Used Cars
4 Tips for Buying a Used Truck
When it’s time to buy a truck, you have a lot of decisions to make concerning make and model. Then you’ll need to decide whether you need a light, medium, or heavy-duty truck. Cab, double cab, or extended cab? Small bed or large bed? But the biggest question to ask yourself before your hunt is whether you want to spend a fortune on a new truck, or if you want to save yourself some hard-earned cash by shopping previously owned.
Pre-owned trucks are usually a better value without sacrificing the qualities that are important to you. We have four tips to ensure that buying a used pickup truck doesn’t land you with a hefty monthly payment, so you can keep on trucking, worry-free.
Do Your Research Ahead of Time
Whether you’re going to be a first-time truck owner, or you’re replacing your fourth truck, it’s a good idea to evaluate your exact needs before you hit the lot. With so many options available, it’s easy to become bogged down and overwhelmed by all the details. Knowing what you want before you shop will allow you to focus on the options that best match your needs and lifestyle.
Make a “Truck Wish List” and take it with you when you head to the car lots. Some points to include are:
- Preferred vehicle age range
- Target price range
- Number of miles on the vehicle
- Primary ways you’ll be using the truck (i.e. towing large items vs. hauling lighter items around in the truck bed, etc.)
- Size you prefer
- Interior comforts you want (leather seats vs. fabric, built-in GPS system vs. using your own navigation device, etc.)
While a wish list summarizes what you’d like in your perfect truck, remember that you may need to compromise to find the best fit for your needs and for your budget. It’s best to prioritize which factors are most important to you.
Be Budget Minded
Once you’ve made the list of what you’re looking for in a used truck, it’s time to sit down and crunch some numbers. Take a look at what your ideal truck is selling for new. Then do some research on the average cost for older models.
Knowing your budget ahead of time helps you stand firm on your price point when you start to negotiate. If you don’t think this through ahead of time, you may wind up with a hefty monthly car payment that you’ll soon regret.
According to the article 7 Steps to Buying a Pickup Truck, a good rule of thumb is to keep your truck payment at no more than 15 percent of your total take-home pay. The more you save ahead of time, the more likely you’ll be able to make a sizeable down payment — making it possible to have little-to-no monthly payment on your pre-owned truck!
If you’ll be financing your truck purchase, look for a dealer who offers the Buy Here/Pay Here option, an in-house financing and payment program that provides locally guaranteed credit approval.
Test Drive, Test Drive, Test Drive
When it comes to buying a used truck, whatever you do, don’t skip the test drive. While it may be hard to imagine not test driving a vehicle you’re considering purchasing, people do buy sight-unseen in some cases. Buying a truck, or any other used vehicle for that matter, is a huge decision and one that you should make only after a solid test drive around the block or down the interstate. A thorough test drive will give you an idea of how your truck will ride on all those fun adventures you’re planning.
If it’s the right price, with the right features for its intended use, and if it checks out on the road test, chances are you’ve just found the pre-owned truck to fulfill your wish list without straining your finances.
Search Our Online Inventory
Monarch Auto Sales offers a great inventory of reliable, pre-owned trucks for reasonable prices. Search our online inventory today!
Do Your Research: Top 3 Tips for Shopping Used Cars
If you’re looking to gift yourself with a set of new wheels this holiday season, you’re not alone! Going the new-to-you route with a used car will be easier on your budget, but there are a few things you’ll want to consider before heading out to the car lots! Check out our top three tips for making sure you find the right vehicle, at the right price, from the right dealership.
1. Plan a Budget.
Whether you’re looking to treat yourself on a “splurge vehicle” or are trying to keep the expense as low as possible and avoid any kind of car payment, the first step toward your perfect new ride begins with nailing down your budget. It’s easy to wind up spending more than you intended when you head to the car lot with no budget in mind, and end up falling in love with a vehicle outside your price range. Why not do the math ahead of time to figure out exactly what you’re able to afford, to avoid buyer’s remorse down the road?
You’ll reap big benefits when you see that a little planning goes a long way.
2. Know Car Prices.
Once you’ve nailed down your budget, it’s time to do your research on what the make and model of the used vehicle you’re shopping for is going for these days. This will depend on a variety of factors including year, mileage, if it’s been involved in an accident before, and many other details that come into play. While you hope that you’ll be given honest information and pricing concerning the used cars on the lot, you also need to be sure you won’t be taken advantage of simply because you didn’t do your research.
If this is all new to you and you’re not sure where to begin, sites like Kelly’s Blue Book are a helpful place to start for a baseline of various makes, models, and their value.
3. Research Car Dealerships.
With your budget established and car value estimates in mind, it’s finally time to go look at your options! Of course, researching car dealerships is just as important as investigating car values. That’s right, you should never walk blindly onto a lot ready to hand over a significant chunk of your hard-earned money to just any dealer. However, taking the time to make phone calls and read site reviews for dealerships (before driving over to them) can help you gather all the information you need as to whether or not you’d want to purchase your used vehicle from them.
Reading online reviews and learning from other people’s experiences can save you from making some of their mistakes, and help you rest easier in your decision to purchase from a particular dealer.
The Monarch Auto Sales Difference
Monarch Auto Sales offers a wide variety of quality used vehicles and is a dealership founded on the mission “to help customers with poor credit break the vicious financing cycle and to help those with no credit get a start on their dreams.” When you come to our dealership looking for a vehicle, you can rest assured you’re working with a team of honest experts with your best interests in mind. We also proudly offer a Buy Here, Pay Here option!
Search Our Online Inventory
Shop our online inventory today, so you’re ready to come out for a test-drive tomorrow!
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!
Why buying a used car is a good financial decision
When you’re in the market for a car, the first question you ask is, “Should I buy new or used?” While buying a new car can be tempting, it can also be expensive. Used cars can be a great financial decision. Here are some reasons why buying used could be your best option.
It’s Less Expensive
Used cars seem to get the stigma of having problems but new cars can have their own difficulties. While new cars are nice, they tend to depreciate quickly and monthly payments can be expensive. Since most people cannot afford to pay cash for a new car, buying used can be a great option. Used cars can be paid off faster than new cars, making it easier on your finances in the future. It is generally better to trade in your used car (if you have one) in order to purchase another used car.
They’re Reliable
Today’s vehicles can last over a decade with minimal issues if well cared for. Cars can have hundreds of thousands of miles on them and still be running strong.
Some people buy new cars because they don’t want to worry about potential issues, but even new cars can have problems. If you are worried about potential issues with a vehicle, you can always request a vehicle history report to see accidents and previous ownership. This may give you some indication of the car’s history.
In the long run, it is cheaper to fix issues that come up with a used vehicle, rather than making expensive payments on a new car that is depreciating quickly.
Reasonable Financing
Many used car dealerships have great financing options to make buying a car easier.
Monarch Auto Sales has financing options for every budget. We offer a Buy Here, Pay Here option for customers. We will talk with you and figure out a comfortable payment plan even if you have bad or no credit. Find out how our Buy Here, Pay Here program goes beyond that of a typical dealership. Find out more about our financing options today.
Let Us Help
Monarch Auto Sales in Greensboro, NC, has a huge selection of used cars at competitive prices with great financing options including our autoclick application online! Shop our inventory online. Then, come visit us and go out for a test drive! We’ll help you find the best used car for your budget.
Make the Move to An Affordable Minivan: 4 Practical Reasons for Families
Looking for a great family vehicle? Don’t overlook the many practical features of a minivan. Not only do minivans make life with children easier, they are also less expensive to maintain and insure than SUVs and large sedans, according to a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA).
A Free AAA Membership and 7 Other Ways To Take Care Of Your Used Car
It’s easy to look at your car as just a way to get from Point A to Point B, but if you don’t take good care of your car, you’ll just be stuck at Point A. Even the basic things can be easy to lose track of, and some drivers aren’t even aware of the best ways to care for a car. So while we may not all be certified mechanics, here are 7 things you can do to help keep your car running for as long as possible.
1. Don’t Take Tire Pressure For Granted
You might not think about your tire pressure until you get a flat, but it’s an important thing to stay on top of even before the pressure hits zero. Whether over- or under-inflated, an improperly inflated tire can be dangerous, and can be extra harsh on your wallet. Improperly inflated tires don’t break as effectively, are more susceptible to punctures, impact gas mileage, and reduce the longevity of your tires.
2. Check Your Oil Often
There are a lot of moving parts in your engine, and oil is what keeps them moving. Oil lubricates your engine and reduces friction, so an engine that lacks the proper amount of oil can come to a screeching halt. Checking your oil every other gas refill is usually sufficient, and all it takes is a clean paper towel and a couple of minutes. Cars can often burn, leak, or otherwise use oil between oil changes, so be sure to keep an eye on the black gold and top it off as necessary.
3. Keep It Clean
It’s always nice to see your car shining in the driveway, but it’s not just a cosmetic job – a good cleaning can help keep it running. Everyday our cars deal with bugs, sun, rain, tree sap, and yes, bird “presents,” which can slowly wear away at the paint of your car, exposing the metal underneath. Usually once a month is plenty to keep your car gleaming, but location and climate can play a factor (especially if you drive through a lot of salt in the winter).
4. Cool As A Cucumber
Heat is one of your engine’s worst enemies, and keeping your cooling system running is vital to a long-lasting car. There are a handful of hoses running through your engine, carrying fluids that can run over 200 degrees, and it’s important that they’re all in working order. Keep an eye out for leaks, and look out for a faulty water pump if you smell something like syrup.
5. Don’t Let Gas Get Too Low
It’s tempting to ride a tank of gas all the way down to E to squeeze every last penny out of it, but that can also spell trouble for your engine. There’s a certain amount of sediment that settles at the bottom of your gas tank, and when you let the tank get low, you’re forcing your car to pull the dirty stuff from the bottom of the barrel.
6. Be Wary Of Warning Lights
While some car problems are obvious, others only show their face through the ominous ‘Check Engine’ light – that is, until the problem makes itself all too obvious. Many auto parts stores will check out these warnings for free and give you a good idea of what’s going on unseen. So when that pesky light pops up, don’t let it go unnoticed.
7. Look Out For Leaks
There are a lot of fluids running through your car, and it’s best that they stay there. Occasionally check under your car and watch the driveway for any mysterious puddles. Catching a leak when it’s small can help you save big down the road.
Peace Of Mind – Buy From Monarch, Get A Year Of AAA Free
There’s nothing quite like the peace of mind knowing that your car is taken care of, and at Monarch Auto Sales, we have partnered with AAA to prove that we’ve got your back. With every purchase of a car from Monarch, we will include a one-year AAA Plus Membership absolutely free, to help with any unplanned speedbumps you may run into.
Come See Our Used Car Inventory
If you’re shopping for a used car in the Greensboro, NC area, come by Monarch Auto Sales today to see our impressive inventory. Call to speak to a member of the Monarch Auto Sales team at 336-856-9707 or click here to request more information.
Meals and Wheels – Enjoy a Free Lunch or Dinner on Monarch Auto Sales
Most used car dealers in Greensboro, N.C., don’t offer free meals with every test drive. But then again, most used car dealers aren’t Monarch Auto Sales. We love to show our customers how much we care.
That’s why from now through April of 2014, every qualified buyer who takes one of our cars for a test drive will get a lunch or dinner entrée, plus a soft drink at Bender’s Tavern right next door to our lot. The best part is it’s all on us!
Now, we can just hear the wheels turning as you read this. You’re probably thinking, “Hey, there’s no such thing as a free lunch, what’s the catch?” There is no catch. Just apply for the Guaranteed Credit Approval program financing, take your test drive and, voila! You’re on your way to a great meal and an even greater car!
At Bender’s Tavern, customers get great food in a great atmosphere. You can choose from daily lunch specials or any of their delicious sandwiches or burger options. Try a spicy chicken wrap or a burger with all the fixings. Catch your favorite sporting event on NFL Sunday Ticket, ESPN GamePlan and MLB Extra Innings or hang out on Friday night for a little Karaoke.
After your test drive, Bender’s is the perfect place to relax and mull your options. Can’t choose between that sporty little two-door or the family sedan? Mull it over while you catch a game and eat your favorite hot dog. We know that buying a used car can be a big decision and we also know you have choices. That’s why we’re offering a free lunch or dinner on us – we appreciate your business and your time.
It’s also why we offer multiple tools to help you make an informed decision. We have knowledgeable sales people, excellent credit options and tips to help you have the best experience you can when working with a used car dealer in Greensboro, N.C.
In fact, before your visit, feel free to read through these tips for the perfect test drive. We want to make sure you have the best information available to make sure your buying experience at Monarch Auto Sales is the best it can be. We’re not afraid of questions – come on down, apply for credit and take your dream car for out for a spin.
Ready for that test drive? Hungry for that burger? Stop by our Greensboro, N.C., used car dealership today! Call to speak to a member of the Monarch Auto Sales team at 336-856-9707 or visit us online at https://www.monarchautosales.com/.
How to Distinguish Between a Clunker and a Quality Car
On the hunt for a new set of wheels? Splendid. There are plenty of quality used cars in the Greensboro, N.C., area to choose from. Sadly, there are also quite a few clunkers…raising the question, how does one distinguish the deals and steals from the lemons and letdowns?
While scheduling a test drive is always your best option, there’s actually a lot you can tell about a used car just by looking at it. All you need to do is follow these six simple rules:
1. Be Skeptical.
Approach used car buying like a pessimist would approach a blind date. A little healthy skepticism never hurt anybody, so we recommend requesting a vehicle history. (Although we must warn you, this won’t go over as well on the blind date.) If a dealer refuses to cough up a complete car history, we recommend you drop everything and run far, far away from their dealership.
2. Be Practical.
In general, buying a used sports car isn’t a brilliant idea. Think about why the previous driver probably purchased their “hot wheels” in the first place. To drive. Fast. Sports cars are rarely treated gently, and that means lots of stress on the car’s engine, suspension, etc.. If you’re looking for a dependable used car to get you to and from work each day, a used sports car or other performance vehicle is rarely recommended.
3. Be Smart.
Play detective. Find out a little bit about the reputation of the used car dealership in question. Check with the Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce to find out more. You can also tell a lot about a car dealership by interacting with its sales staff. If a car salesman makes you feel uneasy, don’t be afraid to trust your instincts.
4. Be Handy (Or Find Someone Who Is.)
Pop open the hood and look around. Check the car’s oil and transmission fluid. This alone will tell you a lot about the car in question, as well as the car’s previous owner. As a good rule of thumb, black and gritty oil is never a good sign. Neither is dark brown or smelly transmission fluid. If you loathe getting your hands dirty, call over your trusted mechanic. They’ll know what to do.
5. Be Aware.
Don’t fall for discount fever or the deals that seem “too good to be true.” If a used car seems like too good of a deal, it probably is, and there’s something your dealer isn’t telling you. Before comparison shopping, check out sites like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book to find out the estimated cost of the used car you have in mind and use that price as a starting point. Then you’ll know that anything slightly above or under that price is probably a fair deal.
6. Be ‘Wheely’ Mindful.
Most people pay more attention to the car than the wheels it’s on. However, a quick check of a car’s tires will tell you a lot about the vehicle’s previous owner – things that may not be on the vehicle history report. For instance, if the tires look worn or are mismatched, the car was most likely handled roughly or mistreated.
At the end of the day, distinguishing between a clunker and a quality car isn’t rocket science. But it sure does help to start your search at a respected used car dealership like Monarch Auto Sales in Greensboro, N.C. If you’re looking for quality used cars in Greensboro, N.C., stop by today for a test drive!
For more information on our used car inventory and special Buy Here, Pay Here financing options, visit Monarch Auto Sales online, shoot us an email, or give us a call today!
A Twenty-Something’s Guide to Buying a Used Car
Your twenties are supposed to be the most exciting years of your life. And they are…for the most part. Looking back on that illustrious decade, you will undoubtedly remember those early mornings after the bar closed. The week at the end of the month you spent living on solely mac ‘n cheese or ramen noodles until you got your paycheck. The crazy amount of money you paid for a pair of shoes you only ever wore once. You’ll probably look back with a smile and laugh at how wild, impulsive and poor you were then.
But, let’s be honest here. Through the rose-tinted glasses you suddenly acquire on your thirtieth birthday, the financial stresses of your twenties virtually disappear. Unless you’re living them, that is. Between student loans, rent, furnishing your first place, and saving enough money to cover your weekend bar tab, affording a car payment (let alone maintaining a good enough credit score to purchase a quality new or used car) can seem nearly impossible.
That’s why used car dealerships, like Monarch Auto Sales in Greensboro, offer Buy Here Pay Here financing to prospective car buyers. Car buyers whose credit score may currently stand in the way of them purchasing a quality used car at an affordable price.
If you’re a twenty-something trying to get behind the wheel of a quality used car, but have poor credit (or even zero credit) standing in the way, Monarch Auto Sales will work with you to find a newer, quality used car. One with lower mileage than most of our competitors can provide.
While most dealers are unable to offer credit approval to car buyers with poor or no credit, Monarch Auto Sales guarantees credit approval through our Buy Here Pay Here financing program. Prospective buyers must simply demonstrate legitimate proof of income and residency, as well as a valid, up-to-date driver’s license. All you need to bring to the dealership is a copy of your driver’s license, a recent utility bill or bank statement, proof of income, and at least five references.
Beyond getting approved, providing enough money for a down payment can be a challenge for many twenty-somethings. Luckily, the Buy Here Pay Here program at Monarch Auto Sales has down payment options starting as low as 10% of the vehicle sale price. This means you can spend less time saving and more time driving!
If you’re interested in applying to our Guaranteed Credit Approval Program, visit our Credit Application page for more information. A representative should respond within 24 hours of receiving your credit application, but you can even call us to expedite the credit approval process.
With a dependable car and a life filled with endless possibilities, there’s no reason your twenties can’t be the best years of your life with a car payment!
Head to Monarch Auto Sales for a test drive today!
Myth Busters, Monarch-Style
Whether you are seriously contemplating buying a used car or just scoping out the inventory at local used car dealerships in Greensboro, NC, you may be skeptical about the trade-offs associated with purchasing a used or “previously loved” vehicle. Your doubts may be natural or they may be the unfortunate result of some major misinformation. If the latter is true, join us as we bust a few commonly held myths and misconceptions about buying a used car!
MYTH #1: Used car = “lemon.”
Reality: Respected used car dealerships take many steps to ensure the quality of a used car or truck before placing it on the lot. At Monarch Auto Sales in Greensboro, NC, we fully inspect each car and professionally guarantee every car on our lot. If you still fear being stuck with a dreaded “lemon,” we encourage you to have the vehicle inspected by an outside party. We understand your need for complete peace of mind and will work with you to provide it!
MYTH #2: All cars quickly lose their value.
Reality: One of the hidden costs of buying a new car is rapid depreciation–that big drop in a car’s value from year to year. While both new and used cars depreciate over time, the rate of depreciation is generally much higher for new cars, particularly in the first few years of ownership. That’s why leading used car dealerships, like Monarch Auto Sale, help potential car buyers see the entire cost of the vehicle they are considering and encourage comparative shopping.
MYTH #3: There’s a limited selection of quality used cars.
Reality: Most people want a nice car that’s even nicer for their budget. Unfortunately, finding a used car that’s perfect for you can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack (or about as likely as finding your soulmate on next season’s The Bachelor). While it may be tough to find that ideal car, comparative online shopping at places like Edmunds.com is a great place to start. Once you decide on a few makes and models, heading to a respected dealer with an extensive selection of quality used cars is a great next step!
MYTH #4: Nowadays, used cars are not as good of a deal.
Reality: Although rumors of continued high prices for “previously loved” and popular models of used cars are still widespread, the price of a quality used car does not have to be steep. At Monarch Auto Sales, we only offer customers a selection of cars we know they can afford. We also work with you to tailor a personalized finance program that meets your every need.
For more information on used car dealerships in Greensboro, NC and to view our extensive collection of pre-owned cars, trucks, and vans at hard-to-beat prices, visit Monarch Auto Sales (www.monarchautosales.com) or give us a call today!
