Are you ready for your next adventure on four wheels but stuck deciding what type of vehicle suits your lifestyle best? At Folsom Auto Mall, we’re here to help guide you through the fun and exciting journey of finding your ideal ride. Whether it’s a sleek car, rugged truck, family-friendly van, or versatile SUV, we have it all. Let’s explore the perks of each to see what might make your wheels spin with excitement!
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Car Buying 101: Tips for Purchasing Your First Ride
Welcome to Car Buying 101, where we’ll take you through the ins and outs of buying your first car without making you feel like you’re navigating a labyrinth blindfolded. Whether you’re a fresh grad, ready to ditch the bus, or finally saved enough for the car of your dreams, these tips will steer you in the right direction. Buckle up!
1. Set Your Budget
Before you plunk a down payment on that curvy red sports car, take a moment to crunch some numbers. How much can you realistically afford? Remember, your budget isn’t just about the price tag; you also need to account for insurance, gas, maintenance, and the occasional drive-thru splurge. A good rule of thumb is to keep your monthly car payment under 15% of your take-home pay. Think of it as your “car diet” to avoid financial indigestion!
2. Do Your Research
Ah, the magic of the internet! Use it wisely. Websites like Edmunds.com and KBB.com can help you compare prices and read reviews. Start by narrowing down the type of vehicle you want: sedan, SUV, truck or maybe you really do want that curvy sports car. Consider your lifestyle; if you’re planning on hauling friends or moving into your new apartment, a spacious vehicle might be in order. Consider fuel costs and insuring your vehicle too; these costs will vary depending on the type of vehicle you get.
3. New vs. Used
This is the ultimate showdown: brand new versus used. New cars come with the latest tech and warranties. On the other hand, used cars can be a treasure trove of value, often with a few quirks that give them character. Just make sure it’s fully inspected before sealing the deal! You can also consider Certified Pre-Owned – this could be the best of both worlds: low mileage, manufacturer warranty, fully inspected and in great condition without the new-car depreciation!
4. Test Drive Like a Pro
Taking a test drive is your opportunity to get a feel for the car. Take it for a spin—on highways, through neighborhoods, and even parallel parking, if you dare. Pay attention to how it handles, the visibility, the included equipment and those seat comfort levels. Remember, you’re not just buying a car; you’re buying a long-term relationship!
5. Negotiate Like a Boss
Now comes the fun part: negotiation! Channel your inner car-buying ninja. Don’t be afraid to haggle. Start with a reasonable offer based on your research. Remember, it’s not just about the price—it’s about finding a deal that makes you feel like a champion.
6. Finalize the Paperwork
Congratulations, you’re almost there! Once you’ve agreed on a price, it’s time to tackle the paperwork. Read everything carefully before signing.
And there you have it! Armed with these tips from Car Buying 101, you’re ready to tackle the car-buying journey with confidence. Remember, this isn’t just a purchase; it’s an adventure. The Folsom Auto Mall makes it easy with knowledgeable salespeople and experienced finance experts. If you have any questions, feel free to stop by one of our dealerships to ask!
Aftermarket accessories that could increase your vehicle’s value…
Adding aftermarket accessories can be a fun thing to do. Who doesn’t want to spice things up and customize their vehicle? But adding extra flare and performance with aftermarket accessories can do a lot more than just turn heads. Certain aftermarket upgrades can actually help increase the value of your vehicle. So, whether you have a new car you’re looking to add your personal touch to or a used car you’re hoping to make a little more appealing at trade-in time – here are some aftermarket accessories that could increase your car’s value.
1. Tires
Upgrading your tires can boost your vehicle’s market value. The quality of the tire is directly linked to the comfort and performance of the vehicle. It’s kind of like comparing a luxury mattress to a standard mattress; you will definitely be able to feel the difference. And if you are upgrading your tires for the purposes of trading in or selling your car, the right buyer and every dealership will recognize top-of-the-line tires and pay for them. Not only that, but any new tires (even if they’re not top of the line) will make a great impression! Dealerships and individual buyers definitely appreciate the value of fresh tread.
2. Rims
Updating the rims of your vehicle can make a big improvement on the aesthetic value and curb appeal (pun intended). Quality rims will enhance the look of your vehicle and can make your wheels look brand new. They can freshen up and give a whole new look to a tired old vehicle. Aside from just the aesthetic value, new rims also help to protect the wheels from external damage.
3. Body Kits
A body kit can make your car look newer and set your car apart from every other car out there on the road. Some body kits can also improve the performance of your vehicle, changing the way air flows around the car. The aerodynamics of your vehicle can make your vehicle go faster, reducing drag and helping the car achieve higher speed. Carbon fiber body kits are made from lighter materials, increasing the downforce on your car which can improve the vehicle’s handling and make it more stable in corners. Body kits like these could increase your vehicle’s grip on the road, resulting in safer driving. There are many body kits available depending on your model of car, exactly what you want it to look like and how you want it to perform. Be sure to have it installed correctly, by trained professionals, otherwise you could actually reduce your vehicle’s value.
4. Infotainment and GPS
Bluetooth, USB ports, USB-C ports, large touch screens and GPS navigation are features that modern car owners have come to expect as a standard in their vehicles. Aftermarket infotainment accessories can upgrade older vehicles essentially making a 2010 feel more like a 2020. These types of investments typically improve a vehicle’s resale value and make your vehicle easier to sell.
5. Leather seats
Most people think that your car either comes with leather seats or it doesn’t. Well, that’s just not true. Any car can go from fabric to leather. Making your car seem more luxurious can be an incentive to a potential buyer; one strategy is to install leather seats. If they’re clean and well cared for, your vehicle could potentially be worth more.
So whether you’re making your car look as cool as possible by adding a little something extra, looking to add value to your current car or both – the Folsom Auto Mall has you covered. Whether you drive a Buick, GMC, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, Chevy, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan or Ford – we’ve got the accessories you need in stock. And if there is something specific that we don’t have, we’ll get it for you. Our factory trained and experienced technicians can service any make or model. Let us help you outfit your vehicle or give you a free appraisal so you know how much it’s worth!
All-Wheel Drive. Four-Wheel Drive. Know the Difference.
The best way to understand the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive is to think of it this way. A Diet Coke is to a double espresso as all-wheel drive is to four-wheel drive. Both are means to an end, but while a Diet Coke and all-wheel drive are acceptable for everyday use, a double espresso and four-wheel drive should be reserved for special occasions, when you need something stronger.
How All-Wheel Drive Works
In an all-wheel drive vehicle, the engine’s power is sent to all four tires all of the time. This helps keep your vehicle going forward better than front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive in the snow, sleet, or rain-covered roads. In high-performance vehicles, all-wheel drive helps transfer the engine’s torque to the ground while at high speeds or when launching from rest with the engine’s full power. A lot of all-wheel-drive cars out today shuffle torque between the front and rear tires as needed and automatically switch to two-wheel drive when appropriate to improve fuel efficiency.
All-wheel drive is best used on pavement because it’s designed to let each tire rotate at its own speed in turns. So all-wheel drive is ideal for the average driver who is looking to stay safe and sound when driving in hazardous conditions. That’s why you’ll find that most SUVs and passenger cars are available in all-wheel drive.
DID YOU KNOW?
All-Wheel Drive Vehicles Should Be Towed On A Flatbed!
While a two-wheel drive vehicle can easily be towed by lifting either the front or rear wheels off the ground, all-wheel drive vehicles need all their wheels lifted in order to be towed. This is because all the wheels are connected to the drivetrain, so pulling the vehicle by just two wheels can damage the vehicle.
It is technically possible to tow an all-wheel drive vehicle on its wheels, but you would need to disengage the driveshaft – which is complex, expensive, and can really only be performed by a trained mechanic. So, the best and correct way to tow an all-wheel drive vehicle is using a flatbed.
How Four-Wheel Drive Works
Intended only for use off-road or on very slippery surfaces, four-wheel drive is a part-time system. This means that the driver has to shift into and out of four-wheel drive. This is usually done by turning a knob, pushing a button, or yanking a lever. When this happens the front and rear driveshafts come together, keeping the front and rear axles turning at the same speed. In sand, mud, and snow, this guarantees that the engine torque is always being sent to at least one front and one rear wheel, without relying on computers to predict or detect wheel slip. So that means there’s more power being put to the ground in very slippery conditions to keep you going. But a major drawback is that four-wheel drive is not designed to be used on paved roads and is reserved for vehicles with serious off-road capability.
So, now you know the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and you can make the best choice for your needs. If you’re big into taking it off-road, choose four-wheel drive. If you like to keep all your wheels on the road, choose all-wheel drive. No matter what you choose The Folsom Auto Mall has plenty of all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles to choose from. Stop by the Folsom Auto Mall today to take a test drive.