Kirkland Nissan

Kirkland, Is Your Hybrid More Expensive to Fix?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Sep 10, 2018 at 06:26AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

I have my eye on a pre-owned Nissan Leaf, but Iâ€™ve heard hybrids and electrics are more expensive to maintain. Is that true?

-Susanna

Hi Susanna,

What a cool choice! You will love going green. You are actually not the first person to ask us this. Somewhere along the line, these cars got a reputation for being difficult or costly to fix. However, that simply isnâ€™t true. Yes, the technology for a vehicle that must be plugged in is different than a gas guzzler, but this doesnâ€™t mean it costs more at the mechanic.

There are so many hybrids on the road and repair professionals have come to know these automobiles just as well as any combustion engine. In our experience, something like a Leaf does not cost any more in the shop. In fact, youâ€™ll probably find that a car like this will save money in the long run. As the price of fuel keeps fluctuating wildly, youâ€™ll be moving steadily down the highway in a fuel-less ride.

Good luck with the new set of wheels. Let me know if there are any other questions I can help answer.Â

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Car Insurance Questions

Hey Redmond! Does a New Car Mean a New Insurance Policy?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Sep 6, 2018 at 04:39AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

I am in the process of trading in my old jalopy for a beautiful, brand new Nissan Rogue. Does a new car mean I have to buy a different insurance policy?

-Shanise

Hi Shanise,

Wow, it sounds like you are ready to step into the big leagues. Congratulations! You are going to love that Rogue.

Hereâ€™s some good news. You will not have to get a separate auto policy if you do not want to. Because you have a current relationship with a provider they are prepared and used to clients adding vehicles. However, these people are not psychic! Youâ€™ll need to phone them with information about the purchase. They will be able to tell you all the details, but often a new set of wheels does result in a change in rates.

One additional word of advice: We would contact a rep before buying your car. The last thing anyone needs with such a sassy new cruiser is a ticket for driving while uninsured. Most providers can send a temporary card until the official one arrives in the mail.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

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Car Insurance Questions

Why Do Kirkland's Female Drivers Cost Less to Insure?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Sep 5, 2018 at 04:29AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

My wife and I bought a new Nissan Sentra and are having a friendly $1 bet that you can solve. She claims women pay less for auto insurance than men. I say everythingâ€™s equal. Who is right?

-Brandon

Hey Brandon,

Always happy to help settle a little disagreement like this. Brace yourself, but she is correct. More times than not, females have lower premiums than males. Once you finish ponying up the cash, Iâ€™ll tell you why. (Take your time!)

No, these companies arenâ€™t being biased. They are simply analyzing statistics. On average, women:

Are involved in less wrecks.
Get fewer traffic violations, including really serious ones like driving under the influence.
Purchase cars that are not as flashy or fast.

So, by those numbers, a high percentage of gals are safer drivers who often choose a practical car. Thatâ€™s catnip to a risk-averse organization like auto insurance. While not every female motorist falls into these categories, more do than men. Thus, the smaller bills.

So, if you ever want to take a chunk out of your premium, you could do worse than learn a few things from the ladies on the road.

Let me know if there are any other bets I can solve.

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Car Insurance Questions

Fife, Do You Know What Car Insurance Won't Cover?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Sep 3, 2018 at 04:20AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

Iâ€™m getting ready to buy a car without my parentsâ€™ help for the first time. Itâ€™s a pre-owned Nissan Altima. Iâ€™ve also never bought my own insurance, and I am confused. What wonâ€™t it cover?

-Daniel

Hey Daniel,

Welcome to the world of car ownership! This is a memorable moment in your life. Iâ€™m happy to help.

First and foremost, auto coverage is required by every state in America. It is not only a necessity, but itâ€™s also a great way to get your sweet new ride fixed in case of an accident. Many insurances handle the cost of repairs in a fender bender.Â However, they wonâ€™t foot the bill for everything.

For example, a trip to the mechanic for a tune-up is considered general wear and tear. That type of service will not be part of your policy. Same goes for buying a fresh set of tires. Treads are among the usual upkeep expected of owners, even if itâ€™s a safety decision.Â However, this doesnâ€™t mean you are out in the cold. If you purchase a new car down the road, you will find many warranties do cover things like batteries and wheels. Keep your eyes open for such deals.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

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Car Maintenance Questions

Do Kirkland Drivers Need Acoustic Foam Tires?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Sep 2, 2018 at 04:10AM by Patrick Wensink)

Hi Patrick,

Iâ€™m considering buying a pre-owned Nissan Maxima, but one thing is confusing me. The car comes with acoustic foam tires. I have never heard of such a thing. What is it, and what does it do?

-Karen

Hello Karen,

Thanks for reaching out. This is not something you see every day, so I understand where the question comes from. The positive news is that little addition to your potential next vehicle is a very good thing. Acoustic foam is a rubber-like material that is actually injected into the empty space of a wheel in order to dampen the highway sounds. We in the biz call this â€œcavity noiseâ€. This small change makes a drastic difference with the decibels you hear while driving.

There are a lot of things that contribute to a loud roadway experience. The size of treads you are using, wear-and-tear, and even the quality of pavement are all factors that jack up the volume on an otherwise peaceful ride. Thatâ€™s why special add-ons like this are so crucial to creating a pleasant time.

Trust me. You will be very happy with a set of these on your Maxima. Let me know if you have any other questions!

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Car Maintenance Questions

Bellevue, Do You Know What TPMS Stands For?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Sep 1, 2018 at 04:12AM by Patrick Wensink)

Hi Patrick,

Iâ€™m getting ready to buy a new Nissan Pathfinder, and I have a question I was embarrassed to ask my dealer. Every car I look at says it comes with TPMS. What does that mean?

-Rory

Â
Hi Rory,
Â
Awesome choice for a new car. You two will spend many happy miles together, I am sure. All that time will also be extra safe thanks to that mysterious acronym you are seeing so much.

TPMS stands for â€œTire Pressure Monitoring Systemâ€. This is a hyper-sensitive tool that saves lives and prevents unnecessary wear-and-tear on an automobile. Thatâ€™s because this device keeps constant watch over the air in each of your four wheels. No matter if you are parked or blazing down the highway, the computer is always paying attention.

When it drops below acceptable levels, visual and audio alerts sound. On the model you are purchasing, youâ€™ll actually see all of this on your in-dash screen. Other vehicles might have theirs elsewhere. However, if you have ever been in a car made after 2006, you have likely seen one in action. That is because that was the year Congress passed the TREAD act, which required this technology in all newly manufactured automobiles.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

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Car Maintenance Questions

Seattle, What Are The Advantages of a Manual Transmission?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Aug 27, 2018 at 05:50AM by Patrick Wensink)

Hey Patrick,

I have my eye on a Nissan Altima, but it is a manual. I learned how to drive one years ago, but Iâ€™m curious why auto manufacturers even bother to still make them?

-Bruce

Hi Bruce,

Trust me, you are going to flip out on the road with this car. Yes, Iâ€™m a purist, but a stick shift has a ton of advantages that most people overlook.

Experts say it can increase your fuel efficiency by 5-to-15% when used properly.
They are far cheaper to maintain because mechanics have an easier time pulling it apart and putting them back together.
Operating the clutch yourself puts drivers in touch with the car in a unique way. If thereâ€™s a weird knock or rattle, you will know it immediately.
Itâ€™s an added security measure. According to statistics, manual transmissions are only stolen about 6% of the time. When a robber peeks in the window and sees a shifter they simply give up.

You will love this experience. Many of our owners never want to go back.

Let me know if any other questions pop up!

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Car Financing Questions

Do Bellevue Drivers Know Why a Down Payment Is Important?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Aug 27, 2018 at 05:42AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

I have been dreaming about the new Nissan Leaf I test drove last week. However, Iâ€™m wondering if I can save a little money and simply not make a down payment. Whatâ€™s the worst that could happen?

-Celeste

Hi Celeste,

Thatâ€™s a great choice. I can understand why you are so eager to take this Leaf home. Buyers often feel quite a pinch every month if they donâ€™t make a down payment.

To be clear, some lenders donâ€™t require any money up front, but borrowers will usually get slapped with a huge interest rate for the honor.
Instead, experts strongly recommend putting whatever you can up before the sale. This not only lowers the monthly dues, but it also gives you a lot more leverage. Banks and other car loan companies will often give a better percentage when there is a chunk of change up front.

Donâ€™t forget, selling your current vehicle and using that can help if your account is a little tight. Whatever amount sounds manageable will ultimately make an impact in the long run.

Let me know if there are any other questions we can answer.

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Car Maintenance Questions

Redmond, What Can An Odometer Tell You?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Aug 27, 2018 at 05:34AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

Iâ€™m looking into buying a pre-owned Nissan Pathfinder. But thereâ€™s one question Iâ€™ve always wanted to ask: Should I care more about mileage or age of the vehicle?

-Will

Hi Will,

Congrats on your future purchase! I have a hunch you will be happy with any of them. However, there is no single rule that should guide this buying decision.

Mileage is a great foundation to base a choice on. Itâ€™s a simple way of telling how much life the car has lived. An automobile with 60,000 on the odometer has probably had a lot less wear and tear than an automobile with 160,000.

This is only part of the equation. A young auto that has covered a lot of pavement could be more beaten up than an older model that has traveled gracefully. Adding to the confusion, one should ask how well the car has been cared for. A ten-year-old sedan offering extremely low mileage looks like a dream, but it might be a sign of sitting stagnant with a heap of trouble waiting.

Our best advice is to find a combination of all the above and ensure it is a certified used car that has been inspected by a pro.

Let us know if there are other questions you have.Â

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Car Maintenance Questions

Do Kirkland Drivers Know When to Change Their Spark Plugs?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Aug 27, 2018 at 05:26AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

I remember my dad changing the spark plugs on his cars all the time. Iâ€™d like to do it on my new Nissan Maxima, but I donâ€™t even have a clue of when to try.

-Sandra

Hi Sandra,

My father was the exact same. Swapping out plugs is one of the simplest ways to keep your engine operating smoothly. Sadly, itâ€™s become a lost art. Letâ€™s change that! Here are some signals to watch for.

The carâ€™s gas mileage has started to sag. When they get dirty they do not effectively burn fuel, which ends up costing you at the pump.

The motor wheezes and coughs upon turning the ignition. They provide the spark (pun intended) needed to get all the gears running under the hood. When just one gets filthy or bent, youâ€™ll know it with a quick twist of the key.

Similarly, when the plugs have gone south, you wonâ€™t be able to accelerate as well. If things arenâ€™t igniting the way they should, the throttle will seem a little depressed.

The good news is that swapping out a fresh set of spark plugs fixes these problems. Anyone with a wrench and some patience can be on the road to better automobile performance!

Let me know if you have other questions.

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21st Century Car Buying! Free Service Loaners For Life!

Kirkland, Is Your Hybrid More Expensive to Fix?

Hey Redmond! Does a New Car Mean a New Insurance Policy?

Why Do Kirkland's Female Drivers Cost Less to Insure?

Fife, Do You Know What Car Insurance Won't Cover?

Do Kirkland Drivers Need Acoustic Foam Tires?

Bellevue, Do You Know What TPMS Stands For?

Seattle, What Are The Advantages of a Manual Transmission?

Do Bellevue Drivers Know Why a Down Payment Is Important?

Redmond, What Can An Odometer Tell You?

Do Kirkland Drivers Know When to Change Their Spark Plugs?

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