Mechanic using socket wrench on engine parts

A used car needs a little extra attention to keep it on the road. Each mile you drive is one mile closer to the end of its ride. That’s why keeping it properly maintained is vital to extending its life for as long as possible.

The first secret to making a used car last is to buy a quality vehicle in working condition. Browse our used cars for sale in Princeton, Illinois, to find one that will set you up with the best chance of success. Then, follow the tips below for how to maintain that used car.

Used Car Maintenance Tips

Change the oil regularly

Fresh oil prevents hazardous sludge from building up inside the engine and reduces damage-causing friction.

Check transmission fluid regularly

One of the costliest repairs on a car is replacing the transmission. By checking the fluid on a regular basis and changing it as needed, your transmission may outlast the car itself.

Change the coolant once a year  

Changing the coolant will prevent corrosion and deposits from building up in the cooling system. It will also protect your radiator.

Change your brake fluid

Faulty brakes are dangerous, and new ones are expensive. Avoid both issues by simply changing your brake fluid every couple of years.

Keep it clean

Washing a car is more than just a cosmetic measure. Rinsing off road grime and winter salt protects your car from rust and corrosion.

Park in the shade

UV rays aren’t just dangerous for our skin. They can also wreak havoc on a car’s paint job and interior materials.

Rotate your tires

Rotating the tires every 6-12 months will extend the life of the tires and improve your traction in slippery conditions.

Schedule Used Car Service in Princeton, IL

While these are all things you can do yourself, you don’t have to. The expert Service Center technicians at Princeton Ford can look after your used car and keep it on the road. Check out our service specials to save some money on your next visit, and keep enjoying that used car for years to come.

2019 Ford Flex driving through city streets

The versatile 2019 Ford Flex offers the convenient features and unique style for an enjoyable driving experience every time you hop behind the wheel. From morning commutes to weekend camping trips and everything in between, the new Ford Flex is prepared to take you there.

Get up close and personal with it below.

2019 Ford Flex: Where Comfort Meets Capability

Cabin Convenience

The 2019 Flex makes your busy life a little easier. Its available Intelligent Access key fob lets you lock and unlock the doors and get out on the road without the hassle of finding your car keys. Just leave it in your pocket or purse, press a button on the door handle, and climb into the front seat. With the fob close by, ignite the engine with Push-Button Start and set off to your next destination.

The Flex also helps you out when conditions outside aren’t favorable. Standard heated exterior mirrors melt away snow that builds up. Available rain-sensing front wipers automatically respond when rain or snow begins to fall.

Loading up groceries or luggage can be difficult when your hands are full, but with the press of a button on your key fob or inside the cabin, you can open or close the available power liftgate.

Comfortable and Spacious

Take everyone along for the ride with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. They’ll have enough head and legroom to stretch out and relax. Reconfigure the second and third-row seats for additional cargo space at the touch of a button via the available PowerFold® 3rd-row seat. Or, fold the seats down completely to access up to 83.2 cu. ft. of room.

Optional heated and ventilated front seats ensure premium comfort during every journey. And passengers can enjoy a view of the sky above through the available multipanel Vista Roof®.

Safe Driving

The 2019 Ford Flex offers a suite of driver-assist technologies to help protect you and your passengers throughout every drive. The standard rear-view camera with a backup assist grid monitors the rear of your vehicle while you reverse. With available Active Park Assist, locating vacant parking spots and squeezing into tight spaces is made easier.

Other available safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support.

Drive the 2019 Ford Flex in Princeton, IL

If you’re searching for a dynamic ride like the 2019 Ford Flex, look no further than Princeton Ford. Visit our showroom or call (888) 545-4691 if you’re looking for cars for sale in Princeton, Illinois.

Ford Focus hatchback vs. Ford Focus sedan

Here you are. You’ve researched dozens of cars, and you’ve narrowed your list down to one. The 2018 Ford Focus is what you want — and understandably so. Engineered to be both tough and fun to drive, the Focus is hard to beat. But now you’ve driven yourself to another crossroads.

Do you want a sedan or hatchback?

At this point, we know you’re probably tired of typing in search terms. That’s why we’ve got all the details you need right here. Need help deciding between a Focus sedan or hatchback model? We’ve got you covered below. Spoiler alert: You can’t go wrong either way.

Which Ford Focus Should Catch Your Eye in Princeton, IL?

Performance

This category boils down to what’s most important to you. Do you base your performance expectations on efficiency? If so, you’re in luck. All Focus models achieve great fuel economy. Even the S, the Focus’ base sedan trim, is capable of an estimated 34 mpg on the highway. And for manual transmission lovers, the SE trim increases efficiency to 40 mpg.

But the Focus hatchback models are no slouch, either. The Electric Hatch earns a 107 combined MPGe. But what if you place more emphasis on muscle? You won’t be disappointed. The Focus RS Hatch boasts a 2.3L EcoBoost® engine capable of up to 350 horsepower. With that kind of pop, it’s no wonder the 2018 Focus won “Hottest Hatch” at the SEMA awards.

Comfort and Convenience

Many car-buyers think they have to sacrifice comfort and convenience when they shop for a compact car. That couldn’t be further from the case with the 2018 Ford Focus. Both hatchback and sedan models offer nifty features like the PowerCode™ remote start system and Easy Fuel® capless fuel filler. Both also provide up to 90 cu. ft. of passenger space.

But what about cargo space? The sedan models deliver a solid 3.2 cu. ft. of trunk volume. But their hatchback counterparts allow for up to 43.9 cu. ft. behind the first row of seats. That’s a figure that can rival some crossover models.  

Safety

Starting to see a trend? The new Ford Focus knows no compromise, a fact that’s echoed by its long list of safety amenities. Each model comes with an option for AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control and the Ford Personal Safety System™. But your peace of mind comes standard. Just see the Safety Canopy® airbag system for proof.  

Shift Your Focus to Princeton Ford

Need a little more time to decide which Ford Focus is for you? We understand. At Princeton Ford, we have a variety of 2018 Ford Focus models available in our inventory of new cars for sale. Visit our Ford dealership in Princeton, Illinois, and test drive both a hatchback and sedan model. We’re confident that you’ll quickly know which one is for you.

3 Ford Focus sedans in a row

The 2018 Ford Focus hones in on the things that matter to you most: accommodative convenience technologies, superior safety systems, athletic design elements, and even more athletic performance features. Every inch of this sedan exudes sportiness, but the Focus also offers a wide variety of practical features.

At Princeton Ford, we know how great the 2018 Ford Focus is. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Brush up on all the aspects of the new model, and see for yourself below.

Why the 2018 Ford Focus is the Center of Attention

Design

Attention to detail is one of Ford’s strong suits, and they didn’t break the mold when they crafted the new Focus. This year’s model comes dressed with a selection of unique track-inspired rear spoilers, rocker moldings, and grilles. Whichever combination you choose, you’re sure to achieve an aerodynamic look that foreshadows what you can do on the road.

And that’s just what everybody else can see. From behind the wheel, you’ll see yourself zipping through the streets of Princeton in the comfort of soft-feel RECARO® sport seats with Miko® inserts.

Convenience

Making things easier on the driver is a big point of emphasis for the new Focus. This sedan delivers nifty comfort amenities like individualized front seat climate control. But let’s be honest: it’s the technology you really want to know about. That’s why it’s good news that the Focus comes equipped with features that optimize your drive — like SmartGauge® with EcoGuide.

But the Focus also supplies features that enhance your drive. Available SYNC® 3 with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and FordPass™ are a few that come to mind.

Performance

The Focus may be a small car in the technical sense, but it boasts a large variety of powertrains. Opt for the entry-level 2.0L Ti-VCT engine with the SelectShift® 6-speed automatic transmission, and you’ll receive a mind-boggling 40 mpg of fuel economy on the highway.

But if you want more of a punch, the limited-edition 350-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost® engine is still on the table. And with the Focus RF Quaife® limited-slip differential system, you’ll never lose your spot as the most capable compact in town.

Safety

It couldn’t be called the Focus if it didn’t offer peace of mind and help you concentrate on having the best driving experience possible. The AdvanceTrac® ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) makes every commute worry-free for the driver, while the Safety Canopy® airbag system makes every trip easy going for all passengers.

Get Focused Today in Princeton, IL

Don’t be distracted by cars that promise a drive that’s too good to be true. Find the 2018 Ford Focus in our new inventory and get a compact car that follows through on its claims. Contact us or come in for a test drive today. We’re just a short drive away in Princeton, Illinois.

2019 Ford Ranger

It’s no secret that Ford has dominated the truck world for a while now, thanks to the legendary F-Series. But for those who prefer something a step down in size, there hasn’t been a midsize option since 2011. It’s a good thing America’s favorite nameplate has some big news for next year: The Ford Ranger is making a comeback.

Descending from a lineage of ruggedness and reliability that spans more than a century, the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger looks to usher in a new era of the midsize rig. Here’s what we know about it so far.

The 2019 Ford Ranger: 3 Things We Know

Its Performance Is Ford Tough®

The 2019 Ranger will be as capable on-road as it is off. Featuring a 2.3L EcoBoost® engine and class-exclusive 10-speed transmission at the base trim level, this pickup is more than ready to tackle your daily grind in Princeton, Illinois.  

But what about your day off? With an available electronic rear-locking differential, the new Ranger will make it easy to play in the woods. The available Terrain Management System™ will allow on-the-fly shifting into one of four highly-capable modes: Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud Ruts, Sand, and Normal.

And if you want to sit back and enjoy the scenery? Trail Control™ will serve as an off-road cruise control.

Its Design Is Adventurous

Everything about the all-new Ranger looks tougher and more ambitious than its predecessor. It all starts with a solid steel bumper, a stronger grille, and an aggressively-sculpted hood. The Ranger’s frame-mounted hooks and cargo box rails will be the standard for both form and function in the segment.

Every Ranger trim will have a higher ground clearance than ever before. But the FX4 Off-Road Package looks to take things even further. With this upgrade, you’ll enjoy all-terrain tires, heavy-duty skid plates, and a status screen that helps you keep an eye on the pitch and roll of the truck.

Its Technology Is Assistive

The 2019 Ranger is part of a wave of Ford vehicles that are receiving cutting-edge tech upgrades. Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, and the Lane-Keeping System are a few of the assistive technologies that will be made available.

And with the available Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with class-exclusive trailer coverage, your Ranger will not only alert you when another vehicle enters your blind spot but when one enters your trailer’s blind spot as well.

Follow the new Ford Ranger in Princeton, IL

The 2019 Ford Ranger won’t show up at Princeton Ford until early next year, so you’ll want to make sure you don’t forget about it. Follow us on Facebook for more updates and information. Trust us: You want to be the first to know when this epic midsize pickup truck debuts in our inventory of cars for sale.

The front of a 2019 Ford Edge SUV

The 2019 model year brings with it an updated edition of the wildly popular Ford Edge midsize crossover. From a diverse suite of standard driver-assistance technologies to the brand-new, high-performance Ford Edge ST model, there’s a lot to love about the changes.

Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect when the new Ford Edge goes on sale later this year.

The 2019 Ford Edge: New Features and Specs

Your Co-Pilot Comes Standard

Ford Co-Pilot360™ makes its debut in the new Ford Edge. A rear view camera helps you keep an eye out for hazards as you pull out of your driveway or parking spot. The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) and Lane Keeping System offer on-the-road confidence.

Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection automatically applies brakes and provides warning lights and sounds if the Edge detects an imminent collision. And to top things off, a convenient Auto High Beam delivers a clear view on low-light drives.

Available Features for Your Peace of Mind

Ford Co-Pilot360™ is already the most comprehensive set of standard safety features in its class, but with the optional upgrades available for the 2019 Ford Edge, you’ll be ready for anything. Available adaptive cruise control with lane centering ensures a smooth, comfortable ride while helping keep your Edge safely within its lane.

There’s also available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, which brings your car to a complete stop before sending it back up to its preset speed. And for extra control, available evasive steering assist supports your ability to steer your way out of a potential collision.

Meet the Ford Edge ST

Outfitted with a fierce 2.7L V6 EcoBoost® engine, the all-new Ford Edge ST rounds out the 2019 Ford Edge lineup with a little extra attitude. This athletic model offers up to 335 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque for a race-inspired ride. Its standard AWD, sport-tuned suspension, and paddle shifters also contribute to its track-like performance.

Wherever you roam, the Edge ST’s gloss-black mesh grille sports a signature ST logo that announces your arrival.

Discover More From Ford in Princeton, IL

For the best selection of new and used Ford cars for sale in Princeton, Illinois, visit Princeton Ford today. Contact us at (888) 545-4691 with any questions about the 2019 Ford Edge before your visit. Our friendly staff will provide the information you need to feel confident in your vehicle choice.