Does The Color Of Your Car Affect Its Resale Value?

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" - William Shakespeare

If you think about it, the color of the rose doesn't make any difference either. But have you ever wondered if the color of a car affects its trade in value?

How People Pick The Color Of Their Car

People pick the color of their car for many reasons. It may be a reflection of their personality or the desire to make a statement about their status, and even wealth.

Colors are often chosen based on comfort, practicality and aesthetics. Some of the most popular car colors are white, black, silver, gray and red.

One of the reasons people may choose white is because it looks clean and sleek. It also has a modern look to it. Plus, white can go with any type of interior.

Black is popular because it is thought to be classic and sophisticated. It also won't show dirt as easily as other colors.

Silver and gray are both neutral colors that go with just about anything. They are good choices for those who want a sleek, modern look.

Red is thought to signify power and strength. It is also seen as a more exciting color than some of the other options.

Trending Colors

Some people choose the color of their car based on what is popular at the time. Others may want to be different and choose an unpopular color. There are also those who believe that certain colors are luckier than others.

iSeeCars recently released an article detailing Which Colors Help and Hurt a Car's Resale Value. They reported:

Highlights:

• A vehicle’s color can have a substantial impact on how quickly it loses value, with the highest depreciating color losing nearly four times the value compared to the lowest

• Popular colors, including white, black, and silver, have minimal impact, meaning they won’t hurt resale value but they also won’t help a vehicle maintain its value

• Some of the most beneficial colors for retaining value, including yellow and orange, may surprise consumers

A car’s color can help or hurt its resale value, according to a recent analysis by iSeeCars.com. After comparing prices of more than 650,000 recently sold three-year-old used cars, iSeeCars determined the average three-year vehicle depreciation rate by car color.

“A vehicle’s color is among the primary considerations after shoppers have decided on a make and model,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. “With depreciation being the largest cost of vehicle ownership, consumers should carefully consider their color choice–especially if they plan on selling their vehicle.”

Be sure to read the entire article here

Should We All Just Buy Yellow Cars?

While the numbers speak for themselves, there are other factors you should consider before jumping on the Yellow car bandwagon. Do you really want to drive a yellow car ? If the answer is no, then it doesn't matter how well it holds its value.

The same goes for any other color. If you love the color purple and it just so happens to have a good resale value, then go for it!

Looking for a new car?

You'll love our selection of quality used cars - they're reliable and affordable. And we're here to help you every step of the way. You won't find a better selection or price anywhere else.

We can even find that Yellow car you've always wanted.

Contact us today to learn more!

When deciding on a vehicle, you obviously have several questions and one of the big ones is do I or don’t I finance. One way to make that decision is to look at the interest rates. Where would you want to finance through? The dealership or individually? If you go individually, you would be able to determine who you would want to go through and maybe get a better rate with your personal bank. It is totally up to you whatever you decide, but I am going to let you know some of the different factors that go into getting financing and what determines the interest rates. If you bank through a certain bank and the dealership has the option of financing with them, you may have a better chance of getting the auto loan because they know your history of paying, your financials, etc. If you are challenged with credit, or trying to rebuild, or have never had an auto loan, secondary financing may be the best option for you. What is secondary financing you ask? Well, it is financing that is offered to customers who are struggling and cannot get a traditional car loan. This can be anything from never had a car loan, to repossessions and bankruptcies. The higher the score, the lower the interest rate is for the loan. So, if you have a 700-800 your score will be lower than someone with a low 600 score. Second, your credit history. If you have had a car before and it had been repossessed, then your interest rate will be higher. Finally, if you have a down payment, that will go a long way to decreasing the amount of your loan. If you have declared bankruptcy, then your interest rate will be higher.  Keep this in mind… It never hurts to try!  If you want a car, try. You never know if some bank will take a chance on you. 

You've Lost That Loving Feeling

Deep down inside you know It’s time to trade in your old car for a newer one. Perhaps the car you are currently driving is starting to show its age. Maybe your kids have been begging you for a while or you’ve been wanting to get a bigger car.

Whatever the case may be, now is the time to make the switch and we want to help you. Here are four reasons why you should trade in your car to our dealership:

1. Get a Fair Price for Your Trade-In

Our team of experts will appraise your car and give you a fair price for it – no haggling necessary. We want your business, so we’ll make sure you get a fair price for your trade-in.

2. Get a Great Deal on a New Car

When you trade in your car, you’ll be able to take advantage of our great deals on a newer car. We have a wide selection of the latest models, so you’re sure to find something you love.

3. Get Rid of Your Old Car Hassle-Free

Don’t worry about what to do with your old car – we’ll take care of everything for you including the paperwork. All you have to do is bring your car to us and we’ll take it from there.

4. Get the Upgrade You Deserve

Finally let all your hard work payoff. You deserve a better car and we can help you get it. Trade in your old car and upgrade to something new, better, and more luxurious. You’ll be glad you did.

Are you ready for a disaster? I mean if you were to be caught in your car and a disaster (like a tornado, a flood, or a blizzard) would happen, Would you be ready?

Today I am going to be talking about what I have in my car to help during a disaster, or a break down of my car.  First, I have a “go bag” in my car. So, what is a “go bag” and why is it useful? Well, to me a go bag is a bag to be used in case of an emergency. A bag you can pick up and “go” anywhere with. My go bag is a complete First-Aid Kit. I have everything that is needed from band-aid’s to tourniquets, alcohol to antiseptic wipes. I actually have a disaster relief kit in the back of my car. My disaster relief kit includes two blankets (one light, one heavy), a pillow, drinks, a couple MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat), a First Aid Kit, a jump box, jumper cables, Fix a Flat, an air compressor, a change of clothes (both cold weather and warm weather clothes), flares, and a crank style flashlight radio. 

A Complete First Aid kit is kinda difficult to keep updated, but I have to say: If you ever have to use it… it will be worth the money you spent! 

I have Band-Aids of all shapes and sizes, Gauze Pads, gauze rolls, Neosporin, Alcohol wipes, antiseptic wipes, saline solution (several bottles), tweezers, scissors (multiple sizes), tape both paper and plastic, butterfly strips, tourniquets (3), breakable cold packs, gloves, and Hydrogen Peroxide.

If I were to offer any advice… I would say this: the clothing you keep in your vehicle, make sure it is in a bag or not near the sun, where it can become faded. I have learned this the hard way. Recently, I was looking into the kits that I have and noticed that a couple pairs of my pants that I have in my car are actually sun faded. 

I know it may seem like I am over prepared, but it only takes one time for you to be in a disaster and you will know how important some of these things are!

Building credit is difficult. Really difficult!  But there are some things that can be done in order to build credit to do most anything you want to do. I am going to break this blog into two sections: establishing credit and rebuilding credit. 

If you are just starting out and establishing your credit, there are a few things you really need to do. 

1. Shop around for the best credit card

2. Use the card for necessities and pay it off at the end of the month

3. If you have to spend more than you want, always pay more than the minimum payment.

4. Never go over 30% of your income per month. 

5. Keep the cards open and in good standing to build credit.

6. Obtain your FREE yearly credit report and pay close attention to it.

7. Get a small loan and pay it off every month. If you can afford to, pay it off early.

8. Use secure credit cards if you cannot get a regular card. 

9. PAY your bills ON TIME

These are just a few little ways to establish your credit. If you open ONE card per year until you are happy with the amount of cards you have, that will be the best way to continue to grow your credit. Do NOT open a bunch of cards all at one time, that will hurt your credit and not help it at all! 

Ok, I said the word “secure credit card” so what does that mean? That is a card that you will put a specific amount of money on and then that is the amount of money you have to spend. Then you continue to pay that back so you constantly have a specific amount on that card. For instance: You get a secure card requiring $200. You pay that amount and then you have $200 to spend. If you only spend $50, then on the due date, you have to pay $50. It is that easy! It builds and establishes your credit and in about 6 months or so, you should be able to get a regular credit card. 

The next thing I want to talk about is student loans. If you are paying on student loans, they will help your credit out. I will say though, if you pay more than the recommended amount, your credit will grow faster. A LOT faster than if you are just going to pay the minimum monthly payment. 

Most people are thinking that paying cash for everything is the way to go, but I am going to say… if you pay for everything with cash, you will NOT have any credit! No credit is bad credit sometimes! 

Now on to re-establishing Credit

You will try to do the same as above plus more. Once you have had issues with your credit, whether it be from medical bills or having to use credit cards to keep you afloat, making positive changes in your credit is vital. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. If you are having problems paying your credit card, call the issuer. Talk to them. They may work with you and make a plan to reduce the debt. 

2. View your new thought of credit as an investment. Use your cards wisely. You are making a plan to possibly purchase a car, home, or rent somewhere. 

3. Don’t go over the maximum. This will give you over draft fees that are high and unnecessary. 

4. Don’t apply for anymore cards! The ones you have are already enough. Re-establishing credit is hard, but it takes time.  

Whether you are just starting out, or starting over with credit, you will need to be patient. Credit does not go up overnight. It takes months and months to get to a good score. You need to make a plan to purchase, whether it be a car or a house… it takes years sometimes. Credit is something that everyone needs but most people don’t know much about. 

Electric Cars

Electric Vehicles… Fad or Future? Where did it all begin and is it going to end? Is it worth the money and how did it begin? Let’s jump in and find out!

Let’s start at the beginning, what is an electric vehicle (EV)? A true electric vehicle is a vehicle that fully operates on battery power. They plug into an electric source and run a specific amount of miles before needing to recharge. There are also hybrid vehicles that both run on electric and gas. These vehicles run their mileage on electric and then switch to gasoline until you are capable of recharging them. Most automakers are “electrifying” their lineup but really, that can mean so much. 

I am going to take you on a brief history lesson on electric cars and then we will jump into the different types of electric cars and hybrid cars that are out there. The very first electric car was surprisingly long before the Tesla’s of today. They made their first appearance in the mid to late 1800’s.  Yes! You heard that right… 1800’s. That was not a typo. I did say the 1800’s. They were made by putting a battery on a carriage and letting it roll around… sort of a trick. Look! No Horse! In 1891, A man by the name of William Morrison obtained a patent for his invention. He made a front wheel drive, 4 horsepower, 24 battery cell electric carriage that did a whopping 20 MPH.  I cannot believe that when I was doing research I was expecting to read about someone in the mid 1900’s discovering that batteries ran vehicles, but no! They were running carriages in the 1800’s! Wow! 

Now, on to a more serious attempt at electric vehicles.  With the soaring of oil prices and the price of gas in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s Congress passed an electric and hybrid vehicle research, development, and demonstration act (1976).  This allowed people to research and develop hybrid and electric vehicle… enter the automakers! The American Motor company made electric Jeeps for the USPS to use to deliver mail. NASA even jumped on board when they used an electric vehicle, the Lunar rover, to drive manned on the moon in 1971. However, these cars had issues…they could only go around 45 MPH and they usually only had a range of about 40 miles. 

One of the most popular, and most well known when you think of electric vehicles is General Motors car, the EV1. The EV1 was built from the ground up by GM and had a range of 80 miles. It could also do 0-50 in just seven seconds. It never really got off the ground though, and GM scrapped the EV1 in 2001.  Probably the next most popular, first hybrid vehicle that you would have heard about is the Toyota Prius. This was first introduced in Japan in 1997, but soon became the first mass produced vehicle in the world in 2000. This car soon became a very popular vehicle with celebrities, which raised the popularity of the car.  In 2006, Tesla was born in Silicon Valley, California. This car could go more than 200 miles on a single charge and soon became a household name. Everyone knew of the car company. They made an amazing first electric car that could go the distance. By 2010, however, Nissan came out with the Leaf and Chevrolet came out with the Volt. There was now competition. The Volt had a gasoline engine that would pick up and work when the electric engine would be depleted. The Leaf was a fully electric vehicle, it didn’t have the gasoline engine to help it out.  

Now, we have the electric vehicles being produced widely, but now we have run into the problem of where to charge them. The charging stations are expensive and not a lot of places have them. What are you going to do if you are running out of charge? The Department of Energy invested money to help commercial and public properties gain chargers all across the country. Automakers and private businesses also began to place charge stations at their businesses. 

Today, there are around 23 plug in style electric vehicles being made, and 36 hybrid models of varying sizes. They have grown in popularity to the tune of over 200,000 all electric vehicles on the road today and over 3.3 million hybrids. Is this the future or just another fad?  I am not too sure on that, but I have to admit that by working in this job, I have seen my share of electric and hybrids, and I think they may end up being a good chunk of the future of car buying.

I AM READY TO BUY A CAR…… Now what?

What do I need to bring to the dealership with me?

What will the salesperson ask me?

These questions and more will be answered in this blog.

Okay, so you are ready to buy a vehicle… so I bet you have some questions, not just the ones above but others. I am here to help!  So the first thing you are going to do when you get to our lot is come inside and fill out the credit application. This is a piece of paper that will need some specific information on it. It will need 2 years of address, 2 years of job history, how much money you make per hour or if you are salary how much you make per week, how much money you have down, what you will be trading in (and if you owe anything on your trade), who you bank with, how much you want your monthly payment to be, and of course your social security number. This is a vital piece of information for not only us as a dealership, but the banks that we submit your information to.  If anything is detailed wrong or you tell us you worked for 2 years and you have only been there 2 months, the lending banks will know and will want you to prove that you have been there 2 years.  If you cannot prove it you will be denied immediately.

Next, we will need a pay stub for you. This proves your income, that is all. We really don’t care what you make, we just need to see the numbers. We see so many pay-stubs a month, it is just another number to us.

One month’s worth of bank statements. This is not always required, but it is better safe than sorry, so please bring one that is printed off from the bank or one that you receive from a monthly mailing. We need to be able to see your name, address, and the name of the bank on these statements. It is not us that will ask for this, rather the lending bank. 

Once all of this information goes to our manager he will work his magic and come back with one of 2 things

1. A yes or no on the vehicle you liked

2. A magic number that you will be approved for.

Then it is time to go look at vehicles, I usually do this while the manager has the paperwork. It cuts up the time being in my office. We will go out on the lot and touch, smell, and see all the possibilities that you may like or want for the vehicle of your dreams! I am also very interested in what you are interested in because I can give you an idea of if it will fit in your wanted budget. If you only want to pay $250 a month with no money down and want an expensive truck, it probably won’t happen, Sorry. 

When the manager is done with the paperwork, he will call me back to his office. We will head back into my office and I will go talk to him about what is going on with your case. Then I will report back to you what he says.  From here, DATE:if you are approved, we will have some paperwork to do before you go to the finance office.  

The first thing that I will ask you for is proof of insurance, you will have to have insurance before you leave the lot with your vehicle, so if you do not have insurance already, please come here with some place in mind. Shop around and decide what is the best for your situation. This is sometimes the longest wait time that you will incur when buying a car.  I will also need you to provide personal references, anywhere from two to five. They cannot live in the same house as you, and they cannot live in the same house as each other. Please have your friends and family’s name, address, and phone numbers readily available and ready to write down. Once this paperwork is all done, I will pass you off to finance. In finance, you will sign all of the necessary paperwork that goes with purchasing the vehicle. 

I really hope this helps you out when coming to Smiley Automotive to purchase your new vehicle.  I hope your days are wonderful!

Your Brakes Are Telling You Something!

Brakes are an essential part of every car, helping you to slow down and stop when needed. Generally, if your brakes are making a high-pitched squealing noise when you first step on them, it's an indication that the brake pads need to be replaced.

What causes that noise when you brake?

This can be due to a number of different factors - worn or dirty brake pads, issues with the rotors or calipers, or even something as simple as dirt or debris caught in the brakes.

If you're noticing a strange noise coming from your brakes, it's always best to have them checked out by a professional mechanic to ensure there isn't a bigger issue at play.

What are the different types of brakes, and how do they work?

There are many different types of brakes, each designed to perform a specific function and work in a particular way. Some common brake types include disc brakes, drum brakes, and vacuum brakes.

Disc brakes use a system of pads that press against a spinning metal disc to slow or stop the vehicle. Drum brakes consist of two brake shoes that press against the inside of a stationary metal drum. Vacuum brakes use suction to slow or stop a vehicle, drawing air from the atmosphere into chambers

How can you tell if your brakes need to be serviced or replaced?

If your car is making a noise when you brake, there's a good chance that something is wrong with your brakes. There are several things you can do to check your brakes and see if they need to be serviced or replaced.

Another way to tell if your brakes are in need of service is to look at your brake fluid levels. If the fluid is low or dark, it could be a sign that your brakes need to be flushed and refilled.

What does turning the Rotors mean?

If you've ever had your car's brakes serviced, you may have heard the term "turning the rotors." But what does that actually mean?

Rotors are the metal discs that your brake pads press against to slow or stop your car. When they become worn or dirty, they can cause a number of problems with braking performance. Turning the rotors means machining them down so that they are smooth and clean again, allowing for better braking. If they get worn down below a certain point, they will need to be replaced entirely by a mechanic.

As a driver, it's important to be aware of any issues with your car's brakes, as this can have serious implications for your safety on the road. Some common symptoms of worn or faulty brakes include a high-pitched squealing noise when braking, low or dark brake fluid levels, vibrations or shuddering when applying the brakes, and poor response time. If you notice any of these issues, be sure to have your brakes checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

Emergency Roadside Kits - A Friend When You Need One

We've all been there before. You're driving along, minding your own business, when suddenly you get a flat tire. Or your engine starts making strange noises. Whatever the problem is, it's a pain - and it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient time.

That's where emergency roadside kits come in. A good roadside kit can help you get out of a bind, no matter what kind of trouble you find yourself in. Whether you're on a road trip or just driving to work, it's important to have all of the supplies you need in case of an emergency.

It's not just you who will benefit from an emergency roadside kit. if you ever have to help another driver who is stranded, you'll be glad you have a kit to lend them. They will appreciate the fact that you were prepared and able to help them in their time of need.

What should you include in your emergency roadside kit?

• Flashlight, flares, and reflective triangles will help other motorists see your car

• A first aid kit is an essential part of any emergency roadside kit. Be sure to include items such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Check for expiration dates on your supplies periodically.

• Jumper cables. One of the best options is a self contained jump box that doesn't require another car. They typically contain charging cables for phones and other small electronics, too.

• A tire inflator can help if you have a flat tire. You may also want to include a small can of fix-a-flat.

• A quart of oil and a gallon of coolant will help if your car starts to overheat

• Tools like a screwdriver, pliers, and a wrench will come in handy if you need to make minor repairs

• A blanket. Although you would think this would only be necessary in the winter, a blanket can actually be helpful all year round. If you have a breakdown at night, the blanket will keep you warm until help arrives. Also hypothermia can set in quickly, even on a warm day.

• Small umbrella. In case you get stranded in the rain, an umbrella will help keep you dry

Emergency roadside kits can be a lifesaver when you find yourself in an emergency on the road. They are perfect for any vehicle, whether it's your own car or someone else who needs help and is stranded by the side of the highway.

Every situation is different, so you'll need to use your best judgment when deciding what to include in your roadside kit. But these items are a good place to start. With a little bit of preparation, you'll be ready for whatever the road throws your way.

Got stuck on the side of the road one too many times? Well, you're certainly not alone. In fact, research shows that 1 in every 4 drivers will experience a car breakdown at some point this year.

Thinking About Trading Your Car?

We have a wide selection of cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from. If you're not sure what you're looking for, our team of experts can help. We'll work with you to find the perfect car for your needs and budget.

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.