Used Car Buying: 3 Secrets to Avoid Buying A Lemon
There are plenty of used cars for sale in Harrisonburg, VA! If you’re looking to buy a preowned car, you can certainly find one here.
The trick, however, isn’t really to find a used car, is it? The trick is to buy a vehicle that you feel good about. No second thoughts when you plunk down your money.
There’s nothing worse than realizing after the sale you just bought someone else’s problems! How can you avoid that? We offer up three secrets to help you buy with confidence.
Used Car Buying: Privately or Dealership?
Privately--If you can place an ad, you can list a car for sale. That’s how easy it is to find a used car or truck. If you choose to go the private route, recognize you’ll have to do a little more homework to protect yourself and your potential investment.
First, ask to see al...
The trick, however, isn’t really to find a used car, is it? The trick is to buy a vehicle that you feel good about. No second thoughts when you plunk down your money.
There’s nothing worse than realizing after the sale you just bought someone else’s problems! How can you avoid that? We offer up three secrets to help you buy with confidence.
Used Car Buying: Privately or Dealership?
Privately--If you can place an ad, you can list a car for sale. That’s how easy it is to find a used car or truck. If you choose to go the private route, recognize you’ll have to do a little more homework to protect yourself and your potential investment.
First, ask to see al...
A Car Emergency Kit: What You Need for When You Need It Most
If you’re from Virginia, no doubt you remember when motorists were trapped in their cars for 24-hours on 1-95. The interstate had turned into one gigantic ice parking lot!
No one ever expects to be in a situation like that, but that’s the point.
The I-95 event was a very real reminder that every motorist should have a car emergency kit. You just never know when Mother Nature is going to throw you a curve.
But what should a car emergency kit have in it? A lot of that depends on you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a baby or small children, you want to have emergency provisions for them.
If you live in an extremely cold environment where temperatures routinely dip down below zero, you’ll want to have specific preparations for those conditions.
If yo...
No one ever expects to be in a situation like that, but that’s the point.
The I-95 event was a very real reminder that every motorist should have a car emergency kit. You just never know when Mother Nature is going to throw you a curve.
But what should a car emergency kit have in it? A lot of that depends on you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a baby or small children, you want to have emergency provisions for them.
If you live in an extremely cold environment where temperatures routinely dip down below zero, you’ll want to have specific preparations for those conditions.
If yo...
Check Engine Light: Why It Comes on and What You Should Do
It may be the most misunderstood indicator on your dashboard, and that is the check engine light. Part of your car’s onboard diagnostic system, it comes on when it finds a problem it can’t correct.
It may either flash or remain static. In either case, something is amiss with your vehicle.
In this article, we break down the 7 main reasons your check engine light comes on and what to do if it does.
Check Engine Light: Static or Flashing
If you see a yellow check engine light on your dashboard, it does mean your vehicle needs mechanical attention. The good news is it’s most likely not something catastrophic like engine failure.
Still, you should take your car in for diagnostic tests ASAP. If the light is blinking, or if the light is solid red or orange, it’s a much bigg...
It may either flash or remain static. In either case, something is amiss with your vehicle.
In this article, we break down the 7 main reasons your check engine light comes on and what to do if it does.
Check Engine Light: Static or Flashing
If you see a yellow check engine light on your dashboard, it does mean your vehicle needs mechanical attention. The good news is it’s most likely not something catastrophic like engine failure.
Still, you should take your car in for diagnostic tests ASAP. If the light is blinking, or if the light is solid red or orange, it’s a much bigg...
Is Your Car Suddenly Using More Gas? 9 Causes to Investigate
harm your engine Nobody has to tell you that gas is expensive. That’s why it pays to keep your vehicle as fuel efficient as possible.. But what happens if your car is suddenly using more gas?
There are nine main reasons gas mileage might dip or take a big nosedive! Here’s what our service department recommends you investigate.
You’ve Got Tire Issues
One of the first things our technicians look for when there’s a sudden loss of fuel efficiency are issues with the vehicle’s tires.
If tires are low on pressure then it’s harder to move the vehicle, and that forces the engine to work harder. Heck, the whole vehicle will be harder to move because the tires won’t be round.
And that means poor gas mileage.
It’s easy to simply check tire pressu...
There are nine main reasons gas mileage might dip or take a big nosedive! Here’s what our service department recommends you investigate.
You’ve Got Tire Issues
One of the first things our technicians look for when there’s a sudden loss of fuel efficiency are issues with the vehicle’s tires.
If tires are low on pressure then it’s harder to move the vehicle, and that forces the engine to work harder. Heck, the whole vehicle will be harder to move because the tires won’t be round.
And that means poor gas mileage.
It’s easy to simply check tire pressu...
How To Trade in A Car That Is Not Paid Off
Thinking about trading in a car that’s not paid off because you’ve found a new car you’d really like to buy? Should you?
The short answer is that depends.
When money is still owed on a vehicle and you want to trade it in for a new one, there are two possible scenarios. One is more advantageous than the other. But for both, you should proceed with caution.
Positive and Negative Equity
The first is positive equity which is when the value of your vehicle is worth more than amount owed on the loan.
This is the most advantageous position between the two. It’s like having money to apply towards your down payment. More about that in a minute.
The second is much riskier. When your vehicle isn’t worth as much as the amount owed, negative equity occurs. ...
The short answer is that depends.
When money is still owed on a vehicle and you want to trade it in for a new one, there are two possible scenarios. One is more advantageous than the other. But for both, you should proceed with caution.
Positive and Negative Equity
The first is positive equity which is when the value of your vehicle is worth more than amount owed on the loan.
This is the most advantageous position between the two. It’s like having money to apply towards your down payment. More about that in a minute.
The second is much riskier. When your vehicle isn’t worth as much as the amount owed, negative equity occurs. ...
5 Big Benefits of a Front End Alignment
Potholes, poorly maintained roads, running into curbs, you name it. So many road conditions can cause the alignment on your vehicle to go out. But does it really matter to the overall health of your vehicle? Absolutely!
A front end alignment which is simply your wheels pointing in the right direction is critical to the proper functioning of your car.
Even the slightest wheel misalignment can affect your vehicle’s performance and your handling of it. In fact, a front end alignment is so important that when you buy a new car, the manufacturer has to verify that the alignment has been performed, and that it is correct.
Chevrolet is no exception! Safety is their top priority. And, in short, a front end alignment is all about safety on the road.
...
A front end alignment which is simply your wheels pointing in the right direction is critical to the proper functioning of your car.
Even the slightest wheel misalignment can affect your vehicle’s performance and your handling of it. In fact, a front end alignment is so important that when you buy a new car, the manufacturer has to verify that the alignment has been performed, and that it is correct.
Chevrolet is no exception! Safety is their top priority. And, in short, a front end alignment is all about safety on the road.
...
Rotating and Balancing Your Tires: 4 Tips
Have you ever noticed that the shoes you wear have a distinct wear pattern? Well, tires are like that. You can’t rotate your shoes around for a more even wear, but you can rotate and balance your tires, and for the same reason, longer wear!
A set of tires is one of the most expensive replacements on your vehicle. That’s why you want to get as much use out of them as possible.
Rotating and balancing your tires are two different procedures. Both increase the safety and efficiency of your tires. For tire rotation, the wheels are removed and replaced front to back, right to left.
Balancing requires a special machine to check the tire’s weight and the wheel’s balance. If the tire isn’t balanced, our certified Chevy technicians will attach small weights to the rim of the whe...
A set of tires is one of the most expensive replacements on your vehicle. That’s why you want to get as much use out of them as possible.
Rotating and balancing your tires are two different procedures. Both increase the safety and efficiency of your tires. For tire rotation, the wheels are removed and replaced front to back, right to left.
Balancing requires a special machine to check the tire’s weight and the wheel’s balance. If the tire isn’t balanced, our certified Chevy technicians will attach small weights to the rim of the whe...
Car Smells: 7 Odors That Can Spell Trouble
You’re driving down the road and suddenly it hits you…what’s that smell? There’s nothing under the seat and the rest of the interior is in the clear. So, what gives?
Car smells are a sign that something is amiss with the vehicle. But what do they mean? Here are seven car smells that warrant mechanical attention.
Your Car Smells Like Burning Rubber
Since you’re not a race car driver out for a track spin, the smell of burning rubber can mean several things. A rubber belt or hose has loosened causing it to come in contact with hot engine parts.
Or, you have a fluid or oil leak, or a damaged or worn out drive belt. Either way, it’s time to get that smell checked out. Loose belts and hoses don’t resolve on their own.
Your Car has a Weird Burning Smell
When it doesn’t smell like rubber, but it do...
Car smells are a sign that something is amiss with the vehicle. But what do they mean? Here are seven car smells that warrant mechanical attention.
Your Car Smells Like Burning Rubber
Since you’re not a race car driver out for a track spin, the smell of burning rubber can mean several things. A rubber belt or hose has loosened causing it to come in contact with hot engine parts.
Or, you have a fluid or oil leak, or a damaged or worn out drive belt. Either way, it’s time to get that smell checked out. Loose belts and hoses don’t resolve on their own.
Your Car has a Weird Burning Smell
When it doesn’t smell like rubber, but it do...
Car Loan Amortization: What It Is and How It Works
When buying a car, knowing the structure of your car loan—the interest rate and terms—is important but understanding how you’ll pay it off is just as important.
That’s why understanding car loan amortization and how it works is a must for anyone borrowing money from a bank.
Let’s look at how this loan system works and how you can use it to work for you.
What Is Car Loan Amortization?
Amortization is the process of paying down your loan over time. Each month, you’ll have a portion of your payment applied to the principal and a portion applied to the interest.
The principal is the amount you’ve borrowed to buy your vehicle. Interest is the cost the lender is charging you to borrow the money.
For example, suppose you borrow $20,000 to buy a new car. This would be considered the princi...
That’s why understanding car loan amortization and how it works is a must for anyone borrowing money from a bank.
Let’s look at how this loan system works and how you can use it to work for you.
What Is Car Loan Amortization?
Amortization is the process of paying down your loan over time. Each month, you’ll have a portion of your payment applied to the principal and a portion applied to the interest.
The principal is the amount you’ve borrowed to buy your vehicle. Interest is the cost the lender is charging you to borrow the money.
For example, suppose you borrow $20,000 to buy a new car. This would be considered the princi...
Chevrolet Malibu 2022: The Elegant, Mid-Size Sedan
The Chevrolet Malibu 2022 has head-turning style and an artfully crafted interior. Whether you’re going to work or heading out for evening entertainment, the Chevy Malibu elevates your everyday driving experience!
And with gas mileage of the 1.5L Turbo an average of 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG for the highway, the Malibu’s elegance is also a very practical vehicle.
Want more power? Opt for the 2.0L Turbo. Gas mileage averages 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
Either way, comfort, elegance, and ease of driving is standard fare with your everyday driving.
Chevrolet Malibu 2022: The Standard Features
As you would expect, Chevy does not cut corners with its standard features. The LS model with IFL equipment group has Rear Vision Camera, OnStar-embedded hardware which in...
And with gas mileage of the 1.5L Turbo an average of 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG for the highway, the Malibu’s elegance is also a very practical vehicle.
Want more power? Opt for the 2.0L Turbo. Gas mileage averages 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
Either way, comfort, elegance, and ease of driving is standard fare with your everyday driving.
Chevrolet Malibu 2022: The Standard Features
As you would expect, Chevy does not cut corners with its standard features. The LS model with IFL equipment group has Rear Vision Camera, OnStar-embedded hardware which in...
(You Can) Improve Your Credit Score in 30 Days: 5 Ways
In the world of finance, a good credit score is like gold. The better your score, the more it can open doors for you.
A good credit score allows you to enjoy better interest rates and more favorable loan terms on personal and auto loans. It also means you can enjoy higher credit limits on your credit accounts, new or existing.
That’s why you want to guard a good credit score as if it was treasure because it is!
But what if your credit score needs a little work? Can you really improve your score in a month?
Yes, you can improve your credit score in 30 days. However, to substantially improve it takes time. Because good credit is so valuable, make the commitment to focus on your personal finances and credit history.
If your credit score needs work, start now so you can see a bump i...
A good credit score allows you to enjoy better interest rates and more favorable loan terms on personal and auto loans. It also means you can enjoy higher credit limits on your credit accounts, new or existing.
That’s why you want to guard a good credit score as if it was treasure because it is!
But what if your credit score needs a little work? Can you really improve your score in a month?
Yes, you can improve your credit score in 30 days. However, to substantially improve it takes time. Because good credit is so valuable, make the commitment to focus on your personal finances and credit history.
If your credit score needs work, start now so you can see a bump i...
The 2022 Chevy Camaro: For the Joy of Driving
The Camaro legend continues with the 2022 model! Driving a Camaro is about the pure and simple joy of driving.
With lithe handling, a satisfying stick shift transmission, and a 275-hp turbo four, the ride—as you would expect—is remarkably smooth.
Performance for price, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value than the 2022 Camaro.
The 2022 Camaro Pushes the Limits of Performance and Style
With its aerodynamic looks, refined and driver-centric interior, the Camaro integrates form, high-powered function, and flair seamlessly.
Of course Chevy continues the legacy with track-inspired strength and capability. Choose between four potent powertrain options, all with Direct Injection.
2.0L Turbo-Standard
With lithe handling, a satisfying stick shift transmission, and a 275-hp turbo four, the ride—as you would expect—is remarkably smooth.
Performance for price, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value than the 2022 Camaro.
The 2022 Camaro Pushes the Limits of Performance and Style
With its aerodynamic looks, refined and driver-centric interior, the Camaro integrates form, high-powered function, and flair seamlessly.
Of course Chevy continues the legacy with track-inspired strength and capability. Choose between four potent powertrain options, all with Direct Injection.
2.0L Turbo-Standard
- With 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque
- EPA estimate of 30 mpg on the highway
- Direct inje...
