You know the car ads that have a car with a giant red bow wrapped around it as a holiday present for junior?
Hopefully you had a Merry Christmas, but if a happy new year depends on transportation, a vehicle that you didn't get with a bow wrapped around it Mark's Auto Sales can help.
Perhaps after a few sweater returns or simply from saving, you have something for your down payment.
Mark's Auto Sales has affordable transportation on vehicles that have been serviced and safety inspected. Best of all, you can be financed. Not only can we offer bank and credit union financing like all the big dealerships, you are approved, because we offer buy here pay here financing too.
Please give a call at 1-877-792-4168, visit our site, or check out our Facebook page, and we'll be glad to help.
Happy New Year Colorado!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
New from the North Pole: Santa at Mark's Auto Sales 12-23-09
Mark's Auto Sales community! We just got notice from the North Pole that Santa Claus will arrive at Mark's Auto Sales on Wednesday December 23rd from 3-6pm.
Customers, vendors, associates and community are invited to come by, bring your kids, so they can take a photo with Santa and receive a small early gift from Santa. Bring your camera or we can take the photo. Photos will be posted on the Mark's Auto Sales Facebook Fan Page.
We look forward to seeing you on December 23rd!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Be Green and Buy Used... You're doing a favor to the environment!
Thanks for checking out our Mark's Auto Sales blog. I have a topic to share today that I hope will be of interest to car shoppers around the country, and that is, "to be green, buy used."
I lived in Boulder Colorado, about 25 miles North of our dealership in Lakewood Colorado. Boulder is known to be a very progressive, environmentally friendly town. With the university and many tech companies calling Boulder and its surrounding communities home, Boulder also has one of the highest income levels in the state. With the introduction of the Toyota Prius, Boulder drivers took storm. I remember one day seeing 45 Toyota Prius' in one day. If its called the "Repulic of Boulder" then move over Volkswagon, this is the new "People's Car."
While the vehicle's gas economy is certainly popular with fluctuating fuel prices, I kept hearing negative reviews about the production of a hybrid vehicles, most especially their batteries. Because battery technology has lagged behind other innovations, the battery rs inefficient in its production and may have to be replaced in as few as a few short years of driving the vehicle.
In an article on wired.com, the author writes that despite the great gas mileage, "it takes 113 million BTUs of energy to make a Toyota Prius. Because there are about 113,000 BTUs of energy in a gallon of gasoline, the Prius has consumed the equivalent of 1,000 gallons of gasoline before it reaches the showroom. Think of it as a carbon debt — one you won’t pay off until the Prius has turned over 46,000 miles or so."
However, when you purchase a used vehicle as opposed to a hybrid, somebody else has already cleared the gap between the carbon debt. From the same article, he states that "a 1998 Toyota Tercel that gets 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway miles. The Prius will have to go 100,000 miles to achieve the same carbon savings as the 10-year-old Tercel." And there are great vehicles out there, if you are still concerned about gas mileage efficiency. These include, as listed from the aforementioned article:
1994 Geo Metro XFi
Ford Festiva
Ford Aspire
Dodge Colts
Honda CRX HF
1985 Chevrolet Chevette
87 Chevrolet Sprint
With modern equivalents in the:
Toyota Echo
Honda Civic
Chevrolet Prizm
Mini Cooper
Most Volkswagon diesel models.
From advertisements, I know that BMW diesels would compare amongst this list.
While it looks green to pull out of the dealership with the new hybrid, but don't be fooled, you're green to drive a gas efficient vehicle that has already saved more carbon emissions than it took to build the vehicle. About seven years ago I had a 1993 Plymouth Colt coupe which got me gas mileage in the mid thirties to mid forties. Of course when the A/C was on, it would be in the lower of that range. And there was one time, when driving with mostly a tailwind on the highway I calculated 52 mpg. Boy, what would I do to have that car back right now?!
I lived in Boulder Colorado, about 25 miles North of our dealership in Lakewood Colorado. Boulder is known to be a very progressive, environmentally friendly town. With the university and many tech companies calling Boulder and its surrounding communities home, Boulder also has one of the highest income levels in the state. With the introduction of the Toyota Prius, Boulder drivers took storm. I remember one day seeing 45 Toyota Prius' in one day. If its called the "Repulic of Boulder" then move over Volkswagon, this is the new "People's Car."
While the vehicle's gas economy is certainly popular with fluctuating fuel prices, I kept hearing negative reviews about the production of a hybrid vehicles, most especially their batteries. Because battery technology has lagged behind other innovations, the battery rs inefficient in its production and may have to be replaced in as few as a few short years of driving the vehicle.
In an article on wired.com, the author writes that despite the great gas mileage, "it takes 113 million BTUs of energy to make a Toyota Prius. Because there are about 113,000 BTUs of energy in a gallon of gasoline, the Prius has consumed the equivalent of 1,000 gallons of gasoline before it reaches the showroom. Think of it as a carbon debt — one you won’t pay off until the Prius has turned over 46,000 miles or so."
However, when you purchase a used vehicle as opposed to a hybrid, somebody else has already cleared the gap between the carbon debt. From the same article, he states that "a 1998 Toyota Tercel that gets 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway miles. The Prius will have to go 100,000 miles to achieve the same carbon savings as the 10-year-old Tercel." And there are great vehicles out there, if you are still concerned about gas mileage efficiency. These include, as listed from the aforementioned article:
1994 Geo Metro XFi
Ford Festiva
Ford Aspire
Dodge Colts
Honda CRX HF
1985 Chevrolet Chevette
87 Chevrolet Sprint
With modern equivalents in the:
Toyota Echo
Honda Civic
Chevrolet Prizm
Mini Cooper
Most Volkswagon diesel models.
From advertisements, I know that BMW diesels would compare amongst this list.
While it looks green to pull out of the dealership with the new hybrid, but don't be fooled, you're green to drive a gas efficient vehicle that has already saved more carbon emissions than it took to build the vehicle. About seven years ago I had a 1993 Plymouth Colt coupe which got me gas mileage in the mid thirties to mid forties. Of course when the A/C was on, it would be in the lower of that range. And there was one time, when driving with mostly a tailwind on the highway I calculated 52 mpg. Boy, what would I do to have that car back right now?!
Do we have your email address?
Are you a Mark's Auto Sales BHPH customer?
Do you have an email address?
Do we have your updated email address on file?
Mark's Auto Sales is updating our computer systems, and needs to update your contact information, especially email addresses. As more and more people prefer to be contacted by email for account reminders, it is important that we have your preferred email address. If you prefer to be contacted by email your Mark's Auto Sales account representative can take note and keep contact through email for payment reminders.
In the future, you will have the ability to pay online, and your email address will be needed to send you your receipt.
And of course, for customer appreciation events, BBQs, visits from Santa Claus, we want to be sure that our Mark's Auto Sales customers don't miss out. We'll let you know of customer events planned along with more information available on our blog, Twitter, or Facebook fan page.
Please write down your email or any other changed contact info the next time you make a payment, or email staci@marksautosales.com and write that you are updating your customer email address.
Thank you!
Do you have an email address?
Do we have your updated email address on file?
Mark's Auto Sales is updating our computer systems, and needs to update your contact information, especially email addresses. As more and more people prefer to be contacted by email for account reminders, it is important that we have your preferred email address. If you prefer to be contacted by email your Mark's Auto Sales account representative can take note and keep contact through email for payment reminders.
In the future, you will have the ability to pay online, and your email address will be needed to send you your receipt.
And of course, for customer appreciation events, BBQs, visits from Santa Claus, we want to be sure that our Mark's Auto Sales customers don't miss out. We'll let you know of customer events planned along with more information available on our blog, Twitter, or Facebook fan page.
Please write down your email or any other changed contact info the next time you make a payment, or email staci@marksautosales.com and write that you are updating your customer email address.
Thank you!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Carfax, trusted resource or fraud?
We've all heard the ads, "ask for your free Carfax report." When purchasing a vehicle, we're trained to ask for the Carfax report for piece of mind in a used vehicle purchase.
However after reading many online complaints of vehicle owners, whose vehicles were fine, yet when they tried to sell, the report stated an accident, inaccurate miles, etc that was not the case. A misprint of miles was corrected with the DMV, so the vehicle's title was no longer mistakenly marked "Not Actual Miles" yet Carfax would not change the report.
Certainly the frustration of car owners is understandable when they know the history on their vehicles, and then, suddenly their vehicle can't be sold for their asking price with this negative report.
Imagine fixing the paint for a scratch that occurred when your kid scraped their scooter against it in the narrow space of the driveway. You take your car in to have the paint fixed, go to sell the car and Carfax reports this incident as an accident. Truth is, online there are many stories like this.
On the otherhand there are many people who purchase and feel confident when it reads, "no accidents/ airbag deployment/ odometer rollback/ etc reported." Yet the keyword is "reported." In many cases owners have reported that it was a clear report when they purchased, yet a few months later, a previous accident was finally reported, too late for the car purchaser. Carfax has not been big brother looking at every little use of your car, and updating its report immediately. While they rely on third party sources for information that comprises their reports, there can be damage that never makes its way into the Carfax report.
So what are your alternatives when you are shopping for a vehicle to still have the peace of mind that your vehicle does not have: structural/frame damage, total loss, odometer rollback, etc?
While there are other sites similar to Carfax available to check vehicle history, they have the same pitfalls as the industry leader. Your best alternative is to bring along your most mechanical and car savvy friend. With a trained eye, somebody who has worked in a body shop or as a mechanic can see the signs that body work has been done or a part has been repainted, that the rest of us may miss. Their expertise can enlighten you if this was a quality repair or if you shouldn't trust it as dependable.
Unfortunately, in this .com world, we look for online solutions to tangible items that we have to make important decisions about. While the insight about your vehicle from Carfax may give you piece of mind, understanding how many owners had the car prior to you, and if it were for rental or personal use, this information is not bomb-proof. Look at this information and have the discriminating eye of a mechanic for a better piece of mind.
However after reading many online complaints of vehicle owners, whose vehicles were fine, yet when they tried to sell, the report stated an accident, inaccurate miles, etc that was not the case. A misprint of miles was corrected with the DMV, so the vehicle's title was no longer mistakenly marked "Not Actual Miles" yet Carfax would not change the report.
Certainly the frustration of car owners is understandable when they know the history on their vehicles, and then, suddenly their vehicle can't be sold for their asking price with this negative report.
Imagine fixing the paint for a scratch that occurred when your kid scraped their scooter against it in the narrow space of the driveway. You take your car in to have the paint fixed, go to sell the car and Carfax reports this incident as an accident. Truth is, online there are many stories like this.
On the otherhand there are many people who purchase and feel confident when it reads, "no accidents/ airbag deployment/ odometer rollback/ etc reported." Yet the keyword is "reported." In many cases owners have reported that it was a clear report when they purchased, yet a few months later, a previous accident was finally reported, too late for the car purchaser. Carfax has not been big brother looking at every little use of your car, and updating its report immediately. While they rely on third party sources for information that comprises their reports, there can be damage that never makes its way into the Carfax report.
So what are your alternatives when you are shopping for a vehicle to still have the peace of mind that your vehicle does not have: structural/frame damage, total loss, odometer rollback, etc?
While there are other sites similar to Carfax available to check vehicle history, they have the same pitfalls as the industry leader. Your best alternative is to bring along your most mechanical and car savvy friend. With a trained eye, somebody who has worked in a body shop or as a mechanic can see the signs that body work has been done or a part has been repainted, that the rest of us may miss. Their expertise can enlighten you if this was a quality repair or if you shouldn't trust it as dependable.
Unfortunately, in this .com world, we look for online solutions to tangible items that we have to make important decisions about. While the insight about your vehicle from Carfax may give you piece of mind, understanding how many owners had the car prior to you, and if it were for rental or personal use, this information is not bomb-proof. Look at this information and have the discriminating eye of a mechanic for a better piece of mind.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
The Mark's Auto Sales family wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. In celebration of the holiday the dealership will be closed on Thursday November 26th. While the sales staff and employees of Mark's Auto Sales are enjoying turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce with their families on Thanksgiving day, we will be open on "Black Friday."
If you are looking to make a vehicle purchase before this year is out, be sure to check your MoneyMailer for more information about the Dollar Down plus taxes Super Liquidation Sale. We will also have the TaxMax program in effect, where you can estimate your tax return with your current pay stub. Then this can be used to supplement your down payment to get financing on your dream car.
Please enjoy your holiday and don't hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can assist you with.
If you are looking to make a vehicle purchase before this year is out, be sure to check your MoneyMailer for more information about the Dollar Down plus taxes Super Liquidation Sale. We will also have the TaxMax program in effect, where you can estimate your tax return with your current pay stub. Then this can be used to supplement your down payment to get financing on your dream car.
Please enjoy your holiday and don't hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can assist you with.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Save up your down payment
A lot of subprime and buy here pay here customers understand that their down payment is a big part in choosing the vehicle they want to buy. In the buy here pay here business, the term "cash is king" is used frequently. When you are able to put more into your downpayment, you can reduce the term of the loan, the amount for your monthly payments, and reduce the amount that you have to finance.
It always looks good if you have saved up a substantial downpayment, when underwriting reviews the loan. So what if you need a car and you haven't had the opportunity to save up the down payment you wish you had?
With a bank, you have to have all your down payment immediately. At Mark's Auto Sales, a buy here pay here dealership, our sales associates are trained to help you, the customer, budget downpayment and monthly payments. Bring in your pay stubs and know what bills you have upcoming. We can schedule for you to bring in additional downpayment within two weeks after signing the paperwork and driving off.
Of course, always remember, if you've promised to bring in downpayment, it has to come in when it is scheduled, because the rest of the payments and the loan are dependent on that downpayment!
It always looks good if you have saved up a substantial downpayment, when underwriting reviews the loan. So what if you need a car and you haven't had the opportunity to save up the down payment you wish you had?
With a bank, you have to have all your down payment immediately. At Mark's Auto Sales, a buy here pay here dealership, our sales associates are trained to help you, the customer, budget downpayment and monthly payments. Bring in your pay stubs and know what bills you have upcoming. We can schedule for you to bring in additional downpayment within two weeks after signing the paperwork and driving off.
Of course, always remember, if you've promised to bring in downpayment, it has to come in when it is scheduled, because the rest of the payments and the loan are dependent on that downpayment!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
See our customers on our website
As the blogger and web marketer for Mark's Auto Sales, I wanted to be sure that current customers, as well as car shoppers know of the "Testimonials" page on our MarksAutoSales.com website. As part of MarksTV, there are now video testimonials on our site and our Mark's Auto Sales YouTube channel.
If you are a current customer and would like to share how your credit has improved when you've paid on your Mark's Auto Sales/META Financial Svc loan, we would be glad to hear. Or if you would like to share about your experience with Mark's Auto.
If you're looking for a reputable used car dealer that can help you, see our "Testimonials" page. We've helped a wide variety of customers get back on the road, and gave them a chance even if their credit has been hurting.
New videos and photos are being put together. Please contact us if you would like your photo, video or story on the site. We appreciate the reputation from our customers.
Staci at Mark's Auto Sales
If you are a current customer and would like to share how your credit has improved when you've paid on your Mark's Auto Sales/META Financial Svc loan, we would be glad to hear. Or if you would like to share about your experience with Mark's Auto.
If you're looking for a reputable used car dealer that can help you, see our "Testimonials" page. We've helped a wide variety of customers get back on the road, and gave them a chance even if their credit has been hurting.
New videos and photos are being put together. Please contact us if you would like your photo, video or story on the site. We appreciate the reputation from our customers.
Staci at Mark's Auto Sales
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Winter has hit early in Denver and Mark's Auto Sales
Winter weather alert yesterday and today throughout the Denver metro area. Schools are shut, along with many businesses.
So you would imagine that our inventory is snowed over, and I'm writing this from home. Nope! We're open for business. We have inventory kept dry and inside on snowy nights so car, truck and suv buyers like yourself can still come in and view inventory.
Our one location is two blocks west of Wadsworth on Colfax (south side of the road) at 7800 W. Colfax Ave. If you've found your vehicle inadequate for winter driving or just needing to purchase a car, we'll be open for you. Call ahead for an appointment to test drive and we'll have the heater warmed up for your test drive!
Thanks! Staci at Mark's Auto Sales, 303-592-7725.
So you would imagine that our inventory is snowed over, and I'm writing this from home. Nope! We're open for business. We have inventory kept dry and inside on snowy nights so car, truck and suv buyers like yourself can still come in and view inventory.
Our one location is two blocks west of Wadsworth on Colfax (south side of the road) at 7800 W. Colfax Ave. If you've found your vehicle inadequate for winter driving or just needing to purchase a car, we'll be open for you. Call ahead for an appointment to test drive and we'll have the heater warmed up for your test drive!
Thanks! Staci at Mark's Auto Sales, 303-592-7725.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Shopping for a car? Start online!
Hello car shoppers of the world and the Denver metro area!
Sometimes you have time to prepare for your car search, and other times you suddenly need a car. Working in the dealership, I've found customers who came to us with every situation, needing a car because their broke down or was wrecked, those who have been borrowing a car from a friend or family member and needed to give it back, and those who have become accustomed to planning their daily schedule around the bus schedule. Each customer ended up in the car that best suited their needs and budget.
While the car buying process can be intimidating, there are more resources online to start your search and learn more about your car dealer. I'll give you a tour of the Mark's Auto Sales site http://www.marksautosales.com and some of the features you may want to use to start the painless process of buying a car.
First, you can read or hear what our current customers have said by visiting our testimonials page. As I said, different customers had different automotive needs, yet they each found and were satisfied with Mark's Auto Sales and our buy here pay here financing. Read our Testimonials
You can also browse our inventory to find available cars, trucks and SUVs. From any of the vehicle pages you can also contact us. We get new inventory in each week, but don't wait too long; the car you're thinking about today, may be the car that someone else was thinking about yesterday, and coming back for, today! Browse Inventory
And you can get started from home by filling out your credit application online. Apply Online
Whether you've been weighing your options to buy, need to return that car on loan to your friend, or tired of planning your day around the RTD bus schedule, financing options are available with Mark's Auto Sales. We have special financing available for those who qualify. Our buy here pay here financing is also available which can get you in an auto loan if you have a job and down payment, even if your credit has hit some hard times.
Let MarksAutoSales.com be your first and last stop in your vehicle search!
Sometimes you have time to prepare for your car search, and other times you suddenly need a car. Working in the dealership, I've found customers who came to us with every situation, needing a car because their broke down or was wrecked, those who have been borrowing a car from a friend or family member and needed to give it back, and those who have become accustomed to planning their daily schedule around the bus schedule. Each customer ended up in the car that best suited their needs and budget.
While the car buying process can be intimidating, there are more resources online to start your search and learn more about your car dealer. I'll give you a tour of the Mark's Auto Sales site http://www.marksautosales.com and some of the features you may want to use to start the painless process of buying a car.
First, you can read or hear what our current customers have said by visiting our testimonials page. As I said, different customers had different automotive needs, yet they each found and were satisfied with Mark's Auto Sales and our buy here pay here financing. Read our Testimonials
You can also browse our inventory to find available cars, trucks and SUVs. From any of the vehicle pages you can also contact us. We get new inventory in each week, but don't wait too long; the car you're thinking about today, may be the car that someone else was thinking about yesterday, and coming back for, today! Browse Inventory
And you can get started from home by filling out your credit application online. Apply Online
Whether you've been weighing your options to buy, need to return that car on loan to your friend, or tired of planning your day around the RTD bus schedule, financing options are available with Mark's Auto Sales. We have special financing available for those who qualify. Our buy here pay here financing is also available which can get you in an auto loan if you have a job and down payment, even if your credit has hit some hard times.
Let MarksAutoSales.com be your first and last stop in your vehicle search!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Searching for a car on Craigslist?
So the internet has revolutionized the marketplace. Not just for cars but all consumer goods. Customers have opportunity to search, research, and make decisions before ever reaching a salesperson.
Now if you've been searching for a car, and need financing, you may be searching online, on what dealerships may have what you're looking for. With the growing popularity of Craigslist, many car buyers look here first on what is available.
Fastforward to the dealership. You've found a car or a dealership you want to visit, great! Do they have the financing to get you approved? Unfortunately most dealerships have fewer lenders available than they had a few years ago. With sub-prime banks staying on the sidelines, and more customers entering the sub-prime pool because of a couple late payments or collections, there are a lot of good people without a means for financing.
What now?
I've heard some customers say, "I'll use my downpayment to buy a cheap cash car, I'll look on Craigslist." Sure there are some cheap cash cars being advertised right now, for sale by their owners or dealers. But, how long will this be reliable transportation for you? You may strike it lucky, or you may be back searching for a car in six months. Maybe you have saved some money in that time, or else your money was sunk into that car.
Is this your only option?
Fortunately for you, it isn't! Buy Here Pay Here can still get you financing. Based on your job stability and your downpayment, you can get into a car, truck, van or SUV. At Mark's Auto Sales, with our buy here pay here program, we can finance a wide variety of inventory including Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Jeep, Dodge, and Mitsubishi. The best part is you can repair your credit, because Mark's Auto Sales reports your on time payments to the credit bureaus. You may have purchased a car from a BHPH before, but they didn't report to the credit bureau.
While other salespeople at other dealership can only dream of getting everyone financed, we can. If you're hesitant that a bankruptcy, foreclosure or bad credit is limiting you from buying a car, and you're located in the front range Denver metro communities, be sure to contact Mark's Auto Sales. We've been in business for 26 years, have a professional sales staff, and would be glad to show your buy here pay here financing options.
Now if you've been searching for a car, and need financing, you may be searching online, on what dealerships may have what you're looking for. With the growing popularity of Craigslist, many car buyers look here first on what is available.
Fastforward to the dealership. You've found a car or a dealership you want to visit, great! Do they have the financing to get you approved? Unfortunately most dealerships have fewer lenders available than they had a few years ago. With sub-prime banks staying on the sidelines, and more customers entering the sub-prime pool because of a couple late payments or collections, there are a lot of good people without a means for financing.
What now?
I've heard some customers say, "I'll use my downpayment to buy a cheap cash car, I'll look on Craigslist." Sure there are some cheap cash cars being advertised right now, for sale by their owners or dealers. But, how long will this be reliable transportation for you? You may strike it lucky, or you may be back searching for a car in six months. Maybe you have saved some money in that time, or else your money was sunk into that car.
Is this your only option?
Fortunately for you, it isn't! Buy Here Pay Here can still get you financing. Based on your job stability and your downpayment, you can get into a car, truck, van or SUV. At Mark's Auto Sales, with our buy here pay here program, we can finance a wide variety of inventory including Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Jeep, Dodge, and Mitsubishi. The best part is you can repair your credit, because Mark's Auto Sales reports your on time payments to the credit bureaus. You may have purchased a car from a BHPH before, but they didn't report to the credit bureau.
While other salespeople at other dealership can only dream of getting everyone financed, we can. If you're hesitant that a bankruptcy, foreclosure or bad credit is limiting you from buying a car, and you're located in the front range Denver metro communities, be sure to contact Mark's Auto Sales. We've been in business for 26 years, have a professional sales staff, and would be glad to show your buy here pay here financing options.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Casting Call for the Debut of Mark's TV
Casting Call for Mark'sTV
We're looking for current, new, and previous customers to debut on the first season of Mark'sTV. Your video may be on a future commercial, our website, or a showroom television.
Schedule to come in to make your audition tape today. Talk about your vehicle, about being a Mark's Auto Sales customer, or even show off your talent.
Call us at 303-592-7725 or staci@marksautosales.com to get onto season one of Mark'sTV.
What are buy here pay here car lots and how are they different from other car dealerships?
You may already be familiar with "buy here pay here" (bhph) especially if you are a current Mark's Auto Sales customer reading this. However if you are looking to buy a used vehicle, and haven't gotten a bank approval from a dealership, you may have been recommended to try a buy here pay here dealership.
The biggest difference, as you can tell by the name, a buy here pay here used car lot, has the financing in house. Instead of arranging your lending with a bank, your loan is with the car dealership itself. Similar to a bank, the buy here pay here dealerships will have underwriting procedures and collectors to help keep your payments in line. With the advent of software such as AutoZoom for bhph used car lots, credit risk can be measured. Many dealers will also have their sales staff help the customer budget what they can afford for a monthly payment.
Mark's Auto Sales has been a buy here pay here dealership in the Denver Metro Area since 1983. While there has always been a customer base searching for bhph financing, we have seen an uptick as banks have moved away from their subprime lending programs. Unlike many bhph car lots which only report to the credit bureau when your payment falls behind, we will report all your payments, including your on time payments. This has allowed our repeat customers through the years establish positive automotive credit history. This positive credit history will help the bank towards an approval.
If you're tired of waiting for an approval, and in the Denver metro or front range, don't wait, contact us directly at sales@marksautosales.com or 303-592-7725
The biggest difference, as you can tell by the name, a buy here pay here used car lot, has the financing in house. Instead of arranging your lending with a bank, your loan is with the car dealership itself. Similar to a bank, the buy here pay here dealerships will have underwriting procedures and collectors to help keep your payments in line. With the advent of software such as AutoZoom for bhph used car lots, credit risk can be measured. Many dealers will also have their sales staff help the customer budget what they can afford for a monthly payment.
Mark's Auto Sales has been a buy here pay here dealership in the Denver Metro Area since 1983. While there has always been a customer base searching for bhph financing, we have seen an uptick as banks have moved away from their subprime lending programs. Unlike many bhph car lots which only report to the credit bureau when your payment falls behind, we will report all your payments, including your on time payments. This has allowed our repeat customers through the years establish positive automotive credit history. This positive credit history will help the bank towards an approval.
If you're tired of waiting for an approval, and in the Denver metro or front range, don't wait, contact us directly at sales@marksautosales.com or 303-592-7725
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Time to trade in or is it?
Acting in both a finance and marketing role at Mark's Auto Sales, I find that several times a month we are trying to structure a car deal with a customer that has a trade in that they have not yet paid off. Sometimes the customer has equity in this vehicle, and have a low pay off, such that their trade works to their advantage in purchasing their next vehicle.
On the other hand however, I see customers who are eager to get a new car, yet have negative equity in their vehicle. Because they owe more on their trade, than the vehicle is worth, the pay-off balance must be paid for in their next car purchase. Often times, these customers eager to trade in a car they are still paying on are looking for a lower payment. A lower payment may be possible if a customer has improved their credit such that they can qualify for a better interest rate with a bank. A lower payment may also be possible if the customer is trading in their vehicle for one at a lower price than their first loan. Often times however, customers are eager to trade in this vehicle for something newer, with lower mileage, and do not have any additional money down. As the banks are selective in approving auto loans, with a limited amount of credit to extend, these customers often find it difficult to make their purchase.
Therefore, I would like to extend some advice to the customer looking to trade in their vehicle. First of all, understand how the term of the loan relates to paying off principle on the loan. Lets imagine two identical cars being sold for the same financing amount, lets say $9999, with a 7% interest rate. One customer gets a loan for 36 months (3 years) and their payment is $336 per month. The other customer gets a loan for 60 months (5 years) and their payment is $214 per month. Now imagine in 18 months after the sale, they both want to trade in their cars. The first customer with a higher monthly payment over a shorter term loan, will have more equity in their vehicle and will more likely avoid having negative equity on their trade. The second customer however has paid off less of the principle balance of their loan, because their loan was paying off the principle over a longer term.
So what if you're the second customer? You have a loan for a long term of 5, 6 or 7 years, and you don't imagine you want to keep driving this car forever, what can you do? If your budget allows you to pay an additional $20, $50, $100 or more per month with your car loan... do it! This will pay down the principle balance (the amount financed) of your loan. Not only will this reduce the total amount of interest you are paying during the loan (when your payments are on time), but will help you avoid negative equity in your loan. The more of your vehicle that you have paid off, the less you subsequently owe on your loan. When your vehicle is worth more than you owe, then you've avoided the negative equity dilemma.
So you may be wondering if there are any other ways that you can avoid having negative equity besides, shorter terms and paying off principle. There are a couple other things for you as a customer to consider. Try not to "bite off more than you can chew." If a finance director is trying to get you a loan so you can get a car and increase their sales, but the payment is still high over a long term loan, consider your options for a vehicle with a lower selling price. Always know your budget, and what you can afford before you start your loan documents. If you already have a lot of debt obligations with rent, child support, insurance, utilities, it is important to know exactly what is left for the car payment.
These are a couple considerations that I hope you will take into account if you ever consider trading in your vehicle that you may not have paid off. Mark's Auto Sales's buy here pay here program does assist our customers to "graduate" and trade in their vehicle for an "upgrade" when they have had on time payments for a minimum of 18-24 months depending on their vehicle and loan. Additional downpayment and a good payment history with a Mark's Auto Sales buy here pay here loan, has assisted customers get into a nicer newer vehicle and avoid having negative equity in their first loan. Please give us a call (303-592-7725) if you are a current or prospective customer and need any assistance with your next vehicle.
Thanks,
Staci @ marksautosales . com
On the other hand however, I see customers who are eager to get a new car, yet have negative equity in their vehicle. Because they owe more on their trade, than the vehicle is worth, the pay-off balance must be paid for in their next car purchase. Often times, these customers eager to trade in a car they are still paying on are looking for a lower payment. A lower payment may be possible if a customer has improved their credit such that they can qualify for a better interest rate with a bank. A lower payment may also be possible if the customer is trading in their vehicle for one at a lower price than their first loan. Often times however, customers are eager to trade in this vehicle for something newer, with lower mileage, and do not have any additional money down. As the banks are selective in approving auto loans, with a limited amount of credit to extend, these customers often find it difficult to make their purchase.
Therefore, I would like to extend some advice to the customer looking to trade in their vehicle. First of all, understand how the term of the loan relates to paying off principle on the loan. Lets imagine two identical cars being sold for the same financing amount, lets say $9999, with a 7% interest rate. One customer gets a loan for 36 months (3 years) and their payment is $336 per month. The other customer gets a loan for 60 months (5 years) and their payment is $214 per month. Now imagine in 18 months after the sale, they both want to trade in their cars. The first customer with a higher monthly payment over a shorter term loan, will have more equity in their vehicle and will more likely avoid having negative equity on their trade. The second customer however has paid off less of the principle balance of their loan, because their loan was paying off the principle over a longer term.
So what if you're the second customer? You have a loan for a long term of 5, 6 or 7 years, and you don't imagine you want to keep driving this car forever, what can you do? If your budget allows you to pay an additional $20, $50, $100 or more per month with your car loan... do it! This will pay down the principle balance (the amount financed) of your loan. Not only will this reduce the total amount of interest you are paying during the loan (when your payments are on time), but will help you avoid negative equity in your loan. The more of your vehicle that you have paid off, the less you subsequently owe on your loan. When your vehicle is worth more than you owe, then you've avoided the negative equity dilemma.
So you may be wondering if there are any other ways that you can avoid having negative equity besides, shorter terms and paying off principle. There are a couple other things for you as a customer to consider. Try not to "bite off more than you can chew." If a finance director is trying to get you a loan so you can get a car and increase their sales, but the payment is still high over a long term loan, consider your options for a vehicle with a lower selling price. Always know your budget, and what you can afford before you start your loan documents. If you already have a lot of debt obligations with rent, child support, insurance, utilities, it is important to know exactly what is left for the car payment.
These are a couple considerations that I hope you will take into account if you ever consider trading in your vehicle that you may not have paid off. Mark's Auto Sales's buy here pay here program does assist our customers to "graduate" and trade in their vehicle for an "upgrade" when they have had on time payments for a minimum of 18-24 months depending on their vehicle and loan. Additional downpayment and a good payment history with a Mark's Auto Sales buy here pay here loan, has assisted customers get into a nicer newer vehicle and avoid having negative equity in their first loan. Please give us a call (303-592-7725) if you are a current or prospective customer and need any assistance with your next vehicle.
Thanks,
Staci @ marksautosales . com
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Mark has gone crazy! He's having another Super Liquidation Sale!
Mark's Auto Sales, the home of the true buy here pay here financing, is bringing back the Super Liquidation Sale September 10-12th due to popular demand! This sale will feature most of our inventory at $1 down plus state and local taxes**. We are the bank and you can get approved! Our buy here pay here lot can help you get financed even if you have bad credit, a bankruptcy or foreclosure. There will be entertainment for the children, free hot dogs and soda, music, a free spin on our prize wheel and other giveaways. Don't wait, inventory is sold on a first come, first serve basis. This sale will occur at our Lakewood store located at 7800 W. Colfax Ave. The Commerce City location will be closed during the sale.
**WAC, WAD, WSS, Stock #P05133, semi monthly payments at $175 @ 19.99% APR
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
What is your credit score? And how can Mark's Auto Sales help?
Your credit score is an important decision maker for a lender, when deciding if they want to do business with you. Mark's Auto Sales can be your stepping stone to better credit.
Your credit score, also known as FICO rating, is a calculation reflecting your likelihood of paying off a loan on time. There are three credit bureaus that calculate your credit scores: Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. They derive your credit score from: how much credit you have already been given and by what companies, how much of that credit you have used, and your payment history.
Your credit score changes
over time when companies that report to the credit bureau. When you pay down your credit cards and make the payments on time, your credit score will improve. Your credit score will also improve when you make your full payments on time for your automotive loan to Mark’s Auto Sales and META Financial Services. Mark’s Auto Sales has been reporting the credit bureaus for ten years and META Financial has been reporting for the past five years. In this time there have been many success stories of our customers who have been able to improve their credit ratings so that they can purchase their next car with bank financing, and some have even been able to buy a home. Unlike other dealerships that offer buy here pay here financing, Mark’s Auto Sales reports to the credit bureau when you make your payment on time, and can therefore be your stepping stone to good credit.
While banks and lenders are not extending as much credit or new loans as in the past, taking care of your credit score will give these same bankers and lenders more confidence in giving you the loan you need. Here are a couple tips to help you improve your credit score:
• Make your payments on time, late payments and late fees are reported to the bureaus
car rental, kid cartoon game, bmw x6 lease
• Keep your balances low, pay down credit cards and outstanding debt
• Beware of credit card offers, there are a lot of promotions to get you to sign up for a new card. However if you have already had a lot of credit extended to you, a lender may not want to give you more, because if you use all the credit you have available, it will likely be too difficult to keep up with payments
• Check your credit scores a couple times a year. Many online services are available to check, and will give you to opportunity to make sure that nothing was reported incorrectly.
Want to learn more about how Mark's Auto Sales can help you get back your credit worthiness with your next auto loan? Contact us directly at: http://www.marksautosales.com/locations.php?te_class=locations&te_mode=view&te_key=2
Your credit score, also known as FICO rating, is a calculation reflecting your likelihood of paying off a loan on time. There are three credit bureaus that calculate your credit scores: Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. They derive your credit score from: how much credit you have already been given and by what companies, how much of that credit you have used, and your payment history.
Your credit score changes
over time when companies that report to the credit bureau. When you pay down your credit cards and make the payments on time, your credit score will improve. Your credit score will also improve when you make your full payments on time for your automotive loan to Mark’s Auto Sales and META Financial Services. Mark’s Auto Sales has been reporting the credit bureaus for ten years and META Financial has been reporting for the past five years. In this time there have been many success stories of our customers who have been able to improve their credit ratings so that they can purchase their next car with bank financing, and some have even been able to buy a home. Unlike other dealerships that offer buy here pay here financing, Mark’s Auto Sales reports to the credit bureau when you make your payment on time, and can therefore be your stepping stone to good credit.
While banks and lenders are not extending as much credit or new loans as in the past, taking care of your credit score will give these same bankers and lenders more confidence in giving you the loan you need. Here are a couple tips to help you improve your credit score:
• Make your payments on time, late payments and late fees are reported to the bureaus
car rental, kid cartoon game, bmw x6 lease
• Keep your balances low, pay down credit cards and outstanding debt
• Beware of credit card offers, there are a lot of promotions to get you to sign up for a new card. However if you have already had a lot of credit extended to you, a lender may not want to give you more, because if you use all the credit you have available, it will likely be too difficult to keep up with payments
• Check your credit scores a couple times a year. Many online services are available to check, and will give you to opportunity to make sure that nothing was reported incorrectly.
Want to learn more about how Mark's Auto Sales can help you get back your credit worthiness with your next auto loan? Contact us directly at: http://www.marksautosales.com/locations.php?te_class=locations&te_mode=view&te_key=2
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Mark's Auto Sales Beats the Government's Cash for Clunkers
With the tight credit crisis 40-70% of all customers are turned down due to bad credit at new car stores. Mark's Auto Sale's exclusive in house financing can get you into a vehicle, and even accepts your trade in. With a variety of late model used inventory, customers of all credit profiles can drive off today. Still don't believe that there are financing options for you? Please visit and ask to see our video testimonials from our customers and how Mark's Auto Sales helped them get reestablished. Visit our website at www.MarksAutoSales.com to learn more!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Understand your loan docs is the first step to build your credit!
Mark's Auto Sales would like to remind its clients and online followers the importantce of reading and understanding your loan documents.
Loan documents are a legal document once signed that bind you into a contract to pay.
Now while I, Staci of Mark's Auto Sales am not a lawyer and I am not giving legal advice, there are a couple things that I would like to point out to car buyers in general.
First, make sure your "closer" explains what it is that you are signing. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask.
Make sure you understand when payments are due. For example, most payments made to Mark's Auto Sales (and META Financial Services) are semi monthly payments. For example, if your Mark's Auto Sales payments are due on the 3rd and 17th, there is not a grace period and your payment is past due if you bring it in a couple days late. At Mark's Auto Sales we will do our best to arrange your payment schedule based on when you are paid. (However we still have to follow our underwriter's rules about payment schedules.) Should you change jobs and have a different pay schedule, your payment due dates are already in your contract. With good communication with your account representative, they will be glad to coach you to get ahead a payment if necessary to prevent you from falling behind.
Finally, it is important for you to know who your account representative is if you fall behind. We all find times when money is running a little tight. Good communication will keep your name and good word with the collector, if you disappear, we can't work with you on your payment schedule to get caught up.
Mark's Auto Sales reports to the credit bureau which gives you a valuable opportunity to reestablish your credit. With two to three years of good payment history on an auto loan, even with tight underwriting departments, more banks will consider giving you a loan. Mark's Auto Sales is glad to be your stepping stone to good credit, and the opportunities that come with good credit. However it is very important that you understand and ask questions so you can make it through the term of the loan and build your positive credit.
-Submitted by Staci of Mark's Auto Sales
Loan documents are a legal document once signed that bind you into a contract to pay.
Now while I, Staci of Mark's Auto Sales am not a lawyer and I am not giving legal advice, there are a couple things that I would like to point out to car buyers in general.
First, make sure your "closer" explains what it is that you are signing. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask.
Make sure you understand when payments are due. For example, most payments made to Mark's Auto Sales (and META Financial Services) are semi monthly payments. For example, if your Mark's Auto Sales payments are due on the 3rd and 17th, there is not a grace period and your payment is past due if you bring it in a couple days late. At Mark's Auto Sales we will do our best to arrange your payment schedule based on when you are paid. (However we still have to follow our underwriter's rules about payment schedules.) Should you change jobs and have a different pay schedule, your payment due dates are already in your contract. With good communication with your account representative, they will be glad to coach you to get ahead a payment if necessary to prevent you from falling behind.
Finally, it is important for you to know who your account representative is if you fall behind. We all find times when money is running a little tight. Good communication will keep your name and good word with the collector, if you disappear, we can't work with you on your payment schedule to get caught up.
Mark's Auto Sales reports to the credit bureau which gives you a valuable opportunity to reestablish your credit. With two to three years of good payment history on an auto loan, even with tight underwriting departments, more banks will consider giving you a loan. Mark's Auto Sales is glad to be your stepping stone to good credit, and the opportunities that come with good credit. However it is very important that you understand and ask questions so you can make it through the term of the loan and build your positive credit.
-Submitted by Staci of Mark's Auto Sales
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Our first animated advertisement in Mark's Auto Sales history!
For over twenty years, if you've heard a Mark's Auto Sales commercial, you know the jingle: "He's crazy for selling them cars so cheap... He's crazy... For selling them cars so cheap!... He's awful crazy..."
Check it out here!
Well, I can't guarantee that you won't hear the jingle again (in fact we've had requests for our ad archive to be added to YouTube) but we're proud to announce that we have our first animated advertisement debuting. Her name is "Mother" and she is the one to Ask when you have questions about Auto Financing.
She's a persnickety little lady, but its true, "we're not like those other banks!"
Check it out here!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Cash for Clunkers bill in Congress is Going to Hurt Low Income Families
ou may have recently heard about the bill in Congress called "Cash for Clunkers." This bill is to make a government incentive for Americans to trade in their used car for a more efficient vehicle. This bill will only be for the purchase of new vehicles. While the motives of the bill, to modernize a greater percentage of US vehicles to be more fuel efficient and increase sales in new cars, the bill does not take into account the harmful effect it will have for low income families and subprime customers.
With the current credit crisis most people are unable to get financing on a new car. Banks and lenders have tightened their credit policies, and consumers who would have been able to qualify for a loan in the past are unable to do so with the current credit policies. Buy Here Pay Here credit by dealerships like Mark's Auto Sales have given many families opportunities to get a loan when they need to buy or replace their vehicle. However, with the current form of the bill, we are unable to fulfill the rebate for the Cash for Clunkers program, as it only applies to new vehicles.
From another standpoint, the Cash for Clunkers program will negatively affect the inventory of used cars driving up the prices of all vehicles outside of the affordable range for low or even middle class Americans. Currently, there is a shortage of used vehicles available for sale as Americans are driving their cars for longer instead of trading it in for a new vehicle. Cash for Clunkers will take perfectly good cars and take them out of the retail market.
These are the low cost vehicles that low income families are able to afford. Cash for Clunkers would further reduce the supply of used cars and increase the prices of the remaining used cars.
Natural attrition will get rid of these vehicles. I’ve seen it for the 32 years that I’ve been in the auto industry.
A final consideration, to consider is, while our domestic auto manufacturers are struggling, how much of this $9 billion incentive program will go to the purchase of foreign brands? It is a large investment by US taxpayers for this Cash for Clunkers program.
Are you sure this is a program you want your tax dollars supporting?
With the current credit crisis most people are unable to get financing on a new car. Banks and lenders have tightened their credit policies, and consumers who would have been able to qualify for a loan in the past are unable to do so with the current credit policies. Buy Here Pay Here credit by dealerships like Mark's Auto Sales have given many families opportunities to get a loan when they need to buy or replace their vehicle. However, with the current form of the bill, we are unable to fulfill the rebate for the Cash for Clunkers program, as it only applies to new vehicles.
From another standpoint, the Cash for Clunkers program will negatively affect the inventory of used cars driving up the prices of all vehicles outside of the affordable range for low or even middle class Americans. Currently, there is a shortage of used vehicles available for sale as Americans are driving their cars for longer instead of trading it in for a new vehicle. Cash for Clunkers will take perfectly good cars and take them out of the retail market.
These are the low cost vehicles that low income families are able to afford. Cash for Clunkers would further reduce the supply of used cars and increase the prices of the remaining used cars.
Natural attrition will get rid of these vehicles. I’ve seen it for the 32 years that I’ve been in the auto industry.
A final consideration, to consider is, while our domestic auto manufacturers are struggling, how much of this $9 billion incentive program will go to the purchase of foreign brands? It is a large investment by US taxpayers for this Cash for Clunkers program.
Are you sure this is a program you want your tax dollars supporting?
Welcome to Mark's Auto Sales
Mark's Auto Sales Inc is proud to announce our new blog! We hope to move our paper newsletter content to the virtual world to keep you updated of events, activities and news here at Mark's Auto Sales.
If you happened to come across our site, we are located in Lakewood and Commerce City Colorado. We are a family owned business since 1983, serving customers in the Denver metro and across the state with financing and purchasing their late model used car. Mark's Auto Sales is proud to be able to offer buy here pay here financing on most of our inventory. Because we report to the credit bureau, we have been able to help our customers into a vehicle and re-establish their credit after bankruptcies, divorce, and foreclosure.
Please check back for new blog posts often!
Be sure to check out our inventory or make inquiries on http://www.MarksAutoSales.com
If you happened to come across our site, we are located in Lakewood and Commerce City Colorado. We are a family owned business since 1983, serving customers in the Denver metro and across the state with financing and purchasing their late model used car. Mark's Auto Sales is proud to be able to offer buy here pay here financing on most of our inventory. Because we report to the credit bureau, we have been able to help our customers into a vehicle and re-establish their credit after bankruptcies, divorce, and foreclosure.
Please check back for new blog posts often!
Be sure to check out our inventory or make inquiries on http://www.MarksAutoSales.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
