The Enterprise cars have arrived!

Enterprise Car Sales is displaying a car in front of our branches from now until the big Enterprise Used Car Sale which takes place from July 20-31 at several local Enterprise locations. Of course, you can buy a car from Enterprise anytime, but if you finance your auto from Hawthorne during the sale period you'll also get a free 32" TV and a great loan rate, too. Don't miss it - this little baby is priced around $11,000...stop by and see it at our Naperville branch at 1519 N Naper blvd.

TIP: Slow down and use 5% less gas

Gas prices typically go up in the summer, although they shouldn't go higher than $3 a gallon according to an article in The Bolingbrook Sun (remember last year when they topped $4?) The website fueleconomy.gov offers many tips on how to save money on gas, my favorite is slow down (one I struggle with!). We use 5% more gas with every 5 MPH that we drive. I also learned that fuel economy peaks at 35-55 MPH, so slowing down really does use less gas.

Here's where you can find the lowest gas prices in your town.

TIP: You car may not need an oil change every 3,000 miles

SAVINGS TIP: Member Services Supervisor, Robyn S. offers this tip:

"Check your car’s owner manual. Some newer car models make the 3,000 mile oil change rule a thing of the past. My car doesn’t require a regular 3,000 mile oil change. In fact, it keeps track of the oil life and TELLS ME when it is ready for an oil change. Amazing! The change oil light just came on this weekend. The last change I made was more then 5 months ago (Did I mention I have a 40 mile round trip daily commute?). At this rate, I will only to have 2 oil changes this year. Much less then my average of 6 per year in my previous car. This will save me at least $140 this year." Read more.

Special car sale this Saturday

Times are tough and many people are putting off buying new cars. But a used car is still at a great deal. This weekend Enterprise is holding a special car sale for Hawthorne members. If you finance through Hawthorne you'll get a $500 gift card, plus they're offering the blue book value for your trade in plus $500 - that's like getting a $1000 credit! Saturday, Feb 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at five locations in the Chicago suburbs, including Naperville. Check out the details.

Auto loan rates are looking very good - you can get pre-approved at eHawthorne.org or call 630-369-4070 (24 hours a day to apply!)

I-GO Affiliations : I-GO Car Sharing

I-GO Car Sharing

Here's an idea that won't help the folks out here in Naperville and the other burbs, but it's an idea worth mentioning! Chicago has its very own car-sharing service. Owning a vechicle is very costly for city dwellers, and now there's a solution. You can rent a car by the hour as a member of I-Go. You log in to I-Go, tell them when you need the vehicle and for how long. There are various places around the city to pick up a car, and return it. It' all automated - you have a key card and the car keys are in the car. I-Go membes save money on gas and insurance. How sweet is that? Check it out at igocars.org.