Larry H Miller Volkswagen Lakewood: Jarred Black, General Manager

We focus on business here at Larry H Miller Volkswagen Lakewood but it does not mean we don't have fun too! We decided to take a closer look this month at our General Manager, Jarred Black. Jarred is a great leader and individual and he is a lot of fun too.


How long have you worked with Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Lakewood? May 2013

General Manager Jarred Black

How long have you been with Larry H. Miller Dealerships? August 2012

What was your first job with Larry H. Miller? Used Car Manager

If you could pick any vehicle off the lot, what would it be? Volkswagen Touareg TDI R LINE

What is your favorite feature of the Touareg TDI R-LINE? My favorite feature is the TDI (turbo diesel injection) I commute from Colorado Springs and made six trips on one tank of gas!!!!

When did your passion for Volkswagen begin? The day I started, my employees and customers are so passionate about this brand it made me realize how special the culture is!

Why would you pick a Volkswagen over another brand? Fuel efficiency, really fun to drive, great in this climate, they last forever. Volkswagen just came out with a commercial about how they have more cars on the road with over 100,000 miles than any other manufacturer! That's a big statement !!

What is your favorite road trip destination? I am a BIG fan of driving back home to Albuquerque, New Mexico

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time? Coach my 10 year old sons basketball team, watch my 6 year old do dance and gymnastics and watch my 2 year old do gymnastics, watch sports and go to sporting events and spend time with my wife and kids doing anything!!

If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go? The Bahamas and Hawaii (I plan on going to both)

What would you consider your special talent? Well I have been in the car business since I was 18 and before that I was all about sports and being an athlete. I would have to say being sucessful at a young age, I become a general manager at age 27 which I believe is a record in the Larry H Miller group!


Thank you for letting learn a little more about you Jarred! We appreciate the time.

Larry H Miller Volkswagen Lakewood

8303 W. Colfax Ave
Lakewood, CO 80214

303-237-1311

Partnering with Non-profits to Help Our Community

Working for the Larry H. Miller Group offers a variety of ways to support non-profits in our community.  Employees at LHM Volkswagen Lakewood have the option of donating a portion of their income to the Larry H. Miller Charities fund, which is dispersed to local non-profit groups focusing on the needs of women and children’s issues with an emphasis on health and education. 

Left to right: Mary Ross, Jeff Gage and Randy Weinert accept a check for the Feeding the Future Backpack program in their food warehouse at the Arvada Community Food Bank.

Larry H. Miller was devoted to making the world a better place, saying “Go about doing good until there is too much good in the world.”

Recently, our employees donated $5,000 to The Arvada Community Food Bank to help support their “Feeding the Future Backpack” program, which provides food to children at 13 Arvada and Wheat Ridge elementary schools each weekend for the entire school year.  These schools have a high percentage of children on the “Free and Reduced Lunch” programs.  For many of these students, the majority of their food comes from the meals served while they’re in school. 

LHMVW employees learn more about the food bank and the programs they offer to the community.

Donating $100 covers the costs of one child for the school year. Each Friday, the participating children receive a sack filled with two breakfast items, two lunch items, 2 snacks, 1 fresh or canned fruit and one canned vegetable.

The Arvada Community Food Bank has seen a 30% increase in demand to help feed area children.  The food bank is also supported by a network of volunteers who cover everything from sorting and cleaning food donations, stocking shelves, food distribution, and assisting clients with other miscellaneous needs. 

Randy Weinert explains the shopping system at the food bank.

If you have the opportunity to donate money or volunteer your time, please consider The Arvada Community Food Bank to help support the many wonderful programs they offer to our neighbors in need.    

Larry H Miller Volkswagen Lakewood

8303 W. Colfax Ave
Lakewood, CO 80214

303-237-1311

Year End Review

We have had a great year here at Larry H Miller Volkswagen Lakewood. We wanted to take a look back at some of the Highlights of our year with you. You have made this year a fantastic year and we look forward to many more events and great times with our VW Customers!

The Denver BEEtle buzzed through the town in the St. Patrick's Day parade!

Painter’s Grinding Spring Dub Roast

LHM VW Lakewood Gives Back -  “Go out into the world and do good until there is too much good in the world.” -Larry H. Miller

Syndicate's Road Trip

The 7th Annual Syndicate VW Show in Evergreen

Katy Perry stopped by LHM Volkswagen-sponsored Lakewood High School and performed a concert. http://bit.ly/1g0sHWY

LHM Volkswagen-sponsored cycling team "The Cyclist-Lawyer" took 1st place at Blue Sky Velo CX Cup on Nov. 10 in Longmont, CO (in the 35+ category).

Holiday Toy Drive

Larry H Miller Volkswagen Lakewood

8303 W. Colfax Ave
Lakewood, CO 80214

303-237-1311

Winterizing a car: What does it mean and why is it recommended?

Have you seen ads for winterizing your vehicle and wonder what that entails?  Don’t worry, you’re not alone.  

If you experience winters when temperatures drop below 32 degrees and you’re one of the lucky souls who scrapes ice and snow off your vehicle on a regular basis, you should prepare your car for the harsh conditions. Winterizing is a service that will save money, time and frustration down the road.

Services included in winterizing:

·       Coolant System Inspection - check all fluid levels

o   Adding 50/50 coolant and water mixture to prevent your car from freezing

·       Brakes - Inspecting the brakes and rotors for even and minimal wear.

·       Battery – Testing the battery to guarantee a full charge so the car will start in extreme weather. Battery inspection also includes checking the cables for cracks and brakes, the terminals for strong connections, and the battery fluid level.

·       Tires - Measuring tire tread and adjusting the tire pressure (if necessary). Assuring the tires have proper tread will prevent slipping and sliding on the roads, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Having two sets of tires is a great idea and you can swap your tires at any dealership, tire store or auto-shop for a small fee.

o   Snow Tires – best for roads usually covered in snow and ice. Snow tires are built for maximum grip with softer rubber, deep treads, and studs.

o   All-Season Tires – best for dry/wet conditions and some snow and slush (under 4 inches). Do not count on all-season tires for harsh winter conditions, especially ice.

·       Hoses and Belts – Inspecting hoses and belts for cracks or excessive wear, since cold weather may weaken hoses and belts, especially if they’re already cracking.

Other tips for safe winter driving:

·       Emergency kits – keep an emergency kit in your car. The kit should include extra fuses, flashlight (and extra batteries), duct tape, pliers, a Phillips and flat-head screwdriver, tire inflator (i.e. Fix-A-Flat), washer fluid, jumper cables, road flares, a quart of oil, anti-freeze, a multi-purpose tool (i.e. Leatherman Tool), and a First-Aid kit.  You can find kits online starting around $20 and take up minimum space in your trunk.

·       Blanket, gloves, hat, scarf and boots in the trunk

·       Tire repair kit – usually newer vehicles have these with a spare tire in the trunk

·       Contacts for roadside assistance and/or insurance card in glove compartment

·       Keep your gas tank full 

Volkswagen Beetle 2013

The third time's a charm! This is the third redesign since the Volkswagen Beetle's inception, which also claims one of the highest safety scores among affordable small cars. Fun meets function with enough room for 4 adults, or fold down the back seats for additional cargo storage.

Besides playing Slug Bug as a child, what comes to mind when you think of the VW Beetle? We think of the smile every one has when you see it and take a ride. VW thought of every one when they redesigned this vehicle. With Passenger Seat Height Adjustments, Airbag Deactivation, Adjustable Head Rests, Adjustable Lumbar Seat(s), and Reading Light(s), this vehicle will surely be the answer to a wide range of needs. They even threw in some desires of those living in cold climate with Heated Drivers Seat, Heated Outside Mirror (s), Heated Outside Mirror(s), and a Heated Passenger Seat.

Behind all that happiness and fun the Beetle represents, there are some serious things inside this VW. The safety features alone are taking the Beetle to a new level with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Anti-Theft Device(s), Driver Side Air Bag, Dual Air Bags, 3 Point Rear Seatbelts, 3 Point Seatbelts, and the Side Air Bag System.

We were impressed with the changes in the new Beetle and we think you will be too.

Kicking off football season

We're crazy for football. There's no doubt how much this country loves the sport. It brings tradition, signals the end of a hot and crazy summer and the beginning of a cool and cozy fall. We get together with friends, have a few beers, enjoy a bevy of snacks and yell at our favorite team to "RUN!", "GO! GO! GO!", "TOUCHDOWN!" while we high-five each other, grab another beer and prepare for the next play. It gives us something to cheer for, obsess over and gives strangers a common ground, at least for a few hours.

During the 2012 NFL season, 105 million people watched the first week of games, according to Pro Football Talk. Soak it in. Yes, roughly one-third of the U.S. population was watching football.

So tonight, while we gather around our stadiums and TVs to watch the first game of the 2013 season, we invite you to support your favorite team...and your favorite car manufacturer (Volkswagen, of course!) while using the following items:

Volkswagen Tailgate Football - $7.95

Volkswagen Apron set – $29.95


You've got a grill. A big grill, which means you need an apron. A big apron.  You know, to protect your lucky jersey.  Right.  Moving on. So this apron comes with a bottle opener and an insulated pocket for your favorite chilled beverage. It also comes with an oven mit, but we know you won't use it.

Volkswagen Spatula - $34.95


Of course, you'll need some fancy cooking utensils to use at the grill while sporting your new apron set. Be sure to grab VW's giant spatula - which will flip just about anything you throw on the grill. Except a fan from the opposing team. We suggest sticking to burgers, hot dogs, veggies and of course the German favorite - bratwurst.

Volkswagen Collapsible Cooler - $56.95


While you're manning the grill wearing your apron and stamping the VW symbol into every bit of meat you possible can, your friends can throw you a refreshment from the VW Collapsible Cooler, which holds 48 cans of your favorite beer... err... soda. Or fruit cups.  Yeah, we just realized how ridiculous that sounds.

V-Dub Barbecue and Buffalo Wing Sauce - $18.50


Did someone say "wings"? No tailgate or house party is complete without wings and sauce.  Volkswagen mixed up the perfect blend of spices and herbs so you can get sticky with it. Caution: napkins and stain remover not included.

Need a Volkswagen T-shirt, sweatshirt or hat to model around town? Check out VW DriveGear for more Volkswagen products, clothing and accessories.

Thoughts on a Tiguan at 3,000 Miles

Brian Turk and Tim Dwenger from Listen Up Denver!
Pick up their 2013 Tiguan, sponsored by Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Lakewood

Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Lakewood sponsors Listen Up Denver! with a 2013 VW Tiguan, which travels around Colorado spreading the latest music news, reviews and photos. The Tiguan can be seen around Denver at The Bluebird, Ogden Theater, Red Rocks and more and traveling to the mountains for some of the world’s greatest music festivals.  Here’s their review of the 2013 VW Tiguan and how it fits in perfectly with the Colorado lifestyle.

Since I picked up The Listen Up Denver Mobile in April from Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Lakewood, we have had some good times together and we are only 3,000 miles into our relationship. If we were dating, this is the time I’d usually start noticing the little things I don’t like about a partner. The first three months I’d introduce my other half around to my friends, be perpetually surprised at her beauty, constantly bring her up in any conversation and focus on the attributes that drew me to her. Driving off the lot with a new car is just like dating. After just over three months, and three thousand miles, I am happy to report my eyes have not strayed from the beautiful lines of the 2013 Volkswagen Tiquan.
When I drove The Listen Up Denver Mobile off the lot, I felt like I was dating out of my league. I was enveloped by the extremely comfortable driver's seat, and the metal trim glistened as the sun shone in through the panoramic sunroof. I was extremely taken by its looks. The upright seat position reminded me of an ex’s Honda CR-V, and I immediately had flashbacks of the Honda’s sluggish performance in the mountains. I was hoping the Tiguan did not give such a lackluster performance when humping the hills. I hopped on the highway to head back to Denver and, even though we had just met, I decided I decided to accelerate and she if I could make it purr. I got a growl instead. The 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbo is a tiger under the hood.

The first couple months of spending time together, The Listen Up Denver Mobile and I spent most of our time taking short trips around the city. We got a lot of looks and smiles, because we are a cute couple, and we invited those looks more by pumping pristine sounds out of the windows. The stock stereo is great, and with the sunroof open and the windows down, you almost feel like you are in a convertible, but safer. The Listen Up Denver Mobile and I were on track for a successful relationship, but we needed to see if we could stand each other for long periods of time; so we decided to take a road trip out to Telluride for the 40th Annual Bluegrass Festival.

This road trip was when I truly fell in love with the car and noticed the only flaw I could find in my new companion. Heading to Telluride for seven days with some camping gear, I noticed The Listen Up Denver Mobile didn't have as much cargo space as I would have liked. With the seats folded down there is a ton of room, but my travelling companion and I were picking two other folks up at the Montrose Airport, at that was looking like a near impossibility with all our stuff. We figured we would worry about it when we got to the airport.

We took to the highway with speed and tons of passing power. The ride was seductively smooth, and at one point it reminded me of riding Denver’s light rail. Just floating along with no bumps, jolts, rattles or jerky turns. Although the Tiquan is considered a compact SUV, it drives like a car, and a sporty one at that. This could be attributed to the fact the Tiguan is based on a Volkswagen Golf frame, and has decades of engineering innovations to stand on. 

The Listen Up Denver Mobile attacked the hills aggressively, but without a sweat. This is what makes the Tiguan perfect for an active lifestyle in Colorado. There was not one moment when I wished for more power, or had to push the Tiguan at all. When we arrived to the airport, it was a bit of a puzzle to fit everything and everyone in there, but after the Tiguan’s seven hour show of stamina, smoothness and sportiness, I figured I could easily deal with this one flaw. It is rare I have four people with a week’s worth of gear heading for the mountains, and everything else makes my heart melt, so like all relationships, I made a compromise. I even got The Listen Up Denver Mobile a little dirty getting to a trailhead, and the ground clearance made me wonder how this drives like a sporty car. Coming back from Telluride I knew the trip solidified the future of our relationship, but the Listen Up Denver Mobile had one more attribute to reveal. Up until the trip back to Denver I had never tried the Tiptronic transmission, and always operated in the automatic drive or sport modes. Not only could the Tiguan make it up the hills gracefully, but it can descend delicately as well. The ability to downshift on the descent was key, and the car performed just as smoothly as in full automatic mode.
I have spent time with other vehicles in the class, and this is the one for me. The Mazda CR-5 felt like a cheap toy when I recently rented one on a vacation, the CRV has Honda reliability, but no style or power, and the GMC terrain is just heavy and boring. The Volkswagen Tiguan could have easily been just another pretty face, but the endless list of attributes make it a keeper. Good looking, powerful, refined, fun, sporty and composed ... the Volkswagen Tiguan makes me want to stay in its seat forever.
-reviewed by by Brian Turk, Director of Operations at Listen Up Denver!