Blog

Buying a car — whether it’s your first or your fifth — can feel overwhelming. With prices, incentives, financing options, trade-ins, and so much conflicting advice out there, where do you start? At Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, our sales expert Spencer Easter dives into real questions from customers just like you in three informative Q&A videos. We put together this 2026 insider guide to help you walk into your next car purchase confident, informed, and ready to get the best possible deal. Here’s what you should know before you step foot in a dealership — backed 1. Before You Go: Do Your Homework (From Video One) Customer Question: “What should I know and what research should I do before visiting a dealership? Is Kelley Blue Book a good resource?” Spencer’s Answer: Yes — Kelly Blue Book (KBB) is an excellent place to begin your research, as long as you’re realistic about mileage and condition. Another factor buyers often overlook is market availability — if your car is in high demand, you could get more for it. Here’s how to take your homework to the next level: Use Multiple Valuation Tools KBB is a trusted resource for vehicle values and helps you estimate trade-in and private sale prices. It’s updated frequently and reflects local market conditions. That said, it shouldn’t be your only tool. Other valuation guides such as NADA Guides, Edmunds, CarGurus, and VinCheck.info also offer reliable, often free pricing estimates that can give you a broader view of what your car is worth. Understand Market Demand Some vehicles — especially popular SUVs, trucks, or limited trims — may command a higher price in certain regions. A vehicle that’s in high demand locally may bring a premium on trade-in. Likewise, cars that are slow sellers may have less trade value. Know What You Want Before you go to the dealership: Decide on several vehicle options that fit your budget. Read expert and owner reviews. Understand not only MSRP but what people are actually paying in your area (tools like TrueCar and Edmunds provide this insight). 2.  Incentives & Rebates: Real Savings or Gimmicks? (From Video Two) Customer Question: “Can incentives really save you money, or are they gimmicks?” Spencer’s Answer: Incentives and rebates come directly from the manufacturer — not the dealer — and can absolutely save you money. We can show you incentives you might not even know exist, and provide transparency from the start. How Manufacturer Incentives Work Automakers use incentives to motivate buyers and meet sales goals. These can include: Cash rebates or “bonus cash” directly reducing your purchase price or down payment. Low- or 0% financing deals. Lease specials with lower monthly payments. Loyalty and conquest rebates for loyal customers or those switching brands. Dealer-Specific and Local Offers Dealerships often run local incentives in addition to national manufacturer offers. These can include special pricing events, dealer cash, or additional rebates. At Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, we publish these deals on our website so customers have transparency before they even visit. Maximize Savings Strategy To use incentives effectively: Research current offers online before you visit. Verify eligibility — some are region or credit-score based. Consider timing — end-of-quarter and end-of-year incentives are often more generous. The bottom line: incentives are not gimmicks when you understand what’s available, how they apply to you, and how they fit into your overall purchase price. 3.  Expert Car Buying Tips That Help You Save!  (From Video Three) Customer Question: “Are there any car buying tips that would help me get a better deal?” Spencer’s Top Tips: Tip #1: Don’t Fear a Few Credit Inquiries Contrary to old myths, multiple credit pulls within a short timeframe (usually 14–45 days) count as a single inquiry for scoring purposes. This means it’s okay to check multiple financing options before finalizing a loan.  Multiple checks help you find the best rate and true financing terms, rather than accepting the first offer you see. Tip #2: Consider a Cosigner (Especially First-Time Buyers) If you’re new to credit or haven’t built strong credit history, bringing a cosigner with solid credit can: Help you qualify for a better interest rate. Simplify the approval process. Improve your long-term credit as you make payments. Tip #3: Bring Necessary Documentation Being prepared can speed up the process and strengthen your negotiating position. Helpful items include: Driver’s license Vehicle registration Proof of income (recent pay stubs) Proof of insurance Title or payoff information for a trade-in Tip #4: Don’t Stress Over Cleanliness While a detailed car wash can improve the first impression, dealerships evaluate a vehicle based on condition and mechanical state, not its dirt level. Bring your trade in as is — you won’t lose value simply because it’s dusty. Additional Car Buying Strategies Customers Shouldn’t Miss Set a Budget and Stick to It Before you even look at vehicles, know what you can afford — including insurance, maintenance, fuel, and loan payments. This keeps you grounded in reality and helps prevent buyer’s remorse. Negotiate Beyond Sticker Price Price negotiation isn’t just about MSRP. You can negotiate: Trade-in value Financing rates Add-ons and dealership fees Experts recommend knowing multiple offers and using them as leverage. Shop at Strategic Times Believe it or not, certain days and months are statistically better for buying cars. End of the month, end of quarter, and year-end events bring higher dealer willingness to negotiate — especially in December and year-end sales. ( Investopedia) Bring a Trusted Second Opinion Whether it’s a friend, spouse, or trusted advisor, a second set of eyes helps keep emotions out of a big financial decision. Conclusion Buying a car doesn’t have to be intimidating. With proper research, understanding incentives, and smart preparation, you set yourself up for a smooth and successful purchase. The team at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat is here to help you every step of the way — from pre-visit research to unlocking the best finance options possible. Stop by or check out our website to see current incentives, build your payment, and start your journey to a new ride today!

Why Buy a Used Car Now: Understanding the Impact of Proposed Auto Tariffs on Vehicle Prices In the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, recent policy proposals have the potential to significantly influence both new and used car markets. One such development is President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts, set to take effect on April 3, 2025. This policy aims to bolster domestic manufacturing by imposing reciprocal tariffs on foreign goods. However, it also raises questions about the future pricing of vehicles, particularly in the used car market. Source:   CNN, New Your Post Anticipated Effects on New Car Prices The implementation of these tariffs is expected to lead to substantial increases in new car prices. Financial experts estimate that the average cost of an imported vehicle could rise by $5,000 to $10,000. This escalation is attributed to the additional costs manufacturers will incur due to the tariffs, which are likely to be passed on to consumers. The impact will be particularly pronounced for models that rely heavily on imported components or are entirely manufactured abroad. Source:   CBS, Reuters, Insider, New York Post Implications for the Used Car Market As new car prices climb, consumers may increasingly turn to the used car market as a more affordable alternative. This shift in demand is anticipated to drive up prices in the used car sector. According to industry analysts, used car prices could rise by thousands of dollars as a result of heightened demand. This trend mirrors past market behaviors where constraints in new car supply, such as during the pandemic-related semiconductor shortages, led to significant upticks in used car valuations. Source:   Investopedia.​ Expert Insights on Market Dynamics Industry experts have weighed in on the potential repercussions of the proposed tariffs: Mike Jackson, Chairman and CEO of AutoNation, the largest auto retailer in the U.S., has expressed concerns about the inflationary impact of the tariffs. He stated, "Automotive tariffs will make steel tariffs look like a company picnic. This will unleash a real trade war. The numbers are so much bigger. It will raise prices dramatically for consumers in the United States. It will be inflationary." Source:  Bloomberg, Spokesman Review, The Lewiston Tribune Peter Welch, President and CEO of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), warned of "serious unintended consequences" of tariffs on imported autos and parts. He emphasized that such tariffs would hurt the auto industry, customers, and the economy as a whole, leading to higher prices and fewer choices for consumer. ​ Cody Lusk, President and CEO of the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA), highlighted concerns over affordability and the broader economic impact on consumers and dealers. He noted that with the average price of a new vehicle now around $50,000, higher costs and rising interest rates are already squeezing consumer budgets. ​ Patrick Anderson, CEO of Anderson Economic Group, emphasized that "these are cost increases that cannot be hidden from the consumer," suggesting that substantial portions of the increased costs will be passed along to consumers or lead manufacturers to halt production of certain models. ​ Source:  CBS News, Potential Impact on Auto Repairs and Maintenance The tariffs are also expected to affect the cost of auto repairs and maintenance. Since many replacement parts are imported, a 25% tariff could lead to higher prices for components such as brake pads and batteries. Consequently, even consumers who choose to maintain their current vehicles may face increased expenses. Strategic Considerations for Consumers Given the anticipated price increases in both new and used car markets, consumers may need to reassess their purchasing strategies: Timing Purchases: Acquiring a used car before the full effect of the tariffs is realized could result in cost savings. As demand for used vehicles rises, prices are expected to follow suit.​ Evaluating Financing Options: With potential price hikes, exploring favorable financing options becomes crucial to mitigate the financial impact.​ Considering Vehicle Maintenance: Investing in comprehensive maintenance plans might be prudent to offset future repair costs, especially if parts prices increase due to tariffs.​ Conclusion The proposed 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts are poised to reshape the automotive market by increasing prices across both new and used car sectors. Consumers should stay informed about these developments and consider their timing and options carefully when making vehicle-related decisions. Engaging with reputable dealerships and financial advisors can provide valuable guidance during this period of market adjustment. Source:  CBS News, Market Watch, Insider