2010 Honda Accord Holds Best Resale Value

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, the trusted automotive information resource, has honored the 2010 Accord with its Best Resale Value Award in the Mid-Size Car category. This prestigious award is given to vehicles that are expected to have the best resale value after five years of ownership.

Subaru Wins Mainstream Brand Residual Value Award for 2010

ALG, a subsidiary of DealerTrack Holdings, Inc.(Nasdaq: TRAK) and the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data, today announced its 11th annual Residual Value Awards, honoring the vehicles in each segment that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period.

Subaru of America has won the Mainstream Brand Residual Value Award for the first time, jumping over perennially strong Honda. Subaru also received individual segment awards for the Forester in the Compact Utility Vehicle category and the Outback in the Midsize Utility Vehicle category

Honda, the runner-up for the Mainstream Brand Residual Value Award, received three segment Residual Value Awards, for the Fit (Entry Compact Car); the Accord (Midsize Car); and the Odyssey (Minivan).

Source: www.alg.com

Save The Fairground Raceway For History

Here is a email sent to Darrell

Title: Mrs.
First Name: Shelia
Last Name: Adams
City: Gallatin
State: TN
Zip: 37066
Comments: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE SUBMIT THIS TO MR. DARRELL WALTRIP Mr. Waltrip, I want to thank you and Sterling Marlin for taking a stand in favor of the Fair Grounds and Race Track. It's a huge part of the history of Nashville and should NEVER be eliminated. I am 60 years old and my father used to take me to the races as a child, which I remember vividly. I remember the good times I spent with Daddy in those (at that time) rickety old stands and can see the smiles on his face and hear the laughter as we watched those old cars running around that old track. I had left and returned there the night of the fire and cried like a baby. I was so afraid there would be nothing left, it was almost like watching my own home being destroyed. I, like so many others, also remember sneaking in as a teenager because I didn't have the money to pay to get in and I wanted to save the precious little I had for the rides and the hot dogs and cotton candy. Those are memories that I know I am not the only one who has them. There are so few places that still exist where people my age remember the ultimate thrill of going to the TN State Fair Grounds and Race Track, these are in my heart and memory. It was just shown in the last few days how important that wonderful place is---housing all of those poor abused horses. There are so many vital things other than the typical fair and races that complex can be used for, which makes it an ultimately important area which deserves to live on in its glory. I am appalled that there has even been a thought of closing down this wonderful old place that has brought so many memories to so many. I also would be interested in knowing if this place would qualify as an Historical place, thereby stopping the destruction of what it has stood for for so many years. If it is listed as an Historical establishment, can that not block the demise of it?
PLEASE pass on my deepest appreciation for Sterling Marlin being there with you and the two of you standing your ground and stating the full importance of the history of such a grand old place.
Sincerely & with GREAT Gratitude,
Shelia Adams

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recommends all 2010 Subaru models!

Darrell Waltrip Subaru is proud to service and sell Subaru vehicles and is committed to providing the best value, quality and service for their customers.

Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear, and now rollover crashes based on good ratings in Institute tests. Winners also must have electronic stability control, which research shows significantly reduces crash risk.

Top Safety Pick list for 2010. Subaru is the only manufacturer with a winner in all 4 vehicle classes in which it competes. This automaker earns 5 awards for 2010. Ford and subsidiary Volvo have 6 winners.

"With the addition of our new roof strength evaluation, our crash test results now cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "Consumers can use this list to zero in on the vehicles that are on the top rung for safety."

Missing the mark: Not a single model from the world's biggest automaker by sales is represented among this year's winners. Toyota and its Lexus and Scion subsidiaries had a strong showing in 2009 with 11 winners but were shut out for 2010. Four other manufacturers whose vehicles have earned Top Safety Pick in the past didn't have a qualifying vehicle for 2010: BMW, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Saab.

For a complete list of the 2010 models that are recommended please visit
http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr111809.htmlv

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour Neatly Fills A Gap In The Honda Lineup

by Gus Gustafson
The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour will feature a versatile, upscale 5-passenger interior with an innovative rear storage area, a standard 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine and available four-wheel drive when it goes on sale on Novemb2010 Honda Accord Crosstour neatly fills a gap in the Honda lineuper 20, 2009. The... Read more »

2010 Subaru Outback named Motor Trend's SUV for 2010

Press Release 10/16/2009

The all new 2010 Subaru Outback has just won the Motor Trend's Sport Utility of the Year award for 2010. This is the 2nd consecutive year Subaru has achieved this lofty achievement. Last year the all new 2009 Subaru Forester was the Motor Trend's Sport Utility of the year.

Darrell Waltrip is the official Subaru dealer of the all new 2010 Outback for the Greater Nashville area. We will be presenting the new 2010 Outback at the REI store in Nashville the 29th & 30th of October for the general public to test drive and experience this great SUV.

Darrell Waltrip Subaru is inviting you to a "Sneak-Preview" showing & test drive before the REI National Event. You can experience & purchase the 2010 Outback from our current stock today. In celebration of this award Subaru is offering 3.9% apr up to 60 months (w.a.c.) from now until Oct. 31st 2009. Subaru is also offering fantastic lease terms and payments for you to consider as well.

Please contact us at 615-791-1101 if you would like to schedule an appointment or visit our dealership at 1450 Murfreesboro road, Franklin TN. (I-65 @ exit #65). Sales hours are Mon. - Sat. 9am-8pm and special hours until the end of October. Sundays from noon-6pm.

We look forward to seeing you soon behind the wheel of a new 2010 Darrell Waltrip Subaru!

Mike Wall is Winner of Honda Fit for Mercy Raffle

L-R Brad O'Shoney (Mercy Children's Clinic Board Member), Darrell Waltrip, Mike Wall, Jessica Perry (Community Relations Specialist, Mercy Children's Clinic), John Galleghar (General Manager, Darrell Waltrip Honda Volvo Subaru), Rich Siebert (Mercy Children's Clinic Vice Chairman of the Board) See Video

Are You Satisifed with Darrell Waltrip Honda

Below are results from survey sent to Julie (right)


Dear Mr. Gallagher,
In response to the inquiry, yes, I was satisfied. However, satisfied is not a strong enough word. I had a fantastic experience in all dealings with Darrell Waltrip, primarily due to the great service and attention from David Pilgrim (right). He went out of his way to stay in touch with me, even while I was still in Nashville at another dealer, attempting to buy a CR-V in Davidson County where I reside. When I contacted him again the next day, he was just as helpful and I drove to Franklin where he made it his personal mission to find me the vehicle I wanted, at a fair price, and before cash for clunkers ran out. He was pleasant and efficient, despite the fact that I was acting totally neurotic because I had family in town and had a tight time deadline. He was also very effective in getting exactly what I wanted and did not try to sell me a vehicle that I didn’t want just because it was on the lot. David also did not speak badly of the other Honda dealership which had made gross misrepresentations to me, but was instead, positive about what Darrell Waltrip could do for me. The financial representative, Daniel Cox, was likewise exceptionally pleasant and professional.
I also would say that I recognize that I bought my first new vehicle in 18 years in perhaps the most frenzied 7 days of car sales in the history of the auto industry. One would never have known that by the personal, courteous and exceptional service that I received. I can assure you that despite the fact that I wanted to buy my vehicle in Davidson County where I work and live with my family, I will recommend DW to everyone that I know who is interested in purchasing a Honda, Subaru or Volvo. It is worth the drive.

Best regards,
Julie
Assistant in Medicine
Vanderbilt Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center
Division of Gastroenterology, VUMC

Win A 2009 Honda Fit, Supporting Mercy Children's Clinic In Franklin TN

Earn a chance to win a brand-new Honda fit valued at 16,200 while supporting the work of Mercy Children’s Clinic to provide healthcare for more than 3,000 underserved children from more than 30 countries in Middle Tennessee.
Mercy Children’s clinic and Darrell Waltrip Honda are partnering for “Fit for Mercy,” a car raffle kicking off August 6. We’re raffling off a Honda Fit with the help of our partnership with Darrell Waltrip Honda and the support of our other sponsors: BancorpSouth, the Cool Springs Galleria, The Bell Group of Fridrich & Clark Realtors, Provident Wealth Management, Buzzplant New Media Solutions and Southland Construction Co.
Only 5,000 Tickets will be sold at $25 each online at http://www.fitformercy.org/ and at the follow locations: Darrell Waltrip Honda, Volvo and Subaru; area BancorpSouth locations; Mercy Children’s Clinic; The Franklin Class on September 7th; and at the Cool Springs Galleria where the actual car will be featured during the months of September and October.
Don’t miss your chance to win this fun new car! The fit is unique, 5-door compact car that gets exceptional fuel economy – 31 mpg combined. It seats five comfortably and is equipped with six airbags and earned a five-star safety rating. The edgy styling and legendary reliability are just what you would expect from Honda.
The winning ticket will be pulled by Darrell Waltrip the evening of October 5 at the dealer’s show room in Franklin.
Mercy is a Franklin-based nonprofit organization that delivers comprehensive pediatric and mental health care service to children from all socio-economic backgrounds including those with out health insurance or enrolled in TennCare. The Mercy family consists of Mercy Children’s Clinic, Mercy Family Services and the Mercy Chronic Care Home. Mercy has a staff of more than 40, including eight pediatricians and a psychiatrist. Since 1999 more than 9,400 children from 32 Middle Tennessee countries have called Mercy Children’s Clinic their medical home. At Mercy, NO child is ever turned away- regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

Seator will Vote on "Cash For Clunkers" Friday

Every other call I get at the dealership is asking if we are still participating in the "Cash for Clunkers" program.
Cliff Banks from Ward’s Auto wrote this week:
The U.S. Senate will make a choice this week, either to keep cash-for-clunkers alive and support small businesses or unwittingly declare war on small business by killing the stimulus package, while righteously attesting to misguided, ill-informed ideals.Congress gave the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration only 30 days to create an unbelievably complicated program. What NHTSA pulled off is nothing short of heroic, despite the problems.
Not only did Congress not give the agency enough time to build a sound program, it complicated matters by instructing NHTSA to make sure no fraud occurred under the cash-for-clunkers program. That became one of the agency’s top goals, which ended up handcuffing dealers.Most egregious is that Congress woefully under funded the program. What was supposed to be $4 billion was reduced to $1 billion because Republicans and Democrats could not agree on whether the funding should come from existing or new stimulus money.
The $2 billion the House approved last week is to come out of existing stimulus money, so it’s not adding to the debt of future generations. The money is already there.Cash-for-clunkers is all about small business. More than 20,000 dealers put their money and their businesses on the line last week, trusting the Congress. Some dealers have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in marketing and ordering extra inventory because they want to do their part in getting the economy rolling again.
The insane success of cash-for-clunkers proves two things: First, small business drives the economy of this country. It was the dealers that made the program work. During the month of July, thousands of dealers built savvy marketing plans, trained their staff and readied their stores for what they hoped would be extraordinary success.
When the administrative problems reared their ugly head last week, dealers didn’t complain. Instead, they buckled down with their employees – many of them working around the clock to get the required paperwork submitted.
The second lesson is one most Republicans should be jumping all over. Cash-for-clunkers proves putting money into the hands of the people is what’s going to get us out of this recession.Senators seem to be forgetting cash-for-clunkers is about optimism, hard work and cooperation – the very ideals that are going to lift this country out of its economic malaise.
Will cash-for-clunkers do it alone? Of course not! But it’s a start, and a darn good one. If you want to get into this program contact your Senator's office today and let him know where you stand.

Subaru’s Legacy and Outback never sold in numbers to rival the big-name family sedan competition

Subaru’s Legacy and Outback never sold in numbers to rival the big-name family sedan competition, but it doesn’t mean the cars didn’t find a niche. The Outback, a raised wagon version of the Legacy, has become a favorite of suburban families and outdoorsy folks.
In fall of 2009, Subaru will start selling the 5th generation of the all-new 2010 Legacy. A short list of the new features includes:
Roomiest Legacy Ever with New Level of Comfort, Quiet and Refinement
Bold New Design Stands Apart from Mainstream Midsize Sedans
New 6-speed Manual and CVT Transmissions for Legacy 2.5i Models
2.5GT Models Gain 265-hp Turbo Engine and 6-Speed Transmission
New Legacy 3.6R Models Featuring More Powerful 6-Cylinder Engine
Learn more at www.subaru.com/2010legacy.
The 2010 Legacy will still sport Subaru’s trademark symmetrical AWD feature standard. The engine choices be a 170 hp SOHC 16 valve 2.5L flat four, a 256 hp DOHC 24 valve 3.6L flat six and a 265 hp turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16 valve 2.5L flat four. The three transmissions available are the continuously variable automatic with manumatic shifting, 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting and 6-speed manual. The engines being retained will be improved and will include a new alloy cylinder block to help reduce weight as well as a longer stroke action to improve torque levels.
The new car will build upon the lines of the current model (pictured) but will feature a more prominent grille, sharper and more angular headlights, flared fenders and a more chiseled overall appearance. Its designers describe it as being significantly different yet still easily recognizable as a Legacy. Once again, the new Legacy will include both the standard sedan and wagon models plus the popular Outback soft-roader, according to Edmunds.
The new Legacy will range from $20,995 to $31,995 with options to fit almost any budget. Since it gets a fuel economy rating average of between 26-21 mpg (depending on engine and transmission combination) the 2010 Legacy is a great CARS bill alternative for purchase.

Dogs agree: The 2010 Honda Element is one of the most "pet-friendly" vehicles ever

The Honda Element has always had many features that made it appeal to dog lovers. The EX model has the FCX fabric which resists spills and fur alike. The floor of the Element is not carpeted so it can easily be cleaned with a rag or sponge. I have to caution anyone not to use a hose to clean out the car. The speakers and other electronics may be damaged (some how this rumor started with the introduction of the vehicle).

Now the Element has gone one-step further to make it even more enjoyable to the canine passenger. Honda is releasing the Dog Friendly™ accessory package in the fall of 2009.

Dogs agree: The Element is one of the most "pet-friendly" vehicles ever. The specially designed collection of accessories will include pet restraint systems, a folding ramp, pet bed, water bowl, electrical fan and more—all designed for the safety and comfort of your beloved canine companion and you. The Dog Friendly™ Element Concept is likely to include:
· Pet restraint systems
· Cushioned pet bed
· Load-in ramp
· Dog-pattern second-row seat covers
· All-season "dog-bone" rubber floor mats
· Spill-resistant water bowl
· Electrical fan
· Tote bag
· Dog Friendly™ exterior emblems
· A leash, collar and dog tag ready for custom engraving

Cash For Clunkers A Big Hit

The “cash for clunkers” bill, officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), became a law on June 25, 2009. This is a government program that helps you purchase a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when you trade in a less fuel-efficient vehicle. The OFFICIAL website to get information on this program is www.CARS.gov.
In less than a week scammers and predators have opened up websites inducing consumers to provide their name, address, make, model and social security numbers in order to “register for the cash for clunkers bill”. DO NOT REGISTER YOURSELF OR YOUR CAR. It will be the responsibility of the dealership to handle all of the paperwork required.
Before you go to a dealership to purchase a vehicle under the CARS program, call them first and make sure they are able to participate. Only a selected number of dealerships will participate in the program. Every dealership that does participate will have to pass an approval process by the federal government ahead of time.
At this point, there are seven main criteria for your trade-in to qualify for the CARS program:
Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements). The website to find your vehicle mileage is http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
You don't need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase
Program runs through Nov 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
The vehicle that you are trading in is required to be destroyed. Therefore, the value you negotiate with the dealer for your trade in is not likely to exceed its scrap value. The law requires the dealer to disclose to you and estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in vehicle.

Darrell Waltrip Honda provides Honda suite of services

At Darrell Waltrip Honda, Franklin, TN, our service department is always striving to make our customers’ routine service appointment, a pleasant experience. Our qualified Service Professionals will take care of all of your vehicle's maintenance and repairs. Darrell Waltrip Honda has invested in the latest service technology; all our service advisors and technical staff are customer focused and trained in Honda service techniques and repair procedures.

While you wait for you car at Darrell Waltrip Honda, we perform Air conditioning service and repairs; Four wheel computer alignment and tire balancing; Tire replacement; Brake repairs and replacement; Automatic and manual transmission service and repairs; Battery testing and replacement; Oil change; Fuel filter; Cooling system; Shocks and Tire rotation procedures.

You can request a service appointment online, using our easy email form. Simply fill in the fields with the information requested. You will receive a prompt reply to schedule your service appointment. Please call us at service department phone no. (866) 687-4452. Darrell Waltrip Honda is located at 1430 Murfreesboro Road Franklin, TN 37067.

http://www.darrellwaltriphonda.com/partsservice/serviceappointment.jsp

Darrell Waltrip Subaru At Play It Again

Darrell Waltrip Subaru will be at Play It Again Sports in Cool Springs (next to Whole Foods, across from Target) on Friday, April 17th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Any customer who is interested in test driving a new model Subaru will receive a $20 gift card to Play It Again Sports after the demonstration! Various models will be available for viewing and driving. Come see what Subaru can offer you!

Help Us Spare An Animal

The From Sweden With Lov Tour

The From Sweden with Lov Tour was a great success here at Darrell Waltrip Volvo. Thanks to all who participated!

Darrell Waltrip himself appeared for the unveiling of Volvo’s newest model, the 2010 Volvo XC60. Darrell was joined by John Gallagher, General Manager of Darrell Waltrip Automotive, as well as Michelle and JoaKim, executive representatives from Volvo of America. The representatives began with a brief history of Volvo and the company’s impressive contributions to automotive safety. (You may be surprised to learn that among Volvo’s inventions is the seatbelt!)

The new crossover SUV was then revealed. The XC60 is equipped with many standard safety elements but features the all new City Safety system. City Safety uses a laser sensor to automatically apply the brakes when the vehicle is approaching an object or vehicle too quickly (up to 18 mph). Attendees test drove the XC60 and demonstrated that City Safety stopped the vehicle to avoid hitting a pylon, even when the driver failed to apply the brakes! City Safety is intended to help avoid a crash or reduce the impact of a collision in slow moving traffic.

The From Sweden with Lov Tour continues the introduction of the remarkable XC60 nationwide through March. Special thanks to Panera Bread for providing coffee and pastries, and to J&M Corporate Catering for the delicious homemade cookies!

Darrell Waltrip Acquires Subaru Dealership

Franklin, TN – March 4, 2009 -- Darrell Waltrip Automotive today announced the addition of Subaru to its portfolio of premier automotive brands of Honda and Volvo. The new dealership, Darrell Waltrip Volvo Subaru is now an authorized point for Subaru parts, sales, and customer service for the people of middle Tennessee.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to better service the Subaru community and truly compliment our current offering with a line-up of vehicles that perfectly matches the active lifestyles of people living in our area," said CEO Darrell Waltrip. "While other automotive manufacturer sales are declining across the U.S., Subaru is gaining market share and increasing sales, due in large part to the 100 percent All-Wheel Drive line-up including the 2009 Forester - Motor Trend's 'Sport/Utility of the Year' "

“Subaru's commitment to quality and appealing line-up of AWD vehicles, coupled with our experience in middle Tennessee, makes this opportunity a smart choice. We're looking forward to introducing our new friends to the type of service and commitment that has made Darrell Waltrip a successful part of the community for over 25 years” explained Waltrip.

About Darrell Waltrip Automotive

Darrell Waltrip Automotive started in 1984 as Darrell Waltrip Honda and opened Darrell Waltrip Volvo in 1994. Both Darrell Waltrip Honda and Darrell Waltrip Volvo are #1 in sales volume in middle Tennessee’s for the past 10 years.

Darrell Waltrip’s convenient location just off exit 65 on I-65 in Franklin, has always been an easy destination for vehicle maintenance over the years and Darrell Waltrip’s commitment to quality new and used vehicles has fostered a relationship with its customers that leads to continued loyalty. Darrell Waltrip knows that one of your friends and family is driving a vehicle from Darrell Waltrip Automotive and takes the responsibility of their happiness as its first order of business.