DENNIS DILLON

Are you looking at all of the used trucks Boise has and wondering if they’ll be up to the task of hauling trailers or towing your boat? They might not be, but that’s where modifications and upgrades come in. Once you buy your used truck, you can make it better for towing with upgrades that will make it easier to tow heavier loads. From more horsepower to having the right hitch, here’s what you need to know. Know Your Hookup The first thing you need to look at is the hookup. Is the hitch up to the task? A Class III hitch will top out at 5,000 pounds, for example, so you may need to upgrade to a Class IV with a 10,000-pound weight limit. You also need to attach the hitch receiver to the chassis properly. Do your research, as this is the most important part. You might want an adjustable drop hitch with multiple balls if you tow different trailers. Take Control With Brake Controllers Brake controllers are in charge of sending power to the trailer’s brake system. Most trailers a car ca...

Camping in your car, truck, or SUV can make for a comfortable camping experience where you don’t have to be in a tent. However, there’s more to car camping than simply finding camper shells on the best used trucks Boise has to offer. If you want to go camping in McCall with your car, you’ll need to know more tips and tricks and bring the right items for the best car camping experience. Sleep Setup Is Key Your sleep setup is one of the most important parts of car camping. That means you should search all of the used car dealerships Boise residents sell their cars to since you know the cars will be able to handle the weather in the Treasure Valley. If you get a truck, you’ll want one that has a camper shell to protect you from the elements. Add an air mattress for comfort. In the colder months, consider an insulated sleeping bag that will keep you warm even in the coldest of weather Idaho sees. Organization Is Essential You need to organize all of your supplies before leaving. Each...

Finding muscle cars some of the best used car dealerships Boise have to offer isn’t too hard, as muscle cars are fairly popular in the Treasure Valley. But how can you make your muscle car better once it’s yours? The right mods and upgrades can take your older muscle car to a new level, making it safer while pumping out more horsepower. Here are some of the essential mods when you buy a muscle car. Bucket Seats with a 5-Point Harness for Safety and Comfort Muscle cars tend to be packed with horsepower, making them quite fast. Bucket seats can keep you comfortable and safe at higher speeds and acceleration, while a safety harness with at least three points, preferably five, can help keep you in place during accidents. The keys here are both comfort and safety. A Supercharger System to Increase Power Even the best used cars Boise dealerships have on the lot may not have the horsepower you’re looking for. That’s where a supercharger comes in. Many muscle cars, like the Hellcat line o...

Many drivers wish they had more power in their cars. When you head to the best Boise used car dealers , you might be looking to see if the used cars have any mods that make the engine a little more powerful or efficient. There are plenty of ways to add more horsepower to your car. Some are simple enough to do at home, and some require welding, hydraulic lifts, and mechanical know-how. Use a Performance Air Filter One way to get more horsepower is to get more air. A high-performance air filter has less restriction than a factory intake, with baffles and channels that let the air flow directly into the throttle bottle. This means more power and a more powerful sound. Change the Exhaust System More air in means you need to get more air out. A high-performance exhaust system can help expel the extra carbon monoxide and other waste gas from the engine quickly, which means getting more fresh oxygen in. Performance exhaust systems have fewer restrictions, helping get more airflow through ...

Whether you are a contractor or construction worker in the Treasure Valley, you likely need a truck. From towing trailers to hauling tools to the work site, a quality pickup is a must. You might be renovating a home in Meridian one day or building a home way out in Horseshoe Bend the next. You need a truck that can pull its weight and help you get the job done. When it comes time to look for Boise used trucks , keep these four things in mind. Fuel Efficiency If you are a contractor, chances are you will be spending a ton of time driving each day. Fuel efficiency should be your top priority unless you like filling up multiple times per week. While trucks aren’t always known for the best fuel efficiency, you also don’t have to settle for under 10 miles per gallon anymore. Check the different ratings on various trucks and consider if you need the biggest truck on the job site or if you’re happier having the most fuel-efficient. Half Ton vs. Three-Quarter Ton A half-ton truck is expecte...

When you head to the best used car dealerships Boise offers, you may already have a specific vehicle in mind. Maybe you need an SUV with plenty of cargo space, or maybe you want a small and zippy sports car. However, even if you know the make and model, you might not have a color in mind. Which should you choose? Does it really matter? There are a few factors to consider, such as resale value, visibility, and how easy the color is to maintain and clean. Here’s what you should know. Car Colors and Resale Value When looking at the best used cars Boise residents have traded in, does it matter which color you choose? If you care about resale value, then the answer is yes. Although the color of a car won’t tank the vehicle’s resale value, it can impact it slightly. If you care more about resale value and less about showing off, it might be smarter to choose a “safe” or “boring” color like white, silver, or black. What’s the “Safest” Car Color? Does the color of a car impact its safety ...

Whether you are a new parent or need to upgrade your vehicle now that your kids are growing, when shopping for family vehicles at one of the best used car dealerships Boise offers, there are a few things to look for. From multi-zone heating and cooling to USB ports for charging your kid’s devices, look for these five things in your next family vehicle. Ample Cargo Space Cargo space will be one of the key factors when choosing a family car. Whether it’s for backpacks and jackets, sports equipment, strollers, or anything else your kids need to lug around, you will need plenty of cargo space. You also need ample seating, which can often fold down, giving you the space you need for luggage on long road trips. This extra space also comes in handy when going shopping or running errands. When considering the selection of used cars Boise dealerships offer, be sure to prioritize cargo space. As any parent will tell you, you can never have too much cargo space. Tinted Windows or Built-In Sun...

If you are looking for the best Boise used trucks or SUVs for off-roading, you should consider upgrading or modding a vehicle to maximize your experience. You might even find a variety of new and used vehicles with off-road upgrades. From the right type of tires to a winch or upgrading your suspension, the right modifications can help your car tackle dirt roads, rocks, mud, and anything else.  Purpose-Built Tires to Handle Off-Roading Your off-roading car could have all the upgrades meant to tackle rocks and dirt, but it won’t mean anything if the tires aren’t up to the task. Off-roading tires are meant to provide the best grip while being super tough and puncture-resistant. While stock tires might be able to handle some off-road adventures, if you want peace of mind and a better experience, consider upgrading your tires. Off-Road Rated Recovery and Tow Points Although this upgrade is cheap and easy, it’s also one of the most important. Factory tow hooks are not usually designe...

If you are shopping for one of the best used trucks Boise offers, you might already be thinking of ways you can make this truck your own. Most trucks, like most vehicles, look fairly similar stock from the factory. However, there are some upgrades that can help you personalize the truck and make it more useful for your needs. Here are a few of the most popular truck upgrades to consider.  Upgraded Wheels and Tires New wheels and tires are one of the easiest modifications you can make to your truck. When looking at Boise used trucks , you want to look for trucks with bigger tires since they’ll perform best in snowy Boise winters. If you can’t find what you want, upgrade it. Those big tires are also perfect for offroading. You will have plenty of choices, and the dealership may be able to do the installation for you. Extra Lights Light bars can provide the extra light you need when you are offroading after dark, at a work site, or just need light around a ranch. They are often on...

When you purchase a used car from one of the best used car dealerships Boise has to offer, the dealership has likely already done an inspection. Everything should be working, and if there is an issue, they should cover it under warranty. However, staying on top of important maintenance tasks is still important to ensure your used vehicle remains in top shape. Here are three things you should keep an eye on.  How Often Should You Change the Oil? If your car comes with service records, the dealership will tell you when the oil was last changed. Some dealerships may also change the oil before selling the car, so be sure to ask. Otherwise, natural oil needs to be replaced every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Fully synthetic oil may last up to 15,000 miles, but it’s good to check it at 10,000 miles. You may need to change the oil every 3,000 on much older, less efficient cars, but it’s uncommon to find those cars on lots these days. Some of the best dealers might even tell you when it needs th...

You will find four types of drivetrains when looking for a vehicle at the best used car dealerships Boise has to offer: RWD, FWD, AWD, and 4WD. But which drivetrain should you choose for off-roading south of the airport? Or towing a boat to Lucky Peak? What if you are just commuting around the Treasure Valley? Each one offers different benefits and drawbacks, so you should know which is right for you. Here’s everything to know about the differences between these four drivetrains. FWD: Front-Wheel Drive Front-wheel drive systems make up the majority of vehicles on the road today. The front wheels provide all of the power to the car, with all of the drivetrain parts in the front of the car. This helps improve traction while steering. If you are looking for the best used cars Boise has to offer when it comes to gas mileage, go with an FWD car. Because they are typically lighter, they tend to have better gas mileage. However, they are not ideal in low-traction situations like driving on...

Are you in the market for a car? When shopping the available inventory at the best Boise used car dealers , you might notice that things have changed since your last car purchase, and features that used to be reserved for luxury cars are more common than ever, including used and pre-owned vehicles. Some are focused on safety, such as 360-degree cameras, while others offer comfort and convenience, such as heated seats. Whether you buy a new or used car, be sure to look for these six must-have features.  Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic emergency braking is an essential safety advancement in newer cars. If the car senses an imminent collision, it activates the brakes, minimizing or avoiding the impact. In many tests, the computer can react faster than a driver, providing a bit of peace of mind during your afternoon commute on I-84. It can also detect when you need to brake harder and will apply more pressure to the brakes. 360-Degree Camera The 360-degree camera has quickly g...

Whether it’s weekend trips to McCall or a trek to Yellowstone, Treasure Valley residents love road trips. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, make sure to keep your love of road trips in mind. When looking at Boise used cars , there are certain features to consider. While they may be handy for driving around the Treasure Valley, particular features will be nice once you hit the open road. Here are some must-have features of any road trip vehicle.  Adaptive Cruise Control For many road trippers, adaptive cruise control is a must. It’s almost like a smarter version of traditional cruise control. Similar to regular cruise control, adaptive cruise control will maintain your desired speed, and you can take your foot off of the gas pedal. However, if the car senses another vehicle ahead of you, it will slow down to maintain the correct distance. When the path is clear, it speeds back up. You don’t have to hit the brake at all. This can help reduce leg fatigue over long distances ...

Buying a new car is usually a simple process. The car has barely been driven, so there isn’t a lot that can go wrong, and if anything does, the manufacturer's warranty should cover it for a certain period. However, buying a used car is a little different. While used cars present tremendous value, when you head to the best used car dealerships Boise offers, there are a few more steps to ensure everything goes smoothly.  Set Your Budget You need to set a budget before you even set foot on a used car lot. This needs to consider not just the purchase price of the car but also insurance, fuel, and future maintenance. The key here is to be realistic about what you can afford. You don’t want to put a strain on your finances. Be sure to mention this budget to a salesperson when you are looking for the best used cars Boise offers. They’ll help you stay within your budget and find the right car for you. Do Your Research Researching before you head to the dealership is essential. Look up...

Buying a used car can be exciting, but in all that excitement, many people make a few missteps and end up with a car that might not have been absolutely perfect. This isn’t to say they were sold a bad vehicle, but there might have been one that was just a bit better for their needs and budget.  When you walk into one of the best used car dealerships Boise offers, you will find helpful and friendly salespeople who want to find the right car for your needs, but you should do a few things on your own to ensure the car-buying process goes smoothly. Here are some ways to avoid common car-buying pitfalls. Do Your Research Ahead of Time A common mistake is not researching before heading to the used car lot. A vehicle is a big purchase, so you shouldn’t purchase impulsively. Everyone’s needs are different, and having a short list of vehicle types beforehand can make the car-buying process easier. You should also look into specific details, such as a model’s reliability or common issues....

When you head to one of the best Boise used car dealers , it helps to have a list of questions to ask. These questions can help you narrow your choices and ensure you’re buying the right vehicle for your needs, preferences, and budget. From how high the mileage is to inquiring about open recalls, be sure to start with these questions before asking anything else. What’s the Year and Mileage? The first major question is what year the car is. When it comes to Boise used trucks , the year can matter. Some generations might have better standard features than others, which could impact your decision. You should also ask about mileage and if the dealer knows how those miles were driven. After all, a freeway commute from Meridian to downtown is a far cry from offroading in the mountains. Have There Been Any Mechanical Issues? Next, ask if there have been any mechanical issues with the car. Are there any current problems that need to be addressed? Many dealerships will ensure that the car is...

Whether you're hauling a camper up to the mountains, towing a boat to Lucky Peak, or bringing your horse for an afternoon on the trails, you need the right truck for the job. Finding the best Boise used trucks can be tough with so many options to consider. Here’s a quick list of the top six used trucks to look for at the best local dealership. 2016 GMC Canyon Are you searching for a truck that is capable of hauling heavy loads while being comfortable enough to be your daily driver? The 2016 GMC Canyon falls under that category. It can tow 7,700 pounds, which is close to what a full-size truck can do, but in a mid-size package. The GMC Canyon is great when you have a smaller trailer you occasionally tow but also need to commute in your truck. 2013 Nissan Titan Do you prefer off-roading on your weekends when you aren’t hauling ATVs? Try the 2013 Nissan Titan. The Titan is a great value option, especially used versions. The 5.6-liter V8 helps you move trailers up to ...

There are plenty of off-roading opportunities around the Boise area, and even more if you are willing to travel outside the Treasure Valley. If you are in the market for the best used cars Boise has to offer for off-roading, there are a few standout options to look for. Whether you want an off-roading truck or SUV, here are a few used vehicles well-renowned for their off-road capabilities. 2010-2014 Nissan Xterra The Nissan Xterra is built for durability, which means off-road fun for you. It’s not big, but you can store plenty of gear and still sleep in it. A V6 engine with an optional 6-speed manual transmission means it’s fairly inexpensive to keep in working shape. It’s fun, compact, and perfect for rugged outdoor adventures, even if it doesn’t have the best city mileage. Try to find a 2014 PRO-4X model, the top-of-the-line model from that year. 2017-2020 Jeep Wrangler Walk into just about any of the best used car dealerships Boise offers, and chances are you’ll find a Jeep Wra...

Most new cars come with an automatic transmission, but manufacturers are still producing manual transmission vehicles, and you can still find many vehicles at the best used cars Boise dealerships with manual stick shifts. Is one better than the other? If given the option, which should you choose? Automatic and manual transmissions have their distinct pros and cons. Here’s what you need to know. What’s the Difference? The main differences between manual and automatic cars are the design, performance, and level of driver involvement. Manuals are often the only way to go for driving enthusiasts, as it makes them feel more in control and closer to their cars. It requires knowing when to switch gears, which gear to be in, and managing both the clutch and stick simultaneously. An automatic does all of this for you. All you really need to manage is the gas and brake. Some cars might offer a sport or towing mode, where you’re able to shift to different gears using the shifter ...