RideSmart Auto. We have been handling these diesel models since they were first re-introduced into the market, and they have been some of our hottest sellers. When it comes to fuel economy, safety, and overall reliability, you simply cannot beat one of these low mileage cars. It's not every day that you find cars 4 years and older with under 30,000 miles, and still in like-new condition. This one is a no-brainer: buy a Volkswagen TDI, you won't be disappointed. 

11/09/2019 in Buying Guide

Volkswagen, VW, TDI, diesel, fuel efficient, car, affordable, extended warranty

Why Shop Local


Why should I shop local and buy from small businesses?

#1: Buy local to support yourself
Studies show that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

#2: Be friendly to our environment
Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

#3: Support community groups
Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

#4: Keep our community unique
Where we shop, where we eat and have fun – all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit.

#5: Local businesses create more jobs
Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.

#6: Get better service
Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.

#7: Invest in your community
Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

#8: Put your taxes to good use
Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community. In addition, nationally owned businesses often demanding tax incentives.

#9: Encourage future investment
A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

#10: Competition leads to more choices
A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

Shopping local isn't just economical, it's ethical too! Your purchase MEANS MORE at a small business. Join us on Saturday November 30th, 2019 for our Small Business Saturday Spectacular! Free food, games, and fun for the whole family. Remember to #shopsmall and support #smallbizsat !
 

11/02/2019 in Car Buying Tips

#smallbizsat, #shopsmall, cars, used cars, pre owned, affordable, quality used cars, trucks,

De-Bunking the Myths of Used Cars




Are you in the market for a used car? There are many things to research before making such a big purchase but before you do, let’s debunk the most common myths around buying used cars.

 
The best used cars are sold online through sites like AutoTrader and Car Gurus.

False. Yes, there are many great deals online, we even list on those sites, but coming to our dealership in Honey Brook, PA to see the car in person is a better option, especially when buying used. It is also important especially when buying a used car to inspect and test drive it before purchasing. In fact, 54% of consumers would buy from a dealership that offers their preferred experience, even if it didn’t have the lowest price (Autotrader). 
 
Dealers want to get me into a car I can’t afford.

False. If you can’t afford the car you’re sold, everybody loses. We want to sell you a car. You want a car. To ensure the deal is beneficial to both you and us, we will go over your income, expenses, and budget to determine what you can afford. Ultimately, we want a happy customer who may come back for another vehicle or refer friends or family. RideSmart has excellent relationships with all of our lenders, and we will work to get the best financing rates possible to ease your financial burden. We also price our vehicles competitively, and try to offer the best deals possible.

 
The car buying experience is stressful.

False. While life is full of difficult and stressful situations, and car buying can certainly be one of them, it doesn’t have to be. Our goal at RideSmart Auto is to ensure the best experience for our customers. With our help and expertise, there’s no reason you can’t find the right car for you quickly, easily, and affordably.

 
There’s no way to know if the car will be reliable.

False. If you have the VIN number of the car, it’s very easy to find out the vehicle’s service history. In fact, here at RideSmart Auto, a CarFax vehicle history report is offered for free on our website, so you can check it out even before you come see the car yourself. Many dealers, including us, also offer limited warranties and service contracts.

Overall, these myths need to be busted. Don’t let the fear of price, time, deals or overall stress prevent you from looking into used cars! Our mission is to sell you the best car at the best price.

Ride Smarter With Us!


10/26/2019 in Car Buying Tips

Used car, affordable, near me, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Lancaster, Downingtown, used cars near me, pre owned vehicles, certified, good deal, cheap cars, luxury cars, trucks

Fall Cleanup and Maintenance for Your Car



With summer but a fading memory, it’s now time to start thinking about getting your car ready for the colder months ahead. Here are a few simple maintenance checks to help keep your vehicle in top condition.  

Car Battery

Fall is a good time to inspect your car battery, making sure the cables and terminals are snug, and retighten as necessary for good contact. If your connections are dirty or showing a lot of corrosion, disconnect and clean them with a wire brush or cleaning tool. Be aware that when you disconnect the battery, you may have to re-enter a security code in your radio or navigation system. If you have a sealed, maintenance-free battery with no removable caps, there's little else you need to do. If your battery has removable caps, check the water level periodically, and refill with distilled water as needed.

Last, if the vehicle is going to be parked or stored for an extended period of time, you may want to consider investing in a trickle charger to keep it charged. All batteries lose strength over time, so it’s prudent to be proactive in replacing your battery. Batteries come in a variety of sizes, and it's important to choose the right size. Check your owner’s manual or in-store guide, then check our car battery ratings and buying advice to choose the right ones for your needs. 

Headlights

As cars age, the headlights can become cloudy or hazy, especially on cars that are routinely parked outside. More than a cosmetic problem, clouded lenses can pose a serious threat to safety, compromising night vision and reducing the effectiveness of your headlights by up to 80 percent, based on our measurements. Fortunately, our tests show that for a modest cost, even junkyard-ready lens covers can be made clear again using a headlight restoration kit costing less than $22. By following the directions closely and using a bit of elbow grease, good results are possible. 

Tires

Proper maintenance and responsible driving can maximize the mileage in a set of tires. Monthly tread inspections can inform when the tires warrant replacement. If you notice that your tires have less than 1/8-inch of tread left, then it’s time to go shopping. (The distance from a quarter's rim to George Washington's hairline is about 1/8 inch.) Most people buy all-season tires because it's easier and cheaper than buying one set for the winter and another for summer. All-season car tires deliver good, well-rounded performance but are never outstanding in any way. By contrast, winter tires have outstanding snow traction but just fair braking ability on cleared roads. 

Wash and Wax

Fall is a good time to clean up your car so that winter’s mess doesn’t land on top of the summer’s dead bugs, bird droppings, and tree sap. If you want to go further than soap and water, you can try car wax to keep your car’s finish looking new. Most waxes we tested showed a significant loss of protection within about five weeks. For that reason, we recommend waxing even new cars every two or three months. Think of it as a seasonal chore to protect and beautify your car.

Wipers

If your wipers are leaving streaks of water on your windshield, then it’s time to replace them—or clean them. Wipers degrade quickly and typically need to be changed every 6 to 12 months. Should performance deteriorate in less time, try cleaning the blade with a paper towel and glass cleaner. Often, that can renew the blades for a few more weeks or months of streak-free operation. 

09/30/2019 in Maintenance

Fall, cars, Honey Brook

Winter Tires What You Need to Know

For most folks who drive in winter weather, the idea of buying winter tires has at least crossed their minds. It just makes sense, because any small advantage in traction can make a big difference on treacherous roads. That’s important, considering some 95,000 people are injured each year in auto accidents caused by snow, sleet and ice.

On the other hand, winter tires aren’t exactly cheap. Customers can expect to pay more than $140 per tire with a popular SUV, such as the 2018 Subaru Forester. Then there’s the fact that the Forester, along with most of the SUVs and pickups sold today, has all-wheel drive. So do quite a few cars. Many people think that ordering a vehicle with that hardware is all they need to handle snow and ice.

The experts don’t agree. The cold, hard facts indicate that if you want optimum traction in wicked weather, you need winter tires.

Let’s find out why.

What’s the Difference between Winter Tires and Regular Tires?

There are two key differences between winter tires and so-called “regular” tires. For starters, they’re made out of different rubber compounds. The material used for winter tires is specifically engineered to stay relatively soft when the weather turns cold. That softness allows the tires to grab onto the rough surface of the road, creating traction. Indeed, winter tires are so soft that they often can get some grip even if there’s ice on the road.

Also helping matters are the specially tailored tread patterns for winter tires. They have a variety of extra cuts, grooves and channels, all with separate jobs. For example, some “bite” into slippery surfaces for extra grip. Others direct melting water away from between the tires and the road. This can reduce the chances of hydroplaning.

When it comes to the demands of summer driving, winter tires are too soft. Those complicated tread patterns can quickly wear down in the higher temperatures.

As a result, most new vehicles try to provide the best of both worlds with all-season tires. Like their name tells you, all-season tires are designed for year-round driving. This means they should be soft enough to create traction in the cold, but hard enough to stand up to the heat of summer driving. In the real world, however, all-season tires lose enough flexibility in colder weather to start losing their grip. Nor do they have the fancy tread designs for managing the snow, slush and other precipitation.

Do You Need Winter Tires with All-wheel Drive?

Let’s be clear. An all-wheel-drive system can be a major benefit if you want to avoid getting stuck in the snow. By providing engine power to all four wheels, it can ensure there’s twice the opportunity for traction as with a two-wheel-drive vehicle. Additionally, many systems can adjust power distribution so that the wheels with the most grip get the most power. Yet once you’re underway, all-wheel drive won’t help you stop any faster. And even advanced all-wheel-drive technology has only a marginal effect on cornering in slippery conditions.

What Do the Numbers Show?

To see exactly how much performance can vary between winter tires and their all-season counterparts, consider the research. Consumer Reports recently tested an all-wheel-drive 2015 Honda CR-V for braking performance in the snow. With that compact SUV traveling at 60 mph and wearing winter tires, it took 310 feet before coming to a stop. With all-season rubber, the distance was more than twice as long, at 668 feet.

It’s further worth noting that off-road tires are no substitute for winter ones. The FourWheeler network discovered that in its own real-world evaluations. Here, the test truck was a 2016 Ford F-150 with four-wheel drive. Running on a closed, snow-covered track, the FourWheeler team put the truck through its paces with all-season, mud, all-terrain, winter and studded winter tires. Unstudded winter tires delivered the best performance, including stopping distances half as long as with mud tires.

In terms of “average trends,” Consumer Reports data also shows that winter tires enable 20 percent shorter stopping distances than all-season tires. The winter tires had a traction advantage in the snow as well. They allowed cars to travel 34 percent farther than all-season tires while accelerating from 5 to 20 mph.

When Do I Need Winter Tires?

A general rule is that winter-rated tires work best for customers who do extended amounts of driving in temperatures below 45 degrees.

09/18/2019 in Maintenance

Snow, car, used car, RideSmart, maintenance
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