Buying a used car and intending to insure it? What are some tips for saving on insurance for a used car? 

Rather than going with the first insurance company you contact, do some searching around for different companies and see what their rates are– “comparison shop” to get the lowest rate. Doing so could save you a couple hundred dollars. 

When you do pick a company to utilize, there are some ways to save money. For example, you can increase your deductible. Most people will increase their deductible from $500 to $1,000, which brings down their premiums by about 20 percent on average. Also, consider dropping collision and comprehensive insurance to save over $1,000 a year. Now if you live in an area where you suspect you might get a cracked windshield, keep the comprehensive insurance. 

Have you taken a defensive/safe driving course? That can help lower your insurance rate(s). For a couple hours of your time (possibly all of it online!) you could save 10 percent or more.

Do you not drive that much? If you drive less than 10,000 miles a year, tell your insurance company. You might get a discount. 

If you have homeowner’s insurance, see if you can bundle your auto coverage with it. You might save a couple hundred dollars just by utilizing the same company for both home and auto coverage. 

Finally, consult with an independent insurance agent who is not beholden to just one company. He or she represents several insurance companies including some you might not even know about– and this can help you save quite a bit of money when the independent agent finds the best deal for you.

Are you looking for a used car in Lehighton, PA? Come to 443 Auto Sales at 2848 Blakeslee Boulevard and check out the latest inventory. Call 570-386-0443 for more information. 

When it comes to purchasing a used vehicle, many buyers find themselves weighing two critical factors: mileage and age. Undoubtedly, both variables can affect the longevity, performance and resale value of car. As such, which should you prioritize when shopping for a used car?

Understanding the Importance of Mileage

Mileage is often the first thing people look at when shopping for a used vehicle. Simply put, it reflects how much the car has been driven. A vehicle with higher mileage typically means more wear and tear on essential components like the engine, transmission, and suspension.

However, a well-maintained vehicle with high mileage can still offer plenty of life, especially if it has been serviced regularly. At 443 Auto Sales, we emphasize vehicle maintenance history when selecting cars for our inventory. So, while mileage is an important factor, it doesn't always tell the full story. In many cases, a high-mileage vehicle that's been meticulously maintained can outperform a lower-mileage car that has been neglected.

The Role of Age in Used Car Shopping

Age is another key consideration when buying a used car. Older cars may have outdated technology, less fuel efficiency, and more potential for rust or cosmetic wear. However, older vehicles can sometimes be a better deal if they have been well-preserved or have low miles. To use a cheesy pun, there might be a lot of tread left on those tires!

Newer vehicles tend to offer more advanced safety features and improved technology, which can make them appealing even if they come with higher mileage. It's not uncommon to find a car that’s a few years old with higher mileage due to highway driving—this type of wear is typically easier on a vehicle than stop-and-go city driving.

At 443 Auto Sales, we stock a variety of vehicles, from newer models with a bit more mileage to older cars that have been driven sparingly. This allows you to choose what works best for your needs and budget.

When choosing between mileage and age, it often comes down to finding the right balance for your specific needs. For instance, if you're after a car with more modern technology or safety features, opting for a newer model with slightly higher mileage might be a good choice. If you’re looking for a car that’s been gently used over several years, an older model with low mileage might be the way to go.

Regardless of your used car needs, 443 Auto Sales is here to help. Contact us or visit our showroom to get started.

Are you getting ready to trade in your car for a different one? What are some things to do before you actually trade it in? 

Look over your car and see if there are any things you could have done to it before you trade it in to increase its value. For instance, if there’s a crack in the windshield, get that glass repaired or replaced. 

Clean the Interior and Exterior

If the interior is dirty, vacuum and clean it. Also, take all your personal stuff out of the vehicle, including the garage door opener. Clear information that may be stored in the car’s computer, such as cell phone info or navigation system info. 

Drive the vehicle through a professional car wash to make the exterior look its best. And if there are some minor dents or scratches, don’t worry too much about them– that’s to be expected on trade-ins. 

Get Your Paperwork in Place

Have you kept paperwork for the vehicle? Find it and prepare to give it over to the place where you’re trading it in… for example, if you have receipts from various maintenance visits over the years, share those. Organize paperwork neatly in a folder and have them in the vehicle on the day you deliver it to wherever it needs to go. Label that folder so people know what’s in it. Put the car’s owner’s manual in the glovebox. Make sure you have the registration and title (if you have them) to turn over to the person or place where the car is going… Get the keys ready to hand over, too.

Don’t Worry About the Gas

Should you fill up the gas tank? Nope. You don’t have to.

Know the Value

Finally, look up, online, what the car’s worth these days. That way you get an idea of how much it’s worth to either sell on your own or trade-in. Consider that depreciation will affect trade-ins. The older the vehicle and the higher the mileage, the less it’s worth, generally.

Finding the right used car salesperson is almost as important as finding the right vehicle. It’s why  our company always prioritizes our customer relationships, as we want 443 Auto Sales to always be the company you turn to and can trust when you need a used car. Let’s take a look at the things you should look for in a used car salesperson.

Look for Knowledge and Experience

A knowledgeable salesperson can offer insights that go beyond the surface. They should be familiar with the ins and outs of each vehicle on the lot, from the fuel-efficient sedans to the rugged trucks and SUVs. But knowledge alone isn’t enough—experience matters, too. An experienced salesperson will have a deep understanding of customer needs and the ability to match those needs with the right vehicle.

Choose Someone Who Listens

A good salesperson listens more than they talk. They should ask questions about your lifestyle, driving habits, and budget to help pinpoint the best options for you. If you find yourself with a salesperson who is pushing you towards a specific vehicle without considering your preferences, it might be time to look elsewhere.

Consider Their Transparency

Transparency is key when buying a used car. You want a salesperson who is upfront about the vehicle's history, condition, and any financing terms. If they’re evasive or unclear about any details, that’s a red flag. You deserve all the information about the car’s history.

We’re committed to making the car-buying process as seamless and stress-free as possible. Our experienced team is here to listen, guide, and provide transparent information every step of the way. If you’re ready to find your next vehicle, we’re here to help.

Are you thinking of buying a used car? If so, you’ve probably done some shopping only to notice prices seem to fluctuate. Why is that? 

Remember the pandemic that changed the world? The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of shutdowns. Supply chains were hampered. And when it comes to the manufacturing of automobiles in recent years, the semiconductor chips they all needed weren’t available. Supply did not keep up with demand. Therefore, fewer cars were made in recent years. And when there’s less supply than there is demand, prices go up. If you looked at sticker prices for new or used vehicles recently, you probably thought, “Just a few years ago I could afford a vehicle, and now look at these outrageous prices!” 

Prices have always been fluctuating based on supply and demand. When there’s more supply than demand, prices fall. When there’s more demand than supply, prices rise. Lately, though, add in there the issue of inflation. Notice how your groceries doubled in price in the past few years? Similarly, prices have gone up in many sectors, including vehicles. So what once might have been $35,000 might now be $55,000, to use an example. Did your wages increase to match the higher prices of things you want to buy? Probably not. No wonder, then, that most people are in a quandary when it comes to getting a new/used vehicle or using money to keep food on the table. 

What about repairs and car parts? The bad news is this: they cost more than they used to. Even car insurance rates have skyrocketed.  

Since prices fluctuate but in general seem to be rising more than falling, what can you do when shopping for a vehicle these days?

Compare prices online, looking at different websites to see who is selling what at what price. Used vehicles, as usual, should be cheaper than brand new ones, so consider buying used. Do what you can to negotiate the price, and pay for the vehicle in cash if you can. This will help you avoid a loan and save you from paying interest. Also, ask about discounts. Maybe there’s a military or first responder discount, or some other incentive depending on who you are and what you do for work.

If you’re looking for a reliable used car in the Lehighton, PA area, check out the selection at 443 Auto Sales.

Do you currently drive an older car? What are some maintenance tips to keep it in decent shape? Overall, try to be proactive rather than waiting ‘til the last minute to get something checked or fixed– being reactive can cost a lot more money than being proactive.

For starters, how are your brakes? If you hear some noises around your tires, you might need replacement brake pads. Or if you notice leaks, maybe you have a brake fluid issue that needs attention. Also, take a look at your tires. Do they seem underinflated? If they’re starting to look low or even flat then it’s time to add some air and/or have a mechanic take a look and see what’s going on. Most tires should be somewhere between 30 and 35 PSI.

What are some other maintenance tips for older cars? Have various fluids and systems checked by a professional to see how they’re doing– for instance, you might need to have the steering fluid changed or your shocks replaced. Maybe the windshield wipers or radiator hoses have worn out. There could be cracks in the fuel line and/or the fuel filter needs to be replaced. Other things a mechanic should check are the CV joints, the engine timing belt, the cooling system, the water pump and the battery. All of these things may wear out or fail over time.

Don’t forget to check your oil and change it when needed, including its filter. That’s true for your transmission fluid and filter, too.

Older vehicles are like older people– they need more maintenance work than younger models. That said, with some time and attention, you can keep your older car or truck on the road for more miles if you simply maintain it well as the years go by.

So you’re at a point in your life where you need a vehicle. And you’re not sure if you should lease a new one or buy a used one… There are obviously pros and cons to both, but in the end it’s better to just get the used car and avoid leasing.

When you lease a vehicle, you are essentially paying someone to borrow that vehicle for a determined amount of time and then you give it back. While you possess the vehicle you feel compelled to take extra good care of it in order to avoid any extra charges or fees. And one of the biggest headaches of leasing? That would be mileage restrictions. If you go over “their limit,” then you can expect to pay hefty fees. Meanwhile, if you choose to break the lease earlier than expected, then you can expect to pay penalty fees. At the end of the day, you don’t own the vehicle! You have built no equity in it. You have to return it to the owner/dealership and you’re left without a vehicle. Ugh.

Now buying a used vehicle, at a place like 443 Auto Sales, is the better option than leasing. When you buy it (and pay off the loan if needed) it’s yours. You can choose to keep that vehicle for as long as you want– decades perhaps! Meanwhile, you aren’t restricted, mileage-wise. Drive it as far as you want– to Alaska and back if you so choose. Furthermore, when you own the vehicle, you can customize it as you wish. Modify it. Make changes. Paint it. Add stickers. Do what YOU want to do with it.

What’s currently available for sale at 443 Auto Sales in Lehighton, PA? Also, call 570-386-0443 with any questions you might have about buying a used car, truck or SUV. Now’s a great time to get one! 

If your brakes didn’t work properly then you wouldn’t be able to drive your vehicle. After all, the brakes matter, right? They need to be in good shape for you to stop when you want to, and if they’re “going” there will be some signs. What should you look for or notice to know that your brakes may soon need to be repaired or replaced?

First, see if a brake light is on– this appears on the dashboard. For instance, you might notice a brake pad indicator light indicating your fluid level is abnormal. Your brake pads might be wearing out. Also check to see if the parking brake indicator light is on. If it is, the brake is “on” and/or there could be a problem with it. 

Next, listen for certain noises when you engage your brakes. Generally, a squealing noise that seems high-pitched indicates your brake pads are coming into contact with the rotor and thus “wearing out.” Furthermore, if you hear a grinding noise, get to a mechanic quickly. You might have a brake pad or shoe that’s scraping on metal contact points. 

Thirdly, when you apply your brakes, notice if the vehicle– or steering wheel– starts to shake, wobble or pulse. If so, you might have uneven rotors and/or your rotor surface has worn down. If the brakes seem “soft” or “spongy” like they’re not giving resistance when you press down on them, then you might have a problem with your braking system such as air or moisture in the system. It could also indicate a master cylinder issue. And if your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, that’s something for a mechanic to investigate because it’s not normal. 

Finally, look for leaking fluid on the ground. When new, brake fluid is clear or slightly yellow. Over time, it darkens, so if you see a distinct light brown to dark brown color spot beneath your vehicle, there could be a problem. 

If your brakes are unsalvageable and you’d rather just invest in a used car, check out the inventory at 443 Auto Sales.

Buying a used vehicle can be a good experience, but it can also go bad if you don’t do your homework beforehand. It’s important to do some basic things before you actually buy a used car or truck.

What are some mistakes some people make when buying a used vehicle?

For starters, they see a photo of a vehicle online and arrange to buy it sight unseen. That means no test-drive or even seeing the physical condition of the actual vehicle before taking the keys and driving off the lot. While it’s nice to see online photos of vehicles, they can’t replace actually sitting in a vehicle, driving it a bit and walking around it to notice anything particularly good or bad about its looks and condition. 

Next, there’s the issue of paying for the vehicle. Some people don’t investigate pre-approved financing options. If they did, it would make negotiating prices easier. Furthermore, when a person does look for lenders and loans, it’s best to check around to find different options. It’s important to know loan terms and interest rates and make sure they fit the budget before buying a used vehicle. 

Thirdly, some people make the mistake of not having the vehicle they’re interested in checked by their preferred mechanic. It’s best to have a mechanic you trust and have worked with in the past look over the vehicle for any issues before you buy it. Car inspections can give you peace of mind. Related to a mechanic inspection is the idea of running a vehicle history report. Some people make the mistake of not doing this– but then they’re not checking for prior accidents, problems with the vehicle and/or the number of previous owners. It’s important to know as much as you can about a vehicle before you buy it. Car history reports are usually available through CARFAX and other services. 

Finally, there’s the idea that you buy a vehicle based solely on looks. Surprisingly, this is a common mistake people make. However, what if the vehicle is too small and hard to get in and out of, so it’s not really practical? What if it looks good but doesn’t work well on ice/snow-covered roads in the winter? There’s more to vehicles than just their aesthetic looks. 

Looking for a used vehicle? 443 Auto Sales of Lehighton, PA, can work with you, helping you find what best suits your needs. Call 570-386-0443 for more info. 

At 443 Auto Sales, you’ll find used Chevys for sale, including names like Traverse, Equinox, Malibu, Sonic and Cruze. Why buy a used Chevy?

The name Chevrolet, or “Chevy” as it’s commonly known, has a longstanding reputation of making quality vehicles. Most Americans at one time or another have owned or driven a Chevy or know someone who has… The company has been around since 1911!

Besides having a good reputation, Chevy has won awards. In fact, the company won more J.D. Power Initial Quality Awards than any other automotive brand (as of 2013). They’ve also scored 5-Star Overall vehicle scores for safety more so than Ford and Toyota combined. Features like Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning, along with advanced airbag systems, have helped make the brand synonymous with safety.

Chevy has a nice range of vehicles to meet different people’s needs. There are full-size pickups, SUVs, midsize sedans and compacts. Performance and safety matter to Chevy– so people keep buying their products. 

A used or “pre-owned” Chevy from 443 Auto Sales is a smart choice. The vehicles are well-designed, give you value for your money, perform well over time and are quite well known as being “American” in an era when “Buy American” matters.

Looking to make your money go further? Rather than buying brand new, buying used means you’ll pay less and essentially get more for your money. Within the first three years of being on the market, new vehicles lose up to 50 percent of their value (this is known as depreciation), so when you buy used you can skip that initial loss in value… You can save thousands of dollars simply by buying a model that’s a couple years old. Plus, when new vehicles are available, there’s not much data on them since they’re new. With used vehicles, however, you can look up various statistics to find out how they are truly rated by other people. These reviews talk about people’s personal experiences with various vehicles and let you know how reliable the cars, trucks or SUVs are thanks to postings on the Internet.