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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

 

 

 

 

COLLGE CARS / Maintenance & Repair UPDATE!

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Used Cars & College

Click Image for Mazda 6 Inventory

 

Before you know it they’ll be on their way! Not to worry, there’s still time to hunt for the perfect car since most first year students won’t begin driving until second semester. Returning students however need to start their search today!

Check these essential points you’ll need to consider when making your choice. Whether campus is up the street or across the state, finding the right ride, staying on your budget, and maintaining peace of mind are job #1. 

What’s your budget?

School is expensive, particularly if you have more than one scholar heading to college. The first thing to consider when looking for a back-to-school vehicle is what a reasonable budget might be. How much you can afford for a down payment and monthly loan installments will determine your options.

Buying a used back-to-school car is a smart choice, especially with new car prices today. Many new cars will lose over half their value in the first five years. This can be quite a pill to swallow if you’re planning to upgrade anytime soon. Buying used means that someone else takes the hit for you!

 

How far are you driving?

Is school just down the road, a few hours across the state, will it be driven to and from daily? This one is critical, your car’s health can depend on your travel distance. Driving shorter distances can actually harm your engine by not allowing the engine to reach an efficient operating temperature. This lower temperature may stop oil from rising to it’s optimal temperature and viscosity. It’s thicker with a slower rate of flow especially in cold weather. This can increase friction between the moving parts of a vehicle’s engine and transmission during cold weather. I suggest the five minute rule when warming up the engine. This warms up the oil so it’s less viscous and flows better.  A newer vehicle with better over all efficiency may also be a consideration for short distances. When driving longer distances, one with impressive miles-to-the-gallon may be the best choice, especially today! 

 

How easy will it be to maintain?

The cost of repairs should be a strong consideration when choosing a back to school car. Unless you’re student is majoring in state-of-the-art auto mechanics they’ll appreciate easy maintenance and your pocket will too! The factors below can determine easy vs hard when it comes to repairs and regular maintenance. Included are some common examples of cars that meet these requirements!

 

Highly regarded as reliable

Subaru Outback

7th to 9th generation Honda Civic, manufactured from 2001 to 2016

Toyota Camry

Honda Civic

 

Room to work and access parts

2007 to 2013 Chevrolet Silverado

Ford Crown Victoria

Honda Civic

Subaru Outback

Toyota Camry

Nissan Titan

Ford Edge (Also has great fuel economy)

 

Simple Technology

Chevrolet Silverado

Ford Crown Victoria

Subaru Outback particularly models from 2010 to 2014

Toyota Camry

Toyota Corolla

 

Easy access to replacement parts

Toyota Corolla

Honda Civic 7th to 9th generation manufactured from 2001 to 2016

 

Have you done your research?

Practice what you preach: always do your homework! Once you establish your budget and the appropriate vehicle, it’s time to narrow down your selection to a list of ideal cars.

When creating this list, be sure to focus on practical options and vehicles that will suit yours and your young driver’s needs for the next few years without breaking the bank. Avoid big, luxury, or sporty cars, as costs are notably higher when it comes to maintenance, major repairs, insurance, and fueling.

Be sure to compare your picks with Consumer Reports. This publication collects data from over a million cars per year and presents reliability information that covers the past decade. You should also look into online reviews of the vehicles you’re considering, weighing the pros and cons of each. Ensuring that you’ve picked a reliable vehicle could save your loved one down the road.

 

Do you know what you’re buying?

Once you’ve narrowed your options, it’s time to check it out in person. When buying a used car, it’s important to inspect for flaws or damages. Look over the vehicle inside and out during the day when flaws and potential repairs are more easily seen. Getting it checked out thoroughly by your trusted mechanic is always a good idea too. A professional inspection won’t cost too much, and it’ll buy you both peace of mind for future maintenance and repair costs.

 

For price details click on these smart back-to-school options from TM Auto’s inventory  

 

Need help deciding or just want to take a closer look? 

Call or text (757) 560-4252 and ask Mike Love  

 

 

 

 

Sources:

The Carzing Team, “7 Cars that are easiest to maintain and fix” carzing.com March 8, 20219 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.carzing.com/blog/car-reviews/7-cars-easiest-maintain-fix/

TM Auto Wholesalers, ” Inventory” tmutova.com June 29, 2022 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.tmautova.com/

LIFT YOUR 4X4? OPTIONS PART 2

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LEVELING KIT VS BODY LIFT 

In part one, Your 4×4 Lift or No Lift, I reviewed reasons for adding a suspension lift to your truck, jeep, or SUV. If you’re reading this you’re still on the fence so check out these pros, cons, costs, and alternatives of installing a body lift or leveling kit on your 4×4.

 

LEVELING KIT

A leveling kit raises the front of your truck, jeep, or SUV to even out the overall stance of the vehicle. If you rarely load your truck or haul a heavy trailer, adding a leveling kit will let you fit larger wheels and tires under your 4×4 and level out the factory rake for a minimal investment. Most of us agree that a suspension lift looks awesome on about any truck, but if its primary purpose is for looks, consider the leveling kit option. This upgrade looks great and offers some of the same advantages.

 

PROS

A leveling kit will give you approximately 1-3 inches of additional front end ground clearance.

The ability to install larger tires without worrying whether they will scrub when making turns.

Will help offset the weight of a front winch. 

Increases front end height 1-3 inches for an improved aesthetic, balanced appearance. 

It can eliminate the visible gap between the chassis and the body.

Less expensive than a body lift. 

Reduces the stress on the front suspension and brakes, making it easier to emergency brake.

 

A properly installed high quality leveling kit actually provides all these benefits. So what’s the catch? Here are some disadvantages to adding a leveling kit.

 

CONS

Installing a front-end leveling kit equalizes the suspension, which results in increased wind resistance. The increased resistance and drag decreases fuel economy. These days that’s a consideration for some. The difference in gas mileage will most likely be slight so not a major disadvantage. 

The weight of the vehicle rests on the suspension. If a front-end leveling kit is installed incorrectly, it can cause increased wear and tear on the suspension system. Have a professional do your install to avoid this one.  

Only affects the front of your vehicle. 

In most cases, it doesn’t offer enough lift to make a pronounced visual difference overall.

Warranties are most often impacted by this type of modification.

 

It’s clear to see the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to the leveling kit. However, you still have options to consider.

 

BODY LIFT

Body lifts are ideal for creating space between the body and the frame of your vehicle, not your vehicle suspension and the ground. Making room for larger tires is its primary purpose. If that’s your reason, you’re climbing the right hill but it has limitations compared to the suspension lift. Check out the pros and cons below.

PROS

A Body Lift is a relatively simple kit to install, takes about 1-3 hours. 

DIY project using basic tools if you’re mechanically inclined and confident in your ability. 

Still more affordable than a suspension lift, even when professionally installed.

The ability to install larger tires without worrying whether they will scrub when making turns.

This lift shouldn’t affect your ride quality or handling. 

Won’t affect your suspension geometry.

 

CONS

Body lifts are only available in 2 and 5 inch kits. 

The only ground clearance you’ll gain is from your tires so know your limits. 

May expose your frame and/or create a gap between bumper and body (Not Ideal).

Will likely void your warranty if over 2 inches. 

Stretches factory components such as wiring harnesses (especially new trucks).

May negatively affect the steering column and require additional work to correct. 

Cost more on average than a leveling kit.

 

NO LIFT OPTION

Maybe this lift idea is simply stemming from a need for change or just a general upgrade? Consider a set of new aftermarket wheels over the more expensive lift option. The Jeep below has a 4″ suspension lift and new aftermarket wheels. The Chevy has only upgraded aftermarket wheels yet they both offer a vast improvement. The difference in cash output could change your mind… 🙂

 

BOTTOM LINE

So what costs are involved in going forward with a leveling lift? Buying and installing yourself, expect $200- $1000 for basic up to advanced kits. You can roughly estimate the installation cost from a pro to be the same as the kit so you may pay them $400-$2000 for kit and install, the more extensive the kits, the higher the cost. Body lift kits and installation are slightly higher, seriously consider why you’d want this option over a leveling kit. They’re going to run you more like $400 to $1500 for basic to advanced and a chunk for install. My advice is to call around for quotes, get expert practical advice from a professional installer that you or your friends trust before taking the next step. 

Have more lift questions, I’m here to help!

Call or text (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love, I have answers. 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

Super Lift Our Blog “Body Lift vs. Suspension Lift: Which Is Best for Your Ride?” superlift.com Retrieved April 2, 2022 from: https://superlift.com/our-blog/4/post/79/body-lift-vs-suspension-lift 

Staff Writer Diesel Power “Lifting vs. Leveling – which is right for you?” motortrend.com May 1, 2013 Web. Retrieved from:  https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1305dp-lifitng-vs-leveling-which-is-right-for-you/

Hawley, Dustin “How Much Does It Cost To Lift A Truck?” jdpower.com January 21, 2021 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-lift-a-truck 

Harper, Jeffrey “Body Lift Vs Suspension Lift: Here’s How To Decide Which Is Right For You” hotcars.com October 6, 2020 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.hotcars.com/body-lift-vs-suspension-life-which-is-right-for-you/ 

How much will insurance pay for your totaled car? Ask and you shall receive!

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Ok, let’s say you’ve had a car accident, thankfully no one was hurt! Oh, actually, your car is hurtin’ pretty bad and you think it might be totaled; sadly, this is often the case. Is it really totaled? Well let’s see, did the airbag deploy? Is there damage to more than one side of your car? Is it driveable? If one or more of these answers is ‘yes’, it is safe to say it’s totaled. Depending on your situation, this could be good or bad but either way you need to get educated. So how do insurance companies determine whether your car is a total loss?

 

  • 1. Damage is so severe that the car can’t be repaired safely.
  • 2. The cost of the repairs is more than the vehicle is worth.
  • 3. Vehicle damage is so severe that state regulations dictate that it must be considered a total loss car.

 

How Much?

If in fact, your car is totaled by insurance standards, how much cash can you expect to receive for it? First off, you need insurance to file a claim so if your insurance coverage has lapsed or your policy limits your claim amount, you may be stuck, but if that’s all good, file away! There is no gold standard for determining your car’s cash value once totaled (This may work in your favor). Though all insurance companies have a basic formula for reaching this number, there are simply too many variables involved for a simple online form approach. Here’s where the insurance company will focus their search but it’s almost always up for discussion in the end.

  • 1. Actual Cash Value is determined. That’s the resale price for your vehicle if it hadn’t been totaled. The insurance company will look at recent listings and sales for similar vehicles in your area.
  • 2. Pre-accident condition is considered. Your car’s mileage, options, trim level, and any pre-accident damage.
  • 3. Your deductible. The insurance deductible you choose for your insurance policy is held back from the payout amount for your claim.

 

Now that your detectable is satisfied, insurance is supposed to pay the estimated difference between your vehicle’s pre-accident appraised value and the deductible amount. The key word here is “Estimated” and whose estimation we’re talking about. Getting the highest insurance payout for your totaled car may take some haggling. Ask for the best price! Truth is most people just accept the first offer the insurance company throws at them without question. Remember this is a negotiable figure so here’s how to get your own rough estimate.

  1. 1. Find the NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) Value for your car in fair condition.
  2. 2. Work out 20 to 40 percent of the fair condition value, depending on how bad your total loss car’s condition is. It’s probably closer to the 20 percent mark.
  3. 3. Keep depreciation in mind, your car is losing value daily.

 

Diminished Values

What if your car just needs repairs? Be prepared; your car’s value may drop due to repairs after the accident, this is called diminished value. It’s perceived trade or sale value is less than same model vehicles that have never been involved in an accident. Repairing the car won’t recover this lost value. However, like your totaled value, this is a negotiable number. Prepare to pass on the first offer and knuckle up to get the best settlement possible. In some cases it may be necessary file a claim against the other driver. This can sometimes force the insurance company to up their offer to avoid expensive attorney’s fees. You may also offer the court an expert witness. A car dealer may be able to present “actual” diminished values that are higher and more acceptable than the insurance company’s.

You might be surprised at how much you can increase your car’s totaled or diminished value with a little insurance savvy. Need help? Ask Mike, text or call (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love. I’ve helped my customers successfully negotiate as much as $2500.00 over their insurance company’s offer. I strongly advise you to stay in the fight when it comes to the final settlement. It’s totally worth it!

 

Source

carbrain.com. “How much insurance pays for totaled car” BLOG, etrailer.com, Web. 10, 25, 2018 Sourced from: https://carbrain.com/Blog/how-much-insurance-pays-for-totaled-car Accessed 4 Sept 2018

 

Head For The Hills With Confidence

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“I think I can, I think I can!” Is this what your truck says when you’re towing a boat or camper through the hills?

The little engine that could had the distinct advantage of being an American fairytale; you don’t… know before you go!

 

Can your vehicle pull its own weight and then some?

Anyone who’s ever towed a fully loaded trailer knows that it can get a little sketchy sometimes. If your underpowered or have too little stability, you could get into a number of bad scenarios. Your vehicle’s engine, transmission, brakes, tires and suspension, are all under pressure when towing an RV, boat trailer or toy hauler. Factor in adverse weather conditions and you may find yourself in a real pickle.  

What you need to know about your car, truck or SUV’s towing capacity

All towing vehicles have a maximum weight that they can safely tow. Exceeding that limit and trying to carry more than the recommended value could lead to accidents that cause damage as well as extreme wear and tear on the vehicle. (You can find the recommended weight in the owner’s manual.) Your vehicle’s tow rating takes several factors into consideration, including:

 

  1. Vehicle structure

  2. Chassis and suspension design

  3. Engine type, axle ratios, and other drivetrain variables

  4. Hitch design and class

  5. Tire ratings and load capacities

 

It’s important not to exceed these vehicle tow ratings, however there are other important weight limits that should never be exceeded while towing, including:

  • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which represents the maximum weight your vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, fuel and the vehicle itself.

  • Gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) on both the vehicle and trailer, which represent the maximum amount of weight a particular axle can carry, including the wheel and tire.

  • Gross combined weight rating (GCWR), which represents the maximum weight of your loaded tow vehicle and your loaded trailer combined.

  • Tongue weight or hitch weight, which should be between 10-15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight for conventional trailers and 15-30 percent of the total loaded trailer weight for gooseneck or fifth wheel trailers.

The above “Gross” ratings are on your vehicle’s door tag. See image below.

 

Exceeding even one of these ratings while towing could not only cause severe damage to your vehicle or trailer, but also put yourself, your passengers and others in danger

 

How heavy is your trailer?

Gross trailer weight is the weight of a fully loaded trailer. It’s not a weight rating determined by the manufacturer or a weight combined with any other weight — it’s the actual weight of the trailer after you’ve loaded all of your bikes, firewood, camping gear, people or any other cargo onto (or into) it. Any weight that you add to the trailer adds to the gross trailer weight. It’s as simple as that. How do you find your (GTW)? Most communities have public scales. For just a few dollars and a few minutes of your time, you can get the answers you’re looking for.

 

Inventory TM Auto Trucks

Inventory TM Auto SUV’s

 

If you’re a first time hauler, practice towing your trailer on some deserted roads before doing any actual towing out on the highway. Backing up, turning and braking should all be part of your training regimen. All that practice will come in handy for the real thing, because if you’ve done everything properly up to this point, including meeting the weight requirements, loading properly and checking equipment, then you can handle almost any challenge up or down the road.

 

Have questions about your vehicle’s towing capacity, trailer weight or other related specs? Ask Mike, text or call (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love. I’m always happy to help you find the best vehicle and ensure you’re in it for the long haul!

 

Sources:

Etrailer.com. “Are Tongue Weight, Hitch Weight and Pin Weight The Same Thing For a Fifth Wheel Trailer

” Q&A, etrailer.com, Web. 9, 4, 2018

Sourced from: https://www.etrailer.com/question-124243.html Accessed 4 Sept 2018

Uhaul “How to determine your hitch system rating”

Sourced from: https://www.uhaul.com/Articles/Tips/33/How-To-Determine-Your-Hitch-System-Rating/ Accessed 4 Sept 2018

2018 Best Cars for Summer

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With the exception of an occasional cold day, the end of winter is in sight and the sun is finally peeking through the clouds! We’ve had a long, cold winter and now we can all look forward to hanging up our coats and unpacking our tees! This change in the weather brings big changes in our lifestyles too. More time outside, exercise, fresh air, and lots more fun are on tap for the coming months!

Spring is when it all begins again; beach trips, Saturdays in the park, boating, golfing, surfing… too many to list right? It’s easy to get excited about travel and vacationing this time of year. So, you and your family are ready, but what about the family ride? The right car is essential to enjoying the Spring and Summer. After all that time indoors, you’re planning on getting some distance between you and home! Yup, enjoying a good beach breeze and a drive along the coast in a cool convertible would be awesome. Check out this 2007 Ford Mustang in our inventory right now. What a great way to kick off Spring Break!

More like the Griswold family… Wally World? Spring Break is coming fast so check out this 2010 Chevy Traverse with plenty of legroom. It may be your best choice! There’s plenty of space for the kids, cargo, coolers and friends, including the four legged variety.

Spring is every weekend warrior’s favorite season. Whether it’s for work of play, something more functional with lots of space for equipment and tools is always great choice. Trucks like this Ford F450 or Ford F150  are ideal for tough jobs. This is the perfect time of year for catching up your home improvement list; could be fun with a new truck! Own a construction company and need more space? Check out this pristine extended cargo van and the cab forward box truck that has plenty of room for a growing business.

 

Top down tooling around or truck bed full of tools; embrace a new season with a new ride. Whatever your lifestyle, TM Auto has the right car for you! Experience stress free car buying with TM Auto’s Guaranteed Credit Approval, and cruise into summer 2018 in style! Email me at mike@tmautova.com or phone/ text me at 757-560-4252. Ask for Mike Love. I’m always happy to answer your questions get you in the car you want!  

The Best Vehicles for Traveling

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The Journey Is the Destination

It’s Summer! The kids are home, the sun is out, and the open road is calling your name. Every day is an opportunity for a brand new adventure. A weekend in the woods, a day at the beach, a cross-country road trip or just a trip to the store, any trip can be exciting with the right set of wheels. 

 

How will YOU get there?

TM Auto best vehicles for taveling

 

A weekend drive along the coast with the windows down could be an epic experience in a sporty Mazda RX-8 or maybe a 4dr Jeep Wrangler with no windows at all, just depends on your cargo! Your kids and your family dog may squeeze into your current mode of transportation, but if you’re serious about beaching it, you need more.

 

It’s no news that the Jeep Wrangler is ideal for summer travel, highlights to seal the deal for die-hard beach lovers.

 

  • 1. Four-wheel-drive provides total beach access
  • 2. Going topless, there’s nothing quite like it
  • 3. Easy to clean floorboards, just pull the floor plugs and hose it out!
  • 4. Removable doors will turn your Jeep into the ultimate adventure mobile
  • 5. 4dr versions have as much cargo space as any full size sedan
  • 6. Did I mention the windshield folds down? Yes, it does
  • 7. The deal clincher is that most jeeps have a reasonably low base price so a used Jeep Wrangler or even a Rubicon are feasible options!

 

A weekend jaunt to the woods with all your gear begs for a roomy Ford Explorer or if you’d rather bring just the essentials, a stylish CR-V! A few hours in most cars are doable, but for a family excursion along the coast or to the mountains, your time at the wheel is the destination. Make it count from driveway to journey’s end.

If low down, sporty, and road hugging are more your speed, then 2dr coupes and convertibles are perfect. Traveling light can be liberating, just you, your favorite travel partner, and loads of curves to navigate!

 

Think about it while you check out these sporty highlights.

 

  • 1. 5-6 speed manual transmission puts you in control of every peak and valley
  • 2. Sunroof and T-tops are standard options, awesome for sunny days and starry nights
  • 3. Bose, Infinity, & Blauplunkt sound systems are the norm, a necessity for cruising
  • 4. Most handle athletically for speedy turns, yet have comfortable interiors for long trips
  • 5. All the luxury options that you want, AC and power everything are usually standard

You may not always have the need for speed but when you do… nothing satisfies better than putting some distance between you and home in your own sports car. See TM Auto’s inventory

Wherever the journey takes you, make every mile a memory. Your journey begins and ends with transportation and your ride can make or break the experience. Buy your vehicle with your journey in mind and you’ll never regret it. Sure, we all have a need for our daily driver, a trusty shuttle is essential. However, traveling in these can be great or not so great, depending on where you’re going and who’s tagging along. When selecting your car, it’s smart to look at the bigger picture. Whether you’re planning a perfect family beach day or a weekend camping trip, how you get to the promised land is important. Having the right vehicle for the occasion is vital so the journey is as memorable as the destination itself.

Every family, big and small, has different needs. There are plenty of makes and models to go around and one to fit every lifestyle and budget. Whatever your adventure and whichever vehicle you prefer, let me help you get there!  Please browse my website and See TM Auto’s Inventory. Choose from a wide variety of used vehicles.

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, I can find it for you! I’m always available to answer your questions, feel free to text or call (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love.

On The Road… To Health & Fitness

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With the sun shining and temperatures rising, more and more people are gearing up for outdoor adventures throughout Hampton Roads. Outdoor activities can spark your fitness life and do wonders for our health! So how do you keep your health and fitness fun?

Make It an Adventure

The Road to Health & FitnessTraveling to new places taps into our adventurous side, adding variety and interest to our active lifestyles. Keep changing up your exercises and activities and you’ll never get bored! It’s simple, just pack up the truck and head out to enjoy one of the dozens of hiking opportunities offered in Hampton Roads. Take Fido and your friends to add a little spontaneity and you’re off! Hampton Roads is also home to Virginia Beach and Sandbridge Beach; a couple five star spots with good surf, paddle-boarding, and a thriving boating community for those who are more at home in the water than next to it. Virginia Beach has an obstacle course in the trees and a beach conditioning facility on the sand. Sandbridge also has playgrounds and fishing and leans towards the back to nature side of fitness, with such spots as Back Bay Wildlife Refuge & False Cape State Park.

Whether you want to venture through tree lined paths and sandy dunes or catch a few waves, a healthy adventure is only a short drive away. TM Auto has your vehicle!

 

  1. Click to see – Small SUV
  2. Click to see – Full Size SUV
  3. Click to See – JEEP 

 

Fresh & Fun

Exercise is king, but health and fitness doesn’t stop there! Enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables instead of prepared or processed foods are one of the most important steps to staying fit. Luckily, for us, Hampton Roads is home to a wide variety of farmer’s markets and farm fields that are open to the public; just park and pick!

You Pick Farms Hampton RoadsFarmer’s markets stretch all across Hampton Roads, over a dozen all together. The experience of hand picking fresh fruits and vegetables ignites the back to basics side of us. It sets the tone for our entire summer! All across Hampton Roads are U-Pick Farms where you can grab a basket and harvest as many fruits and vegetables as you can carry. Check out the links below to find a close farmer’s market or u-pick farm and the TM Auto vehicle for the trip!

 

 

 

Farmer’s Market Guide http://hamptonroadsguide.blogspot.com/p/farmers-markets.html#.WRdL4IjytEY

U-Pick Farm Guide http://www.pickyourown.org/VAsoutheast.htm 

 

How to Get There

Every adventurer needs reliable transportation! TM Auto has a vehicle for every purpose to suit every lifestyle and budget. Please browse my website and See TM Auto’s Inventory. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, I can find it for you!

I’m always available to answer your questions, feel free to text or call (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love.

Get out, get active, and have a great summer!

Every Car Has A Soul

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Automobiles & Memories

In this age of throwaways, we sometimes take our automobile’s reliability — as well as its history with us, for granted. In many cases, it has delivered us safely to and from our destinations for years. Instead of “used” cars we might say, “loved” cars… as in family. Every car and car owner has a story to tell…

You walk on the lot and discover the most awesome car ever. Shiny and new-to-you, there’s nothing but a blank slate waiting to be filled as you pull off the lot. Work truck, SUV, 2 doors or 4, it makes no difference, it’s perfect for you and your friends.

First night with your new car, you take all of your friends on a long drive down the coast, windows down, music blowing with the breeze. The next morning on your drive to work, in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you smile thinking of your best friend butchering the lyrics of your favorite song.

A few years down the road, there’s a newborn in the back seat and you’re holding your best friend’s hand across the console, matching rings on your fingers. You drive ten miles under the speed limit and can’t stop looking in the rear-view at the bundle of blankets and tuft of hair in the baby seat behind you. Two weeks later, cleaning up a bottle of spilled milk in the back, you smile thinking of the love of your life taking two dozen pictures of Baby’s First Car Ride.

3 months later, you finally get a day off and head to the lake with a handful of friends. A cooler full of ice rattles in the trunk next to a stack of fishing poles. On the way home, you can’t stop laughing because one of your buds fell in the lake and has to ride back in nothing but a towel.

Beach trips, doctor’s visits, birthday parties, and picnics… they all change a car from a bunch of metal, wires and plastic to a collector of memories. Almost every adventure you’ve been on started with you buckled in and heading down the highway. It is these memories and the people you shared them with that give your car its soul.

Picking out the perfect car is important… like family. I’ll work hard to make your car buying experience enjoyable and fulfilling, ensuring your peace of mind from start to finish, guaranteed satisfaction. Let’s get you the perfect car to fill with memories of your own. See TM Auto’s Inventory

I’m always available to answer your questions, feel free to text or call (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love.

 

Five Stars and Two Thumbs Up

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TM Auto & Customer Ratings

User ratings have become a cornerstone of the American, and even the global, marketplace. I myself check the user ratings and reviews of any business that I’m considering becoming a patron of to ensure they’re the right fit for me.
I’m proud to count TM Auto among the proud few who can boast a 5 star rating on Google. Your question as a customer — how exactly do I keep my top tier rating?

 

Quality Inventory

My inventory is varied and constantly changing. Whether you’re looking for a pickup truck, an SUV or a convertible, the chances are that if I don’t have it in stock, I’ll have it soon! When you do select your new-to-you vehicle, you don’t have to worry about its mysterious past. All of the cars and trucks in my inventory have Carfax Vehicle History Reports available to you!

 

Customer Service

TM Auto is a one-man labor of love. I’ve been buying and selling used cars throughout Hampton Roads and surrounding areas since 2006. I pride myself on giving each customer the personal, individualized service they deserve. Not all of my customers have the best credit when they come to TM Auto, but everyone leaves here happy! With my Absolute Credit Approval, all of my customers get the financing they need.

 

User-friendly Website

My five-star Google success starts with my website! It’s easy to use, well organized, and full of helpful content; I see my website as the icing on an already delicious cake. My inventory displays pictures, provides descriptions, and offers a Carfax report for each vehicle. Reviews from previous customers give new customers an inside look at TM Auto. My blog covers everything from my company’s history to what kind of car is best for winter, to advice on building credit. You can even use my “Absolute Credit Approval” page to submit your credit application!

 

Easy Car Buying Experience

Car shopping can be intimidating, but having a dealership you can trust takes a good chunk of the anxiety and worry out of the process! Your car dealer should work hard to make your car buying experience enjoyable and fulfilling. Customer service begins the moment you start your search online and should continue for as long as you own your car. This relationship is what customers’ value most. It provides TM Auto patrons with peace of mind from start to finish, guarantees customer satisfaction, and ensures five stars on Google. Please browse my website and the TM Auto Inventory. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, I can find it for you!

I’m always available to answer your questions, feel free to text or call (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love.