What is the Sansone First Responders Program?
The First Responders Program here at Sansone Auto is our way of giving back to our community and offering thanks to those who do the most to support us every day. We understand that safe and reliable vehicles can be costly, and we’re hoping to provide access, support, and savings that will make a difference. Here’s a closer look at the First Responders Program and other savings available at our dealership.
First Responders Program Explained
The First Responders program serves firefighters, police officers, and EMTs so that they and their families can have access to the best prices on new and pre-owned vehicles.
To make the most of this program, you’ll want to call our dealership and ask to speak to one of our First Responder specialists. From there, you’ll be able to enjoy on-the-spot credit approval and access to the lowest pre-set prices on a wide range of vehicles from different automakers. There’s no negotiation required! And with all that, you’ll still be eligible for manufacturer rebates on the vehicles you like best.
Sansone Auto Specials and Programs
The First Responders Program isn’t the only reason to make Sansone Auto your first choice when it comes to the next great car. We also have a Military Auto Purchase Program, which includes similar access to great models at great prices, as well as the Univision Program for all Univision employees.
Don’t forget to check out our rolling specials and deals on cars, parts, and services, so you can get the car and care you need without breaking the bank.
You can begin enjoying the many benefits of the First Responders Program right from the comfort of your home. Learn about savings and perks when you call Sansone Auto today.
What to Look for In High-Mileage Used Cars
Are you on the search for pre-owned cars for sale? Look no further than Sansone Auto. Visit our dealership for information on purchasing pre-owned, and how to vet high-mileage models.
Tips for Testing High-Mileage Cars
Vehicles are built better than ever, which is why pre-owned cars are considered reliable, and why many models can reach high mileage before resale. There are many benefits to purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, including one with a lot of miles, but here are a few things you’ll want to pay extra attention to during the test-driving process.
Signs of Rust or Corrosion
Like high mileage, body damage isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker when it comes to pre-owned vehicles. That said, you want to look for any signs of rust or corrosion. Rust can be very difficult to repair and may be an indication that the vehicle was driven or stored in a more extreme environment.
Brake Wear
We rely on our brakes to keep our vehicle as safe as possible, but brakes wear down over time. On vehicles with higher mileage, it’s essential to look for signs of wear in the braking system, and to pay attention to stopping distance and brake pedal comfort, so you know if you need to make any repairs or replacements after purchase.
Tire Condition
A vehicle’s tires can tell you a lot about how and where the car was driven and how well it was cared for. Tires should be changed every six years at the latest, or more if the driver puts on a lot of miles. Worn tires can indicate less than comprehensive service history. Well-maintained tires, on the other hand, can be a green flag on a pre-owned model.
Here at Sansone Auto, we’re dedicated to helping drivers at every stage of the car ownership process. Visit us to purchase or trade in a pre-owned vehicle, and to get the auto service that will keep it safe for many more miles to come.
Oil Change Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Motor oil is what keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. If you have owned a car before, you likely already know that oil changes are one of the most essential regular maintenance items that you need to get. Here at our Sansone Auto Group dealerships, we have certified car service centers, all of which perform the standard oil change service.
Here’s what you need to know about standard oil changes.
Why Does My Car Need an Oil Change?
Your car’s engine consists of an array of small moving parts, all of which need to be properly lubricated to run smoothly. Over time, your car’s engine oil gets dirty and less effective, which means that your engine is less efficient and powerful than it should be. Regular oil changes keep the oil in your engine clean and efficient.
How Often Do I Need to Get an Oil Change?
The frequency at which you get oil changes will depend on several different factors, including:
- Your make and model
- The conditions in which you drive
- How often you drive
A general guideline is that your oil should be changed between 3,000-7,000 miles or every 3-6 months. New cars can go longer between services, while used cars need it more frequently. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for more specific guidance.
What Happens During the Oil Change
When you get an oil change at one of our Avenel car dealerships, our mechanics do more than just pour new oil into the engine. They’ll remove the old, dirty oil and replace it with your choice of synthetic oil, synthetic blend, conventional, or high-mileage oil. We’ll also perform a courtesy inspection, top off your fluids, and replace your oil filter.
Schedule your oil change today at a Sansone Auto Group dealership. We look forward to keeping your car running smoothly!
How Do I Finance a Used Car?
If you’re curious about our inventory of Sansone used cars, our expert team is here to help! Here at Sansone Group, we believe that exciting and capable vehicles should be available to all drivers, and when you purchase pre-owned, you’ll see savings that make the difference. Learn about best practices for used car financing at our dealership today.
Pre-Owned Vehicle Financing at a Glance
Financing a pre-owned vehicle is similar to financing a brand-new car, in that you’ll want to consider things like term length and down payment when deciding on the best terms for your budget. Here are a few steps you’ll want to take during the pre-owned vehicle financing process.
Check Your Credit
Whether you’re purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle, your credit score has an impact. It’s always a good idea to check your credit score in advance, so you have a better sense of what kind of term options will be available to you.
Do Your Research
It’s easier to compare market rates and values on pre-owned vehicles than it is on brand-new models, so you always want to do your research. Look at the term options and costs of similar or competing models to make sure you’re getting the best terms for your budget.
Compare Your Options
Remember, you don’t have to take the first option that’s offered. Just as when purchasing a new vehicle, you want to compare your options. This includes the down payment costs, monthly payments, term length, interest rates, and in-between costs and fees.
You’ll find first-class financing support right here at Sansone Auto. Meet with our expert financing team today and get behind the wheel of a pre-owned vehicle you love at a price you love tomorrow!
How to Get the Most Money Out of Selling Your Car
Do you plan on selling or trading in your existing vehicle? A dealer with used cars for sale will happily accept your vehicle as part of a trade-in process. The selling price will depend on several factors — let’s learn how you can maximize your vehicle’s value.
Address All Repairs
If you sell a car that requires repairs, the dealership will have to cover the cost of labor and parts to fix the issue. In turn, the car’s value will go down. On the issue of repairs, any prior repair work that included aftermarket parts will also decrease the car’s value. Considering replacing these parts with OEM components.
Address All Cosmetic Damages
Cosmetic damages affect car value even though it has no impact on its performance. Cosmetic blemishes include the following:
- Dents and dings
- Paint scratches
- Oxidation damage
- Rips and stains in the upholstery
- Fogged headlight covers
Make an appointment for a vehicle detailing to address these issues.
Procure All the Accessories
Have all the original accessories that came with the vehicle at the time of purchase, including:
- Spare key
- Floor mats
- Spare tire
- Tools for removing a tire (e.g. jack, lug wrench)
Refer to your user manual to determine what’s included and verify you have each of these items.
Wash Your Car
Washing the vehicle isn’t absolutely necessary, but a clean car is a presentable car. This includes washing the exterior and vacuuming the interior. Cosmetic damages are also less apparent in a clean car.
Sell or trade your car to Sansone Auto the next time you need a new ride. We’re ready to find the best “new-to-you” car, truck, or SUV for your wants and needs!
What Do I Do if My Used Car Fails an Inspection?
New Jersey requires that all vehicles pass an emissions inspection. As long as your car passes, you only have to test once every two years. However, some car owners have reported buying a pre-owned car that failed its first emissions and smog inspection. This is why we recommend a pre-inspection at our Sansone service center in Avenel, NJ.
Buying from a Private Seller
We always recommend buying a pre-owned vehicle from a dealership rather than a private seller. An automobile from the former undergoes an inspection before it can be released for sale. If you do decide to buy from a private seller, always perform a history check. When a car fails an inspection, the results are automatically reported to organizations like CARFAX. Plus, if you buy from a private seller and the car fails an inspection, you have little recourse and must pay for the necessary repairs and re-testing.
How to Avoid the Problem
New Jersey has strict lemon laws, which apply to dealerships but not to private sellers, hence why we highly recommend buying from a dealership. At Sansone Auto, we’re required by law to ensure that pre-owned vehicles pass state inspections. Should it fail any state inspections, a warranty must be in place that covers the cost of repairs.
There are, however, exceptions to these rules. Pre-owned vehicles are exempt from lemon laws if they meet all of the following:
- More than seven years old
- More than 100,000 miles on the odometer
- Priced under $3,000
Regardless of where you purchased your used vehicle, bring it to Sansone Auto for servicing if it fails an inspection. Our trained technicians are here to help keep your emissions at a minimum. We also have plenty of excellent used cars for sale in case you’re ready for a new-to-you vehicle!
Should I Buy Used or Certified Pre-Owned?
There are many reasons to consider a used or Certified Pre-Owned vehicle when it’s time for your next ride — and Sansone Auto is here to help you on every step of the pre-owned vehicle purchasing process. We offer financing tools and resources, and we’ll work with you one-on-one to find the best used or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles to fit your needs.
Used vs. CPO Vehicles
When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, you have two options to pick from, used and Certified Pre-Owned. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of both the CPO and used vehicle programs at our dealership.
Used Vehicles at a Glance
When you purchase a used vehicle, you’ll see big savings. It’s a great way to take home the car you like best because you’ll also have a wider inventory of model options available within your budget. With pre-owned vehicles, the down payment is lower, along with the monthly payments, sales tax, and insurance. And because you’ll pay your vehicle off more quickly, you’ll also have smaller accrued interest costs.
With used vehicles, you also have the benefit of maintaining value. That’s because used vehicles have a lower rate of depreciation than brand-new cars. If you’re looking to sell or trade-in down the line, more of your vehicle’s value will be returned to you.
CPO Vehicles at a Glance
Certified Pre-Owned vehicles offer the same benefits as pre-owned models, along with enhanced peace of mind. To qualify for our CPO program, vehicles can only be a few years old and must have limited mileage. They then undergo a rigorous and comprehensive inspection, and any necessary repairs or upgrades are made to bring it up to CPO standards.
Finally, CPO vehicles come with warranties and guarantees. So, if you’re looking for a vehicle that makes you feel protected and reassured, a CPO model might be right for you.
Learn more about the benefits of both CPO and used vehicles here at Sansone Auto. Take a test drive and save big on an exciting CPO car, truck, or SUV today!
When it comes time to purchase your first car, buying pre-owned instead of new makes a lot of sense. There are plenty of advantages that go along with buying pre-owned, and here at Sansone Group, we have a large selection of pre-owned cars from a variety of different automakers, at a large range of price points.
We also carry a variety of Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, which carry the highest standards of our pre-owned car selection. Here are some of the primary reasons why pre-owned cars — especially CPO vehicles — are great as a driver’s first car.
Certified Pre-Owned Options
When you purchase a CPO vehicle from Sansone Auto, you’re getting the best of the best pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs. While the exact details of the program differ from automaker to automaker, CPO cars nearly always include the following perks:
- Thorough multi-point inspection completed by a certified technician
- Age and mileage limits
- Roadside assistance
- Reassuring warranty
- Vehicle History Report
Less Depreciation
The most extreme depreciation on a vehicle occurs during the first few years of ownership. By purchasing a pre-owned car that’s just a few years old, you can get behind the wheel of a vehicle that has some of the same features as the new model, at a fraction of the price.
Money Savings
Saving up for a car takes time, which is one of the main reasons why buying pre-owned is a great decision for a first car. Pre-owned cars have lower down payments, monthly payments, and incidental costs than new cars, making them ideal for new drivers.
You Have More Options
Because of the savings that come from buying pre-owned, you’ll have a wider range of options to choose from. Our dealerships carry a wide range of pickup trucks, SUVs, sedans, and more with top-of-the-line performance and features.
First-time buyers and seasoned veterans alike can head over to Sansone Auto today to browse our large inventory of pre-owned and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.
What Makes a Vehicle Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)?
Most dealerships have a pre-owned inventory divided into two categories: pre-owned and certified pre-owned cars (CPO). These vehicles are more reliable because they have undergone certain pre-requisites to receive the CPO classification. What are some of the qualifications for CPO status?
Multi-Point Inspection
All vehicles must go through an inspection by a certified technician. The multi-point inspection differs between manufacturers. For some, it may be a 150-point inspection. In others, it may be a 165-point inspection, and so forth. This covers major components like the engine, transmission, and brakes.
OEM Parts
If the inspection yields any parts requiring replacement, all new parts must be OEM, or the original factory parts straight from the manufacturer. CPO cars cannot contain any aftermarket parts. If the technician discovers third-party components, then the part must either be replaced with an OEM part, or the car is not eligible for CPO designation.
Age and Mileage
CPO vehicles cannot be older than a certain model year, and the mileage cannot exceed a certain limit. Again, this varies between manufacturers, but in most cases, the year cannot be more than five to six years old, and the mileage cannot be more than 50,000 to 70,000 miles. The technician will perform additional checks to ensure there are no issues like odometer tampering.
History Report
A history report must reveal that the vehicle hasn’t been in any major collisions resulting in significant repairs to the frame. The report must also reveal a consistent history of upkeep and maintenance from the prior owner.
Visit Sansone Group to see our certified pre-owned inventory. We may have models like the Hyundai Santa Fe and more. Speak to a dealer to find out more about the CPO requirements for the manufacturer of the model you’re interested in.
How Do I Order Replacement Car Parts Online?
If a car part is experiencing issues, it may only need a simple repair. If the problem is more severe, then the component may require a replacement altogether. Fortunately, acquiring replacement car parts near me is easier than ever. You can place an order online and have the new part installed in your vehicle at our dealership.
How to Order Parts Online
To begin the process, go to our parts page and fill out basic details, such as your name and contact information. There’s also a separate section for information about your vehicle, such as model, year, and VIN (vehicle identification number).
Once you submit the information, one of our technicians will respond and set up an appointment for a visit to our dealership. One of our technicians will inspect your vehicle to accurately determine the faulty components and place an order for the part if we don’t already have it on inventory.
Some customers inquire whether they can forgo the inspection and order the part directly. However, we highly recommend an inspection at the dealership for an accurate diagnosis. Even if you think you know what the faulty part is, an evaluation from a certified technician may reveal a different root problem. Furthermore, the part may require a minor repair, with no replacement necessary.
What Kind of Parts Do We Provide?
We provide OEM parts for most brands, including Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, and more. This is a stark contrast to independent auto shops that typically provide aftermarket parts that may not be 100% compatible.
Are you having car issues? Make an appointment at our service department for a professional evaluation. Sansone Auto is here to help you!
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