727 Martin Luther King Jr Ave S Salisbury, NC 28144

Flip Phones Foldable Cars & Sardine Cans

But Can It Fit Into Your Pocket?

A Journey from Nostalgia to Innovation

Remember the days when flip phones were all the rage? Everyone thought they had the latest and greatest. Fast forward to today, and voila – the Google Pixel Flip phone is here, flipping the script on tech nostalgia. It's like tech fashion – everything old is new again! And guess what? The car industry is getting in on the retro action too with foldable cars. That’s right, cars that fold. Because why park a car when you can fold it like laundry?

Foldable Cars: A Glimpse into the Future

Enter the Lakota, the car that doesn't believe in taking up space. Could it just be the answer to the problem in cities where parking spots are as rare as a calm day on social media? This foldable wonder shrinks to fit into spaces that even a Smart Car would balk at. But let's be real – while squeezing your car into a space sounds cool, what about squeezing yourself into it?

Real Talk: Cool Tech or Sardine Can?

The Lakota is undeniably the cool kid on the block, but let's be real. If you've got a family, play in a band, or just like room to stretch your legs, this is not your dream ride. For those times, we've got a lineup of cars that won't require you to fold your passengers into origami.

Tech Meets Practicality: The Best of Both Worlds

We love tech, and who doesn't want to feel like they're living in the future? But we also know that sometimes, you just need a car that feels like a car and not a piece of space-saving furniture. That's why we’re here to help you find a car that’s not only affordable but you also won’t hit your elbow on the door every time you try to turn. So, whether you're into the nostalgia of flip phones, intrigued by the origami magic of foldable cars, or just want something that comfortably gets you from A to B, we've got you covered.

Stop by for a test drive and be on your way in your next car today.

Why Should You Buy From Us

A Car Dealer You Can Count On!

If you’re in the market for a used car, look no further than our premier used car dealer. With an extensive inventory of reliable and high-quality vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected to guarantee customer satisfaction, we provide a hassle-free experience so you can easily find the perfect car for you or your family. We make it our mission to exceed expectations and provide each customer with personalized attention and exceptional service. Whether you’re looking for something small and economic or luxurious, we are sure to have something within your budget as well as fitting all preferences. So if you need a great ride at an even better price, let us be your go-to used car dealership!

Need Auto Financing? We Can Help!

Are you ready to purchase a car but feeling overwhelmed by the financing process? Car financing can seem daunting and complex, especially for first-time buyers. Fortunately, there are lots of resources out there that can help simplify the process so you can get your dream car with ease. Take advantage of our car loan calculator and make smart decisions when it comes to navigating the innovative world of cost-effective car financing!

Highly Rated Car Dealer

With so many car dealerships to choose from, it's important to know how to assess a dealership's reputation before you make a purchase. Not all car dealers are equally reputable and trustworthy; some may have unreliable customer service or wonky products that could leave you feeling frustrated and disappointed with your purchase. So, if you're in the market for a new set of wheels, read on for tips that can help you determine which dealer will provide the best value and experience as well as ensure an enjoyable buying experience.

Looking To Sell Your Car in? We Want It!

Are you thinking about selling your car? There are many reasons why someone may decide to sell their vehicle, ranging from needing cash in a pinch to wanting a newer model. Selling your car can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be with the right information and planning. Fill out our easy trade form and we will get you the best value for your vehicle. If you are looking for a new car we may not have in stock? Use our car finder and we will help get you into the perfect car.

Come See Us At Our Dealership

Stop by today and meet our staff and learn more about our dealership or feel free to send us a comment.

How to Change a Flat Tire

How to Change a Flat Tire

Have you ever gone out to your car to find a flat tire?  What are you going to do?  Well, a lot of us will simply call AAA or another roadside service provider.  But what if AAA is not available, or if there is no cell phone service, or if your roadside assistance membership has expired?

Everyone needs to know how to change a tire in an emergency.  The process is simple if you know a few basic procedures and pay attention to safety.  The website, AutoSimple, gives us some basic steps for changing a tire.

To change a tire, you will need some tools:  a lug wrench, spare tire, and car jack.  These tools usually come with the car.  It is a good idea to make sure that your car has these tools before you need them and know where they are located.  In addition to these items, you might also want to purchase some additional tools, such as, a flashlight with good batteries, a wheel scotch block, warning triangles, and a poncho in case it is raining.

Here are the steps for changing a tire from AutoSimple:

  1. Make sure your car is in a safe area, on a flat surface.

  2. Remove the hubcap and get the spare tire out.

  3. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench (just a little bit). Use the star pattern as indicated in the illustrated guide below.

  4. Reference your owner’s manual for the correct location to place the jack.

  5. Raise the jack and make sure it has securely contacted the car’s frame.

  6. Crank up the jack until the wheel is high enough to remove the tire.

  7. Use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts (you may be able to do this by hand). Make sure the lug nuts are in a secure place so that you don't lose them.

  8. Remove the flat tire and place it flat on the ground.

  9. Line up the spare tire with the wheel studs and put the lug nuts back into place with your hand. When you can’t turn the nuts or bolts any further, lower the jack until the wheel is on the ground.

  10. Finish tightening the lug nuts with your wrench using the star pattern below.

  11. Remember, a spare tire is only a temporary fix and should never be driven at high speeds. Get your tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible!

Source: AutoSimple -- www.autosimple.com/blog/6-new-years-resolutions-car/

This illustrated guide from the Art of Manliness will help you become comfortable with the process of changing a tire.

Source: Art of Manliness -- www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-change-a-flat-tire/

Also, check out this video on changing a tire from Howdini.  You can access the video by clicking here -- https://youtu.be/joBmbh0AGSQ

How to Jump Start a Car

How to Jump Start a Car

Cold weather can be hard on car batteries, especially if they are low on charge already.  Have you ever gone out on a cold winter morning to go somewhere only to find that your car won’t start?  The battery is dead.

Of course, the easy thing to do is to call AAA or a generous neighbor to get your car started.  But what if help is not available?

Everybody ought to know how to jump start a car.  It can save your day when you really need to go somewhere, and you will know how to help someone else when they are stuck with a dead battery.

Jump starting a car is easy.  The Art of Manliness website gives some simple instructions.  Here is what you will need:

  • A jumper cable (a long one is helpful)

  • A car with a fully charged battery

  • A car with a dead battery

    Here are the steps you need to take.

    1. Start by parking the car with the good battery next to the car with the dead battery and turn off the engine.

    2. Next, connect the cables.

      a. Start by connecting the red (positive) cables. Connet one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal on the dead battery.

      b. Then, connect the other end of the red (positive) jumper able to the positive terminal on the good battery.

      c. Now, connect the black (negative) cables. Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal on the good battery,

      d. Finally, connect the other end of the black (negative) jumper cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface under the hood of the disabled car. Connecting it to a metal surface instead of directly to the dead battery reduces the risk of sparks that can occasionally cause an explosion.

    3. Now start the car with the good battery and let it run for 2 or 3 minutes. Next, start the car with the dead battery.

    4. Now that both cars are running, remove the cables in reverse order.

    5. Let the jumped car run for at least 30 minutes to give the battery time to recharge.

Below is a simple illustrated guide to jump starting a car from the Art of Manliness website: https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-jump-start-a-car-the-complete-guide/

Here is also a short video from Art of Manliness on how to jump start a car. To view the video, click here.

Featured Car for January

2014 Buick Enclave FWD 4dr Leather

Our featured car for January is a 2014 Buick Enclave. To see this vehicle on our website, click here.

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

VIN:                      5GAKRBKD2EJ235349      Interior Color:    Red

Odometer:          158693                                Interior Type:     Leather

Transmission:     Automatic                          Body Style:          MPV

Engine:                 6 Cylinder                           Stereo:                 CD Player

Drive Train:         2 Wheels                            Top Type:            Panoramic

Can you picture this Buick Enclave in your driveway?  Apply today for financing approval at https://1stchoiceautosllc.com/credit-application/.

This Buick Enclave has had NO accidents according to Auto Check.

High Value Options include:  3rd Row Seat, Back-up Camera, Blind Spot Monitor, Bluetooth Connection, Climate Control, Cross-Traffic-Alert, Heated Front Seat(s), HID Headlights, Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors, Lane Departure Warning, Multi-Zone A/C, Navigation from Telemetrics, Navigation System, Power Driver Seat, Power Liftgate, Power Passenger Seat, Premium Sound System, Privacy Glass, Rear A/C, Rear Bucket Seats, Rear Parking Aid, Satellite Radio, Seat Memory, and Tire Pressure Monitor. 

Call 1st Choice Autos in Salisbury at (704) 798-7837 today to schedule a test drive this car. OR come see us at 727 S MLK Jr Ave in Salisbury (NC). We are located next to Friendly Food Mart between the US Post Office and Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. Check out our other great inventory at www.1stchoiceautosllc.com

Visit 1st Choice autos LLC online at 1stchoiceautosllc.com to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us at 704-798-7837 today to schedule your test drive.

For a Printable Brochure of this Buick Enclave, click here.

To fill out a Loan Application with 1st Choice Autos, click here.

Safe Driving Tips for Winter

Safe Driving Tips for Winter

Winter has arrived, and we have already had a taste of how cold winters can be. The cold

weather and winter weather conditions call for some adjustments in our driving to be

safe.

AAA reminds us that dangerous driving conditions in winter are a factor in a half million

crashes and more than 2000 road deaths every winter. So, it is important for drivers to

know the safety rules for driving in winter, especially in danger weather conditions. Here

are some recommendations from AAA:

Cold Weather Driving Tips

  • Carry cold weather gear in your car: extra food and water, warm clothing, a

flashlight, a window scraper, blankets, medications, medications, cell phone and

charger, and more.

  • Check your tires regularly. Make sure they are properly inflated and have

plenty of tread.

  • Always keep your gas tank at least half full to help prevent gas line freezing.

  • Never warm up your car in an enclosed area such as a garage. The build up of

carbon monoxide can be deadly.

  • Never use cruise control when driving on snow or slippery roads.

Tips for Driving in the Snow

  • Don’t. Stay home unless you absolutely must get out on the roads.

  • Drive slowly. Adjust your speed to account for lower traction on snowy roads.

  • Accelerate and slow down slowly. Remember that it takes more time to stop

    of snow and ice.

  • Increase your following distance.

  • Brake correctly. Avoid sudden braking and always brake firmly and slowly.

  • Don’t stop if you can avoid it. Once you stop, it is easy to become stuck. If

possible, drivel very slowly so that you can always keep some momentum.

  • Don’t power up hills. You can spin out of control.

  • Don’t stop going up a hill. It is hard to get moving again on a hill once you

have stopped.

Tips for Long-Distance Winter Trips

  • Prepare your car. Have it checked before leaving on your trip.

  • Check the Weather along your route in advance. If bad weather is predicted,

consider delaying your trip.

  • Stay Connected. Notify family and friends and let them know your route,

destination, and time of arrival.

  • If You Get Stuck in Snow:

o   Stay in your vehicle. It will provide you shelter.

o   Don’t overexert yourself.

o   Be visible. Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna or hanging for a

rolled-up window. At night, keep your dome light on.

o   Clear the exhaust pipe to avoid dangerous carbon monoxide build up.

o   Stay warm. Use whatever you can: floor mats, paper, maps, blankets,

extra clothing.

o   Conserve fuel. Run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the

chill.

For more information on safe winter driving, check out AAA Exchange website at Safe

Driving Tips.

Also check out this AAA YouTube video on safe winter driving tips at Click Here.

Source: AAA Exchange

New Year's Resolutions for Your Car

New Year's Resolutions for Your Car

As the old year comes to a close and a new year begins, many of us make a list of

resolutions for the New Year. Eat health. Lose weight. Exercise. Spend more time with

the family. Take us a new hobby or sport. What about making some resolutions about

the care of your car?

AutoSimple has come up with 6 very practical resolutions that every car owner ought to

consider. Here they are:

1. Check and Change Your Oil. Keeping your car lubricated properly will do more

than anything to extend the life of your car. Also, not changing the oil regularly

can damage your car. Make is a practice to change your oil every 5,000 miles or

according to your Owners Manual. In addition, get in the habit of checking your

oil level at least once a month.

2. Learn How to Change a Tire. Sure, it is easier to call AAA or your roadside

service, but sometimes those services may not be available, or you may not have

cell phone service. In a pinch, could you change a tire on your car?

3. Take Care of Your Tires. Rotating your tires can cut down on uneven wear.

Replacing worn or thread-bare tires can keep you safe, especially when driving in

bad weather conditions.

4. Drive Safely. Make a point to practice safe driving in the New Year. Cut out

distractions that take your focus on the road. Put the cell phone away while

driving. Make road safety your top priority.

5. Learn How to Jump Start a Vehicle. Have you ever been late for a meeting and

find that your car won’t start because the battery is low? Jump starting a car is a

very simple process, but it is important to do it correctly to be safe.

6. Check Fluids and Follow a Maintenance Schedule. Make a commitment to have

your car serviced on a regular schedule. If unsure about what to do, check your

Owners Manual. And make sure that all the fluid level are adequate—brake

fluid, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid and oil levels.

To learn more read the article from AutoSimple, click here.

What Do You Need to Buy a Car

What Do You Need to Buy a Car

With almost 2 cars per family on average, Americans clearly buy a lot of cars.  Buying a car can be a stressful process.  However, you can make things a lot easier by planning ahead. 

Here are some documents that you will need when going to a dealership to buy a car.

1.     1. A Valid Driver’s License.  Your driver’s license will serve as your proof of identity.  But you will also need a license to register and title the car with the DMV.  You can legally purchase and own a car in North Carolina if you have only an acceptable identification card.  However, you cannot drive a car without a valid license.

2.      2. Proof on Income.  If you are employed, you can show your pay stubs.  If you draw Social Security or disability income, you will need proof of that income.  Often bank statements are enough to validate income if you get direct deposit.

3.      3. Proof of Residency.  Usually, you will need to show some official mail that has your name and address on it to prove where you live.  Examples of acceptable mail may be a utility bill, a bank statement, or a tax return.

4.      4. Proof of Insurance.  North Carolina requires that every car operated on the streets be covered by insurance.  If you already work with an insurance company, you can simply call the agent and have the car you are buying added to your policy.  If you do not have an insurance agent, most dealerships have companies that can help you get coverage.  You also need proof on insurance to register and title the car with the DMV.  Insurance companies will gladly email or fax proof of coverage to the dealership.

5.      5. A Form of Payment.  How will you plan to pay for the car?  If you are financing through a credit union or bank, you will need a check for the cost of the car minus any down payment that you are making.  When making your down payment, you will need to have cash or a credit/debit card.  Sometimes dealerships will not accept personal checks, so check with your dealership in advance to see what they will accept.

Some dealerships may require additional information, depending on how much the car costs or on what kind of financing you plan to use.  But these basic documents will be required by almost every car dealer when you are buying a car. 

Getting these documents together in advance can save you some time and headache.

Staff Sonny, the Owner

Staff: Sonny, the Owner

Sonny is the founder and owner of 1st Choice Autos, LLC. Since coming to this country and becoming a citizen, Sonny has been a vital part of the community in Salisbury. He has managed several convenience stores, and in 2010 he opened a convenience store, Friendly Food Mart, in an underserved part of the community. In 2015, Sonny started 1st Choice Autos, LLC, next to Friendly Food Mart. When asked why he chose to start a car dealership, Sonny, said: "Salisbury has been a great community to live in. I am so grateful for all the opportunities that this community has given to me. It has been a wonderful place to start a family, and I am excited as I watch my daughters grow and take advantage of the many things that Salisbury has to offer. I knew that I wanted to give back to the community, and starting a used car dealership that offers quality, affordable cars is one way to do that."

Sonny is well known as a long-distance runner in our area. He has completed 7 marathons. The last marathon was the New York Marathon in 2019 before the pandemic. He has also trained other runners in the area. When asked what running has to do with car sales, Sonny says: "Well, as a runner I had to work hard, train every day, give 100% effort all the time, and always do my best. It's the same with selling cars. It takes a lot of work, and you always have to give your best to serving the needs of your customers."

What experience would Sonny like for his customers to experience at 1st Choice Autos? "From the moment you step on our lot until the time you drive away in your next car, your buying experience with 1st Choice autos LLC is our number one priority. All of our staff are ready to use their expertise and their resources to help you find the right car at the right price."

Call us today at 704-798-7837 to schedule your test drive!! We are located at 727 S MLK Jr Ave. in Salisbury next to Friendly Food Mart between the US Post Office and Rufty-Holmes Senior Center.

View Our Inventory HERE.

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Apply for Financing HERE.