Picking Your Teen’s First Car

Is your son or daughter’s sweet sixteen coming up? What about a high school graduation or other major milestone? All of these are great times to give your teen their very first car. If you’re in the market for the first time in a while, or if you’ve never shopped for a car for a younger driver, there are some special things to keep in mind while you’re looking around at your options.

Consider a New, Used Car

Purchasing a car that’s brand new leads to higher car payments along with higher insurance premiums. You can often find the same vehicle two to three years older for a fraction of the cost of the new model. Of course you don’t want to spend a lot on a car that’s decades old, but picking one that was made within the last five years or so is a great way to save some serious cash. As long as the car is still relatively new and has a reasonable number of miles on it, it should run perfectly fine for years to come.

Stay Subtle

Once you have a new driver on your policy, your insurance rates are going to climb-- there’s no avoiding that. You can, however, soften the blow to your wallet by buying smart. Don’t purchase a sports car or sports edition of an ordinary sedan, as these types of vehicles automatically carry higher premiums regardless of the age of the driver. Stick with a sub-compact car or small truck, and you’ll find yourself paying less.

Bonus: if your child has his heart set on that Mustang, tell him that he can drive the first car while he goes to school, and in a few years when he has an income of his own, he can help purchase the new car and pay for his insurance. He’ll become a responsible car owner in the process.

Think Practically

Does your son really need a brand new king cab truck for his sixteenth birthday? Young drivers are naturally more prone to wrecks and other accidents, so it’s not the best idea to entrust them with high-dollar vehicles. Consider the things that your child needs most from their car: reliability, fuel economy, etc. Don’t feel bad or guilty if you can’t afford a brand new or luxury vehicle-- it’s smarter to get a less flashy car for their first one anyway, as we mentioned earlier. Your child mainly needs a reliable method of transportation, so focus on finding that. Your options are nearly limitless.

Shop Smart

Don’t buy from the first lot you visit. Some dealers are notorious for trying to send their customers home with a less-than-great deal. Shop around and test drive a variety of vehicles, and always check CarFax for the history of any cars you’re considering. Talk cautiously with dealers, and don’t get pressured into spending more than you can afford or bringing home a car you don’t love. Visiting multiple locations will ensure that you find the perfect car at the perfect price.

Having a teen old enough to get behind the wheel isn't going to be an easy transition. Make the car buying process an easy one with these tips to avoid even more stress on you. Have your child test drive the vehicle and make sure they're comfortable with handling the vehicle you choose. You don't want something that's too big for them or not comfortable to drive.

Come see us to find the perfect car for your teen's first time out on the road!

5 Summer Traditions to Schedule Around Florissant, MO

Some sites in Florissant MO stem a summer tradition.

“Patronize these historical sites and annual events to keep these traditions alive in Florissant MO,” says one employee of a used cars Florissant dealer, GMT Auto Sales.

May – September 2016
Every year, golfers swing off rolling terrain and undulating greens with shot values of more than 6,500+ yards at the Florissant Golf Course 50 Country Club. This landmark chronicles four-decades.

June 17, 2016
Hodak’s the iconic eatery for Chicken lovers and the history Solard Market community are coordinating a farmer’s market on June 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Select from locally-sourced cheeses, bakeries, organic produce vendors and specialty producers.

July – August 2016
The Regional Arts Commission, the Missouri Arts Council and Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis are funding “Music Under the Stars” 2016 summer concert series at Florissant Valley Park.
(Florissant Valley Park: 900 | Waterford Drive )

July 4 | July 9 | July 16 | July 23 July 30 | Aug 6 | Aug 13 | Aug 20 | Aug 27

Throughout the summer, we’ll be offering special discounts on some of our used car inventory. For more than 20 years, our used cars Florissant dealership has been satisfying customers with quality preowned vehicles,” shares an auto consultant of GMT Auto Sales.

July 15, 2016
Reserve your seats for the 16th Annual North County, sponsored by Florissant, Hazelwood, Ferguson, Maryland Heights, St. Ann and Bridgeton, Missouri. This annual event is rapidly emerging popularity (hosted at the James Eagen Center in Florissant MO 315 Howdershell Rd.Florissant, MO 63031)

July 4
The city of Florissant’s renowned fireworks display is on July 4th at at 9:15 PM. The pyrotechnics format reflects sequencing, dimensional frontage, and low and high level aerial combinations. (Howdershell Rd. Florissant MO_

August 17, 2016
Close encounters with animals before or after savoring lunch in the Old-World Surroundings of the Beautiful Courtyard of.Grant’s Farm goes back decades ago. This year a special luncheon is planned on August 17, 2016.

What’s your favorite event, attraction or thing to do in Florissant? Share it one this > used cars Florissant dealership’s, Facebook page.

www.fergusoncity.com

www.florissantmo.com/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item;id=2185

Steps to Help Keep Your Car Longer

Sensible steps to help motorists maintain their vehicles for safety, dependability and value....

Keep it Clean

Washing and waxing your vehicle on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that may harm the finish.

A good cleaning of the inside and outside of the vehicle prevents the buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt, reduces the potential for rust from road salt and ensures proper visibility needed for safe driving.

Rely on Your Senses

When driving, always be alert and rely on your senses. While you may be familiar with noises that your vehicle makes on a daily basis, any noise that is new, different or suspicious may indicate a problem. Listen for sounds such as squealing, thumping, hissing and grinding – these are all signs that the vehicle may be trying to tell you something.

Unusual smells such as burnt rubber, hot oil, gasoline, rotten eggs, burning carpet or the sweet smell of syrup can be a sign of serious, and potentially costly, trouble for your vehicle.

When you hear or smell something that doesn’t seem right, do not ignore it. Instead bring your car to a professional service technician to get an informed opinion on the nature of the sound or odor.

Stay on Schedule

The key to a car running at its best is basic maintenance. Keeping up with fluid changes, tire checks, filter changes and other services will help avoid bigger and more expensive repairs. Over time, some car parts and components wear out or become damaged. Being aware of your car will help you address any issues before they become bigger problems.

If you treat your car as a valuable investment and commit to regular preventative auto care, not only will you end up saving money, but your car will keep on running for many miles down the road.

8-Ways to Avert Being a CarJacking or Auto Theft Victim

“We’ve learned over the last 10 years in Saint Louis County that crime happens anywhere. Residents should always be cautious of crime, regardless of your zip code,” asserts a consultant who sells used cars in Florissant. Carjackings and auto theft are 50 percent preventable with the following tactics:

Read these tips to prevent a car jacking
or auto theft, used cars in Florissant

1) Skirt the short-cuts.
Avoid driving through unfamiliar neighborhoods.

2) Opt for parking visibility.
Park on well-lit streets and parking lots, in close proximity to a security camera or closed circuit television (CCTV).

3) Lock it.
It only takes seconds to commandeer an unlocked automobile. Always lock car doors, even when driving.

4) Be aware of surroundings.
Auto burglars and carjackers generally prey on easy targets: a distracted motorist: who is buried in his or her mobile device at a stop sign.

Is there a difference between an auto theft and a carjacking?Yes. Auto thefts generally transpire without the owner’s immediate awareness of the crime. Whereas, a carjacking involves the car thief forcefully and sometimes violently taking an automobile from a motorist or vehicle owner.

5) Fast car access.
When alone, always have keys accessible for quick entry.

6) Keep your car primed.
Being stranded in the wrong neighborhood can invite a car jacking and even worse. To prevent other vehicle breakdowns, predisposing you to a dangerous situation, keep your vehicle primed:

• To avert being stranded, keep your vehicle fueled three-fourths full.
• Check tire pressure on a regular basis. Proper tire inflation boosts fuel economy and tire wear and tear.
• Follow the auto manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to improve dependable performance.

7) Stash your stuff.
Keep valuables and other personal belongings out of sight (i.e.: wallet, smart phone). Store stuff in the trunk.

8) Monitor your wheels.
Use your mobile device as a way to monitor your vehicle. As another option, download a security application that monitors your whereabouts. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has an Android and iPhone compatible app, dubbed NICB Fraud Tips.

Share your carjacking and auto theft stories with other owners of new and used cars in Florissant, here.

Signs Your Brakes Need to be Inspected

Routine brake inspections are essential to safe driving and maintaining your vehicle.
When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list, so have your brakes checked by an auto service professional at least once a year. Knowing the key warning signs that your brakes may need maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road.

Seven signs your brakes need to be inspected:

1. Noise: screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes.
2. Pulling: vehicle pulls to one side while braking.
3. Low Pedal: brake pedal nearly touches the floor before engaging.
4. Hard Pedal: must apply extreme pressure to the pedal before brakes engage.
5. Grabbing: brakes grab at the slightest touch to the pedal.
6. Vibration: brake pedal vibrates or pulses, even under normal braking conditions.
7. Light: brake light is illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard.

Brakes are a normal wear item on any vehicle and they will eventually need to be replaced. Factors that can affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material.

The GMT badge on your car means you’ve made the prestigious choice!

The GMT badge on your car means you’ve made the prestigious choice! The prestige of a GMT badge on your vehicle shows you’ve done your research and have chosen the nicest car at the best value in St. Louis. Drive down the road with confidence and pride sporting the GMT badge!

GMT Auto Sales in Florissant, Missouri has a long and rich history in the St. Louis community. We’ve been in business for over 20 years so chances are that one of your friends, relatives or co-workers has purchased a used truck, car or SUV at GMT! Plus, we are very proud to be locally owned. Wouldn’t you rather support the local community than buy from a large, national chain? Of course! GMT is the PREMIER used car dealer in Florissant! Feel free to stroll our lot at 225 North Highway 67 in Florissant and see our broad range of models and price ranges, or browse online at TraversAutomotive Group.com to see over 1000 pre-owned vehicles in stock at our seven locations. Shop often because we have new vehicles arriving every single day. Travers Automotive Group is the largest network of pre-owned dealerships in the Midwest. That means we have the biggest and best selection you’ll find anywhere in St. Louis or the surrounding area. So, seriously, why shop anywhere else?

Our buying power of Travers Automotive Group means you pay lower prices! We carry all makes and models in all price ranges, so you're sure to find a car, truck or SUV you love at a payment you can afford. We specialize in late model vehicles with full factory warranties. You always hear that your new car depreciates by thousands of dollars the minute you drive it off the lot. It's true! That's why it's smarter to buy a used car, truck or SUV that is a few years old with low miles to get the lowest, most cost effective price, with the added benefit of a factory warranty. Be smart. Choose quality pre-owned at GMT Auto Sales and save thousands over buying new!

Do you have issues with your current credit? Don’t dismay. At GMT Auto Sales in Florissant, MO., we work with numerous banks and credit unions so we can secure a vehicle loan that works best within your budget. Simply said: We offer Financing for Everyone! Even if you’ve been turned down by another car dealer, you owe it to yourself to shop GMT, or another one of our seven locations in St. Louis. We do deals the other dealerships just can’t do! That’s a fact!Do you want to sell your car? Bring it to us! We will pay you cash on the spot for your used car, truck or SUV. Click Here for more information.

Travers Automotive Group GMT Auto Sales