Peterson Motor Company

New 2011 Jetta is Coming Soon!

2010-07-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

The 2011 new model introduction season is coming up, and VW has announced the all-new 2011 Jetta for North America. The sixth-generation Jetta has a slightly longer wheelbase to enable more interior room, along with a long list of new and updated features. The 2011 Jetta Motortrend video can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfvNKovQ22Q&feature=fvw It looks like it's going to be a winner.

-Ian

Announcing partnership with Guardian Warranty Corporation

2010-05-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Peterson Motor Company has just partnered with Guardian Warranty Corporation, the leader in vehicle mechanical protection. In addition to the availability of vehicle service contracts on all of our vehicles, we are proud to announce our new Certified Pre-Owned program on every vehicle that qualifies. Just like all of the vehicles that we take in for inventory, these CPO cars are thoroughly inspected and reconditioned to the highest standards. But they also include a limited warranty to back it all up, all at a price far below what you would find on a comparable vehicle at a new-car store. You will even have the option to upgrade the warranty at time of purchase depending on the protection you desire and the length of time you expect to own your vehicle.

-Ian

Car of the week and New Website!

2010-04-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Long time no post, I know. Just wanted to mention the new website is up and running, so visit petersonmotorcompany.com and check it out. Lots of new features and a little more user-friendly than before. Also, the car of the week is a 2002 Mercedes-Benz E430 Sedan. This car is in super great shape and it looks and drives like it only has 20K miles on it. It has tons of power and is loaded with options. Contact me and mention this post for a special price on this car.

Ian

New Touareg Coming from VW

2010-04-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

VW is set to release the second-gen Touareg later this year in the U.S. and Europe. In my opinion, it will be a much-welcomed replacement to the current model, especially if we keep getting the V6 TDI engine in the States. The body lines are sharper, and it appears that VW is aiming at making it look more like the Tiguan's big brother. There are a lot of technological advances as well in the new model, very exciting for us VW fans. You can see more details here.

Ian

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T12:35:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to thank you for your business and ask that you to keep me in mind for your next pre-owned vehicle purchase. This picture is of the last car sold in 2009 at Peterson Motor Co. It's a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 Coupe, enjoy your new ride and thanks for your business Kerry! Have a happy, safe new year and here's to a great 2010!

-Ian

BMW 330i and X5 4.4i In Stock Now!

2009-10-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I've been really busy tracking down the best cars I can find and I wanted to take a moment and highlight some new cars that I have in inventory right now. I've acquired two very nice BMW's that are sure to impress: a clean, one-owner 2001 330i sedan and a 2002 BMW X5 4.4i SAV that is in great shape and ready for winter fun! Check them both out at http://www.petersonmotorcompany.com/ and give me a call if you'd like to chat or have questions about them. Check back here for future inventory updates and more information about exceptional European automobiles.

-Ian

Purchasing European Automobiles (and more)

2009-10-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone,

Purchasing a pre-owned automobile can be a significant financial commitment and shouldn't be taken lightly. The last thing you want, especially in times like these, is to be stuck with a lemon that's in the shop every week.

I consider myself an expert in my field, and many of you know me as a true European car enthusiast. Before I became an independent automobile dealer, I worked as an automotive technician for Volkswagen, and prior to that, DaimlerChrysler. Because of my love for the technical aspect of cars, I continue to keep current with vehicle service, repair, and maintenance information. I also keep my ASE Master Technician Certification up to date, and in fact I just re-certified for the next 5 years. In my spare time, I still continue to service and repair cars (mostly VW and Audi products for friends and family, and inventory vehicles) to keep my skills sharp and knowledge current. As you can imagine, this is truly a unique background to have for an independent automobile dealer and comes in handy when purchasing cars at the auction and later presenting them to customers. If you have a question, chances are, I can answer it. Drawing from this knowledge and experience of servicing and purchasing European cars, I wanted to share some important information and give you some things to look for when considering purchasing a car from your local dealer or even a private party seller.

It is my opinion that when you purchase a pre-owned late model European automobile such as a VW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, or Porsche you are getting the most car for your money as far as build quality, options/features, and ownership satisfaction. But as with all vehicles that have a few miles on them, service and maintenance needs to be completed in order to keep them in optimal running condition.

First, make sure that the vehicle you are considering is up to date on its maintenance service. Generally, major services are only required every 20,000-40,000 miles, these include replacement of filters and fluids that are vital to the proper function of the powertrain and chassis. I've noticed there's a common misconception that European cars require a lot of maintenance compared to Asian vehicles. This is not the case, and in fact most models actually require less maintenance than your average Asian car in the same class. Most late model European cars use a synthetic lifetime coolant/antifreeze formula, lifetime transmission oil, lifetime fuel filters, and have extended oil change intervals-some can even go 15,000 miles or more between oil changes. Also, they don't require periodic valve adjustments like some Asian vehicles. This all adds up to savings at the workshop. Every car that leaves Peterson Motor Company is fully serviced and up to date on all required maintenance. Any mechanical repairs that were needed have been done as well.

Take the car on a thorough test drive and make sure there are no warning lights illuminated in the instrument cluster. The seller tells you, "Oh, I had it checked out already and it's an easy fix, it will only cost $100, I just don't have the time". Maybe, but even if that was the case, unless you're a do-it-yourselfer you don't want to have to deal with it after the purchase and most likely it will cost more, so have them fix it. Also, check for things like clicking noises from the c/v axle joints when making low speed sharp turns, and take the car over some bumps to check the suspension and steering. If there is something loose or worn, it will be more apparent over a speed bump or uneven roads. Don't be afraid to get the car on a highway and open it up a little to check the engine performance. If you don't do this, you might find out later on that there is an issue under full load, like a bad mass airflow sensor, or worse, the transmission is slipping.

When you get back from the test drive, take a good look at the body of the car and make sure the paint is nice and glossy. Paint and other vehicle surfaces also need to be maintained, and it helps to have the finish professionally polished at least once a year. Every vehicle that leaves Peterson Motor Company has been professionally detailed inside and out.

If you don't feel comfortable inspecting these items yourself, ask the seller if you can take the car and have it inspected by an ASE certified repair facility or automotive technician of your choice.

I hope you found this post informative and thanks for considering Peterson Motor Co. for your next vehicle purchase. Feel free to contact me any time at info@petersonmotorcompany.com for advice, or just to chat about cars.

-Ian

New inventory and car of the week.

2009-10-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

It's mid-October and it looks like the rain and cold has officially arrived! Time to check your wipers, battery, and tires to ensure safe winter driving. Business has been steady here, and lately I've been busy scouring the market for new inventory. I've managed to find some really nice Volkswagen and Audi vehicles and you can check them all out in the virtual showroom at petersonmotorcompany.com. The vehicle of the week is this 2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Wagon. It looks stunning in black, it's in excellent condition, and has plenty of cargo space for all of your hauling needs! It really is a great combination of fuel mileage and utility. I would again like to thank all of my customers for their support and continuing referrals, I appreciate it tremendously. Please check back for car shopping tips and specific things to look for when purchasing European vehicles in my next post.

-Ian

VW Passat special of the week

2009-07-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I wanted to highlight this Passat as the special of the week. This
Passat GLX 4Motion wagon is an excellent value at $5995. It is fully
serviced including a new timing belt and brakes, and is ready for a
new home! This genuinely is lot of car for the money, and worth
checking out. Stay tuned for more great values and new inventory
coming soon at Peterson Motor Company!

-Ian

Lots of new inventory coming soon!

2009-04-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone,

Sunny weather has finally arrived and I'm just drooling over the 911
that found its way into the VW/Audi sale down here in Oakland! I
purchased 6 new cars this week, so be sure to check out my inventory
page soon for some sweet deals on some awesome cars.

-Ian

Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau!

2009-03-17T19:02:00.001-07:00

Hello again,

I just wanted to take this time to let everyone know that Peterson
Motor Company has been invited by, and is now an accredited member of
the Better Business Bureau! The website will be updated soon to add
the BBB logos and links to our profile and ratings. Check out our
profile online at www.bbb.org and keep posted for inventory updates
and other news!

-Ian

Riverside Auto Auction

2009-01-14T17:18:00.000-08:00

Hello again everyone,

It's been quite a while since my last post, I hope everyone is doing
well. Business is steady here, and due to popular demand from
potential and past customers I have set up mobile blogging from my
phone in order to provide up-to-date pictures and info about vehicles
in real time while I'm physically at the auction! As you can see, I'm
in sunny southern California today previewing cars for the sale
tomorrow. There are plenty of beautiful Audis and VWs for sale here,
all looking for new homes. Stay tuned for details and pictures of my
upcoming inventory at www.petersonmotorcompany.com

-Ian

Thanks to Peter O'Brien!

2008-07-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I would like to personally thank Mr. Peter O'Brien for his recent purchase of an exceptional 2004 VW Passat GLS 1.8T Sedan. May it serve you well in commuting to your new job, and anywhere else your life takes you!

-Ian

Thanks to the Weikum Family!

2008-07-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Business is smooth and steady as we get into the beautiful Oregon July weather, and I would like to take the time to thank the Weikum family for their recent purchase of a pristine 2007 VW Passat Wolfsburg Edition Sedan.

-Ian

Thanks to the Main Family!

2008-07-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

Today, I would like to thank the Main family for their recent purchase of a 2006 VW Passat VR6 Luxury Sedan. It is a superb vehicle and loaded with more options than a BMW. Enjoy the ride for years to come, guys!

-Ian

Cruisin' Sherwood 2008

2008-06-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Well, it's the second Saturday in June again, and this year we were lucky enough to have some nice weather for the annual Cruisin' Sherwood car show. There was quite a big turnout and plenty of food, fun, and awesome cars on display. The streets were filled with smoke during the burn-out contest, and among the entries were a couple police cruisers. There was even a special appearance by the SP 4449. That is one massive steam locomotive! It was a great event and I will definitely be there next year to check it out again.

-Ian

Thanks Morley Family!

2008-06-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

It's been a busy week so far, and I'm extremely thankful for all of my customers. I have yet another 'thank you' to give today and it goes out to the Morley family. In a sea of used car dealers, thanks very much for choosing Peterson Motor Company to purchase your 2004 VW Passat GLS. This is an excellent Passat and it will serve you well for years to come.

Thanks again

-Ian

Thanks to the Rounds Family!

2008-06-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Today I would like to say thanks very much to the Rounds family for your recent purchase of an almost new 2008 VW GTI 2.oT, and for traveling such a great distance to buy the car! I hope your trip back home was a safe one, and have lots of fun with your new-found "Fast"!

Best Regards

-Ian

Thanks Phonasa Family!

2008-06-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

Hello again everyone,

Today I would like to thank the Phonasa Family for their recent purchase of a 2000 Audi A6 4.2L Quattro Sedan. Your business is greatly appreciated, and I hope you are out enjoying your new car!

All the best,

Ian

Thanks Larson Family!

2008-06-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I wanted to give special thanks to my latest customers, the Larson family. Thanks very much for your purchase, and congratulations on your new 2002 VW Passat V6 4Motion! May it provide you with years of trouble-free service!

-Ian

First Blog from Ian @ Peterson Motor Company

2008-06-08T01:12:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the official blog of Peterson Motor Company. Visit regularly for company updates, community events, and quality pre-owned vehicle specials. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of my customers for allowing me to earn their trust. Your business is extremely appreciated!

Coming soon...

New inventory and updates to the website @ www.petersonmotorcompany.com

-Ian