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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

    Repair or Replace?

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    repair-or-replace-tm-auto

    Imagine you’re going to start your car one cold winter day this winter. Maybe it’s been snowing, maybe you forgot to check the antifreeze, or maybe skipping that oil change wasn’t the best idea. Whatever the reason, it seems that your car just won’t start. You nervously pop the hood cringing at the thoughts of what problems you might find and discover that not only is your battery dead but the cold has weakened your old spark plugs to the point of cracking and has thickened your transmission fluid to boot!

    Now to get to the auto shop you will either have to pay exorbitant fees for the privilege of having your car towed or worse pay a mechanic to come to you! If you’re a do it yourself kind of person then you might try fixing all this yourself. None of these options are too appealing when you’re already half an hour late for work. By the time you get anything accomplished you’re already two hours late, and at serious risk of frostbite!

    If you have an old car, then this scene probably didn’t take too much effort to visualize. On top of being a hassle to you as a driver old cars can actually be dangerous, especially in the winter when older key components are more likely to break.

    “But what can I do?” you say. “Those big used car lots told me my credit isn’t good enough to finance a replacement.”

    TM Auto offers guaranteed credit approval with low credit, bad credit, or no credit on our entire inventory!

    As an added bonus, making regular payments on a car no matter how small is a positive sign to creditors that you are a responsible borrower. So come see us at TM Auto Wholesalers and trade in that old car for a vehicle that you can rely on this winter! With a vast selection that is constantly being updated there is something for everyone. Let us show you how easy buying a car can be! Stop in or contact us directly at mike@tmauto.com When calling just ask for Mike! 757-560-4252

    TM Auto Social Media Managed by: Pixel Lab Designs

    Source

    http://www.accuweather.com Five Ways Cold Can Damage Your Car Author: Jenna Abate (Informative Article) Retrieved From: http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/five-ways-cold-can-damage-your/22612192

    Posted 12/01/2015 in TM AUTO UPDATE

    bad credit, no credit, credit, financing, installment, installment plan, used car, new car, trade-in, seasonal, repairs, maintenance, car buying

    The easiest car buying experience ever!

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    tm-auto-easy-car-buying

    “Darren from Indianapolis” with his trade in and newly purchased 1993 Fox Body Mustang*

    Purchasing an automobile is a big decision, and an exciting one too, but it can also be intimidating and confusing. A hassle free, enjoyable car buying experience is a welcome relief and gives customers the confidence to call back with questions and even send referrals to their family and friends. Being an independent used-car dealer for over 10 years I’ve learned that satisfied customers return. Building a trusting bond helps restore people’s faith in buying pre-owned automobiles. The used car business requires a fresh approach and that’s exactly what has made TM Auto successful.

    As a Director on the Board of the Chesapeake Rotary Club, I strive to align my actions as a car-dealer with the Rotary International motto of “Service Above Self.” By elevating customer service to include pre-sale research, I’m able to help my customers determine exactly what kind of car within their price range suits them,as well as what type of financing will work best for their budget. Consulting is an important part of my customer service. With every purchase I provide a Carfax, state inspection, tags and title transfer, detailing, and in most cases delivery to our client’s front door.

    “Mike makes buying a car as simple as we all wish it could be. He brought the car to me to look at first and for the purchase.” – Proud owner of a new-to-them Highlander

    “Great guy! Not your usual car salesman.” – Cindy

    “Mike made what I thought would be a annoying experience, into a very enjoyable one.” – Cody

    *A recent customer traveled from Indianapolis to purchase a 1993 Fox Body Mustang. I asked what persuaded him to trek 800 miles to TM Auto Wholesalers, he replied, “I knew after talking with you over email, reading reviews of other out of town customers, and by you making sure I knew exactly what I was purchasing before I ever left IN. All of this reassured me that I found the right car dealer”

    I’m always excited to have happy customers. Building long lasting relationships keeps our business growing; it’s what I value most. So when making the decision where to purchase your next used vehicle I hope you’ll remember to look at how the dealership treats its customers. Read their online reviews. If the customer service isn’t great, keep looking.
    Mike Love ~ TM Auto Wholesalers

    Tips for buying your teen their first car

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    Is it time to buy your “teen” their first car? Be ready for significant expenses beyond the purchase price: You’re also on the hook for, fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and taxes…  Here’s a few tips!

    Establish your budget?

    Establishing a reasonable budget is critical. The money you have available for a down payment and potential for making monthly installments on a loan will determine your car choices.

    Is this is a car just through high school or whether it will be their traveling companion through college. That distinction will determine how new and reliable the car must be.

    No question, the best way to save money is to buy used. By purchasing used, you can buy more car, meaning you could afford, say, a midsized sedan rather than a tiny econobox. A new car loses almost half its value in the first five years, on average but has more than half its useful life left. Letting someone else take the depreciation hit is a smart bet. But try to buy the newest car you can, in order to get the most up-to-date safety features. And

    Do your homework

    With a budget in mind, now comes the fun part: creating a short list of target vehicles. Focus on practical choices—cars that will minimize ownership costs and suit your needs for the next few years.

    To right-size your costs, resist the temptation to target sporty, luxury, or large vehicles. They can be costly to maintain and insure, and tend not to get good fuel mileage. Look to small sedans and hatchbacks from mainstream brands, or even better, midsized sedans. The insurance company will penalize a young driver in a sporty car; big engines cost more to fuel and maintain; and gee-whiz features tend to carry reliability risks. Plus, financed new cars will command higher insurance premiums to cover collision protection. Simple is best.

    To reduce the risk of purchasing a trouble-prone vehicle, identify models with a good reliability record before you begin shopping. Consumer Reports collects data on more than a million cars a year to present reliability information covering the past decade. Such data can point you to cars that have been shown to hold up well over time. Reliability is a key factor, as it speaks to potential costs and inconvenience.

    Read online reviews of the cars you’re considering from both automobile publications and owner forums. Balance the different perspectives against your preferences, and use the feedback to highlight aspects that warrant closer attention. For instance, complaints about the seat comfort or ride quality can be evaluated on a test drive. Your opinions may differ from those held by others. And ultimately, it is you who will live with the car.

    Inspect and test-drive

    With a used car, every example has led a different life. Some may have been pampered, others abused, potentially by a teenager just like yours! The best used cars tend to be owned by a trusted friend or family member who can share details of the car’s history. When shopping used, carefully look the car over inside and out, top to bottom. Always inspect during daylight hours when paint flaws that may indicate repairs or other troubles can be readily spotted. Essentially, you’re looking to ensure the car is in the condition claimed by the seller. For used cars, the real trick is having the car inspected by a professional mechanic. They will usually charge for the service, but it can be money very well spent.

    Here are some used cars that rate high on the list for teens owning their first vehicle:

    • Ford Focus 2009-2011
    • Ford Fusion 2010-2012
    • Chevrolet Malibu 2009-2012
    • Hyundai Sonata 2006-2014
    • Toyota RAV4 2004-2012

    Need help? Feel free to call me, we’ll get them driving!

    (757) 560-4252 Ask for Mike

    Posted 03/25/2016 in TM AUTO UPDATE

    Used Vehicles, Used Car, Used Cars, Used Trucks, Dependable Cars, Pre owned cars, Used SUV,

    Are one-owner cars really a better buy?

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    When searching for your next used car, don’t forget to consider how many owners it’s had. Those that have been owned only once tend to be in better condition and worth more compared to those with multiple owners. You can also expect to see less wear and tear, less mileage, and less years on them! 80% of shoppers prefer to purchase one-owners over other used cars too! Sounds pretty great so far; what’s the catch right? You guessed it, the more reliable the car, the more it will usually cost. But before you make your decision based on price alone consider all those benefits. Also, it may not cost a lot more, only slightly more. According to Carfax most one-owner purchases are less likely to need expensive repairs and are more reliable. However, finding a good deal on a one-owner begins the same as any other used car purchase… homework. Just because it’s a one-owner doesn’t mean its owner was honest Abe. Here’s a few items for your “ask the seller” checklist. Remember to get the full story before considering purchasing a one-owner or any other used car.

    • Was it used for business or personal use? Depending on the kind of business this may tell you if the car has mainly highway or in-town miles. Road miles are preferred.
    • Where was the car registered? Road salt can be a huge problem if the car was from the northern states (Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Boston etc.).
    • How many estimated miles per year was it driven? If it’s been sitting for a long period of time there are a variety of problems you should look out for. Check the battery and around it for leakage. Hoses and other componentry including belts that are vulnerable to “natural decomposer” should also be checked. A full fuel system flush should also be undertaken to clean out “bad fuel that can gum up and clog the injectors,” Probably get a full replacement of air, oil and cabin filters, engine oil and coolant.
    • Was it ever involved in an accident, fire, or flood? Extensive damage such as foam absorber or metal reinforcement bar damaged. If it’s an SUV hit by a small car there could be floor damage if the car slid under it. Mold, rust or smoke damage, could be lurking behind metal, inside the upholstery and car’s frame.
    • What reasons did the previous owner have for selling? This could be HUGE RED FLAG or just a case of personal preference, which makes this a great deal for you!

    Informed, reliable dealers will gladly provide these answers in hopes of proving the automobiles worth. Remember to ask for a Carfax if the dealer has not offered one. As I’ve said before, this is invaluable when it comes to confirming background information on any used car, truck, or SUV. If the dealer can’t or won’t provide a Carfax, keep looking.

    Sources

    1. Weathers, Cliff. What damage should I look into if I was rear-ended but there is no visible damage? Yahoo Answers.  Yahoo Answers, sourced from: https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090814090903AA6kApK
    2. Howie, Craig. Cars parked too long can develop problems. CNN. cnn, 1 April. Web 2009 April. 2016

    Posted 04/08/2016 in TM AUTO UPDATE

    Used Vehicles, Used Car, Used Cars, Used Trucks, Dependable Cars, Pre owned cars, Used SUV,

    When is the best time to buy? Glad you asked!

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    best-time-to-buy-a-car

    Whether it’s for your soon-to-be teen driver, off road adventures, work use, or daily commute, now’s the best time of year to get a deal on that car, truck or SUV.

    As a dealer, I constantly monitor the car market’s pulse to provide my customers with the best automobiles at the lowest possible prices. Because dealership’s costs fluctuate throughout the year just like yours, their prices fluctuate as well. Sometimes up and other times down, always changing, depending on a number of triggering factors.

    After the first of the year, car dealerships across the country will begin raising their prices, just like last year and the year before. Why? It all starts at the top with Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam will begin processing income tax returns online as early as January 19th. The car industry responds accordingly with increased manufacturer prices, creating a chain reaction on down the line. Large dealerships, small dealerships, auctions, and even private sellers react by increasing their prices as well. You can expect those prices to remain higher than normal until April or May, just about the time the tax money runs out.

    It works like this, manufacturers charge dealerships more; auctions charge used dealerships more, so we must increase our prices to compensate for our increased costs, i.e. the domino effect.

    That’s the bad news, the good news is, you’re now an educated buyer. You can choose to save that extra cash instead of giving it away! By purchasing your next car before January 15th, you’ll pay less for no other reason than “you bought at the right time”. Yes, it’s that easy. From now until mid January, you can expect to get the best deals. My savings are your savings.
    Have questions? I’ll be happy to walk you through your current situation and advise you on your next automobile purchase. TM Auto’s inventory has a car, truck or SUV to suite every lifestyle and budget, plus guaranteed credit approval. Call 757.560.4252 and ask for Mike Love.

    Posted 10/04/2016 in TM AUTO UPDATE

    Best time to buy, Fall Sale, Used Vehicles, DMV, confidence, CARFAX, Inspection, Used Car, Used Cars, Used Trucks, Dependable Cars, Pre owned cars, Used SUV,

    Know Before You Go!

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    tm-auto-know-before-you-go

    There are loads of new and used car dealerships pining for your business. It’s important to remember that when you buy a car, you’re also purchasing a relationship. Your car’s condition, value, and resale depend on the strength of that relationship. Choose wisely, and when you find one with the integrity and high level of customer service that you deserve, stick with them. Knowing WHO you’re buying from is just as important as knowing WHAT you’re buying. You need to know you can count on your dealer, long after the sale.

    So how do you know “who” you are buying from? To start with; the car’s history should be provided by the dealer up front. My motto is “Know before You Go”. Don’t leave the lot until you’re satisfied with your car’s condition. TM Auto is a CARFAX Advantage Dealer so every vehicle comes with a CARFAX vehicle history report. Carfax, Inc. is a commercial web-based service that supplies vehicle history reports to individuals and businesses on used cars and light trucks for the American and Canadian consumers. This information is essential for providing my buyers with confidence. In addition, every vehicle sold by TM Auto Wholesalers has already passed state inspection. I take care of the DMV registration and deliver it right to your front door. TM Auto customers buy with confidence every time and I’m only a phone call away when they need answers. Please feel free to email me at mike@tmauto.com, or call 757-560-4252. Ask for Mike, and see how easy buying a car can be!

    Click here for guaranteed Credit Approval

    Click here to check our Inventory!

    Posted 09/07/2016 in TM AUTO UPDATE

    Used

    Driving out of your comfort zone

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    driving-comfort-tm-auto

    Cars can be a real pain sometimes, literally! Foot cramps, low back pain, stiff neck, and sore shoulders are all common symptoms experienced by drivers at the wheel for prolonged periods. It doesn’t take a doctor to know that if you get aches and pains when driving, your car’s “ergonomics” may be the cause. Ergonomics (the science of engineering for human requirements and capacities) play a major role in maintaining a healthy relationship between you and your automobile. For example; a vehicle’s seat shape can add pressure to your legs and back causing pain and restricting blood flow. Neck, Hips, Knees, and elbows can all be affected by your car’s design features.

    A vehicle’s interior needs to be adjustable to be comfortable and a few simple adjustments may be enough to eliminate driver related chronic pain!

    The basics like headroom, visibility, and distance from the steering wheel and foot pedals can impact a driver’s comfort and health in a positive or negative way. Necessary adjustments include (but are not limited to) height from the floor, seat cushion angle, seat back angle, and distance between the seat back and the steering wheel. Check our inventory for the ride that fits you best and has the options you need. You and your passenger may have a much more comfortable ride when traveling for long periods by trying some of these easy adjustments!

    • Seat Height – Raise your seat as high as you can for best vision while staying comfortable. You should be able to see over the top of the steering wheel (about 3 inches or so) and still maintain enough room between the roof and the top of your head.

    • Seat cushion length (if available) – Try adjusting the seat length so that the back of your knees are about 1-1/4 to 2-3/8 inches from the front of the seat to improve blood flow.

    • Seat forward/back adjustment – Move the seat forward until you can easily push the pedals through their full range with your whole foot, no tip toes.

    • Seat cushion angle – Tilt the seat cushion until your thighs are entirely supported without pressure at the back of your knees.

    • Seat back – adjust the back of your seat until it supports your entire back when sitting upright.

    • Lumbar support – Adjust your lumbar support to reduce gaps & pressure points between your seat and back.

    • Steering wheel – adjust the steering wheel so that it can be easily reached, but not too close.

    • Headrest – Adjust your headrest so that it’s almost touching the back of your head and level with the top of your head.

    • Manual transmissions –  For those of us who love our trucks! Make sure you can comfortably reach your gear shift and easily change all gears.

    When your car’s interior is properly adjusted, you should be able to reach the pedals, steering wheel, and other controls without stretching your legs and arms. Check to see that you have a clear view through all windows, of all instruments, and all mirrors. Every vehicle in the TM Auto inventory comes with a Carfax so you can buy with confidence. Safe travels and enjoy your next extended road trip,.. in comfort!

    Posted 08/29/2016 in TM AUTO UPDATE

    comfort,carfax,inventory,ergonomics,neck pain,back pain,seat adjustment,pain free,seat height,sore shoulders,stiff neck

    Get Top Dollar – Preparing to sell your car

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    Is it time to sell your car? Having no car payments is nice, however, if the odometer says you’re approaching big repairs and hefty maintenance bills, then it’s time to do the math. It just doesn’t make sense when you’re beginning to spend more on your old car than it would cost to purchase a replacement. Each car has it’s life, yet there’s really no specific mileage that determines it. Many of today’s vehicles routinely exceed 100,000 miles without experiencing major mechanical problems. But sooner or later… it’s time.

    So how do you prepare your car for a buyer? The first thing you’ll want to focus on is passing a buyer’s inspection. If you and your car are properly prepared, it will be easier to show,  advertise, and even command a better price for your automobile. First, consider the cleanliness of your car. What condition would it need to be in for YOU to be impressed? Most buyers are turned off by messy, dirty cars. When given the choice, they almost always choose the clean, tidy one. Thoroughly cleaning your vehicle is absolutely crucial; you can do this yourself for just a couple hours and a few bucks. Make your car look its absolute best; the buyer is more likely to see it as their best choice!

    Next, show the buyer how well you’ve taken care of your car. Pull out your maintenance records and organize them neatly in a folder so that prospective buyers can review them. This is documented proof that you’ve kept your car in excellent condition. Keeping your car clean and waxed is also good for your car and impressive to potential buyers. Consider that buyers may have browsed sites like Cargurus.com to get a idea of what your car is worth in its current condition; you want it to look its best. Those who start thinking about the resale of their car when they purchase it, will have a much better shot at getting their price. If you’re one of the majority of car owners who don’t meticulously maintain your car then it’s time to get to work on “reconditioning”. Start fixing, cleaning, and replacing whatever is needed to bring your car’s condition up to snuff. The bottom line is that when presenting your car to a potential buyer, it should be perfectly in order. A clean, well maintained car with the original keys, manufacturer’s owner’s manual, and all maintenance and service documentation will impress most any buyer. The checklist below will help you prep your ride for a potential buyer’s once over. Our inventory may also give you an idea of what buyers expect when shopping for a used car. Give your car a fighting chance even if you haven’t planned ahead! Get to work & good selling!

    THE USED CAR SELLER’S CHECKLIST

    1. Have the oil and other mechanical fluids serviced. Smart buyers check

    2. Clean the battery. If the battery is more than a few years old, replace it.

    3. If the car was not regularly serviced, have the belts replaced and the hoses inspected.

    4. Service the tires and replace if worn

    5. Replace the windshield wiper blades if they are more than 6 months old.

    6. Replace burned out lights (interior and exterior)

    7. Replace cracked and damaged headlight and tail lights lenses

    8. Get all of the trash out, including the greasy French Fries between the seats

    9. Remove everything from the glove box except the owner’s manual, insurance papers and the registration (buy a replacement owner’s manual if it’s missing)

    10. Remove ALL devices that did not come with the car from the factory (radar detectors, GPS, MP3 players, cell phones). Less clutter and less likely to disappear.

    11. Fix all switches, knobs, handles, etc. that do not work properly (shows improper maintenance)

    12. If the parking brake does not set firmly, have it adjusted

    13. Make sure the A/C blows cold, If not, have it serviced. Also, if the A/C smells bad, have it treated

    14. Lubricated door hinges and trunk hinges

    15. Clean and treat door, hood and trunk seals and trea with a vinyl & rubber protectant

    16. Clean the engine compartment and treat all plastic and rubber surfaces

    17. Clean out the trunk. There should be nothing in the trunk that did not originally come with the car. Make sure the spare tire and jack are clean and stowed where they belong. A rusty jack should be cleaned and repainted or replaced. Remove an moisture from the trunk

    18. Vacuum the interior until every last crumb is gone

    19. Shampoo cloth seats, carpets and floor mats

    20. Clean and condition all vinyl surfaces and leather seats

    21. Make sure the dashboard , console, arm rests, cup holder, ash trays and steering wheel are spotless

    22. Clean the interior glass until there are no streaks or smudges

    23. Scrub the exterior, paying extra attention to the bumpers, area around the gas cap, door jambs and other soiled areas.

    24. Make the tires and wheels look like new

    25. If your alloy wheels are damaged, have them repaired

    26. Remove all bumper stickers and personalized license plate frames

    27. Repair all minor nicks, chips, scratches and dings

    28. Make your paint perfectly smooth and clean by using a detailing clay bar

    29. Polish the paint until i is free of swirl marks, water spots and fine scratches

    30. After polishing, wax the paint to protect the shine and dress all of the trim

    Sources:

    http://guidetodetailing.com car ownership tips, preparing your used car for selling

    http://www.forbes.com  most important things to do to prepare your car for sale

    Posted 05/11/2016 in TM AUTO UPDATE

    May, Deals, Cheap, Toyota, TM auto wholesalers, Used Cars, Selling Cars, Car for Sale, Chesapeake, Virginia