Dye Autos Denver Area Truck and Automotive Blog
If you’re looking to buy a used pickup truck, you’ve undoubtedly done your research in advance about the right model and options. The key to affording your dream ride works the same way: Get your financial situation under control before you make your final purchase decision.
Here are three crucial steps to take that will help you become more informed about your credit and help you set realistic expectations before you get to the dealership.
1. 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.
Credit score ranges:
2. Get a free credit report.
When you check your credit score, be sure to focus on where you fall in comparison to other consumers, and what areas of your credit are strong — and what might need some work.
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.
3. Take steps to clear any blemishes on your credit.
Everybody wants the best deal possible when they’re ready to buy a used pickup truck. Banks base their financing offers on how well you’ve paid your debts so it’s crucial to clear any negative items off your credit report.
FACTS:
- One in five Americans are shocked to learn there are errors on their credit report.
- 79% of consumers who disputed credit report errors were successful in removing them.
If you have any blemishes on your credit report, take steps now to resolve them.
Example: If you’ve got a $48 collection on your report, make every attempt to make it right. If it’s a mistake, call the company and try to rectify it with them first. If that doesn’t produce results, dispute it with the credit reporting agencies. All three – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – have simple forms on their sites for disputes.
If the $48 collection is not a mistake, make every attempt to remedy it, including paying it. You’ll save much more than the $48 in finance charges that lenders will be forced to charge you if you leave it on your report.
Pro Tip: Our finance manager at Dye Autos says, “90% of the collections we see are due to medical charges/fees. Call the company and try to negotiate down the amount you owe and set up a doable payment plan so that things will begin to look more positive.”
Wrapping it all up…
Are you ready to buy a used pickup truck but need help preparing your credit? We have over 70 years experience in the car and truck financing business and we can help you! Call Dye Autos at (303) 286-1665 or fill out our handy contact form >>here<<.
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There are a lot of things to think about when considering the purchase of a used pickup truck.
- What size truck is right for me?
- Will I be hauling or towing anything?
- Does my budget fit for what I need?
If you’ve been shopping, you know that a pickup truck isn’t just a pickup truck.
In this guide, we’ll review the three different pickup trucks that consumers purchase the most, along with their specific attributes and uses.
As always, please get in touch with us if you have questions. At Dye Autos, we have over 100 years combined experience selling pickup trucks and we’re happy to help you!
A word about GVWR.
The US DOT puts trucks into classes by “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating” (GVWR) ranked from 1 to 8 (smallest to largest). In our example here, we’re going to cover Class 1, 2 and 3. These classes exist for safety regulation, commercial designation, and registration purposes.
GVWR refers to the maximum operating weight a truck can possibly carry while driving including the truck itself. GVWR classes have nothing to do with what parts the truck is fitted with, how beefy the suspension is, or what the truck looks like. They are solely based on weight.
So if a truck’s GVWR is 10,000 pounds, that’s the most the manufacturer and government have certified the truck to possibly weigh with fuel, passengers, and cargo.
Class 1, 2 and 3 are considered “Light Duty” even though there are the heavy duty pickup trucks in the light duty classification.
Now, let’s talk about the three sizes of pickup trucks so that when you’re out there shopping, you’ll know which type to look at first.
Compact Pickup Truck
Compact pickup trucks are built on a separate chassis frame from their full-size brethren and usually offer a range of four-cylinder and V6 engines. Not as small as past generations, these trucks are sometimes referred to as midsized and it can get confusing.
Today’s smallest trucks aren’t very small at all. As many drivers have discovered, some are really midsize trucks with near full-size proportions.
The most popular compact trucks include the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and Honda Ridgeline.
Midsize Pickup Truck
Midsize pickup trucks are commonly used as general purpose passenger cars here in Colorado and the U.S. They are popular with construction and tradespeople along with everyday commuters and families. Because of this, there is demand for a pickup truck that is bigger than a compact, yet smaller and more fuel efficient than a full-size pickup. Enter the midsized truck!
The increased popularity of midsize trucks has led to the need for several different configurations and style of cab. Mid-size trucks can usually be found with single, extended, or crew cab configurations depending on what’s offered for the model and based on your needs.
Notable midsize trucks include the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Dodge Dakota, and Ford Explorer SportTrac.
Full-Size Pickup Truck
Full-size pickup trucks are the brawny workhorses of the pickup world.
They are larger and more rugged, and they ride higher off the ground than compacts/midsizes do. They also come in more configurations of cab type, bed size, and drivetrain.
The basic pickup truck is what used to be called the half-ton truck and is now often called 1500-series. Current models in this class include the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra. These form the backbone of the pickup truck market. They serve well as work trucks and, for many, as a family car substitute.
Heavier-duty pickup trucks, which may carry numerical designations such as 2500 or 3500, are configured for carrying very serious loads and for hauling fifth-wheel trailers, those with a hitch point in the center of the cargo bed. These are bulky trucks for the most demanding chores, making them great for hauling a huge trailer.
Summing it all up…
We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to where you buy your next pickup truck. That’s why we share our expertise with you so that when the time comes, you’ll consider Dye Autos! Give us a call – we’d love to help! (303) 286-1665.
If it’s a truck you wanna buy, you’d better call Dye!
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It’s time to purchase a “new” used truck, and you’re thinking about the trade-in value you could get on your current truck. Before you send your vehicle off to its next home, there are some things you need to know before trading in your used pickup truck.
Over the years, our customers have always appreciated the information we provide. We believe that knowing all the facts makes for a better customer experience.
Here are 6 common mistakes to avoid when trading in your used pickup truck:
1. Overestimating or underestimating your vehicle’s value.
Trading in your used pickup truck can be challenging and not being realistic about its value will make things more difficult.
Be honest with yourself about your vehicle’s trade-in condition. The more forthright you are when using online appraisal tools like Edmunds.com or kbb.com, the better off you’ll be when it comes time to trade it in. Very often, people come into the dealership with an overly-optimistic idea of what their car is worth, only to find that their expectations weren’t realistic.
2. Bringing in a dirty truck.
Dealers like to see a clean vehicle. It says that you care about your used truck and its value.
Before trading in your used pickup truck, always make sure that your car looks clean and smells as clean as possible. Doing this often increases the value of your trade in.
3. Over-fixing your truck.
Dealerships tend to agree that your best option is to not concern yourself with making major fixes to your trade in. If it’s something as simple as touching up a little scratch or popping out a small dent, these are the kinds of fixes that are recommended.
Anything larger scale would not be worth your investment because the dealership will be able to repair issues for much less than you would be asked to pay at a shop.
4. Forgetting important documents.
Bring all vehicle paperwork with you. Here’s a handy list…
- 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.
- All your keys and the owner’s manual.
- If you still have an open loan, you’ll need to bring your account number or a payment stub.
- Maintenance records. These help support your claims about whatever prior damage your truck has had and the repairs it has undergone.
5. Not having all your truck’s accessories.
Trading in your used pickup truck 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 trucks that still have all the accessories and may even give you a better deal on your trade when everything is there.
6. Not knowing your vehicle’s history.
Being familiar with your vehicle’s history will help during your trade-in negotiations. Be “upfront” with the dealer, especially on any major problems that you know of, even if those problems were caused by the previous owner.
In Summary…
Avoiding the major pitfalls when trading in your used pickup truck can often save you money. Getting the best price for your trade in allows you more purchase power on the “new” used pickup truck you intend to buy.
We suggest going somewhere to get an honest and trusted opinion on your vehicle. At Dye Autos, we’ve been selling great used trucks in Denver for many years and we’d love the chance to help you. Give us a call at (303) 286-1665 or simply fill out our online form >>here<<. We’ll be in touch!
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More than half of the vehicles sold in the U.S. are light-duty pickup trucks, SUVs and crossovers. There’s a big demand for used pickup trucks, both gas and diesel.
The used pickup truck market is estimated to be three times bigger than the new-truck market. Those who can’t afford to buy a new pickup, or who like to take advantage of some great deals, are always searching for the best deal on a used pickup truck.
At Dye Autos, we sell a lot of used pickup trucks.
Here are 5 important details to look for and consider when buying a used pickup truck.
1. Work with a dealer to set your budget.
It’s important to understand your budget and know what kind of truck you want. There are many options to choose from it’s crucial to set your expectations.
Start with an expert – a trusted dealer. At Dye Autos, we’ll help you determine what used pickup truck works for your lifestyle and your financial needs. We’ll give you a framework to work within so that shopping won’t get overwhelming.
2. Make a list to identify your wants and needs.
Many people approach buying a used pickup truck based on features they think they must have, rather than from a true evaluation of their needs. Making payments on a truck that’s too large or too small gets old real fast.
Consider these questions to identify your priorities.
- Is fuel mileage important, or are you willing to trade good fuel mileage for a larger engine with more power to tow and haul?
- Do you need a truck for occasional trips to the home improvement store or to the dump? A small truck with decent fuel economy might be the best choice.
- Is a 4WD truck a must for the roads you travel every day, or for snowy conditions in the winter?
- Do you regularly carry more than one passenger? Jump seats in a small second row are not suitable for more than short trips.
- Are you okay with either an automatic or manual transmission? Which accessories and/or safety features are must-haves? Jot down any characteristic that’s important to you and take it along when you shop.
3. Prioritize your lifestyle needs too.
Many people buy trucks for work but many others are just partial to diving pickup trucks. For them it’s a matter of lifestyle.
It’s important to make a list of the features most important to you that fit your lifestyle.
- Will you be hauling or transporting heavy materials?
- Do you drive mostly on highways or dirt and unpaved roads?
- Do you have kids that you’ll be driving back and forth to classes, soccer practice, dance recital, or school plays?
Prioritizing your lifestyle needs will help you decide which features you should be looking for first when shopping for your used pickup truck—be it larger cab space, a second row of seating, a stronger hitch, or a more powerful engine.
4. Get pre-approved.
At Dye Autos, we are the truck financing experts.
We’ve got 70 years of combined truck financing experience and 100 years in automotive retail. We’ve seen every situation and we can help you. How?
- We know what banks require.
- We often get customers approved while they’re here at the dealership.
- We have access to finance anyone.
- We’ll get you pre-approved faster than anyone.
Do you have a particular financing issue or concern? Let us help! Call us at (303) 286-1665 or contact us through our site >>here<< and we’ll put our experience to work for you.
5. Once you buy, stop looking.
Don’t second guess yourself!
You’ve done your homework, shopped around, found a trustworthy dealer, and made a careful decision. Now it’s time to enjoy your truck and not worry about the elusive truck that “got away.”
“If it’s a truck you wanna buy, you’d better call DYE!”
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Many car buyers prefer to trade in their current vehicle when getting another one because it’s easy. All you have to do is drive to the dealership, sign a your paperwork, and drive away in a different vehicle. What many buyers don’t know is that there are other benefits of trading in your car.
One of the biggest benefits of trading in your car is that you can apply the trade-in credit to your down payment, thereby reducing the amount you need to finance. (ie: lowering your monthly payment!)
There can be tax advantages, too. Colorado and most other states require sales tax to be paid only on the difference between the price of your trade-in and the vehicle you’re buying, not the full price of the next car.
But this tax benefit doesn’t apply if you sell your old vehicle yourself!
Important tips when trading in your car
We’ve been selling trucks for a long time in the Denver/Wheat Ridge area. We’ve heard from customers like you who want to know “insider’s tips” on trading in your car. Here are four of our BEST tips!
- Give your trade-in curb appeal.
- Clean the exterior and interior well.
- Remove small dents.
- Fix window glass defects.
- Be honest with yourself about your car’s trade-in condition. The more forthright you are when using online appraisal tools, the better off you’ll be when it comes time to trade it in. Very often, people come into the dealership with an overly-optimistic idea of what their car is worth, only to find that reality is less optimistic.
- Don’t forget to pack all your car’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. 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.
- All your car keys and the owner’s manual.
- 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.
