November 5, 2014

Independent Dealers - Where Used Car Deals Are

By Keith Griffin, Used Cars Expert         

Excerpt Taken from About.com’s About Autos Section


In the midst of the used car sales increase, one type of seller will have deals on used cars - the independent dealer.
That finding is based on the fact that used car sales are increasing, by up to 5.5% overall, while independent dealers are seeing a drop in year-to-date sales of 12.1% when compared to the previous year. Their year-over-year sales are down 6.3%.
Those facts come courtesy of CNW Research, which points to the strongest sales segment for used cars: the private seller. Their year-to-year sales are up 20.4% while their year-to-date sales are up 24.1% compared to the first five months previously.

Just to give a quick refresher - there are three types of used car sellers. Franchised dealers are new car dealers that have used car lots. Independent dealers are dealers not affiliated with a new-car manufacturer. Private sellers are individuals who are not in the business of selling used cars.
As I have said in the past, I'm a big fan of the independent dealer. Those are the folks who own one or two, maybe a few, used car dealerships. As a group, they're hard working, create local jobs and support local charities. Sure, places like CarMax, Auto Nation, which are technically considered independent dealers, and franchised dealerships do those things, but I like the entrepreneurial spirit of the independent dealership that aren't multi-state corporations.
But, and there is always a but, my first responsibility is to the consumer. I want to see the consumer get the best deal possible when it comes time to buy a used car. I think the best deals are going to come at the independent dealer for most consumers.
What's the best way to take advantage of the independent seller's precarious condition? It's going to sound counter-intuitive to advice I gave recently for buying a used car with bad credit. You can get the best price by arranging your financing through the independent dealer.
After all, to get the best price you have to give a little, but only a little. Actually, you're not giving anything but you are helping the dealer. How so? The independent dealer makes money by acting as a middle man for banks and other financial institutions.
Before you go into the independent dealer, apply for used car financing online. (My wife and I did something similar when we bought our 2008 Mazda5.) Get your best interest rate and then tell the independent dealer that you will allow him or her to match the rate through one of their lenders. It works, and you are helping the dealer make a little extra money without costing you anything.
However, make sure you are prepared before going in. Don't let the dealer talk you into financing unless they can match or beat your best interest rate. There is absolutely no reason to pay a higher interest rate.
Be cautious, too, if the dealer opts to drop the price of the used car in exchange for a higher interest rate. Make sure you have an app on your phone that will help you figure out interest rates on loans.

Let’s assume you need to borrow $10,000 to buy a used car. If you arranged 6.25% financing, the used car would cost you $12,744.29 after four years with compound interest.

But say the dealer offers to get you 7% but sell you the car for $9500. "Hey," he might say, "your monthly payment will be lower." That's true. It will be lower at $222.07 a month for the 60-month loan vs. $265.50 on the four-year loan. However, the interest on the five-year loan is $3824.44 while on the four-year loan its $2744.29.
Lets look at it this way. You would pay $12,744.29 for the $10,000 car but $13,324.44 for the $9500 car. The independent dealer and the financial institution make almost $900 more off the less expensive used car price if they convince you to look at it from a monthly payment standpoint.
You're in a position to bargain with an independent used car dealer. Give a little back, be realistic, and your used car price might be a lot lower.

June 18, 2014

Titan Auto Sales presents it's 7th Anniversary Tent Sale Extravaganza!



Titan Auto is reaching a big milestone! To celebrate, we'll be having a DJ and catering, as well as the chance to have your picture taken in your favorite sports car! We will have auto loan buyers on the premises for quick and easy financing, along with the LOWEST PRICES OF THE YEAR!


So come join us at Titan Auto Sales Saturday, June 28th for fun, food, giveaways, and more!


    Join the event here!     

June 6, 2014

Summer Driving: Time for a Car Inspection!

Overheating Car Summer in Chicago is finally here, and we all need to be conscious of what the weather change can do to our vehicles. It's important to prepare your car or truck for the hot weather headed our way. This means going beyond a simple coolant check; doing a thorough car inspection can mean the difference between cruising comfortably down the highway, or being stuck on the shoulder with steam pouring from the engine. Don't let this happen to you! Follow these steps and you'll be in the clear.

1.) Cooling System - It's made up of coolant, the radiator, cooling fan, hoses and belts, water pump and heater core.

Each of these items needs to be checked for leaks or other damage. One example is to check the radiator core for rot after a long winter of driving on salted roads. If left alone long enough in the heat, this rot will continue through the core piping and cause the coolant to leak out and the engine to overheat. And no one wants that.

Every car's radiator should contain antifreeze, even in the long hot summer months. This is because antifreeze is full of corrosion inhibitors, and, antifreeze has a higher boiling point than water, which means it will keep the car's engine cooler longer than water. Have some extra antifreeze on-hand, just in case you need to fill it up.

2.) Tires - Check all four, including the spare.

It is extremely important to ensure that your vehicle has the correct air pressure in all of your tires, especially when driving on hot pavement. You can find the recommended tire pressure for your car or truck on a sticker on the inside of the driver's side door, or in the owners manual given to you at the time you purchased the vehicle. Always fill to the recommended tire pressure, NOT the maximum.

Also, make sure the tread is in good shape. The penny trick is the best way. Turn the penny upside down so that Abe Lincoln's head is inside the tire tread. If the tread is covering his head or reaches to the top of his hair, the tread is acceptable. If it's any lower, however, it's time to replace those tires.

3.) Oil Change - Be sure to get an oil change! Engines need plenty of lubricant when it's hot, and old oil becomes sticky and can clog the lines. Changing the oil every 3,000 miles is the norm, but if you'll be doing lots of summer driving, change it more often.

DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT: You may not get there as fast, but you'll save your engine a lot of heat.

IF YOUR CAR IS OVER-HEATING: Crank up the heat! Turning the heat up on the inside of the car will draw heat away from the engine, cooling it enough to get you to some place safe. If the needle continues to plunge, stop driving the car and seek help.

Following these summer driving tips can mean plenty of long and happy road trips for you and your automobile.

Didn't pass your summer driving car inspection? Stop in to Titan Auto Sales, reference this blog post, and receive 10% off your service!

January 30, 2014

15 Must-Haves for Your Vehicle's Emergency Kit

15 Must-Haves for your Vehicle Emergency Kit



15 MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR 
VEHICLE'S EMERGENCY KIT 

It's that time of year again. The time of year characterized by cold wind, fluffy white snow, and lots of layers. As the temperatures drop, Titan Auto is here to remind you that you NEED AN EMERGENCY KIT for your vehicle. It's important to get it done now; you never know just when it will come in handy. Read on for our list of Must-Haves. 


1.) Fix-a-Flat 

2.) Jumper Cables

3.) Tire Pressure Gauge

4.) WD-40

5.) Duct Tape

6.) First-Aid Kit 

7.) Flashlight

8.) Multi-tool (Swiss Army Knife would do)

9.) Weather Radio

10.) Energy Bars

11.) Water Bottles 

12.) Ice-Scraper / Snow Brush

13.) Blankets / Towels 

14.) Mobile Device Charger

15.) Kitty Litter (for traction) 

January 10, 2014

How to Start Your Car in Freezing Cold Winter Weather

Tips and Tricks to Start Your Car in Freezing Cold Winter Weather
We all know that the cold can wreak havoc on our vehicles; it causes them to stall, freeze shut, or not even turn-over in the first place. It can be frustrating, and we understand the fact that when you are standing in freezing temperatures, already frozen to the bone and most likely late for work, anger can mount quickly. In order to help you through that dreaded "What do I do now?" situation, we've put together a list of ways to get that stubborn car to start. 

1.) Coax the Engine. In engines with a carburetor - check your car's manual if you're unsure - gently push on the gas pedal while still parked. Press down once and then release. This will inject a small amount of fuel into the engine, which can help get things going. Please Note: there is no need to do this with fuel-injected engines.


2.) Shut Down Anything that Draws Power. Be sure to close all the doors and turn off any interior lights. Shut off the radio, heater, and any other accessories that might draw power. This will give your engine it's best opportunity to start. 


3.) Turn the Key and Hold for 20 Seconds. This helps the engine to start. Note: DO NOT hold for longer than 20 seconds; you don't want to cause any damage to the starter. If it does not work, be sure to wait a few minutes before you try again. 


4.) Consult the Manual. You may not know it, but just about every car or truck manual has tips and suggestions on how to perform a cold-start. 


5.) When all else Fails, Jump the Battery. If you've tried the previous steps, and still nothing happens, your battery may need to be jumped. Using jumper cables, jump-start the battery with the help of a running vehicle. A jump-box will work also. 



Remembering these 5 tips can save you a lot of headache and frustration. And when you simply can't get the 'old gal' started, you can always set up an appointment with our trained service professionals here at Titan Auto Sales.  

December 18, 2013

7 Winter Car Wash Tips to Keep Your Car at it's Best!

Follow these winter wash tips in order to keep your car at its best:

  1. Wash your vehicle every 10 days or less.

  2. Wash your vehicle before the temperature reaches 35 degrees F. or higher. At freezing temperatures, road salt can't do much to hurt your car; it has to warm up to start contributing to rust.

  3. Avoid driving through deep snow. Deep snow can become packed into the undercarriage and contribute to corrosion and even cause drivability problems (reduced braking action, vibrations, inhibit airflow, etc).

  4. Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water where road salt collects.

  5. Repair paint chips that are larger than the tip of a pen to avoid corrosion.

  6. Wax your vehicle at least every three months to give your vehicle a strong protective coating.

  7. Wax your vehicle before winter to protect your paint from corrosive salt.

November 27, 2013

Black Friday Sale!

Titan Auto Sales has it's first ever 
Black Friday Sale!! 


Friday & Saturday November  29&30!!!

Save $750 on select vehicles. 

On November 29th and 30th only, Titan is offering our best sale of the year! We are offering  up to $750  off select vehicles, OR choose any extended warranty and receive $500 off!! This sale will only be valid Friday and Saturday! So, if you have been putting off getting  that new car you need,  there is no better time than now!!

Titan Auto Sales offers financing options available for all types of credit!

Call us at 708-671-9140 to speak with our knowledgeable staff and to
schedule a test drive.

At Titan Auto Sales, we strive for the best quality of vehicles at the best prices.  All of our vehicles are fully serviced and inspected. We have an
on-sight mechanic here to take care of all of your car’s needs.