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Are you worried about checking your credit score only to see it drop? That fear often stops people - especially those with credit concerns - from taking the first step in buying a car.

At Walt Sweeney, we've partnered with Capital One to make the process transparent and worry-free. The secret? Understanding the difference between a "soft pull" and a "hard pull" on your credit. ​

What is a "Soft Pull" (The Friendly Check)
A soft credit pull (also called a soft inquiry or soft check) is essentially a background check of your credit history.
 

An affordable car doesn’t just save you money; it’s an investment in peace of mind, practicality, and confidence. With reliable options readily available under $10,000, you don’t have to compromise quality for cost. Start your search today by visiting Walt Sweeney Ford or Walt Sweeney Automotive, exploring online listings at WaltSweeney.com, and staying on the lookout for deals. Whether you’re looking for your first car or adding an extra set of wheels to your household, there’s an affordable car out there waiting to make your life easier.

Happy car hunting!

Why AutoCheck is better than CarFax . AutoCheck provides a unique "AutoCheck Score," a numerical rating (typically on a scale like 60-90) that compares the vehicle to others of similar age and class. It aims to give a quick assessment of the vehicle's history and predict its reliability. This score is a significant differentiator. CarFax does not have this feature. AutoCheck is considered stronger in reporting data from auto auctions. This can be crucial as many used cars pass through auctions. 

• Proposed Legislation:

  • A new bill, the "United States Automobile Consumer Assistance and Relief Act (USA CAR Act)," has been introduced.  
     
  • This bill aims to allow tax deductions on auto loan interest for vehicles manufactured in the United States.  
     
  • It's not yet law, but it's generated considerable discussion.

• Current Status:

  • As of now, the bill is still in the proposal stage.
  • It's unclear when or if it might be passed into law.
  • There are also questions about the specific details of the deduction (whether it would be an itemized deduction or apply to all taxpayers).

 

The implementation of tariffs is expected to significantly disrupt the US auto market, leading to higher prices for consumers, potential decreases in sales, challenges for automakers, and broader economic consequences.16 The extent and duration of these effects will depend on various factors, including the reactions of trading partners and the adaptability of the automotive industry.

The tariffs will pose significant challenges for Ford, leading to increased costs, potential price hikes for consumers across their vehicle lineup, and possible disruptions in their supply chain. While their higher percentage of US-based assembly offers some buffer, strategic adjustments will be necessary for Ford to remain competitive in the evolving US auto market.

The car companies that will be most impacted by the newly implemented tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts are those with significant import volumes into the United States or those with complex, globally integrated supply chains. No car company will be entirely immune due to the tariffs on parts, those that import a large portion of their vehicle lineup into the US from countries outside of North America and those with significant import/export operations within North America are expected to be the most significantly impacted by the new tariff regime.