Tax Deductions for Business Owners

Tax Deductions for Business Owners

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS!  Did you know that by purchasing new GM vehicles for your company you could get a tax deduction of up to $139,000!  Here at Scranton Motors we always try to give our loyal blog readers a heads up when it comes to great opportunities when purchasing a vehicle, and this opportunity is one we want to make sure all our Business Owners are aware of. 

So how does it work?  Follow the following steps:

1. Ask yourself, did your business make money this year?
2. Talk to your accountant or controller about how to maximize your tax deduction this year!
3. These great deductions may go away next year, so take full advantage while they are still here!

Check out the available deductions for our vehicles below:

Don’t lose out on this great opportunity for your business.  Come in to Scranton Motors before December 31, 2012!

For more information visit our website! Click HERE for more info!!

Click HERE and take a look at our New Car Inventory!!

Here at Scranton we value our customers above everything else. You are the most important piece to our success. We want to know what you think of us! Let us know all about your experiences good and bad. Help us give you the best service we can! Click on the link below to take our quick and easy survey!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NNJ7JBG

GMC An American Legend

GMC: The American Legend

In light of our GMC Holiday sale we wanted to share with you some fun facts and a little history about this great company. Let’s start out with a little history lesson first.

  

• General Motors was founded by William C. Durant on September 16^th 1908 as a holding company for Buick.         

• In 1909 GM purchased Rapid Motors Vehicle Company forming the basis of the General Motors Truck Company.

•  In the same year The Reliance Motor Company was purchased by GM.

• In 1911 the companies were merged and in 1912 the marquee “GMC Truck” first appeared on vehicles.

• The new GMC brand was debuted at the 1912 New York International Auto Show. 

• GMC built some of the world’s first electric vehicles from 1912-1917. These trucks had single digit model names, each denoting load capacity from one-half ton to 12 tons.

• The first truck to ever reach the summit of Pikes Peak which is a 14,100 foot climb was a GMC Rapid F-406B on August 1, 1909.

• During WWII GMC manufactured around 584,000 military vehicles including the CCKW-353 and the amphibious “Duck”

• By 1925 GMC controlled a large portion of Yellow Coach, a bus company based in Chicago.

• From 1943 to 1987 GMC manufactured coaches and buses but decided to back out of that side of business because of the growing competition in the late 80’s.

• GMC celebrated 100 years in business this past year and is still going strong.

More GMC Fun Facts

• GMC’s luxury focused Denali trim level currently outsells the entire product lines of some premium automakers like Land Rover, Jaguar, and Porshe.

• GMC is an American brand but the popular Terrain crossover is built in Canada.

• The GMC Sierra, the brand’s top selling model outsold the Toyota Tundra and the Nissan Titan combined with 40,000 sales to spare.

• All GMC models carry an unbeatable warranty that includes a 100 mile powertrain coverage.

• From 1973-1978 GMC produced motor homes and they have appeared in films like Bill Murrays 1981 movie “Stripes” and the 1996 hit“Twister”.

Now

                   

Then

We are having a GMC HOLIDAY SALE! Come check out all of our great GMC vehicles!

Click HERE to see the deals!

A Car for Christmas!

Buying a Car as a Christmas Gift

Who doesn’t love those Christmas car commercials? You know the ones with the loving couple sitting under the Christmas tree with their coffee and opened presents scattered all around, Christmas music playing in the background. The husband pulls out a small box he has hidden away, and inside are the keys to his sweethearts’ new car. The front door opens and she squeals with happiness to see her new car with a giant red bow sitting on top.

We have decided to help you make this commercial a reality with a few helpful hints on buying a car as a Christmas gift.  

1. Think about their needs

• Does the recipient have a family or do they have hobbies that require a larger vehicle?
• Consider a larger vehicle, like an SUV or the more fuel friendly Crossover SUV
• Do they travel a lot?  
• A vehicle with good gas economy would be a great option, like our Buick LaCrosse with eAssist  
• You can also check out some of our other fuel efficient vehicles HERE

2. Make sure you get them a color they enjoy! Look at the clothes they wear or the colors they use in their home. Popular colors include silver, white, and black.

3. Negotiations

• Do the deal as if the car was for you
• Research the car and make sure you test drive it
• Ask questions that you would ask or you think the recipient would ask
• Make sure to tell your sales consultant that the car is a gift, this way they can make sure not to send emails or make phone calls that may give away the surprise
• Put the car under the recipient’s name it makes it easier  
• Note: You will need all of their information and proof of car insurance

4. Shhh, it's a surprise!

• Remember that you will need a place to store the vehicle before the big reveal. Ask your dealer when the last possible time is for you to pick up the car, or enlist a friend to store it for you.
•  Weather can also play a huge role in the unveiling, don't forget about those winter storms! Check the weather forecast and think about where you want the car on Christmas day!

The Big Reveal

• If you would like an under the tree gift as well, wrap the keys in a small gift box or take some photos of different car parts and let the recipient guess.
• THE BIG RED BOW: most dealerships have these and will be happy to give you one.  Ask at the time of the deal if they have them or if you can purchase one.

We hope these helpful tips make your Christmas giving enjoyable and the process and little bit smoother. Check out our Great Holiday Deals Click HERE to save!

Thanksgiving Travel Tips!

Thanksgiving Travel Tips

Turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, traffic, these are the joys of the Thanksgiving holiday.  According to a 2011 AAA study over 42.5 million Americans will travel on Thanksgiving day, with that many people on the road safety is important. We thought we might give you some travel tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

·         Fuel up! Make sure your traveling with a full tank of gas, sitting in traffic is a great way to run your gas gage to E.

·         Weigh in! Check your vehicles weight capacity. With all that extra holiday food, Aunt Mildred, and the kids it could really slow you down, your stopping radius that is it also can waste gas mileage.

·         Are you flowin? Check your fluids like oil and windshield wiper fluid.

·         Keep rolling. Make sure your tire pressure is good to go.

·         Ring Ring. It is very important that we obey all the rules of the road. Don’t use a cell phone or read a map while driving, distractions like these can make your holiday not so happy.

·         Are we there yet? Plan your route and have an alternate route just in case. Leave early giving plenty of time in case traffic is heavy. Designating a navigator is great idea.

·         Weather. Check the weather the night before. If it’s supposed to snow be prepared with ice scrapers and throw some extra blankets in the back (you never know). Also give yourself extra time to reach your destination.

·         Zzzzzz. Get a good night sleep, driving drowsy is not safe.

·         Check up. If you have time we highly suggest you bring your car in for service to make sure it’s running at its best.

·         Mas Vino-Most importantly Please do NOT drink and drive! A living customer is a happy customer.

As a general tip for those leaving their homes on Thanksgiving, we all have an addiction to Facebook and we can’t deny it. Posting for the holiday is great but we recommend that you do not post if you are going to be leaving your home. “Off to Aunt Rita’s for Thanksgiving dinner!” is just the type of post robbers look for. Thanksgiving is one of the top three days that theft occurs. So please be wise about what you put up on your social networks.

We hope these tips have been helpful and wish all of our customers Old, New, and Future to be safe and have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

To schedule an appointment for service or to look for a new car follow the link below!

 

 

http://www.scrantonmotors.com/index.htm

 

Check out info on Emergency #s, OnStar and Towing Contacts if you ever find yourself in trouble this Holiday Travel Season

Click HEREfor more info!

Scranton Cadillac Buick GMC: Cadillac One !

Scranton Cadillac Buick GMC: Cadillac One !: Cadillac One Would it surprise you to know that the President of the United States rides in a Cadillac DTS.   Granted the car has been ...

Cruise in a Caddy like the Prez, check out our Cadillac Inventory at

http://www.scrantonmotors.com/index.htm

Cadillac One !

Cadillac One

Would it surprise you to know that the President of the United States rides in a Cadillac DTS.  Granted the car has been modified just a little to fit the needs of our commander and chief but it is still a Cadillac.

The Presidents new caddy, also nick named “The Beast” was designed by Cadillac and GMC in 2009 and has recently been upgraded. The driver of this “tank” is trained by the CIA to drive in the most demanding driving conditions, and is retested every 6 months. Here are some more fun facts about President Obama’s new ride.

·         It is 18ft long and 5ft tall with a 6.5 liter diesel engine that gets about 8 miles to the gallon. The Beast can go from 0-60mph in roughly 15 seconds.

·         The outside is paneled with 5inch thick ballistic armor and can withstand a hit from an antitank grenade. The 8inch thick doors weigh the same amount as a cabin door on a boeing 747 jet.

·         The windows do not open and are transparent armor that blocks sunlight which is why artificial naturalistic lighting was put in. The driver window is the only one that opens and only 3 inches in order for tolls to be paid.

·         The entire vehicle is sealed against chemical and biological attacks.

·         Cadillac one also has a petrol tank filled with specially designed foam which prevents it from blowing up even if directly hit.

·         The limo flies two flags at all times the American flag and the presidential flag. When Obama is in another country the presidential flag is replaced by its flag.

·         LED lights illuminate these flags at night.

·         Cadillac one is transported everywhere that the president is, it is airlifted by Air Force transport planes.

·         The boot of the vehicle contains an oxygen supply and firefighting system. A stash of Obama’s blood is also kept there if the president ever needs a transfusion.

·         The Beast is equipped with night vision cameras, pump action shotguns, and tear gas cannons.

·         The underside is reinforced with Kevlar to prevent bomb attacks.

While the outside is impressive the interior does not lack in that department.

·         Executive leather seats with massaging cushions.

·         10 disc CD changer and extensive entertainment system.

·         A foldaway desk with built in laptop, wifi, satellite phone and direct lines to the VP and Pentagon.

·         A communications panel mounted on the back of a partition that only the President can operate. This panel is connected to 5 antenna located on the back of the car.

 

The president is never without his Cadillac, so that’s no reason for you to be without one too!

Check out our Cadillac Inventory 
Click HEREto see!

 

 

http://www.scrantonmotors.com/index.htm

Community Involvement: Team Scranton

Here at Scranton we pride ourselves on being a family business. As a family owned and operated company since 1952, we have come to value the town and community we call home.  Looking back on the years and seeing all that the community has given to us, it’s no wonder why we feel the need to give back. Here are some of the organizations we donate to: 

Boy Scouts of America Connecticut Rivers Council 
This year we hosted the Pinewood Derby. It was a great way to reach out to our town. This past March the Scranton family had a great day of racing and prize giving.  

The Channel 3 Kids Camp
As a sponsor of the camp we have dedicated time to helping children all over Connecticut have the great experience of camp! With great activities that are available year round Scranton is excited to help over 4,000 kids create great childhood memories.  Being part of the annual celebrity golf tournament and donating a brand new Terrain vehicle are a couple of ways Scranton has found to give back to the greater Hartford area.   

The Hockanum Valley Community Council
This past June we held a food drive where we were able to collect over 1,200 items for the HVCC’s food pantry.  Along with that, in April our very own Meg Scranton participated in their annual fashion show. 

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
For the last few years Scranton has been sponsoring the Cruise for the Camp Car Show. In July we raised over 3,500 dollars to donate to this great cause. 

Visiting Nurse Health Services of Connecticut
Meg Scranton is on the board of the annual Hope for Hospice Event, which raises money to help provide home care for those who would not be able to afford it. The Scranton family also supports their annual golf tournament. 

Rockville Rotary 
We support the annual golf tournament as well as other annual Rotary events. 

Asnuntuck Community College 
We support their annual golf tournament. 

Indian Valley YMCA
This past year we were the sponsors of the first Indian Valley YMCA Triathalon, Phil Wilson and Meg Scranton actually participated too!

The Channel 3 Kids Camp Terrain, donated by Scranton Motors

In March we hosted the Boy Scouts' Pinewood Derby

Building the reputation as the community dealership is our number one priority and we thank customers old, new, and soon to be for giving us the opportunity to earn the title.            

Hurricane Sandy Preparation Tips

 Scranton Motors has stocked up on ice and gasoline to help our customers in case this storm becomes hazardous.  Please call us if you have need of our assistance in any manner (860-872-9145).

We currently have openings on Saturday and Monday to have a PRE-STORM vehicle inspection done on your vehicle.  We will perform a Battery Test, 27 point vehicle inspection and give you $5.00 of FREE GAS to help you out before the storm hits us late Monday.  Don’t be caught with a stranded vehicle this coming week. Call our service department and book your appointment today.

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Here we go again!  At this time last year we were hit with a terrible winter storm and many of us lost power for weeks.  With Hurricane Sandy brewing we may be in for the same story one year later.  In the days before the big storm hits, now is the perfect time to stock up on necessary goods and prepare for the storm to come!  Here are our tips on how to protect yourself and be ready for when Sandy comes rolling through town:

Tips for your vehicle

• Keep your vehicle parked inside a covered area 
• (preferably your garage to keep your vehicle free from flying debris)
• DO NOT PARK UNDER TREES unless you have no other alternative 
• If you have to park outside, park on higher ground to avoid water entry in case of flooding
• Avoid driving in flooded areas where the water exceeds 6 inches deep; this could cause major electrical or engine damage
• Should you vehicle be flooded and under water, do not attempt to start the engine.  Call us for towing or after hours call Larry’s Towing (860-871-1790) to have the vehicle brought to Scranton Motors

Tips for your home

• Empty the ice from your freezer (if we lose power). THIS IS ESSENTIAL! Should the ice melt, it could ruin the kitchen floor and cause considerable damage.
• Move all loose items from your deck including deck furniture
• Keep your windows closed during the storm
• Turn on the pilot light for your gas fireplace if you have one,
• your gas fireplace will provide some heat in your home in the event that we lose power

If we are out of Power for several days, your smoke alarm may start beeping; this does not necessarily mean you have an emergency, but that you may need new batteries

Other Great Tips!

• Stock up on ice and make sure that you have enough coolers to hold food for a couple of days
• Keep your cell phones charged! 
• Consider purchasing a cell phone car charger if you don’t already have one
• Make sure that you have batteries for flash bulbs and lamps. Do not rely on candles if you can help it.
• Stock up on bottles of water
• Purchase batteries for a radio if you have one
• Fill Up your Gas Tank
• Make sure your gas BBQ propane tank is full (you will at least be able to cook some hot food)
• If the storm winds become strong, avoid going outside. Stay inside, warm and dry in a safe location within your home.
• Make sure you have a pre-planned escape route from your home in case of heavy damage, have a pre-arranged meet up area that all members of your household have agreed to meet in case you need to evacuate.
• In the event we have major lightning, unplug all non essential electrical components to protect them from electrical surges.

10 Annoying Things While Driving

Are you ever driving down the road and just happen to look over at the person in the car next to you? A lot of times you catch them doing something they're not supposed to be doing, or it is just an awkward situation, especially when they look back and make eye contact! Sometimes they are even doing things that just make you wonder, WHY?

I went around and asked my co-workers what people do that annoy them and make them wonder while driving!

1.) Nose Picking

     First of all, why would you do that anyways? Secondly, while driving! I mean come on, your car is full of windows, you are not invisible!

2.) Blinker
     If you are going to turn right, use the right blinker, not the left one. And if you are done turning, make sure your blinker is off before your driving 10 miles up a road and confusing everyone behind you!

3.) Putting Make-Up On

     How is this even really possible? It's hard enough to put it on at home, but while driving? Please ladies, put it on before you leave or when you get to your destination!

4.) Tailgating

     Following closely is dangerous as is, but it is also an annoying habit drivers have. Especially at night or in bad weather when they are so close you can not even see their headlights in your mirrors! Back off please!

5.) Texting

     Illegal as is, some guy in a big pick-up truck was in the middle of the road the other day pulling out of a gas station. He was blocking almost all of the road so I let him go and he gave me a wave, but I noticed that his hand had a glowing object in it. He was texting or on the phone! Maybe if he wasn't doing that, he would not have been blocking the road, he would have hopefully been paying attention.

6.) Right Turn

     They make road signs for a reason, to protect and organize people while driving. When the sign says no turn on red, don't go!

7.) The On-Ramp

     Speed Limit-65. Minimum-45. Why go 35 getting on the highway....

8.) Green Means Go!
     This has to be the worst when you are running late in the morning. People just sit at the light and don't even notice that it has turned green...

9.) Get There Alive!

     Sometimes people are in such a rush that they do not care about safety. They zip in and out of lanes on the highway thinking that they can get there before anyone else. I love when later on I see them either pulled over, or stuck in a slow lane of traffic. Just smile on the way by!!

10.) That is not a lane!

     Have you ever been stuck in traffic when a concert comes to town? Some people think that they are invisible and drive in the break down lane because obviously nobody is there...but that does not make it right! Everyone has to wait, you are no different!

Just remember out on the road that just because someone may annoy you with their bad driving habits, does not mean you have to. Control road rage, and just keep smiling!

Winterize Your Car!

As much as I hate to admit it, winter is going to be here sooner than we think! Now, I am sure all of us in CT remember that terrible storm at the end of October 2011. We had no power for almost 2 weeks, some places even longer! But the one thing I remember most about it was not being prepared and not having my car ready for the snow! Winterize your car sooner than later! Here are some helpful things to look over before the Winter!

Pre-Winter Maintenance:

• Rotate Tires, or get snow tires. Make sure to keep the air in your tires a touch lower to gain more surface tire to road traction!
• Change Oil
• Check All Fluids
• Clean it up (wash and wax!), who knows when it will be warm enough out again!
• Make sure to always have enough gas, at least half a tank will ensure it doesn’t freeze!
• Check spark plugs, battery and thermostat, full engine diagnostics are always recommended

Mud Flaps:

• Save yourself, prevent things like rocks, mud, sticks, glass etc. from being shot at other cars or denting your car!
• Decrease the amount of water spray from the tires on wet roads

Floor Mats:

• Protect the carpet of your car
• This can help increase the re-sale value of your car
• Keep your car cleaner

·         Gives your wet feet traction underneath them!

Other Important Accessories:

• Windshield Wipers
• Windshield Washer Fluid
• Good Headlights
• Snow Scraper
• Small Shovel
• Spare Tire
• Bright Flashlight
• Small Tool Kit
• Extra blanket for any tough situation
• Kitty Litter, Great for traction if you find yourself in a slippery situation!

We never really know what the weather is going to throw at us, so be prepared for anything and everything! As always, drive careful and use your best judgement when you are out on the road! Like my parents always used to say when I was growing up, better be safe than sorry!

Come check out our inventory at Scranton Motors and get in a reliable vehicle for the upcoming winter!!  You can also purchase winter accessories from us and our parts department!

Protect Your Car!!

We all know Winter can be very harsh on the roads, ourselves, and especially our cars and trucks. Salts from the road can corrode the paint on a car and do serious damage. Want something that you can put on your car to protect it through the years? Well we have found a solution! Get Simoniz!

 

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Run out to your car right now, grab the owners manual, and flip to the section that says "What is not covered." Then under that section, find the one that talks about damage from the environment, chemical treatments, or aftermarket products. (It may not specifically say that in your manual). The warranty does not cover hardly anything to do with the appearance of your vehicle!

 These are the things that happen to every vehicle, unless you get it protected before hand. Simoniz is a clear glass coating that you can have put on you vehicle to help prevent wear and tear.

Simoniz protects your car from:

• Tree Sap
• Acid Rain
• Bird Waste
• Road Salt
• Insects
• UV Damage

Once the damage is done to your car, the only way to fix it is to re-paint it, and that can obviously be pretty expensive! Simoniz is an affordable product that will be worth every penny when you go to trade in your vehicle! Paint on newer vehicles has started to become softer and softer as the years go on, which makes imperfections easier to come across. This product will harden that paint and protect your car.

• Simoniz has a warranty also if for some reason it does not work!
• 7 years for new cars
• 6 years for used cars
• Warranty is only effective on cars from 2009 and newer

Simoniz also offers interior protection against:

• Food
• Drink
• Make-up
• Gum
• Blood
• Stains
• Cracks

Good for people with kids or animals!

Some Retail Products available:

• Simoniz Fixit
• Fixit Repair
• Brake Dust Buster
• Instant Shine
• Self-Drying Car Wash
• Perfect Finish Clay Kit
• Perfect Finish Clay Bar
• Nitro Tire Shine
• RestorZit

Here at Scranton Motors we offer Simoniz for new and used cars!
www.scrantonmotors.com

Check out a detailed video on Simoniz!