What Is A Good Deal On A Car

Everyone wants to get the best deal on a car they can, It's human nature and makes financial sense. However, getting that deal isn't always up to the car dealership. Your budget, credit score and trade-in value all play significant factors in what you actually pay for your car.

Know Your Budget

Most people think a budget is what you can afford monthly, but it also determines what cars and the features will have. A car that you like may have several trim levels with different features, but they will come at a higher price. So know your budget and research cars and trim levels that fit in it.

Know Your Must Haves

If you've done your research then you probably have an idea of what you're looking for. But IMaintenance Mode - No Blog - dealer does not want blog enabledt's important to know your must-haves in a vehicle. For some people, it might be four-wheel drive or a sunroof, but for others, it might be heated seats and remote start.

Know Your Can Do With Outs

After you know your must haves, you can start looking at what you can do without. It all ties back into your budget and what you're willing to spend. If you're not worried about having the latest and greatest features, then you can probably get by with a base model vehicle.

With your budget, must have, and do with outs in mind, head to a dealership and have a conversation with the salesperson. They will be able to guide you to a vehicle that fits your needs best. You will then have a better understanding of what a good deal on a car looks like.

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How To Check Your Antifreeze

It may not cross most people's minds, but checking your car's antifreeze protection level is an important part of regular maintenance. Anti-freeze helps protect your car from damage caused by cold weather, and keeping it at the proper level could save you from costly repairs down the road. In this article, we will show you how to check your car's antifreeze protection level and what to do if it needs to be adjusted.

What You Need

Before you begin, there are a few items you need for the job:

• An anti-freeze tester: These are usually sold for just a few dollars at any auto parts store.

• Paper towel or rag: This will help keep the anti-freeze off of surfaces like paint that could get damaged.

• Ziplock bag: This will help keep dirt out of your anti-freeze tester while you’re not using it.

Step 1: Locate The Reservoir

The first step is to locate the reservoir where your car’s anti-freeze is stored. This is usually in the engine compartment, and it looks like a plastic container with a lid on top (as seen in Figure 1). There should also be a warning label telling you not to open the lid while the fluid is hot – so always make sure that your car has been sitting idle for at least two hours before proceeding! 

Step 2: Testing The Anti-Freeze

Now that you have located the reservoir, insert the end of your tester into the fluid (you may have to use a straw attached to the bottom of the tester). Then pump up and down until about half of the fluid has been drawn up into the glass chamber on top (Figure 2). Now look at how many “balls” are floating on top of the fluid; this number tells you how well protected your car is against extreme cold temperatures (see Table 1 below). Once done testing, pour any remaining liquid into its original container, then wipe off any residue with paper towel or rag. 

Step 3: Storing The Tester

After testing, take a ziplock bag and store your anti-freeze tester in it until its next use. This will help keep dust and dirt off of it when it’s not in use! And don't forget - always remember that antifreeze is poisonous so make sure none gets on any surfaces outside of its original container!   

Checking your car's antifreeze protection level doesn't have to be difficult or complicated; with these simple steps anyone can do it themselves! With regular testing every few months, you'll know exactly how well protected against extreme cold temperatures your vehicle really is - potentially saving yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs down the line!

You Might Go On Vacation But Car Maintenance Never Should

As we enter the dog days of Summer, family vacations and long road trips become top priorities. But even if you're taking a break from your regular routine, car maintenance should never be put on the back burner.

Getting Prepared To Go

Before hitting the open road, be sure to give your car a once-over to make sure everything is in working order. This includes checking your engine oil, coolant levels, tires, and brakes.

If you're not comfortable performing these checks yourself, or if you notice anything out of the ordinary, it's always best to take your car to a professional for a thorough inspection.

Once you're on the road, be sure to keep an eye on your vehicle's gauges and warning lights. If anything pops up, don't ignore it! Pull over at the next safe opportunity and check out what's going on.

Don't Sweat or Let The Small Things Bug You

Summer is also a good time to check other items and systems in your car such as the air conditioning, wiper blades, and washer fluid levels. These are all things that you'll be using frequently during the hotter months, so it's important to make sure they're in good working order.

You never know when you might be driving and you get a heavy downpour or you have to clear away some bugs, so it's always best to be prepared.

Always Have A Backup Plan

In general we have become used to using the GPS system on our phones to get us where we need to go. But what happens if you're driving in an unfamiliar area and your phone dies or you lose service?

That's why it's always a good idea to have a physical map on hand as well as a backup plan for directions. It might seem old-fashioned, but there's nothing worse than being stranded in the middle of nowhere with no way to get home.

If you're going to be driving in unfamiliar territory or in remote areas, be sure to let someone know your route and estimated time of arrival. That way, if something does happen, someone will know where to start

And last but not least, always remember to drink plenty of water and take breaks often when driving during the summer months. Heat exhaustion is no joke, and it can happen to anyone. So stay hydrated, stay alert, and most importantly, enjoy your summer

If It Looks To Good To Be True It Probably Is

When you read that headline, I bet you were more than just skeptical. In fact you already knew it couldn't possibly be true. So how could someone possibly be selling brand new Tesla's for just a dollar? The answer is they aren't but that's not the point. The headline got your attention.

 While our exercise in skepticism was easy to spot, unfortunately that's not always the case. Online scammers have for years tried to take advantage of people, but with the surge in used car values, they are working overtime. With so many people out of work and struggling to make ends meet, scammers know that now is the time to strike.

 One of their tried and true methods they like to use is posting to online classified sites. They post incredible sounding deals on cars with the hope some unsuspecting victim will take the bait. They even go to legitimate used car dealers website's to steal the cars' information and images. All of this is to try and lure you in so they can get your money. So how can you spot these scams?

Here are a few things to look out for:

1. The price is too good to be true - This should be obvious but unfortunately it's not always.

2. They refuse to meet in person - A common tactic of scammers is to insist on communicating only through email or text. They will give all kinds of excuses as to why they can't meet in person but the truth is they don't want to get caught.

3. They ask for payment upfront - This is a huge red flag. No legitimate seller is going to ask for payment before you even see the product.

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We are a reputable dealership with years of experience. Our team of experts will help you find the perfect car for your needs as well as your budget. Contact us today and let us help you find the car of your dreams.

Does The Color Of Your Car Affect Its Resale Value?

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" - William Shakespeare

If you think about it, the color of the rose doesn't make any difference either. But have you ever wondered if the color of a car affects its trade in value?

How People Pick The Color Of Their Car

People pick the color of their car for many reasons. It may be a reflection of their personality or the desire to make a statement about their status, and even wealth.

Colors are often chosen based on comfort, practicality and aesthetics. Some of the most popular car colors are white, black, silver, gray and red.

One of the reasons people may choose white is because it looks clean and sleek. It also has a modern look to it. Plus, white can go with any type of interior.

Black is popular because it is thought to be classic and sophisticated. It also won't show dirt as easily as other colors.

Silver and gray are both neutral colors that go with just about anything. They are good choices for those who want a sleek, modern look.

Red is thought to signify power and strength. It is also seen as a more exciting color than some of the other options.

Trending Colors

Some people choose the color of their car based on what is popular at the time. Others may want to be different and choose an unpopular color. There are also those who believe that certain colors are luckier than others.

iSeeCars recently released an article detailing Which Colors Help and Hurt a Car's Resale Value. They reported:

Highlights:

• A vehicle’s color can have a substantial impact on how quickly it loses value, with the highest depreciating color losing nearly four times the value compared to the lowest

• Popular colors, including white, black, and silver, have minimal impact, meaning they won’t hurt resale value but they also won’t help a vehicle maintain its value

• Some of the most beneficial colors for retaining value, including yellow and orange, may surprise consumers

A car’s color can help or hurt its resale value, according to a recent analysis by iSeeCars.com. After comparing prices of more than 650,000 recently sold three-year-old used cars, iSeeCars determined the average three-year vehicle depreciation rate by car color. 

 “A vehicle’s color is among the primary considerations after shoppers have decided on a make and model,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. “With depreciation being the largest cost of vehicle ownership, consumers should carefully consider their color choice–especially if they plan on selling their vehicle.”

Be sure to read the entire article here

Should We All Just Buy Yellow Cars?

While the numbers speak for themselves, there are other factors you should consider before jumping on the Yellow car bandwagon. Do you really want to drive a yellow car ? If the answer is no, then it doesn't matter how well it holds its value.

The same goes for any other color. If you love the color purple and it just so happens to have a good resale value, then go for it!

Looking for a new car?

You'll love our selection of quality used cars - they're reliable and affordable. And we're here to help you every step of the way. You won't find a better selection or price anywhere else.

We can even find that Yellow car you've always wanted.

Contact us today to learn more!

Rust Never Sleeps - Is Your Old Car Keeping You Up At Night?

Have you lost sleep worrying about your old car breaking down or rusting away? Maybe you should think about trading it in for a newer model. When you do, you'll want to take steps to keep your new car from succumbing to the same fate as your old one.

Remember the better the condition of your car, the higher its resale value will have.

Here are some tips to prevent rust:

1. Check for rust regularly and treat it immediately

2. Wax your car regularly

3. Store your car in a cool, dry place

4. Avoid driving through puddles

5. Don't wash your car with harsh chemicals

6. Use rust-resistant paint on your car

7. Keep your car clean and free of dirt and debris

8. Treat minor scratches and dents promptly

Garage Kept Cars - Winter Warning

In general keeping your car in a garage year round is the best way to prevent rust, but there is a caveat during the winter months. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, road salt and other deicing chemicals can splash up onto your car while you're driving. These chemicals will accelerate the formation of rust on any exposed metal on your car. You should also wash your car regularly, to remove any salt and other corrosive materials that may have accumulated on the surface.

Leaving your car parked in the garage as much as possible goes a long way in preventing rust but even that might not be enough. The best way to keep your car from rusting is to take some preventative measures. Here are a few things you can do:

Wax On, Wax Off

Another good way to prevent rust is to keep your car's paint finish in good condition. A fresh coat of wax will act as a barrier between the metal and the elements, helping to prevent moisture and other corrosive materials from coming from your car as soon as possible.

Don't Have A Garage - Cover It Up

You can buy a car cover specifically designed to repel water and keep snow and salt off your car. These covers can be pricey but may be worth the investment if you consider how much it would cost to repair rust damage. Also rust will affect the trade in value of your car when the time comes to sell or upgrade

Another alternative is to use a tarp or old blankets to cover your car when you know bad weather is on the way. This won't be as effective as a car cover but it's better than nothing.

If You Must Park Outside - Protect Your Car

The biggest majority of the time you will be parking your car in the driveway, street or other hard surface. Parking your car on grass, dirt, snow or surfaces that do not drain well can contribute to rust forming on the undercarriage, fender wells and other areas of the car.

If you find yourself in this situation try to park your car in a spot that is not likely to puddle after a rain or snowstorm. As the ground becomes soft from the moisture, mud, gravel and other loose material can pack into areas of your car that are hidden from your view. From time to time do a visual inspection to remove any build up in these areas.

Is It Time To Trade Your Car?

We know that trading in your old car can feel overwhelming. You have to find a dealer, figure out what your car is worth, and then complete the paperwork.

To make the process as easy as possible for you. We will give you a fair market value for your car and work with you to find the best financing option for your new car.

We have a large selection of cars, so you are sure to find one that you love. Our staff is here to help guide you through the entire process, so you can feel confident about your purchase.

Top Hacks To Clean Your Car Inside & Out

Does your car feel old and tired? The upholstery appears a little tattered, and the formerly gleaming windows are now…well, not so shiny. Sure, you could pay someone to clean your car—or save money by cleaning it yourself.

You can use these tried and true cleaning hacks to get your car clean, both inside and out. After researching we found some great websites that go into great detail. Be sure to visit them for more great tips

How to Clean and Restore Car Headlights

After a few years of usage, the plastic in car headlights oxidizes, causing them to become hazy and yellowish. That film can cause you not to see as well when driving at night. You can use this headlight restoration technique to clean and restore your headlights.

According to Family Handyman there is an easy 4 step process that will restore your headlights

Step 1 - Wash and Sand Horizontally

• Wash the cloudy headlight with warm soapy water.

• Rinse with plenty of clear water, then let it dry.

• Then mask the area around the lens so you don't scratch the paint.

• Soak the sheets of sandpaper in water, then start with the grit that suits your situation.

Sand in one direction.

With sandpaper, the higher the number, the finer the grit. If the headlight is just dull or yellowed, start with the 1,500 grit and work up to the 2,500 grit. If there are light scratches, start with the 1,000-grit paper.

Step 2 - Rinse and Sand Vertically

Rinse and change direction with the next grit. Keep doing this until you're finished with the 2,500-grit paper.

Step 3 - Buff the Lens with Polish

• Wash the headlight with plenty of clear, cool water and dry.

• Wet one corner of the flannel cloth with the polishing compound.

• Using firm pressure, polish the headlight in a circular pattern until it becomes smooth and clear.

Step 4 - Polish the Lens

• Allow the polish to dry, then use the clean end of the cloth to buff off any polish residue.

• Repeat the polishing process.

• Depending on the damage to the headlamp, small areas may still appear foggy. Try re-polishing only those spots with a polishing compound. Buff the area again and inspect. The lens should look perfectly clear!

• To keep foggy headlights clear, wash often with a mild detergent and a soft-bristle brush or sponge, flush with plenty of water and dry.

Never clean clear plastic with wax, polish or any chemical that's not formulated for the task. And that is how to clean headlights yourself!

Credit: Family Handyman

How To Clean Your Car Windows Streak Free

The key to getting your car windows clean and streak free is all about the tools and techniques you use. The great news is that it's not difficult to do, and once you learn how, you'll be able to get your car windows looking amazing in no time.

1. Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth or towel to avoid scratches.

2. When using a cleaning solution, make sure work in small sections

3. Start at the top and work your way down

4. Use a quality glass cleaner

5. Wipe in a circular motion

6. Use a second clean microfiber cloth to dry

7. Polish with a third clean microfiber cloth

How To Clean The Dashboard

The best things to clean your car dashboard according to DetailCentralAve are.

• Vacuum with Attachment

• Soft Microfiber Cloth

• Water and Mild Soap

• Toothbrush or Soft Paint Brush

• Polish

To begin, use your vacuum with brush attachments to vacuum the dash. Attempt to pick up any dust or debris on the dash.

Next, take a soft microfiber cloth, dipped in water, to wipe down your dash. If the interior of your car is particularly grimy, fill a bowl with warm water and mild soap. Use this to wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, hand brake, and interior plastic of your vehicle.

Likely, it will be difficult to clean in the small crevices and vents. Use a toothbrush, soft paintbrush, or designated dash brush to gently remove dirt. Be careful so you don’t scratch the delicate parts of your car.

Once your dash is clean and dry – you can use another dry microfiber cloth to rub down the dash if needed – you can add shine by polishing it. You can pick up a wide variety of polishes at automotive parts stores. Pick the polish of your choice and put a small amount onto a clean and dry cloth, then rub the cloth over the dash. Repeat until the entire dashboard is polished. You can polish the center console as well. If there is excess polish when you’ve finished, remove with a dry cloth.

Credit: DetailCentralAve

How To Remove Dead Bugs From Your Car's Exterior

The paint on your car's exterior is delicate. When you drive, bugs hit your car and can leave behind stains or etchings in the paint. You may not notice them right away, but over time these can become more visible and difficult to remove.

To remove dead bugs from your car's exterior, start by washing the area with soap and water. Then, using a soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the affected area in a circular motion. If the stain is still visible, you can try using a mild abrasive cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Be sure to test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area of your car's exterior first to avoid damaging the paint.

Once you've removed the dead bug stains, be sure to wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint and keep your car looking its best.

Yes but...... Should You Have It Repaired First?

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to trade in your car with a cracked windshield. The first is the state in which you live. Some states require insurance companies to replace your windshield if it is cracked, while others will only repair it.

Obviously if your insurance company is going to replace it, that will not cost you anything out of pocket and will help maintain the value of your car. Anytime you trade in your car the dealer is going to evaluate it and give you a lower offer if there are any significant problems. So a cracked windshield would definitely affect how much money you get for your car.

It's always better to repair a cracked windshield as soon as possible. Not only will it help maintain the value of your car, but it's also much safer to drive with a windshield that is not cracked. In order for the dealer to resell your car, they will need to get the windshield repaired anyway.

If you have comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy, then it will likely cover the replacement of your windshield if it needs to be replaced. However, if you only have liability coverage, then you will be responsible for the entire cost of replacing your windshield.

If you have a chipped windshield, don't panic. It can be repaired, but you need to take action quickly. The longer the chip remains unrepaired, the more likely it is to spread and require a full replacement.

Here's what you need to do:

• Evaluate the chip. If it is smaller than a quarter, it can probably be repaired. If it is larger, or if it cracks when you tap it with your finger, you will need to replace the windshield.

• Find a reputable glass repair shop. Be sure to get recommendations from friends or family members, and check online reviews.

• Make an appointment for the repair. The sooner the better, as the chip is more likely to spread if it is not repaired quickly.

The Different Types of Windshield Chips and their Repairs

There are several things that cause your windshield to chip. The most common are small rocks or other objects that hit your windshield while driving. These types of chips are usually no more than 1/4 inch in diameter and can be repaired easily.

Another type of chip is caused by hailstones. These chips are usually much larger, up to an inch in diameter, and can be much more difficult to repair.

The last type of chip is called a crack. Cracks can be caused by any of the above, but are usually much longer, sometimes running the entire length of your windshield. Cracks can be very difficult to repair and often require replacement.

Not only driving with a cracked windshield is dangerous, but it is also illegal in most states. Some states require insurance companies to replace your windshield if it is cracked, while others will only repair it.

There are a few different ways to repair a chipped windshield. The first, and most common, is to use a resin or epoxy to fill the chip. This method is quick and easy, but does not always give the best results. The second way is to use a glass patch. This method is more time consuming, but will usually give a better result.

Are You Ready For A New Ride?

You've just spent the past few years of your life paying on your car. Now you're ready for a new one, but the thought of starting the process over again can feel overwhelming

You're not alone. A lot of people feel the same thing when they're ready to trade-in or sell their car. Don't worry we're here to make the process of trading in your car easy and stress-free. We'll help you figure out what your car is worth, and we'll handle all the paperwork for you. Plus, we have a wide variety of inventory to choose from and very competitive prices.

Call us today or fill out our online form to get started. We can't wait to help you find your next car!

Used Car Loans - A Credit Tool You May Not Have Known About

Sometimes through no fault of your own, you may have bad credit. The economy, a job loss, medical bills, or other factors could have contributed to your current financial situation. But just because you have bad credit now doesn't mean that it will always be this way.

You can take steps to improve your credit score almost immediately by making all your household bills and payments on time and in full. Another option to help improve your credit score is to get a used car loan. A used car loan can help rebuild your credit in several ways.

First, when you make timely monthly payments on your loan, it will reflect positively on your credit report. This will help to gradually improve your credit score over time.

In addition, the act of getting a loan and making payments on time can show creditors that you are responsible and capable of handling debt. This can make it easier for you to get approved for other types of loans in the future, such as a mortgage.

Of course, not all used car loans are the same. To maximize the positive impact on your credit score, you'll want to get a loan with reasonable terms. This means getting a loan with a manageable monthly payment that you can comfortably make without straining your budget.

You may also want to consider a cosigner for your loan. A cosigner is someone who agrees to be responsible for the loan payments if you default on the loan. Having a cosigner can help you get approved for a loan with more favorable terms, which can in turn have a positive impact on your credit score.

Although a used car loan can be a great way to rebuild your credit, it's important to remember that there is no quick fix when it comes to credit scores. It takes time and effort to improve your credit score, but the rewards can be well worth it in the end.

Used car loans can help rebuild your credit, but there are also some risks to consider. Your interest rate will likely be higher than someone with good credit. This is because you're considered a higher risk borrower.

You may have to put down a larger down payment than someone with good credit. This is because the lender wants to minimize their risk in case you default on the loan.

If you default on the loan, the lender can repossess the car. This will damage your credit even further. You should only take out a used car loan if you're confident you can make the payments on time. Otherwise, you could end up doing more harm than good to your credit score

Are you in the market for a car and am not sure what the next step is? Contact us either by phone or fill out a vehicle inquiry on the car you are interested in, we would be more than happy to help get you anyway we can.

Did You Fall In Love With That Truck?

We know the feeling.

It could be as simple as finding a truck that you like and handing over your hard-earned cash but, as anyone who's ever bought a used car will tell you, it's never quite that simple. Obviously it needs to fit your budget but more importantly it has to meet your needs

What are you going to be using your truck for?

• Towing and Hauling

• Off-Road Use

• Business Use

• A Daily Driver

The mileage of the truck is going to be a big factor when deciding on which truck to purchase. You may not know the full history of the truck but if you can ask the dealership or prior owner what they used it for. It they used it for anything other than a daily driver then mileage may not be as big of a factor.

If you don't have direct knowledge of how the truck was used, then you will have to put more emphasis on a mechanical inspection. Cars that have been used to tow or haul will show signs of a well-worn tow hitch, a severely bent rear license plate or a cable for wiring trailer

Do You Like To Go Off-Roading?

The previous own may have too! There will be tell tell signs of an off-roading enthusiast. Muddy or sand filled floorboards, a missing or bent front license plate, and large tires are all good indicators that this truck was taken off the beaten path.

You should also check for any damage to the undercarriage. Any dents, scratches, or cracks in the frame can mean that the truck wasn't properly taken care of or worse, it was in an accident.

Will You Use It For Business Use?

If you plan on using your truck for business purposes, then you'll want to make sure that the truck has been properly maintained. A well-maintained truck will have all of its service records. This way you can see if it has had regular oil changes, tune-ups and other required maintence.

Is It A Daily Driver?

If you're looking for a truck to be your daily driver, then you'll want to find one that is comfortable and has all the features that you're looking for like heated seats, Bluetooth, an infotainment system, etc. You should also take into account how often you'll be driving in stop-and-go traffic. This type of driving will make your fuel economy suffer, so you'll want to find a truck with good fuel economy.

A truck with a manual transmission may not be the best choice if you're going to be sitting in traffic everyday.

The bottom line is that you need to decide what you're going to use your truck for before you start shopping. This way you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect truck for you.