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Shopping for a vehicle today can feel different than it did a few years ago. At Red McCombs Drive Away Motors in San Antonio, TX, including our CENTRAL, SOUTH, and WEST locations, many shoppers are discovering that monthly payments aren’t driven solely by the price of the vehicle. Inflation, interest rates, loan terms, and down payments all play a role in what you’ll pay each month. Understanding how these pieces fit together makes the process easier to navigate, and a little preparation can go a long way when choosing your next Hyundai, Ford, or Jeep. Why Vehicle Prices Have Increased Everyday expenses are higher than they were a few years ago, and vehicles are no exception. Manufacturers face increased costs for materials, labor, transportation, and technology, and those costs are reflected in the prices arriving at dealerships. For buyers, this often means financing begins with a higher base number. Even if interest rates hadn’t changed, a higher purchase price alone can result in higher monthly payments. That’s the first part of understanding affordability in San Antonio’s current market. Interest Rates Matter More Than Many Buyers Realize The second part of the equation is the cost of borrowing money. As interest rates rise, lenders charge more to finance a vehicle purchase. While a few percentage points may not seem dramatic, over the life of a loan it can noticeably impact monthly payments. A higher rate doesn’t change the vehicle itself; it changes how much you pay to own it. That’s why many buyers take time to compare financing options at Red McCombs Drive Away Motors, ensuring their purchase fits their budget. Understanding Loan Terms When monthly payments begin to stretch the budget, longer loan terms can help reduce the monthly payment, making a vehicle feel more affordable in the short term. However, spreading payments over a longer period usually means paying more interest overall. Shorter loans may have higher monthly payments but save on interest. Neither approach is automatically better, but the right choice depends on your financial goals, driving habits, and overall budget. At Red McCombs Drive Away Motors, our finance team can explain these tradeoffs and help you find the best fit for your situation. Ways to Reduce Financing Costs There are several ways to lower financing costs. A larger down payment reduces the amount financed, and trading in your current vehicle can have a similar effect by lowering your loan balance from the start. Buyers who review their credit profile before shopping often position themselves for better financing terms. Vehicle selection also matters—choosing the trim and features that fit your needs, rather than automatically selecting the most expensive option, can meaningfully reduce monthly payments. Toyota and Other Options for Every Budget One advantage of the Toyota, Chevrolet, and GMC lineups at Red McCombs Drive Away Motors is the variety available for today’s shoppers. Options are available across a wide range of budgets and lifestyles. Some buyers prioritize fuel efficiency, while others focus on passenger space, towing capability, or advanced technology. Taking time to compare models and trims helps you find the right balance between features and affordability. FAQ: Financing & Payments at Red McCombs Drive Away Motors Q: How quickly can I get pre-approved for financing? A: At Red McCombs Drive Away Motors, you can complete our 60-second pre-approval process, giving you a clear idea of your financing options before even stepping on the lot. Q: Does trading in my current vehicle affect my monthly payments? A: Yes, trading in your current vehicle lowers your loan balance, which can reduce your monthly payment and may make higher trims or options more affordable. Q: Are longer loans always better if I want lower monthly payments? A: Not necessarily. Longer loans lower monthly payments but increase total interest paid. Our finance team can help determine what’s best for your budget and driving habits. Q: Do interest rates change my monthly payments even if the vehicle price is the same? A: Yes. Higher interest rates increase monthly payments. That’s why comparing financing options and understanding current rates is critical to budgeting for your new vehicle. Find the Right Fit in San Antonio, TX Understanding pricing, financing, down payments, and loan terms together helps you make confident choices and avoid surprises later. Drivers throughout San Antonio, New Braunfels, Schertz, Boerne, Bexar County, and the greater southern Texas region can visit Red McCombs Drive Away Motors at our CENTRAL, SOUTH, or WEST locations to explore inventory and use our 60-second pre-approval tool for a fast, easy start. Whether you’re planning to trade in a current vehicle or calculate your monthly payment, a little preparation today can make your next vehicle purchase much more rewarding.

If you’re keeping an eye on the latest car news, you recognize that things in the auto world are about to change for the better. The EPA is proposing its strictest-ever emissions limits for vehicles as of 2027. If you’re looking to acquire a new set of wheels by then, now is the time to consider greener, more sustainable electric vehicles. The electric and hybrid motor industry is in transition, but things are beginning to look up for conscientious drivers. New makes and models are constantly emerging, and it’s never been easier to charge up on the go. If you’re considering transitioning to an electric car, what’s holding you back? Below, we’ve outlined five of the most compelling benefits of choosing an EV. Read on to prepare for the future of the automotive industry—and the world. 1. Price There is a pervasive myth that electric cars are unaffordable. While they may have been pricey when they were a brand new concept, that’s no longer remotely true. Today, even new models are competitively priced to make them more accessible to the average driver. You can usually acquire a brand-new electric vehicle in the range of $30,000. Now that the novelty has worn off, nearly every model is in-market and available at an accessible price point. If you’re open to a used hybrid or electric car, you can save money while you save the planet. 2. Affordability Are you aware of how much you spend on fuel each month? Recent data suggests EV drivers save an average of $1,000 annually on gasoline alone by charging up instead of filling up. Energy prices tend to remain consistent from year to year, so you won’t have to adjust to dynamic changes in oil prices. 3. Low Maintenance Manufacturers construct electric cars with fewer moving parts. This is good news for owners, as it leads to lower overall maintenance costs. You won’t ever need an oil change, and manufacturers guarantee most batteries for nearly a decade. 4. Extra Incentives The government wants more drivers to choose electric cars to help reduce volatile emissions. Thus, new EV owners are eligible for a federal tax credit just for buying a new car. This $7,500 credit can make your new wheels even more affordable. 5. Ecofriendliness As the earth continues to suffer the long-term effects of climate change, electric vehicles are the future. When you drive electric, you’ll know you’re doing your part to make the world livable for generations to come. Supercharge Your Life With Electric Vehicles In light of the most recent auto industry updates, this is the perfect time to think about the future—the future of the planet and your future vehicle. We encourage you to embrace the change and consider the above benefits when picking your next set of wheels. In the meantime, we’ll continue to update you about what’s new with EV as you transition to a greener ride. Don’t fall for the myth that sustainable and eco-friendly electric vehicles are an overpriced indulgence. Red McComb’s Drive Away Motors offers a range of used hybrid and electric cars at price points anyone can afford. Browse our current selection, and you might drive away in an environmentally friendly new car sooner than you think!

As our lives keep changing because of new technology, it’s only natural to expect car technology to change with it. Over the past few years, the mobile office has become more common, and new car tech demands that drivers have the ability to work from anywhere. That means information and space have become high priorities for drivers, and GM’s latest offerings have been designed with both in mind. Here’s a look at some of the 2023 car tech available to help make drivers’ lives much easier and more enjoyable! Ford F-150 Lightning Secret Desk Let’s say that you’ve had a call come in from the office, and you need to take a look at an important document while you’re on the road. Now you can do so without ever having to look for a flat surface. The Ford F-150 Lightning offers desk space at the touch of a button. Once pressed, your center console gets covered up and you’ve got a flat space to sign documents, place your laptop and more. If you’re the type of person who needs to eat on the go, having this desk can help you avoid a big mess in the cab of your vehicle. With vehicles lasting longer than ever, most drivers want to make sure they’re pleasant places to be. Having space like this makes it easy to avoid messes from quick meals and keep the interior pristine. Chevrolet Silverado Integration Getting the 2023 car tech right was a big thing for the Silverado, which now has an infotainment system that can stand up to any of its competitors while still providing the vehicle performance that’s become a Silverado hallmark. Gone are the days when driver and passenger had to choose one phone or the other for Bluetooth features before getting on the road. Now two phones can be connected at once, and the vehicle comes with Android Auto, Google Built-In and Apple CarPlay built in, so consumers can choose whichever connection appeals to them. With a 13.4 inch touchscreen coming standard on the Silverado, passengers will have plenty of options available to stay connected during the drive. Ford F-150 Raptor’s Sheer Power Sometimes, new car technology simply means taking the best things available and making them even better. That’s what Ford’s done with the Raptor, which uses V8 engines to reach levels of power not previously available from an already strong Raptor model. If you’re the kind of driver who likes or needs to go off-road with your truck, this model has the power you need to keep up with your desires. Whatever kind of new car tech you’ve got in mind for your next vehicle, you’ll find some of the most useful information in the industry from our experts. We know our vehicles inside and out, so if you’ve got a question about certain 2023 car tech and how it can help you, just let us know. We’ll steer you in the right direction!

According to analysts, global sales of electric vehicles have been continuously increasing. While the global market share of electric vehicle sales was less than 1% in 2016, it increased to 2.2% by 2018. Global market share more than quadrupled to around 4.1% in 2020, then to 6.6% in 2021. We expect 2023 auto trends concerning the ways in which automakers will grow their EV fleets and EV offerings. Keep reading to stay informed about a lineup of new electric vehicles that will hit this hot market. They could be your next car or your next investment opportunity. New Cars Coming Here’s a new car buying guide for some slick new EV models. Honda’s EV Lineup By 2040, the business wants all of its sales to be zero-emissions electric vehicles. Honda has secured a couple of key collaborations and will be investing $40 billion in EV research and development. Look out for the Prologue SUV, which may be available as soon as next year. This car is designed for long-range EV travel and makes use of General Motors’ battery technology. You can find a luxury upgrade to this car in the Acura ZDX SUV, to be assembled at GM’s plant in Tennessee. BMW’s EV Lineup We know that the German multinational automaker has plans to electrify its 5 Series. They’ve recently finalized their design. This series will be competing with cars like the Tesla Model S or Mercedes EQE. BMW plans to prooduce nearly a dozen EV car options to hit the market by 2025. You can pick up an electric Rolls-Royce Spectre as soon as this year. Hyundai’s EV Lineup Hyundai has announced it will be carbon-neutral by 2045. We’re most excited about an electric addition to Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis; production of the electric GV70 SUV began in 2022. By 2030, Hyundai wishes to add 17 new electric car models between its Hyundai and Genesis brands. Ford’s EV Lineup Ford is planning to electrify its entire Lincoln luxury lineup by 2030. The automaker claims that it will generate more than 2 million EVs per year by 2026 and that EVs will account for half of its global sales volume by 2030. The company is already accelerating its electric vehicle development with EV options like its F-150 Lightning pickup truck. GM’s EV Lineup Exciting news: GM is moving to electrify its entire portfolio by 2035. This just echoes major changes in the entire automotive industry. There are a host of models to come: The GMC Hummer EV Cadillac Lyriq SUV Equinox EV Silverado EV GMC Sierra Ev Celestiq sedan Chevrolet Blazer EV Even Buick is hopping on the train and planning to launch its first EV in 2024: the Electra. Electric Vehicles Are the Future The list of new cars coming is long and promising. It seems automakers are recognizing that electric vehicles are profitable, and their adoption and proliferation have positives for the environment and public health. You can contact us and book an appointment to browse our new-and-used EV fleet today.

If you’re among the 91.5% of Americans with access to a car, you likely are looking to upgrade your ride soon. It’s important that you know about the best upcoming 2023 cars so that you can make the best investment decision. Read on to learn about some of the vehicles that you’ll love in the coming year. 1. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Topping the list is the new 2023 Corvette Z06, which is a luxury sports car that moves Chevrolet up in the ranks of supercar manufacturers. Their sleek exterior is matched by their six-piston front brakes, 5.5-liter DOHC V8, and a flat-plane crankshaft. The vehicle’s 670 horsepower and 460 lbs of torque make it one of the fastest and most efficient cars ever made. 2. Ferrari Purosangue If you’re looking for a larger sports car, Ferrari is debuting its first SUV. Its 6.4-liter V2 engine makes it one of the more powerful SUV models out there as well, giving it 715 horsepower and 526 lb-ft of torque. It’s also the single most powerful naturally-aspirated Ferrari vehicle ever made, so you’re making a great investment with this long-lasting and powerful car. 3. Mercedes-Benz EQE Mercedes-Benz is another vehicle name that’s synonymous with luxury, and this electric vehicle does not disappoint. Its compact structure sits on the same platform as EQS models, providing Sedan lovers with a great new car choice. The EQE driving range is one of its best features as it can go 300+ miles with a full battery. 4. BMW XM If you’re looking for a futuristic car that’s more than modern, the 2023 BMW XM is a great choice. Its exterior is bold and brave with its sharp lines and wide front. However, its main appeal lies in its 644 horsepower engine and high efficiency. With 30 miles of solely-electric driving range, you’ll save a fortune on gas. 5. 2023’s New Kia Niro This car is an updated version of other Kia Niro models and is made to be even more efficient. This hybrid model is a continuation of both PHEV and 100% EV models so that you can protect the environment and save on gas. It also has a sleek new exterior design that modern car buyers will love to show off (and a re-vamped interior for maximum comfort). 6. Maserati Grecale Maserati is one of the highest-quality car brands out there, and the 2023 Grecale lives up to and rises above their previous standards for craftsmanship. It has a mild-hybrid system for fuel efficiency. Its e-Booster also gives it high functionality with 296 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. 7. 2024 Aston Martin Vanquish While technically not a 2023 car, the Aston Martin Vanquish is one of the most highly-anticipated upcoming models. And with good reason – it’s a sleek sports car on par with dream vehicles like Ferrari and Lambo models. Sales will begin in 2023, making it part of this list, and it will retail new for about $300,000. Find the Best Upcoming 2023 Cars ASAP Now that you know some upcoming 2023 cars to keep in mind when shopping, it’s time to get started. Red McCombs is committed to providing you with great vehicles at an affordable price. Get pre-approved to purchase or trade-in your vehicle at one of our Texas locations.

While consumers line up to purchase new vehicles, car dealerships offer limited options at high prices because of the shortage of semiconductor chips. This article will explain what caused the chip shortage and help you decide if this is still the right time for you to purchase a new vehicle. What’s Causing The Chip Shortage? The shortage of semiconductor chips is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which simultaneously increased demand for electronics such as cell phones, which the same chips are used in, and forced dealerships and manufacturers to close down. Many automakers canceled parts orders based on the low demand for vehicles during this time and haven’t been able to rebuild their supply. Several countries where the chips are manufactured are still seeing a surge in cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19, worsening the supply shortage. Right now, some of the largest manufacturers of semiconductor chips make most of their money from personal electronics. Bill Jewell, the Semiconductor Intelligence President, notes that TSMC, the dominant wafer foundry, only makes 5% of its revenue from the auto industry, compared to 38% coming from smartphones alone. This makes the auto industry a lower priority. Supply and Demand Automakers underestimating demand also caused part of the shortage. After the initial drop in sales during the pandemic, dealers quickly moved to selling vehicles online and offered 0% financing offers. This led to sales skyrocketing, and because of the chip shortage, there weren’t enough new cars being made to replace the ones that sold so quickly. Demand has fallen in recent months, but the shortage in ready to drive cars has led to limited choices for those who have to purchase now. Why Buy Now? According to CoxAuto, the main reason people are purchasing new cars currently is that their current vehicle is damaged, unreliable, or a lease is expiring. This means that customers are spending less time in the market considering which vehicle to purchase, and considering less expensive options, such as used cars or economical models. Purchasing a new car can have other benefits aside from the obvious. A more fuel-efficient car will save you money over time, despite being a large up-front purchase, and a newer car is less likely to need extensive repairs. If you’re spending a year’s worth of car payments on an older vehicle just to keep it on the road, it’s time to look for a new one. Safety features are also important to consider, and they can save in health care deductibles, auto insurance premiums, and days missed from work. Looking For A New Car? If you’re in need of a new car, you need a dealership you can trust to sell you a good car at a fair price, instead of taking advantage of you during the purchase. Red McCombs Drive Away Motors has been the most trusted dealership in Texas for over a decade. We work with dozens of financial companies to help people with damaged credit get the financing they need to buy a car, truck or SUV. Visit us at Red McCombs Drive Away Motors today, or drop by our nearest location!

Did you know that the world supply of semiconductors is mainly manufactured in Taiwan? Global tension and the recent pandemic have put the car supply chain 2022 in a state of flux. As a result, many wonder how the industry will recover from the current issues. This blog post will discuss the factors affecting the automotive industry and why they matter. Keep reading to find out! Automotive Supply Chain News: An Overview of Recent Events The COVID pandemic put a wrench in many operations, from carmakers to suppliers. The car supply chain was no exception. In fact, the pandemic exacerbated existing problems in the automotive industry. These problems included: Reliance on China for parts and assembly Long lead times for new car models Lack of flexibility in the supply chain These issues have led to a decrease in production and an increase in car prices. In addition, the pandemic has created a new set of challenges for the automotive industry. These include: A decrease in consumer demand A shortage of semiconductors Shipping delays Many consumers are now looking to purchase used vehicles, as new ones are rapidly increasing in price. Main New Car Supply Chain Issues: What’s Happening Right Now Currently, there are two main issues affecting the car supply chain. The first is the semiconductor shortage. This shortage is a result of the pandemic. Many factories in China and Taiwan, where a large portion of semiconductors is made, were closed during the height of the pandemic. Productions were at a standstill for many months, resulting in backorders and major shortages in well-known car companies such as: Toyota Ford GMC The second issue is the increase in material costs, mainly due to other world events, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. As well as increasing tensions between China, Taiwan, and NATO are affecting the supply chain. Since the car supply chain is a global enterprise, disruptions have ripple effects felt noticeable in every corner of the world. When Will the Auto Supply Chain Be Back to Normal: A Look Into the Future The car supply chain 2022 is currently in a state of flux. However, some factors suggest it will recover. These include: An increase in electric vehicle production A shift to local production An increase in semiconductor production These factors will help mitigate the current issues’ effects and allow the automotive industry to return to a state of growth. In fact, President Biden recently signed the CHIPS and Science Act, providing US companies with billions of dollars over the next five years. This will put a dent into the car supply chain 2022 worries and help the industry return to normal. The car supply chain is a complex system that is constantly changing. The recent pandemic has highlighted some of the weaknesses in the system. However, many factors suggest the car supply chain will recover. With the right policies in place, the automotive industry can return to a state of growth. Car Supply Chain in 2022: A Better Future What do you think about the car supply chain in 2022? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Are you looking to purchase a vehicle in the near future? Then, check out our inventory today!