Why Buy a Used Car Now: Understanding Auto Tariffs

Buying a car — whether it’s your first or your fifth — can feel overwhelming. With prices, incentives, financing options, trade-ins, and so much conflicting advice out there, where do you start? At Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, our sales expert Spencer Easter dives into real questions from customers just like you in three informative Q&A videos. We put together this 2026 insider guide to help you walk into your next car purchase confident, informed, and ready to get the best possible deal. Here’s what you should know before you step foot in a dealership — backed 1. Before You Go: Do Your Homework (From Video One) Customer Question: “What should I know and what research should I do before visiting a dealership? Is Kelley Blue Book a good resource?” Spencer’s Answer: Yes — Kelly Blue Book (KBB) is an excellent place to begin your research, as long as you’re realistic about mileage and condition. Another factor buyers often overlook is market availability — if your car is in high demand, you could get more for it. Here’s how to take your homework to the next level: Use Multiple Valuation Tools KBB is a trusted resource for vehicle values and helps you estimate trade-in and private sale prices. It’s updated frequently and reflects local market conditions. That said, it shouldn’t be your only tool. Other valuation guides such as NADA Guides, Edmunds, CarGurus, and VinCheck.info also offer reliable, often free pricing estimates that can give you a broader view of what your car is worth. Understand Market Demand Some vehicles — especially popular SUVs, trucks, or limited trims — may command a higher price in certain regions. A vehicle that’s in high demand locally may bring a premium on trade-in. Likewise, cars that are slow sellers may have less trade value. Know What You Want Before you go to the dealership: Decide on several vehicle options that fit your budget. Read expert and owner reviews. Understand not only MSRP but what people are actually paying in your area (tools like TrueCar and Edmunds provide this insight). 2.  Incentives & Rebates: Real Savings or Gimmicks? (From Video Two) Customer Question: “Can incentives really save you money, or are they gimmicks?” Spencer’s Answer: Incentives and rebates come directly from the manufacturer — not the dealer — and can absolutely save you money. We can show you incentives you might not even know exist, and provide transparency from the start. How Manufacturer Incentives Work Automakers use incentives to motivate buyers and meet sales goals. These can include: Cash rebates or “bonus cash” directly reducing your purchase price or down payment. Low- or 0% financing deals. Lease specials with lower monthly payments. Loyalty and conquest rebates for loyal customers or those switching brands. Dealer-Specific and Local Offers Dealerships often run local incentives in addition to national manufacturer offers. These can include special pricing events, dealer cash, or additional rebates. At Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, we publish these deals on our website so customers have transparency before they even visit. Maximize Savings Strategy To use incentives effectively: Research current offers online before you visit. Verify eligibility — some are region or credit-score based. Consider timing — end-of-quarter and end-of-year incentives are often more generous. The bottom line: incentives are not gimmicks when you understand what’s available, how they apply to you, and how they fit into your overall purchase price. 3.  Expert Car Buying Tips That Help You Save!  (From Video Three) Customer Question: “Are there any car buying tips that would help me get a better deal?” Spencer’s Top Tips: Tip #1: Don’t Fear a Few Credit Inquiries Contrary to old myths, multiple credit pulls within a short timeframe (usually 14–45 days) count as a single inquiry for scoring purposes. This means it’s okay to check multiple financing options before finalizing a loan.  Multiple checks help you find the best rate and true financing terms, rather than accepting the first offer you see. Tip #2: Consider a Cosigner (Especially First-Time Buyers) If you’re new to credit or haven’t built strong credit history, bringing a cosigner with solid credit can: Help you qualify for a better interest rate. Simplify the approval process. Improve your long-term credit as you make payments. Tip #3: Bring Necessary Documentation Being prepared can speed up the process and strengthen your negotiating position. Helpful items include: Driver’s license Vehicle registration Proof of income (recent pay stubs) Proof of insurance Title or payoff information for a trade-in Tip #4: Don’t Stress Over Cleanliness While a detailed car wash can improve the first impression, dealerships evaluate a vehicle based on condition and mechanical state, not its dirt level. Bring your trade in as is — you won’t lose value simply because it’s dusty. Additional Car Buying Strategies Customers Shouldn’t Miss Set a Budget and Stick to It Before you even look at vehicles, know what you can afford — including insurance, maintenance, fuel, and loan payments. This keeps you grounded in reality and helps prevent buyer’s remorse. Negotiate Beyond Sticker Price Price negotiation isn’t just about MSRP. You can negotiate: Trade-in value Financing rates Add-ons and dealership fees Experts recommend knowing multiple offers and using them as leverage. Shop at Strategic Times Believe it or not, certain days and months are statistically better for buying cars. End of the month, end of quarter, and year-end events bring higher dealer willingness to negotiate — especially in December and year-end sales. ( Investopedia) Bring a Trusted Second Opinion Whether it’s a friend, spouse, or trusted advisor, a second set of eyes helps keep emotions out of a big financial decision. Conclusion Buying a car doesn’t have to be intimidating. With proper research, understanding incentives, and smart preparation, you set yourself up for a smooth and successful purchase. The team at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat is here to help you every step of the way — from pre-visit research to unlocking the best finance options possible. Stop by or check out our website to see current incentives, build your payment, and start your journey to a new ride today!

Few topics have sparked more debate among Ram owners than the transition from the legendary HEMI® V8 to the new Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six. Some drivers believe nothing can replace the sound and simplicity of a naturally aspirated V8. Others argue the Hurricane is a significant step forward in performance, efficiency, and modern engineering. Who's right?  The honest answer is...both. Each engine has strengths, and the best choice depends on how you drive, what you tow, and what matters most to you. About This Comparison Before we dive into horsepower and torque figures, it's worth explaining how we approached this comparison.  Choosing a truck is a major investment, and today's buyers rarely rely on manufacturer brochures alone. They watch long-term ownership videos, read independent automotive reviews, and spend hours browsing owner forums and enthusiast communities to learn from people who actually live with these trucks every day. To create this guide, we looked beyond factory specifications. We considered published engineering data, independent automotive testing, and the recurring themes discussed in public owner communities like reddit and enthusiast forums. Rather than highlighting a handful of individual opinions, we've summarized the experiences, questions, and concerns that consistently appear across many owner conversations. Every driver has different priorities, towing needs, maintenance habits, and driving conditions, so your experience may differ. Our goal isn't to declare a winner—it's to help you choose the engine that's right for you. Meet the Contenders The Legendary HEMI For more than two decades, the HEMI became one of the most recognizable truck engines in America. Owners appreciated: The unmistakable V8 exhaust note Proven long-term durability Strong towing performance Straightforward engineering Excellent aftermarket support For many Ram owners, the HEMI isn't just an engine. It's part of the truck's identity. The New Hurricane The Hurricane takes a completely different approach. Instead of relying on displacement, Ram engineers developed a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six designed to deliver more horsepower and substantially more torque than the outgoing V8. Owners appreciate: Stronger horsepower and torque Quick, confident acceleration Impressive low-end pulling power Better performance at higher elevations Modern engineering with improved efficiency On paper, it's clearly the stronger engine. The question many buyers ask is whether modern technology can earn the same trust the HEMI built over many years. What Truck Owners Are Saying One thing became clear while reviewing owner discussions across public truck communities.  This isn't really an argument about horsepower.  It's an argument about philosophy. Why Many Owners Still Love the HEMI One theme appeared repeatedly.  Owners trust what they know. Many describe the HEMI as proven, predictable, easy to understand, built for long-term ownership.  For buyers who keep trucks ten or fifteen years, mechanical simplicity remains important. Another recurring opinion centers on emotion. The sound, the idle, and the rumble when accelerating onto the highway.  Many owners simply enjoy driving a V8. For them, that's part of owning a truck. Why Hurricane Owners Are Winning People Over Owners who have actually driven the Hurricane often describe something unexpected. They expected to miss the V8. Instead, many came away impressed by how effortless the truck feels.  Common observations include noticeably quicker acceleration, stronger passing power, excellent highway performance, smooth towing, and impressive low-end torque.  Many describe it as feeling more like a modern diesel than a traditional gasoline V6. That's high praise among truck enthusiasts. Performance This is where the Hurricane clearly shines. It delivers more horsepower, more torque, stronger acceleration, passing slower traffic requires less effort and merging onto interstates feels more confident.  At higher elevations, turbocharging also helps maintain performance that naturally aspirated engines gradually lose. Performance Winner Hurricane Engine Horsepower Torque 5.7L HEMI V8 (eTorque) 395 hp 410 lb-ft 3.0L Hurricane SO Standard Output 420 hp 469 lb-ft 3.0L Hurricane High Output 540 hp 521 lb-ft Towing Both engines are excellent towing platforms.  The HEMI has years of proven experience pulling campers, utility trailers, boats, and equipment. The Hurricane's additional torque gives it impressive pulling power, particularly during acceleration and climbing grades. For most buyers, either engine will comfortably handle everyday towing duties. Winner Tie Fuel Economy While fuel economy depends on driving habits and truck configuration, many owners report modest improvements with the Hurricane during normal commuting and highway driving.  Heavy towing naturally reduces fuel economy regardless of engine choice.  Drivers who spend much of their week commuting may appreciate the Hurricane's added efficiency. Winner Hurricane Maintenance This topic generates plenty of discussion.  Owners appreciate the HEMI because independent mechanics know it well, replacement parts are widely available, and the engine has accumulated millions of real-world miles. The Hurricane introduces turbochargers, additional plumbing, and more sophisticated engine management.  Some buyers view that as increased complexity.  Others point out that modern turbocharged engines have become common throughout the automotive industry.  Only years of long-term ownership will fully answer questions about durability. Current Advantage HEMI for long-term track record The Heart vs. The Head This may be the simplest way to explain the debate. Buy with your heart... Choose the HEMI if you love: classic V8 sound mechanical simplicity proven reliability traditional truck character owning a piece of Ram history Buy with your head... Choose the Hurricane if you value: stronger acceleration more horsepower more torque improved fuel economy modern engineering higher towing performance Neither decision is wrong. They're simply different priorities. Which Engine Fits Your Lifestyle? Here are some of the opinions that we found online ... Daily Commuter The Hurricane's extra efficiency and responsive acceleration make daily driving enjoyable. Weekend Warrior Dealership Employee:  Either engine performs exceptionally well.  Your preference will likely come down to driving feel. Performance Enthusiast The Hurricane delivers stronger numbers nearly across the board. Quick Comparison Category Hurricane HEMI Horsepower ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ Torque ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ Acceleration ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ Fuel Economy ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ Proven Reliability ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ Traditional Truck Feel ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ Modern Technology ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ Long-Term Owner Confidence ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ Frequently Asked Questions Is the Hurricane replacing the HEMI? Ram originally positioned the Hurricane as its next-generation truck engine. However, continued customer demand for the HEMI has led Ram to bring V8-powered models back into portions of its lineup, giving buyers more choice. Is the Hurricane more powerful? Yes. The Hurricane produces more horsepower and torque than the outgoing 5.7L HEMI, resulting in stronger acceleration and improved passing performance. Is the HEMI more reliable? The HEMI benefits from a long history of real-world use, giving buyers confidence in its durability. The Hurricane is newer, so it hasn't yet accumulated the same decades of ownership history. Which engine should I buy? If you value proven reliability, V8 sound, and traditional truck character, the HEMI remains a compelling choice. If you prioritize performance, torque, efficiency, and modern engineering, the Hurricane is difficult to ignore. The Bottom Line The debate between the Hurricane and the HEMI isn't likely to end anytime soon—and that's because both engines have earned loyal supporters for different reasons.  The HEMI represents decades of proven performance, unmistakable character, and a reputation that many truck owners trust without hesitation. The Hurricane represents the next generation of Ram engineering, delivering impressive horsepower, abundant torque, and a level of performance that has surprised even many longtime V8 enthusiasts. If your heart says V8, you'll probably never stop smiling behind the wheel of a HEMI.  If your head says modern performance, stronger acceleration, and improved efficiency, the Hurricane deserves a serious look. Fortunately, today's Ram buyers don't have to rely on internet debates alone.  The best comparison happens behind the wheel. At Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, we'll help you compare available Ram 1500 models, explain the differences between the Hurricane and HEMI powertrains, answer your questions, and arrange a test drive so you can decide which truck feels right for your lifestyle.

Our team members are excited to share their favorite vehicles for 2026. We recently put together a fun “Favorite Vehicle” composite video featuring employees from the Scott McCorkle family of dealerships. Team members from Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, along with colleagues across our organization, shared the vehicles they personally drive, enjoy, and trust. Because this video includes multiple Scott McCorkle dealerships, you may hear mentions of Toyota, Buick, GMC, or other brands alongside Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat vehicles. For this article, we are focusing on the vehicles chosen by our Mount Airy CDJRF team members and why they believe these models stand out for strength, comfort, dependability, and everyday usability. Watch the full “Favorite Vehicle” video on the Mount Airy CDJRF YouTube channel, then read on to see why these vehicles continue to be employee favorites in 2026. Employee Favorites for 2026 Ram 2500 Diesel Recommended by: Dean Girgenti, General Manager Dean’s pick is the Ram 2500 Diesel, and it fits his lifestyle perfectly. He likes the way it sits high on the road and gives him confidence on his daily drive to the dealership. The ride feels solid and controlled, and the truck handles comfortably even at highway speeds. Dean describes himself as a truck person through and through, and for him, the Ram 2500 checks every box. It feels strong, capable, and well built, which is why he considers it the best of the best. Why Dean Loves the Ram 2500 Confident driving position Smooth and solid ride quality Powerful diesel performance Built for long-term use Ram 3500 Mega Cab Diesel and 2026 Jeep Wagoneer S Hybrid Recommended by: Jessica Manuel, Service Manager Jessica leads the service department and has years of hands-on experience working on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. Her recommendations carry real weight because she sees these vehicles every day from a maintenance and durability standpoint. For her own personal vehicle, Jessica prefers the Ram 3500 Mega Cab Diesel. She values its dependability and knows it is a sturdy, well-built truck designed to handle serious work. It is a truck she trusts completely. When recommending a vehicle to customers who want something modern and efficient, Jessica points to the all-new 2026 Jeep Wagoneer S Hybrid. She likes its sleek design, strong fuel efficiency, and the fact that it requires very little routine service compared to traditional gas vehicles. Why Jessica Recommends These Vehicles Ram 3500 Mega Cab offers proven durability and strength Diesel power built for long-term reliability Wagoneer S Hybrid delivers strong efficiency Lower service needs make it appealing for daily drivers 2026 Ram Rebel with the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine Recommended by: Spencer Easter, Sales Associate Spencer’s favorite is the 2026 Ram Rebel Cummins, and his choice is all about style, comfort, and capability. He loves the black-on-black look, including the leather interior with REBEL stitched into the rear seats. Every seat is leather, and the front seats are heated, cooled, and ventilated. One of Spencer’s favorite features is the remote start. On cold winter mornings, being able to start the truck before heading outside makes a big difference. He also appreciates the updated front-end design, which gives the truck a bold look on the road. The all-terrain tires paired with the silver trim give the Rebel a rugged but polished appearance that stands out without being overdone. Why the Ram Rebel Stands Out Black leather interior with Rebel detailing Heated, cooled, and ventilated front seats Remote start for cold mornings Bold front-end styling All-terrain tires with eye-catching trim Why These Picks Matter Whether you are looking for heavy-duty truck capability, daily driving comfort, modern efficiency, or standout style, these vehicles represent what our Mount Airy CDJRF team believes Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram do best. When the people who manage, sell, and service these vehicles every day choose them for themselves, it speaks volumes. Visit Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat today or browse our inventory online to find the vehicle that fits your lifestyle.