Are You Attached To Your Car?

A report was released about an hour ago that shows Americans are less and less attached to their cars.

The report is based on a study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.  It finds that since peaking in the mid-2000's, the number of miles driven per household, per driver, per vehicle and per person have all fallen off.

What's up with that??

US News interviewed one of the research professors, who blames it not just on the "Great Recession" as so many are calling it...but a boom in the number of people working from home or utilizing public transportation.

Interestingly, new car sales are on the rise significantly again since the "Great Recession".  Perhaps it has something to do with the average age of cars and light trucks on the road in the U.S.  The number now stands at 11.4 years old.

At Monaco Ford in Glastonbury, we always find studies and trends like this to be fascinating.  As we've seen Ford vehicles get better and better, we can understand the rising average age in vehicles.  New Ford vehicles backed by outstanding warranties no doubt play a role in the increase in age.

But we've also seen many people who in the past may have purchased a new vehicle turn to certified pre-owned vehicles. Also backed by an outstanding Ford warranty, these low-mileage vehicles offer an affordable option to many people...including those who may have struggled with credit issues in the past.

We're curious to hear YOUR perspective.  How attached are you to YOUR car?

Dude, Where's My Car?

Most of us have done it…few of us will admit it.  At one point or another, we’ve lost our car.

When that moment of panic sets in as you walk out of the mall, let’s be honest – you’re just as afraid that you are losing your mind as you are that someone stole your car.

It’s sometimes fun to pause for a second and think back to how people would have found their car in the past:

1950 – Start walking the lot.  Shopping centers were smaller, and chances are you’d bump into your neighbor who just happened to park his brand new Ford that he bought at Monaco next to yours so he could rub it in.

1970 – Walk to the nearest club and dance until the middle of the night.  By the time the place closed and you walked back to the lot, yours would be the only one there.

1980’s – Who ya gonna call?  Ghostbusters.

1990’s – Open up your fancy new flip phone and call a friend.  But keep the conversation short…you only have 90 minutes per month.

2008 – Text a friend telling them where you are…but tell them not to respond because every text SENT is free but every text RECEIVED costs $.25.

2014 – You’re a high tech beast.  We’ve found a bunch of apps you can now use to hunt down your car.  The best part?  They’re free!

Hey Dude, Where’s My Car – This app for the iPhone is essentially Google Maps on steroids.  Set your location.  Shop.  Return.

Find My Car – This app is for Androids and iPhones.  It uses the GPS on your phone to lock down your parking spot.  You can also snap pictures and take notes along with set a timer for a parking meter.  We’d recommend you set the timer to go off BEFORE the meter expires.

My StuffFinder – This iPhone app isn’t just for your car – it’s for EVERYTHING.  Your wallet, your lunch, your keys – everything but your phone.  (Get it?  If you lost your phone you’re sort of out of luck.) 

Now keep in mind, these apps all use GPS technology and your phone’s mapping – so you MUST enable GPS to be able to accurately use them. 

Of course our team at Monaco Ford in Glastonbury is always here to teach you about the latest technology pertaining to your cars – so feel free to drop us a line or stop in and visit.

Closing thought: not sure how much money the developers are making on these free apps – so here’s a piece of free advice for them.  “Hey Dude, Where’s The Husband.”  Trust me.  Instant retirement plan.