- April 1, 2014
- Buying a Car, Luxury
- Posted by Pam Weston
- Comments Off on Most Reliable Luxury Cars
Gone are the days when consumers had to choose between luxury OR reliability. Today’s best luxury cars are also some of the most reliable used cars, and buying an affordable luxury car doesn’t mean you’ll be in the shop for repairs every few months. Below are our top choices for the best used luxury cars on the market today.
BMW 3 seriesThe BMW 3 series has been at the top of its class in several categories over the last decade, but it has solidified itself as one of our best used luxury cars by earning above average rankings almost every year in reliability. Post year-2000 BMW 3 series models are now some of the most reliable used cars available. Specifically, we like model years 2007 & 2008 for their high marks.
- March 25, 2014
- Buying a Car, Safety, Teens
- Posted by Pam Weston
- Comments Off on Top Cars for Teen Drivers
Like a lot of parents, you may think that the best cars for teenagers are no cars at all. But, if you can’t keep your teenager out from behind the wheel, you’re probably looking for help finding the safest car for your teen. Car insurance for teenagers can cost a small fortune, but choosing the right car may also help lower the cost of insurance. Here, you’ll find our choices for the best cars for teenagers.
Honda CivicIt’s hard to go wrong with a Honda Civic. Honda has been refining the Civic since 1973 and there’s a reason why you still see teenagers driving Honda Civics from that era today: they’re safe and reliable. They’re one of the best selling cars for teenagers, and since 1996 have received at least 4 out of 5 stars on frontal driver safety. Since 2001, Civics have a nearly perfect 5 star rating, making them one of the [...]
- March 17, 2014
- Buying a Car, Financing, Tips
- Posted by Pam Weston
- Comments Off on Used Car Buying Tips
Buying a used car can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Car buying in the age of the internet is significantly easier than in the past; and armed with a little bit of knowledge on how to confidently buy a car, you can help ensure that you get the best used car for your money.
Here are a few car-buying tips that can help make the process a breeze:
Find a Reputable DealerWhen buying used cars, it’s important to have a certain level of trust with the car dealer you’re working with. Look online, but also ask friends and coworkers. This can be the best way to make sure you’re working with an honest, reputable dealer. Check that they have positive online reviews and a respectable online presence. Once you’ve done some research, pay them a visit. There should be no pressure when buying a used car and the dealer [...]
- March 3, 2014
- Buying a Car, SUV
- Posted by Pam Weston
- Comments Off on Top 5 Pre-Owned Luxury SUVs
Whether you’re looking for the safest SUV to haul your family across town, or one to haul your gear to the backcountry, there’s no reason not to do it in comfort and style. Some of the best luxury SUVs available are also some of the safest… But which do we like best?
Below are our top five luxury SUVs for the used market. Each will ensure that whatever Mother Nature (or your kids) throws at you… you’ll handle it with class.
Acura MDXThe Acura MDX has it all. It’s consistently one of the top choices for a luxury SUV due to the fact that it comes with a high level of standard equipment, is a Top Safety Pick award winner and is a perfect combination of practicality and class. Many second generation models come with a combination [...]
- February 4, 2014
- Buying a Car, Financing, Tips
- Posted by Pam Weston
- Comments Off on Car Financing Tips
Financing a car may seem daunting at first, but with a little bit of knowledge (and maybe an auto loan calculator), you’ll have the upper hand when financing your next new or used car. Whether you’re looking to finance direct with a lender or through a dealership, these tips will help you find the best auto financing possible.
Tip #1: Know What You Can AffordThe first step when thinking about auto financing is knowing what kind of down payment and monthly payment you can afford. Make use of an auto loan calculator, like the one on the right-hand side of this page, to see how different factors impact your monthly payment amount. Start by entering the estimated vehicle price, your down payment, trade amount and term. Next, you’ll see an estimated monthly payment, total cost and amortization schedule. Most auto loan calculators will output your estimated payments at current rates assuming you have a “good” [...]