BUYING VS. LEASING A VEHICLE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Red flags have been used throughout history to signify danger. From sailors warning of treacherous waters to firefighters signaling imminent threats, red flags have served as a universal symbol of caution. In modern times, the term has taken on a more metaphorical meaning, often referring to behaviors that hint at deeper issues or nefarious intentions. For instance, if someone is 45 minutes late to a first date without apologizing, that’s a red flag! The car-shopping process, unfortunately, can be full of red flags. There are plenty of shady sellers out there looking to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. At McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville, Arkansas, we want to help everyone learn to spot these red flags and avoid potential pitfalls. Keep reading to discover the most common red flags you should be aware of when shopping for your next vehicle. more Rust: The Secret Menace An important red flag to look out for when inspecting a used car is rust. Even the smallest amount of rust can spread quickly and cause significant damage to a vehicle’s structural integrity. When checking a car, be thorough — don’t just examine the body panels. Pay close attention to less obvious areas like under the wheel arches, between the door panels, and around the trunk. Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Car Title Issues: What Are They Hiding? When buying a car from an independent seller or a smaller dealership, always confirm that there are no issues with the title. The title is a crucial document that proves ownership and provides essential information about the vehicle. If the seller hesitates to produce the title or offers excuses, that’s a major red flag. Additionally, you should be very cautious if the title comes from a different state or lists an incorrect VIN. Lack of Vehicle History: A Paper Trail of Problems A vehicle history report is another crucial element when purchasing a used car. This report provides valuable information about previous accidents, repairs, and ownership history. If a seller is unable or unwilling to provide this report, it’s likely because they’re hiding something. A lack of transparency regarding a vehicle’s history often points to significant past damage, whether from accidents or other issues. What’s Included on a Carfax Report Test Driving Troubles: The Proof is in the Drive Never skip the test drive when buying a car. This is your opportunity to get a feel for the vehicle and identify any potential mechanical issues. During the test drive, pay close attention to how the car handles. Delayed braking, unusual engine noises, rough suspension, or strange odors are all red flags. These issues could signal deeper mechanical problems that may be costly to fix. If anything feels off during the test drive, it’s best to walk away. Too Good to Be True: Beware of Big Bargains If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. While everyone loves a bargain, a vehicle priced significantly below market value often has hidden issues. Whether it’s mechanical problems, a salvage title, or other undisclosed issues, there’s always a reason for a drastically reduced price. Do your homework and research the average market price for similar vehicles. We Offer Market-Based Pricing Outstanding Recalls: Safety First Before committing to a purchase, check online to see if the make and model of the vehicle have any outstanding recalls. Recalls are issued for safety reasons, and if a seller hasn’t bothered to address them, it’s a sign that the vehicle hasn’t been properly maintained. Ignoring recalls could be dangerous for you and your passengers, so it’s crucial to resolve these before you buy. Trust the Experts at McLarty Daniel We hope this guide helps you recognize red flags and avoid any bad situations during your car shopping journey. To steer clear of these pitfalls and work with a dealer you can trust, visit us at McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville, Arkansas! With decades of experience and thousands of satisfied customers, McLarty Daniel is a name you can rely on for your next vehicle purchase. Start Browsing Our Lot Here

Have you ever found yourself saying, “Who taught you how to drive?!?” Rude drivers are not only frustrating, but inconsiderate behavior can be extremely dangerous on the road. At McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville, Arkansas, we want our community to be as safe and friendly as possible. Proper driving etiquette contributes to a smoother and more pleasant driving experience for all! McLarty Daniel Offers Market-Based Pricing What is driving etiquette? This term refers to the courteous behaviors and unwritten rules that guide interactions between drivers on the road. Whether you're a seasoned driver or just starting out, it’s important to keep your knowledge of basic driving etiquette up to date. So, buckle up and get ready to take our quick driving etiquette quiz! more How many seconds of travel... time should there be between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you? A. One second B. Three seconds C. Five seconds D. Ten seconds Answer: Three seconds. When following a vehicle, it's crucial to maintain a safe distance. Start counting when the vehicle in front of you passes a nearby landmark, and if it takes less than three seconds for you to pass the same spot, you should increase your following distance. Who has the right of way when merging onto the highway? A. Drivers merging onto the highway B. Drivers already on the highway C. It depends on the situation D. None of the above Answer: Drivers already on the highway. It's the responsibility of the merging vehicle to adjust its speed and merge safely into traffic. However, giving merging vehicles extra room whenever possible is a courteous gesture. When should you use the inside lane of a two-lane roundabout? A. When taking the first turn B. When passing another vehicle C. When taking the third or fourth turn D. You should always use the inside lane Answer: When taking the third or fourth turn. If you are simply turning right or going straight through, you should only use the outside lane. It can be dangerous to change lanes inside the roundabout! Read About the Iconic Buick Regal Grand National At a four-way stop, when should you give up the right of way and let someone else go in front of you? A. Whenever possible B. When you are turning left and the other vehicle is going straight C. It depends on the time of day D. Never Answer: Never. You should never break the order of right of way in an attempt to be polite. This can cause confusion, creating more danger and inconvenience. Unless there is an emergency vehicle present, you should always pass through a four-way stop when it’s your turn. How far ahead of your turn should you activate your turn signals? A. 10 feet B. 50 feet C. 100 feet D. 250 feet Answer: 100 feet. Activating your turn signals too early or too late can confuse other drivers, so signaling approximately 100 feet before your turn gives them adequate time to react. We hope you found this quiz both informative and enjoyable. Remember, practicing these tips not only promotes good etiquette, but overall safety on the road! At McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville, Arkansas, we're committed to helping our customers stay safe every time they drive. Stop by our lot to test drive the newest vehicles and see their high-tech safety features in action! Find a New Vehicle Today

Finding the perfect pre-owned vehicle is no easy task. Calculating a budget, researching reliability, test driving, deciding between necessities and luxuries… and that’s just to decide which make and model is right for your lifestyle! At McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville, Arkansas, we understand what a stressful and important decision this can be. Let Us Help You Find the Right Car One of the biggest concerns when shopping for a used car is making sure that you're getting a fair deal. Even after you’ve decided what type of vehicle you want, you still have to shop around and make sure you’re not overpaying. After all, nobody wants to feel like they've fallen victim to inflated prices or been taken advantage of by shady dealers. more At McLarty Daniel, you don’t have to worry about any of that! We've implemented Market-Based Pricing to guarantee our customers never pay more than they should. Gone are the days of haggling over sticker prices or wondering if you could have gotten a better deal elsewhere. With Market-Based Pricing, we prioritize transparency and fairness with all our used vehicles. Rather than setting prices based on individual overhead or arbitrary factors, we continually monitor real-world market changes. This allows us to adjust our prices accordingly, matching what customers like you are actually paying for similar vehicles in our area. Six Questions to Ask Before Buying When you shop with us, you can trust that you're getting the best deal possible. You won’t drive home a pre-owned vehicle only to find your neighbor paid $5,000 less for the exact same car. Whether you're eyeing a sleek sedan, a rugged truck, or a versatile SUV, our prices reflect the current supply and demand of the market. Say goodbye to buyer's remorse and hello to peace of mind! More and more dealers across the country are switching to Market-Based Pricing, and we are proud to be bringing this practice to Northwest Arkansas. It is very important to us that our used inventory is not only high-quality, but that it is also fairly priced. Our top priority is providing our community with an easy, friendly, and honest place to shop for vehicles. Market Pricing benefits our customers, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Browse Our Exceptional Pre-Owned Inventory Here McLarty Daniel Buick GMC in Bentonville, Arkansas, is your go-to destination for pre-owned vehicles thanks to our Market-Based Pricing policy. Whether you’ve purchased several vehicles in your lifetime or you’re shopping for your first car, we think you’ll appreciate this new standard of fairness and transparency. Visit us today and discover why so many customers are choosing McLarty Daniel for their automotive needs!