Latest News, Tips & More | TM Auto Wholesalers

Gotta Go, Gotta Go! We stepped on the gas peddle over a hundred years ago and never looked back. You probably have saddle sores from all the time you spend in the driver’s seat! We will actually cover enough distance in our lifetime to go to the moon and back 3 times! Great reasons why your rocket needs all the comforts of home and specific features to fit your needs. The great thing is, our cars are getting more equipped for our lives everyday, and soon they'll even drive for us. Sometimes it seems like we’re in our cars more than we are our homes so finding the right fit is very important.

There’s practically a car for every person’s taste and task today. Manufactures build to suit our every whim and virtually any available option can be added or removed from the list for the right price. With all these choices it’s getting hard to know where to draw the line! Sure, if money was no option then our perfect car would be on the design table of our favorite manufacturer right now, but let’s get serious; we need the most car for our hard earned dollar. Rest assured, it’s out there, and with the right checklist you’ll find it.Think of your car as you would your home and you’ll be more likely to make practical choices where needed and still have some room for the fun stuff. This simple checklist will get you started prioritizing from the top and then on to the details. Making an educated purchase will pay off huge down the road believe me, I’ve heard some nightmare stories from people that jumped on a “so called deal” without considering if it was what they needed or even wanted!

Priorities to consider when selecting the right car for your lifestyle and budget.

• Family

• Safety

• 4WD, All-Wheel Drive, 2WD

• Wheel Base (a.k.a. leg room)

• Travel

• Luxury/Comfort

• Performance/Sporty

• Towing Capacity

• Going Green (Hybrids)

• Fuel Economy

• Reliability

• Maintenance Costs

• Price

Just like your home, you’re most likely to have a payment on your car. You’re also going to use it daily and keep it for a while… if you choose wisely. Price can be negotiated most times but the other items on your list can’t. Be honest about your needs and wants and the price will almost always reflect your choices. If it’s too high, take another look at those wants before sacrificing a need. Oh, and remember if you plan to keep your next car, get the one you want. It’s easy to keep the things we love. Feel free to call 757-560-4252 and ask for Mike Love, I’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the TM Auto inventory for your next car purchase.  

Whether it’s for your soon-to-be teen driver, off road adventures, work use, or daily commute, now’s the best time of year to get a deal on that car, truck or SUV.

As a dealer, I constantly monitor the car market’s pulse to provide my customers with the best automobiles at the lowest possible prices. Because dealership’s costs fluctuate throughout the year just like yours, their prices fluctuate as well. Sometimes up and other times down, always changing, depending on a number of triggering factors.

After the first of the year, car dealerships across the country will begin raising their prices, just like last year and the year before. Why? It all starts at the top with Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam will begin processing income tax returns online as early as January 19th. The car industry responds accordingly with increased manufacturer prices, creating a chain reaction on down the line. Large dealerships, small dealerships, auctions, and even private sellers react by increasing their prices as well. You can expect those prices to remain higher than normal until April or May, just about the time the tax money runs out.

It works like this, manufacturers charge dealerships more; auctions charge used dealerships more, so we must increase our prices to compensate for our increased costs, i.e. the domino effect.

That’s the bad news, the good news is, you’re now an educated buyer. You can choose to save that extra cash instead of giving it away! By purchasing your next car before January 15th, you’ll pay less for no other reason than “you bought at the right time”. Yes, it’s that easy. From now until mid January, you can expect to get the best deals. My savings are your savings.

Have questions? I’ll be happy to walk you through your current situation and advise you on your next automobile purchase. TM Auto’s inventory has a car, truck or SUV to suite every lifestyle and budget, plus guaranteed credit approval. Call 757.560.4252 and ask for Mike Love.

There are loads of new and used car dealerships pining for your business. It’s important to remember that when you buy a car, you’re also purchasing a relationship. Your car’s condition, value, and resale depend on the strength of that relationship. Choose wisely, and when you find one with the integrity and high level of customer service that you deserve, stick with them. Knowing WHO you're buying from is just as important as knowing WHAT you're buying. You need to know you can count on your dealer, long after the sale.

So how do you know “who” you are buying from? To start with; the car’s history should be provided by the dealer up front. My motto is “Know before You Go”. Don’t leave the lot until you’re satisfied with your car’s condition. TM Auto is a CARFAX Advantage Dealer so every vehicle comes with a CARFAX vehicle history report. Carfax, Inc. is a commercial web-based service that supplies vehicle history reports to individuals and businesses on used cars and light trucks for the American and Canadian consumers. This information is essential for providing my buyers with confidence. In addition, every vehicle sold by TM Auto Wholesalers has already passed state inspection. I take care of the DMV registration and deliver it right to your front door. TM Auto customers buy with confidence every time and I'm only a phone call away when they need answers. Please feel free to email me at mike@tmauto.com, or call 757-560-4252. Ask for Mike, and see how easy buying a car can be!

Click here for guaranteed Credit Approval

Cars can be a real pain sometimes, literally! Foot cramps, low back pain, stiff neck, and sore shoulders are all common symptoms experienced by drivers at the wheel for prolonged periods. It doesn’t take a doctor to know that if you get aches and pains when driving, your car’s “ergonomics” may be the cause. Ergonomics (the science of engineering for human requirements and capacities) play a major role in maintaining a healthy relationship between you and your automobile. For example; a vehicle's seat shape can add pressure to your legs and back causing pain and restricting blood flow. Neck, Hips, Knees, and elbows can all be affected by your car’s design features.

A vehicle's interior needs to be adjustable to be comfortable and a few simple adjustments may be enough to eliminate driver related chronic pain!

The basics like headroom, visibility, and distance from the steering wheel and foot pedals can impact a driver’s comfort and health in a positive or negative way. Necessary adjustments include (but are not limited to) height from the floor, seat cushion angle, seat back angle, and distance between the seat back and the steering wheel. Check our inventory for the ride that fits you best and has the options you need. You and your passenger may have a much more comfortable ride when traveling for long periods by trying some of these easy adjustments!

• Seat Height - Raise your seat as high as you can for best vision while staying comfortable. You should be able to see over the top of the steering wheel (about 3 inches or so) and still maintain enough room between the roof and the top of your head.

• Seat cushion length (if available) - Try adjusting the seat length so that the back of your knees are about 1-1/4 to 2-3/8 inches from the front of the seat to improve blood flow.

• Seat forward/back adjustment - Move the seat forward until you can easily push the pedals through their full range with your whole foot, no tip toes.

• Seat cushion angle - Tilt the seat cushion until your thighs are entirely supported without pressure at the back of your knees.

• Seat back - adjust the back of your seat until it supports your entire back when sitting upright.

• Lumbar support - Adjust your lumbar support to reduce gaps & pressure points between your seat and back.

• Steering wheel - adjust the steering wheel so that it can be easily reached, but not too close.

• Headrest - Adjust your headrest so that it’s almost touching the back of your head and level with the top of your head.

• Manual transmissions -  For those of us who love our trucks! Make sure you can comfortably reach your gear shift and easily change all gears.
  
  

Buying a used car instead of a new one makes good dollars and cents. Low or no monthly car payments means you’ll have more cash on hand when you need it most! If you’ve purchased wisely then you’re not likely to need any major repairs on your used car. However, you’ll need to perform regular monthly maintenance on it to keep it in good condition, especially if it’s approaching or has past 100’000 miles. There are many great high mileage used cars for sale and because of their previous owner’s excellent maintenance practices; they will remain great for years to come.  

DIY maintenance projects are often easy and cost very little but eventually you’re likely to need a professional mechanic. Cars with advanced computerized systems require highly skilled pros that can assess and pinpoint the problem with little or no guesswork. You may be getting yourself into more trouble and more money by trying to do these repairs yourself. So how do you choose the best mechanic for your needs with confidence? Below is a smart guide to help you make an informed and relatively worry free choice. 

Ask your family and friends

Especially seek recommendations from those who have a vehicle similar to yours.

Find a shop for your brand of car

Many garages specialize in certain makes. Those that focus on your type are more likely to have the latest training and equipment to fix your vehicle.

Search the Internet

Look for information about local mechanics on Angie's List, the Consumer Reports car repair estimator, and the Mechanics Files at Cartalk.com. Cartalk.com provides those services free, Angie's List requires a subscription, the car repair estimator is free for Consumer Reports' online subscribers.

Check for certification

Your mechanic and shop should be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE.

Check the Better Business Bureau

Auto repair shops rank 12th on the bureau's list of common complaints. Go to www.bbb.org; the information you find might help you figure out which shops you should avoid.

Give the shop a tryout

Before your car needs a big repair, you might want to try out some local shops with smaller repairs or maintenance items, such as oil and filter changes.

Ask about warranties

What kind of guarantees does the shop give on repair work? Warranties can vary greatly among shops, so ask about them ahead of time. Use a common repair, such as brake work, as your guide.

Make sure the shop is convenient

Even the best shop might not be worth the effort if its hours conflict with your schedule or you have few transportation options after you drop off the car.

I’m also a big advocate of Google reviews. If they consistently get good Google reviews, it is a fair bet they provide quality services. I understand that finding a great mechanic may appear hit or miss but it’s not guesswork. Making an informed decision simply requires a bit of investigation. Please feel free to call 757.560.4252 and ask for Mike Love. I am happy to help, drive safe!  

Remember your first car? Most of us inherited or purchased a starter vehicle about the same size as our checking account back then. I was single with no dogs and had a few less toys than today; it worked! My Toyota pickup did just fine for me; plenty of room, great gas mileage, no payments.

Fast forward 20 years and about 5 cars later; we have 3 children, 2 dogs, 4 paddle boards and lord only knows how many toys! Does this sound totally familiar? For growing families all across Hampton Roads, the challenge of packing everyone and everything in our vehicles borders on wizardry. It’s only natural that as our families grow, so do our cars. Luckily there are vehicles for virtually every lifestyle and budget to fit us and our stuff.

           Even though our cars do more shuttling and shopping than cruising these days, style matters. This is one of the reasons that SUV’s are one of my best sellers. With ample room for a family of 5-6, sophisticated entertainment systems, and the muscle to haul campers, boats, and other water craft, they remain a top choice. Most have optional 4WD and loaded interiors that rival any luxury car.  Don’t rule out minivans; they’re still one of the smartest choices available for growing families today. They offer ample room, comfort, and have great features for transporting the little ones like power sliding doors, entertainment systems, and built in window shades. Fold-flat third row seating is often standard and they are low to the ground for easy passenger (and toddler) loading. When comparing gas mileage to similar sized SUV’s, the minivan is the clear winner. Multi-passenger vans are the ultimate “Family Haulers” with room for 8-9 and then some. These thirsty beasts are built for travel, cargo, and lots of people. From traditional body styles that seat up to 15 to modern tall vans seating 7-12, they are all rock solid options. These hefty transporters are a little lean on luxury, but hey, it's all about family.

        My car suggestions for growing families starts and ends with practicality. The Honda Odyssey is impressive on all fronts; an ideal choice. Equally popular is the tried and true Chevy Suburban. You may prefer instead, something a little smaller like the top ranked Toyota Highlander. Whether you want big, really big, or just a step up, make the best choice by doing a little test driving with your crew first. Everyone’s situation is different so feel free to call or text 757-560-4252 and ask for Mike Love. I’ll be happy to walk through your current situation with you!

What is Memorial Day?

It is often confused with Veterans Day. It is even sometimes confused with Labor Day because one falls at the beginning of the summer and one at the end. It is thought of as the day for remembering those who’ve served their country, who are still serving their country, died in battle or having served in specific wars such as World Wars I and II. So which is it?

The first official Memorial Day was celebrated on May 28, 1868. It's popularly known as the day when flowers were placed on Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. It was originally declared Decoration Day; established on May 5, 1868 by The Grand Army of the Republic.  Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that it be observed on May 30, and today Memorial day is celebrated annually on the last Monday of May. It is the official holiday for paying tribute to our Military personnel who have died in service to their country; a time for the nation to decorate the graves of our war dead. It was made an official holiday by congress in 1971. Though history tells several versions of the actual inception of this day and it’s becoming an official holiday, it’s clearly a time to remember.  

There are many ways to honor our Military on this special occasion. Here is a short list to get you and your family started.  

• Say Thanks: Write a thank-you letter to a veteran or current member of the armed forces; whether it’s your grandfather or someone you’ve never met. A Million Thanks makes it easy to send a letter to men and women in the military, and making a card is a fun, hands-on activity for kids of all ages.

• Barbecue for the Troops: This year, the USO is encouraging people to host Barbecues for the Troops, backyard fundraising events to support the morale-boosting efforts of the USO. Find out how you can host your own at BBQforthetroops.org.

• Support Injured Service Members and Their Families: In Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, over 48,000 service members have sustained physical injuries, with at least 400,000 more facing post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues. The Wounded Warrior Project provides everything from outdoor rehabilitation retreats to career connections.

• Visit a Veteran’s Cemetery: One of the most traditional ways to recognize Memorial Day is to visit one of the VA’s National Cemeteries for Memorial Day Ceremony. (You can find a list here.) Others also honor the dead by placing flags and flowers on veterans’ graves.

We honor our military men and women who have died in battle or from wounds sustained in battle today. Flags fly at half-staff until noon; short pole flags on homes and other structures display a black ribbon from the end of the flagpole until noon. Our hearts reach out to you, your families, and your loved ones today. Thank you  

Sources: http://www.feedourvets.org/news/ways-to-honor-veterans-and-military-families-this-memorial-day/

Is it time to sell your car? Having no car payments is nice, however, if the odometer says you're approaching big repairs and hefty maintenance bills, then it’s time to do the math. It just doesn’t make sense when you're beginning to spend more on your old car than it would cost to purchase a replacement. Each car has it’s life, yet there’s really no specific mileage that determines it. Many of today’s vehicles routinely exceed 100,000 miles without experiencing major mechanical problems. But sooner or later... it’s time.

So how do you prepare your car for a buyer? The first thing you’ll want to focus on is passing a buyer's inspection. If you and your car are properly prepared, it will be easier to show,  advertise, and even command a better price for your automobile. First, consider the cleanliness of your car. What condition would it need to be in for YOU to be impressed? Most buyers are turned off by messy, dirty cars. When given the choice, they almost always choose the clean, tidy one. Thoroughly cleaning your vehicle is absolutely crucial; you can do this yourself for just a couple hours and a few bucks. Make your car look its absolute best; the buyer is more likely to see it as their best choice!

Next, show the buyer how well you’ve taken care of your car. Pull out your maintenance records and organize them neatly in a folder so that prospective buyers can review them. This is documented proof that you’ve kept your car in excellent condition. Keeping your car clean and waxed is also good for your car and impressive to potential buyers. Consider that buyers may have browsed sites like Cargurus.com to get a idea of what your car is worth in its current condition; you want it to look its best. Those who start thinking about the resale of their car when they purchase it, will have a much better shot at getting their price. If you’re one of the majority of car owners who don’t meticulously maintain your car then it's time to get to work on “reconditioning”. Start fixing, cleaning, and replacing whatever is needed to bring your car’s condition up to snuff. The bottom line is that when presenting your car to a potential buyer, it should be perfectly in order. A clean, well maintained car with the original keys, manufacturer's owner’s manual, and all maintenance and service documentation will impress most any buyer. The checklist below will help you prep your ride for a potential buyer’s once over. Our inventory may also give you an idea of what buyers expect when shopping for a used car. Give your car a fighting chance even if you haven’t planned ahead! Get to work & good selling!

THE USED CAR SELLER’S CHECKLIST

1. Have the oil and other mechanical fluids serviced. Smart buyers check

2. Clean the battery. If the battery is more than a few years old, replace it.

3. If the car was not regularly serviced, have the belts replaced and the hoses inspected.

4. Service the tires and replace if worn

5. Replace the windshield wiper blades if they are more than 6 months old.

6. Replace burned out lights (interior and exterior)

7. Replace cracked and damaged headlight and tail lights lenses

8. Get all of the trash out, including the greasy French Fries between the seats

9. Remove everything from the glove box except the owner’s manual, insurance papers and the registration (buy a replacement owner’s manual if it’s missing)

10. Remove ALL devices that did not come with the car from the factory (radar detectors, GPS, MP3 players, cell phones). Less clutter and less likely to disappear.

11. Fix all switches, knobs, handles, etc. that do not work properly (shows improper maintenance)

12. If the parking brake does not set firmly, have it adjusted

13. Make sure the A/C blows cold, If not, have it serviced. Also, if the A/C smells bad, have it treated

14. Lubricated door hinges and trunk hinges

15. Clean and treat door, hood and trunk seals and trea with a vinyl & rubber protectant

16. Clean the engine compartment and treat all plastic and rubber surfaces

17. Clean out the trunk. There should be nothing in the trunk that did not originally come with the car. Make sure the spare tire and jack are clean and stowed where they belong. A rusty jack should be cleaned and repainted or replaced. Remove an moisture from the trunk

18. Vacuum the interior until every last crumb is gone

19. Shampoo cloth seats, carpets and floor mats

20. Clean and condition all vinyl surfaces and leather seats

21. Make sure the dashboard , console, arm rests, cup holder, ash trays and steering wheel are spotless

22. Clean the interior glass until there are no streaks or smudges

23. Scrub the exterior, paying extra attention to the bumpers, area around the gas cap, door jambs and other soiled areas.

24. Make the tires and wheels look like new

25. If your alloy wheels are damaged, have them repaired

26. Remove all bumper stickers and personalized license plate frames

27. Repair all minor nicks, chips, scratches and dings

28. Make your paint perfectly smooth and clean by using a detailing clay bar

29. Polish the paint until i is free of swirl marks, water spots and fine scratches

30. After polishing, wax the paint to protect the shine and dress all of the trim

Sources:

http://guidetodetailing.com car ownership tips, preparing your used car for selling

Whether you’re a bright-eyed youth or an experienced buyer who’s fallen on hard times, the necessity to build good credit is a fact of life. Bad credit is not the end of the world! Here are 4 easy ways you can build a good credit score. Although they are mainly for young adults trying to build their initial line of credit, they are sure to be of help to those of you whose credit scores have suffered a hit or two in the past as well.

1. Budget for a Credit Card – So, you’ve opened a checking account and maybe even got a debit card, but have stayed away from credit out of a fear of going over your limit. Congratulations! You’re already thinking more money-consciously than most people, but you don’t have to fear credit! If you budget correctly, then a credit card becomes an easy way to boost your credit rating monthly. It’s not much at first, but if the maximum payment is made every month, then your credit rating will go up accordingly.

2. Always Pay on Time – Paying off the maximum balance on a credit card is all well and good, but it means nothing if payments aren’t made on time. Payment history is the most important tool in establishing your credit score, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to establish yourself as a trustworthy buyer!

3. Keep that Balance Low – Credit limits vary from card to card, and it can be tempting to use close to your monthly limit. As a rule of thumb however, you should only utilize 10-30% of your credit at any one time. It’s okay to go over this occasionally, but consistently going over this self-imposed limit can indicate financial irresponsibility.

4. Regular monthly payments on a car is another way to improve or establish credit and since TM Auto Wholesalers has Guaranteed Credit Approval on its entire inventory, almost anyone can make a purchase and get started building or rebuilding your credit today! So what do you do if you have bad credit, no credit, or need to rebuild your credit but need a car now? Check out our great selection of cars, trucks, and SUVs! Whether you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit, TM Auto Wholesalers will work with you to find the vehicle that best suits your needs and get you approved!  For a free appointment contact Mike on the web at mike@tmauto.com, or by phone or text at 757-560-4252. We’ll show you how easy buying a car can be!

Sources:

1. http://www.bankrate.com 7 simple ways to improve your credit score Author: Dana Dratch (Article) Retrieved From: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/debt/7-simple-ways-improve-credit-score-1.aspx

2. http://www.myfico.com How to repair my credit and improve my FICO scores Author: Unlisted (Article) Retrieved From: http://www.myfico.com/CreditEducation/ImproveYourScore.aspx

Let’s say it’s time to purchase a second automobile. Maybe it's just a weekend driver for the beach or special events so you’ve set aside a small budget and plan to go all out to save money. It’s a fair bet that buying a less expensive “new” car has crossed your mind since many have attractive service plans and may cost less in repairs. Is the monthly payment worth it? What about the down payment; would that be best spent on a well maintained used car instead?

Saving money usually begins with less expensive down payments and no monthly repair bills indeed, but you may discover that your cheap “new” car ends up costing you more down the road. While some dealerships offer an attractive monthly service agreement that may include free oil changes and a free wash, rest assured that you’re going to pay for those freebies sooner or later. The 50’000, 80’000 and 100’000 mile service visits are not so easy on the wallet and are in addition to your regular monthly car payment. They can cost from $300.00 to $1’500.00 depending on the dealer and required service work. Granted these regular check ups are meant to ensure your car's health over the long term but if saving money is your goal then this could be more than you originally bargained for. To save money you may choose not to have these services performed as they are often sold as “preventative” work. Buyer beware, if they are required to support your car’s warranty, you're probably better off spending the money. Should a breakdown occur as a result of worn parts due to a skipped service visit then you may be in for big trouble.

When buying used, begin with a healthy vehicle by referencing the vehicle's Carfax. Your initial outlay of cash should be far less as well as your monthly payment. Is many cases you may be able to pay cash for your weekend excursion vehicle! Plus, you can continue to save money by maintaining your automobile properly and avoiding expensive repairs and service visits at a dealership. Do-it yourselfers love this option and often thrive on the feeling of accomplishment they get from both the finished service work and saving money. Still others may prefer less or no time under the hood and wish to hire a pro to take care of the regular maintenance work on their used cars. Either way, by following a simple monthly maintenance plan your initial savings on your used weekend traveler won’t be gobbled up by repairs or expensive service visits. Owning a safe, reliable, inexpensive used automobile is great way to save money all the way around. Your car’s well-being begins with knowing it and what it needs to stay in great shape. Your maintenance list should consist of regularly check tires, oil, windows, brakes, interiors and fluids. Newer cars will have all status reports displayed in the dash board panel of the car. It’s easy to follow up and do the maintenance. Preparing a car maintenance chart for referencing manually on a regular basis is also a good idea.

• Check engine oil and change according to manual

• Check engine coolant and flush annually

• Change air filter according to manual

• Check automatic transmission fluid and change according to manual

• Battery (Fill and check for leaks)

• Wipers Blades (Change as needed for proper performance)

• Tire Rotation (According to manual)

• Take care of small problems fast (Odd noises, unusual vibrations etc)

• Wash and wax regularly (Check for corrosion)

• Regular state inspections

• Annual mechanic Inspection (Have your mechanic giver her the once over)