So your old car has broken down. After years of holding on to your reliable old vehicle, it is finally dead. There is no doubt about it this time: you are in the market for a new car. The thing is, just because you need to buy a new car, doesn’t mean that the car has to be “new”; it just has to be new to you. Sure, buying a brand new car fresh off the lot can be an exhilarating feeling. That new car smell, the zeroes across the board on the odometer, and the flawless interior make it difficult to not at least consider buying a new car when your old one officially croaks. However, used cars offer a number of perks that new cars do not. Outlined below are a few of the incentives that used cars offer. Whether you are looking for a Greenville Chrysler, Hyundai, or Ford, the tips below can help you find a reliable used car at an affordable price.

Lower Price

Buying a used car, obviously, has a distinct monetary advantage over purchasing a new vehicle. However, the discrepancy in price cannot be overstated. You have probably heard statistics citing how much new cars depreciate the second they are driven off the sales lot; and regardless of how much the depreciation truly is, one thing can be stated with certainty: it is significant. Think about it: you could purchase a car with only a few hundred miles, essentially brand new, and pay thousands of dollars less for the vehicle simply because it had been driven a few miles. There are other considerations that need to be made when purchasing a new car, but price is certainly one of the most convincing evidences in favor of buying used.

Warranty

Many automobile manufacturers lure in buyers with extended warranties. Most purchasers assume that these warranties only accompany the purchase of new cars. This is false. Many warranties transfer from the original owner to the second owner after the transaction has been made. True, the warranty may be reduced for the second owner, but there is still a warranty in place, ensuring that your used car purchase come with some reassurance of reliability.

Working out the Kinks

When new cars are introduced, they often come with bugs. The computer system, transmission, or breaks may have tested well, but problems can manifest after the vehicles are mass produced and released to the public. If you wait to buy the car used, chances are these kinks will have been worked out and you won’t have to deal with the hassle of returning the car to the dealer for a recall. In extreme cases, these recalls remedy very serious, dangerous problems. If you wait until these problems are worked out before purchasing, not only will you save time and money, but you also potentially remove yourself from harms way. So the next time you visit your Greenville Chrysler, Ford, or Hyundai dealer, take a second to look at their used car selection. You might be surprised at what you find.

Land Rover has been making quality cars since 1978, they set out to make the most capable off-road vehicles possible. Although it may not outwardly look like it, Land Rover has continued on that original path they set off on.

Land Rover still has the Defender in production, which is an off-road beast, and still looks so similar to the originals, while at the same time making their most popular car, the Range Rover HSE and Range Rover Sport. While the Range Rover might not look like an extreme off-road vehicle, it has used their research and technology to make it an off-road beast. One of the greatest thing about Range Rovers is that they come stock with air bags which allows you the option to raise your car 2 inches for off-road capabilities and better clearance.

What’s great about the Range Rover especially is that they are so smooth and although they are decently big, they drive like a small BMW, it doesn’t feel like you’re driving a bigger SUV at all. Especially if you get the supercharged Range, it is so unbelievably fast, you would be shocked. I’ve had the opportunity to drive the Range Rover Sport Supercharged, and the full sized HSE Supercharged, which one you get depends entirely on your needs. There’s a lot more room in the full sized HSE, but the Sport is faster, the HSE is better off-roading because of the clearance, but the Sport has better handling.

When it comes to getting a supercharged or the regular non supercharged, get the supercharged. What’s crazy is that the supercharged version is usually about $8,000 more, which is a huge jump in cost, but it makes the car a lot faster, and just feels a lot more responsive than the other. Supercharged hold their value a lot better as well, seeing as that most people that buy a range rover want more upgrades. Land Rover is an amazing company and continues to astonish people as they did when they first started. They’re as innovative as a title loan software company, they continue to do more research and keep improving their vehicles each and every year, they keep their original idea and trademark, but change their cars for the good in the process.

Does the thought of replacing your car give you a lot of stress? You may need to buy a different car for any number of reasons, but heading for the dealer’s lot takes some courage and preparation. I will tell you about my last experience with a used car dealer, and perhaps you can use some of the information for your own benefit.

The Malibu sedan I owned when my husband and I married was too cramped for his 6′ 2″ frame, so we decided to look for a larger vehicle. After visiting a local dealership that was offering an attractive promotion, we settled on a used Mercury, Mountaineer.

It happened to be raining the day we test-drove the car, and later we realized that was a mistake. The salesperson did not pull the car inside so we could get a closer look, so we did not notice a minor area of rust until we got home. Since we were pleased with the vehicle overall, we just decided to have the problem fixed soon.

Other problems soon became apparent, beginning with an inoperable remote door opener and exceptionally low gas mileage. Before a year passed, the car developed a definite vibration at 50 MPH, and an evaluation by a mechanic revealed failing ball joints. The repair estimate of $600 was the last straw. We decided to return to the same dealer and express our dissatisfaction with the vehicle they sold to us.

Next, I did an online search to find which vehicle offered the best value and the best gas mileage. It seemed that a Jeep, Patriot would suit our needs quite well, and the sales lot we were dealing with did have a nice used one in stock. I entered the information for both vehicles into Kelley Blue Book and printed the value reports.

The negotiations began after a satisfactory test-drive in the Jeep. The salesman stated the value of the Jeep was about $2,000 higher than blue book value, and their trade-in value of the Mountaineer was $5,000 less than we paid for it. I produced my reports and told them how much we were willing to pay on the Jeep, as well as the trade-in amount we needed for the Mountaineer. The salesman consulted privately with the business owner, and then informed us that we had a deal.

The best advice I can give anyone about purchasing a car is to get the facts before you go shopping. Also, never buy a car you have only inspected in the rain.

 Copy Writer Bio: Kelly Smith writes for www.PhoenixParkHotels.com, an online site dedicated to helping people find hotels near Phoenix Park. Feel free to visit their site to learn more about the services they provide.

Sometimes, it is nice to assume that if the car looks and seems to run fine, it requires no extra maintenance, no top-off of fluids, no new tires and certainly no confusing work such as flushing out the transmission. However, to keep a healthy car running smoothly, monthly maintenance is vital. Thankfully, this maintenance can be done quickly and easily without much previous knowledge of automobiles.

The first step is to check all of the fluids under the hood and to top them off if needed. Every car is slightly different; therefore not all of these may apply. In general, however, the fluids in a car include the oil, the brake fluid, the power steering fluid, the transmission fluid and the coolant. The car should cool for at least ten minutes before checking the oil since a hot engine may give a false low reading. If drips begin appearing beneath the car, the savvy driver can have a good idea of what is leaking simply by looking at the color. Brake fluid is clear, power steering fluid is pink and transmission fluid is often red or green.

Topping off the windshield washer fluid is an often forgotten. Failing to do so, however, could leave the driver with a dangerously muddy windshield. It can actually be a major safety concern, particularly in the winter when dirt and slush can freeze on the glass. A driver in northern climates should use washer fluid that does not freeze below zero in the winter months. Driving with a sheet of ice over the window is far from ideal.

Tire pressure can be checked easily with a small pneumatic gauge purchased at almost any gas station. Maintaining appropriate tire pressure can actually save on gas mileage. One should remember the spare tire as well since a flat spare will serve no purpose.

All headlights, taillights and directional signals should work. Checking these is easy with a partner to help; however, it can be done alone as well. Two lights that may be forgotten are the four-way signals and the high-beam headlights.

All of these monthly maintenance checks can be done quickly on one Saturday afternoon each month. Doing them at home or at a local gas station will save money immediately and in the future since potential problems will be caught early. These checks are easy enough for even the least car-savvy individual to accomplish.

Author Bio: Kelly Watkins is a free-lance writer for BricktownOKCHotels.com, an online accommodation reservation service. Click here to find out more regarding their services.

A decade ago, Detroit was regarded as the automotive capital of the world. Although Michigan car companies aren’t what they used to be, there are still plenty of cheap used cars Michigan has to offer. Here are some simple ways to find a cheap deal when buying a used car in Michigan.

Know the Value

Used cars in Michigan under 5000 may seem like a good deal, but it won’t be if the vehicle’s really value is $500. Regardless of how good a vehicle looks, always research its market value to find out if it’s a good deal or not.  Edmund’s, Kelly Blue Book, and NADA all provide excellent pricing specifications for used cars Michigan.

The region, equipment levels, age, mileage, and condition of the vehicle also affect its value. Michigan has a huge used car market, so buying a used vehicle will be cheaper than other parts of the US. This is especially true if you are buying a brand that is made locally, such as General Motors or Ford.

Local Value

Finding the local value is all about supply and demand. To know how much a certain vehicle costs in Michigan, look in the classified’s section of your local newspaper. There are also plenty of internet websites that provide car prices for used cars for sale in Michigan.

Learn How to Haggle

Haggling is a vital part of buying a vehicle. Even if the seller says the price cannot be negotiated, offer less anyways or threaten to walk to another buyer. The only time you should not haggle is when you have a spectacular deal and there are several other buyers vying for the same vehicle. If a used car is normally priced however, don’t be worried if the seller tells you about all the other people looking at his vehicle.

Once you have done your homework, you know what your vehicle is worth. State your final offer and if the seller does not accept it, then go somewhere else. Michigan State has hundreds of used car shops throughout the state, so you’re more than likely to find a better deal.

Get an Inspection

Not everyone in Michigan takes proper care of their vehicles. Before buying any car, always take it to a mechanic to get it thoroughly inspected. If you are purchasing from a dealer, ask if he can provide a warranty for 3-6 months after buying the car in case there are any problems.

Avoid Overly Large Engines

GMC and other Michigan based brands are notoriously known for their engines that consume large amounts of fuel. With fuel prices skyrocketing however, it may be better to avoid large vehicles and opt for a smaller engine. A newer and more fuel-efficient car may be more expensive initially, but it will save you money in the long run.

For more information on auto used cars for sale, keeping browsing through vehicle geeks.

Over the past decade, the used car market has well overtaken the new car market.  Auto used cars are much cheaper than buying a new vehicle and you won’t have to worry about depreciation. Buying a vehicle that is only a few years old can save you thousands of dollars.

Unfortunately, not all used vehicles are a good purchase. Some auto used cars for sale have a very a reputation for being expensive to fix or containing components that easily break. Listed below are some “safe” brands you can buy that are renowned for their quality.

Sedans

Honda Electra – Buying a new Electra is already cheap, so buying a used one is more than a barge. This vehicle is well-built, roomy, and can be purchased for only $8,000. If you get it with the optional 10-year warranty, you won’t need to worry about paying for costly maintenance. Even if you are a second owner, you can still be covered by a 5 year warranty.

Honda Accord – The Honda Accord is respected by auto critics around the world. Not only does it perform well, it is also extremely durable and can last several years without showing a hint of a problem. While there are cheaper sedans available, the Honda Accord will have excellent resale value several years later.

SUVs

Toyota Highlander – This is one of the few vehicles where it is better to buy it old instead of new. This is because the models from 2008-2010 had several problems and had to be recalled. If you buy a Highlander from 2001 however, it is an incredibly strong vehicle that is very spacious and has plenty of fun gadget options.

Honda CRV – The Honda CRV is one of the most affordable small SUVs in the world. It became popular in the 1990s and the auto market has been littered with them ever since. If you want an SUV with top fuel economy, then the CRV is a good choice. If you have a bit of extra money, consider getting the upgraded trim.

Trucks

Ford F150 – While the Japanese are famous for making budget pickup trucks, it is hard to beat the power and quality of the F150. The best models can be found between years 2004-2008, when the interior still featured refined and high quality materials. The F150 has been in production for over thirty years, so Ford has gotten a lot of practice to get their vehicle just right.

Toyota Tacoma – The Tacoma has an excellent resale value and is very reliable. It is available in several body styles, although the interior and engine is mainly the same. With new truck prices rising every year, a $10,000 Tacoma is certainly a good deal.

Sports Cars

Porsche 911 – When it comes to sports cars, none can beat the endless appeal of the Porsche 911. It is fun to drive and ranks as one of the best quality sports cars in the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a Porsche made in 2012 or the 1970’s, you’ll still have a great time.

With new trucks coming out each month, it is important to keep up with the latest new truck prices. Listed below are some of the latest pricing for trucks coming out in 2013.

New Pickup Truck Prices

GMC Sierra (2013) – Pricing at a minimum of $22,595 and a maximum of $48,635.

Ford F-150 (2013) – Pricing at a minimum of $23,700 and a maximum of $52,500

Chevrolet Avalanche (2013) – Pricing at a minimum of $36,000 and a maximum of $48,000.

Cadillac Escalade EXT Truck (2013) – Expected price to be over $63,000.

Toyota Tacoma (2013) – Pricing at a minimum of $18,500 and a maximum of $28,000.

Unlike purchasing a used car, buying a used truck is far more complicated. It requires an extensive amount of background information on the truck, since trucks are often put through longer service hours than cars. This guide is designed to help you find the right used isuzu truck.

Find the Right Dimensions

Purchasing the wrong size truck will not only be inconvenient, it will also be very costly. If a licensed dealer has used isuzu trucks for sale, he may be able to help you with the ISIS, a computer system designed to help you find the right truck to suit your needs. After you input your terms, the program will calculate the amount of power, weight distribution, and characteristics needed for your truck. Unfortunately, this program is only available from Isuzu dealers, so you likely won’t find it in your average used truck shop.

Don’t Spend Too Little Money

Saving as much money as you can by looking at the cheapest used isuzu commercial trucks may cause you to pay the price in the long run. Even though Isuzu engines are dependable, after several years of use they can start to cause problems. If you buy the cheapest truck of the bunch, you may end up spending a small fortune on overhauls and repair bills.

Regulations

You’ll need special papers in order to drive a used truck. When purchasing, make sure to check to see if all the paperwork is in order. You will also need to ensure that the weight and size meets the regulations of your area.

Replaceable Components

Isuzu trucks are popular in many countries, which makes it easy to find replacement parts. However if you live in a country like Germany where local brands are mainly used, it would be difficult to find Isuzu parts. Trucks that are used regularly will eventually break down and cause a problem of kind, so having to import components from abroad will be both complicated and expensive.

Engine/Body Size

What type of driving will your truck be doing? Will it be mainly going through city traffic, on country roads, or on the highway? How often will the truck be fully loaded? These aspects will affect the type of engine power you will need. Isuzu trucks that carry heavy loads need to have extra engine power and stronger tires, especially if they are going on the highway.

Conclusion

Used isuzu trucks are well known for being dependable and long-lasting. Finding the right truck that suits your needs is key to making a good purchase.

This is a blog about cars and trucks, right? And we can’t enjoy our hobby without a driver’s license, right? So I thought I’d write about a few of the collateral consequences of losing your driver’s license (whether for a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or some other reason) other than the obvious fact of not being able to drive. Maybe if we think about what might happen it will help us all to make smarter choices in the future.

1. Additional Expensive Insurance

First and foremost at the top of collateral consequences of a driver’s license suspension is the additional insurance. Where I live, this is referred to as SR22 insurance. But no matter what state your in it’s got one common characteristic – it’s expensive. And, in most states, it lasts for three years (that’s generally how long it takes something to fall off your driving record.

2. Embarrassment of Not Being Able to Drive

Do me a favor. Try not to drive for a week. No, try not to drive for one day. You’ll see two thing start to happen immediately. First, you won’t be able to do any of the things you typically like to do, like go to work, go to the gym, go to the grocery store. Second, if you do want to do those things you have to ask someone for a ride or ride the bus.

Now, I’ve got nothing against taking the bus. But when you have to take the bus because you can’t drive, that’s embarrassing.

3. License Reinstatement Fees

The way it works is, once your driver’s license suspension is complete, you have to go and get your license back – it doesn’t just start working again. That involves your time, your money, and your frustration at having to deal with the DOL. This adds up to hundreds of dollars.

Think about it like this. I’m a DUI attorney. I make about $300 an hour. Let’s say I lose my license. When it’s time to reinstate I’ve got to take time off of work (probably a couple of hours), I’ve got to pay for my license to be reinstated (maybe $150) and then I’ve got to deal with DOL employees (immeasurable). That puts me out almost $1,000 just for that day!

The easiest way to avoid these consequences is to not lose your driver’s license. Have fun with your vehicles, but be smart (i.e. don’t get caught doing something stupid). Keep on truckin!

About Me: C. Small is the Seattle DUI Guy, the owner of CMS Law Firm, and the author of the Seattle DUI lawyer blog. If you want to learn more about the dangers of driver’s license consequences, check out my blog. Thanks for reading!

If you live in wet country, big mud tires are a necessity. However, even city slickers can benefit from mud tires because it provides better traction on asphalt and gives the vehicle grip in rainy conditions. However, which tires is best? Below is a mud tire review for five of my personal favorite tires that I’ve used while trekking off-road.

1: Interco Bogger by Super Swamper

Super Swamper tires have always been my favorite. Their Bogger model is designed specifically for mud, and right away you can tell why these tires are so popular. With the Bogger, I still had steering control despite the muddy conditions. When the mud gets deeper the tires will begin to slow down, but will always pull you through in the end. The Bogger is my favorite mud tires review because it has gotten my vehicle to places where I doubt any other tire would be capable of carrying me.

2: Goodyear MTR

Goodyear may not be as specialized as the Super Swamper, but they still make great tires. The MTR is a few years old and has impressive performance both on rocks and mud. It has a self-cleaning mechanism and its small size allows the KTR to “float above the mud”. If you can’t find Bogger tires, I’d definitely recommend MTR.

3: BF Goodrich Mud Terrains

This brand is famous for light trucking tires, but they also make mud wheels. People buy Goodrich tires because they are simple, affordable, and they work. The same principle applies with their mud tires. Despite the skinny size of the Goodrich mud terrains, it had excellent handling and plowed through mud conditions just as fast as the MTR or Swampers.

4: Mickey Thompson Baja Claw

The first time I saw these tires my thoughts immediately went to “Mickey Mouse”. There are few things that compare these powerful tires to the cartoon character though, except perhaps its unmistakable quickness. It works well in deep mud, but once the conditions get wet, it lacks definitive steering control. However, I was still impressed by the Baja Claw and its ability to grip in extremely slippery conditions.

5: Gateway Gumbo Monster Mudders

If you liked to go dirt driving a few decades ago, then you’ve probably heard of Gumbo Mudders. These tires have been around for as long as there have been mud trucks, although it is hard to find a mud tires review on one of them. The Gumbo Mudders make their age obvious as well, since they were the fattest of the five tires. However, they still have a great self-cleaning ability and can pull you through average mud conditions. While I wouldn’t choose them for extreme driving, they’ll do just fine for a casual off-road trip.