345 Linnerud Drive #A Sun Prairie, WI 53590 608-318-6100

What should you research before buying a car.

What should you research before buying a car?

When people think of buying a new vehicle, they usually only think of the car itself as being the only decision they need to make. However, that is just one of the many decisions they will have to make in the car buying process.
Let’s start with the obvious one.:
1) Of course, the first decision is what vehicle to buy. Example: what is the best type of vehicle for me or my family? What features do I want/need? What colors would I like? Is fuel economy a major concern? These are just the start of questions to ask yourself about the car.
2) Secondly, the decision about affordability needs to be made. Do I have enough to pay cash, or should I finance the vehicle? If I finance, what can I afford for a monthly payment?
3) Lastly, there are decisions that must be made at the dealership:
a. Would you like to protect yourself with GAP coverage?
b. Would you like to protect yourself with an Extended Service Plan?
c. Would you like to have the protection of a 5 in 1 package?
d. Would you like to put a Paint Protection / Fabric guard on your vehicle?

There are a lot of factors that go into buying a vehicle. It is best to sit down and figure out a budget you can afford. But it is also important to figure out the cost of the added protection you can put on your investment.
In the State of Wisconsin, every vehicle sold by a licensed dealer is required to go through a 45-point safety inspection. That means at the time of the sale, the vehicle has passed the requirements the State of Wisconsin DOT requires to consider a vehicle is in good safe working condition. That however does not state that the vehicle will not have any issues down the road. Therefore, dealerships will offer additional products (like GAP and Extended Service Plans) from 3rd party sellers to help protect you from large expenses down the road.
What to watch out for?
When people hear Extended Service Plan (many call it Extended Warranties), or aftermarket products, they tend to be reluctant from stories that they have heard in the past. Unfortunately, there are some companies who take advantage of people and promise more than they fulfill or try and find ways not to pay claims through loopholes. That is why it is extremely important to do your homework on not only the vehicle, the dealership, but also the companies for which the dealership sells aftermarket products.
Oliver Motors makes sure that they have investigated the ratings and reviews of each company that they offer. Oliver Motors has contacted references from not only other selling dealers but also other repair shops to ensure claims are paid in a timely manner and that the entire process was simple for the shop and the customer.
What do each of these products even do?

GAP Coverage: Optional coverage you can purchase that will help pay off your auto loan if your vehicle is considered totaled in an accident or stolen and you owe more than the car's depreciated value. Many people will add in tax, title, license, and in some cases, money owed from a previous vehicle that they traded in on a new car.
An Example: If the new car you are buying is valued at $10,000, and you are financing $14,000, in the case of an accident your insurance will only pay out what the vehicle is valued at. GAP coverage will step in and pay off the remainder of your loan, or $4,000.

Extended Service Plans: With the technology put into vehicles today, and with that technology being man-made, there is a chance that there may be some failures. With the amount of moving parts for a better, smoother ride there is a lot of wear and tear on vehicles today. With that being said, the vehicle may be in perfect shape right now, but what about a year from now with an additional 12,000 miles? What about three years from now with 30,000 miles? Will you have money set aside to help with repair bills down the road? Will you have a saving able to fix a large ticket repair?
An Example: The cost to remove and replace a Shock Assembly on a 2015 Ford F150 is in the $1,200-$1,500.00 range. A timing Chain on a 2009 Traverse is in the $1,400-$1,800 range.
You can purchase an Extended Service Plan from a basic driveline to help with the parts listed above, to an all-inclusive which is almost as good as a manufacture’s coverage.
Drive Train will cover all internal parts of the motor, transmission, and drivetrain. The parts that make the vehicle run and get you from point A to Point B. The all-inclusive will be for more of the luxury features. Oliver Motors offers two different companies, which each company has a variety of year and mileage options, and coverage options available.
5 in 1 Coverage: It is the little things that get you!! You are on the dock ready to get in the boat and drop your keys in the lake. You are driving down the highway and the vehicle in front of you kicks up a rock chipping or cracking your windshield. You come out of the grocery store and notice the car next to you left a dent in your door. 5 in 1 will help with all this along with Tire and Wheel Protection and Roadside Assistance.
Paint Protection/ Fabric Guard: Americans are always on the go. In the mid-’90s; the average person would drive 10,000 miles per year. With a combination of more people commuting to work and busier lifestyles; that amount has increased to an average of 18,000 miles per year. With that being said, the interiors of our vehicles have become a mobile office, cafeterias, beauty salons, weekend project haulers, and all-purpose transporters. This is where Paint Protection/ Fabric Guard will help protect your vehicle from interior issues like fast food stains, makeup marks, cigarette burns, rips & tears, and gum. It will also help protect the exterior from issues like bird waste, tree sap, hard water spots, paint overspray from road projects, and bug and insect guts.
In summary, purchasing a vehicle is the largest investment you will make next to buying a house. You will want to make sure that you have made the right choice, at a price/payment you can afford, and have protected yourself not only today but down the road. I hope this information helps you when shopping for your next vehicle!

11/30/2020 in Automotive

gap coverage extended service plans 5 in 1 coverage paint protection/ fabric guard

Why Buy From A Dealer Vs. Private Party

Why Buy From A Dealer Vs. Private Party?


When buying a new vehicle… many people get the idea that buying from a dealer is not the wisest choice due to pricing. The impression is the dealers are only out to make a profit to cover the salesperson’s commission, inventory, the building, insurance, etc. These expenses are real; however, there is much more to it than that. Purchasing a vehicle from a licensed WI Auto Dealer may cost a bit more but provides you with a tremendous amount of protection and possible recourse.
Wisconsin is one of the most regulated states in the nation when it comes to automobile sales for dealers. When buying from a licensed Wisconsin dealer; you are protected by Wisconsin's Motor Vehicle Trade Practice Law. WI licensed dealers follow the law when they advertise, display, and sell vehicles. You will not get the same protection if you buy from a private party or from an out-of-state dealer. Private Party and other state’s dealer sales are considered “Buyer Beware” which means the consumer has absolutely no recourse if the motor should be bad, the frame should be rotten, or the title should happen to be branded. Its now your problem to deal with.
WI Licensed Dealers are required BY LAW to fully inspect every vehicle placed for sale. If everything on the WI Buyer’s Guide is not repaired; it MUST be disclosed to the buyer. This is NOT required by private party sellers or out-of-state licensed dealers.
Expect these advantages when you buy from a licensed dealer (taken from Wisconsin DOT website):
Truthful advertising:
Expect ads to say what they mean and mean what they say. An advertised price will include all charges you'll pay to buy a car (except tax, title, registration and service fees). If an ad promises you a set price for your trade, you'll get that price for a trade of any age, condition, or mileage. You won't have to buy anything to get a gift offered "free" in an advertisement.
Accurate window labels:
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price Label (MSRP)
You'll find the "MSRP" label on the window of any new, executive, or demonstrator car offered for sale. It lists the following:
• Manufacturer's base price
• Standard equipment and manufacturer's optional equipment with prices
• Freight charge
• Suggested retail price
Cars may sell for more or less than the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Dealer supplemental price label
You may also find a dealer supplemental price label on new cars. It lists optional equipment and services the dealer offers or has already installed.
Wisconsin Buyers Guide 
Used cars display the Wisconsin buyers guide which gives the following information:
• How a vehicle was used (private use, business use, lease use, rental, etc.)
• Price
• Title brands (permanent brands that are on the title or will be on the next title)
• Make, year, model, identification number, engine size and transmission type
• Sold with remaining manufacturer's warranty, a dealer warranty or "As Is"
• Description of items dealer inspects
• Condition of the vehicle and its safety equipment, with defects explained
Dealers complete the guide based on a visual inspection and test drive. They must disclose any noticeable defects. However, they aren't required to take vehicles apart to check them.
Warranty information
New car warranty
All new cars carry a warranty, usually of at least 12 months and/or 12,000 miles. Tires, battery, and dealer-installed options may have separate warranties that differ in time and mileage. Read any warranties to find out what is covered and for how long, who will honor the warranty, and what you have to do to keep it in effect.

Wisconsin's new car Lemon Law
The Lemon Law protects you when you buy or lease new vehicles. It entitles you to a refund or replacement vehicle if, in the first year under warranty, your vehicle has a serious problem the dealer doesn't repair in four tries, or if it's out of service due to defects for a total of 30 days or more. Save your repair orders. For more information, call the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Dealer Section consumer hotline (608) 266-1425 or DealerLicensingUnit@dot.wi.gov.

Used car warranty
Read the Wisconsin buyers guide window label to find out if a used car has any dealer warranty or remaining manufacturer's new car warranty. Ask who will transfer any remaining manufacturer's warranty and who will pay any transfer fee. The dealer will show you a separate warranty document for any warranty listed on the label.

"As-Is"
If you buy a car with no dealer warranty, it will be marked "As-Is" on the window sticker. "As-Is" means the dealer is not responsible for repairs the car needs later, even if the car comes with a manufacturer warranty.
A binding contract…You sign, you buy
Dealers use the "purchase contract" form when selling cars. Read and understand the contract before you sign. Once you and the dealer sign the offer, it becomes a binding contract. The dealer can't raise the price or sell the car to anyone else. You can't cancel the contract without a penalty.
The contract should include the following information about your purchase:
• Whether you're buying the car with a warranty or "As-Is"
• Date your vehicle will be delivered
• Other conditions of the sale. Get all promises in writing on the contract
Purchase cancellation
Many consumers mistakenly believe they have three days to cancel the purchase contract. They do not. The 3-day "cooling off" period only applies to sales the dealer makes away from the dealership.
Trade-in
Get the price for your trade-in in writing on the contract. The price won't change unless you put on more miles than agreed to in the contract, remove parts, or damage the car before you trade it in. Protect yourself and the next owner by giving accurate information about your trade-in's mileage and condition, and how it was used.
License plates
You must display a license plate on all autos and light trucks. Your dealer will provide you with a temporary plate good for 90 days if you do not have a plate to transfer. Some dealers offer title and registration services that allow them to give you plates and stickers right away. If you choose this option, you will receive your title sooner than if your dealer mails your application. There is a fee for this service.

So when you're looking for your next vehicle... make sure to protect your investment by buying from a Licensed Wisconsin Auto Dealer.

11/18/2020 in Automotive

Is your vehicle ready for OLD MAN WINTER

Is your vehicle ready for OLD MAN WINTER?

When I was on the sales floor on a more consistent basis, one of the things I used to joke around about with my guests was "Welcome to Wisconsin.....where you can have all four seasons in one day!"  And we would laugh and laugh and then cry because we knew it was true.  

Being from Wisconsin is a great thing, we have the seasons that most parts of the country aren't able to experience.  However, with that being said, we also know that in the fall with winter right around the corner we should take precautions with our vehicles to make sure they are safe and ready for old man winter.

Oliver Motors makes sure that any vehicle you purchase from Baraboo or Sun Prairie has gone through and passed not only the State of Wisconsin 45 point safety inspection but a total of 110 point safety inspection on every car we sell.  But what if you aren't looking to buy a new vehicle?  How can you tell if the vehicle you're driving is ready for winter? Is it something you can do yourself? Is it better to take to a shop? 

Many people think that the vehicle they are driving is fine....... it's safe, I don't hear any noises or see any warning lights on so I have nothing to worry about........ But that's not true!  Much like going to get a check-up or a routine visit with your doctor as a preventative measure to ensure you are healthy and to help prevent big issues from rising, you should have your vehicle do the same. 

Vehicles are a man-made machine, and parts wear, some faster than others, and when one part wears, it can sometimes lead to a domino effect and take out other parts that are directly or indirectly connected to it.  This is why it's so important to have routine checkups.  

For example, a tie rod that is going or needs replacement, if not repaired, could in turn screw up the alignment of your vehicle,  putting stress and taking out the wheel bearing,  which would also destroy the tire. So a $100.00 fix if caught right away could save you $500.00 plus down the road.  Another example of a large end repair bill for a minor precautionary measure would be not properly doing your oil changes.   Many people don't understand that a simple oil change can stop major issues that could hurt the internal mechanics of the motor, and not doing a $19.99 oil change could cost you $3,500.00 or more in replacing a motor. 

What to focus on when making sure your vehicle is ready for the season (some are normal routine check-up items)

Tune Up-  Making sure that your vehicle has new plugs/ wires to help ensure that your vehicle doesn't flood out in cold weather due to a faulty/ dirty plug or broken/loose wire.

Coolant Check- With the colder weather and temps you want to make sure that your coolant can handle the cold temps and that it doesn't freeze which could destroy your motors. A safe coolant is good to -30 degrees.

Battery Check- Very much like your coolant, you want to make sure that your battery cranking amps are adequate for the cold weather to help with the cold starts. You will need to see what the cold-cranking amps are for your battery and have the battery tested to see if it is strong enough to last the season.

Tires- Many people look at tires and think that they have more than enough tread.  It's very important to make sure that the tires that are on your vehicle have over 50% tread depth so that it has enough tread to give you traction in the snow and help more on the ice. This is a very important step to take, the rest of the vehicle can be perfect, but if the tires are bald, you can slide through a stop sign or off the road and do thousands of dollars of damage to your vehicle and others proerty, 

Brakes/ ABS/ Traction Control- it's very important to make sure that your brakes will be strong for the winter season, if the brakes should have issues it could domino into the ABS and traction control which are important features to help slow and keep from sliding from a start in the snow and ice. 

Front suspension work- Ball Joints, Idler arms, Pitman Arms, Tie-rods should all be looked at and made sure they will not have any issues during the season.  With the build-up of snow, it will be harder to feel if one or all are going bad, and if you should accidentally slide off the road, there isn't a chance a weak part will hold leaving you stranded in a situation you may have been able to back out if the part was replaced. 

and last but not least, as minor, as it sounds, wiper blades- Such a small inexpensive item can be sometimes the most important.  Just try driving once in the rain and don't turn on your wipers, now add accumulating snow.  It's very important that your wipers are new, can clear, and not streak your front windshield.

There are some people who have the time, skill, and tools to examine and if need be repair the above services.   For everyone else, shops like OM Finishing Touch will do inspections on your vehicle to look the vehicle over and recommend services that should be addressed immediately or soon down the road.  At OM Finishing Touch, they do the exact same 110 pt safety inspection during the inspection that they do when they safety the vehicles for Oliver Motors. 

OM Finishing Touch now through December 15th, 2020 will be doing FREE SAFETY INSPECTIONS to help ensure that your vehicle is ready for winter driving.  If you are looking for a reputable shop to look over your car give OM Finishing Touch a call at 608-318-1115 and schedule an appointment.  










11/11/2020 in Automotive

car care, winter driving, be prepared

Tips for First-Time Drivers

Tips for First -Time Drivers

Learning how to drive and buying your first car are sometimes your first big choices in life!  Maybe you're turning 16 and going for your license, or maybe you need a car for school? Maybe you moved on your own, and need a car for your NEW job!

Whether you are young or old, your first time on the road can be a new adventure. If your not inheriting the family's second car,  and need to buy a car yourself, this adds another level of stress.
That’s why we’re sharing some of the best tips for first-time car buyers. While everyone dreams of driving a Mustang Shelby GT500 or Dodge Challenger Demon, we all know it’s not the best first car. Regardless, a first car is your ticket to freedom and responsibility.

The best advice we can give for purchasing your first car:

1. Research the best vehicle for your needs :
Car-buying research includes searching for the make and model of safe and reliable cars and making sure there aren’t any major consumer complaints, recalls, or safety-related defects. Just because you like the look doesn’t mean it’s a good first-time car. It’s important that you buy with knowledge and not impulse when purchasing your first car. 
Just because there is a new pickup truck on the market doesn’t mean it’s the best car for your day-to-day needs. If you don’t have a family, an SUV or minivan may not be the best choice either. Research the costs of fuel, maintenance, and repairs.

2. Establish a budget :
Be realistic with your car budget. If you have to pay for the car yourself, this is an important time to demonstrate responsibility and potentially save hundreds (if not thousands) at the dealership. While the best option is to pay for the entire vehicle in cash, sometimes that’s just not possible. Most car buyers need some sort of financing. Make sure to save enough money to put up to 20% down and at least tax, title, license, and fees so you are only financing the vehicle and not putting yourself in what's known as an upside-down position.

3. Don’t buy a used car from a private seller :
Unless you have a family or friend of the family, who you know and trust who has a vehicle that fits your needs, stay away from private sellers.  Buying a private party is a buyer beware AS-IS purchase.   there is no recourse in the state of Wisconsin if you buy a car from a private party with issues. Buying from Oliver Motors is a lot easier and protects you more.  The state of Wisconsin has guidelines EVERY dealer must follow and failure could result in getting your money back if the vehicle was sold misrepresented.

4. Get an AutoCheck report:  
Never purchase a vehicle without first viewing an Autocheck report. If you know the VIN number, you can look up its vehicle history AutoCheck report. However, if you buy a vehicle from Oliver Motors, we will most likely have an Auto Check report available for free (Classic Vehicle may not)
This report provides essential information on the vehicle’s past life, including accident reports, emissions results, service records, title information, and history of previous owners.

5. Locate a respectable dealer: 
When looking for a responsible and reliable first car, such as a Toyota, Chevrolet, or Ford, make sure you do your research into the dealership first.
Learn what separates the dealership from the rest:

Do they display the Wisconsin Disclosure Buyers guide in the car?  Are their vehicles clean and marketed properly? Are the salespeople friendly and genuine? Will, they let you take the vehicle to your own mechanic to look over? Are the salespeople pushy or do you feel comfortable? This is the second, possibly the largest investment of your life,  make sure you are happy and comfortable with it. 

Oliver Motors does everything in our power to make the car buying experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

6. Inspect the car yourself or take to a 3rd party shop:
 
It’s never been easier to know what to look for when inspecting your potential new vehicle. In addition to a visual inspection of the inside and outside of the vehicle, you’ll want to take it for a test drive. The Stat of Wisconsin Disclosure Buyers guide informs you of what is necessary to focus on. if you still feel uncomfortable never hesitate to take to a 3rd party shop to look over.

7. Secure financing (if necessary) and look at extra protection like GAP and Extended Service Plans:
When financing your new vehicle, try to put at least 20% percent down plus tax, title, and license. This helps to keep you in better equity in the vehicle and helps with payment and term options. For instance, if the car gets stolen or totaled, you could end up owing more money than the car is worth.
Before you approach a bank or credit union for a loan, check with us, we most likely often better financing options with our preferred lenders.  Oliver Motors goes to the lenders 3-4 times a day where you go 1 time every 3-4 years.  Oliver Motors has stronger buying power with their perferred lenders.   And since all the payments and purchases come from one place, it makes things a lot simpler.
Ask Oliver Motors for extra protection on your new vehicles, such as GAP coverage and Service Plans which can be added to the loan for minimal investments.  

If you have bad or no credit, don’t worry. Oliver Motors may be able to help get a co-signer so you can piggyback off their good credit.

Finally, enjoy this car-buying experience. Buying and owning your first car is a great experience, one that you hopefully remember fondly for the rest of your life. 
 


11/06/2020 in Automotive

New Driver, First time driver, first car, tips for first car