7 Steps to Prepare to Apply for A Car Loan
Buying a car is a serious investment, one that requires thought and planning. So how do you prepare to apply for a car loan? Here are the 7 steps that will get you ready!
Credit Reports
Before you do anything, check your credit report with the major credit bureaus. Look for possible errors and dispute any that you find. According to Experian, it typically takes 10-14 business days to correct errors. This can be an easy way to give your credit score a lift!
Pre-Qualify
Use the Joe Bowman pre-qualification app to determine how much you spend on a car, determine loan length and your estimated monthly payment.
You’ll also want to run insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs as well.
Research Cars
Not sure whether to buy a new or used car? Once you know your budget, look for cars that meet your lifesty...
Credit Reports
Before you do anything, check your credit report with the major credit bureaus. Look for possible errors and dispute any that you find. According to Experian, it typically takes 10-14 business days to correct errors. This can be an easy way to give your credit score a lift!
Pre-Qualify
Use the Joe Bowman pre-qualification app to determine how much you spend on a car, determine loan length and your estimated monthly payment.
You’ll also want to run insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs as well.
Research Cars
Not sure whether to buy a new or used car? Once you know your budget, look for cars that meet your lifesty...
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: Mid-Engine Sports Car (2020 Car of the Year)
It was the third time the Corvette was honored by a select 50-member jury of independent journalists as car of the year. First in 1998, again in 2014, and then, in 2020.
The North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year Awards honors automotive excellence in safety, design, performance, driver satisfaction, value, and technology.
Originally founded in 1994 by Christopher Jensen, NACTOY awards are judged by approximately 50 professional automotive journalist jurors from both Canada and the US.
These journalists work for independent magazines, radio, TV, industry websites, and newspapers.
Chevrolet Corvette Mid-Engine Marvel
For the new 2021 year, the Chevy Corvette continues to carve out its legacy with its mid-engine marvel. The balance of design and performance puts you out in front with ...
3 Ways to Pay Off Your Car Loan Faster
Have you ever wondered if you really could pay off your car loan faster? Think of what you could do with the extra money! Save for a home, take more vacations, build up your savings account…the list is practically endless.
The good news is there are ways to whittle down that balance so that you can free up your money. Here are three of the most common ways.
Make Extra Monthly Payment to Pay Off Your Car Loan Faster
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we have simple interest loans. That means you can pay extra on your car loan—or pay it off early—with no penalty. Paying an additional $100 per month on the principle of your loan equals an additional $1200 per year reduction in the loan amount.
That’s important. Because the quicker you reduce the principle amount, the less interest you will accrue and...
The good news is there are ways to whittle down that balance so that you can free up your money. Here are three of the most common ways.
Make Extra Monthly Payment to Pay Off Your Car Loan Faster
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we have simple interest loans. That means you can pay extra on your car loan—or pay it off early—with no penalty. Paying an additional $100 per month on the principle of your loan equals an additional $1200 per year reduction in the loan amount.
That’s important. Because the quicker you reduce the principle amount, the less interest you will accrue and...
Trading in a Car at a Dealership: How Does It Work?
Ready to buy a new car or a quality used car but still have your old vehicle? When you’re ready move on, there are three ways to part with it. You can sell it privately, sell it outright to a dealership, or you can trade it in.
Trading in a car at a dealership can resolve the issue of trying to sell it yourself. You won’t have to pay for ads, negotiate a price, get an appraisal, and do all the legal paperwork required with selling a car.
With a trade-in, simply come to an agreed upon price with the dealer and let them handle the rest.
When Trading in a Car at a Dealership is a Good Idea
How do you know when it’s a good idea to trade in your vehicle? The best scenario is when:
• The vehicle is paid for
• The vehicle is in good to excellent condition
• &nbs...
Trading in a car at a dealership can resolve the issue of trying to sell it yourself. You won’t have to pay for ads, negotiate a price, get an appraisal, and do all the legal paperwork required with selling a car.
With a trade-in, simply come to an agreed upon price with the dealer and let them handle the rest.
When Trading in a Car at a Dealership is a Good Idea
How do you know when it’s a good idea to trade in your vehicle? The best scenario is when:
• The vehicle is paid for
• The vehicle is in good to excellent condition
• &nbs...
3 Big Factors That Affect Your Monthly Car Loan Payment
What’s the biggest purchase you’ll ever make in your lifetime? Buying a house. The second biggest? Buying a vehicle. Just like buying a house, it takes planning and preparation to buy a new car or a quality used car.
In fact, there are three big factors that affect your monthly car loan payment: car loan amount, interest rate, and loan terms. All of it together takes planning and careful consideration to help you get the best loan terms possible.
Here’s a breakdown.
Car Loan Amount
When you’re approved for a car loan, the lender will specify the amount of money you’ll borrow, the interest you’ll pay, and the time period for repayment.
The amount of money you can borrow hinges on:
• whether you still owe money on your current vehicle
• the purchase price ...
In fact, there are three big factors that affect your monthly car loan payment: car loan amount, interest rate, and loan terms. All of it together takes planning and careful consideration to help you get the best loan terms possible.
Here’s a breakdown.
Car Loan Amount
When you’re approved for a car loan, the lender will specify the amount of money you’ll borrow, the interest you’ll pay, and the time period for repayment.
The amount of money you can borrow hinges on:
• whether you still owe money on your current vehicle
• the purchase price ...
3 Types of Detergents to Use to Wash Your Car (and 3 to Avoid)
You’ve put it off and now your car really needs a good scrub. You might be tempted to grab whatever you have around the house to clean your car, but it’s not a good idea.
Laundry detergent, shampoo, and dish detergent are all commonly used to wash your car, but here’s why you shouldn’t reach for them first.
Dish detergent
Great for cutting through grease, dish soap is too abrasive to use on your vehicle’s delicate clear coat. A lot of leading brands use toxic chemicals and corrosives that can eat through that wax coating underneath the dirt.
Laundry detergent
The same is true for laundry detergent. It was made to cut through dirt and grime to clean your clothes which means that chemicals are put in the product formula. These chemicals can easily compromise the porous coat on your car causing it...
Laundry detergent, shampoo, and dish detergent are all commonly used to wash your car, but here’s why you shouldn’t reach for them first.
Dish detergent
Great for cutting through grease, dish soap is too abrasive to use on your vehicle’s delicate clear coat. A lot of leading brands use toxic chemicals and corrosives that can eat through that wax coating underneath the dirt.
Laundry detergent
The same is true for laundry detergent. It was made to cut through dirt and grime to clean your clothes which means that chemicals are put in the product formula. These chemicals can easily compromise the porous coat on your car causing it...
The 2021 Chevy Blazer: 3 Bold Personalities to Choose From
The 2021 Chevy Blazer offers a bold, sophisticated design that combines performance and capability with style! Your everyday drive will be anything but.
With three styles to choose from, you can decide whether you want athletic, elegant, or sporty. And travelers, you’re in for a treat.
Whether you pack light or pack big, the Blazer has a spacious, flexible cargo area that you can arrange to suit your needs.
• A split-folding seat—60/40 second row
• Max cargo volume—64.2 cu. Ft.
Available to add are:
• Floor mounted rail system including an adjustable cargo fence—Prevents luggage and groceries from shifting
• Horizontal cargo net—For smaller, more fragile items
• Flexible cargo partition
Chevy Blazer 2021: 3 En...
With three styles to choose from, you can decide whether you want athletic, elegant, or sporty. And travelers, you’re in for a treat.
Whether you pack light or pack big, the Blazer has a spacious, flexible cargo area that you can arrange to suit your needs.
• A split-folding seat—60/40 second row
• Max cargo volume—64.2 cu. Ft.
Available to add are:
• Floor mounted rail system including an adjustable cargo fence—Prevents luggage and groceries from shifting
• Horizontal cargo net—For smaller, more fragile items
• Flexible cargo partition
Chevy Blazer 2021: 3 En...
The Real Reason You Should Wash Your Car in the Winter
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we know that when your buy a new car or one of our quality pre-owned vehicles, you’re making an investment. That’s why it’s so important to care for your car all year round.
With 60+ years in the auto industry, we’ve picked up some valuable car maintenance tips. A big one is caring for your car in winter.
When it’s cold outside, we’re betting your first thought isn’t to wash your car! You might even be tempted to put it off until Spring.
However, road salt, sand, and dirty snow can make your car nearly unrecognizable, but that’s not the only reason to wash your car in the winter.
The biggest reason is economical. Keeping your car clean year round is an investment. It preserves its resale and trade-in value.
The elements plus road treatments can cause your vehicle ...
With 60+ years in the auto industry, we’ve picked up some valuable car maintenance tips. A big one is caring for your car in winter.
When it’s cold outside, we’re betting your first thought isn’t to wash your car! You might even be tempted to put it off until Spring.
However, road salt, sand, and dirty snow can make your car nearly unrecognizable, but that’s not the only reason to wash your car in the winter.
The biggest reason is economical. Keeping your car clean year round is an investment. It preserves its resale and trade-in value.
The elements plus road treatments can cause your vehicle ...
5 Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Pickup Truck: A Review List
We’re right in the middle of cold weather, so now is a good time to review your winter maintenance tips for your pickup truck. To see how your truck is stacking up against Old Man Winter, we’ve put together a quick review sheet.
Antifreeze
Most trucks run on a ratio of 50/50 antifreeze to water. However, if your area’s temperatures regularly drop below zero, this may not be enough.
You can also remove some radiator fluid and replace it with straight antifreeze. Just remember to switch the antifreeze back to the 50/50 ratio for warm weather. Double check with your mechanic for the ratio he recommends.
And remember, it’s always a good idea to keep a periodic check on antifreeze levels during the winter.
Tires
Have you adjusted tire pressure so that it’s at the high end of the manufacturer’s recom...
Antifreeze
Most trucks run on a ratio of 50/50 antifreeze to water. However, if your area’s temperatures regularly drop below zero, this may not be enough.
You can also remove some radiator fluid and replace it with straight antifreeze. Just remember to switch the antifreeze back to the 50/50 ratio for warm weather. Double check with your mechanic for the ratio he recommends.
And remember, it’s always a good idea to keep a periodic check on antifreeze levels during the winter.
Tires
Have you adjusted tire pressure so that it’s at the high end of the manufacturer’s recom...
The 2021 Chevy Tahoe Sport Utility Vehicle
What better way to kick off the New Year than with the 2021 Chevy Tahoe sport utility vehicle? Although it’s hard to believe, Chevy has improved on one the most versatile and advanced SUV’s on the road.
The Tahoe has a bigger, more spacious cabin, smoother ride and handling, and, as always, a commanding presence.
The all-new Tahoe has six trims to choose from, each one carefully refined to help find the right blend of design and comfort for your needs. But there is one feature that’s non-negotiable.
Standard Safety Features for A Luxury SUV
While each trim has its own brand of luxury, there are some features that are a must for every level of trim!
That’s because Chevrolet is all about safety. Every Tahoe offers these five standard safety features:
Forward Collision Alert—Alerts you if it detec...
The Tahoe has a bigger, more spacious cabin, smoother ride and handling, and, as always, a commanding presence.
The all-new Tahoe has six trims to choose from, each one carefully refined to help find the right blend of design and comfort for your needs. But there is one feature that’s non-negotiable.
Standard Safety Features for A Luxury SUV
While each trim has its own brand of luxury, there are some features that are a must for every level of trim!
That’s because Chevrolet is all about safety. Every Tahoe offers these five standard safety features:
Forward Collision Alert—Alerts you if it detec...
Portable and Mounted Truck Toolboxes: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Truck owners use their vehicles for a variety of reasons such as business, farming, hunting, fishing, and camping, to name a few. But no matter how you use your truck, you can’t keep tools and accessories organized and safe without a good quality toolbox.
When you’re buying a truck toolbox, there are many considerations: plastic, aluminum or steel, side mounted, high or low-side, rust and weather resistant. The list is practically endless.
But when it comes to design, you basically have two choices, portable or mounted. Both of these designs have their pros and cons. Let’s take a look at each of them.
Mounted Truck Bed Toolboxes
This type of truck toolbox sometimes requires installation from a certified dealership because it requires minor drilling. Once installed, consider it a keeper because...
When you’re buying a truck toolbox, there are many considerations: plastic, aluminum or steel, side mounted, high or low-side, rust and weather resistant. The list is practically endless.
But when it comes to design, you basically have two choices, portable or mounted. Both of these designs have their pros and cons. Let’s take a look at each of them.
Mounted Truck Bed Toolboxes
This type of truck toolbox sometimes requires installation from a certified dealership because it requires minor drilling. Once installed, consider it a keeper because...
Synthetic vs Conventional Motor Oil: Is It Worth It to Use Synthetic Oil?
Motor oil is crucial for your vehicle’s smooth running and long lasting performance. But the world of motor oils has become a bit more complex. Today, we have three main types of motor oil to choose from: conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend.
Should you use synthetic oil instead of conventional? If you’re still trying to understand the vast difference between the two, this article will answer your questions.
The Difference Between Conventional and Synthetic Oil
Conventional oil is essentially refined crude oil pumped from the ground. It’s found in nature in areas like underground reservoirs and tar sands.
Synthetic oil is completely man made. That means it has fewer imperfections in its chemical buildup than does conventional oil. Companies that produce synthetic oil have spent a lot o...
Should you use synthetic oil instead of conventional? If you’re still trying to understand the vast difference between the two, this article will answer your questions.
The Difference Between Conventional and Synthetic Oil
Conventional oil is essentially refined crude oil pumped from the ground. It’s found in nature in areas like underground reservoirs and tar sands.
Synthetic oil is completely man made. That means it has fewer imperfections in its chemical buildup than does conventional oil. Companies that produce synthetic oil have spent a lot o...
