When you’re ready to buy another car and you want that car to be a quality used vehicle, you’ve got plenty of options.

With only about 350 new car models entering the market every year, the used car market provides thousands of choices!

The bigger question is, “Which has the better value, buying from a private seller or from an auto dealership?”

It’s a great question and there are pros and cons for each. Take a look.

Buying A Pre-Owned Car from A Private Seller

When you buy a used car privately, you’ll likely pay less for the vehicle. That’s because dealerships in Harrisonburg have more invested.

• Car dealers must cover the cost of reconditioning the vehicle
• Must pay for advertising
• Must pay a salesperson for a commission
• Dealership must pay the administrative costs related to the purchase of the vehicle

Private sellers don’t incur these costs. Plus, private sellers are generally eager to sell their car and will usually show more flexibility in price negotiations.

Not all privately sold cars are in good condition, though. That’s why it’s smart to get a vehicle history report on it. However, other owners will have a history of maintenance and service records.

This is the type of private seller you want! Typically, these sellers are less inclined to trade in their vehicles because they feel the vehicle is worth much more than the dealer will give them.

For you, the buyer, that means you get a well-maintained car at a good price. Plus, if you’re a serious buyer, the seller will be more likely to quickly negotiate its sale. (If it’s a rare or vintage vehicle, that may not be the case.)

Buying a used vehicle privately does require meeting strangers and test driving the car. It also means getting the vehicle inspected by your mechanic and completing all the legal paperwork yourself. Plus, you’ll need to sell your old vehicle yourself.

Lastly, private sellers don’t offer a guarantee or warranty. You, the buyer, must perform your due diligence by getting a vehicle history report, paying for a mechanic’s inspection, and conducting a thorough test drive to make sure the car is in good working order.

Advantages of Buying A Used Car from a Harrisonburg Dealership

Some of the “disadvantages” of buying a secondhand car from a dealership are also advantages for you. Yes, you will probably pay more for the car, truck, or SUV, but you’ll also be assured of a lot more.

Harrisonburg car dealerships like Joe Bowman Auto Plaza must abide by the Federal Trade Commission rules as well as state regulations when selling vehicles. You are protected under Federal law. Not so with a private seller.

When you buy a preowned vehicle from the Bowman Chevrolet dealership, it must pass a rigorous 75-point used car inspection. If it does not pass, it does not get placed on the lot for sale.

To pass this inspection, our certified Chevrolet technicians comb every inch of the vehicle, replacing what needs to be fixed. If there is any question about the vehicle’s serviceability, we will not sell it.

And we back up our work with either a 30 or 90-day used car warranty, depending on the age and mileage of the car.

Finally, we continue our good service after the sale. Because we want you as a customer for life, we offer:

• Preferred service scheduling-If there is a scheduling issue with two vehicles, the customer who bought their car from us takes priority.
• Lifetime FREE car inspections-For as long as you own the car
• Courtesy transportation when your car is in the shop

Trade In or Sell Your Old Car to the Dealership

Another valuable perk of buying a pre-owned car through our Chevrolet dealership is this. You have the option of either trading in your old car, or we’ll buy it from you.

In fact, you can buy a car elsewhere and we’ll still buy your old car from you.

That means you don’t have the expense of advertising your old vehicle for sale. Nor, do you have to wait to find a buyer.

The Benefits of Dealership Used Car Financing in Harrisonburg, VA

Once you’ve found the car you want, Joe Bowman Chevrolet makes it very easy to get you behind the wheel quickly. You can either choose to get used car financing through your bank or through us.

It will take a bit longer to get financing through your bank because both businesses have to approve the legal documents associated with car buying. But we’ll move as fast as we can to get you into your new vehicle!

With dealer auto financing, the sale moves along more quickly. Our auto rates are very competitive, meeting and often beating local bank auto rates. Plus, we also call your car insurance company to get your insurance set up.

That means when you leave our dealership, you have a quality used car, a limited warranty, all the legal paperwork completed, your car insurance set up for you, and preferred service scheduling after the sale.

When it comes right down to it, buying a vehicle from our Harrisonburg car dealership ensures peace of mind. How much is that worth to you?

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

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7 Great Reasons to Buy A Used Car in Harrisonburg

In a world where the norm is to buy new, new, new, you might wonder why anyone would choose to buy a used car, truck, or SUV.

In fact, the Harrisonburg used car market is huge! From private sellers to auto dealers with used car lots, there’s no shortage of pre-owned vehicles to choose from.

But why buy pre-owned when a new car comes with a standard manufacturer’s one-year warranty? And they have all those bells and whistles!

Here’s Who Buys Used Cars and Why

For parents with a teen, buying a high mileage vehicle makes sense. There’s no sense buying a brand new Grand Am or Chevy Silverado 1500 truck! That’s money wasted. A quality used car with high mileage is the smart way to go.

If you’re just starting out, renting an apartment, or saving money to buy a house, a used car is the smart investment. Because there is such a good selection of used vehicles, you can get a great car or truck and save money.

Sometimes families need a second car (or third!) and buying used is the way to go. Then there are those who would rather spend their money on island vacations like Hawaii or Guadeloupe, or at golf resorts than buy a new vehicle. Buying a used vehicle is a money saver, allowing travel
junkies

The point is, there are as many reasons for buying a quality used car as there are people!

7 More Great Reasons Buying Pre-Owned Cars are A Great Value

It’s not just a lifestyle choice that makes buying a secondhand car a great decision. When you choose to buy your vehicle from us, a quality Harrisonburg used car dealership, instead of privately, you get our used car warranty protection.

But here are 7 more reasons to consider a used car option.

1. Depreciation-It’s no secret that a new car loses its value as soon as you drive it off the lot. As an investment, it’s not the way to go. Most new vehicles lose up to 50% of their depreciation within 3 years. Plus, vehicles are now built to last longer, a lot longer. So buying a pre-owned vehicle makes sense.

2. Get More Car for Your Money-Because the used vehicle has already depreciated, your hard-earned money goes further. With a new vehicle, you may only be able to budget for an entry level car. But shopping used, your budget will allow you to buy more car with more bells and whistles.

3. Used Car Warranties-Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, every used car, truck, and SUV we sell must pass a 75-point used car inspection checklist from our Chevy certified mechanics. If it doesn’t pass that inspection, it’s not for sale until we correct those issues. The vehicle must be in 100% tip top working order, to the best of our ability. Then we back that up with either a 30 or 90-day warranty, depending on mileage and year of the vehicle.

4. Lower Car Insurance Costs-Your insurance company determines your rate by the value of the car. The more valuable it is, the higher the premium rate. That’s where depreciation becomes your friend. A used Cadillac will cost less to insurance than a new one.

5. Cars Now Last Longer-With advanced technology, pre-owned vehicles last longer than ever before. While you may still want to have your car inspected by your mechanic, the concern about a used car’s lifespan can rightly be put to rest.

6. Vehicle History Reports-Besides vehicles lasting longer, you also have the additional assurance of the availability of a vehicle’s history report. Turn to AutoCheck, CarFax, National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. The system isn’t foolproof, however, because the information is only as good as the data reported. Always get your mechanic to inspect a potential used car purchase, too.

7. Variety-There are approximately 350 new car models entering the market every year. Compare that to thousands of models available on the used car market! From hard to find small pickup trucks like the Chevy S-10’s and retro hatchbacks to vehicles that are only a year or two old, your choices are wide ranging.

Auto Financing for Used Cars is Easier, Too!

Once you’ve decided on the car, truck, or SUV you want, you’ll need to finance it. Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has an excellent reputation with local lenders.

But don’t rule out dealer financing your used vehicle. Our rates are very competitive. We usually meet or beat local banks for auto rates.

What’s more, we have no problem financing high mileage vehicles. Most banks won’t. And we can process your application more quickly.

To learn more about purchasing a quality pre-owned car from Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, visit our site to see our large inventory. Or, stop in to talk to us about what you’re looking for in a vehicle.

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If your credit history is “bumpy” or you’re recovering from a bad credit, you’ve no doubt seen ads like the one below.

“Bad credit? No Credit? No Problem!”

And it’s true. You can buy a vehicle is your credit history has been rocky. The problem with these types of Harrisonburg auto loans is the interest rate. They’re outrageous.

And that’s the problem. High interest rate car loans make it difficult to build any equity, much less recover from a poor credit rating. Plus, some bad credit specialists will saddle you with a loan that’s designed to fail, resulting in repossession of the vehicle.

Why? For the disreputable dealer, repos are a significant source of income.

Getting A Decent Car Loan When You Have A Bad Credit History

The first step in getting a good auto loan is to know your credit score. At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, you can estimate your credit score right on our site. If you want to get a detailed report, go to AnnualCreditReport.com.

By federal law, credit bureaus must give you a free copy once per year. Check all three bureau reports-Equifax, Experian and TransUnion-for errors or negative information that’s more than 7 years old. If there are any problems, AnnualCreditReport.com has online tools to help correct the errors.

Once the errors have been corrected, it’s wise to buy a copy of your credit score. (Federal law doesn’t require credit bureaus to give them to you for free.) But you can get a copy for about $20 from Equifax or MyFico.com.

Knowing your credit score will help to protect you from dishonest dealers seeking to take advantage of your poor credit history.

Advantages of Bad Credit Auto Financing with Joe Bowman Auto Plaza

At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’ve been helping all kinds of people get the wheels they want for 60 years, and that includes those with poor credit histories.

We have an excellent reputation with local banks and with the community at-large. So, if you choose to get financing through a bank, the process will be a smooth one.

However, for those with bad credit, it’s not always easy to get finance a vehicle through a bank. That’s where we can be of service to you.

We have a large network of lending institutions we work with that allows us to find the lowest possible auto rates possible. That’s a plus for anyone who’s buying a car!

But for those with poor or bumpy credit, it’s a huge advantage. With our Second Chance Credit Program, we shop around to find an interest rate that isn’t exorbitant, allowing you to build equity and rebuild your credit.

We also break down the terms of the loan so that you have a clear understanding of your loan obligations. And we offer special financing for high mileage vehicles. Most banks won’t.

Secondly, we offer simple interest car loans. If you want to pay ahead on your loan, you can! There are no pre-payment penalties.

Third, for our used cars and trucks, we offer 30 or 90-day warranties, depending on the mileage and year of the vehicle. (For new vehicles, a manufacturer’s warranty is standard.) And all of our used cars must pass a rigorous 75-point used car inspection checklist.

If mechanical issues are found, we correct them, making sure, to the best of our ability, that the car is in tip-top shape.

And finally, we continue our good customer service after the sale with courtesy transportation when your vehicle is in the shop.

Get lifetime FREE inspections with your car vehicle for as long as you own it. And get preferred service scheduling. If there is a scheduling issue between two vehicles, the one that bought their vehicle from us takes priority.

Recovering from a bad credit history takes time and diligence. If you’re willing to do your part to clean up your credit, we’re here to help!

 To learn more about us, please visit our site: www.joebowmanautoplaza.com.

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Where do Harrisonburg VA residents go to buy the majority of their vehicles? A Harrisonburg auto dealership. As true as that statement is, there are still a lot of myths about buying a vehicle from a dealership.

We thought we’d tackle the three biggest dealership myths right here!

Myth #1: Go to an auto dealership on holidays and rainy days.

The widely held perception is that the best time to buy a vehicle from a dealer is on holidays and rainy days. The belief is that those are lighter days for the dealership, so the sales rep will be more motivated to sell.

That can be true, but other buyers are having that same thought! That’s why holidays and rainy days are actually busy days.

The best time to buy varies according to the dealership and the city, but generally speaking, here are the best days to buy a vehicle:

• Weekdays from 9-5

• End of the month when sales goals need to be met

• End of the model year-buying last year’s model when next year’s model is coming out

• Right before a vehicle is to be discontinued

Myth #2: You shouldn’t tell the salesperson about your trade-in until after a negotiated price.

If you’re dealing with a disreputable sales rep, this tactic makes sense. The sales rep might offer a low dollar price package but then also undervalue your trade-in.

A better tactic is to:

1. Buy from a reputable car dealer2. Treat both as two separate transactions. Negotiate the trade-in using the Kelley Blue Book to find the value of your old vehicle. Negotiate the price of the new vehicle separately.

Myth #3: Harrisonburg auto dealership have higher car financing rates than local banks.

Actually, the opposite is true. Because of the wide financial network that Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has, we can shop around and find you the best interest rate for your car loan. We often beat out local banks and even credit unions!

What’s more, we offer special financing for high mileage vehicles and for those actively repairing their bad credit.

Most banks will not lend money on high mileage vehicles; we do. And for bad credit auto financing, the challenge is finding an interest rate that won’t gouge you, allowing you to build equity.

With our Harrisonburg dealership, we do both every day.

Bonus Myth: Perhaps the most insidious Harrisonburg auto dealer myth is that the dealer is out to screw you. Think about that for a minute. How long would a dealership stay in business if its whole reason for being was to screw its customers?

How long would their service department last? Certainly not 60 years like Joe Bowman Auto Plaza!

If you feel the company is really out to shyster you, then it’s time to take your business elsewhere. Find a good dealership with a good salesperson, one who will work with you to find the best car and the best money you can afford.

To learn more about Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, visit our website. And stop in to see us!

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Harrisonburg Easy Auto Financing: How Dealership Vehicle Financing Excels

Save Time and Money with our Harrisonburg Auto Financing

Buying a brand new car or a quality preowned car is an exciting time! Who doesn’t love upgrading their vehicle to one with new bells and whistles?

As with any new large purchase, financing is a necessary part of the process. That’s why you want to make sure you’re getting the best financing rates and terms possible.

And that’s the very reason why your Chevrolet Harrisonburg dealership financing excels! Not only do we save you time in getting your loan processed, but we also save you money on interest rates.

Surprised? Read on to learn why our dealer financing beats local bank financing.

Auto Finance Lending: How We Streamline the Process

If you’re buying a vehicle in Harrisonburg, easy auto financing is at the top of your list. Life is busy with family commitments and job responsibilities. Who has the time or the patience for a long drawn out loan approval process?

When you choose to finance your loan through our dealership, we can significantly save you time and money.

Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has a large network of financing lenders and banks to choose from. That means we can shop around for the best auto financing deals to meet your budget.

This allows us to help determine the best financing options for you. Then, because the loan is processed through us, approval is quick and easy.

You get the best of both worlds. Competitive interest rates that meet or beat local banks and credit unions and a quick loan approval process.

What’s more, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza will call your auto insurance company and arrange for your new coverage right there in the office.

When you leave our dealership, you’re all set! It’s truly one stop financing.

If, however, you still want to finance through your bank, we will gladly work with you. Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has been in business for 60+ years. We have a sterling reputation with local banks and work easily with them.

Just expect your loan to take longer because digital paperwork has to be transmitted back and for between businesses. Your bank has to review and approve what we send over. We have to review and approve what your bank sends to us.

The end result is the same. It just means driving your new car home will take a little bit longer.

Time Saver: Get Online Preapproval

Before you ever apply for a loan, you first have to get pre-qualified. Instead of taking time out of your busy day and going to the bank for that prequalification, you can do it right on our website.

Check your credit score, fill out the prequalification form, calculate the monthly payment you can afford, and personalize your loan terms.

And, of course, you can shop for your vehicle online as well. Once you’ve found what you want, come into the dealership and we’ll finish up the loan process for you.

Time-saving and easy!

Competitive Harrisonburg Financing Rates and Terms

All of the Joe Bowman Auto Plaza car loans are simple interest loans. That means if you want to pay ahead on your loan to get it paid off early, you can. There are no pre-payment penalties!

We also offer special financing on high mileage vehicles. Most banks won’t do that. And we offer extended terms for car buying, up to 6-7 years!

And again, our auto loan interest rates are very competitive. We often meet or beat local lenders, including credit unions.

Perhaps most importantly, we go over the terms of your loan before you make a financial commitment. We want you to clearly understand your financial obligation.

Bad Credit Auto Financing Right Here in Harrisonburg, VA

Do you have “bumpy” credit or are you actively trying to repair your bad credit history? If so, you know it can be tricky trying to get an auto loan.

Lenders want to charge you a high interest rate which makes it difficult for you to build equity. With our Second Chance Auto Finance program, we’ll shop around to find the absolute best interest rate for you, so that you can build equity and repair your credit!

Service After the Sale: Building Your Loyalty and Trust

We don’t just want a sale, we want a customer for life. That’s why the service continues after the sale.

When you buy a vehicle, new or used, from Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, you get preferred service treatment.

• Courtesy transportation while your vehicle is in the shop
• FREE lifetime auto inspection
• Preferred service scheduling-If two people want the same appointment time, the one who bought from us will receive the first offer on the available time.

Earning your patronage every day is what has kept us in business-and growing-for 60 years!

Call us today or stop by!

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If you’re thinking of buying a new or quality pre-owned car, you’ll want the best auto financing terms available.

That’s why you should consider letting Joe Bowman Auto Plaza in Harrisonburg, VA, arrange your vehicle financing.

Whether you have spotless credit, credits with “bumps,” or you’re in the process of repairing a bad credit history, we can offer you some of the best car financing rates in the area.

Because Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has been in business for 60+ years, we have an excellent reputation with local lenders, and with the community at-large. Additionally, we have a large network of lending institutions we work with.

If we can’t find a competitive rate for you locally, we’ll find it elsewhere!

Auto Financing Starts Online

Today, you don’t have to come into the dealership to begin the loan process. You can do that online.

Simply go to our website, check your credit, then prequalify for a loan. You can even figure out what payments you can afford then personalize the terms.

Once you’ve found the car you want, we can shop around for the best interest rate and terms to match what you need.

One Stop Auto Financing

Our job is to find you the best financing terms possible quickly and easily. That’s why working with our Chevrolet dealership is a huge plus.

When you choose to arrange financing through your local bank, it takes more time. Electronic paperwork is exchanged between our dealership and your bank.

Your bank has to review and approve terms; we have to review and approve terms. That takes time!

When you get run the entire process through us, you get the same lending term benefits you would if you had dealt with your bank. That’s because our interest rates and terms are very competitive! We often match even credit union rates.

For example, we offer lending on high mileage vehicles. Most banks won’t. And again, our interest rates and terms are competitive.

Joe Bowman Auto Plaza offers extended terms for buying a car, up to 6-7 years. Plus, if you’re trading in your car and you still have a balance on it, we’ll pay off your loan!

And, all of our auto loans are simple interest loans. If you want to pay off your loan early, you can. There are no pre-payment penalties. And we go over the terms of your loan to make sure you have a clear understanding of your financial commitment.

We’ll also contact your auto insurance company to get your insurance in place before you leave the dealership.

In short, we get all the legal paperwork completed right at our office, saving you time.

Bad Credit Auto Financing: Get the Best Interest Rate. Rebuild Your Credit

If you’re actively working to repair your credit history, or you have a “bumpy” credit history, we can help you secure financing without exorbitant interest rates.

With our Second Chance auto financing program, we’ll shop around and find the best auto interest rate possible. Instead of making car payments loaded with outrageous interest, you’ll have a reasonable rate, allowing you to build equity.

At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we want to put you in the driver’s seat from pre-qualification to handing you the car keys!

Save time and money when you finance with Joe Bowman Auto Plaza.

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You wouldn’t dare call these classics “used cars,” now would you? These wild and rare Chevy muscle cars are revered and with good reason.

Here’s our list of the top 5 best Chevy muscle cars of all time.

1984 Chevy Corvette

Sleek, elegant, and sporty. That’s a hard combination to beat. Chevy’s third generation sports car, the Corvette, had a very long run, 1968-1982!

When General Motors launched the C4 Corvette, it was wildly speculated that the company would use a mid-engine chassis like an Italian vehicle, or maybe a rotary engine like the Mazda.

Turns out, the next Corvette wasn’t at all radical. It still used the small block Chevy V-8 to drive the rear wheels.

Although the horsepower was meager at 205, Chevy later switched to a new tuned port fuel-injection system. Horsepower and performance jumped!

What isn’t generally known is that there was no 1983 Corvette. While 1982 was indeed the last year for this third-generation pleaser, Chevy waited until 1984 to launch an all-new Corvette.

Some claim it was the tighter emission regulations, which prompted more development time. Others speculate that there were quality glitches at the factory.

Bottom line. Nobody really knows. What we do know is that every 1983 Corvette prototype was destroyed, except one. You can find it at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY.

1970 Chevy Chevelle LS6

For a L-O-N-G time, GM wouldn’t allow engines larger than 400 cubic inches in midsized cars. When the company finally relaxed that rule, it set off a muscle frenzy across GM’s company divisions.

Oldsmobile installed a huge 455 cubic inch into the 442. Chevy installed a unique 454 cubic inch V-8, called the LS6, into the Chevelle SS.

The conservative estimate of the LS6’s power was between 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. But because of its high 11.25:1 compression ratio and its giant Holley 780 CFM carb, it’s real output was more like 500 hp.

In 1970, the Chevelle SS could hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, running the quarter mile in just 13.8 seconds.

That was using the 1970 skinny low-grip tires. Today, that same car would be much quicker. Of all the muscle cars, the LS6 carries the highest factory horsepower rating.

But the Chevelle SS wasn’t always Chevy’s top performing car. Until the LS6, GM wouldn’t allow any Chevy to have a horsepower rating higher than its Corvette.

In 1970, GM relaxed that rule.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Fewer than 70 legendary 1969 Camaro ZL1’s were ever made. Not only was it the most powerful Chevrolet engine offered to the public for decades, it’s also the rarest Chevy production car.

According to HowStuffWorks.com, the price tag to own it at the time was $7,200. The Camaro ZL1 was based on Chevrolet’s 427 V-8 engine. Instead of the regular 427 iron block, the ZL power plant had an aluminum block. That was a first for Chevy.

Rated at the 427’s 430 hp, most independent testers put the output much higher.

Most people don’t know that when the Camaro was in development, it was code named “Panther.”

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Okay, so it wasn’t the fastest muscle car, but it was a small block screamer! The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 hugged the road like no other. So much so it was nicknamed “the hugger.”

Designed to target young buyers, it had a longer, lower body, a brand new grille and bumpers, round parking lights, a revised rear, and a two-tone paint job for a completely fresh look.

Of all of the first generation Camaro models, the ’69 had the highest sales volume. And that’s because of its makeover.

Almost 250,000 were sold. Needless to say, fans loved it.

Ever wonder how specific Camaro models like the Z28 and ZL1 got their Z28 digits? They’re named for their Regular Production Option codes.

1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 454

If you wanted to be cool and respected, the muscle car to drive was the Chevy El Camino SS 454. In 1970, it was probably the first time ever in engine history that a truck wasn’t seen as just a truck.

And a muscle car was way more than a muscle car. You can thank the Chevy El Camino SS 454 for that!

This car changed the way we viewed trucks and it pioneered the truck/muscle car combo. Although it was thought to be light in the rear end, it actually wasn’t.

The El Camino had a front/rear weight distribution that was similar to other V8 front engine, rear wheel drive coupes of the day.

And it was so closely related to the Chevelle that much of the two vehicles were shared, including the engine.

However, 1968 was the only year that the legendary SS was a stand-alone model.

Chevrolet has had an extraordinary history. If you want to be a part of that tradition, come see Joe Bowman Auto Plaza for your next new or used vehicle!

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There’s no doubt about it. There are plenty of used cars online that you can buy. And, you can even get a great bargain on some of them.

While consumers are spending more time online hunting down the perfect vehicle, it’s easy to think that the best place to buy your next used truck or car is on the internet.

After all, shopping online is easy and convenient. You can do it from your desk at work or at home in your pj’s. What’s more, internet car shopping allows you to browse comfortably without any sales pressure.

But the web is not the end all and be all for buying a vehicle.

How to Use the Net to Buy Your Next Used Car or Truck

The internet is a starting point in the car buying process. It’s the place to go to do your research, check reviews, and make inquiries.

But when you’re ready to buy, it’s better to put down the mouse and head to the dealership or private vendor to see what you’re buying.

Look closely at the condition of the vehicle and take it for a test drive. You may decide after closer inspection, it isn’t what you want.

But we think there’s an even better way to buy a used car.

Combining the Best of Both Worlds: Online and Offline Shopping

The best way to buy a vehicle using the internet combines both online shopping with real world shopping.

At our Harrisonburg dealership, you can browse online and views hundreds of vehicles. When you find one you like, you can reserve it with our Shop.Click.Drive program.

Then you schedule a time to pick up your vehicle. But the beauty of this program is, you are under no obligation to buy the vehicle until you decide to sign for it.

When you come into the dealership, if the vehicle isn’t what you were looking for, you don’t have to buy it.

Better yet, you may find an unadvertised special, or car deals that have not yet been posted to our website, or vehicle offers that were removed to make room for other cars.

The point is, it makes the whole car buying process easier, and it saves you time. When you can reserve the car or truck online, then set up a time to go see it, you can reduce the worry that someone else may buy the car before you see it.

We encourage you to use the internet as a tool. Make it work for you!

From Used Car Buying to Used Car Financing

Finding the vehicle you want is half the battle. The other half is financing. While the internet may be able to help you find a few lenders, it’s not the best source for finding the right used car financing for you.

That’s where our dealership can cut through the red tape and find the right terms for your budget. And if you’ve had credit problems in the past, our bad credit auto loan financing program, Second Chance Credit, is excellent for those actively rebuilding their credit.

We’ll help you find a lender that won’t charge you outrageous interest so that you can build equity.

Make the internet your ally to get the ball rolling for finding a good used vehicle. Then get off line and make a beeline to the dealership!

If you’re looking for a quality used car, truck, or SUV that comes with a limited warranty, stop in to see us at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. We’ve been helping people like you for 60+ years.

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Own a Chevrolet used truck? Then you already know they are almost indestructible.

Almost.

Chevy builds tough trucks, but it takes some tough truck love to make them last almost forever. The key to your Chevy’s long life is maintenance, of course.

But what do these “never say die” trucks need to go the distance? The old saying that you get out what you put in is definitely true here.

That’s why these 7 diehard rules are a must for keeping your used Chevy truck running into the next millennium.

1. Oil Maintenance

Never, ever miss an oil change. Ever! Used trucks will often need more frequent oil changes than a new one. So, make sure you check your truck’s oil levels once a week, preferably before you start driving.

You may find that every now and then you’ll need to add a little oil to keep the engine humming along.

2. Tire Rotation

Any used car, truck, or SUV you buy should have relatively new tires. It’s your job to keep those tires performing for thousands of miles.

Whether you’re constantly on the road or you just drive your truck back and forth to work, tire maintenance is a must!

Checking air pressure and rotating the tires periodically ensures even wear and can extend the life of your tires. Plus, you get a much smoother ride.

3. Balance Tires

When you get your tires rotated, get them balanced, too. Every pothole, bump, or off-road mission can put your tires out of balance, which leads to vibrations while driving.

That can cause increased wear on your suspension as well as uneven tire wear.

4. Wheel Alignment

Is your truck pulling to one side or another? It’s time for a wheel alignment. High speed driving and traveling on aggressive roads can take a big toll on your truck’s wheel alignment.

To keep the smoothest ride possible, as well as maintaining your truck’s balance, get regular wheel alignments! Check your owner’s manual for how often you should have a wheel alignment performed.

5. Air Filter Changes

When you neglect to change your truck’s air filter, it’s hard for it to “breathe.” Trucks need fresh air just like people do.

Change your air filter every 15,000-30,000 miles to ensure that nothing is clogging up your engine.

6. Check Lights

It’s good to periodically check the interior and exterior lighting of your truck. A dim light can indicate a possible electrical problem.

A burned out exterior light is not only dangerous, you can get a hefty fine, too. Is your glove box stocked with spare fuses?

Having a few fuses on hand can keep you from calling a very expensive tow truck!

7. Check Fluid Levels

Make sure essential fluid levels are kept up. The most important fluid check is your engine oil, followed by the engine coolant.

Lastly, check out your windshield washer fluid.

These seven cardinal rules to used truck longevity are essential. They aren’t hard, and they don’t take a lot of time. Best of all, dedicated maintenance will keep your Chevy truck love going for years and years.

Looking to buy a quality used or new truck? Stop by Joe Bowman Auto Plaza or visit us online: www.joebowmanautoplaza.com

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The world of SUV’s has gotten very interesting in the last few years. These traditionally rugged vehicles have become more car-like with increased safety features, technologies, and luxury features that were once only found on cars.

Add to that a comfortable ride that sits its passengers up higher and you have part of the equation for the increase in demand.

Here in Harrisonburg, VA, SUV’s are loved by both families and singles alike, each for different reasons.

At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’ve found that there are generally seven top reasons buyers choose an SUV over a truck or even a sedan. And it all has to do with lifestyle.

1. Passenger Seating

If you’ve got a family, seating capacity is a big reason to choose an SUV. Generally, SUV’s accommodate seven quite comfortably. If you buy one with third row seating, the vehicle can accommodate eight.

If you’re someone who routinely finds themselves carting around a lot of people, an SUV is the easy answer, and your passengers ride comfortably.

2. Passenger Safety

Sport Utility Vehicles are considered safer than cars because they have strong metal pillars that hold the body of the vehicle. It’s this sturdy metal structure that becomes an extra safety roll over measure during a high speed collision.

3. Cargo Space

Another big reason people love SUV’s is because of the cargo space. There’s a ton of it! For those that do a lot of traveling, an SUV’s luggage capacity is a big plus. Families also like it because kids can ride comfortably without luggage compromising their space.

4. Towing Capacity

Sport Utility Vehicles are the bomb for towing boats, bicycles, motorcycles. When you want to get away, SUV’s can carry the extra weight!

5. Off Road Use

There’s a reason why people in snowy regions rely on SUV’s. Not only can they handle snow, but they can also handle terrain, gravel, or any other challenging surface.

With All Wheel Drive and Electronic Stability Control technologies now available in SUV’s, they are better than ever for driving in unfavorable weather.

6. Style and Looks

With their rugged look and style, SUV’s offer increased power. If you choose a Crossover Utility Vehicle, you’ll get a vehicle that still has the look and feel of a sedan, but with the power of an SUV.

7. SUV Size Range

SUV’s are no longer just one size. From full-size to Crossover to small, you can now get an SUV that suits your lifestyle. And for some, that may not include a lot of off-road adventures.

The subcompact SUV is great for both dense urban environments as well as for older people who want a vehicle that’s easy to get in and out of, have nice upright seats, and can handle several golf bags.

Bottom line. If you’re looking for safety, rugged styling, more visibility, and more seating and cargo space, then an SUV may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Check out our inventory online or come into our showroom and take a test drive!

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