There are plenty of places to buy a used car on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. So why Chuck Ryan Cars?

We could tell you about our awards. We could tell you we've been in business for 51 years. We could tell you we're picky about the vehicles we sell. All of that is true.

But we think the best answer is probably this:

People come back.

We've Sold Cars to Generations of the Same Families

Repeat customers make up a large part of our business. Some families have been buying vehicles from Chuck Ryan Cars for so long that we've sold to their great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and now their kids.

Think about that for a second.

Selling someone a car once is great. Having them trust you enough to come back for the next one means more. Having them send their children and grandchildren to you means everything.

That's why you'll hear us talk about the CRC family.

It's not something a marketing company came up with. After 51 years in the same community, that's genuinely how we think about our customers.

We're Picky About the Cars We Buy

You'll hear just about every used-car dealership say they sell quality vehicles. Here's what that means at CRC.

We've spent decades building relationships with wholesalers and vehicle suppliers we trust. Some of them have been doing business with us for 10, 15 years or longer. We don't simply buy whatever is available. We're very selective about who we buy from and what we put on our lot.

As we've been saying around here for years:

We buy the quality cars you're going to love.

We also take trade-ins, which allows us to offer vehicles at different price points. Not everybody shopping for a car has the same budget, and we think people deserve options. Before a vehicle goes on our lot, we do our best to address the things that need attention and get it ready for its next owner.

You drive off the lot and hear a noise? A week later a taillight goes out? Bring it back and let us take a look. We'll do everything we can to take care of you.

Looking for Something Specific? Ask Us

Don't see what you want on our lot? Tell us what you're looking for. We have access to a large network of wholesalers and vehicle sources, so if you're looking for a particular make, model or even trim package, there's a good chance we can help you find it. Whether you're looking for affordable transportation or have the budget for something a little nicer, ask us before you give up on finding it.

We Really Do Try to Find a Way to Help

Chuck Ryan Cars is a Buy Here Pay Here dealership in Long Beach, MS, but in-house financing isn't the only option we can explore. We can finance customers directly through CRC, and we can also work with banks and other lenders when that's a better fit.

Bad credit? No credit? Been through a divorce, job loss or another rough patch?

Your credit score doesn't tell us your whole story. We can't promise that every deal will work. We have to make sure the down payment and payments are affordable for the customer and workable for us, too.

But we can promise this:

We'll try.

Sometimes there are options customers don't even know to ask about.

We Offer a Military Discount

Chuck Ryan Cars offers $350 off for current and former members of the military and military spouses. Just bring proof of current or former military service or proof that you're a military spouse.

It’s one small way we can say thank you to the people who have served and the families who have supported them.

We Don't Want You Paying on Your Car Forever

Most of our in-house loans run approximately 18 months to three years, with about two years being typical. That's a lot shorter than the five- or six-year loans you may see elsewhere. The longer you're financing a vehicle, the more interest you can end up paying over the life of the loan. We'd rather see you pay the car off, get the title in your hand and own it outright.

A larger down payment reduces how much you have to finance, and a shorter loan can help you get there sooner. There is also no penalty for paying off a CRC in-house loan early. If you can pay it off sooner, we'll be happy for you.

And if you use Auto-Pay, there's another benefit. Enroll in Auto-Pay and stay enrolled for the life of your CRC loan, and we'll take $300 off your final payment.

And when you're ready, the equity you've built in that vehicle may help you trade up to something even better. A lot of customers start with the vehicle that fits their budget today, then use the equity they've built to move into a newer or nicer vehicle later. You can keep doing that until you're driving the car you really want.

Quick and Easy Isn't Just Something We Put on a Sign

Nobody wants to spend five hours sitting in a car dealership. Once you've chosen your vehicle, we can typically complete the purchase process and have you out the door in about 30 minutes. We've been saying Quick and Easy for years.

We mean it.

Buying the Car Isn't the End of the Relationship

This may be the biggest difference. Once you drive off the lot, you're still our customer. If you're having trouble making a payment, call us.

Lost your job? Something unexpected happened? You're going to be late? Call us and tell us what's going on. Be honest with us. Keep us updated.

We understand that life happens. Communication goes a very long way at CRC, and we'd much rather have a customer talk to us when there's a problem than disappear because they're afraid of making the call.

We're Still Here When Your Vehicle Needs Repairs

Every vehicle we sell comes with a FREE 30-day/1,000-mile warranty. If something goes wrong during that period, call us and let us see what we can do to help.

The warranty ends. The relationship doesn't.

When possible, we can help our customers get parts and labor at our cost when their vehicle needs repairs.

More Than 50 Years on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Chuck Ryan Cars has been part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for 51 years. Since 2017, we've been voted Best Pre-Owned Car Dealership eight times through the Sun Herald and WXXV Viewer's Choice Awards., CRC was also voted WXXV Viewer's Choice Best Place to Work. We're incredibly proud of those awards. But if you ask us what matters most, it's probably not a plaque.

It's the customer who bought a car from us years ago and comes back for another one.

It's the mom who sends her son to us because she trusts us to take care of him.

It's realizing we've now sold vehicles to several generations of the same family.

That's the CRC family. And we'd be happy to have you join it.

You know your vehicle better than you think.

You may not know what every part under the hood does, but you know what your car normally sounds and feels like. So when it suddenly starts squealing, grinding, clicking or making a noise that definitely wasn’t there yesterday, pay attention. Not every strange sound means an expensive repair is coming. But ignoring a new noise can sometimes turn a small problem into a much bigger one.

Here are a few sounds you shouldn’t ignore.

Squealing or Grinding When You Brake

A high-pitched squeal when you brake can be a sign that your brake pads are wearing down. Grinding can mean the pads are badly worn and other parts of the braking system may be getting damaged.

Brakes are one of those things you don’t want to put off. If your brakes start making a new noise, your brake pedal feels different, or the vehicle shakes or pulls when you stop, have it checked.

Clicking When You Turn

A repeated clicking or popping sound while turning can sometimes point to a problem with a CV joint or another part of the steering or suspension system. The important thing isn't diagnosing it yourself. It's noticing when the sound happens. Does it happen only when you turn? Only at low speeds? Is it louder when turning in one direction?

Those details can make it much easier for a mechanic to figure out what's going on.

Humming, Roaring or Growling That Gets Louder With Speed

If you hear a humming, roaring or growling noise that changes as the vehicle speeds up, don't ignore it. There are several possible causes, including tire problems or a worn wheel bearing. Some are relatively simple to fix. Others can become safety issues if they're allowed to get worse.

If a noise changes with your speed, it's worth having someone check it out.

Any Unusual Sound From the Engine

This is one where you don't want to guess.

An engine can make unusual noises for a number of reasons, and some are much more serious than others. Knocking, tapping, ticking, rattling or any sound coming from the engine that doesn't seem normal should be checked out.

Don't wait for the sound to get louder or for a warning light to come on. If something doesn't sound right, have it checked.

Squealing From Under the Hood

A squealing sound from under the hood may be related to a belt, pulley or another moving part. Sometimes it happens only when you first start the vehicle. Sometimes it changes when you accelerate or turn on the air conditioner.

Again, you don't have to figure out which part is making the noise. Just pay attention to when it happens and what you're doing when you hear it.

Clunking Over Bumps

If you start hearing clunks or knocks when you go over bumps, something in the suspension or steering system may be worn or loose. You may also notice the vehicle riding differently, bouncing more than usual, pulling to one side or feeling less stable.

A clunk isn't automatically a disaster. But it's also not something I'd turn the radio up to fix. ??

A New Rattle

Rattles can be maddening because they can come from almost anywhere. Sometimes it's something harmless, like a loose piece of trim. Other times it can be something underneath the vehicle, in the exhaust system or under the hood.

If you suddenly hear a new rattle, especially one that gets louder or changes with speed or acceleration, it's worth figuring out where it's coming from.

Your Car Doesn't Have to Sound Terrible to Have a Problem

Sometimes the first sign of trouble isn't a dramatic grinding or knocking noise. It might be a new vibration. A different smell. A warning light. The steering feels different. The car takes longer to start. Something just feels...off.

Don't ignore a change simply because the vehicle is still running. Catching a problem early can sometimes mean repairing one part instead of waiting until that problem damages something else.

Bought Your Vehicle From CRC? Ask Us.

If you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars and it starts making a noise you don't recognize, give us a call or bring it by. You don't have to know whether it's a wheel bearing, CV joint, belt or something else. That's our job to help you figure out.

And if your vehicle is outside its warranty period, don't assume you're completely on your own. Talk to us. We'll see what we can do to help you figure out the problem and the best way to get it repaired.

At Chuck Ryan Cars, we want to take care of our customers before and after the sale. Sometimes your car is trying to tell you something.

The trick is listening before it starts yelling.

Buying a car shouldn't take all day.

At Chuck Ryan Cars in Long Beach, MS, we try to make buying and financing a used car Quick and Easy. Having the right documents with you can make the process even faster.

Here's what you'll want to bring.

Bring a Photo ID

You do not need a driver's license to purchase a vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars, but you will need a valid photo ID. If you don't have a driver's license, talk to us. Depending on your situation, we may still be able to help you purchase and finance a vehicle.

Bring Proof of Income

For our in-house Buy Here Pay Here financing, we're much more interested in whether you can afford the vehicle than whether you have a perfect credit score.

You'll need to show that you have reliable income. Proof of income may include:

• Recent pay stubs

• A letter from your employer

• A benefit or award letter showing recurring income

You don't necessarily have to be traditionally employed. Other reliable sources of income may qualify.

Bring Proof of Residence

We'll also need proof of your current residence.

Proof of residence can be a mortgage statement, utility bill, etc. If you're not sure whether the document you have will work, give us a call before coming in. We'd much rather answer the question ahead of time than have you make an extra trip.

Trading In a Vehicle? Bring Your Information

If you're trading in a vehicle, bring the title if you own it outright. If you still owe money on your trade, bring your current loan or payoff information so we can determine what is still owed.

You'll Need Coverage Before You Leave

Before you leave with a financed vehicle, you'll need to make sure you have the appropriate coverage in place. You're welcome to use your own insurance company. If you already have an insurer, you can call them from the dealership and add your new vehicle before you leave.

Don't already have insurance? Shop around. A quick online search for car insurance quotes will bring up comparison tools that let you check rates from multiple companies. Prices can vary quite a bit, so it's worth comparing before choosing a policy. You can even do this from your phone while you're at the dealership. 

For customers who cannot obtain traditional full-coverage auto insurance, CRC also offers Collateral Protection Insurance, or CPI.

What Is CPI?

CPI protects CRC's financial interest in the vehicle while you're financing it. The cost is scheduled with your regular vehicle payment. One important benefit for the customer is protection against covered accident damage to the financed vehicle.

If your vehicle has covered accident damage under CRC's CPI program, your deductible is $750. Whether the covered repair costs $800 or $8,000, the most you'll pay toward that covered repair is $750, and we'll handle getting the vehicle repaired. 

But there's an important distinction:

CPI is not liability insurance.

It does not cover injuries or damage you cause to someone else's vehicle or property. It also doesn't replace liability insurance required by Mississippi law. CPI coverage and liability insurance serve different purposes.

If you're unsure what coverage you need, we'll explain the options before you leave.

Bad Credit? No Credit? Talk to Us

Chuck Ryan Cars is a Buy Here Pay Here used car dealership, but your credit score doesn't tell us your whole story. We run credit as part of the process, but our in-house financing isn't based solely on your credit score. We look at your income and whether the down payment and vehicle payments are affordable for you.

We can also explore financing through banks and other lenders when that's a better fit.

Don't assume you can't buy a car because your credit isn't great, you don't have a driver's license, or you don't have the down payment you expected to need.

Come talk to us. There may be options you don't know about.

Quick and Easy Really Does Mean Quick

Nobody wants to spend their entire day buying a car.

Once you've chosen your vehicle, we can typically complete the purchase process and have you out the door in about 30 minutes.

We've shared that number at dealer conventions before and watched a room full of dealers react in disbelief. The car-buying process can take hours at some dealerships. At CRC, we've worked hard to make ours Quick and Easy.

Bring what you need, find the car you want, and we'll do our best to get you on the road.

That's what Quick and Easy is all about.

Your first car from Chuck Ryan Cars doesn't have to be your forever car. Sometimes the smartest move is to buy the reliable vehicle that works for your budget right now, pay it down, build equity, and use that equity toward something better later.

At Chuck Ryan Cars, we see customers do exactly that.

Start With What Works for You Today

Maybe the vehicle you really want isn't affordable yet. That's okay.

Instead of stretching your budget too far, you can start with a dependable used car, truck or SUV that fits what you can comfortably afford today.

Then work your way up.

As you pay down what you owe, you may begin building equity in a vehicle that can have real trade-in value later.

Shorter Loans Can Help You Own Your Car Sooner

Most Chuck Ryan Cars in-house financing terms are approximately 18 months to three years, with about two years being typical. That's very different from being tied to a five- or six-year car loan.

We intentionally structure our loans this way because we want customers to get their vehicles paid off and receive their titles sooner. And once you've built equity in that vehicle, you may have something valuable to put toward your next one.

There's No Penalty for Paying Off Early

Want to pay your Chuck Ryan Cars loan off ahead of schedule?

Go for it.

We don't charge an early-payoff penalty on our in-house financing. In fact, we encourage customers who are able to pay their vehicles off early to do it. The sooner you pay down what you owe, the sooner you can build more equity in the vehicle.

Use Your Equity to Trade Up

Let's say you start with a vehicle that fits your needs and budget today. You make your payments, pay down the balance, and eventually decide you're ready for an upgrade. If your vehicle is worth more than you still owe on it, that difference is equity.

That equity may be used toward your next vehicle, reducing how much additional money you need to bring to the table or finance. Then you can do it again.

Buy what works today. Pay it down. Build equity. Trade up when you're ready.

Over time, you may work your way from the car you need right now to the car you really want.

Taking Care of Your Vehicle Matters

If you're hoping to trade up later, take care of the vehicle you have now. And if you do only one thing consistently, change the oil. Regular oil changes are one of the simplest and most important things you can do to help an engine last. Skipping them can lead to serious engine problems and dramatically shorten the life of a vehicle.

Keep up with your oil changes, pay attention to warning lights, maintain your tires, and don't ignore a new noise or problem hoping it will disappear.

Taking care of your car can help it last longer and help protect its value when you're ready to trade up. When you're ready to trade, we'll evaluate the vehicle's condition, mileage, market value and what you still owe, if anything.

You Don't Have to Do It All at Once

We know not everyone walks onto a car lot with perfect credit, a huge down payment and the ability to buy exactly what they want. That's real life.

Chuck Ryan Cars has been helping people on the Mississippi Gulf Coast buy vehicles for more than 50 years, including customers who have had credit problems or simply needed a second chance.

Bad credit? No credit? We can help.

Start with a vehicle that works for your life and your budget today. Make your payments, pay it off as quickly as you comfortably can, take care of it, and when you're ready for something better, come see us again.

We'll be happy to help you take the next step.

Your first car with us doesn't have to be your dream car, but it can help you get there.

Your car needs a repair.

Now comes the question nobody enjoys asking:

Do I spend the money to fix it, or is it time to trade it in?

There isn't one answer that's right for everybody. Sometimes repairing the vehicle you already own makes the most financial sense. Other times, putting more money into it just delays the inevitable.

Before you decide, here are a few things worth considering.

1. How Much Is the Repair?

Start with the obvious: find out what's actually wrong and what it will cost to fix. A $600 repair on an otherwise dependable vehicle is very different from a $4,000 repair on a vehicle that's already giving you problems every few months. And don't automatically assume a large repair bill means you should trade the vehicle. Compare the repair cost with what replacing the vehicle will cost you.

Sometimes fixing the car you already have is the cheaper choice.

2. Is This One Repair or the Beginning of a Pattern?

Think about what's happened over the last year. If you've done little more than routine maintenance and suddenly need one repair, that may not be a reason to give up on a vehicle that's otherwise been good to you. But if you've replaced one thing after another and you're starting to recognize the mechanic's phone number before you answer it, that's different.

Add up what you've spent recently. A series of smaller repairs can become expensive surprisingly quickly.

3. What Is Your Vehicle Worth Right Now?

This matters because you don't want to spend thousands repairing a vehicle without considering what the vehicle itself is worth. But don't assume a vehicle that needs work is worthless, either.

At Chuck Ryan Cars, we buy and trade vehicles in a wide range of conditions, including vehicles with high mileage, cosmetic damage and mechanical problems.

Before you spend a lot of money fixing something just to trade it, let us look at it the way it is. We have people we trust for repairs and reconditioning, and the money you spend fixing it may not increase its trade-in value by the same amount.

[LINK TO: 5 Factors That Influence Your Car's Trade-In Value]

4. Do You Still Trust the Vehicle?

There's a financial side to this decision, but there's a practical side too. If you depend on your vehicle to get to work, take your children to school or handle everyday life, reliability matters. One repair doesn't necessarily make a vehicle unreliable. But if you're constantly wondering whether it's going to start tomorrow morning or leave you sitting on the side of the road, that matters.

Peace of mind has value, too.

5. Can You Afford to Replace It? 

This is where people sometimes get backward. A repair bill hurts because you see the whole amount at once. A car payment looks smaller because you see it one month at a time. But replacing your vehicle may mean a down payment, monthly payments, interest, insurance and other costs.

Don't trade a $1,500 repair for thousands of dollars in new debt without looking at the whole picture.

If fixing your current vehicle gives you another couple of dependable years and fits your budget, fixing it may be the smarter choice.

6. What Are You Getting in Exchange?

There's something else people sometimes forget when replacing an older vehicle:

The vehicle you already own is a known quantity. Another used vehicle isn't.

We work hard to buy quality vehicles at Chuck Ryan Cars. We inspect them, prepare them for sale and fix problems we find. But they're still used vehicles, and nobody can know everything about how every previous owner treated a vehicle or predict exactly how long every part will last.

That's one reason every vehicle we sell comes with a FREE 30-day/1,000-mile warranty.

So if your current vehicle has been well maintained, you know its history and it only needs a reasonable repair, don't automatically assume another used vehicle is the better choice.

When Does Trading Make More Sense?

Trading may be worth considering when the repair is very expensive compared with the vehicle's value, major problems keep happening, the vehicle no longer meets your needs, or you're simply ready to move on. And you don't necessarily have to repair it first.

Bring it to Chuck Ryan Cars the way it is. We'll look at the vehicle, tell you what we can offer for it and help you compare your options.

If you decide fixing it makes more sense, that's okay, too. We're not going to tell you to buy another vehicle just because we sell cars.

Not Sure? Come Talk to Us.

If you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars and it needs a repair, talk to us. You don't have to still be making payments to CRC. Even if you've paid your vehicle off and it's been years since you bought it, we can usually help you get it repaired at the same discounted rates we pay rather than regular retail repair prices.

And if you're still financing the vehicle through CRC and current on your payments, and the repair is more than you can handle all at once, talk to us about that, too. We may be able to help you spread part of the repair cost out over time. Then you can make the decision that makes the most sense for you.

Fix it or trade it, we'd rather help you make a good decision than sell you a vehicle you don't need.

That's how we've done business for 51 years.

Maybe you've had your vehicle for a few years. Maybe it's starting to need repairs. Maybe your family has outgrown it.

Or maybe you're just ready for something newer.

Whatever the reason, trading in your current vehicle can make getting into your next one a lot easier, especially if you've built equity in the car you already own.

What Is Equity?

Equity is simply the difference between what your vehicle is worth and what you still owe on it.

For example, if your vehicle is worth $10,000 and you still owe $4,000, you have approximately $6,000 in equity.

That equity can usually be applied toward your next vehicle, almost like bringing money to the table without having to come up with all of it in cash.

And if your vehicle is already paid off, its entire trade-in value can potentially go toward your next purchase.

You Don't Have to Wait Until Your Car Is Paid Off

A lot of people assume they can't trade a vehicle until they've made the final payment.

That's not necessarily true.

If you still owe money, bring us your current payoff information. We'll look at what your vehicle is worth, what you owe and what options you have.

Depending on the numbers, you may already have enough equity to make trading worthwhile.

Trading Up Doesn't Have to Happen All at Once

Your first car doesn't have to be your dream car.

Maybe you start with a 2012 Ford Focus because it's what works for your budget right now. You make your payments, take care of it and build equity.

About two years later, you use that equity to trade into a 2018 Honda Civic.

You do the same thing again. Pay it down. Take care of it. Build more equity.

A couple of years later, you may be trading that Civic toward a 2024 Toyota Camry you've really wanted.

The exact vehicles and timeline will be different for everyone, but the idea is the same: each vehicle can help you get closer to the one you really want.

You don't have to get your dream car on day one. Start with what makes sense for your budget today, take care of it, build equity and let that vehicle help you get into the next one.

Before you know it, the car you couldn't afford a few years ago may be sitting in your driveway.

CRC's Shorter Loan Terms Can Help You Get There

Most CRC in-house loans run approximately 18 months to three years, with about two years being typical.

We don't want customers paying on the same car for five or six years if we can help it. The longer you're financing a vehicle, the more interest you can end up paying over the life of the loan. We'd rather see you pay the car off, get the title in your hand and own it outright.

A larger down payment means you're financing less, and a shorter loan term means you can get to that paid-off vehicle and title in hand sooner.

There's also no penalty for paying your CRC in-house loan off early. If you're able to pay it off faster, we encourage it.

The sooner you build equity, the sooner that vehicle may be able to help you move into the next one.

What If My Trade Needs Repairs?

That's okay.

We take trade-ins in a wide range of conditions, including vehicles with high mileage, cosmetic damage and mechanical problems.

Even if it isn't running, we may still be interested. You just need to be able to get the vehicle to us.

If it can't be driven or towed to Chuck Ryan Cars, we generally won't be able to take it as a trade.

And before you spend a bunch of money fixing things because you think you have to, let us look at it first.

You may be about to spend money on a repair that won't increase the trade-in value enough to make it worthwhile.

Do I Need to Detail My Car Before Trading It In?

No.

We're going to detail it again anyway.

We know the difference between something that's dirty and something that's damaged, so don't spend money having your vehicle professionally detailed just for us.

Bring it in.

What Can I Trade?

We're pretty flexible.

Cars, trucks and SUVs are the obvious ones, but we've also taken things like motorcycles and Sea-Doos.

Around CRC, we've been known to ask customers, “Got a horse you want to trade?”

Please call us before actually bringing the horse.

Seriously, if you have something unusual you'd like to trade toward a vehicle, ask us. You might be surprised at what we can work with.

Find Out What Your Trade Is Worth

Online valuation tools can give you an estimate, but they can't tell you exactly what Chuck Ryan Cars will offer for your vehicle.

The easiest way to find out is to bring it to us.

We'll look at your vehicle, tell you what we can offer for it and help you see what options you have.

Whether you're ready for something newer, need something different or you're working your way toward that dream car, your current vehicle may be the first step toward the next one.

If you're thinking about trading in your vehicle or selling it outright, you're probably wondering the same thing everyone wonders:

What is my car actually worth?

There isn't one simple answer. A vehicle's value depends on several things, including what it is, how many miles it has, its condition and what buyers are looking for right now.

At Chuck Ryan Cars, we're always looking for vehicles and we pay top dollar for the right ones. And you don't have to buy a vehicle from us to sell us yours.

Here are five of the biggest things that can affect what your vehicle is worth.

1. Year, Make and Model

Some vehicles simply hold their value better than others.

The year matters, but so do the make and model. Reliability, reputation, availability and demand all play a role in what buyers are willing to pay.

We're especially fond of Japanese vehicles because many of them have a strong reputation for reliability and holding their value.

[LINK TO: Why We Prefer Japanese Vehicles]

But that doesn't mean we're only interested in certain makes. If you're wondering what your vehicle is worth, bring it by and let us take a look.

2. Mileage and Maintenance

Mileage matters, but it doesn't tell the whole story.

A higher-mileage vehicle that has been well maintained can sometimes be a better buy than a lower-mileage vehicle that hasn't been taken care of.

You don't need maintenance records to sell or trade your vehicle to us. But if you have records showing that you've taken especially good care of it, bring them with you.

They may put a little more money in your pocket.

3. Overall Condition

Of course, condition matters.

We look at the exterior, interior, tires, mechanical condition and how the vehicle drives. Dents, damaged upholstery, warning lights and mechanical problems can all affect value.

But before you start spending money trying to make your vehicle perfect, don't. You don't need to detail it first or fix every little thing. We have people we trust for repairs and reconditioning, and we know what can and can't reasonably be fixed or cleaned up. You could spend $1,000 fixing something that only adds $500 to the vehicle's value.

Bring it to us the way it is and let us look at it first.

What About the Number of Previous Owners?

The number of owners may affect a vehicle's market or trade-in value, but we don't consider it a reliable measure of the vehicle's quality.

A one-owner vehicle can be poorly maintained, while a vehicle with several previous owners can be exceptionally well cared for.

We're much more interested in the vehicle itself, its condition and how it appears to have been maintained than simply how many names have been on the title.

4. Trim Level and Features

Two vehicles that look almost identical can have very different values.

Trim level, engine, drivetrain and features can all make a difference. Leather seats, third-row seating, four-wheel drive, upgraded safety features and other equipment may affect what buyers are willing to pay.

That's why simply looking up the year, make and model online doesn't always give you the whole picture.

5. Current Market Demand

Vehicle values aren't fixed. The market changes.

A vehicle that's in high demand right now may be worth more than the exact same vehicle at another time of year.

Tax season can be an especially good time to sell or trade your vehicle. From roughly February through April, demand for used vehicles is often stronger, which means we may be able to pay more for your vehicle than we could at other times of the year.

That's one reason an online estimate should be treated as a starting point, not necessarily the final answer.

Trade It or Sell It to Us

If you're buying another vehicle, your trade-in value can help with your down payment and reduce the amount you need to finance.

But you do not have to buy from Chuck Ryan Cars to sell us your vehicle.

We buy cars, trucks, SUVs and motorcycles outright.

If you own the vehicle outright, bring the title if you have it. If you still owe money on it, bring your lender information and we can contact them to get the payoff amount.

There's no appointment necessary. If everything is in order, we can often have you a check in about 15 minutes.

If you're wondering what your vehicle is worth, stop by Chuck Ryan Cars in Long Beach and let us take a look.

We'll work up the numbers and make it Quick and Easy.

Owning a vehicle comes with maintenance. There's no way around that. But spending a little money and paying attention to small problems now can sometimes save you from a much bigger repair bill later.

The good news is that you don't have to know much about cars to take good care of one. A few basic habits can go a long way toward keeping your vehicle on the road and your repair bills under control.

Here are six common maintenance mistakes that can turn relatively small problems into expensive ones.

1. Ignoring the Check Engine Light

It's tempting to ignore a check engine light, especially when your vehicle seems to be running just fine. But that little light is your vehicle telling you something needs attention.

Sometimes the cause is relatively minor. Other times, continuing to drive without addressing the problem can lead to more expensive damage.

A steady check engine light generally means you should have the vehicle checked soon. A flashing check engine light can indicate a more serious problem, such as an engine misfire that could damage the catalytic converter. If it's flashing, don't keep driving around hoping it'll go away.

The important thing is not to panic, but don't ignore it either. Finding out what's wrong early is usually a lot cheaper than finding out after something else has been damaged.

If you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars and your check engine light comes on, bring it by. We'll check it out and help you figure out what's going on.

2. Putting Off Oil Changes

Oil keeps the moving parts inside your engine lubricated and protected. As it gets older, it becomes less effective at doing its job.

Waiting too long between oil changes can increase engine wear and, in the worst cases, contribute to serious engine damage. That's a pretty expensive consequence for skipping relatively inexpensive routine maintenance.

How often you need an oil change depends on your vehicle, the type of oil it uses, and how you drive. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended interval rather than relying on one rule for every vehicle.

At Chuck Ryan Cars, we change the oil in every vehicle before we sell it, so you start out with fresh oil when you drive off the lot. After that, staying on top of regular oil changes and checking your oil level occasionally are two of the simplest things you can do to help your vehicle last.

Not sure how to check your oil? Ask us when you're buying your vehicle and we'll show you. Already bought from us and don't know how? Bring it by. We'll be happy to show you.

3. Ignoring Warning Signs From Your Brakes

Your brakes usually give you some warning before a problem becomes a bigger one. Squealing or grinding noises, a steering wheel that shakes when you brake, a soft or spongy brake pedal, or a vehicle that pulls to one side when stopping are all signs worth paying attention to.

Sometimes the fix is as simple as replacing the brake pads. But putting it off can allow worn pads to damage the rotors and potentially other parts of the braking system, turning a relatively inexpensive repair into a much bigger brake job.

More importantly, brakes are a safety issue. If something suddenly feels different when you brake, don't wait until your next oil change to mention it.

If you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars and think something may be wrong with your brakes, bring it by. We can take it for a quick drive and can usually give you a good idea of what's going on and approximately what it may cost to fix.

4. Driving With Low or Incorrect Fluid Levels

Your vehicle relies on more than just engine oil. Coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid on some vehicles all have important jobs to do.

If a fluid level keeps dropping, don't just keep adding more and ignore it. A low level can be a sign of a leak or another problem that needs attention.

Using the wrong fluid can cause problems too. Different vehicles require different types and specifications, especially when it comes to coolant and transmission fluid. When you're not sure what your vehicle takes, check the owner's manual or ask someone who knows before pouring anything in.

If you're a Chuck Ryan Cars customer and aren't sure what you're looking at under the hood, ask us. We'd much rather help you figure it out than have you guess and accidentally put the wrong thing in the wrong place.

5. Ignoring Tire Problems

Your tires affect much more than how smooth your ride feels. They're an important part of your vehicle's safety, handling, braking, and fuel economy.

Driving with tires that are underinflated, overinflated, badly worn, or wearing unevenly can shorten their life and may be a sign of another problem, such as poor alignment or worn suspension components.

Pay attention to your tires and your tire-pressure warning light. If one tire keeps losing air, your steering wheel starts vibrating, your vehicle pulls to one side, or you notice one tire wearing differently from the others, don't just keep putting air in it and hoping for the best.

Not sure what pressure your tires should have? Check the sticker inside the driver's door, not the number printed on the tire itself. The door sticker tells you the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.

6. Putting Off Small Problems Until They Become Big Ones

Cars usually don't get better when you ignore them. A new noise, vibration, smell, leak, or change in the way your vehicle drives may seem minor at first, but sometimes it's your first warning that something needs attention.

That doesn't mean every squeak is an emergency or every strange noise is about to empty your bank account. But catching a problem early can mean the difference between replacing one worn part and repairing several things that were damaged because you kept driving.

Pay attention when your vehicle starts doing something it didn't do before. You drive it every day, so you're often the first person who will notice when something feels different.

And remember, if you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars, we're still here after the warranty ends. If something doesn't seem right, call us or bring it by and let us help you figure out what's going on.

A Little Maintenance Can Save You a Lot of Money

Taking care of your vehicle doesn't mean you have to know everything about cars. Pay attention to changes, keep up with routine maintenance, and don't be afraid to ask questions when you're not sure about something.

A little maintenance today can help prevent a much bigger repair bill tomorrow.

At Chuck Ryan Cars, we take care of you before and after the sale.

Buying a car comes with its own vocabulary, and some of those terms can make a big difference in how much you actually pay.

You don't need to become a finance expert. But you should understand what you're agreeing to before you sign anything.

Here are the terms we think every car buyer should know.

Principal

Principal is the amount of money you're actually borrowing.

If a vehicle costs $15,000 and you put $4,000 down, you aren't financing the full $15,000. Other costs can affect the final amount financed, but your down payment reduces how much money you need to borrow.

That's one reason a larger down payment can be a good thing, even though nobody particularly enjoys putting more money down up front. 

The less you borrow, the less money you're paying interest on.

Down Payment

Your down payment is the money you pay toward the vehicle up front.

A smaller down payment may sound better at first, but that money has to come from somewhere. The more you put down, the less you have to finance. 

At Chuck Ryan Cars, our down payments can sometimes be higher than what you'll see at dealerships offering five- or six-year loans. That's intentional. Most of our in-house loans are around two years, so our customers can get the vehicle paid off and own it outright much sooner.

For some customers who have a substantial portion of the required down payment, pickup payments may also be available. That allows an eligible customer to drive the vehicle home and finish paying the remaining down payment in scheduled, interest-free payments. Regular vehicle payments begin once the full down payment has been paid.

Availability and terms depend on the individual deal, so ask us what options may be available to you.

Interest Rate and APR

These two terms are related, but they aren't exactly the same thing.

Your interest rate is the percentage charged for borrowing the money.

APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, gives you a broader picture of the yearly cost of borrowing because it can include certain finance charges in addition to interest.

When you're comparing loans, don't look only at the payment. Look at the APR, the length of the loan and how much you'll pay altogether.

Loan Term

Your loan term is how long you have to repay the loan.

Longer isn't automatically better.

Stretching a loan over five, six or seven years can lower the monthly payment, but it can also keep you paying interest for years.

Most Chuck Ryan Cars in-house loans run approximately 18 to 36 months, with about two years being typical.

Our goal is to get you to the best part of a car loan:

Paid off. Title in hand. Car is yours.

Payment Schedule

Not everybody gets paid the same way, so we don't think everybody's payment schedule should look the same.

At Chuck Ryan Cars, we get paid when you get paid.

If you're paid every two weeks, your payment schedule can generally follow that schedule. If you're paid monthly, your payments can be scheduled monthly.

It's a simple idea, but it makes budgeting a whole lot easier.

Auto-Pay

There's another way to make keeping up with your payments easier: Auto-Pay.

If you enroll in Auto-Pay and stay enrolled for the life of your CRC loan, we'll take $300 off your final payment.

Your payments are made automatically, so there's one less due date to remember, and you get a $300 reward at the end of your loan.

Amount Financed

The amount financed is the amount of credit being provided to you under the financing agreement.

This is an important number to look at before signing because it tells you how much you're actually financing after things such as your down payment are taken into account.

Don't assume the vehicle's sticker price and the amount financed are the same number.

Total Cost

This is the number people sometimes forget to ask about.

A payment can sound affordable while the loan itself is expensive.

When comparing financing, ask yourself:

How much will I have paid when this loan is completely finished?

A $350 payment doesn't tell you much by itself. How many $350 payments are you making?

That's why we encourage people to look beyond the payment and understand the entire deal.

Payoff Amount

Your payoff amount is what it would take to completely pay off your loan at a particular point in time.

It may not be exactly the same as simply adding up your remaining scheduled payments, so if you're thinking about paying a vehicle off early, ask your lender for the current payoff amount.

Chuck Ryan Cars does not charge a penalty for paying an in-house loan off early. In fact, we're happy when you do.

Equity

Equity is the difference between what your vehicle is worth and what you still owe on it.

For example, if your vehicle is worth $10,000 and you owe $4,000, you have approximately $6,000 in equity.

Once your vehicle is paid off, that vehicle can become a valuable asset when you're ready for something different. You may be able to trade it in and use its value toward your next vehicle.

That's one reason getting a car paid off sooner can matter.

Hard Credit Inquiry

A hard inquiry happens when a lender checks your credit as part of an application for financing. It can temporarily affect your credit score.

If you're shopping for an auto loan, however, don't be afraid to compare legitimate financing offers. Credit-scoring models generally recognize that consumers shop for auto loans and may treat qualifying inquiries made within a certain shopping period as a single inquiry for scoring purposes.

The exact window varies depending on the scoring model, so the important part is to do your rate shopping within a relatively short period rather than spreading applications out over months.

Buy Here Pay Here or In-House Financing

With traditional financing, a bank, credit union or finance company lends you the money for the vehicle.

With Buy Here Pay Here, also called in-house financing, the dealership finances the purchase itself.

At Chuck Ryan Cars, we offer in-house financing, but that's not the only option we can explore. We can also work with banks and other lenders when that's a better fit for the customer's situation.

Our in-house financing isn't based solely on a credit score. We look at whether you have sufficient income and whether the down payment and payments are affordable for your situation.

Ask Questions Before You Sign

If you don't understand something in a financing agreement, ask.

There is absolutely nothing embarrassing about saying, “What does this mean?” or “How much will I pay altogether?”

It's your money. You should understand where it's going.

At Chuck Ryan Cars, we'd rather spend a few extra minutes explaining the numbers than have you leave confused about what you just agreed to.

Quick and Easy doesn't mean rushed. It means making the process easier to understand.

After more than 51 years in the used-car business, you start to notice a few things.

One of ours?

We really like Japanese vehicles.

That doesn't mean every Japanese vehicle is great, or that we won't recommend vehicles made elsewhere. There are good and bad vehicles from just about every manufacturer.

But when we're buying used vehicles for our lot, brands like Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Acura and Mazda tend to get our attention. There's a reason for that.

Actually, there are several.

1. They Have a Reputation for Lasting a Long Time

When you're buying a used vehicle, reliability matters.

A vehicle with 80,000 miles isn't very useful if it's about to become best friends with your mechanic. And when we buy vehicles for CRC, we're thinking about what happens after they leave our lot, not just whether we can sell them.

Many Japanese manufacturers have built strong reputations for producing vehicles that can stay on the road for a long time when they're properly maintained.

That matters to us because we don't want to see our customers again next week with a major repair.

We'd much rather see you a few years from now when you're ready for your next vehicle.

2. They Tend to Hold Their Value Well

This is a big one.

Some vehicles depreciate faster than others. Many popular Japanese vehicles tend to hold their value well, which can benefit you twice.

First, you're buying something that may retain more of its value while you own it.

Then, when you're ready to sell or trade it later, that remaining value may put you in a better position for your next vehicle.

That's one reason year, make and model matter when we're evaluating a trade-in.

[LINK TO: 5 Factors That Influence Your Car's Trade-In Value]

3. Parts and Repairs Are Usually Familiar Territory

A reliable vehicle will still eventually need maintenance and repairs. Every vehicle does.

Popular Japanese brands have been on American roads for decades, so mechanics are generally familiar with them and parts are widely available for many models.

That's especially important with a used vehicle. A car isn't inexpensive to own just because you got a good deal when you bought it. What it costs to keep it running matters, too.

4. They Often Make Great Used Cars

We don't sell brand-new vehicles. We sell used ones.

That changes what matters.

We're interested in how a vehicle holds up after the first owner has put thousands of miles on it. How does the engine hold up? The transmission? The interior? Can it handle another several years of everyday driving?

That's where many Japanese vehicles have earned our respect.

We've seen enough vehicles come through CRC over the years to know that a car doesn't stop being useful just because the odometer has some miles on it.

5. There's Usually Strong Demand for Them

Toyota and Honda didn't become household names by accident.

Many buyers specifically look for Japanese vehicles when they're shopping used, and that demand can help those vehicles retain value.

It matters to us, too. We want vehicles on our lot that people actually want to buy.

And when you're ready to trade yours later, we'd much rather be looking at a vehicle with strong demand than one nobody is particularly excited to own.

But the Name on the Hood Isn't Everything

This part is important.

We would rather have a well-maintained vehicle from another manufacturer than a neglected Japanese vehicle.

Maintenance, mileage, condition and the individual model all matter. Even manufacturers with excellent reputations have made vehicles, engines or transmissions that we wouldn't be nearly as excited about.

And there's another reality of buying any used vehicle: we can't always know exactly how it was treated before it got to us. We inspect our vehicles and do our best to buy quality vehicles, but we're still dealing with used cars. Sometimes there's simply no way to know how well every previous owner maintained one or how long any particular vehicle will last.

That's one reason every vehicle we sell comes with a FREE 30-day/1,000-mile warranty. We want you to have some protection after you drive off the lot, too.

So don't buy a vehicle simply because it says Toyota or Honda on the back.

Buy the right vehicle.

That's where our experience comes in.

We Buy What We'd Feel Good About Selling

At Chuck Ryan Cars, we're not trying to fill the lot with one particular brand. We're trying to find good used vehicles that make sense for our customers.

After more than five decades of buying, selling, driving and repairing used vehicles, Japanese vehicles have earned a pretty strong track record with us.

That's why you'll often see Toyotas, Hondas and other Japanese makes on our lot.

But whatever you're looking for, we'll help you find a vehicle that makes sense for your budget, your needs and your life. (Link)

And if we don't have what you're looking for, ask us. We can probably help you find it.

That's part of keeping things Quick and Easy.