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When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, one of the most significant decisions you'll face is whether to buy a new or used car. While the allure of a brand-new vehicle is undeniable, the financial advantages of opting for a used car are substantial. When searching for a “used car dealer near me,” Davis-Moore Auto Group is here to highlight the financial benefits of buying used cars over new ones. Considerable Savings on Depreciation One of the most compelling reasons to buy a used car is depreciation. New cars lose value the moment they are driven off the lot. On average, a new car can depreciate by 20% to 30% within the first year. When you purchase from a used car dealer, you avoid this initial hit, allowing you to get more value for your money. Used cars have already experienced their most significant depreciation, meaning they retain their value longer and offer a better return on investment. Lower Insurance Costs Insurance premiums are another factor where used cars have a distinct advantage. New cars typically come with higher insurance rates due to their higher value and replacement costs. By choosing a used car, you can significantly reduce your insurance expenses. Lower premiums mean more money in your pocket each month, contributing to overall savings. Reduced Registration Fees Another often overlooked cost is the registration fee, which is usually based on the value of the car and its model year. New cars incur higher registration fees during the first few years. By opting for a vehicle from a used car dealership in Wichita, you can benefit from lower registration costs, further enhancing your financial savings. More Affordable Financing Options One of the most significant benefits of buying used is the availability of used car financing. Many dealerships, including Davis-Moore Auto Group, offer competitive financing rates for used cars. Lower interest rates coupled with the lower purchase price of used cars make financing a used vehicle much more affordable than financing a new one. This can result in lower monthly payments and less financial strain. A Wide Selection of Quality Vehicles Modern used car dealerships, like Davis-Moore Auto Group, offer a wide selection of high-quality used vehicles. Many of these cars are just a few years old and come with low mileage, providing you with reliable options that meet your needs and budget. Plus, with rigorous inspection processes and available vehicle history reports, you can buy with confidence. Visit Davis-Moore Auto Group Today The financial benefits of buying used cars are clear. From avoiding steep depreciation and enjoying lower insurance costs to benefiting from reduced registration fees and affordable financing options, choosing a used car makes sound financial sense. Visit Davis-Moore Auto Group, your trusted dealership, when searching for “used cars near me.” Explore our extensive inventory and find the perfect used car for you. Don't wait—drive home a great deal today.

Are you looking for a great new car that will be absolutely fantastic to ride? Check out the new 2018 FIAT 124 Spider. Here are some of the features that make it perfect for a road trip. more Sporty Specs The 2018 FIAT 124 Spider has much-loved sport features, like a class-exclusive, four-cylinder turbo engine. This 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo Engine has a 160 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque, and a six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. Check out the 16-inch aluminum wheels in a spectacular silver color and the three-season performance tires. Stunning Exterior The Spider is souped up with stylish Italian exterior accents and a tasteful finish. Enjoy a long drive with the top up or down. When it's down, the breeze heads toward the back of the car, and when it's up, the aluminum header makes for an attractive roof and amazing sound insulation. The 124 Spider Red Top Edition has a Bordeaux soft top, so you'll look and feel great whether you ride with it up or down. At the car's corners, you'll notice halogen projector headlamps, which increase visibility. These LED lights have high endurance and withstand long-term wear. Excellent Interior Get cozy and comfy in the luxury heated leather and microfiber sport seats in the new 2018 FIAT 124 Spider, lined with red accent stitching and designed for comfort. In the Lusso model car, the seats are leather-trimmed in the color of saddle or black, and the Classica model has beautiful black cloth seating. There is five cubic space of cargo room, so you can bring your luggage on your journey. Classy Cockpit If you're sitting up front, you'll notice the specialty cockpit, complete with a leather-covered steering wheel with a design geared for convenient grip. Audio and speed controls are well integrated and recessed to make it simple to use. You'll also love the aluminum accent sport pedals that are covered in bright aluminum and create an unforgettable racing appearance. Super Technology Technological advances in the Spider include the FIAT Connect 7.0, which comes standard on the Lusso, Red Top Edition, and Abarth. Enjoy a 7-inch color touch screen, a multimedia command knob, voice command, Bluetooth streaming, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with one year of included service, and apps like Pandora, Aha by Harman, and Stitcher. Also, a unique GPS navigation system is part of the Navigation and Sound Group on the Lusso and Abarth models. Check out 2D or 3D maps of the city and roads and direct your search via voice command, touch screen, or multimedia command knobs. Amazing Audio If you love to hear your tunes while driving your Spider, you'll enjoy the Bose Audio System that includes nine speakers, including a subwoofer, along with phenomenal clarity. There are two speakers in each headrest to give you excellent audio capacity even when riding with the top down. There is so much to love about the new 2018 FIAT 124 Spider, including its beautiful exterior, the best technology, and the chance to look and feel fantastic. Check it out at your local FIAT dealership. Image via FIATUSA.com

If you're in the market for a nimble roadster with head-turning good looks, the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider may just be the car for you. This two-seater convertible pairs a lively handling and responsive steering with one of the best fuel-economy ratings in its class. Three trims are available: the basic Classica trim, the more luxurious Lusso trim, and the performance-oriented Abarth trim. Here's some more information on this agile and attractive sports car. more Design The Spider 124 Spider features a top that boasts noise reduction features and can effortlessly be pulled back by maneuvering a lever. The Italian design of the car is attractive and stylish, featuring swallowtail rear wings, halogen projector headlights, and LED taillights. Available features include fog lights, automatic wipers, and LED headlights with washers. Interior The cabin of the 124 Spider seats two and offers 5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough to accommodate two soft overnight bags if you want to slip away for a weekend. As is the case with many roadsters, the interior of the 124 Spider is fairly bare-bones, featuring cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, air conditioning, keyless entry, push-button start, and manually adjustable seats. Higher trims offer leather upholstery, heated seats, a sport steering wheel, and automatic climate control. With the Abarth trim you can also opt for a package that offers Recaro sport seats and leather and simulated suede upholstery. Technology Although the standard infotainment system is quite basic, featuring a 3-inch display, Bluetooth, and four speakers, the Technology Group package adds satellite radio and a 7-inch screen. If you opt for the Navigation and Sound Group package, you'll get integrated navigation and a nine-speaker Bose sound system. As far as safety and driver-assist features and technologies go, the Convenience Group package offers blind-spot monitoring with a rear cross-traffic warning system, rear parking sensors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Performance The 124 Spider is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with either a standard six-speed manual or an available six-speed automatic transmission, generating 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. If you opt for the six-speed manual transmission you'll get an estimated fuel-economy rating of 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, and with the automatic transmission, 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, which is better than you'll get with most sports cars. With the Lusso and Classica trims comes a touring suspension that consists of a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear design, which will give you great control and responsive handling. But, if it's superior performance you're after, opt for the Abarth trim that features Bilstein performance suspension with a front strut tower brace for improved handling, as well as Brembo performance brakes, a limited-slip differential, and a Sport mode selector that increases steering and throttle-to-engine response. If you're looking for a sports car that will give you agility, excellent fuel economy, and head-turning good looks, the Fiat 124 Spider may just be the car for you. If you want to take one for a ride, drop by Davis-Moore Auto Group. Image via Flickr by Crown Star Images CC by 2.0

What makes a good road trip-worthy car? Spacious seating, excellent gas mileage, and plenty of room to store your gear — for starters. You'll want an infotainment system to keep passengers entertained, as well as navigation to keep you on the right path. As warmer weather approaches, it's time to start thinking about hitting the highway. We've picked out our four favorite new vehicles that make a great road trip car. Let's have a look. more 2019 Chrysler 300 When it comes to a big, comfortable car, nothing beats the Chrysler 300. With an interior that rivals luxury sedans and a ride that feels like floating, keep sailing down the highway in this palatial car. Its spacious trunk touts 16.3 cubic-feet. That's enough for five pieces of luggage and a cooler for on-the-go snacks. While it won't top the charts for the most fuel-efficient sedan, earning 30 mpg highway, it makes up for it with cruising style. 2019 Mazda CX-9 If your next road trip requires tons of seating capacity, put the three-row Mazda CX-9 on your short list. Among all the crossovers on the lot, it stands out thanks to its powerful acceleration. This SUV touts a premium cabin with added sound-deadening insulation for those long hours on the road. It's an alluring pick for families with its ample supply of entertainment and safety equipment. New for 2019, you'll get your CX-9 with an improved suspension and ride quality, plus available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the Mazda Connect infotainment system. It can even tow up to  3,500 pounds when equipped with the V-6, or opt for some of the best-in-class fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg highway with the CX-9's four-cylinder. 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee While the 2019 Grand Cherokee offers outstanding off-roading chops, it's also perfectly happy cruising down the highway, too. This classic SUV offers plenty of traits that are well suited for road trips, such as an intuitive Uconnect infotainment system, and blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, now standard. It offers a lineup of potent engines, including a thrifty diesel option that earns an impressive 30 mpg highway. Fold down the new Grand Cherokee's rear seats and reveal 68.3 cubic feet of cargo room, and turn up your favorite playlist with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, plus both satellite and HD radio. 2019 Chevrolet Volt The Volt is an obvious choice for our list because of its hybrid technology. This car's range is 53 miles on strictly electricity or 420 miles when fully charged. That means you can go as far as 1,100 miles between fill-ups. The new Volt also comes with an available 7.2-kWh charger for quicker charging times. A top IIHS safety rating of "Superior" on front crash prevention provides added peace of mind, while the new Volt comes loaded with a rearview camera. The road trip is one of life's greatest adventures. Hop behind the wheel of your next brand new car and love the road you're on. Image via Chevrolet.com

Few vehicles in the subcompact SUV segment can match the 2019 Mazda CX-3 in terms of performance. This crossover provides arguably the sportiest driving experience in the class, as well as exceptional ride comfort with its refined handling and well-designed upscale cabin. Discover why you should take the 2019 Mazda CX-3 out for a spin. Lively Engine The new Mazda CX-3 is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 148 horsepower, a slight increase from the previous model year. Mated to a slick six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift and sport modes, this engine enables the SUV to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a little over eight seconds. It's powerful enough for almost any kind of driving task, from cruising around town to overtaking on the highway. It also delivers better fuel economy than most of its rivals, giving you 29/34 mpg (city/highway) with front-wheel drive and 27/32 mpg with all-wheel drive. more Dynamic Handling The most impressive aspect of the 2019 Mazda CX-3 is its fantastic handling. This crossover shows minimal body roll when zipping along curvy roads or around turns, thanks to its responsive steering, strong brakes, and torque-control system that varies torque to the front wheels when cornering. Despite its sportiness, it offers a cushioned ride even over rough surfaces. For 2019, it receives additional insulation to reduce vibrations and outside noises. Overall, the CX-3 drives more like a sedan than an SUV. Comfortable and Refined Cabin The 2019 Mazda CX-3's cabin looks and feels nicer than that of most other subcompact crossovers. It's modern, upscale, and replete with high-quality materials. Its front seats are roomy enough to accommodate even tall adults and provide more than adequate side bolstering to keep you and your front passenger in place when cornering. The base CX-3 model comes standard with cloth upholstery, push-start button, remote keyless entry, 7-inch infotainment system, Pandora, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a six-speaker sound system. For a more comfortable and entertaining ride, you can move up to a higher trim level or pay extra to get available features such as synthetic or real leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, moonroof, HD radio, satellite radio, navigation, and a seven-speaker Bose audio system. Extensive List of Safety Features While it offers a thrilling driving experience, the new Mazda CX-3 does not compromise on safety. The crossover received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Its standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, low-speed emergency braking, rearview camera, and rear cross-traffic warning. If you want to further reduce your risk of accidents, you can opt for available features such as full-speed forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and traffic-sign recognition. The 2019 Mazda CX-3 comes in three trim levels to suit the needs of different buyers: the base Sport, the Touring trim, and the range-topping Grand Touring. If you want to experience the exciting performance of this SUV, stop by for a test drive. Image via Davis-Moore.com

As the cold winter weather approaches, it's important to get your car ready for the challenges of this time of year. While there are several ways that you can winterize your car, the most important is changing your engine oil. The oil that you use during the warmer months typically won't be suitable during the winter, and if you neglect to change your oil before lower temperatures arrive, big problems may result. Read on to find out why changing your oil before winter is so important, and get some other useful tips for winterizing your automobile. Low Temperatures and Engine Oil One of the things many people don't understand about engine oil is that it needs to be at the correct viscosity to function properly. This is especially true during the winter season. When the outside temperature drops, most engine oils will thicken, which makes it very difficult for the oil to make its way through the system. If the oil is too thick, starting your car can be very difficult or impossible in some cases. more Choosing Your Engine Oil If you want to make sure you're choosing the right engine oil for winter, you should look for an oil that's branded with the letter W. An oil with this letter is designed specifically for colder weather, meaning it will keep your engine protected throughout the winter season. The number before the W indicates how effective the oil will be in the cold. If you want your engine to work the way it should, look for a 5W engine oil, which is the minimum recommended rating for driving in cold weather. For extreme cold, you may want to use a synthetic oil with an even lower W rating. Other Car Winterization Tips After you've squared away your engine oil, you can move on to winterizing the rest of your car. The cold winter months can be harsh on virtually every aspect of your automobile, so it's important to make sure both the inside and outside of your car are ready for the frigid temperatures. First, you should check the quality of your battery to make sure its ready for winter. If your battery is on the older side, extremely low temperatures may prevent it from functioning properly, meaning you may not be able to start your car. Visit your local dealership service department and have them check your battery to see if it needs to be replaced before winter arrives. Second, if wintry precipitation is a concern in your area, you may want to invest in a set of snow tires. Having these tires on your vehicle means you'll have the traction you need when the road is covered with snow and ice. Lastly, pack an emergency kit in your car. Include blankets and warm clothes, smartphone battery chargers, and a supply of snacks and water so you'll be safe if your car brakes down. Change your oil before winter and winterize the rest of your car, and you should be able to easily make it through the coldest months. https://www.flickr.com/photos/hardchessesandyou/5006451511/sizes/l Image via Flickr by M I T C H Ǝ L L

Winter in Wichita is a magical time to connect with family, make new traditions, and see some of the best that Wichita has to offer. From incredible dining experiences to special events and performances, you'll find something to keep you busy during the holidays and beyond. Illuminations at Botanica Wichita Botanica, Wichita's world-class botanical garden, is an incredible destination any time of the year but particularly around the winter holidays. Illuminations is Botanica's enchanted light display with more than one-million lights strung atop trees in more than 30 themed gardens. This stunning display, including choreographed light shows, is open every evening beginning the day after Thanksgiving and running through the end of the year. During this year's Illuminations display, Santa will be making special visits to the garden on Dec. 3-5 and 17-19 for a VIP holiday experience. more Holiday Galleria For the 15th year running, the Junior League of Wichita will present its Holiday Galleria shopping event to support the Junior League's many community-based efforts. Featuring over 100 upscale national and local merchants, the Holiday Galleria offers a great way to get a head start on your holiday shopping. Featuring clothing, imported home goods, gourmet gifts, and much more, the Holiday Galleria has something for everyone on your list. This year's Holiday Galleria will be held Oct. 5-7 at the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center in Wichita. The Runaway Snowman Bring the kids to the Wichita Children's Theatre & Dance Center's presentation of "The Runaway Snowman" as part of their Once Upon a Time Series. The premier children's theater company shares the heartwarming story of Happy the Snowman, which is sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Performances will be held Dec. 1 and 15 at the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. The Polar Express Hop aboard the Polar Express for an exhilarating trip to meet Santa this winter at Watson Park. This annual adventure begins with a reading of the classic book "The Polar Express," followed by a fun seasonal holiday craft. Ride the Polar Express miniature train for an exciting tour around the park, and make sure to stop by the campfire for some s'mores and hot chocolate. At the end of the evening, children will receive a special gift from Santa. Young ones are encouraged to wear their pajamas for an extra touch of coziness on this magical evening. The Polar Express heads out of the station at Watson Park several times each evening from Nov. 23 through Dec. 22. New Year's Eve at Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Ring in the new year with a touch of country fun at the Prairie Rose Chuckwagon in nearby Benton. Enjoy a movie and horse-drawn carriage ride followed by an all-you-can-eat chuckwagon dinner. Dance the night away to the tunes of Rusty Rierson & the Forever Young Band. While you may be tempted to stay inside during the shorter, colder days of winter, you won't want to miss the amazing events Wichita has on offer this season. From shopping to the theater, you'll be busy right through to the new year. Photo via Flickr by Ty Nigh | Licensed under cc by 2.0

If you're looking for a holiday gift for the car enthusiast in your life, you'll want to choose some that they can use throughout the year. Fortunately, there are several fun and useful items you can give to the car lover on your list that they'll still enjoy when the next holiday season rolls around. Here are a few holiday gift ideas that keep on giving year-round that you should put at the top of your shopping list. Smartphone Mount If you know someone who is directionally challenged, then the best car-themed holiday gift you can give is a dashboard mount for their smartphone. With this simple gift, they'll be able to keep their smartphone in their field of vision, making it much easier to follow the directions provided by their GPS system. This is an especially good idea if the recipient's car doesn't already have a navigation system equipped. more Jump Starter Nothing is more frustrating than going out to start your car only to find the battery dead, especially if there's no one around to give you a jump. If you're getting a gift for someone who always wants to be prepared, a jump starter is the perfect gift. A jump starter allows someone to jump their battery without the need for traditional cables or another car, meaning they'll never have to worry about being stranded with a dead car battery. Wheel Cleaning Kit Virtually every car owner wants to make sure that their vehicle always looks its best, which is why a wheel cleaning kit is an excellent gift. Purchase one of these kits, and the lucky recipient will be able to keep their wheels bright and shiny all year. A wheel cleaning kit is a great gift for anyone that loves showing off their automobile around town. Matching Apparel Another great gift idea for the car lover in your life is to buy them apparel that matches the brand of their car. For instance, if the gift recipient owns a high-end vehicle of which they're very proud, matching apparel can let them show off their pride even when they're not behind the wheel. In fact, these branded clothes just may become their favorite outfit. Car Key Tracker When you need to get out of the house in a rush, trying to find your keys can be extremely aggravating. For the absent-minded people on your shopping list, a car key tracker is a gift that they'll use every single day. There are several car key trackers on the market, most of which utilize Bluetooth technology. All the person needs to do is attach the Bluetooth tracker to their keychain, and they'll be able to use a smartphone app to quickly and easily find their car keys. Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list can be difficult, especially if you want each person to be able to use their gift all year long. Fortunately, there are countless gifts you can give to the car enthusiasts in your life that they'll use long after the holiday season has ended. Photo via Flickr by NathalieSt | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Wichita has a rich and storied history behind the bustling city we know today. In fact, the area served as a meeting place and trading center for nomadic people for 11,000 years before the city was founded. Although it looks much different today, the culture and heritage of Native American residents of the Wichita area lives on. Explore this history, as well as other elements of Wichita culture, at these breathtaking museums. Indian Center Museum The Indian Center Museum in the Mid-America All-Indian Center houses works from Native Americans throughout the country. The highlight of this museum is the expansive collection of pieces from Oklahoma-born artist Blackbear Bosin. Designer of the iconic Keeper of the Plains statue, his largest collection of works is featured here. The museum also features interactive displays and exquisite pieces of art to highlight the history of Native Americans in this region. more Wichita Art Museum Home to a variety of artistic styles and influences, the Wichita Art Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Great Plains as well as the broader development of art in America. Over 8,000 permanent pieces are featured here. Exhibits change frequently and focus on specific time periods in American history, highlight works by individual artists, and educate visitors about unique artistic mediums. Each time you visit this expansive museum, you're bound to find something new to learn and explore. Old Cowtown Museum The Old Cowtown Museum is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows visitors to step back in time and see first-hand the transformation of Wichita from a frontier settlement to a fully functioning cattle town. History truly comes alive in Cowtown through daily activities, special events, and education programs. It hosts over 10,000 artifacts in its permanent collection, made up of textiles, furnishings, furniture, tools, and art. Cowtown is truly an entire town filled with educational opportunities. The 1880 DeVore farm replicates a farm of the era, complete with animals and machinery. The Blood Family Homestead is an extraordinarily well-preserved "hall and parlor" style of residence common in the era. Other structures in this vivid recreation of old Wichita include a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, meat market, and so much more. Make sure you have plenty of time to dedicate to exploring Cowtown because this is one experience you won't want to rush through. Kansas Aviation Museum Aviation is an enormous part of Kansas history, and there is no better place to connect with this history than the Kansas Aviation Museum. Housed in the original Wichita Municipal Airport Terminal Building, this museum features a wide collection of aircraft and aviation-related artifacts. Visitors will learn about the growth and development of aviation in Kansas and view exhibits showcasing the growth of aviation in this area. Many restored aircraft are available to view up close, making this an awe-inspiring experience. Wichita is built upon a vibrant and fascinating history, and there is no limit to what you can learn. Each of these museums offers a unique lens through which to view the foundations of our great city. Connect more deeply with your home community by visiting one of these great museums today. Photo via Flickr by fireboat895 | under cc BY 2.0 Licensed

A noisy car isn't necessarily a cause for concern, but if yours starts making strange and abnormal sounds, you should take notice. Before you shrug it off and hope it goes away, or panic and jump to conclusions, read about a few of their possible explanations and get a clear idea of what you may be dealing with. Clicking and Tapping If you hear clicking and tapping sounds which get louder as you increase speed, there could be one of two things wrong: either your oil pressure is low, or there is a damaged part. You can rule out low oil pressure by checking your oil pressure gauge or taking the dipstick out and seeing whether there's enough oil. If there's a damaged or worn-out part, you will need a mechanic to investigate further. more Squealing If your car is screaming like a banshee, you have cause for concern, other than the obnoxious sounds. This is a telltale sign that your car's serpentine belt is loose or worn. If you keep driving with this squealing going on, the belt will eventually break, and you'll lose all drive torque and your car will stop running. Make an appointment with your mechanic in a timely fashion, unless you want to end up stranded and waiting for a tow truck. Grinding and Clunking A grinding or clunking sound probably signals an issue with your car's transmission. If it's a manual transmission, the sound will worsen when you shift gears. This problem could be caused by dirt and grease blocking the transmission. The grinding sounds could also be due to your brakes, so in order to rule this out, check the front brake pads for signs of wear. Hissing or Gurgling A hissing sound could mean your car's engine is overheating due to a problem with its cooling system. If there is a problem with one of the hoses involved in the cooling system, high-pressure air, steam, or fluid may be leaking in or out. A gurgling sound could come from the coolant reservoir. You might even see steam, or see puddles of liquid under your car in the morning. A leaking vacuum device could also be the culprit, and will probably also come with a feeling of rough or uneven idling. Rattling and Whining If your car begins to rattle or whine when you accelerate, it could mean the camshaft belt, or timing belt, is badly aligned or slipping. A roughly-idling engine, smoking engine, or low oil pressure could also be symptoms. If you have the right knowledge, a bad timing belt is something you could look at yourself to diagnose. You'll want to have it fixed by a skilled mechanic, though, because while this problem isn't an emergency, you could wind up with more trouble down the road if neglected or addressed poorly. If you notice any of these signs, you are already ahead of the curve and have probably caught the problem in time. Though there is no need to panic, you will still want to get it serviced as soon as you can. Left untreated, any abnormal sound could turn into a problem down the road. Photo via Flickr by WalterPro | Licensed by cc BY 2.0

Whether you're heading to soccer practice or hitting the road for a family vacation, you probably spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Make sure your brood is safe and comfortable as you travel through daily life. From cargo space to the latest connectivity, there's plenty to consider when choosing your next family hauler. Keep reading to discover five reasons why the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is the perfect family minivan. Safety and Security As a parent, your first priority is to keep your little ones safe and sound, and Chrysler agrees. That's why it loaded the Pacifica with tons of safety features, including an available 360-degree surround-view camera, standard rear cross path detection, and adaptive cruise control. more The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the Pacifica a top safety pick for two years running. It earned the best rating ("good") in all five crashworthiness tests and a superior rating for front crash prevention. Pacifica also aced every crash test the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) put it through, resulting in an impressive overall five-star score. Spacious Interior The new Pacifica offers families an excellent alternative to a sedan or SUV in terms of expanded seating and storage. Depending on how you configure the available second row, Pacifica delivers an astounding 243 possible seating arrangements. Easily carpool your child's entire Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop on their next adventure with seating for up to eight. Find four full sets of easy-to-install LATCH car-seat connectors, perfect for "mommy and me" play dates. Explore Pacifica's proprietary Stow 'n Go seating system. It's the only minivan that lets you fold the third-row seats into the floor, revealing up to 104.5 cubic feet of storage room for every adventure. Comfort and Handling Most minivans lack the reputation for carving corners and zooming down winding roads, probably due to their low centers of gravity. The Pacifica has a few nifty extras, like responsive steering and strong brakes, so it stays composed through even the trickiest turns. This Chrysler delivers a comfortable ride — a must for today's on-the-go families. Opt for Pacifica's available heated and ventilated front-row seats and leather upholstery, while active noise-cancellation technology nearly eliminates road noise for a peaceful ride. Fuel Economy Most families with offspring are laser-focused on the pocketbook, so fuel economy and reliability are essential when choosing a vehicle. The Pacifica's 287-horsepower V-6 engine offers parents some of the best fuel economy ratings in its class: 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Convenience and Performance Chrysler's flagship minivan is purposefully designed with your family in mind. Of any vehicle on the market, the 2018 Pacifica features one of the most expansive lists of features, including hands-free power-sliding doors. A ton of driver-assisted features — such as automatic reverse braking and assisted parking — help keep your attention on the road, even during a toddler meltdown. Test drive the fresh and modern 2018 Pacifica minivan today. Available in six well-appointed trims, there's a Chrysler minivan for every busy household. Photo from Chrysler.com

There's something timeless and irresistible about barbeque, and there's none better to be found than authentic Kansas barbeque. Down-home or fancied-up, the style of joint may vary from place to place, but the focus on tender, slow-cooked meat remains. As long as you're ready to get a little messy, get to explore some of these can't-miss Wichita spots for an unrivaled barbeque experience. Bite Me BBQ Bite Me BBQ is a family-owned and operated old-fashioned barbeque spot serving up pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and much more in a down-home setting. A must-try dish is the fall-off-the-bone Spare Ribs, which were voted one of the best ribs in the state by Kansas Magazine. With its friendly atmosphere and fun, cozy setting, this is one joint you'll want to bring the family to again and again. more Pig In! Pig Out! BBQ Founded in 1996 by legendary pitmaster Ron Cochran, Pig In! Pig Out! BBQ is a Wichita staple. With his son proudly carrying on his legacy, this joint serves up classic barbeque dishes such as pulled pork, hot links, ribs, and brisket. Ron's original spice rub recipe, famous in the barbeque competition circuits, makes the ribs here some of the best in the country. An entire wall of the restaurant is filled with ribbons and awards, leaving no doubt about this being one of the best BBQ joints around. The Angry Elephant The meat you'll find here at The Angry Elephant is messy, smoky, and everything else you want in decadent BBQ, but with a few twists. All of their meats are smoked in a rotisserie smoker, ensuring that they are all cooked evenly to perfection. Their offerings include seven-pepper brisket, slow-smoked pulled pork, baby back ribs, hot links, grilled chicken, as well as classic platters with different combinations of meat. The place offers a variety of sides beyond the standard cornbread, including low-carb and gluten-free options. This is one hole-in-the-wall type of joint you don't want to pass up. When Pigs Fly BBQ Modest though its setting may be, don't let this no-frills barbeque joint's appearance fool you. The family running When Pigs Fly BBQ takes their cooking very seriously. The jalapeno sausage is a specialty of theirs and is a must-try. Other offerings include brisket, turkey, pulled pork, and ribs, along with their signature Colossal Spuds — baked potatoes with a variety of fixings. Two Brothers BBQ Traditional, irresistible barbeque abounds at Two Brothers BBQ. Classic favorites like ribs and brisket are slow-smoked in this staple's wood-burning BBQ pit. The restaurant has a few locations around Wichita, but their original in East Wichita has been in business since 1997. Besides the food, the establishment's other draw is their unique interior, which features aviation memorabilia in honor of the Air Capital's heritage. Barbeque comes naturally to Wichita, and it shows in the abundance of fantastic barbeque joints to be found in our community. There's no time to waste in exploring the messier side of Kansas cuisine. Don your bib and stretchy pants and get to one of these mouth-watering destinations today. Photo via Flickr by David McSpadden | Licensed under cc BY 2.0