The easiest car buying experience ever!

Posted on November 28, 2016 by TM Auto Wholesalers

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

Posted on November 28, 2016 by TM Auto Wholesalers

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?

Posted on November 28, 2016 by TM Auto Wholesalers

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

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
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!

Posted on November 28, 2016 by TM Auto Wholesalers

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,

Car mechanics with THE RIGHT STUFF

Posted on November 28, 2016November 28, 2016 by TM Auto Wholesalers

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

Posted on November 28, 2016November 28, 2016 by TM Auto Wholesalers

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,

4 easy ways to build & rebuild your credit

Posted on November 28, 2016November 28, 2016 by TM Auto Wholesalers

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.

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.
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!
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.
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!

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Sources:

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
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

Posted on November 28, 2016November 28, 2016 by TM Auto Wholesalers

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.