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The modern, powerful, and comfortable 2024 Ford Explorer is a great bet if you're looking for a solid family vehicle that is capable of taking on any road with ease. With exceptional handling, excellent safety features, and a cabin equipped with all the amenities you could want for longer road trips, this vehicle is one of the best in its class. 3 Reasons to Test Drive the 2024 Ford Explorer 1. Excellent Handling for Every Road If you're looking for a powerful ride that's easy to drive and keeps you fully in control on all terrain, check out this model. It comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Ford's top-notch Terrain Management System, which lets you choose the setting that's right for the conditions. You can choose between Normal, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Grass/Gravel/Snow, giving you the ultimate control behind the wheel. 2. Some of the Best Safety Features on the Market You can rest easy knowing that you're in good hands when you drive this Ford model, thanks to a suite of amazing safety features like AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, which gives you excellent traction and is great for bumpier or unpaved roads. The Lane Keeping System with Lane-Keeping Assist and Driver Alert stops you from veering out of your lane and is a great way to assess when you might need a break while on longer drives. Parking is easy in this Ford, too, thanks to parking sensors and a rearview camera with helpful grid lines that let you know precisely where you need to go to safely squeeze into a tight space. Additionally, the SOS Post-Crash Alert System kicks in if there's an incident, taking the guesswork and stress out of getting help when you need it. 3. An Exceptionally Comfortable and Well-Appointed Interior Cruise in total comfort in this new Ford Explorer with a cabin tailored to all of your needs. The driver's seat that configures eight ways, and you can reconfigure the second and third row of seats to add more cargo as needed. Additionally, you'll be able to tap into hours of entertainment as this vehicle is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and thanks to several USB ports, everyone can charge their devices on the go. These vehicles are some of the best in their class, with ample space for up to seven passengers, a roomy and comfortable interior, and great safety features that let you kick back and enjoy the road. If it's time for you to upgrade your driving experience, give this powerful and modern new offering from Ford a look. Visit Murray Ford of Starke in Starke, FL, and take one of these vehicles for a test drive today.

Offered in two-row and three-row configurations, the 2024 Ford Expedition is designed to become your trustworthy adventure companion. It comes in six trim levels, making it easy to find the right capacity and features for your needs. 6 Trim Levels of the 2024 Ford Expedition XL STX The Expedition's entry trim comes in an exclusive five-seat configuration and is the perfect SUV for everyday city driving and adventures. Powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, it delivers 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque for a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 lbs. Inside, comfort-adjustable front seats and a 40/20/40 split-fold rear bench deliver comfortable rides for all passengers. XLT Designed with large families in mind, the XLT trim seats up to eight and boasts a versatile second and third-row configuration for an easy expansion of the cargo area. Standard two-wheel drive makes this trim perfect for everyday rides. Alternatively, it can be had with all-wheel drive for seamless driving on all terrains. You can customize the model with power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats and second-row captain's chairs. Limited The Limited trim builds on the XLT, bringing a wealth of standard luxuries. The seven-seat capacity with individual captain's chairs in the second row and leather-trimmed seating surfaces offer enhanced comfort. Heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats can enhance your riding experience regardless of the weather. Adventurers can enhance the trim with the optional Excursion Package that includes heavy-duty towing capability. Timberline The Timberline trim is designed with adventures in mind and offered standard with a high-output EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Four-wheel drive, 32-inch all-terrain tires, and a trail control feature come standard, allowing you to conquer new terrains without worries. The trim also comes with convenient zone lighting, illuminating your camping site when spending the night out in the wild. King Ranch Boasting a luxurious interior filled with advanced tech features, the King Ranch trim offers plenty of road-trip comfort. The exclusive interior impresses with Del Rio full-leather seating surfaces and matching interior trims. The infotainment system boasts an upgraded 15.5-inch center touchscreen with entertainment and connected services, while a surround-view camera makes it super-easy to maneuver the SUV in tight spaces. Platinum The range-topper Platinum comes with a wealth of exclusive upgrades, including a panoramic Vista sunroof that allows you to enjoy more sunlight and fresh air at the touch of a button. A continuously controlled damping suspension enhances handling on challenging roads, while a state-of-the-art 22-speaker B&O Unleashed sound system takes on-road entertainment to new heights. Ready to find the best Ford Expedition for you? Visit us at Murray Ford of Starke in Starke, FL to explore our inventory and schedule a test drive.

2023 Transit Connect. Photo: Ford The 2023 Ford Transit Connect Van is the perfect smaller van for those who need a versatile and reliable ride for work or play. The Transit Connect is available in both Cargo and Passenger Wagon models in various trim levels to suit any need. Read on to learn more about everything the Transit Connect has to offer. more Your Guide to the 2023 Ford Transit Connect Van Line-Up Trim Levels and Engine Options The Transit Van is available in three trim levels – XL, XLT, and Titanium – while the Passenger Wagon comes in XL, XLT, and Titanium trims. All Transit Connect models have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine that produces 162 horsepower and 144 lb.-ft. of torque. An optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine is also available for an added power boost that produces 184 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. Best of all, this engine can also run on CNG for an even cleaner burn. Performance and Efficiency Whether you choose the standard 2.0-liter engine or the upgraded 2.5-liter option, you'll enjoy a smooth ride thanks to the Transit's eight-speed automatic transmission. The Transit Cargo Van can tow up to 2,000 pounds adequately equipped while achieving an EPA-estimated 24 City/27 highway mpg. The Passenger Wagon fares even better in fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 24 City/28 highway mpg. And with CNG capability, you can enjoy even greater savings at the pump. Safety Features No matter which Transit Connect model you choose, you'll benefit from Ford Co-Pilot360 – a suite of driver assistance technologies designed to help you stay safe on the road. Standard driver assistance features include a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision assist with auto emergency braking. Also included are auto high beams, a rear-view camera, and Hill Start Assist to help you safely get to your destination. Interior Amenities If you opt for the Passenger Wagon model, you'll enjoy comfortable seating for up to six passengers – perfect for families or groups on the go. And with optional features like heated front seats, a panoramic roof, an SYNC3 infotainment system, and SiriusXM Radio, every ride will be comfortable. Conversely, the Transit Cargo Van offers seating for up to two passengers with an impressive amount of space for hauling gear. Best of all, both Transit models have Bluetooth connectivity to stay connected during your drive. Exterior Design Both Transit Connect models boast a sleek and modern exterior design that is sure to turn heads. They come with sliding side doors for easy loading and unloading and signature LED headlamps and taillamps for superior visibility. They also come standard with 16-inch steel or alloy wheels to complete the look. With its wide range of trim levels and engine options, a Ford Transit Connect is sure to be perfect for your needs. Visit us today at Murray Ford Superstore of Starke to check out our Transit Cargo and Passenger Vans selection! See for yourself why this Transit line-up is perfect for you!

Photo by Lala Azizli on Unsplash The little coffee shops in Starke, FL are friendly, welcoming spaces where friends and family gather to enjoy cups of their favorite brew, hearty meals, and delicious freshly baked pastries. So hop in your Ford Escape, Edge, or Explorer and treat yourself to a steaming cuppa Joe at the best coffee shops in town more Just Down the Road: 4 Great Local Coffee Shops Near Starke, FL Call Street Cafe Pop in at Call Street Cafe at 111 West Call Street in Starke and order a cuppa brewed from Brass Tacks Coffee Co's selection. They offer delicious breakfasts, from the classic two eggs and a choice of grits and french fries to giant slices of French toast dripping with cinnamon butter and build-your-own breakfast bowls and omelets with a variety of fillings, add-ons, and sides. Take a break at lunchtime, sit outside, and order one of the melts, sandwiches, a crispy fresh salad wrap, or a tasty soup. If you're pressed for time, place your order over the phone and collect in-store. Call Street Cafe is open Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and opens at 7 a.m. on Sundays. You can get your order delivered Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. when you download the Keystone Delivery app. Salt and Light Fusion Coffee House Salt and Light Fusion Coffee House at 2138 North Temple Avenue in Stark is a tiny coffee spot tucked away behind the church with welcoming staff serving delicious freshly baked pastries and brewed coffee. Order a cuppa from the friendly barista and make yourself comfortable on one of the big couches or outside overlooking the lawn. Enjoy muffins, bagels, or a plate of delectable chocolate-covered fresh strawberries with a lattè and an extra shot of espresso. Salt and Light Fusion Coffee House is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to take advantage of all their great specials. Sapp Station Coffee House The freshly baked cinnamon rolls and carefully brewed coffee at Sapp Station Coffee House at 138 East Call Street in Starke made them famous for miles around. Treat yourself and order a blueberry or banana nut muffin, a ham and cheese croissant, or a maple danish with one of their heavenly lattes or coffee flavors of the month, including dark chocolate and cheesecake. Sapp Station Coffee House is open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grannie's Country Cookin' Grannie's Country Cookin', at 367 North Temple Avenue in Starke, serves big, hearty country-style meals, the best coffee, and really feels like grandma's kitchen. Grannie's opens at 5 a.m. and is a great place to kickstart your day early with delicious, home-cooked breakfast choices, including biscuits and gravy, pancakes, omelets, and a steaming cuppa Joe. Grannie's Country Cookin' is open every day of the week from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. They don't deliver but do offer curbside pickup. Enjoy delicious coffee at one of these welcoming and cozy spots or grab your favorite brew and drop by Murray Ford of Starke today to browse the selection of new 2023 Ford models.

Brake Rotor. Photo: Ford. Smells, noises, and how your Ford feels and responds when you drive can tell you there's something wrong with your brakes. The signs below are warnings to get a brake repair from your Ford dealer ASAP to ensure that your Escape, Expedition, F-150, or other Ford is safe on the road. more 5 Big Signs Your Ford Needs a Brake Repair From Your Ford Dealer 1. The Brake Pads Are Thin Inspect the thickness of your brake pads, and if they look worn and thin and are less than a quarter of an inch thick, it's best to replace them before it affects your braking ability and cause damage to your car's brake system. 2. Your Brakes Make Screeching and Grinding Noises When the brake pads are worn down too thin, you will hear screeching when you step on the brake pedal. The small metal bars built into the pads alert you it's time to replace them. If you don't replace the pads in time, they will wear down completely. You'll start to hear horrible grinding noises from the bare metal scraping against the rotors. 3. You Feel Vibrations Through the Brake Pedal or Steering Wheel When your brake pads are worn down too thin, it could cause vibrations you'll feel through the brake pedal, causing your car will take longer to slow down and stop. When the rotors are warped or damaged, it will cause vibrations you'll feel through the steering wheel. 4. You Spot Puddles Under Your Car Your car is leaking brake fluid if you see yellowish or brownish puddles on the ground under your vehicle. A leak is a serious problem that needs fixing as soon as possible: if there's not enough brake fluid, your brakes will stop working entirely. 5. A Brake System Warning Lights Is On Your Ford has a brake warning light, an anti-lock brake system light (ABS), and a park brake light that will alert you if there is a problem with your brake system. The Brake Light First, check that your parking brake is released when you see the brake light is on. If the light stays on after you release the parking brake, it could be due to low brake fluid caused by a leak or a brake system issue. The ABS Light The ABS light warns you that the anti-lock brake system is off. The regular brakes are still working, but the ABS is deactivated. Your car might skid when you brake hard or take longer to slow down and come to a complete stop. Electric Park Brake Light The park brake light will go on if the motor fails or gets stuck. The parking brakes will not engage, or you won't be able to drive if it's stuck. Get your brakes fixed as soon as you can when you notice the above signs to keep you safe behind the wheel of your Ford. Contact Murray Ford of Starke today to schedule a brake system repair, and the qualified technicians will ensure your brakes work perfectly.

No matter what event you're celebrating, one thing you're bound to do is gift shopping. While you might be tempted to go to the big-name discount retailers, here in Starke, FL we have some amazing local options where you can find some unique gifts. Here are our recommendations to make your family and loved ones proud while supporting small, locally-owned businesses! more 4 Local Places to Shop for Gifts Near Starke, FL The Shoppes at Thompson Street A local favorite antique shop right in the center of town, The Shoppes at 118 South Thompson Street is a place where you are bound to find something special. A family-owned business serving the community for over 30 years, you'll find a wonderful selection of gifts by looking through their changing assortment of jewelry, crystals, ornaments, and more. If you want to splurge a bit on something for a loved one, they also have a selection of gold, silver, and precious gems. The staff is incredibly friendly and always happy to go explain the value you're getting from their top-quality antiques! Sporting Chance Want to impress a loved one with a custom, hand-crafted gift with a specially written message just for them? Sporting Chance over on 218 North Temple Avenue is the place to go! With a catalog sporting everything from custom-engraved tiles and woodwork, to custom-printed shirts and hats, to specially sewn embroidery and fabric, if you want to get creative, and blow someone's mind with a thoughtful gift, you'll be able to make the magic work at Sporting Chance. Touch of Grace Galleria For some cute antique gifts at an affordable price, make the 10-minute drive down the 100 to Touch of Grace Galleria at 956 State Route 100. You'll walk into the locally-owned antique store where the staff will make you feel like family and won't let you leave until you've found the perfect gift. Their assortment typically includes hand-sewn sweaters and hats, kitchen and bathroom accessories, and desk ornaments. What can beat that for a gift? Julia's Florist, Tuxedos & Gift Gallery Flowers are an age-old gift that are bound to make any loved one melt with happiness, and there is no better place to go for them in Starke than Julia's, located at 326 South Walker Street. Shop by Julia's to pick up not only an extravagant custom bouquet to bring home to your love, but you can also find an excellent assortment of plans, pottery, and garden ornaments that would make a perfect gift for any Floridian's backyard. If you care about your family and loved ones and want to impress them with a unique gift, then you probably also care about treating your family to rides in a nice new family car like the Ford F-150. So while you're picking up gifts, drive by Murray Ford Starke and drive out with a new Ford car that will make your family feel extra special!

With a healthy transmission, shifting gears should be smooth and effortless. If you ever feel or hear something strange when shifting, you might be in need of transmission repair. Here are four indications of transmission trouble to look out for. If you experience any one of them, visit your nearest Ford dealer for repairs before the issue develops into something more serious. more Does Your Ford Need Transmission Repair? Leaking Transmission Fluid Transmissions transfer the power of your engine to your wheels. As you can imagine, this creates a great deal of pressure, friction, and heat inside the gearbox. Transmission fluid serves the critical function of lubricating the gears while also cooling things down and cleaning debris out of the mechanism. If your transmission ever springs a leak, your gearbox will rapidly break down. In the case of a leak, you might notice a reddish fluid pooling under your car. You can use the dipstick to check your transmission fluid level. If it has fallen dramatically because of a leak, have a professional take a look as soon as possible. Grinding Gears When gears first start to struggle, you'll often hear them grinding awkwardly when you shift. If you hear this grinding, your fluid might be low or aging. Most transmission problems are due to low fluid. Your transmission synchronizer might also be faulty. Your clutch might also not be disengaging properly. There are various other potential causes of grinding gears. You'll need a technician to diagnose the problem. Slipping Gears If your transmission trouble worsens, you might start to experience slipping gears. Your car will struggle to shift, or it might suddenly shift gears on its own. You'll probably notice higher-than-usual RPMs and revving. Your fuel economy will diminish, and you'll likely see the check engine light come to life on your dashboard. Once again, the most common cause of slipping gears is low or degraded transmission fluid. The various clutches and bands in your transmission might also be faulty. Alternatively, some of your gears might be rounded out, or you might have a faulty solenoid or torque converter. Stuck Gears One of the worst gearbox problems is when your gearbox sticks and refuses to shift. This might be due to something as simple as your solenoid or shift lock release malfunctioning. But it might also point to more serious issues. Flush Fluid Often at Your Local Ford Dealer Good fluid is the lifeblood of your transmission. For automatic cars, transmission fluid should be flushed every 60,000 miles. For manual shifts, this should be every 30,000 miles. If you diligently have your fluid flushed and refreshed as scheduled, you're far less likely ever to experience transmission trouble. There's no reason why a well-kept gearbox shouldn't last for the lifetime of your car. Visit Murray Ford Starke today to have your transmission inspected and flushed. We're a local family-owned dealership providing great vehicles and great service.

The Ford F-150 is a perennial bestseller in the full-size truck class, and it's easy to see why. With a wide range of trim levels, configurations, and features to choose from, this truck can serve as a work truck, off-roader, or luxury vehicle. The 2023 Ford F-150 comes equipped with plenty of features that are sure to help it maintain its #1 spot. more 5 Impressive Features of the 2023 Ford F-150 1. Class-Leading Payload and Towing Capability Two of the most important functions of a pickup truck are towing and hauling, which is why the high capacities for both towing and payload make the F-150 a standout. The amount of weight that this vehicle can tow or haul does vary based on the engine and configuration of the truck, but the towing capacity tops out at 14,000 pounds when equipped with the 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine, which is available on the XLT trim and above. For maximum payload capacity, choose the 5.0L V8 engine, which allows for up to 3,325 pounds of cargo. 2. Off-Roading Options The Ford F-150 offers off-roading options for drivers at both the top and bottom of the trim lineup. The Raptor is built for off-roading, with features that include 35-inch all-terrain tires, one-pedal off-road driving, a rugged long-travel suspension, and heavy-duty skid plates. The Raptor R adds a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. For those who want a more affordable off-roading option, the new Rattler package for XLT trim and higher delivers. This package offers all-terrain tires, dual exhaust, 18-inch wheels, an off-road suspension system, and hill descent control. 3. Hybrid Option The F-150 even comes in a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine model, which achieves 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque while still boasting a combined fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon. 4. Connectivity The Ford F-150 keeps you connected while you're on the road with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. For the Lariat trim level and up, you'll get a 12-inch touchscreen, and the King Ranch trim level adds a wireless charging pad and an upgraded audio system. 5. Safety Features You can feel safe and confident driving with the automated safety features in the Ford F-150. Features that come standard include forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic braking. Several other safety features are standard beginning with the XLT trim, such as lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and reverse automatic braking. From towing to off-roading, the Ford F-150 has something for every driver. With modern connectivity features and driver safety technologies, this long-time favorite truck stays on top. Stop by Murray Ford of Starke today and take one for a test drive.

Located in the north-central part of the state, the city of Starke, FL is home to a growing gastronomic scene with new restaurants popping up every year. If you are craving some traditional Italian food and are searching for the best pizza places near Starke, here are three places you should check out. Jump into your new Ford, invite your friends and family, and visit these popular spots. more 3 of the Best Pizza Places Near Starke, FL Tony and Al's Deli A casual Italian restaurant located at 200 E Call Street in the heart of downtown Starke, Tony, and Al's Deli is one of the best spots in the city to have some delicious pizza with your friends or family. Open Monday through Saturday between 11:00 am and 9:00 pm, this place offers not only an extensive menu of traditional and specialty pizzas but also other Italian dishes including pasta, chicken parmigiana, and lasagna. Tony and Al's Deli is a true local favorite and a perfect spot to visit whether you live in the area or are passing by as part of a road trip. Some of the most popular pizzas available here include the “Meat Lover” with pepperoni, ham, sausage, and bacon, and the “Roma” with spinach, feta cheese, fresh garlic, tomato, and mozzarella. Satchel's Pizza Located at 1800 NE 23rd Ave in the northeastern outskirts of Gainesville and about 20 miles southwest of the Starke city center, Satchel's pizza is another popular pizza joint you can drive to in about 25 minutes by car. Featuring outdoor and indoor seating, and offering thin-crust pizzas and calzones, this place is a great spot for a casual dinner with friends. Satchel's pizza is open Tuesday through Saturday between 11:00 am and 10:00 pm and offers dine-in, home delivery, and curbside pickup. This popular restaurant lets customers build their own pizzas, choosing from among different toppings including anchovies, artichoke hearts, bacon, banana peppers, basil, and black olives. Papa Seans Pizza A popular spot offering specialty pizzas, oven-baked subs, and other Italian dishes, Papa Seans Pizza is another great spot you can reach in less than 25 minutes by car from the Starke city center. Located at 615 W US-90 in the small town of Baldwin, this place is open Tuesday through Saturday between 11:00 am and 8:50 pm and offers dine-in, drive-thru, and delivery. Are you searching for the best new and used vehicles for sale in or around Starke? We've got your back! Visit us today at Murray Ford Starke, explore our latest models, and experience the great customer service that makes us the go-to dealership for thousands of satisfied customers since 2009.

Photo: Ford Your vehicle's battery provides the power to start your car and powers everything from the ignition system and computer to the windows and lights. When a battery is weak or failing, you will notice all sorts of issues. Here are telltale signs that'll warn you when it's time to visit your Ford dealer for a new car battery. more Does Your Ford Need a New Car Battery From Your Ford Dealer? Battery Lifespan Batteries have a limited life cycle. On average, a car battery lasts between three to five years. When your battery is three years old, regular battery tests are essential to determine if it's still going strong and if it's time for a replacement. The last thing you need is to get stuck next to the road with a dead car battery. Dashboard Warning Lights If there is a problem with your car's battery, the engine light or the battery light will go on. Neither warning lights should be ignored because a faulty charging system could get you stuck. When you notice these warning lights are on, get it checked out by your Ford technician as soon as you can. Electric Issues When your battery loses charge, it will affect the lights, seats, heaters, and electric windows. The lights will be dimmer and weaker, and the windows will move slower or not at all. It won't be long before the battery stops working altogether. Get the battery tested to determine if it needs replacing before you have to ask a good Samaritan to help you jump-start your car. Trouble Starting Your Car You know your car and how quickly it starts. When there is suddenly a problem starting your vehicle, a weak battery could be the culprit. When the engine is cranking slower than usual and takes longer to start, don't risk ignoring the issue. Ask your Ford technician to inspect the battery before your car doesn't start at all. Clicking Sounds If you turn your key in the ignition or press the start button and hear a clicking sound, your battery is too weak to start the engine. It means you will have to jump-start your car. If your vehicle needs a jump start to get going, it's best to get a new battery as soon as possible. Sulfurous Odor If you pop your head under the hood and you smell a sulfurous odor, much like that of rotten eggs, you have a battery leak. Leaks form when a battery is old, warped, or cracked. Take care of the issue fast before the leaking chemicals cause damage to other components. Damaged Battery Case A battery case that is swollen or warped or has cracks must be replaced. The chemical content inside the battery can leak out, damaging anything it touches. If the battery case is damaged in any way, get a new battery at your dealership where the damaged one can be disposed of correctly and safely. Jump Starts Jump-starting a car indicates that something is wrong with the battery. If you have to jump-start the battery often, better be safe than sorry, and get a new quality battery from your dealership. Don't ignore battery problems and get it checked out by your Ford technician as soon as you can. If you experience battery issues, visit Murray Ford of Starke today for expert battery tests and a range of high-quality batteries.