Kelly Automotive Group

For many people, buying a new car can be a daunting experience--but it doesn't have to be. By following a few simple steps, your stress can be relieved and you will never feel like you are walking blind into a car dealership ever again. So, what are these magical steps I speak of? Well, the secret ingredient, the trade secret is...PREPARATION. Disappointed? Don't be. The research you will do is only a small price to pay to avoid headaches, scams, and lemons. Let's begin...

 

Step 1: KNOW YOUR BUDGET

Before you do anything, before you look at anything, know what you can afford! It is very easy to fall in love with a car that is over your spending limit. Let's save the heartbreak, and set a price range.  This way you can eliminate cars not in your budget before you fall "head over wheels."

 

Don't forget about taxes and fees, deposits, and interest rates! Take Massachusetts taxes and fees into consideration when setting your price range; they can increase your total payment by hundreds, even thousands. Also, discuss what you can afford to put down as a deposit--the more you put down, the lower your monthly payments will be (if you plan on financing, that is). The interest rates on your finance policy will directly effect your monthly payments. Watch out for APR incentives--0.9% may sound great when advertised, but when it expires after the first 12 months, you may end up paying more than you can afford each month. This brings us to our next step!

 

Step 2: KNOW YOUR CREDIT HISTORY

Your credit history will directly influence the interest rate you are given.  So, know your credit report BEFORE you go into the car dealership. This way, you will know what to expect, and more often than not, your salesperson will ask you about it anyway. REMEMBER: It is illegal for a dealership to run a credit report without your permission! Also, most APR incentives are only given to customers with excellent credit--so if your credit is only OK don't be fooled by the fancy ad saying you can receive 1.9% APR.  Read the fine print.

 

Step 3: KNOW YOUR NEEDS

What does the vehicle have to do for you? With so many choices these days when it comes to cars, knowing your needs is the best way to begin eliminating some of the options and packages. Do you have a large family? If so, then you might need a minivan or SUV. Do you live in an area where it snows a lot? You might need a vehicle that has all-wheel drive or that is four-wheel drive capable. If you travel long distances often you may want to look into cars with good gas mileage, or even Hybrids. Unless you are buying your next shiny new toy, I would first focus on what you need rather than what you want.

 

Step 4: RESEARCH AND RIDE!

Once you have narrowed your list down, test drive!  You can do a lot of research at the dealership and learn a lot about a car by test driving it. Ask questions, ask LOTS of questions. If you can, find out the dealer price of the vehicle you are researching. If you decide it's the car for you, negotiate up from that figure as opposed to negotiating down from the sticker price.

 

Read car reviews in magazines and on the internet.  Learn which cars have been given awards and high marks for safety, gas mileage, highest resale value, etc. And finally, ask around! Your family, friends, and co-workers are bound to either own the car, driven in the car, or know someone who owns the car you are researching. Don't count them out.

 

Step 5: PURCHASING

First, allow me to add this.  If we advertise it, we'll have it when you get here.  It's easy.  It's honest, and it's guaranteed!!  So, if you were inspired by an offer in one of our ads, whether TV, Radio, Newspaper, or Online at kellyauto.com, you can be sure that we will have that vehicle when you get here, and for the exact advertised price.  That is the Kelly way!!

 

Take your time.  Find the vehicle you want.  Be confident that this will be the vehicle you want to drive for the next three to seven years.  Know your financial capabilities.  Don't commit to something that you are not sure you can handle.  When prices and/or monthly payments are presented, be certain that you are comfortable with what it all means.  Ask tons of questions.  It's our pleasure to do whatever we are able to ensure your comfort in the process.  I'm not trying to say it's like getting your tooth pulled, but make sure you know what you're doing.

 

Don't be intimidated when you are choosing to spend your money.  You are the boss.  Take the time to review what has been presented, then decide.  There's no reason to rush into something with open questions.  Satisfy all of your curiosities and inquiries and then reward yourself with that vehicle.

 

While there are many other factors that go into purchasing a vehicle, these are just the basic steps to prepare YOU for the process ahead.  I will write more in depth about trade-ins, financing, and other aspects of the process, all with stress-free methods and tips to get the car, truck, van or SUV you really want..

 

Until next time, see you in the showroom!

 

No matter how long we will try to deny it, winter is upon is and Massachusetts winters are no joke. Walking in a winter wonderland sounds fun, but driving in it can be stressful. As soon as the temperature drops below 45 degrees your car is at war with the elements.  Cold, snow, ice, slush, salt, potholes, and gravel all take shots at your vehicle-FIGHT BACK! Don't compromise your safety or the safety of your family and WINTERIZE YOUR VEHICLE.

Here are some easy steps to prepare you and your vehicle for the season ahead so that you won't be slip sliding away from any of your winter destinations.

Switch to Snow Tires

Many people think that all-season tires will provide the traction necessary to prevent their car from sliding all over the road-this is a very dangerous misconception.  Experts advise putting snow tires on your vehicle(s) because of their ability to dig and bite into snow and ice.  Snow tires are made from a softer rubber compound in order to retain their flexibility in the cold weather. Your tires do not just affect the grip on the road, nor how your vehicle can stop and steer. And don't forget to always install snow tires as a full set of four. Only installing two snow tires will actually increase the chance of your vehicle spinning out when braking or taking a corner.

Change Your Oil

Oil thickens in the cold weather making it harder for the oil to lubricate critical engine parts on those glacial mornings, afternoons, and nights. So, even though you should be changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, it is a good idea to begin the winter season with fresh motor oil.

Check Battery

Really low temperatures can reduce your battery power as much as 50 percent. If your battery is more than 3 years old, let us check it for you. A battery will not warn you before it dies, so before you are left stranded in the cold, have it checked for power and corrosion.

Replace Wipers and Washer Fluid

Wipers can become brittle and inflexible as they age, and the cold winter conditions only expedite this process. Consider replacing your wiper blades, and even ask your technician about winter wiper blades that are specifically designed to fight snow and ice.  To assist your blades in keeping your windshield clear and streak free, refill your washer fluid tank with a mixture including a de-icer; it will help melt the snow and ice right off your windshield.

Try Fuel De-Icer

Speaking of de-icing, many people don't know that fuel de-icers even exist. Many experts recommend pouring fuel de-icer into your gas tank to absorb any left over moisture in your fuel lines, preventing them from freezing. Also, it's very important to always have at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your vehicle during the winter months-this will also help prevent your fuel lines from freezing.

Check the Antifreeze

Antifreeze can dilute over time, and if the antifreeze in your car becomes too diluted it can freeze, expand, and ruin expensive engine parts like your radiator.  Have the antifreeze's freeze point tested to make sure it is low enough to protect your car.

Wash Your Car

No, we are not kidding; wash your car. I know this sounds so incredibly simple, but it will go a long way.  Many states use highly corrosive salt compounds to melt snow and ice on roads and highways.  If you don't remove this salt from your vehicle it can cause serious corrosion damage that will cost you much more to fix than it would have cost you to wash your car all winter long.

Check Your Lights

At every oil change, have your lights checked, as well, for dimming, rapidly blinking, and non-functioning lights.  Believe it or not, it is very difficult to notice from the driver's seat a light that isn't working.  In addition to having the function of your lights checked, keep your lights clean to insure that they are properly lighting the road in front of you, and so that you are visible to other drivers on the road.

Store a Winter Emergency Kit

Store an "emergency" kit in your trunk just in case!!  I recommend having the following in your emergency kit:

• First Aid Kit, tool kit
• Jumper cables
• Blanket
• Boots, warm clothes, and gloves
• Extra water and food
• Ice scraper, snow brush, small shovel
• Flashlight
• Windshield washer fluid
• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, non-clump kitty litter) for traction support

You can never be too prepared. Maintain your vehicles regularly to insure that they provide you with years of quality safety and performance.  All of the services mentioned in this article can be done at any one of our Kelly dealerships, of course.   Drive safely...

 And until next time, see you in the showroom! Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe.