by Admin | Sep 20, 2024 | Car Blog, Used Cars
Chances are you’ve been trying to get rid of your old car. But come to think of it, you may be better off holding onto it for a little longer, or even longer as things appear.
Could there be solid reasons why holding onto your trusty old vehicle is the wisest financial decision you make this year?
1. Growing Inventory and Incentives
With vehicle inventory levels on the rise and automakers offering more incentives, it’s tempting to think now is the time to buy.
However, this trend suggests that car prices may continue to drop. By waiting, you could potentially get an even better deal in the future.
2. Economic Uncertainty
The economy is in flux, with interest rates and the upcoming U.S. presidential election adding to the unpredictability.
In times of economic uncertainty, it’s often prudent to avoid major purchases and stick with what you know – your reliable old car.
3. Shifting Sales Patterns
The growth in auto sales is primarily coming from commercial rather than consumer sales.
This shift could mean that the best deals and attention from dealerships might not be focused on individual buyers like you.
4. Potential Market Slowdown
Industry experts are predicting a slowdown in sales growth for the latter half of the year. This could lead to even better deals for consumers in the future, rewarding those who wait.
5. End of the Seller’s Market
As we bid farewell to the seller’s market of the past four years, dealerships are likely to see reduced profitability.
This transition period might not be the ideal time to make a major purchase, as dealerships adjust their strategies.
6. Familiarity and Reliability
You know your old car’s quirks and maintenance history. A new vehicle comes with unknowns and potential issues.
By holding onto your old vehicle a bit longer, you’re positioning yourself to potentially get a better deal in the future while maintaining financial stability in an uncertain economic climate.
Sometimes, the best move is to stay put and let the market settle before making a big decision.
by Admin | Aug 5, 2024 | Used Cars
Someone joked that modern vehicles are coming with huge attitudes. You don’t park them well, and they guilt trip you! Blame those that are making them smarter!
They don’t make them like they used to – work of art, reliable and more importantly, sentimental. When you think about it, there’s gold in simplicity.
An old car is a story waiting to be told and shouldn’t be rushed to the scrapyard.
Did you know that restoring your old car can open doors to a vibrant community and a wealth of social benefits?
Joining Classic Car Clubs
We’re social creatures, but opportunities to socialize have dwindled as our lives have become busier.
Perhaps we now worry more about physical conveniences than building meaningful connections with others. That’s where your old car comes to the rescue.
Your old car provides opportunities to immerse in the classic car culture by joining a classic car club. These clubs are havens for like-minded individuals who have a shared love for an oldie like yours.
Members range from seasoned restorers with years of experience to newcomers eager to learn the ropes. By joining a club, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and resources that can make your restoration journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Classic car clubs often organize regular meet-ups where members can showcase their cars, share stories, and offer advice. These gatherings are perfect for building friendships and learning from others.
You’ll find that the camaraderie and support within these clubs are invaluable, especially when you encounter challenges with your restoration project.
Attending Classic Car Events
Classic car events and shows are another fantastic way to connect with the classic car community. These events bring together enthusiasts from all walks of life, creating an atmosphere of celebration and appreciation for automotive history.
At these events, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in competitions, join workshops, and attend seminars.
These activities enhance your knowledge and provide a platform to showcase your work and gain recognition for your efforts.
by Admin | Jan 20, 2024 | Car Blog, Ford F-150, Used Cars
While we all love that “new car” smell and feel, buying a new set of wheels right now is a big expense. Bigger than ever! You see, interest rates are soaring, and it’s almost like the sky’s the limit in this economic time.
So, is there a way around the 14% interest for 60 months for a new ride when you don’t have that 825 FICO score? We tend to look at what we don’t have and not the treasure that’s already in our hands.
What’s this obsession with hoarding the new shiny?
Did you know that working on your current ride is like starting from a position of strength?
There are inexpensive DIY add-ons you can install to make your used car feel new and updated. And with a little creativity and elbow grease, you can upgrade your existing vehicle’s look, comfort, tech, and convenience right in your garage.
Interior LED Lights
Swapping out standard bulb lighting with battery-powered removable LED stick-on lights illuminates the cabin with a fresh modern glow. Use them to see passengers, items, and awkward corners better at night. There are options for colorful ambient lighting too.
Seat Covers
Dingy upholstery gets new life with the addition of cushy seat pads and breathable, protective seat covers. Choose patterns and materials that upgrade your interior’s look. Enjoy a refreshed seating experience, and the driving becomes enjoyable as well.
Decorative Chrome Accents
Peel-and-stick trims can chrome out vents, handles, knobs, and gauges on the cheap. It’s an easy way to modernize the aesthetic.
More ideas cover things like hands-free phone holders, backup cameras for safety, custom-fit floor mats, mini vacuums, Bluetooth music adapters, and exterior detailing. With small upgrades like these, older cars gain significant style and function. The journey feels as good as the destination!
Need help with upgrading or maintenance of your trusty ride? We can help. Contact us at A1 Performance Auto Repair, and we’ll give your car the TLC it deserves.
by Admin | Jan 5, 2024 | Car Blog, Used Cars
It’s all over the dailies – the cost of buying new and used cars has skyrocketed! So, when does it stop? We can only speculate.
Meanwhile, many buyers feel priced out of their dream vehicle. But even this leads some to believe that holding onto an older paid-off car is asking for mechanical troubles and expensive repairs down the road.
But much of that worry comes from myths about the correlation between a car’s age and the likelihood of issues. So, is there any truth to it? Well, the answer is that it depends on the quality of the TLC you’ve been giving your car.
Busting the Myths
In overheated markets like Silicon Valley where prices and financing rates are astronomical, buying new often doesn’t compute money-wise.
With interest rates over 14% on 5+ year loans if you have an average credit score, your savings will run dry faster than you can imagine. Think about this: you only need a portion of this cost to maintain your trusty vehicle, and either way you do the calculations, buying new will not match up to the cost of maintenance and DIY.
Equipping yourself with DIY fix-it knowledge for your paid-off vehicle can avoid the pitfalls of both new and used car lots. Things like tuning up mechanical systems, swapping out fluids, replacing worn parts, updating technology features, and detailing both the interior and exterior can work wonders.
On the other hand, protective steps like wax seals, seat covers, door edge guards and more help safeguard against incremental wear and tear.
With watchful maintenance and some cost-effective upgrades, lasting hundreds of thousands of miles in a used car is achievable.
So don’t let dubious myths about unreliability scare you into an unwise purchase. A little TLC allows you to save money and transport yourself in style minus the monthly car loan payment. Bust those myths and feel confident striking out on the open road worry-free.
by Admin | Nov 5, 2023 | Insurance Coverage, Used Cars
In a rather unusual conundrum, some car owners are facing insurance troubles with their beloved Kia and Hyundai vehicles. It’s a tale that involves TikTok, stolen cars, and the complexities of getting coverage.
For example, you own a sleek Kia or Hyundai, and you’re all set to renew your insurance. You dial up your insurance provider, excitedly anticipating a straightforward process. But, surprise! They drop a bombshell, saying they won’t renew your coverage. Why? Well, blame it on the TikTok challenge. Yep, you heard that right.
So, what could be happening?
Theft Troubles
Recent times have seen a spike in car thefts, especially among certain Kia and Hyundai models. Experts point out that these vehicles lacked a specific anti-theft feature, making them prime targets for thieves. Concerned drivers who own a Kia, are now stuck in a frustrating insurance dilemma.
Kia has been working diligently to tackle this issue. They’ve collaborated with major insurance companies to find solutions for customers facing insurance roadblocks. It’s a proactive move to help those caught in the middle of this mess.
The Price of Security
Some lesser-known insurance companies are stepping up to the plate and are willing to provide coverage. But, it might come with a heftier price tag. It’s a trade-off between peace of mind and your wallet.
One interesting twist in this tale involves USAA, who claim they are still open for business. They say they’re not making any underwriting changes for these vehicles – a glimmer of hope for some owners.
Kia’s Commitment
Kia, on their part, is leaving no stone unturned, and is encouraging eligible customers to get a software upgrade that enhances vehicle security. They’ve distributed steering wheel locks to impacted vehicle owners in a move to further deter potential car thieves. Kia is also in cahoots with law enforcement agencies and insurance companies to ensure that their customers have access to quality coverage.
Contact us at A1 Performance Auto Repair if your KIA has technical issues.
by Admin | Jun 20, 2023 | San Francisco Car Show, Used Cars
We’re all social beings, and we love to belong. It’s just in our DNA! It is the same for car enthusiasts.
A crowd of people that share a passion for cars that runs deep has to be the most fun. There’s no other place a car fad would rather be. So, what are the benefits of joining a car enthusiast group?
The warmth in the connection
They say birds of a feather flight together. Similarly, people that share a passion will always find comfort and belonging when in the company of a like-minded crowd. Whether it’s about the latest trends, tech, or maintenance tips, talking about it is therapeutic. And, of course, you learn something new.
Being part of a like-minded crowd comes with networking opportunities that can prop up your professional or social life. You never know who your path will cross with and change your life forever. Joining a car enthusiast group can open doors you never knew existed.
Lots of fun
Many groups organize events like car shows, cruises, and track days which are a lot of fun for car enthusiasts. For example, if you’re a classic car enthusiast, the chances of seeing a great mod increase several folds when you attend a classic car event. The excitement and fun you get are incomparable. Who would say no to some fun, especially when it complements what you love? It’s what life is all about!
Giving back to the community
Have you been wondering how you can give back to the community? Being a car enthusiast is a no-brainer!
Many groups organize charitable events and fundraisers that benefit various causes, from local children’s charities to national organizations. By being part of a car enthusiast group, you’ll have the opportunity to use your love of cars to impact the world around you positively.
