Category: Blog

Buying a vehicle from a used car dealer makes sense financially, but it can be a stressful process. It’s hard to discern if you’re getting the best value — or if the vehicle will even be able to stay on the road. When buying from a used car dealer, you must do the necessary research on each used vehicle you consider buying. There are several ways to go about this complicated process. Today, Crossroads Ford shows you how to research a used vehicle properly. 

Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book is one of the most valuable tools for anyone buying a car, regardless of whether it is new or used. Since 1918, Kelley Blue Book has provided potential car buyers with new and used car pricing information, including the true values of vehicles. Kelley Blue Book looks at a variety of sources to determine the value of a vehicle, including manufacturer prices, wholesale auctions, and independent dealers. Knowing the true value of a used vehicle helps you get the best prices from a used car dealer. It also keeps you from buying a vehicle that isn’t as valuable as you might think. 

CARFAX

For used vehicles, few resources are more valuable than CARFAX. With a CARFAX report, you learn about a used vehicle’s history, including accident and repair history. This information helps you get an idea of the condition of the car, as well as the condition of the title and ownership. Knowing a vehicle’s history is crucial when buying from a used car dealer because you might not be able to tell from a test drive or by looking at the car whether or not the vehicle has had a long history of repairs or problems. Another important aspect of buying a used vehicle is the inspection. Even if you know the car’s history, it’s crucial to get it inspected and make sure that everything is on the up and up. CARFAX helps keep you from buying a lemon. 

Test Drive

A test drive is a valuable tool when purchasing a car from a used car dealer. Getting behind the wheel gives you a feel for how the car runs. If the vehicle is in bad shape, a test drive in city and highway condition may reveal that even to novice drivers. Beyond the condition of the vehicle, you want to know whether or not the vehicle is right for you. Some cars are more difficult to handle. Some cars have uncomfortable seats. These are all factors to consider when buying a vehicle, and the only way to truly evaluate these things is by driving the car. 

Contact Crossroads Ford – The Area’s Best Used Car Dealer

Crossroads Ford is the best used car dealer in Frankfort, KY, for anyone interested in buying a quality used vehicle. Inquire about our selection of vehicles by calling (502) 695-1990 or contacting us online.

If your car is headed to the shop, you need to make sure it’s getting quality automotive service from a properly trained mechanic. Not all auto mechanics are the same, nor do they have the same qualifications. If your vehicle requires a significant repair, it’s important to know who will be working on your car and whether your repair requires a specially trained mechanic. Today, the team at Crossroads Ford Lincoln in Frankfort, KY, will explain a few types of auto technicians and what they do. 

Diagnostic Technicians

Diagnostics are one of the most important services provided by auto shops, because not all problems are easy to see. If your car is running poorly or something is malfunctioning, it may take some work to find the root cause of the problem. For finding a root cause, a diagnostic technician is vital. These auto mechanics use technological tools to diagnose your vehicle’s problem correctly so that it is properly repaired. Incorrectly diagnosing a problem can lead to further damage and more money out of your pocket. Saving time and money is what makes diagnostic technicians vitally important. 

Service Technicians

Closely related to diagnostic technicians, service technicians take care of routine maintenance on most vehicles. These technicians check fluid levels, perform oil changes, and see that all systems are functioning well. These routine checks help to diagnose any bigger problems underneath the surface, which is where diagnostic technicians come in. When you take your vehicle to the shop for maintenance, a service technician will almost certainly be involved in your automotive repairs at some point. 

Brake and Transmission Technicians

When your vehicle needs brake or transmission service, the process is more complicated than other ordinary repairs. Brake and transmission services are some of the most costly automotive repairs. Because these are complex parts, they require special technicians to perform the repairs correctly. Many larger auto shops will have these highly trained techs. Brake service is extremely important because brakes are vital to your vehicle’s safety. Meanwhile, your transmission is one of the most central systems in the functionality of your car — it keeps your car moving! When you encounter brake or transmission problems, you want a well-trained technician taking care of the repairs.

Body Repair Technicians 

Bodywork is a unique automotive repair service because it deals with the exterior of the vehicle instead of what makes the vehicle run. Body repair is often in its own category, as many auto repair shops specialize in bodywork only. If you’ve been in an accident and have a dented panel or crushed fender, you need the right technician to make the proper repair. 

Contact Crossroads Ford Lincoln for Auto Mechanic Help

Crossroads Ford Lincoln’s service department has highly qualified and trained technicians to help with your car repairs. For more information on our service department, give us a call at (502) 695-1990 or contact us online today. Feel free to schedule your service online.

Nobody wants to wind up in the shop for automotive repair. But anyone who owns a car knows that repairs and maintenance are inevitable. When you think about automotive repair, you probably think about major repairs like transmission problems, air conditioning issues, and brake replacements. However, most automotive repairs are actually much less expensive and extensive than you might expect. Today, Crossroads Ford Lincoln discusses some of the most common automotive repairs for our customers in Frankfort, KY.

Catalytic Converter Replacements

Your catalytic converter reduces emissions of three harmful substances found in car exhaust: carbon monoxides, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Catalytic converters can increase your gas mileage and the performance of your vehicle. These parts are designed to last for the duration of your car’s lifespan, but they may require maintenance, especially as they get older. A broken catalytic converter can cost you a lot of money in the long run, and you should get it replaced sooner rather than later.

Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Replacements

The ignition coil and spark plugs are separate parts, but mechanics often replace them at the same time. Ignition coil and spark plug replacements are standard automotive repair services in older cars because they work together to ignite the gasoline in your engine. These repairs are not very expensive, making them easy to manage if you catch this repair early. However, if you drive on damaged ignition coils and spark plugs, the problem can further harm your car. 

Oxygen Sensor Replacements

The oxygen sensor is an electronic device that measures the amount of oxygen in your gasoline or other fluids. Oxygen sensors are essential to your vehicle because they make sure that the oxygen that is getting into your fluids is not disproportionate. A faulty oxygen sensor significantly affects your gas mileage and emissions. Getting it replaced right away can save a lot of money in the long run for your vehicle. 

Mass Air Flow Sensor Replacements

Mass air flow sensors determine the amount of air funneled into your engine. The onboard computer in your vehicle determines the best air-to-fuel ratio in the ignition chamber. The ignition chamber is one of the most crucial parts of your car. The ignition chamber pushes the pistons, which powers the transmission and moves your car forward. An ignition chamber can be volatile with the wrong air-to-fuel ratio, making the air flow sensor very important in an automotive repair. These replacements are common in vehicles of all ages, so it’s essential to keep your eye on your air flow sensor regardless of how new your car is. 

Contact Crossroads Ford Lincoln for Automotive Repair Help

If you are looking for automotive repair services, Crossroads Ford Lincoln can help with whatever repairs or maintenance your vehicle needs. For more information on how we can help, give us a call at (502) 695-1990 or contact us online today. You can also schedule your service online.

Shopping for a used vehicle means you will need to spend time looking for the right used car dealer. Buying from a used car dealer requires additional research because there are additional risks and challenges. You might have questions about the vehicle accident history, the vehicle maintenance history, and how the vehicle was taken care of by the previous owner. Since used cars can come with problems, a warranty is crucial when purchasing a vehicle from a used car dealer. Crossroads Ford discusses the details about warranties for a used vehicle.

Can I Get a Warranty from a Used Car Dealer?

The best way to get a warranty from a used car dealer is to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle. Certified pre-owned vehicles are inspected, refurbished, and certified before being sold on the lot. Many certified pre-owned cars also come with an extended warranty, some of which are backed by the manufacturer. While certified pre-owned cars are the easiest to warranty, you can also get a warranty with other used vehicles. However, these warranties are typically more challenging to obtain.

Are Warranties on Used Cars Important? 

Warranties on all vehicles are essential factors in your decision to buy. However, when you purchase a car from a used car dealer, a warranty is even more critical. You assume a certain risk because the vehicle isn’t new off the lot. A warranty gives you peace of mind that you are covered financially if something breaks down. It gives you valuable protection if your vehicle comes across any mechanical issues. The last thing that you want to do after making a significant financial commitment on a vehicle is wind up in the shop for a week with a large repair bill. 

Do Manufacturer’s Warranties Still Apply?

In most cases, automotive warranties will transfer even after ownership changes. Vehicle warranties are usually based on the vehicle identification number instead of the ownership. The original warranty will usually remain valid until it expires. So, when looking for a vehicle with a used car dealer, it’s important to ask about the original warranty and determine whether or not it is still valid. There are a few notable exceptions, especially with certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Generally speaking, the manufacturer’s warranty still applies if it has yet to expire. 

Contact Crossroads Ford Lincoln for More Information

If you’re shopping for a used vehicle, Crossroads Ford Lincoln has plenty of choices. Give us a call at (502) 695-1990 or contact us online for more information on the vehicles we have to offer.