The 2019 Ram 1500 truck is focused on meeting the demands for truck buyers, whether transporting your family or active on a work site. With this in mind, the designers at Ram Truck have improved on perfection with the announcement of a new multi-function tailgate for the Ram 1500! This innovative new tailgate adds even greater utility features to the industry’s cargo management and storage leader. Whether moving equipment at a work site or hauling furniture for your family, this unique new multifunction tailgate is a game-changer!
The new Ram multi-function tailgate is an innovation on the truck industry, adding first-of-its-kind 60-40 split, swing-away functionality. This amazing new tailgate increases the utility access of the truck bed with four useful configurations: open flat as a fully dampened drop-down tailgate, open left door only, open right door only, or swing open both doors. Each door opens at a wide 88 degree angle and access can be enhanced with the addition of an optional retractable center-mounted step. This innovative new tailgate allows owners to step up in the bed easier, load large items easier, and makes unloading and washing out the bed a breeze! Hauling your trailer is also easy with the Ram 1500 multi-function tailgate. Unlike other multi-function tailgates in the industry, there is no need to remove the trailer and hitch before opening. This incredible tailgate is revolutionary!
Combine the new Ram 1500 multi-function tailgate with the RamBox cargo management system for ultimate utility capability. The RamBox offers innovative storage with versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage bins built conveniently into the bed rails. Power at the worksite or campsite is never an issue with a handy 115-volt 400-watt outlet located in each RamBox storage bin. An available truck bed divider/two-foot extender and cargo rail system with adjustable cleats make the RamBox system efficient for all of your hauling needs.
The 2019 Ram 1500 truck multi-function tailgate will be available this spring. Contact the Ram sales experts at Thelen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Bay City, Michigan for more information on how you can order your Ram 1500 with the innovative new tailgate today!
Auto Financing is Possible Even With Bad Credit
Credit challenges happen but that doesn’t have to mean you can not secure auto financing. Qualifying to buy a new or gently used vehicle with problem credit can be more complicated but is usually possible with guidance from knowledgeable finance experts. There are several steps to take while preparing to finance your next vehicle if you are concerned about your credit.
First, get to know your credit. Do not assume that you have good, average, or bad credit. Use a credit checking resource to check both your credit score and access your credit report. The credit score will help you gauge the best possible options for your next vehicle. Getting a copy of your credit report allows you to review your credit report for errors. If you find an error that could be affecting your credit score, take the time to contact the credit bureau to find out the steps to take to correct the report. If you are delinquent on payments to some lenders, bring your accounts to current. This might be helpful in showing a lender you are working toward a stronger credit profile.
Contact the helpful finance department at Thelen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Bay City and let us know your specific situation. We work with a variety of finance resources so we can try to find you a great option at a great value. We can work with you if you have no credit history at all. Let us help you start on your way to a healthy credit profile. You can even start your credit application online and we can put together a package geared specifically to your situation. An auto loan can be a super way to build or rebuild a credit history through a responsible payment history.
Many people are starting to understand what long-time Jeep fans have known all along. According to IHS Markit consumer data, more people switched to the Jeep than to any other brand in the last two years.
An award-winning lineup, including the perfect SUV for you!
You really can’t go wrong with a Jeep, especially in Michigan! These tough SUVs will get you where you need to go even if the weather’s bad. Not only that, but you’ll get there in comfort and style!
How to select the Jeep that’s right for you:
While they’re all winners, it’s still important to take a look at your wants and needs. There are six main options of Jeep SUVs, and then upgrades to consider as well.
Two questions to ask yourself:
1. How big of an SUV does your family need?
How many of you are riding together on a daily basis? How many of you are riding together on special occasions?
Are you dropping off the kids at school along with your neighbor’s kids? Does extended family visit to go on day-trips together?
2. Is your SUV mostly for daily commuting, or do you plan on hauling items beyond people?
There are two categories of items you’ll be hauling: people and things. Do your kids just have their backpacks or are there other items that need to be transported?
Do your son or daughter play the piccolo or the tuba or stringed bass? Do they run track or play hockey? Equipment is always a consideration.
Or perhaps you’re looking for bigger hauls. Our crossover models have improved chassis strength for whatever you need to carry.
Jeep SUV & Crossover Models:
• All-New Wrangler
• Grand Cherokee
• Cherokee
• Compass
• Renegade
• All-New Gladiator
All-New Wrangler
If you have four or fewer people in your family and want to drive an award-winning vehicle every day, the All-New Wrangler is for you!
Jeep Wranglers are known for their superior engineering, performance and handling for the most comfortable ride in almost any situation. What may surprise you is the Wrangler’s technology features, fuel efficiency, safety, and lasting value.
The Wrangler has five options to choose from, allowing you to personalize your family vehicle even more!
Comfortably seats four people.
Specs:
MSRP starting at: $27,945
EPA estimates MPG: 17 city/25 hwy
Total passenger and cargo volume: 150.4 ft3
Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
An award-winning proposition
The all-new 2019 Jeep Wrangler was named Motor Trend SUV of the Year.
“The new Jeep Wrangler is what crossovers want to be when they grow up,” says Motor Trend.
Other Awards for Jeep Wrangler:
• Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year
The Northwest Automotive Press Association named the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4×4 Four-Door the “top vehicle” at the Association’s annual Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year competition.
• Must Test Drive Award
The All-New 2018 Jeep Wrangler was named a Must Test Drive Award Winner by Autotrader, based on interior comfort, materials, technology features, and ride quality.
• Trail Rated
The Trail Rated® badge indicates a vehicle passed tests driving over tough terrain, showing the vehicle’s ability to withstand harsh conditions off-road.
See for yourself why the Jeep Wrangler has won so many awards in its history!
Grand Cherokee
Luxury, power, grace. These are just a few of the words that describe the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
A luxurious, spacious SUV–the Grand Cherokee easily conforms to your lifestyle. A standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat significantly opens your trunk space. Backseat storage compartments help fit everything you need, making the Grand Cherokee a excellent family vehicle for those with children, or for anyone who needs plenty of room for creature comforts, gear, and more.
Comfortably seats five people.
An efficient truth:
The Grand Cherokee also sports eco-friendly features.
The 3.6L Pentastar® V6 cuts fuel flow and turns off the engine when the vehicle stops. The optional 5.7L V8 engine automatically deactivates four engine cylinders when all eight aren’t needed.
Specs:
MSRP starting at: $31,695
EPA estimates MPG: 19 city/26 hwy
Total passenger and cargo volume: 140.5 ft3
Towing capacity: 7,200 pounds
Cherokee
The latest tech. Authentic craftsmanship. Smart design, inside and out. Packed with safety features. These are just a few of the reasons you’ll fall in love with a Jeep Cherokee.
Comfortably seats five people.
Award-winning and Made in the U.S.A.
The Jeep Cherokee was #1 on Cars.com 2018 American-Made Index!
Specs:
MSRP starting at: $25,240
EPA estimates MPG: 21 city/29 hwy
Towing capacity: 2,000-4,500 pounds
Compass
The Compass is all about affordability – without compromise.
Seats five people.
Tuned in to tech
Features that define the 2018 Jeep Compass Sport include a 2.4L Tigershark® MultiAir® 2 engine, ParkView® Rear Back Up Camera14, and the Uconnect® 3 with a 5-inch touchscreen.
What a performance!
The Jeep Compass is as amazing off-road as it is on.
Jeep Compass Awards:
• Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year
In the Compact Utility Vehicle segment at the 23rd Annual Northwest Automotive Press Association ‘Mudfest,’ the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass was named the Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the year.
• 2017 Activity Vehicle of Texas
At the Texas Auto Writers Association’s Texas Auto Roundup, the 2017 Jeep Compass was named the 2017 Activity Vehicle of Texas.
Specs:
MSRP starting at: $21,095
EPA estimates MPG city/highway: 23/32
Renegade
The Renegade may be a sub-compact, but it easily fits five people for a comfortable ride. Not too shabby for the price! If you’re a family of five and want better fuel economy and a smooth ride built to handle even the big city excursions, the Jeep Renegade is the family SUV for you.
Awards:
The 2017 Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk was awarded Best Sub-Compact SUV at the Texas Auto Writers Association’s Truck Rodeo.
Specs:
MSRP starting at: $18,750
Passenger interior volume: 118.6 ft3
Towing capacity: Not recommended (with the exception of 2,000 pounds on Altitude model)
All-New Gladiator
If hauling is an essential consideration for you, this is your Jeep SUV! With a towing capacity of 7,650 pounds, the All-New Gladiator easily handles luxury campers, boats and more. This workhorse delivers best-in-class towing and best-in-class payload.
The most off-road capable mid-sized truck. Ever. It’s also the only open-air pickup truck in the industry.
Seats four people.
Specs:
MSRP starting at:
EPA estimates MPG:
Total passenger and cargo volume:
Towing capacity: 7,650 pounds
Contact us
Have you decided on the best Jeep SUV for your family? Still have some questions? Want to see the lineup in person and take a test drive? Bring your questions and stop in at Thelen Auto today!
Resources
https://www.thelenchryslerjeepdodge.com/web-jeep-specials-2018.html
https://www.jeep.com/
https://www.jeep.com/wrangler.html
https://www.jeep.com/wrangler/interior.html
https://www.jeep.com/wrangler/capability.html
https://www.jeep.com/compare/detailed-chart.html?modelYearCode=CUJ201810
https://www.jeep.com/grand-cherokee.html
https://www.jeep.com/compare/detailed-chart.html?modelYearCode=CUJ201908&variation=1
https://www.jeep.com/grand-cherokee/interior.html
https://www.jeep.com/compare/detailed-chart.html?modelYearCode=CUJ201903
https://www.jeep.com/cherokee.html
https://www.jeep.com/compare/detailed-chart.compass.2018.html?modelYearCode=CUJ201814
https://www.jeep.com/renegade.html
https://www.jeep.com/compare/detailed-chart.html?modelYearCode=CUJ201809
https://www.jeep.com/gladiator.html
The exciting new 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has arrived at Thelen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Bay City! This four-wheel drive SUV is truly an off-road vehicle, made for owners that love to escape on an adventure. Sporting an amazing 8.7- inches of clearance, protective steel skid plates underneath, 17-inch off-road tires, and standard red tow hooks, the 2019 Jeef Cherokee Trailhawk is extremely capable for all terrains. This amazing SUV is also perfect for your daily commute, offering world class comfort, technology, safety and convenience feature for the whole family.
Thelen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is currently offering an amazing money-saving lease offer on this incredible vehicle. Well-qualified lessess can drive one home today for as little as $2,995 down and $199 a month (tax, title, licensing not included)! Enjoy your new Trailhawk for a 36 month lease term with a 10,000 mile allowance. Check out our inventory of 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawks and contact us to claim this low-cost lease offer today!
Gently Used 2016 Ram 1500 Perfect For Winter Driving
At Thelen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Bay City, Michigan we have a large variety of inventory for the many car brands that we carry. We are proud of our selection because it means we can better serve our customer’s needs and wants. We also provide a great mix of gently pre-owned vehicles. That inventory includes this gently used 2016 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman pick-up truck which is perfect for winter driving.
Priced at under $30,000, this Ram 1500 is an excellent deal with only 21,000 miles on it. Equipped with a 3.6L engine and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, you are looking at getting an estimated 22 combined MPG fuel economy. Also, equipped with a class IV trailer hitch and the capability of hauling up to 7,000 pounds, this can be the perfect boat hauler for the summertime. Some of the other features you can enjoy include Uconnect system, parking assist system, Bluetooth connectivity, rearview camera, heated mirrors, and satellite radio.
Visit Thelen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a test drive of this powerful 2016 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman. One drive and you will be convinced this is the perfect vehicle for you! Our expert finance staff will help you find the best financing option for your specific financial situation.
Make driving safe again
Your cell phone sounds. Who’s calling? Is it important? What if they need something?
It’s tempting to glance down for a split second, but if you glance down at the wrong time, it could cost you. For many, this possibility has been very real. Cell phone use is the current leading cause of crashes for teen drivers. The probability of a car crash quadruples when the driver is using a cell phone. In response, many states have outlawed cell phone usage while driving.
Here’s the breakdown:
• In 17 states including Washington D.C., all drivers are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones while driving. This is enforced by police officers.
• In 39 states, novice drivers are banned from using cell phones while driving.
• In 21 states, school bus drivers aren’t allowed to use cell phones while driving.
• In 48 states, text messaging is banned for all drivers.
In Michigan, you’re not off the hook. While talking on your cell phone is legal, if you’re involved with an accident, you could be charged with reckless driving. Speaking on a cell phone is known to make drivers do careless things when distracted. Sometimes it’s just a matter of time.
Texting in Michigan is definitely illegal. $100 for the first violation, and $200 after that. Get caught texting in Michigan three times? That’s another $500. It makes financial sense to keep your hands off your phone and $800 in your pocket.
That’s why it’s been a welcome change to bring hands-free technology into vehicles. That way, drivers don’t have to use their hands or avert their eyes from the road to communicate.
Using technology to advance safety
Studies have shown that drivers get distracted while talking and texting on their cell phones. Distracted driving can lead to careless actions, and worse. Sometimes it’s a matter of time on the road.
That’s why new technologies from car makers have been introduced. Technology is being used by software engineers to figure out solutions so that you don’t have to miss a call to be safe.
How does technology in newer car models make hands-free calling and texting easier and safer?
Old habits die hard
It’s hard to break old habits, and car designers know this. Many of us have grown up on smartphones and have fully integrated them into our lives. As a result, car interior features like touchscreens, easy wired connections and Bluetooth are becoming more common across the board in vehicles.
New features that 2019 models include
Many vehicles now come with technology that allows you to talk and text hands-free. By connecting your smartphone to your vehicle’s USB port, you can use your radio interface like the interface of your phone. Both Apple and Android phones have connection capabilities:
Apple CarPlay™
Connect your iPhone to Apple CarPlay™. Enjoy hands-free calling and texting, access music and apps, predictive navigation, and Siri® voice control in the car!
Android Auto™.
With Android Auto™, you can use your Android™ smartphone to make calls and send texts via voice command, use Google Maps™, and access apps.
Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ apps use your smartphone cellular data service. Standard rates apply.
Fun (and practical) things you can do with the technology:
• Take incoming calls
• Listen to incoming texts
• Place calls
• Send texts via voice command
• Listen to voicemail
• Request driving directions
• Listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks
• Get weather updates
A final word
Tip: It’s incredible what technology can do to improve our lives and make it safer. But, while hands-free operation for talking and texting is immensely safer, if you’re in stressful traffic and need to concentrate on the road fully, let the person you’re talking with know so you can resume the call when traffic isn’t as intense.
Shop Thelen
At Thelen Auto, we have a wide selection of cars, trucks, and vans loaded with the latest tech. If you have a busy lifestyle and need to take incoming calls and texts while you’re on the go, check out our full selection!
Thelen Brands Compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
• Audi
• Chrysler
• Dodge
• Honda
• Jeep
• Kia
• Mazda
• RAM
• Subaru
• Volkswagen
Contact us
Are you in the market for a vehicle that allows you to use technology hands-free? Stop by Thelen to take a test drive today and fall in love with a new car.
Resources
https://www.thelenchryslerjeepdodge.com/
https://www.kia.com/us/en/vehicle/sorento/2019/technology
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-car-companies-are-combatting-texting-while-driving_us_55771263e4b0317a2afd3fdc
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/cell-phones-driving-california-law-29709.html
https://www.drivinglaws.org/detroit.php
https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/Distracted-Driving
https://www.ghsa.org/sites/default/files/2018-06/DistractedDrivingLawChart_Jun18.pdf
https://www.kia.com/us/en/content/technology/uvo/features/apple-carplay
https://www.kia.com/us/en/content/technology/uvo/features/android-auto
https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/available-models/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/cars-with-android-auto/
How to Check Your Motor Oil Like a Professional
Let’s motor!
Checking your motor oil is a great skill to have. Regularly checking your oil can help prevent unseen problems from becoming expensive repairs. Knowing what to do, and what to look for can help keep your motor running in better shape.
*Please note: Some newer cars electronically monitor oil levels, and won’t allow you to do manual oil checks as they don’t include traditional dipsticks. This is especially true for recent European models. Check your vehicle’s owner manual if you’re unsure.
The necessary ingredient
Motor oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. Checking it regularly keeps your engine running smoothly and extends its life. The oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts to mitigate wear and damage, keep the engine clean, and prevent the engine from overheating.
It’s easy!
Checking your oil is easier than you might think. Monitoring your oil ensures there’s enough oil in your engine and that the oil isn’t contaminated. All you’ll need is a rag or paper towel, your vehicle owner manual, and a little know-how.
How to check your motor oil like a professional:
1. Park your car on level ground. This shouldn’t be too difficult as Michigan is a reasonably flat state, but it’s good to keep this in mind. A level surface means the oil will be evenly distributed in the oil pan so you can get a more accurate reading.
2. Turn off your engine and take out the car keys.
3. Wait for 5 to 15 minutes for the engine to cool down and for the oil to settle. You also don’t want to burn yourself!
Tip: Check your oil in the morning. The engine and the dipstick will be cold because you haven’t used the car yet that day. Most importantly, the oil will have had time to run back down into the oil pan. However, some automakers recommend checking oil after the engine has been warmed up. Refer to your manual.
4. Pop the hood.
5. Locate the oil dipstick. Look for a red, yellow, or orange plastic tab, ring, or hook. When you lift on the tab or ring, a long, skinny, metallic rod will come with it. Usually, the dipstick is on the side of the engine. For a front-wheel drive, the dipstick will be near the front of the engine. For a rear-wheel drive, the dipstick will be toward the center of the engine. If it’s not easy to spot, refer to your owner’s manual.
6. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it off with a rag or paper towel as you go, handle to tip. Though unnecessary, wear gloves if you want to keep your hands clean!
7. Insert the dipstick in dipstick tube all the way in.
8. Wait for three seconds.
9. Pull the dipstick back out.
10. Read the dipstick. The end of the dipstick has markings near the tip that indicate the safe operating range. Markings might be two pinholes, ‘L’ and ‘H’ (low and high), ‘MIN’ and ‘MAX,’ an area of crosshatching, or something else to demarcate a safe range. If the oil doesn’t reach up to the safe operating range, your oil is too low, and you need an oil change.
11. Next, inspect the quality of the oil.*
12. Put the dipstick back into its place and close the hood. You’re finished inspecting your oil. Now make a decision on if the next actions need to be taken.
*When Inspecting Quality, Check that:
• There’s enough oil
• The oil isn’t contaminated
You want to pay attention to how much oil is left and if it is still good. In other words, quality and quantity!
Tip: If your vehicle constantly needs more oil, there is probably a leak.
Motor Oil Characteristics to Inspect:
• Color
• Consistency
• Smell
Motor oil eventually becomes contaminated. Debris from the air, tiny metal shavings from the engine, and combustion by-products all contribute. Oil filters try to keep these contaminants at bay, but it’s only a matter of time before the motor oil will go bad.
If your oil appears off-color, a strange consistency, thick, gritty, or milky–get a checkup. It’s probably time for an oil change!
Motor oil is light-colored and transparent but darkens over time. If the oil appears black, you probably need an oil (and oil filter) change. If the color is a light brown milky color, this may indicate the radiator is leaking coolant into the engine, and you should have the car towed.
If the oil smells of gasoline, your engine, fuel system, or ignition might need servicing.
How often
Different sources give different advice, but there are a few ways to approach the question of when it’s time to check your oil. This is what the experts recommend:
Check your oil once per month (or, even once per week) or at every or every other gas fill-up.
Pay attention to when you need to change your oil without relying on your car’s light indicator. Many new vehicles have oil light monitors that use an algorithm instead of mileage to determine when it’s time to change the oil. These new models indicate you need a change every 6-7,000 miles, while you should really change your oil every 3-5,000 miles!
If the algorithm fails to prompt you to change your oil, it could damage your engine, and then you’re looking at engine replacement at $2-3,000! With a cloth and an owner’s manual, there’s no reason to shell out thousands of dollars unnecessarily.
Checking your oil helps you know when it’s time for an oil change before you face paying bills that were preventable!
Tip: Tech to the rescue! Download a smartphone app to remind you to get your oil changed.
Conclusion
Treat your car well, and it will treat you well. Part of this includes checking the motor oil on a regular basis. Do this, and you’ll save time and money and extend the life of your car. Questions? Contact the experts at Thelen Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram or stop by our quick lane to get your oil changed!
Resources
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/how-to-check-car-engine-oil/
http://www.elf.com/en/advice-corner/how-to-check-oil/how-to-check-engine-oil.html
Four Tips for Selling Your Car Privately
The D-I-Y way to sell your car!
Trading-in your vehicle is a relatively easy, straight-forward process. However, it does means that you’re letting the dealership take responsibility for selling the car. The dealership never gives you the fullest value of the vehicle because they deserve a small profit for taking the time to make a sale to the next owner.
Luckily, you can increase your earnings from your vehicle sale. Many people opt to sell their cars themselves as a private seller. This can pay off (literally!), but there are a few things you should keep in mind before embarking on this endeavor.
Is it worth it to privately sell your car?
The answer is it depends on a couple of factors. Ask yourself: Will I make enough money to make it worthwhile?
Find out how much your car is worth for a private sale versus a trade-in, and then you can make an informed decision about if you want to take the time to sell your vehicle privately, or if trading it in at a dealership makes more sense.
One way to view it is to think like an economist:
Consider how much you make per hour at work. Estimate how much time it will take you to do the research, meet with potential buyers, wait on offers and make the sale. Note that you would have to complete trade-in paperwork at a dealership, but will take significantly less time. A couple of hours of work versus days to weeks.
Would you make an equal amount or more for your time? Do you estimate it to be quick money or hardly worth your effort? The answer could be either. So, do your research first!
Is your answer still yes? Then read on!
Keep these four tips in mind
Here are four tips for successfully selling your vehicle privately to a buyer.
- Get your papers in order beforehand
- Do your research
- Be smart about advertising
- Don’t be paranoid, but be cautious
Get your papers in order beforehand
Gather all the documents you need. That way you’ll have everything in place when you need them.
Documents to gather:
- As-is documentation
- Bill of sale
- Maintenance records
- Release of Liability
- Title
- Warranty documents (if applicable)
- Mechanic inspection report
Get the car checked out by a mechanic for an inspection report so you can show it to potential buyers. They’ll still probably want to take the car to their mechanic, but it’s always good to show buyers the good condition the vehicle is in while they’re deciding.
You can also purchase an AutoCheck vehicle history report to show prospective buyers at https://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/.
Contact the State of Michigan’s Department of Motor Vehicles if you have any questions about what you need.
Do your research
Know what your car is worth. You want to know what the going rate is for your vehicle before you slap on a price!
General truths:
- Family sedans are in demand.
- Convertibles sell in summer.
- Trucks and vans command competitive prices.
- Collector cars have a high value but take a while to sell.
Resources that will help you estimate your vehicle’s market value:
These websites can take into account the make, model, year, number of miles, etc. when determining the value of your vehicle.
- Autotrader: https://www.autotrader.com/car-values/
- Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/used/a-to-z
- CR Used Car Marketplace: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/car-prices-used-car-inventory/index.htm
- eBay: https://www.ebay.com/str/forsalebyownervehicles
- Edmunds: https://www.edmunds.com/appraisal/
- Kelley Blue Book: https://www.kbb.com/whats-my-car-worth/
- NADA Guides: https://www.nadaguides.com/
Be smart about advertising
Now that you know how much you want to charge, it’s time to advertise. There are many ways to advertise, including word of mouth, online, at a park-and-sell lot, or putting an old-fashioned “4 Sale” sign in the car’s window.
It’s always good practice to:
- Park the vehicle in a high-volume location.
- Get back to potential buyers’ inquiries quickly.
- Display critical information like a phone number, mileage, and price in large writing so passing traffic can see.
Prepare the car
The first thing you want to do is clean your vehicle. Dirty cars don’t attract positive attention. Show that you took pride in your ride and cared for it properly. Nobody wants to buy a car that was treated like junk!
Take pictures
Take many images from different angles and lengths. Think about if you were going to buy the car. You wouldn’t want to think the seller was hiding anything. You’d want to have a sense of the vehicle’s every condition so you would know you wouldn’t be wasting your time on a test drive.
To get a sense of how to do it properly, take a look at other people’s car listings. Note what you think are smart ideas and copy them!
Pictures to include
- Under the hood and the engine
- The exterior (front, back, each side)
- The interior (front and back seats, trunk, dashboard, carpet)
- Wheels
- Inside the trunk
- Shots of the whole car with an un-distracting background
Putting together the ad
A detailed description will show your transparency and will also save time answering a lot of individual questions about the same thing to potential buyers. If other people have more complete listings, buyers might take their business there.
Price a little higher than you’re willing to take, so there’s room for negotiation. However, don’t price it too high or you’ll scare off buyers.
Be sure to include:
- Accident history
- Any damage
- Condition
- Mileage
- Modifications or upgrades
- Number of owners
- Price!
- Recent repairs
- VIN number
Remember: Be as detailed as possible.
Potential places to Advertise:
- Autotrader
- Cars.com
- Craigslist
- eBay Classifieds
- Facebook and Twitter
- Carvana
- Tred
- Zipflip
- Message boards
- Word of mouth
- A “For Sale” sign in the car window
- CarGurus
- Newspaper ads
Be immediately available to receive phone calls and texts from potential buyers.
Don’t be paranoid, but be cautious
This applies both to personal safety and financial safety.
Screen Potential Buyers
Insist on speaking to people on the phone so that you can get a sense of the buyer. Use your intuition to tell you if you think it’s a scam or the buyer isn’t that interested and isn’t worth your time. You can always say, “The car’s sold!”
Tips to safely showing your vehicle:
- Bring a friend or family member, so you’re not vulnerable.
- Meet in a highly-populated public space such as the parking lot of the police station or a shopping mall.
- Meet during daylight hours.
- Agree on a test-drive route ahead of time.
- Ask to see the potential buyer’s driver’s license.
Make sure the payment is legit
A cashier’s check might be forged. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation created the website FakeChecks.org to help you avoid this. To keep it simple, a cashier’s check from a local bank that you cash before you hand over the keys works best.
The escrow account the buyer insists on could be a fraud. Make sure their company is listed on the Better Business Bureau website first.
Cash is best. If you can, use a currency authentication pen to ensure bills are not counterfeit.
Never accept a personal check. It could bounce, or the bank might accept the deposit, but it has 30 days to reject a fraudulent document if it is, in fact, fraudulent.
Don’t agree to a payment plan because you’ll have no way to enforce it without getting into legal complications easily.
Meet the buyer at their bank or credit union to complete the transaction.
The following government agencies help with concerns about fraud:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
If your gut is telling you not to trust the person, it could be awkward to stop the meeting abruptly, but better safe than sorry.
Make sure to wrap up the deal correctly
Cancel your car insurance. Write down the odometer reading at the time of official sale. That way, if the buyer commits a crime, you’ll have proof you weren’t the owner at the time.
Remember, the overwhelming majority of people are honest, and you’re likely to have a pleasant experience. But with your life – and the large amounts of money – at stake, it’s important to be smart about things! If you’re dealing with honest people, they’ll respect your precautions.
Bottom line
Whether you decide to sell your car privately or trade it in at the dealership is up to you and has a lot to do with personal preference. Some people want to feel like they got the most money for their favorite ride that served them well. Others don’t want to be bothered by the process.
If you decide to sell privately, we hope these tips will make your life simpler and help you have a positive experience and a successful sale. Good luck!
Contact us
Are you planning on buying a new vehicle to replace the one you’re selling? Perhaps you know are considering a trade-in? Stop by Thelen today to see all that we have to offer!
Take These Winter Road Trips in Michigan
Wondering where to visit in Michigan this winter?
When you live in a state like Michigan, you’re spoiled with choices when it comes to cool places to visit during wintertime. Here are four of our favorites!
1. Whiting Forest/Dow Gardens in Midland
2. Frankenmuth
3. Traverse City
4. Petoskey
Dow Gardens / Whiting Forest
Get a higher perspective on wintertime nature.
If you haven’t heard, Dow Gardens in Midland, MI has recently added a Canopy Walk that was recent to Whiting Forest, and it lives up to all the hype! This is worth the road trip.
The sights are still unusual in the winter! If you enjoy walking in nature and seeing the trees, just imagine the picturesque views of the snow outlining silhouettes of branches. You’ll enjoy getting a unique perspective of nature from way up high – 40 feet above the ground!
The Canopy Walk is the nation’s most extended canopy at 1,400 feet. You’ll view 54 acres of woodlands, ponds, an apple orchard, meadows, and streams in Whiting Forest.
Also enjoy the Visitor’s Center designed by Alden B. Dow, a playground, and the Whiting Forest Café, Snake Creek, and two pedestrian bridges.
Included in the ticket price for the Canopy Walk is a pass to the other part of Dow Gardens, which will eventually be connected by a bridge. There you can enjoy 110 acres filled with flowers, plants, trees, streams, and wildlife. Beautiful red bridges connect the walking paths of the large, breathtaking estate.
The canopy walk is even handicapped accessible for people in wheelchairs. So bring everyone on your road trip to Down Gardens!
Distance from Bay City: 26 minutes
Frankenmuth
A winter shopping experience like none other.
From Bay City, MI, the short road trip over to Frankenmuth is well worth it. Also known as “Little Bavaria,” this German town is beyond picturesque. The snow lies beautifully on traditional German architecture, the decorations are always festive, and there are still new sights to explore each year.
But the real draw of Frankenmuth is the plethora of family fun attractions and streets of shops for all interests.
River Place Shops offers over 40 shops and attractions in an outdoor mall layout. A real wooden Covered Bridge can be a fun experience to cross either in your car or on one of the many horse carriages available in Frankenmuth. On Main Street, shops are everywhere. Bavarian Inn’s Castle Shops are great for souvenirs and gourmet treats. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is a nationally known holiday supply store that invites visitors from around the world.
Distance from Bay City: 34 minutes
Traverse City
Come for the bay, stay for the cherry pie.
Traverse City is a beautiful town on the coast of the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Famous for its cherries, Traverse City hosts an annual cherry festival—one of the biggest festivals in the state.
While the festival is in the summer, there are enough cherries for all year! Everything from cherry jam to cherry salsa. A road trip to Traverse City means treating your taste buds and finding the best gifts.
Consider yourself a wine aficionado? Take a wine tour of Traverse City and enjoy what Michigan has to offer in regarding its red, white, and winter wines. Enjoy the beautiful views of the local vineyards while you sip and savor.
Just 25 miles west of Traverse City is Sleeping Bear Dunes. These magnificent sand dunes are impressive in size, and even more, fun to hike. Sleeping Bear Park is more popular in the summer, but the park is open year-round. Those who visit in the winter months get a rare opportunity to snowshoe and cross-country ski on the dunes.
Distance to Traverse City from Bay City: 2 hours 31 minutes
Petoskey
Hit the slopes or hang out in a relaxed resort town.
Petoskey is a resort town that’s a great place to relax with nature and enjoy Victorian architecture! Located in northwestern Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, it’s another perfect place to view the shores of Little Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. There are a lot of local shops and restaurants to explore as well.
In the wintertime, Petoskey and northern Michigan host some of the most excellent skiing and snowboarding resorts in the Midwest. Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands, and Nub’s Nob ski resorts are all an easy drive from Petoskey. There are activities for everyone, including tubing, sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more.
Nearby are the historic communities of the picturesque Harbor Springs and the charming lake town Charlevoix. These beautiful locations offer shopping and eating in their own right and are the perfect way to round out a vacation.
Distance from Bay City: 2 hours 32 minutes
Contact us
Are you ready to take your next Michigan road trip? Need a more reliable ride first?
Stop by Thelen today to find the perfect vehicle to transport your family for a week-long vacation. Perhaps just a girls’ or guys’ trip. We’ve got a vehicle that will fit your needs waiting for you!
The new 2019 Ram Heavy Duty Laramie Longhorn edition truck was recently unveiled at the Houston Auto Show and it features everything you desire in a luxury truck. With warm accents reminiscent of the Southwest, the luxury interior is above-and-beyond anything in the industry. The styling of this popular trim level is inspired by saddles, hand-crafted leather boots and intricate metal details of an antique pocket watch. Sitting in the cabin, you will enjoy the exquisite details in leather, metal and real barn wood. Alligator skin-embossed materials cover the 100% full-grain leather seats, center console, instrument panel and door inserts. Another nice detail is the stunning brush-nickel badging on the center console and a “branded” Longhorn logo on the dash. Rear passengers will enjoy standard heated seats for those cold Michigan days!
Attention to detail is also evident on the exterior of the 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 Laramie Longhorn edition. The front of the truck features a beautiful chrome-slat grille as well as an adaptive LED lighting system. Chrome bumpers, tow hooks, side steps and wheel flares are all standard on this stunning package. There are also two-tone color options, including RV Match Walnut Brown, featuring bumpers, flares and lower panels that coordinate perfectly with many RV graphics. Large “belt-buckle” badging easily identify this high-end luxury trim level.
The 2019 Ram Heavy Duty truck out-powers, out-tows, and out-hauls every other pickup in the industry with its 1,000 lb-ft. of torque, amazing 35,100 lbs. of towing, and 7,680 lbs. of payload. With its blend of toughness, luxury interior, technology and safety features, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty Laramie Longhorn edition is the perfect truck for work or play. Contact our sales experts at Thelen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Bay City for more information on how you can order yours today!
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