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Acura Financing Tips: Using the 20/4/10 Rule

Acura Financing Tips

Buying a new vehicle is exciting, but a smart budget keeps that excitement from turning into financial stress. One of the simplest ways to approach Acura financing is the 20/4/10 rule, a proven guideline that helps you borrow within your means. Learn what each number means with Priority Acura.

The 20 Percent Down Payment

Putting down at least 20 percent of the purchase price sets a strong financial foundation from the very first payment. A larger down payment lowers the amount you borrow, which reduces your monthly payment and the total interest you pay over time. It also helps you stay ahead of depreciation, protecting you from the risk of owing more than your vehicle is worth.

The 4-Year Loan Term

The 20/4/10 rule suggests financing your vehicle for no more than four years, or 48 months. Longer loan terms may lower your monthly payment, but they also increase the total interest you pay and keep you in debt far longer. A shorter term builds equity faster and helps you own your vehicle sooner, though too short a term can make your monthly payments unmanageable.

The 10 Percent Monthly Rule

Finally, keep your total monthly vehicle costs at or below 10 percent of your gross monthly income. This figure includes both your loan payment and other car-related expenses, such as insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Staying within this limit keeps your finances balanced and your ownership experience stress-free.

Start Your Acura Financing Journey in Chesapeake, VA

Following the 20/4/10 rule takes the guesswork out of buying your next vehicle and keeps your budget on solid ground. Our team makes Acura financing simple, walking you through every step so you can make a confident, informed decision. When you are ready to explore your options, the finance experts at Priority Acura are here to help you every mile of the way.

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Acura Fuel Efficiency

Priority Acura Fuel Efficiency Shopping Guide

Priority Auto Fuel Efficiency Shopping Guide There are plenty of reasons to be interested in fuel efficiency when looking for a new (or new to you) car. Whether it is the environmental impact or feeling the pinch at the pump, there are many options and a lot of information to examine and weigh. This guide, and we at Priority Acura, are here to help. Just another way You Can Have It All with Priority! How Is fuel efficiency different from fuel economy? Fuel Efficiency – how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, namely gasoline. Fuel Economy – how far a vehicle can go on a specific amount of fuel These two terms can be confused or conflated. All you need to know is that when you’re evaluating cars with fuel consumption in mind, we have made it easy to narrow your search with this guide. Simply look for the symbol to denote those vehicles in our inventory with an MPG (Miles Per Gallon) of 30 or Higher*. Additionally, you can find the MPG ratings for all of our NEW and USED inventory here! Just select the HWY MPG option on the left-hand filter. Shopping for a New Fuel Efficient Vehicle Currently, the average fuel economy for new cars is a combined 27 MPG (combination of city and highway travel). Small SUVs and mid-sized cars average 30+ miles per gallon on the highway, so there are many choices available. Search our New Fuel Efficient Vehicles Here. Shopping for a Used Fuel Efficient Vehicle You may encounter a bit more of a mixed bag when looking at fuel economy in the used car market. But you can find that information here on our site. Search our Used Fuel Efficient Vehicle Here. What contributes to fuel and financial savings? Aerodynamics – the design and shape of the car Engine Type – Four cylinder vs v6 vs v8 vs diesel Size & Weight – the bigger and heavier the vehicle, the more power (fuel) needed to make it go Axle Ratio – if this is a variable option and you have fuel efficiency in mind, go for the smaller ratio as this will give you the better fuel economy Speed – this is a behavioral piece to consider, as sudden bursts of speed or just generally having a heavy foot (ie, speeding) can nullify the MPG number. The EPA tests cars using a precise set of conditions to arrive at the MPG number – this includes driving 55 MPH on the highway. For more on hybrid and electric ions, visit Our hybrid and Electric Inventory. Stay tuned for the all new Acura RSX! Servicing Your Fuel Efficient Vehicle You can help maintain the fuel economy – and overall longevity – of your vehicle and investment by keeping up with service for your vehicle. Fuel System Service – This is recommended every 30,000 miles and is intended to remove buildup in the fuel system and aid in more efficient fuel consumption and usage by the vehicle. Tires – make sure your tires are properly inflated. And remember that this is especially true in the heat of summer and the cold of winter when temperatures are more extreme. For other resources on fuel efficient vehicles visit the U.S. Department of Energy fuel economy page.

Smiling woman in driver's seat holding the steering wheel, talking to a smiling car salesperson leaning into the car.

What Sets Our Acura Dealership in Chesapeake, VA, Apart

Not every dealership is built the same, and if you're searching for an Acura dealership in Chesapeake, VA, that goes beyond the standard experience, Priority Acura delivers. From the moment you walk onto the lot to years into your ownership, everything here is designed around you. A Lifetime Engine Guarantee on Every New Vehicle Every new vehicle purchased at Priority Acura comes with an engine guarantee throughout your entire ownership. If something comes up with your engine down the road, it's covered. That kind of long-term peace of mind is rare, and it reflects the confidence we have in the vehicles we sell. Limited Lifetime Powertrain Warranty on Qualifying CPO Vehicles Qualifying Certified Pre-Owned Acura models at our dealership that are six years old or newer with fewer than 84,000 miles are also eligible for a Limited Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. For buyers who want the value of a pre-owned vehicle without sacrificing long-term protection, that's a hard combination to beat. A Buying Experience Built Around You The team at Priority Acura knows everything there is to know about new Acura models, parts, service, financing, and more. Our focus is always on helping you find the right vehicle for your life and budget and helping you maintain it for years to come. We’re straightforward, transparent, and customer-first from start to finish. Service and Support That Stays with You Our job doesn’t end at the sale. The Priority Acura service team handles maintenance, repairs, and OEM parts to keep your vehicle running the way it was designed to, all under one roof. Our website also makes it easy to schedule service and order parts from the comfort of your own home. Experience the Difference at Our Acura Dealership in Chesapeake, VA Few dealerships back their vehicles with the kind of guarantees our dealership offers. Whether you're buying new or Certified Pre-Owned, you're getting coverage that goes well beyond the standard. Stop by Priority Acura in Chesapeake, VA, and see the difference firsthand.

Acura Recall

How to Look Up an Acura Recall

While vehicles can be necessary for our everyday lives, they can also be dangerous. That’s why they are kept to strict standards, and if any underlying issues are discovered, you’ll be notified with a recall. Priority Acura shares how to see if you have an Acura recall. Safety Recall Notification If your vehicle is recalled, it means that either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or your vehicle’s manufacturer has determined that your vehicle is unsafe. Many safety risks can trigger a recall, from electrical and wiring issues to faulty airbags. When a recall is issued, the manufacturer will mail a certified letter to each of the vehicle’s registered owners, which is sent to the address your vehicle is registered under. Website Lookup If you’re concerned you’ve missed a notification, you can always search for open notifications online. As part of the Department of Transportation, the NHTSA is always actively working to save lives and prevent injuries by reducing vehicle crashes. They have a quick lookup tool to search for any recalls that they (or a manufacturer) have issued. You can search for your vehicle by its year, make, and model, or with its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Online Acura Recall Search We also have a helpful lookup tool on our site, which includes any recalls announced in the last 15 years. Click “Service and Parts” on our home page and then select “Acura Recalls” from the drop-down menu. You can also conveniently schedule your repairs with our authorized Acura dealership as well. Schedule Acura Repairs in Chesapeake, VA If your vehicle has an open recall, the necessary repairs are completed free of charge. All you need to do is schedule an appointment with our Acura technicians, and we’ll get your vehicle safe again in no time. Contact Priority Acura to make an appointment today!