How to Decorate Your Home This Fall

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Now that the fall season is here to stay, it's time to decorate! Give your home maximum curb appeal from the inside out with our handy guide on fall decorating. You'll learn how to decorate your home this fall in no time with these easy and affordable decorating tips. Give your home a cozy, warm feel to match the changing temperatures. Decorate with pumpkins, mums, string lights, and more this autumn!

DIY Pumpkin Vase

Need a centerpiece for your table? This DIY pumpkin vase is perfect for both the Halloween and Thanksgiving season. Using a faux pumpkin and a little bit of creativity, you can turn a pumpkin of any shape, size, and color into a beautiful vase for your fall flowers!

Happy Fall Wreath

Greet your guests with a stylish, vibrant, and creative wreath this year. With twigs from your own yard and a personalized greeting, you'll have a "happy fall" wreath in no time!

Fall Leaf Art

Want to give your home a warm and cozy fall feel? This fall leaf art project only takes a few minutes and can be put together with the leaves in your backyard. It's the perfect touch to any home this fall!

Maple Leaf Mason Jars

For a natural and warm look this season, try out these maple leaf mason jars! These lights are perfect for fall evenings spent by a bonfire or even cozied up on the couch.

Flannel Coasters

Another quick and easy DIY project, these flannel coasters will add a cozy touch to any home. They only take a couple of minutes to make and will be perfect for both the fall and winter seasons!

Pumpkin Pie Garland

For something sweet, try making this pumpkin pie garland! It doesn't require much time and gives a unique appeal rather than traditional fall decorations.

Mason Jar Scone

Give your old mason jars a new home with this easy mason jar scone DIY project! Paint them white and pair them with vibrant flowers to make them really stand out. This decoration is perfect for dining rooms and fall festivities!

Patterned Pumpkins

Want an easy project for you and your entire family? Instead of carving your pumpkins this year, try a new look by painting them with fun designs! Using tape and a foam brush, the possibilities are endless!

Whether you love bonfires, apple cider, or hayrides, giving your home a festive and fall look will make it feel cozy, warm, and welcoming! Now that you know how to decorate your home this fall, let the festivities begin. If you're looking for more fall inspiration, follow our Pinterest page for recipes, DIY projects, and much more! Are you in the market to purchase a new vehicle? Find out the benefits of owning a CPO vehicle, whether or not it's right for you, and browse our Certified Pre-Owned inventory today!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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Ford's Ambitious CEO Focused on the Future

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Near the end of May, Ford replaced then-CEO Mark Fields with Jim Hackett, a former CEO of Steelcase, a Michigan-based company with a design-centric background. This summer, he began a 100-day review of the company, and in a recent interview, promised that he has "some things that are going to be coming out in the fall". With Ford's ambitious CEO focused on the future, Ford vehicle owners stand to benefit from these dynamic changes as Ford continues to develop innovations for all of their vehicles and vehicle technology.

Hackett's biggest plans revolve around revolutionizing vehicle technology and benefits other than the popular internal-combustion engines Ford vehicles are known for. His goal is to produce modern and efficient electric and self-driving vehicles, while also offering micro-transit services like Chariot to customers looking to catch a quick and easy ride across the city. After his 100-day review of Ford's business operations, he mentioned that he wants to improve and speed up the decision-making process in the corporate end to provide Ford's customers with new and modern technology at a quicker rate.

His biggest addition to Ford, however, has been the introduction of his three precepts that helped him achieve success when he ran Steelcase. These innovation-oriented precepts are as follows:

"1. Change isn’t so much good as inevitable.

Hackett played football for famed Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler, and he’s fond of quoting Bo, who believed, “we would either get better at what we do, or we would get worse. We would not stay the same.”

2. Focus on users, and products will follow.

Ford sponsors Motivate’s bike-sharing service in San Francisco, and despite being in the car business, it has searched for insights, with design consultant IDEO, on self-propelled locomotion.

3. Be open-minded.

Hackett says Ford needs to think beyond cars.
For example, he’s studying urban congestion woes, including parking, for opportunities: “If you fix parking you might change the way people actually move themselves around.”" - Fortune

With Ford's ambitious CEO focused on the future, innovative and new products are set to hit the market in the near future. Make sure to check in on our new vehicle inventory to see our selection of new vehicles Ford has to offer this year. You can view features, technology, and more on our Model Overview page to find a vehicle perfect for your needs. Interested in purchasing a used vehicle? Consider the benefits of purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle as you browse our used vehicle inventory. You'll discover the process in which a vehicle becomes CPO-certified.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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Knowing the Difference Between CPO and Used Cars

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Certified pre-owned and used vehicles have many things in common. Both types of vehicles have been previously owned, are available in a variety of makes and models, and usually have affordable down payments. However, CPO and used vehicles are also very different. Knowing the difference between CPO and used cars can help you make a more informed purchase decision when it's time to buy a new vehicle. Get to know what makes a vehicle Certified or Used, and learn the benefits of purchasing one today!

What Makes a CPO Vehicle Certified?

Certified Pre-Owned vehicles must pass a 172-point inspection before they're considered Ford Certified. Each CPO vehicle must belong to one of the current or preceding 5 model years and must have no more than 80,000 miles on its odometer. CPO vehicles also receive comprehensive limited warranties, covering over 1,000 components for 10,000 miles/1 year and a limited powertrain warranty for 100,000 miles/7 years. In order to receive their certification, CPO vehicles must also have a clean title and history report, without a history of accidents or costly repairs. Find out how vehicles become CPO certified to learn more about this process and Certified Pre-Owned vehicle features.

What Makes a Used Vehicle Different From a CPO?

While Certified Pre-Owned vehicles have a rigid set of rules and regulations, used vehicles carry much less restrictions on their vehicles. You can purchase a used version of just about any make and model on our lot, no matter how old or new. Plus, if you purchase a used vehicle from us at Velde Ford, any warranties still valid on your used vehicle will carry over to you so you won't have to worry about purchasing new warranties! With more options and affordability in mind, purchasing a used vehicle provides drivers with plenty of opportunity in finding a vehicle that's up to their standards. Take a look at our used vehicle inventory to find something today!

The Pros of Owning a CPO Vehicle

Owning a CPO vehicle comes with a lot of great perks that can benefit drivers! Take a look at our CPO program overview for more information on what this exclusive program entails. Some of the biggest pros to owning a CPO can include:

• Ownership of a newer vehicle
• Comprehensive limited warranties
• Limited powertrain warranty for 7 years
• Ford-certified service
• 172-point inspection
• Clean vehicle title and history report
• 24-hour roadside assistance

The Pros of Owning a Used Vehicle

However, owning a used vehicle comes with a lot of benefits as well! At Velde Ford, you can find used vehicles of just about every make and model available. Take a look at our used vehicle inventory to find out for yourself. These are the biggest benefits to owning a used vehicle:

• Wider range of vehicle options
• Much more affordable compared to CPO
• Avoid new vehicle fees
• Negotiable prices
• Affordable insurance rates
• Transferrable warranties
• Less paperwork and time at the dealership

While CPO and used vehicles can often be confused with one another, knowing the difference between CPO and used cars can help you make your purchasing decision based off your budget and needs. Whether you're looking for a specific make and model or prefer the security of a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, we at Velde Ford have something for everyone! Shop around our used vehicle and CPO inventory to see what we have in stock, and let us know if we can help you find anything! If you're still on the fence about CPO vehicles, consider why you should buy a CPO with our handy guide.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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How Vehicles Become CPO Certified

PEKIN, Ill.,–– In order for a vehicle to be considered Certified Pre-Owned, it must pass a series of rigorous inspections to receive this exclusive title. Many vehicles undergo these certification inspections, but few become CPO vehicles. If you're in the market to buy a used vehicle, learning how vehicles become CPO certified may help you in your decision making process. You can purchase a used vehicle of a newer make and model at a much more affordable rate with great warranties on a CPO title. These vehicles must pass all of these requirements in order to receive a Ford certification:

172-Point Inspection

From the engine to the wheels, every component of the vehicle is inspected with extreme attention to detail to ensure the vehicle is safe on the road. If any components aren't up to the standard of the Ford-certified mechanic, they'll be replaced or repaired to bring them up to speed. A CPO vehicle is inspected from head to toe so that future buyers have nothing to worry about when they make their purchase. This inspection also comes with a complimentary Carfax history report to inform owners on their CPO's maintenance history and other services performed.

Comprehensive Limited Warranty Coverage

All CPO vehicles come with comprehensive limited warranties, covering over 1,000 components for 10,000 miles/12 months. Your engine, transmission, front wheel and rear wheel drive, and more are completely covered during your first year of CPO ownership. Owners also receive a comprehensive powertrain warranty for 100,000 miles/7 years. It provides extended service plans and is transferrable to future owners, too. The comprehensive powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, and more key components of the vehicle.

 Technical Requirements

CPO vehicles must belong to one of the current or 5 preceding model years in order to qualify for a certification. They must also have no more than 80,000 miles on the odometer and must have a clean vehicle title. Any vehicles that have caused or been involved in accidents will not receive the CPO title, so you'll be able to drive a vehicle that feels brand new, looks brand new, and drives like it's brand new!

Want to see a CPO in person? Schedule a test drive with us to get behind the wheel of a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle that you can take off the lot today! View our CPO inventory to see what we have in stock, and take a look at their Carfax reports, reviews, and vehicle history on each of their model pages. Now that you know how vehicles become CPO certified, take a look at why you should buy a CPO Ford to find out the other benefits that come with owning a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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Why You Should Consider Buying a CPO Ford

PEKIN, Ill.,–– If you're in the market to buy a used vehicle but would prefer a well-tested newer model, a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle may be what you're looking for. CPO vehicles undergo rigorous multi-point inspections and must fit a series of specific requirements to receive the certified pre-owned label. Read on to learn why you should consider buying a CPO Ford and see the benefits of owning a CPO Ford vehicle, including roadside assistance, extensive warranty coverage, and more. If you want a firsthand look at CPO models, take a look at our certified pre-owned inventory to see what models we have available to purchase today!

Ford CPO Requirements

Certified pre-owned Ford vehicles must pass a series of inspections and requirements to receive a CPO title. This extensive care allows CPO owners to rest easy knowing that their vehicle has been thoroughly inspected to ensure that there are no malfunctions or errors with it. In order to  be considered a certified pre-owned vehicle, these vehicles must:

• Have a clean vehicle title and history report
• Pass a thorough 172-point inspection
• Have no more than 80,000 miles on the odometer
• Belong to one of the current or last 5 model years

Benefits of Owning a CPO Ford

CPO owners receive a wide variety of perks for their purchase. All CPO Ford vehicles receive unique benefits to their individual makes and models, but every vehicle is equipped with a 12-month/12,000 mile comprehensive limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty. CPO owners also receive 24-hour roadside assistance, a tank of fresh oil, a full tank of fuel, and brand new wiper blades, free of charge! CPO Ford buyers can also opt-in to Ford Credit, offering buyers low APR and finance options for anyone of any income. Owners receive the benefit of knowing that all of their vehicle's components have been fully inspected and approved, with extensive warranties to protect their components.

Each certified pre-owned vehicle comes with different benefits and perks with their warranties to go along with the standard benefits mentioned above. You can learn about the benefits each vehicle has to offer by checking out our Ford CPO page or viewing our CPO inventory for a closer look at our models. Whether you're on the hunt for a new vehicle or are planning for the future, learning why you should consider buying a CPO Ford will help you stay informed the next time you're in the market to purchase a vehicle.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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Why You Should Consider Buying a CPO Ford

PEKIN, Ill., – If you are in the market for a new vehicle, there are several 'types' of vehicles you can choose from. You can purchase or lease a new vehicle, purchase a used vehicle, or purchase a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO). Each have their own unique benefits, but today, we'll be talking about why you should consider buying a CPO Ford. If you're thinking about buying used, a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is a great option! Take a closer look at why by reading below.

CPO vehicles must meet initial quality marks, come with extensive warranty coverage, and offer the reliability you want in a new-to-you vehicle.

First, the vehicle must be within the previous 5 model years, have less than 80,000 miles, and have a clean title obtained through the vehicle history report process. If a vehicle doesn't meet these qualifications, it will not become a CPO!

Next, the vehicle must pass a rigorous 172-point inspection process in order to be classified as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. You'll be able to enjoy warranty coverage and roadside assistance at a much cheaper rate with a CPO! Make the most of these features and more today. 

Lastly, you'll be able to rest easy knowing that your CPO Ford is safe and secure with the unique warranty and roadside assistance program. Your Certified Pre-Owned Ford will come equipped with a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. These warranties, coupled with the reliable roadside assistance program, keep you and your vehicle insured and safe anywhere your road travels take you (in the U.S. and Canada)! 

We hope this brief overview of why you should consider buying a CPO Ford helps you better understand the benefits of buying used over buying new! Take a look at the our wide range of CPO vehicles available to you at Velde Ford, and make an appointment to take a test drive. If you're still mulling over your buying options, and aren't sure where to look, our staff would be more than happy to guide you. We're proud to serve the areas of Pekin, North Pekin, Peoria, Normal, Chatham, East Peoria, Bloomington, and beyond!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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2015 Ford Mustang Is the Most Popular Car on Earth

PEKIN, Ill. – The 2015 Ford Mustang is dense with performance and design elements that allow it to surpass other vehicles in its segment. All you need to hear is the throaty roar of its V6 or V8 engines, not to mention the all-new 2.3L EcoBoost.

Despite being an American best seller – it’s the original pony car after all – its reputation isn’t confined to the states. The 2015 Ford Mustang is the most popular car on earth right now, which should help it clinch a top sales position it has lost the Chevrolet Camaro for six years.

According to data gathered by HIS Automotive, the 2015 Mustang acquired 76,124 global registrations by Mustang owners, up 56% from 2014. This gave Ford the go-ahead to open the Mustang to 100 global markets for the first time.

It also turns out 25 of those markets that helped make the 2015 Ford Mustang the most popular car on earth are RHD (right hand drive) markets. To account for the road rules in these countries across the pond – including the U.K., South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and others – Ford will produce an RHD Mustang at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan.

Ford having to manufacture 2015 Mustangs with steering wheels on the right hand side of the vehicle is a testament to the sixth-generation Mustang’s virility in an unbelievable competitive pony car segment. If you’re a fan of the 2015 Ford Mustang, stop by our Ford dealership in Pekin, IL, to see our inventory of 2015 Mustangs as well as a number of Certified Pre-Owned cars and trucks for sale.

At Velde Ford, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit our dealership, Velde Ford at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Blends Best of Both Worlds

PEKIN, Ill. – Sometimes, to reach a new highpoint it’s necessary to venture from one path and take a chance in another direction, and when an automaker like Ford Motor Co. already produces two of the best pickup trucks available, the solution to manufacture a cutting-edge model is simple: Combine.

The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor blends the best of both worlds by combining the most noteworthy building blocks from the 2015 Ford F-150 and Raptor. The result isn’t Frankensteinian at all, but instead makes for a bold, capable pickup that can rip through the toughest trails.

But Ford didn’t just stitch together a slew of components and declare, “Voila!” The 2017 F-150 Raptor spent some serious testing time on the most unforgiving trails in Northern Michigan, where it cut its teeth prevailing over obstructive hills, trench like ruts, and myriad rail nuisances that tend to bring other pickups to a halt.

When we declare the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor blends the best of both worlds, we’re referring to a few functional improvements including extended ground clearance that trumps the first generation Raptor, and also new 3.0-inch FOX Racing Shox with custom internal bypass technology. The increased ground clearance leaves more room between the rigid landscape and the pickup’s chassis, while the new shock absorption technology decreases yet strengthens suspension travel over choppy terrain.

Of course, where would the 2017 F-150 Raptor be in regards to capability were it not equipped with an all-new four-wheel drive, torque-on-demand transfer case? The transfer case spreads power to the front and rear wheels, and fuses notable aspects of clutch-driven, on-demand all-wheel drive with mechanical-locking four-wheel drive.

If you’re a fanatic of new Ford trucks, get ready to test-drive this monstrous machine in fall 2016, and check out the extensive inventory of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles at our Washington, IL, area used car dealer.

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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