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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

    • How to sell your car

    Tax Refund… Car Buying Strategy

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    YOUR TAX REFUND WILL MAKE A GREAT DOWN PAYMENT! 

    The extra cash to help lower your monthly car payment is on the way and for those looking to buy a car, truck, or SUV, it’s pretty good timing. 2022 looks like a promising year to make your move, also a good time to make a plan. In order to get the most mileage from your tax refund/down payment you’ll need to put a buying strategy together. First step, look at your budget realistically, particularly your monthly used car allowance.

    IT STARTS WITH A LIST

    Down payment amount?

    Monthly payment?

    Preferred term of your loan?

    Insurance?

    Maintenance?

    It’s best to include all of your monthly expenses when developing your plan, not just for your automobile costs. Paying off debt should be considered, home maintenance, and even using your extra cash to repair your current automobile instead. You’re more likely to be happy with your next car purchase if it fits into your long term financial plan. 

     

    MOVING FORWARD WITH YOUR PURCHASE

    When you’re ready to move forward, a quick pit stop at “How much can I actually afford” will motivate you to drill down those numbers and negotiate a better car deal when it’s time.

    When is the best time? After a seemingly endless rise in prices it looks like 2022 will bring relief, as much as 30% according to Marketwatch.com. KPMG analysts predict demand will taper and supply will increase by as early as October 2022. That means deals are coming back and you’ll want to take advantage of them. Keeping an eye on the market is also a good plan, be patient, don’t jump at the first deal you see. It’s most likely going to get better.

     

    YOUR CAR AS A TRADE-IN

    In addition to your “Tax Cash”, a good trade-in will increase your chances of getting the best deal. Use KBB.com to get a reasonable idea what your car is worth. The Edmunds appraisal tool is another resource for estimates on your car’s worth as a trade-in, or privately selling it on your own. If you plan to use your car as a trade-in, it’s time for some prep work.

     

    PREPPIING YOUR CAR 

    • Clean the thing, inside and out. For the exterior, give it a thorough wash and a fresh coat of wax. On this inside, get rid of your personal items and vacuum out the whole thing. Don’t want to do it yourself? Have it detailed. But even though dealers have told us they can see through dirt to find a car’s actual value, making a good impression only raises your chances of a better offer.
    • Fix small issues yourself. Check all the car’s lights, including interior dome lights, and replace them if needed. Also, check all fluid levels (washer fluid, coolant, brake fluid, etc.) and ensure they’re topped off. If your car needs more serious work, leave that for the dealer. Any major issues will lower the value of the trade-in, but the dealer can perform the repairs for less than it would cost you.
    • Gather all important documents. Of course this includes the car’s title, but it should also include service records, registration and anything else a prospective buyer might want to see. Cars that have been maintained with scheduled maintenance retain more of their value. Don’t feel the need to get a vehicle history report; dealers will pull one themselves.
    • Grab any extras. Bring extra sets of keys or other accessories along with the vehicle. If the navigation system has a DVD or SD card associated with it, be sure to bring those items, as well. Dealers tell us that if these accessories are missing, they won’t give you credit for those features because they aren’t complete.

    Conduct your own inspection. Note any exterior dents and dings that can’t be buffed out with a little elbow grease. Take your current car out for a test drive and pay close attention to anything that just doesn’t seem right. If there are any issues with the car, whether electrical or even a need for new tires, note them.

     

    Having a hard time making your decision? Call (757) 560-4552 and ask for Mike Love. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you through your decision making process. By sticking to your budget, crunching numbers, and negotiating, you’ll be purchasing a little peace of mind along with your new wheels 🙂 

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

     

     

     

     

    Sources:

    Ganz, Andrew “Here’s when you can look forward to used car prices finally going down

    “ marketwatch.com January 10, 2022 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-when-you-can-look-forward-to-used-car-prices-finally-going-down-11641501118 

    Wong, Brian “How Should I Prep My Car for Sale to a Dealer?” cars.com May 1, 2015 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.cars.com/articles/how-should-i-prep-my-car-for-sale-to-a-dealer-1420680466320/ 

    DeLorenzo, Matt “How Should I Use a Tax Refund to Buy a New Car?” kbb.com July 6, 2020 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.kbb.com/car-news/tax-time-car-buying-putting-your-refund-to-work-for-you/

    Should you buy a new car or fix yours up? Ask Mike what to do in this crazy market!

    Posted on by

    THE USED CAR MARKET HAS NEVER BEEN SO HOT! 

    Rest assured we can always save money by purchasing a used car instead of a new one, right? While it’s still cheaper to buy used in today’s market, you can figure on a 40% increase from 2020 according to data from JPMorgan. That means the nine year old car you have your eye on will cost you $3’000 more than a year ago. A five year old car may cost you as much as $6’000 more.

     

    WHY?

    So what in the world caused used cars to go viral? Supply and demand is and always will be what governs prices and it’s simply the used car market’s turn. Skyrocketing new car prices are the result of a global shortage of microchips. Semiconductor chips are needed for virtually everything today including the vital safety and luxury technology of our cars , manufacturers are stuck without them. With dealer stock dwindling, down 54% this June, new car prices have launched as well. This domino effect has forced new car shoppers into the used car market all but depleting it. Supply and demand has dramatically changed new and used car availability within the last year, fanning price fires higher and higher. Analysts say this “chip” shortage could drag on a couple of years. 

     

    “Skyrocketing new car prices are the result of a global shortage of microchips”. 

     

    MAY BE A GOOD TIME TO FIX UP YOUR CURRENT CAR 

    Today’s hot used car market has many drivers wondering if it’s time to fix up their current vehicle instead. There are bunches of simple internal, mechanical fixes that can get your car running noticeably smoother and feel more comfortable. Check these major areas and see if they need upgrading:

    • Headlights. Cars and trucks built over the past few decades typically have plastic headlamps that fog up over time. Headlight restoration is usually less than $30 and instantly makes a difference. A full headlight replacement can add a sporty look to your ride and will cost between $50.00 and $100.00 to do it right. 

     

    • AC. All cars’ AC systems can get mold, mildew, and bacteria build ups if not cleaned often enough. Make sure the air passageways into the vehicle aren’t covered by leaves, dust or grime before changing or cleaning any filters. Adding an air-conditioning deodorizer to the vents or your rearview mirror can bring back that new car smell, too.

     

    • Rubberizing. As your car ages, the rubber trim on doors begins to wear and tear, letting your hot and cold air out and wind noise and rain in. The adhesive strips take a little patience to apply, but are incredibly cheap and can instantly make the interior of your car quieter while driving.

     

    • Windshield Wipers. Old wipers break down and lose their effectiveness over time, making driving in the rain and snow dangerous. Upgraded windshield wipers make the cold, rainy seasons a little safer.

     

    • Brakes & Suspension. Old cars start getting stiffer as the years pass, and brakes get squeakier and squeakier with every red light. Getting your shocks, springs, dampers, struts, brake rotors, and brake pads checked and possibly replaced can completely change how your car drives. **New springs can lower your car and improve handling if you’re a car enthusiast!**

     

     

    Whether or not to move forward with your new car purchase is tricky in today’s market. The truth is, the answer is different for everyone depending on your circumstances and the type of car you’re looking for. Have questions? I’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you through your decision making process. 

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

    TM Auto Wholesalers, Chesapeake Va

     

     

     

    Sources:

    Levin, Tim “Why used cars are so expensive now — and when prices may drop” BUSINESSINSIDER.COM July 12th, 2021 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.businessinsider.com/why-are-used-cars-so-expensive-now-shortages-pandemic-rentals-2021-7

    Reuter, Dominick “The chip shortage that’s wreaking havoc on supplies of cars, computers, and more could last another 2 years, experts say” BUSINESSINSIDER.COM May 14th, 2021 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.businessinsider.com/global-chip-shortage-could-last-another-2-years-experts-say-2021-5

    Memoirs of a Clean Car

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    WHAT WOULD YOUR CAR SAY ABOUT YOU IN IT’S MEMOIRS?

    You love your shiny new car with all it’s cool features and it’s exactly what you want… for now.  Hey, don’t shoot the messenger, that’s just the life of a car. One day your eyes will start to wander and BAM, you’re shopping for another, newer, shinier, one with cooler features. That for sale sign hits the windshield and well, you know the rest. 

    So what would your car say about you to its new owner? “The years have been kind to me, haven’t they!” or “I’ve definitely seen better days” Guess what, it tells others all about you every day with its appearance! Your car’s condition is a reflection of you whether you like it or not. The dude in the beater with the bald tires… sketchy. Hey, the dude could be a prince but THAT CAR, the car didn’t give him a chance. Love your car and it will love you back! It’s all up to you which way this goes. If you’re hoping for a good return on your investment, best keep that car looking young!

    That’s right, there are some sweet benefits to keeping your car young. Besides resale, though it’s certainly at the top, did you know that a clean car can make you happier? You might, but did you also know that a dirty car can get less gas mileage? Maybe not and there’s more, read on! 

     

    1. LONGER VEHICLE LIFE

    By waxing your car, you are keeping the paint job in good shape. The natural deposits of dirt and salt that you gather from driving will corrode the body of your vehicle over time. The benefits of cleanliness extend to the engine, where a regular wipe down can prevent damage from buildup of debris. Check out how to wash and polish your car for tips on how to do it right.

     

    1. BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

    You spend a lot of hours inside your car. If that environment is clean, you can feel more focused and organized. Most people are happier if they keep neat living areas in their houses; the same is true for that vehicle where you may meditate or contemplate your days to and from work.

     

    1. SAFER DRIVING

    Visibility is a key to accident prevention. What detracts from your visibility? Dirty windows and rear-view mirrors. If you keep them clean, you can better evaluate what’s going on around you. Plus, clean headlights lead to maximum illumination, a must for driving at night or in inclement weather.

     

    1. BETTER PHYSICAL HEALTH

    Think of the dirt that’s probably built up inside your car. Even if you are a tidy person, there’s probably bacteria on the hard surfaces. That’s not to mention dust and residue on the seats and flooring. It can lead to poor air quality, aggravating people with allergies or breathing problems.

     

    1. IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY

    A layer of dirt actually makes your engine work harder. That’s because it increases drag on the vehicle. Your fuel economy goes down, therefore, if you don’t regularly wash the exterior of your vehicle. Reduced fuel economy means that a dirty car is money out of your pocket.

     

    1. PERSONAL PRIDE

    Your car may or may not be a status symbol, but it is an accessory with which you are regularly associated. You want your car to reflect the same pride you feel with your personal appearance. After all, you probably spent quite a bit of time thinking about the make, model and color of the vehicle before you bought it — why not keep it looking its best?

     

    1. SPARKING JOY

    You may have heard this phrase as connected with organizer Marie Kondo. You can certainly use the KonMari method to declutter your car, but instead of joy, look at it as utility. Ask yourself, of all the things you keep in your vehicle, “is this necessary?” Removing some of the extra weight will not only improve your sense of well being, but reduce the number of pounds your car’s engine has to work to drag around.

     

    IT WORKS

     

    I’ve personally experienced some of the benefits on that list by keeping my cars clean, and that’s no easy task with a large family like mine! Each of my in-stock vehicles is detailed prior to delivery for one final inspection. Hearing “Wow, the years have been good to this one” is the best 🙂

    Keeping Your Car Young part 2 “Advantages of keeping your car mechanically in its prime!” on July 31st

     

    Have questions? Call or text Mike Love (757) 560-4252, I have answers! 

    TM Auto Wholesalers, Chesapeake Va

     

     

    Sources: Staff “Hidden benefits of a clean car” www.goldeagle.com July 14, 2020 Web. Retrieved from:  https://www.goldeagle.com/tips-tools/hidden-benefits-clean-car/

    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.

    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

    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