“Start Me Up” – The Rolling Stones

You’re running late. Coffee in hand, keys in the ignition. You turn the key...

It hesitates... coughs once… then finally roars (well, groans) to life.

And for some reason, that classic riff from The Rolling Stones' “Start Me Up” comes on — like your car is trying to hype itself up right along with you.

You tell yourself, “See? Still got it.” Never mind the flickering check engine light or that mystery rattle under the hood.

It started. You're moving. That's good enough... for now.

“Listen to the Music” – The Doobie Brothers

You had a little scare getting your car started, but now you’re in a good mood. The sun’s shining, the radio’s playing your favorite tunes, and the drive is smooth. Everything feels perfect — you’ve got the open road ahead, and a fresh cup of coffee by your side. You’re ready for whatever the day brings.

But those feelings will be short-lived. That playlist just got real. The smooth ride you were hoping for starts to show its cracks — the hesitation, the odd noises, the slight tug in the steering wheel. Your car isn’t quite what it used to be.

“I Can’t Drive 55” – Sammy Hagar

You try to merge onto the highway, but your car has other ideas. You press the gas pedal with optimism… and it responds with hesitation and mild disapproval.

Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55” plays through the speakers, and it’s suddenly ironic. You literally can’t drive 55. Your car tops out at 43 — downhill.

You used to pass people. Now, you're being passed by lawn equipment.

“Too Hot” – Kool & the Gang

Traffic’s building. The sun’s climbing. And your car’s A/C?

Long gone.

The vents are blowing something, but it’s not cold. Your windows are cracked open — not for breeze, but for survival. And as Kool & the Gang’s “Too Hot” slides in through the speakers, it’s not even funny anymore.

You’re sweating. The seat’s sticking. The driver’s side feels like a furnace and smells slightly like old fries.

The only cool thing in this car… is the track playing.

“Stuck in the Middle with You” – Stealers Wheel

You're not even moving — and somehow, you're still uncomfortable.

Elbows are overlapping. Someone’s knee is in your space. There’s a mystery bag on the floor, and you're pretty sure you just sat on your own water bottle.

As “Stuck in the Middle with You” plays on the radio, it suddenly hits differently. You are, quite literally, stuck in the middle — physically and emotionally.

The seat’s too small. The cabin’s too cramped. There’s not enough room for everyone and the snacks and what’s left of your patience.

And every bump in the road makes it feel like your seat is in a three-way wrestling match with your spine.

“Low Rider” – War

At first, you thought it was just your imagination. Then you notice: your car is sitting way lower than it used to.

Every driveway scrapes. Every bump rattles. Your coffee? More airborne than caffeinated.

“Low Rider” by War kicks in, and sure — the groove is cool. But you’re not cruising low on purpose. Your suspension’s shot. Your tires are tired. Your car isn’t lowered — it’s just lowered expectations.

“Breakdown” – The Alan Parsons Project

The engine stutters. The dashboard lights up like a slot machine. And then… silence.

You coast to the shoulder with your hazards on, pretending this is fine.

“Breakdown” by The Alan Parsons Project starts to play, and for once, your car’s timing is flawless.

You sit there, staring at the wheel, wondering how it came to this — but deep down, you knew it was coming.

You’ve ignored the signs: the noise, the heat, the weird smell, the vibes. Now you're not just in a breakdown — you're having one.

“Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple

You pop the hood and take a step back. That’s not steam. That’s not fog. That’s smoke — and it’s coming from your engine like it’s auditioning for a barbecue pit.

“Smoke on the Water” starts playing and honestly? That’s generous. There’s no water. There’s just heat, panic, and a faint smell of melted plastic.

You grab whatever’s in the trunk that looks vaguely like a tool and stand there, looking concerned. It won’t help. But it’s something to do while you pretend this isn’t happening.

The good news? People definitely noticed. The bad news? They’re just passing by… slowly… staring.

“Running on Empty” – Jackson Browne

Seriously. But now the fuel light is back on — again — and you’re starting to think your car doesn’t burn gas, it drinks it.

At this point, it’s not just about being low on fuel — it’s about terrible gas mileage. You can almost see the gauge move when you hit the gas.

“Running on Empty” plays through the speakers as your eyes flick between the gas gauge and the nearest exit sign.

You're not just low on fuel. You're low on patience, trust, optimism… everything.

You used to plan road trips. Now you just plan for where the next gas station might be, and whether you can make it there without coasting the last mile.

Your wallet’s feeling it. Your schedule’s feeling it. And so is your soul.

“Drive” – The Cars

The irony is too real. “Drive” by The Cars starts to play — slow, haunting, a little too on the nose.

“Who's gonna drive you home tonight?” Not this car.

The check engine light is still blinking. The power steering has checked out. You’re not driving anymore — you’re negotiating.

You once felt safe behind this wheel. Now you wonder if you're going to make it home or just towed somewhere nearby.

This is the moment you realize: The problem isn’t just a bad day. The problem might be… the car.

“SOS” – ABBA

You’ve tried everything — coaxing, kicking, pleading, pretending it’s fine. But now you’re on the side of the road, hazards blinking like distress flares, and “SOS” by ABBA starts playing.

“Where are those happy days? They seem so hard to find…” You feel that.

The good times you had with this car? They’re a memory — and not even a recent one. You’ve moved from frustration to acceptance. You don’t just need a repair. You need rescue.

You’re not singing along anymore — you’re silently agreeing with every word.

“All I Need Is a Miracle” – Mike + The Mechanics

You’ve called roadside service. You’ve texted your friend. You’ve stared at the dash, hoping something magical will happen.

Then “All I Need Is a Miracle” comes on — and for a second, you think: Maybe it’ll start this time. Maybe it was just a hiccup. Maybe it just needs one more try…

But deep down, you know. You don’t need a miracle. You need a mechanic, a trade-in, a moment of clarity — maybe all three.

Still, you sit there, humming along, clinging to a little optimism before reality hits one last time.

“Hit the Road Jack” – Ray Charles

At this point, it’s not just a clever lyric — it’s a statement. You’re done.

“Hit the Road Jack” plays, and suddenly it’s not just about a relationship… It’s about you and your car. A partnership that’s outlived its purpose. A ride that’s had one too many problems.

You don’t even argue with it anymore. You’re ready to move on — with a new engine, a working radio, and maybe even a sun visor that stays up.

The only thing left to say is what Ray’s been singing all along: “And don’t you come back no more.”

Ready for a New Playlist?

“Hit the Road Jack” might be playing as you say goodbye to your old ride…

And sure, you might find yourself humming a little Mike + The Mechanics — maybe even “All I Need Is a Miracle.”

But let’s be honest — what you really need is to check out our great selection of used cars.

You'l find something reliable, smooth, and actually fun to drive — and before you know it, you’ll be singing:

“On the Road Again” – Willie Nelson

This time, it’s different.

You’re not limping along with warning lights and a half-functioning A/C. You’re in something reliable. Something smooth. You’re not worried about breakdowns, strange noises, or who’s going to drive you home.

Before you know it, you’ll be singing: “I can’t wait to get on the road again…”

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Can Going Viral Help Sell Your Car?

If you've been on the internet lately, you might have come across a hilariously over-the-top car commercial that's been making rounds. It's a high-end, cinematic masterpiece... for a not-so-high-end car. The filmmaker behind this viral sensation really went all out to showcase his girlfriend's 'crappy used car'. Now, while we can't all have a professional filmmaker in our lives to make our used cars look like the star of a blockbuster movie, there's still hope!

The Dilemma: Selling Your Car Without The Hollywood Flair

Let's face it, not everyone has a filmmaker friend ready to shoot an epic commercial for your used car. Most of us are stuck with mediocre photos and descriptions that barely get a second glance from potential buyers. It's like trying to sell a script in Hollywood without a star actor – tough, right?

• Common Challenges in Selling Used Cars

• Lackluster Photos and Descriptions

• Limited Reach to Potential Buyers

• Time-Consuming Negotiations

• Uncertainty in Pricing

Our Solution: We Buy Your Car, No Glam Needed!

We believe every car deserves its moment, even without the glitz and glamour of a film set. So, if you're sitting there thinking, "I wish I could make my car look that good," worry no more! We're here to take that ordinary car off your hands, with a process as smooth as a movie premiere red carpet.

Why Choose Us?

• Hassle-Free Experience: Forget about the stress of finding buyers.

• Fair Pricing: We offer competitive prices, ensuring you get a fair deal.

• Quick & Easy: No need for fancy videos or ads; we keep it simple.

The Humorous Twist: No Epic Ad, No Problem!

Imagine trying to direct a car commercial with your not-so-photogenic car. The wind machine blows away your for-sale sign, the sun glare is blinding, and let's not even talk about trying to make that engine purr sound like a luxury car. It's a comedy skit waiting to happen! But here, the only drama we love is in the movies, not in car selling.

Closing: Roll Credits on Your Car Selling Woes

In the end, you might not have a viral video to your name, but you'll have something even better – a stress-free car selling experience. So, let the filmmakers stick to their day jobs, and let us buy your car today!

Ready to trade in your old ride? Start here.

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JEEPFEST '25 - JEEP SALE AT BACKROADS AUTOMOTIVE IN CHESAPEAKE, VA.

"Hey Guys, it's Jay at Backroads Automotive here again, we're going to talk about some CARFAX information like we did in the last video."

CLICK VIDEO BELOW (1min. 31sec.)

READ VIDEO TRANSCRIPT BELOW

" So here we have a Chevy Blazer that a gentleman did not purchase the other day based on the information on the CARFAX because it was in a minor accident." "But when you come in close and you look at the body lines on the bumper, body lines on the hood surrounding the headlights, surrounding the fog light and the plastics alike here you'll notice that all the body lines are tight. They're perfect because this was reported properly and then. Repaired properly, so you as the buyer have been educated, made aware of the incident. You can see that the repairs have been made properly."

" However, in contrast, when you look at this Honda Fit that we purchased this week, if you come around here: " "you'll notice what we noticed that the bumper alignment is off and loose. Come around the front, the emblem is missing and then we recognize we have an aftermarket grill with zip ties holding it on. So what does that lead us to do? Well, that leads my guys to investigate further as to what's going on and what do we find? That this car has actually been in a pretty bad front end accident and we have parts underneath that need to be replaced. The kicker is this is listed as a 1-owner no accident car. So you as the consumer would think this is the better purchase because it has no accidents. However, upon further research you would find that it has been an accident."

"So don't put so much weight in the Carfax that you don't buy a car that's been reported and repaired properly just to buy one that hasn't been reported and has been in a much worse accident." " I hope the images and video above will help you in your next vehicle purchase. So you as the consumer would think this is the better purchase because it has no accidents. However, upon further research you would find that it has been an accident. So don't put so much weight in the Carfax that you don't buy a car that's been reported and repaired properly just to buy one that hasn't been reported and has been in a much worse accident."

We have been working on a new partnership that normal small dealerships would never do!

We are now partnering with Honda to service all of our Honda’s before they are listed for sale. The following items will be performed by Honda:

• 1. State inspection

• 2. Oil & filter change

• 3. Recall repairs

• 4. Multi Point inspection

Why? Because we want to offer a better product that your “typical used car dealer” this is a step in the right direction to provide a better product and process for our customers.

We are very excited! If you or anyone you know is looking for a Honda check out our inventory.

Take a look at the photo below? Then check out your tires. These are some common issues we find here at Back Roads Automotive when checking the quality of our vehicles. Weather and traffic conditions vary every day here in Hampton Roads. Your tire condition is a critical component to keep you and your family safe.

We are your hometown dealer right here in Great Bridge/Hickory!  Our Back Roads Automotive team plays a crucial role in supporting and contributing everyday. We are deeply connected to our neighbors, friends and associates.  You will see us around town as well as our loaner car and Yellow Truck. 

Our local high schools always need help and we sponsor FOUR of them! You'll see our Back Roads Automotive logo on the fields and in the gyms.

We do quarterly photo shoots for free for local families and post some of them to our Face Book page. Check it out!

Restaurants here in town get a boost from us every Saturday because we buy a huge team lunch.

We create jobs!  We are very proud of our team and will continue to hire great, experienced people!  85% of our employees live in Chesapeake. 

All our vehicles are serviced at local shops so that helps many Chesapeake families. Firestone, Great Bridge Muffler & Brake, Bells Mill Auto Care, window tint, radio shops, body shops etc. are just a few of the businesses boosted by our vehicle sales.

So, when you buy from our small company, you are not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping an employee's daughter get karate lessons, a dad get his son's soccer team jerseys, a family put good food on the table or pay a mortgage. Our customers are our shareholders, and THEY are the ones we strive to make happy.

Thank you for supporting local businesses!

It's important for customers to be informed.  Buying a purchase as large as a vehicle can take time.  We want to give our readers an insider's look into our store and how we operate.  It's very different!  It's not a traditional set up. 

Are you looking to sell your car? At Backroads Automotive, we make it easy. Whether you’re upgrading to a new model or simply need to get rid of an old one, we're here to make the process smooth and hassle-free.

Why Choose Backroads Automotive to trade or sell with?

1. Expert Valuation: We use marketing software that utilizes KBB, Car Fax, JD Power and more to provide an average based on your vehicle's condition and market trends. Miles, options/features, service history and more are taken into account for a fair offer.

2. Quick and Efficient Process: We value your time. Selling your car through private listings can take weeks or even months. At Backroads Automotive, we streamline the process, allowing you to sell your car quickly and efficiently.

3. No Hidden Fees: Transparency is key in any transaction. When you sell your car to us, there are no hidden fees or surprise costs. What we quote is what you’ll get!

4. Convenient Location: Located at 343 N. Battlefield Blvd Chesapeake, VA 23320, Backroads Automotive is easily accessible. You can visit us for a free consultation and valuation, making the process more convenient for you.

5. Trusted Reputation: Our team here at Backroads Automotive has an excellent reputation. Our satisfied customers review us all the time and their kind recommendation is the best advertising money can buy.

Steps to Sell Your Car, Truck or SUV to Backroads Automotive:

1. Get in Touch: Contact us through our website or give us a call to schedule an appointment for a valuation of your vehicle.

2. Vehicle Inspection: Bring your car to our location where our experts will conduct a thorough inspection to assess its condition.

3. Receive Your Offer: After the inspection, we will provide you with a competitive offer based on the current market value of your car.

4. Complete the Sale: If you accept our offer, we handle all the paperwork and ensure a smooth transaction. You walk away with cash in hand!

Tips for a Successful Car Sale:

- Gather Documentation: Having your vehicle’s title, service records, and any warranties can help speed up the sale process.

- Be Honest About Your Car’s Condition: Transparency about any issues with your car builds trust and ensures a smoother transaction.

Conclusion:

Selling your car doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With Backroads Automotive, you can sell your car quickly, safely, and for a great price. Whether your vehicle is in pristine condition or it has seen better days, we are here to help. Visit us at www.BackroadsAutomotive.com or call us today to get started! By choosing Backroads Automotive, you’re not just selling your car; you’re partnering with a team dedicated to making your experience positive and rewarding. Don’t wait any longer – sell your car today!

Let Back Roads Automotive help you and your teen find the right car at the right price.  We have plenty of budget friendly choices.  We are your hometown dealer and work hard to make every teen’s first car memorable all the while ensuring the parents’ needs are also met.  We have bows, take pics for social media, make it fun and informative so they feel comfortable.  Here at Back Roads, they can drive different makes/models and test out the safety features.  There are plenty of roads here in Great Bridge/Hickory where they can drive at their comfort level.  We know they face unique challenges on the road due to their limited driving experience and maturity level.  Read more about our first cars and the memories we have.  Our team had fun reminiscing about our first car in a previous blog.

Here are some tips for teen drivers:

• Make sure to enroll your teens into a driver's education program.  

• They may look at us and think maybe they can handle several things at one time. 

• Work with your teen to avoid distractions.

• Remind them to never text or use a cell phone while driving.

Practice makes progress!  Spend plenty of time practicing driving.  Start in low-traffic areas and gradually progress to more challenging driving conditions.  Day and night drives are both important. 

Limit other distractions, such as eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio, to maintain focus on the road.

Ensure they always wear a seatbelt and that all passengers do the same.

Keep reminding them to adhere to posted speed limits and adjust their speed according to road and weather conditions.

Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to allow for adequate reaction time.

Lastly, establish Clear Rules and Consequences.  Set clear rules and consequences for unsafe driving behavior, such as speeding, reckless driving, or distracted driving. 

Thank you to the hundreds of families who entrusted us to help their teen with their first car.  We love what we do!