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WorldAuto Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen Providence RI Spring and summer are understandably popular times to purchase new cars, and with avenues to ownership such as the College Graduate Program available at Speedcraft VW, the pull of a brand new vehicle is strong. But there’s a question we’re often asked at our Providence-area dealership: what about special consideration for those who aren’t in the market for a new car? For these valued car shoppers, Volkswagen has created the WorldAuto Certified Pre-Owned program, which has fully changed the game for those looking for a pre-owned vehicle. By any estimation--and with good reason--the biggest worry the buyer of a pre-owned car will have is going to stem from the lack of knowledge the buyer has regarding the vehicle’s history. This creates a sense of distrust, leading to buyer’s remorse and all sorts of dread-related feelings. The 112-point quality inspection of all Certified Pre-Owned vehicles helps eliminate problems before they start. The Volkswagen WorldAuto Certified Pre-Owned program was designed to combat this uneasiness. Every vehicle to receive certification must be five model years old or younger with under 75,000 driving miles, just as a basic rule. Then, an eligible vehicle is subject to an exhaustive 112-point inspection, with testing taking place both on the lift and on the road. Any element that doesn’t fit VW’s exacting demands will be either fixed or replaced, ensuring that from front-to-back, inside-and-out, the vehicle is ready to go. But that isn’t even close to all that comes with a WorldAuto Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen. Each vehicle also receives a CarFax Vehicle History Report, as well as a 2-year or 24,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty (whichever comes first), covering such systems as the engine, braking, and heating and A/C. Buyers also receive two years of 24-hour Roadside Assistance, as well as three complimentary months of SiriusXM radio for compatible vehicles.  Learn more about Volkswagen Certified WorldAuto Program. Sound good? Of course it does. And at Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we have many available WorldAuto Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, and we’ll even help you with the financing. To learn more about this wonderful program and how it can help you into your next terrific Volkswagen, visit our dealership in Wakefield, RI, today.

2014 VW Passat vs. 2014 Nissan Altima Providence RI Searching for a solid mid-size sedan is a little like buying a dog. You don’t just walk up to a window and say, “I’ll take it,” unless you have little interest in how the next ten or so years will play out. You need to do homework. You need to know how your prospective purchase fits your lifestyle and needs. In comparing two of the finest mid-size sedans available today, 2014 VW Passat and 2014 Nissan Altima, these are alike in many important ways. However, it’s in the minor differences where the Passat, now available at Speedcraft VW near Providence, manages to set itself apart. Under the hood, both vehicles offer multiple options that allow shoppers selections that are both efficient and powerful. On the 2014 VW Passat, the European-inspired driving dynamics are immediately evident through curvy roads and high-volume traffic, and with an EPA-estimated 43 mpg on the Turbo Diesel drivetrain option, the Passat delivers a fuel economy that even most hybrids can’t touch. The standard drivetrains on the Passat and Altima are similar in many respects, although the Passat yields greater power--280 hp to 270 for the Altima--in its V6 engine. The interior of the 2014 VW Passat is clearly cut from European cloth--or leather. Once inside the respective cabins of these two vehicles, drivers are met with two distinctly different approaches to refinement. Not surprisingly, the 2014 VW Passat chooses a more European angle: highly functional design flourishes, with an eye toward space-saving and sophistication. The Passat is extremely generous with interior and trunk space, yet it handles like it’s even smaller than it actually is. The Altima, meanwhile, also offers a spacious and well-crafted interior, although it might leave those who crave European nuance feeling a little stifled. In many respects, these two vehicles are both great options for drivers and families searching for a quality mid-size sedan. However, in terms of options, performance, and overall refinement, the 2014 VW Passat simply checks boxes that the Altima can’t. To learn more about the terrific 2014 Volkswagen Passat, we encourage you to stop by our Providence-area dealership, Speedcraft VW. We offer many attractive options from our Wakefield, RI, location, and our well-respected team is standing by today to get you into a vehicle you are guaranteed to love.

Tire Service in the Providence RI Area Now that winter has (finally) become spring, most of us are paying more attention than usual to updating the elements of our life that are requiring attention. For most of us, this involves cleaning the yard and gutters, straightening the garage, things of this nature. However, our cars also require attention during the spring, and one automotive issue that can’t be ignored is the health of our tires. At Speedcraft VW, we believe that our team is uniquely suited to pair your vehicle with the correct tires for your vehicle, so check these three criteria to see if now is the best time to visit our dealership for your next tire service in the Providence area. Check Your Tread Depth Put simply, tread depth is the measurement between the top of the tire rubber and the deepest groove on the tire, and is measured in 32nds of an inch. Most tires are between 10/32” and 12/32” when they are new, and a tire is legally considered worn-out when it has 2/32” of an inch or less. A simple way to measure tire depth is using what’s called the “Penny Test,” which is precisely what it sounds like: take an upside-down penny, and insert it between your tire’s grooves. If Abraham Lincoln’s head is completely visible from the side, it means that you’ve dipped beneath 2/32” of tread depth, and you should get new tires. If you can see all of President Lincoln's head when the penny is inserted into the grooves, it's time for new tires. Check for Wear and Tear There are several things to check on your tires that greatly increase the normal wear on your tires. These include items such as over- or under-inflation of tires, improper wheel alignment, damaged suspension, or feathering from improper toe setting, which refers to the direction that tires point at their home setting. These each are issues in themselves which can be addressed at Speedcraft VW, and can limit the lifespan of your tires. Check your Tire Pressure The easiest way to extend tire life is also the easiest to overlook. The additional wear from too much or too little tire pressure not only hurts your tires, it also affects gas mileage and your car’s maneuverability. Gas pressure can easily be checked using a manual tire-pressure gauge. For all your Volkswagen tire needs, Speedcraft VW in Wakefield, RI, located near Providence, is the area’s one-stop VW tire resource. We frequently offer specials to help area citizens keep their vehicles running at their highest level at a fair price, and appointments can be made easily. To learn more or to schedule a service appointment, visit our homepage for Speedcraft VW today.

Volkswagen Convertible Providence RI Now that summer is rapidly approaching, and as the red Sharpie gets a workout drawing circles on the calendar, doesn’t it seem like something is missing? With trips to the beach, summer cruises to various festivals, perhaps a night or two at the various drive-in theatres in the area, wouldn’t all of this be much more enjoyable in a Volkswagen convertible from Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI? Many of the benefits of driving a convertible are obvious to the point of cliche, “The wind in your hair” and all that drivel. Some perks, however, are much less so. Anyone who sits a little long in the saddle, for example, will never have to worry about headroom or neck pain again, while the corollary problem of nagging blind spots during lane changes will be similarly forgotten. And, while we often associate the term “family vehicle” with SUVs and sedans, can you think of anything to bring you and your loved ones together more than a sun-soaked cruise to the coast? No, we thought not. The 2014 VW Eos offers sophistication and luxury that suggests a far steeper sticker price. At Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we feature both new and used convertibles to boost your summer months from mild to hot. Each is host to its own charms while proudly featuring the quality craftsmanship that is undeniably Volkswagen. The 2014 VW Beetle Convertible, now available at Speedcraft VW, is everything you would expect from the update of one of history’s most popular convertibles: fun, stylish and highly functional. In all three of the available engine formats--the 2.5L five-cylinder, 2.0L Turbo R-Line, and all-new 1.8L Turbo four-cylinder--the 2014 VW Beetle Convertible exudes confidence and charm, with plenty of athleticism to boot. Also available at Speedcraft VW near Providence is the 2014 Volkswagen Eos, a sophisticated and sporty convertible with a retractable hardtop that neatly separates passengers from road noise when needed, and quickly folds to let the sunshine in on perfect summer days. The Eos comes standard with VW’s new CarNet telematics system, and its refined feel and performance exhibit fine-tuned luxury at a practical price. Of course, the best way to understand the finer points of convertible ownership is to schedule a test drive, which our friendly staff at Speedcraft VW is standing by to assist you with today. For all your VW convertible needs in the southern Rhode Island and beyond, Speedcraft VW has you covered!

2015 Volkswagen Jetta Release Providence RI It’s that time of year again, when all things seem so fresh and new and bursting with Springtime potential. It is fitting, then, that the New York International Auto Show has again brought the goods to the Big Apple, featuring the release of the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. How is it different? How is it the same? How are we going to handle the anticipation of waiting for its arrival at Speedcraft VW near Providence RI? Solid questions, all. Let’s take a look at the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, shall we? First of all, drivers of the new 2015 Volkswagen Jetta can expect that the renewed focus to fuel efficiency in recent model years has only been heightened for the updated model. The most popular engine models are back for 2015--a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine (1.8T) and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel (TDI)--with the TDI engine receiving an excellent EPA estimate of 45 mpg, just shy of the gas mileage expected in the 1.4-liter hybrid Jetta. The 1.8T and TDI will also receive an Active Radiator Shutter, which will close for small intervals to shorten engine warm-up times. The spacious and well-appointed cabin of the Volkswagen Jetta has been refined for 2015. The exterior styling of the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta near Providence also receives a refresh, adding updates to the front and rear fascia to improve aerodynamics, while optional bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lamps are also now available. The interior of the 2015 Jetta continues to be among the most spacious and versatile in the compact sedan segment, offering driver and passenger comfort that is seldom seen from vehicles of this size. Updated technology features are also new to the 2015 Jetta, including blind-spot detection, frontal collision warning, rear cross-traffic alerts, and new adaptive lighting available as options. The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta will be arriving at Speedcraft VW, located near Providence in Wakefield, RI, later this year. To learn more about this exceptional member of the Volkswagen family, including the details on its upcoming release, contact our friendly and well-respected sales staff today.

Ready for the next step? The College Graduate Program at Speedcraft VW can take you there. College Graduate Program Providence RI College graduation is only a few short weeks away for Rhode Island students, and as they tidy up their final semesters and try to resist the urge to party away the remaining days, they have many things to consider. Future job opportunities, summer plans, location changes--the list is long. At Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we are hoping to ease a bit of the load by way of our College Graduate Program, which is now available to upcoming and recent college graduates. It doesn’t matter whether you went to University of Rhode Island, or Brown, or even if you went to college in Rhode Island at all; as long as your recent or upcoming graduation is from an accredited two- or four-year U.S. or Canadian college or university, you are eligible. So, how do you get started? The easy process of the College Graduate Program will make your new transition as seamless as possible. First, you need to meet some simple criteria: you must have graduated in the last 24 months or be graduating in the next six months. and you must have a full-time job or written confirmation of an upcoming job. You will also need three personal references to verify what an amazing and talented individual you are, and you must be approved by Volkswagen Credit. The credit confirmation is free and easy, and the great thing about the College Graduate Program is that if you don’t have any credit history, it’s not a problem. However, if you do have existing credit, it must be in good standing. Once you have cleared the credit and reference check, it’s time to make a big decision: to buy, or to lease? Regardless of which option you choose at Speedcraft VW near Providence, we will contribute $500 towards your purchase! Should you choose to buy, no co-signer will be required, and if you go with the popular lease option, we waive the security deposit. In both cases, you will be off on your way in a brand new Volkswagen! The College Graduate Program is the perfect way to begin your new life as a college graduate. To learn all of the ways that the College Graduate Program can benefit you, or to get a first look at your future Volkswagen, contact us at Speedcraft VW near Providence today!

Easy-to-Keep Maintenance Schedule Providence RI There isn't a good time to have your car break down. Trust Speedcraft VW to solve problems before they ruin your day. Okay, here’s a trick question: When is the best time to have maintenance performed on your car? The likely answer for most people, unfortunately, is usually, “When it breaks down.” Too many among us take this devil-may-care attitude toward vehicle maintenance, and the resulting fallout can be heightened vehicle costs, greater inconvenience, and raised risk for accidents and breakdowns. At Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, however, we recommend regularly scheduled service, and will even work with New England drivers to form an easy-to-keep maintenance schedule to keep their vehicles performing at a high level for many years to come. The need to adhere to a predefined schedule when it comes to your vehicle is less difficult than it sounds. Depending on the age and previous history of your vehicle, a planned schedule is simple to create and extremely helpful as it relates to the long-term health of your vehicle. The most effective format for planning vehicle maintenance for many drivers is to schedule fixes and inspections around their oil changes, because it serves as a fairly regular milestone for having your vehicle in front of a service professional. If you have your oil changed at every 5,000 miles (as is recommended in most newer vehicles), this will neatly fit into a regular maintenance visit, depending on a driver’s habits, of roughly every three months. As part of the Oil Maintenance Plan at Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, the included multi-point inspection will help to identify any problems that may be slowly arising in the life of your vehicle. At Speedcraft VW, we work with you to set up a maintenance schedule that will keep your vehicle's systems regularly updated. Further inspections and procedures should be performed on a regular basis, and can be incorporated into any maintenance schedule that is drawn up at Speedcraft VW. For example, it is recommended that a battery cleaning and windshield wiper replacement are performed every six months, while more significant maintenance procedures such as a radiator flush, new spark plugs and fuel filter, and brake pad replacement should be performed yearly. Again, these can be easily added to any scheduled maintenance at Speedcraft VW. The main goal of keeping a firm service schedule is to keep your vehicle performing properly for as long as possible, and at Speedcraft VW, we believe that early action and regular thorough inspections are the best way to achieve this. And, as the top-rated Volkswagen dealership in New England, or reputation speaks for itself. To learn more about scheduled maintenance, or to enroll in the Oil Maintenance Plan, contact the friendly staff at Speedcraft VW today.

Signs You Need an Oil Change Providence RI Regular oil changes ensure that your vehicle runs properly and helps to eliminate future service costs. At risk of sounding overly dramatic, your vehicle’s oil can be pretty easily compared to the blood in your body. Both ensure that everything runs smoothly in their respective “bodies,” and the introduction of foreign elements in either can greatly limit the efficiency of their performance. At Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we go to great lengths to ensure that area vehicles run as efficiently as possible, and much of that efficiency is the direct result of maintaining an oil change schedule; to that end, we even have an Oil Maintenance Plan, which helps residents of the Providence area stay up-to-date with the health of their vehicle. But what are the visible signs you need an oil change? First, the most obvious: when you check your oil dipstick, if the oil level is on the lower end of the low-to-full spectrum, obviously it means--duh--your engine is low on oil. But it doesn’t mean you can merely toss a quart in the tank and continue on your merry way. The reason you are showing a low amount of oil frequently indicates that the oil is losing its effectiveness, and is thus being used more quickly. When checking your oil, also try to get a look at the consistency of the oil. When you add oil, the color looks roughly about as dark as beer. After it’s been in the engine for a few weeks, it will turn black. But once you start to see little particles in the black oil, you are seeing contamination, and it’s time to change your oil. Performance-wise, your engine will also let you know when it’s time to head to Speedcraft VW to get an oil change. It may be running louder than usual, the result of reduced lubrication from your motor oil. You may also see “Check Engine” lights, or oil indicators in newer cars. Dirty motor oil can cause engine parts to rub and grind, which can cause long-term damage. To make the oil-change process as simple as possible, Speedcraft VW now features the Oil Maintenance Plan, which helps keep your maintenance costs down and your vehicle on the road by providing it with regular oil maintenance. For just $199, enrollees receive five full synthetic oil changes, ten tire rotations, a multi-point safety inspection with each visit, and a hand wash and vac with each visit. Without even considering all the extra fixes you’ll be avoiding by regularly having your Volkswagen serviced, those who join the Oil Maintenance Plan also save $300 off the regular price of the provided services. There isn’t a more vital service--or a more simple one, for that matter--that your Volkswagen needs than a regular oil change. To schedule your oil change today, or to learn more about the Oil Maintenance Plan, call or visit Speedcraft VW in the Providence area, the top-rated Volkswagen dealership in New England.

2014 VW CC vs. 2014 Lexus IS 250 Providence RI Whenever you’re dealing with an automaker with such a reputation for quality craftsmanship as Volkswagen, the competition you face is bound to be from some pretty impressive vehicles in their own right. At Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we enjoy competition. But how well do we match up, really? Let’s take a closer look at how one of our more refined models stacks up against its closest competition: The 2014 Volkswagen CC vs. the 2014 Lexus IS 250. Obviously, the two vehicles we’re comparing are both pretty impressive. The Volkswagen CC has been one of the most exciting additions to the midsize sedan segment in a considerable time, while Lexus has always been known for producing quality luxury automobiles as well. Both feature impeccable styling befitting their impressive pedigrees. Under the hood, the two models take different approaches to a common goal: The 2014 VW CC rolls out a turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline-4, while the Lexus IS 250 tries a 2.5-liter V6. However, those predicting a dominant performance by the larger Lexus engine will be sorely disappointed: The CC produces near-identical horsepower, and even boasts roughly twenty more feet-pounds of torque. Perhaps most importantly, the CC achieves a higher fuel economy--an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway--and bolts off the line with a punch that the Lexus can’t touch, going from zero-to-sixty over a half-second quicker. The crisp, clean interior of the 2014 VW CC in Providence RI is luxury at its finest. In terms of interior features, both models feature many common characteristics: upscale materials, easy-to-use controls, spacious and comfortable cabins. Some of the standard features on the Volkswagen CC, however, are costly upgrades or aren’t offered on its Lexus counterpart at all: Heated front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers, to name two. Still, although both are incredible vehicles, the most vast difference between the two may actually be something intangible: Buyers of the new 2014 VW CC receive 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first, of no-charge Carefree Maintenance, where the Lexus IS 250 offers just one year. When you consider that the 2014 VW CC can be yours for almost $5,000 less than a similarly equipped Lexus IS 250, well, that pretty much settles the debate. The 2014 Volkswagen CC is now available at Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, the top-rated Volkswagen dealership in New England. To learn more, or to schedule a test drive, contact the sales team at Speedcraft VW today!

2014 VW Tiguan Providence RI The 2014 VW Tiguan sets the standard for the Compact SUV class. The last few years have, by any measure, been pretty interesting in the Compact SUV class. A new competing model seems to roll out every week or so, and while we certainly welcome any and all competition, it has seemed to slightly dilute the “Compact” brand. Where Compact initially meant only “slightly smaller than full-size,” it now seems to imply “cheaper materials, uninspiring performance, and identical designs to other vehicles in the class.” One model that certainly hasn’t kowtowed to the party line, however, is the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. The new Tiguan, the finest entry in the Compact SUV segment, is now available at Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder capable of 200 horsepower, the first thing you notice with the VW Tiguan in Providence RI is its initial get-up-and-go. Its punchy performance and refined ride immediately quell any reservations about what you are signing on for with a Compact SUV, because the Tiguan simply marches to the beat of its own drummer. The driving satisfaction in the 2014 VW Tiguan is second to none; agile handling on corners and athletic acceleration, longtime staples of the Volkswagen performance platform, show up in spades with the Tiguan. A refined interior welcomes drivers of the 2014 VW Tiguan in Providence RI. The upscale interior of the 2014 Tiguan in Providence also reminds Compact SUV shoppers that they aren’t in Kansas anymore. With a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat and fold-flat front passenger seat, the versatility of the interior cargo space may make a driver momentarily forget that they are operating in the Compact segment at all. Meanwhile, available technology features such as the Fender premium audio system, touchscreen navigation and VW Car-Net help keep drivers of the VW Tiguan in Providence RI connected as never before. Despite all of these above-average features, the 2014 VW Tiguan in Providence RI is competitively priced among its competitors, and it proudly stands atop the Compact SUV mountain. To inquire further about the Tiguan or schedule a test drive, contact the courteous and top-rated sales team at Speedcraft VW in Wakefield, RI, located just a short drive from Providence.

Speedcraft VW Sponsoring Crazy Coyote Chase Wakefield RI Wanna give back to Wakefield's students? Attend the Crazy Coyote Chase on April 5th. At Speedcraft VW, we make no secret about how much we love southern Rhode Island. On the surface, sure, we’re here to provide the best possible sales and service to New England’s Volkswagen drivers. Dig a little deeper, however, and it becomes pretty clear that all of our many efforts--from our involvement in the Narragansett “Blessing of the Fleet,” to our popular College Grad Program for local students--are part of our larger goal of providing our friends in the Wakefield and Providence areas with the same support that has allowed us to become Rhode Island’s #1 rated online VW dealership. With that in mind, Speedcraft VW is sponsoring the Crazy Coyote Chase, a fundraising road race to benefit Broad Rock Middle School in Wakefield, RI. This is our first year of sponsoring the two-year old Crazy Coyote Chase, which will be held on April 5th, 2014. This awesome event is geared to ease the financial burden on the students, families, staff and faculty at Broad Rock Middle School, and will consist of a 5K Race, a 1-Mile Fun Run, and the post-race festivities, which will include food, drinks and entertainment. Prizes will be awarded for craziest costume, as well as for age-group winners and overall race champions. The cost to register for the 5K is a mere $25 prior to April 1st, or $30 on the day of the race, with the 1-Mile Fun Run costing just $10. So why would a local car dealership take such an interest in a school’s fundraiser? It’s pretty simple, really: at Speedcraft VW, we have come to understand that the relationship that begins when you shop with us doesn’t end when you drive your new or used Volkswagen off of our lot. Instead, that relationship continues not just through the life of your vehicle with scheduled maintenance and further interactions, but through the life of our community in the Providence area. Our kids sell candy bars and cookies and magazine subscriptions too, and when the time comes to help them out, whether it's with textbooks or finding their first car, we’re more than happy to lend our support. We hope you take part in the Crazy Coyote Chase at Broad Rock Middle School in Wakefield on April 5th, and when you’re looking for the top-rated Volkswagen sales and service in New England, come see us at Speedcraft VW.

Brake System Repair Providence RI Problems in a vehicle's brake system should never be ignored. When assessing their vehicle’s performance, drivers frequently overlook the care and condition of their brake systems. And while it may seem to be an easy oversight, few maintenance issues come with a higher degree of risk-vs.-reward than gambling with your Volkswagen's brakes. Properly keeping your brakes calibrated and in solid working condition will not only save you money on repairs in the future, but--and this should be pretty obvious--will keep you out of possible accidents. Our team of courteous service technicians at Speedcraft VW is certified for brake system repair in the Providence area, so use these tips to see if you need to make an appointment with us to service your brakes in the near future. Use Your Eyes and Ears. To visually check the wear on your brake pads, look between the spokes on your wheels. You will find a brake pad pressed against a metal rotor, and if there is less than ¼-inch of brake pad, you may need to have your VW brake pads replaced. Also, pay attention for the squeaking noise made by your indicator in your brake system; this noise is meant to warn a driver that their brake pads are wearing thin. Finally, if you hear a grinding noise, you may have worn down the brake pads completely, which may result in the need for replaced rotors in addition to brake pads. Lack of Responsiveness from your Brake Pedal. If you push on the brake pedal, and it either doesn’t respond or requires you to push the brake harder than is normally necessary, you may be facing an air or fluid leak in your braking system. Also, check the area where a vehicle is parked for possible brake fluid leaks. Attention to your brake system's condition will make driving on all roads in all conditions a breeze. Pulling and Vibrating. If your vehicle pulls in one direction when you brake, your brakes may not be wearing evenly, or there may be an obstruction in the brake fluid. Meanwhile, if you feel a vibration when you are braking, you may have warped rotors, malfunctioning calipers, or worn pads or shoes. All of these can result in increased friction. This causes the vibration, and leads to hazardous driving conditions. If you have experienced any of these problems, contact our team at the Service Department at Speedcraft VW in the Providence area. As the top-rated Volkswagen service provider in New England, we proudly offer thorough and professional brake service to get Rhode Island drivers back on the road in a timely fashion.