The Used Car Market: It’s a Crazy Year

 Have you noticed a change in the Maryland used car market? We have. Maryland, and across the nation, is experiencing a surge in used vehicle sales. Stimulus checks, side-gig money, and a shortage of new cars have spurred an increase in the sale of used vehicles. 

If you are looking for a used car, we provide some Hi Lo Auto Sales tips in this blog. 

5 Hi Lo Tips to Find a Used Car

 To find a used car, you need to do your homework. Here are a few tips from the sales team at Hi Lo Auto Sales:

1. Make a list of features and benefits needed in your ideal pre-owned vehicle. Do you need a four-door vehicle, an extra-large trunk, a pickup, or a van? How many seats do you need for your family? Is this a work or business vehicle? Be sure to make a list of all the Wants vs. Needs and bring the list with you as you shop for a used car.
2. What’s your budget? Do you need a loan to purchase the used vehicle? Know your budget before browsing for a vehicle. Let your sales representative know your budget range.
3. If this is your first vehicle, Hi Lo Auto Sales has a program specifically for first-time car buyers. Let your sales representative know if this is your first auto and learn about your options at Hi Lo Auto Sales.
4. Is this an immediate need, or do you have time to wait for the perfect used vehicle to fit your needs? Let your sales representative know if you need to purchase a car this week or need assistance looking across inventory.
5. If you need an auto this week, be ready to test drive your first choice on the lot and a few backup options. Remember that the used vehicle market is hot, and other buyers may be looking at the same car.

It’s Supply and Demand

 There is one fact that always remains true in economics. When the supply goes down, prices go up. During the COVID-19 crisis, new car inventories fell across Maryland and beyond. As the stock of new cars fell, buyers shifted to the used vehicle market. Prices of used inventory are on the rise. 

As prices go up, you may find that the car that fits all your wants is just out of your budget.  Remember, some of your wishes can be obtained in the aftermarket. Perhaps, you can add a new sound system, a trailer hitch, a new truck bed liner, or a trunk organizer after your purchase. Your focus may need to be on your “Need List” this year. 

Communicate with a Sales Professional

 Do some preliminary homework and let your sales professional assist with finding used vehicle options to fit your needs. A used car professional can often find you the perfect match and provide services beyond an internet-based experience. 

If you are looking for a quality used car in Maryland, be sure to browse our online car and truck inventory. We have four Maryland locations to serve you, Cockeysville, Ellicott City, and two in Frederick. So how can we help you?

The Daily Commute

Many in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region have been working from home for over a year. As WFH transitions into a hybrid work environment or even an office environment, many find themselves preparing for the daily commute. It has been a long time, and many things have changed. For example, have you noticed the increase in the price of a gallon of gas? 

Is your car commute worthy? Now is the time to review your options.

 Autos for the Commute to Work

Recently, we have blogged about cars and trucks for weekend fun and adventure. Still, it may be time to also discuss your workweek commute. You may be driving all the way to your office or to a public transportation hub. Either way, it's time to review the HiLo Auto checklist. 

(If you are still looking for your perfect weekend adventure auto, browse through our recent blogs)

 Use our HiLo checklist to review the viability of your current car or as a pre-shopping checklist.

The HiLo Auto Checklist: 5 Points to Consider

1. Do I need a “Commuter’s Car”? If you drive more than 60 miles a day, round-trip, to work, you should consider a “Commuter’s Car." Consider a car that gets better gas mileage than your current auto. Review the condition of your existing automobile. Is it ready to roll for 15,600+ miles over the next year? 
2. Should you add a second car for commuting, or should you replace your current vehicle with a better-suited auto? What is the average gas mileage on your current vehicle? First, review today's average price for a gallon of gas. It may have gone up since you last commuted daily to an office. Then, download the smartphone app GasBuddy to review the prices in your region and on your commute route.
3. Do you need a four-season auto to commute to work? You may not have commuted in last Winter’s snow season, but you may be commuting next Winter. Is your current car up to par? You may now need to consider a 4WD if you are a staff member that must get to work, even in the snow.
4. Did you start leasing an auto during the COVID pandemic? You may want to consider the commuting mileage and your lease agreement.
5. Perhaps you want to extend the lifespan of your current vehicle. Then, it may be time to purchase a used commuter vehicle.

Shopping for a Commuter Car

If it is time to shop for a commuter car, make a list of your wants and needs. If you are a staff member that must get to work in all weather conditions, a 4WD auto may need to be placed on your "needs" list. A great sound system to listen to your favorite tunes is a "want." It is essential to know the difference before shopping for any auto. 

Perhaps you are a sales representative that needs to carry supplies in a roomy trunk, or you may be planning to carpool to work. Or do you need a car that is easy to park? 

Before starting your search, make a list of your Wants vs. Needs. Then, bring the list with you to any of the three HiLo Auto locations in Maryland. Our sales team can help you find the perfect commuter car to fit your needs… and your wants. 

If you are looking for a quality used car in Maryland, be sure to browse our used vehicle inventory. We have four Maryland locations to serve you, Cockeysville, Ellicott City, and two in Frederick. So how can we help you?

Tips for Buying a Used Truck

 If you are a reader of our blogs, you know that we always suggest starting a search for a used vehicle with a "Wants & Needs" list. However, when searching for a used truck, you may find the line between a want and a need is blurred. 

(If you have not read our recent blogs, feel free to browse our library for helpful tips and current guides for purchasing a used vehicle)

 You may need a truck with a crew cab to fit your kids and a dog. You also may want a long bed to accommodate a desired truck camper. Or perhaps you need a long bed for your landscaping business. You may also need a truck with a towing capacity for your travel trailer or boat.

Purchasing a used truck has a unique checklist. Below are tips from the HiLo Auto team…

Buying a Used Truck in Maryland

 As you begin your search for a used truck, follow these tips to ensure an easy transaction:

1. First, start your search with a “Want & Needs” list. Begin with a needs list and then fill in your wants. For example, if you have a boat or a travel trailer (or you intend to purchase one), ensure that you know the tow weight. Or, if you want to bring your family or staff, you want a truck with a crew cab. You can quickly narrow your search with a “Want & Needs” list.
2. If you need to finance your purchase, preview your credit and know your budget before starting your search. Be sure to include the cost of insurance and taxes.
3. Will you need to add upgrades, such as a tow package, to the truck? Know the cost of these items. Perhaps your top choice truck will already have the needed packages, or you may need to add them post-sale. If you know the average cost, you can better estimate the actual cost or value of the purchase.
4. Research the performance history of the make, model, and engine of the truck. If your research narrows your search to a specific brand, let your sales representative know.
5. What will be your use of a truck? Is it a weekend vehicle, or will you also use it for a commute to the office? If you know your use of the truck, the concern over mileage comes into focus (both gas mileage as well as current miles on the truck). Even a truck with high mileage may have a lot of life left and fit your needs.
6. Check the tires for tread wear. Know the cost of replacing the tires if it appears that they may need to be replaced shortly. Of course, you will want to know the cost of new tires to include in your truck maintenance plan.
7. Research replacement parts and truck maintenance needs. You may find that the maintenance plan differs from an auto that you already own.
8. Call your insurance agent and ask for an estimate on adding the truck to your annual plan before buying the truck.

Truck Ownership

 Is it time to add a truck to your driveway? Will you drive it around town for errands, or is it only a weekend truck? Ask questions, create a “Wants & Needs” list and visit HiLo Auto. We can help you find a truck that fits your current needs. 

If you are looking for a quality used car in Maryland, be sure to browse our inventory of used cars and trucks. We have four Maryland locations to serve you, Cockeysville, Ellicott City, and two in Frederick. So how can we help you?

Your Adventure Vehicle

In a recent blog, we told you about scenic drives across Maryland (Browse our blog library for all the details). Warm weather is just ahead, and you are already planning your Summer adventures. From the Catoctin mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland is an adventure destination. Do you need an adventure vehicle? 

You may be looking for a four-wheel drive, or perhaps you need a vehicle to tow your boat, jet skis, or even a travel trailer. You can find the perfect adventure vehicle at HiLo Auto in Maryland. Here are tips from our auto team. 

4WD Vehicle Tips

 Before purchasing a 4WD vehicle, spend time considering your needs and wants. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before buying a 4WD car:

1. After the snow last winter, are you looking for a vehicle to tackle snow-covered roads?
2. Will this be an off-road vehicle only, or do you plan also to drive it around town?
3. Do you want to tow a trailer with your ATV or pull a travel trailer?
4. Once you decide your needs, consider your wants. Is a luxury interior a priority, or what about the sound system?

After you decide your wants vs. needs, it is time to test drive used vehicles. As you test drive used 4WD trucks and other vehicles, take special note of any after-market modifications if you plan to tow a trailer or camper.

Does your new 4WD vehicle have a tow package? A tow package is an asset factored into the value of the vehicle. 

Purchasing a Tow Vehicle

 Purchasing a vehicle to tow a trailer, boat, or camper involves additional questions and research. Here are a few questions to ask if you are considering the purchase of a tow vehicle. 

1. What is the total weight of the item that you would like to tow? Total weight should include the trailer as well as the weight of the boat, ATV, etc. If you plan to tow a travel trailer or camper, be sure to include the weight of the items you intend to pack into the camper. If you are looking at tow vehicles first, ensure that you pick a vehicle with enough towing capacity for your ideal boat or travel trailer. For example, an F150 may not be able to tow a camper that fits your family's needs.
2. Have you done your research? Before test-driving tow vehicles, research each vehicle's towing capacity and create a list of vehicles that fit your needs.
3. What type of tow package do you need, and what is the cost of installation? If you know your needs and the installation cost, you can easily compare vehicles' sales prices with and without an existing tow package.

 Do You Want a Toad Vehicle?

 If you own an RV or a Motorhome, you may have already heard the term "toad."  A toad is a vehicle that you tow behind your RV. It is important to note that not all vehicles are equipped to be towed behind an RV. 

Know the facts before shopping to purchase a toad. If you are in the market to buy a toad, often used vehicles offer the best options. Browse an updated list of towable vehicles.

If you are looking for a quality used car in Maryland, be sure to visit our website, HiLoAutoSales.com. We have four M