Safe Winter Driving Means Winterizing Your Car

Posted on February 2, 2012 by admin

We all know what the winter can bring: sleet, snow, ice, and low visibility conditions that can not only make driving treacherous; they can make driving downright frightening. In order to be able to handle these winter driving conditions with the best possible advantage, it’s important that you winterize your car.

When you winterize your car, you’ll prepare the engine, brakes, wires, and more for cold winter conditions, decreasing the risk that you’ll have a mid-winter break down that could turn dangerous. Here are our tips for winterizing your car for safe winter driving:

Know What Winter Driving Is

Winter driving is when you have to drive in temperatures that are less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is common for Canadian drivers to drive daily in winter driving conditions. However, just because you are accustomed to driving in tough winter conditions doesn’t mean that you can overlook the safety precautions recommended for winter driving. After all, it only takes one mistake to turn a common winter driving condition into an extremely unsafe situation.

Check On Your Car

Have a qualified mechanic (such as our mechanics) check out your car as you prepare for winter driving conditions. We’ll check the following components for safety and winterization:

  • Battery
  • Tires (we’re looking to see if they have the proper amount of air and tread, and that they have only minimal wear, if any at all)
  • Antifreeze
  • Antifreeze connectors
  • Distributor
  • Fuel and emission filters
  • PCV valve
  • Spark plugs
  • Brakes
  • Wires
  • Hoses and fan belts

Essential Winter Driving Equipment

Even if you don’t plan to be stranded or get into trouble when you drive this winter, it’s always a good idea to prepare for the “what ifs.” Here are some of the things that we think you should definitely have in your car as you head into the winter (note: these aren’t an option):

  • Spare tire, wheel wrench, and tire jack. Make sure the tire is inflated and in good condition.
  • Shovel
  • Jumper cables (take a refresher course on how to use them if you don’t already know)
  • Tire chains
  • Tow chains (especially if your vehicle can tow another vehicle)
  • Bag of cat litter to help provide traction when there’s ice
  • Tools, including a wrench, emergency radio, and extra batteries
  • Warm clothes and blankets

Remember, winterizing your car will help you to stay safe as you take on winter driving this year. Contact Mississauga Auto Centre, your used car dealer in Mississauga to schedule an appointment for auto service in Mississauga,  for the winter, or for more information about the equipment that we recommend you keep on hand.  Visit us today at www.mississaugaautocentre.ca for all your used car, car repair, service and car financing needs.

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Buying A Used Car Is A Smart Choice

Posted on January 4, 2012 by admin

If you are buying a used car in Mississauga then I want to congratulate you for making a wise decision. In this article we will discuss how you can get the best price and terms on your next ride.

Buying a used car in Burlington is a wise financial choice for many people now days. Because of the large amount of depreciation that comes with purchasing a new vehicle, many have discovered that going used is a much better decision.

The rich understand this and that’s why they are rich!

They know buying a used car saves them the big hit of depreciation that comes with a new car and that new car smell.

Here’s why buying a used car in Mississauga makes good sense…

There is a big selection to choose from.
Someone else took the loss on the depreciation.
Cars are lasting longer and going well over 100,000 miles.

There are many resources today for buying a used car. You can go online, the local newspaper, rental car companies, public car auctions, private owners or auto dealers that specialize in used cars.

Begin by considering the amount of time that will be required with each choice listed above.

Ask yourself if you have the time to be going and test-drive vehicles all day long.

If the answer is no and you would rather prefer having a large selection of vehicles all in one spot, you may prefer to locate a quality used car dealership.

After choosing the best avenue for you to locate a used car, research a few make and models that will satisfy you and your family’s needs and wants. Consider the purpose for the car, your driving habits and the safety features and options that you want.

Knowing what you want will help you find the car that fits your needs. Being clear in this area can help you from impulse buying that little red sports car when it is really an SUV that you need.

Once you have decided on a make and model, you will want to check out how much you can expect to pay for your car. Use the Internet and local car ads as well as pricing guides to determine a fair market value.

This can save you money and avoid paying too much for the vehicle.

Information is the best power…

Once you locate the best possible car for you here are some tips about automobile financing…

*Know what APR you will be paying annually. This is the figure it will cost you to borrow the money.

*Know the exact price you are paying as well as the total amount you will be financing over the term of the loan.

*Know how many months you are financing for and the amount of payments.

Completely understanding what you are signing BEFORE you sign on the dotted line is one of the best ways to avoid paying for unnecessary fees. Being thorough with the contract could be a real money saver for you.

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Used Cars – 5 Facts You May Not Know

Posted on December 15, 2011 by admin

Here are some facts:

1. If your budget doesn’t allow you to purchase a brand new vehicle, buying a used one is a good thing.

2. Depreciation happens the most within the first couple of years. Look for cars that are about two to three years old with low mileage. That way, you lower your original cost while it’s still under warranty.

3. Cars that are pre-owned are a good alternative for someone who can’t afford the same type brand new.

4. If it is certified, it means it passed an inspection by a technician who is trained in mechanics. Many dealers do sell certified pre-owned models and have a selection at their dealership. The vehicles must meet very strict requirements. The manufacturer will provide an additional warranty upon purchase. Only a small percentage will pass and get a certification.

5. If you have a trade-in, obtain a certification, if possible. That way, the dealer can add it to the pre-owned certified inventory. If it doesn’t have that qualifying document, the dealer will have to get it to an auction. A certified pre-owned car has almost the exact same guarantees of service as a new one, but it is less expensive.

Years ago my father would buy used cars in Mississauga. He never could afford a brand new one. He maintained it and it lasted a long time. I only remember him owning 3 vehicles throughout 40 some years. Now “used cars” are called Pre-Owned cars. That does sound much better considering it can be a great thing to own one!

If you are looking for a quality preowned cars in Burlinton, Mississauga Auto Centre, your used car dealer in Mississauga can help. Check out our invventory online today!

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Why We Are Your One-Stop Car Loan Resource

Posted on November 10, 2011 by admin

If you are in the car buying market, then chances are good that you are looking for ways to save money when you buy your car – and get the best possible financial arrangement on the car. Our car loan program is designed to make it easy for you to buy the right car for your needs – no matter what your budget is. Through our car loan program, you can not only get the best interest rates possible for your car loan, but you won’t be denied a car loan for reasons based on your credit.

Here are a few reasons that we think you’ll enjoy getting your car loan from our lenders:

We’re on-site

One of the best reasons to get your car loan from our lenders is that we are on-site. We are located right at the dealership so that you can visit with our lenders and then take a walk through the lot in order to find the right car for your budget based on your meeting with the lenders. The dealer and lender also work together in order to ensure that the car that you buy not only suits your lifestyle, but that it also suits your overall needs.

We don’t turn anyone away because of bad credit

Many of our customers have bad credit and are concerned that they may not qualify for a car loan. Luckily, thanks to the strength of our lending program, we don’t deny a car loan to anyone based solely on their credit. We offer bad credit car loans, no credit car loans, and, of course, good credit car loans. The major differences between these loans is that with the bad credit car loans, you may have to pay more for your car loan and qualify for a higher interest rate than a borrower with perfect credit. However, we can still ensure that you will get a car loan at a rate that you can afford for as long as you need it. And – the car that you buy from us with the car loan will be safe and reliable for years to come.

Financing packages

A car loan isn’t the only financial solution we can offer to our customers. In fact, a car loan is usually only one segment of our full loan packages. The car loan in Mississauga usually works alongside a special offer or trade-in program in order to help further reduce the price of a car or loan payments.

Contact Mississauga Auto Centre today to learn more about car loans in Mississauga or to get started with the loan arrangement that’s right for you.

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Safe Night Driving Tips for Your Used Car

Posted on October 3, 2011 by admin

Getting used to a new used car in Burlington can take some time. However, no matter how long you’ve had your car, you should follow the same night driving precautions and tips in order to ensure that you stay safe on the road at night. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when driving your used car in Oakville at night:

Avoid Being Blinded by Oncoming Traffic

It is common for lights from oncoming traffic to temporarily blind you as you drive at night. This blindness may be exacerbated if other drivers use their high beams, which increases the intensity of the light from the headlights and can make it nearly impossible for you to see the road.

If you are unable to see the road because of the lights from oncoming traffic, divert your eyes to the right side of the road and use the painted lines as guides. Slow down until you feel comfortable and can see again.

Adjust Your High Beams According to Driving Conditions As Needed

Your high beams and low beams will provide a different depth of coverage. High beams will stretch the light further down the road than your low beams. However, high beams are not safe to use in busy traffic, as they can blind other drivers. Make sure that you understand how far your low and high beams reach, especially when travelling at high rates of speed, so that you can know what your braking distance is.

Use the Night Setting for the Mirror

Every rearview mirror has a night setting that helps to reduce the glare from headlights during night travel. You can ask your dealer for information about how to adjust your rearview mirror on your used car if you are not familiar with this setting.

Be Prepared for Breakdowns

Whether you have a new or used car, you may experience an unexpected breakdown. Some breakdowns occur as the result of an accident. Other breakdowns occur as a result of other conditions. Be sure that you know how to turn on your hazard lights so that you can alert other drivers that your vehicle is not moving. Also, keep flares and other reflectors on hand in an emergency kit to help illuminate your vehicle.

Contact Mississauga Auto Centre today for more information about how you can safely drive your used car in Mississauga at night. We’re also happy to help you put together an emergency kit that will keep you safe in all conditions throughout the year.

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Why Car Loans Can Be Good

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

If you are thinking about buying a car but are not sure whether or not to buy a car using a car loan in Mississauga, then we are happy to share with you some of the many reasons why we think buying a car with a car loan is a wise choice for many of our customers. When our customers apply for car loans, they are sometimes concerned about issues related to their finances, such as bad credit, the loan amount that they may qualify for, and interest rates. However, there are many other factors that go into determining whether a car loan is right for you.

Here are a few things that you may want to think about when determining whether or not to get a car loan in Mississauga:

It helps you get a good car now

Many of our customers tell us that they are trying to decide between getting a good car with a car loan or settling for a car that only meets their short-term needs that they can buy with cash. From a safety, long-term investment, and overall quality perspective, we generally encourage our customers to get a car loan that allows them to buy a car that will suit their long-term needs and current lifestyle. We can offer competitive interest rates that will help these customers to keep low monthly loan repayment amounts that they can easily afford – no matter how long they plan to keep the car loan in Burlington.

You can refinance

One issue that comes up with many of our customers with bad credit is the fact that customers with bad credit generally have to pay greater interest rates and qualify for lower loan amounts. When customers have bad credit, we encourage them to go ahead and get the safe and reliable car – even if it means paying more for their cars now. A few years down the road, paying those loan repayments each month will result in a higher credit score. With that higher credit score, they can refinance their car loans in order to save money down the road – but they’ll still have that safe and reliable car.

It’s easy

Getting a car loan in Oakville is not as easy as some people might imagine. In fact, getting a car loan can be done in the same day that you apply – and you can begin the process from the comfort of your own home or office. Simply complete the credit application online to get started right where you’re sitting!

At Mississauga Auto Centre we look forward to helping you get the best car loan for your needs. Contact us today to get started!

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4 Warnings About Buying Used Cars from Private Dealers

Posted on August 4, 2011 by admin

 It is common for folks buying used cars in Mississauga to look to private sellers for special deals and low prices. Many people believe that private used car sellers have more flexibility when it comes to negotiations, which could result in a significantly low price for a car. However, we believe that there is some degree of danger in purchasing a car through a private seller instead of purchasing it through a dealer. Here are 4 warnings about buying used cars from a private seller that may encourage you to revisit your local dealer:

No warranty.

One of the greatest benefits of buying used cars in Mississauga from a dealer is that the dealer usually has a warranty program that will help to cover the cost of service to the vehicle. Often, the warranty program comes directly from the manufacturer and covers bumper-to-bumper issues relating to the used car.

However, in order to obtain a certified warranty, an authorized dealer has to inspect the car based on the manufacturer’s required check-list for certification. Only authorized dealers can provide the certified used car warranty that is offered by many manufacturers.

In addition to the manufacturer warranty, many dealers, such as ours, also offers a comprehensive warranty program for all used cars in Brampton.

Safety and vehicle inspection.

We inspect every used car in Oakville that we sell in order to ensure that it is safe and reliable. Many private dealers do not have their vehicles inspected. Instead, the buyer will have to pay for the cost to have a neutral mechanic inspect the car, which can add several hundred dollars to the sale price.

Little vehicle history.

We know the history of each used car that we sell. For example, if the vehicle has been in a flood, we can choose not to sell the vehicle. Or, if we do choose to sell it, we can alert the buyer to the vehicle’s flood history, if at all applicable. However, if you buy a used car from a private seller, you may not get a reliable vehicle history report. Instead, you’ll have to spend money to buy your own vehicle history report, which will be based on the vehicle’s VIN.

Vehicle title. Many private dealers do not have the proper documentation verifying that they are the rightful owner of a particular vehicle. In order for the sale of a vehicle to be legal, a seller needs to transfer the vehicle title to the buyer. When you work with a dealer, we ensure that we have the legal title to all vehicles that we sell. That way, we are able to transfer the title to our customers quickly and easily while they wait.

Contact us for more information about the pitfalls of buying used cars from private sellers or to learn more about the benefits of buying from a dealer.

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3 Reasons to Buy Your Used Truck from Us

Posted on July 4, 2011 by admin

If you are in the market for a used truck in Mississauga, then it’s time to take a closer look at your dealer and your lender. Finding the right dealer and lender for your used truck purchase can help you save a significant amount of money in the long-run – and it can help ensure that you find the right used truck for all of your needs.

Here are just a few of the reasons why we think you should consider buying your used truck from us:

Financing

Many of our customers are able to save a significant amount of money when they buy their used trucks from us. When people buy their used trucks from us, they are not only able to take advantage of our used truck loan program, but they can also trade in their existing vehicles for money off of the cost of their used trucks. We have several financing option for all of our customers in order to ensure that our customers get the best used truck solutions for their needs. Some of our used truck loans are the most competitive rates on the market – and make it possible for even those customers with bad credit or no credit to qualify for a car loan in Mississauga.

Selection

When it comes to finding the right used truck for your needs, it’s important that you are able to find your favorite used truck at a price you can afford. Our used trucks come with all of the features that you might expect – no matter what kind of used truck you’re looking for. You can check out the available used trucks by taking a closer look at our online inventory of used trucks from the comfort of your own home or office. You can also learn more about the used trucks in our selection by coming on down and taking a test drive in the used trucks that seem best for you.

Warranty

We always encourage our customers to be sure that even if they don’t buy their used trucks from us, they make sure that the used truck has not only been inspected, but that it also comes complete with a warranty. Our warranty program is designed to cover the cost of many issues related to used trucks – including issues that require service or maintenance now or several years from now. The warranty gives you peace of mind and saves money. If you do end up needing service, we have a team of auto mechanic’s in Mississauga, that is second to none.

Contact Mississauga Auto Centre, your used car dealer in Mississauga, today to learn more about why we are proud to offer the best used trucks on the market at prices you can afford.

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Narrowing Down the Used Car Search

Posted on June 7, 2011 by admin

 

With so many used cars in Mississauga on the market, it can be difficult to know exactly which used car is right for you. After all, when you buy a used car, you can expect to have that used car for years to come. Therefore, it is worth it to take some time to do your research and narrow down your search until you’ve found exactly the right used car for all of your needs.

Here are our tips to help you narrow down the search for a used car Mississauga:

Browse the Highways

Many people start their used car searches by looking around at other cars while they are on the highways. Looking around at other cars will not only help to ensure that you are looking at used cars (most cars on the highway are older model cars), but it will also give you a great idea of what types of styles are available.

Make a List

Once you have a basic idea of what kind of used cars suit your preferences, make a list of all of the features that you want. These features may be practical, such as a need for expanded cargo space. They may also be fun, such as a plug for your iPod.

Visit Dealership

The next step you should take is to visit dealerships. Dealerships will not only have professionals that specialize in their knowledge of used cars and the features that come with them, but dealers may also be able to suggest features and things that you may not have previously thought of. Make sure that you spend some time looking through different cars, even if the cars are out of your price range. After all, knowledge is the key to making the right decision.

Test Drive the Cars on Your Short List

Once you have determined which cars come closest to meeting all of your needs, take some time to test drive them. You might be surprised by how well one car drives or by how poorly another car drives. Everyone is different, so the test drive is one of the most important steps in finding the right car.

Get Financing

Finally, once you know which used car is right for you, apply for financing. Many people apply for financing early on, and that’s okay too. Financing will help to ensure that you can afford the used car in Toronto.

Contact Mississauga Auto Centre today to learn more about how to buy the right used car for your needs.

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What You Should Know About Car Loans

Posted on May 3, 2011 by admin

When buying a car, it is often necessary to take out a loan in order to buy the right car. A car loan not only helps you to get a car that you will enjoy driving, but it also helps to ensure that you will have an affordable payment plan for that car. After all, without being able to take out a car loan in Mississauga, you’d have to buy the entire car with cash, which can be very financial straining for many people.

If you are looking for more information about how to buy a car with a car loan, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few basic things that you will need to know about car loans in Mississauga:

Everyone qualifies

Everyone qualifies for a car loan at our dealership – even those customers that have bad credit or no credit. We believe in the value of a car loan when it comes to being able to get the right kind of car. Therefore, we work hard to develop affordable loan arrangements that each of our customers can take advantage of. If you have bad credit or no credit, you may have to be a higher interest rate for that car loan than someone who has excellent credit. However, the best way to get excellent credit is to take out loans that you repay. Therefore, you’ll be benefiting in the long run by taking out the bad credit car loan and establishing a good credit record.

Interest rates vary

Whenever you take out a car loan in Mississauga, you’ll have an interest rate attached to that car loan. Interest rates vary a great deal depending on the type of the car loan, the duration of the car loan, the amount of the car loan, economic conditions, your credit history and financial position, and specials that we may be running that the dealership. For all these reasons, the interest rate that you get for a car loan may be very different than the interest rate that someone else gets for the same car loan.

You decide the final arrangement

It’s important to us that you decide which car loan you get when you buy a car. We will offer you several different options for your car loan, but you make the final car. Our experience is that when our customers decide which car loans are best for them, they are more comfortable with the monthly repayments, so the burden is less.

Contact Mississauga Auto Centre today at www.mississaugaautocentre.ca  for more information about car loans or to get started with a car loan program that’s just right for you.

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