The gear-shifter used by an a manual transmission.

Transmission trouble? A fluid flush could be what you need

Do I need to change my transmission fluid? 

A person need not be a master mechanic to understand the importance of a vehicle’s transmission. However, the average vehicle owner might not know that a transmission is filled with fluid to provide lubrication and to dissipate heat. Learning this, you might also be wondering, ‘Do I need to change my transmission fluid?’ Well, the answer is a resounding, maybe. There are many factors that can make such a determination such as the number of miles on the vehicle, the environment in which the vehicle operates, and, most importantly, the manufacturer’s recommendations. Let’s take a look at a few things that might be helpful in taking care of your vehicle.  Read the rest of this entry >>

A stock photo of a bouquet of flowers.

Don’t skimp on flowers for Mom this year

Best Florists for Mother’s Day in Austin, TX 

Regardless of what else you might have planned for Mother’s Day, everything really rides on the flowers you give her. A few members of our team have dropped the ball in this area, and they want you to learn from their mistakes. We’ve included a map that is filled with the best florists for Mother’s Day in Austin, TX. Each of these local businesses will almost certainly have what you’re looking for – as long as you act quickly. Waiting until the day before will ensure you end up getting flowers from a gas station, which might not even live for the entire weekend. If you really want to do something special for mom, consider upgrading her current vehicle. Give us a call today.  Read the rest of this entry >>

A person is connecting their phone to a vehicle's infotainment system.

Don’t let an old car cause you to miss out on the latest technology

How can I add hands-free calling to my car? 

Buying a used car can be a great financial move for a lot of buyers. Our team of product experts could talk all day about the advantages of buying a pre-owned vehicle over a new model. One small downside to taking a pre-owned vehicle home from the Third Coast Auto Group is that people might miss out on some of the latest technology. If you have a fear of missing out, our team is here to help answer the question, ‘How can I add hands-free calling to my car?’ There is a point, not all that long ago, when the federal government mandated Bluetooth connectivity be a standard feature to help people keep their hands on the wheel. There are some easy and affordable ways to add this capability after the fact.  Read the rest of this entry >>

A stock photo of two people shaking hands after completing a deal.

Owning a good car with bad credit is not impossible

Easiest Way to Buy a Car with Bad Credit in Austin, TX 

For any of several reasons, people who need to finance the purchase of a vehicle run into obstacles when applying for a loan. The easiest way to buy a car with bad credit in Austin, TX is to work with the financial experts at Third Coast Auto Group. We understand that bad things happen to good people and that our customers are more than just a series of numbers on a credit report. Third Coast Auto Group functions as what is known in the pre-owned automotive industry as a ‘buy here, pay here’ dealership. Our goal is to help everyone who comes to us to find a car, truck or SUV that will best fit their family’s needs and their budget. Let’s take a look a few things that you might want to know.  Read the rest of this entry >>

A desert landscape with criss-crossing tire tracks.

Looking for some public off-road driving trails in Texas? We can help!

Public Off-Road Trails in Texas 

There is a rugged beauty to the Texas landscape that has to be seen to be properly appreciated. The best way to experience that beauty is to load up a truck or other off-road-ready platform and hit the trails. However, finding places that will allow anyone to visit isn’t always easy. There are more than a few off-road driving enthusiasts at Third Coast Auto Group. These are a few of the public off-road trails in Texas that you might enjoy. Before you visit any of these facilities, make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound and that you know how to handle any surprises that might happen along the way. Let’s see what our team came up with.  Read the rest of this entry >>

A person washing their vehicle with a microfiber cloth.

A clean car is a happy car, check out these businesses

Best Car Detailing Services near Austin, TX 

There is a lot of pride to be had when someone buys a vehicle. Even if it isn’t the latest model year, or it might have a few extra miles on the odometer, that car, truck or SUV is yours and you likely want the best for it. A major part of taking care of a vehicle is keeping it clean. You certainly can wash your vehicle yourself in the driveway, in fact, we’ll have some tips on that later, but if you’re short on time, you might be looking for businesses that offer the best car detailing services near Austin, TX. The product experts at Third Coast Auto Group came up with a list of a few of their favorite places to take their vehicles. Let’s take a closer look at what they came up with.  Read the rest of this entry >>

A stock photo of a child swimming.

Are you ready for some new adventures this summer?

Public Lakes for Swimming in Austin, TX 

It might just barely be spring in Texas, but temperatures are already starting to hit summer levels. That means people will be looking for a place to cool off or just plain relax. Everyone at Third Coast Auto Group understands this desire to get outside to hang out with family and friends. If you are looking to explore some of the public lakes for swimming in Austin, TX, a few Third Coast Auto Group product experts found this map that will be helpful. You have likely been staying close to home for the last year and this summer could present the opportunity to see some different parts of our beautiful area. If a new-to-you vehicle would make trips to the lake more fun, make an appointment with a Third Coast Auto Group product expert today.  Read the rest of this entry >>

Visit a Third Coast Auto Group location to find the best used car to meet your needs and budget.

Does one automaker have better used cars than another?

Which brands make the best used cars? 

There are a lot of decisions a person needs to make when they buy an automobile. The top two categories people use to start their search for a vehicle are the purpose (who is using the vehicle and what are they using it for) and price. Once they figure out those elements, the next question they ask a Third Coast Auto Group product expert is, ‘Which brands make the best used cars?’ Certainly, some original equipment manufacturers have better reputations than others in terms of reliability and cost of ownership. However, the badge or logo on the front of the vehicle might tell the whole story. Let’s take a look at a few things you might need to know before you visit any of our dealerships.  Read the rest of this entry >>

Take a look at what the latest pickup trucks have to offer before they arrive.

Get a look at some of the trucks that might come to Third Coast Auto Group

How good are newer pickup trucks? 

Third Coast Auto Group is quite famously a pre-owned vehicle family of dealerships. However, our team has found that it’s helpful for our customers to be aware of what the latest vehicles have to offer. Sure, it might be a little time before these vehicles going through a new owner and finding their way to us. According to our research, Ford, Ram and GMC are really locked into a three-way arms race for supremacy in the full-size pickup truck segment of the automotive community. While answering some questions from prospective clients, one of our product experts came across these videos that will really pull the curtain back on what these incredible platforms will bring to their owners. Give these videos a watch and let us know what you think. If you want to learn about what is available at any Third Coast Auto Group location, make an appointment with any of our product experts today.  Read the rest of this entry >>

A stock photo of a person signing some paperwork.

Are vehicle service contracts worth it for used vehicle owners?

Should I buy an extended warranty for my used car? 

Everyone who owns a car, truck or SUV fears an unexpected mechanical breakdown. Nobody needs the inconvenience of having a car in the shop nor the unexpected repair bill. New vehicles offer the protection of a factory warranty, but what about those of us who choose something pre-owned. If you’re wondering, ‘Should I buy an extended warranty for my used car,’ the financing experts at Third Coast Auto Group have some advice. Like anything else in life, there are pros and cons to buying an extended warranty. Our team wants you to have the best possible information before you make any decision regarding your financial or automotive future.   Read the rest of this entry >>