What is a Good Gas Mileage for a Used Truck?
When you’re ready to buy a good, used truck, one of the biggest questions that comes up is mileage. You want a truck that works well and doesn’t need constant fixing due to wear and tear.
That’s why the number of miles on a truck can—to some extent—be a good barometer of the health of the vehicle. But it’s not the whole picture.
The rule of thumb has been the lower the odometer miles, the better. With gas engines, you want a used truck with under 100,000 miles. But today, that’s not always the case.
If you’re looking to buy a diesel, you want under 200,000. But in both cases, you want to strongly consider the truck’s overall condition.
Buying A Used Truck: Check Wear and Tear
The number of miles a truck has indicates a certain amount of wear and tear on the components. That’s just the nature of...
That’s why the number of miles on a truck can—to some extent—be a good barometer of the health of the vehicle. But it’s not the whole picture.
The rule of thumb has been the lower the odometer miles, the better. With gas engines, you want a used truck with under 100,000 miles. But today, that’s not always the case.
If you’re looking to buy a diesel, you want under 200,000. But in both cases, you want to strongly consider the truck’s overall condition.
Buying A Used Truck: Check Wear and Tear
The number of miles a truck has indicates a certain amount of wear and tear on the components. That’s just the nature of...
Should You Winterize A New Car?
If you bought a new car before 1980, winterizing it was necessary to keep it running in tip top shape throughout the winter.
Today, it’s a different story. New vehicles don’t require extensive winterizing to perform at their best. You can thank advanced auto technology which allows a vehicle to start right up even in the coldest weather with no special care.
However, there are still a few simple tasks you should do before Old Man Winter makes an appearance.
Check Your Battery
Cold weather is hard on a car battery.
The chemical reactions necessary to generate your battery’s power slow down in very cold temperatures. Plus, cold weather means your engine needs more current from the battery to start the vehicle.
Have your mechanic or the certified Chevy service technicians at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza c...
Today, it’s a different story. New vehicles don’t require extensive winterizing to perform at their best. You can thank advanced auto technology which allows a vehicle to start right up even in the coldest weather with no special care.
However, there are still a few simple tasks you should do before Old Man Winter makes an appearance.
Check Your Battery
Cold weather is hard on a car battery.
The chemical reactions necessary to generate your battery’s power slow down in very cold temperatures. Plus, cold weather means your engine needs more current from the battery to start the vehicle.
Have your mechanic or the certified Chevy service technicians at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza c...
Harrisonburg Chevrolet 2021 Camaro: Muscle Car All the Way!
It's true. Muscle cars haven’t died, they’ve just evolved. And nothing could be truer for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro. Diehard Harrisonburg Chevrolet fans are loving the sporty, peppy performance, and its impressive choice of engine choices.
• 275-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four
• 335-hp 3.6-liter V6
• 455-hp 6.2-liter V8
• 650-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8
Want maximum muscle car experience? Choose the crown jewel of engines, the 6.2-liter V8. But you’ll find that even the 4-cyclinder and V6 are also punchy. No matter your engine choice, the Camaro is a strong performer that easily blends speed with precision and lots of enjoyment.
And dare we say, that most Camaro models will out drag an equivalent Mustang by a slight ...
• 275-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four
• 335-hp 3.6-liter V6
• 455-hp 6.2-liter V8
• 650-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8
Want maximum muscle car experience? Choose the crown jewel of engines, the 6.2-liter V8. But you’ll find that even the 4-cyclinder and V6 are also punchy. No matter your engine choice, the Camaro is a strong performer that easily blends speed with precision and lots of enjoyment.
And dare we say, that most Camaro models will out drag an equivalent Mustang by a slight ...
Financing A Used Car: Is It Really Difficult?
Sometimes customers who come to the Joe Bowman dealership are a little leery about buying a preowned car, much less financing a used car.
It’s understandable. Whether you buy privately or through a dealer, there’s always that nagging doubt about whether the vehicle is in good working condition.
Shop This Harrisonburg Used Car Dealer with Confidence
You can imagine customers’ surprise when we explain that nearly all of our pre-owned vehicles are Carfax-approved. What’s more, every vehicle that comes to our Harrisonburg used car lot must pass a 75-point inspection or it’s not for sale.
And finally, we back up every sale with either a 30 or 90-day warranty. You can buy a pre-owned truck, car, or SUV with complete confidence from our dealership.
Before You Buy: Do Your Financing Homework
Before you’...
It’s understandable. Whether you buy privately or through a dealer, there’s always that nagging doubt about whether the vehicle is in good working condition.
Shop This Harrisonburg Used Car Dealer with Confidence
You can imagine customers’ surprise when we explain that nearly all of our pre-owned vehicles are Carfax-approved. What’s more, every vehicle that comes to our Harrisonburg used car lot must pass a 75-point inspection or it’s not for sale.
And finally, we back up every sale with either a 30 or 90-day warranty. You can buy a pre-owned truck, car, or SUV with complete confidence from our dealership.
Before You Buy: Do Your Financing Homework
Before you’...
What is the Best Way to Wash A New Car?
We’ve seen it time and again. When a person buys a new car, they think they don’t need to do anything to it. Remember, you just invested a lot of money into your vehicle, so you want to preserve your investment, enhancing the resale value.
Maintaining both the interior and exterior is important, but this time, we want to talk about how to clean the car’s exterior.
Washing Your New Car
The first thing you need to know is that the number one cause of swirl marks on cars is car washing! To protect the paint, always use a high quality mitt, car wash shampoo, and microfiber drying towels.
Don’t use a detergent because it can strip your car’s wax and cause stains. Before washing, you want to make sure the paint is cool to the touch. Rinse your car thoroughly; this will loosen and remove harmful dirt...
Maintaining both the interior and exterior is important, but this time, we want to talk about how to clean the car’s exterior.
Washing Your New Car
The first thing you need to know is that the number one cause of swirl marks on cars is car washing! To protect the paint, always use a high quality mitt, car wash shampoo, and microfiber drying towels.
Don’t use a detergent because it can strip your car’s wax and cause stains. Before washing, you want to make sure the paint is cool to the touch. Rinse your car thoroughly; this will loosen and remove harmful dirt...
The Harrisonburg Used Car Preventative Checklist
Harrisonburg used car buyers know one thing for sure. The surest path to a long healthy relationship with your vehicle is the old adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
If you want to maximize your car’s life (and who doesn’t?) every used car owner knows you need short term and long-term checkups. It’s the best way to keep your vehicle way into old age.
Yes, it takes a little bit of effort, but it is so worth it. Not only will your car perform better over its life but if you decide to sell it, you can ask top dollar for it!
Here’s what we recommend for short term checkups:
Air Filter
Because your air filter regulates air flow to your engine, you want to make sure that your air filter is doing its job properly. Check to make sure it’s keeping out debris and particulates. Doing s...
If you want to maximize your car’s life (and who doesn’t?) every used car owner knows you need short term and long-term checkups. It’s the best way to keep your vehicle way into old age.
Yes, it takes a little bit of effort, but it is so worth it. Not only will your car perform better over its life but if you decide to sell it, you can ask top dollar for it!
Here’s what we recommend for short term checkups:
Air Filter
Because your air filter regulates air flow to your engine, you want to make sure that your air filter is doing its job properly. Check to make sure it’s keeping out debris and particulates. Doing s...
10 Steps Every Used Truck Owner Should Take for A Long Lasting Ride
Harrisonburg used truck owners are pretty darn serious about their trucks. And it's no wonder. Trucks are considered to be some of the most durable vehicles on the road. But if you don’t give them the care they need, they won’t stay durable.
That's why we’ve put together 10 essential care tips, some of which are common sense but sometimes overlooked. Following these tips will make sure your truck loves you back mile after mile.
Transmission
If you’re driving a 4 x 4 off road, the transmission is getting seriously taxed. Invest in an oil cooler if your vehicle doesn’t have an auxiliary one. Automatic transmissions tend to overheat more so than manuals when driven off road. Make sure you change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.
Differentials
The gears on the front and rear axles ar...
That's why we’ve put together 10 essential care tips, some of which are common sense but sometimes overlooked. Following these tips will make sure your truck loves you back mile after mile.
Transmission
If you’re driving a 4 x 4 off road, the transmission is getting seriously taxed. Invest in an oil cooler if your vehicle doesn’t have an auxiliary one. Automatic transmissions tend to overheat more so than manuals when driven off road. Make sure you change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.
Differentials
The gears on the front and rear axles ar...
Buying A Used Car? Is Age or Mileage More Important?
When buying a used car, there seems to be two ways consumers gauge the worth, the number of miles and the vehicle’s age. Both of these factors also affect pricing.
For example, a car that’s eight years will carry a lower price tag than one that’s two years old. And a car with 100,000 miles is usually less costly than one with only 20,000 miles.
But what if the vehicle is two years old and has 100,000 miles on it? Or, a vehicle is 7 years old and only has 15,000 miles on it?
Which should cause you more consideration before buying? Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we sell lots of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. We’ve been doing it for 60+ years.
Here’s our take on it.
Mileage
A car’s odometer tells the story of much life it has lived. So mileage should be a big consideration before purchasing. A car w...
For example, a car that’s eight years will carry a lower price tag than one that’s two years old. And a car with 100,000 miles is usually less costly than one with only 20,000 miles.
But what if the vehicle is two years old and has 100,000 miles on it? Or, a vehicle is 7 years old and only has 15,000 miles on it?
Which should cause you more consideration before buying? Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we sell lots of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. We’ve been doing it for 60+ years.
Here’s our take on it.
Mileage
A car’s odometer tells the story of much life it has lived. So mileage should be a big consideration before purchasing. A car w...
8 of the Best Hiking Spots in the Shenandoah Valley
Living an active lifestyle isn't difficult when you live in a place like Harrisonburg, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. There are plenty of trails for the novice hiker and adventurous sort alike, and we've compiled a list of the best 8 for you to check out!
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Located at 780 University Boulevard, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is one of Harrisonburg's most well-known, but still hidden, treasures. Both an arboretum and botanical gardens, this is a great place that will appeal to the whole family. Kids will love the abundance of trees, flowers, and wildlife that are prevalent at this destination. Here you'll find more than two miles of hiking trails perfect for an afternoon trek.
Hillandale Park
Next up on the list, and also located in Ha...
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Located at 780 University Boulevard, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is one of Harrisonburg's most well-known, but still hidden, treasures. Both an arboretum and botanical gardens, this is a great place that will appeal to the whole family. Kids will love the abundance of trees, flowers, and wildlife that are prevalent at this destination. Here you'll find more than two miles of hiking trails perfect for an afternoon trek.
Hillandale Park
Next up on the list, and also located in Ha...
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 When Buying A Car
Documents to Bring When Buying A Car
- 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 I...
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...
