Buying A New or Used Car? Know These Car-Buying Terms First
When you’re buying a used car or a new car from Harrisonburg car dealerships, there are car-buying terms that’s important to know. At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we want you to be as informed as possible about purchasing a vehicle.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the less common terms used when buying a car orleasing one
Leasing Terms and Fees
Acquisition Fee
Lenders charge this fee to dealers to finance your lease. This fee is passed on to the buyer. Because there is no negotiating room with lenders, dealers rarely have the opportunity to negotiate this fee with the buyer.
Closed-End Lease
This is most common type of car lease. There is an agreed upon term, usually 36 months. At the end of the lease, the lessee has the option to purchase the vehicle at a ...
3 Big Reasons to Buy A Used Truck Instead of a New One
It's no secret that trucks are in big demand today. And that trend shows no sign of slowing down.
So why are trucks so popular? That answer is easy. Trucks have come a long way, baby! Gone are the days of jarring rides, uncomfortable seats, and bare bones gadgets to enjoy.
Today's trucks, including used trucks, are safer, have more comfort features, and softer rides. Plus, trucks now have additional cab seating, a big trend over the last decade.
However, with larger interiors, truck beds have become shorter. The standard 8-foot bed has given way to crew cabs like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Its bed is 5' 8," the shortest bed available, but truck buyers don't seem to mind.
With all these modern conveniences, you might ask why should you buy a used truck? We've got three reasons that ...
How to Choose A Good Used Car
As a quality used car dealership in Harrisonburg, VA, every day we see customers from all walks of life looking for a good used car.
Their top concern is finding a preowned car that meets their lifestyle needs and is also a quality car. These serious car buyers have asked us some really excellent questions.
We’ve listed four of those questions here and our answers.
How Do I Find A Good Used Car?
There are really only two ways to buy a car, through a dealership or privately. If you know the private seller well, you may feel comfortable buying directly from the owner.
Even so, that doesn’t preclude that there could be a mechanical problem with the car, one not known by the seller.
If you’re going to buy privately, we recommend the following:
• Find the market valu...
The Advantages of Buying A Car from Harrisonburg Car Dealer Joe Bowman Chevy
When you’re buying a used car, you’ve got two options. You can buy directly from a private owner or through a Harrisonburg car dealer like Joe Bowman.
Buying privately can be very laidback, so why should you consider our dealership? Here’s our take on it.
Limited Used Car Warranties
Before any used vehicle is placed on our lot for sale, it must pass a rigorous 75-point inspection. Our certified Chevy service experts look for issues, then correct them.
To the best of our ability, we make sure the vehicle is mechanically sound and that every feature on it works beautifully.
Providing the highest level of car care and customer service is extremely important to us! That’s why we back up our work with either a 30 or 90-day warranty on all of our used vehicles, depending on ...
Car Maintenance Problems: 5 Simple Ways to Avoid Them!
As a used car dealer in Harrisonburg, VA, we see all makes and models of vehicles come through our dealership service department. Our Chevy certified technicians have seen all kinds of problems on a wide variety of makes and models.
We’ve learned over the years, that some of the biggest car maintenance problems car owners face are simply because they avoid performing simple, routine tasks.
That’s why we thought we’d share some of the simple ways you can avoid these problems while preserving and extending your car’s life.
Car Wash
Yes, it seems too simple. You might be wondering how washing your car can keep it problem-free. Think about it. In the winter, road salts stick like glue to the undercarriage. In the summer, pollen, bugs, sap, bird droppings, and pollen ...
Harrisonburg Auto Loans: Bank Loan or Dealer Financing?
When you’re ready to buy a new or newer car, truck, or SUV, financing rates are always a top concern. And it should be!
Finding banks that offer Harrisonburg auto loans are easy enough to do. And you’ll find competitive rates.
But many of our customers are surprised to learn that dealer financing is competitive with local lending institutions. In fact, we can meet or beat most other financing rates.
How Does Dealer Financing Work?
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we can offer competitive rates because of our large financing network of lenders. This allows us the advantage of shopping around to find the best auto loan rate that fits your budget.
What’s more, our car loans are simple interest loans with no pre-payment penalties. You can pay additional am...
5 Essential Tips for Buying A Used Truck
There are a lot of drivers in the Harrisonburg, VA area that want a solid, reliable truck to use for all kinds of reasons.
However, there’s a lot involved when it comes to buying a used truck that’s right for your lifestyle and budget. That’s why preparation is key.
It does take some research and time, but a little bit of effort now will mean you get the right truck at the right price. Check out our top 5 essential tips for picking the right next used truck.
Used Truck Buying Checklist
Know What You Want
More than anything, be honest about what kind of pickup you want to buy. Make a list of the features and benefits and stick to the list. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of the chase. Knowing ahead of time exactly what you’re looking to buy will keep you fo...
0% Auto Loan Financing: Is It Really Free Money?
Who doesn’t love a good deal? Everyone! So, it’s no wonder that people get excited about 0% auto loan financing. Many questions abound about this almost mythical loan option. What is it? How does it work? We dive in and answer the most common questions.
What Does 0% Finance Mean?
It means that you’re borrowing money to buy the vehicle but paying no interest on the money borrowed. Essentially, you’re paying the same amount a cash buyer would but with the privilege of spreading payments out over a set term.
Who Offers 0% Financing and Why?
Automakers generally offer this type of loan to sell more of a particular vehicle. For example, 0% financing typically occurs during the summer to grow more sales for outgoing models.
What is the Catch with 0% Financing?
There isn’t on...
Why Our Harrisonburg Car Dealership Recommends the Malibu for Teen Drivers
For the teen in your life, getting behind the wheel means freedom, but for parents? It’s a bit scary.
Most parents know that car crashes are the leading cause of injury and death in teens. While parents want their young adult to enjoy their new freedom, they also want a vehicle that will help keep them safe on the road.
That’s why, when teens approach the driving age, parents ask,” What is the best car for a teen age driver?”
As a Chevrolet Harrisonburg car dealership, we’re proud to say that the Malibu is a top choice for parents of teen drivers because its features are designed to encourage good driver habits.
But what if you don’t want to buy a brand new car for your teen? Good news! In 2016, Chevy rolled out the ninth-generation model Malibu ...
7 Signs It’s Time for A New Car Battery
Your car is pretty good at letting you know what it needs. From splutters, pings, and growls, it will let you know in no uncertain terms it needs attention.
And that is certainly true for batteries. That’s why we’ve outlined 7 sure signs that it’s time for a new car battery. Ignore at your peril!
Engine is Slow to Start
Battery components wear out over time. When that happens, the battery won’t take a charge quickly. You’ll have to wait a few seconds for the engine to kick in. This sign is usually a last gasp before you have to haul out the RIP sign.
Electrical Issues and Dim Lights
Do the lights inside your car seem dimmer? If your battery is dying, it will affect everything from your radio to the dashboard computer. That’s because the battery is the electrical juice ...
Harrisonburg New Car Buying: 7 Insider Tips to Make the Process A Breeze
Whether you buy a new car every few years or once in a decade, there are always a few guidelines you want to follow consistently. One of the most important Harrisonburg new car buying points we can stress as a Harrisonburg car dealership is to be informed!
We love it when customers have done their homework and know exactly what they want. Here are our 7 tips to get you behind the wheel of your new vehicle quickly and easily.
Know What You Like and Dislike About Your Current Car or truck
You’ve had the vehicle for a long time so know what you want upgraded in your next car. Is it better fuel economy? More technology? Whatever it is you want, make a list!
Knowing what features you love and want to keep, as well as what you want to upgrade will guide you toward y...
Chevy Truck Maintenance: Why Your Truck Needs Different Maintenance Than Your Car
Chevy truck lovers are more likely to run over potholes, sail over speed bumps, and plow through deep puddles. Let’s face it. You treat your truck differently than your car, and that’s how it should be.
Trucks don’t live pampered lives! You expect that big boy to perform, and he does. From the big-sized tires to the transmission, your truck has to work harder to compensate for all that extra weight it hauls around. That’s why Chevy truck maintenance is so important.
Your Truck’s Brakes
Even though you sit higher off the ground, your brakes don’t. Action such as driving through deep water, especially when the brakes are already hot, will cool the calipers rapidly. Water destroys brake fluid causing corrosion in the brake system. And that’s expensive!
What can you do to pro...
