When looking to keep your car in the best shape possible for many years, getting preventative maintenance at your GMC or Buick dealership is key. Regularly visiting your Buick or GMC dealership allows the technicians there to get to know you and your car so they can offer advice and services to keep that car reliable and functioning well.

Understanding Car Preventative Maintenance: Essential Services from Your Buick GMC Dealership

Oil Change

Your Ford vehicle is going to need an oil change at least once a year, and it may need one more frequently depending on your model and the oil it requires. Modern Ford vehicles have a feature built-in to remind you to go and get your oil changed. You may also need to stop by to get your oil level topped off between oil changes.

Brake Service

Brakes can develop issues even if they’re checked regularly at the dealer. If your brakes seem less effective than usual, feel spongy to step on, or start making noise, then visit the dealer for repair. Your brake pads will also need to be changed periodically, and your rotors may occasionally need resurfacing.

Battery Service

Your battery should last between three and five years, but it may become faulty sooner than expected. In some cases, your battery can be repaired, and your dealer will be happy to take care of that for you. Other times, the battery won’t be fixable, so it’ll need to be replaced. It’ll also need to be replaced when it’s old and worn out. Your dealer will check your battery’s health when you stop in for routine service.

Tire Care

When your tire tread gets too low, your tires will need to be replaced. You can buy new ones at the dealer and get them fitted there. Your tires will also need some TLC to make sure they wear down evenly and last as long as possible. Your dealer will perform regular tire rotations for you to keep them in good shape. The dealer can also check the tread and let you know when it’s time to replace your tires.

Why Go to the GMC or Buick Dealership for Maintenance?

The main reason to get all your maintenance done at the dealership is to get access to expertise. Dealership mechanics are factory-trained and use all the latest techniques and equipment to handle both older and newly released Buick and GMC cars. Independent auto repair shops don’t have the same level of training and expertise as dealership technicians. Plus, dealers provide great customer service as well as top-notch car service and repairs.

Come to Granite Buick GMC so our expert technicians can tune up your car as needed and make any necessary repairs every time you come in. You can schedule service online and pick a time that suits you.

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If you are looking for a small but mighty SUV, you need to swing by your Buick dealer to check out the Encore GX. The 2024 Buick Encore GX has a preppy engine with snappy acceleration. The interior is spacious, filled with premium materials that look and feel incredible. Read on to learn more about the ’24 Buick Encore GX and all that it can offer your family.

Introducing the 2024 Buick Encore GX Available at Your Buick Dealer

The ’24 Buick Encore GX features an aggressive exterior with a unique grille and sleek exterior accents. Drivers will love the Buick signature checkmark-shaped daytime running lamps. These lamps are bright and ensure that you are easily visible to other drivers, no matter what the weather looks like.

Interior Comfort

The ’24 Buick Encore GX features seating for five in its spacious interior. Choose the Preferred trim level, and you will love the cloth with leatherette seating surfaces and the modern, updated interior accents. The rear seat folds at a 40/60 split, giving you plenty of seating configurations to choose from. The front passenger seat also lays flat when you need to haul extra-long items.

Panoramic Moonroof

The ’24 Buick Encore GX is available with a panoramic moonroof that stretches above the front and back seats. This moonroof gives you plenty of natural light and opens with the press of a button to provide fresh air to the cabin. The panoramic moonroof also sets the perfect tone for a romantic date night with exceptional views of the stars.

Hushed Interior

You don’t have to yell to be heard inside the ’24 Encore GX with the incredible QuietTuning technology with active noise cancellation from Buick. This tech utilizes acoustic laminated glass, triple door seals, and noise-dampening materials to reduce road noise.

Power and Performance

The ’24 Buick Encore GX is available with two powertrain options. The first engine is the standard turbocharged 1.2L EcoTec powertrain, delivering 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of max torque. The second engine available is a turbocharged 1.3L EcoTec powertrain that provides an impressive 155 horsepower with 174 pounds per foot of maximum torque.

The 1.2L engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, which boosts your fuel economy. The second, larger engine is available with a silky smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. This combo provides you with instant throttle response and quick acceleration.

If you are looking for a luxurious, small, sporty SUV, you need to check out the ’24 Buick Encore GX. Come visit us at Granite Buick GMC to check out our new and used inventory, including our certified pre-owned vehicles, today.

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If you are looking for a coupe-like crossover SUV with a slicked-back style that makes a bold statement everywhere you go, you need to swing by your Buick dealer to check out the Envista. The 2024 Buick Envista is luxurious, with a spacious interior that’s packed with incredible tech features your family will love. Read on to learn more about all that the Envista has to offer.

5 Features Drivers Love on the 2024 Buick Envista at Your Buick Dealer

1. QuietTuning

It’s easy to hold a conversation or listen to your favorite music inside the ’24 Envista with its QuietTuning technology from Buick. The active noise cancellation of this makes the interior of this crossover SUV whisper quiet. The QuietTuning tech utilizes triple door seals, sound-dampening materials, and acoustic laminated glass to keep unwanted road noise out.

2. Ultrawide Infotainment Screen

The 11-inch ultrawide diagonal infotainment screen inside the ’24 Buick Envista is massive, with high-definition graphics that are easy to read. The intuitive system is easy to use, with a simple menu that you can navigate quickly. You can use this screen to manage your compatible smartphone phone devices wirelessly.

3. Wireless Compatibility

Not only does the infotainment system on the ’24 Buick Envista have wireless compatibility, but you can also equip the crossover with a wireless charging pad. This cuts down on the cord clutter inside the vehicle and helps it stay neat and tidy while you charge your devices.

3. Buick Driver Confidence

The ’24 Buick Envista comes standard with Buick Driver Confidence, which includes six driver assistance and safety features. These features include but are not limited to Intellibeam automatic high beam headlights, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. This system helps you to drive confidently while keeping your family safe.

4. Adaptive Cruise Control

You can equip every trim level of the ’24 Buick Envista with adaptive cruise control. The adaptive cruise control on this crossover SUV lets you set your preferred speed and then uses sensors and monitors to keep up with the flow of traffic while maintaining a safe following distance. This can help reduce driver fatigue as you rest your legs, letting the Envista control your speed.

5. Moonroof

You can choose to add the available moonroof to your ’24 Buick Envista. This moonroof opens the interior of the vehicle and lets in natural light. The moonroof also gives you the perfect view of the stars.

If you are ready for a luxurious crossover SUV with plenty of power, you need to check out the ’24 Buick Envista. Give us a call at Granite Buick GMC to get a quick quote and schedule a test drive in your new family vehicle today.

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If you are looking for a competitive mid-size luxury SUV this year, swing by your Buick dealer to test drive the ’24 Enclave. The 2024 Buick Enclave has room for six or seven passengers inside its roomy interior, depending on the seating options that you choose. The exterior is handsomely designed with sweeping lines that draw your eye along the vehicle.

Your Guide to the 2024 Buick Enclave Available at Your Buick Dealer

The ’24 Buick Enclave comes standard with a hands-free programmable power liftgate. Approach the SUV with your keyfob and kick your foot underneath the rear bumper, and this gate automatically opens to your pre-programmed height specifications. This is perfect when you have your hands full with groceries or little ones you don’t want to put on the ground.

Exterior Design

The stylish grille on the ’24 Enclave is offset well by the chrome wings and Buick tricolor badge. The LED headlamps on this SUV are recessed to fit smoothly with the sleek front fascia. The sculpted rear fascia and bright taillamps on this SUV make a bold statement everywhere you go. The Enclave comes with 18-inch wheels that can be upgraded to 20-inch wheels for a more aggressive appearance.

Enclave Avenir

Choose the highest expression of luxury with the ’24 Buick Enclave Avenir. The Avenir boasts an exclusive grille as well as exclusive 20-inch aluminum wheels that feature a pearl nickel finish. The panoramic moonroof and rear fixed skylight inside this SUV give it an open and airy atmosphere.

Enclave Sport Touring

Opt for the ’24 Buick Enclave Sport Touring model, and you will love the blacked-out mesh grille and Sport Touring badges. The glossy black 20-inch aluminum wheels on this model look sharp. This model is available in seven exterior color options.

Keep it Quiet

Enjoy the peaceful interior of the ’24 Enclave created by the impressive QuietTuning tech from Buick. The QuietTuning technology on this SUV includes active noise cancellation to help block and absorb unwanted road noises. The QuietTuning technology utilizes acoustic laminated glass, a noise-reducing five-link rear suspension, and triple door seals to give you a peaceful and quiet ride.

Massaging Seats

Equip your ’24 Buick Enclave with the available massaging front seats. The seats provide you with maximum give and support to keep you comfortable even on the longest drives. The massaging function lets you relax as the seats release the tension from your muscles. You can also activate the heating function on these seats to keep you warm when the weather gets cold.

If you are looking for a luxurious mid-size SUV that your whole family will love, you need to put the ’24 Buick Enclave on your list. Give us a call at Granite Buick GMC to schedule a test drive in your next family vehicle today.

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There’s nothing worse than being in a rush in the morning and going outside to your vehicle to find that it is frosted over and covered in snow, forcing you to clear it off so you can see during your commute. Luckily, garages exist so that we can avoid this unfortunate scenario. Besides the obvious reasons to keep your vehicle stored in a garage, there are several factors to the importance of storing your car in a garage, including:

1. Basic protection for the paint. Hail, wind, sun, bird droppings etc.

2. Keeping the vehicle inside allows the engine oil to cool down slowly.

3. There will be less chance of pipes freezing or getting damaged in the cool weather.

4. Wipers have a less chance of going brittle, from not being exposed to the harsh elements.

5. Engine oil is more reliable when better maintained and will do an enhanced job of lubricating your engine when kept at regular temperatures.

6. Your transition from the house to the car will be more enjoyable.

7. Save minutes and stress each morning not having to scrape your car windows!

If all else fails and you do not have a garage, one of the best ways to protect your car is to purchase a cover. Car covers are an efficient way to aid in preventing scratches and discoloration to your car. Keeping your vehicle in a garage or covered is sure fire way to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle!

Check back regularly for more tips on keeping your vehicle looking and running great for years to come!

Tags: storing vehicle in garage, vehicle care tips, vehicle maintenance, vehicle maintenance tips
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Despite the strides in female representation in virtually all other industries, the statistics regarding women working in the automotive dealership industry are bleak. While research shows that women comprise 62% of car buyers, only around 7% of dealership jobs are held by females. And, if you look at the number of women in management positions at dealerships, that number plummets to below 5%. Even in 2023, dealerships continue to be a male-dominated workplace across the United States.

Granite Automotive’s new owner, Terishka Franco, aims to change that.

“I’ve been in [the automotive] industry for 40 years, and it’s changed very little,” Franco explained. “And, if females do work at a dealership, they’re often receptionists or work in the office. They very rarely have sales, service, or management roles.”

In 2023, Franco, along with business partners Sam and Ray Agha, made the decision to buy Granite Automotive after Ross McKie, whose family owned the dealership for over 40 years, opted to step down and sell the business.

As part of her new role, Franco will work on location to oversee all operations at both of Granite Automotive’s dealerships: Granite Buick GMC and Granite Nissan. Since her arrival, Franco has exuded a tenacity and calm demeanor that has resulted in a smooth transition for both her and Granite’s employees. However, Franco has faced many obstacles on her path to becoming one of less than 100 women owners of car dealerships in the United States.

Starting Up the Ladder

Terishka Franco got her first taste of the dealership world at the age of 15 in Kalispell, MT. At the time, Franco was in high school and worked at a bank, where she often assisted with the titling process for a Toyota dealership. During her time at the bank, she streamlined the process, turning an hours-long ordeal into a five-minute task.

After observing her ingenuity and problem-solving skills, the owner of the dealership, Dugan, offered Franco a management position in his finance department, which she accepted.

Over her three years of employment, Dugan became her mentor, showing her the ins and outs of how to successfully run a dealership. Her hard work resulted in the small Montana dealership becoming one of the top Toyota dealers in the entire Western region, beating out dealerships located in large metro areas such as Los Angeles and Seattle. She was invited to share her expertise in customer service at a week-long dealership seminar in California.

When she returned to the office on Monday morning, Franco was in tears. “Dugan laughed and asked me if I got a job offer,” she recalled. “I told him I got five.”

The recent high school graduate was considering college at the time, especially after receiving a scholarship. But at that point, she was already making more in the car business than many of her friend’s parents. Dugan eventually convinced her to continue her career in the automotive industry and helped her choose the best out of the five job offers, an auto group located in San Francisco, CA.

Although she was only 18 years old and had never been to San Francisco, Franco was ready for her new venture. She packed up her bags, loaded up her car, and headed to California.

Overcoming Adversity

In San Francisco, Franco settled into her role of Finance Director of five stores. Still a teenager, she was now in charge of a group of all men, many of them her parents’ age. It was then that she really experienced the discrimination of being a woman in the auto industry.

“I was managing 40-year-old men who thought they knew it all, and all of a sudden I come in and ruffle up their world because I had a different way of doing things,” she said. “I would call Dugan crying, and he would tell me ‘You gotta stick it out kiddo. You know your stuff. Don’t let anyone get in your head.’”

“I had people come after me personally, professionally,” Franco continued. “It’s hard to not let people get to you, especially people who are jealous and threatened.”

Despite the hardships, she never gave up. At 23 years old, she was promoted to Vice President of the auto group and oversaw the operations of all the group’s stores.

Witnessing Franco’s commitment to learning the auto industry and her vast potential, the president of the auto group sent her to a General Motor’s university program. As part of the program, she held every dealership position, from front desk to the service department, for at least six months. This experience was crucial to her future success. “It set me up to becoming the owner of a dealership long before I even thought about being a dealer,” she said.

Franco’s career was on the fast track and the possibilities were endless. Then she had her first child, and, all of a sudden, her perspective and priorities changed.

Making the Hard Decisions

A new mother, Franco was still putting in long hours in her executive role. After a year, she was still putting in 15-hour days and working seven days a week. She had three caregivers for her son and was having a hard time not spending more time with him. Unlike her male peers, many of which had stay-at-home wives to care for the family, Franco was struggling to solely handle all aspects of her life.

“To me, it was unfair because I felt that I had to choose between being a mom and my career. I worked so hard to get where I was. In the end, there was no choice – my son needed me. I couldn’t keep working those kinds of hours,” she explained.

A co-worker connected Franco with one of the dealer group’s vendors, and she accepted a position. Now working on the opposite side of the auto industry, Franco was working fewer hours and making less money, but was able to achieve the stability she needed to raise her son.

Although her new boss was a female, Jill, who also became a trusted mentor, Franco quickly realized that it was very male dominated on the auto industry’s vendor side as well. “I was up against men, everywhere I went. Managing men much older than me with more experience than me, that doubted my expertise and ability.”

Nevertheless, Franco continued to excel. In her new position, she evaluated struggling dealerships and determined if they were able to recover, or if their franchise should be closed. Her experience working in every aspect of a dealership made it easy for her to identify issues and create plans to fix them. She helped dealers grow their business, buy businesses, sell business, get profitable, and navigate through problems.

“I did that for over 28 years,” Franco remembers, “And that’s where I was when I met Sam.”

New Horizons

When Franco started working for Sam, she not only had expertise in running a store, but she also had marketing and business experience on the manufacturing side as well. Sam Agha recognized this, telling Franco, “You have helped so many dealers become millionaires or increase their millions. You should put that skillset to work for you. If you do well as an employee, imagine what you will do as an owner.”

“I always came close to being an owner. It was always the next step, but a man would always be chosen,” she said.

When Franco and the Aghas came across the opportunity to buy Granite Automotive, they grabbed it. At the time, Sam and Terishka were running a dealership in Los Angeles, CA, and were experiencing high turnover and other issues that go along with managing a dealership in a large metro area. They liked the fact that Granite Automotive was located in a more rural setting and maintained the family-owned, small-town feel that could not be found in California. 

Franco’s appreciation for Granite solidified when she first sat down with the dealership’s executive management team and looked around the table. “I realized we are all women! We stepped into that, we didn’t create that. And I’m very proud of it.”

The Future of Auto is Female

As a female auto dealership owner, Franco hopes to bring more women into the industry. “I’m going to broadcast loudly that Granite Automotive is a female-run operation,” she exclaimed.

One way she hopes to achieve her goal is to partner with area schools to encourage more females to choose automotive careers. “I don’t think that women think of [automotive careers]. I want to show that it possible for females to get far in the industry.”

“I’m all about leadership and women empowerment,” she continued. “I realized out of the gate when I was 15 years old that I’m in a male-dominated career, but I really liked it and was good at it. So, I was either going to continue in my career that I loved, or I was going to let men dictate that I wasn’t welcome. I chose the former.”

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Granite Automotive Group in Rapid City is celebrating their new ownership by inviting the public to a grand re-opening event on Friday, August 18^th at the Granite dealership locations on East Mall Drive.

The festivities kick off at 10am and feature plenty of activities for all ages. Derby cars will be on display starting at 10am, with derby drivers on hand to sign autographs. Nugget from the Rapid City Rush is slated to make an appearance from 11am – 12:30pm. The celebration also includes a dunk tank benefiting JourneyOn, face painting, and a bouncy house to round out the fun. Food trucks will be in attendance from 11am – 2pm, with Mercy’s Tacos, Patas Azules, and Gilligan’s Shaved Ice Paradise serving up a variety of delicious options.

Door prizes will be awarded every hour from 11am – 2pm, with prizes including fair passes and entries to Reptile Gardens. Must be present to win. Those that purchase a car on August 18^th will also have the opportunity to play Plinko or Spin the Prize Wheel for the chance to win additional prizes.

The celebration continues on Saturday, August 19^th with Billy Q’s breakfast starting at 8am.

Granite Automotive Group acquired new owners in May 2023 after over 40 years of ownership by the McKie family. New owners Sam Agha, Ray Agha, and Terishka Franco are excited to bring their dealership expertise to Rapid City while still honoring the legacy of the McKie family.

“It’s been an easy transition because we’ve kept the true core of the business. We’ve kept all of the employees, which was important, as well as the name,” Franco explained. “It’s the McKie legacy and it’s important for us to honor that and keep moving forward.”

For Granite’s new ownership team, moving forward means providing the dealership’s current team with the training tools they need to develop their skills and grow as leaders. “We’re fortunate that we have such great people to work with,” Franco said.

Celebrate this promising new beginning for Granite Automotive Group on Friday, August 18^th at Granite Buick GMC at 2454 East Mall Drive and Granite Nissan at 2626 East Mall Drive.

About Granite Automotive Group

Granite Automotive Group, LLC, is Rapid City’s premier auto dealership, providing a robust inventory of used and new vehicles. They also offer a service department that is staffed by certified technicians, providing all vehicle servicing needs from routine maintenance to extensive repairs.

Granite offers an experience unlike any other dealership, with a waiting room boasting complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, premier coffee, fruit, and freshly made popcorn. There are also a children’s play area and a putting green to stay entertained during the wait.

Granite Automotive Group is proud to provide unbeatable service, a wide selection, and exclusive amenities to make purchasing and servicing your vehicle a truly hassle-free experience.

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How do buyers choose to drive a specific vehicle model? While the right price point is certainly a factor, the most recent J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study indicates that other aspects weigh just as heavily. Why do we choose to drive what we do? Here are the top 10 reasons:

1. Reliability and Durability. For 3 consecutive years, reliability and durability are the most common reasons for selecting a particular model.
2. Interior Comfort. A relaxed ride is the second-most-frequently cited reason in vehicle selection.
3. Exterior Styling. Sometimes, appearance really does matter. In recent years, exterior styling has increased in importance among new vehicle buyers.
4. Fuel Economy. Of course, gas mileage is always a factor, especially in recent years during which it’s taken on a new level of importance.
5. Quality of Workmanship. This factor has actually fallen since 2010, and is tied in fourth place with fuel economy.
6. Dealer Satisfaction. People buy from people they like, which we see every day at Granite Automotive. Buyers generally prefer to shop locally, choose to do business with a convenient dealer, and say they’d rather buy from someone they like than someone who has the best deal.
7. Performance. This element has consistently held the 7th spot in deciding factors.
8. Advanced Technology. During the past 3 years, technology has risen from the 10th spot to the 8th spot, meaning that buyers truly care about innovative advancements.
9. Image. Purchasing a specific make and model because of the image it portrays ties with technology as the eighth most cited factor.
10. Safety. Safety declined in importance, though we feel this consideration is just as important as a vehicle’s comfort levels, image, or tech gadgets.

Selecting your next vehicle is a highly personal, important decision. You should consider the factors that mean the most to you, and prioritize a list of must-haves before you start your search. At Granite Automotive we are proud to carry vehicles that meet all of these standards, and are excited to find the make and model that fulfills each of your needs.

Tags: Buying a new vehicle, choosing what vehicle to buy, Factors to consider when buying a vehicle
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The appearance of your vehicle speaks volumes about who you are as a person. In that case, what is your car currently broadcasting about you to your fellow drivers on the road? Does it boast of a put-together person with attention to detail, self-respect, and pride? Or does it scream of a slovenly someone who is negligent and sloppy??

With little regard for year, make, or model, most car owners choose to take pride in one of the bigger purchases ever made and greater possessions ever owned. That’s why you’ll always see a long line of cars at the local car wash on clear and sunny days that follow an onslaught of rain, mud, and snow.

However, there are many who choose to avoid the long lines and wait times when it comes to car washing. Some car owners prefer to entrust the condition of their prized vehicle’s chrome and paint to their own two hands, enjoying the simple pleasure of soaping and rinsing with a bucket and hose in the comfort of their own driveway. All too often, taking the time and care to hand-wash the exterior of your vehicle is a “pride thing.”

For all you proud and passionate self-washers out there, here are some do-it-yourself steps for preventing paint damage and making your ride shine like new:

1. Limit exposure to sun. In the late spring, summer, and early fall, exposure to UV rays is the surest and quickest way to see paint color fade. If a garage isn’t available, look for a shaded area in front of your home, outside of the office, or in the parking lot.
2. Remove ruinous elements as you find them. The following nuisances are unsightly when it comes to the overall appearance of your car, but they’re also damaging to you paint job: alkaline ash from wildfires, tree sap residue, accidental gasoline drips, acidic coffee and soda, bird droppings, and bug splatter. As soon as you notice any of the above, make sure removal is immediate (or as soon as humanly possible).
3. Wash thoroughly once a week. Don’t wait until the dirt has accumulated and the kids have finger-traced “Wash Me” across every available, sooty surface. Make the maintenance of your vehicle’s exterior a part of your weekly routine, right up there with laundry and dishwashing.
4. Use specially formulated car-washing products. Household cleaners, such as soaps and detergents, can damage your protective wax. Always check that the cleaner you intend to use has been formulated for the finish. You will most likely want to purchase different cleaners for exterior paint and chrome wheels.
5. Avoid abrasive cleaning cloths and hand motions. To prevent unsightly scratches in your paint, use a soft, natural sponge or lamb’s wool mitt in a lateral motion across the panels of your car. Don’t spread and scrub soap and water in a circular motion, and don’t apply a sponge, mitt, or cloth to your finish if it has been on the ground. Sponges that have hit the deck often pick up dirt and small rocks that can scratch up a pretty paint job.
6. Rinse thoroughly. Use a clean bucket of water, and take care not to leave any soapy residue. If you rinse directly from the hose, remove any nozzles and let a low-pressure stream of clear water rinse from top to bottom.
7. Dry with soft towels. Water that lingers and pools on the panels of your car can leave permanent water spots. Never let your car air dry. Use a squeegee and a chamois or terry towel for a quick and easy drying process.

If you care about your car’s appearance, keeping the exterior clean and protected should be an ongoing effort—not a reactive, “once-in-awhile” task. After all, you schedule regular oil changes and tune-ups to extend the life of your vehicle’s interior elements—surely your paint job and chrome wheels deserve the same!

If you don’t mind that your car is showing signs of “getting on in age,” then by all means, let random strangers in the Wal-Mart parking lot remind you of your car-washing duties with a well-meaning memo scratched into the dust on your bumper. Or…

Take some pride. Have some self-respect. Keep that paint job both pretty and protected.

Tags: car care tips, maintaining car paint
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Everyone knows the routine when it comes to buying a used car. Ask for the history report, take it for a test drive, take it to your mechanic, then negotiate the price and head home in your styling new ride.

Here’s the thing when it comes to buying a used car: You need to shop the seller just as much as the car. That’s because the seller—whether it’s a dealer or a private party—is your first, best source for information on the car you want to buy. In a perfect world, that person or company would be completely honest, telling you everything you want to know without a moment’s hesitation. The reality is that sellers don’t always have all the answers, or worse, they exaggerate the positives while flat-out hiding the negative answers they know would kill the sale.

With this in mind, here are three must-ask questions that can give you more insight into the car you want to buy, as well as the seller who wants you to buy it.

• How long have you owned the car?

For a private party transaction, this is a good question to ask because it helps establish longevity with the current vehicle owner. If it was owned a number of years, take that as a good thing. It means they trusted the car enough to hold onto it, and though it’s not a guarantee the car was maintained during that time, it’s a fairly safe bet. The other side is short-term ownership, and that should always raise a quick red flag. Is the owner trying to bail out of the car after finding a major problem?

If you’re shopping at a dealer, asking this question can help you negotiate the price. If they just got it, don’t expect them to move much. But if it’s been on the lot for a few months, odds are they will deal.

• Why are you selling the car?

A dealer is obviously selling the car to make money, but asking this question of a private seller can help catch a bad transaction before it happens. Dishonest sellers might be caught off-guard, stumbling with a generic answer like “I just want something else” when really the car is about to explode. Wanting to sell the car because it wasn’t very comfortable or fuel efficient are legitimate, valid, specific reasons that may or may not apply to your situation. Selling because “I don’t really like it” or “I just want something else” often suggests there’s indeed something else already going on, and it’s probably not good.

• What kind of verifiable maintenance history do you have on the car?

Verifiable maintenance history boils down to one word: Paperwork. Whether you’re working with a dealer or a private party, assume none of the claimed maintenance has been done unless there are receipts to back it up. Not having receipts doesn’t automatically mean it’s a bad car, but without them you’ll have no choice but to trust what the seller says—hence the need to shop the seller as much as the car. Additionally, having a stack of paperwork is physical proof the owner cared enough about the car to not just take care of it, but to keep track of such things. That’s a very encouraging sign that you’re dealing with a good seller, and most likely, a good car as well.

Tags: Buying a used car
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