Thursday, December 30, 2010

Making the Most of Your Tires

Purchasing new tires can be a difficult task, and with the winter weather approaching we want you to be as safe as possible. Our service department here at Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC is ready to walk you through your next tire purchase, and provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed buying decision. After listening to what our customers were most concerned about, and researching with Consumer Reports we have created some tips to help guide you through process.

Types of tires, and their benefits:
  • All-Season Tires – As the name suggests, this type of tire will be adequate for most weather conditions. They provide good traction in dry, wet, and snowy environments. Like a Jack of All Trades, they do not master any specific environment. All-Season Tires are good for mild winter conditions, or after the streets have been cleared.

  • Winter Tires – An exceptional choice for snow, sleet, or freezing rain. Winter tires have a mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall indicating they meet challenging snow traction criteria according to Consumer Reports. This type of tire will wear down quickly, and do not grip well on dry pavement. Consider this product only if you live in a severe winter climate.

  • Summer Tires – Perfect for the dry summer climate, but not the best choice during the winter months. They can lose traction below 45-degrees F, which will cause slipping and sliding.

Many tire manufacturers’ have completed production of their winter tires already. Once these tires have been sold, it will be difficult to find more until next year. Treat yourself to a new set of winter tires this Christmas before they are all gone.


Your #1 Source of Quality Tires & Information in Troy, Missouri,
-Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC

The 2011 GMC Acadia: One of the most Capable Vehicles you will ever Encounter

I’m not a betting man. In college, I would only bet on a game of pool or a pick-up basketball game because they were bets I thought I had a very good shot at winning. As an adult I lost my share of money in the stock market during the crash of 2000. I’ve become far more conservative at managing retirement funds since then and didn’t get hurt in the crash of 2008. I credit 2 investing books for that turn around in performance. They are “Rule #1” by Phil Town and “The Only 3 Questions That Count” by Ken Fisher. Anyone saving for retirement or college will benefit from reading both of them.

For the most part, I’m only willing to bet on a sure thing. My point being… if I asked you to make a wish list of every capability you would like your next vehicle to have, I would be willing to bet money that everyone of them would be available on the 2011 GMC Acadia. The Acadia is one of the most capable vehicles I have ever seen.

In my mind, Acadia is the ultimate crossover. You immediately wonder how they fit so much interior space into a smaller, more compact size. It’s easy to park and get into the garage but provides 8 passengers with all the room in the world. Stadium seating, plus noticeable shoulder room in the second and third rows give passengers a sense of autonomy usually reserved for the front seat. Not everyone thinks they need room for 8 with family sizes getting smaller these days but, if you carpool kids to school or even give your neighbors a ride to church, that room comes in very handy. What I like most is that Acadia’s best-in-class fuel economy means you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to save on gas. Its second and third-row seats can fold down to create up to 116.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, helping you to accommodate changing combinations of passengers and cargo with ease.

I also love Acadia’s remote start feature. With the simple press of a button, you can start Acadia from nearly 200 feet away. Once started, its climate control system adjusts to colder or hotter outside temperatures, automatically. In colder weather, the rear window defogger and heated mirrors are also activated. For effortless loading and unloading, the available power liftgate gives you push-button remote access to the rear cargo area. My wife loves the heated and cooled front seats.

Acadia has a 3.6L V-6 engine that delivers performance you’ll notice immediately during acceleration or merging onto a busy highway. Its direct-injection technology gives Acadia better highway fuel economy than any other eight-passenger SUV. The transmission makes the most out of Acadia’s V-6 engine power. An available electronically controlled on-demand AWD system helps Acadia offer outstanding ride and handling. At 16 city/23 hwy EPA-estimated mpg, it also offers outstanding fuel economy.

Acadia has a StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that feeds data into an onboard computer, then adjusts engine speed and brake pressure to any individual wheel to improve safety, stability and control in most driving conditions. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System keeps track of tire pressure and alerts you to low pressure through the Driver Information Center, indicating exactly which tire is low.

In a crash, OnStar can call for help, send your GPS location to emergency services and can even stay on the line until help arrives. With the help of OnStar, Acadia can automatically send you a monthly e-mail summary of hundreds of checks of your engine, transmission and antilock brakes, along with important maintenance tips.

The available DVD-based Touch-Screen Navigation System will help lead you to your destination. A USB port is included on all Acadia Denali and SLT models. Simply plug in your iPod® or MP3 player to see your play lists on the audio display. Those 2 investing books I mentioned are available on audio book. I do a lot of driving and use my time behind the wheel to try to learn as much as I can. A variety of audio, video and gaming options designed to entertain rear-seat passengers while traveling includes a DVD player with remote control, overhead display and two sets of wireless infrared headphones, plus audio and video input jacks that are compatible with most popular gaming systems.

Thanks to available Bluetooth connectivity, you can sync up your Bluetooth mobile device with Acadia for in-vehicle, hands-free calling. Steering-wheel mounted controls help you start a call and control volume, then dial by voice and listen to your call through the audio system. Now you can stay in touch without ever taking your hands from the wheel.

When it’s time to check out the Acadia’s impressive list of capabilities, talk to a team with an impressive list of capabilities of their own, the folks at Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC in Troy, Missouri. When I need Professional Grade advice about any automobile issue, I talk to the folks at Marquitz. Everyone from the sales associates to the service writers and parts counter guys treat customers with an extra measure of courtesy and respect.

They price every new Buick, Cadillac and GMC vehicle as competitively as possible and no one will work any harder to get to a payment that works for you and get you financed. Stop by and see all the unbelievable capabilities of the 2011 GMC Acadia at Marquitz today. It’s the most capable vehicle you will ever have the pleasure to love and drive.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

2011 Cadillac DTS: A Twenty First Century Version of the Classic Cadillac!

It wasn’t that long ago when I believed my 1998 Cadillac Sedan De Ville was probably the only car I would want to own for the rest of my days. I’m pretty large so I appreciated the full-sized comfort; I drove a lot for business and couldn’t imagine riding 500 miles a day in anything else and, there was the pride and mystique of owning a Cadillac. I greatly mourned its loss when they stopped production. I sat in a 2011 Cadillac DTS for the first time a few days ago and realized this new vehicle has everything my De Ville had to offer along with a long list of advancements they hadn’t even dreamed of in ’98.

If you’re like me and sold on the advantages of a full sized luxury vehicle, Cadillac DTD and STS are the only real choices. Other Vehicles call themselves full-sized but when you get inside you feel like you’re stuffing a phone booth like they did in the ‘60s. There is just no substitute for full-sized luxury.

My old De Ville had cruise control but the new Adaptive Cruise Control uses radar to help you maintain your specified following distance automatically and effortlessly. With Adaptive Remote Start you can activate the engine, climate control, defroster and optional heated or cooled front seats from 200 feet away for the utmost convenience. You’ll never have to sit on a cold seat again.

I’m a lot taller than my wife so it’s tough to get into the car after she’s driven it. With available Memory Seating, you touch one button and the vehicle automatically adjust the driver’s seat, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel (when equipped), outside mirrors, and audio and climate settings for your preferences. Believe me, it’s a great feeling when your car remembers you and sets everything up the way you like it. Available Ultrasonic Front and Rear Park Assist issues audible alerts to help you see what’s out of sight ahead of or behind you so, you can park with ease and confidence. It doesn’t take long to get used to the heated and cooled leather front seats or the memory seating. The dual-zone automatic climate control has individual climate settings for the driver and right-front passenger so you can keep the temperature in your zone exactly where you like it and the passenger can do the same.

The Tire Pressure Monitor has a sensor in each tire and constantly monitors air pressure. Should there be a drop in pressure, you will receive an alert via the Driver Information Center. With OnStar Automatic Crash Response built-in sensors in your vehicle can automatically send an alert to OnStar in the event of a crash. An OnStar Advisor is immediately connected to your vehicle to see if you’re okay. Even if you don’t respond, the Advisor can use GPS technology to locate you and request that emergency help be sent right away. It’s also good to know the STS is carefully designed to provide a host of features to help keep you from getting into a collision in the first place. By comparing driver steering input with vehicle response, the Electronic Stability Control System helps you maintain control by quickly applying abs brakes to any wheel that begins to slip, and adjusts the power to help correct the steering. It’s called StabiliTrak and it’s a General Motors exclusive.

The available Magnetic Ride Control suspension system uses advanced sensors that read the road up to 1,000 times a second, then automatically applies the necessary dampening forces to improve handling and ride quality. Speed-sensitive, Magnasteer variable-assist rack-and-pinion power steering gives you a firm control and I think anyone will notice the difference. You just feel more in control when driving the new Cadillac DTS.

Touch-screen DVD-based navigation with voice recognition will help you find your destination and focus better on driving at the same time. XM NavTraffic is an optional, satellite-delivered traffic information service that displays real-time traffic data when equipped with available navigation system. Of course there’s Bluetooth® Wireless Technology for your phone and a killer sound system.

I know this is beginning to sound a bit like a science fiction movie with radar in a car that remembers what you like, lets you know if you have a low tire, monitors conditions and adjusts for better control, tells you how to get where you’re going and calls for help in case of an accident, but it’s all true. The 2011 Cadillac DTS is just light-years ahead of anything I’ve ever driven.

When you decide to drive the Cadillac DTS there’s a place that will make you feel just a cozy as the warm leather seats in the Cadillac DTS. It’s Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC in Troy, Missouri. The folks at Marquitz are Cadillac experts so they can show you every single amazing thing this vehicle can do for you. They will also take the time to make you feel like you’re dealing with a friend and neighbor. The Marquitz team wants you to enjoy the best vehicle purchase and ownership experience possible so everyone from the sales associates to the service writers will treat you with courtesy and respect. It’s the Marquitz way of doing business and I think you’ll agree that the treatment at Marquitz is just as luxurious as the Cadillac vehicles they sell and expertly service.

They won’t try to take advantage of you on price either, just because you’ll be looking at a luxury car. Marquitz prices Cadillac luxury as competitively as anyone I’ve seen. They’ll work harder than anyone to get you more for your trade and get to a payment that works for you. So, if you are looking for one of the best vehicles money can buy at a price that is exceptionally competitive, there’s only one choice… It’s Marquitz.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The 2011 Buick Enclave: Roomy with a View

One great thing about growing up in Troy, Missouri was that I never felt fenced in. Our house was average size; a 3 bedroom ranch half way up the hill on Cap-au-Gris. My father and some neighbors built it with a GI loan after WW2. The house was pretty modest by today’s standards, but I always felt like I had enough room. The location had a lot to do with that because it backed to a 10 acre field my grandfather owned and the field backed to the city park. The backyard and the field behind it were lit up like high noon every summer evening with the lights from the baseball diamond in the city park so, all the kids in the neighborhood played there until parents insisted they come in and go to bed. There was a window in my bedroom that overlooked the yard and field so, even after my parents made me go to bed, I could always look out over my domain.

When I look at the state of the world today, I don’t believe there could have been a better place on the planet to spend my childhood. I never felt fenced-in as a child and maybe that’s why I have always purchased houses that are next to parks as an adult. I really love having the room.

Not being cramped in any way is a wonderful feeling and it’s the kind of feeling you get when you sit in 2011 Buick Enclave. The dictionary definition of the word enclave is “a piece of territory”. That’s a pretty good description of what you feel like you command when you’re behind the wheel. It’s like having your own expansive retreat where everything is designed to surround you with comfort, luxury and safety. Three rows of first-class seating in a QuietTuned interior, an ingenious navigation and entertainment system, an active approach to safety and intelligent all-wheel drive are just a few of the qualities that make it the new class of world class.

Discovering new places on your own is great; sharing them with seven of your closest friends is even better. And with SmartSlide, getting to the third row is simple thanks to second-row seats that easily slide forward using only one hand. Fold down the second and third-row seats to create a level load floor, freeing up 115 cubic feet. On top of plenty of leg room, there’s lots of wide-open space up above with an available power sunroof and companion 3-foot by 4-foot skylight. You can start Enclave and activate climate controls (based on previous settings) from nearly 200 feet away with a handy optional remote starter system.

The 6-speed automatic transmission is half of a high-tech powertrain and the other is a 288-hp 3.6L V-6 engine with direct fuel injection and Variable Valve Timing. Together, they maximize performance and efficiency, producing better highway fuel economy than any other eight-passenger crossover. In challenging situations, handling becomes utterly priceless. That’s where Enclave’s available All-Wheel Drive comes in. When conditions demand more traction, the intelligent AWD system doesn’t ask you to push buttons. It’s activated automatically when you need it most.

Buick pioneered the Quiet Tuning process to reduce, block and absorb noise and vibration. Leaving outside noises outside, so you’re left with quiet solitude. Nothing stands between your ears and the Bose 10-speaker 5.1 surround sound system. Plug your iPod® into the available USB Port and your tunes travel everywhere you do.
Rear-seat passengers aren’t left out; they will enjoy the optional overhead DVD Entertainment System with an 8-inch screen and two pairs of wireless headphones. Steering wheel mounted buttons for cruise control, speaker volume and Bluetooth® are at your fingertips plus the driver and front-passenger seats may be heated and cooled. To help guide you, the available voice and touch-screen activated DVD Navigation System charts over 6 million miles of North American roads.

XM NavTraffic incorporates real-time road conditions right into your NAV screen, directing you around trouble spots and toward the most efficient route. And with OnStar Automatic Crash Response can get you help fast even if you can’t ask for it. In the event of a crash, built-in sensors can automatically send an alert to OnStar. There’s just an undeniable sense of security that you feel when driving or riding in the Buick Enclave.

A sense of safety, security and well being isn’t something that’s often associated with a visit to a car dealership but, that’s exactly what you get when you arrive at Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC in Troy, Missouri. The Marquitz team has the highest possible standards of customer service and strives to exceed those standards every day. Each and every Marquitz associate is dedicated to making sure you have the finest purchase and ownership experience possible. That begins with taking the time to find out what your needs are, and striving to match you with the vehicle that fulfills all of them.

Everyone from sales associate to service adviser will treat you like a friend and neighbor each and every time. Marquitz prices Buick vehicles more aggressively that any dealer I’ve seen so, when you get down to the numbers, no one will work harder to get you more for your trade-in and get to a payment that works for you. Stop by and see the new class of world-class in the 2011 Buick Enclave at Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC in Troy, Mo.

Monday, December 27, 2010

The 2011 Buick Regal: it won’t be long before my wife makes me buy her one.

My wife Patricia truly loves her 2002 Buick Regal. She doesn’t like city driving much though. We have a far commute from our home to St. Louis each day for work. She’s got a lead foot. She’s always talking about the fact that some jerk tried to cut her off but she stepped on the gas and her Regal left him standing. She has the 3.8 Liter V-6 which is great on gas and really scoots when you need it to. I like it because of its legendary reliability. She drives through some neighborhoods that aren’t the best on the way to work but, I always feel safe with her in the Regal. It’s never let us down.

I haven’t heard her say anything negative about her Regal… I think it’s the best car she’s ever driven but, the first time she saw the all-new 2011 Regal on TV she said, “That’s my next car… you can bet on it.” Patricia has an eye for European style, (she taught art at Southern Illinois University and has taken students on many educational tours of Europe) and maybe that’s why she is so drawn to the all-new 2011 Regal. It is truly a work of art on wheels.

Regal has the refined aerodynamics you’d expect of a performance car. It’s the five-passenger sport sedan with the look of a coupe. The wide track and long wheelbase give Regal a planted road stance. Regal CXL’s 2.4 liter 182-hp ECOTEC engine is a technological marvel that produces the power of a V-6 from only four cylinders. Dual overhead cams, variable valve timing and direct fuel injection deliver the optimal balance of low-end torque and high-end horsepower. This ingenious engineering produces enhanced performance while offering the impressive fuel efficiency of 20 City/30 Hwy MPG. The electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission features driver shift control for a “hands-on” experience without having to use a clutch.

When you encounter a tight curve, Regal stays exactly where you place it, carving a precise line through the turn’s arc. The Interactive Drive Control System offers two selectable modes that adjust suspension, steering, throttle, transmission and stability systems in real time to personalize your driving experience. It continuously adjusts handling, while four-channel anti-lock braking, traction control and StabiliTrak stability control speak to each other to optimize Regal’s response to every inch of the road.

Regal is all about making the most of your drive. It has an available voice-activated navigation system with multi-function controller that helps keep you clearly focused on the road. You tell the NAV system where you want to go, it tells you how to get there. You’ll find a hard drive packing 40GB of navigational power and music storing capacity for thousands of your favorite tunes. Like your home DVR, you can even pause and replay live radio. There’s also a USB port to connect your iPod.® and again, to keep your eyes on the road, hands-free calling is yours with Bluetooth® connectivity.

You’ll hear the term world-class used a lot when referring to the all-new 2011 Buick Regal. You could pay tens of thousands more and not get a better car. Well, now you’re going to hear me use it in reference to the place to drive one. You don’t have to go to Paris, France to get world-class service. It’s just around the corner at Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC in Troy, Missouri.

How can I be bold enough to call Marquitz world class?

In business, the term world-class refers to having the highest possible standards of customer service and striving to exceed those standards every day. That’s the kind of team you will find at Marquitz. Each and every Marquitz associate is dedicated to making sure you have the finest purchase and ownership experience possible. That begins with taking the time to find out what your needs are, and striving to match you with the vehicle that fulfills all of them.

Everyone on the Marquitz team from sales associate to service adviser will treat you like a friend and neighbor each and every time. They understand that it will take courtesy and respect to make you a return customer… and its return customers that ultimately keep anyone in business. When you get down to the numbers, no one will work harder to get you more for your trade-in and get down to a payment that works for you. Kind of ironic that it takes a “down home” approach to be “world-class” wouldn’t you say?

Stop by and see the all-new 2011 Buick Regal at Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC in Troy, Mo. After all, “Wouldn’t You Really Rather Have a Buick?”

Friday, December 24, 2010

The 2011 Cadillac CTS Sport Sedan: Two-Lane Blacktop Here I Come!

During the first few months after I received my driver’s license at age 16, I attempted to drive every two-lane blacktop road in Lincoln, Warren, Pike and St. Charles Counties. I was determined to know the shortest distance between any two points in the region. It didn’t matter what a young man was driving back then, when he was alone on two-lane blacktop he was driving a sports car (at least in his mind).
One of the most challenging roads I found was Highway P between Highway 61 at Flint Hill and the North end of Main Street near Highway 79 in O’Fallon. It was my shortcut to the swimming pool in O’Fallon since Troy didn’t have one back then. This road twisted like a snake and it would soon bite me.

The August sun was hot, but the roads were still wet after a quick thunderstorm, and I was defiantly driving too fast for the conditions. On a hard left-hand downhill corner my tires broke loose and I shot into the woods like a rocket. I could have very easily lost it all that day, but I was extremely fortunate. When I came to rest directly in front of a tree my car didn’t have a scratch and neither did I. Learning my lesson that day, I’ve been very careful not to overdrive road conditions ever since.

After college and possibly to compensate for my less than perfect technique behind the wheel, I started restoring vintage sports cars that turned on a dime and held the road like glue. For me it’s always been about the ride. I’ve driven many German, Italian, English and American sports cars but I haven’t driven any that hugged the road or handled any better than the 2011 Cadillac CTS sports sedan. At first glance, it’s a very stylish and technologically advanced luxury sedan however, underneath that innocent appearance is the soul of a sports car.

The CTS Sport Sedan blends driving dynamics, performance and technology in a way that satisfies both enthusiasts and luxury-seekers. I drove the fuel-efficient, direct-injected 3.0L V6 and it still had plenty of zip when it came to getting on the highway or passing. What really sold me was the unbelievable ride. Performance handling is assured by a track-tuned suspension, independent at all wheels, with revolutionary driver-selectable dual-mode Magnetic Ride Control shock damping. Brembo® disc brakes with 6-pistons in front and 4-pistons in the rear bring the Cadillac CTS massive stopping power.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and the ultimate blend of power and fuel economy, I would recommend the optional 304hp, 3.6L direct injection V-6. If nothing short of the world’s best will do, the
high-powered, tight-handling, track-tuned, CTS-V is the world’s fastest production sedan, with a 0–60 time of 3.9 seconds and powered by a 556hp supercharged 6.2L V8. The 6-speed transmission, available in manual or automatic, emphasizes performance, and Nürburgring®-tuned suspension enhancements integrate with ABS brakes and StabiliTrak electronic stability control to improve vehicle balance.

The CTS-V cockpit is as much about control as it is about driver engagement. There’s luxury and refinement enough to satisfy pleasure-seekers, but the real function of this cabin is guiding a very powerful machine. LED-traced gauges that flash as redline is approached, full dash instrumentation and a TREMEC® 6-speed manual shifter put the driver in control of this performance command center. Motorcycle inspired gauges with a Driver Information Center display vehicle running data.

Features include available glide-up touch screen navigation, Bluetooth® phone connectivity, Bose® 5.1 surround sound system and a hard drive for music storage. Standard for one year, the OnStar Directions & Connections Plan offers available Destination Download and eNav. French-stitched leather seating surfaces, Sapele wood trim, keyless start, ambient lighting and a heated steering wheel are available.

If you’re looking for a vehicle that surrounds you with complete luxury in town and feels like it is unmistakably glued to the two-lane blacktop as soon as you pass the city limit sign then, you owe it to yourself to test drive the 2011 Cadillac CTS Sport Sedan.

To acquire this world-class standout at the most competitive price possible, you have to talk to the team at Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC in Troy, Missouri. They’re Cadillac experts and they will work harder than any other dealer to get you the most for your trade and put you in the new CTS at a payment that works for you. They’ll take the time to make sure your needs are the ones being met. There’s really only one option if you’re looking for a great deal that comes with courtesy and respect… It’s Marquitz.

Stop by Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC in Troy and let them introduce you to the best vehicle you will ever drive or own, the 2011 Cadillac CTS Sport Sedan.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from all of us here at Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC In observance of the holiday our dealership will be closing at 1:00 pm on the 24th and closed on Christmas to spend time with our families. Do not be discouraged, we will reopen bright and early Monday morning.

A Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

- Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC

P.S. - Be safe and take your time while driving.

Troy Toys for Tots


Thank you for helping us collect Toys for Tots.
~ Marquitz Buick, Cadillac, GMC Sales Team

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Items to Keep in Your Vehicle

Keeping the customer safe is one of our top priorities at Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC, and we are dedicated to helping you have the safest and happiest holiday season. The National Safety Council has a few suggestions to make sure that you and your vehicle are ready for winter driving conditions.

Weather

Living in the Midwest can make for some very interesting weather patterns. Often people joke that if you don’t like the weather here then just wait a few minutes. Driving conditions can change just as quickly. One minute the road is clear, and the next minute there is pouring rain. In the winter that weather change can become dangerous, and it’s important to stay informed of what’s happening by monitoring weather patterns on TV, Radio, the Web, and the Weather Channel.

Your Car

Every vehicle should be checked out by one of our Goodwrench Service Technicians. A few great points to have checked on the vehicle are:

  • The Battery
  • Tire Pressure
  • Anti-Freeze Levels
  • Air, Fuel, and Emission Filters
  • Brakes, Hoses, Wiring, and Fan-Belts

Necessary Equipment

In an emergency situation you may need several items to help keep you safe. Should the need arise, here are our suggestions of the most basic items that you should have in the vehicle: Cell Phone, Flashlight, Water, Food, Thermal Blanket, Ice Scraper, De-Icer, Tire Pressure Gauge, Spare Tire, Jumper Cables, Mini Shovel, Tool Kit, and a small Bag of Salt / Kitty Litter.


See our Service Department in Troy, MO for more winter driving tips,
Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC


P.S. - Remember to change your oil every 3,000 miles to prevent damage.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The all-new 2011 GMC Terrain is Big Enough for the Entire Family and gets up to 32 MPG

I have always looked for versatility in a vehicle. I need one that works like a business sedan when I’m driving a client, one that hauls like a truck when I’m renovating a house and one that will be roomy and comfortable for the entire family when the kids and grandkids are in town. The all-new 2011 GMC Terrain fills the bill like no other vehicle. I’m a big guy at 6’4” and over 200 pounds, so I do need a lot of room, but I’ve never wanted to sacrifice fuel economy for comfort.

The all-new 2011 Terrain offers an estimated 32 mpg highway for fuel economy and rewards you with big-SUV comfort, yet fits into smaller garages and tighter parking spaces with ease. The Terrain offers class-leading highway fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The 2.4L I-4 comes with an “ECO ” mode to help save fuel. The 6-speed automatic transmission features a wide ratio spread with a very low first gear for brisk acceleration from a stop, and a very high sixth gear overdrive ratio that helps save fuel during highway cruising.

Its clever MultiFlex rear seat slides to create class-leading rear leg room, and can even recline for rear passenger comfort. The seatbacks also fold down to create nearly 64 cubic feet of available cargo space. Useful technologies include a Rear Vision Camera, USB port, and an available programmable power rear lift gate. When you need extra traction, available AWD automatically adapts to changing road conditions for improved handling. Thanks to direct-injection engine technology, Terrain features best-in-class AWD highway fuel economy and a best-in-class AWD highway cruising range.

As a young 16 year-old driver, I was able to learn every road in Lincoln County in short order but things have changed. Every day means new roads and the re-routing of old ones. That’s where Terrain’s available touch-screen navigation system featuring advanced mapping capabilities and voice recognition for hands-free operation comes in.

The available Rear-Seat Entertainment System offers twin seatback-mounted flip-up LCD DVD video screens that can pivot 205 degrees, allowing passengers of various heights to adjust them to their comfort. Each screen includes a video input jack to plug in various gaming systems or other electronic devices. All Terrain audio systems include USB connectivity, allowing you to access or recharge various electronic devices, wherever you are. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can sync up your Bluetooth mobile device with Terrain for in-vehicle, hands-free calling. Steering wheel-mounted controls allow you to start a call and control volume, then dial by voice and listen to your call through the audio system.

With an available receiver hitch, Terrain 2.4L I-4 engine models can trailer up to 1500 pounds. Equipped with the 3.0L V-6 engine, Terrain offers unsurpassed maximum capacity in its class—up to 3500 pounds. In practical terms, the I-4 is great for trailering a pair of jet skis or motorcycle, while the V-6 can handle most single-axle camping trailers.

Hopefully you are sold on the unbeatable capabilities of the Terrain and it’s time to talk about where to test drive one. If you’re looking for a dealer that has a great selection of Terrains at the most aggressive discounts you’ll find… It’s Marquitz: Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC in Troy, Missouri.

The Marquitz team is always knowledgeable, friendly and professional. In my experience, no one will work harder to get to a payment that works for you and send you home in a new Terrain. They’re not out to take advantage of you like some of those guys in the city. Marquitz will treat you like a friend and neighbor every time and that’s why they have so many return customers.

You know that GMC is Professional Grade well… so are all the folks at Marquitz. Stop by and check out one of most versatile vehicles anywhere, the all-new 2011 GMC Terrain at Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC in Troy, Mo. For my money there’s nothing better than being a member of the Marquitz Automotive Family. When you’re looking for quality, affordability and honesty, there’s one name in Lincoln County you can always depend on… It’s Marquitz.

Friday, December 17, 2010

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade is the Most Desired SUV in the World for a Reason.

I have to be honest. A number of years ago when Cadillac introduced their first SUV, I actually laughed. Why would the finest luxury car maker in the USA have any need to introduce a truck? I was dead wrong. Since then I have developed a deep and enduring respect for what has become the most desired SUV in the world.

My introduction to the Cadillac mystique came at a very early age. I first road in my grandfather’s two-toned turquoise and white 1957 Cadillac Coupe when I traveled with him and my grandmother from Troy to their summer home and business near Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The anticipation of playing Davy Crockett in the Canadian backwoods soon gave way to a flood of unexpected awakenings. I spent two of the best days of my life sitting next to my grandfather as he unveiled all the reasons he had desired a Cadillac his entire life and how proud he was to finally own one. The front seat of Grandpa’s 1957 Cadillac was pure magic.

(Flash forward to present day)

I’ve been in a Cadillac or two since then but that feeling of magic didn’t return until I sat in a Cadillac Escalade for the very first time. Then I finally understood why Cadillac had chosen to build an SUV. This was a vehicle like no other and it truly possessed the soul of a Cadillac. The Escalade is the most acclaimed luxury SUV thanks to a blend of unique styling, spacious interior, powerful performance and agile handling. Its well-appointed cabin seats up to eight comfortably and features on-board equipment and technology to keep you and your entire family connected.

The interior of the Escalade is a sanctuary on wheels, with amenities like a leather and wood trimmed steering wheel that’s power tilt-adjustable and available heated. Plus, Tri-zone automatic climate control allows temperature conditions to be set for driver, front passenger and rear seat passengers, allowing you and your companions to travel in style and comfort. Magnetic Ride Control reads the road up to 1,000 times a second and adjusts to changing road conditions every five milliseconds, providing an almost instantaneous response to any road surface for enhanced confidence behind the wheel.

Touch-Screen Navigation allows the driver to effortlessly follow route guidance, while available XM Traffic provides real-time traffic information. What's more, a rearview camera lets you see what's behind the vehicle.

All this adds up to a compelling presence and world-class attention to detail, but The 2011 Cadillac Escalade offers more than just handsome good looks. This luxury Sport Utility Vehicle features a 403 hp engine, capable of towing up to 8,300 pounds. The first Cadillac to use Active Fuel Management, the Escalade senses when you don't need the full power of eight cylinders and automatically adjusts to run on four, saving you fuel. The Escalade delivers both power and efficiency, including impressive fuel economy that its competitors can't top plus a DVD-based navigation system with 8-inch diagonal touch-screen display and a premium Bose Sound System.

Another lesson life has revealed to me is, that true value rarely comes with the lowest price tag. True value is found by acquiring a product of the highest quality at the most competitive price possible and that’s where the team at Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC in Troy, Missouri shines. Marquitz prices the Escalade more aggressively than any other dealer I’ve seen.

They’re Cadillac experts and they will work harder than any other dealer to get you the most for your trade and put you in the new Escalade at a payment that works for you. Maybe that’s why so many folks keep coming back to Marquitz… they treat you with courtesy and respect. That’s a breath of fresh air in this day and age.

Stop by Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC in Troy and let them introduce you to the best vehicle you will ever drive or own. It is the world’s most desired SUV for a reason. In fact I could give you thousands of them but there’s one that matters most… its magic.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Santa At Marquitz



Originally uploaded by Marquitz Motors
Santa has made it to the dealership this year once already, and he's back today from 1-5PM! Take a look at these pictures from his last visit.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Driving During Bad Weather

Living in the Midwest has brought us from warm weather and sunny skies, to cold winds and snow covered streets in a drastic way this year. With the weather changing so rapidly, we here at Marquitz Buick, Cadillac, GMC want to provide you with some tips for driving in the snow and ice. The best tip available for driving in bad weather is to not drive at all. Although, it is understandable that not driving is the safest way to avoid accidents, it is not realistic and sometimes a trip to the grocery store is necessary.

Driving safely on icy roads

  1. Decrease your speed, and leave plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space between your vehicle, and the one in front of you.
  2. Brake with slight pressure, and release the brake if you detect slippage.
  3. Drive with your headlights on.
  4. Remove snow, and any road grime from headlights and windshield.
  5. Ice patches can be found in several spots even with temperatures above freezing. Be careful when driving on roads that are not traveled often.

If your wheels skid

  1. Take your foot off the gas pedal, and steer in the direction the vehicle is traveling. If the vehicle is sliding right, steer right. You may have to steer left and right a few times in order to get the vehicle completely under control.
  2. Most vehicles come standard with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), and you will need to put steady pressure on the pedal to help reduce the skid.

If you get stuck

  1. Always travel with a cell phone in order to call for help if necessary.
  2. Do not spin your wheels as this will dig the vehicle in deeper.
  3. Try to clear the snow in front of the tires with either a shovel, or by turning the tires from side to side.
  4. Place kitty litter, gravel, or salt in front of your tires to help gain traction.
  5. Attempt to rock the vehicle back and forth. Check the owner’s manual first before attempting.


More information can be found at Weather.com, with the National Safety Council, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Washington State Government Information & Services.


Come visit us for more safe driving tips,
Marquitz Buick Cadillac GMC
Located in Troy, Missouri

P.S. - Schedule an appointment with our service department online with our Service Appointment Form to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Santa Is Coming To Marquitz Motors!



Marquitz Motors in Troy, will receive some special holiday cheer today with a visit from Santa Claus himself. The man of the season can be spotted atop his 1956 Cadillac Eldorado between 1 and 5 p.m. this Friday and Saturday. Boys, girls, and children at heart are invited to share their Christmas wishes and pose for photos with Santa thanks to Debi’s Digital Photography.

Marquitz Motors will keep up the holiday cheer by collecting unwrapped toys for Toys For Tots and Canned Food donations.

See you soon during Santa’s visit December 10th and 11th from 1-5 p.m.