It Starts By Looking In The Mirror

They say people start to look like their pets over time with the same expressions, same quirks, maybe even the same hairstyle. But what about our cars? Just as our pets become reflections of our lives, our vehicles often mirror who we are, from our daily routines to our wildest adventures. Whether you’re a dog lover, a road-tripper, or a mix of both, finding a car that truly suits your lifestyle (and accommodates your furry friend) can make every drive more enjoyable.

So, if your dog could weigh in, what would they think of your ride? From safety features to comfort and space, some cars are simply better suited for pet-friendly lives. Let’s take a look at what makes a car feel like a true extension of home—something that both you and your dog might just fall in love with.

Safety First: For You and Your Furry Co-Pilot

For pet owners, safety isn’t just about you, it’s also about your dog’s well-being. Modern car features help keep everyone secure, giving you peace of mind no matter the destination.

• Pet-Friendly Seat Anchors and Harness Hooks: Built-in hooks in the back seat make it easier to secure pet harnesses, so your dog stays safe on every ride. Plus, they’re great for other gear like grocery bags or sports equipment.

• Back-Seat Alerts: These safety reminders ensure you always double-check the back seat, a helpful feature for pet owners and parents alike to prevent accidentally leaving anything (or anyone) behind.

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Lane-keeping assistance and automatic braking provide extra safety for busy drivers, whether your attention is on the road or occasionally checking on your pet in the rearview.

Durable, Low-Maintenance Interiors for Active Pet Owners

Pets bring a lot of joy, but they can also bring mess! For the pet owner or outdoor adventurer, durable, easy-to-clean interiors are a lifesaver.

• Scratch-Resistant Upholstery: Leatherette or synthetic materials are resistant to scratches and hair, making them ideal for pets. They’re also a great choice for anyone who’s constantly loading in and out, whether it’s a dog or a kayak.

• All-Weather Mats and Cargo Liners: Mud, sand, and pet hair are no problem with these mats, which keep floors clean and make it easy to shake out any mess.

• Washable Seat Covers: Back-seat hammocks and removable covers protect seats from paw prints, spills, or gear scuffs, keeping things neat and easy to clean.

Spacious and Flexible for Every Adventure

Roomy, adaptable interiors aren’t just a perk—they’re a must for those who love to bring pets or gear along for the ride. Whether you’re loading up for a weekend hike, a trip to the beach, or just a drive to the dog park, having enough space makes all the difference.

• Flat-Folding Seats and Expansive Cargo Space: These create plenty of room for pets to spread out or for loading gear. A flat floor is especially nice for larger dogs, giving them a stable place to relax.

• Low Loading Height for Easy Access: Cars with lower cargo areas make it easier for pets to jump in and out, which is perfect for larger or older dogs.

• Hidden Storage for Essentials: Keep leashes, water bowls, and treats in hidden compartments for an organized space. This is also handy for anyone who wants to keep essentials neatly out of sight.

Comfort and Convenience for You and Your Pet

A comfortable car isn’t just for humans. With these features, you and your pet can both enjoy a pleasant ride, whether it’s a quick errand or a cross-country drive.

• Rear Air Vents for Temperature Control: Pets are sensitive to temperature changes, so rear AC vents are a great addition to keep your pet comfortable in all weather.

• Built-In Sunshades and UV-Protected Windows: Keep your car cool on sunny days, and prevent pets from overheating. UV-protected windows are also great for families and adventurers who want a cooler cabin on bright days.

• Pet Ramp Compatibility: For those with larger or older pets, a car that can accommodate a pet ramp is essential, making it easier for them to hop in and out without strain.

Pet-Friendly Technology for the Modern Owner

Today’s cars come with advanced technology that can make life easier and safer for pet owners. Here are a few tech upgrades that are ideal for pet owners and busy drivers alike.

• In-Cabin Cameras: Keep an eye on your pet while driving, without needing to turn around or distract yourself from the road.

• Remote Start with Climate Control: Start your car from a distance, letting it cool down or warm up before loading your pet. It’s a great feature for pet owners and anyone who wants a comfortable cabin from the get-go.

• GPS Trackers and Smart Apps: Some cars now offer apps that track location, handy if your car is also your adventure companion or if you’re frequently on the go with your pet.

Did You See The Look On Your Dog's Face?

When you catch that look in your dog’s eyes in the rearview mirror, the one that says, “Are we there yet?” it might be a sign your car isn’t as pet-friendly as it could be. Take a moment to consider: is your car really set up for park visits, road trips, and everyday errands with your furry co-pilot? Do you find yourself wishing for a cleaner, easier, and more organized ride that meets both your desires and expectations?

For pet lovers, these outings can quickly turn into a hassle if your car isn’t equipped to handle all the fur, paws, and gear that come with an active lifestyle. Imagine a car that’s made for both you and your dog—one that keeps them secure, gives you peace of mind, and makes every adventure a breeze.

Types like SUVs, crossovers, and hatchbacks often provide extra space, flexibility, and pet-friendly features to accommodate both your needs. These vehicles typically offer flat-folding seats, roomy cargo areas, and low loading heights that make it easy for pets to hop in, stretch out, and enjoy the ride. With the right setup, you might just catch that look in the mirror—the one that says, “Now this is the life!” as your pup happily rides along like the VIP they truly are. Because let’s face it, in their eyes, you’re already the chauffeur!

We believe a car should be more than just a way to get around—it should support your life, ready for pets, kids, outdoor gear, or all of the above. Explore our selection of used cars and find the perfect fit for you and your favorite co-pilot.

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A Car Dealer You Can Count On!

If you’re in the market for a used car, look no further than our premier used car dealer. With an extensive inventory of reliable and high-quality vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected to guarantee customer satisfaction, we provide a hassle-free experience so you can easily find the perfect car for you or your family. We make it our mission to exceed expectations and provide each customer with personalized attention and exceptional service. Whether you’re looking for something small and economic or luxurious, we are sure to have something within your budget as well as fitting all preferences. So if you need a great ride at an even better price, let us be your go-to used car dealership!

Need Auto Financing? We Can Help!

Are you ready to purchase a car but feeling overwhelmed by the financing process? Car financing can seem daunting and complex, especially for first-time buyers. Fortunately, there are lots of resources out there that can help simplify the process so you can get your dream car with ease. Take advantage of our car loan calculator and make smart decisions when it comes to navigating the innovative world of cost-effective car financing!

Highly Rated Car Dealer

With so many car dealerships to choose from, it's important to know how to assess a dealership's reputation before you make a purchase. Not all car dealers are equally reputable and trustworthy; some may have unreliable customer service or wonky products that could leave you feeling frustrated and disappointed with your purchase. So, if you're in the market for a new set of wheels, read on for tips that can help you determine which dealer will provide the best value and experience as well as ensure an enjoyable buying experience.

Looking To Sell Your Car in? We Want It!

Are you thinking about selling your car? There are many reasons why someone may decide to sell their vehicle, ranging from needing cash in a pinch to wanting a newer model. Selling your car can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be with the right information and planning. Fill out our easy trade form and we will get you the best value for your vehicle. If you are looking for a new car we may not have in stock? Use our car finder and we will help get you into the perfect car.

Come See Us At Our Dealership

Stop by today and meet our staff and learn more about our dealership or feel free to send us a comment.

Paul Claborn, owner of Wholesalecars.com, talks about what ignites his fire and what Wholesalecars.com is all about. Here at Wholesalecars.com we don’t just sell vehicles, we provide our customers and employees alike the opportunity to reestablish their dignity. That's why Everyone is Approved and Every Car has a Warranty.

Have you been curious as to the typical process when purchasing a vehicle with us? Paul Claborn, the owner of Wholesalecars.com, wanted to answer some of the questions most used car dealers get asked.

Interviewer: When someone is looking to buy a used car, what are some things they need to consider? What is most important?

Paul, Wholesalecars.com: The most important thing to consider when buying a used car is number one, the mileage; number two, the vehicle history report. How many owners has it had? How many times has it been serviced, and are there service records? Does the vehicle have a warranty? Those are the most important items. At WholeSaleCars.com we pretty well cover all those. Sometimes customers want a car that’s red and has 100,000 miles, and skip over another one that has half the miles because they liked the red car better. People need to consider that instant gratification isn’t a good thing when they want a reliable car that will last a long time.

Interviewer: How does a potential customer get that background information on a vehicle?

Paul, Wholesalecars.com: We offer Carfax to disclose all information about the vehicle someone is interested in. Our salespeople will even read it to the potential buyer over the phone in case there is something in it they don’t like. I tell my salespeople not to waste anyone’s time and read it to them if they’re coming in from 20 minutes or more away. All of our cars have lower miles and a warranty. And once a year we have a customer appreciation event where one customer is randomly chosen to get their vehicle paid off up to $10,000. It’s a no-brainer to me – why wouldn’t anybody choose to get their vehicle from us? (laughs)

Interviewer: A lot of people think the car buying process is too long and something they have to do when they’ve set aside an entire day for it. Is there a way to shorten the process?

Paul, Wholesalecars.com: A lot of times it's self-inflicted by the customers. It's how long they take to make a selection, and they don’t always bring all the information we need. But we're trying to streamline the process and get most of it done online now. We require 10 references, which the customer has to fill out their names, phone numbers and their addresses. At other places they need to secure insurance typically, but we already offer Collateral Protection Insurance so securing that is not a problem.

Interviewer: So WholeSaleCars offers online applications too? Can they get started and make it faster that way?

Paul, Wholesalecars.com: Yes. And we offer off site deliveries to where they never have to come to the dealership. Customers fill out an online application, a short five-liner. Once that five-liner makes it through and they’re approved,  we show them three to five cars that they’re approved for. And we do an express checkout, which is more than a five-line credit application. Now they really got to get in depth and give us their job time, their job references and employment records. We pull their credit and then determine how much money down they will need. They never have to come to the store, and we deliver to them.

Interviewer: What if they don’t like the car that they've chosen after they drive it? Can they try another one?

Paul, Wholesalecars.com: Yes. They can bring it in or contact us and say, “I don't really like this car. It's not what I thought it was.” We'll pick it up with no problems, give them their money back, or they can swap it out for another car.

Interviewer: What's the process to get somebody in a vehicle?

Paul, Wholesalecars.com: Typically customers come by way of the internet, or they contact us by phone, or one of my sales team members contacts them by phone and tries to set an appointment to get them to come in. The time process for coming in is typically two to three hours if they have everything we need. But if they do it online, they can be in and out in five minutes.

Merriam-Webster defines “affordability” as “able to be afforded/having a cost that is not too high.”

At Wholesalecars.com, we pride ourselves on many things—customer service, warranty, quality, selection, and AFFORDABILITY. You can’t put a price tag on having a safe, reliable vehicle that will last years; however, we can provide ALL of those things for you AND make it affordable. Talk about a win/win, right? We have several low-mileage options! Feel free to browse our inventory and speak with an Auto Specialist to see what AFFORDABLE vehicle we can get for you! Everyone is approved with us and every car has a warranty.

We can do your taxes for LESS money out of YOUR pocket! Our Tax Advantage Deal is set up to help you with a down payment on your next vehicle.  If you’re a current customer and want to get ahead/caught up on payments, this is a PERFECT way to do that.  You could even qualify for a cash advance up to $6000!!

Ready to get started?

Things to bring:

• 1.       Driver license

• 2 Social Security Cards for yourself, spouse, and dependents (if filing with spouse/dependents)

• 3.       All income (W2’s, 1099’s, Social Security, unemployment, interest statements, etc)

• 4.       All deductions (mortgage statements, student loan interest, daycare, business expenses, etc)

• 5.       Miscellaneous forms (1098-T, IRA, healthcare, etc)

Let us show you why Wholesalecars.com is the OBVIOUS CHOICE! 

How To Check Your Antifreeze

It may not cross most people's minds, but checking your car's antifreeze protection level is an important part of regular maintenance. Anti-freeze helps protect your car from damage caused by cold weather, and keeping it at the proper level could save you from costly repairs down the road. In this article, we will show you how to check your car's antifreeze protection level and what to do if it needs to be adjusted.

What You Need

Before you begin, there are a few items you need for the job:

• An anti-freeze tester: These are usually sold for just a few dollars at any auto parts store.

• Paper towel or rag: This will help keep the anti-freeze off of surfaces like paint that could get damaged.

• Ziplock bag: This will help keep dirt out of your anti-freeze tester while you’re not using it.

Step 1: Locate The Reservoir

The first step is to locate the reservoir where your car’s anti-freeze is stored. This is usually in the engine compartment, and it looks like a plastic container with a lid on top (as seen in Figure 1). There should also be a warning label telling you not to open the lid while the fluid is hot – so always make sure that your car has been sitting idle for at least two hours before proceeding! 

Step 2: Testing The Anti-Freeze

Now that you have located the reservoir, insert the end of your tester into the fluid (you may have to use a straw attached to the bottom of the tester). Then pump up and down until about half of the fluid has been drawn up into the glass chamber on top (Figure 2). Now look at how many “balls” are floating on top of the fluid; this number tells you how well protected your car is against extreme cold temperatures (see Table 1 below). Once done testing, pour any remaining liquid into its original container, then wipe off any residue with paper towel or rag. 

Step 3: Storing The Tester

After testing, take a ziplock bag and store your anti-freeze tester in it until its next use. This will help keep dust and dirt off of it when it’s not in use! And don't forget - always remember that antifreeze is poisonous so make sure none gets on any surfaces outside of its original container!   

Checking your car's antifreeze protection level doesn't have to be difficult or complicated; with these simple steps anyone can do it themselves! With regular testing every few months, you'll know exactly how well protected against extreme cold temperatures your vehicle really is - potentially saving yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs down the line!

Here is another Fall driving safety tip! Remember that Fall is an active breeding time for deer, so travel slowly and if you see a deer cross the roadway, expect others to follow. They rarely travel alone. Stay safe out there!

Wholesalecars.com where everyone is approved any every car has a warranty!

https://www.wholesalecars.com/preapproval

Located at 4050 US Hwy 431, Albertville AL 35950. Call or text us: 256-878-5000

For those who aren’t familiar with buy here, pay here, it’s a means of acquiring an automobile for folks who have no credit or bad credit. They can't go to a conventional bank or credit union because those financial institutions do not provide auto loans to people with poor or no credit. Basically, you buy the car here and then pay for the car here.

Bureaucrats in Washington, DC would have you believe that there's no need for buy here pay here dealers. But if there's no mass transportation in an area like ours, then there is no transportation. People would not be able to get to work because they would not have a vehicle.

Most lenders just won't take the risk on this kind of credit history. Why do we do it, then? I was raised in a single parent home with a mother who worked two jobs. It was tough to make ends meet. I just love to see people graduate from here. We report on-time payments to the credit bureau -- many buy here, pay here dealers don't report to the credit bureau. And from time to time, I get to explain to my customers why they don't report payments; and they can't believe that. It's not fair. 

I don’t think it’s fair either, but I get a great deal of satisfaction when we have somebody graduate who leaves us to go to a traditional bank or credit union because we've reported their credit over the last three years. They are able to buy a car at three or four percent interest rate because they’ve proved themselves over a period of three years with us. It starts with our easy online application process.

Our Mission Statement is: “We believe our goal is to get our customers -- and our employees -- to a better place.” There's a great deal of satisfaction that comes with doing what we do at WholeSaleCars.com. A great deal.

As a member of the community and owner of WholeSaleCars.com, I’m involved with a program called Junior Achievement here in Albertville, Alabama. In a nutshell, I go into a middle school for eight weeks and I hold a class for 45 minutes to teach financial literacy.

I do this because in my business, I see what not having financial literacy causes. And I love to see the light bulb go on for those seventh grade and eighth grade students. We talk about insurance, finances, how to apply for a job, and even how to quit a job -- all those things. I'm a big supporter of Junior Achievement.

I'm also involved in a worldwide prison ministry called Kairos. We go into a maximum-security prison twice a year. I just have a heart for the downtrodden, and I think it has a lot to do with the way I was raised. I was raised without a dad in a single parent home. Until I reached about 30, I had no concept of what my mother went through to raise three kids. I have a soft spot in my heart for single moms, too.

We also hold customer appreciation events once a year, every September and at that time our 1000 plus customers get a chance to have have their car paid off. We throw a big party and feed everybody. It’s a great opportunity for people to meet our staff and mingle.

We usually have about 700 or 800 people attend and give away prizes like flat screen TVs, camping equipment, free car washes for a year, bicycles, and things like that. We have a local radio station here, too. We also pay up to $10,000 off the customer's car note – but they have to be there for that. We typically draw six or seven names before the person's here.

You know, some people may think all the things we do is a gimmick, but we are the real deal. We really care about our community and the people in it. Anyone who is a current or past customer knows that, and we look forward to proving it to everyone.