Drive Confidently with CarBravo

The digital age has given drivers more options than ever before for selling goods and services, whether it's renting out your home, delivering food, or ferrying people around town as part of a rideshare service. There are many advantages to these tech-powered transactions, especially in terms of convenience, but the approach loses some of its appeal when it comes to big-ticket items like cars, trucks, and SUVs. Drivers have been peddling their unwanted automotive wares through newspaper classifieds and auto-trading publications for decades, but the advent of the internet has made private sales easier than ever. more Just type “ Sell my car” into your browser of choice, and you’ll be met with endless options, including web-based classifieds and social media marketplaces. While the convenience is tough to deny, the web-based approach does have some downsides. From lowball offers and sketchy interactions to liability-related issues, private sales often fall short of the convenience and professionalism of the dealership experience. Join us as we explore the benefits of working with a dealership and cover a few brief tips that’ll help to prep your car for a successful sale. Dealer vs Private Sale Drivers have an important decision to make when it comes time to part with their current ride. Do you sell to the dealership, or try your luck on the open market? While it’s largely a matter of personal preference, there are some important factors a seller should consider before pursuing a private sale. Convenience and Speed Statistics show that the average private sale often takes as long as two to eight weeks between the time of listing and the day of sale, which can seem like an eternity if you’re desperate to replace your current daily driver. Between taking photos, making multiple listings, and responding to every tire kicker under the sun, a private sale can often be more of a hassle than it's worth. In contrast, a dealership sale can often be completed in a single visit, putting cash in your pocket and helping to finance your search for a suitable replacement. If you find yourself in a tight spot, the speed and ease of the dealership experience is pretty tough to beat. Price If you want to get the best price for your used vehicle, a dealership might be the more profitable option. While there’s a widely held belief that a private sale will yield a better return, that’s not necessarily the case, especially when it comes to newer, low-mileage vehicles. While guidelines vary by location and current market conditions, any vehicle that’s less than five years old and has fewer than 50,000 miles on the odometer could make a good candidate for a dealership sale. Used car prices have cooled following an all-time high in 2022, but remain historically high relative to pre-pandemic levels. Then there’s the professional touch. The experienced sales team at your local auto dealership knows its way around the block when it comes to buying a used vehicle and can walk you through every step of the process. From calculating the correct taxes and checking the title to completing the bill of sale, release of liability, and other pertinent paperwork, you won’t have to worry about running afoul of sales-related rules and regulations when you work with a dealership. Safety While we all try to put our trust in our fellow man, there are always going to be some shifty characters who are looking to take advantage of others wherever they can. If a vehicle experiences a malfunction or an accident soon after the sale, the buyer might seek compensation or try to shift liability to the seller. This is easily avoided at a dealership, where pre-owned vehicles undergo an exhaustive inspection and repair process that ensures only the safest, most reliable models reach the sales floor. Speaking of safety, there’s always going to be some risks associated with selling to a random stranger you found on the internet. This can be especially nerve-wracking if the sale was conducted through a social media site, which can allow buyers to access personal information, including your location, employer, friends, and relatives. You avoid this risk when selling to a dealership. Preparation Is Key The process of selling your used vehicle starts well before you make a listing or hit your local dealership. From finding the right paperwork to giving your vehicle a deep clean and researching a fair sale price, let’s walk through the basics and address any roadblocks a seller might encounter. Gather Paperwork The first step in the pre-sale process is gathering the necessary documentation to prove you actually own your vehicle. A vehicle’s title is the most important of these documents, though additional paperwork may be required under state law. While every seller is required to disclose the odometer’s status under the federal Truth in Mileage Act, some jurisdictions may also require emissions paperwork, a report of sale, and other documentation. If you’re unsure of the relevant laws in your area, a quick visit to your local DMV’s website is sure to turn up a comprehensive list. If you want to ensure you’re getting the best price for your used vehicle, consider including additional documents such as the owner’s manual, service records, and a vehicle history report. Research the Value Next, it’s time to determine the fair market value for your pre-owned vehicle. There are plenty of well-known websites that allow drivers to properly price their vehicles, with Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds among the more popular options. There’s no such thing as too much information when it comes to leveraging these resources. The more data you can plug into a trade-in website, the more accurate the price will be. From mileage and condition to color, trim, optional equipment packages, and accessories, there are countless factors that can impact a model’s market value. These apps will typically return a wealth of information, including separate prices for private sales and trade-ins. Drivers can also gauge value based on the vehicle’s condition, with sites like Kelley Blue Book providing specific data for vehicles in Fair, Good, Very Good, and Excellent condition. These pricing websites ensure you won’t leave any money on the table when it's time to part with your ride. However, while some of these websites will also offer to buy your vehicle, they tend to offer substantially less than fair market value. Get It Showroom Ready Finally, it’s time to prepare your vehicle for sale. A thorough cleaning can significantly up a car’s curb appeal, allowing owners to enjoy a better return on their investment. A quick car wash represents the bare minimum, but if you really want to walk away from the sale with a hefty check, the interior shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought. A little elbow grease can make all the difference on the day of sale, so lug out the vacuum cleaner and buy some specialized automotive cleaning products that’ll give the dashboard, upholstery, and interior trim that showroom shine. You’ll also want to remove any personal items that might be lodged in the cabin, as well as any bumper stickers or decorations. Once you’ve got your vehicle in tip-top condition, it’s time to take clear, high-quality photos from multiple angles that showcase your vehicle’s best side. A short video can also work wonders, dispelling any concerns about noisy engines, squeaky brakes, and other malfunctions that might affect the sale price. No one expects world-class photography, but it’s hard to underestimate the importance of good lighting for achieving the best results. Experience The Dealership Difference Selling your vehicle can be intimidating, but a little preparation can make a big difference in ensuring a fair, quick, and lucrative experience. From researching current prices and gathering important documents to snapping photos and cleaning the interior, there are lots of easy ways to get the most out of your automotive investment. Trust is key when it comes to making any big-ticket purchase, and that’s where LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor shines. Whether you’re looking to sell your current ride or finance your next vehicle, we’ll work out an equitable deal that’ll leave both parties feeling safe and satisfied. We’re always on the hunt for quality used vehicles and can offer the kind of pricing and convenience that are tough to find in a private sale. If you’re tired of replying to an endless stream of “Is this still available?” messages on social media and ready for a more civilized car-selling process, make your way down to LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor.

With the 2025 model year in full swing and competition heating up, many automakers are vying for the top spot, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the subcompact SUV segment. In recent years, Buick's move to be an SUV-exclusive brand has been praised by many, as it found a way to offer drivers refined luxury for a lower price. This move has also been met with some stiff competition from other brands that are looking to make 2025 their year—most notably, Subaru. If you've been thinking about getting a 2025 Buick Encore GX for sale and want to know how it stacks up against its rivals, you've come to the right place. We're going to be looking at how the 2025 Encore GX outclasses the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. A Signature Style No one likes driving something that's aesthetically unpleasing to the eye. We all prefer vehicles that allow us to make a memorable first impression, so for drivers who enjoy having style to match their substance, the Encore GX has plenty to offer. Buick's dedication to providing luxury can be found here both inside and out. The Encore GX has a unique front end and headlights that allow it to stand out. These features are complemented by an aerodynamic design that provides curves in all of the right places. If refinement and sophistication are the hallmarks of the Encore GX, then the opposite can be said about the Crosstrek. Subaru's subcompact is hampered by a design that resembles a wagon rather than an SUV. All trims—with the exception of the entry trim—have roof racks that might appeal to some but will be considered an eyesore by others. By implementing a refined style and retaining affordability, the Encore GX is the more attractive offering, inside and out. Power and Efficiency All drivers are different in what they look for in their vehicles. For many, though, it all begins and ends with the powertrain. Drivers want something that can produce strong power and effective handling and also save them money in between fill-ups. The Subaru Crosstrek, as is the case for the entire fleet this brand manufactures, comes with its classic Boxer engine and standard AWD across all trims. The entry-level 2025 Crosstrek Base has a 2.0L Boxer four-cylinder engine that produces 152 hp, and other trims have the advantage of a larger version that increases its performance output to 182 hp. Both engine options pair with a CVT. Having AWD as the sole drivetrain hinders fuel economy, as the Crosstrek offers no better than 27 MPG in the city. Buick takes the opposite route from Subaru. The 2025 Encore GX has two available engines, one built for performance and the other one for conservative fuel consumption. A 1.2L turbocharged I-3 pairs with a CVT on FWD models, the results of which are favorable for saving money on fuel. The EPA estimates that the 1.2L engine will be far more economical than the Crosstrek, offering drivers 30 MPG in the city. The second engine option for the Encore GX is a 1.3L turbocharged I-3. Unlike the CVT-exclusive powertrains on the Crosstrek, drivers who opt for AWD with this engine have the advantage of a nine-speed automatic transmission for optimum performance and better shifting. If you don't want an AWD vehicle, you're out of luck with Subaru. The Encore GX gives drivers a chance to choose between both drivetrains and its superior fuel economy is far more beneficial to drivers who are looking to save. The main problem with the Crosstrek is that it's designed for a niche crowd and lacks substantial versatility. Not everyone looks for an SUV that's favorable for off-roading, and the Encore GX can be outfitted for more traditional tasks than the Crosstrek can. Staying Connected Modern drivers expect more when they get behind the wheel. In this day and age, having access to the technology we use daily makes all the difference. These items are accessed via an infotainment screen, and having an intuitive and user-friendly system is imperative to enjoy your experience behind the wheel. Accessibility is paramount, and the Subaru Crosstrek Base is saddled with a seven-inch screen that provides compatibility with Apple and Android products but lacks a mobile hotspot and only has a four-speaker stereo system. In order to have a more enjoyable and informative experience behind the wheel, one has to pay extra for one of this model's upper trims. With more features standard across all trim levels, the Buick Encore GX has a much more immersive infotainment screen that every version of this SUV comes with. The Encore GX has an 11-inch touchscreen that provides wireless compatibility with Apple and Android products and simultaneous streaming capabilities for two phones via Bluetooth. All trims also have a standard six-speaker stereo system and hotspot capability. Besides the entertainment aspects that come with the Encore GX, navigation is standard as well. Buick not only continues to offer luxury for less, but it also consistently finds a way to offer more across all trims and not just a select few. Regardless of which version of the Encore GX you buy, you're getting access to the best technology. Driver Assistance The items that we've looked at so far are considered by many to be the necessities of what makes a vehicle ideal. Performance, infotainment, and style are important to many drivers, but one can never overlook the importance of safety. Buick and Subaru are both known as safe and reputable brands, so when it comes to comparing the two, it becomes a matter of which items are included in all trims and which ones are obscured by price. All trims of the Subaru Crosstrek come with a comprehensive suite known as EyeSight. These items include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-centering assistance, and lane departure warning. Some of the more advanced items, such as blind-spot detection and reverse automatic braking, are obscured to the upper trims. The Encore GX comes standard with a suite called Buick Driver Confidence and matches many of the features offered by Subaru. However, other items come standard that provide a more enhanced and safer experience during travels. Front pedestrian braking is standard and can be crucial in keeping others safe. Reaction time is monitored closely, with the inclusion of a following distance indicator. As is the case with all GM vehicles, the Encore GX also has Teen Driver mode. Teen Driver acts as a virtual report card for the younger drivers in your family. By monitoring driving patterns and allowing you to set limitations on things such as stereo volume, you can ensure that the next generation is following the responsible habits you're teaching them. With a broader range of items meant to enhance protection and oversight, it's no wonder why the Buick Encore GX is the safer bet for drivers everywhere. The Buck Stops With the Buick Encore GX In the highly competitive world of SUVs, drivers expect more, which is precisely what you'll find with the 2025 Buick Encore GX. With luxurious stylings inside and out and more options to choose from regarding powertrains, the Subaru Crosstrek just doesn't have the versatility that Buick does. If you're looking for an SUV that checks all of the boxes yet also surpasses expectations, Buick is the brand for you.

If you're looking for the epitome of comfort and power, all wrapped up in a technologically advanced midsize SUV, you should consider test-driving a GMC Acadia for sale. This three-row SUV exemplifies GMC's dedication to delivering superior cabin amenities, the sharpest technology features, and the most responsive safety features. Put simply, when you're riding around in the 2025 Acadia, you'll feel spoiled. That's true no matter which trim you choose, but that doesn't mean you couldn't still use some help determining your trim. With three well-designed outfits, the 2025 Acadia has something for everyone. So, we're providing an easy-to-understand guide, giving you an overview of the latest Acadia's three trims and their distinct offerings. The Elevation: An Extravagant Base Trim Whether you need a great family vehicle or a road trip-ready SUV, the Elevation has you covered. With second- and third-row manual-folding split-bench seats, the 2025 Acadia is a cargo superstar, ready to accommodate your gear, coolers, luggage, and more. Plus, a hands-free auto-sense liftgate makes it easy to load your trunk when your hands are full; just approach with your fob on your body, and it will open for you. These cargo powers don't even touch on the fact that the Acadia can tow up to 5,000 lbs. So feel free to bring that boat or camper on your adventures. Inside, you'll find features you'd expect to be reserved for higher-level trims, like a 12-speaker premium audio system from Bose, ready to transport your passengers to the worlds of your audiobooks or help them jam out to playlists. A 15-inch infotainment screen adds to the upscale feel, giving you a large display to see your turn-by-turn directions and control your smartphone apps. Plus, an 11-inch driver information display shows you important vehicle and journey stats. You'll be impressed with the generous array of standard driver assistance features, too. So whether you mostly stay within the city, explore remote roads, or hit the highways, you'll feel confident in the Acadia. With more than fifteen driver assistance tools, the Acadia can help you avoid a variety of common driving hazards. From automatic braking to blind zone steering assist, a high-definition rear camera, and sensors that detect both pedestrians and cyclists, the Acadia is truly prepared for any environment. We'd love to discuss all fifteen of these features with you in person and show you how they work! The AT4: An Incredible Off-Road Warrior The AT4 is a really fun trim if you're looking to explore some off-the-beaten-path destinations and want an SUV that can keep up. It boasts an off-road-tuned suspension, ready to absorb bumps and shocks when you travel down unpredictable terrain. Plus, with an active torque control AWD system, it'll adjust the torque at each wheel according to your driving conditions, for optimal traction. Add the all-terrain tires, and this trim is ready to go wherever your adventurous heart wants to go! A lifted ride height not only helps you see what's ahead on the trails with a little advance notice but also helps you travel over obstacles like fallen branches and small boulders with ease. However, in the event something does scratch up against the bottom of your vehicle, the front and back underbody skid plates can protect your vehicle against damage. Another cool feature of this trim is the AT4-exclusive Terrain mode, part of the Traction Select System. Every 2025 Acadia trim has this system, but the other two trims only have six modes (Normal, Sport, Snow, Off-Road, AWD, and Tow/Haul). Only the AT4 brings the rugged Terrain mode into the mix, ready for rough environments. If you know your days will involve hiking boots, hidden waterfalls, ATVing, and getting away from the grid, consider the AT4 trim. The Denali: Your Luxury Escape on Wheels From life in the wild to a life of luxury, we switch from the AT4 to the Denali. The Denali is known as the trim that sets the standard for luxury in the SUV market. The Acadia's version is no exception, with its leather-appointed first- and second-row seats that also happen to be heated and ventilated, providing year-round climate comfort. Even the rear outboard seats get heated in this trim. While the Elevation's rear rows manually fold, the Denali's power fold, so just push a button and they'll go down gently, creating tons of extra cargo room. Another perk of this trim is the memory settings, which you get on the driver's seat and outside mirrors: the vehicle will recall your preferred settings each time you turn on the ignition. Given the highly adjustable front seats, complete with lumbar adjustments, you'll like this feature on long drives. In addition to the large screens found on the other trims, the Denali adds another display—but it's not a screen; it's a configurable 8-inch head-up display that will project important drive data on your windshield directly in your line of sight. So you don't have to look away from the road to know who that incoming call is from or what your next direction is. Available Add-Ons Now that you've gotten to know the three trims, you hopefully have an understanding of which one is right for your drives. From there, you're ready to consider some add-ons, and there are a few great ones to consider. First, the available panoramic sunroof is a dual-panel sunroof with a power tilt feature that can let in fresh air. It also has a sunshade to keep the light out when you prefer a dark cabin (such as when streaming video on tablets or phones). Next, there are up to eight available camera views for the Elevation trim and nine for the AT4 and Denali trims. The eight on the Elevation include front standard view, rear standard view, front overhead view, rear overhead view, side forward view, side rearward view, hitch view, and top-down view. If you get the AT4 or Denali, you'll get the addition of a rear camera mirror, which turns your rearview mirror into a digital screen, displaying the view of your rear camera. Finally, Super Cruise, GMC's hands-free driving tool, is available on all trims. It can take over steering, braking, accelerating, and even lane-changing on compatible highways. So, when you're tackling long drives and want a break from the monotonous maneuvers, let Super Cruise take over. You can find this tool on all three trims, making it easy to customize your perfect model to fit your unique needs. Find the 2025 Acadia at LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor Are you ready to take the 2025 GMC Acadia for a test drive? Come check it out at our well-stocked and friendly dealership! We only covered some of the perks of each trim here today, but we'd love to give you a more in-depth tour in person. If you still aren't quite sure which trim is right for your needs, one of our knowledgeable sales members would love to learn about your daily drives and make tailored recommendations. You'll be amazed at how many Acadias we have in stock, and just how informed our team is about the unique features of each trim. Come take this powerful and fun three-row midsize SUV for a spin today at LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor!