Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales Blog

How old do you have to be to buy a car? Buying a vehicle involves a lot of paperwork. In general, there is not a legal age to own a car. However, if you want to register, title, and insure it to drive it legally, you need to be at least 18 years old in most states. Laws vary by state, teens under 18 will most likely need the help of an adult to get a car they buy out on the road. Financing A contract that a minor has signed may be void or voidable, depending on the state. If you're under 18, even if you don't need to finance your purchase, you may have trouble getting your car on the road. Title & Registration States require vehicle owners to register their vehicles before driving them. In most states, you need to be at least 18 to register a car. You must be at least 18 to list your name as the vehicle's owner on the title in most states. If you're under 18, you typically must put the car's title in an adult's name and have the adult list you as a driver on the vehicle. When you reach your state's maturity age — usually 18 — you can legally transfer the car title to your name. Insurance You must have auto insurance to drive legally in almost every state in the country. Since an insurance policy is a legally binding contract, you may need to be a certain minimum age to purchase auto insurance, depending on the state and insurance company. Your parents or guardians can add you to their policy until you reach the minimum age requirement, so you can drive legally.

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest driving holidays, with traffic clogging roadways across the country. People often use Labor Day weekend as a final break before summer ends. Whether you’re heading to a nearby beach to picnic and swim with friends or driving to a huge family get-together for some grilling and fun, Labor Day weekend is an exciting mini-holiday for most. An estimated 35.5 million Americans will take the roads. With so many people traveling, many of them by car, a lot can go wrong, ranging from minor fender-benders to multiple-vehicle accidents. Knowing Labor Day traffic safety tips can help you and your loved ones stay safe and enjoy the summer. 1. Pre-Trip Car Maintenance: One of the simplest ways to avoid causing a traffic accident is to get your own car regularly maintained 2. Pack an Emergency Kit: For any long road travel, an emergency kit is an excellent resource to have at hand. 3. Leave Early: While millions of people are getting out on the roads for Labor Day, many of them like to sleep in. 4. Take Breaks: Depending on when you leave and how long you’re going to drive, chances are that you’ll spend quite a few hours behind the wheel. Stay alert by taking a break every 100 miles or two hours. 5. Get Enough Sleep: It may seem like driving all day and night to get to your destination is the most efficient way to maximize vacation time. 6. Ridesharing: Not everyone is driving on Labor Day. Rideshare options are on the rise across the country. Car-Lotta Car Sales will be closed on Monday, September 4th for the Labor Day Holiday. We will re open on Tuesday, September 5th at 9:00 am

The summer is winding down, but you still have time to take a much deserved vacation. Taking time off can slip so far down your to-do list that you look up in August and realize you've forgotten it completely. There is still time to take a last-minute trip this summer. Here is everything you need to know for before, during and after your trip. Is Your Car Road Trip Ready? Easy Checks Anyone Can Do – and What a Mechanic Should Look at – Before You Hit the Road Make Sure You Are Up To Date With Scheduled Maintenance Check the Tire Pressure – In Every Tire Check Wiper Blades and Fill the Washer Fluid Check the Headlights, Taillights and Turn Signals Check Your Battery Check Your Brakes Gas Up Nothing will ruin a road trip faster than car trouble. You've probably seen at least one road trip disaster -- the couple sweating by the side of the road while steam pours from the hood of the car. Don't become them. Go through this car-care checklist before you pull out of your driveway.

Believe it or not, in Pennsylvania ,it's illegal to buy a car from a dealership on Sunday There's a reason why Pennsylvania car dealerships are closed on Sunday: It would be illegal for them to sell you a car. It's Pennsylvania's blue law -- a law designed to keep Sunday a day of rest. While many of those laws have been repealed, the one restricting the sale of vehicles remains. Pennsylvania is one of only 17 remaining states that does not permit Sunday sales. But if you want to sell that Chevy Nova in your driveway to someone on Craigslist on Sunday, feel free. The current law does not apply to private sellers.

Exactly what does Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales do? We help people with credit problems such as bankruptcy, no credit or bad credit, get reliable transportation and a car loan, at terms they can afford. Most car dealerships are not prepared to deal with the credit challenged person. We are the specialists, this is all we do. We treat our customers with the respect they deserve. Have you been treated rudely or differently at a car dealership when the salesperson found out you had credit issues? NOT AT Car-Lotta Credit! Any credit problem you may have, no matter what it is, we’ve seen it before. Nothing you say is going to surprise us, or embarrass you. Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales have helped over 28,000 people in Northeast PA get the car, minivan or truck they want. No other dealer or vehicle finance company in Northeast PA has done more than Car-Lotta Credit has. We can help you.

It’s no surprise that we drive more during the summer than any other season. School is out, and irresistible sandy beaches have drivers packing up and hitting the road. It’s important to remember to care for the vehicle that helped you get there. The extra mileage accumulated on summer road trips paired with the season’s extreme temperatures increase the need for automotive maintenance and system care. Them team of expert mechanics at Dave’s Ultimate Automotive has put together a list of the important parts of your car, truck, SUV or minivan that may require some extra attention towards the end of summer. Proper tire pressure is crucial for maintaining your traction on the road, your vehicle’s stability, and can have a drastic effect on your fuel economy. For every 10 degree change in temperature, your tires will gain or lose 1 PSI. Regularly checking your PSI can help keep you, your passengers, and the vehicles around you safe. Summer heat can make your battery’s fluid evaporate faster. Without the proper fluid, your battery can start to corrode, ultimately making it incapable of holding a charge. Our experts can help you lengthen the life of your battery by evaluating your fluid levels, checking for leaks and cracks, and making sure your connections are clean and free of corrosion, rust, and oxidation. Make sure your car is free of dirt and grime. When the weather is warm, your car has to work harder to keep itself cool. Caked-on mud can cause your transmission and engine run far hotter than if it were clean. Break out the suds or have your car professionally detailed and waxed for a clean, cool ride! Your radiator is responsible for keeping your vehicle’s systems at a constant temperature. Cracks or leaks in your cooling system can cause you to lose coolant - the fluid necessary for keeping your radiator functioning properly. If your engine or transmission overheat, it can result in significant damage to your vehicle, and costly repairs. Radiators and coolant levels should be inspected at the end of the summer, when the excess heat can evaporate your coolant, making you to lose fluid at a more rapid rate. Properly maintaining your vehicle will help you get to your desination safely and smoothly

Buy here pay here dealerships specialize in car buyers who have bad credit or no credit history at all (i.e., no credit score). Since lenders may consider the buyer high-risk, the car dealer provides the buyer with an opportunity to finance the vehicle with them. However, since a financial institution may consider you a high-risk borrower, you will be paying a higher-than-average interest rate through a buy here pay here dealer to drive away in your new vehicle. You will need a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, proof of income, your trade if you have one, and any down payment you may be working with. You will talk to one of our credit specialists, and we’ll show you vehicles that fit your budget and credit situation. At Car-Lotta Credit, we want the vehicle, and the loan, to fit your specific needs. Payments can be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, based on income, your personal situation and the vehicle purchased. We are able to provide more flexible financing options than new car and ordinary used car dealerships, because we are the lender. The decisions are ours to make. This gives us an advantage the other guys just don’t have. Payments are usually made at our office but can be mailed in or even made online. We will custom design a financing program based on what works best for your individual situation. Chances are, we probably have the vehicle you want, at one of our 2 locations right now. About half of our customers can drive home in a Car-Lotta vehicle the same day they visit us. Others may need to go home and bring us pay stubs or the like to be able to take delivery. If you bring in all the information we need, it can take as little as 20 minutes! With 2 offices to choose from, our inventory selection is always good. You can even apply on-line 24/7 and be pre-approved before you arrive at our office. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

Below are a few of the advantages of a buy here pay here dealer: Approval for No Credit - Low Credit and Credit-Challenged buyers- If you have a low credit score or no credit history, you will be pleased with the potential of approval for a car loan with a buy here pay here dealer. Approval standards with a BHPH dealer are typically lower than most traditional lenders. If you are credit-challenged and need to finance your car, then there is hope with this method. The car buying process is simple- When purchasing a car from a BHPH dealer, you are done with all the paperwork and financing when you drive your car off the lot. It may take some time to complete the loan process with traditional car dealerships, especially if you have bad credit. There is less hassle when dealing with a BHPH dealership, and the process goes more quickly. Proven Results We have served over 18,000+ customers, just like you! No one in NEPA even comes close. Let us show you what we can do for you!

What is the meaning of pay here? When you sign a contract to buy a car with a traditional car dealership, it passes the contract on to an auto lender, which provides a loan for the purchase. With a buy here, pay here (BHPH) dealership, however, the dealer sells and finances the cars on its lot. Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales - Credit Problems? Need a Car? You Need Car-Lotta Credit! We understand that for most people, getting a car - truck - SUV or minivan means getting the credit also. You need your vehicle to be able to get to work and support yourself and your family. We understand that good people can, and sometimes do, have a less than perfect credit record. At Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales, we approve your loan, not some banker. At either of our superstore offices, you can talk to one of our credit specialists in person, about your credit and your loan. Over 28 years of experience in helping people of Northeast PA gives us the ability to approve loans that no bank or normal finance company will ever be interested in. Let us show you what we can do for you! Experienced Credit Specialist We are the "Credit Specialist". Some car dealers "offer" to help as part of their business. "This is all we do." Automobile financing is our business. No matter what credit issues you may have, we’ve seen it before. Nothing you have to say about your credit is going to surprise us, or embarrass you! We can help you deal with your credit issues and supply a reliable car. Life’s events can be difficult and can lead to less than perfect credit: unpaid medical bills, student loans, loss of job, divorce. We can help!

If you change your auto insurance, you may receive a letter from PennDOT requesting proof of insurance. Be sure to respond so your vehicle registration isn't suspended. Auto insurance companies are legally required to tell PennDOT when they cancel your insurance policy. But....... your new insurance company is not required to notify PennDOT that you just bought insurance. PennDOT may assume you do not have insurance and send you a "proof" letter. Car-Lotta Reminds you that car insurance offers financial protection. If you cause a car accident, you may be held responsible for costs associated with it. These may include legal fees, the injured person's medical expenses or their lost income if their injuries leave them unable to work. Liability coverage may help pay for these costs.

You can help protect your family from impared drivers by looking for these signs of intoxication among other motorists. What should you do if you see one?? It happens every day. Impared drivers get on the roads endangering our friends and loved ones. Sometimes we witness these drivers on the road, weaving in and out of lanes or traveling down a highway going the wrong direction. Quite often, we are left asking ourselves what do I do? Stay as far away from the other vehicle as possible. Do not try to pass the vehicle or signal the driver to pull over. Doing so could result in a collision. Take notice of the license plate number of the vehicle along with details including make, model and color. However, make sure you don’t compromise your own safety trying to obtain this information. Pull over and call 911. Give the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road or cross streets and the direction the vehicle is traveling. Give a complete description of the vehicle and the manner in which the vehicle is being driven. Car-Lotta reminds you that by looking for these signs and taking the correct action, you could help save a life.

When you see an erratic driver, do you think, is that person texting or drunk? There are differences between someone who is texting while driving or too intoxicated to drive. To help in identifying possible drunk or impaired drivers, Car-Lotta would like to offer the following information provided by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). How to Spot a Drunk Driver You can help protect your family from drunk drivers by looking for these signs of intoxication among other motorists: Quick acceleration or deceleration Tailgating Weaving or zigzagging across the road Driving anywhere other than on a road designated for vehicles Almost striking an object, curb, or vehicle Stopping without cause or erratic braking Drifting in and out of traffic lanes Signaling that is inconsistent with driving actions Slow response to traffic signals (e.g., sudden stop or delayed start) Straddling the center lane marker Driving with headlights off at night Swerving Driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit Turning abruptly or illegally Driving into opposing traffic on the wrong side of the road

Did you know that Distracted Driving crashes killed more than 3,000 people and injured over 416,000 last year Reaction time is delayed for a driver talking on a cell phone as much as it is for a driver who is legally drunk. More texting leads to more crashes. With each additional 1 million text messages, fatalities from distracted driving rose more than 75%. People under the age of 20 are involved in more fatal crashes due to distractions than any other age group. Studies show that drivers who send or receive text messages focus their attention away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, this is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded! Car-Lotta encourages you to visit The U.S. Department of Transportation website (www.distraction.gov) provides updates and information on the national campaign to prevent distracted driving.

A first-aid kit in the car can come in handy for all sorts of purposes while you're out and about – not just in the event of a car accident. These are the essential items that you should pack in your car's roadside emergency first-aid kit. Standard Emergency Items Bandages, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, and gauze pads are some of the most common first-aid items that should be in every kit. A first-aid manual should also be easily accessible in your car in case of an emergency. Some of the other important items that you should include in your kit: Instant/chemical cold and hot packs Disposable gloves Plastic bags Scissors Tweezers Cotton balls and Q-tips Sterile eyewash Thermometers Soap and hand sanitizer In addition to these medical items in your kit, you should always have emergency items in your car if you experience trouble on the road. These are some of the most important emergency items to have with you at all times: Cell phone and charger Emergency contact numbers Waterproof flashlight and batteries Candles Blanket Flares Sunscreen Car-Lotta reminds you that another important point to consider is how and where you will store your first-aid kit in your vehicle. The most common options are a pouch or a box, but you can really use many of the containers that you may already have lying around the house

Buying your very first car is exciting, intimidating, and terrifying all at once! It's also a rite of passage for new drivers and a milestone to remember for the rest of your life. There are some key questions that you need to ask yourself, and you should probably consult with your family before committing to such a major purchase. With the weight of these factors on your shoulders, here are a few car buying tips for teen drivers. Questions to Consider These are some of the first questions that we feel you should ask yourself and discuss with your family before even setting foot in a dealership: How much money do I have to spend on a car? Should I buy a new or used car? What kind of car would best suit my needs? What are the most important safety and design features to me? Car-Lotta Car Sales is here to make we answer all of your finance questions.

The unofficial start to summer will be a busy one this year. Plan your drive ahead of time to choose direct routes on safe roads and keep an eye on weather forecasts to avoid driving with dangerous conditions. Never drive after drinking (by dominguez), travel with anyone who has been drinking, or allow anyone who has been drinking to drive. Following are tips for travel to destinations near and far this Memorial Day Weekend: Prepare before you go: Before hitting the road, make sure your car is safe for driving. Vehicle owners should check the oil, put air in the tires, and check for and repair open recalls. Visit ChecktoProtect.org to see if your vehicle has an open recall, and get it repaired for free. Drive distraction-free: Put your phones away and just drive. Slow down: Drive the speed limit and do not exceed it. Be sure to pay attention to those walking and biking in order to keep all road users safe. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to get there so if you do not make it to your destination as planned, someone will know and be able to send help. Do not drink and drive. Always use a designated driver. Buckle up: Seat belts are estimated to have saved 374,276 lives. Buckle up, while also making sure you have appropriate car seats installed correctly. These suggestions are really instructions that apply to any time you are driving either by yourself or with passengers. Just make sure to exercise extra care now that you know of the increased risk of being in an accident on this particular holiday weekend. Car-Lotta Car Sales will be closed on Monday, May 29th 2023 in observance of the holiday.

. Heavy rain can wear down the roads, creating potholes. It’s usually best to try and avoid driving over potholes as long as there is a safe way to do so. If not, exercise the same cautions as if it were a puddle: keep away from other vehicles, drive slowly, and maintain control of your vehicle. Be wary of puddles of water in or beside the roadway. When you can safely do so, it’s usually best to avoid driving through puddles. Water can damage and degrade different parts of your vehicle. Of course, if there is no safe alternate route, you may need to drive through the puddle. If that is the case, leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles, drive slowly, and use both hands on the steering wheel to avoid losing control If you come across one that is too big or dangerous to avoid or drive across, your best bet may be to turn around and find an alternate route. Follow these tips, drive defensively, and enjoy the lovely Spring weather. Happy driving, everyone!

Spring is when most people dust off their bikes and revisit the road. It might take a bit of effort to readjust to sharing the road with so many bicyclists and motorcyclists after a long winter. It’s crucial that you stay alert and attentive for riders on the road. Remember, they have just as much right to be on the road as any other vehicle. Keep an extra eye out for motorcyclists. Some basic tips for adjusting to such drivers is to keep constant situational awareness on the road. Use your mirrors and always look over your shoulder before turning or switching lanes and be sure to use your turn signal. It’s better to arrive late to your destination than not arrive at all. Follow these tips, drive defensively, and enjoy the lovely Spring weather. Happy driving, everyone!

Spring is a high-risk time for wildlife-vehicle collision. Even though Spring isn’t generally as bad as Fall in regards to wildlife-vehicle collisions, it is considered a peak time. You may find signs posted in high-traffic areas that wild animals tend to cross. Remember to exercise extreme caution in such areas. Drive at safe speeds and practice defensive driving techniques. Larger animals tend to roam around during sunrise and sunset. If you are Follow these tips, drive defensively, and enjoy the lovely Spring weather. Follow these tips, drive defensively, and enjoy the lovely Spring weather. Happy driving, everyone!

Many things make us different, but here is a short list... We are The "Car Credit Specialists." This is all we do. Over 18,000 customers and 28 years experience nultiple locations to choose from Exclusive Car-Lotta Credit Warranty Professional, experienced, highly trained staff Some of the best vehicles you will find! We match the car, the payments and the term of the loan to your individual situation We are in this for the long haul. We will always be here when you need us. This is only a short list. Call or stop in to see for yourself!

Car-Lotta Credit sells cars and makes loans to people that banks and most car dealerships don’t want, or aren’t prepared to deal with. One of our goals is to build a long term arrangement with you. The vehicle and loan you purchase will fit your ability to pay. We want you to complete your loan successfully and then purchase your next vehicle from us. Many of our customers are able to upgrade vehicles in 12 months from their first purchase from us. Your successful loan completion at Car-Lotta Credit will enhance your credit rating. Plus, when you buy from Car-Lotta Credit, we help you stay current. Your payments may be made weekly or bi-weekly instead of monthly. You may find it is easier for you to budget Because we don't shop your loan around to a bunch of banks, your credit report won't suffer by making it appear like you're looking for money—which is exactly what happens when you buy from other dealerships. Best of all, unlike smaller dealerships, each time you make an on-time payment to us, we'll report it to the credit bureaus, so you can start to establish a better credit rating immediately. Our customers get to know our sales and credit consultants, and we get to know you. This personal “relationship” helps you work through some of the potential problems you may have making payments. Try that at a bank!

Chances are, we probably have the vehicle you want, at one of our locations right now. Most of our customers can drive home in a Car-Lotta vehicle the same day they visit us. It can take as little as 20 minutes! Inventory selection is always good. You can even apply on-line 24/7 and be pre-approved before you arrive at our office. It doesn’t get much easier than this. At Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sale, we sell all kinds of cars, SUV’s, minivans and trucks, including work trucks. We have sporty 2 doors, 4 door sedans, minivans, and sport utilities. Mileage varies, but starts at about 40,000 miles. We have vehicles up to 2019’s in stock now. Do you need a work truck? How about something a little more reliable? Is a minivan more convenient for your growing family? Whatever you need we have it at one of our superstore locations. Every vehicle is serviced at our own in-house facility so you can be sure of safe, reliable transportation. All vehicles include our exclusive Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales Warranty.

Car-Lotta Credit helps people with credit problems such as bankruptcy, no credit or bad credit, get reliable transportation and a car loan, at terms they can afford. Most car dealerships are not prepared to deal with the credit challenged person. We are the specialists, this is all we do. We treat our customers with the respect they deserve. Have you been treated rudely or differently at a car dealership when the salesperson found out you had credit issues? NOT AT Car-Lotta Credit! Any credit problem you may have, no matter what it is, we’ve seen it before. Nothing you say is going to surprise us, or embarrass you. Car- We have helped over 28,000 people in Northeast PA get the car, minivan, suv or truck they want. No other dealer or vehicle finance company in Northeast PA has done more than Car-Lotta Credit has. We can help you.

Your car is your biggest investment and your true companion on the road! With spring comes car wash season! Get that winter grime off your car and remove corrosive salts from your undercarriage to help avoid damage. If you hand wash your car, make sure to do it in the shade—harsh sunlight can soften up the paint, making your car more prone to scratches Car-Lotta recommend washing your car at least once every two weeks

Winter can be hard on your car's body, paint, and undercarriage. The salt and grime from the winter builds up during the part of year most of us spend the least time cleaning our vehicles. Don't forget to wash the wheel wells out and hose off the undercarriage as best as you can. A good coat of wax can help extend the life of your paint from the summer sun. Cleaning the inside won't make your car run better, but it will make for a nicer ride for everyone in the vehicle. It's time to give your Car, Truck, or SUV a Spring Cleaning 1. Inspect your wiper blades and check your filters. The winter ice degrades the wipers rapidly and we all know that spring will bring plenty of rain showers. Don't wait until you can't see to replace your wipers. They are cheap and easy to install. installing them, we can do Winter also wears on your car's internal systems, which is why Spring is often a great time to have filters checked and replaced. 2. Rotate your tires, along with having the alignment and suspension checked. Mother Nature can really do some damage to our roads in the winter months. If you've encountered may potholes, this ie NEPA, chances are your car could use an alignment. Alignment issues will wear your tires faster, so keeping it aligned will save you money in the long run. If you feel your vehicle drifting to the left or the right, or if your steering wheel is not centered when you are driving down a flat, straight road than you deferentially need an alignment! 3. Check your oil and windshield wiper fluid. Now is the time to check your oil level and mileage to decide on your next oil change. It's also a good time to check windshield wiper fluid and potentially move to a summer solution. 4. Set your tire pressure and consider swapping tires. Temperature changes can make your tire pressures fluctuate. Now that the cold has finally left us (we hope) and temperatures are rising, check your tires and set them to the appropriate pressure. If you put on snow tires, it's time to switch back to all-season or Spring/Summer set. All of this can lower your fuel consumption, improve mileage, and help your tires last longer.