nhtsa-rating-crash-test

How Can the NHTSA Rating Help You?

Many of us have heard about crash test ratings, but we’re not sure exactly how they’re measured or what we should look for when reviewing them. We simply prefer cars with higher safety ratings. Even though we don’t know how the numbers are generated, they give us a sense of security.

The following list covers the types of tests that cars are subjected to when given their score, explaining why many car shoppers put such stock into those numbers. Continue reading…

transmission-issues

How to Avoid Transmission Issues with a Used Car

Automatic transmissions are expensive to replace, so they should always be inspected while shopping for a new ride. There are some early warning signs that might indicate if a car’s automatic transmission is beginning to fail; further, it is always wise to take your potential purchase out for a test drive to make sure everything is running smoothly. Also have a trusted mechanic check the transmission to identify any problems before buying a used car.

Some warning signs of a malfunctioning automatic transmission are listed below, which are typically fairly obvious while on your test drive. Continue reading…

mismatched-tires

Are Mismatched Tires Fine to Drive On?

Before buying a used car, it’s important to check the tires to see if they’re excessively worn, improperly mounted, or have any other major issues.

But what about mismatched tires? Is that a problem? Ideally, you want all four tires to match in both type and wear, but a set of mismatched tires isn’t a deal breaker, so as long as they meet the following criteria:

Having four different types of tires on a car is probably not advisable, while matching pairs on the front and back isn’t necessarily a significant problem. To a certain extent, the decision may come down to how much you trust the seller. If purchasing a car from your uncle, and you remember when he bought a new tire to replace one that blew out a few months previously, then you should be safe driving in that car with one mismatched tire.

Continue reading…

buying-lemon

How to Avoid Buying a Lemon

When someone refers to a car as a lemon, what they really mean is it was defective or damaged before they purchased it. On the used car market, many buyers worry they’ll wind up with a lemon; as such, most buyers are constantly looking for ways to negate that possibility. Unfortunately, some used car dealers have little or no compunction about misleading potential buyers and will lie about a car’s history if they sense a deal.

To help potential automobile owners considering the purchase of a used vehicle, below is a list of tips to help avoid the risk of buying a lemon. Continue reading…

popular-used-cars

What Are The Most Popular Used Car Models?

For some car owners, a vehicle’s manufacturer and what it represents is the most important consideration when buying a car.

A family might own four cars, and each car is a Hyundai Sonata of a different color. Some people swear by Honda, while others claim Ford is the best. The reason for this is that everyone has different tastes and each manufacturer appeals to different markets. Each car owner has a unique lifestyle and different demands for their vehicle. Some cars are better for safety, while others are better for fuel efficiency and the environment.

But, which cars are the most popular and offer the best value? We’ve compiled a quick list that answers this exact question. Continue reading…