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Join Us For Our Customer Appreciation Celebration
Whether you have worked with us before or are currently in the market for a new vehicle we invite you to our customer appreciation celebration April 26th!
Join us for food, drinks, and giveaways from 10-4.
Before You Drive Away: What to Look for When Buying a Used Car
Used cars are a great option for anyone looking to purchase a new vehicle. If you’re in the market for a used car, it’s important to not only see if a vehicle fits your budget but that it will be reliable. Here are some things to consider when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle.
Do Your Research
The internet can be a great place to start when beginning your search! Online research can be helpful when figuring out what kind of car you’re looking for, the types of cars that fit your budget, and what kind of features you’d like to have. You can also do more in-depth research if you find a car you’re interested in by learning more about the previous owners or accident history.
When inspecting the car here are a few things to consider for each major area;
The Exterior
The most apparent issues with a car are going to be on the outside. Look for any dents and scratches on the body panel. What condition does the vehicle appear to be in? Is there any concerning rust or worn areas? You should also look for any possible quick fixes to the body, which may indicate that an accident has occurred. Don’t hesitate to ask your salesman for more information about the history of the car if you find one your like.
Also check the tailpipe to ensure that no burning oil is coming out. A black, gunky tailpipe is a bad sign. Healthy exhaust dust should be dark gray and easily come off. Heavy rust may also be an indicator of a bad exhaust system.
It’s also a good idea to verify the condition of the vehicle’s tires. Tires with little tread will need to be replaced, as they can be unsafe. This is something to take into consideration when you’re trying to keep within a budget.
Under the Hood
Check to see that there are no loose hoses or obviously broken mechanisms under the hood of the car. Start the vehicle to ensure it runs smoothly, that nothing knocks or sounds off, and that no fluids are leaking. Black fluid indicates an oil leak; pink fluid indicates a transmission leak, and green fluid indicates an antifreeze leak. These can all be signs of potential problems.
If you decide to test drive the car, be sure you have it inspected by a mechanic before purchase. They can tell you more about possible issues under the hood.
The Interior
Make sure that the interior of the car is in good condition. Make note of any rips or tears in the upholstery or damage to the roof. Also check for any damage to the floor or carpeting, interior of doors, and accessory features. Not only can interior damage be unattractive, it can indicate that the car was not well cared for by previous owners.
Test Driving
If you’re ready to take the vehicle out for a drive, there are a few more things to look out for. First, check all safety features like seat belts, airbags, brakes, turn signals, and door locks are in working order. Then, start the car and look for any rough idling or vibrations. Verify that accessories like the radio and all lights, interior and exterior, are operating correctly. Notice any funny odors that may appear once the ignition is running.
While driving, test the brakes. See that they are not squeaking too loudly and that you can stop at a reasonable pace. Test the accelerator to see if it works properly. Most importantly, at some point, try to take the vehicle to a highway or a place where you can go above 60 miles per hour. Many potential issues can be seen when driving at an accelerated speed.
Ready to get started?
When you’re looking for a dependable pre-owned vehicle, we’ve got you covered. Monarch Auto Sales in Greensboro has a huge selection of used cars. Take a look at our inventory and then stop by to learn more about each car and take a test drive. We are excited to partner with you on this exciting purchase!
Five Questions You Haven’t Asked Yourself About Buying a Used Car
Ever had a bad case of nerves when it comes to buying a used car? A relatively common condition, the symptoms of acute buying-a-used-car-itis include everything from shaking, sweaty hands to thoughts of giving up driving completely. As you’re looking for used cars for sale in Greensboro, NC, wouldn’t it be helpful if there were a cure for this all too common condition? Lucky for you, the cure is relatively simple (and painless).
Before heading in to a respected used car dealership (like Monarch Auto Sales in Greensboro, NC), be sure to ask yourself the right questions. Most people know to ask their dealer about the history of a given used car, but they often forget to look beyond it. So, when you get a case of cold feet before purchasing that special used car, be sure you have the answers to the following questions:
What are other people saying about it?
Comb through car reviews on sites like Edmunds.com and even check out what people are saying on car/dealer forums. Do you know anyone with the particular make or model you are considering? Ask them for their opinion! (You could even ask that friendly neighbor down the street!) The more you know about the make and model of the used car you are considering, the better prepared you will be come buying day.
How much will it be worth?
Beyond researching a used car’s current value on sites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.com, it’s a good idea to look at how much and how quickly the car’s worth has depreciated over time. This is an especially important point to consider, if you plan to trade in the vehicle at any point.
Do its miles really matter?
Although the number of miles on a used car should be taken into account, a CARFAX or other thorough used car history report can often tell you more than the odometer. For example, a car may have above-average mileage that was mostly accumulated on the highway. This is particularly important to note, because highway miles can cause less wear and tear to a car’s engine and transmission than the same amount of miles driven in the city.
Has everyone taken a look under the hood?
Even if you know a lot about cars, it may be a worthwhile investment of time (and in some cases, money) to invite someone to inspect the car you are considering. So, don’t go it alone! Besides giving you some additional peace of mind, a trusted mechanic or friend can serve as an unbiased third party when it comes to discussing the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a particular model or used car.
Did I take it on the mother of all test drives?
Driving the car around the block for five minutes isn’t nearly enough time to test-drive a used vehicle. Choose a 30-minute route that is very similar to your daily driving experience. Be sure you include a mix of freeways, city streets, rural roads, and parking lots, to get the most accurate picture.
Prospective used car buyers often view dealers and dealerships as the enemy; however, at Monarch Auto Sales in Greensboro, NC, we aim to ensure that all of those nagging questions in the back of your mind have been answered, and that you come in on buying day without even the teeniest case of buying-a-used-car-itis.
The quality of our vehicles speaks for itself (as do the thorough used car history reports). We work with our customers everyday to ensure that they have all the information they need to make a well-informed choice when it comes to purchasing a used car. So if you’re looking for quality used cars for sale in Greensboro, NC, visit or call Monarch Auto Sales today.
What That Polyester Leisure Suit Can Teach You About Choosing the Right Car Dealer
Hey, Greensboro! Used cars don’t have to be overpriced and under-financed! Discover a used car dealer in Greensboro with a top-notch inventory and reputable financing options who can help you get into the vehicle you need without compromising your financial security.
Ah, the ‘70s. They brought us The BeeGees, disco, Star Wars…and the polyester leisure suit. You know what we’re talking about: the double-seamed contrasting yoke detailing, the wide cuffs, the bell-bottom silhouette, the bright colors (emerald, anyone? saffron?).
For a couple of decades, the polyester leisure suit formed the wardrobe of champions, even making it onto John Travolta’s celebrated shoulders in Saturday Night Fever. The synthetic material gained traction as the ultimate “comfort” material and an easy-care, inexpensive solution to the formal dress code of the 20th century American male. Unfortunately, the fabric wasn’t just cheap to produce, it also looked cheap. Compared to natural fabrics, like wool and cotton, polyester showed wear and tear faster, held body odors longer and had less airflow.
As its popularity waned, one American subculture held on, fearlessly, to the beloved leisure suit: the second-rate used car salesman. We can thank him for making “polyester leisure suit” synonymous with “sleaze”.
So, what can we learn from this paragon of bad taste, this epitome of sartorial sleaze, this emblem of shady deals?
Believe it or not, Monarch Auto Sales has learned three lessons about choosing the right used car dealer from the “salesman suit” that we’d like to share with you:
1. Go natural.
Perhaps polyester was destined for greatness. Then again, perhaps not. When the disadvantages of the new fabric became clear, “the fabric of our lives” gained popularity again, and the fashion market swung back to breathable, all-natural fabrics and cotton blends.
Why this lesson in textile history? Because we actually think the same market principles apply to used car dealerships:
- Your used car dealership has a responsibility to ensure that the vehicles they put on the lot are reliable and that they’ll last through the long-haul.
- Used car dealers should be completely open about vehicle history.
- You should feel that there’s “breathing room” in the negotiation process. A used car dealer that turns up the heat on you to make a deal doesn’t have your best interests in mind.
- Go for a used car dealership that feels “natural.” If they’re putting on a big show to draw you in and get your business, you might find that they’re concerned with appearances, not real value.
2. Ditch the bling.
For some reason, the stereotypical second-rate used car salesman likes to accessorize his polyester leisure suits with extremely large rings. Is it a status symbol? Does it communicate wealth and prestige? Power?
We’re not sure why they like the bling, but we ARE sure that, when it comes to a used car dealer, you should find one that values you, the customer, and not just the money a sale will bring.
At Monarch Auto Sales in Greensboro, we will never offer to sell you a car you can’t afford. This means more than just making sure you walk away with a monthly payment you can afford: This means that our dealers are not just committed to helping you find the car you need, but to helping you secure the financial future you want for yourself. Even if you can afford a $350.00 monthly payment doesn’t mean, in the long run, that it’s the best option for you.
It seems fundamental, but we’ve heard story upon story of unhappy customers taken to the negotiating table for a used car which, given their financial goals, they really can’t afford to buy. That’s why you need a dealership with the courage to ignore the “bling” and to focus on you, your needs and your goals.
3. Move with the times.
When the leisure suit had outstayed its welcome, most of the world moved on to greener (less odiferous) pastures. Not so our friend, the stereotypical used car salesman. No, he clung to the past, giving all of us in the used car business a bad name.
When you’re on the hunt for a reliable used car, look for a used car dealer who has kept up with the times. Their inventory should keep pace with current market standards, and they should be up-to-date on industry best practices for financing, insurance, and competitive warranties.
At Monarch, we’re on a mission to redeem our breed by stocking an inventory of exceptionally clean, pre-owned cars, trucks and vans at hard-to-beat prices. We have an online inventory search, in case you’d rather browse from the comfort of home, and we offer extended warranties and GAP insurance.
At Monarch Auto, we conduct all of our financing through Credit Acceptance Corporation, a well-established, reliable credit extension company based in Michigan that specializes in helping individuals build and repair credit. We use CAC because their financing makes it possible for individuals struggling to recover from credit damage, or who have no credit history at all, to buy a reliable, up-to-date vehicle.
It’s the difference between “it’s always worked before” and “our customers deserve better.”
Get started….in style!
The next time you’re in the market for a used car in Greensboro, remember to ditch the polyester suit and find a dealer with real style: reliable, up-to-date vehicles, a leg up on financing, and the honesty and integrity to do what’s best for you.
For more information about Monarch Auto’s Buy Here, Pay Here options, visit our Financing page.
