The Family Vehicle: Should You Buy a Crossover or a Minivan?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/15 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on The Family Vehicle: Should You Buy a Crossover or a Minivan?

The debate over whether a family is better served by a crossover or a minivan is one that is hotly contested in many circles, which  makes it extremely confusing for those people that are looking for a great family vehicle. Many people arguing for the minivan will simply cite that the minivan is larger and therefore better, resting their case at that. However, taking a closer look at what different types of models of specific minivans and crossovers can offer to families allows you to decide for yourself. Understanding some of the advantages and disadvantages of both will allow the debate to be settled in your own mind.

The Debate

The minivan and the crossover are on equal footing in most cases when it comes to seating up to eight passengers, offering three rows of seating, and performing pretty well in the mileage department. These are the traditional needs of the average family. The crossover has attempted to meet these needs while also offering versatility and style as well. The reality is that crossover vehicles are closer in platform to vans than they are any type of truck or car. Although, when it really comes to shopping for your individual family, it usually comes down to some essentials. Outside of the obvious factors such as gas mileage, seating, and cargo space, there are entertainment options, cup holders, and other valuable features that can heavily weigh in.

The Contenders

The Honda Odyssey LX is a vastly popular minivan that achieves 23 miles to the gallon on the highway. It is on equal footing with the Honda Pilot LX, a cross over that has the same fuel efficiency. The Pilot is all-wheel drive and offers just slightly more leg room in the front. However, the Odyssey comes out on top when it comes to cargo space and cup holders. For roughly $1,000 less, the minivan has 13 cup holders and 147 cubic feet of storage space. The Toyota Sienna SE, another popular minivan, comes in at nearly $4,000 less than the popular crossover and similar vehicle, the Mazda CX-9 sport. The minivan also gives customers more seating and more leg room in nearly every area. It also features 10 cup holders as well. Still, the CX-9 offers all-wheel drive and a more stylish look with more nimble handling.

Entertainment and Choice

In the entertainment department, nearly all new models of both kinds of vehicles offer the option of DVD entertainment and television screens that utilize separate inputs. The audio systems can be outfitted for ideal sound, making this dimension one that falls under the discretion of the buyer when they consider optional features. In light of these facts, the minivan does seem to come out on top if you are looking for raw storage space at a lower price. Versatility, style, and handling seem to go to the crossover, although, they do not edge out the minivan in gas mileage as many would assume. The most important thing for buyers to do when they visit local Mazda dealers in Kansas City is to consider their own needs and weigh them against the strengths and weaknesses of each type of vehicle.

Thus, if you need a large amount of space, and don’t really care about style, a minivan will more than likely fit your style and needs. On the other hand, if style is a big factor, and you still want your vehicle to be able to go off-road and perform in poor conditions, a crossover will probably fit better with your needs, though you will need to pay more for these great benefits.

Suggested Reading: The Practical Guide to Van Ownership

Five Tips For Saving Money On Automobile Repair Costs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/13 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on Five Tips For Saving Money On Automobile Repair Costs

Every car or truck will require repairs at some point, and some can become very expensive over time. Many drivers decide to start performing do-it-yourself repairs to lower costs, which can quickly become even more costly than going to a professional. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid spending too much on your automobile. These five tips will help drivers to save money on automobile repair costs:

Look For Used or Aftermarket Parts

A good way to save money is to buy parts personally rather than relying on parts from a professional mechanic. It is often possible to find refurbished or used parts that are perfectly functional at a fraction of the cost of new components. Similarly, choosing aftermarket parts saves money over buying parts from the manufacturer of the car or truck.

Maintain a Good Relationship with a Mechanic

Another way to save money on repairs is to maintain a good relationship with a mechanic. A friendly auto mechanic can provide advice and expertise about different repairs. Mechanics might also be willing to lend out tools that make performing do-it-yourself repairs much easier. This can help to lower repair costs on small jobs.

Call Professionals When In Doubt

Some car and truck repairs should only be handled by professionals. Attempting to repair a vehicle without the right tools, parts or knowledge can result in problems that become exponentially more expensive to fix. Bad do-it-yourself repairs can make a vehicle unsafe or cause irreparable damage, warns a professional who specializes in truck repair Austin TX. Calling a professional is less expensive than paying for a mechanic after an incorrect do-it-yourself repair.

Always Compare

Some drivers use regular stores or mechanics for car and truck repairs. Comparison shopping can save money when repairs are necessary. Comparing estimates from two or three different mechanics allows drivers to find the best deals. It is possible to save money on do-it-yourself repairs by comparing the price of parts online or between different retailers.

Regular Maintenance

It is cheaper to align the tires on a car than it is to replace the transmission. Regular maintenance will save money on repairs. Ignoring small problems or annual maintenance will eventually lead to larger problems that cost far more to repair. The car or truck should be kept in good condition. Any small issues should be addressed immediately.

Lowering repair costs is something that can be done every day. It is important to minimize wear on the car by avoiding hard stops, sharp turns and sudden acceleration. It also helps to keep the car off bad roads. This will reduce the chance of damage that requires expensive repairs. Follow these simple to tips to save you money on the your car or truck repairs.

Five Tips You Need to Know when Shopping For Your First Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/11 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Five Tips You Need to Know when Shopping For Your First Car

There are many things that everyone values in a first car. Affordability, reliability and a good history all make a first car purchase worthwhile. A mechanically sound car with impressive economy would make an ideal first car. A first car can be attractive and sporty too. There’s no reason it can’t be fun. Use these tips when shopping at car dealerships:

Research the Car on the Internet

It’s expensive to run a car. Research the car’s miles-per-gallon on the Internet. Find a car’s MPG by entering the make and model into a Google search and check the average figure, and then the city and highway figure. A full-size car may appear to be a gas-guzzler, but the statistics may say something different. While you’re there, get an idea of the book value of the car you’re interested in.

Bring a Checklist Along When Shopping

When you visit car dealerships in Durham NC, look for cars you would enjoy owning. By test-driving it, you’ll discover whether the car you’re looking at is really a good fit. Bring along a checklist of car body and engine parts with a generic diagram you can mark to identify problems like dents in the body panels and cracks in the windshield. These checklists are available from Chilton Books and other sources.

Check the VIN Number

You never know when you’re purchasing a salvaged vehicle or a flood-damaged car. Check the VIN number at websites online. The VIN number is on the passenger’s side windshield. There are seventeen characters visible through the windshield. A VIN number can also tell you how many wrecks a car has been in, what the actual mileage is and the number of previous owners.

Get a Mechanic to Inspect It

Determine if the car is reliable. Will it start every morning without fail? If you or a member of your family knows a mechanic, show the car to your mechanic and ask for an inspection. In conversation, convey to the mechanic the price the seller is asking. Mechanics are experts in automobiles and can offer invaluable advice.

Calculate the Cost of Ownership

The cost of ownership includes depreciation, cost of insurance and the cost of financing a car. Running and maintaining the vehicle also costs money. Total these factors up and have it in hand before you buy a car.

On the other hand, calculate in fun things like sporty looks and nimble handling. By following these tips, you can get started in the search for your first car. Reduce the time and energy spent in a car search with knowledge you gained beforehand. You will be that much closer to buying your first car.

Get a Grip: 4 Best Wet Weather Driving Tips

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/08 in On the Road with Comments Off on Get a Grip: 4 Best Wet Weather Driving Tips

As weather turns colder and more gloomy one thing that shouldn’t get us down is an expense from a fender bender that could have been avoided. Driving in wet weather is something that everyone is subject to but often times we forget that we will need to drive more cautiously and intelligently; otherwise a motorist will find him or herself involved in an accident with unknown ramifications. Fortunately, with these four safe driving tips, you can arrive to their destination without incident.

Tires

All too often, a driver will neglect his or her tires in a bid to save time and money. At first, some people get away with this and do fine on bald or damaged tires. However, on a wet and unpredictable road, one will have problems navigating their car with old and worn out tires. To combat this and avoid serious problems in the rain, one should head to an online or brick and mortar store to pick up a new set. Of course, when looking to save the most money, one should buy cheap tires online as they will cut out the middleman and save you some money in the process.

Slow Down

A motorist in the rain must slow down and go at, or below, the speed limit. All too often, a driver will not heed this advice, and they will go over the limit and cause an accident when they cannot handle the conditions. One must remember that a car reacts differently on wet pavement, and a driver must understand this and slow down during treacherous conditions. Remember, in poor conditions, a driver must slow down and watch out for other people on the road.

Following Distance

 When on the road, other drivers will also react poorly to the rain and wet conditions. To avoid problems, a motorist should know this and avoid tailgating. This is especially true when driving during busy times as one false move by another motorist can cause problems for everyone on the road. Remember, never tailgate and especially during rainy times as other drivers are unpredictable and may stop or slow down for conditions. This step will help a person avoid most problems on the road as tailgating causes plenty of accidents.

Lights

In some states, a driver must have his or her lights on when using their windshield wipers and driving in the rain. Even if this is not the case, a motorist should opt to do this as other drivers will have an easy time seeing a car with lights on. Without a doubt, this is an important step as people will have difficulty in seeing other cars in downpours.

Remember that just because it’s raining outside doesn’t mean that you have to be cooped up at home! So don’t hesitate to take that trip to the store or anyhting just because its wet outside. With these four simple tips, a motorist can, with ease, avoid accidents and arrive home safely and on time.

Valuable Tips for Protecting Those Classy Cars

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/06 in Auto Security with Comments Off on Valuable Tips for Protecting Those Classy Cars

A car is often one of the largest investments that a person makes. With an estimated 700,000 vehicles reported stolen in the United States each year, however, the possibility is always there that your car could be next. Still, most vehicle thefts happen to people who are not as careful as they should be with their cars, so as long as you are taking the proper precautions, you should never have to experience that awful pang of panic when you realize that your car is not where you last parked it.

Buy a Car with an Alarm System

Most vehicles these days come with built-in security systems. Even if yours does not, it is more than likely worth it to have one installed by the dealer or from a private company for an additional charge. Not only can an anti-theft system deter would-be thieves from coming near your vehicle in the first place, but cars with these devices in place typically cost less to insure as well. In this sense, the cost of your car’s security system could essentially pay for itself through insurance savings.

Park in Well-Lit Areas

Whether you are at home or in public, you should always be sure to park your car in a well-lit area. For example, if in a supermarket parking lot, make an effort to park directly below a working light pole. Thieves prefer to do their dirty work in the dark because they are less likely to be seen and caught that way, so they will likely not bother even attempting to break into a car parked directly under a bright light source.

Install a Home Security System

Parking your car in a garage can be a great way to keep it safe, but what if your garage gets broken into? This is more common than you might think. In addition to home security reasons, it is never a bad idea to invest in a security/alarm system at your home. This way, if a sensor is tripped on your garage door or at any other point of entry at your home, you can immediately have an alarm sounded and authorities dispatched to your property.

Keep Track of Your Keys

People usually think about thieves stealing cars by breaking windows and hot wiring the car, but there is an easier way. Stealing a car by stealing car keys is much easier. Make sure your keys are kept in a safe place. When out and about keep them in your pocket. When at home don’t be tempted to leave your keys next to your door. This makes it too easy for a thief to take the keys without having to step in the house.

Don’t Valet Park

It’s tempting to use the class and convenience of valet parking, but it may be wise to think twice.  Valet parking attendants are usually you and have not had much time behind the wheel. This can lead to accidents, dings, and scrapes.  To keep your car in pristine condition it may be best not to hand the keys over to a stranger.

As you can see, there are plenty of steps you can take to protect your car from thieves and vandals, so be sure to follow the above tips.

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →