Considering a new car? Get behind the wheel before you make your final decision. A test drive can tell you a lot about a car or truck. Make sure it has the features you want and that you’re comfortable in the driver’s seat before you sign on the dotted line. The Folsom Auto Mall is happy to give you tips on how to make the most of your test drive.
Read the rest of this entryCategory Archives: DIY
Preparing your vehicle for a summer road trip!
Summer is almost here and it’s time to start planning your summer vacation! If you’re considering a road trip, you should seriously consider prepping your vehicle before you head out. The Folsom Auto Mall put together some tips and tricks to help prep your vehicle before the summer arrives.
Read the rest of this entryWhat does car insurance actually cover?
If you ever wondered what your car insurance will actually cover, the Folsom Auto Mall is here to help. We’ve put together a quick explanation of typical benefits covered under most car insurance policies. Of course, all policies are different, and you can choose specific benefits to suit your needs. But here’s a quick overview to teach you the basics.
Read the rest of this entryHow to Change a Tire in 10 Simple Steps
Changing a tire may seem overwhelming and difficult, but it’s actually a pretty simple and straightforward process. While the service departments at each of the Folsom Auto Mall’s dealerships are experts at tire changes and wheel replacements, sometimes when you are stuck on the side of a highway, knowing your way around a jack can be a lifesaver. Read on to see the simple steps it takes to change your own tire.
Read the rest of this entryPremium vs Regular Gasoline
Premium VS. Regular Gasoline
When you’re at the gas pump, you’re given options – typically: Regular, Premium and Super (or Supreme or Premium Plus). But what’s the difference, other than the price? Regular gas has the lowest octane rating, Premium has a higher octane and Super (or Supreme or Premium Plus) has the highest octane. Octane is the measure of the fuel’s ability to resist “knock”. Knocking or pinging are the loud noises that occur when the air/fuel mixture is incorrect. The octane requirement of an engine changes depending on the compression ratio, mechanics and operation of the vehicle. If an engine knocks, it’s not working efficiently and might eventually cause damage.
Read the rest of this entryBUYING A NEW CAR VERSUS LEASING
Should I Buy New or Used?
Need a newer, better, more reliable mode of transportation but not sure if you should be considering a new car or a used vehicle? Maybe the Folsom Auto Mall can help! Read on to find out all the pros and cons of getting a new vs. used vehicle.
A Practical Winter Safety Checklist from Folsom Auto Mall
Winter in Folsom may not bring constant snow, but it absolutely brings cold mornings, heavy rain, fog, icy mountain passes, and unpredictable Sierra conditions. Keep your vehicle safe in winter means focusing on tires, batteries, brakes, visibility, and emergency readiness. At Folsom Auto Mall, we encourage drivers to winterize early — especially before holiday travel or trips toward Tahoe.
Read the rest of this entryHow to Trade in Your Old Car: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Trade In Your Old Car: A Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide from Folsom Auto Mall
Quick Answer
Trading in your current vehicle is one of the easiest ways to reduce the cost of your next car. Right now, trade-ins remain a powerful tool for lowering purchase price, reducing taxes, and simplifying the buying process — especially when handled correctly. At Folsom Auto Mall, we help buyers maximize trade-in value while avoiding common mistakes.
Why Trade-Ins Still Matter
Even as the automotive market continues to evolve, trade-ins remain one of the most valuable assets buyers bring to the table.
Currently, trade-ins matter because:
- Used inventory demand remains strong
- Trade-in value directly lowers your financed amount
- In many cases, you pay less sales tax when trading in
- For many buyers, the trade-in is the difference between stretching a budget and staying comfortably within it
Step 1: Understand Your Vehicle’s Market Value
Before visiting a dealership, it’s important to have a realistic idea of what your car is worth.
Factors That Affect Trade-In Value:
- Mileage
- Condition (mechanical and cosmetic)
- Service history
- Vehicle demand in your region
- Time of year
Online valuation tools provide estimates, but in-person appraisals are more accurate.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle for Trade-In
You don’t need to fully recondition your car, but small steps can help:
- Clean the interior and exterior
- Remove personal items
- Gather service records
- Make sure keys, remotes, and manuals are available
Step 3: Be Honest About Condition
Transparency speeds up the process and builds trust.
At Folsom Auto Mall:
- Appraisals are based on real market data
- Condition is evaluated fairly
- We explain how value is determined
- Being upfront helps avoid surprises later
Step 4: Understand How Trade-Ins Affect Taxes
In many cases, trading in a vehicle reduces the taxable amount of your new purchase.
Example:
New vehicle price: $25,000
Trade-in value: $7,000
Taxable amount: $18,000
This can result in meaningful savings.
Step 5: Decide Whether to Trade or Sell Privately
Some buyers wonder if selling privately is better.
Concerns when selling privately:
- Time-consuming
- No guaranteed buyer
- No tax advantage
- No convenience
For many buyers, the simplicity and tax benefits of a trade-in outweigh the extra effort of selling privately.
Step 6: How Folsom Auto Mall Appraises Trade-Ins
Our appraisal process considers:
- Local market demand
- Auction pricing data
- Vehicle condition
- Service history
Because we operate multiple dealerships across multiple brands, we often have more flexibility in placing trade-ins where they’re most valuable.
Step 7: Using Trade-In Equity Strategically
Trade-in value can be used to:
- Lower your monthly payment
- Reduce your down payment
- Offset negative equity
- Apply toward extended warranties or protection plans
Our finance teams help structure deals to maximize your benefit.
Common Trade-In Mistakes to Avoid:
- Waiting until the last minute to assess value
- Overestimating condition
- Ignoring tax advantages
- Skipping professional appraisal
- Not comparing trade-in vs. private sale realistically
Avoiding these mistakes can save both time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I trade in before or after buying a new car?
Most buyers benefit from trading in at the time of purchase to reduce taxes and simplify paperwork.
Can I trade in a car I still owe money on?
Yes. We help evaluate equity and handle payoff details.
Does mileage matter more than age?
Both matter, but condition and maintenance often matter most.
Do trade-in values change seasonally?
Yes. Demand for certain vehicles fluctuates throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
Trading in your vehicle remains one of the smartest ways to simplify the car-buying process and control costs. When handled correctly, it saves time, reduces taxes, and helps you move into your next vehicle smoothly.
At Folsom Auto Mall, our goal is transparency — helping buyers understand their options and make trade-in decisions that work in their favor.
How to Check the History of a Used Vehicle Before You Buy
Every used car has a story, and the last thing you want is a surprise ending. That’s why at Folsom Auto Mall, we make it easy to understand exactly what you’re getting before you sign anything. Whether you’re shopping for your first car, upgrading the family SUV, or hunting for a reliable commuter for the drive down Highway 50, knowing a vehicle’s history is one of the smartest steps you can take.
Step 1: Locate the VIN
Before you can dig into a car’s past, you’ll need its VIN—short for Vehicle Identification Number. Luckily, it’s not a scavenger hunt. You can usually spot it on the dashboard near the windshield, on the driver’s side door frame, or on paperwork like insurance cards or registration slips. If you’re walking the lot at Folsom Auto Mall, our team can point it out for you in seconds.
Step 2: Run a Vehicle History Report
Once you have the VIN, the real story begins. At Folsom Auto Mall, we take the guesswork out of this step by providing a free Carfax or AutoCheck history report for every used and Certified Pre-Owned vehicle—no need to pay extra or track one down yourself. These reports lay out the details you actually care about: past accidents, title status, number of previous owners, and whether the odometer readings line up. Think of it like checking the background of a house before you buy it. You want to know what’s happened over the years so you can feel confident about what you’re driving home.
Step 3: Look for Red Flags
While most used cars have pretty straightforward histories, there are a few things worth watching for. Salvage or rebuilt title: This usually means an insurance company once declared the vehicle a total loss. Not always a deal breaker, but definitely something to understand before moving forward. Major accident history: A fender bender isn’t typically a big deal, but multiple big collisions might be a sign to slow down and ask more questions. Odometer inconsistencies: Mileage should go up, not jump around. Any odd readings may indicate tampering or reporting errors. Our team is happy to walk through the report with you if anything looks confusing—no pressure, just real answers.
Step 4: Confirm With an Inspection
A history report is one piece of the puzzle. An inspection is the other. At Folsom Auto Mall, every used car goes through a multipoint inspection by our service technicians, so you’re not left wondering what’s going on under the hood. If you prefer, you can also bring your own mechanic for a second look. Many shoppers do, and we’re happy to help coordinate it.
FAQ
Do all cars at Folsom Auto Mall include a history report?
Yes. Every used and CPO vehicle on our lot comes with a free Carfax or AutoCheck report.
What does a salvage title mean?
It means the car was once declared a total loss by insurance, usually after major damage. It doesn’t automatically make the car “bad,” but it’s something to consider carefully.
Conclusion
Buying used doesn’t have to feel risky. Between free history reports, thorough inspections, and a huge lineup of vehicles across our dealerships, Folsom Auto Mall gives you peace of mind from the minute you start browsing to the moment you drive off. When you know the history, you can feel good about the future.
Keep-It-Cool Cabin Hacks: Seven Simple Ways to Drop Your Car’s Temperature Fast
Summer in the Sacramento Valley means triple-digit afternoons, seat-belt buckles that could double as branding irons, and dashboards hot enough to bake cookies. Before you surrender to a rolling sauna, try these science-backed tricks for cooling the cabin quickly and cheaply.
Read the rest of this entry