Tag: pre-owned

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Great Used Cars

The Top 5 Reasons You Need an Electric Vehicle

Electric car at charging station. Front view electric car silhouette with green glowing on dark background. EV concept. Vector illustration

As gas prices continue to rise with no end in sight, the appeal of electric vehicles is growing stronger with each passing day. Whether you have a short drive to work or an hourslong commute, chances are you are feeling the squeeze of surging fuel prices. Fret not, as there is a solution — an electric vehicle! That’s right, electric vehicles are the best alternative to skyrocketing gas prices and they’re environmentally friendly too. 

While there are a number of reasons to purchase an electric vehicle in 2022, in this blog we’re going to list the five best reasons you should. Whether you’re budget conscious and looking for an alternative to these growing gas prices or you’re environmentally aware and looking for a way to benefit the earth, switching to an electric vehicle is one of the best decisions you stand to make. Gas prices aren’t going down any time soon, so don’t wait another minute, make the switch to an EV today. 

Tax Incentives

One of the many reasons you may want to make the switch to an EV are the potential tax incentives you may qualify for from federal, local or state government. In attempts to draw the public away from fossil-fueled engines, the U.S. government has begun to offer tax incentives to help subsidize the cost of electric vehicles. Aiming for a population fully reliant on EVs, the U.S. government is offering a fairly large tax credit ranging from $2,500-7,500 for owners of hybrid and electric vehicles. 

Some states and local governments may also offer tax incentives or programs for EV owners, such as California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP). This program gives rebate savings directly to owners/lessees of qualifying electric vehicles, making them far more attractive to buy as opposed to a traditional internal combustion engine. If you want to find out more about your local and state government rebates and incentives for electric vehicles, all you have to do is visit their website for more info.

With so many rebates and incentives available, it is no surprise that there has been a major shift to electric vehicles by both consumers and automakers alike. Are you ready to save cash while saving the environment? If so, its time to stop by (Insert Dealer) and make the switch to an electric vehicle today.

More Affordable to Drive

Yet another great reason to switch to electric vehicles — they are far more affordable to drive than your traditional internal combustion engine. The cost of owning an electric vehicle is largely reduced due to it not needing any fuel or the regular maintenance a traditional internal combustion engine requires. In addition to not needing fuel, electric motors have far fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine and do not require any oil changes.

Another reason EVs are more affordable is their use of regenerative braking. Regenerative braking uses the electric motor to slow down the vehicle, which lengthens the lifespan of your brake pads while also charging your EV batteries. This not only saves you from spending on brake pads, but it also keeps you from having to hit the charging station as well — saving you both time and money. 

If you’re looking for a good reason to make the switch to an electric vehicle, all you have to do is look at your wallet. Whether it’s savings at the pump or at the mechanic, making the switch to an electric vehicle puts more money in your pocket while reducing your carbon footprint. Reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and the oil industry, make the switch to an electric vehicle — available here at (Insert Dealer) today. 

Surprisingly Sporty Performance

Do you enjoy sporty performance each time you get behind the wheel? Then an electric vehicle is for you! Unlike regular engines, electric motors provide near-instantaneous torque when you step on the pedal. This allows you to experience the thrill of going 0 to 60 MPH in mere seconds, without putting a huge dent in your wallet.

Electric vehicles also boast incredible handling capabilities thanks to their lower center of gravity and impeccable weight distribution. Most EVs are designed with a battery pack positioned in the center of the vehicle, which increases handling, stability and cornering while also minimizing the potential for rollovers. 

You don’t need a car with four rings or a horse on the front to enjoy a sporty driving experience — all you need is an electric vehicle!

Better Safety

Driving a car down a public road comes with it’s own set of hazards — hazards we typically tend to accept without even a second thought. When you really think about it, hurling down the road in a few tons of metal filled with a flammable liquid probably is not the best idea and is frankly, a bit anxiety-inducing. 

Electric vehicles may not be the perfect answer when it comes to safety. However, they are far safer than a traditional car, truck or SUV that uses an internal combustion engine. Wondering how that is possible? It’s simple — electric vehicles don’t use gas and contain fewer components than traditional vehicles. 

Being that electric vehicles have fewer components than traditional vehicles, manufacturers are able to approach vehicle design in a new manner. This new approach has led to improved crumple zones, stronger body design and improved overall safety. Remember the mention of battery packs in EVs being located in the center of the vehicle? That also provides extra safety as it lowers the EVs center of gravity and removes the use of gas, a very flammable substance.

Are you ready for a phenomenal driving experience but want peace of mind, knowing you and your family are safe? Then you need to make the switch to an electric vehicle today! Electric vehicles aren’t just better for the environment, they’re safer to drive as well.

Great for the Environment

One of the more obvious reasons behind buying an electric vehicle is the impact — or lack thereof — that they have on the environment. While internal combustion engines are gas-powered and require regular oil changes to operate, electric vehicles feature an electric motor that doesn’t need fuel or oil to run. This means not only will you save money on fuel and oil changes, but you’ll also be helping out the environment too. 

The rise of electric vehicles has also sparked a rise in the use of solar panels in homes throughout the United States. Solar panels are great, they allow you to harness the sun’s energy and use it in lieu of traditional fossil fuels that harm the environment. Many owners of EVs are now installing solar panels on their homes in order to reduce their electricity bill — and further reduce their carbon footprint. 

If you want to do your part in helping the environment, buying an EV is a great way to do so. Electric vehicles don’t need oil changes, don’t need gas and can even be charged up using solar power. Are you environmentally conscious? If so, then you need to switch to an electric vehicle as soon as possible.

Are You Ready?

Now that you’ve read through the top five reasons to purchase an electric vehicle, are you ready to make the switch? If so, then (Insert Dealer) is here to help. Here at (Insert Dealer), we don’t just have (Location)’s best selection of new and used vehicles — we have the largest selection of electric vehicles too! If you want to eliminate your gas expense and reduce your carbon footprint then you need to stop by (Insert Dealer) and purchase your first EV today. 

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Uncategorized

4 Tips to Keep Your Car Looking Great

Dirty car in need of a wash

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply a daily driver, keeping your car clean is always a must. While it may seem like a daunting task to keep your car clean, it truly isn’t, especially with our Thrifty Car Sales helpful car cleaning tips. 

As with any chore, the more you keep up with cleaning your car, the easier it is to maintain. That is why we recommend regularly cleaning out your car, vacuuming it and keeping it free of trash and debris. 

When it comes to keeping the exterior of your car looking great, regular washes and waxes will go a long way. Maintaining your car’s paint is a great way to ensure your vehicle won’t have rust or peeling problems. The best part is that it keeps your car looking great too. 

With this list of helpful tips, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge you need to keep your car looking just as great as it did the day you bought it. 

Clear it Out

The first step to cleaning your car like the pros is pretty simple — clear it out! Trash, debris, last week’s hamburger wrapper, you’ll want to get rid of it all. Clearing out the clutter from the interior of your car instantly makes it look better and a lot less “lived in”. Plus, if you had enough stuff in there, you could consider it as fuel savings to clean it all out.

Not only is interior clutter unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re ever in an accident, every item you have on the interior will be tossed around becoming a hazard to you. Plus, who wants to be coated in a two-day-old soda after getting in an accident?

Cleaning out the interior of your car is the easiest step, all you need are some trash bags and you’ll be clutter-free in no time. Once you’ve cleaned out the interior of your car, you can move on to our next step detailed below.

Scrub it Out

Just like the carpet and flooring in our homes, the floor mats in our cars can get pretty dirty. That’s why it’s important for you to pull them out of the car and give them a good scrubbing. Getting your floor mats nice and clean doesn’t just look good, it also will help cut down on airborne bacteria and irritants too. 

Before you get to scrubbing, you may also want to give your floor mats thorough vacuuming. This will get the dirt and debris that has found its way into your car and been compacted down. Once you’re done vacuuming you can get to scrubbing. 

You’ll want a good brush with semi-firm bristles to attack carpet floor mats, and a good cleaning agent as well. If you have rubber or “all-weather” floor mats, you can skip the vacuum step and just give them a good spray down with your chosen cleaning agent. 

Vacuum it Out

If you have been following our steps thus far, you should have your vacuum out still, so why not tackle the rest of the interior with it? Thoroughly vacuum all carpeted surfaces in your car, including the passenger and rear-seat floorboards, especially if they see high traffic. 

While you have the vacuum out, it’s probably a good idea to run it over any non-carpeted surfaces that accumulate dust and debris like the dashboard. You can even hit the vents as dust accumulates there and can cause allergies or irritation. 

A solid vacuum job should leave your car’s interior looking fresh and smelling even better — so why not take the time and do your car a favor?

Wipe it Out

A final step to cleaning your car like a pro is wiping it out. Pick up some interior cleaning and detailing wipes and get to work! We recommend starting from the driver’s seat, hitting all the instrumentation and surfaces you touch most. 

From there, we say no amount of attention to detail is too much. Dig into those cracks and crevices, don’t be afraid to really get in there. You can use things like Q-Tips to get into tight spaces like between the air vents or radio controls. Work your way throughout the front first, then make a move to the back of the car — don’t forget the cupholders!

Get to Cleaning

Now that you have read our list of tips to keep your car clean like the pros, it’s time to grab your cleaning supplies and get to work. Whether you’re going for full interior and exterior detail or keeping it simple with a wash and wax, this list of tips is sure to get you started on the right path. 

If you’re not feeling the whole DIY car detailing process, that’s okay too, we can always help you out at our reconditioning department. All you have to do is book an appointment online or by calling 610-282-1414 — stopping by works too.

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Maintenance

Buying a Used Car? Here are 5 Maintenance Tips to Make Life Easier.

Man doing maintenance on his used car at home

Everyone knows that buying a used car is a great way to save money. However, the real key to frugal car ownership is performing your own maintenance at home. You can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars simply by performing your own routine maintenance on your vehicle. 

When it comes to owning a car, there is no better way to ensure it has a long lifespan than with routine maintenance. However, not everyone is a trained mechanic — that’s why we put together this list of five valuable car maintenance tips that make your life easier. Whether you’re an expert mechanic or new to wrenching, you’re sure to find a useful tip on this list. 

Keep Cardboard Boxes

While most people look at empty cardboard boxes as trash, us DIY mechanics look at them like they’re gold — and they kind of are. Cardboard boxes are perfect for repurposing in the garage since you can use them for a variety of jobs. 

Don’t want to lay on a cold concrete floor? Put down a flattened cardboard box. Doing an oil change and don’t want oil on your garage floor? Easy solution: put down a flattened cardboard box. See where we’re going with this? 

When you use cardboard boxes in your garage — you’re not just being savvy — you’re making a positive impact on the environment too. Why not save the environment while also saving your back from the cold concrete floor? 

Get a Magnetic Dish

Staying organized is one of the most important parts of working on your car at home, that’s why this is one of our favorite tips to share. If you want to keep track of those pesky nuts and bolts that want to roll away on you, there is no better way to do it than with a magnetic dish. 

A magnetic dish is exactly what it sounds like, a dish that is magnetized so you can easily store objects within it. You can attach the dish to your car so it is always within reach while you’re working, helping you keep track of things with ease. 

If you’re looking for a magnetic dish, you can find them at your local hardware stores like Home Depot or Harbor Freight. Magnetic dishes are fairly inexpensive and their use will far outweigh any money you spend on it, so get one today!

A Little Light Goes a Long Way

Another great way to make life easier in the garage is to have a great light source. When you’re working on your car, things can get tough to see, especially when they’re covered in motor oil and dirt. That’s why we suggest having at least one good source of light handy in your garage at all times. 

We recommend a headlamp as it’s a hands-free way to get light in the exact places you need it. However, if you don’t want to look like an angler fish, there are plenty of great shop lights out there to choose from. There are magnetic lights that you can attach to the car, old school “trouble” lights and fancy LED strip lights — all of which work great in the shop. 

Don’t work on your car blind, stop by your local Harbor Freight and pick up a shop light today. No matter which light you choose, you’ll be glad you did it!

Take Pictures as You Go

Cars are complex pieces of machinery and while anyone can work on them, there are some best practices you should follow. This tip is an absolute must for any mechanic, be it experienced or not. If you want to make performing your own vehicle maintenance simple, taking pictures with each step is the best way to do it. 

While you’re working on your car, keep your smartphone handy and snap pictures as you go. Chances are you’ll need to reference the pictures at some point during your repair, so it’s best to have them than not. If you’re ever unsure about how something goes back together, having a picture on hand really comes in handy. 

Another bonus of taking pictures is being able to reference them down the line during other repairs. Need to take that manifold off again but can’t remember how? Just reference your tear-down photos from the last time and you’re off to the races. This simple tip will save you hours in the shop and endless frustration — so don’t forget it!

Replace Things in Pairs

Whenever you’re replacing an item your vehicle has more than one of, always replace all of them at once. There is no bigger annoyance than replacing an item on your car, only to have to do it all over again just a few short days or weeks later. That’s why we recommend always replacing things in pairs if they come in them. 

Whether its brake pads, headlights, tires or anything else on a car — replacing both or all at once saves you time and frustration. The best part of this method is that you’ll never have to play the “when was that last replaced” guessing game! 

When In Doubt, Visit Thrifty Car Sales

Still unsure about your ability to work on your car? That’s okay, simply bring it to our service center here at Thrifty Car Sales and our expert technicians will handle the rest. Whether you just need an oil change or a full engine rebuild, the expert technicians here at Thrifty Car Sales can do it all. 

If your car needs maintenance and you don’t want to do it at home, come on down to Thrifty Car Sales and we’ll take care of it for you. At Thrifty Car Sales, we make servicing your car a breeze. Simply stop by our service center or schedule an appointment ahead of time on our website — it’s really that easy.  

Categories
Great Used Cars

Is Buying a Car in 2022 Worth It?

iStock/deepblue4you
iStock/deepblue4you

With the COVID-19 Pandemic coming to a close, consumers are once again demanding a large supply of new vehicles. One that cannot yet be fulfilled by the world’s manufacturers due to a massive shortage of semiconductors with no end in sight. 

This shortage has dealerships all over the country scrambling to find a way to put customers behind the wheel of a new vehicle. With the ongoing shortage and rising prices, you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy a new vehicle at Thrifty Car Sales, and this blog just may help you decide.

At Thrifty Car Sales, the shortage isn’t stopping them from stocking the Coopersburg, PA area’s best selection of new, pre-owned and certified pre-owned Thrifty vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle, Thrifty Car Sales has plenty of options for you to choose from. Don’t let the shortage hold you back, stop by and see why Thrifty Car Sales is Coopersburg’s favorite Thrifty dealer today!

Rising Prices, Dwindling Inventory

As the world slowly returns to form after the COVID-19 Pandemic, the global supply chain is struggling to keep up after such a long period of disruption. Back in 2020, with the world at the height of the pandemic, factories all over the world shut down to stop the spread, while subsequently stopping the production of goods. 

During the global shutdown, inventory began to pile up on dealership lots all throughout the United States. With each passing day, the cost of insurance and interest on this sitting inventory totaled in the hundreds of thousands, causing dealership owners a slight panic. This time of uncertainty and panic was not here to stay long, as a bigger problem awaited dealership owners in the near future. 

Fast forward a year to 2021, dealerships throughout the U.S. are struggling to keep up with demand for inventory as manufacturers struggle to produce new vehicles. This struggle is largely due to a semiconductor shortage that was sparked by the worldwide lockdowns that took place during the pandemic. With factories shut down and semiconductors not being made, new vehicles ceased to be produced and vehicle manufacturers found themselves struggling to fulfill dealership orders. 

In response to the growing supply chain issue, dealerships began to turn their focus toward to used vehicle market, encouraging customers to sell their used vehicles or complete trade-ins. With used vehicles more desirable than ever and equipped government-backed stimulus checks, consumers throughout the United States flocked to dealerships to trade in their old vehicles in favor of new ones. 

The rush by dealerships to find ways to supplement the shortage of new vehicles only further exacerbated that shortage, leaving dealerships in a pickle. Now dealerships have droves of customers clamoring to trade-in their vehicles, with no new vehicles to sell those customers, resulting in long waiting lists and disgruntled customers.

With this shortage, you may be wondering if now is the right time to start the search for a vehicle. The answer here at Thrifty Car Sales is a resounding, YES! Despite the supply chain issues and a shortage of new vehicles, there has never been a better time to trade in your old vehicle in favor of purchasing a new one. Keep reading to find out why!

The Time Is Now

If you’re wondering if it’s a smart idea to buy a car in 2022, the answer is YES! Now, you may be doubting that because of what you just read above…but fear not! There truly has never been a better time to buy a new car, truck or SUV — and here are some reasons why.

Interest Rates

One of the biggest reasons you should be buying a car right now is because of the incredibly low-interest rates that are available. Right now, banks are loaning out money at record-setting rates in attempts to reinvigorate the struggling, post-pandemic economy. With rates as low as 0.99% APR available, it’s a no-brainer to buy a new vehicle right now as rates like this aren’t typically available. 

If you want the best interest rates on the widest selection of new and pre-owned Thrifty vehicles, stop by Thrifty Car Sales located in Coopersburg today!

Your Car Is Worth More Than Ever Before

Yeah, you read that right…your old car is worth more than ever before thanks to the shortage of new inventory. Typically, all cars begin depreciating the moment they leave the dealership lot. However, in this whacky post-pandemic economy, some vehicles have actually gained value as they aged. 

As dealerships all over the country make a push to purchase used vehicles and increase trade-ins, the value of used vehicles has increased astronomically. That means there has never been a better time to purchase a new vehicle, as your trade-in is worth more than its ever been. If you’ve been tossing around the idea of buying a new car, you’ll want to act now before the value of your used car plummets back to pre-pandemic prices and you lose out on thousands. 

You can get the best value for your used car, truck or SUV at Thrifty Car Sales located in Coopersburg, PA. At Thrifty Car Sales, they have the Coopersburg area’s best selection of new and pre-owned Thrifty vehicles, so stop by and check out their inventory today!

Customize Your New Vehicle   

Due to the semiconductor shortage, chances are you will be waiting on a new vehicle to be built and shipped to the United States before you buy it. This wait may seem like nothing but a hassle when in reality it is the best thing that could happen. Wondering why it’s the best thing that could happen? Keep reading to find out why!

While it may not seem ideal to buy a car that hasn’t yet been built, there are some advantages to doing so. A car that hasn’t been built yet means you can tailor to fit your exact needs and specifications. That means you can forego features you won’t use and add features you may not have been able to find on a specific trim of that vehicle. With the added flexibility that comes with ordering a new Thrifty vehicle, it truly makes right now better than ever to buy a new vehicle. 

Stop by Thrifty Car Sales located in Coopersburg to place an order for your new Thrifty vehicle today!

Reasons You Should Avoid Buying a Car in 2022

This blog would not be complete without a good counterargument. So, let’s talk about a few reasons why you may want to avoid buying a new car, truck or SUV in 2022. 

Seemingly Endless Waiting Lists

One good reason to avoid purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle in 2022 is the waiting game. Let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on a vehicle they have to spend months waiting for. However, the reality of this post-pandemic world is filled with long waiting lists for new vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

If you’re considering purchasing a new car, truck or SUV, make sure to inquire about the average waiting time at your dealership of choice. Another thing to keep in mind is delays do happen, especially with the rampant issues in the global supply chain. That being said, if you place an order for a new vehicle, be prepared to be patient. 

Patience is a virtue they say, and if it’s a virtue that escapes you, perhaps its best to look into a pre-owned vehicle instead. If a pre-owned vehicle is something you would consider, Thrifty Car Sales has plenty of them to choose from at their Coopersburg location — stop by today!

Record-High Prices

An unfortunate consequence of the vehicle shortage has been the steep rise in the prices of new vehicles. With incredibly high demand and constrained supply lines, the cost of new vehicles is rising to record highs in a staggeringly short amount of time. Many new vehicles are flying off of dealership lots, sometimes for prices above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). 

Although interest rates are at all-time lows, it still may be wise to refrain from purchasing a new car, truck or SUV in 2022 thanks to the rising cost of new vehicles. If you want to save money and can keep driving your current vehicle, it just may be best to wait out this influx of pricing on new vehicles. 

Fewer Options

Yet another drawback to purchasing a new vehicle during this shortage is the lack of available options. Due to the semiconductor shortage, vehicle manufacturers are opting to only produce certain types and trims of vehicles, leaving less variety to choose from. This is being done in an effort to keep profits where they need to be while dealing with a constrained supply of vehicles and parts. 

During this shortage, you run the chance of walking onto a dealership lot and not being able to find a vehicle to fit your wants or needs. Many vehicles that are being produced right now are coming loaded with options and features, which increases the cost and makes them less appealing to budget-conscious consumers. 

If you’re considering purchasing a new vehicle in these times, keep in mind that you may not get exactly what you want in a vehicle. This can be prevented with a little patience, all you have to do is simply wait out this global semiconductor shortage which should be over soon. Getting the vehicle of your dreams is still possible despite the worldwide shortage of vehicles, so don’t lose hope!

The Answer Is

Now that both sides to the argument have been made, the answer to the question “Is Buying a Car in 2022 Worth It” still remains a resounding yes. This is because the power is still in the hands of the consumer, even with the reduced supply of new and pre-owned vehicles. Consumers are more powerful than ever in the post-pandemic world, and it’s because struggling companies need every dollar they can get. Keep this in mind when shopping for your next vehicle, whether it’s new or pre-owned. 

If you’re still reading and have realized that now is better than ever to buy a new vehicle, then stop by Thrifty Car Sales located in Coopersburg, PA today! At Thrifty Car Sales, they stock the Coopersburg, PA area’s biggest selection of new, pre-owned and certified pre-owned Thrifty vehicles and sell them at the best prices. Get the best deal on your next Thrifty vehicle by shopping at Thrifty Car Sales located in Coopersburg today!