TRAVELING SAFE THIS LABOR DAY

By
Posted in Tips

Since Labor Day is right around the corner, we thought we’d give you some traveling tips.

AAA anticipates that 34.1 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more during the holiday, a 4.2% spike from 2012’s 32.7 million.  In addition, AAA, which defines the Labor Day travel period as Aug. 29 through Sept. 2, estimates that 29.2 million Americans, 85% of the total, will drive to and from their destination. The average traveler is expected to cover a round-trip distance of 594 miles, 32 miles less than last year, while spending an average of $804, a more than 7% increase.  That’s a lot of people on the road this holiday – and we want to help you to be completely prepared.

It is a good idea to drive defensively – always be aware of nearby vehicles and anticipate possible movements by other drivers. Also, it is important to know that driving laws are set by each state and rules and speed limits may differ slightly when traveling across state borders, so be aware of those Speed Limit signs.

Exert great caution if you find yourself in a situation with

an angry, “kooky” driver.  If someone is tailgating you, just let them pass. DO NOT purposely slow up, then go fast, then slow up again, to annoy them.  This may cause a dangerous problem.  Let them in, if they need to get in. Otherwise, you may incite an incident of “road rage” – which isn’t safe for you, anyone in your car, or anyone around.  And remember its safer if you stay calm yourself.

Plan your journey and know your next turn.  Although roads are generally well marked, heavy traffic conditions on multiple-lane roads can make advanced movements essential.

In the event of a flat tire or other road emergency, try to ease yourself to the right side of the road. Put your emergency blinkers on to warn other drivers.  Get in and out of your car carefully, and preferably on the passenger side away from traffic.

Wear a seatbelt and ensure children under 8 years have a car or booster seat.

The Beach Auto Brokers full inventory of vehicles is available for you to look at, test drive, and ask questions about.  And our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you.  No matter which vehicle you decide is the best fit for you, remember to drive efficiently and safely.

Drive Efficiently

By
Posted in Tips

Everyone wants to get the most bang for their buck these days – and this is true when it comes to cars as well.
Driving your vehicle efficiently will help you keep some of those precious dollars in your pockets.  MPG (miles per gallon) is something that we are asked about every day by almost every customer.  Here are some of our tips on making your car efficient and getting the best gas mileage your vehicle can deliver.

Be Sensible  Aggressive driving wastes gas, it’s that simple.  As tempting as it is, refraining from speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower you gas mileage up to 33% at highway speeds and 5% around town.

Speed Limits  There is actually an additional benefit to your car if you drive the speed limit other than saving you from getting that annoying ticket you have to pay, especially around town.  Gas mileage usually decreases significantly above 50mph.  You can assume that each 5mph you drive over 50mph is like paying an additional $0.25 per gallon for gas – does that hurt your pocket yet?

Remove Excessive Weight  All of that extra “stuff” that you are keeping in the back of your vehicle adds up, and makes your engine work harder, and… uses more gas.  An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent.

Don’t Idle  You actually use more gas when you idle than by turning your car off and then back on when you’re ready to drive again.  Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner use. Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked. It only takes a few seconds worth of fuel to restart your vehicle.

Replace that Air Filter  Replacing a clogged air filter on vehicles with fuel-injected, computer-controlled gasoline engines—such as those manufactured from the early 1980s to the present—or diesel engines does not improve fuel economy, but it can improve acceleration – which takes us back up to driving sensible.

Coast to Decelerate  By anticipating traffic slowdowns as early as possible, you can decrease your speed, conserve fuel and save money by simply taking your foot off the accelerator.  Most vehicles are equipped with fuel-injection systems that automatically shut off the flow of fuel to the engine when the accelerator is fully released, so you’re not using that costly gas when you simply are coasting.

The Beach Auto Brokers full inventory of vehicles is available for you to look at, test drive, and ask questions about.  And our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you.  No matter which vehicle you decide is the best fit for you, remember to drive efficiently and save a few dollars.

National Tire Awareness & Safety Week

By
Posted in Dealer Information, Tips

 

 

 

 

At Beach Auto Brokers, we strive to make sure that our customers have the knowledge at hand to properly maintain their vehicle.  According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 660 highway fatalities are caused by under-inflated tires annually. Since this week is National Tire Awareness Week, we thought we’d take this opportunity to share some tips on how to properly maintain and care for you tires so that you get the most out of them.

  • Tire Pressure – Don’t risk a blowout – you should check your tire pressure regularly as well as tire wear. You can usually find this information in your vehicle’s service manual, or on the vehicle information label found on the driver’s side door jamb. Also, don’t forget to check your spare tire as well.
  • Tread Depth – You can check tire wear with the quick and easy penny trick. Put a penny into each of the tread grooves, with Lincoln’s head toward the inside. If you can see the top of Honest Abe’s head, your tires are worn. Be sure to check several grooves across the width of the tire. Tires are worn and unsafe with anything less than 2/32” of tread depth.
  • Tire Rotation – Maintain consistent wear of your tires on your vehicle, this will allow you to control your car better.  To get the most out of your tires and the longest life to maximize your investment, rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
  • Adjust for Loads – in the Hampton Roads area, we are constantly towing a boat, or loading down our vehicles for that trip to the beach, and packing up for vacation.  You may need to increase your tire pressure to accommodate the additional weight of your load.  Refer to your owner’s manual and/or the tire placard for recommended pressures.  And when you’re done, don’t forget to adjust back to the normal pressure your tires need.
  • Avoid Potholes – Driving through just one large pothole, even in the summer, can weaken a tire, reducing its long-term durability and ride quality.  Potholes can also knock a vehicle out of alignment, reducing handling and tire life.  Drive around large puddles as well, they often hide deep, rain-filled potholes.

We encourage all of our customers to be aware of and follow-thru with ongoing maintenance.  This is why we offer all of our customers a lifetime of free oil changes and state inspections with their vehicle purchase!  We are happy to help our customers with any questions they have regarding tires, fluids, brakes, lights, wipers, and dashboard lights.  So if something comes up, don’t hesitate it call us!

How To Test Drive A Car

By
Posted in Dealer Information, Tips

You always test drive a car before you buy it right?  Of course!  Some drive it like they are in a Nascar Race and there’s one lap to go.  Some drive like they are afraid that touching the gas pedal will make the car go, and then what?  At Beach Auto Brokers, our Sales Team is always happy to accompany the customers on a test drive.  Here are a few tips that we recommend while test driving a car to see if it’s the right fit for you.

1 – Take your time, you’re not actually in the Daytona 500.  Pick a few different roads to drive on at different speeds, and drive like you would on a daily basis.  You will get a better idea of how the car will perform under normal driving conditions.

2 – Park the vehicle.  Can you parallel park it?  Do you feel comfortable pulling into a parking space?

3 – Play with the radio a little and see how the speakers sound.  Is there additional technology on the car?  Ask your sales representative (who is sitting right next to you at this point) how it all works.  Check out how the seats move and fold down.  You may not be thinking about these things today, but we guarantee you will soon.

4 – Drive, and then ride.  See how the car feels as the driver, then ask to see how the car feels as the passenger.  A vehicle can feel very different from these 2 perspectives.

5 – Turn off the radio, and just listen to the car for a few minutes.  You want to get to know how the car sounds.

6 – Be meticulous and ask questions.  Review the Auto-Check with your sales representative and make sure you understand the information that is provided.  Ask questions if it isn’t clear to you, we want them all answered so that you have a strong sense of security.

7 – If you are the type of person that likes to have a friend or family with you, please bring them!

The Beach Auto Brokers full inventory of vehicles is available for you to look at and test drive.  Quality Care is the difference between buying the car you love and loving the car you bought. It is the commitment of Beach Auto Brokers is to provide you with the highest level of service and support possible.  Stop by today and let us help you find your next vehicle.

Tips To Keep Your Vehicle Running Healthy

By
Posted in Tips

At Beach Auto Brokers, we know that your car is the second largest investment you make next to your home, and we are here to help you with that investment in every way possible.  Caring for your car properly will deliver the performance, value and enjoyment you demand for you and your family. It also makes financial sense to perform routine maintenance to prevent any unforeseen breakdown or costly repair. Here are a few things you should inspect on a regular basis:

  • Tires – check for correct tire pressure and tire wear. You can usually find this information in your vehicle’s service manual, or on the vehicle information label found on the driver’s side door jamb. Also, don’t forget to check your spare tire as well.
  • Fluids – check to see that your fluids are filled properly. Look at the oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, steering fluid, coolant, and washer fluid. It’s important to follow your manufacturer’s recommended service intervals on when to drain and change these fluids. This is normally based on mileage, driving habits, and even climate. Your vehicle service manual can provide you this information.
  • Brakes – have your brakes routinely inspected by a trained professional to ensure that pads and rotors are in good condition. Also watch for any sounds or drifting (cars pull to one side) when braking.
  • Lights – inspect all lights on your vehicle to ensure they are working properly – headlamps, tail lights, turn signals, and fog lights (if equipped).
  • Wipers – windshield wipers are usually easy to neglect. However, it is extremely dangerous to drive on a raining or snowy day without functioning windshield wipers.
  • Dashboard Lights – make sure that no warning lights are on. If a light comes on, your vehicle service manual can provide you with information about what the different lights mean.

At Beach Auto Brokers, we encourage all of our customers to be aware of and follow-thru with ongoing maintenance.  This is why we offer all of our customers a lifetime of free oil changes and state inspections with their vehicle purchase!  We are happy to help our customers with any questions they have regarding tires, fluids, brakes, lights, wipers, and dashboard lights.  So if something comes up, don’t hesitate it call us!

Buying New Verse Used The Beach Advantage Hampton Roads

By
Posted in Dealer Information

Buying New Verse Used The Beach Advantage in  Hampton Roads

New cars often claim greater performance, fuel economy, comfort and space as well as an enhanced systems and new driver assistance technologies. The question is: Should consumers ignore the previous-generation model and pay thousands more for the new models? That’s what we’re here to help you to determine.

Budget: If you’re on a tight budget, then buying a used car gets you the most vehicle for the least amount of money. If you’re looking for common amenities, such as side impact airbags, automatic transmission, and four doors, you’re more likely to find more options when shopping used.

New Preowned Cars Hampton Roads

Appearance: High profile job? Clients to impress? If having the latest and greatest means making more money then you spent, you may have little choice but to buy new. On the other hand, can’t stand scratches and blemishes? Consider what a paint job would cost before you head to the new car lot.

Repairs: It’s true, when buying used, you don’t know how the previous owner cared for the vehicle. However, with car facts and diagnostics it is possible to look beyond the exterior and learn more about what’s going on beneath the hood. A used vehicle is likely to require maintenance and repairs sooner than a newer car, and most likely, won’t be covered under a warranty.

When buying new, it’s important to remember, new can break down too. While these repairs might be covered under warranty, the inconvenience may or may not include a rental car. When you get used, you gain the field-tested experience of previous owners.

Choice: Whether you’re looking for an Used SUV, midsized car, or truck, when buying used, you have several generations to choose from. However, if you’re tech savvy and looking for top of the class features, new will always win. State of the art technology features leave all of us in awe.

Reliability: These days the reliability and durability of vehicles is much greater, and the availability of warranties make buying a used car less of a gamble. Buying a car used allows a better overall picture of a cars long-term performance and user ratings.

Signing and Driving the EZ Way

By
Posted in News

What to Ask Before You Sign and Drive

In the market to buy a new car, but turned off by what you anticipate to be the fine print and surprise costs?  Remember these questions and your next car buying experience will be smooth sailing.

 

So, you already know what you want.  You know what you are willing to pay.  And you feel confident about going to the dealership and negotiating for exactly those terms. But that nagging little voice in your head is asking, “What am I missing?  What am I not prepared for?”

Ease your fears and arm yourself with these questions before committing to any deal and you will be sure to drive off the lot a much happier person.

  1.  What fees will I have to pay that are not included?  So far you have probably picked out the car, talked about your monthly car payment, and the sales person is most likely asking, “Do we have a deal?”  What you haven’t talked about are costs like sales tax, registration fees, and any documentation fees.  Most times, dealerships will want you to pay those before driving off the lot.
  2. Are there any additional parts I need to purchase?  For example, a lot of cars nowadays come with Bluetooth as an option.  And if Bluetooth is something that you really want, make sure that feature is already installed and running in the vehicle before you agree to the deal.  You don’t want to get that surprise when you get it home and it doesn’t work.
  3. Are there any additional services I need to purchase?  This seems to always be the kicker.  You have signed your name and are ready to drive away, but wait!  “Do you want the Special Paint Warranty or Tire Warranty?”  Find out what it is exactly, how much it will cost you that day, and what are your requirements to keep your vehicle within that warranty.
  4. What is the exact mileage on the vehicle?  It may be a brand new vehicle, but how long has it sat on the lot.  And how many people have test driven it?  This is especially important to those who are buying a vehicle from a dealership miles away and have found the car through the internet.  If the car is new and has more than a few hundred miles on it, then you need to negotiate the purchase price lower.
  5. Can I drive it home today?  From extra services to actually ordering the car from another dealership, there are many different reasons why you may not drive off the lot that day with your new car.  It can be a real buzz-kill after all that negotiating not to have your new toy to show off.

These questions should help cut down any surprises and keep you feeling confident and in control of your next car buying experience. Beach Auto Brokers Located in Hampton Roads! Your #1 Used Car SuperStore!

Hampton Roads Used Car Clearance Sale New Years Spectacular

By
Posted in Holidays Sale Events

2012 Clearance Sale New Years Spectacular

It’s that time of year! We are currently offering some amazing clearance deals on all models during our annual New Years Spectacular! So if you have been looking to get into a newer and nicer vehicle in the near future, there is no better time than before the dawn of the new year to make this happen for yourself. Prices on our popular Quality vehicle models have never been this low, and we have a huge variety of them to choose from that we need to get rid of so we are passing the savings onto you.

2012-2013 New Years Clearance

 

We are looking to clear out all of our current vehicle inventory by the end of the year, so everything must go and we will do everything that we can to make  sure that we can get these cars off the lot and into the hands of some rightful owners! As a result, you will find that our vehicle prices are astoundingly low and just waiting for you to come take advantage of. We offer a huge fleet of trucks, SUVs, sport cars, and anything else you could possibly imagine. We also offer quality used cars for those who are looking for an affordable yet reliable car to drive off the lot.

 

 

Since we need to make room for the new vehicles that will be coming in, we are looking to help anyone get approved and willing to take one of these cars off our hands. Financing? We offer bad credit financing, Military approval regardless of Rank and we are sure to lock you in at a low interest rate so that you can be sure to get into a newer car at a price that is affordable for you. This is true regardless of your credit history or current financial situation; In most cases, We will find a way to make it work for you!

So if you are looking to get into a new car before the new year, be sure to stop by our lot in Norfolk VA in Hampton Roads VA in order to speak with a qualified and professional salesperson from our friendly staff. This way, you can find the car that will be right for you based on your needs and your budget and you could even drive it off the lot that very same day! Just make sure to get here by the end of the year to take advantage of all of our savings!

We’re Giving Back, Help Us! Toys for Tots Drop off Location

By
Posted in News

Beach Auto Brokers a used car dealership in Hampton Roads, Beach Auto is honored to be a official drop off location in Norfolk Virginia. The next coming weeks Hampton Roads customers will be receiving a bonus when  they purchase from our Norfolk Dealership! The history of the program extend back to 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, United States Marine Corps Reserve and a group of Marine  Reservists in California collected and distributed toys to local needy children.

The idea came from Bill’s wife, Diane. So in 1947, Diane handcrafted a Raggedy Ann doll and asked Bill to deliver the Raggedy Ann to an organization, which would pass it on to a needy child at Christmas. Bill determined that no agency existed, Diane mentioned to Bill to start one. He did! and in1947 the project was so successful that the Marines adopted Toys for Tots program in 1948 and now in 2012 it has grown into a National Campaign. That year,

Marine Corps Reserve units across the nation conducted Toys for Tots campaigns in each community in which a Marine Reserve Center was located. Beach Auto Brokers, which is located close to the largest naval ship port, Norfolk Naval Base and Military families have come to the aid of needy children year after year. So come on down to Beach Auto Brokers as our box is filling up at 3510 East Little Creek Rd and change the feeling for a needy child this Christmas.

How to Buy a Car With Not So Good Credit Apply Online!

By
Posted in Dealer Information

Buying a car can be stressful for anyone. It is particularly stressful, however, for those with bad credit. They often wonder if they will be turned away immediately or if they will go through the process of purchasing a used car only to find that there is no payment plan that will work for them. Those with bad credit should not fear. There are options in Norfolk to find a used car for a reasonable price with payments that work for anyone.

Car Credit Hampton Roads

Online approval for financing is a great way for anyone to get started with their financing. Military personnel might love the convenience of the online application, but those who worry about their financing options can find quickly and easily that there truly are ways for them to get behind the wheel of the car they most desire.

Residents of Hampton Roads with less than stellar credit can use Beach Auto Brokers to find automobiles at varying prices. Some are priced low enough that many individuals can purchased them outright without the need for a payment plan. Trade-ins are valued highly as well, which can greatly help to reduce the price of any vehicle.

One of the best options for people with bad or no credit is online shopping. Hampton Roads residents do not need to drive around Norfolk looking for a used car that matches their needs and their price points. Instead, they can look at an online inventory to find exactly what cars are on the lot. Military members can used this online database while they are stationed in Norfolk or while they are away. Anyone can negotiate prices online as well, which also aids immensely in determining payment plans for those with poor credit.

A low credit score does not mean that an individual must live without a car. In fact, purchasing a car can help one to increase his or her credit score. Regular, timely payments reflect positively. This rebuilds credit and makes future purchases that much easier. Luckily, there are plenty of options for anyone who wishes to purchases a used car in Hampton Roads.