How To Prepare Your Home For An Electric Vehicle

View New Vehicles View Certified-Pre-Owned-Vehicles View Pre-Owned-Vehicles There are many occasions that can make you feel like an adult and that you’re truly on your own; however, very few occasions match the feeling you get when you purchase your first car. You’re not only setting off on your journey behind the wheel, but you’re also making your first investment and accepting a major responsibility. The prospect alone can be daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the car-buying process or know the right questions to ask. That’s why, as your premier Kentucky used car lot, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to car buying to help you successfully navigate the process of purchasing your first car. Back to Basics: English 101 The car industry is inundated with acronyms and words like VIN, APR, and fair market value that might sound foreign to you at first. But just like you learned the basics of the English language, you can quickly learn what these terms mean and how they apply. Here’s a quick overview of the most common words and phrases you’ll hear as you shop for a used car. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) The Annual Percentage Rate, which is also known as the finance rate, is the annual interest rate that a lender charges you to borrow money for your car loan. You’ll hear “APR” when you apply for financing. Our finance department will work to secure the best or lowest rate available based on your credit score. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) There’s a big difference between a used and CPO vehicle. A CPO vehicle is usually priced slightly higher than a used vehicle and is backed by the manufacturer. Every CPO vehicle must meet a set of requirements and undergo a comprehensive inspection and any necessary repairs before it’s given the CPO badge. Default When you finance your first car, you’re responsible for making the monthly payments on time and in full. Defaulting on your loan occurs when you fail to make those payments, which can cause the bank or lender to take back the vehicle. Defaulting also affects your credit rating and can make it difficult for you to secure loans in the future. Depreciation Depreciation is the decrease in a vehicle’s value over time. While every car depreciates, new cars depreciate much faster over the first five years of ownership. This makes buying a used car a better option since you’ll get a better value car at a more affordable price. Down Payment The down payment is the money you put down on the vehicle at the time of purchase. This payment reduces the amount of money you’re borrowing from a lender and, in turn, can lower your monthly payments. Typical down payments are approximately 20 percent of the vehicle’s sale price. For example, if you’re purchasing a $15,000 car, the down payment would be $3,000. Extended Warranty When you shop for a used car, you’ll want to learn all you can about warranties and extended warranties. New cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty which expires after a set time or mileage. The extended warranty can add coverage after the factory warranty expires, which gives you greater peace of mind in your purchase since warranties cover expensive components like engines, transmissions, air conditioners, etc. Lease The dealership may ask if you’re interested in leasing a vehicle. Leasing is an agreement between you and the dealer that allows you to use the car for a set period of time and within certain mileage parameters. Once the lease is up, you return the vehicle to the dealership with several options––buy the leased vehicle, sign a new lease, or buy another vehicle. While leasing is a great way to get behind the wheel of newer models every few years, it’s only a good option if you know you can take good care of the vehicle since there are penalties for excessive wear and tear. MSRP An acronym for the “Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price,” the MSRP is the price you’ll find on the vehicle’s Monroney or Window Sticker. The MSRP reflects the price of the vehicle as it sits on the lot but does not give you the total cost of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle’s MSRP is $25,000, but this does not include finance charges or taxes. VIN The 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number identifies the vehicle by its make, year, body style, and engine. Located under the windshield or on the door jamb, the VIN is a great way to learn more about the vehicle itself. You can use the VIN to look up the vehicle’s value as well as any associated recalls. Questions to Ask One of the best things to remember when buying a car for the first time is that you are in control of the process. You can look at as many cars as you want, take as many test drives as needed, and ask every question imaginable. A reputable dealership will be there every step of the way until you have all the information and confidence you need to make your purchase. But what questions should you ask? Can I take the vehicle for a test drive? A test drive can tell you a lot about how a vehicle performs. Once you’re behind the wheel, you can test the vehicle’s ability to quickly accelerate or stop and how it responds. You can also take a closer look at its interior and features like the infotainment system, air conditioner, etc., to ensure they function properly. Is the vehicle history report available? Often provided by CARFAX, this report gives you a clearer picture of the vehicle’s history and includes its repair history, number of owners, title issues, and accident involvement. Is the vehicle under warranty or eligible for an extended warranty? Since repairs can be costly, you’ll want to know more about the vehicle’s current warranty as well as available coverage. Has the vehicle been inspected? If you’re shopping for a CPO vehicle, you know the answer is already “yes.” However, if you’re shopping for a used car, don’t be afraid to ask this question or ask the seller if you can have your mechanic inspect the vehicle for any potential issues. First-Time Buyer Tips As you start your search for a used car, it’s important to understand a few key phrases that will help you navigate the process and find a vehicle that truly meets your driving needs. It’s also important to start your search on the right foot, and that means knowing your budget. For first-time buyers, setting a budget can be difficult, but it’s not impossible; it’s the best way to set yourself up for success. Just like you budget for groceries, utilities, and hobbies, budgeting for a vehicle tells you how much you can afford to pay for a vehicle. Just be sure to factor insurance and maintenance costs into your budget. Once you know your budget, it’s easy to start your search for the perfect vehicle. You’ll discover that your budget may not go as far on a new model, but it can get you behind the wheel of a fully-loaded model when you shop from the used lot. This is a great incentive to purchase a used vehicle and is what attracts many first-time car buyers to our lot. When you find a vehicle that you love, be sure to take it for a test drive (or two). Don’t be afraid to get the car’s VIN and do some research of your own to ensure it’s priced fairly. We even recommend reaching out to your insurance agency to see how much your monthly coverage will be on the vehicle. This can give you a better idea of whether or not the vehicle is within your budget. From there, the process is easy as the dealership works with you to get the paperwork completed. You’ll have the opportunity to apply for financing, make your down payment, or buy the vehicle outright, as well as add any additional warranty coverage. Once the papers are signed, the vehicle is yours, and you can drive home happy and filled with pride from making your first car purchase!

View Pre-Owned Vehicles The best part about shopping for a used car nowadays is the plethora of technology found inside cars that are even a few years old. It used to be that the only way you were able to take advantage of the most cutting-edge tech in a vehicle was to buy brand new, but that's not the case with the used inventory on offer now. At Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, your top used car dealer in Lexington, we have some tips for you when you're looking to buy a used car. Not only are you able to enjoy a much more reasonable price when buying used, but you're also able to get some of the latest tech in the industry, maybe even some features that you wouldn't be able to afford if buying new. When you're shopping for a vehicle, take a look at some of the most advanced tech features that you'll want to find in a used car. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration These days, we're all about our phones, and being able to take advantage of their features on the go is essential. Whether you're a lifelong Android fan or a total Apple fanatic, there's a connectivity option available for you in many used cars, even in those that are older than you might think. When searching for a used car, it helps to find one that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities to help you stay effortlessly connected during your day. Whether you're looking to check your messages, stream your favorite music or get directions to your destination, it's all possible with these integrated systems. Being able to control your favorite go-to apps straight from your infotainment touchscreen makes it easy to stay updated even during long trips. If you want to remain connected during your ride, look for models that are from 2014 to the present, as Apple CarPlay made its debut in 2014, with Android Auto following a year later. Not only are you able to stay in control of everything happening on your device, these features reduce distractions on the road, helping drivers stay safer on any journey. Advanced Safety Features Speaking of staying safe on the road, cars these days are equipped with some of the most advanced safety and driver-assist systems on the planet. From Adaptive Cruise Control to help you stay a comfortable distance from the vehicles around you to Emergency Braking capabilities to help you avoid making contact with obstacles, these features can be found in nearly all modern vehicles available today. Gentle reminders to alert you if you're drifting out of your lane, blind spot features to aid in better visibility, and even automatic headlights have made their way into vehicles for years. Just because you're buying used, it doesn't mean you have to skimp when it comes to safety. From Ford CoPilot360 to Toyota Safety Sense, Nissan Safety Shield 360 to Honda Sensing, you'll find loads of options when it comes to staying safe during your travels. Choose from more recent model years to take advantage of more standard features so that you're able to travel with the confidence you need in any road conditions. When you have your vehicle watching out for you, you're able to better focus on the journey that lies ahead. Bluetooth Capabilities Bluetooth has been around for decades, which makes it easy to find a vehicle with this capability inside. When your vehicle offers Bluetooth compatibility, you're not only able to enjoy your ride even more; you're also able to ensure you're staying safer with your eyes on the road instead of on your phone. Allowing for hands-free operation of your phone, you're able to make phone calls via voice prompts, send text messages, and listen to music from your favorite apps, like Pandora, Spotify, and more. Never miss a beat when you're connected to Bluetooth, as you're able to stay fully updated on your day. For those looking at slightly older vehicles, which may not include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth is the next best thing to stay intuitively connected no matter where you're traveling to next. Parking Assist Features and More Modern vehicles offer up a lot of help in virtually any situation, especially when it comes to parking. Whether you're trying to navigate your way into a tight parking space or you're backing up in a crowded parking lot, parking assist and rear camera assist features can help you perform these tasks with ease. Utilizing cameras and sensors, your vehicle will alert you if you're coming within close proximity to an object, helping you to avoid making contact with that obstacle and keeping everyone around you safe. If you want to take advantage of the latest driver-assist features, it's best to stick to newer models, even those just a couple of years old. You'll still be able to enjoy a much lower sticker price, but with loads of helpful features designed to improve your confidence behind the wheel. Speaking of getting more confident during your travels, if you have a teen driver in your home, many models come with teen driver tech to help perfect their skills in the driver's seat. From driving reports to helpful tips, your new driver will improve and become more confident in no time. Hands-Free Driving Abilities It may sound too futuristic to be true, but more and more vehicles are being equipped with hands-free, otherwise known as semi-autonomous, driving capabilities. Made possible by the use of Adaptive Cruise Control, paired with pre-mapped roads and various sensors, vehicles can now take over the hard task of driving while you stay focused on the road. With hundreds of thousands of compatible roadways across the country, semi-autonomous driving abilities can be found in Tesla, Cadillac, and Ford models and are expected to be found in more and more vehicles over the next few years, with talk of completely self-driving vehicles available in the near future. Although you'll have to stick with more recent models to be able to take advantage of these abilities, there are a lot of options making their way to used lots everywhere. And what better way to try out this new technology than by buying used and enjoying it for a much lower price? If you want to harness the power of some of the most advanced technology in the industry, you're able to do so in a used vehicle, making buying used even more enticing than ever before. Finding Your Next Used Car in Lexington Gone are the days of having to settle for whatever resided on the used lot, even if it wasn't anywhere near what you wanted in a vehicle. And forget about not being able to get all of the newest features available in a vehicle when buying used. The used car buying experience has gotten infinitely better throughout the last couple of years, with the emergence of better-equipped options hitting lots across the nation. Some of the most highly sought-after features are new technologies, which makes searching for a used car even more exciting since you're now able to enjoy these features without overpaying for a new vehicle. At Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we help used car shoppers find their ideal vehicles with all the tech they could ever ask for inside. Whether you want the most advanced safety features or you're just looking to stay connected during your drive, we have a selection that will impress. Stop by our lot and explore our used car inventory to see why Lexington drivers love working with our team. Not only will you find the best selection in town, you'll find that nothing comes close to a Dan Cummins deal.

Maybe it's about time to get a new (or new-to-you) car, but you'd also like to see if you can get a good deal. If you allow yourself for some preparation, you can avoid some common car-buying mistakes and land yourself a great deal at your favorite local dealership. View New Vehicles View Used Vehicles Here are tips from Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Paris, a full service dealership right in Paris, Kentucky, to help you decide on the best possible time to purchase that new car. Before It's an Emergency The best time to buy a car is before you already absolutely need it. Last-minute decisions can mean you buy what's available now as opposed to what you really want out of a vehicle. If you give yourself enough time to do thorough research, you'll be able to get your finances together and come up with a list of features you want in your vehicle of choice. Our team can then help get you into the best vehicle that truly fits your lifestyle. Toward the End of the Month Modern shiny cars near factory in daytime by Tom Fisk is licensed with Pexels License Oftentimes, dealerships will offer various discounts at the end of the month to help sales representatives meet their monthly sales goals. Sales representatives can often offer you additional savings or incentive programs to help you get into that new car by the end of the month. At the same time, though, each dealership has different quota policies, so some dealerships might offer these incentives at a different time. But no matter what, it can still potentially save you money during the financing process. Early in the Week There is a high chance of getting a good deal for a car purchase on a Monday (or even a Tuesday) because so many other potential customers already came in over the weekend. After that weekend rush is over, a sales representative can spend more time with you, getting to understand all of your needs. Just think about the fact that other people will also be car-shopping on major three-day weekends, so Tuesday is also a good choice. You'll still get that deeply individualized service that gets you the best deal on the vehicle you want. During a Three-Day Weekend We did mention that a lot of people shop for cars on three-day weekends, and there's a good reason why. Whether the holiday falls on a Friday or a Monday, car dealerships offer matchless promotional deals and amazing incentives during these long weekends. The four most popular three-day weekends for car deals are Labor Day, Memorial Day, President's Day, and the 4th of July. Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends usually have the best combinations of promotional prices and vehicle selections, but President's Day and Independence Day offer good price reductions, too. We recommend visiting our showroom earlier in the week to narrow down your options, get some questions answered, and test drive your favorites. Then you're prepared to buy right away when those deals activate over the weekend. During Black Friday Black Friday is one of the biggest consumer holidays for nearly every industry. As a result, car dealerships often take advantage of this customer mindset of shopping for the best deals to provide huge discounts on major models to increase their sales. The dealership is thinking ahead to their year-end sales targets and wanting to clear out excess stock before any model refreshes, so sales teams are motivated to move inventory. Just like with those three-day holiday weekends, we recommend planning way ahead of Thanksgiving. Start your research earlier in the month, and feel free to ask our team any questions while you test drive what we have in stock before you clinch the deal. At the End of the Calendar Year Even after Black Friday ends, you can still see a good amount of discounts at your local dealership through the month of December. Dealers are looking hard at those end-of-year targets by now, and they can offer incentives, deep discounts, and extra amenities to help you get the car you're looking for as well as secure higher sales figures. Data shows that December is one of the cheapest months to purchase a vehicle, as sellers are pushing to close their deals before New Year's Day. At the End of the Model Year Manufacturers usually release a new model every year, so when the new model comes into the store, dealers work to reduce their stock of older models and trims to make room. This tends to happen during the end of summer and into the start of fall. Having the newest editions in stock means that last year's model now has a lower level of demand — as well as price. So if you're looking for a newer vehicle but don't necessarily need the most recent model year, this is a good option for you. Be sure to compare any new features to the outgoing model before you close the deal. The more updated the features are in the refreshed model, the greater of a discount you'll most likely see. When a Car Is About To Be Redesigned or Discontinued Vehicle models don't always change that much from one year to another. But sometimes, a new model year brings with it a total redesign of a given vehicle, from the exterior shape to the array of interior features. When this is happening for a car brand that you love, you can treat this just like you would the end of a regular model year. You can snap up the previous design for a significantly lower sticker price than the newest release. Also, sometimes entire model lines get discontinued, maybe to make room for something totally new or because that model wasn't very popular. Either way, keep an eye on any advertising that says a particular model is going to be discontinued.  You'll be able to get substantial discounts and even financing deals so that the dealership can clear it out. No matter when you decide to take advantage of these deals, be sure to prepare in advance. Research all of your options, and get in touch with our financing department to see what options you have. We'll be glad to help you get into the vehicle that's best for your needs.