Carfax Used Cars: Why This Program Says Something Important About the Dealership
There are plenty of preowned cars to buy in the marketplace. You can even find used cars on Craigslist!. But buying a preowned vehicle that’s not just a good deal but is also reliable for years to come…that’s another matter altogether!
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we're a subscribing member of the Carfax Advantage™ program. That means Carfax used cars are what we sell. And that means that used car buyers can purchase with full confidence.
Why Carfax Advantage Membership?
Carfax got their start in 1986 and have been growing ever since. As a vehicle history expert for used car sellers, buyers, and the automotive industry, Carfax is now trusted by dealerships all over North America to help sell quality used vehicles.
Integrated with over 250 inventory and acquisition companies, it is the vehicl...
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we're a subscribing member of the Carfax Advantage™ program. That means Carfax used cars are what we sell. And that means that used car buyers can purchase with full confidence.
Why Carfax Advantage Membership?
Carfax got their start in 1986 and have been growing ever since. As a vehicle history expert for used car sellers, buyers, and the automotive industry, Carfax is now trusted by dealerships all over North America to help sell quality used vehicles.
Integrated with over 250 inventory and acquisition companies, it is the vehicl...
Shop. Click. Drive: 4 FAQ’S About Buying A New Car Online (It’s Easy!)
For diehard Chevy lovers, it’s easy to know what brand your next vehicle is going to be. And, because the Chevy brand is so trusted, buyers can secure their purchase from the comfort of their own homes by buying a new car online with Shop. Click. Drive.
We thought you’d want to know some of the most frequently asked questions about this valuable service. Here are four of the biggest.
How Does Chevy’s Best Car Finder Tool Makes New Car Buying Easy?
This easy-to-use tool allows you to:
• Shop our extensive inventory
• Pick out your accessories and trim
• Select extended limited warranties
• Schedule delivery, if applicable
• Estimate your trade-in value
• Figure monthly payments
• &n...
We thought you’d want to know some of the most frequently asked questions about this valuable service. Here are four of the biggest.
How Does Chevy’s Best Car Finder Tool Makes New Car Buying Easy?
This easy-to-use tool allows you to:
• Shop our extensive inventory
• Pick out your accessories and trim
• Select extended limited warranties
• Schedule delivery, if applicable
• Estimate your trade-in value
• Figure monthly payments
• &n...
First Time Car Buyer? Ask These 3 Questions
So, you’re ready to buy your first car. Congrats! There’s a lot a first time car buyer needs to know to make the right decision.
Plus, buying a car also establishes your credit in a major way. That’s why it’s important to enter the car buying market informed and prepared.
Before you begin your search, make sure you have solid answers to these 3 questions.
What’s Your Budget for Buying A Car?
Do you have the money to buy a brand new car? New car prices have escalated in recent years. And while there are many financing avenues available, don’t fall prey to thinking that you can finance a new car when maybe it’s a stretch.
How long are the finance terms? To be sure you can really afford the vehicle, follow this rule of thumb. Make sure you can comfortably finance your car for a three-year te...
Plus, buying a car also establishes your credit in a major way. That’s why it’s important to enter the car buying market informed and prepared.
Before you begin your search, make sure you have solid answers to these 3 questions.
What’s Your Budget for Buying A Car?
Do you have the money to buy a brand new car? New car prices have escalated in recent years. And while there are many financing avenues available, don’t fall prey to thinking that you can finance a new car when maybe it’s a stretch.
How long are the finance terms? To be sure you can really afford the vehicle, follow this rule of thumb. Make sure you can comfortably finance your car for a three-year te...
Pros and Cons of Buying A New Car and Buying A Used Car
Time to jump into the car buying market? That’s an exciting time unless you’re unsure about which is the better route, buying a new car or buying a used car.
Both avenues have their pros and cons, and both offer a variety of choices. The good news is there is no wrong decision. It’s what works for you.
However, it is important to understand the financial difference your choice makes over the next few years. How do you know which avenue is right for you? Let’s dive in.
New Car Buying Advantages
Owning a new car is always a thrill. You walk a little taller, take the long way home, and find reasons to drive your new vehicle. But there are also several other advantages that last long after the newness has worn off:
• A manufacturer’s warranty
• Few repairs during ...
5 Best Used Cars That Get Great Gas Mileage in 2020
As a Harrisonburg, VA car dealer, Joe Bowman Chevy has all types of used cars coming through our doors, not just new Chevys and Cadillacs.
We get quality cars like Ford, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Toyota, Lexus, Chevrolet, and more.
With every single used vehicle that comes our way, our Chevy certified technicians thoroughly inspect each one. In fact, all Joe Bowman used cars must pass a 75-point inspection before they can be placed for sale on our lot.
Additionally, all of our preowned vehicles have limited warranties, either 30 or 90 days, depending on the mileage and age of the vehicle. You can rest assured that to the very best of our ability, your newer car is in good working condition and every system on it functions perfectly.
So, what are the be...
When is the Best Time to Buy A Used Truck (in 2020)?
Pickup trucks can run for well over 100,000 miles with good care. And truck owners are bonded to their vehicles like glue.
So, when the time comes to buy another truck, it can get a bit emotional, even for truck owners. But once you face the inevitable, want to save some money and still get a good quality vehicle, think about buying a pre-owned truck.
The question is, though, when is the best time to buy a used truck? The short answer is if you need a newer vehicle now, then now is the best time to buy.
If, however, you have some time for truck shopping, you’ve got options to make your truck buying experience easier. Here’s our take on when is the best time to buy a used truck.
These Holiday Weekends Were Meant for Truck Buying
A great way to kick off summer is to ...
Is It Better to Buy A Car Online or at the Dealership?
“Can I buy a new car online?” “Can I buy a used car online?”
These are some of the questions we hear at our Harrisonburg car dealership. When we tell shoppers that the answer is “yes” to both questions, we then hear, “Is it better to buy a car online or at the dealership?”
It’s a valid question, but it’s not a “yes or no” answer. Whether you’re shopping for a new car or a road ready used car, the answer is, “Both.”
How to Use the Internet to Buy A Car Online (Or at Least Reserve It)
Let’s say you’ve been browsing the Joe Bowman car inventory. Doesn’t matter whether it’s a new car or used.
You find the vehicle you think you’d like to buy. Now what? It’s pretty simple. With our Shop. Click. Buy program, you can pick out the trim and accessori...
The KBB Used Car Value Guide: Why It’s an Invaluable Car-Buying Tool
When you’re ready to jump into the used car market, it can be overwhelming. What’s the real value of my vehicle? Is the price the dealer’s asking fair? These questions are top-of-mind for used car buyers entering the market.
That’s why there’s no better tool to have on hand than the Kelley Blue Book or KBB used car value guide. The gold standard in the auto industry since the 1920’s and trusted by millions, it’s used to calculate new and used car values.
The KBB price guide determines a fair market value of your used car, truck, or SUV with only a small amount of information. It answers that all-important question, “What is the Kelley Blue Book value of my used car?”
Here’s how it works. On the KBB site, you simply enter the mileage, general condition, make and model of your vehicle, as well ...
That’s why there’s no better tool to have on hand than the Kelley Blue Book or KBB used car value guide. The gold standard in the auto industry since the 1920’s and trusted by millions, it’s used to calculate new and used car values.
The KBB price guide determines a fair market value of your used car, truck, or SUV with only a small amount of information. It answers that all-important question, “What is the Kelley Blue Book value of my used car?”
Here’s how it works. On the KBB site, you simply enter the mileage, general condition, make and model of your vehicle, as well ...
The Real Reason New Cars are Now Required to Have Backup Cameras
October 19, 2002 will never be forgotten by pediatrician, Dr. Greg Gulbransen and his family. It was the night he accidentally backed over his two-year old son, Cameron.
Dr. Gulbransen’s driving was not the issue. He was sober and driving slowly. Checking his rear view and side mirrors and looking over his shoulder to make sure no one was nearby, he put his car in reverse.
Then the unthinkable happened, and there was absolutely nothing Dr. Gulbransen could have done differently to save the life of his toddler. Cameron had crawled underneath the vehicle.
Horrified and outraged, Dr. Gulbransen couldn’t mourn and let it go. Instead, he took action. It would take 16 years, but the physician was determined to make new cars safer for everyone, especially children.
The 2008 Backup Camer...
7 New Car Driving Practices You Should Never Do! (Surprising Advice!)
So, you just bought that new car and you’re dying to find out just what it can do. Not so fast! There are a few things you should know before you put the pedal to the metal and do a wheelie.
Check out our seven new car driving practices you should never do. Follow them and give your vehicle every opportunity to last as long as possible.
About That Pedal to the Medal Thing
Those Jack rabbit starts, you know like you see people do when a traffic light turns green? Avoid them.
They can really harm your engine, especially during the break in period of the first 1,000 miles. Flooring it will just wear down your piston rings and any manufacturer imperfections can be compromised by hot spots. Don’t do it!
Cruise Control
We love cruise control the same as the next person. It’s great for ...
Leasing vs Buying A New Car in 2020: 5 Ways to Know What’s Right for You
Deciding to purchase a new vehicle is a big decision! Deciding on the best avenue can seem like a difficult task. Which is more advantageous, leasing or buying a new car in 2020?
Read on to determine which is the right avenue for you.
Leasing vs Buying A Car: Pros and Cons
Young Drivers
It allows you to have lower monthly payments while you’re paying back student loans or other monthly bill...
To help you answer that important question, we’ve laid out five types of drivers. Some are perfect for leasing; others are perfect for buying.
Read on to determine which is the right avenue for you.
Leasing vs Buying A Car: Pros and Cons
Young Drivers
Starting out is tough! You need every financial advantage possible. So, if you’ve just gotten that first job, or you’re going to college or grad school, PLUS you have little or no credit history, leasing may be the perfect avenue for you!
It allows you to have lower monthly payments while you’re paying back student loans or other monthly bill...
3 Cool New Cars from General Motors in 2020 (You Don’t Want to Miss)
As a Harrisonburg, VA car dealership, we’re always excited when the new year of luxury cars are unveiled. And this year is no exception.
GM has rolled out three new cars that we think are dynamite luxury vehicles. Take a look at these new cars and see if you feel the same way.
Cadillac CT4
This entry level sedan combines the best of both worlds, luxury and enthusiastic performance. Adorned with uncluttered styling, the Cadillac CT4 fills the void left by the discontinuation of the Cadillac ATS. And no doubt it will.
Powered by a 2.0 Liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. (AWD is available on all of the lineup).
The Premium Luxur...
