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A wonderful place we all know as Waldorf or possibly your familiar with its original name "Beantown." But by the year 1880 it adopted its new name "Waldorf." With a population well over 65,000 people. It seems like a small area, but we are going to talk about 5 things to do that you possibly never knew about. #5. Take a tour of the BlueDyer Distillery Why not stop by the family run local distillery? You can schedule a tour easily online at their website. They will teach you about the process on how they distill their Gold Rum, Whiskey, and Gin. They give tastings and inside knowledge of what they have a passion for. #4. Cedarville Pond Trail Are you looking to be adventurous? If so, be sure to check out this beautiful 3 mile hike that takes you through the wilderness. Try running this trail or fishing, and feel free to bring your dog! It is a great path to find beautiful wild flowers and stunning views of the pond. Bring your lunch, your family, and set up a nice afternoon picnic. #3. Capital Clubhouse If your looking for an active fun way to spend the afternoon or evening, head over to the capital clubhouse which offers indoor sports, an NHL-size ice rink, rock climbing wall, two multi-sports courts, a fitness center, various classes, and other special events. #2. Paint A La Carte Get in touch with your creative side and stop by Paint a la carte. Go on in, grab a seat, and order your favorite entree and/or a beverage of your choice. They will provide everything you need, the apron, brushes, water-soluble paint, an easel, and a canvas. Get a few friends together and have a nice relaxing evening painting.\ #1. Dr. Samuel A Mudd House Museum One of the most amazing historic places in town, this old-fashioned farmhouse has been in the same family since the 1690s. You can take a guided tour of the historic home and see what life was like in rural Maryland. The museum highlights the history of the Mudd family through artifacts, photos, and furniture. If you would like to learn more about Waldorf Check out our article here on "What it is, and Who Lives There."

What is it? Southern Maryland is a region that includes all of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties and the southern portions of Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties. It has a growing community for people and families that want that small town rural feel, without being in the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a great affordable alternative to being in the center of where all the action is. Southern Maryland consists of the states southernmost counties on the western shore of the Chesapeake bay. In this region you experience the suburban feel, developments are growing quickly for those wanting to expand from Washington DC and the metropolitan area. Who Lives Here? In this area we have a lot of people who work at Andrews Air Force Base, The U.S. Census Bureau or at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. You will also find people who love spending time at the beach relaxing, fishing or crabbing. In the summertime there are tons of outdoor activities to enjoy. You really do have the best of both worlds, wether you like to be in the city you'll find - its an easy commute into D.C, or if you like to enjoy those summer evenings with the family. Quick Facts - More than three-quarters of the land area is still rural, a mixture of forest and farmland. - If you love crabbing, come visit us in Southern Maryland. Both steamed crabs and crab cakes are considered Southern Maryland delicacies because of the the large amount of harvesting of blue crabs from the bay. - We also love our Old Bay Seasoning. Which gets its name after the Old Bay Line, a passenger ship line that cruised the waters of the Chesapeake Bay in the early 1900's. Southern Maryland Honda

Buying a vehicle can be big decision, but unfortunately we hear a lot of misconceptions about the topic of buying a used car. We will talk about 5 Myths that are inaccurate. We think it is important to set things straight and make things clear. #1. If We Pay In Cash We Will Receive a Better Deal This is typically our first thought. We have the full amount in hand, ready to be paid in full. Now we believe we will get a lower price. But unfortunately nowadays, this isn't the case. Everyone in the car business wants to make sure that they are still making money, and one way to do this is by financing your vehicle. When we talk about paying in cash, at times it can actually discourage giving us a discounted price. #2. Never Finance With The Dealership Now if we ARE looking for financing our vehicle, don't run away from the thought of financing with the dealer. Especially if we have a good credit score. It might just be worth looking into seeing what they have to offer. At times, dealerships have amazing specials where they offer low interest rates because they have the access and pull to do so. Where as local banks may have no incentive for giving you a low rate on your vehicle. #3. The Internet Is The Only Way To Find A Used Car Typically speaking the internet is a great way to find a used car, but it isn't the only way. When we look on the internet we may come across cars that are overpriced, not in the condition they appear in the photos, and also we could be dealing with dishonest people. If we come across a vehicle that we saw at a dealership, or one for sale by a private seller we may just be in luck. #4. Buying a Used Car Automatically Comes With a Warranty We need to be careful into thinking that our car will always come with a warranty. Yes, it would be nice and an ideal situation, but especially with older cars we should check into the factory warranty and seeing if our vehicle is still being covered up to a certain mileage or date. We can also ask (if we are buying from a dealership), if they offer any warranties for our car. We might be surprised in what they have to say and deals that they can give. #5. Never Buy An Older Vehicle This should not come as a surprise for us, because everyone is different. Some only like to purchase new vehicles, and thats great! But as for most of us we love looking and doing research on older cars. It is a great way to save money and still get a car thats new to us. Of course we need to look into the history of any car we are looking at, but for the most part this is the way we can get the most bang for our buck. Keep on reading to our post that shows real proof that the internet has changed the used car buying experience.

Well we finally have it. The quick and easy way to find a used car that suits each of us individually. Searching the internet has made it so much easier for us to research cars that we like, read reviews, and look all across the states to find the car we would like to buy. We now have the option to be selective with colors, features, and know what kind of conditions the car has been residing in. Its all just a click away. Accessibility Now within the comfort of our own homes we can sit down and really take the time to figure out what kind of car we are ready to purchase. We can look up many different brands, features, and even narrow it down to the location of the car we want. We can also look up the history of the car. By purchasing the car-fax, it allows us to see where the car has been residing, accidents reported, and any maintenance done to the car. Variety More often now we see plenty of websites that offer us guidance when it comes to making our final purchase. There are a couple different types of websites: 1. Websites that give you the standard details of a vehicle directly from the manufacture. 2. Websites that show the reviews of real people speaking out loud and stating what they like and dislike about a car. It can sometimes be a little overwhelming at times reading one persons review when it says that they love their vehicle and how inexpensive it is to maintain. Then the next person stating how much work and money they've had to put into the same car! But again, with the help of the internet and enough research you can dig into those little details of what makes cars so different. Do the cars have the same manufacture location? or possibly was one of the cars in a previous accident? These are all things we have to take into consideration but with a little help from the internet its possible. Time With all this information available to us at our fingertips, it helps save us time. Sometimes searching for a car can be a long process. When you know what you want, thanks to your research, and you have found the car you love with all the bells and whistles, it makes it easy to make that final purchase. What could have potentially taken you months to find the car you want, the internet helps cut that time in 1/2. Look here for help on buying a used car in Waldorf Maryland.

Waxing a Brand New Car What all the fuss is about It's shiny. It's new. It gleams in the sunlight. Your brand new car. You have done hours of research to find just the right one, and now you have it. It's yours. How do you keep it looking so nice? What's all the fuss about waxing a new car? Why is it so important? When should you do it? And how should you do it? Having the dealer or an auto body shop wax your car is always an option. This article is assuming that you are wanting to wax your vehicle yourself. Why You Should Wax Your Car You new beauty will be exposed to all the elements. While you are staying dry and clean sitting inside of it while cruising down the road, it is taking a beating. The elements don't hold back - rain, snow, road salt, bugs, bird poop, the salty sea air (if you live close to the ocean), the list goes on. Your vehicle's paint protects the metal body of the car from rust. The last thing you want to see on your new car is premature rust spots. Waxing regularly can prevent this. Applying wax 2-4 times a year is recommended. Waxing is not the same as washing. Down below are the basic steps to effectively wax your car. How to Wax it Properly Ask any car lover and they will tell you how they wax their car. With so many brands and products on the market there are several options. However, many will agree with the following basics: Wash - never use dish washing detergent. You need a properly pH balanced cleaner. Most advertised car washing detergents are suitable. This is a crucial step to remove loose debris and contaminants. Clean - once the initial wash is complete and your car is dry, it is time to inspect for stuck on debris. Tree sap, bird droppings, pollen, and brake dust may not come off with the initial wash. A good way to check is to rub your hand across the surface of your vehicle. If it feels gritty, grab a clay bar and rub it over the gritty parts. It's a mild abrasive that is designed to effectively finish cleaning the cars surface. Polish - not everyone insists on this step and some lump it in with the cleaning step, but it is definitely not the same as applying wax. Applying a polishing coat is what will the paint have it's shiny, reflective gleam. Some polishes help restore oils to the paint. Be careful not to remove dry polish as this can scratch the paint. Wax - This step is what protects the sheen, finish, and paint. It's recommended to use a microfiber, but others may suggest another type of applicator. Apply the wax, let it sit as long as indicated on the bottle you use, and remove it in the order you applied it. Then repeat until the car is completely sealed. We highly recommend following these steps in a shady area. If the sun is out and hot it can create water spots while washing and make it more difficult to avoid the polish or wax drying too quickly. Waiting to Wax A New Car: Myth Twenty-years ago you had to be careful that after purchasing a new car you didn't wax it too soon. It was said that the paint solvents needed to dry and the paint needed to cure. Those days are over. These days factories cure the paint jobs before leaving for the dealership. You can wax your car as soon as you bring it home from the dealer without worrying about ruining anything. It is highly recommended you, or a professional, wax your car as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more elements your car will be exposed to without being protected. Conclusion Waxing your new car is extremely important and the sooner the better. It is possible to do it yourself and recommended to do it 2-4 times a year. With a little more research and loving elbow grease you can keep your car's exterior shiny, rust-free, and protected for years to come. Contact Waldorf Honda Today!!

Manufacturer's Warranty: What's Not Covered And why it matters Deciding to purchase a car can be many things - exciting, overwhelming, and necessary to mention a few. Once you've decided on the kind of car you will be driving, the next step is to start considering what warranties are available. All dealerships and manufactures warranties differ, so be mindful of fully understanding what is and is not covered before saying yes! As incentives, some dealerships and automakers will offer special deals covering things such as road side assistance and oil changes for a certain amount of time. These are worth considering when shopping around. Below are a few things to remember that won't be covered by your manufacturer's warranty.  This is not a comprehensive list of every warranty on the market, but it will help you plan out your budget for car maintenance and repairs, helping you extend the life of your vehicle by knowing what to expect. 2 Common Kinds of Manufacture Warranties: Bumper-to-Bumper and Powertrain When asking about Manufacture Warranties you may hear the phrases 'Bumper-to-Bumper' and 'Powertrain' often. These are the two most common warranties offered. They are often offered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Bumper-to-Bumper. This is usually the most common kind of warranty and sometimes referred to as the 'limited warranty'. Coverage can vary, but will almost never include regular maintenance like fluid top-offs and oil changes. Powertrain. General coverage includes the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels. Regular maintenance to these parts, such as engine tune-ups and tire rotations are not covered. Warranties are designed to give car owners peace of mind that if there is a production error, the company that made the car will pay to have it fixed. So, as a general rule of thumb, warranties won't cover parts that wear out from intended use. This includes tires, brakes, batteries, exterior paint, head lights. Down below is a longer list of parts not normally covered: A list of what is not generally covered: Brake linings and disc pads Clutch release bearings Clutch pressure plates and center plates Tires Wiper blade Seat and backrest covers Floor coverings Spark plugs Batteries for key fobs and alarms Light bulbs Shock Absorbers Adjustments to doors, flaps, boot lids, bonnets, sunroof Brake adjustment Clutch adjustment Headlight adjustment Steering geometry adjustments Wheel balancing More to Keep in Mind Coverage will also not include interior wear and tear such as stains, tears, and scratches. This is viewed as the fault and responsibility of the owner. In addition, general maintenance such as, fueling, oil changes, filter changes, engine tune-ups, and tire rotations are not covered because maintaining these parts is viewed 'as working as intended' and not a part that was manufactured incorrectly. Also, keep in mind that you will still need car insurance in addition to your warranties. The following is a list of things a warranty will not cover, but that an auto policy can: Accident or collision damage Theft Road salt damage Natural disaster damage, like hail Dents or paint chips Several more Conclusion Don't let this list scare you. While it may look long, remember there are thousands of parts to any vehicle and many of them can be covered under warranty. It will just take some investigating to understand what is and is not covered. But it is good to remember that general wear and tear, maintenance, and misuse on any car won't be covered. Also, don't forget to find a car insurance policy that will fit your needs and cover other incidentals. Keeping this all in mind will help you estimate your new car maintenance budget. Helping you take better car of your vehicle and help extend the life of it.

Ending Your Lease Early What You Should Know You were excited about your new car. It was exactly what you wanted at the time you drove it off the lot. But life changes. What happens if you lose your job and can't afford the payments? If you got a promotion and can afford a nicer, better car, why keep the small compact? What if your two-door dream car won't be what your family needs when the new baby comes? If you financed the vehicle you can sell it or trade it in fairly easy. If you decided leasing was a better option, you are asking: Can I terminate my lease early? In short answer, yes. Just make sure you do your research first and be careful. Car companies know that life happens. You are not the first person to ask this question. Therefore, check your leasing contract for the specifics for terminating your lease early. Not all contracts are the same, so don't assume the fine print. It is rare that you will be able to end the lease early without paying for it, but it is not impossible. Available Options to Consider: Return the car and pay the fees. Make sure you are aware of the exact amount you will be responsible for before making this decision. If you are near the end of your contract, it may be more save you money to finish the payments. Transfer your lease. This is a viable option with most contracts. There are trusted online companies that offer this service. It allows you to advertise that you are wanting to sell your lease to those that are interested in taking it over. Just be aware that you may still be liable if something goes wrong, i.e. payments stop being made, because your name will still be on the original lease contract. It's a good way to get out of your lease if everything goes smoothly. Trade in for another vehicle. You can roll the fees over into a new lease agreement. This will make your new monthly payment higher, but allow you to pay the fees from the old lease over time and not all at once. Purchase the vehicle. You are able to purchase or buy out the leased vehicle at anytime during the lease period. Just do the math and make sure it is worth the extra money. Conclusion It is very possible to end a lease agreement early. Read the fine print on your contract and crunch the numbers before jumping out. Depending on your contract, the market, and your specific circumstances it may cost you less and give you more peace of mind to finish out the contract.

Leasing vs. Financing Comparing the two options Should I buy or lease my next car? In short, there is no clear-cut answer. There are pros and cons to both options. The answer for you will depend on your finances and lifestyle. Financing, or buying, a new car is often cheaper long term, but usually requires higher monthly payments and a higher down payment. Leasing a new car will keep you in the newest models with lower monthly payments, but may surprise you with mileage and wear and tear fees at the end of your contract. We've written a few pros and cons down to help you decide what is best for you. Financing a Car: Pros Monthly Payments: Once you have finished paying off your car, it is yours. Until you decide to buy another car, you won't have a monthly payment to worry about. The amount you will pay monthly is determined by several factors; including the down payment amount, interest rates on your loan, time-frame of the loan, trade-in value from a previous vehicle. Equity: Throughout the length of your loan payments, you're building equity, as long as your payments are outpacing the depreciation of the vehicle. Wear and Tear: If you intend to use your car for anything other than impressing clients, this can be a huge pro. Life happens. Average wear and tear is covered in a lease, but you know you and what how you will use your car. If you don't want to be worried about every scratch and crumb, stick to buying your vehicle. Modifying the Vehicle: Once you drive the car off the lot, the car is yours to customize however you would like. Mileage: You can take as many road trips as you would like. There is no mileage caps. Credit Score: It is often easier for someone with not-so-good credit to finance a car than it would be to lease one. You may end up with high interest rates, but at least you would have a car. Financing a Car: Cons Monthly Payments: Depending on interest rates and your down payment, your monthly payments could be higher. Keep in mind that a purchased vehicle is considered a depreciating asset. Meaning it will lose value over time. Value goes down 20% just for driving it out of the lot. If you want to sell it later, or use it for trade-in value, it will not be worth what you paid for it. Maintenance: The longer you have a car, the more repairs it will need and you will be responsible for them. Extended warranties are often available, but they won't cover everything. Once the car's warranty runs out, you will start having to pay out of pocket for all repairs. Leasing a Car: Pros Monthly Payments: Usually cheaper each month and leased cars used for business can be deducted from your taxes. You only pay the difference between the car’s price and what it’s expected to be worth at the end of the lease, or its residual value. Maintenance: Many leases last about 3 years so the car is usually covered under warranty the entire time. You still must maintain the car, oil changes, tire rotations and recommended maintenance, but most unexpected repairs will be covered. Newest and Shiniest: If you like having the nicest car on the block every 2-3 years, this is the option you'll want. You will get a new car about every 3 years and you won't have to worry about selling the old one. You bring the old keys to the dealership and they hand you the new keys. Of course, there will be a little more to the process, but in a nutshell, it's really that easy. Leasing a Car: Cons Extra Fees: Mileage Overage Fees, Wear and Tear Fees, and it can be expensive to break your lease agreement early. Buying the Vehicle: You may decide you want to buy the car at the end of your lease agreement. If so, you will then have to take out a loan (if you don't have the cash on hand) that will often have higher interest rates because it is now a loan on a used vehicle. Modifying the Vehicle: Be prepared to have all modifications undone before you return the car. You borrowed the car for a few years, the dealership likes it returned in the state it was given to you. Credit Score: Leasing is rarely even a option if you have poor credit. It is not impossible, but can be more difficult. Conclusion Driving a new car is exciting. Always make sure to check and understand the terms of the financing option you choose. We always recommend running the numbers yourself. Be honest about your budget, needs in a vehicle, your lifestyle and your credit history. Contact Waldorf Honda Today!

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. That Advertised Price was a stripped down model 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 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.