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If you're looking for a fun way to spend time with your friends and family, bowling a game or two is a great option. Butler County, Pennsylvania, is a great place to be if you want to take part in this classic pastime. Here is where you can challenge your favorite people to a bowling game in the Butler County area: Family Bowlaway Fun Center Family Bowlaway Fun Center is easily one of the best places to go bowling in Butler County. This fun destination has been serving the Butler area for over 65 years, providing family and friends with an exciting way to spend a couple of weekend hours together. With plenty of lanes, interactive bowling games, fun events, and specials to take advantage of, each visit to Family Bowlaway can be a new experience. If you want to keep the good times rolling, be sure to check out the Back Alley to try out some other games and enjoy a drink. Back Alley offers cornhole boards, bocce ball, duckpin bowling, and more for you to challenge your friends with. The 11th Frame Bar & Grille offers a full restaurant and bar experience where you can grab a bite to eat. You'll find a great selection of appetizers, burgers, wings, sandwiches, and snacks to fuel your bowling adventures. Sherwood Lanes Sherwood Lanes offers a classic bowling experience without all the bells and whistles you might find at other alleys. If you love the mom-and-pop bowling alley experience, Sherwood Lanes has you covered. There are 24 lanes at this alley. This family-oriented bowling alley also offers the Crossbow Lounge where you can grab some food and drinks to make a full experience of your visit. Sherwood Lanes offers fantastic deals on games, shoe rentals, food, and drinks, so if you're searching for a fun night that won't break the bank, you'll find it here. If you're looking for an even bigger challenge, be sure to speak to one of the employees about joining a bowling league at Sherwood Lanes. Belmont II Bowling Center The Belmont II Bowling Center is another local alley that's a great place to get in a few games if you want some practice. If you want to grab a bite to eat or you're looking for a night of fun with friends, the restaurant and bar at Belmont II have you covered. Take advantage of the special deals this alley runs, such as the all-you-can-bowl deal that comes with a pizza for your family and friends. If you're looking for tournaments, be sure to ask during your visit or check the alley's social media page to sign up. Whether you're a professional split tactician or you play with the bumpers up, you're sure to find a fun challenge at these Butler County, Pennsylvania, bowling spots.  You bring the people, and these bowling alleys will bring the good times. These are just a few of the bowling alleys you'll find around Butler, so start exploring to find the one that fits your style the most.   Imgae via Pixabay.com by StockSnap

Butler, PA, is a quaint city that's been named by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the best small towns in America. Find out why this city's residents love to live here and why it may be your next place to call home. Top 7 Reasons to Love Living in Butler, PA Close Proximity to Pittsburgh This city is only about thirty-five miles away from Pittsburgh, one of the largest cities in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh is home to too many delicious bars and restaurants to count, as well as the following major tourist attractions: Heinz Field Strip District Duquesne Incline Carnegie Museum of Natural History Carnegie Science Center PPG Paints Arena Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Andy Warhol Museum Cultural District University of Pittsburgh Point State Park PNC Park Lots of Job Opportunities This city keeps its residents and surrounding communities happy with an abundance of job opportunities. Between Butler Community College, AK Steel, Penn United Technologies, VA Butler Healthcare, Butler Healthcare System, and the town's many small family-owned businesses, there are plenty of places to find work without much of a commute. Several Scenic Parks This small town is home to several parks with various sports courts, skateboard parks, baseball parks, memorials, and nature activities designed for the whole family. Residents love visiting the following parks: Rotary Park Father Marinaro Park Ritts Park Butler Memorial Park Doughboy Park Affordable Place to Live Who doesn't love a low rent or mortgage payment? That's one of the reasons why people love living in this small town. The median home value is roughly $100,500, and the average rent value is around $520. This city has very reasonably priced places to live compared to many other cities in the United States. Convenient Places to Shop This city's citizens love that they don't have to leave town to get most of their errands done. It's home to Clearview Mall, antique and vintage stores, grocery stores, dollar stores, and much more. Great School Systems Parents love sending their children to the Butler Area School District. The district has a lower average student to teacher ratio than surrounding districts, meaning children get more one-on-one attention from their teachers. Butler Area School District is also currently ranked in the top thirty percent of school districts in the entire state. Delicious Restaurants This town has lots of different yummy restaurants to offer. Whether you're craving Mexican, American, Italian, the city has you covered. Here are some favorite local restaurants in the area: Compadres Mexican Restaurant Mama Rosa's Restaurant and Lounge Mac's Route 8 Cafe Tani's Pizza Fortune Star Buffet and Grill Freedom Farms Sandwich Shop Natili North Restaurant W Rick's Tap Room and Grill The Chop Shop Note: If you order alcohol at one of the town's restaurants, please remember to drink responsibly and refrain from drinking and driving. As you can see, this small town has a lot to offer its residents. Its proximity to Pittsburgh, job opportunities, parks, affordability, shopping, school systems, and delicious restaurants keep people happy and not wanting to move. If you're looking at places to live in the area, make sure you stop by and check out the new 2021 inventory at Mike Kelly Automotive!

The new year comes with so many new options for crossover SUVs. It can be hard to find the perfect fit for you and family. That's why at Mike Kelly Kia, we want to tell you about the 2021 Kia Telluride. This new Kia comes with high-tech in the command center, comfortable seating, innovative safety assists, and more all for an affordable price. The 2021 Telluride is a fantastic choice for you and your family's new SUV. Basics About the 2021 Kia Telluride The South Korean automotive company Kia came out with its first model of the Telluride in 2020. The second edition of this mid-size crossover SUV is here in 2021 with new impressive features like the Nightfall Edition for a glossy black design. Pricing The 2021 Telluride comes in four available trims. The most basic trim is the LX, which has a starting MSRP of $31,990. The S, which has features like the Power Sunroof, starts at $34,390. The Telluride EX starts at $37,390, and the premium trim, the SX, starts at $42,190. The SX has dual sunroofs in the first and second row of the car. Fantastic Features Safety Assists to Give Peace of Mind to Even the Most Cautious The 2021 Telluride comes with the Kia Drive Wise system, which makes sure you can drive as safely as technology allows. This includes the Parking Assist, which helps you park in a busy lot or a tight spot, the Standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist to keep you focused and alert, and the Highway Driving Assist, which keeps you centered in your lane. Powerful and Reliable Your new Telluride packs a punch. This crossover SUV has a standard towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. It comes standard with a 3.8L V6 engine, and you even have options for Active On-Demand All-Wheel Drive and a self-leveling rear suspension to help you keep stability on rougher terrain. Comfort and Convenience for the Whole Family Charging ports are spread throughout the car in accessible spots for any passenger. Kia's new 2021 Telluride can fit up to 8 comfortable passengers. An available Premium Nappa Leather seat trim exudes comfort and style. You can even access heated and ventilated seats in both the front row and the second row of the car. Kia's Intuitive UVO Link Services Now you can connect to your car through your smartphone. The Kia UVO app allows you to start your Telluride remotely, lock and unlock the doors, turn on the heat or the air conditioning, or find your car in that busy parking lot. It even has the technology to detect if there is movement inside your car in the case of an intruder. This SUV really has it all. Intuitive, convenient technology, impressive safety features, and a sporty and sleek design all wrapped up in one package. Kia's new 2021 Telluride has all of those features and more! To learn more about why you should invest in a new Telluride, visit us at Mike Kelley Kia today!

A great cup of coffee is like nectar from the gods. Back in our grandparents' day, they basically had two options when it came to coffee: black or with cream and sugar. Now, there are so many different ways to enjoy the marvelous coffee bean. Dragona, macchiato, espresso, frappuccino, and latte are just a few of the coffee creations baristas serve up every day in Butler, PA. When you combine a good cup of joe with a nice atmosphere and great service, you're instantly transported to heaven. 4 Great Local Coffee Hangouts in Butler, PA 1. Cummings Coffee and Candy This family-owned business has been in operation for over 100 years. The history of this establishment alone makes it a very special place. But they have more to offer their customers than longevity. Cummings Coffee and Candy has a large selection of baked goods, hand-dipped chocolate, and seasonal candies that customers can't get enough of. And of course, they have coffee, which they roast in-house. They also have four locations to serve you. 2. Saxonburg Coffee and Tea If you like your coffee with an extra shot of ambiance, you have to stop by the Saxonburg Coffee and Tea Shop. It's a quaint shop that is reminiscent of an old-time apothecary shop and for those who need coffee to make it through their day, that is quite appropriate. They offer the “Wired” coffee blend which is a big hit with the shop's patrons. You can also find a variety of teas here as well. 3. The Arrogant Bean and Coffee House If you put the word arrogant in the name of your coffee shop, you better have some good coffee. And this shop, located on Pittsburgh Rd, definitely earns the right to have arrogant in their name. In addition to the many coffee concoctions they serve, you can also grab a bite to eat. Their bagel sandwiches are especially tasty. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy yourself in their relaxing outdoor space. 4. The Element Cafe The Element Cafe, located on Main St., has delicious coffee and a great atmosphere. The seating area is large, with exposed brick and an industrial motif. It's a great place to grab a cup of coffee and do some work if you have a mobile office. They have a good selection of baked goods and their menu rotates every season so there is always something new to try out. 5. Mazzanti's Beans and Cream This cafe offers premium Italian roast coffee. It also offers a combination that you don't see often: ice cream and coffee. You can cool down with a hand-dipped ice cream cone after enjoying one of their signature coffee drinks or you can even combine the two and try one of their coffee floats. Whether you're looking for a way to start your morning, some fuel to power you through your workload, or a place to hang out, these coffee shops have what you need. After grabbing a cup of hot coffee or ice brew, visit Mike Kelly Kia on Pittsburgh Rd. Roasting coffee beans smell good but nothing beats that new car smell.

With the worries of the world on our shoulders, a great way to destress is to get outside and stretch your legs. A walk inside a beautiful park or along a gorgeous trail will help you relax and get fresh air. These parks near Butler, PA will be the perfect way to take a break with your whole family. 8 Great Parks and Trails Near Butler, PA 1. Alameda Park This park has it all from picnic areas, bike trails, playgrounds, and accessibility. It even has a waterpark filled with all sorts of fun splash pads, aqua rock wall, and more. With the newly created single track already 11 miles long, you'll be able to walk or ride along its twisting beautiful trail. 2. Moraine State Park Moraine State Park covers over 16,000 acres with trails for horseback riding, hiking, biking, or even snowmobiling. You can also take a stroll along the beach or have a picnic at one of the 705 picnic tables. 3. Slippery Rock Park Get your game on at slippery rock park where you will find all kinds of options to play ball. With 60 acres of land, this park not only has playgrounds and pavilions but many ball fields for football, soccer, basketball, and more. 4. Preston Park Nature calls at the beautiful Preston Park. Founders of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Prestons gifted almost 100 acres which are now open to the public. You can traipse between the ponds, prairies, woodlands, and gardens. You'll be sure to see a huge variety of birds. 5. Succop Nature Park With two ponds, walking trails, and a space to walk dogs, you'll see why Succop Nature Park is amazing. You can also visit the historical mansion. 6. Todd Nature Reserve You can explore the five miles of hiking trails and enjoy the preservation of nature. Protecting birds and other wildlife, this reserve encourages the study and education of the natural world. The rustic trails and rugged landscape will help you retreat from the world. 7. Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area View the narrow gorge and natural springs of Wolf Creek Narrows through the extensive trails. You'll find small waterfalls, old trees, and amazing plant life. Visiting in the spring will leave you stunned with the natural display of wildflowers from Virginia bluebells to trout-lilies. 8. Butler-Freeport Community Area Preserving the route of the county's oldest railroad, this trail cuts through the countryside to unite the city to an old river port. The crushed limestone used to create the trail makes hiking or biking a breeze. You'll also walk alongside Buffalo Creek and see it's beautiful gorge. Butler is a fantastic town filled with some amazing outdoor locations perfect for all kinds of people. You'll find bike trails, horse trails, hiking spots, sports fields, nature preserves, and more. If you need transportation to check out these great locations, visit Mike Kelly KIA today and learn how we can help you find the vehicle of your dreams.

If you're looking for a fun, sporty SUV look no further than the 2020 Kia Sportage. It features good handling, a sporty appearance, and a number of tech features that make it a joy to drive. Performance If you're the kind of person that likes some power in your engine, consider upgrading to the turbocharged Sportage, with some of the best acceleration in its class. And if you're into hairpin turns the agile handling feature redistributes power to the wheels to give you optimum control. If you're more of the offroad type you might want to get the all-wheel-drive, for maximum traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. The Sportage also features a number of stability and traction control features such as Body Posture Control and the Traction Control System. On downhill or slippery roads the Sportage will automatically put pressure on the brakes to prevent slipping or loss of control. Luxurious Interior The Sportage has a comfortable, roomy interior, with rear seats that can fold down to give you extra cargo space. There's also hidden storage space in the trunk for keeping small items safe. If you're looking to upgrade from the basic model the available sunroof gives you views of the sky overhead, and available leather seats feature both heated and ventilated front seats. The Latest Technology An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard on all models and is compatible with both Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The Sportage also has a number of optional tech features such as wireless smartphone charging, and even an app that will allow you to remotely control the vehicle. The Kia Access App allows you to remotely control the temperature, unlock or lock the doors, or track the car remotely. It is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant so you can get the AC ready for those hot days without even picking up your phone! Safety The Kia really shines when it comes to safety, and was a top safety pick by the Highway Safety Association for 2020 when equipped with LED headlights. It also earned a five out of five safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There are a number of available driver-assist safety features for the Kia Sportage. The Posterior Collision Warning system uses radar to sense cars in your blind spot, and the Sportage will also warn you of upcoming obstacles and even apply the brakes if you're about to get in an accident. It's safer for other drivers on the road as well with the High Beam Assist, which automatically turns off the high beams when another car is approaching you. It's a Great Value Who isn't looking to get the most out of every dollar? The Sportage starts at just $23,990 MSRP and features an extensive warranty. The limited warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles, and the powertrain warranty covers ten years or 100,000 miles. So stop by Mike Kelly Kia today and give the 2020 Kia Sportage a test drive. We've been operating since 1954 serving Butler County and surrounding areas.

The head-turning 2020 Kia Forte is here to rethink what a compact car should look and feel like. The Forte comes packed with great features, excellent fuel efficiency, and a whole lot of style. It is simply the best compact car for your money in its class. 1. Aerodynamics The Kia Forte has been redesigned for both style and performance. The eye-catching grille and lean side profiles have been built to glide on the road smoothly and efficiently without burning through fuel. Yet it still has an impressive amount of trunk space, which should not be overlooked. 2. Blind-Spot Collision Warning Blind Spot Collision Warning can detect when a vehicle is approaching your blind spot and will alert you. When you signal for a lane change and a vehicle is detected outside of your field of view, you will see a warning flash in your side mirrors and an audio alert will come through your speakers to make sure you are safe when merging. 3. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist works by a sensor that is located at the front of your vehicle. It scans the road while you are driving and if a slow or stopped vehicle is detected up ahead, audio and visual warnings will be sent so you have enough time to make the necessary adjustments. If you do not respond in time, your brakes will be applied automatically to either avoid or reduce the severity of an accident. 4. UVO Intelligence Connected Car Services With UVO Intelligence, you can connect to a wide range of support services every time you are on the road. With a compatible smartphone device, you can start your vehicle, lock/unlock doors, open the trunk, and cool or warm the cabin remotely with Kia Smart Key. You can also get regular updates on your vehicle's fuel level, location, and health. You can even schedule maintenance at your local Kia Dealership through the Kia Access app. In addition to Kia Smart Key, you can also start your Forte by holding down the brake pedal and pressing the start button. If you want to access the infotainment center without starting your car, simply press the start button and you will have access to the radio and other functions that can operate without the use of the engine. 5. Heads-Up Display (HUD) The Advanced Heads-Up Display system is intelligently designed to keep your eyes in front of you while being able to get access to important information with little distraction. Information such as current miles per hour, fuel level, cruise control, navigation commands, and more can be displayed on your windshield so you can easily glance down and not become distracted. The Kia Forte is hands down the best value sedan on the market. Head to Mike Kelly Kia today and let one of our knowledgeable staff help you find the Kia Forte that best suits your needs.

Named the third-best subcompact SUV on the market by U.S. News and World Report, the 2021 Kia Soul stands out due to its boxy design and spacious cabin. The Soul underwent a complete overhaul for the 2020 model year, so the 2021 models don't have many changes. However, there are a few notable additions that you can expect with the 2021 Kia Soul. Renamed Trim Previously, the Kia Soul had six trims: LX, S, GT-Line, X-Line, EX, and GT-Line Turbo. For the 2021 model year, Kia renamed the top-of-the-line GT-Line Turbo trim to just the Turbo. Along with the new name, the Turbo has updated badging to the grille, rear liftgate, and steering wheel. This trim comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produces 201 horsepower. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Inside, it has cloth and synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel. For technology, it has the upgraded UVO infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touch-screen display, navigation, and wireless charging. It also includes a sunroof and a head-up display. For safety features, it adds adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection. Additional Safety Feature In addition to a rearview camera, all 2021 Soul trims now include the Rear Occupant Alert. This safety feature notifies you via several methods that someone or something is in the rear seat. You could receive a text message to your smartphone or the Soul might start beeping to notify you to check the rear seat once you disengage from the vehicle. This feature protects young children and pets from being accidentally left in the Soul once you reach your destination. The Soul also includes a variety of available safety features, depending on the trim. Some of these features include the following: Automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control. Pedestrian detection. Driver drowsiness monitoring. Rear cross-traffic alert. New Shock Valves The mid-level X-Line and GT-Line with 18-inch wheels receive new standard shock valves to the shock absorbers to help improve the ride. Both of these trims include the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 147 horsepower and comes paired with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Remote Start Added When temperatures dip, going out to start your Kia Soul can seem like an uncomfortable task. Even if you have a heated seat or steering wheel, it can take a few minutes for the vehicle to warm up. For the 2021 model year, Kia added a key fob with a built-in remote start to the EX and Turbo trims. This feature lets you begin the ignition process without actually turning a key inside the Soul. To experience for yourself these new features for the 2021 Kia Soul, reach out to the professionals at Mike Kelly Kia. They can answer any questions you might have and help schedule a test drive. Take this exciting SUV for a spin and get a feel for these updates so you can drive home in one of these vehicles today.

If you don't feel like cooking or even sitting inside a restaurant, there's a perfect solution: ordering takeout. Luckily, the Butler, Pennsylvania, area has plenty of restaurants available that offer takeout options. The next time you have a craving for some delicious takeout food, check out one of these four dining establishments. Butler Brew Works Three longtime friends created Butler Brew Works, which sits on South Main Street. The award-winning establishment focuses on craft beer by offering an ever-changing variety of ales. It also offers an extensive menu full of appetizers, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. You can order takeout from both its beer and food menus. The beer comes in single-can or four-pack offerings. Chop Shop In business since 2011, the Chop Shop is located on North Main Street and pays homage to transportation with its car-themed decor and old-school gas station signs. Owner Bill Atkinson is a Butler native who opened the restaurant just weeks before he turned 30 and has turned it into a local favorite. Start your meal with Tater Tot Poutine, which includes tater tots, pot roast, and cheese curds. Among its many main-dish offerings include a Buttermilk Fried Chicken sandwich, Chopped Cashew Clementime salad, and the Chili Mac and Cheeseburger. Finish your meal with one of the half-dozen desserts created by Atkinson's mother. Tani's Pizza If you're in the mood for some delicious authentic Italian cuisine, Tani's Pizza on Mercer Street has you covered. To kick off your meal, try one of its dozen appetizers, including fried mushrooms, onion rings, fried cauliflower, and fried calamari rings. Its menu features several types of salads, most of which come with the dressing of your choice. To satisfy your pizza craving, the restaurant allows you to make your own pie or select from one of its specialty pizzas. The Tani's Special includes chicken, tomatoes, onions, roasted red peppers, spinach, feta, and olive oil. You can also order the Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza with chicken, bacon, tomatoes, onion, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese, topped with ranch and garlic sauce. The menu also has stromboli, calzones, seafood, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Upper Crust Shop When the Upper Crust Shop began its operations in 2005 as Dr. Sous Custom Catering, the company expanded its offers through word of mouth. It focused on casual fine dining by taking into account customers' flavor profiles and themes. The business moved into its current location on South Main Street in 2011 and continues to serve a variety of sandwich and soup options. Try one of its signature subs including the Roast Beef & Blue with lean roast beef, crumbled blue cheese, provolone, and mayonnaise. Another popular option is the Chicken Ranch with shredded chicken breast simmered in white wine and baked with provolone cheese and ranch dressing. The restaurant prepares tomato basil soup daily as well as a rotating soup of the day. Just keep in mind that the Upper Crust Shop is closed on weekends. Is your stomach growling yet? If so, don't worry about preparing a meal at home when you can stop at one of these four Butler-area restaurants and order takeout. Your stomach will thank you.   Image via Pixabay.com by PublicDomainImages

Telluride was once a destination, but Kia has transformed it into the ride. The 2021 Kia Telluride is the SUV that has it all with power, performance, luxury, comfort, style, safety, and all of the latest tech features. Here are a few of the most notable new available features to be on the lookout for in the 2021 Telluride. more Exterior Style The 2021 Telluride is a head-turner for sure with its stylish exterior design that is elegant, yet sporty and rugged at the same time. The Telluride boasts an oversized grille, LED lighting, soft curves, crisp lines, and an overall modern aesthetic that will endure for decades into the future. New for the 2021 model, Telluride Nightfall Edition is available on the EX or SX trim level with all-wheel-drive. The Nightfall Edition has exclusive features including 20-inch black alloy wheels, gloss black exterior trim, Nightfall Edition Kia emblems, fog lamps and headlamps with black bezels, and a black front grille. Interior Luxury Luxury is no stranger to Kia, and the 2021 Telluride is no exception. With room for eight passengers, the interior of the Telluride is designed to keep everyone comfortable. Available interior features include premium Nappa leather seat trim, second-row captain's seats, a third row, a suede-like headliner, heated and ventilated seats in the front and second-row, and a double stitched dash. There's no doubt that the 2021 Telluride is ready to bathe you and your passengers in luxury. Technology Features Kia is a front runner for automotive technologies, and the 2021 Telluride is loaded with all the latest in tech features. You will find available features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a smart key. New for the 2021 year model is remote start being added to the key fob. The Telluride also boasts Kia's UVO link services. The UVO link app lets you connect to the Telluride and control remote start, remote door lock and unlock, and remote climate. The app also has a rear occupant alert, which notifies you when movement is detected inside your vehicle. These are a few of the available features in the 2021 Telluride, keeping you connected and entertained for the duration of your commute. Power and Performance Powered by a 291 horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6, the 2021 Telluride is no pushover. It has excellent acceleration for its size and excels in towing and traction. Available all-wheel-drive allows you to traverse damp or snow-covered roads with confidence. With the ability to tow 5,000 pounds, you won't have to leave your toys at home when taking the Telluride on your next trip. Its independent suspension makes short work of bumpy roads by damping the impact and keeping you riding smooth. Handling is a breeze for the Telluride with the steering having just the right balance of heft and smoothness. You will thoroughly enjoy driving the 2021 Telluride. Safety Features Available safety features on the 2021 Telluride include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and much more. When you are looking for performance, luxury, or safety, the 2021 Kia Telluride has it all. The 2021 Kia Telluride is waiting at a Kia dealer near you.   Image via Kia.com

Everyone makes mistakes, but some are costlier and more concerning than others. When you're spending money on a new or preowned vehicle, you want to avoid mistakes in the process. Explore four of the common mistakes car buyers make and how to prevent them. more Buying a Vehicle That Doesn't Fit Your Lifestyle The vehicle you choose should reflect your lifestyle, family situation, and typical usage. A sporty two-door coupe might look great in the showroom, but if you're transporting kids in car seats or regularly making big supermarket pickups, the size of the cabin or cargo area may not work for your needs. If you enjoy taking your vehicle on the open road and exploring uncharted terrain, an SUV with all-wheel drive would suit you well. A vehicle that doesn't fit your lifestyle can cause you hassles every day that you drive it. Consider your lifestyle and compare your vehicle options based on how you live and drive. Extending a Vehicle Loan Too Far While lowering your monthly vehicle payment may seem appealing, exercise caution before you extend a vehicle loan too far. The average auto loan term is 63 months, but many lenders offer options between 24 and 72 months. Some will extend to 84 months, which is equivalent to seven years. The difference in the monthly payment between a 24-month and 84-month term is likely substantial, but the amount of interest you'll pay will quickly add up. Instead of extending the loan term, consider shopping for a vehicle with a monthly payment you can afford. Not Making a Down Payment A vehicle is an asset that depreciates in value, especially within the first few years of ownership. In fact, the moment you drive a brand-new car off the lot, its value decreases. If you didn't put any money down toward the financing agreement, you owe more money than the vehicle is worth. If you need to sell the vehicle, you likely won't be able to receive enough money from the sale to pay off the total value of the loan. Instead of financing the vehicle purchase, consider saving money to apply at least a portion of the total cost as a down payment to offset some of the depreciation. If you aren't able to do so, consider leasing a new vehicle. You don't have to make a down payment for this type of agreement. Leased models usually include gap insurance to cover the initial depreciation. Not Doing Research Take some time to research options and compare models in the segment you're considering. Certain vehicles have features that you may want, while others don't offer them. Make a list of your must-have features and start researching the vehicles that meet your needs. At Mike Kelly Kia, we can help you avoid mistakes so that you can get behind the wheel of the car of your dreams. Our team members can answer questions and guide you through the vehicle purchase process. Contact us or visit our dealership location today.   Image via Kia.com

Some car owners are meticulous about maintenance on their vehicles, but others will wait until there's a serious problem before taking it to a mechanic. While opinions vary on the frequency and extent of such maintenance, a regularly scheduled tune-up of some type can help prevent some problems. What is a Tune-up? A tuneup will generally involve inspection of the fuel, ignition, and emissions systems of your vehicle. It likely will include the replacement of some key components, such as the air and oil filters. Several parts might need cleaning or replacement, including spark plugs and fuel injectors. On older cars (those with distributors rather than electronic ignition), the rotor and distributor cap will need to be cleaned or replaced. Other parts that may need service include oxygen hoses, spark plug wires, fuel filter, PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve, and oxygen sensor. A mechanic might even adjust the engine's timing and idle. Every little problem is not caused for a complete go-over of your vehicle's systems, but procrastinating until your vehicle can't move is clearly waiting too long. Here are some early signs you might have an issue to be addressed: Problems Starting It might seem that a weak battery is to blame, but the problem could be with the alternator, starter, spark plugs, corroded or loose cables, or even the fuel pump. If a jump-start works, you probably have a weak battery, but other issues could be causing that weakness. Poor Gas Mileage A sudden drop in gas mileage could be the result of a bad oxygen sensor (which determines the gas/air mix to the engine), misfiring spark plugs, incorrect tire inflation, or perhaps even bad wheel alignment. Rough Idling If your car shakes when at an idle, the problem could be a dirty fuel injector or carburetor, a leak in a vacuum hose, old spark plugs, or corroded spark plug wires. Check Engine Light When that little indicator on your dashboard comes on, the culprit could be any number of things, from a loose gas cap up to a bad catalytic converter. Having your mechanic check it with a diagnostic code reader is the place to start. No Acceleration This problem could go from an annoyance to being plain dangerous, depending on your circumstances. Try entering a crowded highway without the ability to quickly get up to speed. The issue could be a clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter, or even a catalytic converter failure, as well as a problem with a number of sensors, such as those for oxygen or throttle position. If you're experiencing one of these telltale signs of trouble, don't just go to the mechanic and say, "My car needs a tuneup." Explain the problem you're seeing, and he should offer a course of action. It might require a specific remedy, or he might need to inspect the engine and other systems to find answers. In either case, keeping up on required maintenance can help you prevent minor annoyances from becoming major problems with your vehicle.   Image via Pixabay.com by DomAlberts