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3 Reasons Why January is the Best Month To Buy a Car

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Most people would not think to make a big purchase, like a car, with the holidays right around the corner. However, January is one of the best times of the year for buying a new or used car in Boise, Idaho. While it may seem counterintuitive, at least three reasons make the winter month so beneficial for car buyers. Favorable Terms - The primary reason that January is the best time to buy a car is because of the favorable terms. At the end of the year, salespeople are pushing to increase their sales to reach bonuses and ensure they have a happy New Year. Many dealers offer significant rewards to the salesperson with the best numbers for the month. With the added incentives, you are likely to find amicable terms without much back and forth. Excess Inventory - Even used car dealers want to eliminate excess inventory to make room for newer models. Because dealerships are looking to liquidate as much as possible ahead of the new year, you will often come across yearend deals. The drive to...

4 Reasons To Buy Used Rather Than New Cars

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During the holidays when everything seems to sparkle, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of making all kinds of purchases. When you add a vehicle to your list of Christmas gift ideas , resist the temptation of getting a new car and opting for a used car instead: New Car Depreciation The value of your new car or truck takes a big hit as soon as you pull out of the Boise, Idaho, car lot. In fact, it's estimated that new vehicles lose as much as 11% of their value in those first few moments. Sadly, depreciation continues over the weeks and months after the holidays. When you buy a pre-owned car from a used automobile dealership, that depreciation has already happened.  Lower Insurance Costs The age of a car, its make, and model, all have an impact on how much your insurance costs, but new cars tend to be worth more than pre-owned cars. They may also cost more to repair and replace. All of these factors influence the amount you'll pay for insurance. Check with your au...

The Importance of Changing Your Windshield Wipers

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Have you ever considered the importance of windshield wipers? Most car owners take these devices for granted, but you could be driving blind in disastrous conditions without them.  Windshield blades or wipers help clear the glass so that you can see road signs, signals, traffic and other obstructions through the rain or snow. However, wipers do have a limited lifespan, which can vary best on climate and region. You can take your car to a local mechanic in Boise, ID, to assess the health of your blades, but there are more straightforward and more cost-effective options. Routine changes Self-assessment Frequency of Change A general rule of thumb is that windshield wipers need changing at least twice per year. You will want to swap an old pair for new in the summer and at the start of winter. In other words, an average set of blades in a typical climate will last about six months, providing superior performance. However, the timeline can decrease if you live in a more tropical or rain...

How To Remove Ice From Your Windshield

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As winter approaches in Boise, ID, you must add a few items to your car maintenance checklist. You want to make sure your antifreeze is full, your tire pressure stays constant and your windshield wipers are protected. Among common winter car tips is knowing how to safely deice your windshield. Follow these pointers to keep your vision clear and your glass intact. Take Extra Time The morning rush is not always conducive to good car safety. Even if it delays your commute a little, however, it's important to make sure you have a clear view out of your windows before you start to drive. Your car has a built-in defrosting process: Turn on ignition. Set air control to defrost. Raise temperature of air as it starts to circulate. While all cars have a defrost option built in to their heating and cooling system, some have extra features that can speed up the deicing process. When shopping for used cars in Boise, be on the lookout for windows that have heating elements imbedded in them. This...

5 Ways To Keep Your Car in Top Shape

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  Purchasing a car takes responsibility. You need decent credit to finance it, and it doesn't hurt to have a down payment. The responsibility doesn't end when you drive off the lot at the used car dealership, though. It's important to have a regular checklist for preventative maintenance. Here are five things you can do yourself. Changing Your Oil Many people take their cars to a mechanic in Boise, Idaho, for an oil change. Changing your own oil can save you quite a bit of money, though. Once you have all the necessary supplies, this car maintenance task involves just a few easy steps: Drain oil. Tighten the drain plug. Replace filter. Add new oil. Check oil level. Checking Your Tire Pressure Your tires are the main contact point between your vehicle and the road. Keeping them aired up is vital for your safety on the road. Keep an air pressure gauge in your glove compartment to check the pressure once a week. If your tire pressure monitoring system alerts you to a problem, ...

Driving Tips for a Safe Halloween

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      While there is still some question about the Halloween people can expect this year, it is important to review basic safety protocols while driving. Sure, there may be fewer trick-or-treaters wandering around in colorful and whimsical costumes, but those children that can are still at risk of vehicular accidents. Therefore, take your vehicle into a car dealership in Boise, ID, for a checkup and adhere to the following safety tips on Halloween. Avoid distractions Use your headlights Drive slow Use an abundance of caution Do not pass other vehicles Avoid Distractions Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. With children walking the streets on Halloween night, it is more important than ever to avoid distractions and focus on the road ahead. Turn off the radio and your phone. Keep your eyes peeled for kids, ghouls, and princesses instead. Use Your Headlights While this may seem like one of the safety tips, use your headlights even during the day...

4 Advantages of Buying a Used Car

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Purchasing a car is exciting! Given the sheer number of decisions you need to make, it can also be extremely stressful. One of the biggest of these is choosing between used vs new models. Here are four advantages to opting for a used car instead of a new one. 1. Used Cars Are Less Expensive This is the most obvious — and likely the most enticing — reason to choose a used car over a new one. When you compare costs, buying used typically yields a higher down payment, a shorter loan, a lower monthly payment, fewer financing fees and less interest charged to you. In some instances, it may even mean you can pay cash for your new-to-you ride. 2. Most of Their Depreciation Already Happened As soon as you drive a new car off the Boise, Idaho, lot, its value takes a nosedive by as much as 10%. As days pass, it continues to depreciate. Most new cars lose 20% of their value by the end of the first year and 40-50% at the conclusion of three years. When you buy used, most of that value-loss has alr...