Before you purchase a vehicle, you or a trusted mechanic should look under the hood and inspect what’s there. What should be inspected?

For starters, take the engine oil filler cap off and then look at its underside. If you notice white or brown “gel-like” deposits, that’s a bad sign. It could indicate water or coolant contamination of the engine oil. There could be a leaking head gasket. You should also check the engine coolant reservoir for any similar deposits you’d consider “gunk.” If the engine oil filler cap is pressurized, only open it if the engine is completely cool.

Next, while the engine is “cool” (hasn’t been running), start it while the hood is open. Then listen for any odd noises. If you hear a “clack-clack” you could have a bad valve system. If you hear a squeak or squeal, there could be a bad belt or pulley that needs attention.

Thirdly, check for any signs of pest infestation. Do you notice any feces, urine, nut shells, etc.? There could be rodents, birds or other animals making a nest in the engine somewhere. Obviously, they need to go!

Finally, get inside the car and while the engine is running, turn the car off and flip the key to the on position without starting– this should illuminate all the dash warning lights. Start the engine again and see that all the warning lights go out as you’d hope. Run the different controls to see if they all work as intended.

Looking to buy a vehicle and not sure where to start? In Lehighton, PA, come to 443 Auto Sales, located at 2848 Blakeslee Boulevard. 443 Auto Sales has plenty of hoods to look under– a nice variety of vehicles to choose from! Call 570-386-0443 with any questions you might have.

Every year, there are more than 40 million people who purchase used cars across the U.S. Many of them choose to do it at what are called “buy here, pay here” used car dealerships. There are many benefits that you’ll receive when you make a purchase at a “buy here, pay here” used car dealer. Take a look at several of those benefits below before making your way over to one of these dealers.

It’ll allow you to get a loan quickly.

One of the worst parts about buying a car is sitting and waiting for a bank to approve your loan for it. It can make the car-buying process last a lot longer than it should. This won’t ever be an issue at a “buy here, pay here” used car dealer. You can get approved for a loan almost immediately, so you can move on to the next part of the process.

It’ll give you a chance to set your own terms.

Most “buy here, pay here” used car dealers allow their customers to set their own repayment terms when they purchase a car. This means that you can pay your car off quickly if you want or pay it off over a longer period of time based on what works for you. You can create a used car loan that is perfect for your specific needs.

It’ll get you access to a good interest rate.

If you have bad credit and you apply for a loan through traditional lenders, they’re likely going to give you a very high interest rate. “Buy here, pay here” used car dealers will try to get you the most competitive rate possible. They can also get you a loan without requiring a big down payment.

Would you like to see how convenient it is to work with a “buy here, pay here” used car dealer? Come down to 443 Auto Sales to see what we have in stock now and to apply for a loan. Or call us at 570-386-0443 today for more information on how “buy here, pay here” actually works.

443 Auto Sales in Lehighton, PA, is a “buy here pay here” car dealer. Did you know that “buy here pay here” can help your credit situation?

How a Used Car Dealership Can Help Your Credit

Buy here pay here dealerships make sense for people who have no credit or even bad credit. In essence, dealerships like 443 Auto Sales are “one stop shops” where you can purchase a car as well as obtain financing, rather than trying to secure financing elsewhere. In other words, you don’t have to seek out a third-party lender. You don’t have to wait around to see if a bank approves your financing need(s). 

Buy here pay here auto loans can actually help you build your credit. When you make your on-time payments, the dealership reports those to the major credit reporting agencies like Equifax on a regular basis-- this way you’re “in the system” and known for paying off your loan(s) on time. 

Basically, buy here pay here dealerships like 443 Auto Sales become your financial partner, helping you get what you want and need-- transportation-- and working with you to help improve your overall financial situation. 

So, if you’re “credit-challenged,” don’t worry-- you can still get approved. Approval standards are lower than what you’ll find with traditional lenders. Also, the process is simple. The buying and financing process is completed when you drive off the lot-- which is a lot faster than completing a traditional loan process (especially if you have bad credit). 

Are you thinking of buying a used car? 443 Auto Sales has a handy credit application page, here:  You can fill out the form online and it’s submitted securely through 443’s digital application process. Once we receive your information, we’ll get back to you quickly and share with you financing options. You’re also welcome to come to the dealership and fill out the application in person if you prefer. We’re here to help you formulate the right payment plan for your budget. 

443 Auto Sales is a reputable dealer with an outstanding selection of used cars. Please call 570-386-0443 with questions, or visit us at 2848 Blakeslee Blvd. in Lehighton, PA. 

One lady wanted a used car for her 16-year-old son to use to get to work and back. So she saw that her neighbor across the street had a “for sale” sign on his old Pontiac Grand Prix. After some negotiations, the lady bought it for just $600-- a bargain, right? It didn’t turn out as hoped, though, because she later took it to her mechanic. He put it up on the lift and noticed the whole bottom of the car had rusted out! It was literally falling apart and totally unsafe to drive. This kind of thing happens a lot when people buy a used car from a private seller. It’s risky.

Private Sellers Don't Have to Follow Strict Regulations

Why buy a used vehicle from a dealership, like 443 Auto Sales? For starters, dealerships have to follow state and federal rules and regulations-- all of which are designed to protect buyers from getting bad deals. For those who buy from a private seller, they’re getting the vehicle “as is.” There could be a whole host of problems with it that aren’t discovered until it’s too late and the buyer ends up either having to pay for all sorts of repairs or… getting rid of the junker all together.

Dealerships Provide Warranties

Dealerships are important because they can provide warranties on vehicles. That way, if something goes wrong after the buyer acquires the vehicle, and it’s “covered under warranty,” the buyer’s repairs are taken care of without breaking his or her bank.

Accurate History Information

Meanwhile, dealerships often have better vehicle history information available than private sellers. For instance, dealerships use CARFAX, a service which details the history of a vehicle, indicating all sorts of key information about it, including whether it has been in an accident.

Buying from a private seller often involves more paperwork and more legwork because you’re “doing it on your own.” With a dealership, it’s more convenient because a whole bunch of vehicles are gathered in one spot to choose from, and the people who work there are used to completing all necessary paperwork such as registrations, titles and even plates.

If looking for a used car stresses you out and you’re leaning toward visiting a dealership rather than looking all around for various private sellers and what they might offer, visit 443 Auto Sales at 2848 Blakeslee Blvd. in Lehighton, PA. You can call 570-386-0443 for more info.

f you’re the kind of person who is looking for “the best deal for the best price,” then you’ve probably asked yourself this question: “What is the optimal age to purchase a used car?” And then you wondered… “A year old? Two-years-old? More than that?”

Considerations

One of the things that people worry about when buying a used car is whether or not they’re going to have to pay for repairs or replacement parts, especially if the car is older. They also wonder if there’s a transferable warranty involved-- if so, that's great. Besides these two issues, the other main thing to think about with used cars is a term called “depreciation.”

Used Vehicles Have Slower Depreciation Rates

The dictionary definition of depreciation is “a reduction in the value of an asset with the passage of time, due in particular to wear and tear.”

Depreciation is greatest in the first year of ownership… so, if you were to take a 2020 vehicle that’s sold for $28,000, in 2021 it would be worth $7,500 less. In 2022, it would be worth $8,600 less, on average. So, as you can see, the first year depreciation is a big drop in price ($7,500) whereas the second year it is much smaller ($1,100).

So, when shopping for a used car, the best time to buy one is when it’s about two-years-old. Most two-year-old vehicles still have active warranties, so that’s a nice bonus. And since the vehicle is still relatively new, you shouldn’t expect it to need major repairs. If you’re looking to buy a used car in 2020, look at 2018 models.

Mileage Is Critical

One more thing: check the mileage. If you can get a used vehicle with less than 60,000 miles on it, then you’re doing well. Once cars and trucks hit the 60,000 milestone, they’re likely going to need replacement parts-- new belts, brakes, tires, etc.

Do you want to find used vehicles with low mileage? Come to 443 Auto Sales at 2848 Blakeslee Blvd. in Lehighton, PA. Or browse inventory online here. 443 Auto Sales is a “buy here pay here” dealership. For more info, call 570-386-0443.

Look, we all get in financial pickles, and sometimes the predicament we’re in so great that it destroys our credit. Is the system fair? No, probably not. But it is what we have, and if you have bad credit and need to purchase things such as a used car, there are still things you can do to get what you need.

Here are three ways to purchase a used car with bad credit.

• If you have time before you need a new car, start taking small steps towards improving your credit. For example, take out a credit card, use it to make purchases, then pay it off in full every single month. This will help improve your credit score and make it more likely you can get the lending you need.

• Go to a “buy here pay here” used car dealership. Buy going to one, you need not worry about a having to get your bank or a third party involved; instead you can come up with a payment plan and purchase the car all in one place. It’s the definition of win-win.

• Increase your down payment. In most situations, the more you put down, the more you offset the exorbitant interest fees you would have to pay, and the more buying opportunities you will have to find the vehicle you truly want for you and your family. 

Those are just a few examples of the things you can to improve your chances of buying a vehicle with poor credit. 443 Auto Sales has helped clients with a wide range of credit scores find the right used vehicle in Lehighton, PA. To learn more about how we can help you with your used car shopping experience, contact us today.

Are you thinking about leasing a new car? Why is it better to buy a used car than to lease a new one?

What is the better option financially? 

While leasing a brand-new car for a monthly payment may seem tempting, it makes more sense, financially, to buy a used car. That’s because leases have stipulations that may end up costing a person much more than they bargained for… What if the lease has mileage limits and the person goes over those limits? Then they have to pay a penalty, which is typically up to 20 cents a mile.

What's more, if a person brings the vehicle back to the dealership and the dealer thinks it has more wear and tear than it should, they can charge a person extra fees. Finally, leasing payments don’t end until you surrender the car, and then you don’t get to keep it. Contrast that with buying a used car-- which you get to keep!

You Can Score More Favorable Deals 

Buying a used car can often be the smart choice, especially when great financing deals are made available. If a dealer offers something like 0% financing, why not buy a car from them? Or a person could check with a credit union for a favorable rate. Eventually car payments will end, and then the person owns the car. It’s an asset. They have something to show for their monetary investment. They can keep the car indefinitely, and eventually re-sell it, making some money back on their investment.

Cheaper Insurance, Too 

Did you know that the annual insurance cost for a leased car is typically higher than for a purchased car? Did you also know that the driver of a leased car has to pay personal property tax on the car, whereas, in some states, no personal property tax is owed on a purchased car?

Are you looking for a used car? Come to 443 Auto Sales at 2848 Blakeslee Blvd. in Lehighton, PA. Call 570-386-0443 for more information.

What will a vehicle history report tell you? It details who owned the vehicle, if/when it was in any accidents, and tells the title status, mileage and more. Typically, people get the vehicle history report from Carfax.com, which is a major provider, though there are others like AutoCheck.com.

How to Obtain a Vehicle History Report

What do you need to know in order to find the vehicle history report? You’ll need to know the VIN number--VIN stands for vehicle identification number. To find the VIN number on a vehicle, stand on the driver’s side and look at the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield. If it’s not there, open the driver’s side door and look at the door post for the number.

Does a Dealership Provide One?

Many dealers will offer customers vehicle history reports as part of their sales process. Some offer the reports for free. If you ever have to pay for one, expect to pay between $25 and $40 or so. Should you want to obtain the report on your own, simply go online to a site like Carfax.com where you’ll enter the VIN number and then obtain the information you want.

The Benefits of Vehicle History Reports

Why do people like seeing a vehicle history report? It’s kind of like a vehicle’s “report card,” and will give potential buyers an idea of where the vehicle has been, how it has been treated, and whether or not they really want to buy it. For instance, the report might indicate the vehicle was in an accident and that could be a deal breaker. Or, if the “price is right,” some buyers might be willing to “take a chance” on that formerly damaged vehicle because they’re getting it for a “great deal.” It’s all about perspective, isn’t it?

Sources for Vehicle History Reports

A vehicle’s accident history is obtained from sources like state motor vehicle departments, insurance companies and collision repair shops. Things like airbag deployments or structural damage would be listed. Most reports will also share if the vehicle has received fire, flood or hail damage.

Title History

As for title history, if you see the word “salvage,” then you should understand an auto insurance company determined, at one time, the vehicle wasn’t economically viable to repair-- and declared a total loss! That said, someone ended up repairing the vehicle so that it was good enough to be back on the road. Most buyers avoid vehicles with salvage titles.

Masking of Damage

Finally, when looking at a vehicle history report, notice if it has been sold and resold many times, from state to state to state. If so, this could hint that there’s something wrong with the vehicle and people were/are trying to clear negative information from the vehicle’s title and/or masking damage.

If you're in the market for used cars in the Lehighton, PA area, check out the inventory at 443 Auto Sales.

If you’re thinking about buying a used car, how do you know if the dealership you’re visiting is a “bad one?”

Attitude

Firstly, how is their attitude? When you talk with people there, are they interested in talking with you or do they ignore you? Are they rude to you? If so, find another dealer, right? Buying a vehicle can be stressful, and you want to work with people who make your buying experience a pleasant one-- not a dreadful one.

Lines to Cross

If a dealership is willing to sell vehicles with open recalls, they’re bad-- basically, they’re willing to sell you an unsafe car or truck. Also, the dealer had better have an actual, physical title for the vehicle you’re interested in buying-- and if they don’t? Steer clear of that mess!

Clauses

Does the dealer want you to sign an “arbitration clause?” If so, an “impartial” third party will settle your potential future dispute, but keep in mind that dealers tend to get favored over buyers, especially when they’re the ones paying the actual arbitrator’s fee.

Open to Inspections

A good dealer will allow you to take the vehicle you’re interested in buying to your mechanic to have them inspect it on your behalf and give you an idea whether or not it’s a “good deal.” A bad dealer who doesn’t allow you to have your mechanic check the vehicle might be hiding something-- so, avoid working with them.

First Impressions

Just like with any business, you can get a good idea of how a dealership is doing by observing the lot to see whether or not it’s busy. If it seems like very few people shop there (“It’s NEVER busy!”) or the lot looks worn out/run down (“They just don’t seem to care about their own business. They don’t replace light bulbs in their parking lots or signage.”) then it’s time to look for a busier dealership that presents itself well to the public.

Finally, before you visit dealerships, check out their testimonials or ask for a reference.

If you're looking for a reliable dealership in the Lehighton, PA area, stop by 443 Auto Sales today.

How are used cars priced? Like real estate, the used car market follows the rules of supply and demand. When a certain vehicle is in short supply but high demand, the price goes up. If there are plenty of them around and demand isn’t that high for them, the price goes down.

Market Trends

Dealers often compare prices with other dealers to see what the overall market looks like week by week. Sometimes they’ll raise the price on a used vehicle if they think people will be willing to pay it, or they’ll lower the price to spur interest and “get it sold.” Most dealers have the sticker price on the vehicle but end up selling it for a slightly different amount when the buyer is actually in the office, negotiating the final price they’re willing to pay.

Deals With Car Companies

Once in a while, there will be a dealer who will set their prices such that what’s on the sticker is exactly the price the buyer will pay-- no negotiating allowed. In fact, the Saturn brand was famous for that a while back… however, the majority of dealers are open to negotiating the final, actual price.

Time of Year

Oh, and something else to think about: the time of year affects the pricing of vehicles. For instance, you’re likely to get a better deal on a convertible if you buy it in the middle of winter, while the price of 4x4 SUVs (which do well in snow) might go up during winter months.

Mileage and Condition of Vehicle

There are several factors involved in setting a price for a used vehicle, including the amount of mileage on it (is it high or low?), the condition it’s in (great/good/fair), the age (is it 10-years-old or just a year old?), and even the color. For instance, some dealers might charge a little more for bright red because it’s more rare and exciting than, say, all the other black, white and silver vehicles on the lot.

Are you looking to buy a used vehicle in Lehighton, PA? Come to 443 Auto Sales and see what’s on the lot. Take some test drives. Meet with salespeople and discuss your needs. Then, find one you’re interested in and negotiate your good deal!