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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

    • Guaranteed Credit Approval

    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

    Is it time to buy a truck?

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    tm-auto-buy-a-truck

    Whether you’re a truck owner or have never owned a truck or SUV, it’s a smart time of year to consider the possibilities. Spring has sprung and so have home improvements, repairs, and lawn & garden projects. You’re probably going to need a few items from the local home supply, like plywood, paint, grass seed, and maybe even mulch? If you’ve planned on diving into some exciting projects this Spring then your truck or SUV will come in real handy! On the other hand, if you’re not a truck owner, this can be a real inconvenience. Used trucks and SUV’s hold their value and make sense as back up transportation and activity vehicles. Even better, high mileage trucks are often just getting broken in, so finding a deal could be in your future. New trucks and SUV’s are often out of our budget’s reach, but used with higher miles may fit nicely. I’ve listed some of my picks to help you get started but there are more than a few used gems out there to choose from!

    • This is Ford country and since the ford F-150 has been the #1 selling truck in the US for over 30 years it’s no surprise that it’s one of my top picks. Variety, hi tech features, and dependability are all winners when it comes to the Ford.
    • The Ram 1500 offers toughness with its Hemi V8 and 5-ton towing package. It’s rear suspension offers a surprisingly smooth ride in spite of its hefty features.
    • For travel and comfort the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra has a smooth ride and lower wind and road-noise. Chevy is also the only truck that offers OnStar.
    • The compact Toyota Tacoma packs a punch with its six-cylinder engines and are also available with four-cylinders for better fuel economy. Most models are available with four-wheel drive and offer regular, extended, and crew cab versions.

    For best results, focus your search between 2001 and 2012 models. They’re affordable and comparably reliable. Remember, used trucks require less maintenance and offer more safety features than when your parents owned them so you don’t have to sacrifice dependability and security to save money. I’m continuously updating my inventory of used trucks and SUV’s to offer the widest variety possible to my customers so feel free to give me a call. Good hunting!

    Posted 03/15/2016 in TM AUTO UPDATE

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

    December Deals! It’s the best time to buy

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    december-deals

    IT’S THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR FOR A DEAL!

    Our philosophy at TM Auto is to finance the vehicle of your choice regardless of your credit score! You can even improve your credit when buying a used car, truck, or SUV from TM Auto Wholesalers! You already know that TM Auto Wholesalers is your best bet for purchasing a car when you have bad credit or no credit, but did you know that you can actually save money by purchasing a used car, truck, or SUV in December?

    BIG SAVINGS IN DECEMBER!

    You read that right! It is actually cheaper to buy a vehicle in December or at the beginning of January than at other times of the year! There are a couple of reasons for these savings.

    # 1. Mike at TM Auto notes, “Suppliers capitalize on profits as tax season approaches by raising car prices for dealers. That’s why I can offer some of my best prices in December and up to January 15th.” Both Military.com and This Is Money report that December is one of the best times to buy a car!

    # 2. Suppliers and used car dealers are more likely to liquidate stock at the end of the fiscal year in order to make room for more automobiles arriving in the new year so it’s a great time to get a deal!

    Come over to TM Auto Wholesalers and we’ll show you how easy buying a car can be and also help you hold on to some of that hard-earned cash for your holiday expenses! As always, you can contact us online at mike@tmauto.com, or by phone or text at 757-560-4252. Ask for Mike, and get a better deal than you ever imagined was possible!

    TM Auto Social Media Managed by Pixel Lab Designs

    Sources

    http://www.military.com Car Shopping Tip: December is a Great Month to Buy a New Car Author: True Car (Blog Post). Retrieved From: http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos/car-shopping-tip-december-2011.html

    http://www.thisismoney.co.uk Buy a used car in December rather than January and you’ll can save enough money to cover cost of Christmas Author: Lee Boyce (Blog Post). Retrieved From: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2862328/Buy-used-car-December-January-ll-save-money-cover-cost-Christmas.html

    Posted 12/10/2015 in TM AUTO UPDATE

    December, Deals, Cheap, Toyota, TM auto wholesalers, Used Cars

    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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    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

    Car mechanics with THE RIGHT STUFF

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    Buying a used car instead of a new one makes good dollars and cents. Low or no monthly car payments means you’ll have more cash on hand when you need it most! If you’ve purchased wisely then you’re not likely to need any major repairs on your used car. However, you’ll need to perform regular monthly maintenance on it to keep it in good condition, especially if it’s approaching or has past 100’000 miles. There are many great high mileage used cars for sale and because of their previous owner’s excellent maintenance practices; they will remain great for years to come.

    DIY maintenance projects are often easy and cost very little but eventually you’re likely to need a professional mechanic. Cars with advanced computerized systems require highly skilled pros that can assess and pinpoint the problem with little or no guesswork. You may be getting yourself into more trouble and more money by trying to do these repairs yourself. So how do you choose the best mechanic for your needs with confidence? Below is a smart guide to help you make an informed and relatively worry free choice.

    Ask your family and friends

    Especially seek recommendations from those who have a vehicle similar to yours.

    Find a shop for your brand of car

    Many garages specialize in certain makes. Those that focus on your type are more likely to have the latest training and equipment to fix your vehicle.

    Search the Internet

    Look for information about local mechanics on Angie’s List, the Consumer Reports car repair estimator, and the Mechanics Files at Cartalk.com. Cartalk.com provides those services free, Angie’s List requires a subscription, the car repair estimator is free for Consumer Reports’ online subscribers.

    Check for certification

    Your mechanic and shop should be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE.

    Check the Better Business Bureau

    Auto repair shops rank 12th on the bureau’s list of common complaints. Go to www.bbb.org; the information you find might help you figure out which shops you should avoid.

    Give the shop a tryout

    Before your car needs a big repair, you might want to try out some local shops with smaller repairs or maintenance items, such as oil and filter changes.

    Ask about warranties

    What kind of guarantees does the shop give on repair work? Warranties can vary greatly among shops, so ask about them ahead of time. Use a common repair, such as brake work, as your guide.

    Make sure the shop is convenient

    Even the best shop might not be worth the effort if its hours conflict with your schedule or you have few transportation options after you drop off the car.

    I’m also a big advocate of Google reviews. If they consistently get good Google reviews, it is a fair bet they provide quality services. I understand that finding a great mechanic may appear hit or miss but it’s not guesswork. Making an informed decision simply requires a bit of investigation. Please feel free to call 757.560.4252 and ask for Mike Love. I am happy to help, drive safe!
    Sources: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-find-a-great-car-mechanic/index.htm

    Posted 07/12/2016 in TM AUTO UPDATE

    July, Deals, Cheap, Toyota, TM auto wholesalers, Best Mechanic, Car Mechanic, Used Cars, Selling Cars, Car for Sale, Chesapeake, Virginia

    Room to Grow

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    room-to-grow

    Remember your first car? Most of us inherited or purchased a starter vehicle about the same size as our checking account back then. I was single with no dogs and had a few less toys than today; it worked! My Toyota pickup did just fine for me; plenty of room, great gas mileage, no payments.

    Fast forward 20 years and about 5 cars later; we have 3 children, 2 dogs, 4 paddle boards and lord only knows how many toys! Does this sound totally familiar? For growing families all across Hampton Roads, the challenge of packing everyone and everything in our vehicles borders on wizardry. It’s only natural that as our families grow, so do our cars. Luckily there are vehicles for virtually every lifestyle and budget to fit us and our stuff.

               Even though our cars do more shuttling and shopping than cruising these days, style matters. This is one of the reasons that SUV’s are one of my best sellers. With ample room for a family of 5-6, sophisticated entertainment systems, and the muscle to haul campers, boats, and other water craft, they remain a top choice. Most have optional 4WD and loaded interiors that rival any luxury car.  Don’t rule out minivans; they’re still one of the smartest choices available for growing families today. They offer ample room, comfort, and have great features for transporting the little ones like power sliding doors, entertainment systems, and built in window shades. Fold-flat third row seating is often standard and they are low to the ground for easy passenger (and toddler) loading. When comparing gas mileage to similar sized SUV’s, the minivan is the clear winner. Multi-passenger vans are the ultimate “Family Haulers” with room for 8-9 and then some. These thirsty beasts are built for travel, cargo, and lots of people. From traditional body styles that seat up to 15 to modern tall vans seating 7-12, they are all rock solid options. These hefty transporters are a little lean on luxury, but hey, it’s all about family.

            My car suggestions for growing families starts and ends with practicality. The Honda Odyssey is impressive on all fronts; an ideal choice. Equally popular is the tried and true Chevy Suburban. You may prefer instead, something a little smaller like the top ranked Toyota Highlander. Whether you want big, really big, or just a step up, make the best choice by doing a little test driving with your crew first. Everyone’s situation is different so feel free to call or text 757-560-4252 and ask for Mike Love. I’ll be happy to walk through your current situation with you!

    Posted 06/16/2016 in TM AUTO Update

    Family Cars,Best Family cars,Minivans,SUV,Multi-passenger vans,Chesapeake, TM Auto Wholesalers,Hampton Roads,