Buying a new set of wheels ranks up with exciting life events such as graduations, marriages, the births of babies, and buying a home. As this year winds down, we have all sorts of early New Year’s thoughts dancing in our heads . . . new (to you) car, anyone? We think so. Check out some of our favorites from six local dealerships who’ll have your best interest in mind when the time comes for you to purchase a new vehicle. Dream big. Dream fast.

BMW of Spokane 

BMWofSpokane.com

Favorite Vehicle: 2017 BMW X5

Now in its third generation, the BMW X5 is even more impressive than its debut 18 years ago. It continues BMW’s trend of leading new innovations with an electric hybrid option boasting a MGPe of 56 in the X5 40e while also paving the way for new standards in performance, comfort, convenience, and luxury. Boasting a quick 0-60 in 6.1 seconds, handling like a sedan, four ventilated disc brakes, and a All Intelligent All Wheel Drive system that is best in class combined with unmatched head room and driver leg room. An optional third row seat with rear entertainment available, the 2017 X5 is the ultimate Sports Activity Vehicle. Heated Front Seats, Navigation, and a Panoramic Moon Roof, as well as plenty of other features, come standard on all 2017 X5 Models.

Wendle Ford Nissan Infiniti

Wendle.com

Favorite Vehicle: 2017 Ford Shelby GT350

Wendle Ford just received the new 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and it’s a must see. The 5.2 L V8 can hit the road at lightning speed with 526 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. Can you handle the 4.3 second zero-to-60 mph punch with its amazing sophistication and handling? The Shelby GT350 is engineered for adrenaline-pumping performance. Its 5.2L V8 with flat-plane crank kicks out 526 hp and 429 lb.-ft. of torque and is one of four Mustang engine choices—all designed to overwhelm the senses with pulse-raising torque and a legendary roar. So buckle in and put your hands on the wheel of a Mustang and you’ll feel one thing above everything else: pure exhilaration.

Thrifty Car Sales  ThriftyCarSales.com/Spokane

Favorite Vehicle: 2016 Ford F-150 

For people who depend on their trucks every workday, it comes down to one all-important question: can they get the job done? Ford takes it a major step further: how can they build trucks that go that crucial extra mile and then some? They design by the principle that the best truck for today is the one engineered to meet the challenges of performance, efficiency and dependability long into the future. The 2016 Ford F-150 was the first and only truck in its class with the body and bed made from high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys. One awarded the government’s highest safety rating: a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score. This year, with first- in-class Pro Trailer Backup Assist and new SYNC 3,4,5 they’ve engineered the Future of Tough to be more capable than ever. The F-150 was subjected to more than 10 million miles of cumulative torture-testing to earn its Built Ford Tough badge. And it has more than delivered. It’s no surprise that the F-Series remains the top-selling truck brand overall, for 39 years.

Union Gospel Mission Motors

UGMMotors.org

Favorite Vehicle: 1978 Chevrolet Corvette

Classic style plus community-changing impact. It’s about as close as you can get to having your cake and eating it too: buy a killer sports car and help the homeless at the same time. This 25-year anniversary edition 1978 Chevrolet Corvette, 2-door coupe sports a 350 V-8 engine, automatic transmission and T-Tops. Interior and exterior are both silver, consistent with its 25th-anniversary status. The mileage is 8,468 on a 5-digit odometer. Power windows, power locks and stereo/CD player. Both the engine and the transmission have recently been rebuilt. Chrome oil pan, transmission pan, valve covers, intake and alternator. Hedman headers and new exhaust have been added. A beautiful classic, this high-performance sports car boasted 0 to 60 in 7.8 seconds.

Larry H Miller Downtown Toyota
LarryhMillerToyotaSpokane.com

Favorite Vehicle: 2017 Toyota RAV4

Toyota has upped the RAV4’s safety features game for 2017 by adding pre-collision braking, lane departure warning with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control as standard on all models while keeping the corresponding price increases modest. Among other changes, a new Platinum model joins the gas-powered RAV4 lineup with standard equipment that includes a premium audio system with navigation, heated steering wheel, motion-activated power liftgate, bird’s-eye-view camera for parking and other features. RAV4 is a pretty safe bet in terms of occupant protection: the 2016 model earned a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, and the 2017 is set to do the same.

509 CARS-A Hallmark Dealership

509CARS.com

Favorite Vehicle: Anything third row
With growing families and growing needs the trend toward third row vehicles remains hot. Many people are still riding the gas trend and haven’t seen prices spike yet. As long as gas remains under $3 a gallon, our region will continue buying mid-size and larger SUVs (as well as pickups). Crafted with amenities reserved for the finest vehicles, Denali sets a higher standard. Since 1999, Denali has remained the premium package for GMC vehicles. Step inside and you’ll experience the first-class appointments, control and the latest technology, and have peace of mind knowing available advanced safety features surround you.

Mechanics & Auto Body Shops

Because winter doesn’t always mind her manners—and you may need to fix up your old beast before you can procure one of the shiny new ones above—check out a few of our favorite places to get your vehicle back on the road and looking fine in no time.

DAA Auto Body Center

(509) 789-2080

DAAautobody.com

Area of Specialty: Collision Repair

Community-minded DAA is locally owned and operated. Working with all insurance companies, their team ensures friendly, fast service and excellent quality at two locations: on the South Hill and in the West Plains. DAA invests in the latest technologies and uses the very best equipment and materials. Their team is highly trained and certified in their fields of expertise.

Flash’s Auto Body and Paint

509-483-6843

facebook/flashsautobodyandpaint

Area of Specialty: Complete Collision and Paint Specialist

Owner Ryan Borth fixes every car—and helps every customer—as though it were his family member’s car. Ryan and his dad Bill’s goal has always been to provide the quality and service you would receive at an old school shop that personally cared, and didn’t belong to the insurance company—they belonged to the customer.

Mechanics Pride Tire & Automotive

(509) 747-5371 | mechanicspride.com

Area of Specialty: Full-service Facility

Michael Federico began this hopping shop 28 years ago and treats every job—big or small—with the same level of importance and urgency you expect in your busy life. Michael ensures his team stays up to date with the latest technology on all automobiles, as the industry is ever changing.

Ultimate Auto Care and Sales

(509) 707-7627 ultimateautocareandsales.com

Area of Speciality: Auto Maintenance and Repair

Owner Patrick Di Bari has been in the industry for 20 years and recently opened his own shop in Spokane Valley. With the motto “You break it, we fix it” he and his team work steadfast to offer customers high-end, honest service at rates that don’t break the bank.