Outer Banks

YOUR 4X4… Lift or No Lift?

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LIFT KITS, YES OR NO? 

Spring is closer than you think, fun is too! Each year 4×4 truck, jeep, and SUV owners start itching for upgrades in preparation for Summer, especially lift kits. Even those who don’t go off road start jacking up their ride. Why? Dude, big trucks are cool! There are lots of other good reasons to add some distance between your truck and the road too. In “Lift or No Lift”, we’ll look at the pros, cons, costs, and alternatives of installing a suspension lift, body lift or leveling kit on your vehicle, beginning with the real deal. 

 

SUSPENSION LIFT

Sure, a suspension lift looks awesome on most any truck, but what other benefits does it provide? A suspension lift raises the ride height (distance between chassis and ground) and improves the off-road performance of SUVs or trucks and other off-road vehicles. It’s the best choice for increasing off-road performance significantly and adding much larger tires to tackle the otherwise impassible, less traveled path. The sky’s the limit, she’ll go practically anywhere, and it’s cosmetic appeal is pretty obvious, it’s fierce. Here are some suspension lift benefits.

 

PROS

Improves off-road suspension performance.

Enables higher ground clearance (than a body lift), often between two to twelve inches.

It can eliminate the visible gap between the chassis and the body.

Superior tire clearance.

Increase in fender clearance.

Variety of options and pricing available.

 

A properly installed high quality suspension lift actually does provide all these benefits, what’s the catch? Well, the drawbacks are worth considering before breaking out your debit card. Here are some disadvantages to moving up in the world.

 

CONS

Dramatically affects handling and ride quality.

A change of suspension geometry requires a wheel alignment.

The risk of rollover increases with a higher center of gravity.

Sometimes requires re-gearing.

Reduces on-road ride comfort.

Reduces gas mileage.

May require augmenting other vehicle systems such as the brakes.

Time-consuming and difficult to install.

More expensive than body lifts.

Virtually pointless without adding larger (more expensive) tires.

 

This is where some people become disillusioned and stick safely to what they have. However, it’s important to continue researching, there are lots of options. First consider your reasons for lifting and how you can satisfy them practically without breaking the bank.

 

REASONS TO LIFT

  • Suspension lifts are ideal for going off-road. That’s its primary purpose. If that’s your reason, you’re right to consider a suspension lift. Whether it’s through rocks, mud, or in deep snow, having larger tires, more suspension travel, and better ground clearance are very large pros for adding a suspension lift.
  • Many newer trucks are built with low-to-the-ground features that make them more car-like. Low bumpers, exhaust, and running boards can all be damaged by rocks and debris-and even just smashed up on rough roads. A lift kit keeps all these mechanical and body parts from being mangled when the road gets rough. Caution, make sure you understand the possible downsides to lifting a new truck, warranties are most often impacted by this type of modification. Check with your dealer first. 

 

  • If your lifting for cosmetic reasons this option may be a bit over the top in regards to cost and risk. That can be achieved in many cases with a body lift or leveling kit. In some cases a new set of tires on new or larger rims may be just the thing to get the job done for way less money!

New Rims & Tires VS. Installing a Lift Kit

 

BOTTOM LINE

So what costs are involved in following up with a suspension lift? Kits range from $1000.00 – $10’000.00 and even more for the most aggressive kits. You can roughly estimate the installation cost by matching the price of the kit itself, sometimes a bit more. For example, installing a $500.00 – $2000 suspension lift kit will cost you around the same in labor, the more extensive the kits, the higher the implied cost. The lift kit and installation costs are significant, seriously consider what and why you need a suspension lift. My advice is to call around for quotes, get expert practical advice from a professional installer that you or your friends trust before lifting. Have questions, Call (757) 560-4552 and ask for Mike Love.

Next week… Leveling Kits, Body Lifts, and More!

 

Having a hard time making your decision? 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. 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

Staff Writer Diesel Power “Lifting vs. Leveling – which is right for you?” motortrend.com May 1, 2013 Web. Retrieved from:  https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1305dp-lifitng-vs-leveling-which-is-right-for-you/

Hawley, Dustin “How Much Does It Cost To Lift A Truck?” jdpower.com January 21, 2021 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-lift-a-truck 

Harper, Jeffrey “Body Lift Vs Suspension Lift: Here’s How To Decide Which Is Right For You” hotcars.com October 6, 2020 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.hotcars.com/body-lift-vs-suspension-life-which-is-right-for-you/ 

The Great Wide Open!

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Vehicles for camping and beachWhen I say camping, we all get a different visual. Some folks see rocky trails that their 4×4 must carefully navigate to reach a lone peak at the top of a mountain where no human in their right mind would attempt to set up a tent… and they love it! My version is backing up to our camper, plugging in the life support, filling up the truck with diesel, and hitting the open road in search of an exciting man made forest with all the amenities that my family and I could possibly imagine! Any way you see it, camping or just leaving to go anywhere on an adventure is fun! Something about leaving the convenience of our homes and day-to-day routines that makes us all feel alive.

 

Whether you’re experiencing your first trip to “The Great Wide Open” or you’re an old pro with a sticker from every park, beach, and campground in the country, we all can agree on one thing; our vehicle plays a significant role in the quality of our journey. I still remember packing three days of supplies into our two door Toyota and feeling like a legit explorer! The fact is, no matter where you are on the “Stuff” scale, you’re going places come Hell or high water and you’re going to fit it all in. It’s also pretty likely that the longer you take trips the more your choice of vehicles will adapt to how you prefer to travel.

 

 

For example:

Pre-kids = 2 door compact car or pickup / AC optional / Comfort optional.

With-kids = 4 door 4×4 SUV / DVD Players / AC / Power Everything / Comfort Package.

Post-Kids = 40 ft mega RV fully loaded with 3 bedrooms and no room for kids!  

You get the picture 🙂

Bottom line is that wherever and whenever you travel you need a people mover that has enough room for your current collection of toys, supplies, and “stuff” that is reliable, comfortable, equipped for your level of adventure, economical, affordable, and available! 

So what makes the difference when it comes to your ride? It can be as simple as letting in the sun…. A convertible like this 2007 Ford Mustang can turn a day trip to the beach into a favorite summer memory. Even camping, on a small scale of course, is cool when you can see the trees and moon at night! Not to mention it’s really fun to drive.

For transporting an army, consider the cargo space and power of this 2003 Ford Excursion. It’s the final solution for getting the family comfortably to any camping or beach destination.

If something in the middle works better for you then checkout one of my Grand Cherokees like this 2012 Overland 4×4 with sunroof, cooled seats, backup camera, cruise, the works!

Finding the right car for you and your adventures is important! Yes, it matters what you drive…

 

Have a car in mind that you don’t see in the TM Auto Inventory? Call or text (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love, I can find it for you! Pick a destination, load up, and make summer fun!

Oh the places you will go!

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Finally! The sun is out, and the road to Summer vacation is calling your name. It’s time for a brand new adventure. A weekend in the woods, a day at the beach, a cross-country road trip or just a trip to the store can be exciting with the right set of wheels. 

 

The Road is Calling Your Name

 

A weekend drive along the coast with the top down could be an epic experience in a sporty BMW Z-4 convertible or 427 Ford Mustang Convertible or the more adventurous 4dr Jeep Grand Cherokee with climbing power, just depends on your cargo! Your kids and your family dog may squeeze into your current mode of transportation, but if you’re serious about beaching it, you need more.

 

It’s no news that these cars are ideal for summer travel, highlights to seal the deal for die-hard DRIVERS.

 

*Four-wheel-drive jeeps provide total beach access to FUN!

*Going topless, there’s nothing quite like it in a Jeep OR Sports Car

*Only enough room for two in your sports car, this is a good thing!

*Jeep Cherokee offers the advantages of an ultimate adventure mobile with added luxury for long trips 

*Most jeeps have a reasonably low base price so a used Jeep Wrangler or even a Rubicon are feasible options!

*If you’ve never driven a convertible classic like the 1968 Chevrolet Camaro then call me, it’s an experience everyone should have 

*5-6 speed manual transmission puts you in control of every peak and valley

*Sunroof and T-tops are standard options, awesome for sunny days and starry nights

*Bose, Infinity, & Blauplunkt sound systems are the norm, a necessity for cruising

*Most handle athletically for speedy turns, yet have comfortable interiors for long trips

*All the luxury options that you want, AC and power everything are usually standard

 

A weekend jaunt to the woods with all your gear begs for a roomy Ford Explorer or if you need more cargo room AND four doors then this loaded 2012 Ford F-150 will do the job perfectly! A few hours in most cars are doable, but for a family excursion along the coast or to the mountains, your time at the wheel is much more of a consideration. Make it count from driveway to journey’s end.

Road hugging, sporty, and fast or off-road adventurous driving, these vehicles welcome the challenge. Two door coupes and convertibles or four door, four wheel drive SUVs and trucks, fun awaits!

 

Think About Which Car is Right for YOU

You may not always have the need for speed and adventure but when you do… nothing satisfies better than putting some distance between you and home. See TM Auto’s inventory

Wherever the journey takes you, make every mile a memory. Your journey begins and ends with transportation and your ride can make or break the experience. Buy your vehicle with your journey in mind and you’ll never regret it. Sure, we all have a need for our daily driver, a trusty shuttle is essential. However, traveling in these can be great or not so great, depending on where you’re going and who’s tagging along. When selecting your car, it’s smart to look at the bigger picture. Whether you’re planning a perfect family beach day or a weekend camping trip, how you get to the promised land is important. Having the right vehicle for the occasion is vital so the journey is as memorable as the destination itself.

Every family, big and small, has different needs. There are plenty of makes and models to go around and one to fit every lifestyle and budget. Whatever your adventure and whichever vehicle you prefer, let me help you get there!  Please browse my website and See TM Auto’s Inventory. Choose from a wide variety of used vehicles.

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.

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!

Spring & Summer Vehicles

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What Car is Best for Your Next Adventure?

When it comes to spring and summer travel, it’s all about fun. The question then becomes what type of travel is fun for you. Sitting high above the road, truck bed full of tents and fishing poles? A Jeep, rough and ready for adventure or something a little bit bigger, with plenty of room for your kids, friends, snacks, and whatever else your spring and summer road trips require?

 

Trucks

Windows down and radio up, a pickup truck is every outdoors-man’s best friend. Whether you’re hauling camping gear or an arsenal of tools for summer renovations, this vehicle offers all the space and power you need. The two pick-ups in my inventory are ready to help you tackle your next project and, when the job is finished, carry you to the lake to relax.

2005 Toyota Tundra

2008 Ford F 150

 

Jeeps

Maybe you’re looking for something with more of an edge? Adventure and Jeeps go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re trekking down the beaches of Carova and Oregon Inlet, flying down a highway or jumping and jostling across muddy hills, a Jeep with the top down can make any driver excited. I currently have two beautiful Wranglers in stock just itching to get some mud on their tires.

2007 Jeep Wrangler

2010 Jeep Wrangler

 

SUVs

For those looking to go on an adventure with their buds, an SUV is the perfect choice. With plenty of space for friends, family, and even four-legged compadres, SUVs are spacious enough for a family trip to the beach or a friendly road trip down the coast. With six different SUVs in stock, I have plenty of options!

 

Whether you’re looking for style or space, TM Auto Wholesalers specializes in “The stress free car buying experience” with Guaranteed Credit Approval. A purchase from my inventory can help you establish or repair your credit while saving you cash for spring and summer fun! Feel free to contact me online at mike@tmautova.com, or by phone or text at 757-560-4252. Ask for Mike Love. Here’s to your next great adventure!