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    Selling Your Car Worry-Free

    Last updated 2 days 8 hours ago

    Are you ready to sell your vehicle?  Bart’s Car Store in Indiana buys cars and we would love to purchase yours.  One great reason to sell your vehicle to a dealership rather than independently is that we do the work.  You do not have to worry about paperwork and other details – we will get that taken care of, it’s our job.   Also, your vehicle can be traded in and put towards the purchase of another great used car on any of our lots.  With dealerships in Columbia City, Kokomo, Fort Wayne, Anderson, and Avon we have some fantastic options available for you to choose.  Dealerships will typically offer a higher amount on a trade in vehicle as well and the best part is that in most states you will not have to pay taxes on the trade in value. 

    If you choose to sell as an individual, you do have the possibility to make a little more money, but of course, there is a cost involved.  The main cost is your time and effort – which is pretty valuable to most individuals.  You have to do what is necessary to find someone who wants your vehicle – take pictures, post to social outlets, set up appointments to show the car, communicate with both serious and non-serious buyers.  Typically these individuals are complete strangers which could be a risk as well. 

    The question is, is it worth all the extra work?  Bart’s Car Store can offer you a great trade in value or purchase price.  We will get it done quickly and painlessly.  We can evaluate your car today and provide you with a quote immediately.  We will be honest with you and do what we can to make you a happy customer.  Don’t be stressed – come see us today. 

    The BMW 3-Series

    Last updated 7 days ago

    All the models and trim levels within the BMW 3-Series line have unique features but each one is powerful with turbo charged engines and sharp handling.  The BMW 3-Series is one of Car and Driver’s 10 Best vehicles and they had great things to say, “The competition should have figured out a way to beat the BMW 3-series by now. It’s not for lack of trying: Every so often, another carmaker will pitch a worthy competitor into the mix, but none has been able to knock the 3-series from its pedestal or even maintain its consistent brilliance.”

    Every year the BMW 3-Series is updated and improved.  In 2012 some of the updates include eight-speed automatic transmission and a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The interior is made with only the best materials that show great quality.  With the longer and wider body the passengers are allowed quite a bit more legroom. 

    No matter the year you buy, all the BMW 3-Series cars are built well and will prove to be great vehicles for years to come.  Bart’s Car Store in Indiana has some fantastic used BMW 3-Series vehicles for you to testdrive.   You can visit any of our Bart’s Car Store locations: Columbia City, Fort Wayne, Anderson, Kokomo, and Avon.

    Biggest Car Buying Mistakes

    Last updated 12 days ago

    Many times when buying a car, buyers let their emotions get in the way.  It is easy to find a car that you love at first sight and think of nothing other than getting it as soon as possible, no matter what.  It is important to be prepared, well-informed, and capable of reasoning calmly.  The greatest rule is to be prepared.  Do plenty of investigating before you buy so you can be confident and educated when dealing with the car salesmen.  The Buying Advice team did some research and below are the top 10 car buying mistakes and how you can avoid them.

    1.     Not knowing your credit history – unless paying cash for a car, your credit history plays an important role in your automobile financing options, interest rate, and bargaining leverage.

    2.     Not looking for alternative sources of auto financing – not only can you shop for a car but also for financing.  Car dealerships are not the only sources of financing.  You should go knowing what you can afford before you go to purchase your car.

    3.     Window-shopping at the dealership – shopping online from your own home is highly recommended.  If you go to the dealership without an idea of what you want and need you can be coaxed into getting a vehicle you do not need.

    4.     Showing emotion in the showroom – of course finding a vehicle can be exciting but showing your excitement in the dealership will give the salesman an upper hand and the car price may not be going down as much as you’d like. 

    5.    Not knowing how much the car really costs – with the internet we have many ways to compare the car’s local prices and the dealer’s invoice prices so you can go in knowing a fair price to negotiate.

    6.     Not knowing how much you can afford – Two numbers that matter are the final price and the monthly price.  A good rule of thumb, is that the total car payment should be no more than 20% of your total net income.

    7.     Talking trade-in too early – Do not start the conversation mentioning that you want to trade-in your car.  The new car price is determined by the amount of cash a dealer can get.  Bringing up the trade-in too early the new car price may go up.

    8.     Doing it alone when you need a helping hand – If you car uncomfortable haggling then bring along some help.  Auto buying services are available online, or you may have a friend or family member who can help.

    9.     Falling for expensive add-ons – Right before signing the papers the dealer may try to talk you into some extra add-ons like extended warranties that could be overpriced.  If you have not done your homework and know the prices are fair then do not agree to all the extras.

    10.   Buying the wrong car – do not get urged into buying a vehicle you do not need.  Keep your focus on your needs and know that you can always back out of purchasing a car no matter how long you have been looking at it or discussing it.  You always have the option to walk away and compare at other dealerships. 

    When the times comes to buy your next used car or used truck come to one of our Bart's Car Store locations in Columbia City, Fort Wayne, Anderson, Kokomo, and Avon, Indiana.  Our salesmen will not pressure you - we will do our part in helping you avoid some of the common car-buying mistakes. 

    One Text or Call Could Wreck it All.

    Last updated 19 days ago

    The month of April is distracted driving month and many states are supporting this safety fight.  In states like California, texting and talking while driving is against the law.  And two years after this went into affect the road fatalities fell 22 percent.  There are 10 states that have banned both talking and texting on a handheld device while driving. 

    Other states that have not yet taken that step, like Texas, are still using the month of April to raise awareness of the horrible consequences of distracted driving.  Sure there are crashes all the time for reasons other than distractions but Sgt. Ryan Hunnicutt of Ardmore, OK Police Department said, "The types of accidents caused by distracted driving can be the worst we see. The accidents caused from you not paying attention so you don't have a chance to react and suddenly you're in an oncoming lane of traffic or you've hit a tree--these crashes are usually very severe."

    Driving a vehicle is a privilege and our main focus should be getting from point A to point B safely.  Let’s join together this month and stop distracted driving in our individual vehicles and make our Indiana roads a safer place. 

    In Indiana, texting while driving is banned.  When you are searching for your next used vehicle keep your eyes open for hands-free additions that allow you to talk and text in a safe way.  At Bart’s Car Store in Columbia City, Fort Wayne, Anderson, Kokomo, and Avon, we can show you some great vehicles that can aide our fight against distracted driving. 

    What to do before Purchasing a Car

    Last updated 24 days ago

    When the time comes to purchase a vehicle, new or used, it is a big decision, not one to be made lightly.  It is important to find a reliable car that will last you years and years while being a vehicle you like.  There are three important steps to follow before buying a car.  These include knowing your budget, deciding to buy or lease, and researching online.  You can read about these important steps in further detail at buyingadvice.com

    Bart’s Car Store in Indiana is a well-known used car dealership that can aid you in finding the used car that is perfect for you.  With locations in Columbia City, Fort Wayne, Anderson, Kokomo, and Avon, Indiana you are sure to find the perfect vehicle.  When you get to step three – researching online you can visit our Bart’s Car Store website and gather some helpful information.    We look forward to working with you – see you soon. 

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