All posts in Auto Buying Tips

Urban Thinking: Best Compact Cars for Surviving City Life

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/22 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

A big, full-size SUV can be hard to maneuver in busy metropolitan areas, and urban dwellers need a small vehicle that does not burn a lot of fuel. Here are some of the best compact vehicles for surviving city life.

Fiat 500 Abarth

The Fiat 500 Abarth for is for the commuters who desire an extra measure of performance. Featuring Fiat’s exclusive Multi-Air technology, the hatchback’s turbocharged engine produces a satisfying 160 horsepower. Meanwhile, a sports-tuned suspension enables the 500 Abarth to deliver sports car-like handling. The vehicle’s race-inspired styling makes it even more appealing. In terms of gas mileage, drivers can average up to 34 mpg.

Honda Fit

The Fit is a fun-to-drive hatchback that offers a lot of versatility and tends to sell very fast. The car’s quick-revving engine makes it a joy to drive on an everyday basis, and although the Fit may look small, it actually offers a family-sized interior. If you need to transport extra cargo, the rear seats can be easily folded down.

Nissan LEAF

With a maximum driving range of more than 100 miles, the Nissan LEAF is an ideal electric vehicle. Drivers can cruise around the city without spending any money on fuel. When attempting to park in a tight spot, the LEAF’s tiny size will certainly come in handy. The best part is that Nissan offers a convenient home-charging system. Up to five people will be able to tag along for the ride.

Toyota Prius C

Over the past few years, the Toyota Prius C has become very popular. The urban vehicle’s combined gas mileage of 50 mpg will intrigue a lot of drivers, and an Entune audio system provides constant entertainment. Owners will definitely appreciate the Prius C’s low cost of maintenance.

Honda CR-Z

This is one of the few hybrid vehicles that actually offer a manual gearbox. The sporty two-seater is perfect for the people who don’t need to haul around a family. Honda’s renowned Vtec technology helps the CR-Z’s hybrid engine to develop an exciting 130 horsepower. If you desire a quick burst of performance, you can press the nifty Sport Plus button. Exotic paint colors such as Milano Red and Aegean Blue make the CR-Z stand out from the crowd.

Every vehicle on this list is perfect for navigating the urban jungle. However, only you can decide which automobile best suits your particular lifestyle. For low cost or used options, don’t forget to check out the Autobank of Kansas City to see tons of different models.

Bought a Lemon? 4 Signs You Should Cut Your Losses and Sell

by Anica Oaks on 2016/01/13 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

In economics, there is a principle called sunk costs. It simply means that the money you spent on a product or service is gone. No matter how many times you throw good money after bad money, you cannot get your initial investment back.

When you purchase a car, it can be a gamble. You hope you are getting a good product, but you will not know for sure until you take it home and drive it around town for a while.

It can turn out to be the most reliable car on the lot, or a certified lemon.

If you purchased a car that turned out to be a lemon, one of the most intelligent things you can do is cut your losses. Here are four signs that indicate it is time to let your lemon go.

Your Car is a Money Pit

It is understandable for you to spend money on routine maintenance costs such as oil changes and tire rotations. However, if you frequently spend more money on repair costs than your monthly car payment, it is time to find a more reliable mode of transportation.

You Have to Frequently Tow Your Car

For most people, it is rare that they have to get their cars towed because of mechanical failure. If your car is a lemon, you may know tow truck drivers on a first name basis. According to the towing service experts at Sheffield towing, frequent automobile breakdowns are the primary reasons people have their cars towed. You are wasting countless hours and money by keeping a car that needs to be towed frequently.

Your Vehicle is Causing Stress

There is nothing more stressful than having to deplete your savings account in order to keep your car working properly. Financial stress can take a toll on your health. If you are constantly worried or losing sleep because of the money you are spending on your car, purchase a new car.

Your Car is Unreliable and Unpredictable

Your goal for purchasing a vehicle was to provide you with reliable transportation. When you put your key into the ignition, you want to be certain that it will start. You should not have to guess whether your car will operate from one day to the next.

At some point with your vehicle, you will have to face the fact that your car is more trouble than it is worth and move on.

Car Swap: How to Get the Best Value for your Trade-In

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/06 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

Trading in your current car is one of the easiest ways to afford a new car purchase. The money you receive for your trade-in can go directly towards the cost of the purchase of a brand new car. Since you are not going to need more form of transportation, your trade-in is essentially extra money. While trading in your car is a great way to reduce your new car loan, there are still four things you need to do in order to get the best value for your old car.

Know the Value

You should absolutely never sell or trade in your car without doing the proper research. If you do not know the correct value of your car, then there is no way you are going to get a great deal. Luckily, there are several different used car resources online that make it extremely easy to determine the exact value of your car before using it as a trade-in.

Make Car More Attractive

The only way to get the most value out of your trade-in is by making your car look as best as possible. There is no way you are going to get much money for your car if it looks dirty and poorly maintained. Giving the inside and outside of your car a detailed cleaning will ensure you do not lose any value in your trade-in.

Show Maintenance Records

Used cars that have been properly maintained are far more valuable than other cars. The best way to prove your car has been properly maintained under your ownership is by showing detailed maintenance records. These records will put a potential buyer at ease because they know they are getting a car that should continue to run properly for a long time.

Negotiate Separately

It is absolutely necessary to negotiate the trade-in and sale of new car separately if you want to get the best deal. Once you get the desired amount on your trade-in, then you move to the new car deal. If you already agreed to buy a new car, then the dealer knows they can get you to agree for a bad deal on the trade-in. If you are ready to purchase a new car and want a great deal on your trade-in, then you should visit a dealership like Quebedeaux Buick GMC.

Trading in your car and buying a new one does not have to be a complicated process. If you follow the four tips on this guide, then you should have no trouble getting a great deal.

What to Know About Buying a Car in 2017

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/02 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

The automotive world is always interesting. There are new hot releases every single year, and automotive fans are always on the lookout for the amazing cars of the future. We are going to talk a little bit about how to buy a new car in 2017. Read on to find out more.

The Right Options

If you purchase a new car, the dealer can customize it the way you want it. Dealers, like those at Woody Sander Ford, will work hard to please you in terms of options, exterior colors, and interior features. A new car is not a used car. For instance, used cars can smell funny, might have tons of accidents, and the list goes on. Yet, certain dealerships will also have used vehicles in their inventory too.

Warranty

A used car can have a warranty, but it will be inferior to that of a new car. A new car will have a strong warranty backed up by the manufacturer itself. For instance, a Mercedes-Benz has a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer, and you might be able to extend this warranty up to 7 years. Isn’t it amazing? Yes, it is. The new car will also come with the latest gizmos such as top-tier navigation and multimedia interfaces that will allow you to enjoy an atmosphere of luxury and elegance. You will also enjoy the latest safety features such as adaptive cruise control, brake assist, blind-spot monitoring systems, and much more.

Lower Emissions and Better Financing

A new car will emit lower emissions as well. It will also enjoy higher fuel efficiency, as automakers will go above and beyond to make the car the new star in the automotive industry. There are lots of hybrid cars out there, and the diesel technology is getting better and better with every new model that comes out these days as well. Your bank will lend you money to buy a new car easier than if you wanted to buy a used one, as the new car has not been hit by any sort of depreciation at all.

Free Maintenance

Since your car is new, it might even enjoy a full year of free maintenance. This will depend on the type of car and other things. A new car will allow you to avoid tons of legwork, as you will not have to go from a used lot to another used lot. The top condition of your new car is undeniable. You will enjoy a lot of good driving, and your car will not be a source of problems for you in the short term at least. Remember that the value of a new car is great not only in terms of money but also in image and class.

New Releases to Consider

Although there are many different types of vehicles for you to consider, you should definitely check out these four to see if they are right for you:

2017 Acura NSX
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia
2017 Audi A4
2017 Ford Fusion Sedan

As you can see, buying a new car in 2017 is not a harsh task. Now you have more information to get the most out of your car. So all you have to do is take bold action and have fun with your new car right away.

Top Gear: 5 Ways to Break in your New Hot Rod

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/12/30 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

The purchase of a new hot rod is one that takes time and careful consideration. You work hard for your money, and this is a significant investment. You want to get the most out of your purchase, and this requires you to take steps in ensuring your motor lasts. Whether you have just purchased your hot rod or have had it sitting in your garage for some time awaiting much anticipated use, there are five ways to break in your hot rod that you’ll want to keep in mind.

1. Breaking in the Cam

Before taking your hot rod out on the road, it’s a good idea to first make sure the cam is properly broken in. To achieve this, start the vehicle and rev it up to around 2,500 rpm for an extended period of around 20 minutes. This level can be varied, but it’s a good idea to keep your rpm below 3,000. Keep in mind this practice should only be taken when working with a freshly assembled vehicle.

2. Gas in Carburetor

Using care, pour a small portion of gasoline into your carburetor. For those with a mechanical fuel pump, remember that prior to the fuel reaching the carburetor it first must be drawn up from its source. Furthermore, if dealing with an electric fuel pump, ensure you turn it on during this procedure as well as pull the throttle back. This allows you to ensure fuel is making its way into the carburetor.

3. Avoid Speed Racing

This can be a tough one to follow. After all, you likely bought your hot rod to experiment with how fast you can get from zero to 60. However, during the initial break-in period, it’s a good idea to drive the vehicle normally and avoid redlining it. Keep your rpm’s low and treat the vehicle as you would your family car as you break it in. Some things to avoid include:

Testing its top speed
Towing heavy loads during the first 1,000 miles
Drag racing

4. Keep Interior in Mind

When you first purchase your hot-rod, it can be tempting to slather the interior with cleaning products. However, overusing typical protectants can actually lead to premature cracking. Do consider using Scotchgard on the cloth upholstery and carpets.

5. Changing the Oil

It’s a good idea to go through these four procedures in close succession in order to properly break in your new hot rod. Also, when you’re finished, it’s a good idea to take some time to change your oil. At places like Findlay Auto, a dealership that specializes in used cars in St. George, you can easily find the parts you need as well as additional services. Some of the things the staff can do to help your new hot rod are:

Inspect engine for contaminants
Ensure the cam lobes won’t prematurely wear out
Offer additional advice in breaking in your new hot rod specific to your unique vehicle

An Investment That Can Last

While it may seem that letting your hot rod sit in the garage is a good way to preserve it, there are actually many things that can go wrong by following this practice. From a draining battery and rotting tires to broken down fuel pumps, a rusted gas tank and more, a sedentary car isn’t a healthy one. You need to get your hot rod out on the road regularly to ensure optimal lifespan of your investment. When you follow these five helpful tips, you can be on your way to breaking in your new hot rod and enjoying many years of fun.