June 1, 2016

The Different Types of Truck Cabs


When you’re shopping for a truck, you’ll probably notice some lingo among dealers with which you might not be familiar. Some vehicles are advertised as having a “crew cab,” while others are “double cab” or “extended cab,” and others do not mention these words at all.

What’s the difference? The space inside trucks with each different cab configuration will be divided a bit differently. Depending upon how you will be using your truck (personal vs. business) and whether you plan on having frequent passengers, you'll need to select the truck cab that best fits your own lifestyle.

REGULAR CAB


Of the three most common types, regular cab trucks generally have the least amount of inside space. They have a single row of seats, and there is no backseat at all. Since these trucks are smaller than other options and do not have nearly the capacity of an extended or crew cab, they are typically reserved for personal use by individuals who are either single or have very small families. Regular cabs are convenient if you don't need a lot of space apart from the bed, but are not ideal for those who frequently ride with others or need to carry large amounts of cargo inside of the vehicle.

EXTENDED CAB / DOUBLE CAB

Both words refer to the same thing. Extended cab trucks are larger than regular cabs in that they have a (rather small) backseat. In order to access the backseat, passengers will need to open small doors that are only exposed when the truck’s main doors are already opened. The extended cab is a good compromise for those who want more space than a regular cab provides but may not want to drive a larger crew cab. However, if you regularly have several passengers or otherwise use your backseat often, it can become annoying to have to open your front doors in order to reach the back.

CREW CAB

The crew cab is the largest of the three types of trucks on the market today. A crew cab is similar to an SUV in that it has larger seats in the back that are accessed by their own full-sized doors. However, the crew cab is somewhat limited in that its bed is often shorter than that of an extended cab, in order to provide more room for the cab. By far the most expensive configuration, the crew cab is recommended for those who need a larger cab capacity or travel with others very often and don’t mind sacrificing a larger bed space.

Which one is right for you? Evaluate your needs and pick on that can fit your crew and gear in the best way for you.

May 24, 2016

Picking Your Teen’s First Car

Is your son or daughter’s sweet sixteen coming up? What about a high school graduation or other major milestone? All of these are great times to give your teen their very first car. If you’re in the market for the first time in a while, or if you’ve never shopped for a car for a younger driver, there are some special things to keep in mind while you’re looking around at your options.


CONSIDER A NEW, USED CAR

Purchasing a car that’s brand new leads to higher car payments along with higher insurance premiums. You can often find the same vehicle two to three years older for a fraction of the cost of the new model. Of course you don’t want to spend a lot on a car that’s decades old, but picking one that was made within the last five years or so is a great way to save some serious cash. As long as the car is still relatively new and has a reasonable number of miles on it, it should run perfectly fine for years to come.

STAY SUBTLE

Once you have a new driver on your policy, your insurance rates are going to climb-- there’s no avoiding that. You can, however, soften the blow to your wallet by buying smart. Don’t purchase a sports car or sports edition of an ordinary sedan, as these types of vehicles automatically carry higher premiums regardless of the age of the driver. Stick with a sub-compact car or small truck, and you’ll find yourself paying less.

Bonus: if your child has his heart set on that Mustang, tell him that he can drive the first car while he goes to school, and in a few years when he has an income of his own, he can help purchase the new car and pay for his insurance. He’ll become a responsible car owner in the process.

THINK PRACTICALLY

Does your son really need a brand new king cab truck for his sixteenth birthday? Young drivers are naturally more prone to wrecks and other accidents, so it’s not the best idea to entrust them with high-dollar vehicles. Consider the things that your child needs most from their car: reliability, fuel economy, etc. Don’t feel bad or guilty if you can’t afford a brand new or luxury vehicle-- it’s smarter to get a less flashy car for their first one anyway, as we mentioned earlier. Your child mainly needs a reliable method of transportation, so focus on finding that. Your options are nearly limitless.

SHOP SMART

Don’t buy from the first lot you visit. Some dealers are notorious for trying to send their customers home with a less-than-great deal. Shop around and test drive a variety of vehicles, and always check CarFax for the history of any cars you’re considering. Talk cautiously with dealers, and don’t get pressured into spending more than you can afford or bringing home a car you don’t love. Visiting multiple locations will ensure that you find the perfect car at the perfect price.

Having a teen old enough to get behind the wheel isn't going to be an easy transition. Make the car buying process an easy one with these tips to avoid even more stress on you. Have your child test drive the vehicle and make sure they're comfortable with handling the vehicle you choose. You don't want something that's too big for them or not comfortable to drive.

Come see us to find the perfect car for your teen's first time out on the road!

May 17, 2016

Rules For Riding Shotgun

Driving with another person in the car can be more distracting, but a shotgun rider can be a great asset for avoiding activities that might become a distraction.
As a passenger in a vehicle, you may think that you're off the hook from having to do any work, but you're really a second pair of eyes and hands for the driver. Knowing how to be the best shotgun rider can help out your driver and make the ride that much more fun (and safe) for everyone.

LET THE DRIVER BE IN CHARGE

No one likes a backseat driver, especially from the front seat. As a passenger, you usually don't get to choose the radio station or decide if it's too cold, although you're welcome to make suggestions. But, you should be the one to adjust those things when the driver is ready. In the front seat, you have the unique advantage of being there to help your friend behind the wheel. Reaching for controls takes the focus off of the road and an extra pair of hands can be incredibly advantageous in a moment where a second's glance towards the dash could cause trouble.

WATCH THE ROAD TOO

Your driver obviously knows the rules of the road. They wouldn't have a set of keys if they didn't. But things come up quickly and if it looks like your driver hasn't seen something that you have from your vantage point, bring it up calmly. (I mention "calmly" as the way to do it because there's nothing scarier as a driver than a passenger yelling about possible danger.) This is just as true for highway driving as it is for backing out of a parking space. With cars on either side, it can be difficult to see if anyone is coming your way and a passenger can be a second pair of eyes to be sure that your vehicle is in the clear.

ROAD TRIPPING IT?

If you're heading out for a longer trip, you're responsibilities as a shotgun rider are even greater. You might be in charge of food distribution if you stop at a drive-thru, keeping the driver (and yourself) attentive and awake, giving directions, and much more. If you're traveling with a group, keep the rest of the car in line and protect your driver from more distraction from the crowd.

Remember that even though you're not the one behind the wheel, you'll want to be just as attentive to the road, conditions, and other passengers as if you were, simply to help the driver out. You'll want to be the best front seat passenger you can be for your driver so that nothing (preventable) goes wrong on your drive.

May 10, 2016

Requirements for Financing:

  • NC Drivers License
  • Social Security Card
  • 2 proofs of residency (power bill, phone bill, water bill, etc.)
  • 2 recent pay stubs or proof of income
  • Proof of full coverage insurance
  • Bankruptcy must be discharged (or 341 creditor meeting)
  • Reposession ok if less than 1 year but must have 30-50% or more downpayment

May 5, 2016

Meet the Staff of Elite Auto Sales


Patrick Sullivan - Sales Manager
919-832-7060 - eliteautoraleigh@gmail.com

Patrick grew up in Cary but is originally from NY.He has been with Elite Auto Sales sales since 2003. Patrick handles all the website inventory so if you have a question feel free to send him an email. He has an extensive knowledge of cars dates back to his first issue of car and driver when he was 8 years old. Patrick's hobbies are playing golf, basketball and watching sports. His favorite teams are the Mets and the J E T S Jets Jets Jets. He also enjoys playing and reading books to his daughter.


Greg Anex - #1 Salesman



Greg, originally from St Louis Missouri has been with Elite Auto Sales since 2000. Prior to that he served 5 years in the U.S.Army in the 82nd Airborne at Ft.Bragg. You will find that he has a huge knowledge of any type of vehicle out there. His hobbies include classic cars and collecting vintage memorabilia. You will see him in a different classic car every time you visit us. He also enjoys a wide variety of music and loves going to concerts. He loves his customers almost as much as his 1964 VW Bus. Come see Greg!


Nikki Shull - Sales
919-832-7060 - eliteautoraleigh@gmail.com

Nikki is newest member of the Elite Auto Sales team, although she has been in the car business for several years now. Nikki originally grew up in Cary and can remember when it was just a little town. When she isn't at work she loves playing with her 5 dogs! She also enjoys playing her favorite board game Clue on friday nights. She also loves toyota trucks!


Yvette Ramirez - Office Manager
919-832-7060 - eliteautotitles@gmail.com

Yvette has been with Elite Auto Sales for over 2 years. She has been in the automotive business for several years now. Yvette is originally from Naples Florida. When Yvette isn't at work she enjoys playing with her husky Raven, collecting funko pop and playing video games.



Tyrone - Customer service specialist
919-832-7060 - eliteautoraleigh@gmail.com

Tyrone has been in the car business for 7 years. He enjoys chasing squirrels on the lot, taking naps and getting treats from the mailman. He loves our customers just as much as we do. Tyrone's favorite game to play is tug of war with his rope.



Maui - Customer service specialist in training
919-832-7060 -

Maui is the newest member of the Elite Auto Sales team. He is a 3 month (as of 11/4/15) old golden retriever. Maui enjoys playing tug of war with Tyrone (Tyrone always lets him win). He also loves greeting customers when they least expect it. Come by and say hey to Maui, he loves all of our customers.

April 28, 2016

Steps to Help Keep Your Car Longer

Sensible steps to help motorists maintain their vehicles for safety, dependability and value....

Keep it Clean

Washing and waxing your vehicle on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that may harm the finish.

A good cleaning of the inside and outside of the vehicle prevents the buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt, reduces the potential for rust from road salt and ensures proper visibility needed for safe driving.

Rely on Your Senses

When driving, always be alert and rely on your senses. While you may be familiar with noises that your vehicle makes on a daily basis, any noise that is new, different or suspicious may indicate a problem. Listen for sounds such as squealing, thumping, hissing and grinding – these are all signs that the vehicle may be trying to tell you something.

Unusual smells such as burnt rubber, hot oil, gasoline, rotten eggs, burning carpet or the sweet smell of syrup can be a sign of serious, and potentially costly, trouble for your vehicle.

When you hear or smell something that doesn’t seem right, do not ignore it. Instead bring your car to a professional service technician to get an informed opinion on the nature of the sound or odor.

Stay on Schedule

The key to a car running at its best is basic maintenance. Keeping up with fluid changes, tire checks, filter changes and other services will help avoid bigger and more expensive repairs. Over time, some car parts and components wear out or become damaged. Being aware of your car will help you address any issues before they become bigger problems.

If you treat your car as a valuable investment and commit to regular preventative auto care, not only will you end up saving money, but your car will keep on running for many miles down the road.

April 19, 2016

April is National Car Care Month: Time to Make Auto Care a Top Priority

Car Care Inspections Reveal 80 Percent of Vehicles Need Service


Analytics are big these days in business, sports and politics. When it comes to auto care, the numbers tell a very revealing story as 80 percent of vehicles need service, a new part and/or repair.

With so many vehicles in need of service, National Car Care Month in April serves as an important reminder to take action today so you can depend on your vehicle down the road. It’s easy to postpone vehicle maintenance when things get busy, but don’t put it off. Addressing minor service needs before they become major will help you avoid unexpected car trouble and unplanned costly repairs.

The Car Care Council reports that vehicles inspected at community car care events held throughout the country in 2015 failed one or more aspects of the inspection process. Some areas posting the highest failure rates include: low fluid levels (washer fluid 26 percent, engine oil 23 percent and coolant 19 percent); clogged or dirty air filters 19 percent; illuminated check engine light 13 percent; worn belts 13 percent; and needed battery service and wiper blade replacement 13 and 12 percent, respectively.

Many maintenance needs are quick and inexpensive to resolve, so it’s easy to make auto care a priority during National Car Care Month. To help you ‘be car care aware,’ the Car Care Council has many free tools available at www.carcare.org, including the popular Car Care Guide and a customized service schedule with email remainders that makes it simple to follow a routine maintenance program.