Dye Autos Denver Area Truck and Automotive Blog
There’s nothing else that can quite do what a truck can. Pickup trucks have grown in popularity and there are many reasons why.
1. Pickup Trucks can Handle It All.
All it takes is a couch or armoire that needs to be moved from “here” to “there,” and next thing you know, you’re thinking you really should own a pickup truck. There are so many other activities that a pickup truck is perfect for:
- Trucks are the perfect weekend adventure vehicle.
- Trucks have the power to tow whatever you need.
- Trucks haul everything from groceries to lumber to tools.
- Trucks are a camper’s dream.
- Pickup trucks help you work hard and when it’s time to relax, they help you do that too!
Think of all the incredibly cool things you could be doing with a pickup truck that are impossible with the car you’re now driving.
2. Pickup Trucks are Ideal for Work.
A lot more businesses are discovering that trucks are better than cars for business.
Even if your business isn’t about hauling big items, a pickup truck provides all the comfort of a car but is versatile enough to handle all the tough stuff. That means hauling tools, building supplies, and stuff otherwise too heavy or too dirty for your average car trunk.
3. Pickup Trucks are Your Best Friend in the Snow.
Hello, Colorado. We do get a lot of snow, right?
Winter tires on a sedan or a small hatchback will only get you so far. If the snow is deep enough, you can literally high-center a car in deep snow on the road once it gets packed underneath. With the additional ground clearance afforded by a pickup truck, fording 10 inches of fresh plow is no problem.
4. Pickup Trucks Allow You to Take the Road Less Traveled.
The best off-road pickup trucks will give the most rugged SUVs a run for their money, even when that running occurs on the Colorado’s toughest rocks and trails. They’ll also deliver the cargo-carrying benefits of an open bed for when you don’t really want to leave it all behind.
There are tons of mapped two-track roads, and getting to trailheads is very different than finishing said trail. The off-road traction of a locking four-wheel-drive system will ensure you keep moving rather than waiting on the next guy coming up the trail to help. Ground clearance is also helpful in reducing cringe-inducing frame impacts.
5. Pickup Trucks Continue to Grow in Popularity.
In many areas of Colorado the truck is just the preferred lifestyle look. Trucks now account for 16.4% of U.S. vehicle sales. That’s up from 15.3% in 2016.
Trucks are the backbone of the construction industry. Pickups also have become increasingly popular as everyday family vehicles.
Today’s trucks are safer, more comfortable, and they handle much better than they once did. With the aid of technology, they’re even easier to navigate in tight spaces.
Pickup Trucks Provide More Bang for Your Buck.
Pickup trucks are affordable. Used pickup truck models are especially affordable and often retain their value. At Dye Autos, we’ve got a large inventory of affordable pickup trucks for every budget.
Are you ready to take advantage of all these pickup truck benefits (and more)? Call us at (303) 286-1665.
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Every pickup truck shopper is looking for a vehicle that fits his or her specific needs. After all, there’s only so much research one can do online. There comes a point in every buyer’s journey where you need to experience the vehicle(s) you’re considering. The test drive is the #1 way to determine which pickup truck is best.
Buying a pickup truck without a test drive is like buying shoes without trying them on. Except, you can easily return the shoes – not so much with a vehicle.
Importance of a Test Drive
Once you’ve driven a vehicle off the lot, your choices are limited, says Alec Gutierrez, the manager of vehicle valuation for Kelley Blue Book. Buying sight unseen increases your chance of buying the wrong vehicle. Most auto experts still recommend an extended test drive on a variety of roads.
The simple fact of the matter is, used pickup truck reviews can tell you a lot about a vehicle, but only so much as to narrow the field. They can help you decide what, out of the many different types, makes and models, you should focus on, so you don’t have to do all the legwork on your own.
The problem is that the evaluators aren’t actually you – they can’t predict what little (or big) things will matter to YOU. The test drive is how you determine what options you need…and which ones you don’t.
How to Conduct a Good Test Drive
Comfort and Function
Considering how much time the average Coloradoan spends in their vehicle, it’s important to make sure it’s comfortable and functional.
- Is it easy to get in and out of the vehicle?
- How does the seat feel? Are you able to find a comfortable position?
- Is the pickup truck the right size for your needs (compact, midsize, fullsize)?
- Can you easily see all your mirrors and gauges? Are there any obstructions that make it difficult for you to see?
- Are there enough seats to comfortably fit your family?
- Standard, extended or crew cab?
- Standard or long bed?
- Will it haul your stuff?
- Are you planning on towing a trailer? Check towing capacity.
Driveability
The feel of a pickup truck on the road and your ability to maneuver with ease is just as important as how comfortable you are in the seat. When you get behind the wheel and head out, make sure to replicate your daily driving experience. For instance, if you spend a lot of time on the freeway, take it out on the freeway to get a sense of how it will perform.
Here are some additional things to pay particular attention to:
- How smoothly does the pickup truck ride?
- Is it a quiet ride or is road noise an issue?
- Does the vehicle respond quickly as you steer?
- Are you comfortable with how quickly the pickup truck accelerates when merging into traffic?
- When you brake, is it jerky or smooth?
A Test Drive is Key to Buying the Right Pickup Truck
The test drive is a crucial step to finding the right pickup truck, the one that will make you happy, as opposed to the “best truck” that reviewers rate highest. It will be worth it to spend this extra time now, because a vehicle is a long-term investment. You’re probably going to have this pickup truck for a few years, possibly even a decade, and spend thousands of dollars on it.
You’ll be glad you spent the extra half-day making sure your decision is the right one.
At Dye Autos, we’ve helped thousands of pickup truck shoppers with their test drives. We can help you – no strings attached! Give us a call at (303) 286-1665 or fill out our easy contact form here and we’ll be in touch.
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Labor Day is just around the corner. If you’re shopping for a used pickup truck, studies show that holiday weekends are one of the best times to buy.
You’ll often see or hear car dealerships advertising huge deals or blowout sales during holiday weekends, and those ads are almost always accurate. Dealers often offer special financing or discount deals for holiday weekends. While you might not want to spend your holiday weekend test-driving and signing the papers on a new truck or car, doing so could help you save thousands of dollars and give you the peace of mind that you got a great deal.
Labor Day is the last three-day weekend of summer, so as we go into the end of August and early September, you can expect to see some fairly aggressive deals from car dealerships as they try to wrap up the summer selling season.
How to shop for a used pickup truck on Labor Day Weekend.
Dealerships can get busy on long holiday weekends so here are some tips to avoid the crowds, alleviate stress and get a great deal.
1. Do your homework.
Do your research earlier in the week. Then, by the time the weekend rolls around, you should have narrowed your car list to about three models at most.
2. Figure out your trade-in.
- Use online tools to appraise your trade-in’s value. Edmunds.com and kbb.com are two great FREE resources.
- Pack all your trade-in’s accessories. Trading in your car means you are trading in everything that goes along with it. Make sure the original owner’s manual and any extra keys are in the vehicle when you arrive at the dealership. Dealers like used cars that still have all the accessories and may even give you a better deal on your trade when everything is there.
- Bring all vehicle paperwork with you. Dealers love it when you have all the documents ready to trade-in your car. It makes it easier for them to process your info with the DMV and leaves less room for error once the DMV receives your information. You will need:
- Certificate of title (if you don’t have it, the DMV can tell you how to get it replaced). Note: if you have an outstanding loan on the vehicle, this will not apply since the bank has your certificate of title.
- Current registration.
- If you still have a loan on the car, you’ll need to have your account number or a payment stub.
- Maintenance records. These help support your claims about whatever prior damage your car has had and the repairs it has undergone.
3. Know your credit score.
If you plan on using financing to buy a used pickup truck, your credit score is key to getting the lowest interest rates. Your credit score is a three-digit number that uses your credit information to assess how risky a borrower you are, and it can significantly influence how lenders decide the terms of your loan.
The higher your credit score, the lower your risk and the lower your interest rate. The lower your credit score, the riskier you are and the higher your interest rates. Be proactive in checking your credit score beforehand so you know where your credit stands before you apply for a loan.
You can obtain a free copy of your credit report.
FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Website: You’re entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Order online from annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports, or call 1-877-322-8228. You will need to provide your name, address, social security number, and date of birth to verify your identity.
Some states like Colorado have laws that allow you to get a free credit report in addition to the free annual credit report you’re entitled to by Federal law.
4. Choose your purchase method and set your budget.
The purchase of a used pickup truck includes different methods. Your options will be to pay cash, or finance your purchase. Most customers choose to finance and you’ll either use your trade-in as a down payment or pay cash down. Make some preliminary calculations on what you can afford.
ProTip: Get Pre-Approved.
This fast and easy process lets you choose how much you want to borrow based on the type of vehicle you’re looking for. You’ll know ahead of time what to expect…and that means less anxiety and more peace of mind.
Let Dye Autos put our experience to work for you. Pre-approved car and truck financing with DYE Autos is just a click away. Visit this link >>>here<<<!.
One of our helpful finance specialists will contact you to discuss available financing options.
5. Check reviews.
If you already have a used pickup truck in mind, read expert reviews of the vehicle. Also check consumer reviews of the car you are considering. Then take a moment to see what other cars compete with the one you have selected. If you don’t yet know what you want to buy, build a list of three “target cars” to test drive.
6. Find the right dealer and set up a test drive.
Once you’ve landed on the car(s) you want to test drive, get in touch with the dealer to see if the vehicles are still available.
If possible, do your drive ahead of the Labor Day weekend. Your salesperson will be able to dedicate more time to showing you the car. Explain that you’ll be making a purchase decision later on the Labor Day weekend. It sets the expectations and should reduce a bit of the pressure.
7. Settle on a price.
Choosing the right car often depends on its price. Make sure you look at all aspects of the deal, including the interest rate, finance terms, and any additional fees. Pay attention to what feels best for you.
If you already know the dealership you’re working with – maybe you’ve purchased from them before – they should remind you about any Labor Day deals prior to your visit. If you’ve never shopped at that dealership, be sure to ask.
Wrapping up the sale…
- Be sure to bring any documents you might need to complete the sale such as your Driver’s License and Insurance info.
- Once your financing is settled, you’ll sign the contract and take delivery.
- If everything is settled, consider picking up your truck the day after the weekend. You’ll avoid the crowds and the salesperson will give you a more relaxed walk-through on the key features of the truck.
As car loan interest rates rise, the need becomes greater for consumers to work a little harder when shopping for the best deals.
Shopping for a car loan can be just as daunting as shopping for a car. Most car shopping begins online. If you’ve ever done a Google search for “car loan,” you know how many hundreds of options are available.
But how do you choose which car loan is best? Here’s where your local car dealer can help.
Dealerships are the best place to get a car loan for many reasons…
It’s super convenient since you’re already at the dealer.
All of the bothersome paperwork — from title transfers to loan agreements — can be handled professionally at the dealership. The whole process goes more smoothly with this one-stop approach.
Using dealership financing sources makes it easier to access offers from multiple lenders at once. The easiest and best way to finance a vehicle is through the dealership where the vehicle is being purchased.
Dealerships have close relationships with all types of lenders.
Dealerships normally have dozens of lenders from which to choose. They work with lenders of all kinds – good credit, fair credit, bad credit – and consumers benefit from those relationships.
We’ve all experienced poor customer service and, with the consolidation of banks and other lenders, it doesn’t seem to be getting much better.
On the flip side, dealers are business members of your community and maintain good relationships with their portfolio of lenders. They are there to answer questions and help you, instead of putting you on hold or treating you like a “number.”
Dealerships have flexible lenders who are open to people who have lower credit scores.
For people who have blips on their credit history, dealers can leverage their good lender relationships to help them get a car loan, often when they’ve been rejected elsewhere.
Financial hardships can happen to anyone. There are many individuals who simply aren’t prepared for unexpected financial challenges such as job loss or medical bills. Having a close relationship with all types of lenders allows the dealer to find the right car loan for YOU.
At DYE Autos, we’ve worked with hundreds of credit-challenged customers here in the Denver – Wheat Ridge area and we understand how tough it can be. It’s a fact that lenders do lend to people who’ve been through hardship and we can help you.
Pro Tip: Always know your credit score. Your credit score is key to getting the lowest interest rate on your car loan.
Your credit score is a three-digit number that uses your credit information to assess how risky a borrower you are, and it can significantly influence how lenders decide the terms of your loan.
The higher your credit score, the lower your risk and the lower your interest rate. The lower your credit score, the riskier you are and the higher your interest rates. Be proactive in checking your credit score before you shop so you know where your credit stands before you apply for a loan.
Bonus tip: get pre-approved for a car loan.
Many dealers, like us at Dye Autos, offer an easy way for customers to get pre-approved.
This fast and easy process lets you choose how much you want to borrow based on the type of vehicle you’re looking for. Pre-approved truck financing with DYE Autos is just a click away. Visit this link >>>here<<< to get pre-qualified.
We’ll put our experience to work for you!
One of our helpful finance specialists will contact you to discuss available financing options.
“If it’s a truck you wanna buy, you’d better call DYE!”
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Yes, when buying a car or truck, your trade in vehicle can serve as your down payment. However, there are factors to consider in that decision.
1. Dealers accept trade ins and cash down payments.
The amount of total down payment you’ll need is governed by two things:
- The amount that the bank requires in order to provide you with a loan. Your credit score is the driving factor.
- The amount of monthly payment that fits your budget.
2. Is your trade in loan paid off?
- If your trade in loan is paid off, the dealer will appraise your trade in and give you the price they’re willing to pay for your vehicle (actual cash value or ACV). You can use that amount as a down payment, or, in some circumstances, you can take part of it in cash back to pay for other important things in your life.
- If your trade in loan is not paid off, the dealer will get in touch with your bank for the pay off amount and compare it with the price they are giving your for your trade in (ACV).
- A positive difference (you owe less on your loan than your trade in’s ACV) means you can use the amount for your down payment.
- A negative difference (sometimes called “negative equity” – you owe more on your loan than your trade in’s ACV) gets a bit more complicated and #3 below explains more.
3. Does your trade in have negative equity?
Equity is the difference between your trade in’s actual cash value (ACV) and the amount you owe on the loan. For example, if your vehicle’s ACV is $5,000 and you owe $3,000, you have $2,000 in equity that can be used as a down payment toward the new car purchase.
If your trade in’s ACV is $3,000 and your loan pay off is $5,000, you have negative equity.
When faced with negative equity in a trade-in, you’ll need to weigh all of your options. There are three main courses of action you can take:
- Pay off the difference – This is ideal if your negative equity amount isn’t too high and you have the cash. Not everyone is in a position to do this.
- Roll it over – “Roll over” the negative equity into the new loan. Not all lenders are willing to do this, so make sure you ask if this is an option. The downside to rolling over negative equity is that you’ll be increasing the amount of your new loan, which will increase the monthly payment. However, in many cases, when it’s amortized over the full term of the loan, it is affordable.
- Wait it out – The last option is to wait until there’s no negative equity. Waiting until your trade-in is paid off or the loan reaches a point where there is equity could make your next car purchase easier – but it’s not a guarantee. Trade in values fluctuate and now may be the best time to buy.
The only way to know for sure on trading in your car or truck as a down payment…
…is to visit a trusted Denver dealer who’s got many years of experience providing seasoned advice and helping people get the best car loan.
Dye Autos in the Denver – Wheatridge area is ready to help you find the used car or truck of your dreams. Call us at (303) 286-1665 or complete our handy online form >>here<<. We’ll be in touch!
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