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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

    • Maintenance check list

    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,

    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

    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

    4 easy ways to build & rebuild your credit

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    credit-approval

    Whether you’re a bright-eyed youth or an experienced buyer who’s fallen on hard times, the necessity to build good credit is a fact of life. Bad credit is not the end of the world! Here are 4 easy ways you can build a good credit score. Although they are mainly for young adults trying to build their initial line of credit, they are sure to be of help to those of you whose credit scores have suffered a hit or two in the past as well.

    1. Budget for a Credit Card – So, you’ve opened a checking account and maybe even got a debit card, but have stayed away from credit out of a fear of going over your limit. Congratulations! You’re already thinking more money-consciously than most people, but you don’t have to fear credit! If you budget correctly, then a credit card becomes an easy way to boost your credit rating monthly. It’s not much at first, but if the maximum payment is made every month, then your credit rating will go up accordingly.

    2. Always Pay on Time – Paying off the maximum balance on a credit card is all well and good, but it means nothing if payments aren’t made on time. Payment history is the most important tool in establishing your credit score, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to establish yourself as a trustworthy buyer!

    3. Keep that Balance Low – Credit limits vary from card to card, and it can be tempting to use close to your monthly limit. As a rule of thumb however, you should only utilize 10-30% of your credit at any one time. It’s okay to go over this occasionally, but consistently going over this self-imposed limit can indicate financial irresponsibility.

    4. Regular monthly payments on a car is another way to improve or establish credit and since TM Auto Wholesalers has Guaranteed Credit Approval on its entire inventory, almost anyone can make a purchase and get started building or rebuilding your credit today! So what do you do if you have bad credit, no credit, or need to rebuild your credit but need a car now? Check out our great selection of cars, trucks, and SUVs! Whether you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit, TM Auto Wholesalers will work with you to find the vehicle that best suits your needs and get you approved!  For a free appointment contact Mike on the web at mike@tmauto.com, or by phone or text at 757-560-4252. We’ll show you how easy buying a car can be!

    TM Auto Social Media Managed by Pixel Lab Designs

    Sources:

    1. http://www.bankrate.com 7 simple ways to improve your credit score Author: Dana Dratch (Article) Retrieved From: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/debt/7-simple-ways-improve-credit-score-1.aspx

    2. http://www.myfico.com How to repair my credit and improve my FICO scores Author: Unlisted (Article) Retrieved From: http://www.myfico.com/CreditEducation/ImproveYourScore.aspx

    Healthy used cars provide long term savings

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    Let’s say it’s time to purchase a second automobile. Maybe it’s just a weekend driver for the beach or special events so you’ve set aside a small budget and plan to go all out to save money. It’s a fair bet that buying a less expensive “new” car has crossed your mind since many have attractive service plans and may cost less in repairs. Is the monthly payment worth it? What about the down payment; would that be best spent on a well maintained used car instead?

    Saving money usually begins with less expensive down payments and no monthly repair bills indeed, but you may discover that your cheap “new” car ends up costing you more down the road. While some dealerships offer an attractive monthly service agreement that may include free oil changes and a free wash, rest assured that you’re going to pay for those freebies sooner or later. The 50’000, 80’000 and 100’000 mile service visits are not so easy on the wallet and are in addition to your regular monthly car payment. They can cost from $300.00 to $1’500.00 depending on the dealer and required service work. Granted these regular check ups are meant to ensure your car’s health over the long term but if saving money is your goal then this could be more than you originally bargained for. To save money you may choose not to have these services performed as they are often sold as “preventative” work. Buyer beware, if they are required to support your car’s warranty, you’re probably better off spending the money. Should a breakdown occur as a result of worn parts due to a skipped service visit then you may be in for big trouble.

    When buying used, begin with a healthy vehicle by referencing the vehicle’s Carfax. Your initial outlay of cash should be far less as well as your monthly payment. Is many cases you may be able to pay cash for your weekend excursion vehicle! Plus, you can continue to save money by maintaining your automobile properly and avoiding expensive repairs and service visits at a dealership. Do-it yourselfers love this option and often thrive on the feeling of accomplishment they get from both the finished service work and saving money. Still others may prefer less or no time under the hood and wish to hire a pro to take care of the regular maintenance work on their used cars. Either way, by following a simple monthly maintenance plan your initial savings on your used weekend traveler won’t be gobbled up by repairs or expensive service visits. Owning a safe, reliable, inexpensive used automobile is great way to save money all the way around. Your car’s well-being begins with knowing it and what it needs to stay in great shape. Your maintenance list should consist of regularly check tires, oil, windows, brakes, interiors and fluids. Newer cars will have all status reports displayed in the dash board panel of the car. It’s easy to follow up and do the maintenance. Preparing a car maintenance chart for referencing manually on a regular basis is also a good idea.

     

    • Check engine oil and change according to manual

    • Check engine coolant and flush annually

    • Change air filter according to manual

    • Check automatic transmission fluid and change according to manual

    • Battery (Fill and check for leaks)

    • Wipers Blades (Change as needed for proper performance)

    • Tire Rotation (According to manual)

    • Take care of small problems fast (Odd noises, unusual vibrations etc)

    • Wash and wax regularly (Check for corrosion)

    • Regular state inspections

    • Annual mechanic Inspection (Have your mechanic giver her the once over)

    As with all car purchases and monthly service plans there will be exceptions on both sides so a careful analysis of your car’s maintenance requirements is advised. Whether you choose to buy new or used, protecting your 4 wheeled investment is a great way to save money.