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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

    • TM Auto wholesalers

    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!

    The Best Vehicles for Traveling

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    The Journey Is the Destination

    It’s Summer! The kids are home, the sun is out, and the open road is calling your name. Every day is an opportunity 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, any trip can be exciting with the right set of wheels. 

     

    How will YOU get there?

    TM Auto best vehicles for taveling

     

    A weekend drive along the coast with the windows down could be an epic experience in a sporty Mazda RX-8 or maybe a 4dr Jeep Wrangler with no windows at all, 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 the Jeep Wrangler is ideal for summer travel, highlights to seal the deal for die-hard beach lovers.

     

    • 1. Four-wheel-drive provides total beach access
    • 2. Going topless, there’s nothing quite like it
    • 3. Easy to clean floorboards, just pull the floor plugs and hose it out!
    • 4. Removable doors will turn your Jeep into the ultimate adventure mobile
    • 5. 4dr versions have as much cargo space as any full size sedan
    • 6. Did I mention the windshield folds down? Yes, it does
    • 7. The deal clincher is that most jeeps have a reasonably low base price so a used Jeep Wrangler or even a Rubicon are feasible options!

     

    A weekend jaunt to the woods with all your gear begs for a roomy Ford Explorer or if you’d rather bring just the essentials, a stylish CR-V! 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 the destination. Make it count from driveway to journey’s end.

    If low down, sporty, and road hugging are more your speed, then 2dr coupes and convertibles are perfect. Traveling light can be liberating, just you, your favorite travel partner, and loads of curves to navigate!

     

    Think about it while you check out these sporty highlights.

     

    • 1. 5-6 speed manual transmission puts you in control of every peak and valley
    • 2. Sunroof and T-tops are standard options, awesome for sunny days and starry nights
    • 3. Bose, Infinity, & Blauplunkt sound systems are the norm, a necessity for cruising
    • 4. Most handle athletically for speedy turns, yet have comfortable interiors for long trips
    • 5. All the luxury options that you want, AC and power everything are usually standard

    You may not always have the need for speed but when you do… nothing satisfies better than putting some distance between you and home in your own sports car. 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!

    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.

    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!

     

    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.

    Things to know… WINTER ALERT

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    tm-auto-winter-alert

    While it looks like the weather might get a little warmer around February 15th, we’re bracing for a bit of a cold front in the next couple of days, and this can be bad for your car! Luckily, your friends at TM Auto Wholesalers have got you covered with 6 great tips on winter weather maintenance preparedness!
    1. Antifreeze (Coolant): Antifreeze should be flushed and changed at least every two years. If you have any questions on how to perform this task on your own, be sure to consult the first in our handy Every Driver Should Know series, How to Change Antifreeze.
    2. Oil: Be vigilant in changing your oil according to both the guidelines set out by your owner’s manual, and by the changing of the seasons. As a general rule of thumb, you should consider dropping to lower viscosity oil in the cold winter months. For example, if you are currently using 10-30W oil, switch down to 5-30W oil.
    3. Brakes: As the old saying goes “we are all the sum of our parts.” Your car is the same way. Indeed, it is very unsafe to drive a car when you are unsure of the quality of its braking system, so remember to have it checked first!
    4. Batteries: Unfortunately, batteries don’t give much of an early warning sign before they die, so replace any batteries that are over three years old. If your battery is under three years old, be sure to charge it before driving in the winter since cold, wet weather can have a seriously adverse effect on battery longevity.
    5. Wipers & Lights: Most drivers won’t check before every drive that wipers and lights are in good, working order, but it is good practice to do a full check once a month. Replace any bulbs that have gone out and check that the wiper fluid reservoirs are topped off.
    6. Tires: Inspect your tires to ensure uniform tread depth and tire pressure. Tires are prone to losing air during winter months, so pump more air as needed on a weekly basis. This goes for the spare tire as well!
    If you follow all of these tips, then you will minimize your risk of accident during the season known for some of the nastiest ones. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure how to accomplish all of the items outlined in this blog post, that’s what your friends at TM Auto are for, and you should never be afraid to ask for help! If you haven’t bought a quality used vehicle through us yet, then what are you waiting for? Check out our inventory, and be sure to note that every vehicle comes backed with a Carfax vehicle history report so that you know that know your prospective vehicle doesn’t come with any unseen burden! If you would like to make an appointment, or would just like to chat before deciding further, then please contact us by email mike@tmauto.com, or by phone at 757-560-4252. Ask for Mike, and make sure you’re prepared, because you have never bought a car this easily!
    February, Weather, Bad Weather, Winter, Used Cars, Used Vehicles, Used Trucks, Used SUVs

    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,