Tuesday, December 12, 2017

The Importance Of The Vehicle Identification Number

Just like every individual has unique fingerprints that can be used for identification, vehicles, too, have one. When a car is manufactured, right after it is released from the production line, a 17-digit code, called the vehicle identification number (VIN), is stamped onto the chassis, typically in the engine bay, and sometimes underneath one of the doors or at the bottom of the windshield.

Image source: readersdigest.ca

Unlike registration numbers and other IDs, the VIN cannot be changed and is fixed to the car for the entirety of its lifespan. Some people even call the VIN as a car’s DNA. 

The VIN provides specific information about the vehicle and is divided into three parts. The first three digits are the world manufacturer identifier (WMI) number, which consists of codes for the country where the car was assembled, the manufacturer, and the vehicle type. The second part – the fourth to ninth digits – is the vehicle descriptor section (VDS), which shows what components had been used on the car. The last eight digits identify the features of the car and can help people figure out the year the vehicle was produced. 

All these data are stored in databases of vehicle registration companies and car manufacturers. By entering the VIN in their search engine, the car can be validated and identified correctly. Other information may also be available, including accident history, maintenance records, and more. This is especially useful for those looking to buy used cars. 

Image source: edmunds.com

Looking for a high-quality, affordable certified pre-owned vehicle can be a difficult task. American Federal Auto, LLC is committed to helping would-be buyers find the right car for them. Read more about the company here.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Using a checklist for inspecting pre-owned vehicles

It is easy for pre-owned vehicle customers to overlook any parts that need to be examined before going through with the purchase. For this reason, it is best to create a comprehensive checklist for inspection so that no stone (or car component) is left unturned. 

Image source: autonv.com

The following are items that should be included in such a checklist:

Documents: The documents that should be checked are the owner’s or car manual and service and repair records. Look for large gaps in service history. See also if there is the word “salvage” in the title, if so, then that should be a deal breaker. 

Exterior: The most obvious things to look for when checking a used car’s exterior are damages, dents, faded or cracked paint, an indication of poor repair. More important items are the tires, missing lug nuts, and rust. The latter is crucial as the slightest evidence of rust should turn away any customer. 

Interior: Aside from the apparent damages or wear that can be seen inside the car, one of the checklist items to look for in the interior are, again, rust and stale smell. These may be evidence that the vehicle had been flooded. 

Chassis, underbody, engine, and powertrain: These components require the competence of car experts or professionals; bringing one along is a good idea.

Image source: michaelandcompany.com

American Federal Auto LLC sells thoroughly inspected, serviced, and restored pre-owned cars. For more tips and tricks in buying used vehicles, connect with this Twitter page.

Monday, October 30, 2017

More advantages of purchasing pre-owned vehicles

Second-hand cars don’t have the reputation they should have. While it’s true that they’re not as appealing as brand-new vehicles, there are a lot of misconceptions going around as to the quality of pre-owned units. To counter these misconceptions, below are some of the advantages of owning a pre-owned car. 

Image source: howstuffworks.com

Minimal depreciation

A brand-new car once bought and used depreciates in value after the first six months. Its value will then continue to go down after that. Used vehicles though are the opposite. If the car is well taken care of, owners may not need to worry about depreciation. In fact, there are instances when the car may even sell for a higher price.

Minimal problems 

One of the biggest myths about pre-owned cars is that it’s not as reliable as brand new cars. The fact of the matter is that pre-owned vehicles go through several inspections before being sold to the public. Anything wrong with the car has either been corrected or replaced. 

Minimal fees 

Many owners of brand-new cars are surprised to find out they’re billed for unexpected expenses such as shipping fees. Dealerships will make sure every fee car buyers need to pay for pre-owned cars are clear enough. 

Image source: cnbc.com

American Federal Auto LLC is a family-owned and -operated company in Summerville, SC that strives to provide the best buying experience possible of certified pre-owned vehicles with bumper-to-bumper warranty and affordable payment options. Visit the company’s website to learn more.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Picking Used Cars: Best Choices

Buying pre-owned vehicles can be a bit tricky and requires more reflection than brand new cars. Whatever a buyer's reasons are for choosing used cars, whether or not they will be used as primary or secondary vehicles for an individual or a household, there has to be some considerations before visiting a car dealership.

Image source:  americanfederalauto.com
Obviously, not all automobiles share the same characteristics, and reliability is not exactly every car’s natural virtue. Some are good for a few years but do not age well as far as performance is concerned. Others may not be the quintessential runaway choice but can fire up the road anytime. Here are some of the best choices one may have when it comes to used cars:
Toyota Corolla
There is nothing exceptionally captivating about the features of a Toyota Corolla. It wouldn't get a second glance on the road if that is what a driver is after. The school jock won't be driving it to the prom. But this nondescript thing is the perfect all-around commuter car with a resilience and that is surely one for the books.
Honda Ridgeline
For more efficient traveling needs, Honda’s sport utility truck Ridgeline series can serve one well on the road or in case of heavier off-road adventures. Interior space and hauling capacity are defining characteristics of this light truck. Crash test performances even for the older models are great.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe satisfies any family's need for a large, spacious SUV. Safety is first, and the Tahoe won't disappoint in that category. It has been constantly praised for all its safety standard features.

American Federal Auto LLC aims to deliver the best buying experience for the residents of Summerville, SC and the surrounding areas through superior service and a broad inventory of quality vehicles. Visit the company's website for more car buying options.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Tell-Tale Signs That a Car Has Been Properly Restored

There are a lot of things to consider when on the market for a pre-owned, restored car. The problem is that for the average buyer, it's hard to determine if a car has been repaired to the highest standards or was just patched up for a fast sale. Here are some tips to consider before shelling out your hard-earned money on a restored car.

Image source: youtube.com

One of the most important things buyers should watch out for is body damage. Meaning, if the car has been in a collision and just repainted. Feel the body lines for any sign of dents or gaps. If it has been repainted, you’ll see overspray or marks from masking. Check it out thoroughly and ensure that the whole body has matching paints.

Secondly, inspect for rust and any other signs of corrosion. Just like any signs of previous accident involvement, major rust is something to avoid in a pre-owned car, as such rust will reappear later. Unless a car has been properly rust-proofed, any five-year-old or older car or truck will show some rust.

Image source: vwheritage.com 

Make sure to research the car's history records carefully. This is very useful, as most accidents should show up in the records. This will allow you to filter your list of options. Also, aside from a possible major collision in the past, a car might have been flooded. A flooded vehicle is more likely to develop various electrical problems as well as mold in the future. Be suspicious if the history report indicates that the car came from a flood zone.

American Federal Auto LLC is committed to taking the stress out of the daunting task of finding a vehicle that is the perfect combination of quality and affordability. It provides quality pre-owned vehicles to the residents of Summerville, SC, and the surrounding areas. For more car tips, drop by this blog.



Wednesday, July 19, 2017

A Beginner’s Guide To Car Restoration

Cars are like people in that they are likewise subject to the dictates of time. But just like how people resort to exercising and subscribing to a fitness regimen, old, rust-coated cars can get a new lease on life. Some people might be doing this for fun and leisure at the beginning, but the same endeavor can lead to not only making cars look new but increasing their resale value.

It’s not like people can just go to a car dealer and look up their dream cars from years past. This led to the rise of the car restoration business. Many collectors have begun to moonlight in this venture, or have started to depend on restorers for their car fix, seeing that it’s a booming industry that necessarily pays attention to the very details that we expect to make the car truly come back to life.

Image source: upullfl.com

If one is in it for the business aspect, the idea is to look for collectible models, often vintage cars from yesteryears. Even without a waiting customer in mind, restorers would try to match the deadstock, manufacturer specifications: from the complex mechanism, parts, and paint job.

While restoration is often a painstaking job, getting it done right will surely attract customers or fetch the restored car a high price in an auction. A beginning restorer needs time, money, and, of course, tons of creativity and ambition. But if you’re in it for the long haul, a careful study of the car’s specifications and history is required.

Image source: youtube.com

American Federal Auto LLC is committed to taking the stress out of customers saddled with the daunting task of finding a vehicle that is the perfect combination of quality and affordability. The family-owned and operated company aims to deliver the best buying experience possible for residents of Summerville, SC, and the surrounding areas. Visit the company’s official websitefor its latest inventory.



Monday, June 12, 2017

What Does Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty Mean?

This kind of warranty basically means that the car being sold to you is completely insured, from the front to the back bumper. While some warranties only cover the engine, drive line, and transmission, the bumper-to-bumper type includes coverage for the alternator and starter.

Image source: wisegeek.com

A bumper-to-bumper warranty is as comprehensive as it gets for your car. It’s now the ideal industry standard, and you should only buy a car that comes with this, whether new or pre-owned. Getting it relieves customers of worries that come with heavy mechanical repairs, as well as offers the owner regular maintenance help and even road assistance. Simpler unforeseen issues such as squeaking and rattling are part of the coverage, too. And often, even electronic parts and various computer-powered equipment.

Of course, damage incurred by cars due to owner negligence and abuse is excluded. While this warranty is a must, it shouldn’t make people lazy about the basics of car-cleaning and other basic upkeep needs. Those not covered by the insurance are the wear-and-tear of tires, rust accumulation, bulb replacements, and break plates.

Image source: shutterstock.com


American Federal Auto LLC is a family-owned and -operated company in Summerville, SC that specializes in the sale of pre-owned cars. Its cars come with a bumper-to-bumper warranty, and its staff is committed to delivering the best buying experience possible. Visit the website to learn more about the company.


Tuesday, May 16, 2017

The Process Of Certifying Pre-Owned Cars

Buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle is a sound purchase because it allows an individual to come close to owning a brand-new car, SUV, or truck. But CPO vehicles come with a significantly lower price tag and, usually, with a formidable warranty.

Image source: carsandautomobiles.net

In order to ensure the new owners’ peace of mind, the vehicle is sent through a rigorous certification process that is designed to guarantee it meets the minimum standards for age and condition. For example, Chrysler’s CPO vehicles undergo a 125-point inspection while Ford uses a 172-point inspection checklist.

Certification programs differ from automaker to automaker, but they typically involve close examination of the following:

Records and paperwork: Serving as an initial test for CPO candidates, the vehicle is subjected to a background check, with the vehicle history documentation and maintenance records serving as proof that the car has not received any substantial damage.

Mechanisms and systems: The vehicle is then subjected to re-road, road, and post-road tests to see if the various mechanisms and systems of the car are still of good quality. If some flaws or problems are minor enough, repairs are made to restore the working condition of the vehicle.

Image source: cardatachecks.co.uk 


Aesthetics: Assessments of the vehicle’s interior and exterior are made to check what cosmetic repairs and detailing are needed. This is to make sure that the CPO vehicle is brought back to near-new condition.

American Federal Auto LLC is a family-owned and -operated company that strives to provide the best buying experience possible for those who are looking for certified pre-owned cars in Summerville, SC. Visit the official website to learn more about the company.