Author: Jessica L. Moreno

Three Most Important Features Of A Used Car In Atlanta, GA

Buying a used car is much more affordable and becoming a more popular option for first-time owners. In current economic conditions where inflation is high and prices of goods are constantly increasing, most people do not wish to spend a fortune on a new car. The used car market is also much larger than the new car market and presents people with the opportunity to enjoy the convenience and efficiency of a used car.

However, before rushing off to buy a used car, it is important to do your homework first and consider your driving needs and what you require from your vehicle. You should also ensure that the cars offer the correct features to meet your requirements. When buying a used car, there is always the risk of a defect or serviceability issue, hence it is important to consider these features of a used car before purchase.

Safety

Safety is an important consideration for any car and should be a priority especially if you are purchasing a used car. Over the years, car manufacturers constantly roll out new safety features, revisions, and upgrades to better protect drivers while ensuring their vehicles earn better ratings in safety tests.

A used car model which is very old may not have the same safety features as a newer model, but this doesn’t mean that your safety is compromised. Most cars are equipped with basic safety features such as airbags, crumple zones, anti-lock brakes, and power steering. By determining which safety features are a necessity for your driving needs, you will be able to shortlist the list of used car models which are suited for you.

For example, you may prefer a car that has blind-spot detection or pedestrian detection braking. Before deciding to purchase your desired used car, you should also ensure that all its safety features are properly working.

Mileage

Mileage is another important feature that you should check before purchasing a used car. When shopping for used cars in person, check the odometer of the car for the mileage. If you are purchasing online, you can also check for the mileage of the car via the website of the dealer.

Mileage is important as it determines the wear and tear of the car on the used car. It is also a signal of the car’s lifespan as used cars with a mileage of 100,000 miles and above will probably not last long and may have various problems. In general, cars with lower mileage have a longer lifespan and function better.

Service History

Before purchase, you should always check the service and maintenance history of the car. A lack of service on a vehicle may be a worrying sign as it may be indicative that the car was not properly cared for and serviced during the previous ownership. However, you should also be wary of cars that have been serviced too many times within a short duration, as it could indicate that the car has major defects or issues.

In general, cars should be serviced twice a year or every 10,000km. Checking the service and maintenance history of the car will also inform you of any previous issues or defects the car has and gives you a better understanding of the car.

Things To Look For When Buying A Used Electric Car In Atlanta, GA

Used electric cars offer many benefits compared to traditional diesel or gas-powered cars. They are also much more affordable and you can choose from a large range of models due to the increase in the manufacturing of electric vehicles in recent years.

Some of the benefits of buying a used electric car include lower maintenance and insurance costs in the future, lower price of charging at public stations or homes and being more environmentally friendly. However, as with buying any used car, it is important to thoroughly check and inspect the car before purchase. Here are some things to look out for when buying a used electric car.

Service History

This applies to any used car and not just used electric cars. Knowing the service history of the car is critical to know if the car has been serviced regularly, has experienced wear and tear, or has any major defects. A used car is only as good as the previous owner who used it and knowing the service history will help you to cross-check against which parts have been replaced and maintained.

Driving Needs

Before purchasing a used electric car, you should first make a list of your driving needs, how often you will need to drive the car, and how long. This is because there are numerous types of electric vehicles in the used car market and some are better suited for longer distances and more frequent usage.

By understanding your personal driving needs, you can make better decisions regarding which car is better suited for you and streamline your shopping experience. When considering your driving needs, do consider the seating capacity of the car, cargo capacity, price, distance range, and charging equipment. Knowing your driving needs and vehicle preferences will thus allow you to quickly respond when your desired electric vehicle model is available on the used car market.

Vehicle Conditions

Before buying a used electric car, you should inspect the vehicle’s exterior and interior. Important parts such as the batteries, gauges, tires, steering, and brakes should also be tested to ensure they are properly working. You should also check for the air conditioning, infotainment features, and look out for any undesirable noises coming from the suspension or the engine.

If unsure, you should always check with the seller. Another important thing to check is the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance records and whether the car has received its scheduled maintenance and servicing. If the vehicle passes all the visual inspections, then you should take it for a road test and listen carefully for any odd vibrations or sounds. You can also check for the car brakes and the car’s general functionality when test driving it.

Charging Infrastructure

You should also consider the charging infrastructure when planning to purchase an electric car. What if you are planning to charge your car at your workplace but are unable to do so due to another local lockdown? By knowing your neighborhood and local vehicle charging points, you can minimize any unnecessary trips to charge your vehicle and save time. If you are planning to install a home charging station, you should also factor in the costs of doing so.

The Five Most Reliable Small Family Cars To Buy In Atlanta, GA

When thinking about reliable small family cars, there are usually several models that come to mind. Family cars come in various designs and sizes and a larger family car doesn’t necessarily equate to a better family car.

If you are looking for a reliable small family that can park in tight parking spaces or wishes to upscale your current two-seater to a larger design, then you should consider our list of family cars. These small family cars have been certified to have outstanding safety and practical features.

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a very practical five-seater family hatchback which provides adequate interior space and has a distinctive look. The big boot of the car is also complemented with a luggage cover and unobtrusive cabin storage. The Honda Civic is great for long family trips, daily usage, and has various features and safety measures for peace of mind and added convenience.

Audi A3 Sportback

The Audi A3 Sportback features a fourth-generation design that is both stylish and safe. It has impressive safety measures, making it stand out as one of the safest models of family cars and even earning a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It has stable, secure handling and impressive performance despite its small size.

The A3 Sportback has a premium cabin that is large enough to accommodate a family of five. It has a 380-liter boot to provide adequate space for your storage needs or when going shopping with your family.

Hyundai i30

The Hyundai i30 offers a comfortable drive with a spacious interior. It has an elegant and amazing look and is surprisingly quieter than most cars when moving. This makes it great for your kids or baby to sleep in the car.

The boot is an impressive 395 liters and is large enough to fit suitcases and bags for a family trip. The Hyundai i30 also has driver-assist features such as automatically dipped headlights and lane-keep assistance.

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback

The Volkswagen Golf Hatchback is Volkswagen’s award-winning hatchback and has excellent driving dynamics which makes for a smooth and pleasant drive. It also boasts one of the best practical features and has a spacious interior with adequate legroom for both the passengers and driver.

It also has an excellent safety record and has a five-star rating in the 2020 Euro NCAP safety test. The 380-liter boot is also large enough to fit grocery bags, suitcases, and small trollies, making it ideal for families with young children.

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 Hatchback is a fourth-generation hatchback and has a striking look with its prominent LED lights, dark grille, sharp lights, and spoiler slip. The Mazda 3 Hatchback does not have as much space in the back compared to other family cars, however, it makes up for it with a 351-liter boot which has sufficient room for most families to store their suitcases or bags.

It also features an impressive safety record with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The car has a host of safety and driving features such as blind-spot monitoring, hill-start assist, nine airbags, intelligent speed assist, and a driver attention alert system.

Reasons To Buy A Used Car Instead Of New In Atlanta, GA

Purchasing a used car is a great option and brings about numerous benefits. Buying a car is an expensive investment and will affect your savings. Over the past few decades, the used car market has greatly evolved to include cars of greater variety and cars which have been properly serviced and inspected to ensure that they are free of any problems. If you are still unsure of whether to purchase a used car, here are some reasons why buying a used car is better than a new one.

Upfront Price Savings

Cars that are brand new depreciate quickly. Owners who wish to sell their cars will thus never be able to sell their used cars at the price of their purchase. The moment you begin driving off the car from the car dealership, it already begins to depreciate and could depreciate as much as 10% of its value in the first month.

As the car is used for a longer period, the rate of depreciation slows down over time. By purchasing a used car, you enjoy greater upfront price savings and pay a much lower price as the first owner has already absorbed the large cost of the initial depreciation.

Value for Money

Buying a used car offers greater value for money as you can purchase a better-used car model for the price which you would be willing to pay for a new car. You can also afford more luxury models in the used car markets.

You can also purchase various models of cars in the used car market which may not be readily available or in stock in the open market. Having more options means that you can make greater comparisons regarding which car to purchase, thus getting the most value for your purchase.

Cheaper Car Insurance

Car insurance for a used vehicle is cheaper than car insurance for a new vehicle. This is because insurance companies always consider the value of the car when computing the insurance rates. Used cars are also cheaper to replace than new cars.

Certified Pre-Owned

If you are worried about any potential problems or faults in the used vehicle, then purchasing a certified pre-owned (CPO) car is the best option for you. Not only are you able to save money by buying a used CPO car, but you also enjoy greater peace of mind regarding the reliability of the car.

While CPO cars tend to vary for different manufacturers, they have been fully inspected and tested to meet the established standards of the manufacturer, along with strict requirements on age limits and mileage, and carry some form of guarantee against defects. This guarantee is similar to the warranty provided for a new car. CPO cars offer excellent value as they have been perfectly reconditioned, are gently used, and are deemed to be mechanically sound.

Test Own

Unlike new cars, you can test own a used car for a few days, weeks, or months after purchase. The duration depends on the dealership. This test ownership is growing in popularity as sometimes, the major defects of the car are only uncovered after driving for a few days or weeks. Test owning also means that you can purchase the car with the guarantee that you can return it and obtain a full refund within the test ownership duration if you are unsatisfied or change your mind.

Japanese Vs. European Cars: A Quick Comparison

European and Japanese cars each have their trademarks, unique features, and benefits. If you talk to any car enthusiast, chances are they will probably have their favorite car region and their favorite car brand.

Both Japanese and European cars consist of numerous car brands, designs, and which car to buy depends on various factors such as your personal preferences, needs, budget, and lifestyle. Here we will compare Japanese vs European cars and the key differences between the cars.

Performance

Japanese cars are renowned for their reliability and durability. This is epitomized by the Toyota Corolla, which is the most popular car in the world as it is known to last for a long time. Japanese car manufacturers invest heavily in their cars by using the highest-quality parts, which produces a very reliable and almost error-free car.

European cars, however, have a slight edge against Japanese cars in terms of performance. The best European car manufacturers such as BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz often produce some of the best-performing vehicles.

European cars are usually faster and offer better performance in terms of handling, acceleration, steering, and overall performance. If you are looking for a reliable car that requires lesser maintenance, then a Japanese car is the better option. However, if you prefer pure performance, speed, and power, then a European car is better suited.

Safety

Both European and Japanese cars feature highly in safety tests and records. However, Europe has higher safety standards as evidenced by the European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) which is the industry standard in Europe and rates cars according to their safety performance.

Various European governments, the European Commission, and several automobile and consumer organizations also support the NCAP, which further boosts its credibility. While safety features do differ across different car models and some models are safer than others, the general study and consensus are that European vehicles have a sturdier design and greater build strength.

They also have shorter braking distances and are generally safer in an automobile accident compared to a Japanese car. However, the difference in safety between Japanese and European cars is often minimal and this should not be taken to discredit Japanese cars, which are often very safe and also perform well in safety rankings and crash test results.

Value

Japanese cars often have a better value for money and have a reputation for producing high-quality hybrid cars. Japanese cars are also easier and cheaper to maintain. This is because Japanese cars usually run for a much longer period compared to European cars while requiring much lesser maintenance than their European counterparts. Studies have shown that the cost of maintaining a Japanese car in comparison to a similar European car model may be up to half or a third of the cost of the European car.

This is because spare parts for Japanese cars are readily available and affordable. Japanese cars also offer better value as they are catered to the masses and designed to be affordable while ensuring that quality is not compromised. However, European cars often fare better than Japanese cars in terms of features and technology to ensure the best possible driving experience. If you are prioritizing technology and safety, then European cars generally provide a better value.

Five Common First Time Car Buying Mistakes To Avoid

While buying an automobile might seem straightforward, there are a number of car buying mistakes that you’ll definitely want to avoid, as they can cause you unnecessary stress and drive up the purchase and maintenance costs.

Getting An Auto Loan

This is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Going into debt to purchase a new car makes little sense because as soon as you drive it off the lot it will immediately lose value. The majority of automobiles are depreciating assets, which means that they tend to lose value over time unlike wine and real estate which tend to increase. Additionally, you’ll have to make monthly payments with interest added, and if you run into a financial emergency and fall behind on payments the vehicle can be repossessed. Unless you’re buying a rare and exotic vehicle like a Lamborghini or McLaren, the car will not hold its value well so it’s best to pay upfront in cash.

Not Thoroughly Reading Your Vehicle Finance Contract

Nobody likes to read the fine print, but when it comes to buying a car you’d better. The vehicle finance contract is one of the most important documents. Unscrupulous dealers will take advantage of buyers that are either in a rush or too lazy to read about the financing, vehicle options, or other considerations. Read every line and if there is something you don’t understand, inquire about it and do not sign the paperwork until you’ve understood and agree with all the terms.

Not Getting The Car Inspected Before Purchase

Used car salesmen have developed a poor reputation for selling vehicles that look great on the outside, and run well for a short period of time, but then break down shortly after purchase, requiring you to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to get them repaired. Never buy a used vehicle without first hiring a mechanic and paying him to look under the hood to make sure there are no issues with it. If you’re buying a new vehicle, make sure it comes with a warranty.

Letting The Dealer Pressure You

When you walk into a dealership or meet with a private seller to consider purchasing their vehicle, always be prepared to cut your losses and leave. Some car dealers are hustlers and can identify first-time car buyers a mile away, and will use pressure tactics or try to talk them into buying a car that they don’t need. Be wary of sellers that move too quickly and instead buy from those that are patient and willing to work within your budget.

Rejecting Used Vehicles in Favor of New Ones

There are some people that turn up their noses at the very idea of buying used and can’t stand the idea of driving around in a vehicle that has been previously owned. Used automobiles are great for first-time purchasers as they are more affordable than their newer counterparts and will sustain less depreciation in the future. Also, used cars tend to have more affordable insurance than brand new vehicles so you’ll save on insurance costs over time.

How To Get Your Dream Car: Five Ways To Save Money

While most people are content to purchase a run-of-the-mill vehicle that is within their budget, you’re different. You like to think big, and you want to save money for your dream car. Below are some tips that can help you achieve it and the long-term benefits you’ll gain once you do.

Develop Self-Discipline

If you fail to follow this crucial tip, none of the other advice will do you any good. If you’re like many people and work at a menial or average job, saving the money needed to buy your dream car may realistically take a decade, perhaps longer. Saving money for this length of time will require tremendous self-discipline and sacrifice, which is best defined as doing what you know you should be doing, even if you don’t feel like doing it. You can develop self-discipline by learning to control your behavior, emotions, diet, and becoming physically fit through a consistent fitness routine.

Eliminate Unnecessary Spending

You’ll need to look for various ways to spend less, on entertainment, housing, and monthly costs in general. Being creative and figuring out ways to trim your bills will raise the long-term capital needed to fulfill your dreams. It won’t be easy, because you might have to cut back in some areas, but this goes back to the importance of self-discipline.

Avoid Going into Debt

The United States is a debt-based society, where people are encouraged to take the easy way out and go into debt for everything from homes to vehicles and college tuition rather than saving. Don’t be one of them. Buying your dream car without incurring debt will leave you better off financially in the long run even if it means taking longer to get it because you’ll avoid interest rates and the feeling of being beholden to the lender.

Setup Your Savings Account With Automatic Transfers

If you don’t already have a savings account, you’ll definitely want to set one up. This will allow you to separate the money you’re saving for your dream car from the regular funds that are used for monthly expenses such as food, energy bills, and other utilities. Automatic transfers can deduct a specific amount of money from your checking account monthly which can be added to your savings account without you having to take any manual actions.

Get A Second Job or Side Gig

If you feel that your current employment isn’t going to give you the additional income needed to save up for a dream car within a reasonable time frame, you may want to consider taking a second job or getting a new side gig. This will increase your income which will, in turn, maximize your savings.

If you intend to purchase something truly exotic, such as a Porsche, Lamborghini, or Ferrari, you might want to consider purchasing a classic model which is twenty to thirty years old, as it will cost less than buying a recent model while giving you similar performance and the same prestige. Vintage exotic sports cars hold their value well and might even increase in price due to rarity.

Franchise vs. Independent Car Dealers: What’s The Difference?

Car salesmen can usually be broken down into two categories, which are franchise and independent car dealers. Understanding the differences between them can help a great deal when planning the purchase of a new or used vehicle.

Franchise Dealers

These are salesmen that are given authorization from specific automakers to function as agents when selling their automobiles. They tend to only specialize in one brand and will not offer vehicles from rival companies. They are easy to recognize since the logo of the brand they represent will be prominently displayed on the outside of their building.

These dealers have a distinct advantage when it comes to interest rates, which are typically lower than independent dealers. This is partly because the financing will be done through the financial services offered by the parent company. The downside is that franchise dealers are less flexible with those that have poor or shaky credit, and will often turn them down. While franchise dealers also sell used cars like their independent counterparts, their models still tend to be newer.

When it comes to pricing, franchise dealers will almost always charge more since they primarily offer late model cars, and these are also the dealerships that tend to carry high-end luxury or sports vehicles. Therefore, these dealerships are ideal for middle-aged or retired adults who have lots of savings with established credit and can therefore afford higher-end automobiles.

When it comes to vehicular servicing, the majority of franchise dealers retain service departments in-house and employ technicians who are specially trained for working on the brands they represent. This is advantageous because they can get repairs done faster and will have more knowledge of specific parts and issues.

Independent Dealers

These salesmen have no allegiance to a specific auto brand and will sell cars from multiple manufacturers on their lot. Because they have no authorization agreements they will rarely sell new cars and most of the vehicles they offer will be used. The financing and interest rates offered by these dealers tend to be higher than their franchise counterparts, but they are also more flexible in working with those that have poor or shaky credit.

There is no comparison when it comes to variety. Independent dealers aren’t beholden to a single brand so they can sell just about anything they want. Those who want the most options will benefit from the services they offer. Additionally, those on a budget will definitely want to stick with an independent dealer, since their prices will almost always be lower than franchises. Independent dealers are therefore ideal for high school and college students who usually don’t have a lot of money and are looking to buy their very first car.

Unlike franchises, most independent dealers do not have their own in-house service departments. This means that if you run into a mechanical issue with the vehicle, you’ll have to contact an independent mechanic who can take a look at it, but their knowledge will be more generalized when compared to franchise technicians.

When Buying A Car Is Better Than Leasing

While leasing a car might make sense for tourists that are traveling to a foreign country for vacation, for most people buying a car is better. Below are some reasons why you’ll want to avoid leasing vehicles unless it is absolutely necessary.

Leased Cars Limit How Much You Can Drive

When you purchase a car outright, you can drive it for as long as you choose. It won’t matter whether you put 10,000 miles on it per year or 20,000 since it’s yours. But with a leased car it does matter because the majority of leases will place caps on how many miles can be driven each year. These limits will typically range from 12,000 to 15,000 miles, and if you go above it you might incur hefty fees. The reason dealerships restrict mileage is because they want to be able to either lease the vehicle again or find a second-hand buyer, which is harder to do if it has too many miles.

Leased Vehicles Often Come With Termination Fees

Car dealers will often point out that monthly charges associated with leases are usually lower than standard car payments. While they’re right, they’re not telling you the whole story. For instance, there are often additional fees you’ll occur with a lease, one of which is the earlier termination fee. If for some reason you need to end your lease earlier than expected, they will charge a termination fee that can be quite high. When you purchase a car directly this fee can be completely avoided.

You’ll Be Charged Penalties for Wear And Tear

When you lease a car, you’ve got to be especially careful with it, especially if it’s a higher-end model, because you will be liable for any damage that occurs. Most dealerships will charge you penalties for things such as beverage spills, dents, scratches, and broken or cracked windows, and because they can be subjective about it, you might be hit with fees for things that you don’t think are fair. This is just another reason why it is better to own the vehicle outright so that you’re not beholden to the whims or views of someone else.

The Upfront Fees for Leased Vehicles Are Always Higher

When you buy a car directly, you’ll incur fees such as registration costs, taxes, and perhaps the down payment. For leased vehicles, you’ll have to cover the initial monthly payment, a security deposit, registration, and taxes along with the lease initiation charge. As you can see, the costs for leasing a car upfront are substantially higher than just buying it.

Leased Cars Usually Have Higher Interest Rates

In addition to the charges previously mentioned, such as registration, taxes, and lease initiation, those who lease a vehicle will also be charged interest on top of their standard monthly payments. And, as you probably guessed, the interest rates tend to be greater than that incurred when directly purchasing a car. The reason for this is that those leasing the vehicles are not the actual owners and thus lack assets that can be used as collateral.

Your Ultimate Guide To Buying Your First Car

Purchasing a car can be a major undertaking. This is especially true for first-time buyers who are often young adults who don’t necessarily have a ton of money, so getting a vehicle is a major expense for them. Below are some tips and pitfalls to avoid when buying your first car.

Are You Buying New or Used?

There are advantages and disadvantages to buying new and used vehicles. While new cars will almost always cost more, they will also require less maintenance, come with warranties, and are unlikely to have mechanical problems. Used cars on the other hand tend to be much more affordable, costing a fraction of their new counterparts, but may be worn or have myriad mechanical issues that will cost money to fix.

Even if you decide to buy a new car, it is crucial to read consumer reports to learn about recalls. A recall occurs when a defect is discovered in a specific model that requires it to be pulled from the market. This has become an issue in recent years, and you want to stay away from brands and models that have a history of defects and recalls.

Always Get Used Vehicles Inspected

If you decide to buy a used vehicle, do not hand over any money to the seller until you have their vehicle inspected by a mechanic you trust. Unfortunately, some used car dealers and private sellers are notorious for selling “lemons” to customers, cars that seem to work fine until you drive them off the lot at which point they either break down completely or develop various mechanical issues. If your inspection reveals faults, ask the seller to lower their price to account for them or walk away from the deal completely.

Know Why You’re Buying The Car

As previously stated, a new or used car is a major expense for most young adults, who tend to be strapped for cash. If you’re going to spend your hard-earned savings on a vehicle you should have a good reason other than joyriding with friends or impressing people. Are you planning to use the car to commute to work or school? Or perhaps you’ve started a business that requires you to haul supplies and you need a pickup truck? The vehicle you buy should function as an investment, one that will provide a positive return a few years down the road.

Don’t Forget The Insurance

Car insurance is mandatory in most states, as driving around without it is illegal. You’ll need to decide what level of coverage you want and how much you can spend. Most jurisdictions will require you to get insurance prior to leaving the dealership and most dealers can put you in touch with insurers.

Always Pay in Cash Not Credit

When it comes to automobiles, if you don’t have the lump sum needed to buy them outright, it is generally a bad idea to go into debt. The reason is that vehicles are depreciating assets, meaning they tend to lose value as time passes, so it’s illogical to go into debt to purchase one and incur a monthly car note unless you have a good reason.