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What’s so special about the Bronco Raptor? Ford has finally confirmed what we already basically knew. There is a very real Ford Bronco Raptor coming in 2022, and it’ll be a desert-runner like its F-150 Raptor sibling. Rumors circulated on enthusiast forums like Bronco5G months ago about a possible Bronco Warthog variant, and this idea was even supported by images that leaked of “Warthog” scrawled on the side of a test mule. Unfortunately, it was just a red herring, as Ford used that name designation for the specific mule, not an actual variant of the Bronco. Due to disappointments like that (AND the Bronco Everglades rumor), the fandom had just about given up on a Bronco Raptor setup. It seemed like the Sasquatch Package was as close as we’d get, but thankfully we were wrong.   Ford released a brief teaser for the new Bronco Raptor, but as is the norm in pre-release teasers, we were given almost nothing to work with other than the brief shot of a grille. In that grille, however, we were given one vital piece of information about this new development. The amber lighting, a fixture which is required on vehicles wider than 80 inches, tells us that the new Bronco Raptor in Miami, Oklahoma will be significantly wider than the (circa 79 inches wide) standard Bronco. These amber lights are a fixture on heavy duty trucks, and it’s neat to see that Ford plans to take the next version of the Bronco to the next level.   To gain perspective on what the specs of the new Bronco Raptor will look like, we can take a look over at its sibling, the 2021 F-150 Raptor. The 2021 Raptor rocks with a 3.5L EcoBoost High-Output V6, which is a twin-turbo monster that spits out 450 horsepower on demand. In addition to heating things up with its power, it also keeps things cool with an all-new high-power fan system that ensures it can thrash around without needing a break. Fox sport-tuned shock absorbers with live valve technology help provide comfort while sending it in the dunes and also while cruising on the highway. We can only hope that these will carry over to the new Bronco Raptor. While we don’t have any specific details, we can surmise that some of these distinct Raptor traits will be gifted to the new Bronco Raptor in Miami, Oklahoma. Whatever it ends up with, we can expect this to be an insane amount of fun where the blacktop ends.   We’ll make sure to pass along new updates on the Bronco Raptor as we receive them, but for now we’ll just have to wait and see what’s coming.

How do you fix a fogged up headlight? Much like all things in life, headlights (and their casing) will degrade over time. Even the most expensive vehicles eventually will suffer from the malady of foggy headlights. UV rays have negative effects on your vehicle. It’s just the way things are. You don’t have to just settle for it, though, as there are tried and true techniques and repair tricks that will allow you to restore the clarity of your headlights to like-new condition. It isn’t hard at all when you know how to fix foggy headlights. It’s cheap and pretty simple, given you can find out how to remove the headlight casing on your vehicle. Most vehicles make it easy on you, with some famous exceptions. There are headlight restoration kits on the market that you can purchase that’ll have everything you need, but you’re also able to use cleansers like baking soda if you need. A scrubbing brush of some sort will get the job done, but as with most cleaning, a toothbrush can also make a great alternative tool.   Step one in the process of restoring your headlights is simple. Get rid of the dead bugs, road debris, dirt, and other contaminants on the surface. This allows you to have a blank canvas to work with. Step two is drying everything off. This is the last step of preparing your headlight for the process itself, and it shouldn’t take long at all.   Step three is applying your cleanser to the headlight. We advise going with a hefty serving of your cleaner in the application process, as this will only help to amplify the end result. It’s important to remember that, if you’re using baking soda as your cleaning agent for restoring your headlights, you’ll need to ensure you mix it with water to form a paste that will adhere to the surface. Step four of getting rid of headlight yellowing is using your cleaning tool or toothbrush to brush around the headlight, working firmly but with care not to damage the plastic. It’s better to repeat step three and step four again instead of bearing down too hard during step four.   Step five is to clean off all cleaners and liquids and examine your finished product. If you’ve performed all five of these steps, you should be looking at a vastly improved headlight. Fixing blurry headlights is something that you can do anywhere. This is an excellent example of a low-budget way to maintain your vehicle without having to take it to a professional. Sometimes a DIY fix is the best way to go.   For more complicated fixes, schedule a service appointment at our local repair shop in Edmond, Oklahoma today.

With dozens if not hundreds of repair shops near Miami, Oklahoma, it can be hard to sift through all of the listings to find the most trustworthy one. Not all mechanics are the same. Some are more expensive, some are less experienced, some are transparent about pricing, and some are trusted by your friends and family. You might prefer a local mechanic that’s more sociable and is excited to tell you about their process, but another person could enjoy the luxury of not having to know any details other than the price.   Not all mechanics are the same, and the same statement could be made about the expectations of customers. You need to find the right repair shop in Miami, Oklahoma for your needs, and we’d like to prove to you that that’s us. Sometimes you know what’s wrong with your vehicle. Sometimes it’s immediately obvious what is wrong, and you can go into a situation knowing about what parts and labor will cost. It’s safe to say that this isn’t true the majority of the time. If it was, it would matter far less where you take your vehicle, as you’d be certain enough about the projected costs to not get ripped off by the auto mechanic in Joplin, Missouri. Usually, the issue your vehicle presents you with is an unknown clunk, squeal, or rapping. The type of situation that immediately gets in the way of your commute.   In a city like Oklahoma City, you need a personal vehicle to stay gainfully employed. Commutes are far and public transportation is lacking at best. This means that you’ll often have to bite the bullet and handle repairs as they happen. That’s what makes it so important to deal with a repair shop near me in Miami, Oklahoma that you trust. John Vance Auto Group has been dealing in the auto world since 1983. For context, a song by The Police was the top song on the radio that year, so it’s fair to say that we have been around long enough to pick up on how to fairly treat people in this industry. Unlike big corporate repair companies, we’re family-owned and family-operated. Repair costs aren’t dictated by some out-of-touch millionaire from out of state, but instead are kept low by a true local and member of the community, John Vance. Go the extra few miles outside of the city and choose the local auto repair shop that’ll also go the extra mile for you. Schedule your service appointment here.

How often should you get new tires? How to check if you need new tires? This blog will answer these questions and more in an effort to leave you more informed about proper maintenance of your car’s shoes. It’s a common saying in the auto world that buying a good pair of tires is the best performance upgrade you can get for your vehicle, and unlike many sayings or oft-repeated quips, it’s entirely true in this situation. When buying something like, say, a new Jeep Wrangler, most people feel the entirely understandable urge to make it look as capable as possible. More often than not, that means throwing a lift kit, light bar, or brush guard on your rig. While there is nothing wrong with any of those upgrades, a good pair of new all-terrain tires in Miami, Oklahoma is going to have a far more significant impact upon your offroad performance than any light bar or lift ever could. Buying a new pair of tires isn’t the most glamorous purchase, but it is the smartest one.   So.. How often should you get new tires? The answer to this question is more complicated than just a simple “You need to replace your tires when…” as your situation and driving habits are what really dictate the situation. If you put significantly less miles on your car than the national average, it’s possible that you could make it to the maximum recommended amount of time between new tire purchases. Per the NHTSA, you should replace your tires every six years at the absolute minimum, but the average person’s usage of their vehicle will dictate a much more frequent schedule.   If you listen to the experts (as you should), you’ll be replacing your tires every 3-5 years (if your annual miles align with the average at around 12,000 – 15,000 miles). As with all rules, there are some critical exceptions to the rules of how often you should replace your tires. The most important factor in when to replace your tires is the tread / condition of the tire. You need to be able to recognize the signs of when your tires need to be replaced, and this next part will dive into exactly that.   Your eyes are a very practical tool in assessing your tire’s tread level and general health. Be sure to visually inspect the entirety of your tire for uneven wear, damage, or other anomalies that indicate issues with the wall or tread of your tire. Another classic way to test your tire’s tread depth is by doing the penny test. The penny test requires a penny, which you’ll position with the head facing the tire in between the treads. If you can see most of Abe’s hat, it’s probably time to consider buying new tires at John Vance Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram’s tire shop in Miami, Oklahoma. With the above-detailed techniques, rules, and tests, you’ll be able to accurately estimate the frequency of when you should buy new tires. Now that you have all the information you need, all that’s left is to set up a service appointment and make a selection for your next pair of tires. Our five-star rated dealerships service a variety of locations across Oklahoma, and we’d love to help you today.

Midwest Jeepfest 2021 - Wheeling for a Wheely Good Cause This year’s Midwest Jeepfest was a massive success that topped both our expectations and our records in previous years. We had a wonderful time out there with all of our new friends and some old friends too, and we just wanted to take the time to thank everyone for coming out and showing support. We had everything from Wranglers and XJs to Hummers, F-150s, and home-brewed monsters come out, and we loved the opportunity to see such a wide array of 4x4s out on our dirt track. While the name of the event is Jeepfest, this event has always been about inclusivity for all different makes of 4x4 vehicles. It’s part of what makes this event so special. We can’t thank Dan Mullenix of Dirtwerx of Oklahoma enough for the absolutely amazing upgrades and expansion he pulled off on our offroad course. This year’s course was miles ahead of any other years’, which was critical in making sure that people had the time of their lives testing out their 4x4s. This year’s charity we worked with was Paralyzed Veterans of America, Mid-America chapter, which is the local chapter of an organization that works to help out our veterans who no longer have full mobility. We have greatly enjoyed working beside Bill Kokendoffer on this year’s event, and we couldn’t have made this happen without him. Our hard-working Midwest Jeepfest committee involved folks from all over the state, including Guthrie Chamber of Commerce, The Guthrie News Leader, Tim’s Bodyworx, Dirtwerx of Oklahoma, Red Dirt Jeep Club, Duck Duck Jeep, The Edmond Way, and more. Local leaders stepped up to ensure this went off without a hitch, and we’re beyond grateful that they used their free time in such a charitable way. It has made all the difference having a high level of involvement from our neighbors. We sincerely could not have pulled this off without their selfless participation. We couldn’t have raised the incredible amount of funds we were able to raise without the direct contributions from charitable local businesses like Wanderfolk Spirits, Mack and Ike’s Good Times Saloon, Ally Financial, Dealer Express, and D&S Automotive Wrecker. Thank you to all the companies and individuals who made the decision to donate. With your efforts, we were able to raise a colossal amount of money (still being calculated as of the writing of this post) for our veterans. 100% of all donations and funds raised during Midwest Jeepfest 2021 are being given directly to PVA Mid-America chapter, and a figure like this is one that will make a big difference in the lives of the veterans in this chapter. Unlike nationwide charities, this money is going specifically to locals, meaning you’ve helped out your friends and neighbors with your participation. Each year we attempt to topple the records set the previous year, and we hope that we can count on all of you to help us make Midwest Jeepfest 2022 an even more successful event. Don’t forget to tag us or use the hashtag #midwestjeepfest so that us and everyone else can see what this awesome event was like. View our new 4x4 inventory.

Many people have fallen prey to an assumption that, while possibly true in the past, is certainly not relevant in today’s market. Telling your salesman that you’re paying for your car in cash isn’t the power move that you may think it is. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying a car with cash. In fact, for some people it’s the absolute best way to go. What is isn’t, however, is a thing to say to your salesman in an attempt to “sweeten the deal” or barter. When you tell us that you’re paying for your car with cash in an attempt to get a lower price, it’s telling us that we might not make any money from this deal. It’s critical for both parties to benefit from a transaction, and given financing provides the brunt of a dealership’s profits, paying cash isn’t the incentive to offer a lower price that you may think it is. In order to stay in business, we need to make a profit from our sales. We don’t get greedy with our pricing, and we try to provide our best price up front and on our website. You’ll still get the same five-star treatment paying cash as you would were you financing with us, but it’s imperative to understand that telling us you’re paying with cash isn’t a negotiation chip in your pocket that’ll change the amount we need to make to keep this small business running. Here at the John Vance Auto Group in Miami, Oklahoma,  we try to be as open and transparent through the entire car-buying process as is humanly possible, and that extends to helping dispel misconceptions about what creates leverage in your purchase. When we’re all on the same page, it allows for everyone to have a level playing field and helps erase any feelings of hoodwinking or subterfuge. As it can be to your advantage to finance, we did want to provide some perspective on why you benefit from financing your car purchase. One of the most important factors in your financial landscape is liquidity. The ability to use or invest your cash reserves in savings or emergency funds is worth paying an additional 3.5% in financing interest if it means you can keep your cash reserves up. Obviously everyone is coming from a unique situation, but these general principles apply to most scenarios we see.   It can be intimidating signing up for a few years worth of payments, but knowing that you’re financially prepared for any occurrence between now and the end of your loan is a very reassuring bit of knowledge. View our full inventory here!

Oklahoma’s temperature can hit in the upper 90s and even 100s during the summer, which means it’s a critical need to have a fully functioning air conditioning system that constantly blows cold. You might think that repairing your car’s air conditioning is too expensive or time consuming, but we guarantee that you’ll be thankful for it when the sizzling sun is high in the sky. Due to our low overhead cost, we’re able to supply a superior service at a price that’s tailor-made to fit your budget. This is a company that cares for quality, and that care for quality shows in the experience that we provide. We offer affordable air conditioning repair for your truck that will ensure that you’re prepared for even the most sweltering of days. You can set up a service appointment now and breathe a sigh of relief when you see the 7-day forecast. Our professional team of certified technicians are on standy-by to provide you with a quality service at the drop of a hat. We’re trained and ready to help with any and all auto air conditioner services. Car air conditioner repair in Miami, Oklahoma is all about finding a local repair shop that you can trust to take care of your vehicle in every stage of the repair process. It’s about not just finding the right auto ac repair near me, but it’s about knowing you’re getting the five-star treatment that you deserve. AC car repair has some great side-effects that you can only realize once you’ve experienced Summer heat without backup. Your phone won’t be constantly overheating in the car, which is an unfortunate reality of driving around in the Oklahoma heat without backup. We specialize in automotive ac repair near me because we know how bad it can be driving around and sweating non stop in the car. Don’t you think it’s about time that you invested in the comfortability of your commute? Vehicle ac repair near me in Miami, Oklahoma isn’t something you should have to put off for months. It’s hot now, and we can help now. Schedule your service appointment here.

Texas found out the hard way that the electric grid can be brought to its knees temporarily by extreme weather conditions. You can normally rely on the stability of core infrastructure, but wild situations can come out of left field and wreak havoc.   In situations where the unexpected happens, it’s vital to have a plan in place to mitigate the damage. F-250 owners in Texas rose to the occasion and fueled their powerless homes using the abilities of their truck, helping them stave off the cold and keep their families safe during the worst of things.   You can power your home using the all-new Ford F-150 Lightning. This isn’t just something that can be made to work. It’s something that was made for this purpose. Built tougher than even ice storms and power outages, the electric F-150 will have the fortitude and battery capacity to outlast the worst of it. The change from ICE to electric trucks might seem intimidating at first, but it’s becoming more and more apparent that electric vehicles have what it takes to get the job done just as well as gas-powered vehicles. The range capabilities of EVs are steadily rising well beyond the 300-mile requirement most consumers indicate as the minimum acceptable amount. In fact, Ford ran their range tests with a full payload, so the likelihood of the Ford F-150 Lightning having a more extensive range than the current numbers suggest is pretty high, which is unlike most range predictions thrown out by marketers. The F-150 Lightning in Joplin, Missouri isn’t meant to be a second or third vehicle used on occasion. It’s built from the tires up to be your go-to for work and leisure. It’s built tough just like the classic F-150, and much like the ultra-successful new Mach E Mustang, it feels like a vehicle first and an electric vehicle second.   We’re your local Ford dealership in Miami, Oklahoma and we’d love to help you find your next truck. Browse our full inventory of vehicles at Vancefordmiami.net

Midwest Jeepfest - September 4th Midwest Jeepfest is a few short weeks away, and we’re so ready to see everyone out in Guthrie.   Given the craziness of last year, we were only able to have a small, social-distanced meet and greet event, so this is the first real Midwest Jeepfest since back in 2019. Needless to say, we’re itching to get out there and tear up the track. Given the dramatic pause between 2019’s Midwest Jeepfest and 2021’s Midwest Jeepfest, we came to the conclusion that an ordinary experience just wasn’t thrilling enough. With that need for awesomeness in mind, we made the call to expand the dirt track.   The Vance family acquired some land directly behind the original dirt track, and now we’re in the process of making good use of it. Our friends at DirtWerx of Oklahoma are working hard to ensure this expanded experience is ready to go before September 4th when everything kicks off, which is a tall order given the size of the new track. This year’s Midwest Jeepfest will be filled with both return visitors as well as a large amount of newcomers to this charity 4x4 event. While the name of the event is Jeepfest, the spirit of the event is inclusion, and that means there will be plenty of variety on display in terms of vehicles. We’ve seen everything from Willys and 90’s Cherokees to Silverados and 4Runners. This gathering only exists to make a difference, and it takes all hands on deck to raise the funds required to make a massive impact.   Due to that same reason, we’ve partnered up with organizations like Duck Duck Jeep, Ally Financial, and more to maximize the good we’re working to do in our community. Key partners like these are critical in ensuring we hit or exceed our goal of $20,000 raised in total from Midwest Jeepfest 2021. We hope that with the combination of inflatables and fun kid events, remote control crawlers, vendor booths, and our offroad track we’ll be able to make this a fantastic time for everyone. We’ll see y’all in September!

It’s no secret that new inventory is hard to come by for dealerships as well as customers. COVID, chip shortages, canal-related mishaps, and other disasters have all led to the strangest auto market situation that we’ve ever seen. If you’ve been shopping around for your next vehicle, you’ve likely already seen how difficult it can be to find exactly what you’re looking for. You might find the perfect SUV with everything you need, BUT it’s in the wrong color. You might find a sedan that would be a great fit for your family, but it doesn’t have steering wheel controls, and that’s a dealbreaker for you. You might be looking for a new heavy-duty truck and find nothing at all. When it comes to something you plan on using for years, it’s hard to compromise on features, color, or even the exact model you want. When you custom factory order a truck at John Vance Auto Group, you’re able to get exactly what you’re looking for, and without the frustration of searching Autotrader and local dealership websites. You get to skip the line when you order a new car, is what we’re telling you. While it’s definitely no secret that the current situation is a crazy one, it’s much less known that you can simply go straight to the factory through John Vance Auto Group. Customize what features and specs your factory ordered truck has without spending hours of time searching online. You can get the process of custom ordering your SUV from our website and have it delivered to your nearest John Vance Auto Group dealership. You might want to ask the question “ How long does it take to order a car from the factory?” Normally it might be quicker to pick something up from what’s currently available on the lot, but that’s no longer the case with inventory constraints. Ordering a new car through a dealership doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it can even be an enjoyable experience when you partner up with a reputable dealership and take the time to ensure what you’re ordering is the exact right car you want. You’ll never have as much freedom of choice in your cay-buying experience as you will find in your special ordered vehicle experience.

Best outdoor seating restaurants in Joplin Missouri 2021 We’re coming off of a year of isolation, and now that life has begun again, it’s time to get out and enjoy the company of our friends and family. That means it’s time for good eats, preferably ones with a great outdoor patio.   We compiled a list of restaurants in and around Joplin that have patios or outdoor seating to take full advantage of the beautiful Missouri Summer. Tropicana Bar & Grill We wanted to start with Tropicana Bar and Grill in Joplin for a few different reasons. The top reason is their incredibly-strong review level online, which is usually a pretty great indicator of quality. Their self-described “balcony seating” has us intrigued, and we’re planning to give their american-style cuisine a try next time we’re in town.   Since we’re located just a short distance from Joplin, over in Miami Oklahoma, we spend a great deal of time mingling with our neighboring city. Crabby’s You’ll “sea” why we recommended this crustacean-themed restaurant the moment you walk in, as their crab cakes are to die for. When you’re looking for something as specific as outdoor seating at a Joplin seafood restaurant, it’s hard to find a more appropriate location than Crabby’s.   They even offer takeout, so you’re covered if you want tilapia to go. Screamin’ Chicken With a name like Screamin’ Chicken, it’s hard to imagine this place is anything other than a blast.   Reviews of this downtown Joplin food truck leave us with the impression that this is a fantastic spot for a quick wing fix while spending time in the great outdoors. We have it on good authority that their buffalo sauce is top notch, but what about the lemon pepper?   Visit and let us know! WISEGUYS Italian American Comfort Foods This place may look like a hole in the wall, but the hundreds of five-star reviews this place has raked in leaves us certain that it’s worth the trip.   This is potentially the highest rated italian restaurant in Joplin, and they’ve earned a cult following of folks who make sure to drop by every time they are in town. Their front porch area is not the most fancy spot to dine down, but this isn’t fine dining. It’s casual Italian food that you can even take out.   Joplin is a beautiful city that’s just a stone’s throw away from our dealership in Miami, Oklahoma, and we’d love it if you’d make the short leap over to see us.

What is the difference between AWD and 4WD? What’s the difference between 4wd and awd? It’s a question we’ve all had to figure out at one point or another, and there’s no shame in asking for clarification on the subject. After all, they sound roughly the same, right? All wheels? There are four of them driving, so isn’t that all of them? The answer is simple and easy, but there are a plethora of different ways that Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive systems operate that are specialized for the intent of the vehicle. Some trucks are meant to conquer every piece of terrain in sight, but some aren’t. -and, likewise, some cars just need the capability to drive through snow and harsh road conditions, while some are perfectly fine and purpose-built for sunny-day optimal weather driving only. Typically, but not always, all-wheel drive is meant to get you through tough weather conditions or limited stretches of less-developed roads. When you’re looking at hardcore offroaders like what you’d take out to Little Sahara park in Oklahoma, you’re not typically considering bringing an AWD Volkswagen Tiguan out for dune-riding. This is why you’ll often see sedans, crossovers, coupes, and hatchbacks with AWD systems, because they’re not meant for mudding, blazing new trails, or rock-crawling. They just need to be able to handle entry-level situations. Last year, when we had the massive ice-storms sweep Oklahoma and cause untold destruction to roads, it was almost critical to have more than a front-wheel or rear-wheel drive system, as the road conditions were slick and dangerous. Life doesn’t just hit pause when the weather takes a turn for the worst, however, and the Okies who had something like a Honda Pilot with AWD were able to safely and efficiently navigate to work, the grocery store, and Byrons. If you’re looking to head out to some local Oklahoma ORV parks or quasi-legally explore the trails behind electric lines, you’re likely looking for a 4x4 system. What’s the difference between 4x4 and 4WD? Not a thing. It’s just a matter of semantics, and people will understand what you mean regardless of which you use. Hardcore offroad vehicles like the Wrangler Rubicon, Ram Power Wagon, and the new Ram TRX all come with four-wheel drive because they’re more than just snowry road handling machines. Every now and then you’ll run into a 4WD sedan, like the exceptionally odd AMC Eagle, but that’s moreso the exception than the rule. That’s the difference between 4WD and AWD, and we hope you’ll use your newfound knowledge when you visit us to find your next adventure vehicle. View our full inventory of new and used AWD and 4WD vehicles here