Author: TM Auto Wholesalers

UPGRADE YOUR TIRES FOR SUMMER… ASK MIKE

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Sure, there is more to know… but no more, you need to know. A well-selected and maintained set of tires can contribute greatly to your safety, increased fuel economy, better handling, and stopping in all road conditions as well as provide greater comfort and ride quality. Wow, that sounds like the entire car… indeed, tires are important. Upgrading your tires is another topic all together, let’s talk replacement for now. 

 

I recently had a customer ask me about upgrading the tires on her Jeep. I had some straightforward answers that made sense to her so I thought I’d share some of these basic points with my readers. 

 

First, Do You Really Need New Tires?

Before taking the plunge on a new set of all terrains, perform a quick visual inspection. If you see cracked sidewalls, discoloration, dents, bulging or excessive tread wear, it’s probably time for a new set.  A simple way to check the tread on your tires is the old penny test. It’s not terribly scientific but its all you need to know for your initial assessment. 

If your tires are more than 10 years old, consider replacing them even if they look fine. Rubber deteriorates with exposure to oxygen (beware of tires that have been in storage for long periods). In my customer’s case, the tires on her Jeep were over ten years old and had less than 2000 miles on them. I urged her to replace them anyway. 

 

Is Your Car the Culprit?

If your tires are looking sketchy and you’re confident that a fresh set is needed, it’s time to take the next step. Use the checklist below to eliminate your car as the culprit. The way your tires wear can reveal suspension problems instantly, check them out for possible signs.

 

1. UNEVEN TREAD WEAR INDICATES POOR WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

2. EXCESSIVE WEAR ON ONE SIDE OF THE TIRE SIGNALS INCORRECT CAMBER ANGLE.

3. IF THE TREADS ON THE OUTER SECTION BECOME KNOBBY, IT MAY SIGNAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TOE-IN VALUE.

4. EXCESSIVE WEAR IN CENTER TREAD INDICATES OVER INFLATION OF THE TIRE.

5. EXCESSIVE WEAR ON SHOULDERS MAY SIGNAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS UNDER INFLATION OF THE TIRE.

 

Choosing The Correct Tires

OK, if it is going to happen and new tires are definitely in your future then make sure you select the right tires. The best replacements will be original equipment (the tires that a vehicle was originally equipped with from the factory) or at least the same type and size, the brand is more of a personal preference. That mysterious string of numbers, letters, and punctuation on your tire’s sidewall is its identification code. It should look something like this, P215/65R 15 95H M+S. A good tire center will quickly reference this code and cross-reference all possible replacements for you. For my more inquisitive readers however, check out the cipher explanation below, courtesy of CNN’s 10 great tips for buying tires article… it’s all you need to know. 

 

CODE

 

 

The manufacturer of your car will most likely recommend that you replace your tires with the original type and size. This is to ensure that your tires have a maximum tread life, handle properly, and keep you safe. My recommendation is to replace all of your tires at the same time with a matching set. Your tires will function better, be easier to maintain, and any future suspension issues will be easier to recognize and repair. 

 

Tire Upgrade Time?

Original equipment tires are all you need unless you’re changing the way you use your vehicle. For example, if you’re planning to pull a trailer, you may need more load capacity or wider tires with less vehicle roll. Upgrading or changing tire sizes can provide several advantages: 

 

1. Enhanced traction on acceleration

2. More grip on hard braking

3. Less vehicle roll in corners

 

There are also disadvantages to changing the size of your tires: 

 

1. You can hydroplane much easier or lose control on slippery or loose surfaces like gravel with wider tires

2. The wider tires may not fit inside your wheel wells

3. Your turning radius can be dramatically reduced as wider tires contact the bump stops sooner

4. Wider tires can be quite costly to install

5. Increased road noise

 

A Good Tire Center 

A qualified tire center representative will be able to explain your tire’s codes and will know which tires are a good fit for your vehicle. Typically, your choices will be summer, all-season or winter tires with extended tread life and better handling options. I recommend taking your sweet time and get as much information as you need to make a confident, well-informed decision. The average cost to replace your set of tires runs from $450.00 for standard, all season radials to $1000.00 and up for your truck or SUV. Choose wisely shoppers!

Have questions? Call or text (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love. 

 

 

 

 

Sources:  

Fogelson, Jason.“10 great tips for buying tires” CNN.COM 7/16/2008. Web.   Retrieved from: http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/07/16/aa.buying.tires/index.html 

 

“How to tell if you need new tires” FIRESTONECOMPLETEAUTOCARE.COM 2019. Web. Retrieved from: https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/penny-tire-test/

 

Unrau, Jason “Are Wider Tires Better” YOURMECHANIC.COM 11/12/2015. Web. Retrieved from:https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/are-wider-tires-better

 

 

 

 

Winter Maintenance ALERT!

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It’s that time again… Ready for Winter?

It’s easy to forget about the cold ahead when it’s still warm enough for a t-shirt, but winter is on its way. Your car navigates dry roads and warm weather just fine! However, can it handle a cold snap and black ice? Now is the time to prepare your vehicle for winter as engine performance and drivability can dramatically decline in cold weather.

As you go over your winter prep checklist, don’t forget to replace old, dirty filters, such as air, fuel, and PCV. A poorly running engine is less efficient and burns more gasoline. You should also go ahead and replace old windshield blades. If you’re particularly worried about the frost, rubber-clad or winter blades can fight ice buildup.

A few other things to check

 

Fluids

One of the best and easiest ways to winterize your car is to check your fluid levels. One of the most important things to double-check is your coolant. Ensure that there is the correct antifreeze/water mixture; fill it to the maximum line. You can pick up a tester at any auto parts store. Another important yet often overlooked fluid to check is your wiper fluid. You should get freeze-resistant wiper fluid to keep your windshield clean and ice-free. Remember to double-check your oil as well and replace it as needed.

Tires

On wet or frozen roads, low air pressure and worn down tires are particularly dangerous. Pick up a tire gauge at any auto parts store and try and keep your tire pressure between the recommended levels for your vehicle according to your manual (usually between 30 and 35 PSI). Check the tread depth quickly and easily using a penny! Place a penny between the treads on your tire, head side down. If the top of his head disappears, your tires are probably okay. However, if the entire head is visible then you may have to replace your tire, the tread is too shallow. You may also want to ask about getting your tires rotated to prevent uneven wear.

Batteries

Winter can be cruel to your battery. Not only does cold weather make your battery less likely to start your car, but it also reduces the battery capacity. As temperatures fall, it’s a good idea to inspect the battery as well as the cables, terminals, and fluid.

When checking over the battery, make sure that there are no cracks and that the terminals fit snugly. Check battery fluid by uncovering the refill hole. Refill with distilled water if the level is below the bottom of the cap. Some automotive stores like Advanced Auto will check your battery for free!

Emergency Kit

Important, but often overlooked, you should always have a safety kit in your car. Having a few safety items such as road flares, a jack, a lug wrench, and a first aid kit can save the day. If you don’t have one now, you should put one together soon! Once you have your basic kit, add these seasonal items to prepare for the cold:

 

  • Flashlight

  • Blanket, leather gloves, and hat

  • Bag of kitty litter/sand

  • Ice scraper/brush and small shovel

  • Leak-proof container of coolant

  • Snacks

 

By updating a few parts and keeping a strict maintenance schedule, you’ll be ready for winter and avoid costly breakdowns right before Christmas! However, if another winter is too much for your car to handle, let’s talk. TM Auto’s inventory is loaded! Take advantage of TM Auto’s Absolute Credit Approval on a used car, truck, van, or SUV.

 

Call (757)560-4552 and ask for Mike Love!

 

A USED CAR TO IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE? YES!

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UPDATE YOUR CAR… AND YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Start the New Year off right with confidence and a plan! Isn’t that what we say every year? Well this year I have a couple suggestions that may help you achieve these resolutions plus, peace of mind. Financial woes and poor credit scores are two of the most common causes of stress this time of year. Whether it’s challenging credit, no credit, or the need for more credit, finances affect our lives year after year. Tm Auto can help you establish or rebuild your credit this January and avoid “Tax Season” price gouging at the same time. By making stable, monthly payments on a large purchase such as a used car, truck, or SUV, you prove to creditors that you are a trustworthy spender. Every payment you make on time and in full raises your credit score; great news for just about anyone wishing to improve these crucial three numbers. Restoring your credit by purchasing a reliable automobile that would otherwise be out of reach just might be the plan you’re looking for! We offer “Absolute Credit Approval” regardless of your credit score so you can get started on that resolution right away!

You can also save on your used car between December and mid January! Due to suppliers capitalizing on profits as tax season approaches, car prices will go up at many dealerships after the first of the year. I’m able to offer some of my best deals up to January 15th. No gouging; just the most car for your money and a stress free car-buying experience. Check our inventory

BEST PRACTICES FOR BETTER CREDIT

    Establishing good credit starts by making regular, on-time payments but there is more to “turning over a new leaf” than this. Below are some suggestions that you may find helpful in the New Year.

  1.     Budget for a Credit Card – You’re checking account is in good standing and you regularly use your debit card, but have stayed away from credit out of a fear of going over your limit. There is no need to fear credit. If you budget correctly, a credit card becomes an easy way to boost your credit rating. It’s not much at first, but if the maximum payment is made every month, your credit rating will go up accordingly.
  2.     Always Pay on Time – Paying off the maximum balance on a credit card is great, but it means nothing if payments aren’t made on time. Payment history is the most important tool in establishing your credit score, and helps you establish yourself as a trustworthy buyer!
  3.     Keep a Low balance – Credit limits vary from card to card, and it can be tempting to use close to your monthly limit. As a rule of thumb however, you should only utilize 10-30% of your credit at any one time. It’s okay to go over this occasionally, but consistently going over this self-imposed limit can indicate financial irresponsibility.

TM Auto Wholesalers specializes in “The stress free car buying experience”. A purchase from our inventory can help you establish or repair your credit while saving you cash for holiday expenses! Feel free to contact me online at mike@tmautova.com, or by phone or text at 757-560-4252. Ask for Mike and start the New Year off right!

Tips on maintaining your used car this winter

Trucks… Gas or Diesel?

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Every devoted truck owner favors a particular make, model, 4 or 2 wheel drive, and diesel or gasoline engine. Though we all have opinions on Gas vs Diesel when it comes to greater power, longevity, and fuel efficiency, we may not have all the facts. A shootout between these long time rivals should provide you with more ammo for pulling the trigger on Gas vs Diesel. 

 

Truck Wars

 

Henry Ford’s vision of a converted military truck for civilians came to fruition In 1917 when he produced what may be considered the first American made pickup truck — the gas powered Ford Model TT. Chevrolet answered back In 1918 with the Model 490. In 1925 Ford edged ahead of Chevrolet with the Ford Model T Runabout factory-built pickup, equipped with a four-cylinder 40 horsepower engine. Chevrolet answered with the Chevrolet Independence in 1931. This tug of war would continue until 1948 when Ford introduced the F-Series, which became the best selling truck in America and reigns supreme today. 

 

Gasoline

 

Today gas provides truck owners affordable fuel costs, a lower sticker price (as much as 2’500-4’000 less with the gap still widening), and lower maintenance costs. Gas scores more convenience points than diesel when it comes to availability on the road. Surprisingly the fuel economy advantage in light and medium duty diesel trucks is often less than 2 mpg. Gas engines have the edge when it comes to horsepower but diesel has the torque, so in short-term torque applications gas and diesel are equal. Gas may have the win in this class of truck being least expensive overall. 

 

Diesel

 

Diesel… according to Urban dictionary; Unstoppable at something, awesome or strong, physical power, great, cool, or sexy. That’s a pretty impressive resume for an engine from anyone’s point of view! The first production diesel engine was introduced by Benz in the early 1920’s while the US was still using gas powered trucks through the 1970’s. In 1983 Ford released the first Diesel F250 with the 420-cubic inch, 6.9L V8 diesel engine capable of putting out 175 horsepower and 318 lb.-ft. of torque. Followed In 1995 by the 7.3L turbo diesel “Power Stroke” engine packing 210 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of torque, available for the Heavy Duty F-250 and F-350 pickups. The Super Duty Diesel was here to stay. “By design, diesel engines operate with a combustion process that’s leaner, burning less fuel than a conventional spark ignition (gasoline) engine,” explained Roger Gault, technical director, Truck & Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA). Today diesel trucks are well known for providing enhanced towing and a greater engine life compared to gasoline. Whether it’s a Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Jeep, Nissan, Ram, or Toyota, diesel packs a powerful punch but as the list below shows, not in every category. 

 

  • Fuel Efficiency: Compared to gasoline engines in most trucks, diesel engines earn an average of 30% to 35% greater fuel efficiency.
  • Fuel Cost Per Gallon: Most gas stations around have a diesel gas pump, but not all. Added with that inconvenience, diesel fuel is often more expensive on average than gasoline.
  • Towing Capacity and Trailering: Diesel engines have a torque advantage at a lower RPM than gas engines that is better suited to towing heavy loads than a gasoline engine. 
  • Maintenance Costs: Diesel engines are made from components that are difficult to find or may require more frequent repair costs due to the larger oil reservoir in diesel engines.
  • Engine Longevity: Diesel engines are often made from more sturdy materials and therefore, diesel engines last longer on average compared to gasoline engines. 
  • Environmental Impact: Due to diesel’s fuel economy advantage in long-term torque uses, it’s greenhouse gas emissions are comparable to gasoline in similarly equipped vehicles.

 

Only you can decide if gas or diesel is the better choice for you and your trucking needs , but thanks to a variety of options and clear differences in performance, fuel cost per gallon, towing capacity and long term maintenance costs we have winners on both sides. Have questions? Call or text Mike Love at (757) 560-4252, I have answers.

Keep on Truckin’ folks!

TM Auto Wholesalers, Chesapeake Va

 

 

Sources:

 

Mcbain02 “Diesel” www.urbandictionary.com June 11, 2013 Web.  Retrieved from: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Diesel

 

Staff “Diesel vs trucks pros and cons” www.allenturnerchevrolet.com Web. Retrieved from:   https://www.allenturnerchevrolet.com/diesel-vs-gas

 

Smith, Alison “History of American trucks: past to present” www.cjponyparts.com February 5, 2020 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.cjponyparts.com/resources/history-of-american-trucks  | 

 

Staff “Pros & Cons: Diesel vs. Gas in Class 3-4 Trucks”www.worktruckonline.com November 3, 2011 Web. Retrieved from:  https://www.worktruckonline.com/147984/pros-and-cons-of-gas-vs-diesel-in-class-3-4-trucks

 

The $2000 Used Car… Gone for Good?

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SEARCHING FOR THE ELUSIVE $2K USED CAR

I remember when $2’000 used cars were a thing. They were for sale in front yards everywhere and in good shape too! Hey, for $3’500.00 – $5’000 you could drive away in something really nice with low miles! I get calls all the time from folks still hunting that savory deal and I wonder, is it gone for good? With the average cost of a used car peaking at over $22’000 last summer it’s time to make way for the new standard…

The average cost of a new car in 1990 was about $9’500. This means after the first year’s depreciation (20-30%) and subsequent year’s (16-18% annually) we might buy her used in 1995 for around $2’000.00 – $3’500.00. The average price of a new car in 2020… $37’000. Over the next 5 years that car will lose around 60% of its value. If you don’t have a calculator handy that puts the price at around $14’500.00 used. Something really nice with low miles will cost around $20’000. Those are the facts and there are a couple good reasons why.

Quality: New car quality has increased and is still rising, they simply last longer. They’re still kicking like a mule at eleven plus years. This means that a five year old car has a long life ahead of it and the owner knows it. It’s price will reflect its longevity.

Supply and demand: Used cars are scarce these days compared to the 90’s. What’s the best way to drive the price of a product… control sales. With less inventory on the market, there is less competition and this is powerful leverage for sellers.

Larger more expensive vehicles: Increased SUV, truck, and crossover sales in recent years has led to less small, inexpensive vehicles on the used market and less means more for sellers. Since you’re not likely to find many of them for sale, they’re come at a premium. If you do find an inexpensive used car in great shape, move fast, it won’t be available long!

 

Are there any cheap used cars out there worth buying?

Of course there are, just harder to find. Best bet is to purchase from family or close friends that can guarantee the car’s history. 150’000 plus miles is fine as long as the car has been properly maintained and loved. Otherwise it’s anyone’s guess how long the car will last. Dealers can’t sell what they don’t have and there are so few of these rare birds available that dealers can’t find them either. The discerning used car dealer has a reputation to protect and must have a reasonable amount of confidence in each used car they sell. Often times cheap is just cheap and that doesn’t meet inventory standards.

 

The New Standard

What should you expect to pay for a reliable, well maintained used car today? For the features that most of us want with 60-80k miles you can expect to pay on average around $14’000-$18’000 for your 4 to 5 year old used vehicle. Yes, there are exceptions both higher and lower depending on the car and condition specifics but buyer beware, if it’s cheap it’s a heap! Have questions? Call or text (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love, I have answers. Happy hunting folks!

 

TM Auto Wholesalers, Chesapeake Va

 

 

 

Sources:

Frio, Dan “Cheapest Used Cars” EDMONDS.COM December 10th, 2019 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.edmunds.com/vehicles/cheapest-new-cars/

Edgerton, Jerry “Cars Now Last Longer Than Ever.. Will Yours” CBSNews.com August 7, 2015 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cars-now-last-longer-than-ever-will-yours/

Mattone, James “Used Car Prices at Highest Levels in Three Years” media.thinknum.com August, 2019 Web. Retrieved from: Mahttps://media.thinknum.com/articles/used-car-prices-are-at-highest-levels/

The ABC’s of Buying a Used Car

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Used car shopping? It’s as simple as ABC with a good plan and the right tools!

Let’s break used car shopping into three parts; finding the right automobile for your needs, researching it, and making the deal!

First, narrow the field with these three questions:

How am I planning to use this automobile?

a. Daily transportation to and from work
b. Hauling the family to sports events, school, trips
c. Work vehicle with room for tools
d. Adventure vehicle for off road
e. Heavy duty vehicle for towing a boat or toy trailer
f. Sports car with just enough room for two

 

How long do you plan to keep it?

Think about the long term… Is this an impulse buy or can I really keep this vehicle. The best scenario would be to purchase used after depreciation and drive it until the wheels fall off.

 

Am I financing or paying cash?

If you’re taking out a loan, get a quote from your bank or credit union so you can compare those numbers with what the dealer may offer in terms of financing. Remember, longer-term loans may lower your monthly payment, but you’ll end up paying more for your vehicle in the long run. Cash means zero percent financing!

 

A: THE CAR

As a rule, it’s best to set a budget first, seriously, set it and don’t forget it. This will help you decide where the funds will come from and how to pay them back. Decide what you need and want, yes they’re both part of the equation, you’ll be making those payments so you should be happy with your purchase. Remember, affording a car is more than making the monthly payment. You may be able to pay for a BMW and a Toyota Corolla but can you afford to repair the BMW? Search online; Car Gurus, CarMax, local dealers, Carvana, and Facebook Marketplace.
By now you should have a pretty good idea of what’s in your price range, time to start digging…

 

B: RESEARCH

How is the car’s safety and reliability record? Check Consumer Reports and J.D. Power collect maintenance reports from owners and rate your choice as well as other used cars. Safety first and reliability is key!
You can use a guide like Kelly Blue Book to estimate the market value of the car you’re looking at based on age, mileage and options. It’s not perfect, but it should get you in the ballpark.
Now that you’ve found a car…. What’s next?

Once you find a car you like, contact the seller to ask any questions you have and get a Vehicle History Report from CARFAX by referencing the vehicle’s identification number (VIN). This will give you the good, the bad, and the ugly on the car. A reliable dealership should provide a CARFAX report on every car in their inventory. This report is vital, it will provide you with information that cannot always be seen. Below are just some of the details you’ll get from a History Report.

a. Does this car have a clean title? If a car’s been in a serious accident, fire or flood, and was “totaled” by the insurance company (declared a total loss) it still might be drivable. However, the insurance company will issue a “salvage title” to alert future buyers. It’s best to steer clear of cars with a salvage title because it kills the resale value, and the car might still have hidden problems. NOTE, this is not always the case, especially if you plan to keep the car indefinitely and know that the damage was repaired completely.

b. Serious accidents are reported to the insurance company and will probably be on the vehicle history report.
Shady car lots might spin the odometer back to increase its selling price. The vehicle history report can alert you to this scam.

c. It’s nice to think the car you’re interested in was driven to church by a little old lady for its entire life. If you order the report, you’ll know for sure each time it changed hands.

d. Some reports show if required maintenance was done on time and where the work was performed.

A pre-purchase inspection of the car you’ve chosen can be done before making any deals. A pre-purchase inspection is an independent, third-party professional service that evaluates a vehicle’s condition before a purchase offer is made. … Unless the vehicle is unsafe to drive, the evaluator does not provide a purchase recommendation. It will include a detailed road test where components such as steering and brakes can be assessed. A thorough inspection will include checking engine compression and a computer engine analysis. A basic PPI will cost $20.00 from Firestone and the buyer typically pays for the pre-purchase inspection. This is your opportunity to test drive the vehicle to see what YOU think.

 

C: Make the Deal

Let’s make a deal! A good deal is paying less than the listed price, prepare to negotiate with the comparisons from your online research and your Kelly Blue Book numbers. Considering the seller has probably listed their car a little high, you should have some room to bargain. Start by pointing out the things you love about the car then move to your concerns and what the blue book says the car is actually worth. Play nice, be firm and you’ll do just fine.

Before taking ownership of the car, you should add it to your insurance policy. Then, you only need to pay for the car — usually with cash or a cashier’s check. Make sure you get a title and have the seller sign it correctly. When in doubt, check the state’s registry website for more information. Most states allow about 10 days to register the car in your name. If you’re buying from a private party, and there is still a loan on the car, call the lender to find out how to close the deal. If the lender is a bank, offer to meet the seller in a branch office and sign papers there.
If you’re at a dealer, It doesn’t hurt to see if they can get a better interest rate. Just make sure all the other terms of the loan are the same. Review the sales contract carefully before signing. The contract will probably include the agreed-on sales price, sales tax, documentation fee, and registration fee. Take your keys and hit the road!

Have questions? Call or text Mike Love (757) 560-4250. I have answers!
Follow TM Auto Wholesalers on Facebook to see our latest inventory.

 

 

 

Sources:
Reed, Philip “How to buy a used car” NERDWALLET.COM 3/21/2016. Web. Retrieved from

How to Buy a Used Car

Youngs, Jeff “Understanding Pre-purchase inspection (PPI) JDPOWER.COM Shopping Guides 4/19/2019 Retrieved from:
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/understanding-pre-purchase-inspection-ppi

“Planning to buy a car, take these five steps” ONEMAINFINANCIAL.COM Resorces-everyday living. Web. Retrieved from:
https://www.onemainfinancial.com/resources/everyday-living/planning-to-buy-a-car-take-these-five-steps-first

Berger, Rob “6 Reasons to Pay Cash for a Car (and how to actually do it) Personal finance. DOUGHROLLER.NET 9/26/2018. Web. Retrieved from:
www.doughroller.net/personal-finance/6-reasons-to-pay-cash-for-a-car/

Drive a 4xFun in 2019!

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Summer is here and it’s time to hit the beach with your 4X4! Wait… you don’t have four wheel drive? It’s a want, not a need? You obviously need to experience some 4X4 summer fun… let’s fix that! 


4 Wheeling is Trending… again! 

According to Los Angeles (CNN Business) General Motors will end production of six sedans by the end of 2019. North American customers want SUVs, crossovers, hatchbacks and trucks! It seems like everywhere you look you see SUVs these days. Jeep also reached their popularity peak in 2016 rising steadily since 2013. That trend has continued with the introduction of the new wranglers in 2018 and 2019. Practically every driveway has one! The fun factor is alive,well, and going places like the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the snow peaks of West Virginia, and the Big Boys Playground in Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA! 

AWD gets the job done!

Not you? Well you don’t have to be certified crazy to go off-road, many 4WD owners spend their weekends cruising on two lane blacktop… with the knowledge that anytime they feel the need, they can take to the backcountry 🙂 This power and confidence is one of the reasons why so many drivers have switched to a 4WD or AWD car, truck, SUV, or Jeep. 

4WD vs AWD

To get good traction in sand, snow, and mud, it’s usually best to drive all 4 wheels simultaneously. This feature was once limited to specialized vehicles that had locking hubs and a manual shifter that engaged the vehicle’s front wheels at the same time as the rear wheels. Commonly found on jeeps and various off road vehicles specifically designed for exploration, work, and military use. 

Today, 4WD is as common in cars as air conditioning and is an option on most if not all trucks and many family cars. AWD (All Wheel Drive) is the term used to describe vehicles that have continuous four wheel drive while 4WD’s (usually larger SUVs or Trucks) are distinguished as having a selectable system that when engaged, puts all 4 wheels in drive. 

The difference between the two would be in the robustness of the 4WD and its ability to tackle extreme off road terrain. Your AWD may do just fine on the beach and light snow whereas your 4WD tricked out Rubicon Gladiator will be the rock climber.

2007 GMC YUKON TM Auto Wholesalers

FIND YOURS

Yes, there can be big price differences depending on usage, thankfully there is an option for every budget. Below are a few selections from TM Auto’s inventory that you can bet will get you to the other side! 

Whether you’re in it for weekends or a daily commute; comfort, reliability, quality, and toughness are available in 4WD today! Check out TM Auto’s entire inventory and give me a call. If you don’t see the vehicle you’re looking for, I’ll find it for you!

Call or Text Mike Love
By Appointment Only(757) 560-4252

See you on the Beach!


Buy a slightly used car for the win!

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New Car Depreciation

A new car purchase is exciting, there is nothing quite like the moment you drive off in your new car! It’s the same for all of us, what is there not to love? Well, you probably won’t love the price tag or the drop in value within the first 1-5 years. In fact, that car will be worth 20-30% less within 12 months, that’s a $15’000 loss on the average luxury car! Could you have used that cash?

Look at it like this; your brand new $40,000 car will have a sticker price closer to $45,000. That’s one way to look at depreciation. Carfax data shows that cars can lose more than 10 percent of their value in depreciation during the first month after you drive off the lot. 

 

Make Depreciation Work for You

A used car that is two or three years old will already have taken a big depreciation hit, making it a better value. On average, a used car will already have lost 20 to 30 percent of its value in its first year and half its value by year three or four. If you plan to keep it for a long time, a used car may be an even better value. These days, it’s not uncommon for used cars to go well past 100,000 miles if they are properly maintained. Many can hit 200,000 miles without a major problem.

 

Fastest Depreciating Cars in 2018

If you bought one of the cars used, good job! Look at their depreciation rates after just one year of ownership to see what you may have or could have saved.

 

  • Kia Sedona 30%
  • Toyota Camry 30.7% (due to redesigned new models)
  • Infiniti Q-50 – 32.2%
  • Cadillac CTS 33.4%
  • Lincoln MKZ 33.7%
  • Mercedes Benz E-Class 34.5%
  • Jeep Compass 34.8%
  • Cadillac XTS 38.7%

 

Largest Drop

Every automobile, for specific reasons has its own rate of depreciation. It may be a particular model isn’t quite what the market expected or a high-ticket luxury model that’s at the height of popularity. In most cases, it’s simply the lure of “NEW”, and its depreciation value is your gain.  Below is a list of cars that are known for their high depreciation value. You can expect to get the best deals on these cars after 5 years off the lot. Like what you see, call me!

 

  • Chevrolet Impala 66.2 %
  • Jaguar XJL 66.4 %
  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class 67.2%
  • BMW 5-Series 67.3%
  • BMW 6-Series 68.3%
  • Ford Fusion Energi Hybrid 69.4%
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class 69.9%
  • BMW 7-Series 71.1%
  • Chevrolet Volt 71.2%
  • Nissan Leaf 71.7%

 

Percentages will vary from car to car depending on it’s condition and MSRP but on average you can expect a sharp drop within the first five years. Consider buying slightly used when choosing your next car, it’s money in the bank!

Have questions? I have answers, call or text (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love. Let TM Auto Wholesalers of Chesapeake help you get the car you want for the price you need.

Follow TM Auto on Facebook to get instant notices on new inventory.

 

Sources:

Agadoni,Laura. “Budgeting.nest: Buying a New Car Vs. a 2 or 3 Year Old Car” www.budgeting.thenest.com 4/1/2019. Web. Retreived from:  https://budgeting.thenest.com/buying-new-car-vs-2-3-year-old-car-25758.html

Stocksdale, Joel “MSN: Fastest depreciating cars in America.” www.msn.com. 4/6/2018. Web.  Retrieved 4/1/2019 from:   https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/buying/fastest-depreciating-cars-in-america/ss-BBDY7Oa#image=9

Silvestro, Brian “Road and Track: These Are the Cars That Depreciate Most” www.roadandtrack.com. Oct 12 2018, Web. Retrieved 4/1/2019 from https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/g23723032/cars-with-high-depreciation/

Star Trek to Standard Equipment

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Automobile Technology changes the way we drive & survive in Hampton Roads

Automobile technology is amazing, right! Do we take it for granted? When you consider that New York was the first state to pass a law, which required vehicle occupants to wear seat belts in 1984, yes we do! What was once space technology has become standard in many of today’s base models. Some of these advances are clearly for our comfort, but others are vital for our safety and the safety of our cars. Unbelievably the 2018 Toyota Camry has forward-collision warning, automatic forward braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a rearview camera and automatic high beams standard! Here’s what you can expect in the way of tech features on new and used cars today.

AVAILABLE SAFETY FEATURES

 

Front and Rear Park Assist: Active safety technology on the Chevrolet Suburban helps the driver park their vehicle and avoid crashing into nearby objects during low-speed vehicle maneuvering when driving forward or backing.

 

Rear Camera: You may not know that the first rear view camera was introduced in 1956! A bit bulky with a TV in the dashboard for viewing, but still! Backup cameras have become standard in many cars today like the 2013 Toyota Avalon and 2015 Ford Focus. The 360-Degree parking camera normally reserved for high-end luxury models is also available on a few affordable models like the 2016 Nissan Rogue.

 

Rear Cross Traffic Alert: The Chevrolet Suburban also has a system that monitors two areas behind you for vehicles approaching from the right or left. Rear cross traffic alert is active once the vehicle is shifted into REVERSE. When backing, you will receive a visual or auditory warning if an approaching vehicle enters the rear cross traffic alert detection areas.

 

Lane Keep Assist: In addition to lane-departure warning system, the lane-keep assist actively steers a car back into its lane if it detects that the car is starting to drift out. This technology generally offered on high-end luxury cars; is included in the Tech package and Ultimate package of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra.

 

Adaptive Cruise Control: is a feature that automatically slows down or speeds up your car to keep  you a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Blind Spot warning System: The Chevrolet Suburban also features a blind spot warning system can “see” what the driver cannot and issue a visual or audible warning if it is unsafe to make a lane change

 

NEW TECHNOLOGY SAFETY SYSTEMS

  • Pothole Protection: This feature is available on the 2018 Ford Fusion V6 Sport. When the system detects one wheel, dropping into a hole in automatically adjusts the shock absorber to minimize the impact. This not only creates a smoother ride but can protect your car from damage and from an accident or blowout.  
  • Automatic Reverse Emergency Braking: You probably know about forward emergency braking. The 2018 Subaru Legacy has a system that works in tandem with rearward monitoring alerts and will automatically apply the car’s brakes to avoid a rear collision.
  • Intelligent Forward Collision Warning: The system available on the Nissan Altima for 2019 not only monitors the car in front of you, it also monitors the cars in front of the car in front of you!
  • Automated Parallel-Parking Systems:  This is available on vehicles as affordable as the Chrysler 200 midsize sedan. These systems can steer for you! Just shift and control braking until your car is parked.
  • Evasion Aid: The forward-facing camera detects a potential impact situation, and the driver begins to make an emergency-steering maneuver, the Evasion Aid can help guide the automobile safely into one of those spaces. Evasion Aid is available on the 2018 BMW 5 Series.

 

SAFETY FEATURES FOR EVERYONE

It’s vital that you purchase the safest car possible within your budget. Here are www.autobytel.com’s list of very important safety features to look for in your next automobile.

  • Strong Crash Test Ratings
  • LATCH Anchors – know how to use LATCH and to make sure the straps used with the metal anchors are fastened as tight as possible.
  • Stability Control – different from traction control, Stability control helps to keep a vehicle under control if it skids or slides.
  • Reverse Camera
  • Blind Spot Warning System (See Inventory)
  • Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Braking – the vehicle can determine situations in which your car may collide with traffic ahead, sound an audible and visual alert of some kind, and if you fail to respond can automatically apply the brakes.
  • Emergency Response and Rescue Service
  • Programmable Safety Features – programmable features that are designed to help monitor your child’s driving and report back to Mom and Dad about inappropriate use of the vehicle.
  • A Safe Driver – No substitute for this one!

This is just a sampling of the safety features available to us due to recent technology advances. Take time to research the car that you plan to buy and see what if offers; if you’d like more options, call or text (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love. I can help you find the vehicle that you want with the features that you need!

Follow TM Auto on Facebook for inventory updates! NEXT MONTH – Automobile Tech Luxury

 

Sources:

https://www.autobytel.com/car-buying-guides/features/10-cars-with-the-best-safety-features-132646/

 

https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/7-advanced-safety-features-you-can-get-not-so-expe-254180

 

Ready, Steady, Go 2019!

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Ready? Are you? I mean are you ready or not? Let’s give 2019 all we’ve got!

2019 resolution checklistTruth is you can relax; most people aren’t really ready for the new year. In fact, only about 30% of New Year’s resolutions make it past January. One half fails completely, so the competition as we know it is a bit weak. Your chances of beating your neighbor’s record are pretty good, even better if you have a better plan.

So what’s the big deal anyway? What is it about preparing for another year that gets us all worked up? Are New Year’s resolutions so popular because we’re such failures lol? No, we’re just competitive… That’s right, we want to improve no matter how well we’ve done the previous year. Goals, resolutions, and promises help us cope mentally and physically with the challenge. Resolutions range greatly from the most common “lose weight” to the slightly more elusive “Get signed to a record label and become a star!” Hey, either one is attainable if you want it bad enough, it just has to mean something to you from the start. Here are a few meaningful approaches to the New Year that might cultivate a successful resolution.

 

  • “To me, it means fresh starts, the beginning of something new, and being able to change something with you.”

  • “The new year means pointless resolutions no one will hold up to.”

  • “I think it’s a chance to commit to something new about you.”

  • “The new year is a fresh start to make new decisions.”

 

All are honest and appear to have meaning but #2 seems a bit negative right? Well, for some people the all-predictable “fail” could be reason enough to rise above and be better than the status quo. Motivation is motivation folks! At the risk of sounding like a self-help guru, here are a few points that may help your resolutions fall within successful limits.

 

  • Get Real. Pick a goal that’s doable and meaningful.

  • Get Specific. Your resolution should be absolutely clear.

  • Make it Measurable. Logging progress into a journal will yield better results.

  • Achievable. Stop trying to take too big a step too fast.

  • Relevant. A goal that really matters to you for the right reasons.

  • Reasonable time limit. The timeline toward reaching your goal should be realistic.

  • Stand to lose something… This is my favorite!

 

When money or credibility are at stake we tend to take things quite serious. Make a wager with someone or simply tell the most condemning loud mouth you know what your goal is and when you’ll achieve it. Does that scare you? Then it should do the trick… Happy New Year, make it great!

By TM Auto Wholesalers

 

Sources:

Miller Jen A. “How to make (and keep) a new year’s resolution” WWW.NYTIMES.COM  The New York Times, Smarter Living Blog, Web. 12, 31, 2018 Sourced from:https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/resolution-ideas

www.greatfallstribune.com “What does the new year mean to you?” www.greatfallstribune.com  Great Falls Tribune, Story-life Blog, 10:05 p.m. MT 26, Dec 2015. Web. 12, 31, 2018 Sourced from: https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/life/2015/12/27/new-year-mean/77879832/