Join us at the Boston International Auto Show 1/11-1/15.  NightOwl is booth #413.  

See you there!

StartupPalooza was a great success for the NightOwl Auto team!

The team received the Silver Award at the September pitching breakfast in Boston, Massachusetts.

We see great things in our future.

Join NightOwl for UNH Day

Tuesday, September 12th 2017

3:30 pm - 6:30 pm at Thompson Hall Lawn

Look for the NightOwl yellow tent for raffle prizes, wifi, snacks, charging station and some fun!

Click here to see what UNH Day is all about!

NightOwl                 Blog Article                            7/5/17

Be Safe When Selling or Buying a Used Car

Many people opt not to sell their car directly to a private seller to avoid the hassles and to ensure their safety.  Who wants to advertise their private phone number for all the world to see on a “For Sale Flyer” in the window of your car?

Safety issues concern women more than men, but both genders can take precautions to be sure their safety isn’t compromised when selling their cars or buying a used car from a private seller.

When Selling Your Car
First things first!  Use NighOwl to sell your car on your terms. You’ll avoid the hassle of late-night phone calls and the potential for calls from those who are interested in something other than buying your car.  When using NightOwl, all the information a prospective buyer needs is disclosed on the NightOwl app.  Your private phone number is kept private.  A professional car flyer is created by NightOwl with options for a potential buyer to scan or text to get all the details.

Screen Buyers
Before agreeing to show your vehicle to anyone in person, screen prospects over the phone.  Ask questions and trust your instincts if you feel something doesn’t feel right. Ask what the car will be used for and who will be the main driver. Ask where the buyer lives and other conversational questions as you gauge their interest. Don’t rush to the next step. You’ll want to establish trust for the person before you agree to meet.  The more you engage in conversation, the more you get a “feel” for the caller.

The Test Drive
It is best to have a male friend or relative be with you when showing the car in person and during a test drive. This is not a time to be stubbornly independent. Asking for a co-pilot is the safe thing to do. If more than one person comes, it is even more important to have another person with you. Meet in a public place rather than having the buyer come to your home.

Ask who will be taking the test drive. It should be the person buying the car.  Ask to see the driver’s license and write down the name, address, date of birth, phone number, and license number. Text this information to a friend along with the time and meeting place for the test drive.

Schedule the test drive for daytime and pre-plan the route so you travel on well-known and safe roads. Allow for about a 15-minute test drive. Be sure to remove all valuables from the car before the in-person meeting and/or test drive.  Don’t agree to drive the buyer to another location to get money or arrange a loan to complete the sale. Tell the prospect to call you when he is ready to complete the deal.

The Terms
Be upfront with what forms of payment are acceptable once you agree on a selling price. A certified bank check is the safest.  Do not agree to payment plans. Know up front whether you will accept a down payment and for how long before the deal is completed. Have the bill of sale ready, but don’t sign it until you have been paid.

After the Sale
Once the sale is complete and the car is now in the hands of the new owner, immediately file a “release of liability” form with the registry of motor vehicles. Then, if it is in an accident or is used in a crime, you will not be liable.

Fraud Prevention
Some scam artists are out to steal your identity. Be sure to block out all personal information on vehicle maintenance reports or receipts.

When Buying a Used Car
Look for private sellers and dealers with a NightOwl For Sale flyer in the window.  By downloading the NightOwl free app, you’ll be able to get all the information on the car before you agree to meet the owner in person.  If you see a car you are interested in at a closed dealer lot, you can still get the information before you visit the dealer during operating hours to talk with a salesman.

Ask Questions
Prepare a list of questions about the car before you visit the seller. Get the seller’s contact information including email and phone number. Ask to see maintenance receipts and proof of ownership. When communicating by email, keep a paper trail so you have proof of any promises the seller makes, such as having something fixed before the sale.

Check the Car Closely
The 17-digit VIN number on the dashboard must match the VIN on the car door. Be sure to check this out. If you see fresh paintwork, ask the seller to explain. Use CarFax to find out if the car has been in a collision. Check for signs of water damage -- rust, waterlines, and new upholstery. If this is the case, the car isn’t a good buy. It’s best to get an independent mechanic to inspect the car and report his or her findings to you.

In-Person Meeting and Test Drive
Take someone along with you to see the car in person and for the test drive. Let the seller know that you are bringing a friend or spouse along.  Meet in a well-lit public place and keep the test drive to well-trafficked streets. Be sure to let others know where and with whom you are meeting.

Payment
Don’t pay by cash – use a payment method that is trackable such as PayPal or a certified bank check. Insist on a receipt that shows the price paid along with any other pertinent information.

Buying and/or selling a car should be an exciting adventure – after all, when it’s done, you have a new car to drive or money in-hand to go shopping for a new vehicle for yourself! By following these tips, you’ll help to ensure that this adventure is also a safe one!

Summer is on its way – Make sure your car is ready!

Your car needs maintenance year-round, but the heat of summer can bring troublesome issues for your vehicle if you don’t take care now. There are simple maintenance procedures that can help make your summer ride more comfortable and ensure that your car will keep running its best throughout the summer months.

Change your oil and filter – Winter weather conditions can put extra demands on the oil and oil filter.  Check to be sure you are not overdue for this service.  Oil keeps your engine parts lubricated and a clean oil filter works to capture harmful debris, dirt, and metal fragments that have gotten into the oil system.  Depending on the age of your car, you’ll want to change the oil every 3,000 miles or so. Check your car’s maintenance manual for the manufacturer’s suggested timing.

Clean or replace the air filter – If you have a newer automobile, it may be equipped with a pollen filter or cabin filtration systems.  Be sure these are clean so they operate the way they should.

Check your fluid levels – Transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid need to be at optimal levels. It is especially important to be sure your coolant is full to prevent overheating, the biggest cause of summer breakdowns.

Inspect your tires – The air inside your tires expands in summer, putting them at greater risk for a blowout. Be sure to check the tire pressure regularly and avoid over- or under-inflating them.  Look at the tire pressure specifications on the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. Check the tire tread using the “penny trick.”  Insert a penny into the groove of the tire with the Lincoln’s head upside down, facing you. If you can see Lincoln’s head above the tread, it is time to purchase new tires. Don’t forget to check the pressure and tread on your spare tire, too!

Examine wiper blades – Replace wiper blades if the seals and other rubber components are showing wear. Check the wiper arms for rust or corrosion which signals the need for replacement.

Test your air conditioning system – Turn on the A/C and check the level of the coolant fluid and to be sure it is working properly. You may need to have a professional inspect it for leaks if it isn’t cooling or to recharge the refrigerant.

Stop by your local service station or mechanic’s for a free battery test or use a virtual battery tester (http://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/maintain/batteries/virtual-battery-tester/) which estimates how much “life” is left in your battery when you input information about your car: make/model, age, mileage, engine type, and zip code.

Get your brakes inspected – Be sure you aren’t in need of new brake pads or more … especially if your brakes are making squeaking noises or are requiring harder than normal pressure.

Assess your car alignment – Look for signs of miss-alignment: your car pulling to one side or the steering wheel vibrating or not centering when driving in a straight line. See your local mechanic if you suspect that the car alignment is out of whack. Proper alignment extends the life of your tires and ensures a smooth ride.

Basic maintenance services like these ensure that your car will run smoothly, especially if you are planning a summer road trip. Make this a priority now to protect yourself and prolong the life of your vehicle!

If you have questions about summer (or any other time of year) maintenance for your car, call us at 978-425-3003.  

How to Sell Your Car for the Best Price Possible … in other words, “How can I get the most for my car?”

The first thing you need to do is get your car looking wicked awesome! This isn’t exactly front-page news, but people prefer to buy cars that are clean and well-taken care of. Do your best to make it shiny and looking as close to “like new” as possible.

1. Get your car detailed. Spending $100 to $200 for this service could add as much as $500 or more to your car’s resale value. Professional detailers have special tools to clean the car of dirt and grime inside and out. Whether you decide to hire a detailer or to detail the car yourself, be sure to take care of the following:
   • The exterior finish of the car deserves a multi-step process that will not only clean, but correct and protect the paint surface. Wash the car thoroughly and dry it to remove dirt and grim. Remove any tar or contaminants in the clear coat and polish and buff to remove any fine scratches before sealing by waxing the car to protect the paint and bring out the shine.
   • Wheels and undercarriage of the car needs to be cleaned as well … inside the wheel wells and around the major suspension components, such as anti-roll bars and control arms. Spray plastic splash guards and inner fender liners with a plastic protectant. Clean and use a tire spray that improves luster and brings out their original shine.
   • Use a polishing compound on headlights and taillights and then seal them with a plastic sealant.  Clean chrome or plastic trim … don’t forget to clean and polish tailpipes!
   • Shampoo carpets and floor mats.  Spray mats with a plastic or rubber protectant as well.  (Consider replacing the floor mats – it will make a big difference!) All interior vinyl or leather should be properly cleaned and conditioned, including the interior of the trunk.
   • Lightly mist the engine compartment with water and clean surfaces with a degreaser before rinsing.  When the surfaces are dry, spray any silicone, plastic, or rubber components to protect them from cracking.
2. Change the oil if the car is due and make obvious repairs. Little things like the battery not working in the key fob or the air filter or fan belt that needs changing can make a huge difference to your prospective buyer. Even bigger repairs can add substantially to the resale value.  New brakes, a scheduled service, new tires.
3. Have all your maintenance and service records on hand and in order. Order a CarFax report to show that your car has not had an accident.
4. Price the car realistically.  Use the Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) or the NADA Guides (www.nadaguides.com) to help. Look at cars being sold on www.cars.com or www.nightowlautoshop.com as well. Don’t forget to consider the “haggling” buffer so you can negotiate with the buyer.
5. Check out the NightOwl app for selling your car safely and successfully without the usual hassles of used car selling. No more nuisance or night phone calls. Watch a video to see how easy it is to sell your car with NightOwl (www.nightowlautoshop.com/#/private) If you have questions about NightOwl, call us at 877-459-3008 or email support@nightowlautoshop.com.

Is it Time to Sell Your Car?

When is the Best Time to Sell Your Vehicle?

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Timing is everything.” Well, when it comes to selling your car or truck or other motor vehicle, this is certainly true. There are some basic timing issues that you should consider:

Consider the Time of Year

• Trucks and 4x4 vehicles sell best in fall and winter because they can be depended upon to drive safely in the bad weather of fall or winter.
• The demand for a used sedan or sports car will be greater in the spring and summer, so listing it then will bring you a higher selling price. 
• Convertibles sell best in spring and summer.
• When weather is extreme in the peak of summer or middle of winter, demand for commuter vehicles is high as people don’t want to wait for public transportation in very hot or cold weather. 

Consider the Holidays

• Throughout the year, holidays or special events can provide the perfect opportunity to sell your car. 
• July 4th and Christmas: Prices for new vehicles are usually discounted the most during both holidays. If you have a newer model used car with low mileage, buyers who are comparing new vs used may be attracted to your offer. 
• High School and College Graduations in May and June: Students are looking for used cars and parents may be shopping for gifts for their new graduates. 
• Back to School: In early fall when college students head back to campus, they (or their parents) may be looking for transportation. 
• Hunting Season: The demand for trucks and 4x4 vehicles for hunting goes up in certain areas of the country. List your vehicle before the season starts.
• Tax Refund Season: After tax refunds are received, buyers have more cash on hand to buy a vehicle. 

Consider the Mileage 

The higher the number on your odometer, the more difficult it is to sell your car. Mileage, in fact, is a major factor in determining the market value of your vehicle when it is time to sell. Check out the following mileage milestones and consider listing your car for sale before your car turns the number to the higher milestone.

• Mileage Milestone 1 - about 40,000 miles: You’ll see a major dip in resale value between 30,000 and 40,000 miles because most manufacturer’s warranties will expire at about 36,000 miles. If you haven’t completed the suggested maintenance for this milestone, the value of your vehicle can go down by the amount it costs to service it. 
• Mileage Milestone 2 – about 70,000 miles; You’ll save money if you sell your care before it hits this milestone. Your second major service visit which usually occurs between 60,000 and 70,000 miles may include flushing the transmission, and replacing belts, worn brake pads, and valves or hoses. You may also need to replace spark plugs and get new tires. 
• Mileage Milestone 3 – approaching 100,000 miles: Vehicles today still have plenty of use left in them at this mark; however, the perception of most buyers is that the vehicle’s life is limited. Selling your car before it reaches 95,000 miles can increase its resale value and appeal to a wider range of buyers. 
• Mileage Milestone 4 – 100,000 miles and over: Even if the vehicle is still operating well, the interior and exterior body may show wear and tear and further decrease the value of the vehicle. 

Consider the Economy 

The ups and downs of the economy can affect the demand for certain types of vehicles. Here are some situations that impact the chance of a quick and profitable sale:

• Luxury cars and SUVs – when the economy is good, larger vehicles are in higher  demand.
• Interest rates and loan approvals: When interest rates rise because of a weak economy or if getting car loans become more difficult, buying a used car becomes more likely than purchasing a new one.
• Fuel costs: When the economy is down, gas prices rise. If your used car is fuel-efficient or a hybrid, it can be more attractive to buyers.
• Public transportation: When the cost to use public transportation rises, there will be more interest in buying a used car.
• Trends in the car marketplace: Popular car models sell quicker than others so it is important to research what models are popular in your area to see if the time is right to list your car for sale.

Using the NightOwl app gives both seller and buyer distinct advantages. If you have questions about NightOwl and how this easy-to-use and free app can help you sell your car successfully without hassles, call us at 877-459-3008 or email support@nightowlautoshop.com.

Should I Sell My Used Car Privately or Trade it in? Which is Better?

We’ll look at the pros and cons of selling vs trading. Here are five reasons to trade in your car:

1. There is no hassle … or almost none. You negotiate with the dealership and accept his best price offer.
2. When you have agreed on a price and bring the car to the dealer, the car is purchased right away. You don’t have to wait.
3. The dealership assumes all responsibility for the car and for any repairs that are needed to resell it. Cars sold privately are sold “as is,” but sometimes buyers have had recourse in court for unexpected repairs if the car breaks down a short time after buying it.
4. If you still owe money on the car, the dealership will pay off the loan and add the amount to the new loan balance for your new car.
5. If your used car is paid off and you trade it in, you can apply the trade-in price to the new car loan and reduce the amount owed and the monthly payments. You also reduce the amount of sales tax you pay on the new car, as the purchase price is reduced by the amount of the trade-in.

The advantages for selling your car privately come down to money. You can usually get a better price from a private buyer than from a dealership. However, there are many responsibilities associated with selling a car … not the least of which is to prepare the car for sale to get the best price possible. (See our blog article: How to Sell Your Car for the Price Possible.)

1. If you own a car that has a great following, and it is in good condition, you can get a better price for it by selling it privately.
2. Be sure to calculate a reasonable asking price. Consult the Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) or the NADA Guides (www.nadaguides.com) or Edmonds Car Buying (www.Edmonds.com).
3. Marketing your car successfully can be a challenge. Check out our NightOwl app to sell your car without the usual hassles. Watch a video to see how easy, safe, and effective it is! (https://www.nightowlautoshop.com/#/private)
4. If you still owe money on your car, and you can’t sell it for the amount you owe on it, you may need to trade it in. This way the dealer pays off your old car loan and the amount is added to your new car loan
5. If you decide to trade in your car, wait until you have negotiated the price of your new car. Then you can ask about the trade-in value of your old car and decide if putting it on the market will yield a better price for you.

If you have questions about NightOwl and how this easy-to-use and free app can help you sell your car successfully without hassles, call us at 877-459-3008 or email support@nightowlautoshop.com.

March Snow Storms are a Reminder that it's Still Winter

Tips for Driving in Snow

Winter in New England is hardly ready to call it a day!  We may experience some warm and sunny days, but snow and ice may not be far behind.  Here are some tips for driving in bad weather.  

• Make sure your windows are clean and clear and that you have a sufficient supply of window washing solution.

• When driving in snow, strike an ideal balance with your speed.  Not so fast that you risk losing control, but not so slow that you risk losing momentum when it is needed.  

• Double or even triple your normal stopping distance from the vehicle in front of you in case you need to stop quickly. Don’t slam on the brakes; rather, begin braking when you see brake lights in front of you and gently come to a full stop, if necessary.

• Stay on the main roads rather than on back roads as they are more likely to have been plowed and/or salted.

• When driving around a bend, slow down before you get to the bend, then turn and continue at your regular speed.

• When approaching a downhill slope, lower your speed before you start descending and keep your speed down as the road levels out.

• If you do get into a skid, take your foot off the pedals and steer.  Once you are out of trouble, use the brake to come to a stop. 

• If you have an accident, pull over out of the traffic, if possible.  It is better to leave your car and stand a short distance behind and to the safe side of it (not in front of it).  

• Hopefully you have a blanket in the car to wrap around you to keep warm.  You should also consider keeping the following items in your trunk … just in case:

o Scraper and de-icer

o Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb

o Jumper cables

o Water bottles

o Shovel

o Windshield washer fluid

o Kitty litter (for traction)

o Warning triangle

o First aid kit

Call us at 877-459-3008 or email support@nightowlautoshop.com.