How do I best prepare my vehicle for fall?

There are two important parts of your vehicle to check as leaves fall and temperatures drop. Gary Jaffarian prepares you for fall driving including trips to fairs, local events and leaf peeping.

Fall appears to be here and there are two important parts of your vehicle to make sure are ready for the colder temperatures: In last week’s Ask Gary Blog we wrote about the importance of ensuring your brakes are in good working order to prevent hydroplaning. If you missed that blog, I suggest you check it out, as the fall can be tricky for driving on wet leaves. You can learn more about brakes on our web site.

The second key part of your vehicle to check out now is your tires. Now is the time to check for wear and tear so you are safe and confident that your tires are in good shape for fall and winter driving. So how do you know if you need new tires?

 

1. Watch our Jaffarian video on our You Tube Channel to help you with an easy tip to check your tire treads.

2. Are you hearing a thumping noise as you drive?
Often that sound indicates an uneven wear and the tires may need to be replaced.

3. If you are unsure, bring your vehicle to a reputable service department to have them checked. At Jaffarian, we assess all critical elements of your vehicle as part of our complementary services to provide you a report of the status of your tires. Ask for that information so you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you need to replace tires. Remember, it is recommended you replace two tires together in the rear according to Popular Mechanics, rear tires provide stability, and without stability, steering or braking on a wet or even damp surface might cause a spin, unless your mechanic recommends changing a front and rear on the same side due to uneven wear. They may also rotate the tires or suggest an alignment. Tires are so important — but they are often taken for granted or misunderstood for their importance as part of the vehicle’s safety system.

If you need tires, how do you make an informed decision of the best tire for your vehicle and where you go to buy the tires?

First, it’s very important that you “compare apples to apples.” This is more than comparing only the brand name. It is important you compare the actual same tire. Some places offer a brand name tire but the actual model is of lesser quality. Do your homework before you make a decision. Remember, your safety and the safety of others is literally riding on your tires!

Some of you may have seen the news story of tire warehouses selling tires that had old expiration dates. Not all tires are created equal. It is truly a product where you get what you pay for. If you are unsure, check your owner’s manual and speak to a service advisor whom you trust.

At Jaffarian, we have a large tire department and are here to help you make an informed decision to get you the tires that are best for your vehicle, your driving needs and your budget. For Scion and Toyota owners, now is the time to buy as we are offering buy 3 tires and get the 4th tire for only a $1! For your peace of mind and safety, have your tires checked. Make an appointment or come by the Jaffarian Service Department. And be sure to check out our online coupon specials including brakes, an alignment, fall services and the Toyota tire special of buy 3 tires, and get the 4th for $1 at Jaffarian!

We are committed to protecting your wallet and your safety. Enjoy fall driving!

 

 

 

Gary Jaffarian

What’s better – leasing or financing?

Gary Jaffarian shares key factors to help you evaluate if leasing or financing your next vehicle is best for you.

It depends on your personal situation, but I am a big fan of leasing. To evaluate the best decision for you and your driving needs, let’s discuss the factors to assist you as your search for, and finance a vehicle.

1. Know your budget. First establish what you can afford. Our sales staff will ask you where you want to in terms of monthly payments. We have tools on our Jaffarian website to help you choose either to lease or finance as a way to assist you in this process.

Keep in mind factors that you may want to include in your monthly budget including extended warranties, sales tax and registration fees. Also ask your insurance agent what your monthly insurance will cost.

2. Know your credit score. A quick way to learn your score is to use a free site like CreditKarma.com, which is a secure website. To learn your credit score, you do need to give out your social security number. If you are leasing or purchasing, we will need to check your score. The score may affect your interest rate.

3. Know how many miles you drive annually. High-mileage drivers usually prefer to purchase rather than lease. If you drive 15,000 miles or less per year, then leasing may be your preferred option.

Financing or buying the vehicle:
• You pay its entire cost and loans are available on new vehicles up to 72 months and less for pre-owned vehicles.
• It does not matter how many miles you put on or how long you keep it.
• You will be required to make a down payment and/or trade in a used vehicle; and pay applicable sales tax on the entire purchase price, along with interest if you finance it.

Leasing:
• You only pay the part of the vehicle’s value that is used during your lease term (generally 2-3 years of depreciation).
• There is a term agreement for the number of months you lease (commonly 36 months); in addition, there is a cap on the number of miles you can put on your leased vehicle without penalty or you can pre-pay higher mileage.
• You may be required to make a down payment, although there are $0 Down Payment incentives. Volvo currently has a Sign and Drive program that presents great lease payments for qualifying customers with $0 money down.
• At the end of the you can trade it in or buy it depending on your preference.

Advantages of Leasing:
• Less commitment: Most lease terms give you the option to either buy out the lease (and keep the vehicle) or return the vehicle to the dealer.
• Lower monthly payments: You are essentially paying for the time you will be driving the vehicle versus paying the entire price. Leasing can offer the best of all worlds – the vehicle you want, at a monthly payment that’s typically more affordable than buying.
• Good Manufacturer’s Warranty: The manufacturer’s warranty often covers the vehicle for the entirety of the lease term; this means no out-of-pocket expenses for standard maintenance or repair fees.
• Low or no down payments: Down payments are often low and sometimes there is no down payment required at all on a lease so you can keep more money in your pocket.
• Choose any new (or certified pre-owned) vehicle: You can experience driving new models every 2-3 years that may otherwise be out of your price range if you were buying.
• First right to complete purchase at the vehicle’s residual value. This means the payment made during the lease period will be subtracted from the final price.
• Trade-in value: No worries about trade-in value issues due to depreciation, economic downturns and other factors beyond your control. There are also no concerns about being impacted by the reduced value of your vehicle due to the CarFax report.

Disadvantages of Leasing:
• Leasing contracts define the number of annual miles, most often between 10,000-15,000 miles. Exceeding the miles can convert to a mile overage charge that may be as high as 25 cents per every mile over the contract amount. Keep in mind you can run the numbers and agree that with a $0 money down contract, you may be comfortable with the mileage overage fee.
• You don’t gain ownership equity over the vehicle unless you buy it out and the end of the lease period.
• Wear and tear penalty fees can be added at the end of your lease if you do not take care of the vehicle.

When you visit Jaffarian Volvo Toyota or any other dealership, I encourage you to have the finance manager run your financial scenario for both leasing and purchasing options. Check out the financing options for Toyota here. Rebates for students, veterans and other specials may only apply to purchasing. Toyota also offers a preferred option balloon finance plan, whereby you drive as an owner, but pay like you lease it. You may have the option of buying a Toyota with the convenience of lower monthly payments during the initial financing term and the plan includes a large final balloon payment. As Toyota says about their leasing programs, you can “Drive the Toyota of Your Dreams.”

Volvo has attractive offers as well, whereas if you purchase a Volvo S90, remaining lease payments will be made by Volvo. When you lease a Volvo, most models have an option for $0 cash down at signing. See the special financing programs available at the Volvo financing website.

Volvo allows you to lease a luxury vehicle you might not otherwise afford. For example, if you purchase a $37,000 vehicle, you are paying for or financing that amount plus interest, if any. If you lease the same vehicle for 36,000 miles or 36 months, you would only be financing $16,000 (based on $37,000 minus the residual value of $21,000 which you only owe if you purchase it outright.)

We are always here to assist you in helping make an informed decision as to whether leasing or financing is right for you.

 

 

 

Gary Jaffarian

Why Buy A Car on President’s Day Weekend?

I get asked this question a lot this time of year. So, why should you buy a car this President’s Day Weekend (aka Washington’s Birthday weekend)?

First, a little history.  The first President’s Day Weekend sale happened almost a hundred years ago, when a Boston car dealer had an ‘open house’ on Washington’s Birthday to boost sales at his dealership on Commonwealth Avenue.

Over the years, all the retail stores have joined the President’s Day party featuring with their own promotions.  The third weekend in February remains the best time of the year to buy a car for the following reasons:

1. New models:  the new models are in the showroom.  Manufacturers and dealers are always willing to support their first sales push of the New Year featuring the latest models.   

2. Aggressive offers and programs.  Both Volvo and Toyota are promoting cash back and financing offers to support this big holiday weekend!  Volvo is promoting its Conquest Cash promotion offering an additional $1000 in addition to great offers on the 2012 Volvo S60 T5 and 2012 Volvo XC60.  Toyota is all over the airwaves featuring its CASH CASH CASH promotion offering cash incentives, 0% financing and great lease offerings including $169 per month for the 2012 Toyota Camry and great offers at our own dealership on the 2012 Highlander.

It is a great weekend to buy so stop in and see us over the holiday weekend and let us help you find the vehicle that’s right for you at a price you can afford. 

Be careful not to gloat with your family and friends when you secure a great deal this holiday weekend and they opted to wait!

Gary

ANNOUNCING: The Jaffarian Auto Spa

A Trip to Jaffarian’s Auto Spa for 3 Lucky Facebook Fans!

Money Back When You Purchase Volvo Accessories

Planning to accessorize your Volvo this spring and summer? If it’s on the list of accessories eligible for reimbursement you can receive a check back from Volvo! Click on the image below for full details and the form to fill out. Happy accessorizing!

$1,000 Voucher When You Trade In For A New Toyota!

Looking to trade your car or truck in for a new Toyota? Let Jaffarian Toyota give you a $1,000 head start! That’s right, we’ll credit you $1,000 to go towards your new Toyota when you fill out and print the Trade Voucher. This offer expires 5/31/11 so act not! Click on the image to proceed to the form.

May Specials at Jaffarian Toyota!

NEW INVENTORY SPECIAL – Offers end 6/1/11

1.) 2011 TUNDRA CREWMAX PLATINUM EDITION* – MSRP $49,843. YOU PAY ONLY $44,843   |  Stock #2105

2.) 2011 TACOMA 4WD – MSRP $25,455. YOU PAY ONLY $24,769   |  Stock #2384

3.) 2011 HIGHLANDER SE V6 – MSRP $39,073. YOU PAY ONLY $36,573   |  Stock #2391

4.) 2011 SEQUOIA PLATINUM EDITION – MSRP $61,997. YOU PAY ONLY $57,997   |  Stock #2338

4.) 2010 MATRIX – MSRP $20,140. 

For all Jaffarian Toyota Inventory click here

April Specials at Jaffarian Volvo!

NEW CARS

1.) 2012 S60 T5* – MSRP $31,850. YOU PAY ONLY $29,250

OR Lease now for only $255 per month for 36 months. Stock #2238

2.) 2011 XC70 T6* – MSRP $42,300. YOU PAY ONLY $39,200

OR Lease now for only $495 per month for 36 months. Stock #2291

3.) 2011 S60 AWD T6* – MSRP $42,195. YOU PAY ONLY $36,695

OR Lease now for only $388 per month for 36 months. Stock #2021

4.) 2011 S80 3.2* – MSRP $43,525. YOU PAY ONLY $38,965

OR Lease now for only $399 per month for 36 months. Stock #1791

5.) 2011 C70* – MSRP $42,725. YOU PAY ONLY $38,925

OR Lease now for only $384 per month for 36 months. Stock #2112

For all Jaffarian Volvo Inventory click here

 

ACCESSORIES SPECIALS

1.) Genuine Volvo Bike Racks – SAVE $71.00!

Holds four bikes

Regular Price: $360.00

2.) Genuine Volvo Trailer Hitches – Take 20% off

3.) Volvo Cleaning Supplies – Take 20% off on Jaffarian’s complete line of cleaning supplies. While supplies last.

*$2,999 cash due at signing. Lease includes Volvo Allowance and Volvo Loyalty Program rebates. Up to 12K miles per year. Includes Volvo Loyalty Program and all rebates. Tax, title, registration and documentation fees are additional. Based on Tier 1+ credit.Offers end 4/30/11

April Specials at Jaffarian Toyota!

NEW CARS

1.) 2011 CAMRY LE* – MSRP $23,285. YOU PAY ONLY $19,924

OR Lease now for only $159 per month for 36 months. Stock #2202

2.) 2011 COROLLA* – MSRP $16,360. YOU PAY ONLY $14,481

OR Lease now for only $149 per month for 36 months. Stock #2309

3.) 2011 SIENNA LE* – MSRP $30,706. YOU PAY ONLY $27,465

OR Lease now for only $269 per month for 36 months. Stock #2051

4.) 2011 TACOMA 4×4* – MSRP $21,345. YOU PAY ONLY $19,889

OR Lease now for only $209 per month for 36 months. Stock #2004

For all Jaffarian Toyota Inventory click here

ACCESSORIES SPECIALS

1.) Genuine Toyota Mud Flaps – Save $20.50!

Reg. Price: $79.00

Sale Price: $58.50

2.) Toyota Cleaning Supplies

Take 20% off on Jaffarian’s complete line of cleaning supplies. While supplies last.

3.) Emergency Assistance Kit – Save $31.00!

Reg. Price: $70.00

Sale Price: $39.00

*$2,999 due at signing. All applicable rebates apply including Toyota College Grad Program and Toyota Military Rebate. Up to 12K miles. Tax, title, registration and documentation fees apply. Based on Tier 1+ credit. Subject to TFS approval. Offers ends 4/30/11