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7 Things Your Car Dealer Usually Won't Tell You

buying a car at waldorf honda is different

7 Things Your Car Dealer Usually Won't Tell You

Here at Waldorf Honda, we want you to be informed about what to expect when you enter our dealership. There are many old tricks that car dealerships use that we want you to be informed of before coming in.
  1. That Advertised Price was a stripped down model

basic car with no frills Saw that new car in the paper for $9499, only to find that 90% of cars on their lot are $15,000 or more? It was stripped down, manual transmission, roll up windows, with tiny 4 cylinder engine. The Honda Difference. We don't do that at Honda. Power Windows come standard on all our models, our ad prices are usually automatic transmission options, and turbocharged engines at the top of their class comes standard on many of our 2018 models.

2. You're not the only one annoyed with sleazy used car dealers.

The industry has gotten a bad name by some rotten eggs. The truth is, the consumer protections that have rolled out into the car industry in the last 20 years were a direct result of people being treated unfairly. The Honda Difference. We are the best reviewed dealership in Waldorf for a reason. We treat people right, and our old name Ken Dixon still stands for something in this town. We treat people right, and we make more money when you are willing to return again, or give us your friends as a referral buying a car at waldorf honda is different

3. Get it in Writing. 

On used cars especially, you need to get promises in writing. If any dealership, including ours, makes you a promise, ask them for a "we owe" which says in writing if you buy this car "we owe" you what ever we promised, like new tires, or fixed air conditioning.

4. Shopping around scares us.

We want to make a deal with you today. People that say they'll come back tomorrow, often don't. Maybe they find another car at another dealership that suited them better. The Honda Difference. We are part of a network of over 20 dealerships. If you wanted your CRV with leather, we probably have one within our network of dealers. Just tell us what you want, let us find you the car, and move on to some other aspect of your life than buying a car.

5. It was in an accident.

If you live long enough, you will eventually buy a car that has gremlins. Maybe it has a pull to the right that an alignment just won't fix. Maybe you realize in certain lighting that an entire side of your car has been repainted. Why? Its been in an accident, and it often devalues a car by several thousand dollars as soon as you take possession of it. The Honda Difference. We are a certified Carfax dealer. Every car we sell comes with a free car fax report. Don't get duped again.

6. The salesman you dealt with last year may not be around next year.

The auto business is notorious for churning and burning salesman. They don't get treated right, and so they leave to find work elsewhere. They are used and abused. Our difference. Many of the employees we have here, including Anna, Danny, Stormy, Saeed, and dozens of others, are still with us from the days when we were called Ken Dixon. Come on, you probably still have one of our pens!

7. Once we sell the car to you, you are forgotten

Many people complain that once the car dealer has their money and their signature, the salesman fall off the grid, and become unresponsive. The Waldorf Honda difference. We didn't get to be the best reviewed car dealer in Waldorf by treating people poorly. We stand behind our warranties, have an incredibly great service department, and we really really want to sell you another car when you're ready for a new one.

Conclusion

We do things a little bit differently here, the old fashion way, and we're doing quite well as a result. Come to our showroom, call us, or browse our inventory on our website to get more information.

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Honda CR-V vs HR-V

Honda CR-V vs HR-V

Honda CR-V vs. Honda HR-V: Which SUV Is Better for Southern Maryland Drivers? The Honda HR-V is the better fit for shoppers who want a smaller, more affordable SUV that is easy to drive and park. The Honda CR-V is better for drivers who want more power, cargo room, available hybrid efficiency and added versatility for family travel. Both seat up to five and offer available all-wheel drive. Choosing between the Honda HR-V and Honda CR-V usually comes down to how much space, performance and flexibility you need. For Southern Maryland drivers traveling between Waldorf, Prince Frederick, Lexington Park and the Washington region, either SUV can make an excellent daily vehicle—but they serve slightly different priorities. 2026 Honda CR-V vs. HR-V at a Glance Comparison 2026 Honda HR-V 2026 Honda CR-V Best for Value, maneuverability and everyday commuting More cargo room, power and family versatility Starting MSRP $26,500 1 $30,920 1 Standard engine 2.0-liter, 158-horsepower engine 1 1.5-liter turbocharged, 190-horsepower engine 1 Hybrid option Not offered for the 2026 model year Available 204-horsepower two-motor hybrid powertrain 1 All-wheel drive Available Real Time AWD™ 1 Available Real Time AWD™; standard on select trims 1 Cargo space 24.4 cubic feet behind the second row 1 Up to 76.5 cubic feet with the second row folded 1 Specifications vary by trim and configuration. Always verify current vehicle specifications and availability before purchase. Which Honda SUV Is Easier to Drive and Park? The HR-V is the smaller of the two SUVs, making it a natural choice for drivers who regularly navigate busy parking lots, tighter streets or limited garage space. Its size can make daily errands around Waldorf or Prince Frederick feel simple, while its five-passenger cabin and 60/40 split-folding rear seat still provide useful flexibility. The CR-V remains easy to live with for a compact SUV, but its larger footprint provides more room for passengers and cargo. If you frequently carry sports equipment, luggage, home-improvement supplies or gear for weekend trips, the additional versatility may be worth the step up. Which Has More Power? The 2026 HR-V uses a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. That setup is designed for practical everyday driving and may be all that a solo commuter, couple or small household needs. The 2026 CR-V offers more power. Gasoline LX, EX and EX-L trims use a 190-horsepower turbocharged engine, while Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims use a 204-horsepower two-motor hybrid powertrain. Drivers who merge frequently onto faster roads, regularly carry passengers or simply prefer stronger acceleration may appreciate the CR-V’s additional output. Which Is Better for a Southern Maryland Commute? For a shorter commute or a driver focused on keeping the initial vehicle price lower, the HR-V is a compelling option. Honda lists an EPA fuel-economy rating of 26 city and 32 highway mpg for the front-wheel-drive 2026 HR-V. 1 Drivers covering more miles between Southern Maryland and the Washington area should also consider the CR-V Hybrid. Depending on trim and drivetrain, Honda lists strong city fuel-economy ratings for its available hybrid powertrain. The CR-V Hybrid can be especially attractive when a commute includes a mix of local traffic, stop-and-go driving and highway travel. Fuel-economy ratings vary by trim and drivetrain, and actual mileage depends on driving habits, vehicle condition, weather and other factors. Compare the exact window sticker for the vehicle you are considering. Which Has More Cargo and Passenger Space? Both SUVs seat up to five, but the CR-V is the stronger choice when space is a major priority. Honda lists up to 76.5 cubic feet of CR-V cargo space with the second row folded. Its low, wide cargo opening is helpful when loading groceries, strollers, luggage or larger items. The HR-V provides 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row. Its configurable 60/40 split rear seat lets you balance passenger and cargo needs, making it practical for routine shopping, work bags, sports equipment and weekend errands. Which Offers Better Technology? Both 2026 models offer the connectivity most drivers expect. The HR-V includes a 9-inch color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, while higher trims add features such as heated seats, leather-trimmed seating and parking sensors. The CR-V also includes a 9-inch color touchscreen with wireless smartphone compatibility. Available equipment includes a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, Bose premium sound system, Google built-in and a hands-free access power tailgate. Feature availability varies by trim, so it is important to compare the exact vehicles rather than relying only on the model name. Should You Choose the HR-V or CR-V? Choose the Honda HR-V if you want: A lower starting price A smaller SUV that is easy to maneuver Useful cargo space without moving into a larger vehicle Available all-wheel drive A practical commuter or first SUV Choose the Honda CR-V if you want: More cargo and passenger flexibility More standard horsepower An available hybrid powertrain More available comfort and technology features A versatile SUV for commuting, family travel and weekends Compare the Honda CR-V and HR-V at Waldorf Honda The best way to decide is to compare the two SUVs in person. Sit in both cabins, check the rear-seat room, load the cargo area and drive each model on familiar roads. Waldorf Honda serves SUV shoppers from Waldorf, Prince Frederick, Lexington Park and communities throughout Southern Maryland. Shop New Honda SUVs Schedule a Test Drive Frequently Asked Questions Is the Honda CR-V bigger than the HR-V? Yes. The CR-V is the larger SUV and offers more cargo capacity. The HR-V is smaller and easier to maneuver while still seating up to five. Does the Honda HR-V come as a hybrid? Honda does not offer a hybrid powertrain on the 2026 HR-V. The 2026 CR-V offers both gasoline and hybrid powertrains. Do the Honda CR-V and HR-V offer all-wheel drive? Yes. Real Time AWD™ is available on both models. It is standard on select 2026 CR-V trims and available on the others. Which Honda SUV is better for families? The CR-V is generally the better family choice when rear-seat room, cargo capacity and longer-trip versatility are priorities. The HR-V can work well for smaller households that prefer a more compact vehicle. Which Honda SUV is more affordable? The 2026 HR-V has the lower starting MSRP. Final pricing depends on trim, drivetrain, equipment, incentives, taxes and fees. Sources: 2026 Honda HR-V specifications and 2026 Honda CR-V specifications. 1 MSRP and vehicle specifications are based on information published by Honda as of September 2026 and are subject to change. MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, destination charge, options and other applicable fees. EPA mileage ratings are estimates for comparison purposes. Actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, vehicle maintenance and other factors. Contact Waldorf Honda to confirm current pricing, specifications and availability.

Letters PUERTO RICO carved in soft white sand of tropical beach in Puerto Rico

The Car Market In Puerto Rico After The Hurricane

On, September 20th a category 4 hurricane that carried 150 mph winds made landfall on Puerto Rico. It has left thousands without power, water, and with limited resources. Now as they try to get back to rebuilding their lives, jobs, and communities they are finding it is very difficult to do so with the lack of transportation. The car sales have naturally decreased dramatically after such a devastation to the island. About 1/4 of the cars were lost to flood damage. Many of the damaged vehicles will most likely end up at Insurance Auto Auctions. We can only imagine that the demand for a vehicle is very high. With people needing to return to their regular daily lives, commuting for work, and taking their children and getting them back to a good routine at school. Simply the supply is just too low when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. But they are doing everything they can to change things little by little, and make them more available. A Fact To Remember We will remember just 6 months ago, when Puerto Rico claimed the Guiness World Record for the longest parade of classic cars: 2,491. It is evident that puerto rico has one of the highest rates for car ownership in the world. Positives For The Future Taking one day at a time, we will slowly see little improvements. As different organizations, associations, and families that were not effected by the hurricane season this year, will continue to try to pull together what they can to donate to the island and the people there. Getting the remainder who stayed on the island back on their feet.

honda cars parked in front of a dealership in a downtown setting.

The Future Of The Car Industry

Gas Prices sure can increase quickly, but how long does it take them to come down? It seems like we are constantly watching the prices rise at a rapidly increasing rate. What does this mean for the average consumer? It could mean that we are starting to second guess upgrading to a bigger vehicle, with the extra space and power. Which could signify that we are starting to search for a smaller vehicle one that gets better gas mileage and has a smaller engine. But just because we might need to start looking for a car with a smaller engine that won't consume as much fuel, doesn’t mean we have to downsize the power that we want as well. Honda Accord now makes a Turbo Charged Engine. It is a smaller engine but the turbo gives it the boost it needs to make up for any power losses. Definition A turbocharger, or colloquially turbo, is a turbine-driven forced induction device that increases an internal combustion engine's efficiency and power output by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber. Benefits of a Honda Accord With a Turbo Charged Engine Increased Horsepower- Makes more power at a lower rpm It feels more relaxed to drive Increased reliability of engine Higher Efficiency- Runs off energy that is typically lost in naturally aspirated engines, thus the recovery of the engine improves the overall efficiency of engine What Else is Changing in the Car Industry? We have found more and more cars are being made with aluminum bodies. There are some advantages of this as well as disadvantages. Read along with us as we go over a few. Pros 1. Lightw eight 2. Strength and Durability 3. Safety Benefits When applied to an optimized automotivebody structure, aluminum can provide a weight savings of up to 50 percent compared with the traditional mild steel structure. Due to the reduced weight, the car will use less fuel. Aluminum body structures are equal or superior in strength to steel and absorb twice as much crash-induced energy. We have found  that with Honda they tend to make their hoods and trunks with aluminum which saves on weight, but usually does not affect body shop and insurance rates. Cons Now the we considered the pros. When dealing with aluminum it does not come without its disadvantages as well. 1. Higher costs to repair 2. Inability to be welded easily 3. In some situations it is more difficult to paint Aluminum is more expensive than steel, as much as two to three times more. A drawback that comes along with it being more expensive, is you will find that you are spending more money at the body repair shop. When it comes to welding it isn't as easy as if a steel door panel needs to be repaired. Usually with steel it can be welded back together easily, primed and repainted to look like no damage was even done to the vehicle, unfortunately this can't be done with aluminum. Now, we wait and see, to find out exactly what the future of the car industry will decide to do. Will they completely make the switch to aluminum? Or will they keep using steel because it is what we all know best. Only time will tell.