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Buying Your First Car, Without the Stress: What Every First-Time Buyer Should Know Mark Miller Subaru Southtowne Sandy, UT Buying your first car is a huge milestone. It's exciting, empowering, and for a lot of people, a little nerve-racking too. Between financing, dealership terminology, warranties, credit scores, trade-ins, and monthly payments, the process can feel overwhelming if you've never done it before. If you're shopping for your first vehicle in Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, Riverton, West Jordan, or anywhere around Salt Lake City, you're definitely not alone. "How do I know I'm making the right decision?" is the question almost every first-time buyer starts with. Buying a car is one of the biggest financial purchases many people make outside of renting or buying a home. That's why understanding the process before you walk into a dealership matters so much. The more informed you are, the more confident and comfortable you'll feel throughout the experience. You Don't Need to Be an Expert One of the biggest misconceptions about buying a car is that you need to know everything before stepping onto a lot. You don't. A good dealership should help explain the process clearly, answer your questions honestly, and make sure you understand every number before signing anything. Unfortunately, many first-time buyers still expect the traditional dealership experience, pressure-filled negotiations, hidden fees, confusing financing conversations, and uncertainty about whether they got a fair deal. That's exactly why Mark Miller Subaru takes a different approach. The Promise Price Difference With locations in South Salt Lake and Sandy, Utah, Mark Miller Subaru is built around transparency and a stress-free buying experience. With our Promise Price guarantee, every customer receives the same fair, clearly disclosed pricing upfront. No Haggling The price you see is the price everyone pays, no negotiation games. No Hidden Markups Fair pricing disclosed clearly upfront, every time. No Second-Guessing Confidence that you got the same fair deal as everyone else. Whether you're a first-time buyer shopping for a reliable Subaru Crosstrek, a safe Subaru Forester for Utah winters, or a versatile Subaru Outback for weekend adventures, the goal is to make the process straightforward and easy to understand. Financing Simplified For many first-time buyers, financing is the most intimidating part of the process. Terms like APR, loan term, down payment, negative equity, and GAP insurance can feel like an entirely different language. But once you understand what those terms actually mean and how they affect your monthly payment and long-term ownership costs, everything becomes much easier to navigate. A good dealership team walks you through it patiently, not at a sales-pitch pace. What This Guide Covers How financing actually works · what "out-the-door price" really means · common dealership fees · trade-ins and warranties · and the practical advice that helps you avoid the mistakes that cost first-time buyers money every day. Why Subaru Makes Sense for Utah Drivers We'll also explain why Subaru vehicles continue to be one of the most popular choices for drivers across Utah. From standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and advanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology to strong resale value and long-term reliability, Subaru vehicles are built for everything from snowy canyon commutes to road trips across the Wasatch Front. Buying Your First Car Should Feel Exciting, Not Stressful The right dealership experience should leave you feeling informed, respected, and confident in your decision. At Mark Miller Subaru Southtowne, that's exactly what the process is designed to do. Whether you're buying your very first vehicle, financing for the first time, or simply trying to better understand how the process works before visiting a dealership, this guide will help you walk in prepared and drive away with confidence. Ready to take the next step? Start with our buyer's guide, or browse what we have on the lot today. Check Out Our Car Buyer's Guide Browse Inventory

Best Subaru for Snow: Why Draper Drivers Trust Subaru AWD Utah winters are no joke—especially in Draper, where drivers need reliable performance to handle snow-packed roads, icy intersections, and steep canyon drives. That’s why so many families in Draper and surrounding areas like Sandy, Riverton, Herriman, Bluffdale, South Jordan, West Jordan, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights, and Daybreak turn to Subaru. At Mark Miller Subaru SouthTowne, we’ve helped thousands of Utah drivers find the perfect Subaru for safe, confident winter driving. Why Subaru Excels in Utah Snow Every Subaru (except the BRZ) comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a system engineered to deliver power evenly to all four wheels. Unlike part-time AWD systems, Subaru’s AWD provides constant traction, keeping you stable on Draper’s icy side streets and the snowy stretch of I-15. Combined with high ground clearance and advanced driver-assist technology, Subaru makes winter driving safer and more predictable. Top Subaru Models for Winter Driving in Draper Subaru Outback 8.7 inches of ground clearance —perfect for trips up Big Cottonwood Canyon Up to 32 MPG highway, efficient for I-15 commutes Spacious interior with heated seats for cold Draper mornings Subaru Forester Large windows and high seating position for better visibility in snowstorms Standard AWD and great fuel economy Ideal for families in Draper, Bluffdale, and Riverton Subaru Crosstrek Compact size makes it agile in city traffic and tight Draper neighborhoods Available X-MODE® enhances traction on steep, snowy roads Affordable entry point for younger drivers or students commuting locally Subaru Ascent Three-row SUV with room for families in Herriman and South Jordan AWD with 5,000 lb towing capacity—great for ski trips and snowmobile trailers Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist for safe freeway merging Subaru Solterra Subaru’s first all-electric SUV—perfect for eco-conscious Draper drivers Standard dual-motor AWD provides instant traction in snow and ice Ground clearance of 8.3 inches keeps you confident on unplowed streets Range up to 228 miles—great for daily Draper commutes and ski days at Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude Zero tailpipe emissions without sacrificing Subaru’s winter capability Other Cities We Serve Beyond Draper While Draper is at the heart of our community, Mark Miller Subaru SouthTowne proudly serves drivers from Sandy, Riverton, Herriman, South Jordan, West Jordan, Bluffdale, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights, and Daybreak. Whether you’re commuting across the south valley or escaping to the canyons, Subaru has a model built for your lifestyle. Why Draper Drivers Choose Mark Miller Subaru SouthTowne Subaru’s reputation for safety and AWD is unmatched, but choosing the right dealership matters just as much. At Mark Miller Subaru SouthTowne, we make car buying transparent and stress-free with our Promise Price guarantee. Draper families trust us not only for our wide Subaru selection but also for our commitment to the community and exceptional service experience. Shop New Subaru Models for Snow in Draper

A Guide to Off-Roading in the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Explore Utah’s backcountry with confidence in the rugged, trail-rated Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. Whether you're navigating red rock trails near Moab or carving through the Wasatch Range, this off-road-ready Crosstrek was built for it. Learn everything you need to hit the dirt in Sandy and beyond. HERO IMAGE SECTION: VEHICLE FEATURES What Makes the Crosstrek Wilderness Trail-Ready? The Crosstrek Wilderness isn’t just a badge—it’s a transformation. Built for rough terrain and backcountry routes, it comes equipped with: 9.3 inches of ground clearance – ideal for Utah’s rutted trails and rocky climbs. Dual-function X-MODE® – Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings for all-conditions grip. All-terrain Yokohama GEOLANDAR® tires – for enhanced traction off the beaten path. Upgraded suspension – tuned specifically for uneven terrain and inclines. Hill descent control – giving you added confidence on steep downhills. IMAGE 2 SECTION: TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS Top Off-Roading Trails Near Sandy, Utah Silver Lake Flat Road (American Fork Canyon) – A great beginner trail with elevation, water views, and mild rocky areas. Five Mile Pass OHV Area – Popular with local off-roaders for its variety of terrain and wide-open spaces. Guardsman Pass to Wasatch Crest – Scenic gravel roads and access to trailheads with epic views. Lambs Canyon Backroad – A mellow dirt road perfect for a day trip through the pines. SECTION: TIPS Off-Roading Tips for Crosstrek Wilderness Owners Reduce tire pressure slightly for improved grip—just remember to reinflate afterward. Use the appropriate X-MODE® setting for your trail conditions. Maintain a controlled pace—momentum matters less than balance and traction. Be mindful of approach and departure angles—Utah trails can get tight and steep fast. Always pack recovery gear and tell someone your route before you go off-grid. SECTION: CTA Ready to Hit the Trail? Visit Mark Miller Subaru South Towne in Sandy, Utah to test drive the Crosstrek Wilderness and gear up for your next adventure. Whether you're heading to Moab, the Uintas, or the canyons in your backyard, we’ll help you get there with confidence. View Crosstrek Wilderness Inventory

The Subaru Ascent: Room for Everyone, Ready for Anything Searching for a Subaru Ascent near me in Sandy? The Ascent at Mark Miller Subaru South Towne is built for Utah families. Whether you’re planning a ski weekend, a cross-country road trip, or just a carpool to soccer practice, the Ascent has the versatility, space, and capability to handle it all. Shop Subaru Ascent Inventory Spacious Seating for 7 or 8 Passengers The Subaru Ascent provides flexible seating configurations with room for 7 or 8 passengers. Families in Sandy, Draper, and Riverton love the comfort of captain’s chairs or a bench seat, plus the ability to maximize storage. Looking for a Subaru Ascent for sale near me? South Towne Subaru has the right fit for your crew. Cargo Room That Works With You From backpacks and groceries to skis and snowboards, the Ascent adapts to your lifestyle. Fold down the third row for more cargo space or use under-floor compartments to stay organized. For families in Herriman, South Jordan, and Bluffdale, the Subaru Ascent near me is the answer to hauling it all with ease. Powerful Performance with 5,000-lb Towing Equipped with a turbocharged Subaru BOXER® engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Ascent tows up to 5,000 pounds—perfect for trailers, boats, and campers. Drivers in Daybreak, Cottonwood Heights, and Midvale can count on Trailer Stability Assist and Subaru engineering for safer mountain driving and long road trips. See full Subaru Ascent specs here. Ready for Ski Trips, Road Trips, and Everyday Life From Snowbird powder days to daily commutes through Salt Lake City traffic, the Ascent adapts to your needs. Features like tri-zone climate control, heated seats, available panoramic moonroof, and Subaru’s STARLINK infotainment system keep passengers cozy and connected. Looking for a Subaru Ascent near Sandy? Mark Miller Subaru South Towne is your dealership. Safety comes standard with Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, blind-spot detection, and award-winning crash ratings. Learn more on our Subaru service page about keeping your Ascent adventure-ready. Why Choose the Subaru Ascent at Mark Miller Subaru South Towne? Family-Ready Comfort: Room for up to 8 passengers with plenty of smart storage. All-Weather Confidence: AWD traction and ground clearance made for Utah’s ski season. Entertainment & Connectivity: USB ports in every row, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™. Subaru Safety: Backed by industry-leading crash safety ratings and driver assist features. Come see why the Subaru Ascent is quickly becoming Sandy’s favorite 3-row SUV. If you’re searching for a Subaru Ascent near me in Sandy, Draper, or Riverton, Mark Miller Subaru South Towne is your destination. Visit us today and take one for a test drive!

Why Drive a Subaru from Mark Miller Subaru South Towne? At Mark Miller Subaru South Towne, we believe that choosing your next vehicle is about more than horsepower or monthly payments—it’s about finding a car and a dealership that support your lifestyle, your values, and your adventures. Here’s why so many Utah drivers trust their Subaru's—and why they choose to buy from Mark Miller Subaru South Towne in Sandy. The Safety You Deserve, Backed by Subaru and South Towne Every Subaru is built with your safety in mind, and at South Towne, we make sure you're getting a vehicle equipped for peace of mind on Utah roads. Whether you're navigating I-15 in a storm or exploring the mountains in a snowstorm, you’ll appreciate Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, standard on almost every model. Pair that with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, blind-spot detection, and automatic emergency braking, and you’re driving one of the safest cars in its class—backed by a dealership that prioritizes your well-being from day one. Adventure-Ready for Life in Utah We get it—Utah isn’t just a place, it’s a playground. From Zion to Snowbird, from red rock to powder days, Subaru vehicles are built for it all. At Mark Miller Subaru South Towne, we’re not just selling Subarus—we’re driving them, too. Our team lives the lifestyle and knows exactly which model will match your needs for camping, biking, skiing, or just safely getting your family around town. Ask about popular models like the Outback, Forester, or the all-new Solterra EV —all perfect for Utah roads, trails, and parking garages alike. Locally Owned. Community Focused. Mark Miller Subaru South Towne is more than a dealership—it’s part of the fabric of Sandy and Salt Lake County. We’re proud to be a Benefit Corporation, which means our mission goes beyond the bottom line. Through the Subaru Love Promise, we support local organizations focused on education, animal welfare, the environment, and community wellness. From school supply drives to pet adoption events to Great Salt Lake cleanups, when you buy a car here, you’re helping us do good—right here at home. A Better Buying Experience Non-Commissioned Sales Staff: Our team is here to help, not hustle. Promise Price Philosophy: Transparent, up-front pricing—no back-and-forth. 72-Hour Money Back Guarantee: Love it or leave it. No pressure. We Buy Even If You Don’t: Need to sell your car? We’ll make you an offer, no strings attached. This is car buying the way it should be—honest, low-pressure, and centered around you. Subaru Quality. South Towne Service. Subaru vehicles are known for lasting value— 96% of Subarus sold in the last 10 years are still on the road. At South Towne, we complement that legendary durability with ongoing support, service, and personalized care. From our friendly showroom to our Subaru-certified service team, we’re with you for the road ahead. Visit Us in Sandy and See Why So Many Drive South Towne We’re located just off I-15 in Sandy, UT—easy to find and always worth the drive. Whether you're shopping for a new Subaru, certified pre-owned, or just need service you can trust, we’re here to help you Love What You Drive. Mark Miller Subaru South Towne 10920 S State Street, Sandy, UT 84070 📞 (801) 553-5200 💻 markmillersubarusouthtowne.com

Readers report on performance in snowy conditions By Jeff S. Bartlett It’s generally better to have four wheels pulling your car forward than just two when conditions are slippery. Vehicles with all- and four-wheel-drive systems feed power to each tire to provide maximum traction when you’re going forward. But these systems aren’t foolproof-they do nothing to improve braking on slick surfaces. If you’re shopping for a new car and live in an area where roadways are regularly covered with ice or snow, consider these top-ranked models from our 2016 Annual Auto Survey. We asked subscribers to rate their vehicle’s performance in snowy conditions. The results, based on 36,000 vehicles between model years 2013 and 2016, show that some AWD and 4WD models are better than others. All respondents had driven their vehicles without changing to winter/snow tires and had faced at least six snowy days during the winter of 2015 to 2016. The rankings are based on the percentage of vehicles that were rated Very Good in snow performance. Winter tires will make these cars and SUVs perform even better. 1. Subaru Outback In freshening the 2018 Outback, Subaru made some styling, infotainment, and technical updates. Chief among those is the upgraded interior. Subaru says the Outback is even quieter inside the cabin. Other changes inside include a redesigned center console and more upscale stitching detail on higher-trim models. One long-overdue improvement is the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities to the infotainment system choices. All-wheel drive remains standard, and the engine choices are unchanged: 175-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and 256-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder. The 2018 models get a revised air-conditioning system that supposedly cools the cabin more quickly, and the new Outback gets a redesigned clock that’s apparently larger and easier to read. The EyeSight safety suite is available. 2. Subaru Forester Hitting the sweet spot among small SUVs, the Forester delivers a spacious interior, impressive safety equipment and crashworthiness, and outstanding visibility in a right-sized, affordable package. Fuel economy is excellent at 26 mpg overall, especially given the standard AWD. The ride is supple and handling is very secure. Engine noise is pronounced when merging or climbing hills, however. Controls are straightforward and easy to use. The infotainment and connectivity systems have finally been updated with an intuitive touch screen. Midtrim Foresters bring a lot of content for the money, but it’s easy to crest $30,000 with options packages. A feisty turbo comes with XT trim but compromises the value equation. The optional (and recommended) EyeSight system includes forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. 3. Chevrolet Suburban/ GMC Yukon XL If you need space for seven or more people, all their stuff, and towing capacity to boot, few SUVs rival the Chevrolet Suburban and its mechanical twin, the GMC Yukon XL (shown above). These behemoths have a sumptuous and quiet interior, power-folding second- and third-row seats, and available blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert. Beyond that, they’re pretty much your standard haulers, with a 5.3-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic, and a respectable 16 mpg overall. The touch-screen infotainment system is easy to use, and the available magnetic ride suspension improves ride comfort and handling response and capability. Recent updates include available lane-keeping assist plus Apple CarPlay. 4. Subaru Crosstrek Subaru has again created a raised Impreza hatchback primed for frugal weekday commutes and spirited weekend adventures. (The survey results are based on the previous Crosstrek.) This Crosstrek benefits from the new platform used for the Impreza. It has an impressive ride quality, allowing for a smoother, more comfortable experience. Its handling is responsive but not as sporty as some competitors, notably the Mazda CX-3. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and CVT transmission have been revised, nudging horsepower up to 152. Fuel economy is not expected to improve, based on EPA figures. Though strikingly similar to the first-generation Crosstrek, the car feels much more substantial overall. We wish that forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking were standard across the line; EyeSight is optional only on the Premium and Limited trims. 5. Toyota 4Runner Tough and ready to tackle off-roading adventures, the truck-based 4Runner falls short of most modern SUVs on all other counts. Its rough-sounding 4.0-liter V6 is powerful and reasonably fuel-efficient. But the ride is unsettled and handling is clumsy. The body leans noticeably while cornering, and the bobbing and bouncing ride chips away at driver confidence. A high step-in and low ceiling compromise access and driving position. The SR5’s 4WD system is part time only. A third-row seat is optional, and the power-retractable rear window is handy. 6. Jeep Grand Cherokee The Grand Cherokee has a solid, upscale interior; comfortable seats; and a mostly compliant and controlled ride, all of which endow it with a premium feel. Handling is competent, fit and finish is excellent, and the eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly. The standard 3.6-liter V6 returned just 18 mpg, though. We also tested the diesel powertrain, which racked up 24 mpg overall. Two V8s, a 5.7-liter and the SRT’s 6.4-liter, are optional. The Uconnect infotainment system, with its large, well-labeled touch screen, is one of the best we’ve tested. Appropriately optioned, the Jeep makes a good tow vehicle or a capable off-roader. Recent updates include engine stop-start for the revised V6, Siri Eyes Free, and an easier-to-use shift lever. 7. Buick Enclave The survey results are on the first-generation Enclave. This large, three-row Buick Enclave crossover is being treated to its first redesign in about a decade (shown above). The 2018 model promises improved fuel economy, increased interior space, and a technology smorgasbord. A 3.6-liter V6 teamed with a nine-speed automatic transmission sees output increase 14 hp, to 302. Combined with a start/stop system, this powertrain should bolster efficiency over the 15 mpg we recorded with the outgoing model. This setup has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The third-row seats fold flat for loading cargo. Advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning are available, though not on all of the trim levels. Full-speed AEB is available only on the top-level Avenir. 8. Volvo XC60 The survey results are based on the previous generation Volvo XC60. This upscale SUV has been redesigned for 2018 XC60 (shown above) with a choice of three engines, each mated to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The base T5 features a 250-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. The T6 uses a 316-hp, 2.0-liter turbo and supercharged four-cylinder. The top model is the T8, which is a 400-hp plug-in hybrid. The new five-seat XC60 is longer than the outgoing one but lower. The cabin looks very much like that of the XC90, down to the large touch-screen infotainment system that dominates the center of the dashboard. Volvo’s advanced safety system, City Safety, encompasses both low- and high-speed automatic emergency braking. Some new features, such as Steer Assist, work with other parts of the City Safety system to avoid obstacles in the road ahead. Oncoming Lane Mitigation alerts drivers who have wandered out of their lane and guides the XC60 back into the correct lane. And Volvo’s blind-spot warning system uses the Steer Assist capabilities to lower the chances of having a collision when changing lanes. 9. Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon The Tahoe has a luxurious and quiet interior, but the ride is too stiff and the third-row seat is tight. In addition, the 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic combine to form a lackluster powertrain that returned 16 mpg overall. The touch-screen infotainment system is easy to use, and the front seats are very comfortable. The Magnetic Ride Control suspension on LTZ trims improves ride comfort as well as handling response and capability. Properly equipped versions can tow 8,500 pounds. But if towing isn’t your main concern, car-based SUVs drive better and are roomier. Lane-keeping assist is now available, joining the already available blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert systems. The Tahoe and its twin, the GMC Yukon, stood out in our latest subscriber survey on AWD performance. 10. Jeep Wrangler As an everyday vehicle, the Wrangler trails most SUVs, but few are better for off-road use. The Wrangler uses Chrysler’s 3.6-liter V6 and five-speed automatic, which returned 17 mpg overall in our tests. Though the Wrangler may be better than ever before, the ride rocks and jiggles constantly, and handling is clumsy. Wind noise is very loud at highway speeds. Getting in and out is awkward, and the interior is uncomfortable. Off-road performance is legendary, and the Rubicon version performs better there than our tested Unlimited Sahara did. IIHS side-crash results for the two-door are Poor, and the small-overlap Marginal. But small-overlap and offset-frontal results for the four-door are Good. A redesigned Wrangler is on the way. New Inventory Used Inventory Contact Us

The History of the Boxer Engine and Its Used in Subaru Vehicles As you search for your next new vehicle, you’ve probably run across the bevy of reliable Subaru cars and SUVs available to drivers in Herriman. One reason these vehicles last so long comes from Boxer engine technology found under the hood of every gasoline-powered Subaru vehicle on Midvale roads. Find out more details about Boxer engine technology and the Boxer engine’s history with our complete guide from Mark Miller Subaru South Towne. Then, schedule a test drive with our team to experience the engine firsthand. View Inventory Contact Us Boxer Engine History Starts in Germany The Boxer engine’s history goes back to Germany in 1887. That was when Karl Benz, half of the founder of Mercedes-Benz, invented the Boxer engine. It’s called that because the movement of the pistons resembles the motion of a boxer’s fists along a horizontal axis. So, instead of an up-and-down motion, you’ll see a sideways motion. Porsche then put the Boxer engine in its 356 models in 1937 when the luxury automaker became popular. But then in 1966, Subaru decided to use Boxer engine technology in all of its models, and it still uses them today just like Porsche. Advantages of Boxer Engine Technology in Subaru Vehicles The first Boxer engine in history under the hood of a Subaru 1000 produced a compact, 1.0L engine generating 55 hp in 1966. Of course, the engines have gotten bigger and more powerful since then. Take a look at the advantages of Boxer engine technology in Subaru vehicles: Less vibration because the flat cylinders reduce the influence of vibration on-road behavior. Better transmission of power thanks to the lower central position, the power is transmitted more smoothly and more directly to the wheels. Increased maneuverability and better handling because of the lower center of gravity, giving South Jordan drivers a more comfortable and responsive ride. Better coolant flow due to the low positions of the pistons. Better safety in a head-on collision because engine parts would go lower. Subaru Boxer Engine Technology Associated With AWD and CVT Transmission On all gasoline-powered models offered by Subaru, including the Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent, the Boxer engine technology is most often connected to its AWD and CVT transmission. These two advances allow Subaru to deliver incredible performance, comfortable driving, and maximum safety in all weather conditions due to better handling. Test Drive a New Subaru for Sale in Sandy Ready to get behind the wheel of an AWD Subaru? Contact us or call to schedule a test drive with our team. While you’re here, connect with our finance team if you’re ready to see what kind of loan terms you could get for your purchase.