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How to Buy a Car the Smart Way

April 18, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 4 Comments

In the market to buy car? At some point most of us are, so learn How to Buy a Car the Smart Way.

This is part of a #mamachallenge sponsored series to show that class, convenience and community come together perfectly at Park Place Motorcars Arlington.

I remember the first time I bought a car by myself. I didn’t realize at all what I was doing, but I felt that I needed to be strong and hopefully not get charged a crazy amount. Of course this was before I had a family, advanced technology and GPS entered the market, and there were so many resources so we could do some homework.

Thankfully, the situation turned out ok, but I’ll be honest there are so many things I could’ve done better and have learned since then to do and not to do when it comes to buying a car. And believe me – it’s not just about the car when it comes to making the best choice for your auto purchase…it’s also about the entire experience (and paying for it) that is important. With all your life-changing scenarios and needs, it’s important to reassess the process. So learn from this mama how to buy a car the smart way.

Let’s break it down to basics.

Define Your Need

To me this is the most important part and should be done before you even start looking at a car. If you can narrow down what you need vs. what you want early in the process, the rest of the other steps are a walk in the park. Depending on where you are in your life, you could have very specific needs (like lots of room for your little people) and perhaps you could really crave a car that looks good and drives fast.

So ask yourself these questions:

Size:

What size do you need? Who is going to be in this car and how is it going to be used?

Budget:

How much do you want to pay for a car and be comfortable with the amount (remember, there’s maintenance, insurance, etc. to consider as well?)

A rule of thumb is to spend around 20% or less of your take home pay on a car. However, that’s not always feasible for everyone depending on what expenses you have to manage. If you have kids, you know what I mean.

If you have a trade-in, that definitely changes the bottom line as well depending on what it is you have to pay. When you look at sealing the deal (see step below), you should know the value of your car by also doing some research (but take into consideration what condition your car is in, so you don’t always get the price it says.)

A rule of thumb is to spend around 20% or less of your take home pay on a car. However, that’s not always feasible for everyone depending on what expenses you have to manage.

Dealbreakers:

These are the things you NEED to have in the car like – needs to have four doors vs. two, must have lots of truck space, has GPS, is small so you can park it, etc.

Nice-to-Haves:

This is the WANT part – like the car needs to hav a sunroof, needs Apple Car Play, etc.

Then you have the hard part of prioritizing what you think is the most important thing to you (and these might change, too.)

If you noticed I didn’t ask two big questions here – do you want to buy new or pre-owned AND buy vs. lease. I personally think most people have a biased against both and a preconceived notion on how they work (often you replicate the buying tendency of your parents in this area.) Honestly, there are benefits and challenges to both.

A little note here: A lot of places will tell you to start looking at cars first. The reason I suggest you take the time to define your need is a lot like buying a house. After you start looking at several models, you’re willing to change what you need and what you’ll pay once you see what’s out there. And two things will happen: you’ll either settle for the most inexpensive version because you don’t want to pay much and therefore buy a car that ultimately won’t make you happy OR you’ll buy too much car and every month have to work at making the payment.

When you do the work you’ll be able to find a car that you’ll love and can afford (and yes, you can find that!)

Research

Now this is where you get to have some fun. This is the part of the process that you can get online, ask questions and research away. Once you’ve pegged down what you need (and what’s the icing on the cake), start seeing what’s out there. Visit a car show, get to Google, and ask your friends (they’ve already done some of the work for you so ask them what they like about their car and what they don’t.) Now what you find at this point doesn’t mean that they are your only options, but they give you an idea of what you’re realistically looking for and answer some of the other questions like colors, interiors, technology (this is a biggie for me.)

What I can’t just head to the dealership and start buying a car?

You absolutely can! But I’d at least have your needs, wants and how much you can pay in mind when you go. However, if money is you have huge deal breaker for you, you might need to look at your finances first (see next step below.) However, if there’s a range, you might be surprised by what you’ll find out you like vs. not like in a car when you go shopping. Your sales representative (mine is Ken and he’s amazing) is going to ask you what you’re looking for, so having your needs / wants list already set is so helpful, so they can really target what you needs vs. you having too much fun spending time driving a car you know you won’t buy in the long run (and wasting time!)

Which leads me to an even more important question: Where should you buy your car?

There are many options available to how and where to buy a car, but make sure to do your homework services like online-only car sales. While I know it’s an option for some, for me, I want a person to talk to about the car, to show me how it works (I once spent :30 minutes once trying to figure out how to open the hood), and a physical place to go when there’s a problem. That’s a dealership.

Dealerships

When choosing a dealership, you need to a little work there, too. It’s not just what’s closest or where you bought your last car that is an option. Some dealerships are much more invested in service than just being a place that sells cars. Many of them take great pride in the process of having a car, the customers that buy them, and hopefully, that you’re a client for life.

For example at Park Place Dealerships (which has 24 locations throughout DFW), #MyParkPlace is an entire campaign showing clients that not only have bought a car with Park Place, but have bought multiple cars for many years because of their exceptional service. From the moment you head to the door, there’s someone available to show you cars or if you prefer, lets you peruse the lot. And if you’re the kind of person that wants to do as much as much as possible online before you even visit the dealership, you can work with the Internet Sales Manager who can help you through the whole process online until it’s time to pick up the car!

But there are some other really good reasons to head to Park Place Motorcars especially the one I visit in Arlington.

Just take a look in their Customer Service Area and you’ll see what looks like the most beautiful coffee shop, sports bar, and even a space for the kids. With beverages available, plentiful seating options, TVs (just count how many), and free WiFi, you can get your car washed and maintenanced in the ultimate comfortable setting. I know from my own experiences, that is not normally the case at other dealerships, waiting for eight hours in a loud, cramped service center. I admit in my experience at Park Place, I actually waited a few minutes after my car was done because I didn’t want to leave and I was getting work done. But on days you can’t wait, Park Place customers also get access to loaner vehicles when they get services.

Paying for It

Okay no one wants to have this conversation, right? It’s the more adult part of the car-buying process…how are you going to pay for it?

First, be real with yourself. Know your credit score and where you sit with your finances. Then consider pre-financing. Whether than pick a car and wait to see if you can pay for it – you can get online and begin the process NOW so you know what you can pay before you start. Park Place Arlington has an online option so it’s quick and easy, but if you prefer, there are other options available like our bank / credit union, Lending Tree, etc. that can walk you through your process.

In the case you need a co-signer/co-buyer, do them a courtesy and ask BEFORE you are ready to sign on a car. Give them the opportunity to make a decision that’s good for them as well in a reasonable time AND that they can also see their finances are also in order. Plus if they know you’ve been planned out and taken the time to make your car choice, they’ll see you’re going to be responsible with their money and where their name is attached.

For me, I know my habits and I like the technology in a car so having a new car is important for the latest and greatest in tech. But for other people it’s having a specific kind of car, like a beautiful Mercedes or a Lexus that drives their leading priorities. But I’ve learned that it’s possible to have your cake and eat it too.

New / Preowned

Did you know that Park Place Arlington has both pre-owned and new cars available? So if you really have your heart set on a Land Rover, or a Ford F-150, or even that Jaguar convertible, they have it available! These pre-owned cars are Certified so that you know that they have been inspected, services, and restored to a like-new condition. And you still get the benefits of being a Park Place client.

Lease vs. Own

So do you want to own or lease? Again, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. I lease my car because I always want a newer car with the most updated technology that has a warranty, but I also need to keep my payments reasonable. My husband’s car is owned because he loves it and so he can add what he wants to it, so we do both.

Try it Out

Whatever you do, you must drive the car. Yep, take that test drive. Even if you have to have it ordered in, you need to make sure you’ve put your eyes on it and driven the car. And here’s why – I once had a car I requested in black that I literally was signing the documents on my car to purchase, but when I saw the car, I saw that the “black car” was actually navy. While somewhere on the documents it said navy, the sales rep thought it was black, too.

But that’s definitely not the only reason to test drive the car. If possible, don’t just drive it around the lot – make sure you’ve driven it on the highway, on the access road, and my favorite learning opportunity, your garage. Yes, once upon another time I bought a car that didn’t fit in my garage. Nothing is worse than realizing you bought a car that doesn’t work for you. You need the kids to get in it if you’re buying a family car including your spouse (hey, they need to fit too.) And if it’s just you and your dog, you might want to make sure they fit too!

Not only do you want to drive it, but turn on the radio, try out the trunk / back area, use the buttons – love this car.

Americans spend on average 293 hours in their car a year.
So you better like what you’re driving.

Seal the Deal

So you found it – your car! Congrats we’re almost there. There’s just a few more steps to the finish line!

Once you have the car in mind and you’re ready to take the plunge, make sure to confirm the rate and price with the lender. Also, if you have a trade-in, time to level up and see how much the dealership is willing to give you for the car so you can leverage your final payment price!

Another benefit of working with a sales representative at a dealership like Ken at Park Place Arlington is that you can discuss all the warranties, special offers, benefits of the dealership and how they work. If Roadside Assistance is part of your deal, make sure you understand how it works, how to contact them, etc.

Once you’ve settled on the price and signed the dotted line, make sure to get the lowdown on all of the following:

Have your sales representative do show and tell! Have them show you how and set up all your technology before you leave the lot.
Have your chair set perfect for you, get the radio set, ask how things work! This is why you have a sales rep – they’re there to help you!
And while you’re looking at the car, make sure you know how to manage that spare tire – just in case!

Yep, it’s that easy…ha! Actually buying a car can be a great process or a horrible one, but with a little planning and help (hello, Park Place Arlington), you can be ready to hit the road in no time!

Park Place Motorcars Arlington
4201 Beltway Pl
Arlington, TX 76018
(877) 560-1743

Cars that Look Good for Less at the DFW Auto Show

March 4, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Since almost 40,000 hours are spent driving a car, it’s important to know how to make the best of your time behind the wheel. We are excited to partner with the to bring you the newest and coolest trend in cars for 2016.

Since having children seven years ago, I made the shift (begrudgingly) to my mom-mobile. While having an attractive car was important to me, features such as safety, navigation and integrated technology now outranked it. And it seemed that was the case with cars as well. After testing out 12 different SUVs, the trend seemed to be that either you could have a great looking car that lacked a good system or one that could pretty much cook you dinner, but wasn’t as sporty on the outside.

Thankfully, the trends for 2016 show that the leading car companies finally have married the two ideas to create some of the best looking AND most smartest cars – all in one package. You’ve seen seen the commercial where a once “grandma” car now looks so cool that no one can recognize it. Or driven up to the stoplight behind a hot car wondering “wow, what kinda car is that?” and then started Googling it to find out it was a once considered budget car?

Since technology features are now top of the list for everyone – not just early adopters, it’s time for even “budget” cars to get a leaner, meaner and more sleek look.

Some of them that I’m looking forward to seeing at the

Headed out for weekender in the NEW KIA Sportage to @visitgranbury. #DFWAuto #DFWAutoKia #GoingGranbury ad pic.twitter.com/ImzKNHTMPx

— MamaChallenge (@mamachallenge) March 12, 2016

Another vehicle that has really gotten my attention is the Kia Sportage. Starting at $22,000 it’s hard to think there’s anything luxurious to look forward to, but this baby is loaded. I actually even had the opportunity to test drive the newest model that will also be a part of the Ride and Drive event at the DFW Auto Show.

Get a look at these beauties with two tickets to the DFW Auto Show 2016!

Never been to a car show? Here why it should attending the DFW Auto Show is so important, especially if you’re looking for a new car!

DFW Auto Show
March 16-20, 2016
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
650 S. Griffin
Dallas, TX
At the show $12 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and seniors 65+

Win 2 Tickets to the DFW Auto Show

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t miss this mamachallenge moment:

7 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs

January 29, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links Included.

If you’re tired of huge bills and unexplained fees, it’s time to do something about your auto insurance. Here are just seven ways to put a little money back in your pocket.

1. Compare and Contrast

Before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to understand that car insurance quotes will vary depending on things like age, location, car type and driving history. Different companies weigh these factors in different ways, so never buy insurance without shopping around first.

2. Raise Your Deductible

Your deductible is what you’ll pay after an accident before the insurance kicks in and covers the rest. While some drivers prefer to keep their deductibles low, you can save hundreds a year if you’re willing to accept higher one-time costs in exchange for lower monthly premiums.

3. Improve Your Car’s Safety Features

Strengthen your vehicle against theft so the insurance company won’t charge you exorbitant rates to protect it. Install a state-of-the-art alarm system; upgrade your door, window and steering wheel locks; consider investing in high-end technical security on the dashboard.

4. Raise Your Credit Score

This can’t be done overnight, of course, but if you aren’t quite ready to buy or switch insurance policies, it can be a step in the right direction before you make your final decision. Insurance companies will be much more likely to work with you if you have stable finances and a good credit report.

5. Reduce Your Coverage

Take a look at your policy. Are you paying for more insurance than the state mandates? Many insurance companies offer “bundles” or “protection packages” that include all kinds of add-ons you don’t actually need. Most of the time, all the state requires is liability coverage.

6. Go Back to Class

If your last driver’s ed class was in high school, it’s time to renew those credentials. Proving yourself as a safe, responsible driver can snag you all kinds of savings from insurance providers. You should also make your teens sign up for a course.

7. Stop Driving

It may sound crazy, but many agencies offer “low mileage discounts” for cars that aren’t driven that much. If they spend most of their time in the garage, they’re less likely to be damaged, stolen or totaled. Be sure to ask your insurance provider what they can do for an avid car-pooler.

These are just seven ways to save a little money on your car insurance premiums. Happy driving!

Happy driving!

His Hot List: Ford Unveils New 2015 F-150 and Mustang

November 25, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

You know when they say opposites attract? I mean really polar opposites?

Well that’s me and my hubs to a T.

I’m the kind of girl that likes change and he’s the kind that’s ok to eat the same thing every day without any complaint.

That is until you talk cars.

Then it’s a whole different story.

When I met my husband in college he drove a hot dark green Ford Mustang. It wasn’t his first either; he’d had a couple Mustangs.

A few months later when we started dating, he traded it in for a Ford truck…

Then a year later, he traded it in for another Ford truck.

When we had the first kiddo, he had a reason to getting an even bigger Ford truck.

Are you getting the pattern? Yes, my husband loves him a Ford and we get them often.

For Ford, he’s like a walking commercial since he’s now had more than 12 Ford vehicles and can tell you what’s are his favorite features and what areas he would like to see changes.

So with the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 coming out, his truly will be on the front line to see how his next truck is going to drive. And considering the Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling truck for 37 consecutive years and according to Ford, “this will be the most anticipated truck in Ford history,” you can bet he won’t be the only one.

The new 2015 F-150 delivers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency – from advanced materials that improve durability and inhibit corrosion, to faster processors that enhance driving performance, to breakthrough cargo management and towing solutions.

Several groundbreaking new productivity features debut in the 2015 F-150 like:

360-degree camera view uses exterior cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help the driver park, maneuver in tight spots and navigate down narrow trails
Integrated loading ramps enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers
BoxLink™ is a combination of metal brackets and custom cleats used to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box – from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers
Trailer hitch assist is a new rear view camera feature that adds a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up truck and trailer without requiring a spotter or having to get out of the vehicle
Smart trailer tow module uses an all-new wiring harness that helps identify and inform the driver of potential trailer connectivity issues, burned or unlit trailer marker lamps, and brake light and trailer battery faults
Remote tailgate allows for the tailgate to be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob – eliminating manual locking and increasing convenience and security. The tailgate also is damped, dropping down, hands-free, to a flat position when opened
400-watt, 110-volt power outlets in the cab, allowing drivers to easily charge corded tools, batteries or mobile devices on-site or while driving
Latest engine technology in an available all-new, efficient 2.7-liter EcoBoost®engine that features extremely high output and lightweight design
Nnext-generation tailgate step is now fully integrated inside the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use· New 8-inch LCD productivity screen in the instrument panel includes tabbed navigation pages – from fuel economy to towing tips – and the ability to create a customized home screen for customers to access their most frequently used pages in one place
LED lighting embedded in the walls of the cargo box brightly illuminates the box interior to help customers quickly find tools or other items
Rear under-seat storage in F-150 Super and Crew cabs provides hidden storage for valuables. One storage bin is located underneath the rear seat
Deployable boxside step is now available for the short 5.5-foot box

I may not be looking for all of those features in my car (which total disclaimer is a 2013 Ford Explorer), but I know many men who live in their trucks that do – and you probably do too.

Ford is offering a free test drive of the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 before the truck is available in showrooms as it visits 38 markets across the U.S. North Texas stops are scheduled for Dec. 2 – 6.

McCoy’s Building Supply: Cleburne – 12/2/14

McCoy’s Building Supply: Corsicana – 12/3/14

McCoy’s Building Supply: Terrell – 12/4/14

McCoy’s Building Supply: Gainesville – 12/5/14

American Eagle-Harley Davidson: Corinth – 12/6/14

Consumers can register and schedule their test drive at F150drive.com. Walk-up participation is encouraged.

Well the F-150 won’t be the only thing on his wish list this year. We get a double-whammy with the debut of the ultra-sleek, ultra-smooth 2015 Ford Mustang.

It is a beautiful car as history has shown, but Ford’s given her a little beauty treatment as well as some more smart features that are sure to make this vehicle on the hot list of every one.

The Mustang is the first car to offer four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines that produces at least 300 horsepower. With more powertrain options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The 3.7-liter V6 and upgraded 5.0-liter V8 are joined by an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang.

Several key design features define the all-new Mustang, including:

A lower, wider stance with a reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and track
The return of Mustang fastback with a sleeker profile enabled by more steeply sloped windshield and rear glass
Three-dimensional, tri-bar taillamps with sequential turn signals
Contemporary execution of the signature shark-bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille

While hunting season might be hard to handle in a Ford Mustang, I know he’ll be admiring this baby and counting down the days when one day we can look at a three-car garage.

Take a look at more new Mustang features at http://www.ford.com/cars/mustang.

Take a Break from Parenthood with the Cadillac CTS

October 7, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: I was provided the use of a Cadillac CTS to experience luxury driving in beautiful car. You should too and here’s why.

The day I had to trade in my BMW coupe to get a more mom-appropriate car, I cried like a little baby who had lost their blankie. I loved that car and enjoyed the feeling I had every moment I was behind the wheel. Giving up that car was a milestone moment for my life; leaving behind my childhood as I prepared to be the mother of my own child.

Since then I’ve driven a mom car; actually a SUV with room for car seats, diaper bags and pack n plays. I’ve definitely adjusted to the change of a little car to a big mom-mobile and for the most part, I don’t mind it (except for the Goldfish crumbs.) However, when I slid behind the wheel of a Cadillac CTS, that moment of freedom, class and “I have arrived,” took me by suprise. I instantly wanted to drive all kinds of places to show off the beautiful charcoal-colored coupe and how beautiful I felt now that I was in a caddy.

I mean it IS a Cadillac.

Unfortunately, it was time to pick up the kids from school and since car seats don’t belong (or fit) in this car, I climbed back into reality and rushed off to my unexciting mom life. But deep down I really wanted to continue driving and to check out all its smooth features like hidden handles, keyless entry and the push button to open the doors.

Cadillac CTS Highlights:

Touchpad door openings

Hard-drive radio system with USB port

Six air bags

Rearview camera within your rearview mirror

Parking assist, side blind zone alert

So I decided to make time for the car and made it a reason for a dinner out…besides, I guess being without kids and with my husband might be good for us. And there was also the car to drive. Being in the Cadillac did make the date seem a little more exciting and formal. We were able to test out the air-conditioned seats and just drive. Instead of messing with all kinds of buttons, we spent time together just cruising and enjoying the feeling. The drive was incredibly smooth, especially with its ultracomfortable leather seats.

After a night of pretending of how my life was without kids, without pressures and baby sitters, it was time to go home and get back to my life. Once we hit the garage, our little people came out and reminded us why we had given up the fun and eye-catching car for my mom-mobile.

However, my baby girl definitely took up on the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Cadillac. Uh-oh, I think she might already have a crush on the Cadillac, too.

Last-Minute Road Trip to Texas Hill Country with #Toyota – First Stop:West, Texas

July 30, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo 9 Comments

Travel Tuesdays:

Disclaimer: I was provided the use of of Toyota Highlander for the purposes of this review and adventure. No other compensation was provided and all comments here are my own.

This sign we started to take down in my son’s room last week inspired me to take my son on his first road trip after he made a sweet statement about Texas. I felt it was important he not only go on an adventure with me, but he needed to understand what Texas is and Texas was.

So being that he now was five-years old and I was in need a little mini-vacation, it was time to venture out on the highway and show Jackson what Texas had to offer him. Hence our first road trip – just mama, the boy and my mama. Three generations ready to take on the open road. (Buckle up!)

Since we only had three days, we made a plan to venture south to some of my favorite parts of Texas – Hill Country.

Our route included:

a stop at the other Texas stop sign, Czech Stop in West
Lunch and quick look at Austin (one of my favorite cities, ever)
two-night stay in San Antonio at the fabulous JW Mariott San Antonio, so we could explore a new adventure together, Schlitterbahn (nope, I have never been) and the historic Riverwalk
we’d also do some of those unplanned stops along the Texas loop (I-35 to San Antonio and back up 281 to DFW) like the Hard Eight BBQ.

But before we could get going, it was time to get acquainted with the 2013 Toyota Highlander! I can tell you checking out all the fun features of this seven-passenger vehicle was an adventure in itself and over the next few posts in our #ReoRoadTrip (the official hashtag of our escapade), we will share our favorites.

First of all, it was definitely the space the Toyota Highlander provided. Like any mama, I’m always preparing for the things that are going to happen, so I need lots of space for STUFF like a first-aid kit, napkins, games, shoes, bags, wipes, snacks…well, you get the picture. We want space. I loved that there was tons of room and many adjustable cup holders (that can be changed to fit the size of the cup.) An added bonus is that my son’s feet aren’t able to kick the back of my seat while I’m driving (total plus for me.) You can tell accomodating a family was a #1 priority in the design of this SUV.

Once we were loaded up the car, we were ready to get on the road – the perfect opportunity to see what “Nancy the Navigator” could do (our family name for the Highlander’s GPS and technology control center.) We pushed button on the steering wheel for the first time and by just answering “Nancy’s” questions, we were able to map out our first stop, the Czech Stop, in a matter of seconds. The directions didn’t just include voice instructions, but graphics like the exit sign and an overivew of our route. This is a must-have for me since I’m totally directionally challenged. (Really.)

And we could even turn it down when we had a great song we wanted to hear along our road trip fun.

If you’ve never been to the Czech Stop in West, Texas, you are in for a real treat (literally.) Starting by my husband’s family, this required stop before reaching Waco is must-do for any trip that gets you anywhere close to I-35. You normally can’t miss the cute bakery/convenient store, but I will share that construction made this stop almost impossible. After traveling about six more miles south, we were able to make a U-turn to get back. In most cases, I would have said it was no big deal, we would hit it up on the way home, but like any good road trip, we wouldn’t be returning this way, so we had to stop NOW.

While it sounds like a lot of trouble for a bakery, once you open the door, you understand immediately why this place is a must-do! And apparently now, even if you are gluten-free they have you covered, so everyone could enjoy the love of these baked goods, candy and more.

Unfortunately, the little town was known for its amazing Czech culture and heritage until earlier this Spring when a large fertilizer plant exploded. It was a horrible accident with mass destruction, many people killed and several hundreds more hurt. Since the explosion, the town has been rebuilding itself for months now and thankfully through many donations (including ours that day), the town will continue to rebuild and carry on the traditions they have kept alive for so many years.

We weren’t exactly starving, so we just picked up a few tasty treats including a mandatory strawberry-cream cheese kolache, sausage kolache, honey bear and for this trip, a Texas-shaped sugar cookie, complete with red, white and blue sprinkles. I was able to snag the photo before my son gobbled it up. But that’s about how long Czech Stop will last for you too unless you get the frozen ones for you to take home so you can enjoy them anytime you want. (Be careful, kolaches aren’t low-fat or low-calorie, but high in flavor!)

Now in the words of Willie Nelson, it was time to get “On the Road Again.”

Follow us on the rest of our #ReoRoadTrip adventure in the Toyota Highlander 2013 over the next few weeks!