4720 E Pickard Mt.Pleasant, MI 48858 855-469-2736

Spring Forward Into A Smoother Ride

Loose Sleep Over The Time Change Not Your Safety

As we "spring forward" with Daylight Saving Time, it's also a perfect time to make sure your rides remains smooth with a suspension check-up.

Just like the changing seasons, your car's suspension system endures constant wear and tear from navigating various road conditions. Similar to how spring brings renewal, a suspension check-up can renew the performance and comfort of your car.

Why a spring suspension check-up is important:

Spring brings unpredictable weather: From potholes hidden under melting snow to unexpected rain showers, spring roads can be harsh on your suspension.

A check-up ensures your car can handle these challenges safely and comfortably. Winter's toll on your car: Harsh winter conditions can put increased stress on your suspension components, leading to wear and tear.

Addressing these issues early prevents further damage and costly repairs later. Improved driving experience: A well-maintained suspension system translates to smoother handling, better cornering, and a more comfortable ride – perfect for spring road trips and adventures.

  • Improved Handling and Safety: A well-maintained suspension system ensures optimal handling, allowing you to better control your vehicle and navigate unexpected road conditions safely.

  • Enhanced Comfort: Worn-out suspension components can lead to a bumpy and uncomfortable ride. A check-up can identify and address these issues, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience.

    Extended Tire Life: A properly functioning suspension minimizes uneven tire wear, saving you money on replacements in the long run.

    Peace of Mind: Knowing your car's suspension is in good condition provides peace of mind on the road, especially during unpredictable spring weather conditions.

Don't wait until you hit a pothole to find out your suspension needs work. you're already wide awake from losing an hour of sleep! Make the most of that extra-early morning energy by scheduling a suspension check-up and ensure a smooth, safe ride all season long.

Flip Phones Foldable Cars & Sardine Cans

But Can It Fit Into Your Pocket?

A Journey from Nostalgia to Innovation

Remember the days when flip phones were all the rage? Everyone thought they had the latest and greatest. Fast forward to today, and voila – the Google Pixel Flip phone is here, flipping the script on tech nostalgia. It's like tech fashion – everything old is new again! And guess what? The car industry is getting in on the retro action too with foldable cars. That’s right, cars that fold. Because why park a car when you can fold it like laundry?

Foldable Cars: A Glimpse into the Future

Enter the Lakota, the car that doesn't believe in taking up space. Could it just be the answer to the problem in cities where parking spots are as rare as a calm day on social media? This foldable wonder shrinks to fit into spaces that even a Smart Car would balk at. But let's be real – while squeezing your car into a space sounds cool, what about squeezing yourself into it?

Real Talk: Cool Tech or Sardine Can?

The Lakota is undeniably the cool kid on the block, but let's be real. If you've got a family, play in a band, or just like room to stretch your legs, this is not your dream ride. For those times, we've got a lineup of cars that won't require you to fold your passengers into origami.

Tech Meets Practicality: The Best of Both Worlds

We love tech, and who doesn't want to feel like they're living in the future? But we also know that sometimes, you just need a car that feels like a car and not a piece of space-saving furniture. That's why we’re here to help you find a car that’s not only affordable but you also won’t hit your elbow on the door every time you try to turn. So, whether you're into the nostalgia of flip phones, intrigued by the origami magic of foldable cars, or just want something that comfortably gets you from A to B, we've got you covered.

Stop by for a test drive and be on your way in your next car today.

Should You Buy A Car From A Private Party

Buying From A Private Party Vs. A Dealership

There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a car, and buying from a private party is no exception. Here are four things you should keep in mind if you're thinking about buying a car from a private seller.

Your financing options may be limited.

If you're looking to finance your purchase you will have to arrange for your own financing. If you have less than perfect credit, this could limited you financing options. Dealerships are in the business of selling cars and have a network of sources to work with.

Warranties may not be available.

When you buy a car from a dealer, it could possibly come with a warranty or at least once could be offered to purchases. However, when you buy from a private seller and something goes wrong with the car, you probably don't have any recourse.

The car may not be inspected.

Most dealerships have some sort of inspection process for the cars they sell, but private sellers aren't required to have their vehicles inspected. This means that you could be buying a car with serious mechanical issues and not even know it.

The purchase could be more complicated than you think.

There are a lot of paperwork that goes into buying a car. If you're not familiar with the process, it can be very confusing and even overwhelming.

If you're considering buying a car from a private seller, make sure you do your research and understand all of the potential risks involved. It's important to remember that you could be buying a lemon and end up being stuck with a huge bill for repairs.

You have to find a buyer for your old car

If you already have a car and need the money to buy a new one, you will need to figure out  what to do with your old car.

There could be title issues

When buying from a private party, you will want to run a title check before finalizing the purchase. You will also have to handle all the paper work and registration yourself.

 

We understand that you want to get the best price when buying or selling your car. Bring your car into our dealership and we will give you an instant offer. We want your vehicle and we will pay you top dollar to put it toward a New Car, Truck or SUV. Call or visit today

Stolen Car = Stolen Dreams

Can You Avoid The Nightmare?

You've waited so long. You finally saved up enough money to buy your dream car. You do your research, take test drives, and find the perfect one. The day finally arrives when you drive off the lot in your new car. You're on top of the world. But then, one day, your car is gone. It's been stolen. Your dream has become a nightmare. No one ever thinks it will happen to them. But every year, thousands of people have their cars stolen. And for many, the loss is more than just material - it's a devastating blow to their sense of security and well-being.

 

For victims of car theft, the experience can be traumatizing. Not only are they left without a means of transportation, but they also have to deal with the fallout from the crime. This can include everything from filing a police report to dealing with insurance claims.If you've been the victim of car theft, it's important to know that you're not alone. There are resources available to help you through this difficult time. And with a little effort, you can make sure that your car is returned to you safely

Most Stolen Cars Of 2021

According to a recent article from autoblog.com the most stolen cars of 2021 were.

  1. Chevrolet pickup (full-size): 48,206 total thefts

  2. Ford pickup (full-size): 47,999 total thefts

  3. Honda Civic: 31,673 total thefts

  4. Honda Accord: 30,274 total thefts

  5. Toyota Camry: 17,270 total thefts

  6. GMC pickup (full-size): 15,599 total thefts

  7. Nissan Altima: 14,108 total thefts

  8. Honda CR-V: 13,308 total thefts

  9. Jeep Cherokee / Grand Cherokee: 13,210 total thefts

  10. Toyota Corolla: 12,927 total thefts

 As you can see from the list above the most stolen cars are full-size pickup trucks followed by Honda Civic and Accord. Although these represent the most stolen vehicles it doesn't mean that these are the only ones being targeted. In fact, any car can be stolen regardless of make or model.

Always Lock Your Doors

This seems like common sense but you'd be surprised how many people don't do it. Always make sure to lock your doors, even if you're just running into the store for a quick errand. And don't leave your keys in the ignition - no matter how tempting it may be on a hot day.

Don't Leave Spare Keys In The Car

Another common mistake is leaving a spare key hidden in the car. This may seem like a good idea at the time, but it's just asking for trouble. If a thief finds your spare key, they now have easy access to your vehicle.

Install A Tracking Device With A Remote Kill Switch

If you're really concerned about your car being stolen, you can install a tracking device with a remote kill switch. This will allow you to track the location of your car if it's stolen, and even disable it if necessary. Typically they come with an app that you can use to track the location of your vehicle. Then remotely disable the car and notify the authorities who will then be able to apprehend the thief and return your vehicle.

Consider A Wheel Lock

A wheel lock is another good idea if you're worried about your car being stolen. This is a device that attaches to your wheel and makes it very difficult for a thief to drive away with your car. They're not 100% effective, but they can be a good deterrent.

Park In Well Lit Areas

Whenever possible, try to park in well lit areas and never leave packages or valuables in plain sight. Thieves often seek out easy targets of opportunity, so the less tempting your car is, the better. Although not full proof, putting valuables in the trunk is also a good i

Why Should You Buy From Us

A Car Dealer You Can Count On!

If you’re in the market for a used car, look no further than our premier used car dealer. With an extensive inventory of reliable and high-quality vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected to guarantee customer satisfaction, we provide a hassle-free experience so you can easily find the perfect car for you or your family. We make it our mission to exceed expectations and provide each customer with personalized attention and exceptional service. Whether you’re looking for something small and economic or luxurious, we are sure to have something within your budget as well as fitting all preferences. So if you need a great ride at an even better price, let us be your go-to used car dealership!

Need Auto Financing? We Can Help!

Are you ready to purchase a car but feeling overwhelmed by the financing process? Car financing can seem daunting and complex, especially for first-time buyers. Fortunately, there are lots of resources out there that can help simplify the process so you can get your dream car with ease. Take advantage of our car loan calculator and make smart decisions when it comes to navigating the innovative world of cost-effective car financing!

Highly Rated Car Dealer

With so many car dealerships to choose from, it's important to know how to assess a dealership's reputation before you make a purchase. Not all car dealers are equally reputable and trustworthy; some may have unreliable customer service or wonky products that could leave you feeling frustrated and disappointed with your purchase. So, if you're in the market for a new set of wheels, read on for tips that can help you determine which dealer will provide the best value and experience as well as ensure an enjoyable buying experience.

Looking To Sell Your Car in? We Want It!

Are you thinking about selling your car? There are many reasons why someone may decide to sell their vehicle, ranging from needing cash in a pinch to wanting a newer model. Selling your car can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be with the right information and planning. Fill out our easy trade form and we will get you the best value for your vehicle. If you are looking for a new car we may not have in stock? Use our car finder and we will help get you into the perfect car.

Come See Us At Our Dealership

Stop by today and meet our staff and learn more about our dealership or feel free to send us a comment.

16 Must Have Tools for the DIY Car Owner

Whether you have an old beater car or a brand new truck, repairs can get costly when done by a dealership.  Many tasks are easy enough for the DIY car owner if you have the right tools.  We have compiled a list of 16 must have tools to get you started doing repairs and maintenance yourself.

·         Socket Set – This is arguable the most important set you will need to work on your car.  It is a good idea to get a set that includes standard and metric sizes as well as extensions and thin walled sockets.

·         Pliers and Wirecutters – Installing stereos, speakers or wiring headlights are all tasks that can be done with the correct pliers and wirecutters.

·         Torque Wrench – A good torque wrench is always needed when setting nuts to the proper torque.  Over torqueing a nut can sheer off the bolt and makes it much more difficult to remove.  Setting the wrench to the proper torque will make your job a lot easier.

·         Wrenches – A good quality wrench set, such as a ratcheting wrench set, makes life easier by ratcheting instead of removing the wrench on each turn.

·         Screwdrivers – Most people have these around the house but you may want to consider a larger flathead which you can use as a prying tool as well a very small screwdrivers that are delicate enough for electronic work.

·         Dead Blow Mallet – Sometimes this mallet is the only solution to removing stuck bolts.  A few smacks and maybe a little heat will loosen just about anything.

·         Work Light – Working in an area that is well lit is an absolute must.  You need to be able to spotlight the area you are working in as well as your work area to prevent losing parts.

·         Latex Gloves – Disposable gloves are preferable as they will keep the grease and grime off of your hands as well as allowing you to start with a fresh clean pair every time.  Reusable gloves get wasted pretty quickly and there’s no fool proof way to clean them.

·         Zip Ties – Got a group of cables and wires that you need to keep together away from hot and moving parts?  Nothing works better than zip ties to keep things nice and tidy under the hood.

·         Multimeter – Electronics make up a huge portion of vehicles.  No one wants to guess which wires are hot or how much juice is running through a particular wire.  Multimeters remove that guess work by testing each individual wire.

·         Impact Wrench – This is a must have for removing lug nuts in an instant.

·         Lubricants & Cleaners – Mechanical parts need to be cleaned and lubricated regularly.  A rust penetrant, brake cleaner, silicone lubricant and citrus degreaser can make your life a lot simpler for stubborn bolts, cleaning metal parts, eliminating friction and removing oil based products.

·         Drip Pan – Most DIYers do their work in their own personal garage or driveway and you want to keep it somewhat clean.  It’s always smart to get a drip pan (or at least a big piece of cardboard) to put under your car’s engine to catch any leaking fluids.

·         Desiccant – Keeping this product on hand (or a bag of kitty litter) will also help keep your garage floors or driveways in better shape.  Pouring some of either on that oil spill will help absorption and reduce the likelihood of that unsightly oil stain.

·         Duct Tape and Electrical Tape – Duct tape has a million uses but it’s also a good idea to keep electrical tape on hand to cover any bare or exposed wires.

·         Owner’s Manual – The most valuable tool when working on your vehicle is the owner’s manual.  All of the exact specifications of your vehicle are in this book and many times there are common tutorials on maintenance for your vehicle.

We hope you found this list helpful.  Maybe it will help you save a few bucks in the long run!

Benefits of Car Ownership

Many considering your mode of transportation an integral part of everyday life.  Between work, school, daycare, shopping and any other errands, we spend a good portion of our days needing to get from point A to point B.  In today’s day and age, we all have several options for that transportation which include owning, leasing, taxis, trains, public bussing, and up-and-coming options like Uber.  But they all boil down to money.  You need money for each and every one of these options.  While every person has their opinions on what works best for them, here are a few benefits of actually owning your own vehicle.

·         The first benefit is freedom.  Knowing you can hop in your car, truck or SUV whenever you need to go somewhere is priceless.  There is no waiting for the bus or taxi or train to show up and then have to sit through their respective routes to arrive at your destination.  You will arrive at your destination on your own schedule and your own convenience.

·         The chance to improve or establish your credit.  As long as you make your monthly payments on time, you can show other creditors that you are a reliable and dependable member of society that will help you make other purchases on credit such as houses, credit cards or other big purchases that you may not have the cash to front.

·         Some argue that vehicle ownership builds stronger families.  Having transportation at your fingertips means you can take your kids to that soccer game, or that family trip to the movies.  You can help your kids excel in school by getting them after school tutoring or driving them to that volunteer event.  And finally; road trips.  Hop in that truck and take a trip together as a family building memories that will last a lifetime.

·         Most people purchase a vehicle by financing through a bank or credit union.  If you finance for say a 5 or 6-year loan, the financial institution “owns” that vehicle for that amount of time.  But as soon as you pay that loan off, that vehicle is YOURS; no monthly payments.  As long as you do the routine maintenance on that vehicle, you can have reliable transportation for years and years to come.

·         Make it yours!  When you own a vehicle, you can make upgrades or changes to it to make it represent you and your personality.  If you want to paint it a different color, go for it!  If you want to put different wheels and tires on it, do it!  If you want to install a hitch so you can pull that 5th wheel or travel trailer or flatbed trailer with your toys, do it up!  You can make your vehicle fit your lifestyle!

We hope we have provided you a little bit of insight into the benefits of purchasing a car.  Let it help bring you the freedom you want to be you and live the kind of life you want!

Driving During Hunting Season

It’s that time of year again, Hunting Season!  People all over our beautiful state have their blinds set up, deer feed out, scent block on and weapons loaded to get a shot at that big buck.  With the days getting so much shorter, many of us are driving to and from work in the dimly lit hours of the morning or evening.  This is prime time for the deer to be on the move.  All the hunters in the woods or fields means that it’s got the deer moving into the streets and roads.  It is more important than ever to make sure you are completely aware of your surroundings.

Here are just a few tips to make driving in these last months of the year as deer/vehicle accident free as possible:

·         Don’t Just Rely on “Deer Whistles.” Research has found that in hundreds of trials, the high frequency whistles did not change deer behavior or responses.

·         Be Aware.  This is the best defense against deer/vehicle collisions.  You need to keep your eyes on the ditches and wooded areas as this is where deer are most likely to bound from.

·         Use Your High Beams. When traveling at night, use your high beams whenever possible as they give you the greatest amount of visibility.

·         Slow Down Early.  If you think you see a deer ahead, slow down in advance and don’t be surprised if you need to completely stop.  The bright lights may confuse the deer and cause them to react quickly by darting in any direction.

·         Use Your Horn.  Deer are keenly adept at pinpointing sound due to the shape of their ears and their ability to pivot each ear individually.  When you see a deer, it may help to blow your horn repeatedly to help them pinpoint where you, the danger, is.

·         Deer Don’t Usually Travel Alone.  Where you see one deer, you are likely to see more following.  Be cautious if you see one deer cross the road as there are probably others close by.

·         Don’t Swerve.  No matter how careful you are, sometimes you cannot avoid the deer in the middle of the road.  Whatever you do, do not swerve!  There is a good chance you could swerve into oncoming traffic or off the road into a tree.  If you have remained vigilante with your speed, hopefully the damage to your vehicle from a direct impact with a deer will be minimal.

We hope these tips will help make driving during hunting season a little safer for everyone.  Now go get that big buck!

Tow Vehicles

It seems like more and more people are investing in “toys” to vacation with or enjoy rather than the stereotypical pricey destinations of old.  Some of these toys include travel trailers or 5th wheels, boats, ATVs or dirt bikes, canoes or bicycles or anything else that they can take on the trails in the woods or on the water and the beach. 

One of the biggest things you have to consider when making a purchase like any of those listed above is what kind of vehicle and equipment you will need to get those toys to your destination.  There is a misunderstanding that if you have a truck, you can tow whatever you want.  This could not be further from the truth.  There are several things to consider when figuring out what kind of vehicle you need in order to have that fun.  But the first place to start is with the vehicle itself.

Tow Vehicles:

·         Towing Capability – Each and every vehicle is different for how much they can tow based on things like engine power, transmission type, number of drive wheels, axle ratio and wheelbase length.  To find your vehicle’s specifics, you can read through your owner’s manual as well as calling your local dealership and providing them with your vehicle’s VIN number and they can help find the information for you.

·         Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – maximum that the tow vehicle can weigh when fully loaded.

·         Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) – maximum combined weight of the tow vehicle including passengers, equipment, fuel, etc., as well as the trailer.

·         Gross Axle Weight Rating – maximum weight that a single axle can carry.

You need to know exactly what kind of weight you will be towing (trailer weight loaded, boat weight, ATV weight, etc) so you can make sure that your truck is rated to tow your toys without doing any damage to the mechanics of the truck.

Keep Your Vehicle Smelling its Best

One of our strongest senses is the sense of smell.  They can bring back memories, remind you of people and places, or even affect our moods.  There is nothing worse than the smell of something sour or stale when you get in an enclosed space such as a vehicle.  If you notice a bad smell in your car, try one of the 7 tips below and it might restore a pleasant smell in your car.

·         Vacuum – Most odors come from the upholstery in your vehicle.  Use a vacuum to vacuum the seats and carpet, especially in between seats where things can get lodged in and forgotten about.

·         Smoke – Cigarette smoke can get everywhere in a vehicle; even in the ducting system for your vehicles heater and air conditioner.  You can use an air deodorizer sprayed through the intake valve to get the smoke out of the system

·         Baking Soda – If you spilled something on the carpet or upholstery, sprinkle some baking soda on the area and rub it in, leaving it for a few hours.  It will absorb the smells and then you can just vacuum it up!

·         Charcoal – Charcoal is one of the best things you can use to absorb smells, which is why it is used in many air filters.  Grab a chunk of charcoal from the bag you use to grill with and leave it in the car for a few days.  You should notice a substantial difference.

·         Natural Air Fresheners – Choose a favorite scent of yours and see about masking the smell.  You can use a few drops of lavender, vanilla or citrus on a cotton ball and leave it in the car.  Or if coffee is one of your favorite scents, keep a small container of coffee grounds in your car. 

·         Chemical Smells – If you notice a gas smell in your vehicle, it is important to get your vehicle in for service to make sure there isn’t a dangerous leak.

·         Hiring Professionals – If you have tried all of these tips and still can’t get rid of the nasty odor, you may want to consult a professional detail shop.  Unfortunately, this is the more expensive option but they should be able to help eliminate the smell.

Between going to school or work, vacations, shopping or any other kind of trips, we spend a lot of time in our vehicles.  Keeping it smelling pleasant is one way to make those trips more enjoyable.

Text Us