As a Harrisonburg, VA car dealership, we’re always excited when the new year of luxury cars are unveiled. And this year is no exception.

GM has rolled out three new cars that we think are dynamite luxury vehicles. Take a look at these new cars and see if you feel the same way. 

Cadillac CT4

This entry level sedan combines the best of both worlds, luxury and enthusiastic performance. Adorned with uncluttered styling, the Cadillac CT4 fills the void left by the discontinuation of the Cadillac ATS. And no doubt it will. 

Powered by a 2.0 Liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. (AWD is available on all of the lineup).

The Premium Luxury version makes 309 horsepower and 348 lb-ft from a 2.7-liter turbo four cylinder. And, it’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

With Brembo front brakes, four piston calipers, near perfect 50/50 front to rear weight ratio, this baby was designed to go head to head with Audio A3 and Mercedes A-class. Plus, it knocks a few thousand bucks on the base model.

Standard equipment across the entire line includes:

• Keyless entry

• Push button start

• Dual driving info display

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel,

• Dual zone climate control

• LED interior lighting

• HD rearview camera

• Premium audio

Cadillac CT5

The Cadillac CT5 compact luxury sedan was built for a new generation of sedan drivers, blending Cadillac’s signature technology with nimble handling.

Replacing the mid-size CTS, it infuses Cadillac’s racing DNA to produce an exhilarating riding that’s just what you’d expect, dynamic and responsive.

And like its sister, the Cadillac CT4, the Cadillac CT5 will easily go head-to-head with Audi A3, Mercedes Benz A-Class and CLA Class, but also the BMW 1 and 2 series.

With a broad grille dynamically styled, narrow LED headlamps and a sleek fastback roofline, the CT5 is powered by a turbocharged 2.7 liter four-cylinder engine that features a unique three-step sliding camshaft to optimize performance at all speeds.

Get it with either the rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Either way, a 10-speed automatic transmission is standard.

With a 2.7-liter turbocharged engine and 320 horsepower, it, too, has a near perfect 50/50 front to rear weight ratio, precise handling abilities and Brembo brakes.

The high performance CT5-V has a 355 HP version of the V6 and upgrades that are performance-minded, as well as Cadillac’s Super Cruise system.

2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

A mid-engine Corvette is finally a reality! The most aggressively style Corvette yet, is it any wonder the wild exotic car look makes us a little weak in the knees?

The 2020 Vette comes equipped with removable roof panels that you can store in the forward-situated trunk.

Behind the driver and beneath a clear panel sits the 6.2-liter V8 engine. Pumping out 490 horsepower and 470 lb-ft torque to the rear wheels with an eight-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, smooth and fast is the name of the game.

As you would expect, the cockpit is driver focused. It features a pair of electronic displays with no fewer than a dozen selectable driving modes.

The newly revised suspension brings added handling abilities that can be upgraded with an adjustable unit which allows the driver to dial in ride height and stiffness. Or, go for GM’s Magnetic Ride Control auto adjusting system.

If you’ve been wanting a new luxury vehicle because…well, just because. Now’s the time to peruse Joe Bowman Auto Plaza’s Harrisonburg car lot for a range of luxury new cars.

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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 or leasing 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 value that was agreed upon before the beginning of the lease. Or, the vehicle can be returned to the dealership without further cost or liability.

Disposition Fee

Also called the termination fee, this expense is hardly ever negotiable. It’s commonly charged by finance companies at the end or the termination of a car lease and covers the prep of the released vehicle for the next sale.

Drive Off

Sometimes called the Total Due at Signing, the drive off fee is the amount the lessee or buyer pays to take possession of the vehicle and drive it off the lot. If you are purchasing a vehicle, the drive off fee will include your down payment, doc fee, sales tax and title. For lessees, the amount includes down payment, your first month’s payments, sales tax, title, and acquisition fee.

Early Termination Fee

This is a penalty fee charged when a lease is terminated early. If gap insurance isn’t purchased, the early termination fee could be applied if the vehicle is totaled or stolen. 

Excess Wear Charge

These are common fees that are paid at the end of the lease to cover excess wear or mileage. This could include damage to the paint, wheels, or body. If the lessee has modified the vehicle in any way, such as with aftermarket wheels, lowered suspensions, or tinted windows, this could result in an additional charge. If the lessee removes them, then no charge is incurred.

Residual Value

This is the depreciated value of the vehicle at the end of the lease. Residual value is used to predict the vehicle’s value at the end of the contracted lease. Ultimately, it’s the overall cost of the lease. Non-negotiable, residual value is set by the leasing company or the bank.

Lesser Known New Car and Used Car Buying Terms

Dealer Addendum Sticker

When dealer modifications are added to a new vehicle such as aftermarket wheels and undercoating, these features increase the asking price above the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price). You’ll find these charges on a secondary window sticker.

Document Fee

Also called a doc fee, this is the charge by the dealer to cover paperwork processing. A negotiable charge, it varies by state.

F & I

This is the Finance and Insurance office at the dealership. All paperwork is completed here to finish the transaction.

Gap Insurance

Optional and additional, gap insurance extends beyond collision insurance. Insurance policies pay for the cost of the vehicle’s replacement, not its actual value. That means, if the vehicle is new, there can be a gap between the amount owed and what insurance will pay. Vehicles that have very high depreciation are a good match for gap insurance.

Monroney Sticker

Named for Almer Stillwell “Mike” Monroney, an Oklahoma US senator who sponsored the legislation in 1958, this is the window sticker that shows the MSRP. It also shows the would-be buyer fuel mileage, country of origin, and other useful information.

Trim Level

Vehicles have a variety of trim levels which affect the level of standard equipment as well as the MSRP.

For example, SE or LX. Higher level trim models are more expensive and may also have extra standard equipment than lower trim levels.

Upside Down

This is a slang term which is also called being under water. It refers to a car owner that website owes more than a car or truck is worth. For instance, if you total your car before the loan term is up. Or, you decide to sell your vehicle before the completion of your loan. 

When you’re ready to buy a new or used car, use the list above of car-buying terms. As a highly recommended dealership in Harrisonburg, VA, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza believes informed buyers make the most satisfied and happiest buyers. Learn more about us on our website.

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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 make a used pickup a worthy investment.

1. A brand new truck is expensive. And, of course, it depreciates as soon as it leaves our Harrisonburg car lot. If a new pickup simply isn’t in your budget, consider a pre-owned one.

The price is significantly cheaper because it has already depreciated. Yet, you still get all the modern conveniences you want in a truck.

Even older models still have a lot of nice gadget conveniences that satisfy the modern consumer while still offering a smooth ride and comfort.

Plus, when you buy a used truck from Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, you can rest assured that the vehicle has passed a rigorous 75-point used auto inspection by our certified mechanics.

To the very best of our ability, the vehicle is in tip top mechanical condition. And, all of the accessories are in 100% working order.

We back up that commitment to quality with either a 30/60/90-day warranty, depending on the age and mileage of the truck.

2. Used trucks have better gas mileage. Trucks like the 2015 Ford F-150 gets 26 MPG. The 2015 Chevy Colorado gets 27 MPG, and the 2016 GMC Canyon gets 27 MPG. And that’s just three examples.

Granted, none of these trucks is a V8 torque, but that’s why the gas mileage is so much better. These trucks get the job done powerfully without breaking your wallet at the pump. You gotta love that!

3. A truck’s work capability doesn’t decline with age. Whether you buy a used pickup truck in the $30,000, $20,000, or $10,000 range, as long as it has been properly maintained, the vehicle will remain a workhorse!

Smart Used Truck Buying Advice

Remember to buy only as much truck as you need. For example, if you’re not planning to frequently pull a big trailer or carry heavy loads, you don’t need a ¾ ton, heavy duty truck.

You’ll want to stick with a light duty version, ½ ton size. Are you going to use it for personal transportation? Then a V8 or diesel is going to be a money hog.
The point is, don’t get carried away.You know what you’ll use the truck for, buy accordingly!

To learn more about Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, visit our website: www.joebowmanautoplaza.com.

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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 value of the vehicle

• Get the car checked out by a qualified mechanic

• Thoroughly inspect the vehicle

• Get the repair history on the car

Taking these proactive steps will help protect you from possible unseen problems. If uncovered, they can be addressed by the current owner. Or, you can choose to walk away.

When you buy a Joe Bowman used car, you’ll find we’ve done the work for you. Our preowned vehicles are generally priced below the Kelley Blue Book fair purchase price.

Before any used vehicle is placed on our lot for sale, our Chevy certified technicians thoroughly inspect the car, looking for problems or potential concerns.

The car, truck, or SUV must pass a rigorous 75-point inspection before it is ever offered for sale. To the best of our ability, the vehicle is mechanically sound, and all of its features work beautifully.

We then back up our work with either a 30 or 90-day warranty, depending on age and mileage.

Our Harrisonburg dealership can also assist you with financing. We have an extensive network of lenders to work with which helps us to find the best interest for you.

Our loan rates are very competitive with local banks. Usually, we can meet or beat their interest rates. And, if you choose to finance with us, the whole lending process is quicker.

That means you get in your new vehicle quickly.

And after the sale? Joe Bowman Chevy wants customers for life! We continue to earn your loyalty by offering:

• Preferred service scheduling in our service department

• Lifetime FREE auto inspections for as long as you own the car

• Courtesy transportation when your vehicle is getting service from our dealership

When it comes down to buying a good used car, it all depends on what’s important to you before, during, and after the transaction.

What is the best age to buy a used car?

US News & World Report decided to find the answer to this tough question.

Their study found that 10-year old cars average less than one repair a year. What’s more, fewer than half of those decade old vehicles had problems with the powertrain system in a year.

The powertrain is where more expensive and critical problems pop up. The downside is older vehicles have less safety systems.

Newer used cars do have those safety systems as well as more convenience gadgets. So, again, it’s  what makes you happy with your vehicle.

There really is no hard and fast rule for buying a preowned vehicle. It all comes down to the condition of the vehicle, your preferences, and your budget. The next question addresses that concern.

Is mileage more important than age?

This is another interesting question because it all depends on how well a car, truck, or SUV has been cared for during its life. For example, a 5-year old car with 50,000 could have more problems than a decade old vehicle with double the mileage. 

It all comes down to how much care it was given.

How many miles is too many for a used car?

When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, the first consideration is how the vehicle will be used. Is it for a teenager as a first car? Then a high mileage car that’s been well-cared for is fine.

Will the vehicle be used as a secondary mode of transportation, one that one won’t be driven as much? Then a higher mileage vehicle will work.

If the vehicle is going to be your primary car, then you want to consider finding a used vehicle with lower mileage. That just makes sense. Use your own judgment. Think about your lifestyle and what makes sense for you to purchase. 

Is an Old Car with Low Mileage Good?

Most of the time, purchasing a low mileage car on an older vehicle is a good decision. But what if a 10-year old car only has a few thousand miles on it?

This could signal reliability issues because the car wasn’t driven enough. Generally speaking, though, older cars with low mileage tend to be good buys.

You just want to check the history of the vehicle before making a purchase. If buying privately, you definitely want to get the vehicle checked out by a quality mechanic.

If you purchase the vehicle through our dealership here in Harrisonburg, VA, we’ll thoroughly inspect it and back up our inspection with a limited warranty.

When you’re ready to buy a new or newer vehicle, consider Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Shop our inventory online, get pre-qualified, and arrange financing with us quickly and easily.

We’re easy to work with and work diligently to find the used truck, SUV, or car that you really want!

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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 age and mileage.

Private sellers simply want to sell their vehicle. The choice for you is to decide if that level of buying service is enough for you.

Harrisonburg Car Dealer Reputation

As you well know, reputation can make or break a business! So, when a car dealership has been in business 60+ years, that’s a community vote of confidence.

If you have any problems with your used car purchase, we want to know about it. Joe Bowman Auto Plaza doesn’t want a sale, we want a customer for life.

Financing Options

When you buy from a private seller, you don’t have anyone who will walk you through your financing options

Additionally, some lending institutions don’t trust that a private seller will value the vehicle accurately. Because we are in the business of selling cars, dealers are valued for their expertise in accurate pricing.

As a result, it’s possible that interest rates can be higher when purchasing from a private seller.

Another advantage of buying from our dealership is that we have a large inventory of lenders. We can usually meet or beat just about any local lending institution’s car financing rates.

Trade-In Options

Instead of trying to find a buyer for your old car, consider trading it in here at Joe Bowman Chevy. If your car still has a loan balance, we pay it off.

If it doesn’t and your vehicle meets our re-sale standards, we’ll buy the vehicle from you, cutting you a check that day.

Service After the Sale

You’ve heard the saying, “Membership has its privileges”? Well, Joe Bowman customers get their own perks, too:

• Free yearly inspections for as long as they own the vehicle

• Courtesy transportation while your vehicle is serviced in our shop

• Preferred service scheduling. If we have a scheduling issue, the vehicle that was purchased through our dealership gets priority

As a Harrisonburg car dealer, our reputation hinges on every sale we make. It’s never “one and done.”

For extraordinary customer service and care, a wide selection of vehicles to choose from, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman. Stop by or check us out online.

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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 find a way to adhere to your vehicle.

All of these environmental hazards can damage the undercarriage and corrode paint. Not to mention, destroying the integrity of your car’s safety systems.

Our technicians recommend that you take your vehicle to the car wash at least twice per month to remove all that gunk. Help preserve and keep essential car parts and systems performing at their best.

Tire Maintenance

Tires roll with you through all kinds of weather. Without them, you’re not going anywhere. An essential part of safe transportation, you can’t just put on tires and forget about them. 

From freezing weather to hot summer sun, the needs of your tires change. That’s why it’s necessary to check your tire pressure regularly.  Tires that wear unevenly are a safety hazard and affect gas mileage. 

Your owner’s manual will tell you the right amount of air to put in your tires. The simple action of regular pressure checking your tires can save you on regular car maintenance repair!

Fluid Checks

Your car doesn’t run on gasoline alone. There are actually six fluids that every vehicle needs to operate correctly.

• Brake fluid

• Power Steering fluid

• Coolant

• Transmission Fluid

• Motor Oil

• Windshield Wiper Fluid

Check these seasonally to ensure the optimal performance of your vehicle.

Belts and Hoses

A worn out belt or hose can place you at risk of getting stranded on the highway.

Routinely checking power steering, radiator, air conditioning, etc. belts and hoses is the difference between a full-blown failure and just simple car maintenance. Save yourself the headache of a big car repair bill and keep your systems running at peak efficiency.

Check those belts and hoses!

Air Filter

The quick and easy task of replacing your old air filter with a new one is essential for the proper performance of your vehicle. Designed to keep dirt and debris away from the engine, your air filter performs the necessary function of protecting the engine. 

By changing out the air filter regularly, you keep your car engine happy. 

That also means better fuel efficiency. Routinely following these quick, easy tasks is like putting extra money in your wallet. Take the time. It will pay you back in spades. 

If you’d like to have a quality mechanic on your side, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Our highly trained technicians will keep your car, truck, or SUV performing at peak efficiency. Stop in and see us today!

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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 amounts on your loan, if you so choose, to pay it off early.

And, when it comes to the financial agreement, we always make sure that the terms of the loan are broken down so that they are easy for you to understand.

To get started, you can prequalify on our website. Then personalize the terms of the loan based on the purchase price of the vehicle, the down payment, and length of the loan.

Harrisonburg Auto Loans: Dealer Financing vs Bank

Because Joe Bowman offers such competitive rates, many of our customers choose dealer financing.

However, we want to be clear that you don’t have to. We’ve been doing business in the Harrisonburg community for 60+ years; our reputation with local banks is outstanding.

If you want to use a particular local lending institution, we can work with them. So, what’s the difference between getting dealer financing and bank financing? Besides our competitive loan rates, we are quick!

With third party loans, we must abide by the paperwork requirements of that lending institution as well as our own. This adds time to finalizing the lending process.

With dealer financing, the loan application is handled in-house. That makes the process quicker and simpler.

Other Dealer Financing Programs You Might Not Know About

Another distinction between dealer financing and local bank financing is the range of loans we can do that most banks won’t do.

For example, most banks steer clear of financing high mileage vehicles. We know that a late model car with higher mileage is better than an older vehicle with less miles.

Older cars with less mileage haven’t been driven as much which means they haven’t gotten as much lubrication. Plus, older car parts wear out.

Buying a higher mileage vehicle that’s also late model is not a bad decision at all, especially if you need the vehicle for a teen driver. Or you just need a second vehicle. 

We get it.

Joe Bowman Auto also offers Second Chance Credit financing program for those recovering from poor credit.

When you make the commitment to clean up your credit, it’s difficult to buy a vehicle without getting gouged with a very high interest rate.

To help you re-establish a good credit rating, we look for lenders that don’t charge outrageous interest rates. Yes, you will pay a higher rate, but it won’t be exorbitant, and you will be able to build equity.

Lastly, we offer extended loan terms allowing you to pay off the loan in 6-7 years.

Service After the Sale

Of course, the one thing a bank can’t do for you is offer auto service after the sale. At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we offer preferred service scheduling to those who buy from us.

Additionally, as long as you own your vehicle, we will give you FREE lifetime car inspections. And when your vehicle is getting maintenance work or repairs in our service department, we provide courtesy transportation.

When you’re shopping around for Harrisonburg auto loans, include our dealership as one of the possibilities for your auto loan. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how easy it is to work with us.

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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 focused.

Price Range and Budget

Just as important as the requirements for your used truck is the price range. Getting pre-qualified is essential before you begin your search. You can easily do that on our website.

Take advantage of our Shop.Click.Buy program and create your own deal. Knowing exactly what you can afford and the terms that work for you will give you a clear picture of what you can buy. 

Size and Type of Truck

There are lots of different types of pickups on the market. The question is which one is right for you?

The Chevrolet Colorado is an excellent choice for the small to mid-sized truck. This model is best for those who want a fuel-efficient truck to handle personal jobs or light commercial needs.

Think hauling furniture, small sized building supplies, and construction equipment.

If you need a heavy duty workhorse, turn to the Silverado. When big jobs are an everyday part of your job, this pickup can handle them, and yet it’s practical for smaller jobs.

Power

How much do you need? Pickups vary greatly in their capabilities as far as the types of jobs they can handle.

Consider the towing capability and payload of each model. Line it up with what you want out of a truck. Does it match?

Light duty trucks usually have a payload capacity that range from 1500-3000 pounds with a towing capacity of about 12,000 pounds.

Trucks like the Colorado are best used for around town and suburban areas. They’re easier to park and good to drive on narrow roads.

For heavy duty, trucks like the Silverado, have a payload capacity over 6500 pounds, you can haul just about anything.

Knowing the proper size of the truck is critical. If you skimp on power, your truck won’t perform the way you want it to. And, if you get more power than you need, you’ll be spending more time at the gas pump.

A good rule of thumb is to have 10% more capacity than you think you need. Check outChevrolet’s towing guide. 

Financing

Once you’ve done your research, found the truck that fits what you need, the big question is financing. Here are three of the top questions we hear about financing a used truck.

How Long Can You Finance A Used Truck?

The typical length of a used car or truck loan is between 60-72 months. If at all possible, we recommend a shorter term loan so that you preserve some equity.

How Much is a Down Payment on a Truck?

For a used truck loan, generally 10% down is acceptable.

What is an Average Truck Payment Per Month?

Your monthly payment will depend on the amount of your down payment and the price tag of your truck. Roughly speaking, expect a monthly payment of around $500 or more.

Buying a used truck is a good investment. With proper care and maintenance, they will stick with you way beyond 100,000 miles.

At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, you can rely on our experienced team to help you find the right truck for you within your budget. And, after the sale, turn to our certified Chevy technicians in our service department to keep your truck running smoothly for years to come!

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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 one. The carmaker picks up the tab just as it does with traditional cash back rebates.

How Hard is it to Qualify for 0% Auto Financing?

It all comes down to your credit rating. You’ll need to have an outstanding credit score as well as a long history of having good credit.

That means you’ll most likely need a credit score of 700 or above. You can check your credit rating on our site.

What are the Terms of a 0% Auto Loan?

Terms vary. Some terms can be as short as 36 months. Others can be as long as 72 months. While you won’t pay interest on this type of loan, you want to be careful about stretching out payments for that length of time.

If the car you buy depreciates faster than you can pay off the loan, you’ll owe more than the vehicle is worth. No one wants to get upside down on their loan!

If you need to make lower monthly payments, choosing a new car loan with a relatively low interest rate may be the better option than zero percent financing.

Which is Better, 0% Loan or Bonus Cash?

Sometimes you have a choice between a loan with a very low interest rate or getting bonus cash. That choice is sometimes offered with zero percent loans. Which is the better option to take? It depends.

The cash incentive must be sufficient to offset the finance charges. Take this scenario, for instance. Let’s say you’re buying a $30,000 car and you have $3,000 to put down.

Additionally, you’ve qualified for a car loan with a 5% interest rate. Which financing route should you take?

In this situation, you would need a cash incentive of $3,575 to make the 0% loan a better option. Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’ll work with you to find the very best financing option for you!

Some Do’s and Don’t’s for 0% Percent Loan Options

Remember, just because you qualify for a zero percent loan, doesn’t mean the vehicle is right for you. Make sure you buy the car you really want.

Always test drive the vehicle to make sure it suits your lifestyle and your needs. Do get pre-approved for a car loan before you go car shopping. It’s always good to have a backup plan.

Don’t skimp on the down payment. Yes, you may have the option to put nothing down, but always put something down. If you can, go for 20% down to offset depreciation.

Don’t get a loan for more than 60 months. Why go longer? With a shorter term loan, you can drive a car you still love without the additional payments and depreciation will be less.

Choose a Reputable Car Dealer

No matter what loan you qualify for, always choose a reputable dealer. Our Harrisonburg dealership has been serving the area for 60+ years.

Whether you qualify for 0% auto loan financing or for one of our other competitive loans, we will clearly explain everything to you.

We want your car buying experience to be a good one!

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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 which featured the amenities you want to keep your teen safe.

So, if you’re looking to buy a used car, the Chevy Malibu is still a great choice. Take a look at the amenities it offers.

Safe Driving for Teen age Drivers: Teen Driver Technology

Teens often need reminders, but we promise the Malibu won’t nag! With these features, it’s just part of the ride.

Buckle to Drive—This feature reminds the driver to fasten the safety belt. If the driver doesn’t buckle up, it will prevent him or her from shifting out of park for a full 20 seconds. There are also additional audio and visual reminders.

Seat Belt Audio Mute—This feature mutes the stereo until both the driver and the front seat passenger fasten their seat belts.

Speed Warning–To help teens stay within the speed limit, a speed warning is issued when the car exceeds a preset speed limit.

Speed Limiter—This allows you to restrict the vehicle’s maximum speed to 85 MPH.

Audio Limit—Teens love loud music but if the stereo is too loud, it can prevent a driver from hearing sounds like sirens and horns. Audio Limit allows you to set a limit on the audio volume in the vehicle.

In-Vehicle Report—This report notes how your teen drives, patterns, braking habits, and maximum speed.

Malibu Driver Confidence Package

To help add a layer of accident prevention, the Malibu has driver-assistance features which is useful for everyone, but especially teen-aged drivers.

There are actually four packages you can choose from should you decide to buy a new car. We’ve outlined the first one here. 

Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert—This feature lets your teen know if there’s a vehicle he or she can’t see when changing lanes.

Rear Park Assist—Parking sensors located on the rear of the vehicle help prevent minor accidents when parking.

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert—This feature warns you if an obstacle is in your path when you’re backing up.

Our Harrisonburg Dealership Offers Teen-Friendly Driver Options

At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, many of us have kids of our own. We know how important it is to keep young drivers safe while letting them become more confident drivers.

The Malibu is the perfect vehicle for teaching good driver habits while teens also enjoy tech essentials like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, remote starter, and an easy-to-use infotainment system.

Plus, when you buy from Joe Bowman Auto, you’ll have the experience of our certified Chevy technicians in our service department to keep your vehicle in top shape.

Stop in or browse online. Our Chevrolet Harrisonburg dealership can help you with both new and used vehicles!

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