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.

Have you noticed prices going up all around us? Whether it’s the price for gas, eggs, beef or other things, inflation has been bothering a lot of people. Wages aren’t increasing fast enough to pay for items that are costing more and more than ever. That said, what’s worth investing in right now? How about used vehicles? They hold their value. They’re something people can and will use– and there’s a demand for them, so if you buy a vehicle, you could always resell it, perhaps at a profit these days. Plus, another reason used vehicles are a good investment is because there’s an ongoing chip shortage.

Why do chips matter? Well, there’s a shortage of automotive semiconductor chips which control most aspects of modern cars and trucks. There aren’t enough plants to make these chips– and it takes years and billions of dollars to build new chip plants… So, the ongoing backlog of chips means there’s a shortage of vehicles. Because of this, the demand for used vehicles is up– so if you buy one, two or three used vehicles this year, look at them as an investment that could end up making you money when you go to sell them.

Where can you buy used vehicles in Lehighton, PA? 443 Auto Sales, located at 2848 Blakeslee Boulevard, is the place to shop for used vehicles that you can consider your worthwhile  investment(s). 443 Auto Sales is a “buy here pay here” place, and financing help is available; you can even apply for credit right online.

443 Auto Sales has a variety of used vehicles available; from Ford to Subaru, Nissan to Buick and Dodge to Chevy (and more), 443 Auto Sales offers a nice variety of high-quality vehicles worth investing in. For more information, call 570-386-0443.

You know how you get asked for your license or official ID card in various places? So you show them your ID and that means you’re you? Well, what about vehicles? How do others know you actually own that vehicle? Basically, a vehicle has a title, which is a legal document that the state government issues to demonstrate who owns the vehicle.

What’s on the piece of paper known as a car title? Well, it will include information about the vehicle and its owner. A title is not the same as a vehicle registration document or sticker and/or proof of insurance. A title is just to show proof of ownership.

Car Title Information

When you purchase a vehicle, the seller might give you the title. You might receive it as part of an ownership transfer and/or when you pay off an auto loan. Once you receive the title, keep it in a safe and secure place where it won’t get lost, wet, burned up or accidentally destroyed. Much like an ID or passport, it’s an important document.

Specifically, what is actually on a title? Well, though it may vary from state to state, generally the info on the document will include the VIN (vehicle ID number), the car make and model and year, the owner’s full name and address, the issue date, the odometer reading on the issue date, and signatures of the buyer, seller and state official(s).

There are different types of titles, including clean (the inspected vehicle hasn’t been in an accident or damaged), clear (the vehicle has been repaired and passed inspection), rebuilt (the vehicle was damaged but rebuilt) and salvage (the vehicle was damaged and needs rebuilding).

A vehicle belongs to whoever is listed on the car title! You can add or remove someone from a title by visiting your state’s department of motor vehicles and going through their process to do so.

You should update a car title if you move to another state, give the vehicle to someone else (yes, even a family member), or if you sell the vehicle.

If you need help finding a used car in Lehighton, PA, check out the options at 443 Auto Sales.

When most people buy a vehicle, it comes with a warranty. What should you know about a car warranty?

For most people, a vehicle is one of the most valuable items they own. If it breaks, it could cost a lot to fix. A warranty is a repair contract limiting a vehicle owner’s financial risk for a set period. If the vehicle has a certain issue during this set period, the owner can rely on someone else– the manufacturer or the aftermarket warranty company, for example– paying some or all of the repair bill(s). Warranties don’t cover damage from accidents or normal wear and tear. They do, however, typically cover manufacturer defects.

How long do warranties last? They’re usually in place for a set period of time (like the first 3 years you own the vehicle) or a set distance in miles (like the first 36,000 miles you drive the vehicle).

New vehicle warranties may come in different forms, like comprehensive, powertrain, corrosion, emissions, hybrid/EV component(s) or some combination of all of these. There are also extended warranties which take over after a manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Keep in mind that warranties don’t cover abnormal use and changing vehicle parts can void warranties. They are not insurance and they don’t cover regularly scheduled maintenance. That said, if something goes wrong with your vehicle and it’s covered by your warranty, you will feel a sense of relief knowing that you don’t have to pay the price for its repair! 

In Lehighton, PA, when you are looking to buy a used vehicle, come to 443 Auto Sales at 2848 Blakeslee Boulevard. And if you have any questions, and/or want to ask about warranties, please call 443 Auto Sales at 570-386-0443. 443 Auto Sales is a “buy here, pay here” dealer.

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.