More often than not, a used car salesperson can make or break your shopping experience. After all, your salesperson should guide you through the process, provide honest information, and ensure you feel confident in your decision. Here’s what you should look for when choosing the right person to help you find your next vehicle.

Someone Who Listens to Your Needs

A great salesperson starts by listening. Before talking about features, prices, or payment plans, they should ask about your budget, your driving habits, and what you need in a vehicle. They find out if you have a brand preference and need a certain type of vehicle. They find out what you prioritize most and then work tirelessly to find the right vehicle for your needs.

Knowledgeable and Transparent

A trustworthy salesperson knows the details of every vehicle on the lot and is happy to share them. They should be able to explain a car’s history, mileage, features, and condition without leaving out important details. They should also be honest about financing, as they show you your options so you can make an informed decision.

Patient and Supportive

Buying a car is a big decision, and you should never feel rushed. The right salesperson gives you time to think, answers your questions thoroughly, and supports you in finding the perfect fit. They should be patient when you want to compare multiple vehicles and encourage test drives so you can feel confident about your purchase.

443 Auto Sales takes pride in having a team of salespeople who meet all these standards and more. If you’re ready to start your search for a dependable used car, truck, or SUV, stop by our Lehighton dealership or give us a call at 570-386-0443.

Few things are more exciting than shopping around for a new car. However, if your credit score is not as strong as you want it to be, then it could cost you more money in the long run if you’re forced to accept less favorable financing rates.

Fortunately, you don’t have to wait years to make improvements. Instead, with a little preparation, you can increase your score and bargaining position before you go shopping for your used vehicle. Here some tips that can help you improve that credit score before you shop for a used car.

Check Your Credit Report and Dispute Errors

The first step is to know where you stand. Request a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus. Once you receive them, take a look at it carefully to make sure no mistakes have been made. If you find errors, dispute them immediately, as even something that may seem minute can have an impact on your rating.

Pay Down Debt and Keep Balances Low

Your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total limit, makes up a significant portion of your score. Try to pay down high balances, starting with credit cards that are near their limit. Even reducing your balance by a few hundred dollars can improve your ratio and raise your score. Moving forward, try your best to set a goal of keeping credit card balances below 30% of your total available credit.

Make Payments on Time

Payment history is the single most important factor in your credit score. If you’ve missed payments in the past, start building a streak of on-time payments now. Setting up automatic payments or reminders can help ensure you never miss a due date. Even a few consistent months can make a difference when applying for used car financing.

443 Auto Sales works with customers with a wide range of credit scores. We always want to make sure we do whatever we can to help our customers drive away with the car they want, which is why we offer flexible financing options, including our “buy here, pay here” program.

Stop by our Lehighton dealership today or give us a call at 570-386-0443 to learn more about our inventory and financing options.

What variables should you consider when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle? For starters, you must factor in the price, make, model, condition…and of course, the mileage. Undoubtedly, mileage is one of the most important details you should pay attention to, though of course, not the only one. Here’s why mileage happens and why it should factor into your decision making process.

Understanding the Impact of Mileage

Mileage is a quick, though not always accurate indicator of how much wear and tear a vehicle has experienced. Generally, the higher the mileage, the more a vehicle has been driven, which can lead to more maintenance and potential repairs. For example, a car with 120,000 miles has likely gone through more brake replacements, tire changes, and routine services than one with 40,000 miles.

However, mileage isn’t the only measure of a car’s health. A well-maintained vehicle with higher mileage can often be a better buy than a low-mileage vehicle that’s been neglected. That’s why we always encourage our customers to consider the vehicle’s service history alongside its mileage.

Balancing Mileage with Your Budget

Mileage also plays a big role in determining a car’s price. Lower-mileage vehicles usually cost more because they are perceived to have more life left in them. If you’re on a budget, you might find that a slightly higher-mileage vehicle offers more features and fits your needs better for the same price as a lower-mileage option.

Our Approach to Mileage and Quality

Every vehicle we sell is thoroughly inspected to ensure it’s safe, dependable, and ready to drive, regardless of mileage. We also provide financing options through our buy here, pay here program as well as bank financing, making it easier for you to choose the right vehicle without compromising quality.

If you’re ready to explore your options, come visit us at our Lehighton dealership and browse our wide selection of pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs.

If you’re in the market for a used car, truck or SUV, you’ll want to make sure you can take a look at the vehicle history report. Here's what you should be looking for when you review a vehicle history report.

Title Status and Ownership History

One of the first things we recommend looking at is the title status. The report should confirm the vehicle has a clean title, meaning it’s not branded as salvage, rebuilt, or damaged from weather. If a title has ever been flagged, that could be a red flag indicating prior significant damage.

The ownership history is another key detail. You’ll want to know how many previous owners the vehicle had, how long they kept it, and whether it was used as a personal, commercial, or rental vehicle

Service Records and Accident Reports

A strong service history is a good indicator of a well-maintained vehicle. Many reports show oil changes, tire rotations, brake work, and more.

Accident history is another critical section to examine. While not every accident is a deal-breaker, repeated or severe incidents could affect the long-term performance and safety of the car. You should be able to deduce just how serious the damage was.

Odometer Readings and Recalls

Make sure the mileage listed on the report matches the mileage shown on the vehicle. Inconsistencies can indicate potential tampering or reporting errors. Accurate odometer readings are essential for understanding wear and tear. Also, check out to see if the car’s make and model has any recalls on it.

Stop by our dealership in Lehighton, PA or browse our current inventory today. We will help you find the right used car for your needs!

Without question, buying a used car is a big decision, and the test drive is one of the most important parts of the process. A good test drive can help you decide whether a vehicle is truly the right fit for you.

Take Your Time and Be Thorough

When you’re test driving a used car, don’t rush. We encourage all of our customers to take their time behind the wheel. Start by inspecting the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Check for signs of wear, rust, or damage, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about anything you notice.

Once you're on the road, pay attention to how the vehicle accelerates, brakes, and handles. Try to drive it in conditions that mimic your everyday use, as this gives you a more complete picture of how the car performs in real-life situations. Listen for any unusual sounds and take note of how the steering and suspension feel.

Test Features That Matter to You

Each driver has unique needs, and your test drive should reflect that. For example, if you like to use cruise control in your commute, you will want to test out that out in your used car. Moreover, try out the backseat space, car seat compatibility, and cargo capacity. If you frequently drive in inclement weather, ask to test the wipers, defrost system, and all-wheel drive, if it has it. You should also try out any new technologies that the vehicle has.

Ask Questions and Review the Vehicle History

In addition, you should ask about how many owners the vehicle has had and its crash history.

 443 Auto Sales has helped countless clients in the Leighton area find the right used car for their needs. Come check out our inventory and contact us with any questions.

Is it better to buy a used car from a dealership or a private seller? Certainly, the appeal of a private sale may be tempting, but it’s also risky. Here’s why it may be more prudent for you to buy from a trusted used car dealership.  

Dependable Quality and Thorough Inspections

When you buy a car from a private seller, what you see is what you get. You’re often relying on the honesty of the individual and may not get the full story about the vehicle’s history or condition. At a reliable used car dealer, every vehicle in our inventory goes through a detailed inspection process, so you know you’re getting a reliable vehicle. As such, you won’t have to worry about hidden issues or unexpected repair bills right after your purchase.

Flexible Financing Options

One major advantage of buying from “Buy Here, Pay Here” dealer is you don’t need to pay for your purchase all at once, as many private sellers require full payment upfront. However, that’s not always realistic for every buyer. At our dealership, we offer flexible in-house financing options with 12–18-month terms, and we also work with banks for traditional auto loans. Whether you have great credit, low credit, or no credit at all, we have solutions to help you get approved.

Customer Service You Can Trust

When you buy from a private seller, you’re on your own after the sale. But when you buy from a used car dealer, you get the help you need as you find the right vehicle for your needs. Moreover, if any issues arise, you know there is a trusted expert you can turn to.

In the Leighton, PA area, 443 Auto Sales has helped countless customers find a reliable used car, truck or SUV. Check out our inventory to explore our different and options and let us know if you have any questions.

Hoping to buy a used car this year but your finances aren’t where you want them to be just yet? By making some adjustments in your life, you can save money for the used car you want. It just takes time and effort. 

Car Savings Fund

For starters, create a “car-savings” fund where you put money into it week-by-week. For example, if you get a paycheck for $400 a week, allocate $40 to go directly into the car-savings fund. If possible, up the amount if you can as time goes on. 

In order to save money, make a couple changes. Instead of buying a coffee at Starbucks, which might cost you $6, take advantage of the free coffee at work. Instead of buying brand new stuff, shop at thrift stores or garage sales. Go to the grocery store and buy food you like that’s fairly cheap and then prepare meals at home rather than paying $25 a meal at a typical restaurant. Take a look at how you currently spend your money and then adjust your habits in order to save money. 

Budgeting Tips

There’s something called the 50/30/20 rule which helps people budget their money so they can do what they ultimately want to do– such as buy a used car within a couple month’s time. Now how this budget method works is this: 50% of your monthly income goes toward essentials like grocery store food, paying your phone bill, buying toilet paper, etc. 30% of your monthly income goes to non-essentials, like going out to a theater to see a play or movie, buying new clothes even though you don’t really need them, etc. Finally, 20% is designated for your savings. Try this and you’ll eventually have saved the money you need to buy the used car you want. 

Other ways to save money include getting a side job to make some extra money toward your goal or selling stuff you don’t use anymore online through Facebook Marketplace or at a garage sale or flea market.

When you’re ready to buy a used car, visit 443 Auto Sales in Lehighton, PA; Call 570-386-0443 to discuss what you’re looking for and 443’s “buy here pay here” option. 

If you're looking for a reliable used car and a financing option that works for your unique situation, you may want to consider a “Buy Here, Pay Here” dealership. A “Buy Here, Pay Here” dealership provides flexible in-house financing solutions that make car ownership accessible to more people. Here’s why this type of dealership might be the perfect fit for you.

“Buy Here, Pay Here” Dealerships Help You Get Credit Approval

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a Buy Here, Pay Here dealership is the convenience. Instead of dealing with banks or third-party lenders, you can apply for credit, take out a loan, and make payments all in one place. Not everyone has perfect credit, but a “Buy Here, Pay Here” dealership will look past your score and focus on your ability to make consistent payments. That means more people are approved, and faster.

Payment plans provide a clear timeline and will help you rebuild your credit score.

Leighton Used Car Dealership

Being locally owned and operated in Lehighton, we go above and beyond to take the time to get to know you, your budget, and your vehicle needs. We want to make sure you drive off our lot in a car, truck, or SUV that truly fits your budget and needs. Plus, because we handle everything in-house, you’ll always know exactly who to talk to if you have questions or concerns.

Come visit 443 Auto Sales in Lehighton, PA, and check out our inventory for yourself, and let us know if you have any questions about the advantages of working with a “Buy Here, Pay Here” dealership.

Looking for a reliable used car can feel as time consuming as a part-time job. There’s just so many options out there. As such, what can you do to streamline the process and score a good deal on a used car?

Know What You Need and Set a Budget

Before you start browsing, it’s crucial to figure out what kind of vehicle suits your needs. Are you looking for a rugged truck for work, a spacious SUV for family road trips, or a fuel-efficient car for your daily commute? Knowing your priorities will help narrow down your search.

Setting a realistic budget is just as important. If you’re worried about your credit, it may make sense to work with a “Buy Here, Pay Here” dealership that will make it easier for you to get approved.

Research the Vehicle’s History

Once you’ve identified the type of vehicle you want, do your homework. Check the vehicle’s history, look for any recalls, and read reviews about its reliability. More importantly, make sure that any used auto dealer you’re thinking of purchasing from has each car on its lot go through a thorough inspection process.  

What’s more, if you find a car that you like from a used car dealership, take it for a test drive and listen for unusual noises, check the brakes, and see how it handles on the road.

Take Advantage of Local Financing Options

One of the biggest advantages of shopping at a used car dealership like ours is you can obtain local financing options. Whether you want to apply for credit, take out a loan, or use our buy here, pay here program, we offer solutions that make buying a used car straightforward and stress-free. Plus, with many financing options, you can find a plan that fits your monthly budget.

Finding the right, trustworthy used car dealership will surely help you find a great deal on a used vehicle. In the Leighton area, 443 Used Auto Sales has a wide array of used vehicle options coupled with superior customer service. Stop by our lot or call us with any questions.

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.