5 Cute Cars You Won’t Be Embarrassed to Valet

Are you in the market for a new set of wheels, but are strapped for cash and afraid your options will be limited? Don’t be. Although a report released last year by USA Today indicated the average price of a new vehicle is $31,252, there are a plethora of used rides on the market to choose from. Even if it’s just a year old, you can still save a substantial amount of cash and ride in style without skimping on quality.

Even though you don’t often have other people in your car or take it to the valet, you want people to think you have good taste, and that includes a cute car. Don’t fret. Here are five affordable used cars you won’t be ashamed to valet.

This post is contributed by Allison Martin, personal finance writer and contributor on Yahoo! Finance and BadCredit.org.

1. Nissan Juke: “The Playroom”
Reviewers and consumers have classified the Nissan Juke as quirky, but its adorable exterior will send heads turning as you drive by. It boasts a shiny, trendy center console that is sure to wow passengers as they step inside. In addition, the Juke is equipped with a digital display inundated with colorful information screens that are easy on the eyes. The cargo area is the perfect place to get cozy with a pal and gaze at the stars. It’s not the most spacious crossover on the market, but with an exterior that’s too cute to resist, the Juke is definitely worth considering.

Photo by El monty via Wikimedia Commons.

Don’t Miss Out on These 4 “New Car” Perks with Your Used Car

While many used cars will never regain the famous “new car smell” (although you’d be amazed at what car fresheners can smell like these days), there are several other perks to be enjoyed with a used car that make it feel like new.

“New” used cars usually come with fabulous benefits such as potential for financing, complete vehicle protection plans, and loyalty programs for repeat buyers. Drivers can enjoy the new car experience without having to make the same type of financial commitment.

1. Financing for Success

Financing can be the difference between purchasing a used vehicle and walking away empty-handed. The average person simply doesn’t have the resources to purchase a car, whether new or used, in full off the lot. However, it’s equally challenging to find used car dealers willing to provide a decent financing plan. With proper research, it’s possible to locate a used car dealership where employees will help you walk away with the best deal possible.

Be patient, and wait to find a dealer who offers the least interest and best monthly payment options. While it may get challenging to continue waiting to purchase a vehicle, sticking to your priorities is important.

Don’t Let Fido Hang Out the Window (and Other Tips for Traveling with Pets)

September 16, 2014
Road Trip Tips
pet safety, Road Trips

Among the precious cargo we transport with our vehicles – children, loved ones, and ourselves – our pets are some of the most defenseless.

In the event of a vehicle collision, what will keep your cat, dog, or ring-tailed lemur safe from harm? Understanding how to take proper safety precautions to protect your pooch is important for drivers who regularly bring their animals along for the ride.

Is your pet ready for the ride?

Some pets experience car sickness or anxiety. To prepare for an upcoming trip, visit your local veterinarian to get advice and medications to help your dog handle the road. Cats are often skeptical of crates, so getting out the crate a few days in advance for them to examine is wise. Decrease their anxiety by giving them time to make sure they approve of their mobile carrier before spending several hours inside of it.

Pack the necessities from waste bags, food, water, and leash to favorite toys, pillows, and soft blankets. Offering your pet pieces of home will help him or her relax and enjoy the ride.

Know the Facts behind Photo Enforcement Cameras

Have you heard of automated traffic enforcement? Surely, you’ve seen these pesky cameras around.

They are installed near intersections, on roadways or even in police vehicles to monitor traffic and snap a photo of anyone who violates the speed limit or runs through a red light. They are installed in the name of safety in an attempt to reduce collisions, but not without some controversy.

Automated Traffic Enforcement Types

There are a number of types of automated traffic enforcement technologies. “ATE” simply refers to the use of cameras to enforce traffic safety laws. Commonly, automated enforcement is used for red light violations. It is less commonly used to enforce speed limits, though this type of application is increasing on rural interstates and in busy city intersections.

Automated traffic enforcement can also be implemented to catch unsuspecting drivers blocking intersections, running stop signs, driving past stopped school buses, or disobeying other traffic control signals, including railroad crossings or pedestrian paths. They may also be used to catch drivers who don’t yield to pedestrians who have the right of way. Citations with automated enforcement are typically treated like parking tickets, but they can also be served to you by a process server and comes with a hefty fine or a day in court.

Labor Day Road Trip Must Haves for Parents Traveling with Kids

August 19, 2014
Road Trip Tips
Road Trips

With summer coming quickly to an end, Labor Day is likely your last chance to slip away for a quick getaway before winter starts to settle in.

As much as many parents hate to admit it, end of summer relaxation can pose a challenge if you have to bring the kids along for the ride. There are some great ways to keep your kids entertained on the road, which will not only improve everyone’s travel experience but can also minimize driver distraction, increasing vehicle safety all around – no matter how long the car ride may be.

A parent knows better than anyone how to keep their own child occupied, especially with many kids touting an iPad armed with an endless array of games and videos. However, don’t forget about the classics which can help engage the entire family and make the trip on the road go by a little quicker!

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