Linnehans - Maine's Number 1 Used Vehicle Dealer

Why Buy Used Cars From Linnehans?

• Officially: Maine's #1 Used Car & Truck Dealer
• 100% Money Back, Satisfaction Guarantee for everyone
• 12 Month/12,000 Mile Service Contract Available on selected vehicles.
• 101 point safety and quality control inspections
• Fast, affordable financing terms (Usually 1 hour or less)
• Tens of thousands of repeat, referrals and satisfied customers
• We report to the credit bureau to establish your good credit
• Flexible payment schedules (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly)
• Unique profit sharing plan for all LINNEHAN customers
• No money down financing available to qualified borrowers
• You're approved! Your credit cannot be denied!
• You're approved! We cater to first time credit buyer's needs!
• You're approved! We specialize in 2nd chance financing!
• Fully certified, guaranteed, and disclosed vehicles
• Only 10.99% APR available for first time LINNEHAN customers
• Only 8.99% APR available for repeat LINNEHAN customers

Linnehan's is an AskPatty Certified Female Friendly Dealership.

Go here to visit Linnehan's HerSite.

Linnehan's CreditNow! Auto Company is Maine's only Certified Female Friendly used vehicle dealer!

Just what she ordered . . . Linnehan's CreditNow! Auto Company is Maine's only Female Friendly certified used vehicle dealer! Check us out online at www.linnehans.com/hersite.

NHTSA Releases New Car Seat Safety Ratings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released new car seat ease-of-use ratings. A new five-star ratings system will help parents evaluate car seat features before they buy.

Safety isn’t a factor in the ratings because all seats rated by the NHTSA meet Federal Safety Standards and crash performance standards. The seats are rated in four categories:
 

• Evaluation of instructions
• Vehicle installation features
• Evaluation of labels
• Securing the child

I checked out our car seat and the ratings and comments were spot-on. Our seat is great in many ways. But it doesn’t have a way to insert the harness buckles one-at-a-time or to even keep the two pieces together as you’re trying to insert them. It’s been a source of frustration for me from day one. While it certainly is easier than it was at first, it’s no fun to wrestle a wiggly baby into his seat straps. Baby Trend could help make it easier.

So if you’re looking for any car safety seat — infants, toddlers, or 4-8 year old kids — check out the Five-Star Ease-of-Use ratings system. I certainly will when our little guy outgrows his current seat. And at his current rate of growth, that won’t be long at all.

Linnehan's is an AskPatty Certified Female Friendly Dealership.

Go here to visit Linnehan's HerSite.

Safety Tips to Avoid Rainy-Day Wrecks

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, nearly one million vehicle accidents a year occur in wet weather. Many of these rainy-day wrecks are caused by motorists failing to appreciate the vast difference between driving in wet and dry conditions, says Peter Cunningham, a championship winning race car driver who tours the U.S. for Firestone, teaching driving skills and discussing the importance of proper tires.

"To drive safely on wet pavement, you have to recognize the demands that you, your vehicle and your tires face," Cunningham says. "It's very different than driving on dry pavement, but many motorists fail to change techniques and attention. That's when many wet weather accidents occur."

Cunningham's wet weather driving tips include:

Slow down.
As your speed decreases, the tire footprint (the amount of the tire's tread contacting the road surface) increases, providing better traction. You also reduce the risk of hydroplaning should you run into deeper water puddled on the road.

Maintain a safe distance.
Even with a good wet weather tire, be prepared for longer stopping distances on wet pavement. Since other cars may not have proper tires for wet weather driving, be extra alert at stop signs and red lights.

Choose tires carefully.
Too many drivers buy a tire based on initial price or appearance. For optimum performance in the rain, select a tire with tread design and rubber compounds that provide enhanced wet weather driving capabilities. One of the newest and best tires available for wet weather conditions, the

Properly maintain your tires.
No tire can provide good wet traction once the tread is worn below 2/32-inch (0.16cm) tread depth. Check your tires regularly and replace them at the proper time. Also, maintain the proper air pressure in your tires; check your vehicle owner’s manual or the door jamb for the proper air pressure for your particular vehicle and tires.

Drive smoothly.
When braking, accelerating or turning, avoid jerky, abrupt movements.

Avoid hydroplaning.
If you feel your vehicle starting to hydroplane (riding on the surface of the water), take your foot off the accelerator and don't hit your brakes. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch and let the vehicle slow down until control is regained.

Plan your braking.
If you are entering a curve, slow down and brake gently before you start to turn.

Turn on your lights.
Most states require that headlights be on during rain or inclement weather. In may not help you see, but it will help other drivers see you.

Check your wipers.
Install new wiper blades at least once a year to ensure good vision.

Cunningham says his driving tips can be shortened to "T & T."

"Think and Tires," he says. "Think about your driving and install good tires for wet weather. Once you've installed the tires, keep them inflated properly and replace them when tread-wear indicator bars show. Don't be shy about asking information from your tire dealer."

(Courtesy of Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire)

Creative commons photos courtesy yodudedan and yomanimus via Flickr

Auburn (Androscoggin) Augusta (Kennebec) Bangor (Penobscot) Bath (Sagadahoc) Belfast (Waldo) Biddeford (York) Brewer (Penobscot) Calais (Washington)

Caribou (Aroostook) Eastport (Washington) Ellsworth (Hancock) Gardiner (Kennebec) Hallowell (Kennebec) Lewiston (Androscoggin) Old Town (Penobscot) Portland (Cumberland)

Presque Isle (Aroostook) Rockland (Knox) Saco (York) South Portland (Cumberland) Waterville (Kennebec) Westbrook (Cumberland)

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, nearly one million vehicle accidents a year occur in wet weather. Many of these rainy-day wrecks are caused by motorists failing to appreciate the vast difference between driving in wet and dry conditions, says Peter Cunningham, a championship winning race car driver who tours the U.S. for Firestone, teaching driving skills and discussing the importance of proper tires.

"To drive safely on wet pavement, you have to recognize the demands that you, your vehicle and your tires face," Cunningham says. "It's very different than driving on dry pavement, but many motorists fail to change techniques and attention. That's when many wet weather accidents occur."

2009 Driving Resolutions

The Car Connection came up with a great list of 2009 New Year Driving Resolutions I just had to share them with our readers.

Buckle up yourself and your children properly. No single thing can prevent more highway accident injuries and deaths than belting in, especially for children and small adults.

Concentrate on driving. If you must use a car phone, have it professionally installed in your car. If you must eat on the road, pull over for fifteen minutes so you’re not balancing a 64-ounce drink in your lap while doing 70 mph on the highway.

Stay in control. Aggressive driving isn’t only happening in commutes. If someone irks you or makes threatening moves, don’t challenge them: slow down and blend into saner traffic. If necessary, drive to the nearest police station for your own safety.

Become a mirror-checker. Not for makeup or hair, but for the flow of traffic. You can see a lot of incidents coming your way if you scan your mirrors — rearview and side mirrors — every half a minute or so.

Pass left, drive right. The left-most lanes are meant for passing. If you’re not passing or not completing a pass in less than a minute, move over and let others by.

Park with a conscience. Other people’s cars deserve the same care you’d give your own. If a space is too tight to open your doors comfortably, find another one.

Learn how to stop in a hurry. While anti-lock brakes are standard or available on most cars today, many drivers still aren’t familiar with how they work. If you’ve got a car with them but have never experienced them in action, find a local parking lot and feel them working.

Create some breathing room. The proper following distance of three car lengths is almost nonexistent in today’s traffic-clogged commutes. But on the open road, there’s no reason to travel tightly packed, convoy-style. Open some space between your bumper and the car ahead, and you’ll cut the risk of being a statistic.

Pay attention to flashing lights. Whether it’s an emergency vehicle, police car, or a fellow driver flashing to pass, pay heed and pull right.

Change lanes safely. Miss your exit? Need to make the next right-hand turn — but you’re in the left lane? Don’t move across three lanes of traffic, or cut off other drivers — wait until the next opportunity, go back, and try it again.

Great tips and a big thank you to the Car Connection for sharing:

http://www.thecarconnection.com/article/1000827_driving-resolutions

Why Buy Used Cars From Linnehans?

• Officially: Maine's #1 Used Car & Truck Dealer
• 100% Money Back, Satisfaction Guarantee for everyone
• 12 Month/12,000 Mile Service Contract Available on selected vehicles.
• 101 point safety and quality control inspections
• Fast, affordable financing terms (Usually 1 hour or less)
• Tens of thousands of repeat, referrals and satisfied customers
• We report to the credit bureau to establish your good credit
• Flexible payment schedules (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly)
• Unique profit sharing plan for all LINNEHAN customers
• No money down financing available to qualified borrowers
• You're approved! Your credit cannot be denied!
• You're approved! We cater to first time credit buyer's needs!
• You're approved! We specialize in 2nd chance financing!
• Fully certified, guaranteed, and disclosed vehicles
• Only 10.99% APR available for first time LINNEHAN customers
• Only 8.99% APR available for repeat LINNEHAN customers

Linnehan's is an AskPatty Certified Female Friendly Dealership.

Go here to visit Linnehan's HerSite.

• Officially: Maine's #1 Used Car & Truck Dealer
• 100% Money Back, Satisfaction Guarantee for everyone
• 12 Month/12,000 Mile Service Contract Available on selected vehicles.
• 101 point safety and quality control inspections
• Fast, affordable financing terms (Usually 1 hour or less)
• Tens of thousands of repeat, referrals and satisfied customers
• We report to the credit bureau to establish your good credit
• Flexible payment schedules (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly)
• Unique profit sharing plan for all LINNEHAN customers
• No money down financing available to qualified borrowers
• You're approved! Your credit cannot be denied!
• You're approved! We cater to first time credit buyer's needs!
• You're approved! We specialize in 2nd chance financing!
• Fully certified, guaranteed, and disclosed vehicles
• Only 10.99% APR available for first time LINNEHAN customers
• Only 8.99% APR available for repeat LINNEHAN customers

Linnehan's is an AskPatty Certified Female Friendly Dealership.

Go here to visit Linnehan's HerSite.

28 Money-Saving Car Tips from Linnehans

We've spent the better part of this year talking about the highest gas prices we've ever seen. For some, the price of premium unleaded was more expensive than $5 per gallon.

Just because the cost of fuel has dropped to the lowest it's been in several years, doesn't mean it will stay that way. Listed below under four categories -- Engine Warm-Up, How to Buy Gasoline, How to Drive Economically, and General Advice -- are some effective methods for saving money at the fuel pump -- and overall wear and tear on your car.

ENGINE WARM-UP

1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.

2. Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.

3. Avoid "reving" the engine, especially just before you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.

4. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.

HOW TO BUY GASOLINE

5. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".

6. Choose type and brand of gasoline carefully. Certain brands provide you with greater economy because of better quality. Use the brands which "seem" most beneficial.

7. Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first "click" of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.

HOW TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY

8. Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance.

9. Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for your traveling safety, however better gas efficiency also occurs. Traveling at 55 mph gives up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.

10. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.

11. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.

12. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also avoid tailgating - the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but if affects your economy, if he slows down unexpectedly.

13.Think ahead when approaching hills. If you must accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.

GENERAL ADVICE

14. Do not rest left foot on floorboard pedals while driving. The slightest pressure puts "mechanical drag" on components, wearing them down prematurely. This "dragging" also demands additional fuel usage.

15. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.

16. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, straighter. Compare traveling distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight.

17. Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances of having the "green light" all the way.

18. Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.

19. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.

20. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters... diminished air flow increases gas waste.

21. Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.

22. Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire tread really robs fuel!

23. Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round. When shopping for new tires, get large diameter tires for rear wheels. Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers; check manufacturer's specifications for maximum tire pressures.

27. Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load; the more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon.

28. Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car - extra tires, back seats, unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.

Now is the time to change your driving habits so you can reduce auto-related expenses when gas prices rise again in the future!

We've spent the better part of this year talking about the highest gas prices we've ever seen. For some, the price of premium unleaded was more expensive than $5 per gallon.

Just because the cost of fuel has dropped to the lowest it's been in several years, doesn't mean it will stay that way. Listed below under four categories -- Engine Warm-Up, How to Buy Gasoline, How to Drive Economically, and General Advice -- are some effective methods for saving money at the fuel pump -- and overall wear and tear on your car.

ENGINE WARM-UP

1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.

2. Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.

3. Avoid "reving" the engine, especially just before you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.

4. Eliminate jack-rabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.

Linnehans Gives Back to Our Communities In Maine

At Linnehans we are honored to be able to help support many Maine charities, organizations and community events.  Here are some of the worthy organizations we have supported over the past few years, and we encourage everyone who is able to do the same.  Thank-you.

DownEast Family YMCA
Maine Coast memorial Hospital
Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource
City of Ellsworth ’s Whiting Park Fund
Little Star School
Bangor YMCA
Jina’s Gym
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine
Lions Club
Acadia Christian School
Maine Sea Coast Mission
United Way of Eastern Maine
University of Maine soccer team
JUMP 2  Playground
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Ellsworth High School
WHCF 88.5 FM
105.7 Solution FM
Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron
Citizens for Responsibility
Ellsworth Fire Department Rescue Fund
Anah Temple Shrine
EHS Alumni Associaton
John Bapst Hockey Boosters
ANAH Nascars
Ellsworth Fire & Rescue Fund
Hancock County Sheriff’s Department
Sorrento Fire Dept.
Loaves & Fishes
Rotary Club of Ellsworth
American Cancer Society
Anah Temple Shrine Circus
Bangor Professional Fire Fighters
Boys & Girls Club of Auburn/Lewiston
Knights of Columbus
Miss Maine Scholarship Pageant
Muscular Distrophy Association
A 4th to Remember
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US
Highview Christian School
Maine Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Ellsworth Soccer Club
AAMC
Alzheimers Association
American Diabetes Association
American Kidney Fund
Bangor Christian Schools
Cancer Care of Maine
Ellsworth Public Library
Friends of Hancock County Airport
Friends of Maine Womens Basketball
Glenburn Middle School
Greater Androscoggin Humane Society
Jeremiah Castille Foundation
Katahdin Area Council
Lamoine Consolidated School
Machias Valley Christian School
Penobscot Valley Save Our School
People to People Ambassador program
SPCA of Hancock County
Sunrise Little League
THAW Fund
The Riverbend Players
Tide of Maine Basketball
Trenton Scholarship Fund
Paw Prints-Ellsworth American
Lee Academy
Brewer High School
Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic
March of Dimes
American Legion
Mattanawcook Academy
Shriners Cookbook
MDI High School
Sumner high School
Coastal Martial Arts
The Next Step
Acorn Institute for Katrina Relief
Brewer Cheerleading
Orrington Little League
Walk for Multiple Sclerosis
American Heart Association
Beech Hill School
Concerned Women of America
HAMA
Henry D. Moore Parish House
Peninsula CSD
Washington County Shrine Club
Blue Hill Rifle & Pistol Club
Maine Right to Life
Hampden Academy boosters
Bucksport high School
Cuoto Pageants

The Linnehan Family of Businesses is especially honored to support 100's of Bible believing churches and pastors and missionaries locally and globally that boldly proclaim the Gospel, the Good News, that only Jesus Christ, God's One and Only Son, is Savior and Lord for every person's soul individually in our whole wide world.

Linnehan's - The #1 Used Car Dealer in Maine

On behalf of my wife Heather, my sons, Ryan and Chadd and their families, and our entire "extended family" of Linnehans associates, I would like to WELCOME YOU, and THANK YOU for visiting our Blog. We have tried to make this site very user friendly and informative, and trust you will find your visit here to be time well spent. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience both here at our website, as well as in any area of our business, please call or e-mail us immediately. Thanks again, and enjoy your visit to Linnehans Blog!

 Your Friend,

OUR HISTORY
Founded by the late Harold (Tommy) Linnehan and John Linnehan, Sr. in 1950, four generations of the Linnehan family have continued the tradition of selling cars to the people of Maine for over 50 years. After many years of selling both new and used cars under 15 different new car franchises, the LINNEHAN FAMILY has made the commitment to focus strictly on the used vehicle wants and needs of the vast majority of Americans. The Linnehan family firmly believes that the future of the automobile business lies in top quality, value priced used vehicles. People everywhere need transportation that is both dependable and reliable. That is why we have expanded our used operations to become the largest dealer of used vehicles in the entire state of Maine, with 5convenient locations in Ellsworth, Bangor, Brewer, Auburn and Portland. In addition, our finance company is the largest privately owned used vehicle lender in MAINE.

OUR MISSION
The Linnehan Family of Businesses, aka Linnehan Investments, is made up of several companies whose primary operations are retailing of used automobiles and the financing of these vehicles. We strive to operate our businesses by the principles and precepts set forth in God's Word, the Holy Bible. These principles include honesty, fairness, kindness, compassion, and the "Golden Rule". Our Goal is to provide superior transportation value while at the same time an opportunity to obtain a loan on this transportation that otherwise might not be available. We will seek to make sufficient profit to assure future financial stability of the company and rewarding careers for members of our community.

OUR LOCATIONS
We have 5 locations to serve you. Click here for to view directions.

OUR INVOLVEMENT IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Linnehans We are honored to be able to help support many of the area’s charities, organizations and community events.  Click here to view our community page.

7 FAQ's On Buying a Used Car at Linnehan's - Maine's #1 Used Vehicle Dealer

QUESTION: "I've had a (Bankruptcy/Repossession/Divorce/Bad Credit). Can I still get approved?"

ANSWER: The great news is that you are already approved! Your credit cannot be denied at Linnehan's! Whereas most banks and finance companies will turn down anybody that has had problems of some kind, Linnehan's understands that even good people occasionally go through hard times. We specialize in financing to people who need a second chance or first time buyers just starting out.

QUESTION: "How much Down Payment do I need?"
ANSWER: It all depends on a number of factors, including the vehicle you are looking at, and the strength of your application. But don't overlook the fact that the more down payment you can put towards the loan, the stronger the approval will be, and also the lower your payment will be! The best way to find out what is required is to do a quick on-line application. Click HERE to apply.

QUESTION: "How much do your vehicles cost?"
ANSWER: We have access to over 300+/- vehicles that could range anywhere from $500 to $50,000. The majority of our vehicles can be financed at payments that often range between $200-$400 per month.

QUESTION: "We've had bad experiences at other dealers. Are your vehicles any good?"
ANSWER: We have all of our vehicles checked out thoroughly through top-notch repair facilities in the area, and they conduct a 101-point safety inspection on each vehicle. In addition on many vehicles, we offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile limited service contract (click here to see details) that is one of the best in the business. And if that's still not enough, feel free to bring a mechanic with you to inspect the vehicle. Linnehan's has an excellent reputation of standing behind what we sell.

QUESTION: "What interest rates can I get?"
ANSWER: Rate depends on a number of factors, including among others, the lending source selected, length of term, and age of the vehicle. We have access to many different financing options, including options that no other dealer in the state can offer. This allows us to offer rates that are competitive with, and often better than, what other dealers can offer you. For up-to-date info, please call our Approval Hotline at 1-866-864-9895.

QUESTION: "How long will it take for me to get approved?"
ANSWER: You are already approved, we just need to see if the numbers are OK with the finance company. In most cases, we will have an answer within 1 hour, and if everything is in order, you can take delivery on the spot. In order to speed up the process, we welcome you to call our Toll Free Approval Hotline at 1-866-864-9895, or Apply OnLine by clicking here.

QUESTION: "How does the Super Value program work?"
ANSWER: These vehicles generally require lower down payments and result in lower weekly payments. They are sold as-is with no warranty, and we will take care of delivering the vehicle to your house or to your mechanic. Each vehicle has been checked out by a state inspection facility, and has a list on the window of every car stating what repairs are needed in order to get the vehicle inspected. Often, we can even show you an estimate from the inspection station, showing what they estimate it would cost for them to sticker the vehicle to help you plan. And, of course, you are always welcome to bring your mechanic with you to look over the unit before you buy.

Linnehan's Featured in Used Car News
Click here to read article.

Fall Classic Deals from Linnehan's - Maine's #1 Used Vehicle Dealer