Black Friday Upgrades Your Car Will Be Thankful For

The shopping season has already begun, and Black Friday is right around the corner.

While you’re shopping for friends and family, don’t forget to do some shopping for the thing that got you to the mall in the first place: your car.

Often forgotten during this time of year, your vehicle needs to be remembered and taken care of, if you want it to last. Here are some cheap but smart upgrades you can make this holiday season.

Windshield Wipers
Cost: $12-$18


You can’t drive if you can’t see through the front window, and this is where upgraded windshield wipers come in handy. Instead of going for the cheaper ones, treat yourself (and your car) to a pair of heavy duty wipers like the ones from Rain-X.You can get wiper blades that are made of durable synthetic rubber that resist stripping in extreme temperatures and prevent ice and snow build-up. Also, look for blades that are graphite coated so the wipes are smooth and skip-free.

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Road Trip Planner: ’90s Music Jams Playlist

Planning to hit the road for the holiday season? You’re not alone. According to AAA, more than 25 percent of Americans ditched air travel for the highway in 2012. And the roads continue to fill up each November and December.

If you’re preparing to head out in the next few weeks, packing your bags and punching the destination into your GPS is the easy part. Coming up with the perfect playlist that will keep you entertained through those less-scenic stretches is the difficult part.

And technology doesn’t make it any better – there are far too many songs to choose from, and, with your busy schedule, you simply don’t have time to compile the perfect list.

No worries. We’ve got you covered: 1990s edition (make sure to subscribe to our Spotify playlist at the bottom!).

1. Janet Jackson: Escapade

Remember your first crush? This song will bring back memories of the moment he caught your eye. He was looking fly, and you couldn’t wait to rescue him from the worries of the world and show him a good time. Continue reading…

Fashion vs. Function: The Struggle Is Real

You’re a hard worker, so you deserve the finer things in life – beginning with a fly ride.

Maybe money’s tight or you’ve made a few bad financial moves in the past, which are making it difficult to afford the car of your dreams. The struggle is real, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find an affordable car that’s both functional and fashionable.

Fortunately, there are a variety of stylish, reliable and versatile vehicles to choose from, so you’ll be able to ride in style without breaking the bank.

2008 Chevrolet Equinox For the Busy Parent: 2008 Chevrolet Equinox

We understand you’re always on the go with the kids in tow, so you need a functional yet still fashionable ride to handle your transportation needs.

You may have to drive carpool for what seems like a bunch of Tasmanian devils, but you still don’t want your little ones to be embarrassed by your clunker pulling into their friends’ driveways—save that humiliation for when they start dating. Continue reading…

4 Cars That Will Get You to Work and Vegas

Despite what you’ve been told, buying a used car is about a lot more than fancy rims, spacious back seats and a paint job your friends will envy.

In fact, there are other things to consider besides how good you’ll look listening to Kesha with your windows down—things like affordability, reliability and gas mileage.

Trust me, I know this conversation is getting boring . . . and quick. But, you have to be smart about this. Let’s face it, the cost of filling up your tank is an issue you should take seriously. Why? Because money you spend on gas can’t be spent on the things that really matter—things like getting your hair cut, your cell phone bill and trips to some of your favorite vacation spots.

Are you feeling me now? Don’t get stuck with a giant gas guzzler or a mini bus. Here are a few options that will take it easy on your pocketbook:

Toyota Camry Hybrid

2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Word on the street is that the Toyota Camry Hybrid gets 35 miles per gallon on the highway and 31 in the city. Continue reading…

You Landed the Dream Job, Now Get the Dream Car

So, you finally landed your dream job—the one you’ve been talking about getting for months, or even years. Congratulations!

Soon, you’ll have a steady paycheck, building up your savings for a rainy day and paying off any lingering bills.Unfortunately, one thing is missing from the picture: a new ride that finally represents YOU.

Here are just a few things to consider before you go out an purchase your ideal ride to go along with your new job.

An Excellent Physique
First of all, your new ride should reflect the qualities of its owner. In other words, it should look like a sleek, curvy, angel from heaven . . . minus the wings and some added hubcaps. You get it – just get what fits your style and your transportation needs. It’s pretty simple when you think about it, but think a few years ahead.

Will you need more room, towing capacity, room for a baby, maybe? You’ll likely have the vehicle for at least three to five years, so keep that in mind when car shopping.

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