Are you considering purchasing a new vehicle? Whether you're upgrading your daily driver in Petoskey, searching for a road-trip SUV in Charlevoix, or looking for a reliable truck in Cheboygan, it's crucial to be well-informed before making a decision. The new vehicle market in 2025 is fast-moving and filled with options, but savvy buyers are asking the right questions to ensure they make the best choice for their needs.

One of the most-searched phrases in northern Michigan right now is:
“What is my trade-in worth?” or “Should I trade or sell my car?”

The truth? Your vehicle could be worth thousands more than you think — especially in our region where 4x4s, SUVs, and trucks hold strong resale value.

Tips:

• Get a no-pressure appraisal at Brown Motors before you shop
• Clean it, gather service records, and bring all keys
• Consider timing — trades are worth more when similar models are in demand

More Michigan drivers are searching “best fuel-efficient SUV” or “hybrid trucks with towing” than ever before. But in northern Michigan, we know function comes first.

Top picks at Brown Motors in 2025 include:

• Ford Maverick Hybrid (up to 42 MPG city)
• Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid (up to 25 MPG combined with full-size strength)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (plug-in hybrid with 56 MPGe)
• Ford Explorer Hybrid (3-row space with up to 500 miles of range)

Smart buyers weigh MPG with how they’ll actually use the vehicle — towing snowmobiles in Cheboygan, commuting to Charlevoix, or road-tripping from Petoskey.

Searching “lease vs buy a car” is one of the most common buyer questions we see. Here's the real breakdown:

Lease if you want:

• Usually Lower monthly payments
• New car every 2–3 years
• Drive under 12,000–15,000 miles/year

Buy if you want:

• To build long-term equity
• Unlimited mileage
• To keep your vehicle 5+ years

At Brown Motors, we offer transparent, side-by-side lease vs purchase comparisons — no pressure, just facts.

People often search:

• “Best time to buy a car”
• “When do dealerships offer the biggest discounts?”
• “When does the new model year arrive?”

Here’s the short answer:

• Model-year closeouts (July–October) = biggest savings
• Holiday events (Labor Day, Black Friday, end-of-year) = great lease deals
• Tax refund season (Feb–April) = best for down payments

Plus, shopping now means better selection before high-demand fall and winter trucks go fast.

Buyers in Petoskey and Cheboygan are searching:
“0% financing vs rebate — which is better?”

Here’s the deal:

• 0% APR helps if you qualify and plan to finance
• Cash rebates lower your upfront cost if you’re paying outright
• Your credit score plays a major role — and we can help you check it pre-approval, free

Brown Motors works with dozens of regional and national lenders, including local Michigan credit unions, to secure the best terms for your goals.

When you’re buying new, the experience matters just as much as the price.

Brown Motors operates on an appointment-first, low-pressure process — designed around your schedule, not the showroom’s. Whether you’re in Petoskey, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, or just passing through, we make buying a vehicle transparent, efficient, and enjoyable.

You’ll meet one person from start to finish — not get passed around.
You’ll test drive what you’re actually interested in — not what’s being pushed.
You’ll walk away informed — not overwhelmed.