A few easy steps will get you more money for your trade-in.

You want to buy a new car but you’ve still got the old one you’ve got to get rid of.

Many people need to get some cash out of their old car in order to get into a new one. So getting the most for your trade is often a major consideration.

Here’s a few tips on how you can get more money for your old car.

Clean It Up. Give you car a good wash – don’t just run it down to the gas station car wash. Scrub the car, especially around the bottom of the car where dirt and road debris can really make a mess.

You may also considering getting a professional detail job. While the price can seem a little high, the deep clean they provide will go far beyond what you can do yourself.

Wax It. Most people are surprised at what a good coat of wax can do to a car’s finish. It can take weather beaten paint and give it new life and a nice shine.

The way your car looks reflects how well you’ve cared for it over the years. Careful cleaning is the single most important step you can take to ensuring a fair trade-in valuation.

Make It Smell Good. Use some Fabreeze or car deodorizing spray. If you are a smoker this is very important. You don’t want your car to smell like an ash tray at trade in time.

Get An Oil Change. Old oil shows that maintenance has not been a priority.

Wipe Down The Engine Compartment. It’s probably pretty messy in there. Give it a wipe down with a damp cloth and pay particular attention to any areas that are especially grimy. Clean the top of the battery and the terminals too.

If the battery terminals are corroded you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean them. Let the solution sit on the crud and they rinse with water.

Decide Whether To Buy Tires. Some dealers prefer matching tires because that’s how they sell vehicles on their lots. If the tires are new, however, you may not want to bother.

Fix The Windshield. If you have any dings or cracks get these repaired. Many times windshield repairs can be covered by insurance if the problems are bad enough.

Once a crack starts to spread, the whole windshield has to be replaced, and a dealer will deduct the repair cost from the trade-in.

Bonus Tips: Consider fixing obvious mechanical and body problems, especially big dents and scratches (door dings are OK). But forget about pricey repairs, or you may spend more than you’ll get back.

And maybe (most importantly), be realistic. Most owners are too optimistic about what their cars will fetch in an honest trade-in. To come up with an honest trade-in price, dealers consider what they would pay for a car like yours at a wholesale auction and then subtract what it would cost to repair and clean your car.

Dealers don’t go by price guides, such as the “blue book,” as rigidly as you may think. This is guaged more by what dealers see happening at the auction. Generally, a car dealer will attend the auction at least twice a week.

But to get a very rough idea of what to expect for your trade-in, consider some point between the book trade-in and loan values as a starting point (remember to subtract the cost of all necessary repairs and detailing).

Forget about asking for or getting the retail price for your trade. Dealers rarely get that much when they sell the car to the next buyer.

If you would like to get a no-obligation trade appraisal, please fill out the easy form HERE.

About The Author: Tracy Myers is commonly referred to as “The Automotive Transportation & Financial Expert & has spent the past 15+ years trying to change the landscape of the car business and the bruised reputation of car salespeople all over the country. He also the owner of Frank Myers Auto Group which includes Frank Myers Auto Maxx, Credit Quick, Worldwide Vehicle Protection Plan & Triad Car Credit. Tracy is a Certified Master Dealer, an NIADA Eagle Award Winner, was inducted into the 2009 class of The Triad Business Leaders Hall of Fame and was named the National Quality Dealer of the Year by the NIADA, which is the highest obtainable recognition available in the automotive industry. Frank Myers Auto Maxx was recognized as one of the Top 28 Independent Automotive Retailer in the United States by Auto Dealer Monthly Magazine, one of the Top 3 dealerships to work for in the country by The Dealer Business Journal and was named the #1 Small Business in North Carolina by Business Leader.

-For more information about Frank Myers Auto Maxx, visit https://www.frankmyersauto.com/, read their official blog at https://www.winstonsalemusedcars.com/ or read the juicy Used Car Gossip at https://www.usedcargossip/.

Uncle Frank sez: “You can’t lead others unless you have followed.”

Uncle Frank is always quick to point out that no member of the Boy Scouts has ever started out as an Eagle Scout and no member of the United States Military has ever started out as a general. They have to work their way up through the ranks and into those positions of leadership. They have to earn those titles through dedication and hard work.

They can only accomplish those positions once they have perfected the skill, endurance and perseverance it takes to follow. They have to spend time in the trenches – training, learning and perfecting multiple tasks before they can reach that rightful role of leadership.

There is a right of passage they must conquer for that caliber of leadership. They must serve their time in the vineyard. They must follow and become good followers in order to become great leaders.

General Patton was a leader BEFORE he was a follower.

Patton, McArthur and Schwartzkoff sure did. Then there were great men like Audie Murphy who were great followers who led so well that they earned the highest decorations attainable though they were not the highest-ranking leaders in their field.

We are all the same no matter what profession we are in – we have to follow first before we can lead. Shadowing someone else who has been in the business or being mentored by an expert in the field is highly recommended in any occupation.

Just as we have to crawl before we can walk and walk before we can run, we must also learn before we can teach and follow before we can lead.

Being a follower means learning, being trained and drawing knowledge from someone else and their experience. Why would any person turn down good advice based on prior experience? No smart person would. By following, you learn the ropes and see the possible pitfalls and can learn to dodge them instead of plummet into them.

There are many land mines in the business field, so it is best to follow someone who knows where they are. Then when it’s your turn to cross the field by yourself you’ll know where each land mine is buried and you can avoid them. It will save your life.

Be patient in learning to follow and you will be great in learning to lead. We have to do one before we can do the other. Follow the leader, and then you can lead the followers.

About The Author, Tracy E. Myers: The original Frank Myers Store was started more than 83 years ago by Frank Myers, the Great-Grandfather of the current owner Tracy Myers and the Grandfather of the previous owner, Franklin Myers. Tracy has spent the past 15+ years trying to change the landscape of the car business and the bruised reputation of car salespeople all over the country. Tracy was one of the first 100 Certified Master Dealers in the Nation, a NIADA Eagle Award Winner and was the youngest recipient ever to be honored with the highest available distinction in the used car industry…the National Quality Dealer award. Frank Myers Auto Maxx was recently recognized as the #1 Small Buisness in NC by Business Leader Magazine, one of the Top 28 Independent Automotive Retailers in the United States by Auto Dealer Monthly Magazine, one of the Top 10 Internet Auto Retailers in the Nation & one of the Top 3 dealerships to work for in the country by The Dealer Business Journal. Tracy is also the Co-Creator of the “Everybody Rides” program and author of the best selling book “Car Buying Secrets Exposed: The Dirty Little Secrets of a Used Car Dealer”, available at Amazon.com and better bookstores. He is a Christian Business Owner whose goal is to run his business “By the Book”. The dealership specializes in helping people find, qualify for and own the vehicle of their dreams with little or no money down…even with less than perfect credit.  For more information on Frank Myers Auto Maxx, please visit their website at: https://www.frankmyersauto.com/

Used car buying easy as ABC in Winston Salem, NC

WINSTON SALEM – At it once again is the uncommon car dealer, Tracy Myers from Frank Myers Auto Maxx, just in time for the new school year to begin. Myers says his new approach to owning a nicer, newer car will simplify your life and help the local economy.

“Let’s face it…everybody wants a nicer, newer car. And buying a car is great for the economy! A better car can help you get to work, get your kids to school on time and in style, plus it helps me keep a lot of good people employed here at my business…not to mention the countless other folks who work to design, build, transport, maintain, fuel and insure the vehicles,” explained Myers.

Myers says that buying a car doesn’t need to be complicated or stressful. He believes that there’s a lesson to be learned from grade school. “My kids are getting ready to head back to school, and that got me thinking about learning the ABCs and 123s – and how, back in school, life was simple and fun. I think buying a car should be simple and fun too…so I created the ABCs of Car Buying.”

This “back to school” themed sale makes this month an excellent time to upgrade to a newer car, truck van or SUV.  Here’s how it works:

A: We’ll pay $1000 more than fair market value for any trade, whether it’s paid for or not.

B: Bring in just $500.00 for a down payment, and you can drive away the same day

C: Credit is not an issue. We work with the most helpful lenders in the country and understand that bad things happen to good people. Our goal this month is 100% approval.

“We always have fun here at Frank Myers Auto Maxx but this month is going to be something to remember. We’re helping the schools, helping the kids, helping the economy and helping you too. It’s never been easier to get a nicer, newer car!”

The generous trade-in allowance was inspired by the popular Cash For Clunkers program initiated by President Obama, which proves even car dealers can learn a thing or two.

“People are still talking about Cash For Clunkers…which happened one year ago this month. I pay attention to what my customers want. They’ve been asking for Cash For Clunkers to come back, and I’m giving it to them. I thought back to school time was the perfect time to show off what I’ve learned!” explained Myers.

Why Is August A Good Month To Buy?

Many people don’t realize that the new car manufacturers start releasing next year’s models this time of year. That means that every car at the dealership essentially turns one year older this month than it was last month. That extra month drives prices down making August one of the best times of year to buy.

Banged Up Credit From The School of Hard Knocks?

“At Frank Myers Auto Maxx, we realize that things have been pretty tough the past few years. We’re really good at helping you overcome the bruises on your credit report that you’ve earned from living in the real world. We believe in helping people make a fresh start. Come in and give us a chance to help,” says Myers.

ABCs Make Buying A Car Fast, Fun and Easy

What will you do with the extra money you receive for your trade-in? You could use it to lower your monthly payments. You could use it to be able to afford “more car” for your money. You could use it to pay off other bills. You could even use it buy all new clothes for your kids before school starts. It’s entirely up to you.

Come in to Frank Myers Auto Maxx located at 4200 N. Patterson Avenue in Winston-Salem, NC or pre-register for the sales event at https://www.FrankMyersAuto.com and buy a nicer, newer vehicle before August 30 and take advantage of $1,000 more for your trade, $500 down payments, and more lenient credit requirements.

The first day of school is coming up quickly and parents across North Carolina are beginning to stock up on school supplies and clothing. The weekend of August 6th- 8th, they’re doing so without paying a cent of sales tax on the items they buy because they’re taking advantage of the sales-tax holiday.

That week also marks the first ever Tax Free Week and Free School Supplies Event at Frank Myers Auto Maxx, a used car dealership in North Carolina. According to owner Tracy Myers, his business will be using the sales-tax holiday as a way to give back to a community that has supported his family’s small business over the years.

“The Tax Free weekend is very beneficial for the people taking advantage of the program for clothing and school supplies,” Myers said. “However, due to the tough economic conditions, I’ve seen lots of people that can’t afford to buy any school supplies…even with the tax break. That’s why I’m giving away free school supplies to help the community. Plus, Moms and Dads don’t have to waste valuable family time in the long lines at the department stores. They can spend that time with their children instead.”

Thanks to General Statute 105-164.13C, clothing, footwear and school supplies costing $100 or less won’t be taxed in North Carolina. Neither will school instructional materials costing $300 or less, sports and recreation equipment costing $50 or less, or computers of $3,500 or less per item. Plus because it’s tax-free week, when you buy a nicer, newer Certified vehicle at Frank Myers Auto Maxx before August the 8th, your sales tax will also be paid.

“Many families are getting their back-to-school lists ready.  I hope my Free School Supplies Event will help a few folks down on their luck save a little money. And the sales-tax holiday at Frank Myers Auto Maxx  will help make sure that no one drops their kids off in an old clunker,” said Myers.

This marks the sixth annual sales-tax holiday since North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley signed it into law in 2001.

The holiday starts Monday August 2nd at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. August 7th at Frank Myers Auto Maxx located at 4200 N. Patterson Avenue in Winston-Salem, NC.

“We’ll have a limited supply of free school supplies for the kids and the Certified vehicles will sell out quickly since I’m paying the sales tax on them,” Myers said. “When we run out, that’s it. There won’t be more of this deal until next year. So I’m encouraging everyone to arrive as early as possible. I’d hate for anyone to miss out.”

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For more information on Frank Myers Auto Maxx, please visit https://www.FrankMyersAuto.com or for more information on the free school supplies event, click HERE.

Dear Car Owner,

Your automobile is one of the biggest investments you’ll make – that’s why it would be wise for you to keep it running well for as long as possible, especially in today’s tough economic conditions where money wasted on costly auto repairs could instead be used to build your savings, pay off bills or buy those little “extras” that you’ve had your eyes on.

“Don’t Be A Car Killer” is REVOLUTIONARY! Over the next few weeks, I will put a lifetime of research by my family to work for you. I will also share with you some “Insider Information” that the automotive service industry has attempted to keep confidential. By reading this report, it will put you in a much better position to extend the life of your vehicle and possibly prevent it from a premature death.

Since you may not know who I am, let me share a few things about myself so you know that I am well qualified to offer you “Expert Advice”. My name is Tracy Myers and I am the owner of Frank Myers Auto Maxx. My family has been serving happy customers in the Triad area of North Carolina for more than 80 years. Personally, I have been involved in every aspect of this industry for more than 15 years. I am a “hands on” car guy and I am committed to operating our business with honesty and integrity.

I encourage and look forward to your feedback regarding this series.

So if you want to STOP being overwhelmed with costly automotive repair bills … read on!

Frank Myers Auto Will Help You Keep From Killing Your Car

So what can you do to extend the life of your car?

Well, you may be surprised to learn that it is often “the little things” that result in expensive “major” repair bills and eventually a car’s premature death.

It’s true. Cars today boast improvements in technology, build quality and metallurgy that can allow them to function smoothly for years and years and hundreds of thousands of miles.

However, ignoring “the little things” can cause your car to in effect start “dying from within.”

Over the next few weeks, I will share with you 10 things that all car owners should do to keep their care running well. Failure to do any of these things could result in internal corrosion that spreads like cancer throughout your vehicle until it’s too late and it can’t be saved.

#1: Change The Oil

Honestly, there isn’t a better way to keep your car running smoothly than to regularly change the oil. Failure to do so can cause the oil in your car to oxidize into harmful sludge that causes significant damage to your engine as engine parts start grinding together, jam up and eventually stop working all together.

However, all of the confusing claims from dealers, mechanics and oil companies can have you asking, “How often should I change my oil?” The real answer depends on a number of factors like mileage, time between changes and the type of oil in your car.

Although the old adage “3,000 miles or 3 months” is still floated (mainly by oil and oil service companies), service manuals for newer vehicles specify an oil change at 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Of course, these numbers apply to cars that are driven under “normal driving conditions.

Many factors can shorten or extend the rate of oil change. Here are a few:

Oil Type