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 vehicle history provider of choice for 2,000 automotive websites and 31 manufacturer certified programs.

Over 85,000,000 times a year, car shoppers will access the Carfax Vehicle History Reports™ to learn more about the vehicle they want to buy. But that’s not all.

How Carfax Used Cars Empower Consumers

As a Harrisonburg Carfax Advantage dealer, Carfax has become our partner in selling quality pre-owned vehicles. We have unlimited access to Carfax Reports. That means when buying cars, we use the Report to make sure everything checks out.

Our salespeople also access Reports to give to our customers so they, too, can review the information. Plus, every used car we list online states clearly that it is a Carfax vehicle.

Consumers Don’t Have to be Used Cars Gurus

There was a time when consumers had to be wary of buying a car from anybody, privately or with a dealership.

And while we still strongly encourage buyers to be educated about the car they want to buy, Carfax has made it unnecessary to be a used car guru.

In fact, according to the research, 80% of used car shoppers said they prefer working with a Carfax Advantage dealership. It’s no wonder!

A Carfax Advantage dealership:

• Builds confidence—Buyers know that the dealership is committed to selling quality used vehicles.

• Allows buyers to make quicker car buying decisions—The hard work of making sure the vehicle is in very good condition has already been done. Plus, it’s from a source that’s highly reputable.

• Can pull the Reports prior to a car buying decision—This allows buyers to see for themselves the information on the vehicle. Then they can decide whether to move forward with a purchase.

As part of our Carfax membership, Joe Bowman dealership also has unlimited access to the Carfax Auction Quick Check, and the Consumer Information Pack. All of these are valuable tools we can share with used car buyers.

Transparency Inspires Confidence

The huge benefit of Carfax Advantage™ is what it represents and provides to consumers, transparency.

It demonstrates that the dealer is committed to selling high quality used cars. That is certainly true for us here at Joe Bowman Chevy.

Used car buyers can feel more confident and relaxed about working with us. What’s more, consumers will find that our prices for used cars are almost always below what’s recommended by Carfax.

One More Consumer Reassurance

Not only do we sell Carfax used cars, we also include a warranty with each vehicle we sell. Depending on the mileage and year of the vehicle, we provide a 30 or 90-day warranty.

Additionally, we want customers for life. That’s why we provide service after the sale:

• Courtesy transportation—We provide an alternate form of transportation while your vehicle is in our shop.
• Get lifetime Virginia state inspections– at no charge to you for as long as you own the vehicle.
• Preferred service scheduling—If you have purchased your vehicle from us, you will receive preferred service scheduling in our service department. That means if there is a scheduling issue, the person who bought their vehicle from Joe Bowman Auto Plaza always takes priority.

When you’re ready to buy a quality used vehicle, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, you’ll find our vehicles and our customer service second to none. Check out our website here.

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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 you can’t, you can’t afford the vehicle.

What Kind of Car Do You Need?

Think about your lifestyle and buy accordingly. Do you like to camp? Are you a commuter? Do you carry office equipment for presentations?

Avoid bright, shiny car object with your car search. Recognize that it’s easy to get distracted. Remember, this is your first car. It’s not going to be your dream car.

That doesn’t mean it has to be a clunker. Far from it! There are plenty of vehicles that are sporty as well as reliable and affordable.

If you buy a smaller car, you’ll save on gas and other expenses. That can be important when you’re first starting out.

Should You Buy A New or Used Car?

This question harkens back to the first question about budget. Can you afford to lose $2,000-$3,000 upfront on a new car?

If, as a first time car buyer, you’re only planning to keep the vehicle two to three years, buying a new car may not be the right move especially if the finance terms are for more than three years.

You may not be able to recoup what you have in the vehicle when you sell it. Selling at a loss and rolling over the remainder loan amount into a new loan is a prescription for trouble.

On the other hand, buying an almost new car that’s three years old could be a sound strategy. You’re not paying for the depreciation. You can keep it for a couple of years and then possibly sell it for what you paid for it or something close.

Here at Joe Bowman, our Harrisonburg used car dealership sells Carfax cars. Our customers can buy a used car, truck, or SUV with confidence. As an industry leader, the company created the Vehicle History Report in 1986 and is trusted by car dealers across North America.

Buyers can view Carfax® Vehicle History Reports™ or when you come into our dealership, we can provide you with the complete history of the vehicle.

Additionally, all of our pre-owned vehicles must pass our rigorous 75-point inspection to be placed for sale. As far as humanly possible, our used vehicles are in tip-top working condition.

Then, we back up our inspection with either a 30-day or 90-day warranty, depending on the year and mileage.

The bottom line, it’s really up to you and your finances.

Financing for First Time Car Buyers

When you’re ready to buy, make sure your credit history is excellent. Then get pre-approved to buy. Here at Joe Bowman, we have access to a wide variety of lenders offering competitive rates.

We can certainly work with a first time car buyer. Or, if you choose, you can use your bank or credit union. However, there are two advantages of using our Harrisonburg dealer financing.

1.    Our car loan interest rates meet or beat local banks.
2.    When we finance the loan, you can get into your new car quickly because there’s no third party paperwork.

Stop in at dealership or shop online. We’re here to serve you in the way that suits you best!

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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 repairs mean you focus more on car maintenance

•    Dealer financing is often a lower interest rate

•    New cars have the latest technology

•    Better gas mileage with lower emissions

•    Hybrid car buyers reduce the amount spent each month on transportation

•    Easily hook up your phone and other gadgets to your vehicle

Now the Disadvantages of Buying A New Car

There are a couple disadvantages to new car ownership:

•    A new car takes its biggest depreciation hit in the first 2-3 years of ownership. You’ll lose several thousand dollars as soon as you drive it off the lot.

•    If you buy a car that is a brand new model, the manufacturer may switch engines or alter the design of the vehicle in later models. Another disadvantage is if the initial model and year has problems. Buying a used car allows you to avoid that problem. If you don’t mind losing some money upfront, buying a new car is a fine way to go. Or, if you plan to own the vehicle until the wheels fall off, the money you lose initially becomes a break even point. As for buying a brand new model, the best strategy is to do your research. Know the possible problems upfront so that you can prepare. Advantages of Buying A Used Car

There are several strong advantages to buying a pre-owned vehicle. It’s the reason the used car market is so big.

•    Choosing to buy a used car allows you to avoid paying for the upfront depreciation

•    Depending on how long you own the vehicle, you may be able to sell the car for close to the amount your paid for it

•    You can get great used car financing. Our Harrisonburg car dealership offers a wide variety of financing options at very competitive rates. Or, if you choose, you can get financing through your bank or credit union.

•    Because you’re not losing money on the upfront depreciation, a 0% interest loan, normally reserved for new car buyers, may be right for you.

•    Here at Joe Bowman, all of our pre-owned vehicles must pass a rigorous 75-point inspection before they can be listed for sale. Additionally, we back up our used cars with either a 30-day or 90-day warranty, depending on the mileage and year.

•    Joe Bowman used car dealership has Carfax vehicles. This adds an extra layer of protection for the buyer.

Some Disadvantage of Used Car Buying

Perhaps one of the biggest perceived disadvantages of buying a used vehicle is that it may be less reliable. And, you may need to do more repairs on it.While that is a possibility, it’s important to know that technology has greatly improved over the years. Cars, in general, have become more reliable, many not needing repairs until they hit the 100,000 mile mark or beyond.That means you can buy a used three-year old vehicle, sell it when it’s five, and you may not have to do any major repairs. Another disadvantage in your used car search is that you don’t control the color of the vehicle, history, or the mileage.You’ll need to be more flexible about color choices, features, and mileage. Plus, you’ll need to be more patient in finding the car that’s right for you.What Will It Be in Your New Car Search?

Whether you’re buying a new car or buying a used car, it really comes down to options. Can you afford the higher price tag of a new car? Or will a used car fit the bill.Do your research. Take a close look at your finances. Then stop in to see us or shop online!

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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 mileage? You’ll find the best fuel economy in a subcompact, compact, sedans, and midsize hatchbacks, and hybrids.

Here are our top 5 picks:

2016-2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

If you’re looking for Chevrolet used cars, look no further than the 2016-2017 Chevy Malibu. Whether it’s for yourself, your teen, or as a dependable second car for the family, you’ll love the 2016-2017 model.

This midsized sedan has seating for five and is powered by 1.8 liter four cylinder engine and two electronic motors. It’s also paired with an automatic transmission and has front wheel drive.

Stylish and sleek, it’s a comfortable ride with easy-to-use controls. Great Carfax reviews as well as great safety ratings. Gas mileage is 46 mpg in the city and 49 on the highway.

2015-2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Ford Fusion Hybrid has a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine, an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), Ford has done a good job of creating a more efficient version of a basic midsized sedan.

A fun car to drive, it’s got an eye-catching exterior and sporty handling. For the 2015-2016 model, combined mpg is 41; for the highway, it’s 39. Carfax gives it a strong rating performance rating.

2017 Kia Niro

With great fuel economy and crossover utility, the 2017 Kia Niro seats five. Powered by a 1.6 liter gas engine and an electric motor, the Kia has a dual-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission. It also has CVT and a smooth ride.

Great Carfax reviews. Gas mileage is 52 mpg in the city and 49 on the highway.

2015-2016 Toyota Prius c

This is a smaller and cheaper version of Toyota’s Prius hatchback. If you live in the city, it’s a great car to have, and it’s more budget-friendly than other hybrids.

Powered by a 1.5 liter four cylinder engine, a pair of electric motors, and the standard front wheel drive, the Prius c also has CVT.

Comfort level isn’t as good as others in its class, but the city gas mileage is an incredible 52 mpg and 49 on the highway. Excellent Carfax reviews.

2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Powered by a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine and an electric motor, the 6-speed automatic transmission is standard as well as the front wheel drive. With a refined appearance, the 2017 Sonata Hybrid has many of the sought-after technology features that drivers want today.

City gas mileage is 39 mpg with an impressive 45 mpg on the highway. Excellent Carfax reviews.

This is just an idea of some of the vehicles that come to our Harrisonburg dealership. Stop in and speak to one of our experienced sales consultants. Or, shop online.

Then reserve the vehicle you’d like to test drive. There’s absolutely no obligation to buy until you sign the paperwork.

Ready to browse some of the best used cars that get great gas mileage? Let us know how we can be of service.

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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 truck. With Memorial Day as the unofficial start to the season, it’s the holiday that gives both truck and car buyers a jump on sales.

At our Harrisonburg car dealership, you’ll find closeout sales for new trucks. But typically, you’ll find sales on used trucks, too.

But the same is true for holidays scattered throughout the rest of the year. Think Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Black Friday, and the end of the year.

These are all great times to buy a new or used truck. Here are a few more tips.

Other Truck Buying Tips You Should Know

Getting a good deal on your truck is important. However, there are some other considerations that are equally important to make the experience smooth and stress-free.

Assess Your Truck Buying Needs

How much truck do you really need? Make a list of what you want in your new vehicle and stick with it.

Don’t get bright, shiny object syndrome! Stick with the plan. Buying what you need will make you enjoy your truck even more. Overbuying? Not so much. Every time you step into your vehicle you’ll be reminded of that extra large truck payment.

When to Shop

If you don’t want to bother with hectic weekends, we recommend shopping for your truck earlier in the week, Monday through Wednesday. These days tend to be less busy which will make the whole experience more relaxing.

Get Your Financials Together and Know Your Credit Score

Make sure you know your credit score before you shop. It affects every part of the buying process. You’ll also want to get pre-qualified.

If you have financing in place, great!

If not, consider financing through our dealership. Our rates are as competitive as the local banks, if not more so, and the loan process is quicker.

Why? Financing through your bank requires additional paperwork and that slows down the process. When you finance with us, there’s not an extra layer of paperwork to process. That means we can get you in your new truck faster.

Talk to Your Car Insurance Agent

Make sure the truck you’re considering buying doesn’t have an outrageous insurance cost attached to it. Talk to your insurance agent before you buy to get the full scoop.

Wrapping Up

When is the best time to buy a used truck?

Actually, almost any time! It all depends on you and what you need. Choose a holiday sale or simply shop online to find the best quality truck for your needs.

Buy with confidence. All Joe Bowman Auto Plaza used cars and trucks must pass a 75-point inspection. To the very best of our ability, these vehicles will be in excellent condition before they are ever placed for sale on our lot.

What’s more, we have limited warranties of either 30 or 90 days, depending on the year of the vehicle and mileage.

When you’re ready to buy, we’re here to help you get the right vehicle. Learn more about us on our website. Or stop in!

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“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 vehicle, you can read about the accessories that come with the car, truck, or SUV, watch a video, and view the pictures.

For both buyers, you can even:

• Estimate your trade-in value

• Get pre-qualified

• Apply for credit

• Estimate monthly payments

• Find the latest incentives

You can do all it from the convenience of your home, on the web, with no surprises. Access costs, fees, and pricing are all included.

Then you can schedule a time that’s convenient for you to test drive and pick up your vehicle. Or, you can do all the financing online and simply schedule a time to pick up your new vehicle.

Why Come to Our Harrisonburg Dealership at All?

Some of our car buyers know exactly what they want. It’s simply a matter of doing everything online and then picking up the vehicle.

This is true for a few of our used car buyers who are looking for a particular vehicle. When they find it, they grab it!

For other preowned car buyers, they think they want a certain vehicle. They test drive it but, for a variety of reasons, it’s not the vehicle they want.

Our sales consultants take careful note of what they liked and didn’t like about the vehicle. Based on that information, they suggest other vehicles that might be more to their liking.

This dealership assist can save buyers a world of time, getting them into the car they want without the hassle of shopping around.

Then again, there are some buyers who prefer to pick out their vehicle, talk to a sales consultant, ask questions, and then do all the paperwork at the dealership.

Whether you buy a car online or at the dealership, at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, it’s important that you tailor your buying experience to what works best for you.

Our job is to make your car buying experience a smooth and easy one. Let us know how we can best serve your buying needs!

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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 as any accessories the vehicle has. Then let KBB work its magic.

The site will return detailed information on the current market value of your vehicle. And it will tell you the low to high selling price for your used car, truck, or SUV, plus, the average trade-in value.

The KBB used car guide also lets you search for ratings, reviews, and vehicle history reports. The same is true for Edmunds, another reputable used car value guide. Both will provide reliable information about the vehicle you’re looking to sell and to purchase.

But keep this in mind.

A Wrinkle in Finding Used Car Values

While both KBB and Edmunds provide good general information about the value of your vehicle, those values will likely vary on each site. Usually, by several thousand dollars.

Nobody knows why, but it is factor you should consider. Here’s what you can do to come up with a selling price for your vehicle. Or, for the one you want to buy.

If the price of the vehicle you want to purchase is higher on KBB and lower on Edmunds, or vice versa, simply add up both figures and divide by two. That should give you a good average selling price.

What’s more, you should also search the Internet for vehicles like yours or the one you’re thinking of buying. Try Auto Trader or CarsDirect to get prices.

Once you have some reference prices, repeat the process above. Add them up and divide them for an average selling price. This will give you a clearer picture of the value.

KBB Used Cars and Our Harrisonburg Used Car Dealership

You’ll notice on the KBB site that there are three different values in the Blue Book Used Car Guide.

•    The trade-in value you can expect from a dealer
•    The private party value which is what you can expect to pay from a private seller
•    The retail value which is what you can expect to pay at the dealer

This tells you with accuracy what to expect on the open market with used car buying.

If your head is swimming with all the extra work you need to do to just to find a fair price for the used car, truck, or SUV you want to buy. Consider this.

Joe Bowman used cars are generally priced below the KBB used car values. Check in at the KBB site and see for yourself.

Additionally, we’re very fair with our trade-in offers. Or, we can outright buy the vehicle from you, cutting you a check the same day!

Not only that, but we stand behind what we sell with either a 30-day or 90-day warranty. If you want to make your used car buying experience one that’s not only stress-free, but fair and enjoyable, stop by our dealership or shop online.

We’re here to make your buying experience one you want to repeat with us again and again!

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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 Camera Legislative Approval

For years, Congress had regulation for better rear visibility in new cars under consideration, but it went nowhere. In 2008, that changed when Congress signed the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act.

Then President George W. Bush ordered the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency (NHTSA) to issue a standard by 2011 to improve the driver’s ability to detect pedestrians behind their vehicles.

But the proposed standard still stalled.

When Did Backup Cameras in Cars Become Standard?

It would take a coalition of advocacy groups filing a lawsuit against the US Department of Transportation to get the rule issued, and it did.

On May 1, 2018, the inspired regulation officially became law. As Dr. Gulbransen said, “It’s a bittersweet day because this rule should have been in place many years ago.

Though his own life was short, my son Cameron inspired a regulation that will save the lives of countless others.

Other Advantages of Backup Cameras in New Cars

With roughly 200 people killed each year from back over accidents and 12,000 more injured,  the backup camera law of 2018 certainly will save lives, but it has other advantages as well.

While these cameras help to eliminate blind spots, they also help you to safely and quickly park your car. With a backup camera, drivers have a much clearer and more accurate view of what’s behind the vehicle.

And, most backup systems have a warning tone that alerts you if you get too close to another car or object. Color backup systems display green, yellow, and red, to alert you on how close you are to an object.

On-screen guidelines also show you two parallel lines that help you into and out of parking spaces. Some systems even display a middle line so you can center the vehicle in the parking space.

Towing a trailer? A backup camera is especially helpful because you get a closeup view of the trailer and its lineup with the hitch.

Still, Backup Cameras Aren’t Perfect

No surprise there, nothing in life is! Poor image quality is one problem, but usually, it’s easily solved. Simply clean the camera mounted on the back of the vehicle.

If your car has a wireless system, you could experience interference or a pairing problem when the camera is in operation.

These are small problems compared with the tremendous amount of safety they offer. However, perhaps the biggest problem with backup cameras is how little drivers use them.

A study by the University of Massachusetts found that only 20% of drivers in their study actually used their rearview monitors when backing up.

Of that group, 46% only looked at the monitor when the warning alarm sounded. Yikes! Solving this problem doesn’t require money or time. It requires a commitment to safety for others.

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza in Harrisonburg, VA, we urge all drivers to use their backup cameras to help prevent accidents and injuries. Responsible driving makes the road a safer place.

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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 a long trip. But when you’ve got a new engine, vary the RPM’s as you drive. This will ensure a constantly changing load and speed allowing your new engine to wear properly.

Maxing Out Your RPM’s? Don’t!

Forget about redlining. On a new vehicle, think low instead of high RPM’s unless factory technicians broke in the vehicle at the manufacturing plant. Guidelines vary but a good rule of thumb is to stay under 3500-4500 RPM’s for the first 150-500 miles.

Don’t Tow

According to the AAA Auto Club, using your new vehicle to tow especially when it’s not designed to do so will tax the vehicle unnecessarily—before it’s really broken in.

Towing a new car in extreme heat is even worse! So is towing it in extremely dusty parts of the US or driving it at high altitudes.

No Need for Premium Gas

These days, buying premium gas is a waste of money. Most cars run just fine on regular unleaded. If your vehicle doesn’t specifically require premium gas, a higher octane may even harm the engine.

Don’t Drop the Gas Below A Quarter Tank

Waiting until your car is almost out of gas to fill it up could damage it. That’s because gas acts like a coolant for your electric fuel pump motor.

When fuel is really low, the pump sucks in airs and that creates heat. The heat can then cause the fuel pump to wear out prematurely. It could even potentially fail, according to Consumer Reports. 

Don’t Skip Top Tier Gas Mark at the Pump

Whenever possible, fill your vehicle with Top Tier gas. Not the same as premium gas, Top Tier gas contains extra detergents which clean the carbon deposits in the engine that build up over time. Premium gas, on the other hand, pertains to the octane rating and has more detergents.

You can find Top Tier gas at places like Costco. For a complete list of the licensed retail gas stations that carry Top Tier gas, click here.

Bonus Advice for Your New Car Care

It’s about your oil changes. Most new car owner’s manuals recommend changing the oil every 5,000 or 7,500 miles. That’s under normal conditions.

If you drive under severe conditions, drop that figure to 3,000 miles. So, what are severe driving conditions? It’s surprising! Learn more about them here.

In the meantime, follow these new car driving practices and help your vehicle last as long as humanly possible!

Want to buy a new or used car, truck, or SUV? Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has a lot to choose from! Look through our inventory online at  www.joebowmanautoplaza.com, or stop into see us. Our experience sales pros will help you find just what you need!

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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?

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 bills. And, you can negotiate your car lease with us at our Harrisonburg dealership just like you would negotiate the purchase of a new car.

Early Adopters

If you LOVE cutting edge technology, the latest in safety features and infotainment systems, and you want a new car every two to three years, leasing would be right for you! You can also enjoy the latest in electric car technology. (Just how far will that baby go on one charge?)

Road Warrior

On the road 15,000 miles or more a year? Buying a new vehicle is the right avenue for you. As a marathon driver, the leasing mileage limits of 10,000-15,000 miles would work against you.

That’s because leasing companies charge a hefty fee if you go over their limit. For you, buy instead of lease!Long Term Commitment

If you’re expecting to keep your car for a long time, you too, might want to buy instead of lease. You know that means that over the course of your long term relationship, you’ll have dings, knocks, and bangs.

You also understand that wear and tear on your vehicle could reduce its resale or trade-in value. That’s okay because you’re in it for the long haul.

Penny Saver

For the person who wants the cheapest monthly payment possible, leasing is the way to go. That’s because leasing payments are usually less than buying a vehicle outright.

Why? With leasing, you’re only paying for the depreciation on the car during the lease term, plus taxes, fees, and interest. That doesn’t mean you get less car, by any means. However, you will always have a car payment.

Additionally, you should know that having an accident or any damage to your vehicle is more stressful than when you buy a vehicle. There are hefty fees involved with a leased vehicle should damage occur to the vehicle.

Tax Benefits of Leasing A Car vs Buying A Car

If you’re a business owner, the landscape for leasing a car is different.

On one hand, leasing would not benefit you at tax time because vehicle depreciation is a deductible expense. Accelerated depreciation may also be a possibility.

Mileage is another issue. While mileage can be deducted for both leased and purchased vehicles, the mileage limitation is a negative. No business needs the stiff penalty of going over the limit.

On the other hand, if you, as the owner, leases the vehicle, then you have more control over the mileage. Still, you lose the tax benefit of depreciation.

Bottom line. Buying is more advantageous for you than leasing.

Making the Decision

Leasing vs buying a new car is a decision worth serious consideration. Weigh your situation carefully to make the right decision for you.

Whether you’re considering leasing or buying, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. We’ve been helping people just like you for 60+ years.

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