Top 5 Myths About Buying a New Car


If you are in the market for purchasing your first car, you may have come across loads of tips guiding you to make the best purchase. Most of the information shared to first-time vehicle buyers is trustworthy and helpful, however not all is true. Some myths about when and how to buy a car continue spreading regardless of them being false to reality. Here are five of the most common myths about buying a new car that you should know.

Myths About Buying a New Car

  • The Best Deals are Only Found on the Internet
The internet is indeed a one-stop location for some of the best deals in multiple industries, including cars. However, it is false to claim that you cannot find worthy and attractive deals off the internet since not all sellers have an active internet profile. The internet only helps car dealers share the preset values of the vehicles to be sold, and other vital functions involved in the process require direct interaction.

  • You Must Have Complete Financing
Another misconception spread when buying a new car is that you need to have complete financing before approaching the seller. Most car dealerships offer discounts and friendly interest rates to their customers, meaning that you can still get a new car without complete financing. If you bring your funding to the agreement, the seller will be more lenient to expound your knowledge on the available discounts, meaning you will not get the best deal on your purchase.

  • Tricking the Dealership is the Only Approach for a Good Deal
A more significant percentage of car buyers are unaware that car dealerships care more about their customers than cars. They are fully motivated to selling automobiles that they enter into transactions not to exploit customers but to offer the best deal possible. Also, these dealerships handle hundreds of car sales every year, meaning that the chances of success for your trickery plans are low. Try and focus on getting the ideal vehicle that fits perfectly within your budget.

  • End Month is the Best Time to Make a Purchase
This myth is not entirely false, as some dealerships offer the best deals during the end month as they try to meet their quota. If a dealership has already met its quarter, the advice becomes false, and prices will remain the same. There is no definitive approach to knowing if the costs will be low or up, making the tip unreliable.

  • Cash is King
Buying a new car with cash is an advantage as some dealerships offer cash-only incentives. However, for firms offering incentives on financing and cash, the former delivers a greater benefit than the latter. It will help if you select a car that fits into your financing budget instead of getting one with the best sticker price to better value money.

Hartland Automotive Sales

Hartland automotive sales are the leading vehicle dealership in Elkhart, Indiana. It guarantees you some of the best deals for a wide range of automobile models, with a ready team for consultation and guidance in getting a deal you cannot refuse. Contact us for more tips and information on buying a new car.

Buying a car is one of the most significant purchases in our lives that we have to get right. It’s like purchasing a property. To get the best car, a lot of research and preparation is vital. Honing your negotiating skills is also essential to ensure you get the best price.

The decision to save a bit of some needed cash and buy an old gem or choose the intoxicating smell of a new automotive is not easy. However, although the initial costs of buying a new car may be higher, it is cost-effective in the long run.

In this post, we will look at five common myths associated with buying a new vehicle.

New Vehicles Depreciate Quickly

It is partially true that a new vehicle depreciates the moment you drive it home. However, it is essential to note that the depreciation should not be a matter of concern if you plan on owning the vehicle for a long time. For instance, depreciation should not affect your costs if you plan to buy a car that you will drive for the next eight years. Depreciation only matters when you intend to sell the vehicle immediately.

Buying a Car Online Gives You the Best Deal.

Since the onset of the pandemic, online car sales have increased significantly. Thanks to an increase in e-commerce car buying sites, buying a car online has never been easier. However, does that translate to a better deal? While many online car buying sites offer some of the lowest prices, they do not include interest rates, warranty and trade-in values. This could translate to higher costs than those negotiated at a dealership.

Cash is King

Most people believe that having cash at hand gives you the best deal when buying a car through a dealer. Although some dealerships offer discounts for cash payments, not all of them do. Ensure you enquire about all the cash discounts and financing options available at the time. When cash discounts are available, you can benefit from an all-cash purchase.

The Best Time to Buy Is at the End of the Month.

Car dealerships operate differently and may offer special incentives depending on specific quotas such as sales. Although some dealerships offer end of the month discounts, it is not common. Therefore, the price at the beginning of the month will remain the same at the end of the month.

Buy Now, or the Deal Will Disappear.

Another common myth is that you can never get a good deal once a special offer elapses. The truth is that there is never a lost opportunity when it comes to buying a new vehicle. You should never put yourself under pressure to meet the criteria for a specific deal. In most cases, once one deal elapses, another one arrives in a few weeks. So if you don’t find an exceptional deal today, walk away and give it a few weeks, where you may find a special offer for the car you want.

Ready to Get a New Car?

We at Hartland Automotive Sales would like to partner with you in your quest to purchase a new car. Our main goal is to ensure that you get a complete automotive experience at the best price. Please contact us to test drive your next dream car.

What kind of down payment do I need to finance a c


At Hartland Automotive Sales, we are happy to help you find the new car of your dreams, no matter what kind it may be. We understand that everyone is looking for a different type of vehicle and we want to be there to provide you with the very best each time! When you need a vehicle, come and visit us to see what we can offer for you.

Do I need a down payment?

This will depend on the loan that you get. Many loans with the best terms do require the borrower to have some kind of down payment in order to get them. The amount will depend on the loan provider and the cost of the car. A good rule of thumb is, the more you can put down for the down payment, the better your terms and rates will be on the loan. If you can, it is best to put down at least 20% of the total price of the vehicle.

Can I Get a Car without a down payment?

There are some loan providers that will work with those who need a car loan with no down payment. This is usually something reserved for those with lower incomes and for used cars though. You will need to talk with the specific loan provider to see what their rules are. Since this presents more risk to them, they may ask you to pay more fees or other things within the loan, costing you more money overall.

Putting in some kind of down payment will help you pay less over the life of the loan and can make the loan get paid off faster. When you have less to pay, the interest adds up slower and you can get the vehicle for less than before.

What If I Have Bad Credit?

There are some lenders that will provide you with a loan even if you have bad credit. However, these are usually the ones where you will need to put down some sort of down payment on the vehicle. Those with bad credit struggle to pay their bills so the lender wants to make sure they can get their money back after working with you.

If you want to have a car loan without a down payment, it is much easier to do this when you have good credit. If you have the time, make sure to work on your credit ahead of time. Even a few points is enough to help get you noticed and can lower the amount you will need to pay to the lender to get the new car.

Buying a new vehicle can be tough. There are a lot of hoops to jump through and you may need to search around to find the right one for your needs before you make a purchase. At Hartland Automotive Sales, we can provide you with some of the best vehicles around, no matter what you are looking for. 

Contact us today to find the car of your dreams.  

Top 5 questions to ask yourself before you buy a n


Buying a new vehicle is a big decision and it is important to be prepared. There are a ton of options out there and sometimes it can seem confusing to those who are not used to it. Knowing the answers to some important questions, like those below, can make purchasing a vehicle so much easier.

Should I Buy New or Used car or truck?

The answer to this will depend on each individual buyer. Some people like the stability of having a new vehicle that will last them for a long time without a ton of repairs. Others like the idea of having a vehicle that is more affordable and does not have a payment. The choice is yours but consider it ahead of time.

Is right now the best time to buy a used car?

This is not about picking the time based on when all the best deals are, though that can save you a lot of money along the way. But consider whether right now is the best time for you personally, and for your finances, to go and make such a big purchase. If you need to pay down some other debts or your budget just can’t handle some more debt, then it may be better to wait on purchasing the vehicle. Do not overstretch your budget when fixing up the older car may be a better option.

How much do I want to spend on a car?

Consider the number that you want to spend and then stick with it. It is easy to get caught up in making the budget a little higher and then a little higher again. And before you know it, you have a vehicle you have to finance that is three times higher than you wanted to pay. Consider the price you are willing to spend and then stick with that when you go in to talk with the dealer.

How can I get the best deal on a used car?

Whether you need to get financing or not, it is important to make sure you get the best deal. Compare prices and interest rates so you pay as little as possible the whole time. If you have some time before purchasing a new vehicle, consider working on your credit score to lower the interest rate.

Do I really know about the vehicle I am buying?

Before you go and purchase any kind of vehicle, you need to have a good idea about it. Know the features and what comes standard. And at least know what a good price is for each model, type, and year of the vehicle so you can really find the right one for you and not get taken advantage of.

It is important to have the right team on your side when you pick out a new vehicle. At Hartland Automotive Sales, we are here to help you with this. We have many great vehicles and will not pressure you to make a decision that you are not comfortable with. When you are ready to pick out a new vehicle for your needs, contact us today!

Should I lease or finance my new car


Are you in need of a new vehicle? Does it have to be brand new or just new to you? There are many great options that will get you the car you need quickly, safely, and affordably. If you are looking for the best deal in the Elkhart area, contact our professionals right away. We have a reputation for having excellent customer service and affordable prices. Our premium vehicles will improve your driving experience, and give you a more relaxed and enjoyable ride.

What is leasing a new car?

Do you need a car quickly? What does your credit look like? There are some simple leasing options that allow you to rent the car for a certain amount of time by signing a contract with the dealership. Hartland Automotive Sales will go above and beyond to make the process simple and quick. We will discuss a time frame and price to ensure that adequate payments are made during the allotted time. You can be driving away in your new ride in no time at all. If this sounds like an option for you, then contact our professionals right away, and let's discuss what we can do for you.

What is financing a new car?

Financing is a little bit different when compared to leasing options. When you are financing a vehicle, you will be asking for a loan to pay for the vehicle in full. There is a contract made between financier and financee that will explain the length of time in which the loan must be repaid. The process is a little more difficult than with leasing. We will need to check your credit, wages, and more to ensure that you can successfully repay the loan back in the allotted time. If you do not have good credit, then you may want to think about taking the leasing option.

Which one is better for you?

Which option is going to suit you best? One of the most important factors is your credit and employment wages. You need to make sure that you make around 3 times the amount of the loan you are seeking. This is a safety measure that is taken to ensure that the loan can successfully be paid on time and completed by the deadline. If you want a dealership that cares about your needs as well as themselves, then look no further. Whether you are looking to lease or finance a new vehicle, Hartland Automotive Sales will provide you with a fast, friendly, and affordable sales plan. We will work closely with you to determine the best options to get you in a new ride as quickly as possible.

Schedule an appointment today!

Contact our friendly customer service experts right away, and let's discuss your needs. We are looking forward to getting you in your new car quickly, affordably, and safely. We follow all safety standards and requirements to keep everyone safe during the leasing or financing process. Come and see us soon!

Is it safe to do a credit application on a dealer'


The pandemic has really changed the way we make decisions with ourselves and our families. Are you in need of a new ride? If you have been pondering about filling out a credit application on a dealer's website, then you have come to the right place. Hartland Automotive Sales has invested in the latest technology, diagnostics, and software to ensure that your private information is safe at all times. We have made the process so simple that you can do it from the comfort of your own home. The question you are asking yourself is more or less is it safe?

Can you safely apply for credit through a dealership's website?

It's extremely important keep your private information safe. If you are careless with this information, the chances of you becoming hacked, scammed, or becoming a victim of identity theft is highly likely. There is a simple solution to prevent this from happening. At Hartland Automotive Sales we take extensive security measures to ensure the safety of your private information. We have invested heavily in Firewall protections to ensure that our website will not be hacked, and your private information is always safe.

In the dangerous times of the pandemic, it is safer to have less human interaction at the time being. Hartland has produced a highly efficient website for our credit application. Our website designer has made the application process simple, quick, and safe for each of our customers. If you want to keep your information and yourself safe, apply for a credit application on Hartland Automotive Sale's website. Support your local business, and let us support you!

Security and Safety are the number one priority at Hartland Automotive

Our professionals are dedicated to safety and security. We follow all standards and regulations that are required to ensure the safety of everyone involved in our credit process. You do not have to worry about hackers or identity theft, when you use the best local automotive dealership in all of Elkhart. If you still do not feel safe completing the credit application online, you can always contact our credit professionals to assist you with your questions and concerns over the application. We are always happy to assist you in any way to ensure your safety. What are you waiting for? Click the link below to get started on your application right away. ( SUBMIT LINK FOR APPLICATION) You are the only thing standing in the way of getting a new ride. You are one click away from being able to finally enjoy your driving experience.

We are here if you need us!

Contact our credit experts for any assistance regarding our online credit application. We are looking forward to assisting you with your application, and getting you into the ride of your desires. You can count on us for a fast, friendly, and efficient service on every occasion. We can even assist you in the future with car detailing, oil changes, and more. We are Elkhart's one-stop-shop for your automotive needs.

Will a Car Dealership Pay Off a Loan


Yes, it is possible that a car dealership will help you pay off the amount on the loan that is left for your car. This will only happen though if the car is being traded in to the dealer, and if they are able to get their money back out of it all. If these are in place, then the dealer is more likely to use the value of the trade in to help you pay off your loan.

At Hartland Automotive Sale, we are happy to help you with any trade in that you have. We can even provide you with help paying off the current loan on the vehicle, taking some of the errands off your hands while still getting you some of the relief you need when purchasing a new car.

How Long Does It Take a Car Dealer to Pay Off a Loan?

Most dealers will work to pay off the loan as quickly as possible. This helps to get the car out of your name and over to them, which is important when you are trying to sell it. However, you do need to give it some time for the loan to process and be paid off. You can always contact the dealer or the loan provider if it seems to take more time than you think it should.

How Does Trading In a Car you Still Owe Money On Work?

The way this process works will depend on several factors. If the trade in is worth more than the amount of the loan, then the lender will pay it off for you and give you the rest of the money. This can be used to help pay for a new vehicle or even as part of a down payment and is a way to lower what you owe on the new car.

However, if you owe more on the loan than you can get for the trade-in, you will still need to pay off the remainder of the loan. The dealer can give you the money to help with this, or you can have them pay off the loan for you depending on your arrangement.

Can You Negotiate a Payoff On a Car Loan?

Yes, you can always negotiate what you own on any loan that you get. Whether you can get the lender to negotiate with you is another question. You will need to talk to your specific lender to figure out whether this is something that you can do. Depending on the situation, it is possible to limit how much you owe on your old car while purchasing something new.

If you are considering trading in your vehicle and getting a new car to get you around town, come visit us at Hartland Automotive Sales. We are happy to serve our customers in the area and can answer any questions you may have about your current vehicle or a new one you want to purchase. 

Contact us today to see how we can help you.

What car dealership works with bad credit


When you have bad credit, it may seem like the cards are stacked against you. You may have heard no quite a bit when you look for a new car, and you worry how long your old clunker will be able to continue getting you to work. Even if you have bad credit, contact us at Hartland Automotive Sales in Elkhart, Indiana. We are one of the dealerships that accept bad credit and can help you drive away with a new or used car in no time, no matter what your credit is!

Bad Credit Car Loans

With bad credit, the only way you may be able to get a new car is through an auto loan. This is where the bad credit can cause some issues. It is hard to get a loan if your credit is not that great, which makes you feel stuck and lost. You need a car to help you make money, to pay your bills, and then maintain your good credit in the process. Without a car, everything can start to fall apart.

The good news is that even with bad or fair credit, some dealers will still work with you. It may require a few extra steps along the way to get it done, but once you find a used car dealership with bad credit financing, your dreams of owning a new vehicle, even when you are a little embarrassed by your current credit, is possible.

What to Expect from Dealerships That Accept Bad Credit?

Even though there are dealerships who will help you get a vehicle with bad credit, there are a few things to consider before you get a loan for your vehicle. For example, the interest rate will often be higher if you work with dealers that offer bad credit financing. This is to help protect them in case you do not pay, but will end up costing you more in the long run.

Not every dealer is that way and some, even when working with bad credit, will have better interest rates than others. Shop around and see what kind of deal you can get. Consider things like the depreciation of the vehicle, meaning how much value it loses over time, and then determine if this is the right option for you.

Once you decide to work with one company over another, ask what the requirements are for you to get that loan. Many times they will look at your credit score and see exactly why you have bad credit. Ask lots of questions and shop around to find the best option for you.

If you have bad credit or less than stellar credit, it is important to work with a dealer who has you covered. Many dealers will reserve their cars just for customers with the best credit, but at Hartland Automotive Sales in Elkhart, Indiana, we are your bad credit car dealership. We understand that sometimes life makes it hard to have the best credit and we are one of the best car dealerships that accept bad credit in Elkhart. Contact us today to see how we can help you drive away with a new vehicle today!

What car dealerships are offering 0 financing


At Hartland Automotive Sales, we are here to help you get the most out of any car deal through us. We understand that having a vehicle is one of the best ways to ensure you can get to work and around town without getting stuck and that you want the best deal in the process. That is why we:

How Long will 0% Financing Last?

The amount of time you can enjoy your loan with 0% financing will depend on the deal you get with the company. There are a lot of different terms and sometimes it depends on the incentive given by the dealership and other times it depends on how long the loan of the vehicle lasts. Some common options for 0% financing includes:

  • 0% interest car loans for 60 months
  • 84 months 0% financing
  • And so much more

With the holidays right around the corner, there are a many zero financing options that you can choose from. When you visit with them, ask which makes and models will qualify and if there are certain price limits that you need to meet to make sure you can take advantage of these deals.

What Cars are Offering Zero Percent Financing?

When you go into a dealer, make sure to find out what cars are offering zero percent financing. There are often many different types of vehicles on the lot and even when the dealership is promising zero percent down, it may not include every vehicle on the lot. You do not want to get into this and then find out you are working with a vehicle that doesn’t offer this promotional offer.

Talk to the salesperson and make sure you understand which vehicles qualify for this offer. This can help you choose the right option for you while getting the low interest for a set amount of time. Also check to see whether the promotional financing has different term lengths depending on which vehicle you work with. This can help you make the best decisions in the car buying experience.

The Terms and Conditions

Before you agree to working with any car dealer on a zero percent financing option, make sure that you read through all the terms and conditions ahead of time. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is usually a good sign that something is off. Check to see how long the term of the loan is, what fees are in, and what the interest rate will be when you do start paying for the interest. Read all the fine print before agreeing to anything.

If you are looking to take advantage of zero percent financing on your next car purchase, look no further than Hartland Automotive Sales. We have the experience to provide you with some of the best deals when you are ready to purchase your new car and are happy to provide some of the best customer service in the industry. Contact us today to find the perfect car for you and to learn what cars are offering zero percent financing.

Look Out For The Best Car Loan Deals


Look Out For The Best Car Loan Deals Before You Buy A Vehicle

Shopping around for a new vehicle can be a daunting task. There are so many options on the market and each dealership promises to have the best deals. As you are shopping, you should not just focus on the price of the vehicle but also look around for the best car finance deals out there. This will help you pay less on the car over the term of your loan.

Some dealerships, like Hartland Automotive Sales in Elkhart Indiana, can provide 0 percent financing for 72 months on several top names in the industry. Whether you are looking for Toyota 0% financing or you want to see the ford 0% financing qualifications, we can help you see which car is not only right for you but what cars are offering zero percent financing right now.

Why Is 0% Financing Important?

0% financing is used by many dealerships to draw customers into the lot to purchase a new vehicle. While it may be used to help increase sales numbers, it can help save you the customer a lot of money too.

When you see 0% interest car loans for 60 months, it means that you can get a loan on the vehicle without having to pay any interest on it. In the example above, you can get that car loan and not pay interest for a full 60 months. For the lender, that means that they will not make a profit on the loan at all for that 60 months.

For the consumer, this makes it easier to drive off the lot with a new car. The payments are lower and you can get a brand new car to help you get to work, school, and around town.

The Time Frame

Most of these offers will have a set time limit on how long they are good for. They are also with an introductory rate. After that time period is over, the rate expires and you will need to start paying for the higher interest rate. The exact amount will be outlined in your purchase agreement with the dealership.

The longer the financing period without interest, the better for you the consumer. At Hartland Automotive Sales, we work to help you get the best deal on your financing so you can find the right car to fit your budget. In Fact, we can offer 0 percent financing for 72 months for some customers, giving you six years of no interest on your loan! You may even be able to pay off the car without having to pay any interest depending on the terms of the agreement and your monthly payment., making it a good deal for most consumers.

If you are in the market for a new car and need to find a car dealership who is offering 0% interest car loans for 60 months or 0 percent financing for 72 months, then contact us here at Hartland Automotive Sales. We are the best in the business, providing some of the best customer service and deals to our customers no matter what their financial situation. When you are ready to purchase a new vehicle, contact us today!
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