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A Look at Some of the Most Exciting Future Vehicles From Ford

Ford continues to amaze car enthusiasts with each model year. With an incredible lineup of vehicles currently on the market, what will Ford come up with next? Here's a look at some of the most exciting future vehicles from Ford. 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 According to Ford, the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 will be the fastest Mustang model in its lineup. This new Mustang will include an upgraded 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine and a dual-clutch transmission. more Additional standard features for the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 include an enormous digital instrument cluster, a MagneRide damping system, and an active valve exhaust system. These features, as well as the optional add-ons, are sure to make the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 the most impressive Mustang to date. 2021 Bronco With availability beginning in 2020, Ford is bringing back the Bronco SUV. This new-and-improved Bronco will include a completely redesigned exterior and interior. It's safe to assume that the new Bronco will feature plenty of up-to-date interior technology as well as multiple advanced safety and security features. You can bet that Ford will offer numerous ways to customize the Bronco by offering an abundance of add-on packages. Not much else is known about the 2021 Bronco so far, but Ford has promised that there will be more information to come soon. 2020 Super Duty Ford is well-known for its line of reliable and rugged trucks that can tackle any challenge easily and efficiently. For 2020, Ford is releasing a new 2020 Super Duty truck that will feature exterior and interior design enhancements. The upgraded 2020 Super Duty will come equipped with a 10-speed transmission and a choice of a 7.3-liter V-8 engine or a 6.7-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel engine. Advanced driver-assist technologies for the 2020 Super Duty include a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, trailer reverse guidance, pro-trailer backup assist, a 360-degree camera, and FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot. 2020 Transit Specifically designed for businesses, the 2020 Transit is so much more than just a van. The 2020 Transit is completely customizable with three engine options and various sizes of body lengths and roof heights. The engine configurations for the new 2020 Transit include a 3.5-liter port fuel and direct injection V-6 engine, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, and a direct injection 2.0-liter EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel engine. In addition to these innovative engine options, the Transit also sports a 10-speed automatic transmission. New available driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping system, blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, automatic high beam headlamps, and a rearview camera. Additionally, available intelligent all-wheel-drive can help drivers maintain control of the vehicle in adverse weather conditions. With these brand-new vehicles on the way from Ford, it's clear that the automaker has a bright future ahead. Stop by Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, Georgia, to inquire about Ford vehicles: past, present, or future. 2020 Ford Shelby via Ford

Seatbelts Matter: Understand the Importance of Buckling Up

Even though vehicles today are equipped with more safety features than ever before, including lane departure prevention systems, tire pressure monitoring systems, and back-up cameras, none of these devices play as crucial of a role in driver and passenger safety as a seatbelt. Read on to learn why seatbelts matter and better understand the importance of bucking up. Safety You can't understand the importance of buckling up without talking about the obvious - safety.  This is a seatbelt's only function, to help keep you and your passengers safe.  When in an accident, they can keep you from being thrown through the windshield, ejected from the car, or flying forward where you could be thrown into or hit your head on the steering wheel. It's just as crucial for your passengers, whether they are in the front or back seats.  Again, this prevents them from possibly getting thrown from the vehicle. more You'll also notice that your seatbelts engage in less violent circumstances, such as when you have to break quickly or perhaps hit a rough patch of terrain.  This helps keep you in a position to have the best control over your vehicle and ensure you keep you and your passengers clear from harm. It's the Law “Click it or ticket” is a common slogan used in seatbelt campaigns.  It only takes a minute to click your seatbelt, abide by the law, and keep yourself and your passengers safe.  If you choose not to buckle up, you could be pulled over and cited.  These tickets will cost you hundreds of dollars and are meant to sting financially to drive home the concept that this simple action is far less expensive than the ticket, or worse, injury or death. Make it a Habit Next to entering your vehicle and maybe starting it, putting on your seatbelt should be one of your first actions.  If you get in the habit of doing this, it will begin to feel almost foreign not to.  Sit down, put on your seatbelt.  Period.  If you're the driver and you have passengers, make sure they all do the same. Even if you're just going “down the street,” go ahead and buckle up.  Sometimes, those situations where we think we'd be most safe are the ones that can surprise us because our guard is down and it's completely unexpected.  That's the idea with seatbelts though, right?  To protect you and everyone in your vehicle from the unexpected. Like any other standard piece of vehicle equipment, seatbelts are meant to be used each and every time you get into a vehicle.  Doing so further adds to the effectiveness of other safety features such as air bags. All vehicle models at Chestatee Ford come standard with driver and passenger seatbelts; some are even adjustable for personal comfort.  Come see us today.  With everything from luxury to off-road vehicles available, you're sure to find the car, truck, or SUV that's just right for you. Rock via Flickr by PabloEvans under the use of CC By 2.0 / Cropped from original

3 Top Hunting Spots in Dahlonega

Dahlonega, Georgia, is home to wildlife galore. With the abundance of hunting opportunity, sometimes it can be overwhelming to find somewhere to hunt. With more than 600,000 hunters in Georgia, it's vital to utilize the public land properly. We've compiled a list of our three top hunting spots in Dahlonega. We hope one suits your needs and you can get the perfect prize! Chestatee Wildlife Management Area The Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is one of the top areas for hunting in Lumpkin and White counties. With more than 27,000 acres of land for you to explore, it's an ideal location for hunting deer, bear, and turkey, as well as fishing. Find somewhere and settle in for a day full of hunting fun. more The close access to water makes the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area area home to many wild animals, enabling you to see many different animals. There are visible hiking trails in the area to make it easy for you to find your way back after a day of hunting. The views you see here are ones you will remember for a lifetime, and the memories of the animals will be even better. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area is located at 955 Dicks Creek Road in Dahlonega. A hunting license or Georgia Lands Pass is required to hunt at the park, and you'll need a fishing license if you also plan to fish. Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area The Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area is located in Fannin, Union, and Lumpkin counties and offers more than 20,000 acres of land, giving you access to deer and bear, as well as turkeys and other small game animals. Accommodations and facilities include hiking trails, a lake, and primitive campsites that are perfect for hunting, hiking, camping, lake and river fishing, and general wildlife viewing. Located at 905 Rock Creek Road in Suches, the park doesn't charge a fee to access the land; however, appropriate licenses are required to hunt and fish. Coosawattee-Carter's Lake The Coosawattee-Carter's Lake Wildlife Management Area is at the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in north Georgia and is managed by the Department of Resources as well as the Army Corps of Engineers. Situated on 6,000 acres of land, it's perfect for hunting deer, bear, turkey, waterfowl, and small game animals. The accommodations and facilities at Coosawattee-Carter's Lake provide for canoeing, biking, hiking, hunting, primitive camping, lake and river fishing, private boating, water skiing, and general wildlife viewing. Wheelchair hunters are also welcome and need to apply via mail to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between Aug. 15 and Sept. 10. The Coosawattee-Carter's Lake Wildlife Management Area is at 750 Powerhouse Road in Chatsworth. There is no charge to come onto the land with the appropriate licenses required to hunt and fish. ATVs are not allowed on the property. There are fewer activities in life that epitomize the Ford Tough mission than hunting and fishing, and with so many hunting spots in and around Dahlonega, you have plenty of opportunities to have a memorable time. Bear via Flickr by Kylie Kae under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

Discover Why the 2019 Ford Ranger is the Perfect Mid-Size Pick-Up

The 2019 Ford Ranger has been re-imagined and is now better than ever with the technology, design, and performance that you desire at a price you can afford. Chestatee Ford is proud to be able to offer you this newly designed truck with its many best in class features. Read on and discover why the 2019 Ford Ranger is the perfect mid-size pickup. Technology You Crave The 2019 Ford Ranger has many upgraded technology features that consumers have been craving, including the Ford Co-Pilot 360, the voice-activated SYNC 3, and the FordPass Connect. more Drive the highways with confidence and crowded roads with ease with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 offering driver assist technology such as BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Rear-View Camera to help you navigate the world around you. The SYNC 3 system includes voice-activated communications and entertainment. It is easy to use and consists of an 8-inch center stack touchscreen and a user-friendly interface that allows you to stay connected any time you are in your truck. Finally, the FordPass Connect keeps you connected with LTE Wi-Fi capability. Design Features Inside and Out The design features of the 2019 Ford Ranger are no longer isolated to the just interior; the exterior has just as much to offer now. Starting with a twin dome hood and rounded wheel arches to show off its new off-road design, the exterior also features a newly designed Ford grille and a variety of performance packages that allow you to customize the way your new Ranger will look. Moving inside the 2019 Ford Ranger continues to emphasize function and style while adding the essential element of comfort with supportive and firm seating accommodating up to five in the spacious and versatile four-door SuperCrew. Controls and instruments are easy to operate and read thanks to the optional dual LCD instrument cluster productivity touch screens providing an array of useful operating information and the available 8-inch center touchscreen. Finally, the available Ford navigational and connectivity features, premium Bang & Olufsen audio performance, and driver-assist technologies create an experience everyone will love. Power and Performance The power and performance of the 2019 Ford Ranger are phenomenal, starting with the electronic four-wheel drive easy shift option that allows you to change from two-wheel to four-wheel drive with a simple turn of the dial. Drive comfortably regardless of where you may be thanks to the Terrain Management System, providing four selectable drive modes including normal, grass, gravel, and snow to choose from. Best-In-Class Gas Torque There is nothing like raw torque when tackling the demands of off-road terrains. The 2019 Ranger has you covered thanks to the 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivering 310 pound-feet of torque and 270 horsepower while the 10-speed SelectShift optimizes gear progressions offering quick, smooth shifting up and down. With more technology than ever and the power you have come to expect from Ford, the 2019 Ford Ranger indeed may be the perfect mid-size pick-up truck around. Stop into Chestatee Ford to schedule a test drive and experience it for yourself. White Ranger via Flickr by truckhardware under the use of CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

4 Best Restaurants Serving Chicken & Dumplings in Dahlonega

They say to experience a place you need to experience its food truly, and Georgia is no different. Whether you're a local to the area or just passing through, taking time to enjoy one of the favorite comfort foods around is a must.  Here is our list of the four best restaurants serving chicken and dumplings in Dahlonega. Wagon Wheel The Wagon Wheel with its friendly staff and homey decor is a perfect place to stop in for a bite to eat whether out with the family or just grabbing a bite with friends.  In addition to chicken and dumplings, they offer an excellent selection of breakfast favorites, hoagies, sandwiches, clubs, wraps, and dinner entrees. more Located at 1108 North Grove Street in Dahlonega, Georgia, the Wagon Wheel is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Crimson Moon In addition to their delicious chicken and dumpling soup, The Crimson Moon offers an electric "New South" menu with several gluten-free and vegan options available, with the majority of their items "Moon Made." Enjoy brunch daily with a variety of drinking and dining atmospheres both upstairs and downstairs. Visit their cozy Coffee House for one of their hand-crafted organic/shade-grown fair trade coffee drinks or step back in time to the Half Moon Saloon for a variety of hand-crafted cocktails, wine, and beer. Located on the historic public square of Dahlonega in the second oldest commercial structure, The Crimson Moon is open Monday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Yahoola Creek Grill Whether a local foodie or an out-of-town guest looking to take in all that Dahlonega has to offer, Yahoola Creek Grill provides a dining experience you won't forget. Featuring a made-from-scratch menu using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, their dishes strike the perfect balance between contemporary and classic Southern cuisine. Along with delicious chicken and dumplings, they offer lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menus; the Yahoola Creek Grill is an ideal location for weddings, family gatherings, or other large events where you can experience beautiful mountain views from any of their versatile dining areas. Located at 1810 S. Chestatee Street, The Yahoola Creek Grill is open Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday - Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reid's Cafe Known for their friendly staff and excellent service, Reid's Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, children's, and dessert menus featuring chicken and dumplings, cooked sausages, and four sizes of Ribeye steaks. Located at 5337 Thompson Bridge Rd in Gainesville, Reid's Cafe is open Monday - Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. With so many great restaurants available in the Dahlonega area, there is always one to visit and experience something new. Mmm...chicken dumplins via Flickr by jeffreyw under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

Tips to Keep you Truck Ready to Roll Year-Round

So you've just bought a new truck, and you're wondering how you can keep it in shape so that it lasts you a long time. Luckily there are several things to you can do to keep your truck in great working order. Let's discuss a few truck maintenance tips. Oil Changes A routine oil change is one of the best things you can do for your truck. Your truck's engine needs clean oil to stay lubricated and protected. When the oil gets dusty, dirty, or filled with debris, it can prevent the engine from functioning properly and can even cause serious damage. You should consult your owner's manual to see how often the oil should be changed and what type of oil is best for the engine. You should also make sure that the air filter is changed regularly as clean air is just as important for your truck as clean oil. more Tire Rotation It's a good idea to have your truck's tires rotated whenever you take it in for an oil change. Regular rotation not only helps reduce wear and tear, but it also ensures that the tires wear evenly. When your tires are unevenly worn, it can put an unnecessary burden on your truck's suspension. Plus, even tires make your ride more comfortable. Fluid Checks Motor oil isn't the only fluid your truck needs in order to function properly. You should regularly check the levels for your truck's engine coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. The proper amount of engine coolant keeps your engine from overheating, which can cause engine malfunction and damage. Power steering fluid reduces wear and tear on the system's components, like the power steering pump and rack. While windshield wiper fluid may not seem that important, it's essential to keeping your windshield clean, which actually makes it less susceptible to damage. Brake fluid is responsible for keeping the components of your truck's braking system working properly. Without it, your truck would not be able to stop when you apply the brakes. Regular Inspections Just as it's important for you to go to the doctor for an annual checkup, it's important to take your truck in for regular inspection. During an inspection, everything, from your truck's battery to the spark plugs to the brake pads, is inspected for wear and tear and replaced if necessary. Routine inspections can catch problems before they get worse and end up costing you more money. Regular Cleaning Keeping your truck clean is just as essential as maintenance. Dust and dirt can cause your truck's exterior paint to wear away. If you live in a region where it snows, road salt can cause even more damage. The same is true if you live near the ocean or any other body of salt water. Hopefully, you find these tips to be helpful. By keeping track of your truck's maintenance and staying aware of possible issues, you can enjoy your truck for several years to come and hopefully save some money as well.   Image via Dealeron

Adventure Lover? Which Ford SUV Is For You: Edge or Escape?

If you're in the market for an SUV that can handle all your adventures, the Ford Edge and Ford Escape are both great choices. Both SUVs combine style and performance with the safety and reliability Ford vehicles are known for. Let's compare some of their exciting features. Exterior While the Edge and the Escape both feature a stylish and sporty exterior, the Edge is slightly larger at 188.1 inches in length and 75.9 inches in width. The Escape is 178.1 inches long and 72.4 inches wide and features the signature trapezoid-shaped grille Ford is famous for. Fog lights, chrome accents, and dual exhausts are added to the Escape's upper trim levels. The Edge has a slightly more muscular build with an eye-catching chrome grill, 18-inch wheels, and sleek wraparound taillights. No matter which one you choose, you're sure to get noticed while driving the Escape or the Edge. more Interior Both the Edge and Escape provide plenty of room for family, friends, and fun. While both SUVs comfortably seat up to five people, the Edge provides slightly more cargo space. The Escape has a maximum cargo space of 68 cubic feet compared to the Edge's 73.4 cubic feet. Depending on trim level, the Escape's upholstery choices include cloth, leather/leatherette, ActiveX cloth/leather, and all-leather seating. With the Edge, you have the upholstery options of cloth, premium cloth, leather, and Miko simulated suede/leather. Performance The Edge and Escape were both built to perform in any condition. Both SUVs come standard with six-speed automatic transmissions. The Escape SE, SEL, and Titanium are available in all-wheel-drive configurations. The Edge SE, SEL, and Titanium also offer an all-wheel-drive option. All-wheel-drive comes standard on the Edge Sport. Engine options for the Escape include a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. With the Edge, your engine options include a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a 3.5-liter V-6, and a turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6. When it comes to towing, the Edge has a maximum capacity of 2,000 pounds, while the Escape's 3,500-pound tow capacity is one of the highest in its class. Technology Both the Edge and the Escape feature the latest technology to keep you safe and connected. Ford's Sync 3.0 infotainment system is available in both SUVs and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With this compatibility, you can access all your favorite music, apps, and navigation tools. You can also make calls and send texts hands-free. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring are all safety features that the Edge and Escape have in common. Also included in both SUVs are lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, park assist, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Edge features front and rear parking sensors. Whether you choose the Edge or Escape, you'll be provided peace of mind whenever you take the wheel. These are just some of the amazing features you can expect from the Ford Escape and the Ford Edge. Consider a test drive so you can decide which one is right for you. Ford Escape SE 2.0 EcoBoost 2018 via Flickr by RL GNZLZ under the use of CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from original

Which Ford F-150 Trim Suits Your Business?

If you're in the market for a new work truck, the Ford F-150 is a great choice. With several trims to choose from, there's an F-150 that's sure to meet your needs and your budget. Let's discuss what these various trims have to offer. XL The F-150 XL is a sturdy workhorse with all the power and capability you need to get the job done. It comes equipped with a 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine that's capable of putting out 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, you never have to leave any of your gear behind. The XL has a miles per gallon rating of 20 in the city and 25 on the highway. While cloth seats are standard, you can opt for a vinyl bench seat, which is perfect for heavy-duty work use. more XLT Like the XL, the F-150 XLT is powered by a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine capable of putting out 265 pound-feet of torque. It can also tow up to 7,700 pounds. What sets it apart are some added luxuries that make it a great truck for drivers who are frequently on the road for work. The XLT comes standard with a CD player and Ford's SYNC infotainment system, meaning you won't miss your favorite music or those important work calls. Lariat If you need an even more powerful ride, the F-150 Lariat comes standard with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine capable of putting out 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. With the Lariat's LED box lighting, you can tackle any task, day or night. The Lariat also features BoxLink, which can be used to secure ramps, storage bins, dividers, and so much more. The Sync 3 system and an 8-inch productivity screen make the Lariat's cabin a great entertainment and workspace. King Ranch The F-150 King Ranch comes equipped with a powerful 395-horsepower 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V-8 engine capable of producing 400 pound-feet of torque. It features a heated steering wheel and heated/ventilated seats, perfect for when your work takes you into warm or cold climates. The King Ranch's color touch screen displays phone, audio, and navigation functions. Other features that help you get the job done include a remote tailgate release and a 110-volt/400-watt power inverter. Raptor The F-150 Raptor, powered by a twin-turbo, intercooled, DOHC 24-valve, 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, puts out an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard as an all-wheel drive, and with its higher ground clearance and upgraded suspension system, the Raptor can handle any terrain. It's the perfect truck for getting the job done and then having some fun off-road. Platinum While the platinum was built for work, it's also designed for comfort. Features include automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, a black leather-wrapped steering wheel, and black carpet flooring with unique front and rear mats. These are just some of the trims available on the F-150. Consider taking a test drive so you can see which one works best for you. Ford F-150 via Flickr by SoulRider.222 under the use of CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original

Top 4 Family-Friendly Features of the 2019 Ford Explorer

If you're in the market for a new SUV that's a great fit for the entire family, the 2019 Ford Explorer is a great choice. It combines style and performance with several family-friendly features. Let's discuss some of those features. Spacious Interior With seating for up to seven people and 21 cubic feet of cargo space, there's plenty of room for family and fun in the 2019 Explorer.  When the third-row seats are folded, you get 43.9 cubic feet of storage capacity. Need more room? When the second- and third-row seating is folded, you'll have access to 81.7 cubic feet for cargo. Plus, there's room for smaller items under the seats. With available third-row PowerFold seats and a hands-free, foot-activated liftgate, loading your gear is a breeze. The twin-panel moonroof brings the outside inside, making family road trips even more enjoyable. more Entertainment The 2019 Explorer comes equipped with the latest technology to keep you entertained and connected. The FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot can accommodate up to ten devices. The Sync 3 infotainment system allows you to access all of your favorite music and podcasts, as well as navigation tools. Find restaurants and other points of interest that will make family vacations even more memorable. You can also use the system to control your smartphone, allowing you to make calls and send texts hands-free. When you connect the Ford+Alexa app, you can control smart-home devices while on the road, giving you additional peace of mind. Safety The 2019 Explorer was designed with the safety of you and your most precious cargo in mind. Standard safety features include brake assist, traction control, and a total of seven occupant-sensing airbags. The Explorer also comes equipped with a panic alarm, remote keyless entry, and rear child safety locks. If you opt for the Ford Safe and Smart Package, you'll have access to features like rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic high-beam headlamps. The package also includes a lane keeping system that alerts you in the event of vehicle drift. Adaptive cruise control helps you maintain a safe distance between your Explorer and other vehicles. Stay in control with the Explorer's curve control and hill descent control features. The forward collision warning system alerts you to potential collisions and applies the brakes if needed. For added peace of mind, the Explorer is the first in its class to offer inflatable rear safety belts. Comfort and Convenience Let the 2019 Explorer's convenience features take some of the stress out of your drive, whether it's your daily commute to work and school or a special road trip. You and your passengers will appreciate the dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control. You'll also enjoy the available heated bucket seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The comfortable seating will keep you relaxed and focused while the Terrain Management System will allow you to travel through mud, sand, gravel, grass or snow with confidence. These are just some of the features that make the Explorer a great family vehicle. Consider a test drive you can experience them for yourself. 2019 Ford Explorer via Flickr by truckhardware under the use of CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

4 Questions to Ask When on a Test Drive

With so many vehicle types on the market today and multiple car brands competing for your attention, it's hard to make a decision when buying a new car. Even after you've done your research and have all the info you need on a car you're interested in buying, the only way to really get to know it is by taking it out for a spin. Here's what you need to be on the lookout for when on a test drive. Is This the Exact Trim and Model I'm Interested in? Most vehicles today come in a variety of trims and can include a multitude of optional packages. This leads to dozens of possible combinations of features, so it's important that the car you test drive has all the options and characteristics you want. The most important information you get from testing a new vehicle is how it feels when you're driving it, so the test car needs to have the same engine, transmission, suspensions, and generally everything related to how the car behaves on the road. more It's also important to test the car's interior features. On paper, virtually all models nowadays come with features such as air conditioning, touch-screen display, or smartphone integration, but some work better than others. How Does Everything Work? Most functions are intuitive and common to all cars, but you need to remember that the sales representative knows that particular vehicle inside and out. Before assuming that you can figure everything out on your own, you should ask him or her to demonstrate features related to the car's technology, active safety, or transmission. This way you can discover the proper ways to operate everything. Things that you may find difficult to use may be simpler than you thought. Is This Model Selling Well? A car's popularity is usually a good indicator of its quality, so ideally you'll want your dealer to tell you it's one of their best sellers. Of course, a relative lack of sales is not always an indicator of a possible fault, but it's definitely an incentive to research the exact reasons it hasn't sold well. Maybe it wasn't marketed as much as it should be, or certain characteristics put off many drivers but don't really affect your opinion. Whatever the reason, you need to know it and determine if it's important to you. Ask Yourself: Do I Like It? The final question isn't for the sales representative, but one you should ask yourself. After getting all the relevant info on the car's characteristics, inner workings, and popularity, the last box it needs to check is how you feel while driving it. Do you feel good behind the wheel or does driving it feel difficult? Only you can answer that. Buying a car is a very important decision because not only will you depend on it to get you from point A to point B, but it will also be the place where you will be spending thousands of hours. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you have all the tools for taking an informed decision. 2019 F350 Super Duty Custom Diestamp via Flickr by truckhardware under the use of CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original

Relive the Georgia Gold Rush with these Three Experiences

When most people hear about the gold rush, they think about California. However, Georgia had its gold rush that you can relive in Dahlonega. Check the Rivers Even though the gold mines have closed, you should still look for gold in nearby rivers. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy as you search nearby waterways. One of the best places to check is the Etowah River in Cherokee County. As you explore this area, do not forget to check the waterways that flow into it. more Another fun river to check for gold is the Chattahoochee. If you are interested in this river, explore it through White and Lumpkin Counties. Bring your gold pan and don't forget to check Duke's Creek. The creek runs near the town of Sautee. Before you explore this area, you may want to rent a metal detector as the banks have the potential of holding a variety of treasures. Camp Near the Old Gold Mines Another great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore the history of gold is camping. There are a variety of campgrounds located near the old mines. Each gives you an opportunity to bring home gold while spending time with friends and family. If you enjoy gold panning along the Etowah River, bring your camping gear and stay overnight. The Etowah River Campground has room for tents and RVs. When you make your reservation, you can choose between a river site or something more secluded. Beyond panning for gold, you can also go trout fishing in the river. Another fun campground near Cleveland is the Gold'n Gem Grubbin' Campground. This location adjoins a strip mining operation that allows campers to pay for the chance to look for gold. There is also a Gem Shack on site where you can create custom items. The campground can handle both tents and RVs. Visit the Gold Museum If you are in the mood to explore history, but the weather is keeping you inside don't worry. Stay in Dahlonega and visit the Gold Museum.  The museum is open seven days a week. You can visit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sunday they are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is in an old Lumpkin County courthouse. It features exhibits like a large gold nugget that weighs more than five ounces. You can also see a hydraulic cannon that broke gold loose from the mountainside. If you are into old coins, check out a set of rare coins from the 1800s when the town was home to a U.S. mint branch. There are also educational films that explain the gold history of the area. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop to bring home a piece of your journey. When you finish with the museum, explore the courthouse that houses it before you leave the area. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the experience with you. These adventures would also be a great way to teach your children the history of the gold industry in Georgia. Don't forget to dress appropriately especially when heading to the mines. Gold-bornite-quartz hydrothermal vein via Flickr by James St. John under the use of CC-BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Meet the 2019 Ford Ranger

It's been a while since we've been able to tell you about a new Ford Ranger. Fortunately, for fans of the truck, the company has introduced a new 2019 model, and it's chock-full of all the features you've come to expect from an adventure-driven vehicle. Powerful performance, convenient amenities, a bold exterior, and advanced safety features are all in tow. Here's what you need to know about this incredible pickup. Handsome and Rugged Exterior Ford is well known for producing bold and statement-making vehicles, and the 2019 Ranger is no exception. With this all-new generation of the popular pick-up, you get an exterior that's expertly crafted and rugged enough for the road ahead. Its handsome grille is met by futuristic headlights that add dimension, character, and width to the face of the vehicle. You'll also find various design elements around the body that give the truck an aesthetic you typically find with pricier options. Overall, every buyer will be satisfied with the exterior of the Ranger. more Adventure-Ready Performance The 2019 Ford Ranger was built for adventure and its specifications under the hood prove that. The company includes a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, built with a twin-scroll turbocharger. It produces 270 horsepower with 310 pound-feet of torque and is paired to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. With this level of power under the hood, the Ranger is capable of carrying up to a 1,860-pound payload and up to 7,500 pounds of towed cargo. It's also optimized to take on any terrain or climate, making the vehicle the perfect truck to take on a cross-country, off-road adventure. Premium Interior Of course, to enjoy your adventure, the vehicle you take needs to be comfortable and pleasant for longer rides. Luckily, the 2019 Ford Ranger has just the cabin you're looking for. It features premium materials covering every inch of the space along with comfortable seating for all of your friends. A stylish aesthetic can be found from the dashboard to the last row of seats, with plenty of leg and body room for extra comfort. Convenient Amenities To add to the comfort and convenience of the interior of the 2019 Ranger, Ford also includes plenty of amenities. Examples like Sync 3 technology, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB charging ports, Bluetooth, a B&O audio system, a touch-screen display, FordConnect compatibility, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot are all included. Not only is the Ranger one of the toughest trucks on the market, it's also one of the smartest. Advanced Safety Features Speaking of smarts, Ford also includes a vast array of advanced safety features that make the 2019 Ranger a pleasure to drive since you'll be better aware of your surroundings. Onboard, you'll find things like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. Each feature will help you and your passengers stay safer while out on the road. Of course, there's so much more to learn about the 2019 Ford Ranger, but we don't have time to cover it all. If you'd like to learn more about this amazing vehicle, be sure to visit Chestatee Ford. NAIAS 2019 Ford Ranger, All-New Ranger via Flickr by F. D. Richards under the use of CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from original

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