Fernelius Blog

Our Favorite Sault Ste. Marie Spring Spots 

At Fernelius Hyundai, we know that enjoying lakeside drives in a 2020 Hyundai can be relaxing with the pristine solitude before the Locks open. Here are some other activities you can check out while the flowers bloom:

Sault Ste. Marie Spots for Families

Quick changes in weather can make it difficult to set up even a day's plans if you have youngsters of any age. That's why we recommend having more than one option each day, just in case of weather or cranky kids or whatever might come up!

Museums along the waterfront include the Tower of History, the Museum Ship Valley Camp and of course the famous Soo Locks Tours, though those won't open until the Spring. Other options where you can find a lot of fun ideas include the local bookshops and candy shops. You can also check out the local chamber of commerce or Lake Superior State University, which has a local Pow Wow celebration in April.

Sault Ste. Marie Spots for Adults

The Kewadin Casino is a great spot near the Soo that supports local Native American tribes. Win big on one of the 800 slots or try your hand at poker, craps, roulette, and more.

For those looking for something quieter, this is a great time of year to birdwatch. In fact, along with fishing, the Soo is known as a great spot for ornithological lovers along the many trails. Be sure to check out local migration patterns, the snowy owls, and others depending on the time of day.

Visit Fernelius Hyundai Today

If you're looking for a way to get to each of these fun locations, or plan an outing of your own, Fernelius Hyundai is here to help. Check out our latest specials and our current inventory. Or, simply drop in and work with one of our customer success specialists to find the best car or SUV for your needs today.

All-new for this model year, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan with a healthy amount of competition, including from the 2020 Honda Accord. In many ways, the Japanese sedan can hold its own, but having been out in this generation since 2018, you'll want to keep an eye on the Sonata as it makes its way to showrooms this year.

More Spacious, Not Just Bigger

Length and wheelbase may not be common terms for most car buyers, but they matter a lot when it comes to a competitive car class like the midsize one where these two competitors find themselves. While they are about the same size on the outside, the Sonata has four more inches of legroom up front and more headroom as well.

Hyundai has also made a significant investment in technology inside the cabin, with a 12.3-inch digital dash cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. However, where the Accord includes certain compatibility features for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as available options, they are standard here.

Behind the Wheel of the 2020 Sonata

The eight-speed automatic of the Hyundai helps it feel more like a regular car with even shift-points as the transmission seeks more efficiency or power. While the standard power trains for both are turbocharged four-cylinders, the upcoming Sonata N-Line will have at least 25 more horsepower than the most sporty Accord, something sure to appeal to drivers who enjoy a little more pep when they push their right foot.

No matter which trim you choose, it comes with Hyundai's standout set of warranties.

Shop the 2020 Hyundai Sonata

It's easy to sell a handsome looking vehicle like the all-new 2020 Hyundai Sonata, but buying your next vehicle is about more than just that. We offer a full-service experience that includes Hyundai's Car Care and the latest tools to ensure your vehicle is always ready for whatever adventure you embark on.

Whether or not you were in attendance, you must know about the I-500, a major Snowmobile race event in the Soo that was held at the beginning of this month. Watching the racers try to make it around the track, navigate around town amidst the traffic, and simply enjoy driving around on their snowmobiles completely refueled our love of driving.

If you happened to miss the race, Gabe Bunke, a favorite to win this year's race and a 7-time winner already, managed to make it eight as he won alongside his co-riders Aaron Christensen and Taylor Bunke on Feb. 1. He is now tied at the top of the all-time wins standings in the most prestigious snowmobile race in Sault Ste. Marie.

The combined determination and enjoyment these men have while is something we at Fernelius Hyundai admire a great deal. If you want to experience that love of driving for yourself, or if you've already begun looking for a vehicle to help you conquer the road, Fernelius Hyundai has some great options available for you, new or used.

Want Some Winter Driving Performance of Your Own?

While we've previously talked about the value of winter tires, available all-wheel-drive (AWD) on several of our available models, like the 2020 Hyundai Kona SUV, can provide you with even better performance and confidence when driving in the current and unpredictable season. We also offer performance cars like the Veloster N if the I-500 evoked the dream of carving corners on your own.

Fernelius Hyundai offers a full suite of models that can help you save gas, conquer the road, and carry friends and family. Whether you opt for a new SUV like the 2020 Hyundai Kona, a reliable new 2020 Tucson, or a comfy 2020 Santa Fe, your love for driving is sure to be reignited with the turn of the ignition.

Visit Fernelius Hyundai Today

Whether you're looking to make your way across heavy Michigan winter snow or pulling into the parking lot at the supermarket, Fernelius Hyundai has you covered. Visit our showroom today or check out our inventory to see what exciting options we have available.

Buying pre-owned vehicles can be a great way to find value in cars that are very similar to the latest models on showroom floors and Fernelius Hyundai in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan has a large selection from you to choose from.

To help you make that choice, here are three ways we can help you find the best car, truck or SUV for your needs without breaking the bank:

Shop Smart

Be sure to keep an eye on vehicle resale values, as they tend to drop during the first few years, and then even out after that. So, look for pre-owned vehicles that are relatively recent to get the best value for your money and avoid paying for depreciation. Finding a vehicle about a year older in a favored model can provide you with great value compared to purchasing that model new. And it allows you to still find features you want without paying extra for them.

Be Sure to Get an Inspection and Vehicle Report

Reputable car dealerships will always have the vehicle identification number (VIN) ready for you to check the background of a vehicle. Truly good ones understand the importance of knowing a vehicle's history before you buy, or before you even show up. Check to see that they offer CarFax, AutoCheck, or another similar report while you are browsing their vehicles.

Get a Test Drive and Consider Dealership Service

The best way to know if a vehicle makes sense for you is to drive it! Part of ownership is also routine maintenance and service costs afterward. Make sure that you price out these costs completely before you buy your vehicle. Fernelius can help out with that through our Fernelius Auto Care Maintenance Plan, which covers service for the first year, or 10,000 miles, as part of the purchase price.

Shop Our Pre-Owned Inventory Today

Fernelius Hyundai offers pre-owned options from a variety of makes and models like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Accent, and Elantra, as well as models from Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford, and more! Be sure to check out our inventory today or call us to see what we might have available.

Why Hyundai Has America's Best New Car Warranty

A warranty program is the strongest sign that a brand believes in its products. By guaranteeing that you don't have to pay out of pocket for any failures, Hyundai models from Fernelius add a piece of mind beyond the stellar reviews we hear at our dealership every day. In fact, the Hyundai warranty is robust, including warranties for:

·       Powertrain (10 year/100,000 miles): This includes the motor and much of the transmission and is the longest in the industry by far (between four and five years!)

·       New Vehicle (5-year/60,000 miles): Covers most non-wear components from bumper to bumper and again is several years longer than our competitors.

·       Emission and Anti-Perforation Warranties (7+ years): These cover potential rusting panels and emissions issues that can lead to costly inspection failures.

There are even more programs, with free replacement parts for the first year and five years of roadside assistance so that no matter where you are, you're never far from help. We hope that none of our customers need it, but we are glad that we can offer it to them in case the unexpected happens.

How Fernelius Goes Beyond Hyundai's Standout Warranty Program

Fernelius Auto Care is our dealership's specialized extended warranty that adds peace of mind for our pre-owned vehicle shoppers. A full year of maintenance and roadside assistance adds even more value to our customers in the Cheboygan community and shows how much faith we have in our inspection process and all of the vehicles on our lots.

Shop For Your Next Vehicles at Fernelius Hyundai Today

The weather is chilly but the deals continue to be hot at Fernelius Hyundai. Visit our Sault Ste. Marie showroom or view our online listings before you head out today. We look forward to working with you to find the best car or SUV for your needs.

What to Consider in New and Pre-Owned Vehicle Packages

It may be hard to believe but buying a new or pre-owned Hyundai doesn't have to be a stressful experience. The car-buying experience can become overwhelming if you are not sure what you are looking for, what you need, or what you can afford.

As many in the Sault Ste. Marie community know, we maintain high standards in service and finding the right financing. Our knowledgeable team has put together this helpful list of what to consider for in your next new car package:

1.     A Vehicle that Fits your Needs and Budget

Many people can sort out a monthly budget at home and figure out how much additionally they can pay for their next vehicle. At Fernelius Hyundai, our finance department can help determine the trade-in value of your current vehicle to help with a down payment.

We recommend that buyers consider the total cost of ownership beyond just looking at their monthly payments. Less respectable dealerships often suggest low monthly payments but then add a year or two to your total loan. This can end up costing you thousands of extra dollars. And ownership costs can go beyond that.

2.     Service and Support

Fernelius is proud to offer vehicles with the best new car warranties from Hyundai, as well as the Fernelius Auto Care Plan for many pre-owned vehicles. When you combine those benefits with our knowledgeable service team and free routine maintenance, you'll know that you have fewer concerns about future unexpected costs compared to competitors.

3.     Stay in the Know

Visit our staff at our showroom today to learn more about your buying options. You can also check out our new and pre-owned vehicle inventory that's on the lot right now to get a feel for which Hyundai is the right fit for your lifestyle. Whatever your need, the Fernelius team is here to help!

Preparing Your Vehicle for Northern Michigan's Coldest Months

Whether you are dropping your kids off at school or running to the grocery store for this week's groceries, you need a reliable vehicle to depend on, especially in the winter. With yet another frosty winter in full swing, we have tips for vehicle maintenance to help you out before you are stuck in a winter storm.

Under the Hood

Your battery suffers more wear and tear than you might think throughout the winter. As temperatures drop, your vehicle needs more power, longer for the starter motor to work and the engine to turn over.

Visit our service center where our technicians can check your battery as well as the various electronics systems in place, like traction control to keep you safe this winter. In addition, you'll probably have your windshield wiper fluid checked, since a combination of road salt and ice can make visibility impossible.

Snow Tires

Many Hyundai's, including the Santa Fe, Kona, and Tucson, come with all-wheel drive that puts power to the wheels that have the most traction. We cannot emphasize enough how helpful all-wheel drive is, but when coupled with snow tires, your vehicle is ready to take on the winter roads.

Three-season tires, often called "all-season tires", simply do not have the right treads or studs to continue to make contact with the road when there is snow or black ice. Consider getting a set of winter tires on steel wheels if you have not done so already, reach out to a service technician for more information on snow tires.

Just in Case

We know anyone who has lived here long enough has their own ways to prepare for winter driving. These are just some suggestions that we often use to keep ourselves ready:

1)     Pack apple cider vinegar and hand sanitizer - apple cider vinegar has several health benefits, but in terms of your vehicle, it's a great solution to apply to windshields and windows if you know that a storm is coming. It helps limit frost build-up. Hand sanitizer is also an easy way to de-ice locks without having to buy anything special and fits in a glovebox or purse.

2)     Weigh down your trunk or cargo area with supplies - extra blankets, including metal emergency blankets can help you survive if your car will not turn back on and you are on the side of the road. Add a bag of sand or kitty litter and a shovel so that you can dig out of any small embankments if you happen to go off the road at any point.

Schedule Your Winter Service Appointment Today

If you haven't had the chance to already, be sure to make time for a top-off of fluids and multi-point inspection from the experienced staff at the Fernelius Hyundai service department. Contact us to get started, we're happy to help make sure your car or SUV is ready for wintry roads and more.

Sault Ste. Marie's Winter Hideaways

As temperatures get colder, it's easy to just want to curl up under a blanket and avoid nippy temperatures. Just because it's winter, it doesn't mean there isn't plenty to do in the Soo. Your friends at Fernelius Hyundai have created a list of both indoor and outdoor activities so that no matter how low the temperatures go; you'll be able to enjoy life in the Upper Peninsula.

Outside Explorations

Of course, the biggest appeal of living here is the sheer amount of parkland and forest that lends itself to both snowshoeing and trails for cross-country skiing. You don't even have to make the 45-minute drive over the border into Ontario to do downhill skiing because there are plenty of options just outside of town.

Some of our favorite spots are the Algonquin Trail and the Sault Seal Recreation Area. We love that there is a heated chalet at the recreation area for when it gets just a bit too brisk.

Indoor Comforts

We enjoy a visit to Lake Superior State University's Art Gallery and tours of the Historic Homes of Sault Ste. Marie in the wintertime. Often, these tourist hotspots are overrun in the summertime, but now is the season to truly enjoy these indoor wonderlands, you'll be able to take your time and learn some local history.

The Best of Both Worlds

If you're wanting to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of the indoors, it sounds like you need to take a test drive in a Hyundai. Whether you want to cruise around the Soo in a Palisade or the Santa Fe our knowledgeable staff will show you more of our favorite winter spots all while explaining the features of the Hyundai of your choosing.

Get Going with Fernelius Hyundai Today

Sub-zero temperatures just mean bundling up; there are still plenty of reasons to get moving outside or inside in the Upper Peninsula. For more local advice on what to do in your Fernelius Hyundai come to our showroom today. Our friendly staff are excited to work with you to find the vehicle that matches your lifestyle and needs.