Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

Customer talking to a salesman

No credit and poor credit financing at Third Coast Auto Group

Here at Third Coast Autos we know that many nasty credit situations can happen to people through no fault of their own. Whether that means a divorce, unexpected medical debt, or the serious impact of a bankruptcy on credit scores, it can be hard when you have no credit or poor credit to find an important thing like an auto loan.  It also takes students and adults a long time to build up a good credit history.  Fortunately, if you are looking for poor credit or no credit auto financing in Austin TX, one of our four dealership locations may be right for you. Read the rest of this entry >>

Front view of the car being washed at a service station

When, where and how often should you clean your car?

A car is probably one of the most important purchases we will ever make. Whether you are buying or leasing a vehicle, it’s important to keep it in great condition so that it can do its job: namely getting drivers, passengers and cargo safety from place to place. If you are wondering “When should I wash my car?” or about other details of car cleaning, this post may clear  up some of your questions. Read the rest of this entry >>

A close up of solar eclipse

Don’t forget to prepare for the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21!

While here in Austin TX we aren’t going to be in the heart of the Great Total Solar Eclipse of 2017, we are still excited. This solar event on Monday, August 21, is going to go through more of the continental United States than it has since 1918! Areas across the country are going to be mobilizing to handle tons of people traveling to get the longest experience of that total eclipse. In this post we are going to answer “Will I be able to see the solar eclipse in Austin TX”? and a few tips and tricks about viewing the eclipse.

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A salesman talking to a customer

Is buying or leasing a vehicle the better option?

When you are looking for a car, there are a lot of factors to consider. Do you want a new or a used car? Are there some brands that are more dependable than other ones? If you have decided, or are thinking about a new car, then one thing to consider whether you want to buy or lease a vehicle. In this post we are going to go over some pros and cons of leasing vs buying a car. Read the rest of this entry >>

Front view of the 2017 Ford Taurus and a couple walking past it

What cars are actually made in the USA?

The auto making industry in the United States creates thousands of jobs, and is great for the economy. Brands like Ford, General Motors, Ram and Jeep have made a huge impact in our lives and consciousnesses. But with this age of massive globalization, did you know that the vehicles that you think are the most American-made may be less local than you expected? In this blog post, we are going to answer “Are American-brand cars actually made in America?”

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2017 Ford F-150 on road

Is a V-6 engine better than a four-cylinder engine?

When it comes to getting a car, there are a lot of factors to take into account: price, features, front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, and efficiency are just a few. But one of the most important questions is how the engine will perform. Two of the most common types of engines are V-6 models and four-cylinder models. V-6 models have historically been popular for the power they provide, but is a V-6 engine better than a four-cylinder engine? Both options bring different strengths and weaknesses to the road. Keep reading for some of the pros and cons of V-6 and four-cylinder engines.

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A close up of a person's shoes

Shoes or no shoes, that is the question! Is it legal to drive without them?

There are plenty of things to stay aware of while driving, ranging from what documents you should always keep in the car to how long you can go between tire rotations. However, there is one question you may have asked only once or twice: can I go barefoot while driving? There are advantages and disadvantages to driving without shoes on, but is it illegal to drive barefoot in Texas? Find out below. Read the rest of this entry >>

Side view of the 2017 Chevy Cruze hatchback

Pros and cons of hatchbacks vs sedans

When it comes to cars, there are a few basic body styles. A coupe is a two-door model, usually with a traditional trunk, while a sedan is a four-door option. A hatchback is a model that, instead of a trunk, comes with a high back end and an extra rear door that opens into a large cargo area. In this blog post we are going to answer the question “Should you get a sedan or a hatchback?” and explore some pros and cons of both of these body styles.

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A family in a vehicle

What do car segments really mean?

When you are looking for a used car, as an individual or a family, it’s valuable to know whether a compact car, a midsize car, or even something larger is the best option. Names for different vehicles can vary wildly, and one person’s full-size car is another’s large car. Keep reading to learn what is the difference between a compact vs midsize car, and other information about what car segments really mean to drivers and families. Read the rest of this entry >>