Make an Informed Decision When Buying a Used Vehicle

We all know that buying a used vehicle can save you an awful lot of money, but at the same time, we have all heard stories about things that can go wrong.  There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure you make the best choice regarding the vehicle you buy. 

For a start, it is a smart idea to buy from a reputable used car dealer.  Many sell pre-owned vehicles that offer the reassurance of a visual and mechanical inspection and can even provide help with the financial process.  Also dealers have their good name to safeguard and understand that satisfied customers are great advertisements. 

    

Before you go shopping, figure out what type of vehicle you need and how much money you can spend.  If you want a specific make and model, research some alternatives in the same class that are not as popular or expensive for your backup plan.  The Internet is a great resource for finding information on prices, reliability and safety reports, and fuel economy.  Your goal is to make the most informed decision on what car fulfills your needs and stay within budget. 

Be sure to research what features come standard on your vehicle and decide whether it is worth it to you to pay more for the luxury version.   Remember that high-end features are going to command a higher price tag so be sure to figure that information in when adding up the amount of money you want to spend. 

Another useful tool you can find on the Internet is a car loan payment calculator.  Use one to determine what your monthly payment will be.  You can play with the numbers in terms of how much you want to put down and how that amount affects your monthly payment. 

 

Please check out our blog to keep you up-to-date with all the news and happenings at The Car Show as well as with any significant news from the industry. Or better yet, stop by and browse our inventory of the finest selection of Colorado Springs' used cars and trucks.  

Why Buying a Used Car Makes Sense

Generally buying a car is a necessity and should not be considered an investment other than in the case of collectible or classic vehicles.  Some experts cite statistics that a brand-new car typically decreases in value between 25 to 40% over the first two years of ownership.

 

Many new car dealerships now even offer insurance plans to cover the gap owed on the vehicle and the amount of the pay-off in the event the car is totaled during the early stages of the loan.  Furthermore buying a used car not only saves money on the cost of the vehicle but typically on the cost of the insurance premiums you will pay.  

  

One of the reasons why people used to buy brand-new cars no longer holds true.  In years past, only a new vehicle provided owners the safety net of a warranty, and then it was only for a short period of time.  Now warranties last for a much longer period of time and are usually transferable when the car is sold to the next owner.  Additionally many dealers and third-party companies offer extended warranties for older cars to help with repairs.  

Another advantage to buying a used vehicle is that now we have so much more information available to us regarding the condition and background of the vehicle we wish to purchase.  A Pre-Owned Vehicle has passed a rigorous visual and mechanical inspection and many dealers offer free Carfax history reports.

   

Finally today’s vehicles are more reliable than cars were in the past.   According to a recent Forbes Magazine article, cars are built to last an average of 250,000 miles, and today, the average age of cars on the road is 10.8 years old. 

 

The Car Show, Inc. is a family owned and operated dealership that has been offering unsurpassed service to the community since 1987.  Our motto is "If it has wheels, we sell it." You will find our prices are competitive on high-quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Buying the Right Motorcycle Helmet

The most important piece of equipment you will ever buy to use with your motorcycle is a helmet.  Today’s helmets are designed using advanced technologies and perform better than ever to do their job and protect from injury.  On the other side, there are so many choices available that it is often difficult to figure out what is the safest and most appropriate helmet for your needs.  

 

The most essential thing about a helmet is that it must meet the DOT (Department of Transportation) and updated Snell Memorial Foundation’s standards of safely.  Together both of these recommendations ensure that any helmet with their approval provides protection from impact, penetration, and retention.  

Impact protection is provided by expanded polystyrene or EPS foam inside the shell of a helmet and is designed to absorb the energy and to cushion your head when in an accident.  The shell resists penetration of any foreign object touching your head and distributes the impact load.  Retention is simply the helmet being the right fit and shape for your head to stay on in the event of an impact. 

Basically styles of helmets include full-face, open-face, shorty, and one that is designed for off-road motorcycles.  The best protection is provided by a full-face helmet with a chin bar and a face shield.  Check the face shield to make sure your vision is not distorted when wearing it and that the shield stays in position when raised.  A shorty helmet looks like helmets from the past, but it also meets today’s safety standards. 

      

It is recommended that you wear the helmet you want to buy for a period of time to really get an idea if it is comfortable.  Different brands offer selections of options such as one model that helps to increase visibility at night with battery-powered red LED light in the back of the helmet.  Another offers small air channels to help keep you cool and removable pads that can be washed or replaced.  

The Car Show, Inc. has been a trusted name for used vehicles for over 25 years and was chosen to be the "Quality Dealer of the Year" by the Colorado Independent Auto Dealers Association (CIADA).  Come in and browse our showroom or check out our online site for the most extensive selection of outstanding used cars, trucks, motorcycles, and new and used RVs. 

Innovative RV Design that Makes Towing Easier

 

Did you know that there is a RV travel trailer that is so light-weight it can be towed by a minivan?  The TrailManor is an innovative hard-wall, folding trailer that combines all the attributes of a traditional trailer with the convenience of a pop-up tent camper.

If you have never seen a TrailManor, it really is unlike any other travel trailer found on the market today.  The company has been in business for over 25 years producing quality trailers that set up in about two minutes and fold down as easily.   The TrailManor requires a simple release of safety latches, and then using a pull system that is counter-balanced to make setting up as easy as opening up a trunk.

 

 

According to the TrailManor website, the 30-foot TrailManor can be towed by most any make of minivan, crossover, or SUV and only requires about one extra gallon of gas to tow the trailer 100 miles.  It is engineered to reduce wind resistance and manufactured with light-weight walls made of expanded polystyrene laminated with aluminum for strength.  Since the trailer is about five feet high when closed, it makes for easy storage in a garage.

A TrailManor is equipped with all the features of a traditional trailer such as a kitchen with stove and oven, sink, and refrigerator as well as a hard-wall bathroom with shower and tub.  Amenities include maple cabinets & wood grain floors, with additional options available such as a TV antenna or satellite dish, and even a solar panel.  The latest model added to the TrailManor line-up is available in three floor plans, all with a king-size bed, tows at only 17’ & compares to a 24’ travel trailer when opened (dry weight just over 2000 lbs!)

There is a camping club for TrailManor Owners called TrailManor Trailblazers, which was started by fellow TrailManor owners.  It offers the opportunity to meet new friends, share tips, and learn about good camping areas.  The club holds rallies and even publishes a newsletter.  Membership includes a 10% discount on all parts ordered directly from TrailManor as well as on any service work done at the factory.  

The Car Show, Inc. is a family owned and operated dealership that has been offering unsurpassed service to the community since 1987.  While we understand there are many used car dealerships in Colorado Springs, our outstanding customer service sets us apart.  You will find our prices are competitive on high-quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Keep Your Vehicle Running in Tip-Top Form

Today’s vehicles are built to last 200,000 to 300,000 miles as long as they are taken care of properly.  All the experts agree that the number one thing you can do to keep your vehicle running in top condition is to follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.  Failing to do routine checkups can affect performance and even the longevity of the vehicle. 

Be diligent about following your own regular schedule for checking the oil, transmission fluid, power steering and brake fluids, differential, and antifreeze.  While you are under the hood, take a look at the hoses and belts for any visible sign of wear. 

Another tip is to pay attention to any unusual noises the car may be making.  If it sounds different, there is a good chance that something needs attention.  Even if it is something minor that is broken, get it fixed.  By staying on top of the maintenance and repairs, it will help to keep your car running smoothly and prevent bigger problems down the road.  Get a referral for a good repair shop, and build a relationship with them.   

Experts suggest that driving gently is another way to take care of your car.  According to a study that Edmunds conducted, they found that a calm driving style improved fuel economy by approximately 35%.  Someone else suggested that you should drive your car like you love it, in other words “baby it.” 

Remember in cold climates; do not neglect to maintain the outside of your vehicle.  Frequent washing to remove salt is a must.  Also cleaning both the inside and outside of your car will help to keep it feeling like new. 

The Car Show, Inc. is a family owned and operated dealership that has been offering unsurpassed service to the community since 1987.  While we understand there are many used car dealerships in Colorado Springs, our outstanding customer service sets us apart.  You will find our prices are competitive on high-quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Motorcycle Clubs

 

 

Motorcycles are a lot fun to drive, but they are also a wonderful way to spend time with others that share your interest.  Years ago the notoriety of certain motorcycle “gangs” or clubs gave hanging out in groups for the purpose of riding bikes a bad name.  Thankfully today, motorcycle clubs are plentiful and provide social activities and companionship as well as offer the safety of strength in numbers when traveling.

A lot of motorcycle clubs are sponsored by manufactures such as Harley-Davidson, BMW, or Honda.  Others are more of an affiliation for groups like the Armed Forces of America MC or the U.S. Military Vets MC.  There are also many groups that are made up of police officers and firefighters while there are others intended just for women riders.    

The group known as the Patriot Guard Riders specializes in providing funeral escorts for military personnel. The Rolling Thunder Club rides in honor of members of the military missing in action and prisoners of war.  Likewise there are clubs for Christian groups.  One of the largest organizations is the American Motorcyclist Association with over 235,000 members.  Their mission statement is “To promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.”   

Many clubs include training and education, and frequently sponsor sporting events or motorcycle rallies to give members an opportunity to get together and socialize.  The Internet has a website for a motorcycle index listing that allows you to search for clubs in your area, or by your interest or affiliations.  You can also search by bike type.  With all of the choices available, the chances are good that you will be able to find a club that suits your purpose.

 

The Car Show, Inc. has been a trusted name for used vehicles for over 25 years and was chosen to be the "Quality Dealer of the Year" by the Colorado Independent Auto Dealers Association (CIADA).  Come in and browse our showroom or check out our online site for the most extensive selection of outstanding used cars, trucks, motorcycles, and new and used RVs. 

RV Travel with Kids

 

Anytime you travel with children it requires careful preparation and planning and a RV trip is no different.  A RV is a great way to bring your family together for a fun-filled vacation and is certainly more comfortable than sleeping in tents, and over-all may be less expensive than staying in hotels.

Tips from seasoned RV families include taking your time and don’t expect to put on as many miles per day as you did without the children along.  Stop frequently, and when you do, allow the kids to get out and run around.  Have toys on hand to use outside or find a playground where they can burn off some energy.  Do be sure to do a head count before you get back on the road. 

Inside the RV, have plenty to do to keep the kids occupied.  Purchase special toys and activities books to surprise them with when they are getting restless.  Tablets and DVD players are entertaining but be sure to bring headphones so not everyone has to listen.   Additionally don’t forget to engage in traditional road games as they are a great way to share time together and help to create memories for years to come.  

One big advantage to having your home on wheels is you do not have pack and repack over and over again as you would moving around from hotel room to hotel room or tent camping.  Try and stay organized inside the RV by having bins or baskets for each child to store their toys, books and clothes, and make sure they use them.

If you can, bring bikes for everyone.   They are a fun activity and can be used to get around the campground.  Do remind the children if they are old enough to ride around on their own, to watch out for traffic and wear a helmet.  

 

The Car Show, Inc. has been a trusted name for used vehicles for over 25 years and was chosen to be the "Quality Dealer of the Year" by the Colorado Independent Auto Dealers Association (CIADA).  Come in and browse our showroom or check out our online site for the most extensive selection of outstanding used cars, trucks, motorcycles, and new and used RVs.