 The new 2014 Acura RLX stirs up memories amongst the full-sized luxury market of its long ago predecessor, the Acura Legend. Drivers will find the new RLX to be reminiscent of the old Legend while still delivering plenty of advanced technology, and the Advance Package delivers even more value.
Under the hood you’ll find a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers more than adequate power on demand. Acura lovers will not be disappointed in the advanced tech features which include jewel-eye LED headlights and Precision All Wheel Steering System (P-AWS). The Advance Package adds even more functionality and features, including a crisp-sounding Krell® premium audio system with 14 speakers and adaptive cruise control system.
Inside the cabin of the Acura RLX with Advance Package, you’ll find plenty of comfort features such as heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, comfortable perforated leather seating throughout, power rear window and manual rear side window sunshades, and more than enough leg room.
Hurry in to DCH Montclair Acura today to test drive the new Acura RLX and experience the luxury first hand. Call or contact us online to schedule your test drive or request more information.
 What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than to hit the road and experience history? Learn about historic events that shaped America, watch vibrant firework shows, or just relax and spend the weekend with your family. This ultimate Fourth of July road trip is located on the east coast and consists of five unforgettable destinations. This road trip can be focused on two or three specific locations for a memorable weekend trip, or it can easily be expanded into a one or two week vacation. All destinations are family-friendly and all feature unique, festive celebrations around the Fourth of July.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s Independence Day Harborfest is an exciting celebration that features over 200 Fourth of July events between July 2nd and July 6th. These activities range from historical tours to sunset harbor cruises to Children’s Day and more, all celebrating Boston’s colonial and maritime heritage. Attending The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is a must. On July 3rd, Boston celebrates with a free, full-length concert at the DCR Hatch Shell State Park. This celebration continues on July 4th. Concession stands and merchandise tents are easily accessible, and the evening comes to a vibrant close with an outdoor concert and an impressive fireworks show.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, the city where America’s independence was born, celebrates the Fourth of July with more than a dozen days of festivals and events. The Wawa Welcome America! festival features many free concerts and fireworks shows between June 24th and July 4th—plus a few surprises afterward. Live entertainment, cultural activities, and an Independence Day Parade are only a few of the exciting, fun-filled events available in this patriotic city!
Baltimore, Maryland
Continue on to Baltimore to follow the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail and view over 100 miles of American history. Visit Fort McHenry or the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House to see the site of the battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National Anthem. Spend time at one or more of the many museums, monuments, and cemeteries, or relax at the Patuxent River and go fishing, hiking, or paddle boating.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville features the original houses of three US presidents: Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson; Ash Lawn-Highland, home of James Monroe; and Montpelier, home of James Madison. On your way there, stop by one of the exceptional wineries in the area along the Monticello Wine Trail.
Richmond, Virginia
A quick 65-minute trip from Charlottesville will take you to Richmond, where 400 years of history are yours to explore. Free tours are available at the Virginia State Capitol, and numerous historical activities are featured in Richmond during the Fourth of July weekend. To switch it up a bit, visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens to see their Butterflies LIVE! exhibit or hit the amusement park Kings Dominion to end the festive weekend in a thrilling, adventurous way!
However you celebrate, DCH Montclair Acura wishes you a happy Fourth of July!
 The 2015 Acura RDX crossover SUV is now on sale at a starting MSRP of $34,895.* The RDX has always been a hot seller for Acura, posting its 22nd consecutive monthly sales record in February of this year. This incredible sales record, along with the 2014 ALG Residual Value Award for delivering the highest projected three-year resale value of any vehicle in the Premium Compact Utility Vehicle category, has made the RDX a very popular vehicle in its class.
The 2015 RDX comes with a 273-horsepower, 3.5-liter, V-6 engine, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. It also features an optional all-wheel-drive system for either fun or necessity. The exterior will not disappoint, with its aerodynamically efficient body with Amplitude Reactive Dampers and its motion adaptive electric power steering system.
If you’re impressed by the outside, wait until you open the driver’s side door and slide inside the new RDX. It is stacked with high quality, rich interior materials, which offer both comfort and utility. You can expect standard features such as leather seating surfaces, heated power front seats, a power moonroof and a 360-watt audio system. Other technologies such as Pandora® interface, an SMS text messaging function, a Keyless Access System with pushbutton start, an Active Noise Control system and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera system, can all be enjoyed in the quiet comfort of the cabin thanks to generous use of noise insulation materials. The RDX lets you enjoy the beauty and comfort of the RDX interior while the rest of the world slips away.
For the tech-minded among us, you will find an impressive array of new technologies including: AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, a hard disk drive with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity, AcuraLink® Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting, AcuraLink® Real-Time Weather, a GPS-linked solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system, Acura/ELS® Surround Premium Sound System, a power-actuated rear tailgate, projector beam headlights with Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs and front fog lights.
If all this does not impress you, you will be impressed by the number of safety features we’ve included. The RDX is designed to enhance active safety (collision avoidance) and passive safety (crash safety performance). We’ve included features such as Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control and a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), as well as the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, a total of six airbags, active head restraints, and front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system.
At DCH Montclair Acura, we have a feeling you’ll be bowled over when you test drive the new RDX. Why wait any longer? Call, contact us, or stop by today to schedule your test drive.
*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, vehicle options and destination charge of $895.00. Dealer prices may vary.
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 When most Americans plan to barbecue, they buy a bottle of sauce from the grocery store. It might be sweet, spicy or smoky, but it will typically be a thick sauce with a tomato base. Yet there’s much more to southern barbecue than slathering chicken with sauce and tossing it on the grill. In the south, barbecue styles vary from one region to another with spices and sauces based on tomato, vinegar, mustard, chili peppers, or even mayonnaise. Here’s a guide from DCH Montclair Acura.
Sweet sauce
Ordering barbecue in Kansas City, Missouri, you’re likely to find a wide choice of meats including pulled pork, ribs, beef brisket, smoked chicken, and smoked mutton. And it all comes with a thick, spicy-sweet sauce which is the style of barbecue sauce most often found in American grocery stores. Kansas City’s signature barbecue sauce is tomato-based and uses molasses or brown sugar to even out its vinegar taste.
Dry spice rub
In Memphis, Tennessee, classic barbecue most often means ribs and pulled pork, slow cooked with a dry spice rub. This southern blend of dry spices is typically paprika-based and uses a mix of other ingredients like garlic, onion, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and oregano. The blend of spices are rubbed onto the meat before it is smoked or slow-roasted to perfection. A tomato-vinegar sauce (like Kansas City sweet sauce) can also be served on the side.
Mustard sauce
Though most Americans think of barbecue sauce as having a base of tomato and vinegar, a large region in South Carolina (known to barbecue lovers as the Mustard Belt) is based on yellow mustard. The sauce gets its tangy kick from a blend of mustard, vinegar, sugar, and spices. Mustard sauce is often used for pork dishes like ribs or pulled pork sandwiches.
White sauce
The next time you’re in the mood for smoked chicken, try it with an Alabama-style white sauce. This southern flavor is particular to Alabama barbecue and typically only used for chicken. Instead of having a tomato or mustard base, white sauce gets its start with a blend of mayonnaise and vinegar. Added spices and the smoked flavor from cooking over an open pit gives the sauce its unique taste.
Hot sauce
Head south to Louisiana and barbecue is likely to be more hot and spicy than thick and sweet. You’ll also find that this style of southern barbecue adds more options to the grill, like fish, shrimp, and crawfish. The spicy sauces often rely on Tabasco Sauce (made in Louisiana) or a mix of hot chili peppers, but can get more complexity from a mix of various spices like black pepper, white pepper, mustard, or even wasabi. A tomato base evens out the heat from the chilies and spices.
 Buying a car for the very first time can seem like a daunting, overwhelming task. Luckily, with the right information and research, you can break down the process into a few straightforward steps. At DCH Montclair Acura, we have created a list of simple tricks and tips on what car to buy, how to buy it, and where to buy it.
10. Establish a realistic budget
This budget is based on what you can afford per month. The ideal is to pay with cash, but finance options and loans are more frequently used. Firstly, examine your cost of living in major areas, such as housing, food, health insurance, etc. Once you have calculated those costs, your remaining budget can be spent on a car payment, fuel, car insurance, and mechanical maintenance.
9. Know what you can spend monthly
A general guideline is that your monthly car payment should not be more than 20% of your take-home pay. Make sure to note that your level of financial debt is different from your monthly commitment. Your other costs-of-living should always be taken into consideration when making your final car budget, be it long-term or monthly payments. It is also very important to know your credit history before beginning this process. Having a personal copy of your credit report can be extremely helpful, and you can buy single reports or package deals from large national credit bureaus, such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
8. Establish your transportation needs
Given the cost of fuel, insurance and — in many cities — monthly parking, don’t buy what you don’t need. Do you have a large family or lead a carpool? A minivan, wagon, or SUV may be the right choice for you. Is good gas mileage or four-wheel drive a necessity in your daily life? Focus on what will be useful in the long run. You also should decide if you want to buy a new car or look into used automobile options. Both options have benefits and drawbacks, so it comes down to your transportation needs and your budget.
7. Identify and prioritize your wants
Spend some time considering what your priorities are for your new car. For example, do you want to focus on easy maintenance, advanced safety features, excellent gas mileage, or a good price? Your first automobile purchase doesn’t need to be your be-all/end-all dream car, but it should be a choice that you will be happy with in the future.
6. Do your research
Take advantage of the numerous online resources available to you before buying your new car. If possible, try to find out what the dealer price is and negotiate up from that figure. It is much better to do it that way as opposed to starting with the sticker price and working down. You should read car reviews in magazines and online to gain a better understanding of the car that you are interested in purchasing.
5. Locate a convenient dealership
Once you have done your research, compare dealer locations, prices, and showroom environments. Try to stay away from dealerships where two-thirds of the sales staff are sitting or standing at the front entrance. Rely on your own research and don’t fall for advertising. Remember that competition will get you the best price. Know what other dealers are charging for the same car ahead of time and use that knowledge to your advantage.
4. Ask to see service records and vehicle history reports
This is incredibly important if you are planning to buy a used car. You can access vehicle history reports by the vehicle identification number (VIN) and even by the license plate. These reports can reveal whether it has a salvage title, which means it has been declared a total loss by the insurance company, or if the odometer has been rolled back. Before you buy a used car, have it inspected by a trusted mechanic or request a mobile inspection.
3. Take a test drive
Nothing is more important in your decision process than how you feel behind the wheel. Test-driving a car not only tells you if this is the right car for you but also if this particular car is in good condition, especially when taking used cars into consideration. Take at least half an hour, and try stop-and-go routes, freeway merging, and interstate speeds. Simulate the conditions of your normal driving patterns and pay attention to how well the car meets your daily driving requirements.
2. Know your finances before buying a car
Have your own financing and loan approvals ready before you go into a dealership to purchase a new car. Talk with your credit union, bank or insurance provider (many have the capability and desire to finance your car purchase), and line up your financing in advance. Know your credit history and remember that it is illegal for anyone to run a credit check on you without your permission.
1. Negotiate and secure the deal
Make a low opening offer that is close to the dealer price and work your way up from there. Decide ahead of time how high you will negotiate, and leave when you have reached your limit. Choose a dealer that doesn’t try to tack on unnecessary additional fees. For example, a car that needs to be ordered from the factory should not cost more than the cars in the lot. Leave the dealership if you get hungry or tired. You can always come back another day, and it is important that you are thinking clearly and rationally while negotiating and purchasing a car. Lastly, close the deal and enjoy your first car!
 Heading out to the lake is a great way to spend a summer day. If you don’t have a plan, however, your day at the lake can turn into a day sitting in sand, getting horrific sunburn, and watching others have the time of their life as you wish you would have thought of something fun to do beforehand. It’s time, therefore, to plan with these tips from DCH Montclair Acura.
Boating. Don’t have a boat? No problem. Most large lakes have one or more marinas that rent boats. Better yet, if you live near a large lake, you just might know someone who owns a boat and perhaps is looking for some companionship out on the water. If you’re nervous about inviting yourself and your family, offer to pay for gas and to take part in preparation and cleaning before and after. The best part about going with friends—other than the money you’ll save—is they’re likely to have water skis, kneeboards, wakeboards, or inner tubes.
Personal watercraft. You may know these better as jet skis. Personal watercrafts allow you to explore large areas at a high rate of speed for less than you’d spend on renting or owning a boat. They’re also a lot of fun. If you don’t own one, rent one.
Canoeing or kayaking. Outdoor-lovers are active and fit. Find out why by renting a kayak or canoe (a much cheaper option than a speed boat or jet ski) and getting those arm, shoulder, and back muscles into action. If you live near a lake, you can probably find someone who owns a canoe or kayak and is willing to teach you the basics.
All-day barbecue. Load the cooler. Bring the grill. Invite some friends. Don’t forget the shade, sunscreen, and drinking water. If it gets too hot, jump in the lake. Bring plenty of toys for the kids. Toss the football around and—since swimming makes even the hardiest dieter hungry—bring plenty of food. You’ll find out that you don’t need to rent expensive “toys” to have a great time at the lake.
Swimming. Here’s an idea: go to the lake and swim. Bring inner tubes, rafts, beach balls, sand toys, and all those other things people bring when they’re swimming. You’ll of course want to bring some snacks, water, sunscreen, and shade because you’ll need to rest from all the swimming fun at some point.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the outdoors.
W hat’s luxury without a little fun? That’s what Acura engineers had in mind when they designed the new 2015 TLX under the theme of “Red Carpet Athlete.” Continue reading →
 Few things are more tempting than the wide open road on a breezy summer day, especially as the polar vortex finally recedes and long-awaited sunshine begins to thaw us out.
However, while everyone knows that wintertime, with its impenetrable snowdrifts and corrosive road salt, requires a special set of preparations to help your car weather the season, few realize the protective measure you should take to extend your car’s life throughout the summer. The hot weather puts a special kind of stress on your car, but luckily any major damage can be avoided with just a few simple maintenance tips as temperatures heat up this year.
1. Overheating- Summer breakdowns are most often caused by overheating. Many cooling problems are a result of poor airflow around the radiator, which can be caused by leftover debris like pine needles and dry leaves. Check your radiator cap for cracks and damage, and make sure to replace it at least every 5 years to prevent costly maintenance down the road. Completely flush and refill your cooling system about every two years. The beginning of summer is a great time to check off smaller prevention tasks like these.
2. Air Conditioning- Of course, your engine’s not the only thing that can overheat in the summer. As anyone stuck driving to work in stifling heat can attest, there’s nothing worse than that sticky car seat feeling on a hot summer’s day. If your car’s AC is already on the shaky side, it will more than likely fail when forced to work overtime on the hottest days of the year. Have a technician inspect your compressor, evaporator and thermostat if you suspect your system’s not up to par. Replacing a worn-out belt or low refrigerant now can save you a lot of hassle later on.
3. Interior- Anyone who’s sat in a leather seat after being parked in the sun could tell you how that scorching heat definitely isn’t doing your car’s interior any favors. Use a specially-formulated conditioner to protect leather seats, preventing cracks and dry spots. The sun can sap the life out of your dashboard and other interior features, so use an inexpensive sun shade to keep the inside of your ride from looking dingy and faded!
4. Tires- You can get better speed, handling, and fuel efficiency by mounting summer tires on your car. They have a shorter sidewall and less aggressive tread than winter tires, although you can opt for all-weather tires if you don’t want to bother having them changed twice a year. Always make sure to rotate your tires every 5,000 miles, and check for any uneven wear and cupping, which could be a sign of a larger problem.
5. Road Trips- If you’re planning a summer road trip, make sure to get your car examined by a mechanic before you leave to avoid disastrous, faraway breakdowns. Generally, have all fluids, hoses, and belts checked, along with breaks and oil. Refer to the manufacturers recommendations in your car owner’s manual for vehicle-specific maintenance tips.
Whatever your summer plans, DCH Montclair Acura has the car for you! Come test drive one today!
 A passion for driving is what unites all Acura owners, regardless of location or demographic. The smooth riding luxury cars embody prestige and excitement — and so much more than just that “new car smell.”
This spring, Acura is going cross-country to connect with those communities and drivers that bring their energy and passion to the car every day. The “Driven by Passion” tour kicked off last month in California, and will make nine more stops in busy center-cities until May.
In order to promote the 2014 Acura RLX, the tour will make stops coinciding with major cultural events. Not simply showcasing the cars, Acura promises to support the passion that drives you, too. They will be supporting local causes and organizations along the way, such as sponsoring the Palm Springs Fine Art Festival and holding a benefit for the Palm Springs Fine Art Museum where the tour began.
Of course, guests can also experience an immersive ride and drive experience in the company’s most powerful, spacious, and advanced sedan. The 2014 RLX features a direct-inject V6 engine, 310 horsepower and beautifully distinctive design features like the Jewel Eye™ LED headlights. Also on display in each city will be the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid, the first car with Acura’s new three-motor hybrid powertrain technology.
The tour will make a stop closer to home at the Mind Body Spirit Expo in Somerset, New Jersey from May 2-4. In the meantime, come see us at DCH Montclair Acura to test drive one today!
 A quick look at a map shows a short distance between New Jersey and the glitz and glamour of Broadway. Anyone who’s tried to fight traffic into the city, however, can attest that a live theatrical performance in New Jersey beats sitting in traffic for hours to see a Broadway show. These venues in New Jersey are top picks from DCH Montclair Acura for high quality live theater.
State Theatre of New Jersey. The State Theatre in New Brunswick hosts high-quality national and international performing arts. It was built in 1921 and served as a vaudeville and silent film theatre. Entertainers who have performed at the theater include Aretha Franklin, Tom Brokaw, and Jay Leno. The theater was restored and reopened in 1988 as a state-of-the-art performance center. It was again updated in 2003 and made to look close to the original theater.
The George Street Playhouse. The George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick has become an artistic base for established and emerging artists. As part of its effort to reach out to the community, the Playhouse conducts educational seminars, classes, workshops, and residencies.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark opened in 1997 and became one of the ten largest performing arts centers in the United States. The center’s two theaters include Prudential Hall, a 2,750-seat, “breathtakingly glamorous” venue, and the 514-seat Victoria Theater, which hosts smaller productions.
The Ritz Theatre. The Ritz in Haddon Township opened in 1927 as a vaudeville theater and has been producing excellent theatrical performances ever since. The Ritz Theatre Company took over in 1986 and has continued the tradition of theatrical excellence. The Ritz’s mainstage season consists of six productions as well as eleven children’s shows.
Count Basie Theatre. The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank has established itself as an important venue by providing quality entertainment and educational outreach. In addition to Broadway shows, opera, and concerts, the Count Basie Theatre, named after Red Bank’s most famous performer, houses its own performing arts academy.
Darress Theatre. The Darress Theatre, a full-service theater for the arts in Boonton, opened in 1919 as a vaudeville theater. Today, plays, stand-up comedy, and concerts make up the bulk of the Darress’s productions. It is also home to independent and foreign film showings, new releases, and silent films with live organ accompaniment.
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