All posts in Used Autos & Trucks

What to Look For When Buying a Used Car

Used cars are a great option for the drivers who love saving money. However, you must take extra caution when purchasing a previously-owned vehicle. Here are five tips to keep in mind when shopping for a used ride.

Do the Proper Research

Although a particular vehicle may initially capture your heart, you still need to do the proper research. After reading through the various online reviews, you may find out that the car has a common flaw. For example, some vehicles are prone to experiencing premature paint fading. Remember, the cost of a new paint job can exceed $1,000. Not only do you need to research the vehicle’s projected reliability, but you also need to find out the car’s current market value.

Beauty is Only Skin Deep

When shopping for a used vehicle, do not be fooled by its beautiful appearance. There could be plenty of problems going on beneath the surface. After starting the engine, keep an eye out for the presence of exhaust smoke. Unsurprisingly, a smoky engine is never a good sign. If you need help, do not hesitate to ask an experienced car person to tag along. Before finalizing any paperwork, be sure to obtain a vehicle history report.

Check the Mileage

Ideally, you should try to select a ride that has less than 100,000 miles on the odometer. However, some high-mileage vehicles can still last for many years to come. Make sure to take the car to a mechanic like Tischer Auto before making any final decisions as they can tell you what condition the car is in better than anyone else. The key is to choose a vehicle that has been well-maintained and will last you a substantial amount of time. If you are purchasing the vehicle from a private seller, ask to see their maintenance records and see if it has ever been in an accident before. Accidents can seriously inhibit the integrity and safety of the car if done incorrectly.

Consider Purchasing a Certified Pre-owned Vehicle

Unlike the average used car, certified pre-owned vehicles usually come with a lengthy warranty. Before being showcased on the dealership’s lot, a certified pre-owned vehicle must be thoroughly inspected for quality. If a vehicle fails to meet the strict standards of the certified program, it will not make the cut. Although certified pre-owned vehicles are just a tad bit more expensive, the prospective buyers will not have to worry about purchasing a lemon.

Know Your Needs

Do not make the mistake of buying a car that does not match your lifestyle. While a sports car can be fun to drive, it is not the best choice for a person who needs to haul around their children.

There is no overlooking the fact that used cars are far less expensive. However, be sure to take the necessary precautions.

Image credit: by cool3c, on Flickr

5 Vehicles That Seamlessly Blend Quailty And Value

A car that blends quality and value seamless must have eco-friendly features and options that are suitable for families. Although many new vehicles are worth buying, there are five used automobiles that have key components that consumers greatly appreciate.

Honda Civic 

The 2012 Honda Civic has a great fuel economy rating. According to the Environment Protection Agency, consumers who own any previous-generation Honda Civic typically spend $200 more each year on fuel. So, upgrading to any 2012 Honda Civic trim is a smart financial decision. 

The Honda Civic is offered in three eco-friendly trims. Consumers can choose the Honda HF, the Honda Civic Hybrid, or the Honda Civic Natural Gas. Although each trim has useful features, the most fuel-efficient option is the Honda Civic Hybrid. 

Ford Focus

The 2012 Ford Focus is an affordable vehicle that is big enough for a small family. In the rear cabin, there is plenty of headroom and legroom for kids and adult passengers. Consumers who need more space should purchase one of the upper trims. Besides additional space, the higher trims offer other features, such as a Sony sound system and sports seats.

Toyota Corolla

The 2012 Toyota Corolla has a very spacious driver’s seat. While driving, visibility is never an issue in the cabin. Thanks to the simple controls, operating the audio system and climate control system is a snap. Overall, since the trunk by roomy, the 2012 Toyota Corolla is an ideal automobile for family vacations.

Volkswagen Golf TDI

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf is available as a four-door hatchback and a two-door hatchback at many Volkswagen dealerships. Both options are great for long trips since the seats are supportive and comfortable. In the cabin, there is also an efficient navigation system, Bluetooth, and satellite radio.

Toyota Prius V

In the United States, the Toyota Prius has been a bestselling hybrid since it debuted in 2001. The 2014 Prius is a quality vehicle because it meets the strict emissions standard in California.

A variety of hybrid displays and gauges are found in the cabin. Because the readouts are easy to understand, passengers never have problems using them. For families, this Prius is a good option because it has sliding and reclining rear seats.

Besides these vehicles, there are many other automobiles that have valuable features. For example, if accessing and starting a vehicle is a key requirement, consider buying an automobile that has a keyless access and start function.

To obtain more information about many other vehicles, contact Tischer Auto.

Top 10 Affordable Cars that Make You’re Traveling Easier

We all love the thrill of traveling and getting to explore new places. Unfortunately, traveling becomes a costly luxury when one cannot get affordable cars. This should not be the case as there are many cars that can give you a pleasant traveling experience without draining your bank account.

The following are affordable cars that will make traveling an unforgettable experience.

Toyota Vios

The Vios is a 4-door sedan with efficient fuel consumption that will give you about 15.8 km/ per liter (both the E and G grades). Both the E and G grade models reach a maximum speed of 170km per hour and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in 12 seconds.

Suzuki Swift Sport

The Swift is a hatchback that boasts of better handling, environmental compatibility, and economic fuel consumption. It comes with a 1.6 liter engine, and a 42-litre fuel tank capacity. Its 3-door option has a capacity of 4 persons while the 5-door variant has a capacity of 5 persons.

Honda CR-V (RD4)

The RD4 is a second generation variant of the Honda CR-V. This 5-door compact SUV has a capacity of 5. It has rear seats that can fold down and a picnic table is folded down in the rear floor. Its fuel consumption is relatively efficient given that a liter of petrol can give you about 11.9 km.

Daewoo Leganza

The 2002 Daewoo Leganza is a 4-door sedan powered by a 2.2 liter engine. It has a top speed of 206km/h and can reach 100km/h in 10.2 seconds. The car consumes 13 liters for every 100km in an urban area.

Nissan Tiida

The Tiida, also known as the Nissan Versa, is a 5-door hatchback (and 4-door saloon) that derives power from a 1.8 litre, 4-cylinder engine. Its fuel tank can hold 52 liters of fuel. The Tilda has a carrying capacity of 5 persons.

Toyota Prius

The Prius is undoubtedly one of the most advanced yet affordable hybrid cars out there. This car has amazing fuel efficiency; with its four-cylinder engine, it can move you about 25km on just a liter. It has a top speed of 180km and accelerates to 100km in just 10 seconds.

Honda Fit Hybrid

The Honda Fit Hybrid, also known as the Fit Shuttle Hybrid-C, was first released in 2012. This 5-door station wagon is powered by a 1.3 liter engine. Its fuel tank has an ample capacity of 42 liters, meaning you can travel over long distances without the bother of having to refill it constantly. It has a carrying capacity of 5 persons.

Toyota Aqua

The Aqua, also known as the Prius C, is a 5-door hatchback with a carrying capacity of 5 persons. It derives power from a 1.5 liter, 4-cylinder engine capable of giving you a whole 37km for just a liter. Its fuel tank is capable of holding 36 liters. The car also sports water repellent front windows and a Start/Stop system that significantly reduces fuel consumption.

Perouda Viva Elite

The Perouda Viva ELITE is a city car first released in 2007. It is powered by a fuel-efficient 3-cylinder engine, capable of giving you 15km per liter and a top speed of 160km/h. Its fuel tank can hold 36 liters of fuel. The car has a carrying capacity of 5 persons.

Honda Insight

The 2014 Honda Insight is an affordable small hybrid hatchback powered by a 1.3 liter, 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor. This front-wheel drive car can seat 5. Although it is fuel efficient, the Insight falls slightly behind superior hybrids like the Prius.

All these cars are available at major car rental companies. And when you decide to go to Australia, do not forget to bring your Australian Visa.

Factors Which You Need To Take Into Consideration When Buying A Used Car

Buying a car is a daunting task. A used car is comparatively cheaper than a new car. You can save a great deal of money if you opt for a used car. An HPI report will inform you about the car’s history and the repairs which have been done on the vehicle. At a lower price you will be able to buy a nicer model. Registration fee for a used car is lower than that of a new car. Insurance for a used car is cheaper than insuring anew and expensive vehicle.

In this primer some vital tips are shared which will help you to buy a used car.

  • If the car which you intend to buy has run for 15,000kilometerrs to 50,000 kilometers it is a good buy. Check the car for signs of accident. A reliable dealer will conduct tests which will help you to ascertain the history of the car. Door panels can show signs of accident.
  • It is important that you check the engine. Check the petrol consumption and air conditioning of the car. Check the exterior of the car for scratches and damage. Make sure that the model year mention in the registration papers matches the year of manufacturing. You can use a second hand car for at least 3 to 4 years.
  • When you buy a used car you can maximize your savings. If you have set your mind on buying a used car make sure that you opt for a popular model which is in presently in production. A popular model will be easy to sell and depreciate much lesser over the years. Buy a used car from a large manufacturer who provides strong back-end service.
  • Do your homework well before buying a used car. Before you make the purchase read on the recent trends in the auto industry. Plan a budget and figure out how much you want to spend on the car. It is a wise idea to survey the market before buying a used car. This will give you an idea of which vehicle you will be able to afford within your budget.
  • It is essential to check the history report of the car. Conducting an HPI check is very important. It will provide you information on the correct mileage and background of the car. Make sure that the paperwork of the car is up-to-date and complete. This will be of great help when the car is transferred to your name.
  • Conduct a test drive is very important. You can learn about the used car by carrying out a test drive. Check out for unusual vibrations in the car. Ensure that the brakes are smooth. Go for a drive on a bumpy road to make sure that there are no unusual vibrations and noise in the car. Take the car to a mechanics and inspect the underbody of the car.
  • Check all pros and cons before finalizing the deal. If you are not happy with the price you can walk out. Do not fall into traps of a Teflon coating or purchase accessories which the dealer may try to sell to you. After the deal is closed drive away with a car which is insured. All repair work must be carried out before the car is delivered to you.

When buying a used car your goal should be to find a well-maintained car which is in good condition. Value of a used car will depend on its condition and certain other factors. A car with strong reputation and reliability will not lose its value quickly. You must check the mileage and safety ratings before purchase.

Author Bio: Camille Gomez works in a private bank and wants to buy a used car. She has contacted a dealer who is offering an HPI check free. Before buying a used car she has decided to survey the market and check the trends.

Five Things to Ask a Private Seller When Buying a Used Car

The purchase of a vehicle is one the the largest investments you will ever make on a single item, so it is crucial to have a good understanding of the car or truck you may have in mind. While there are advantages of buying from a private seller, there are no warranties, so it is important to ask five crucial questions when buying a used car from a private seller.

Reason for the Sale

Behind every car sale from a private owner, there is a logical reason why the transaction is taking place. The first question you should ask a private seller is what their motivation is for the sale. If they are selling because they purchased a new vehicle, this means they want to sell quickly, and this can be advantageous for you. Some owners will be completely honest and admit that the vehicle is not economical, reliable, or fuel-efficient, which is important to know.

Past Owners

Once you meet with the seller, it is time to inquire more about the car’s history. Make sure to ask them where they bought the car. If they are the original owner, this is a good sign. They should be able to provide all of the maintenance records. If they cannot provide an adequate record of the vehicle’s history, a specialist from a used car dealership in Utah recommends that you walk away. An incomplete car history could be hiding parts replacements, repairs, and illegal ownership—none of which any new owner would want to deal with.

Condition of the Vehicle

This is a question that can be asked over the phone prior to the first meeting. Ask the seller how they would describe their car’s condition. Terms such as "excellent", "good", and "fair" are all positive responses, and it could be worth the time to check out. At the same time, be wary of hesitation or unwillingness to provide pictures of any part of the vehicle.

Independent Inspection

After you have taken the vehicle on a test drive, ask the seller if they mind if you get an independent inspection done. If they are at all hesitant to agree, this should be a huge red flag that something is not right. An inspection performed by an unbiased third party is your best chance at receiving a complete and accurate evaluation of the vehicle’s condition and should be performed on any used car you consider purchasing, especially from a private seller.

Oil Type

A clever way, recommended by experts from used car dealerships in Utah, to discover how well maintained the vehicle has been is to ask what kind of oil it uses. A seller able to quickly answer this question likely did oil changes themselves and took care of the vehicle. If hesitant, it is a good idea to have a mechanic look over the vehicle.

Getting the Best for Your Money

Buying a used car from a private seller can be a bargain, but there are bad apples in every barrel. By asking these five questions, you can rest assured in your decision. A car is a major purchase, and a used car can be quite a gamble, but by standing your ground and employing the tips discussed above, you can ensure the vehicle you buy is in good shape and priced fairly.