008 Pontiac Torrent GXP

all wheel drive - navigation - pioneer premium sound system

• MSRP = $33,150
• Manufacturer rebate -$4250.00
• Hansel Pontiac Discount -$3905
• Net Cost to You! = $24,995*

Compare to Kelly Blue Book Retail for a USED ’08 Torrent with the same features: KBB Retail: $25,715.00

1- at this price - VIN# 86286713

*All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. See Dealer for Details.

Why drive used when a new Torrent cost less?

Check Out These Features!

• Preferred Package
• Cargo Net
• Remote vehicle start
• Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
• 6-way power driver seat
• Premium Cloth seating
• Leather wrapped steering Wheel with audio controls
• Deep-Tinted Glass
• Rear Seat Armrest - 2 cupholders

OnStar, the world’s most comprehensive in-vehicle security, navigation, communications, and diagnostics system, including one year of Safe and Sound Service.

Bluetooth for phone feature,4 personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system and HMI (Human Machine Interface)

On the 18th of October, The Kunde Estate Winery & Vineyards and Hansel Auto Group will be collaborating to create the ultimate dog lover experience.

The Kunde Estate Eco-Tour Dog Hike will start off with a three mile hike, giving you and your pooch a taste of this gorgeous 1,850 acre estate.  You and Fido will enjoy stunning views of Sonoma Valley and The Mayacamas Mountain Range concluded by wine tasting, a picnic lunch, and treats for the pup. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to our friends at Canine Companions and The Sonoma County Humane Society.

Not only will this event cater to those of you who love their dogs but also those who care about the environment.  That is where The Hansel Auto Group comes in.  We are all interested in how and what we can do to make our “footprint”–or paw print as the case may be–less harmful to our environment. To help out, Hansel will be showcasing a few of our environmentally friendly vehicles and providing information on each of our “green” automotive options.

There are so many different ways to contribute to helping the environment, and one of the most important ideas to consider is the way we drive.  Hansel is here to help you and the environment out by providing numerous eco-friendly makes and models; making the way you drive: “green.”  There will be fun “green” give-aways and a raffle contest with a special prize that both you and your doggie will appreciate.

For more information regarding this event, please visit The Kunde Estate Winery at www.kunde.com.

To see a green auto inventory, search our website!

I have been a dog owner my entire life.  Dogs truly are a man’s best friend.  I could go on and on about how passionate I am about taking care of my pup, but that would lead me to talking about how passionate I am about working out, taking jujitsu……… you get my point : )  I guess you could say I’m easily distracted by life’s pleasures, so I’ll stick to the subject at hand.

Meet Agape (that is Greek for “eternal love”).  He is my 5 year old, Rhodesian Ridgeback/lab. I rescued Agape from the Rohnert Park Shelter 4 years ago.  Agape has seen me through 3 different cars in his life thus far.

First was a 2001 Honda Accord coupe with leather.  Being that Agape weighs in anywhere from 75-85lbs, the coupe was NOT a good choice for my dog.  He has always had hip problems, and shaking of the legs.  The leather was nice because the hair vacuumed right off when it came cleaning time, but I was always afraid his claws would puncture a hole in the seat, so I’d have to lay down a blanket of some sort.

After the Honda, I purchased a 2005 Hyundai Tucson because it had 4 doors.  Not a good choice either!  The ground clearance was so high that it was hard for him to get in and out of, but when the seats were up in the normal position (the Tucson is smaller scale SUV that Hyundai makes), there was barely enough room for Agape to sit comfortably.  When I’d fold the seats forward, and make the back all flat for him to sit, there was this plastic cover, that caused him to slide around everywhere. Plus, there wasn’t really a lot of head room for him to wander back and forth.

Now I currently am leasing a 2008 BMW Z4, which I absolutely LOVE (the Tucson didn’t have enough power for my liking, and I HATED it after driving it for 4 months).  When I went to trade it in, I had $8,000 negative equity in the car, aka: “upside down”).  The only problem with the BMW is that I have not gotten a seat cover for the car for agape, and I’m not even sure he could fit in it with the top up.  It’s a long story, but in a nut-shell, I had to lease the Z4 because it was the only car that would get me out from under my -$8,000 of equity.

Being the Internet Sales Manager for 3 dealerships is nice, because I represent 7 different manufacturers, brand new.  Out of those 7 different manufacturers, my top 3 choice vehicles for Agape to ride in, are:

Mazda CX-7/CX-9
Subaru Forester
BMW X3

All 3 vehicles had plenty of room for Agape to move around in (he likes to go back in forth from window to window).  The seats were large enough for his dimensions, and he could sit comfortably for long periods of driving.  Also, with the seats folded flat, there was plenty of head room for Agape to stroll around the car, as well as cargo room for other stuff besides my dog!  The cloth seats in the Mazda were very easy to sweep his bright orange hair right off of.  The Forester and X3 were an easy clean as well.

So, if you are looking for a overall, top-value for your dollar, bang for your buck, I’d come by and test drive the Subaru Forester, the Mazda CX-7/CX-9, and the BMW X3.  As always, make sure you bring your beloved pet with you, to see the proof in the pudding.

Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll be back with more tips soon.

KO! (and Agape)

Photo by MARK ARONOFF / The Press Democrat

We had a wonderful time at Memorial Hospice’s 2008 Polo Classic this year. Although the outcome of the game could have been better for our team, we still got to witness an exciting game that you don’t see too often these days.  We couldn’t imagine sponsoring and supporting a better event than the Polo Classic.

Needless to say, a wonderfully-fun time was had by all. How could one not have a good time with all of the well-trained horses to study, beautiful women with their big hats, a huge selection of wines to taste, and most of all the absolutely gorgeous array of vehicles–from classic to exotic– that were on display.

Thanks to the The Press Democrat for covering the event. Click here to read their coverage of the event, by Steve Hart of The Press Democrat. It has great details about our own local Polo celebrity and wine maker, Henry Trione, who you can see above, throwing the ball in at the start of the game from inside of one of our lovely BMW convertibles.

Tim Konkle of HanselMotorCars.com gives us a tour of the 2008 Pontiac Solstice. This sleek roadster will increase your love for driving with it’s amazing capabilities and array of features.