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Ford Takes the Top Buying a new vehicle is a big investment, and every driver wants to know they're choosing a brand they can trust. That's why Ford's latest achievement is such exciting news. For the first time since 2010, Ford has been named the No. 1 mainstream brand in the 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), one of the automotive industry's most respected measures of new-vehicle quality. After years of continuous improvement, Ford has climbed from 15th place among mainstream brands just a few years ago to the very top. At Pittsville Ford, we're proud to offer a lineup built on quality, innovation, and reliability, giving our customers even more confidence when it's time to drive home in a new Ford. See which Ford models ranked in the top and shop them online or in person today at our trusted Ford dealership! What Makes This Award So Important? The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study looks at the real experiences of new vehicle owners during their first 90 days of ownership. Drivers report any issues they encounter, from technology and infotainment to build quality and overall craftsmanship. Simply put, fewer reported problems mean a better ownership experience. This year's results show that Ford isn't just improving its stats in the automotive industry; it's paving the way. Built Better From the Ground Up Quality doesn't happen by accident. Over the past several years, Ford has reimagined how its vehicles are designed, tested, and built. Engineers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and software developers now work more closely than ever before, focusing on one shared goal: delivering the highest-quality vehicles possible. Ford has also strengthened its engineering process by bringing in hundreds of experienced engineers to identify potential issues before production even begins. At the same time, manufacturing plants have adopted advanced technology, including AI-powered inspection systems, to catch even the smallest imperfections before vehicles reach customers. Technology You Can Count On Today's vehicles are smarter than ever, and Ford knows drivers expect technology to work just as well as the engine under the hood. That's why one of Ford's biggest improvements came in software and infotainment. Every system now undergoes hundreds of thousands of automated test scenarios before reaching production vehicles, helping create a smoother, more dependable driving experience from day one. Whether you're connecting your smartphone, using navigation, or relying on advanced driver-assist technologies, you can enjoy greater confidence behind the wheel. These Fords Continue to Shine The impressive overall ranking is backed by outstanding performances from some of Ford's most popular vehicles. For the second consecutive year, these models ranked highest in their segments: Ford F-150 Ford Mustang Ford Super Duty Several additional favorites also earned Top 3 finishes, including: Ford Escape Ford Explorer Ford Expedition Ford Maverick In total, seven of Ford's ten eligible vehicles finished among the top three in their categories, more than any other automaker. Whether you need a dependable pickup for work, an SUV for the family, or a versatile daily driver, Ford continues to prove its commitment to building vehicles drivers can rely on. Why This Matters When you visit our trusted Ford dealership, you're not just shopping for a vehicle with impressive features. You're choosing a brand that's invested years into making every drive better. From award-winning trucks to family-friendly SUVs, today's Ford lineup reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, smarter technology, and continuous improvement. It's all part of delivering the kind of ownership experience our customers deserve. Our team is here to help you explore the latest Ford models, answer your questions, and help you find the vehicle that fits your lifestyle with confidence. Key Takeaways Ford's latest recognition isn't just another industry award. It's a reflection of years of innovation, engineering, and a commitment to building better vehicles for drivers like you. #1 Mainstream Brand in the 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). 41 fewer problems per 100 vehicles compared to last year, marking one of the biggest quality improvements among mainstream automakers. Ford F-150, Ford Mustang, and Ford Super Duty earned Best in Segment honors for the second consecutive year. Seven of Ford's ten evaluated models finished in the Top 3 of their respective segments, the highest percentage of any automaker. Ford achieved these results through significant investments in engineering, manufacturing, software testing, and quality control, all with one goal: delivering a better ownership experience. Experience Ford's Award-Winning Lineup Today There's a reason more drivers continue to choose Ford. Now recognized as the No. 1 mainstream brand for initial quality, Ford is setting a new benchmark for reliability and customer satisfaction. If you're ready to experience the difference for yourself, visit Pittsville Ford and explore our wide selection of new Ford trucks, SUVs, and cars. We look forward to helping you find a vehicle you'll enjoy for years to come! SHOP NOW

Making a Down Payment on a Car: Saving On Your Monthly Payment When tax season hits and that refund lands in your account, it is completely normal to start wondering if you should put a down payment on a car or keep that cash tucked away. For many car buyers, that once-a-year money is the perfect excuse for a new car purchase or an upgrade to a newer, safer model. The key is deciding whether turning your tax refund into a payment for a car is a smart financial decision for you. A down payment shapes your monthly car payment and the total cost of the vehicle over the life of the loan. Whether you are eyeing a new vehicle or a used car, using your tax refund as part of the down payment can change your loan balance, loan-to-value ratio, and even the annual percentage rate you qualify for. In other words, answering the question, “should you put a down payment on a car with your tax refund?” can have a big impact on both your short-term budget and your long-term personal finance goals. This guide from Pittsville Ford will help you weigh the pros and cons of a large down payment on a car before you make the drive and start the car-buying process. Visit us today! What Is a Down Payment and Why Does It Matter? A down payment is the initial amount of money you pay up front when purchasing your car. This upfront payment reduces the cost of the vehicle you need to finance, which lowers the loan balance and the payment amount you will owe each month. Whether you are buying a new car or shopping for used vehicles, your down payment can come from cash, your tax refund, the trade-in value of your old car, or a combination of all three. By putting money down at the time of your vehicle purchase, you signal commitment and stability to lenders who are reviewing your credit history, credit rating, and overall financial situation. They usually see a substantial down payment as lower risk, which can lead to better loan terms and a low interest rate or lower rate compared to someone who puts less money down. For borrowers with excellent credit, a strong down payment can help unlock the very best financing options the lender offers. If you are asking yourself whether you should put a down payment on a car with your tax refund, remember that those dollars can instantly improve the value ratio between the loan and the car’s value. A stronger loan-to-value ratio not only improves your loan conditions but can also help you qualify for better terms in the future when you shop for your next car. How Down Payments Affect Car Financing Making a down payment changes your car financing in several important ways, and there’s much to consider in deciding if you should put a down payment on a car. First, it lowers monthly payments by reducing the principal you borrow. A smaller balance means a more manageable monthly loan payment that is easier to fit into your monthly income. For many drivers, this is the biggest reason they decide to put a down payment on a car instead of financing the entire price. Second, a down payment improves the loan-to-value ratio. Since lenders are financing less money relative to the car’s value, they see the loan as less risky. That can translate to a lower interest rate, fewer payment requirements, and sometimes a shorter loan term if you choose to pay the car off more quickly. Over the long run, this typically reduces overall interest paid on the loan. A healthy down payment also helps you avoid negative equity, where you owe more than the cash value of the car. When deciding if you should put a down payment on a car, you should remember that negative equity is more likely with long car loan terms and higher interest rates, especially if you have bad credit or a low credit score. Once again, that tax refund can help you decide if it is better to put more money down on a car now so that you are better protected later. Benefits of Making a Down Payment With Your Tax Refund Using your tax refund as a down payment on your new vehicle or used car offers several built-in benefits. An immediate perk is a lower monthly payment on your car, which frees up room in your budget. That extra breathing space can be redirected toward building an emergency fund, paying down a student loan, tackling high-interest credit card balances, or anything else that helps your financial situation. A down payment can also help you qualify for a better interest rate, especially if lenders see a pattern of responsible behavior in your credit history and credit rating. When they see you are willing to bring a sizable down payment from your own funds, such as your tax refund, they may offer a more competitive annual percentage rate. Over the life of the loan, this means less interest and lower total cost. In many cases, it simply makes financial sense to direct some of that refund toward your car payment, and whether you should put a down payment on a car. There is also a big asset protection benefit, as cars tend to depreciate quickly, particularly in the first years after a new car purchase. Putting money down helps you stay ahead of that depreciation. If you ever need to sell or trade in early, a strong down payment reduces your risk of being upside down on the loan. When you think through whether you should put a down payment on a car using your refund, this early equity is one of the most underrated benefits. How Much Should You Put Down on a Car? General Rules for New and Used Cars A general rule many experts use is 20% down on a new car and 10% down on a used model. For a new vehicle, a 20% down payment is considered a good down payment because it offers protection from rapid depreciation and can help secure favorable loan terms. For a used car, a 10% down payment often balances a comfortable upfront cost with solid loan conditions, especially when the average price of the car is lower. If you are debating whether you should put a down payment on a car or keep more cash in the bank, your tax refund can act like a shortcut to those percentages. For example, if your refund equals about 10% of the car’s price, you already have a strong starting point, and you can add your trade-in value to build an even stronger down payment. Factors to Consider for a Good Down Payment Even when you know roughly what a good down payment looks like, it is important to consider the size of your down payment in the context of your entire financial situation. Your savings account, emergency savings, and existing debts all influence whether a large down payment is a good idea for you right now. You might start with a simple question: “How much should a car down payment be for my budget?” An auto loan calculator can help you see how the size of your down payment changes your monthly loan payment, car loan length, and overall interest paid. Looking at these numbers side by side can make it much easier to decide whether you should put a down payment on a car with your refund or keep some of that money liquid for other priorities. The Pros and Cons of a Large Down Payment A bigger down payment can feel empowering, but there are real trade-offs worth weighing. Understanding whether it’s better to put more money down on a car keeps you from making a decision based on emotion alone. On the positive side, a large down payment or substantial down payment typically means a lower monthly payment, less interest over the life of the loan, and a better loan-to-value ratio. All of this can help you secure better loan terms, protect against negative equity, and enjoy more predictable costs in the long run. Many car buyers who can bring a large down payment from a tax refund appreciate how it lowers monthly payments and gives them more room in the rest of their budget. However, there are also disadvantages to a large down payment on a car. Tying up too much of your tax refund in your car can leave you short on emergency savings, which may create stress if a job change, medical bill, or home repair pops up. Another downside is that putting a large amount into a rapidly depreciating asset can limit how quickly you build wealth elsewhere. When you ask yourself again whether you should put a down payment on a car as big as possible, remember that there is such a thing as putting down too much, especially if it empties your safety net. Leasing vs. Financing and Your Tax Refund Leasing and financing treat down payments using tax refunds a little differently. With leasing, your tax refund might cover your upfront costs, the first few payments, or reduce the payment amount slightly. Since leasing is essentially renting, you do not build equity, and your primary focus is usually keeping your monthly car payment low and predictable. Financing, on the other hand, turns that refund into real equity. When you finance and decide that you should put a down payment on a car using your refund, you are choosing to own the vehicle at the end of the term. A stronger down payment when financing can help you secure favorable loan terms, shorten your car loan length, and reduce overall interest paid. Since a car loan is a financial product, you want to structure it in a way that aligns with how long you plan to keep the vehicle and how much flexibility you want in the rest of your budget. In both cases, understanding the average price of the models you are considering and how the down payment changes your monthly car payment is essential. Our dealership will walk you through the numbers so you can see exactly how your tax refund affects each scenario before you decide whether you should put a down payment on a car with it. Ready to Put a Down Payment on a Car With Your Tax Refund? Truthfully, there is no single answer that fits every driver. For many people, using at least part of a tax refund for a down payment is a good idea, especially if it helps avoid negative equity and brings lower monthly payments within reach. Before you decide definitively whether you should put a down payment on a car with all or part of your tax refund, take a moment to compare offers, consider different financing options, and run the numbers. If you want to keep digging into these topics, visit our finance team for more resources on down payments, interest rates, and budgeting for your next car. With the right information in hand, you can turn this year’s tax refund into a smart move for both your car and your overall financial health. Visit us today at Pittsville Ford! CONTACT US

Your Tax Refund, Your Dream Drive Tax season is here, and it’s the perfect time to take advantage of tax season car deals. Whether you’re looking for a new vehicle or exploring pre-owned cars, this time of year brings plenty of special offers and incentives for car buyers. From cash back options to lower interest rates, there’s never been a better time to upgrade to your next vehicle. Car dealerships will often roll out their best deals during tax time, making it easier to find the perfect vehicle for your needs. With opportunities to use your income tax return for a down payment or explore financing options, tax season offers an ideal chance to save on a new car, SUV, truck, or a reliable pre-owned vehicle. Shop our current specials and latest offers at Pittsville Ford to get the best price and drive away with a great deal. Why Tax Season Is the Best Time to Shop for a New Ride Use Your Income Tax Return Wisely Tax season is a great time to put your income tax return to good use by investing in your next vehicle. Applying extra money from your tax refund toward a down payment can significantly lower the purchase price or monthly payments for your new ride. This approach can make owning your dream car more affordable while giving you a fresh start for the year. Whether you’re searching for a new vehicle or a pre-owned vehicle, using your tax refund strategically can maximize your savings during the car-buying process. Special Tax Season Offers at Pittsville Ford Limited-time offers are often introduced during tax season to attract car shoppers. Our current offers may include cash-back incentives, lease offers, and low-interest financing options. Taking advantage of these special deals can help you find the perfect vehicle at a lower cost, whether it’s new or pre-owned. With a wide selection of models available, tax season is the perfect time to explore vehicles that suit your personal use. From family-friendly SUVs to compact sedans, we stock new inventory and certified pre-owned cars to meet every need. Fill out a credit application today to get started and speak with our team about getting the most out of car deals during tax season. Don’t miss the opportunity to secure a great deal while these offers last! Explore the Best Deals on New and Used Vehicles If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, tax season is the ideal time to browse the latest models. Search vehicles equipped with cutting-edge technology and advanced safety features designed to enhance your driving experience. Once you’ve found a model that fits your needs, schedule a test drive to ensure it’s the perfect vehicle for you. A test drive helps you experience the car’s performance, comfort, and features firsthand. With tax season car deals in full swing, now is the best time to upgrade to a new ride that checks all your boxes. Pre-Owned Cars and Trade-In Opportunities For those seeking value and reliability, pre-owned cars offer an excellent alternative to new vehicles. Certified pre-owned vehicles often come with warranties and thorough inspections, giving you peace of mind with your purchase. During tax season sales, you’ll find some of the best prices on pre-owned cars, making it a great time to invest in a quality vehicle without breaking the bank. Shop our latest pre-owned specials and take advantage of exclusive offers on quality used vehicles this tax season. Don’t forget to consider trade-in opportunities for your current car. We offer competitive trade-in values, which can further reduce the cost of your next vehicle. By trading in your used car, you can offset the expense of upgrading and make the most of your tax season savings. Tips for Car Shoppers During Tax Time How to Make the Most of Tax Season Savings To maximize your savings during tax season, it’s important to plan your car-buying process carefully. Start by consulting a tax professional to understand available tax deductions and credits. These benefits can help lower your overall expenses and make your next vehicle more affordable. When exploring financing options, look for terms that offer lower monthly payments or beneficial lease deals. Our special offers during tax time allow you to upgrade to a better vehicle without exceeding your budget. Whether you’re interested in long-term ownership or a short-term lease, this is a great time to secure a deal that works for you! Browse Our New Vehicle Specials During Tax Season While tax season brings additional opportunities to save, it’s also the perfect time to explore our New Vehicle Specials—updated frequently with offers that change based on availability, incentives, and manufacturer programs. These specials aren’t limited to tax-season-only promotions, but shopping them during tax time can work in your favor. Combining current vehicle specials with your tax refund or trade-in value can help you unlock even greater savings on your next new car, SUV, or truck. You can browse our latest offers online to compare pricing, incentives, and available models in real time with absolute ease. Since these specials are refreshed often, checking back regularly ensures you won’t miss a deal on a vehicle that fits your needs and budget. Whether you’re planning to buy now or still researching your options, tax season is an ideal time to explore our most up-to-date new vehicle specials and take advantage of the offers available today. Why Pittsville Ford Stands Out Our team is dedicated to helping car buyers find the perfect vehicle at the best time. Whether you’re looking to test drive a car, trade in your current vehicle, or explore financing options, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. We also offer convenient service hours to make car shopping as stress-free as possible. You can easily schedule test drives or trade-in evaluations at your convenience. With an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, we strive to make your tax season car-buying experience enjoyable and rewarding. Make the Most of Tax Season Car Deals in 2026 Don’t let tax season pass you by without taking advantage of our incredible car sales and special offers. Use the extra money from your refund to secure a great deal on a new vehicle or pre-owned car. With options like cash back, lower interest rates, and lease offers, this is the perfect time to upgrade your ride. Act quickly, as these limited-time deals won’t last forever. Visit Pittsville Ford to view our inventory, take a test drive, and find the perfect vehicle for your needs. View our current new and pre-owned specials online! Start the year right with a car-buying experience that combines value, convenience, and exceptional savings! SHOP NOW