Buying A Used Truck? Evaluate These 3 Areas First
If you’re thinking about buying a used truck, you already know there’s more to consider than when buying a used car.
Think about it.
Pickups were made to live a workhorse lifestyle. So, what exactly should you look for? Here are three areas to consider.
Towing and Hauling
The first thing you want to consider when you’re in the used truck market is what was the truck used for? Was it used to tow and haul on a regular basis?
If the truck you’re looking at spent half its life hooked up to a trailer, there may be excessive wear on the mechanical components.
If you’re buying privately, ask the owner for a list of work receipts performed on the vehicle by their mechanic. This should tell you something about the vehicle’s history.
If you’re buying from Joe Bowman, the large majority of our vehicles are...
Think about it.
Pickups were made to live a workhorse lifestyle. So, what exactly should you look for? Here are three areas to consider.
Towing and Hauling
The first thing you want to consider when you’re in the used truck market is what was the truck used for? Was it used to tow and haul on a regular basis?
If the truck you’re looking at spent half its life hooked up to a trailer, there may be excessive wear on the mechanical components.
If you’re buying privately, ask the owner for a list of work receipts performed on the vehicle by their mechanic. This should tell you something about the vehicle’s history.
If you’re buying from Joe Bowman, the large majority of our vehicles are...

New Car Care Tip: How to Drive Your New Vehicle
Who isn’t excited to get behind the wheel of a new car? It’s exhilarating! But what can you do to keep your car running like you just drove it off the lot?
You’ve probably heard that you need to break it in gently. Or, that new cars are ready for a big work out right from the git-go.
It is true that decades ago new vehicles did need to be slowly and systematically broken in. This was to let the engine settle into to its full capacity.
Well, new cars do need some breaking in but it’s really minor. For starters, it’s important to let the engine loosen up with some easy driving initially.
Find some time to drive it around the neighborhood a bit before you tax it on the freeway.
And no, idling is not a proper warmup. Drive. Your. Car. You want to try and keep this practice for the first 1,000 mil...

11 Common Car Maintenance Rules (That Keep Your Car Running Smoothly)
When you buy a new or used car, the goal is always to keep the vehicle in great condition for as long as possible. Whether you decide to re-sell it later or trade it in for another vehicle, you want the vehicle to retain value.
Although here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, our service department sees problems that could easily have been avoided if the vehicle had been properly serviced. Here's what to do to keep your vehicle humming along for years to come.
Inspect Your Vehicle Regularly
Your owner’s manual contains everything you need to know to keep your car healthy. Get acquainted with it and refer to it regularly.
Learn the Different Warning Lights
New cars today have sophisticated sensors and warning systems that let you know immediately when something is not working.
Do you know what each of the...
Although here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, our service department sees problems that could easily have been avoided if the vehicle had been properly serviced. Here's what to do to keep your vehicle humming along for years to come.
Inspect Your Vehicle Regularly
Your owner’s manual contains everything you need to know to keep your car healthy. Get acquainted with it and refer to it regularly.
Learn the Different Warning Lights
New cars today have sophisticated sensors and warning systems that let you know immediately when something is not working.
Do you know what each of the...

Shop. Click. Drive: Buy A New Car Online (And Love It)
The pandemic has created special challenges for all of us. Whether you’re running a business or running to the store for groceries, we’ve never lived through times like these!
We’re glad to say that there is one thing that hasn’t changed. If you want to buy a new Chevrolet, you can still safely do that with our Shop. Click. Drive program
It allows you to:
• Shop any time of the day or night, 24/7
• Shop from home—no need to come to the dealership
• Watch informative videos
All the information you need to know is conveniently in one place on our website. Simply browse our inventory. Once you’ve found the vehicle you want to buy, click the “Start Buying Process“ button.
Here you can enter your zip code, then view and select local offers.
Yes, You Can Calculate Your Payment, Too
Shop. Click. Drive al...
We’re glad to say that there is one thing that hasn’t changed. If you want to buy a new Chevrolet, you can still safely do that with our Shop. Click. Drive program
It allows you to:
• Shop any time of the day or night, 24/7
• Shop from home—no need to come to the dealership
• Watch informative videos
All the information you need to know is conveniently in one place on our website. Simply browse our inventory. Once you’ve found the vehicle you want to buy, click the “Start Buying Process“ button.
Here you can enter your zip code, then view and select local offers.
Yes, You Can Calculate Your Payment, Too
Shop. Click. Drive al...

Truck Maintenance Tips 101: Fluids and Lubrications
Trucks give you a freedom that cars can’t. That’s why people love them! Off road use, four wheel drive, hauling ability, an enviable view….What’s not to love?
To keep your vehicle running smoothly, there are numerous small maintenance tasks to do. However, for this post, we want to focus on truck maintenance tips involving fluids and lubrications. If these aren’t cared for properly, your pickup truck won’t live a long healthy life.
Heavy duty tasks like towing and hauling add a lot of wear and tear to a truck. So how can you make that wear and tear less?
Make sure your fluids are clean. This will greatly reduce how much wear a vehicle incurs.
Naturally, you always want to check the owner’s manual and follow the recommendations for fluid and filter changes. This is especially true if you have...
To keep your vehicle running smoothly, there are numerous small maintenance tasks to do. However, for this post, we want to focus on truck maintenance tips involving fluids and lubrications. If these aren’t cared for properly, your pickup truck won’t live a long healthy life.
Heavy duty tasks like towing and hauling add a lot of wear and tear to a truck. So how can you make that wear and tear less?
Make sure your fluids are clean. This will greatly reduce how much wear a vehicle incurs.
Naturally, you always want to check the owner’s manual and follow the recommendations for fluid and filter changes. This is especially true if you have...

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...

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 term. If...
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 term. If...

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 the first years of ownership
• Low re...

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 best used cars to buy that get great gas m...

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 buy a good used truc...

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 accessories, if it’s a new vehicle.
If it’s a used veh...

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 ...
