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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

    • Mike Love

    Spend Time, Not Money

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    Give the Gift of Memories

    Who doesn’t love coming home to a tree full of presents? There’s a special kind of mystery inside carefully wrapped boxes with bows on top. The labels may say ‘from Santa’ but we’re pretty sure all those mythical elves living in the North Pole are actually mom, dad, your brother and your sister, your neighbors and your friends. Presents are great but what we love most at Christmas is the loving warmth and security of our family and friends.

    This Christmas, instead of spending money, think about spending time. Without the pressure of searching for the extra special, perfect gift and stressing over how much money is too much or too little, the holidays can again become something to treasure and look forward to rather than just a strain on your brain and bank account.

    There’s just as many options for how to spend your time as there are to spend cash on. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, consider a winter hike or ice skating or visiting a light display or a Christmas Town. Hampton Roads has plenty of trails throughout First Landing State Park for the hikers in the family. Glittering light displays that dazzle all ages can be found at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Christmas Towns are perfect for families with children! Nauticus in Norfolk puts on Charles Dickens’ Christmas Towne for the month of December, and Busch Gardens Christmas Town even has rides for the bigger kids (and adventurous adults).

    If you’re a little bit more of a homebody or just prefer staying warm and cozy instead of braving the cold, there’s more than a few activities for you and your loved ones, too. Consider hosting some friendly competitions — best cookie, most elaborate gingerbread house, tackiest homemade sweater. Treat it like the Olympics with cookie medals! Adults will enjoy the competition, and kids will love the abundance of baked goods (and will have a blast decorating those homemade sweaters). Enjoy a memorable Christmas.

    Years and years down the road, you’ll cherish that ridiculously tacky homemade sweater, the family hike and winning the golden gingerbread award at your own personal Winter Olympics? Memories are forever, enjoy this holiday season with the ones you love 🙂 Merry Christmas!

    TM Auto Wholesalers

    Happy Holidays ~ Mike Love and the entire Love Family!

     

    To Grandmother’s House We Go

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    Travel In Comfort This Holiday Season

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

     

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

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

    Some things to consider while creating this list might be:

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

     

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

    Back-to-School on a Budget

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    Used Cars & College

    2013 Ford Edge TM Auto

     

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

    What’s your budget?

    School is expensive, particularly if you have more than one scholar heading to college. The first thing to consider when looking for a back-to-school vehicle is what a reasonable budget might be. How much you can afford for a down payment and monthly loan installments will determine your options.

    Buying a used car for your child’s back-to-school travels is a smart choice. Many new cars will lose over half their value in the first five years. This can be quite a pill to swallow if you’re planning to upgrade anytime soon. Buying used means that someone else takes the hit for you!

    How far are you driving?

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

    Have you done your research?

    Practice what you preach: always do your homework! Once you establish your budget and the appropriate vehicle, it’s time to narrow down your selection to a list of ideal cars.

    When creating this list, be sure to focus on practical options and vehicles that will suit yours and your child’s needs for the next few years without breaking the bank. Avoid big, luxury, or sporty cars, as costs are notably higher when it comes to maintenance, major repairs, insurance, and fueling.

    Be sure to compare your picks with Consumer Reports. This publication collects data from over a million cars per year and presents reliability information that covers the past decade. You should also look into online reviews of the vehicles you’re considering, weighing the pros and cons of each. Ensuring that you’ve picked a reliable vehicle could save your loved one down the road.

    Do you know what you’re buying?

    Once you’ve narrowed your options, it’s time to check it out in person. When buying a used car, it’s important to inspect for flaws or damages. Look over the vehicle inside and out during the day when flaws and potential repairs are more easily seen. Getting it checked out thoroughly by a mechanic of your choosing is always a good idea too. A professional inspection won’t cost too much, and it’ll buy you both peace of mind.

    For price details click on these smart back-to-school options from TM Auto’s inventory  

    Need help deciding or just want to take a closer look? Call (757)560-4552 and ask for Mike Love!

    On The Road… To Health & Fitness

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    With the sun shining and temperatures rising, more and more people are gearing up for outdoor adventures throughout Hampton Roads. Outdoor activities can spark your fitness life and do wonders for our health! So how do you keep your health and fitness fun?

    Make It an Adventure

    The Road to Health & FitnessTraveling to new places taps into our adventurous side, adding variety and interest to our active lifestyles. Keep changing up your exercises and activities and you’ll never get bored! It’s simple, just pack up the truck and head out to enjoy one of the dozens of hiking opportunities offered in Hampton Roads. Take Fido and your friends to add a little spontaneity and you’re off! Hampton Roads is also home to Virginia Beach and Sandbridge Beach; a couple five star spots with good surf, paddle-boarding, and a thriving boating community for those who are more at home in the water than next to it. Virginia Beach has an obstacle course in the trees and a beach conditioning facility on the sand. Sandbridge also has playgrounds and fishing and leans towards the back to nature side of fitness, with such spots as Back Bay Wildlife Refuge & False Cape State Park.

    Whether you want to venture through tree lined paths and sandy dunes or catch a few waves, a healthy adventure is only a short drive away. TM Auto has your vehicle!

     

    1. Click to see – Small SUV
    2. Click to see – Full Size SUV
    3. Click to See – JEEP 

     

    Fresh & Fun

    Exercise is king, but health and fitness doesn’t stop there! Enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables instead of prepared or processed foods are one of the most important steps to staying fit. Luckily, for us, Hampton Roads is home to a wide variety of farmer’s markets and farm fields that are open to the public; just park and pick!

    You Pick Farms Hampton RoadsFarmer’s markets stretch all across Hampton Roads, over a dozen all together. The experience of hand picking fresh fruits and vegetables ignites the back to basics side of us. It sets the tone for our entire summer! All across Hampton Roads are U-Pick Farms where you can grab a basket and harvest as many fruits and vegetables as you can carry. Check out the links below to find a close farmer’s market or u-pick farm and the TM Auto vehicle for the trip!

     

     

     

    Farmer’s Market Guide http://hamptonroadsguide.blogspot.com/p/farmers-markets.html#.WRdL4IjytEY

    U-Pick Farm Guide http://www.pickyourown.org/VAsoutheast.htm 

     

    How to Get There

    Every adventurer needs reliable transportation! TM Auto has a vehicle for every purpose to suit every lifestyle and budget. Please browse my website and See TM Auto’s Inventory. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, I can find it for you!

    I’m always available to answer your questions, feel free to text or call (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love.

    Get out, get active, and have a great summer!

    Every Car Has A Soul

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    Automobiles & Memories

    In this age of throwaways, we sometimes take our automobile’s reliability — as well as its history with us, for granted. In many cases, it has delivered us safely to and from our destinations for years. Instead of “used” cars we might say, “loved” cars… as in family. Every car and car owner has a story to tell…

    You walk on the lot and discover the most awesome car ever. Shiny and new-to-you, there’s nothing but a blank slate waiting to be filled as you pull off the lot. Work truck, SUV, 2 doors or 4, it makes no difference, it’s perfect for you and your friends.

    First night with your new car, you take all of your friends on a long drive down the coast, windows down, music blowing with the breeze. The next morning on your drive to work, in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you smile thinking of your best friend butchering the lyrics of your favorite song.

    A few years down the road, there’s a newborn in the back seat and you’re holding your best friend’s hand across the console, matching rings on your fingers. You drive ten miles under the speed limit and can’t stop looking in the rear-view at the bundle of blankets and tuft of hair in the baby seat behind you. Two weeks later, cleaning up a bottle of spilled milk in the back, you smile thinking of the love of your life taking two dozen pictures of Baby’s First Car Ride.

    3 months later, you finally get a day off and head to the lake with a handful of friends. A cooler full of ice rattles in the trunk next to a stack of fishing poles. On the way home, you can’t stop laughing because one of your buds fell in the lake and has to ride back in nothing but a towel.

    Beach trips, doctor’s visits, birthday parties, and picnics… they all change a car from a bunch of metal, wires and plastic to a collector of memories. Almost every adventure you’ve been on started with you buckled in and heading down the highway. It is these memories and the people you shared them with that give your car its soul.

    Picking out the perfect car is important… like family. I’ll work hard to make your car buying experience enjoyable and fulfilling, ensuring your peace of mind from start to finish, guaranteed satisfaction. Let’s get you the perfect car to fill with memories of your own. See TM Auto’s Inventory

    I’m always available to answer your questions, feel free to text or call (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love.

     

    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.

    It’s more than a car…

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    For some drivers, a car is simply a way to transport them and their stuff from point A to B. For car lovers… it’s our gleaming, high speed, exoskeleton rocketing us and our families safely through all types of weather to any destination on earth. It’s a classic statement of who we are and the lifestyle we lead. It’s our adventurous side, our badge of expression, our brand. Is it possible that our cars give us an emotional boost when we need it? Absolutely; test-drive your dream car the next time you’re feeling uninspired and brace for euphoria! Sure, we apply a bit of logic to our car search as mature shoppers, but deep down, we want a ride that says… look at me.

     

     

    It’s much more fun to start your search with emotion and forget rationale; practicality stifles our imagination! The perfect car is a great place to begin and then fine-tune your choices with practicality.

     

    What Body Style Do I Want?

    Coupe/Convertible: Convertibles are typically the most expressive and impressive designs. If practicality isn’t on your list… go topless. My inventory has a wide variety including convertibles!

    Sedan: If there are kids in the picture or in the near future, four doors are a likely requirement. Climbing into and out of the back seat for the little ones is tough with just two doors.

    Hatchback: SUV-like space without the fuel-economy compromise of heavier vehicles. As manufacturers get increasingly creative and design more stylish hatchbacks, these are worth a closer look.

    Station Wagon: Some have more passenger /cargo room and even better fuel economy than SUVs! They offer the best attributes of a car without the trade-offs of larger SUVs and crossovers.

    SUV/Crossover: The higher seating position of a crossover or SUV is something many people enjoy, for its increased visibility and for the ease of entry and exit as the seat is at a more natural height. More ground clearance than a hatchback or station wagon, but the fuel-economy penalty could be a deal breaker.

    Minivan: There is no vehicle better suited to accommodate six, seven, or eight passengers. A minivan is the perfect family vehicle and offers comfort for all. Check out the Honda Odyssey for its driving enjoyment and style.

     

    How Much Power Do I Want?

    There is an adventurous pleasure for many of us in hearing the thunder of a large engine and feeling its torque when accelerating. However, the truth is, trucks that tow and haul heavy loads are the real example of power requirement. The average car buyer doesn’t need it. Give it some real thought before going either way.

     

    What Size Car Do I Want?

    If big interior space is what you want and towing is a priority, buy big! The more practical approach… start small and work up. Small cars tend to have smaller price tags and consume less fuel. Larger vehicles make you feel safer but lighter cars are typically more agile and give you a better chance of steering away from a crash. They often have a shorter stopping distance, which may even keep you completely out of the mix. Some smaller cars even have about the same headroom as full size luxury automobiles.

     

    What about Hybrids and Diesels?

    Either approach will extend your fuel dollar, but at a premium purchase price. You may have to drive 60,000 or 100,000 miles to recoup your costs. The type of driving you do determines whether a hybrid or a diesel makes sense for you. Hybrids tend to use less fuel around town, when low speeds and frequent braking keep them running on battery power longer. Diesel drivers will see their greatest benefits on the highway and diesel vehicles are more efficient than gasoline cars at low speeds. The fuel benefits of diesel may be attractive but can change as quickly as fuel prices.

     

    Whether it’s a classic collectible, an adventure mobile or a declaration of efficiency and modesty, it’s you. Car shopping is for dreamers, have fun with it! Check my inventory and please browse my new website for more helpful blog articles!  I’m always available to answer your questions, feel free text or call (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love.

     

    Source: Gall, Jared. “Whats the right new vehicle for me.” car and driver. Hearst Communications, March, 2009. Web. 4, 2,2017 . <URL>.

    The Big Gift

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    THE BIG GIFT!

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Is 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,

    Dependability – The TM Auto Way

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    happy-tm-auto-customers

    Service that you can depend upon, that’s the TM Auto way. Mike Love’s dedication to service extends far beyond what you have probably come to expect in other used-car dealers. For over 10 years Mike has been steadfast in his dedication to providing the greater Hampton Roads area with quality used cars, trucks, & SUVs, but that’s not all! If you’ve gone through the car-buying process with Mike, then you know that he goes above and beyond in delivering you a quality used vehicle, but you might not know about Mike’s dedication to service in other aspects of life.

    As a member of the Chesapeake Rotary Club’s board of directors Mike strives to live his life according to the Rotary International motto of Service Above Self. This dedication to community service is particularly exemplified in Mike’s position as chair of the Chesapeake Rotary Club’s project, Paint Your Heart Out. The project, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, brings together over 500 volunteers to paint the homes of families who have run into unfortunate economic circumstances.

    With this dedication to service, it is no wonder that customers are quick to place their trust in TM Auto! Take for example, the recent case of the lady (to be left unnamed out of respect for privacy) who read a year old article in the Shopper detailing Mike’s dedication to service in all aspects of life. She had never met Mike before, nor did she need to purchase a used vehicle, but she was so enthralled by the article that she told her friend who had recently lost her car about Mike. Her friend was also impressed by the article and wouldn’t you know it, she ended up buying the used-car that you see in the picture at the top of the page!

    Service Above Self; not just the motto of Rotary International, but also the guiding philosophy at TM Auto. From Mike Love and everyone here at TM Auto, we would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We hope that you join us in cherishing the all important familial bonds and look forward to doing business during the New Year. As always, if you or anyone you know is in the market for a quality used-vehicle that you can rely upon, then please contact us by email at mike@tmauto.com, or by phone at 757-560-4252. Ask for Mike, and enjoy the low-pressure car-buying experience that comes standard at TM Auto!

    TM Auto Social Media Managed by Pixel Lab Designs

    Posted 12/23/2015 in TM AUTO UPDATE

    Service, Used Car, Used Truck, Used SUV, Savings, Dependability, financing, no credit, bad credit