Category Archives: Car Buying

A mechanic is pouring oil into a funnel

The 7 Deadly Sins of Car Maintenance

Are You Guilty of Any??

Keeping your car in top shape is essential to ensuring that it runs smoothly and has a long life. Here are the seven deadly sins of car maintenance to avoid:

  1. Neglecting regular maintenance. Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and spark plug replacements.
  2. Skipping detailing. Get your car detailed regularly to remove dirt, salt, and grime buildup that can lead to corrosion and discoloration.
  3. Driving on empty. Fill up your tank as soon as possible when the gas gauge indicates that you’re low on gas.
  4. Ignoring warning lights. Take your car to a mechanic to have any warning lights checked out as soon as possible.
  5. Overloading the vehicle. Stay within the maximum weight limit of your vehicle to avoid damaging the suspension and other components.
  6. Improper tire inflation. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the correct level.
  7. Neglecting to change air filters. Change your air filter regularly to keep your engine and air conditioning system running smoothly.

Skipping regular maintenance tasks and ignoring warnings can be costly. Watch for these seven deadly sins of car maintenance, and help keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. If you ever need assistance with maintaining your car, stop by Fellah Auto Group’s Service Department, where one of our skilled technicians will help you get back on the road in no time.

A man inspecting a damaged vehicle
2015 Honda Accord Sport front quarter view

Fun Facts about Used Cars

The used car market is a fascinating world full of interesting stories and trends.

After we all suffered through the inflation of NEW cars during the pandemic, the used car market is booming. Whether you’re on a budget or just prefer the character of an older car, there are plenty of reasons to buy a used. But did you know that there are also a lot of interesting and little-known facts about used cars? Here are a few:

Here are a few facts you may not know:

The First Used Car Dealership

The very first used car dealership was founded in 1898 in London, England. The dealership, called “The Exchange and Mart”, offered classified ads that allowed people to buy and sell used cars for the first time. Before this, if you wanted to buy a used car, you had to either find one by word-of-mouth or go to a private sale. The Exchange and Mart made it much easier for people to find and buy used cars. . . this is like the precursor to AutoTrader.

The Perception of Used Cars

In the early 20th century, used cars were often referred to as “junk heaps” and were considered low-class transportation. This perception began to change with the rise of automobile racing, which helped popularize sports cars and high-performance automobiles. No longer hoopties and jalopies, people began to see that used cars could be just as stylish and exciting as new cars, and the stigma surrounding used cars began to fade.

The Most Popular Used Car Colors

The most popular used car colors are white, black, and silver. These neutral tones are versatile and tend to hold their resale value better than brighter colors, which can be more difficult to sell on the used market. If you’re thinking about buying a used car, it’s a good idea to choose a color that is in high demand. This will help you get a better price for your car when you decide to sell it in the future.

The Most Popular Used Car Brands

Toyota is the most popular used car brand in the United States, followed closely by Ford, Chevrolet, and Honda. These brands are known for their reliability and affordability, making them a popular choice for many used car buyers. If you’re looking for a used car that is likely to last, one of these brands is a good place to start.

The Average Age of a Used Car

You may be surprised to learn that the average used car on the road today is over twelve years old! This is due in part to more advanced technology and longer-lasting vehicles, which means that cars are lasting longer and being sold used more often.

With a little patience and a keen eye, you may just find the car of your dreams at a fraction of the cost of a new vehicle. Happy car hunting!

2021 Honda Pilot front seats and dashboard side view
A mechanic working on avehicle's engine

Avoid Buying a Lemon

Gaining Trust in your Car Dealer: How to Avoid a Lemon

Purchasing a used car is a smart way to save money while obtaining a dependable vehicle. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to know that not all pre-owned cars have the same quality, and some may have hidden issues leading to expensive repairs later. These problematic cars are often called “lemons.” In this article, we’ll help you identify a lemon while shopping for a used car and offer suggestions for making a smart choice.

First, let’s understand what a lemon is. A lemon refers to a vehicle with significant hidden defects, varying from minor problems like a malfunctioning radio to major issues such as engine failure. While lemon laws differ across states, they usually offer legal solutions for unsuspecting buyers of such vehicles.

Wondering how to spot a lemon while shopping for a used car? Follow these tips:

  1. Research thoroughly: Study the car make and model you’re interested in before shopping. Look for common issues or defects reported by other owners, which will help you know what to inspect.
  2. Get the vehicle history report: This report can reveal a lot about the car’s past, including accidents, major repairs, the number of owners, and if it has a salvage title.
  3. Examine the car: Inspect the exterior, interior, and under the hood for signs of rust, dents, scratches, upholstery tears, stains, leaks, corrosion, and worn belts.
  4. Go for a test drive: This helps

At Fellah Auto Group, we’ve been taking care of car shoppers since 2005! With an incredible 4.8-star rating on Google, it’s no wonder why customers choose to shop with us. When you visit any of our three locations, you’ll receive a free CARFAX report on your desired vehicle – and you can rest assured that our fees are always in accordance with the DMV requirements.

2023 Hyundai Palisade side quarter view

Advantages of a 1-Owner Car

There are countless benefits to owning a car that only one person has previously owned. One of the most enticing aspects of such a vehicle is the low mileage. With fewer kilometers on the odometer, there is significantly less wear and tear on the car, making it more reliable and increasing its lifespan.

Additionally, since the previous owner cared so deeply about the car to be its only keeper, it is reasonable to assume that the car has been meticulously maintained. Having this knowledge instills confidence in its overall condition and its history of regular maintenance and service.

What’s more, the knowledge that there is no unknown history with the previous owners makes it easier to rest assured knowing that you can completely rely on the car to meet your expectations.

Finally, the knowledge that the value is so high for a car such as this can only encourage you to buy one for yourself. You can always tell a 1-Owner vehicle by the CARFAX 1 Owner Badge!

Difference between Fuel Grades (Octane)

When filling up your car’s gas tank, you’re presented with different options for fuel octane grades. But what do these different grades mean, and how do they affect your car?

Let’s start with the basics: octane is a measure of a fuel’s ability to resist “knocking” or “pinging” during combustion, caused by the air/fuel mixture detonating prematurely in the engine. The higher the octane number, the more compression the fuel can withstand before detonating.

The most common octane grades you’ll see at the pump are 87 (regular), 89 (mid-grade), and 91-93 (premium).

Regular gasoline, also known as 87 octane, is the most common and least expensive option. It’s suitable for most cars on the road today, but it may not provide the best performance or fuel economy. This type of fuel is also called “Regular Unleaded” or “87 octane”

Mid-grade gasoline, also known as 89 octane, is a step up from regular gasoline. It’s designed to provide better performance and fuel economy than regular gasoline. Some cars may require this type of fuel, but most modern vehicles can run on regular gasoline without any problems.

Premium gasoline, also known as 91-93 octane, is the highest octane fuel available. It’s designed for high-performance and luxury vehicles that require higher compression ratios. These cars are engineered to run on higher octane fuel, which can provide better performance and fuel economy. Some vehicles may require premium gasoline to run properly, but for most vehicles, it’s an unnecessary expense.

E85 fuel is a great alternative to gasoline, composed of 51-85% ethanol. Benefits include improved engine performance, reduced emissions, and a cleaner burn. It’s also affordable, typically costing less than other fuel options. E85 is popular in racing as it runs cooler than gasoline. This type of fuel typically requires a custom tune.

Higher octane fuel won’t improve performance or fuel economy; it may even decrease performance and increase fuel consumption. Check your vehicle’s owner manual to know what type of fuel it requires.

Used Car Myth Busted: The Month-End Sale

Are you in the market for a used car and have heard that the end of the month is the best time to buy? Well, us bust that myth for you right now.

The idea behind this myth is that dealerships are trying to hit their monthly sales quotas and will be more willing to negotiate at the end of the month. But let’s be real, do you really think they’re just going to hand over a great deal because the calendar flipped to a new month?

In reality, dealerships are businesses and their main goal is to make money. They’re not going to just give away cars at a loss, no matter what time of the month it is. Plus, with the rise of digital sales and remote purchasing options, the concept of a “monthly quota” is becoming increasingly irrelevant. It’s even less relevant for a used car dealer, who doesn’t offer “manufacturer sales or rebates”

So, don’t waste your time waiting until the end of the month to buy a used car. Start your search now and be prepared to haggle for the best deal. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

And remember, don’t fall for myths and do your own research, Don’t just take our word for it, go out and do your own research and get the best deal for you.

How to Avoid Hidden Fees

Hidden fees can be a real pain for car buyers. They make it hard to budget for a car purchase, which can lead to frustration and disappointment. Plus, it’s almost impossible to compare prices between dealerships when there are hidden fees involved. All in all, hidden fees make car buying a lot more complicated than it needs to be.

To avoid hidden fees, customers should choose a dealership, like Fellah Auto Group that is transparent about their pricing and that does not charge any additional fees beyond the advertised price of the vehicle. This can help ensure that customers are able to budget accurately for their vehicle purchases and that they are able to compare prices between different dealerships.

Another way to avoid hidden fees is by choosing a dealership that offers a “no-haggle” pricing policy. This means that the dealership will offer a fair, upfront price for the vehicle, without the need for negotiation. This can help customers avoid the stress and uncertainty of haggling over the price of the vehicle, and can also help ensure that the dealership is not hiding any additional fees. At Fellah Auto Group, we are the most aggressively priced dealer, always the lowest prices.

To have a good car-buying experience, it is important to do your research and pick a reliable dealership. One that offers fair, transparent prices and a “no-haggle” policy. This way, you won’t be surprised by hidden fees and will be able to budget and compare prices easier. At Fellah Auto Group, we have no hidden fees, only the taxes and registration fees that we must by way of State Law.

Learn More about the DMV Fee Schedule

Hidden fees can be a real pain for car buyers. They make it hard to budget for a car purchase, which can lead to frustration and disappointment. Plus, it's almost impossible to compare prices between dealerships when there are hidden fees involved. All in all, hidden fees make car buying a lot more complicated than it needs to be.
Keep your engine lubricated. With so many moving parts in your car's engine, such as pistons and valves, proper oil lubrication is crucial. Always check your owner's manual for the right oil type and fill level for your vehicle. Don't wait, ensure your engine stays lubricated!

How much does an oil change cost?

It’s actually more affordable than ignoring it!

Keep your engine lubricated. With so many moving parts in your car’s engine, such as pistons and valves, proper oil lubrication is crucial. Always check your owner’s manual for the right oil type and fill level for your vehicle. Don’t wait, ensure your engine stays lubricated!

Prevent overheating by cooling engine components. Insufficient lubrication results in friction and heat. Save your engine from overheating by maintaining clean and adequate oil levels.

Eliminate engine wear particles and sludge. Prolong your engine’s life by protecting it from dirt and corrosion. Regular oil and filter changes keep debris and sludge at bay, ensuring optimal engine performance.

Boost your gas mileage. Good lubrication can reduce fuel consumption. Following the U.S. Department of Energy’s guidelines on oil changes and using the right oil can improve your gas mileage by 1-2%, saving you a full gallon of gas per year!

Extend your vehicle’s lifespan. Simple routine maintenance goes a long way in enhancing your vehicle’s longevity. Avoid buildup from dirty oil that hampers fuel economy and strains internal components. A well-maintained engine means fewer issues and a longer life. Plus, Kelley Blue Book says it increases your car’s resale value.

Don’t delay – schedule your oil change today and invest in your vehicle’s future!


How to Get a New Car After a Total Loss

How to Get a New Car After a Total Loss

Get Back on the Road Quickly: How to Get a New Car After a Total Loss

If you’ve recently experienced a total loss of your car, you may be wondering how to get a new one as quickly and efficiently as possible. The process can seem overwhelming, but with the right information and guidance, you’ll be back on the road in no time.

A common misconception is that a driver has to wait until they get their total loss check in order to finance a replacement vehicle. That is not so! If you’ve recently totaled your car but have the proper documentation, we’re here to help you get back on the road as soon as possible.

Collecting the Right documentation

To get a new car after a total loss, contact your insurance company. They will provide you with the necessary documents, such as a police report, an accident report, and a copy of your insurance policy. The most important document you can get in order to finance a replacement vehicle BEFORE getting the total payout is the “Total Loss Letter” from your insurance agent.

Once you have the necessary documentation, you can begin shopping for a new car. You have several options to choose from, including buying a new or used car from a dealership or purchasing a car from a private seller.

Don’t let a totaled car hold you back. Browse our inventory today and find the car of your dreams. And don’t forget to ask us about our special financing options for those who just totaled their car and have the proper documentation.

How to Get a New Car After a Total Loss

What is the difference between Leasing vs Financing

Leasing and financing are two different ways to pay for a vehicle. When you finance a vehicle, you are taking out a loan to pay for the car in full, and then making monthly payments to the lender until the loan is paid off. Once the loan is paid off, you own the car outright.

On the other hand, when you lease a vehicle, you are essentially renting it for a specified period of time, typically two to three years. You will make monthly payments, but the car will still belong to the leasing company at the end of the lease term. At that point, you will have the option to buy the car, return it to the leasing company, or lease a different vehicle.

Financing can be a good option if you want to build equity in the car and build credit, and if you are willing and able to take on the responsibility of paying off a loan. It is important to carefully consider your options and decide which option is best for you based on your individual circumstances and needs.