Ron Sayer's Chrysler Jeep Dodge
490 Northgate Mile Idaho Falls, ID 83401Sales: (877) 559-3833
- Service: 1-800-894-2610
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Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram in the headlines
Used Car shopping? Use the right tools to find the right vehicle
(ARA) - Used vehicles are a lot like snowflakes or people -- no two are exactly alike.
Sure, two Ford Mustangs are exactly alike when they role off the assembly line. But, once they go home with a human being, no two cars are ever quite the same again. Maybe one is meticulously maintained, and only driven once a week to church and back. Maybe one gets in an accident, or is owned by a travelling salesman who drives 50,000 miles in a year. Once a vehicle has been on the road even for a short time, it takes on characteristics that make it just a little different from every vehicle on the road.
So, with more than 30 million used vehicles sold throughout the United States every year, how can you make sure you get the right used vehicle to fit your needs, meet your price range, and avoid getting a lemon? It comes down to knowing where to look, learning about a vehicle's history and getting a trusted source to take a look under the hood to make sure the vehicle is in good working condition.
First things first -- where to look. The world has shifted to the Internet, and car shopping is no exception. Every day, more than 100,000 people find a vehicle they are looking for by shopping on an automotive website.
Online destinations such as eBay Motors, NADA Used Car Guide and CarsDirect.com have literally hundreds of thousands of vehicles searchable by make, model, year, mileage, price and many other attributes to help narrow down a search to a handful of vehicles that meet your criteria. You want a red convertible with a V-6, black interior, ABS and less than 25,000 miles? Chances are, one of these sites can help you find exactly what you are looking for.
Once you've identified a few vehicles that could meet your driving needs, personal style and price range, it's important to learn a vehicle's history. An AutoCheck vehicle history report can show if a car or truck has had possible undisclosed or unknown problems that can affect an automobile's safety and resale value, such as major flood or frame damage, or odometer rollback issues.
One of the things car shoppers are most interested in is whether or not a vehicle has been in an accident. To meet this demand, AutoCheck has incorporated key information including police-reported accidents on vehicles from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as exclusive frame damage records gathered from physical inspections at vehicle auctions. In addition, the AutoCheck Score offers users a system for comparing a vehicle's history against other vehicles of similar make, model and mileage. This helps shoppers determine whether it is worth paying a little extra for a high quality vehicle.
Once you have found a vehicle that fits your needs and you verify its history, it's still important to have a qualified authority take a look at the vehicle. Because many shoppers are finding vehicles far from home, it can be challenging to physically check the car to make sure the description and condition match the ad. This is where an inspection service, such as InspectMyRide, comes in handy.
InspectMyRide has a comprehensive 150-plus point inspection service that provides a detailed analysis of vehicle condition. They send a qualified inspector to the vehicle, perform a road test when conditions permit, inspect the vehicle for signs of damage or concern and return a detailed report - including high-quality digital photos -- usually within 24 hours. This gives car shoppers peace of mind that the vehicle they are looking at is as good as advertised.
All of these steps -- searching the databases of major used vehicle shopping Websites, reviewing a detailed vehicle history report and getting an inspection from a trusted resource -- gives consumers the tools they need to find the right vehicle at the right price and make a stress-free purchase decision based on history and expertise.
Sure, two Ford Mustangs are exactly alike when they role off the assembly line. But, once they go home with a human being, no two cars are ever quite the same again. Maybe one is meticulously maintained, and only driven once a week to church and back. Maybe one gets in an accident, or is owned by a travelling salesman who drives 50,000 miles in a year. Once a vehicle has been on the road even for a short time, it takes on characteristics that make it just a little different from every vehicle on the road.
So, with more than 30 million used vehicles sold throughout the United States every year, how can you make sure you get the right used vehicle to fit your needs, meet your price range, and avoid getting a lemon? It comes down to knowing where to look, learning about a vehicle's history and getting a trusted source to take a look under the hood to make sure the vehicle is in good working condition.
First things first -- where to look. The world has shifted to the Internet, and car shopping is no exception. Every day, more than 100,000 people find a vehicle they are looking for by shopping on an automotive website.
Online destinations such as eBay Motors, NADA Used Car Guide and CarsDirect.com have literally hundreds of thousands of vehicles searchable by make, model, year, mileage, price and many other attributes to help narrow down a search to a handful of vehicles that meet your criteria. You want a red convertible with a V-6, black interior, ABS and less than 25,000 miles? Chances are, one of these sites can help you find exactly what you are looking for.
Once you've identified a few vehicles that could meet your driving needs, personal style and price range, it's important to learn a vehicle's history. An AutoCheck vehicle history report can show if a car or truck has had possible undisclosed or unknown problems that can affect an automobile's safety and resale value, such as major flood or frame damage, or odometer rollback issues.
One of the things car shoppers are most interested in is whether or not a vehicle has been in an accident. To meet this demand, AutoCheck has incorporated key information including police-reported accidents on vehicles from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as exclusive frame damage records gathered from physical inspections at vehicle auctions. In addition, the AutoCheck Score offers users a system for comparing a vehicle's history against other vehicles of similar make, model and mileage. This helps shoppers determine whether it is worth paying a little extra for a high quality vehicle.
Once you have found a vehicle that fits your needs and you verify its history, it's still important to have a qualified authority take a look at the vehicle. Because many shoppers are finding vehicles far from home, it can be challenging to physically check the car to make sure the description and condition match the ad. This is where an inspection service, such as InspectMyRide, comes in handy.
InspectMyRide has a comprehensive 150-plus point inspection service that provides a detailed analysis of vehicle condition. They send a qualified inspector to the vehicle, perform a road test when conditions permit, inspect the vehicle for signs of damage or concern and return a detailed report - including high-quality digital photos -- usually within 24 hours. This gives car shoppers peace of mind that the vehicle they are looking at is as good as advertised.
All of these steps -- searching the databases of major used vehicle shopping Websites, reviewing a detailed vehicle history report and getting an inspection from a trusted resource -- gives consumers the tools they need to find the right vehicle at the right price and make a stress-free purchase decision based on history and expertise.
Small repairs now can save you money
(ARA) - Drivers are holding on to their cars longer in these tough economic times, so AutoZone, the nation's leading auto parts retailer, is offering tips to help motorists get the most out of their investment.
"Holding off on purchasing a new vehicle can be a smart financial decision, especially if drivers properly maintain their vehicles to ensure they're running safely and efficiently," said Steve Stoll, Merchandising Director of AutoZone. "Maintaining and replacing key components, such as brakes and batteries, can keep vehicles on the road and help prevent costly repairs in the future."
The average length of time consumers hold on to their vehicles is more than five years, according to a recent automotive industry study. Older cars can be safe and dependable, but need ongoing maintenance to keep them running at their best. According to the National Car Council, 80 percent of vehicles on the road are in need of service or parts.
Motorists who know the signs of impending failure and understand the impact extreme weather conditions can have on various car components, can plan ahead for repairs and replacements instead of being hit by an unexpected bill down the road, Stoll said.
"The longer car maintenance is delayed, the more costly it can be," said Stoll.
Two key components in any vehicle are the braking system and the battery. AutoZone experts offer the following tips to ensure these vital parts are properly maintained.
Give brakes a winter check-up.
Excessive build-up of road salt and brine solutions in the winter on brake components is one cause of brake failure. These solutions can create contamination of exposed brake parts and can cause brake components to deteriorate prematurely. Hazardous road conditions can also lead to increased use of Antilock Braking Systems (ABS), which can cause premature wear of all brake system components.
As temperatures warm up, motorists should check their braking systems to uncover any damage that may have occurred during the winter months.
Check brakes quarterly to ensure proper performance.
In general, brakes are the most important safety feature on any vehicle and should be checked quarterly to ensure proper performance. Brake pads and rotors should also be checked any time the tires are removed, such as during a tire rotation. Other brake components such as brake fluid should be checked at every oil change.
Extreme temperatures can mean battery failure.
A battery's biggest enemy is heat. High temperatures can cause the grids inside batteries to corrode and break down. The effects of the corrosion are usually seen when winter hits, when the car requires more electrical power to start. Drivers should have batteries tested up to twice a year in normal climates, and more frequently in extremely hot or cold climates.
Retailers such as AutoZone offer free battery testing.
Replace the battery every three to four years.
While batteries can last more than five years in ideal driving conditions, factors such as temperature, the car's age and nature of usage can impact the life of a battery. Many motorists are unaware that under the stress of normal city driving, the average life of a vehicle battery is about three years.
According to the National Car Care Council, drivers with batteries more than three years old should consider replacing them, since batteries rarely give warning signs that they are about to fail. Drivers seeking more information about protecting their auto investments and extending the lives of their vehicles can visit www.autozone.com for car care tips, seasonal driving advice and maintenance how-to videos.
"Holding off on purchasing a new vehicle can be a smart financial decision, especially if drivers properly maintain their vehicles to ensure they're running safely and efficiently," said Steve Stoll, Merchandising Director of AutoZone. "Maintaining and replacing key components, such as brakes and batteries, can keep vehicles on the road and help prevent costly repairs in the future."
The average length of time consumers hold on to their vehicles is more than five years, according to a recent automotive industry study. Older cars can be safe and dependable, but need ongoing maintenance to keep them running at their best. According to the National Car Council, 80 percent of vehicles on the road are in need of service or parts.
Motorists who know the signs of impending failure and understand the impact extreme weather conditions can have on various car components, can plan ahead for repairs and replacements instead of being hit by an unexpected bill down the road, Stoll said.
"The longer car maintenance is delayed, the more costly it can be," said Stoll.
Two key components in any vehicle are the braking system and the battery. AutoZone experts offer the following tips to ensure these vital parts are properly maintained.
Give brakes a winter check-up.
Excessive build-up of road salt and brine solutions in the winter on brake components is one cause of brake failure. These solutions can create contamination of exposed brake parts and can cause brake components to deteriorate prematurely. Hazardous road conditions can also lead to increased use of Antilock Braking Systems (ABS), which can cause premature wear of all brake system components.
As temperatures warm up, motorists should check their braking systems to uncover any damage that may have occurred during the winter months.
Check brakes quarterly to ensure proper performance.
In general, brakes are the most important safety feature on any vehicle and should be checked quarterly to ensure proper performance. Brake pads and rotors should also be checked any time the tires are removed, such as during a tire rotation. Other brake components such as brake fluid should be checked at every oil change.
Extreme temperatures can mean battery failure.
A battery's biggest enemy is heat. High temperatures can cause the grids inside batteries to corrode and break down. The effects of the corrosion are usually seen when winter hits, when the car requires more electrical power to start. Drivers should have batteries tested up to twice a year in normal climates, and more frequently in extremely hot or cold climates.
Retailers such as AutoZone offer free battery testing.
Replace the battery every three to four years.
While batteries can last more than five years in ideal driving conditions, factors such as temperature, the car's age and nature of usage can impact the life of a battery. Many motorists are unaware that under the stress of normal city driving, the average life of a vehicle battery is about three years.
According to the National Car Care Council, drivers with batteries more than three years old should consider replacing them, since batteries rarely give warning signs that they are about to fail. Drivers seeking more information about protecting their auto investments and extending the lives of their vehicles can visit www.autozone.com for car care tips, seasonal driving advice and maintenance how-to videos.
How to spend less on fuel
(ARA) - Remember when $4 seemed like an outrageous amount to spend on a gallon of gasoline? Now that number doesn't seem so far-fetched. While you can't do anything to control the unrest in the Middle East or oil rig explosions that could lead to gas prices spiking at a moment's notice, there are a few things you can do to help ease the pain of high gas prices.
While buying a more fuel-efficient car might be an option for some, new and used cars that get more miles per gallon tend to be more in demand - and more expensive - when gas prices are high. If a new car isn't an option for you, implementing the following changes can help ensure that you get the most from the fuel in your gas tank:
* Keep the gas you buy in your car. When gas prices are low, stealing gas would likely be more trouble than it's worth, but when prices are high, it's not uncommon for thieves to siphon gas from vehicles, especially those with larger tanks. Adding a locking gas cap can be done for much less than the cost of a tank of gas. In addition to preventing theft, locking fuel tank caps can also prevent anyone from tampering with your gas tank.
* Keep your tank full. While you're looking to reduce the amount of gasoline you are using, constantly running your car with the tank close to empty can wear down your fuel pump. "The gasoline in the tank keeps the fuel pump cool. Take away the gas and the fuel pump runs hot and has a shorter life," says Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of RockAuto.com. If you have an older car that has accumulated dirt and rust at the bottom of the tank, keeping a full tank can help your fuel burn cleaner.
* Keep your car in shape. Keeping your engine properly tuned improves fuel efficiency by an average of 4 percent and repairing a major issue like a faulty oxygen sensor could improve efficiency by up to 40 percent, according the U.S. Department of Energy. The RockAuto.com parts catalog has oxygen sensors from $10 to more than $100 depending on the car," says Taylor. Especially if you're a do-it-yourselfer, you could quickly recoup the cost of an oxygen sensor or other repair after as little as one tank of gas through improved fuel economy.
* Keep your tires inflated properly. Keeping your tires at the optimal level not only keeps you safer, but can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent, according to the Department of Energy. Your owner's manual should tell you the proper psi (pounds per square inch) levels for your vehicle.
* Drive for optimal gas mileage. How you drive can affect how much gas you use. Most cars run at peak efficiency at around 60 mph, with fuel economy decreasing sharply when traveling faster. Aggressive driving with rapid acceleration and slowing will also have a negative effect on your fuel economy.
* Reduce weight and drag. Getting rid of items such as roof equipment when they aren't being used can help your car become more aerodynamic and run more efficiently. Keeping unnecessary items in your car, especially if they are heavy, can also make your car work harder and use more fuel than it needs to.
By adding up the small savings gained by each of these tips, you can really notice a difference on how much you are paying at the pump, especially over a long period of time.
While buying a more fuel-efficient car might be an option for some, new and used cars that get more miles per gallon tend to be more in demand - and more expensive - when gas prices are high. If a new car isn't an option for you, implementing the following changes can help ensure that you get the most from the fuel in your gas tank:
* Keep the gas you buy in your car. When gas prices are low, stealing gas would likely be more trouble than it's worth, but when prices are high, it's not uncommon for thieves to siphon gas from vehicles, especially those with larger tanks. Adding a locking gas cap can be done for much less than the cost of a tank of gas. In addition to preventing theft, locking fuel tank caps can also prevent anyone from tampering with your gas tank.
* Keep your tank full. While you're looking to reduce the amount of gasoline you are using, constantly running your car with the tank close to empty can wear down your fuel pump. "The gasoline in the tank keeps the fuel pump cool. Take away the gas and the fuel pump runs hot and has a shorter life," says Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of RockAuto.com. If you have an older car that has accumulated dirt and rust at the bottom of the tank, keeping a full tank can help your fuel burn cleaner.
* Keep your car in shape. Keeping your engine properly tuned improves fuel efficiency by an average of 4 percent and repairing a major issue like a faulty oxygen sensor could improve efficiency by up to 40 percent, according the U.S. Department of Energy. The RockAuto.com parts catalog has oxygen sensors from $10 to more than $100 depending on the car," says Taylor. Especially if you're a do-it-yourselfer, you could quickly recoup the cost of an oxygen sensor or other repair after as little as one tank of gas through improved fuel economy.
* Keep your tires inflated properly. Keeping your tires at the optimal level not only keeps you safer, but can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent, according to the Department of Energy. Your owner's manual should tell you the proper psi (pounds per square inch) levels for your vehicle.
* Drive for optimal gas mileage. How you drive can affect how much gas you use. Most cars run at peak efficiency at around 60 mph, with fuel economy decreasing sharply when traveling faster. Aggressive driving with rapid acceleration and slowing will also have a negative effect on your fuel economy.
* Reduce weight and drag. Getting rid of items such as roof equipment when they aren't being used can help your car become more aerodynamic and run more efficiently. Keeping unnecessary items in your car, especially if they are heavy, can also make your car work harder and use more fuel than it needs to.
By adding up the small savings gained by each of these tips, you can really notice a difference on how much you are paying at the pump, especially over a long period of time.
Hours
- Monday: 8:00am-7:00pm
- Tuesday: 8:00am-7:00pm
- Wednesday: 8:00am-7:00pm
- Thursday: 8:00am-7:00pm
- Friday: 8:00am-7:00pm
- Saturday: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Sunday: Closed
Contact
Website by Dealer.com
Ron Sayer's Chrysler Jeep Dodge
490 Northgate Mile
Idaho Falls,
ID
83401