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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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Couple and dog with a Honda HRV compact SUV at a Southern Maryland riverside overlook

Honda HRV Review: 2027 HR-V Trims & Pricing | Waldorf Honda

The Honda HRV is one of the easiest small SUVs to live with, and the 2027 model is here. Whether you type it as HR-V, HRV or HR V, you are looking at Honda's smallest SUV: a roomy, efficient five-seater with a friendly price. At Waldorf Honda, we help drivers from Waldorf, La Plata, St. Charles and Clinton compare trims every day. Some 2026 models may still be on our lot too, so we cover both years below. 2027 HR-V at a glance Every HR-V uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 158 hp and 138 lb-ft, paired with a CVT. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Real-Time AWD is available on every trim. EPA ratings are 26 city / 32 highway / 28 combined mpg with FWD and 25/30/27 with AWD. The 2027 LX starts at $26,600, or $28,150 with destination. That is about $400 more than the 2026. Honda HR-V interior and cargo space The Honda HR-V interior is simple and easy to use. Every trim gets a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Qi wireless phone charger and a 7-inch digital gauge display. Passenger volume is 98.7 cu ft on the LX and Sport and 97.3 cu ft on the EX-L. Behind the rear seat you get 24.4 cu ft of cargo space. Fold the seats down and that grows to 55.1 cu ft, which is plenty for a big grocery run or a weekend trip to the Chesapeake. Every HR-V also comes with Honda Sensing. That includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, a driver attention monitor and auto high beams. What's new: the 2026 refresh carries into 2027 The HR-V got a meaningful update for 2026, and the 2027 keeps all of it. Compared with the Honda HR-V 2025, the 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the wireless charger became standard on the LX and Sport. Privacy glass is now standard too. Honda also added new wheel designs and new colors, including Solar Reflection Metallic and Boost Blue Pearl, which is offered only on the Sport. Who is the HR-V for? The HR-V fits first-time new-car buyers, commuters, small households and empty nesters who want SUV space without a big SUV price. At 179.8 inches long, it is easy to park in downtown La Plata or a busy Waldorf lot. If you regularly carry lots of gear or want a hybrid, the CR-V may suit you better. Which HR-V trim should you buy? The budget-minded commuter: LX. If you drive Route 301 every day and want the lowest price, the LX covers the basics well. You still get the 9-inch screen, wireless phone connection and the full Honda Sensing suite. Just know the LX does not have blind spot information. The all-around daily driver: Sport. For most buyers, the Sport is the sweet spot. For $1,800 more than the LX, it adds heated front seats, blind spot information and rear cross traffic monitor. Those are welcome on a cold January morning in Charles County. It also has the most ground clearance of any trim at 7.3 inches. The comfort seeker: EX-L. If you want the nicest HR-V, the EX-L adds leather-trimmed seats, a power moonroof, dual-zone climate and parking sensors. It is a good fit for longer drives and for anyone who parallel parks in tight spots. Add AWD to any trim for around $1,500 if you want extra grip in rain and snow. Choose the HR-V if you want a lower price and an easier size to park. Choose the CR-V if you need more cargo room, more power or a hybrid. Frequently asked questions What gas mileage does the 2027 Honda HR-V get? The 2027 HR-V is EPA-rated at 26 city, 32 highway and 28 combined mpg with FWD. With AWD, it is rated at 25 city, 30 highway and 27 combined mpg. Does every Honda HR-V trim offer AWD? Yes. Real-Time AWD is available on the LX, Sport and EX-L. It adds $1,500 to the starting MSRP of each trim. How much ground clearance does the HR-V have? The LX and EX-L have 7.0 inches of ground clearance. The Sport has 7.3 inches. What is the difference between the 2026 and 2027 HR-V? The 2027 carries over the updates from the 2026 refresh, including the standard 9-inch screen, wireless phone connection, wireless charger and standard privacy glass. The 2027 starts about $400 higher. If a 2026 is still on our lot, it may be a smart way to get nearly the same SUV. See the HR-V at Waldorf Honda Whether you want a brand-new 2027, a 2026 that is still on the lot, or a pre-owned SUV, our team will help you find the right fit. Drivers come to us from across Charles County, including St. Charles and La Plata, and from nearby Clinton, and we are happy to set up back-to-back test drives of the HR-V and CR-V. On a tighter budget? Browse our used SUVs too. Shop new Honda HR-V inventory online, then visit Waldorf Honda at 2450 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20601, or call sales at 855-314-1635. Already own one? Schedule service or call 855-314-1636.

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.