7 Huge Benefits of Buying A Used Car (You Probably Never Thought Of)
It’s no secret that Americans love automobiles and trucks, and they don’t let much get in the way of owning one. What’s even better is that buying a used car today comes with more bells and whistles, and prices are more affordable.
If you’re considering buying a used car, check out our list of 7 reasons why you might want to invest in a pre-owned vehicle.
Money Saver
When you drive a new car off of any Harrisonburg car dealership lot, you’re paying for the depreciation upfront. Not so with a pre-owned vehicle.
The depreciation is gone with the wind. Instead of paying thousands of dollars more for a new vehicle with 20 miles on it, you can buy the same car used with 12,000 miles on it and still come out ahead. Sweet, huh?
Retained Value
When you buy a used vehicle from Joe Bowman Auto sales, you’...
If you’re considering buying a used car, check out our list of 7 reasons why you might want to invest in a pre-owned vehicle.
Money Saver
When you drive a new car off of any Harrisonburg car dealership lot, you’re paying for the depreciation upfront. Not so with a pre-owned vehicle.
The depreciation is gone with the wind. Instead of paying thousands of dollars more for a new vehicle with 20 miles on it, you can buy the same car used with 12,000 miles on it and still come out ahead. Sweet, huh?
Retained Value
When you buy a used vehicle from Joe Bowman Auto sales, you’...
Buying a Car? Be Sure to Have the Following Beforehand
Purchasing a new (or new-to-you) vehicle can be a fun, albeit somewhat frightening, experience. It doesn't have to be that way, though! Our team here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza work tirelessly to alleviate this anxiety for you by offering the ultimate level of customer service from test drive to delivery. This is why we've compiled a handy list of items and documentation you should have prepared prior to visiting a dealership.
Documents to Bring
Documents to Bring
- Driver's License | This one is pretty basic, but if you plan on test driving your vehicle before finalizing the purchase, you'll need to bring your valid Driver's License. While you should have this document with you at all times anyway, it's especially important to remember it when making a vehicle purchase.
- Proof of Insurance | This is...
Topping Off Your Gas Tank? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t
Gas has gotten a lot more expensive over the years so it’s no wonder you want to squeeze every bit you can into your gas tank.
But the simple act of trying to get more value for your buck is actually hurting your car.
First of all, topping off your gas tank causes damage to your vehicle’s charcoal filter. It can overwhelm your evaporation system and break something, or it can cause a hazardous leak because of the excess system pressure.
It also causes a pressure build in the tank which floods the carbon filter vapor collection system. Remember, it’s only made for vapor, not liquids.
The overflow can then affect your vehicle’s performance and possible cause engine damage.
If you do damage your car’s vapor recovery system from topping off your gas tank, the vehicle will not protect people or the...
But the simple act of trying to get more value for your buck is actually hurting your car.
First of all, topping off your gas tank causes damage to your vehicle’s charcoal filter. It can overwhelm your evaporation system and break something, or it can cause a hazardous leak because of the excess system pressure.
It also causes a pressure build in the tank which floods the carbon filter vapor collection system. Remember, it’s only made for vapor, not liquids.
The overflow can then affect your vehicle’s performance and possible cause engine damage.
If you do damage your car’s vapor recovery system from topping off your gas tank, the vehicle will not protect people or the...
Meet the All-New 2021 Chevy Tahoe
Impossible to ignore. That’s how we here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza describe the brand new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Already America’s favorite large sports utility vehicle by a landslide, the all-new changes to this best-selling SUV are sure to cement its place in all of our hearts. Roomier than ever, the three-row SUV now offers more cabin, cargo, and third row space than previous versions. In addition to the two engine types offered in earlier models, the Tahoe now also has an eco-diesel option. The Tahoe also boasts new safety and infotainment features sure to please anyone considering this purchase--technophiles and technophobes alike!
New Features & Specs
If you’re looking for a completely brand new design inside and out, the Tahoe certainly fits that need. With a completely redesigne...
Pick Up Truck Maintenance: 5 Basic (But Essential) Tips
Pickup truck lovers know their vehicles perform double duty, work and recreation. Because pickup trucks serve multiple purposes, it’s important to pay close attention to their maintenance needs.
While they might seem simple, or even obvious, these 5 pickup truck maintenance tips are the foundation for keeping your truck running well into old age.
Engine Oil and Filter
Engine oil can easily become contaminated. That’s why it’s important to routinely check it for dirt, dust, and other debris. A clean engine is a happy engine.
The same is true with your oil filter. It needs clean air to function at peak performance. Dust, dirt, and debris slows down the engine’s performance and efficiency.
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended truck maintenance schedule and follow it religiously!
Check Thos...
While they might seem simple, or even obvious, these 5 pickup truck maintenance tips are the foundation for keeping your truck running well into old age.
Engine Oil and Filter
Engine oil can easily become contaminated. That’s why it’s important to routinely check it for dirt, dust, and other debris. A clean engine is a happy engine.
The same is true with your oil filter. It needs clean air to function at peak performance. Dust, dirt, and debris slows down the engine’s performance and efficiency.
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended truck maintenance schedule and follow it religiously!
Check Thos...
7 DIY Car Tips Every Driver Should Know
Here at our Harrisonburg, VA car lot, we recommend getting your used and new car regularly serviced. It’s the best way to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. But there are some practical DIY car tips that save you money and can possibly even save your life should you have an accident. Check out our list below.
Vinegar & Water De-Icer Prep
This simple and safe de-icing solution is a great winter tip. If you’re expecting ice, mix two to three parts apple cider vinegar to one-part water. Spray it on windshields the night before. The vinegar’s acidity will prevent ice from forming. You won’t have to worry about de-icing your car the next morning!
Do You Have A RoadSide Hero?
This handy gadget is a 9-in-1 multi-function lifesaving tool! If you’ve ever been in an accident, you ...
Want to Buy A New Car? 5 Top Reasons to Choose a Chevy
Here’s a sobering thought. Every year, 38,000 Americans die in car crashes. Makes you want to tug on your seat belt a little tighter, doesn’t it?
While you want to stay safe on the road adhering to traffic laws and watching out for the other guy (you never know what he or she might do!), it’s also important to feel comfortable.
Fortunately, Chevrolet has you covered on both fronts. There are five big reasons to choose a Chevy. Plus, our Harrisonburg dealership has a good selection of new cars under $25,000 and that speaks to our third reason to choose a Chevy! Read on.
1-Chevrolet Brand is Safe
Road safety is Chevy’s #1 priority and it’s yours as well when you’re ready to buy. The good news is the Chevrolet brand is known for safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) i...
What is Top Tier Gasoline and Why Is It Exceptional for Your Car?
There’s a study from AAA that found more detergent additives makes a significant quality difference in the gas you buy. That’s why AAA is recommending that drivers should buy Top Tier fuel because of its life-extending benefits.
But what exactly is top tier gasoline?
Not a grade of gasoline, Top Tier is more a performance standard in gasoline which is backed by major automakers, including General Motors.
But to understand how good this gas is let’s back up to the 1990’s. That’s when the Environmental Protection Agency required minimum levels of detergents in gasoline.
Some auto manufacturers didn’t think the standards were high enough. So, a core group of automakers created a fuel program for optimal vehicle performance.
Today, these automakers all recommend Top Tier gasoline:
• &nbs...
But what exactly is top tier gasoline?
Not a grade of gasoline, Top Tier is more a performance standard in gasoline which is backed by major automakers, including General Motors.
But to understand how good this gas is let’s back up to the 1990’s. That’s when the Environmental Protection Agency required minimum levels of detergents in gasoline.
Some auto manufacturers didn’t think the standards were high enough. So, a core group of automakers created a fuel program for optimal vehicle performance.
Today, these automakers all recommend Top Tier gasoline:
• &nbs...
Buying A Used Truck? Evaluate These 3 Areas First
If you’re thinking about buying a used truck, you already know there’s more to consider than when buying a used car.
Think about it.
Pickups were made to live a workhorse lifestyle. So, what exactly should you look for? Here are three areas to consider.
Towing and Hauling
The first thing you want to consider when you’re in the used truck market is what was the truck used for? Was it used to tow and haul on a regular basis?
If the truck you’re looking at spent half its life hooked up to a trailer, there may be excessive wear on the mechanical components.
If you’re buying privately, ask the owner for a list of work receipts performed on the vehicle by their mechanic. This should tell you something about the vehicle’s history.
If you’re buying from Joe Bowman, the large majority of our vehicles are...
Think about it.
Pickups were made to live a workhorse lifestyle. So, what exactly should you look for? Here are three areas to consider.
Towing and Hauling
The first thing you want to consider when you’re in the used truck market is what was the truck used for? Was it used to tow and haul on a regular basis?
If the truck you’re looking at spent half its life hooked up to a trailer, there may be excessive wear on the mechanical components.
If you’re buying privately, ask the owner for a list of work receipts performed on the vehicle by their mechanic. This should tell you something about the vehicle’s history.
If you’re buying from Joe Bowman, the large majority of our vehicles are...
New Car Care Tip: How to Drive Your New Vehicle
Who isn’t excited to get behind the wheel of a new car? It’s exhilarating! But what can you do to keep your car running like you just drove it off the lot?
You’ve probably heard that you need to break it in gently. Or, that new cars are ready for a big work out right from the git-go.
It is true that decades ago new vehicles did need to be slowly and systematically broken in. This was to let the engine settle into to its full capacity.
Well, new cars do need some breaking in but it’s really minor. For starters, it’s important to let the engine loosen up with some easy driving initially.
Find some time to drive it around the neighborhood a bit before you tax it on the freeway.
And no, idling is not a proper warmup. Drive. Your. Car. You want to try and keep this practice for the first 1,000 mil...
11 Common Car Maintenance Rules (That Keep Your Car Running Smoothly)
When you buy a new or used car, the goal is always to keep the vehicle in great condition for as long as possible. Whether you decide to re-sell it later or trade it in for another vehicle, you want the vehicle to retain value.
Although here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, our service department sees problems that could easily have been avoided if the vehicle had been properly serviced. Here's what to do to keep your vehicle humming along for years to come.
Inspect Your Vehicle Regularly
Your owner’s manual contains everything you need to know to keep your car healthy. Get acquainted with it and refer to it regularly.
Learn the Different Warning Lights
New cars today have sophisticated sensors and warning systems that let you know immediately when something is not working.
Do you know what each of the...
Although here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, our service department sees problems that could easily have been avoided if the vehicle had been properly serviced. Here's what to do to keep your vehicle humming along for years to come.
Inspect Your Vehicle Regularly
Your owner’s manual contains everything you need to know to keep your car healthy. Get acquainted with it and refer to it regularly.
Learn the Different Warning Lights
New cars today have sophisticated sensors and warning systems that let you know immediately when something is not working.
Do you know what each of the...
Shop. Click. Drive: Buy A New Car Online (And Love It)
The pandemic has created special challenges for all of us. Whether you’re running a business or running to the store for groceries, we’ve never lived through times like these!
We’re glad to say that there is one thing that hasn’t changed. If you want to buy a new Chevrolet, you can still safely do that with our Shop. Click. Drive program
It allows you to:
• Shop any time of the day or night, 24/7
• Shop from home—no need to come to the dealership
• Watch informative videos
All the information you need to know is conveniently in one place on our website. Simply browse our inventory. Once you’ve found the vehicle you want to buy, click the “Start Buying Process“ button.
Here you can enter your zip code, then view and select local offers.
Yes, Yo...
We’re glad to say that there is one thing that hasn’t changed. If you want to buy a new Chevrolet, you can still safely do that with our Shop. Click. Drive program
It allows you to:
• Shop any time of the day or night, 24/7
• Shop from home—no need to come to the dealership
• Watch informative videos
All the information you need to know is conveniently in one place on our website. Simply browse our inventory. Once you’ve found the vehicle you want to buy, click the “Start Buying Process“ button.
Here you can enter your zip code, then view and select local offers.
Yes, Yo...
