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    Call or Text Mike Love
    By Appointment Only(757) 560-4252
    Fax (757) 277-7320
    mike@tmauto.com
  • T M Auto Wholesalers, LLC, Auto Dealers Used Cars & Trucks, Chesapeake, VA

    • Cars for sale

    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!  

    To Grandmother’s House We Go

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    Travel In Comfort This Holiday Season

    The autumn chill has settled and the leaves are changing, bright pops of reds and oranges along the highways. Holidays are just around the corner, and we can all look forward to spending time in our cars, whether it be a short trip to the grocery store for extra stuffing or a long drive to Grandma’s house. The journey is the destination, as they say, and it’s important to keep comfort in mind during these long hours in the car.

     

    Of course, comfort means different things to different people. When you’re looking for a new vehicle, it’s important to keep your specific needs in mind. For example, if you’re headed across state lines with four kids and a dog in tow, your first concern is space and durability. Are you looking for an SUV or a minivan? Would you prefer easy to clean leather seats? Then again, if your family goes all out on decorations, you might consider something with room to store your lights, trees, and figurines, like a pickup truck. But what if you’re looking forward to a romantic holiday of two? Something smaller and sportier might suit your needs. You can keep costs down on your get-away by going for a fuel-efficient option, too.

    With your specific needs in consideration, it’s time to narrow down what exactly you’re looking for in a car — and how much you can afford. Start by creating a checklist of features you prioritize in a vehicle and narrow down your options from there.

    Some things to consider while creating this list might be:

    • Safety Features 
    • 4WD, All-Wheel Drive, 2WD
    • Wheel Base / Leg Room
    • Luxury / Comfort
    • Towing Capacity
    • Fuel Efficiency
    • Reliability
    • Maintenance Costs
    • Price

     

    Once you have your ‘Must Haves’ and a solid budget, it’s time to start looking at cars! Check out TM Auto’s inventory online, and feel free to call 757-560-4252 and ask for Mike Love. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you through your next car purchase.  

    Back-to-School on a Budget

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    Used Cars & College

    2013 Ford Edge TM Auto

     

    The temperature may be saying otherwise, but summer is quickly drawing to a close. Beach trips and adventures will soon be squeezed into weekends and afternoons. With school back in session in just a few weeks, getting the right car at the best price is at the top of your list!  Whether campus is up the street or across the state, arriving in style is important. Here’s how to find your ride and stay on your budget.

    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 car for your child’s back-to-school travels is a smart choice. 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 or a few hours across the state? Depending on your travel distance, a newer vehicle or one with an impressive miles-to-the-gallon may be the best choice. If school is nearby and only a short drive, an older car could be just right!

    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 child’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 a mechanic of your choosing is always a good idea too. A professional inspection won’t cost too much, and it’ll buy you both peace of mind.

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

    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.

     

    Spring & Summer Vehicles

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    What Car is Best for Your Next Adventure?

    When it comes to spring and summer travel, it’s all about fun. The question then becomes what type of travel is fun for you. Sitting high above the road, truck bed full of tents and fishing poles? A Jeep, rough and ready for adventure or something a little bit bigger, with plenty of room for your kids, friends, snacks, and whatever else your spring and summer road trips require?

     

    Trucks

    Windows down and radio up, a pickup truck is every outdoors-man’s best friend. Whether you’re hauling camping gear or an arsenal of tools for summer renovations, this vehicle offers all the space and power you need. The two pick-ups in my inventory are ready to help you tackle your next project and, when the job is finished, carry you to the lake to relax.

    2005 Toyota Tundra

    2008 Ford F 150

     

    Jeeps

    Maybe you’re looking for something with more of an edge? Adventure and Jeeps go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re trekking down the beaches of Carova and Oregon Inlet, flying down a highway or jumping and jostling across muddy hills, a Jeep with the top down can make any driver excited. I currently have two beautiful Wranglers in stock just itching to get some mud on their tires.

    2007 Jeep Wrangler

    2010 Jeep Wrangler

     

    SUVs

    For those looking to go on an adventure with their buds, an SUV is the perfect choice. With plenty of space for friends, family, and even four-legged compadres, SUVs are spacious enough for a family trip to the beach or a friendly road trip down the coast. With six different SUVs in stock, I have plenty of options!

     

    Whether you’re looking for style or space, TM Auto Wholesalers specializes in “The stress free car buying experience” with Guaranteed Credit Approval. A purchase from my inventory can help you establish or repair your credit while saving you cash for spring and summer fun! Feel free to contact me online at mike@tmautova.com, or by phone or text at 757-560-4252. Ask for Mike Love. Here’s to your next great adventure!

     

    The Big Gift

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    THE BIG GIFT!

    Is this the year? You know… for your teen’s BIG GIFT! That long awaited iconic symbol of freedom, sovereignty, and coolness. The singular most important possession that let’s everyone, everywhere know with absolute certainty, “I’m officially grown up.” This gift of all gifts represents the next chapter in your child’s life as well as your trust in them. It is the time-honored ticket to ride, their first car!

    Like all astute parents and shoppers, you have questions… lots of questions. At the top of the list may be whether to buy new, used, or to pass down the family car. Well, rest assured that new, used, big or small, it’s going to be a hit. Your decision ultimately comes down to what makes the most sense.

    The obvious choice is simply to pass down the family car. It’s often paid for and thoroughly road tested. When it comes to repairs and safety, nothing provides more peace of mind than knowing your car’s service record. It’s also likely to generate lower insurance premiums. There are plenty of good reasons to pass down the family car however; there are some “Not so good reasons” too. It’s a good idea to consider modern safety features such as side-curtain airbags, blind-spot indicators, backup cameras, and forward- and rear- collision alerts which are all good for new drivers. Passing down the family car makes sense as long as it’s safe and reliable.

    New cars are also a strong consideration. The most up-to-date safety features and technology often come standard. Those with a good reliability record will need few or no repairs for at least the first three years of ownership. This means peace of mind, less headaches, and little or no maintenance costs. A new car is an easy sell as long as cost is not high on your list of concerns.  

    Used cars are also a great choice. Affordable (not cheap) used automobiles are often the best way to go for teens and parents shopping for a starter vehicle. Buying the newest used car possible will likely get you the most up-to-date safety features available for your money. This is very important for novice drivers. By adding a few dollars for a good reliability record, you’ll have less repair costs and greater peace of mind. Check the CARFAX before buying to see it’s history. Small sedans and hatchbacks from mainstream brands, or even better, midsized sedans are great choices for fuel economy and lower insurance premiums.

    This opportunity comes but once in a lifetime folks. Buy smart, enjoy the moment, and have a wonderful holiday! Find more articles on ASK MIKE’S blog here at www.tmautova.com and please share! Feel free to call or text (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and assist you with purchasing your next car, truck, or SUV.

    Is your car ready for the Holidays?

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    winter-driving-tm-auto

    Around this time each year, I begin to wonder… Should we drive or fly? Let me see, a thirteen hour drive or airfare for five? Road trip wins again! We all know that November 25th is historically the busiest day for Thanksgiving travel, and yet there we are with thousands of other families making the annual trek. It’s crazy, stressful, exhausting, and a wonderful American tradition that has forged family ties for generations. I love it, but don’t tell my kids; my grumpy dad reputation would be ruined!

    Whether it’s an epic journey or a short jaunt, it’s important to prepare your vehicle for holiday traveling. Your car has just endured a summer’s worth of beach trips, sporting events, and taxiing everyone everywhere! For your car’s sake as well as your families, don’t risk it – winterize it! The basics will ensure safe passage through stormy weather, traffic jams, freezing temps, snow, equipment failure, and the unexpected. Most of the items on your winterizing checklist are DIY, minus a couple that I’d leave to the pros.

    Battery: Have mechanic run a battery load test to make sure your battery will go the distance. In extreme cold, a fully charged battery has just half its rated amp-hour capacity.

    Windshield: Change your wiper blades, fill the windshield washer reservoir with a lower freezing temperature washer fluid, and I suggest applying rain-x to your windshield for the best possible visibility. You may even want to tighten up that shine before cold weather sets in. Check out AutoDeets for spot removers! 

    Tires: Have your tires professionally checked if the tread depth is less than 3/16 inch. Your tire’s air pressure drops an estimated 6psi from summer to winter so properly inflate them to ensure best possible traction (see your owner’s manual). If snow is in the plan, consider swapping your tires out with snow tires for the trip.  

    Fluids: Have your oil and filter changed. Cold thickens your oil so a lower viscosity rated oil may be a good idea (See your owner’s manual). Check all fluids to ensure they are at the correct levels and there are no leaks. Now is also the time to check your 4WD to ensure it’s operating properly. Slippery roads, mud, or snow may call for heavy-duty traction!

    Antifreeze: Your car’s radiator should contain a 50/50 antifreeze and water mix. I recommend purchasing an antifreeze tester from your local parts supply. A simple test will confirm that your car’s antifreeze is suitable for winter temperatures.

    Belts & Hoses: They can weaken with cold weather. Check them for any signs of wear and tear and if in doubt, have them changed.

    Emergencies: I suggest a first aid kit, tool bag with basic tools for making minor repairs, portable charger for cell phones and other accessories, warm clothing for everyone, and plenty of bottled and backup munchies.  

    So maybe you fly, maybe you drive… Either way, hope for the best, prepare for the worst this holiday season by completing a smart checklist before heading out. Text or call (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love. I’m always happy to answer your questions and assist you in finding the vehicle you want. Safe travels!

    Things to know… WINTER ALERT

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    tm-auto-winter-alert

    While it looks like the weather might get a little warmer around February 15th, we’re bracing for a bit of a cold front in the next couple of days, and this can be bad for your car! Luckily, your friends at TM Auto Wholesalers have got you covered with 6 great tips on winter weather maintenance preparedness!
    1. Antifreeze (Coolant): Antifreeze should be flushed and changed at least every two years. If you have any questions on how to perform this task on your own, be sure to consult the first in our handy Every Driver Should Know series, How to Change Antifreeze.
    2. Oil: Be vigilant in changing your oil according to both the guidelines set out by your owner’s manual, and by the changing of the seasons. As a general rule of thumb, you should consider dropping to lower viscosity oil in the cold winter months. For example, if you are currently using 10-30W oil, switch down to 5-30W oil.
    3. Brakes: As the old saying goes “we are all the sum of our parts.” Your car is the same way. Indeed, it is very unsafe to drive a car when you are unsure of the quality of its braking system, so remember to have it checked first!
    4. Batteries: Unfortunately, batteries don’t give much of an early warning sign before they die, so replace any batteries that are over three years old. If your battery is under three years old, be sure to charge it before driving in the winter since cold, wet weather can have a seriously adverse effect on battery longevity.
    5. Wipers & Lights: Most drivers won’t check before every drive that wipers and lights are in good, working order, but it is good practice to do a full check once a month. Replace any bulbs that have gone out and check that the wiper fluid reservoirs are topped off.
    6. Tires: Inspect your tires to ensure uniform tread depth and tire pressure. Tires are prone to losing air during winter months, so pump more air as needed on a weekly basis. This goes for the spare tire as well!
    If you follow all of these tips, then you will minimize your risk of accident during the season known for some of the nastiest ones. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure how to accomplish all of the items outlined in this blog post, that’s what your friends at TM Auto are for, and you should never be afraid to ask for help! If you haven’t bought a quality used vehicle through us yet, then what are you waiting for? Check out our inventory, and be sure to note that every vehicle comes backed with a Carfax vehicle history report so that you know that know your prospective vehicle doesn’t come with any unseen burden! If you would like to make an appointment, or would just like to chat before deciding further, then please contact us by email mike@tmauto.com, or by phone at 757-560-4252. Ask for Mike, and make sure you’re prepared, because you have never bought a car this easily!
    February, Weather, Bad Weather, Winter, Used Cars, Used Vehicles, Used Trucks, Used SUVs