Latest News, Tips & More | Alexander Automotive

Alexander Automotive is a Franklin, TN, car dealership that stands out from the pack. With a stellar inventory of classic and more recent Alexander used cars, Alexander Automotive has something that fits your needs, whether you’re an automotive enthusiast, classic car collector, investor, or everyday driver. Here is what makes our classic car dealership unique. 

Classic Car Inventory

Car dealerships with classic car inventories as large as ours are few and far between. Classic car collectors likely already know that buying a high-quality classic car can be a hassle, often involving flaky sellers trying to nickel and dime buyers. Here at Alexander Automotive, we carry classic vehicles from various automakers ranging from the 1930s to present-day classics. 

Hassle-Free Buying Experience

The classic car-buying experience at Alexander Automotive differs from purchasing from a private party. We boast a friendly team of knowledgeable Tennessee classic car dealers who are happy to show off all our favorite features on classic cars and regular pre-owned vehicles at our dealership. 

We also have a virtual showroom on our website with plenty of information about each classic car and pre-owned model. You can schedule an appointment directly from our website to see the vehicle or even text our dealers for more information. 

We Buy Your Car

Not only does our dealership sell a wide variety of vehicles, but we also will buy yours. If you have a classic or pre-owned car to sell, we pay a fair price for it, whether or not you purchase our vehicles. Utilize our trade-in value tool to find an approximate value for your car. 

Our friendly dealers at Alexander Automotive are happy to show off our pre-owned and classic inventory. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Buying Franklin used cars can seem intimidating at first. Alexander Automotive takes pride in keeping the process transparent and pain-free. That’s why we encourage you to do plenty of research before you arrive, and ask as many questions as you need to once you’re here. Besides that, there’s one more thing that’s vital to buying a car of any age, which is why we’re about to tell you how to ace the test drive.

Take Notes

Your needs, from a long commute to the number and kind of passengers you expect, will dictate certain features and amenities. Your research is likely to uncover a few more. Make a list, since these details will help your dealer match you to the right fit.

• Type of vehicle

• Make and model

• Trim level or options

• Priority items (seating room, cargo space, a good sound system)

• Special considerations (a long commute, an impending addition to the family, and the like)

Get Ready

Once you’ve settled on a vehicle or category, it’s time to prepare for your visit to our used car dealership in Franklin, TN.

• Bring your license and proof of insurance

• If you’re trading in, bring the vehicle title, owner’s manual, and as much maintenance history as you can locate

• If you’ll be applying for financing, bring proof of residence, proof of employment, and any other supporting documentation

• If you’re stuck at any point in the process, call ahead and we’ll help

Get Behind the Wheel

Now it’s time to climb in and take your car for a spin. It’s important to drive the way you would on any other day (within reason; safety first, please). As you do, evaluate the following:

• Acceleration from a dead stop, as well as power when passing or merging

• Steering response

• Brake feel

• Cabin layout and ergonomics

You may find it taking a few tries to pick the right car, but that’s fine. We understand that this is an investment, and it’s important to get it right the first time. To find out more, simply call ahead to arrange a test drive today.

Before visiting Franklin dealerships for used cars, some research is in order. Besides the usual items — body styles, models’ repair histories, reviewers’ and owners’ opinions — many of us are concerned with safety. While safety data is scant for many classic cars, when shopping the more recent used cars at Alexander Automotive, it’s worth checking their scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

NHTSA Safety Ratings

The NHTSA is a part of the US Department of Transportation that investigates safety issues, underwrites car safety research, suggests best practices for vehicle safety, and tests vehicles for collision survivability. It’s a broad mandate, but this agency helps keep us safer in new and used cars.

A car’s NHTSA rating aggregates scores in the Frontal Crash, Side Crash, and Rollover safety categories, among others. For now, NHTSA testing doesn’t score on active safety technology, although they recommend that drivers take advantage of these features when available.

IIHS Safety Ratings

The IIHS is an independent nonprofit organization funded by the insurance industry with two goals: keeping cars safe and insurance premiums low.

The IIHS tests five different criteria:

• Small overlap front

• Moderate overlap front

• Side

• Roof strength/rollover

• Head restraints/rear crash

Look for cars with top “Good” scores in each category. A Top Safety Pick is awarded when a car gets “good” marks on all tests, while the Top Safety Pick Plus is awarded to vehicles with the most advanced — and effective — driver-assist aids.

How Does This Figure Into Used Car Research?

Rating criteria change as vehicle construction changes, so a car from 2000 wasn’t tested quite the same way as one from 2017. The ratings aren’t infallible (especially since they don’t cover classics), but they’re still a good guideline to use before you pick your next used car. If you have questions about any of our used cars for sale, feel free to email, call, or simply stop by Alexander Automotive!