Car Buying

Some people decide to buy a car because they have a very specific car in mind for their own reasons. This is understandable, but there are others who are just looking for a decent, reliable car at a good price, and they are open-minded.

They say that experience is the best teacher, and I have found this statement to be true. I’m a lot of things, but a blowhard is not one of them. If I give anybody any advice, it’s probably because I made mistakes to learn the lessons that I’m sharing.

With this in mind, here are five practical car-buying tips that you might find to be useful.

1.) Define basic parameters.
What is important to you? Do you want a four-door car, or a coupe? Is gas mileage a concern? Do you want some power? There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to your priorities, but you should identify them before you begin your search.

2.) Take financing into consideration.
Financing is a big factor. Do you know your credit score? If not, there are many different resources on the internet that you could use to obtain your score, and some of them are free. Your credit score will dictate your interest rate, and that will impact the next consideration on this list.

3.) What’s your budget?
Before you can get down and dirty, you have to understand what you can afford. When you know your anticipated interest rate, you can estimate your buying power. You can then go forward with an understanding of what is possible for you.

4.) Do your research.
If you are reading this, you are on the internet, so you have virtually unlimited information at your fingertips. Do your research, and visit websites that provide objective information about cars, like Edmunds, Consumer Reports, Kelley Blue Book, and others.

Vehicle history reports have become an integral part of any used-car purchase. They are one of the best ways to learn about a given vehicle’s past and help make your search for a used car much easier. Make sure and checkout Carfax or AutoCheck before signing on the dotted line

You can find out facts about the relative benefits of the cars that are within your budget, but you can also find out what you should expect to pay for these cars. You should know what a fair price is before you take the final step.

5.) Choose the right dealer.
Buying a car can be like going to the dentist for a root canal, if you go to the wrong dealer. Ask around among your family and friends to see if you can get any recommendations.

Personally, I prefer the no-haggle dealers, but there are those who enjoy the art of the deal.

Ford Ecosport

The Ford EcoSport; Is it The Right Compact SUV For You?

The 2022 Ford EcoSport is an extra-small crossover and Ford's most affordable SUV. Slotting under the larger Ford Escape, the EcoSport is only a...
2023 Mazda3 Hatch

The 2023 Mazda3 Hatchback; Hot or Not?

We love the 2023 Mazda3 Hatchback as a compact car choice. Whether you’re  commuting to work or taking a road trip, the Mazda3 hatchback is a car that will surely impress...just get the turbo!
Nissan NV200

The Nissan NV200 Van Is Gone

The Nissan NV200 Van is a compact cargo van that has been in production since 2009. The 2021 model year marks the last iteration...
2023 Toyota Corolla

The 2023 Toyota Corolla: A Sleek And Efficient Compact Car

For the past fifty years, the Corolla compact car has been one of Toyota's most popular and reliable models, offering both affordability and dependability....
Corvette C5 Z06

The Chevy Corvette C5 Z06 Is An Insane Sports Car Bargain

The Corvette C5 Z06 is the total package of speed, handling, and day-to-day livability, at the time of its inception, the Corvette C5 Z06 was one of the fastest cars on the planet. There was no better car you could buy for the money .
2023 F-150 Raptor R

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R Goes Beast Mode with a 700-HP...

The Raptor R was out to take back its off-roading crown, and took a page from the TRX handbook with biggest engine & Baja-ready chassis
2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The Mighty C8 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Climb into the C8 Chevrolet Z06, and the visceral, engaging experience the Z provides with its massive power, telepathic handling, and shrieking redline shifts is enough to elicit shock, awe, and infatuation from onlookers,
The New Subaru BRZ

The New Subaru BRZ Stays True To Its Original Formula

The Subaru BRZ represents a diminishing, but beloved, segment of the automotive landscape - an affordable, fun, low-slung sports car that offers a honest-to-goodness manual transmission with a naturally aspirated engine and rear wheel drive.
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

THE 2022 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a versatile, mid-sized pickup truck that offers a car-like ride, and a much more civilized attitude.
2nd Generation Ford SVT Lightning

A Look Back At The 2nd Generation F-150 Lightning

The SVT Lightning was an excellent performance value with a base price right around $32,000. It was far ahead of its time, and paved the way for all of the hot rod trucks we have today.