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6 key factors to consider when buying a used car

6 key factors to consider when buying a used car

Not everyone can manage to buy a new car. And most often, people start their car ownership with a used car and buy a brand new one only after saving enough. Owning a car is not an easy task; there is a need for maintenance, repair, and constant upkeep. But paying attention while buying the car can help. Here are six key factors to keep in mind before purchasing a used car. 

Budget
Budget is one of the first things to consider while buying a used car. Most people tend to make emotional or impulsive choices when making a decision and often end up overspending. It might be difficult to stay objective when there is a car you like or when you are in a tricky situation of bargaining the price of a used car. One of the most important reasons people look for used cars is because they are on a tight budget. So, to make a rational decision, it is essential to be practical and identify how much money you can spend on a used car. If you are going to take a loan, talk to an expert and evaluate your credit score to know how much loan you are eligible for if going for financing.

Lifestyle
When you buy a new or used car, you need to consider practicality. Make sure the vehicles you are considering compliment your lifestyle. Larger cars are suitable for families, while sedans from top brands bring in an aspect of refinement and repute. SUVs, on the other hand, are considered safe vehicles and offer an excellent drive on the road. If you are looking for a car to go on trips with your friends, you might consider a spirited sports car. Consider a pickup truck if you travel interstate or constantly carry a lot of cargo. But if you have a bunch of kids to drive around, you could look for a minivan. With the purpose in mind, you can make an appropriate choice on which used car to purchase. 

Check the condition
With new cars, you get a warranty from the manufacturer and are assured of satisfactory quality, as it comes fresh directly from the factory. However, with used cars, you must carefully examine the vehicle and, if unsure, seek help from a trusted mechanic. Though the seller might not cheat you, there is a chance they missed some issues or are quoting unfairly. It is essential to check the body for damages and dents, the upholstery, engine, tires, electronics, and all other working parts of the used car to ensure they are in good condition and functional. One excellent way to check a used car is to take it for a test drive. Driving it for a considerable distance at low and high speeds, on traffic-free and busy streets, broad and tight spaces, and well-laid and uneven roads will reveal how easy and smooth the maneuvering is in the used car. 

Vehicle history
Even shiny and spotless-looking cars could have problems hiding under the hood. Besides thoroughly inspecting the car’s interior and exterior, consider reviewing the vehicle’s history. Websites like CARFAX allow you to explore used car documents, prior damages, odometer readings, title information, and service records. All this will enable you to critically analyze the vehicle’s condition and decide whether to buy the used car or not. Since you usually have only the previous owner’s word regarding the quality of a car, this is one of the key factors to consider when buying a used car. 

Insurance
Most people are unaware you need to check the validity of the insurance before buying a used car. Some insurance companies permit you to transfer your coverage to a new vehicle. So, it would be best if you researched to identify what options are available in your state. Knowing if you can transfer your seller’s insurance to you for the used car is also essential. If you have narrowed down some options for used cars, their insurance quotes may become an essential criterion for your final decision on which to buy. 

Reputation
Whether you find a private seller or are approaching a local car dealership for your used car, consider the reviews and reports for the auto manufacturers and their makes and models. Identify which used car models are likely to suit your needs, and remember, brand reviews can help guide the decision-making process. Online tools like Kelley Blue Book help you access valuation tools, car reviews, and local dealer inventories. Steer clear of private car sellers who might be risky and opt for reputed dealerships, preferably in your locality. Also, remember to leave reviews after your used car purchase so others can benefit from them to decide carefully. 

Used cars can be an excellent opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience freedom. Remember that you are spending hard-earned money, so make a wise decision. Invest several hours into research when choosing the suitable vehicle for you. Inspect your vehicle with care and attention and make decisions rationally, not emotionally. Vehicle history, insurance, and financing options are all crucial factors for you to consider. Remember the key factors when buying a used car; otherwise, you may pay more for repairs.  

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5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, have come a long way from being mere large-family vehicles to one of the most versatile and in-demand passenger cars. They are safe, well-designed, spacious, and fun to drive. The large-SUV market segment's revenue is estimated to reach $148.60 billion in 2022. With increasing interest and demand, many new or redesigned models have entered the market. Here are a few leading SUVs to look for: Hyundai Tucson Hyundai has redesigned the Tucson completely. The 2022 version has multiple trim levels, including a sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model. It also has three different powertrain options: hybrid, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid. Further, the 2022 Tucson has upgraded infotainment systems, multiple rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, top-class safety features, and driver-assistance technologies like cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning. The price of the 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,350. Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-sized SUV. The 2022 variant, redesigned to offer a smoother ride, can accommodate five passengers in its top-class interiors with comfortable and supportive seats. The car has three powertrains: the existing V-6 and V-9 and a 4xe plug-in for the hybrid variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all models with V-6. There are multiple models with standardized features like a touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane departure warnings. The price starts at around $38,325 for the base model. Honda CR-V The 2022 Honda CR-V is among the leaders in the compact SUV segment. It is a five-seater with upscale interiors, spacious and comfortable seats, and larger cargo space. You get a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a better mileage efficiency of 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The CVR-V is equipped with most standard safety and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2022 Honda CR-V comes in multiple trims with a base price of around $25,750. Volkswagen Taos The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a subcompact crossover SUV. It is a five-seater with a huge back seat and copious cargo space. You get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 158 horsepower, and a 184 pound-feet of torque. The car comes in three trims, and all have standard 18-inch wheels. The safety and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are bundled under the brand's IQ Drive system. Further, the car has a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic high beams, a panoramic sunroof, and modern and aesthetic interiors. The base price starts at around $23,495. Chevrolet Trailblazer The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a small crossover SUV anticipated to be released in the early fall or late summer of 2022. Although small, it is spacious with a two-tier adaptable cargo storage system and a foldable passenger seat. You can choose between a turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower. You also get a front-wheel or all-wheel drive, depending on your chosen engine variant. The vehicle offers a fuel economy of up to 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The technology features include a seven-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a four-speaker stereo. Plus, you get rear view cameras, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep and lane assist features for safer driving. The base price of the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer is $21,800. Tips for choosing the right SUV SUVs are famous for their versatility, off-road capabilities, performance, and fuel efficiency. But consider the following points while buying one: Size Consider the size of the car, your garage space, and your comfort level in driving a large vehicle. Choose accordingly from small, compact, mid-sized, and large SUVs. The number of seats While large SUVs may offer seven or eight seats, most SUVs have a seating capacity of five. Choose one based on the number of members in your family. Luggage space If you travel a lot, have young kids, or have hobbies requiring bulky equipment, check if the SUV has enough cargo space. Even a smaller car with well-designed cargo space might suffice. Drivetrain Most offer two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive options. Choose a trim ideal for your location, terrain, and climate. Fuel efficiency Most car makers give clear information about the fuel efficiency ratings. If not, try to research this aspect before heading to the showroom. Also, work out how much you would have to set apart for gas before choosing the vehicle. Safety features Newer models are fitted with many safety features. Look for blind-spot warning and anti-lock braking systems that are crucial to prevent and avoid accidents. You can stop quickly if the tires are the right size and width. Further, ensure the SUV has tire-pressure-monitoring sensors, side and curtain airbags, parking sensors, and cameras. Driver assistance systems Effective driver assistance systems can keep you and your family safe. Look for automatic speed and cruise control and parking assistance features. Lane assist has proven helpful to drivers if there are critical lane changes. However, the price can also increase significantly depending on the car's features. So, have a budget in mind.

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7 mistakes to avoid when buying auto insurance

Finding the ideal auto insurance plan is crucial because purchasing a car is a substantial investment. Since insurers consider several criteria when determining your cost, searching for auto insurance can be challenging. To reduce their insurance rates, customers frequently look for novel solutions. Sometimes, the choices people make to save end up costing them more in the end. Here are some vehicle insurance blunders to watch out for and avoid. Not knowing what type of insurance you require Every state has different minimum coverage requirements, but you shouldn't base your decision solely on that. Each person has different protection needs based on various factors, including the model and type of vehicle, the vehicle's cost, and your driving experience. Of course, everyone desires complete coverage. Nonetheless, it is usually quite costly. So, your best bet is to find the right balance of price and coverage. Setting an excessive deductible Your premium should decrease when you increase the deductible on your auto insurance coverage. Many car owners who want to cut costs may find this quite enticing. When you are in an accident or damage your car and need to get it fixed, then there would be a problem. You could run into serious problems getting your automobile fixed and back on the road if the repairs are going to cost more than you have available. Failure to update insurance Failure to update your coverage after getting a new car or relocating to another area is one of the most frequent mistakes people make with auto insurance. These changes affect auto insurance plans. Any significant changes of this nature should be reported to your agent so that your rates can be adjusted. False information on a car insurance application It's a big deal to lie on an insurance application. The insurance provider may ultimately reject your claims if you don't tell the truth on your application. When it comes to auto insurance, the two places where people are most likely to lie are when adding young drivers to the policy and declaring the vehicle's intended usage. For example, including a teen driver in your auto insurance policy would significantly raise your rate. Another factor is that many don't report their driving habits. You must let your auto insurance provider know if you use your vehicle for any business-related purposes. Purchasing insurance from a major online provider Over the past ten years, more and larger national online insurance providers have existed. These insurance providers might provide the coverage you require for less money than you might pay your neighborhood independent insurance firm. You are often paired with a particular agent when you get insurance from a private insurance company. That agent speaks on your behalf to the insurance provider. Your insurance premiums are negotiated, and that agent navigates claims. When working with an independent agent, you are more than just a claim or policy number. Most independent agents get to know their customers and develop enduring bonds with them. Not posing inquiries Always ask questions if something is unclear when purchasing auto insurance, regardless of whether you are working with an agent or a specific firm. To divert and close the deal, agents and businesses frequently employ flowery language and industry jargon. Make them stop and clarify if you don't grasp a term or what they are trying to say. After all, it is their responsibility to inform and assist clients in making educated selections. There is nothing to worry about. Not comparing insurance providers Most of us, when out shopping, compare the prices of items we wish to purchase. Use the same strategy to improve your chances of finding a decent bargain when shopping for auto insurance. Therefore, when looking for auto insurance, always try to get at least several quotations from different firms. To get the finest and least expensive alternative for you, you may need to compare your options if your driving history includes accidents or speeding tickets. Finding the ideal insurance plan is just as crucial as choosing the ideal vehicle.

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