Good Credit Habits

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We talk so much about what to do when you have bad credit, we don’t spend any time on what to do once you’ve achieved good credit.  You’ve fought your way back, your credit rating is on the up.  What do you do to either maintain it?  Here is some behaviors to keep in mind to keep that credit rating good.

  • Know Your Credit Score:

Yes, even with good credit, this is still important.  Don’t risk sliding back into bad behaviors, you can keep yourself in good standing by making certain that your credit report remains clear and good of any false reporting.  Errors happen, and you should get on top of it asap so it doesn’t have a negative impact.

  • Keep the Credit Card Companies Happy:

This is a two-parter.  First up, a method of doing this is by sticking to a ratio of 30 percent of your credit allotment.  Every month, make it a habit of only using your credit card(s) till the 30 percent mark and then back off.  People who consistently go over this part tend to get the credit card companies nervous.

Second, make sure that you use your credit card.  This may seem like talking out of both sides of the mouth, but the key word in this is to use the credit card and maintain it without going over 30 percent.  Being consistent with that ratio and paying it off every month will keep the credit card companies happy.

If you need help with purchasing a new or used vehicle, be sure to contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. If you need further assistance in finding financing for a new vehicle on bad credit, contact our financing department.  We love to say yes, you’re approved!   Be sure to like Bayside on Facebook, following on Twitter, or subscribing on YouTube.

Advice for New Car Buyers

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It is hard enough work to get an auto loan for a new vehicle, but one thing you don’t find is much advice for new car drivers.  The lifecycle of a car is to at some point possibly trade it in.  So how do you make sure that the new vehicle retains its value for maximum trade-in potential?  Here is some things you’ll want to avoid.

1) Having a Dirty Ride

This translates to simply being clean.  Keeping your vehicle clean, inside and out, can help retain value.  If you need to clean under the hood, don’t use a hose.  Instead, use a wet rag to wipe dirt from the hoses.  Bringing in a clean car, especially one with a well maintained engine, will lead to great offers come trade-in time,

2) Driving too Hard

We all dream of being a race car driver or being involved in some high-speed chase, but that’s best left to the fantasy.  A new car needs some loving car for the first time out and having a lead foot can be an issue.  Being nice for the first thousand miles can be a real benefit later on.

3) Keeping Records

Keep track of what service you have done on the vehicle.  Should you ever want to sell to a private party, having such records will be a massive benefit for figuring out value and for the person buying.

There you have it, some great advice for people who managed to land themselves a spiffy new car and want to treat it right.  Most of this is common sense, but it’s always nice to be reminded of the responsibility that will ensure that your vehicle will be worth the best amount when it’s time for trading in.

If you need help with purchasing a new or used vehicle, be sure to contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. If you need further assistance in finding financing for a new vehicle on bad credit, contact our financing department.  We love to say yes, you’re approved!   Be sure to like Bayside on Facebook, following on Twitter, or subscribing on YouTube.

Tips on Buying a Used Car

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So you want to buy a used car, what is the first thing that you do? Knowing that you need a car is easy, but knowing what to do is not. The easy and shortest answer is to go into a dealership. But what about preparing? What is it you need to do before you even set foot in a dealership?

One of the first things to do is set a budget. This budget is to help you know what you can and can’t afford in a vehicle. To do this, you need to know what you are able to comfortable spend on a monthly basis. In case something happens, it is best to set an amount that you can spend if money gets tighter. You’ll always want to check out cars in this price range and set an idea of what you want to spend.

The next step is to head into the dealership and give the vehicle you think you can afford a look-around. Does it hold up to expectations? It probably won’t, it’ll be difficult for it to, but is it suitable for what you need?

To get a better idea, take it for a test-drive. Never forget that you can ask to take a vehicle you’re interested in a drive around the block. You’ll want to see how it feels and how it performs. If something seems off or it is not what you’re looking for, keep other vehicles in mind to give a try.

If you need help with purchasing a new or used vehicle, be sure to contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. If you need further assistance in finding financing for a new vehicle on bad credit, contact our financing department.  We love to say yes, you’re approved!   Be sure to like Bayside on Facebook, following on Twitter, or subscribing on YouTube.