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Ride in Style in a Chevrolet Bolt EV

The future has arrived, and it's called the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. This all-electric car offers convenience, incredible performance, and a bold exterior. You'll enjoy all the unique, modern features you discover. You can ride in style in a Chevrolet Bolt EV. Here are the top features you'll find when you take your seat behind the wheel. Seating Options You'll find some great seating options inside the 2021 Chevy Bolt EV f or both the LT and Premier trim levels. Standard features include six-way manually adjustable front bucket seats and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Between the front seats is a front center console with a sliding armrest. The Premier offers additional features such as heated front and rear outboard seats and perforated leather-appointed seating, while the LT comes with deluxe cloth seating, and you can get the available heated front seats. more Comfort Features You'll find a great comfort setup in the Chevrolet Bolt TV to help keep you content, even on long trips. The Premier offers comfort features that include an automatic heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and ambient instrument panel lighting. Standard features include automatic climate control, a cabin air filter for fresh air, plenty of cup holders, and storage space for everything you need to bring along for the ride. You also get power windows and locks, carpeted floor mats, and a rear center armrest. Technology and Connectivity To help keep you and your passengers connected and entertained while on the road, the Bolt EV comes with various technology features. The Premier includes features such as a Bose premium seven-speaker audio system with subwoofer, a wireless charger, and USB ports for charging. Standard features include a Chevrolet Infotainment System with a 10.2-inch color touch-screen display, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, and wireless phone connectivity so you can access your maps, music, and even your messages. Safety Features Safety is always at the forefront for Chevy vehicles. The Bolt EV offers either an HD rear camera or HD surround-vision camera to make you aware of what's behind you. The Premier's standard features include lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. Available features include automatic emergency braking, a following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and front pedestrian braking. Chevy Mobile App With the new myChevrolet mobile app with Energy Assist, you'll always know what's going on with your car. This app uses key information related to driving conditions, the current charge status, and real-time weather so it can recommend any needed charging stations along your route and calculate an accurate range. Changes are automatically updated as you continue to drive, so you don't have to worry about when or where to stop for a charge. If you want to check out the all-electric Bolt EV for yourself, visit Merle Stone Chevrolet. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff would be happy to answer any questions you have, give you a tour of the showroom, or even get you behind the wheel for a test drive.

RV right angle view parked under the trees

The Great Outdoors: 4 Campgrounds to Visit From Porterville, CA

Camping in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains around Porterville, CA, give campers access to a range of exciting recreational activities. Here you can hike, bike, birdwatch, fish, and boat, and enjoy unforgettable experiences with family and friends. 1. Tule Campground The campground on the 2.450-acre Success Lake is just eight miles from town and offers loads of exciting outdoor activities. Here you can fish, birdwatch, hike, bike, boat, kayak, sail, waterski, and swim. The marina has boating and fishing supplies, rentals, and fuel. The shady campground is on the northeastern shore of the lake near the marina and launch ramps. There are 103 sites for tents, trailers, and RVs. The campground has 29 sites with 30 and 50 amp hookups, restrooms, and showers. In summer, the campground hosts Saturday campfire programs. more 2. Eagles Nest Resort Eagles Nest Resort is a few miles east of town on Highway 190 and five miles south of Success Lake. Here 132 species of birds live among the trees, and campers often spot bobcats and raccoons. You can fish in the river and in the catch-and-release fishing pond. On the hiking trails, you can explore little creeks and the banks of the Tule River. The resort has a swimming pool, playground, and a recreation room. The campground has tent and RV sites with full hookups. The rates vary depending on the number of amps requested. Water and rubbish removal are included in the price. There are pump stations, a laundry room, restrooms, showers, and a camp store. Your four-legged friend is also welcome, and the campground even has a dog park 3. Horse Creek Campground This campground in Lemon Cove is 30 minutes away and on the shores of Kaweah Lake. The site offers campers loads of recreational fun and entertainment. You can rent boats from the marina, waterski, jet ski, sail, and kayak on the lake and fish for rainbow trout, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and bass. There are hiking and biking trails nearby, and the Sequoia National Park is just a short drive away. The campground has 80 sites for tents, trailers, and RVs with fire rings and grills but no hookups. There are also four equestrian sites. The campground has restrooms and flush toilets and is open all year round. You can bring your pet along must be leashed at all times. In summer, the campground amphitheater hosts weekly interpretive programs. 4. Three Rivers RV Campground The campground is situated in the Lemon Cove RV Park, 25 miles from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and four miles from Kaweah Lake and the Kaweah River. The campground gives campers access to white water rafting, boating, hiking, and fishing. The campground has 55 sites for RVs and tents in a wooded, shaded area. The RV sites are large, level pull-through spaces with full 30 and 50 amp hookups. There is a dump station, laundry facility, restrooms, showers, high-speed internet, and a fenced dog park. The campground also has a pool with a covered patio, community room, and horseshoe pits. Pitch your tent or roll in with your RV and enjoy a few nights of camping around cozy campfires at one of these great sites. Visit Stone Chevrolet today for high-quality vehicles and exceptional automobile services, maintenance, and repairs.

Chevrolet Logo on a vehicle

See Why Drivers Love the 2021 Chevy Equinox

The 2021 Chevy Equinox has a lot going for it: lots of tech features, cargo space, and nimble driving. Introduced in 2004, it was originally a midsize SUV but was later turned into a compact crossover. Features of the 2021 Chevy Equinox Value The Equinox starts at a surprisingly low price of $23,800 but can go up to $33,000 if you opt for the Premier all-wheel-drive version. It's also fuel-efficient, getting 31 miles per gallon on the highway and 26 mpg city, for a combined 28 mpg. Chevy stands behind the Equinox with a great warranty, featuring five years or 60,000 roadside assistance. You also get 12 months of maintenance, and a powertrain warranty good for five years or 60,000 miles. The corrosion/perforation warranty is good for 8 years or 100,000 miles, and the basic warranty gets you three years or 36,000 miles. more Performance The engine is a 1.5 Liter turbo engine that produces 170 horsepower, and 203 foot-pounds of torque. It comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 120 amp alternator. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available if you need to get through ice, sand, or snow. The Equinox also features independent suspension for the front and rear, with gas-pressurized shocks for both as well. Power steering is standard, and it is speed-sensitive, so you get more assistance at slower speeds and less as you go faster. So you can maintain control without feeling like you need to muscle the steering wheel into position. Comfort As you would expect the level of luxury varies by trim level. The base model L features cloth upholstery, with a six-way adjustable driver's seat. The passenger seat is four-way adjustable, and the floor is carpeted. Manual air conditioning is included. The Premier features some nice upgrades like all leather seating, with heated seatbacks. The driver's seat is eight-way power-adjustable, while the passenger seat has that feature available. Two-way power lumbar support is standard for the driver's seat, and heated rear seats are available. Technology If you opt for the L trim level, you'll get two 12V DC power outlets and 4 USB ports. Remote keyless entry is standard, as is a touchscreen that gives you control over a six-speaker sound system. You can also control it from the steering wheel, and navigation is standard. The Premier features a 120V AC power outlet and six USB ports. There are sunroofs for the front and rear, while a panoramic sunroof is optional. It features a touchscreen for the front and rear, and a seven-speaker bose sound system is available. Space With the Equinox, you've got more than enough room for the whole family and your cargo. There's room for five passengers and 29 cubic feet of rear cargo space. If you've got a lot to haul, the seats can be folded down to give you 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space. If you're looking for an SUV that comes in at a bargain price while still being loaded with features, the Equinox might be the one for you. Find out more at Merle Stone Chevrolet in Porterville, CA.

rear view on 2021 Chevrolet Trax

Test-Drive the 2021 Chevrolet Trax Today

If you're ready for a new car, think about getting a Chevy. For over 100 years, Chevy has produced reliable, safe, innovative, high-quality vehicles. The 2021 Chevrolet Trax is a stylish, powerful, and safe vehicle that's packed with many incredible features. Basics About the 2021 Chevrolet Trax This compact SUV seats up to five and is ready for anything. It even has eight different seating configurations so you can fit everything you need into the vehicle. With a high-strength steel safety cage as well as many advanced safety technologies, the Trax is incredibly safe so you can drive with confidence. It has even been awarded five stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program for its safety. The Trax measures 167.7 inches long and is 65 or 66.5 inches tall, depending on the trim. With 36.6 inches of front headroom. 40.8 inches of front legroom, and 54.1 inches of front shoulder room, you won't feel cramped in the Trax! more Pricing The Trax has two trims: The Trax LS and the Trax LT. The Trax LS The Trax LS has a starting price of $21,400 and is equipped with 10 airbags, a fold-flat front passenger seat, and the Rear Vision Camera. It also has a 7-inch diagonal color touchscreen and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System so you can stay connected and get where you need to go. The Trax LT This trim is equipped with LED daytime running lamps, roof rack side rails, and cruise control. It also has a remote vehicle starter system and many other incredible features that make driving the Trax LT fun and safe. The Trax LT's starting price is $23,200. Great Features Rear Vision Camera and Rear Cross Traffic Alert The Rear Vision Camera is a standard safety feature that will automatically display a live view of the area behind your car on the touchscreen when you're in reverse. Thanks to Rear Vision Camera, backing out of driveways or parking spaces is even easier. The available Rear Cross Traffic Alert provides even more help while you're backing up. This feature will emit audible beeps and display warning triangles on the Rear Vision Camera screen when it detects right or left rear cross-traffic. Rear Park Assist Backing into parking spaces can be difficult and stressful but it doesn't have to be. With Rear Park Assist, your Trax will provide distance alerts for any nearby objects it detects. This feature will activate when you're driving at a low speed in reverse so you can avoid hitting any objects as you're trying to park. Visit Merle Stone Chevrolet in Porterville, California today for an incredible Chevrolet shopping experience. Our dealership has a wide selection of new and used cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as top-notch customer service. Our friendly and knowledgeable team members can help you find the perfect Chevy for your driving needs and your budget. The experts in our service department can perform routine maintenance and repairs so you'll be able to enjoy your Chevy for years to come.

3 plates of tacos with vegetables

Top 5 Mexican Restaurants in and Around Porterville, CA

California is known for its melting pot of cultures. Having so many different cultures represented means fantastic restaurants showcasing the culture's cuisine. Even in the small town of Porterville, California, you can find delicious Mexican food. When you just can't stop thinking about those crispy tacos, here's the top Mexican restaurants in and around town. 1. China's Alley Mexican Restaurant Located right in town is China's Alley. This spot has all your classic Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, and nachos. The menu is extensive, so you can eat here again and again and still try new dishes. They have great dinner specials and even a dinner section if you want the same delicious meal but a smaller portion. If you're over 60 years old, they have a section on their menu that includes all your favorite meals but at a lower price. more 2. Vejar's Mexican Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge In Tulare, you'll find another great Mexican joint. Vejar's has been operating for over 45 years. Their dishes are still made with original recipes. Chefs prepare their corn and flour tortillas every day. They're even open for breakfast, so you can always get your Mexican cuisine fix. Whatever dish you choose, you'll have to pair it with one of their house made margaritas. Alcohol is intended only for those 21 years or older. Please drink responsibly. 3. Que Pasa Mexican Cafe Close to Vejar's is Que Pasa. This restaurant first opened in 1999 in Bakersfield and has since expanded. They take traditional Mexican dishes and bring innovative flare to them. Even though everything on their menu is mouth-watering, their sizzling fajitas is the way to go. You have the classic options of chicken or steak and jumbo shrimp or seafood, which includes shrimp and Mahi Mahi. To finish off your meal, why not try their chocolate enchiladas. 4. El Sarape Mexican Bar and Grill In Pixley is El Sarape. This family-owned and operated restaurant is serving up a wide variety of American and Mexican meals. The Mexican dishes on their menu reflect traditional Mexican cuisine. They're known for having some of the best wet burritos in the area. If you've never had a wet burrito, it's a burrito smothered in various sauces, whether that queso, enchilada sauce, or sour cream. Whatever you order, be sure to get rice and beans too. 5. Maximos Taqueria Maximos is serving up fast and fresh Mexican food to their patrons. This joint does its best to buy ingredients from local farmers, so the ingredients spend less time traveling before being served. You can get three street-style tacos for only six dollars here. Along with all your favorite dishes such as quesadillas, tacos, and burritos, you can even order a burrito bowl. They also have a small selection of seafood meals to choose from. Whether you're staying local to town or venturing a short distance, you'll find excellent Mexican food. Once you've tried all the fantastic places on this list, stop by Merle Stone Chevrolet for even more suggestions.

map of porterville, ca

Top 6 Things to Do in and Around Porterville, CA

Looking for things to do while visiting Porterville, CA? This mid-size, family-friendly town has a lot to offer. Here you'll discover beautiful parks, excellent restaurants and activities for the whole family. Following is a list of six things to do in the area, so you can hit the road for a day loaded with adventure. 1. Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park With its convenient location in the San Joaquin Valley, Porterville serves as a gateway to the famous Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park. In just an hour's drive, you'll find yourself in the land of giants—an area that boasts the world's largest trees. You'll also enjoy the rugged beauty of the towering mountains and rolling foothills, and be sure to get a look at the deepest canyon in the country—more than a mile and a half deep! more 2. Porterville Crossroads Shopping lovers will enjoy the array of stores, restaurants and services at Porterville Crossroads. You'll find hair and nail salons, an auto repair shop, a gaming store, a tobacco shop, a grocery store, as well as several appetizing eateries. Come here for all your family's needs. 3. Giovanni's Pizzeria & Arcade Bring the kids and head out to Giovanni's, which locals call “the happiest place in Porterville.” Giovanni's specializes in birthday parties and they serve some of the best pizza in the region. Or just stop by and enjoy the more than 8,000 square feet of video arcade fun. Then grab a bite—or a whole pie—for lunch or dinner. 4. Porterville Museum This museum, opened in 1965, is uniquely located in what was once a train depot in the early 1900s. Locals persisted in turning the facility into a historical landmark and eventually received permission from the Southern Pacific Railroad to do so. Here you'll see artifacts from the pioneer days and memorabilia from local Native American Indian tribes. Entrance fees are nominal, from $1 to $5. 5. Eagle Mountain Casino Get your gambling on right here in Porterville! Owned by the Tule River Indian Tribe, the casino offers 1,200 slot machines and 10 table games. Take a break—or your winnings—to River Steakhouse, Forest Buffet (available Fridays and Saturdays), the food court or Yokuts Coffee House. 6. Harley's Tavern If you're looking for a cold beer at a cool hangout spot, check out Harley's Tavern on Main Street in the center of town. It might look like a “hole-in-the-wall” joint, but that's one of the reasons locals love the place. They have a great beer selection, large-screen tvs, live music, bar games, billiards and quality service.  Please drink responsibly and with moderation. Do not drink and drive. Alcohol is intended for adults of legal drinking age. While you're cruising around the Porterville area, imagine yourself in a new or previously owned Chevrolet! Visit Merle Stone Chevrolet today for a close look at our impressive inventory of quality vehicles! Our friendly associates are ready to take care of your automotive needs!

2020 silver chevy trax with city skyline in the background

4 Reasons the 2020 Chevy Trax Makes the Perfect First Vehicle

Having a new driver in the family can be an exciting but nerve-wracking time. This season can be made a little easier with the 2020 Chevy Trax. From its advanced safety systems to the available all-wheel drive, the 2020 Trax is packed with features that will give you and your new driver the added confidence you both want. Here a few features that make the 2020 Chevy Trax a perfect first vehicle. 1. Available All-Wheel Drive The available all-wheel drive on the 2020 Chevy Trax adds a level of safety by monitoring all four of the tires and automatically maximizing traction when needed. Both you and your new driver will feel better knowing that the Trax can handle difficult driving conditions like sleet, rain, and snow. more 2. StabiliTrak Control System The StabiliTrack control system helps the driver stay in control on the road, especially in emergency situations. When needed, StabiliTrack will automatically adjust the engine torque and brakes to help the Trax stay on its planned route. If the Trax senses that the vehicle is taking a different path than intended, it will automatically apply the needed brake pressure to help keep your new driver on the road and going in the right direction. This system also includes traction control and brake assist. The traction control will automatically activate the brakes or lower the engine power when it senses slippage. The brake assist monitors how the driver hits the brake pedal. If it notices that it was slammed extra fast and hard, it will give added braking assistance. 3. Advanced Safety Features With its 10 standard air bags and available advanced safety features, the 2020 Chevy Trax will help keep your new driver safe on the road at all times. A few of its available advanced driver-assistance features include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, and side blind zone alert. The forward collision alert notifies the driver if it senses an incoming front-end collision or if the driver is following a vehicle too closely. The lane departure warning helps prevent collisions due to accidental drifting into other lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert and rear park assist make operating in reverse a little easier by alerting the driver of traffic crossing behind the vehicle and objects nearby while parking. Checking blind spots can be tricky, but with side blind zone alert, new drivers will have extra help thanks to the side mirror warnings given when the Trax senses a vehicle in a side blind zone. 4. Fuel-Efficient Since most new drivers don't have a lot of money to be dumping into filling up the gas tank, the fuel efficiency of the 2020 Chevy Trax makes it a great first vehicle. Its 1.4-liter ECOTEC engine delivers the perfect mix of power and efficiency. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the 2020 Trax offers up to 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. If you're looking for a safe, reliable, and efficient vehicle for your new driver, the 2020 Chevy Trax is the perfect fit. Head on over to Merle Stone Chevrolet to check out their current inventory.

Wallet with money and car in the background

Preparing to Buy a Car

Whether it's your first vehicle or your fifth, buying a car comes with its own set of challenges. That's why we've put together this list of helpful tips and strategies. Use this handy guide before you head to the dealership so you'll be better prepared for your next new set of wheels. Set a Budget The first step in the car buying process is to set a realistic budget. Expand your thought process here because there's more to owning a car than your monthly loan payment. Remember to include essentials like gas, insurance, and maintenance. Once you've got this bottom-line number, you'll have the tools you need to negotiate a deal. It's also a good idea to have a sense of how much money you want to put down. If you need help putting together your budget, use an online car affordability calculator, such as the one by MoneyUnder30.com. more Do Your Research The last thing you want to do is arrive at the showroom without doing any research. What kind of vehicle do you need? If you have a large family, you may want a three-row SUV like the Ford Expedition, or if you have a long commute, consider a fuel-efficient option such as Ford's Fusion Hybrid. Resources such as U.S. News and World Report rank cars based on real-world data. You can search for things such as “best cars for families” or “ best used full-size trucks.” Test Drive Your Prospects Once you've narrowed down your options, head to your local showroom for a test drive. If you're buying pre-owned, it's a good idea to inspect the car to ensure it's in good working order. Listen for squeaks, rattles, or whining noises. Check the body for dents, rust, and cracks in the windshield. Turn on the infotainment system and the A/C, roll the power windows down, and make sure to take your test drive to the highway, so you can see how it performs at speeds over 55 miles per hour. Boost Your Credit Score Having a good idea of your credit score will help you negotiate your interest rate. If your credit isn't as great as you hoped, use these tips to give it a boost: Always pay your bills on time. Make frequent, "micro" payments throughout the month to keep balances low. Dispute any errors on your report. If you don't already have credit, apply for a secured credit card backed by a cash deposit. Financing Options Get to know your financing options, including direct lending and dealership financing. You may choose to borrow money directly from a bank, finance company, or credit union, or you can apply for financing through the dealership. Pay attention to the interest rate and the period of time in which you'll have to pay. The higher the interest rate and the longer the term, the more your new car will cost you. Avoid buyer's remorse when shopping for a car with these steps. Having a clear picture of your budget and vehicle requirements will help power you through negotiations with confidence.

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