2004 Toyota Highlander 4 Door SUV

If you are looking for something roomy that's great for luggage, lots of kids, or moving cargo, but you don't want an SUV the size of a small planet, the Toyota Highlander is the ride! We have for under $12K this sporty 4-door that comes with third-row seats, power mirrors, and CD player. Great for vacations or in-town commutes, the Highlander is comfortable and everything you want it to be.

Come test it for yourself or have a look at other used cars in Virginia Beach. We welcome military and are ready to assist anybody with financing and trade-ins.

Is It Time to Trade In Your Car for Another One?

Seasons change, and so do tastes. We all grow older and eventually so do the things we own. As you're driving around town, or on your way to the beach, you may notice your car doesn't rev up as loudly as it used to, or the brakes don't stop your motion as quickly. All around you, car lots display newer models and loud radio commercials command that you come look at the new inventory. Buying a new car is always a fun experience, even if you must weather a few headaches, but how do you know when is the right time to trade in your current ride for a new, or pre-owned, one?

Cars are viewed often in different ways. To some, a car is a necessity in that it is needed to get to work and school, and is used for running errands. Others may one more than one car because each one serves a different purpose: you may have a larger vehicle for transport, and perhaps a luxury car for show or special trips. If you find what you are driving now no longer appeals to you, it's natural to want to broaden your horizons. However, as a car purchase is a major one, you want to be sure you can afford it, and that you will be happy with what you get. It's not like returning a pair of pants that don't fit. Take these points into consideration as you clean and vacuum your car to get it as showroom ready as possible.

1) Do you still have payments to make on your current car? Some dealerships may work with you on this in order to get you into a newer vehicle, but if you are struggling just to make this payment make sure the next one you must handle isn't too much higher than your current one.

2) Are you really unhappy with your car? Have you outgrown your current ride? Do you travel more and require something that is fuel efficient? Maybe you had a baby recently and need a roomier back seat. If your desire to trade-in stems from a need to accommodate some kind of growth, getting a new car makes sense.

3) Is your car beyond repair? Some models have the right stuff to make it past a hundred thousand miles, but if you check your bank account and realize it will cost more to keep your current ride road-worthy than to just make payments on a newer make, you might want to start browsing.

Money, repairs, and lifestyle are the three key considerations when trading in your car for an upgrade. Know what you will end up spending and find the right car for you.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk used cars and Virginia Beach cars.

For Sale: 2008 Honda Accord Sedan

Come summertime, you may have a new driver in your house who will want to borrow the family car with regularity. While you knew this day would come, perhaps you're not quite prepared to be without a car on weekends. You have a life, too, so why not consider an affordable sedan for your new driver's use? This 2008 Honda looks cool and provides the safety features to keep your mind at ease. Good brakes, airbags, plus it comes with a clean CARFAX so you'll have all the information you need.

You won't find a better place to buy Virginia Beach used cars than from Select Import Motors. Whether for your driving age children or yourself, there is an affordable ride for you here. Come by our lot on Virginia Beach Boulevard (click the link for directions) or call 888-418-7863 for more information.

Car Shopping Tips for Women

As a child, the purchase of a new car was a rare and exciting experience. Nowhere else could we crawl into a strange car with abandon and test the resiliency of the seating and push all the neat buttons within reach. We didn't buy cars often, but in the times it happened I did notice one thing: no matter where we went in our search, every salesperson was male. Not only that, my father handled most of the negotiations, despite my mother being an educated person who did know something about cars.

Of course times have changed over the last few decades. The percentage of women purchasing cars on their own is rising, and while women might not dominate in car sales you'll see more than a few on lots around the country, ready to assist buyers. The first car I purchased was a Ford Mustang, bought from a female salesperson...with my mother present. I do wonder, however, if saleswomen are more apt to approach solo female customers on the lots, and as a woman you may feel more comfortable dealing with the same gender. Ultimately, when you do buy a car you should work with somebody who knows the vehicle you want and can help you determine if it's the right ride for you.

As a woman, you shouldn't be intimidated or patronized by anybody who tries to sell you a car. Age-old stereotypes of women ignorant of auto mechanics and negotiation no longer hold court on the car lot, yet if you do find the prospect of buying a new car nerve wracking you definitely want to prepare yourself. Before you set foot on sales territory, make sure you've done your homework:

1) Decide what is the best car for your lifestyle. Do you travel often, or only need a car for commuting to and from work? If you live for weekend adventures, you might wish to invest in an SUV to carry bicycles and tent equipment, otherwise you may feel more at home with a small, fuel efficient sedan. The car you get will eventually be worked on as it ages, so factor in later expenses.

2) Research pricing and trade values. More than likely you'll trade in your old vehicle. Consult blue book values and compare costs of the newer models you would like to test. Prices will vary according to features.

3) Be firm. If you believe you can live without a sunroof and satellite radio, don't let anybody talk you into getting extras. Also, visit more than one lot before making any commitments, and don't feel pressured by any salesperson to sign anything until you are one hundred percent certain of the car you want.

Car shopping is not something to be done on impulse. Know exactly what you want and browse carefully for the best options. Gender has nothing to do with affording a good car for your needs.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach cars and Norfolk used cars.

For Sale: 2008 Audi A4 Sedan

With the weather warming up here in Virginia Beach, it's the perfect time to consider trading in your car and getting something sporty, like this like-new Audi 4. The gorgeous red paint looks even better up close, and especially as you roll down Shore Drive or Atlantic Avenue. The power moonroof opens to let in the natural light and the all-wheel drive makes for a smooth ride. What's more, this car has only had one previous owner, and it's as clean as the CARFAX that comes with it.

Stop by our Virginia Beach used car showroom today or call 888-418-7863 to find out how you can drive this beauty home. We welcome military and anybody else in need of financing assistance.

Is a Sport Utility Vehicle Right for You?

As you browse for your next vehicle, naturally the goal is to trade up. You want a newer model, perhaps something with more room - a necessity if you have added on to your family. If you have only owned sedans or smaller throughout your driving experience, the thought of going larger may not have occurred to you. Buying a sport utility vehicle, while having the potential to benefit your lifestyle, is a huge step from a simpler car. The decision to buy one definitely calls for serious thought.

For the car owner who has never owned an SUV, much less test driven one, there may come some apprehension. Will I be able to park it without scraping against another car, or make three-point turns? It isn't uncommon to feel intimidated - if you aren't used to riding in or driving an SUV, it might as well be an eighteen-wheeler. However, if your lifestyle has changed to the point that larger is necessary, there are ways to conquer your fears and determine the best ride for your needs. Consider these points:

1) Has your family grown? Have you taken up hobbies or work that require constantly ferrying of bicycles, boxes, or large equipment? Moving stuff around in a smaller car can put a strain on the engine and affect your gas mileage for the worse. With an SUV designed to withstand the weight, you'll find it less aggravating to transport everything.

2) Do you feel cramped inside in smaller car now? Has anyone in your family found it difficult to bend down into a car lately? As people get older, it can become a chore trying to squeeze into a hatchback. An SUV gives you the room to breathe and relax as you drive.

3) Concerned about price? While it's true sports utility vehicles are priced higher than regular cars, there is the option of shopping for a pre-owned SUV. Combined with a decent trade-in, you may find payments are not as bad as you'd suspect.

Before you write off buying an SUV completely, take some time in your car shopping to test drive a model that looks most suitable to your needs. Once you get behind the wheel, you'll know for sure if you can handle steering and backing up. As with any car you buy, there is an adjustment period - even if you buy the same model you're used to driving. Ask questions about pricing, gas mileage, and durability, and leave each lot with an open mind.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach cars and Norfolk used cars.

For Sale - 2007 Ford Explorer XLT SUV

Ford tough meets Ford practicality with this incredible and roomy Explorer XLT. You really have to stop by our Virginia Beach used car lot to appreciate the color, definitely to see how well the engine looks and runs. Whether you are hauling a car full of kids to school or heading cross-country on a lengthy vacation, this SUV gets you where you need to go. Contact us today at 888-418-7863 for more information on this used Ford Explorer, which can be yours for under $15,000.