Should a Business Owner Lease or Buy?

At a recent networking event (Simply WOMEN), this question was asked: Is it better for a company to buy or lease a vehicle? Joe Dorsey, one of our most knowledgeable sales consultants at Golling's, helped me answer this question:

There are a couple questions to ask that will make a difference:
1. How many cars do you need?
2. How far will you be going in your vehicle?
3. What kinds of vehicles do you need?
4. How long do you think you will keep the vehicle(s)

Joe recommends leasing to businesses for several reasons:

1. When you lease your are not "stuck" with the vehicle. Every three years (or earlier if you choose) you can go back to the dealer and either pay off the lease and own the vehicle, sell it back, or lease another brand new vehicle. For a business this is nice because you have more options than purchasing the vehicle.

2.  When you lease your are covered from bumper-to-bumper, with the options to trade-in much faster. When you buy a new car, new truck, new SUV or a new mini-van you have a warranty that will run out in usually around 3 years, then you have to pay out of pocket for maintenance for your vehicle. With a lease, you have the same warranty, but you know that in 3 years you are giving the car right back to get a brand new car.

3. Write it OFF: When you lease you get a very simple tax plan. Businesses can right off the percentage of the lease payment they use for the business, so if you use the vehicle for 75% business activity you can right off 75% of the monthly lease payment multiplied by 12. (If there was a trade-in when the lease was signed the amount of the trade will also be considered for your right off also) When a vehicle is purchased, there are many other values involved such as mileage and depreciation. There is a great blog that describes this more in detail: http://www.realtax.com/professionals_lease.html

4. When you lease you don't pay to "own" the vehicle so your payment is lower. You lease a car for three years the payment is going to be based on the value of the vehicle, not getting to a pay off. If you want to buy the car, SUV, minivan or truck when the lease is up, the dealer will figure out the value of the vehicle and you can decide if you want to buy it, but many companies will lease a new vehicle to keep from incurring high maintenance costs on an older vehicle.

5. When you lease vehicles while having a fleet you manage wear and tear better. If you have more than one vehicle, you divide driving time and miles between all of your vehicles. Leases work well in this situation because you have less out-of-pocket expense up front when you acquire more than one vehicle, or if you add more vehicles to your fleet over time.

Rims or Hub Caps

What is the difference between wheels with rims and wheels with hub caps (other than that the hub caps come loose and rolls away?)

 

A hub cap is s plastic, steel or aluminum cover that snaps on the rim which is steel. This rim is very strong, but not as pretty so the hub cap covers all the hardware that keeps the wheel connected to the car.When you purchase a car from a dealership or a lot the hub caps are usually included. If you lose the OEM hub caps you can order them from our parts department.

They vary based on the size of the wheel.

 A rim is aluminum or steel and is connected to the wheel, it has aesthetic qualities while being what holds the wheel on to the car. Rims are mostly made with aluminum. Some of them are covered with plastic. There are many designs and styles so you can choose what works for you. If your car came with steel wheels and hub caps you can purchase rims of the same size to go on the tire as long as they are the same size. Aluminum wheels tend to be more aesthetically appealing than steel rims. If you want to buy larger rims you will need to purchase a tire that will fit those rims. 

The rim pictured on the right is larger than a typical rim, so the tire is thinner. These tires don't create as much cushioning so they are not good for rocky services. Thicker tires take more shock so they create a smoother ride.These popular for show cars, sports cars and luxury cars; they are called low-profile.

Most Chrysler vehicles these days are made with rims. Some models still have hub caps as an option.  There are many after market providers of rims and hub caps.

Here is a short video showing a Dodge Charger with some sweet custom rims:

Check out other similar videos by CeltPilot

So, How Much Are They??

When you buy a rim, you are buying the aesthetic cover and the hardware. They range in price from $215 to thousands and even tens of thousands. When you buy a tire with steel rim you purchase the hub caps separate; the whole package can cost $180 and up. OEM hub caps start at around $60 a hub cap; third party hub caps can be bought in sets of two or four and can be purchased for as little as $20.

We sell tires and rims. You can pick your tires on our website or stop in and see our a member of our Service Department. (937) 276-8061

These are some sweet custom rims on this Jeep Wrangler Unlimited...

To leave a comment, click the "no comments" link and tell us about your hub cap/rim experience. Which do you prefer?

Be in the Driver's Seat

A couple weeks ago I published a blog post about the importance of driving a car before you intend to buy. A couple days ago I saw this tweet:
 "Saw the jeep patriot in person and didn't like it after all 👎 I want my 4door jeep wrangler !!"

So seeing a car in person can change your mind about what car you really want. There are many cars to chose from and even when you narrow it down to your personal favorites, there are many options on each car. So don't leave it to one single visit to a dealership to make that choice...a choice you will live with for 3, 5 or maybe even more years!

 When I saw all these photos of our friends at the Dayton Auto Show, I realized that auto shows are a great opportunity to go look at cars without feeling pressured to buy. Look how comfortable they are getting in the driver's seat! Every person who is thinking about buying a car (even someday) should get in the driver's seat...literally and figuratively!

Don't feel like you can't go to a dealership just because the salesmen wants you to buy something. Be confident. Be in the driver's seat! Ask questions. Get answers. Be informed. Try out all the cars you are considering, well before you buy them.

One of our friends said she went to the car show knowing she wanted a Jeep Grand Caravan, she even had her photo taken in it that day, but when she saw this Wrangler she changed her mind. She really loved the colors and liked the look and feel a lot better once she got in the driver's seat!

But don't wait for auto show time to get in the driver's seat! Go to dealerships. The sales professionals are there to help you, even if you aren't ready to buy. Don't be afraid to say, when they inquire, that you are not buying today (if you aren't ready to buy). If the sales person is helpful and knowledgeable you will keep him/her in mind when you are ready. Ask questions!

A big thank you to all of our friends who went to the show and sent us a photo!

We'd love to read your feedback. Just click the "no comments" link and the comments box will appear.

Open Sales Positions

New Car Sales Positions

Looking for a Change?

If you currently sell new vehicles and and are dissatisfied, this is your opportunity.

Due to an increase in sales, we have New Car Sales Positions open, but only a limited number of seats are available...

We offer

• Sign On Bonus
• 5-day Work Week (No Sunday hours)
• Aggressive Compensation
• Volume Bonuses (As much as $1500)
• Monthly Guarantee
• Opportunity to Sell Used Vehicles Also

Only applicants with previous car sales experience will be considered

Hurry...these slots will fill fast!

Apply in person at Golling's Arena Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram – 924 Shiloh Springs Road, Dayton, Ohio 45415 or call Dan Kirk @ (937) 276-5056

Before I Buy a Car - Ten Reasons to Visit Dealers

Visit the Dealership...When You DON'T Want to Buy

 At some point in your life, you ARE going to buy a car, so do something really good for yourself...start visiting dealerships. If you never visit a dealership, how will you know where to buy your car? You are allowed going to a dealership even if you aren't going to buy a car today.

What is your dream car?

I encourage you to take it for a test drive, even if you aren't going to buy the car right now. You might decide you don't really like it as much as you thought you did. You might decide you don't like the salesperson who is working with you. Be in control. Be confident. Don't second guess your intentions.

What if you get to a dealership for the very first time and you WANT to buy a car that day, and you buy the car even though you don't feel comfortable there or it's not really the right car? I urge you to start visiting dealerships.

You don't have to be ready to buy a car to visit a dealership. I DARE you to do it! You won't get in trouble. Don't let your first day on the lot be the day you buy a car!

10 reasons for visiting new and used car dealers and test driving: 

10. Be more AWARE of the process
9. Truly KNOW the car you THINK you want
8. Build CONFIDENCE for when you are ready
7. COMPARE dealerships and how they work
6. RESEARCH brands and what they OFFER
5. Make your dream more TANGIBLE
4. Get more EXCITED about your dream...PLAN to make it happen
3. UNDERSTAND the finance process
2. Get used to ASKING questions
1. Learn how to get WHAT YOU WANT

10 things to do while your there:
1. Test drive at least one car. Go ahead and test drive two or three different body styles

2. Walk around the car, look under the hood and in the trunk
3. Read the specifics of each car you are testing - what features are on it? Does it have any awards? Does it rate well on safety? How many options are available?
4. Check out all the models available
5. Ask about sales and incentives that might not be advertised
6. Ask about warranties and service
7. Ask about financing; learn the process; have your credit checked (if you don't know it, to see where you are, and what you need to do to improve your score)
8.Get some popcorn (if you are at Golling's :)
9. Ask about accessories that might not be included (i.e.trucks rarely come with side steps, yet they are very nice to have with taller models)
10. Monitor the environment. Check the place out. What's going on? Is it a friendly place? Are the sales people on top of it?

Here is a free printable checklist you can complete before you ever go to the dealership. Have a copy with you for your big day!

We would love to hear about your experience! Stop back and tell us how it went.

Rent A Car

Mike Risheill is the rental manger here at Golling's Arena 
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. He has been with the organization for over 20 years, and he loves this company. 

It is always best to make a reservation as far in advance as possible to make sure 
you get your vehicle of choice. 

How are we different? 

We do NOT overbook any reservation.  We only 
make reservations for the number of vehicles we rent, so when you make a 
reservation with Golling's Arena you can be confident the vehicle will be 
here for you.  Our competition will overbook at least 10% so there are times 
when customers show up and the reservation they thought they had is not there 
for them.  That will not happen to you at Golling's.  

 What do we rent? 

We have a full line of vehicles to rent here at Golling's. 

We rent cars, vans 
and suvs: 

CARS: 

Dodge Dart 
Dodge Avenger 
Dodge Charger 
Chrysler 200 
 
SUVs:
Dodge Journey 

Jeep Patriot

Jeep Compass

Jeep Liberty

 VANS: 
Dodge Grand Caravan (7 passenger)
Chrysler Town & Country 

12 passenger vans 
15 passenger vans 
 
The seven passenger Grand Caravan and the Town and Country come equipped with 
satellite radio and DVD player. 
 
What are the requirements to rent a vehicle here at Golling's Arena?
 
1. Valid drivers license 
2. Major credit card or bank debit card. 
3. Proof of insurance 
4. Be 25 or older. 
 
If we can help you with a rental please call Mike at 937-276-8052. 
  
Give Mike a call when you need to rent a vehicle or stop in and see him the 
next time you are at the dealership.  The rental office is in the new car 
showroom. 

Protect My Investment

Protect Your Investment

This week I attended a networking meeting in Dayton, called Simply W.O.M.E.N. One of the presenters, Stefani Holley, was from American Family Insurance: (http://www.facebook.com/StefaniRHolley) She mentioned some interesting facts about auto insurance:

Did you know: If you hit an animal that tried to run across the road in front of you, your damages will be covered by your comprehensive coverage on your insurance, but if you swerve to miss the animal and hit something else, you will have a collision claim and could have to pay a higher premium, depending on your policy, so think real hard before you decide NOT to hit the animal.   My comprehensive coverage has a $100 deductible, but my collision coverage has a $500 deductive. Collision claims are chargeable, so if you have a collision claim rather than a comprehensive claim, your premiums may go up...you will also be more at risk of hitting someone or something else like an uninsured or under-insured driver...

Do you know the state minimums for personal injury and property damage? 

The state of Ohio requires all drivers to have $12,500 for bodily injury claims, but caps this is $25,000/accident, so if there are more than two people in the car, they have to divide this total and get less than $12,500/person. Do you think $12,500 will cover most medical expenses for car accidents?

The state of Ohio requires all drivers to have $7,500 in insurance for property damage. So if you've just purchased a new car (most of them are worth more than $20,000), you will only get less than half of what you have invested if you are in an accident that is not your fault and the other driver only has "state minimum" coverage.

Stefani told me that these limits were set in the 1970s and haven't been re-calculated since! (Pay attention to changes that are set to take effect in March.)

So how can you protect yourself: 

1. Uninsured/under-insured motorist Coverage pays for bodily injuries suffered due to being hit by a driver without any or enough insurance, so as you are selecting your options for your insurance, choosing this coverage will protect you, if you are hit by a driver who has not insurance or not enough to cover your injuries. 

2. Collision Coverage will help you if you are hit by an uninsured/under-insured motorist. Your collision coverage will kick in if needed to pay for your property damage.

3. Umbrella Coverage might cover your expenses above state minimum (or if the under-insured motorist cannot pay for all your expenses). Stefani told me that American Family Insurance umbrella policies have an endorsement that allows it to pay out for these claims, but some major insurance companies do not have this endorsement, so ask your agent to be sure. Having this type of policy can also help you if you are sued for other issues not covered by your standard home and auto insurance.

It's a good idea to understand your insurance policies completely...I know it looks like a lot of reading, but talking with your agent will help you understand what you have. If you are making a switch or you need insurance, I am sure Stefani will help you out:  (http://www.facebook.com/StefaniRHolley)