Used Cars: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Efficient Cars \$2000 to \$4000
To quote my editor: The economy is spiraling down and fuel is going up. That can mean only one thing! People will need cheap cars with the best fuel economy! People are also finding themselves driving SUVs too expensive to fill up on a regular basis. But they don't have the equity to sell the vehicles. My advice would be to park them, cancel the registration and insurance if possible, and find something inexpensive like the cars on this list to drive for a year or two.
To quote my editor: The economy is spiraling down and fuel is going up. That can mean only one thing! People will need cheap cars with the best fuel economy! People are also finding themselves driving SUVs too expensive to fill up on a regular basis. But they don't have the equity to sell the vehicles. My advice would be to park them, cancel the registration and insurance if possible, and find something inexpensive like the cars on this list to drive for a year or two.
Fuel Efficient \$6000-\$8000
Are you ready to move to a fuel-efficient used car that is reliable, affordable and relatively new? These dozen used cars range from 1996 to 2005 and represent the best of what domestic and foreign manufacturers have to offer. This class of cars includes an absolute sleeper: the 2002 Chevy Prism. Pricing info courtesy of KBB.com. Reliability info comes from ConsumerReports.org and fuel economy stats come from FuelEconomy.gov. gas saving transportation attractive used cars
Are you ready to move to a fuel-efficient used car that is reliable, affordable and relatively new? These dozen used cars range from 1996 to 2005 and represent the best of what domestic and foreign manufacturers have to offer. This class of cars includes an absolute sleeper: the 2002 Chevy Prism. Pricing info courtesy of KBB.com. Reliability info comes from ConsumerReports.org and fuel economy stats come from FuelEconomy.gov. gas saving transportation attractive used cars
Used Car Salvage Titles
As you shop for a used car, you might come across the phrase “salvage title” in a used car advertisement. The price is going to seem right and you’re really going to want to buy it. Just make sure act with your brain and not your heart. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before purchasing a used car with a salvage title. Here are four things to consider: understand What a Salvage Title Is; Get a CarFax report; Get a Qualified Inspection; Weigh the savings vs. future costs
As you shop for a used car, you might come across the phrase “salvage title” in a used car advertisement. The price is going to seem right and you’re really going to want to buy it. Just make sure act with your brain and not your heart. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before purchasing a used car with a salvage title. Here are four things to consider: understand What a Salvage Title Is; Get a CarFax report; Get a Qualified Inspection; Weigh the savings vs. future costs
Fuel Efficient: \$4000-\$6000
In the market for a used car, but find you are stretched a little thin because of the economic times? After all, with a gallon of milk and a gallon of gas both north of $4, and a credit squeeze, it can be tough to buy the car of your dreams. Here is a collection of fuel-efficient cars that won't give you nightmares, at least. Pricing info courtesy of KBB.com. Reliability info comes from ConsumerReports.org and fuel economy stats come from FuelEconomy.gov.
In the market for a used car, but find you are stretched a little thin because of the economic times? After all, with a gallon of milk and a gallon of gas both north of $4, and a credit squeeze, it can be tough to buy the car of your dreams. Here is a collection of fuel-efficient cars that won't give you nightmares, at least. Pricing info courtesy of KBB.com. Reliability info comes from ConsumerReports.org and fuel economy stats come from FuelEconomy.gov.
Used Cars for Grads
If your kid has not beaten you up yet for a car while in high school or college, here are the best used cars for high school and college grads. Do not feel guilty about not buying a new car. It is unnecessary for young people just starting out to drive a new car. Plus with college expenses you have probably bought them the equivalent of a new car by now. Regardless of what used car you select, make sure it is thoroughly inspected by a trained mechanic before purchase.
If your kid has not beaten you up yet for a car while in high school or college, here are the best used cars for high school and college grads. Do not feel guilty about not buying a new car. It is unnecessary for young people just starting out to drive a new car. Plus with college expenses you have probably bought them the equivalent of a new car by now. Regardless of what used car you select, make sure it is thoroughly inspected by a trained mechanic before purchase.
Used Car Values
It’s exciting to buy a car, new or used, but it can be stressful getting rid of your current one. That’s why most people take the path of least resistance and trade their used cars in. They want to avoid the hassle of selling it on their own. Regardless of your decision, it’s important you know the true value of your car before entering into negotiations over its price. There are three values for any used car: the trade-in price, the private party price, and, the retail price.
It’s exciting to buy a car, new or used, but it can be stressful getting rid of your current one. That’s why most people take the path of least resistance and trade their used cars in. They want to avoid the hassle of selling it on their own. Regardless of your decision, it’s important you know the true value of your car before entering into negotiations over its price. There are three values for any used car: the trade-in price, the private party price, and, the retail price.
Fuel Efficient \$8-10,000
Are you ready to move to a fuel-efficient used car that is reliable, affordable and relatively new? These 14 fuel-efficient used cars that cost from $8000-$10000 in price range from 1999 to 2006 and represent the best of what manufacturers have to offer. A wide variety are represented that should meet the needs of almost any driver. All will comfortably carry 4. Pricing info courtesy of KBB.com. Reliability info from ConsumerReports.org and fuel economy stats from FuelEconomy.gov.
Are you ready to move to a fuel-efficient used car that is reliable, affordable and relatively new? These 14 fuel-efficient used cars that cost from $8000-$10000 in price range from 1999 to 2006 and represent the best of what manufacturers have to offer. A wide variety are represented that should meet the needs of almost any driver. All will comfortably carry 4. Pricing info courtesy of KBB.com. Reliability info from ConsumerReports.org and fuel economy stats from FuelEconomy.gov.
Used Cars \$10,000-\$12,000
Are you ready to move to a fuel-efficient used car that is reliable, affordable and relatively new? These 17 fuel-efficient used cars that cost from $10,000-$12000 in price range from 2002 to 2006 and represent the best of what manufacturers have to offer. A wide variety are represented that should meet the needs of almost any driver. All will comfortably carry 4. Pricing info courtesy of KBB.com. Reliability info from ConsumerReports.org and fuel economy stats from FuelEconomy.gov.
Are you ready to move to a fuel-efficient used car that is reliable, affordable and relatively new? These 17 fuel-efficient used cars that cost from $10,000-$12000 in price range from 2002 to 2006 and represent the best of what manufacturers have to offer. A wide variety are represented that should meet the needs of almost any driver. All will comfortably carry 4. Pricing info courtesy of KBB.com. Reliability info from ConsumerReports.org and fuel economy stats from FuelEconomy.gov.
Used Car Inspection
You can quickly learn the skills to adequately inspect a used car. Your mechanic should inspect it but knowing what to look for can save you that costly second opinion. Get your hands and knees dirty. Look underneath the car. Test its belts and hoses. Check the oil. Stick your nose in every nook and cranny of the vehicle. Pack an old rag in your pocket. Take good notes. Write down your likes and dislikes. It will help make your decision. It also tells your mechanic where to look for problems.
You can quickly learn the skills to adequately inspect a used car. Your mechanic should inspect it but knowing what to look for can save you that costly second opinion. Get your hands and knees dirty. Look underneath the car. Test its belts and hoses. Check the oil. Stick your nose in every nook and cranny of the vehicle. Pack an old rag in your pocket. Take good notes. Write down your likes and dislikes. It will help make your decision. It also tells your mechanic where to look for problems.
Navigating CarFax
The CarFax report has become the gold standard for used car history reports. Understand the different components of it.
The CarFax report has become the gold standard for used car history reports. Understand the different components of it.
Used Car Test Drive
You set the agenda when it comes to your test drive – not the sales rep or the owner if it’s a private sale. If any aspect of the test drive makes you feel uncomfortable – walk away. Trust your gut feelings. Preparation is key. Make sure you’re an informed used-car shopper before taking the test drive. A little homework will put you in a used car that exceeds your expectations. The most important thing to remember is you are the customer. The customer is always right.
You set the agenda when it comes to your test drive – not the sales rep or the owner if it’s a private sale. If any aspect of the test drive makes you feel uncomfortable – walk away. Trust your gut feelings. Preparation is key. Make sure you’re an informed used-car shopper before taking the test drive. A little homework will put you in a used car that exceeds your expectations. The most important thing to remember is you are the customer. The customer is always right.
Understand Certified Pre-Owned
Car dealers sell certified pre-owned used cars as vehicles with peace of mind guaranteed. Understanding what you're getting into can reap financial rewards and a great car ownership experience for years to come. Skimping on your knowledge can make your certified pre-owned experience painful indeed.
Car dealers sell certified pre-owned used cars as vehicles with peace of mind guaranteed. Understanding what you're getting into can reap financial rewards and a great car ownership experience for years to come. Skimping on your knowledge can make your certified pre-owned experience painful indeed.
Used Car Sale Prep
Lessons from home selling apply to prepping a car for sale. Here are some fast tips that will get you optimal value for your used car. The advice works whether you're selling or trading in your vehicle.
Lessons from home selling apply to prepping a car for sale. Here are some fast tips that will get you optimal value for your used car. The advice works whether you're selling or trading in your vehicle.
Deal or No Deal Values
Deal or No Deal on this website refers to used cars that are either good or bad values. It will teach you how to spot those values and when to say “Deal” or “No Deal.” Sorry, we can’t help you win a million dollars but we will try to save you more than a few bucks.
Deal or No Deal on this website refers to used cars that are either good or bad values. It will teach you how to spot those values and when to say “Deal” or “No Deal.” Sorry, we can’t help you win a million dollars but we will try to save you more than a few bucks.
Acura To Dodge CPO Programs
Before buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, check out this explanation of the certified pre-owned programs offered by Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler and Dodge. This explains the warranty program for each manufacturer; how old the certified pre-owned vehicles are, and other benefits you can expect from a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.
Before buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, check out this explanation of the certified pre-owned programs offered by Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler and Dodge. This explains the warranty program for each manufacturer; how old the certified pre-owned vehicles are, and other benefits you can expect from a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.
Ford To Jeep CPO Programs
Before buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, check out this explanation of the certified pre-owned programs offered by Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar and Jeep. This explains the warranty program for each manufacturer; how old the certified pre-owned vehicles are, and other benefits you can expect from a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.
Before buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, check out this explanation of the certified pre-owned programs offered by Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar and Jeep. This explains the warranty program for each manufacturer; how old the certified pre-owned vehicles are, and other benefits you can expect from a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.
CarMax Definition
The nation's largest retailer of used cars, CarMax is a Fortune 500 company. It offers a 5-Day Money-Back Guarantee and a Limited 30-Day Warranty (60-Day in Connecticut) on every used car on the lot. As always, see the dealer for explicit information.
The nation's largest retailer of used cars, CarMax is a Fortune 500 company. It offers a 5-Day Money-Back Guarantee and a Limited 30-Day Warranty (60-Day in Connecticut) on every used car on the lot. As always, see the dealer for explicit information.
2007 TQI Awards
Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index, or TQI as it is commonly known, is something manufacturers desperately seek out. They want to have the imprint of success hoisted upon them by independent survey companies. The 2007 models are now widely available. Check against this list to see what the original owners thought about the vehicle you may now be considering for purchase.
Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index, or TQI as it is commonly known, is something manufacturers desperately seek out. They want to have the imprint of success hoisted upon them by independent survey companies. The 2007 models are now widely available. Check against this list to see what the original owners thought about the vehicle you may now be considering for purchase.
Buying Used Online
It wasn’t that long ago that the best way to buy a used car was via local newspaper classifieds. Now, the Internet is the only place to shop for a used car. The primary reason is the search capability of the worldwide web. It allows you to precisely determine what you are looking for, what price you want to pay, what features you want, and how far of a net you want to cast in terms of distance. What I consider the five best places to buy a used car online.
It wasn’t that long ago that the best way to buy a used car was via local newspaper classifieds. Now, the Internet is the only place to shop for a used car. The primary reason is the search capability of the worldwide web. It allows you to precisely determine what you are looking for, what price you want to pay, what features you want, and how far of a net you want to cast in terms of distance. What I consider the five best places to buy a used car online.
Kia to Mercury CPO Programs
Before buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, check out this explanation of the certified pre-owned programs offered by Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes Benz, Mazda, and Mercury. This explains the warranty program for each manufacturer; how old the certified pre-owned vehicles are, and other benefits you can expect from a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.
Before buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, check out this explanation of the certified pre-owned programs offered by Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes Benz, Mazda, and Mercury. This explains the warranty program for each manufacturer; how old the certified pre-owned vehicles are, and other benefits you can expect from a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.
Mini to Saturn CPO Programs
Before buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, check out this explanation of the certified pre-owned programs offered by Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, Porsche, Saab, and Saturn. This explains the warranty program for each manufacturer; how old the certified pre-owned vehicles are, and other benefits you can expect from a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.
Before buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, check out this explanation of the certified pre-owned programs offered by Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, Porsche, Saab, and Saturn. This explains the warranty program for each manufacturer; how old the certified pre-owned vehicles are, and other benefits you can expect from a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.
CarFax Definition
The language of used cars can be confusing at times, especially if, like most folks, you’re not well-informed about cars and their nature in general. We’ll explain everything from CarFax to escrow to vehicle identification numbers to help illuminate the used car buying and selling process.
The language of used cars can be confusing at times, especially if, like most folks, you’re not well-informed about cars and their nature in general. We’ll explain everything from CarFax to escrow to vehicle identification numbers to help illuminate the used car buying and selling process.
Scion to Volvo CPO Programs
Before buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, check out this explanation of the certified pre-owned programs offered by Scion, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. This explains the warranty program for each manufacturer; how old the certified pre-owned vehicles are, and other benefits you can expect from a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.
Before buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, check out this explanation of the certified pre-owned programs offered by Scion, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. This explains the warranty program for each manufacturer; how old the certified pre-owned vehicles are, and other benefits you can expect from a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.
Credit Union Financing
Less than one in five used car loans are made from credit unions, which is surprising because they can be a great source of low-cost loans because they can offer competitive financing rates to their members versus other financial institutions.
Less than one in five used car loans are made from credit unions, which is surprising because they can be a great source of low-cost loans because they can offer competitive financing rates to their members versus other financial institutions.
OverHyped Cars
There are vehicles that sound a lot better than they are. What follows is my list of over-hyped used cars that demand an unjustified higher price. (Do not take it as a condemnation of the Pontiac line that it has two of the eight vehicles mentioned.) Basically, an over-hyped car is any vehicle that the manufacturer in some way has created false demand for through marketing like anniversary editions and vehicles with heritage names. GM was fond of slapping an “SS” badge on any car.
There are vehicles that sound a lot better than they are. What follows is my list of over-hyped used cars that demand an unjustified higher price. (Do not take it as a condemnation of the Pontiac line that it has two of the eight vehicles mentioned.) Basically, an over-hyped car is any vehicle that the manufacturer in some way has created false demand for through marketing like anniversary editions and vehicles with heritage names. GM was fond of slapping an “SS” badge on any car.
Crossover Utility Vehicle
CROSSOVER UTILITY VEHICLE: This is a tricky term to pinpoint because it has its origins in marketing. Basically, it’s a sports utility vehicle that is built on a car frame with little if any off-road capability. Some manufacturers, though, to avoid calling their vehicles station wagons (like Subaru) will call their vehicles crossovers and others, not wanting their vehicles to be called SUVs, like Honda with its four-wheel drive 8-passenger Pilot, will call their vehicles crossovers.
CROSSOVER UTILITY VEHICLE: This is a tricky term to pinpoint because it has its origins in marketing. Basically, it’s a sports utility vehicle that is built on a car frame with little if any off-road capability. Some manufacturers, though, to avoid calling their vehicles station wagons (like Subaru) will call their vehicles crossovers and others, not wanting their vehicles to be called SUVs, like Honda with its four-wheel drive 8-passenger Pilot, will call their vehicles crossovers.
eBay Motors
[p]EBAY MOTORS: It’s the automotive used car sales site [http://www.motors.ebay.com/] of the crazily popular eBay where it’s possible, for a small fee, to sell items either directly or via auction. eBay claims 3 million vehicles have been sold here. Just remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. [/p]
[p]EBAY MOTORS: It’s the automotive used car sales site [http://www.motors.ebay.com/] of the crazily popular eBay where it’s possible, for a small fee, to sell items either directly or via auction. eBay claims 3 million vehicles have been sold here. Just remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. [/p]
Edmunds
EDMUNDS: Edmunds Inc. publishes four Web sites for automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. They consist of Edmunds.com (launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site), Inside Line (launched in 2005), CarSpace (launched in 2006 as an automotive social networking site) and AutoObserver.com (launched in 2007 to provide automotive industry commentary and analysis).
EDMUNDS: Edmunds Inc. publishes four Web sites for automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. They consist of Edmunds.com (launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site), Inside Line (launched in 2005), CarSpace (launched in 2006 as an automotive social networking site) and AutoObserver.com (launched in 2007 to provide automotive industry commentary and analysis).
Options To Avoid
The natural temptation when shopping for a used car is to go for the models with all the bells and whistles like navigation, satellite radio, DVD monitors and massage seats among others. What sounds great on paper, though, can end up costing you hundreds of dollars down the road when it comes time to replace the items. Plus, some of them wrongly spike the value of the car you’re trying to purchase. What follows is are new car features that are used car bad values.
The natural temptation when shopping for a used car is to go for the models with all the bells and whistles like navigation, satellite radio, DVD monitors and massage seats among others. What sounds great on paper, though, can end up costing you hundreds of dollars down the road when it comes time to replace the items. Plus, some of them wrongly spike the value of the car you’re trying to purchase. What follows is are new car features that are used car bad values.
Preparing a Car for Sale
Preparing a used car for sale is the process of getting it ready to be placed on the market and sold. A car that is properly prepared will be easier to advertise, sell more quickly, and command a higher resale value.
Preparing a used car for sale is the process of getting it ready to be placed on the market and sold. A car that is properly prepared will be easier to advertise, sell more quickly, and command a higher resale value.
Manufacturers Change Hands
The announcement in June 2008 that Hummer might be sold by GM raises the excellent question. Does it make sense to buy a used Hummer? Does it make sense to buy any used vehicle from a manufacturer that is no longer in business or has switched owners? Oldsmobile would be one example of the former, while Jaguar is an example of the latter. My answer is a qualified yes.
The announcement in June 2008 that Hummer might be sold by GM raises the excellent question. Does it make sense to buy a used Hummer? Does it make sense to buy any used vehicle from a manufacturer that is no longer in business or has switched owners? Oldsmobile would be one example of the former, while Jaguar is an example of the latter. My answer is a qualified yes.
Craigslist
CRAIGSLIST: The free online classified (http://craigslist.com) where one can find just about anything. Not all people advertising on craigslist are dishonest but enough are to advise: caveat emptor, or buyer beware. This nationwide classified advertising portal is conveniently broken down into city and regional sites.
CRAIGSLIST: The free online classified (http://craigslist.com) where one can find just about anything. Not all people advertising on craigslist are dishonest but enough are to advise: caveat emptor, or buyer beware. This nationwide classified advertising portal is conveniently broken down into city and regional sites.
Used Cars - StepBySteps
An index of StepBySteps for the Used Cars guide site.
An index of StepBySteps for the Used Cars guide site.
Coupe Definition
COUPE: A car with a fixed roof and two doors. It may or may not have a backseat.
COUPE: A car with a fixed roof and two doors. It may or may not have a backseat.
CARFAX Report
A vehicle history report from CARFAX can be an excellent source of information about a used car. We show you what type of information is on the typical report, and where to find it.
A vehicle history report from CARFAX can be an excellent source of information about a used car. We show you what type of information is on the typical report, and where to find it.
Used Cars - Articles
An index of Articles for the Used Cars guide site.
An index of Articles for the Used Cars guide site.
The Road Test
An article on the proper way to do a road test of a used car covering the engine, transmission, climate control, brakes, steering, and suspension.
An article on the proper way to do a road test of a used car covering the engine, transmission, climate control, brakes, steering, and suspension.
Certified Pre-Owned
CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED: Previously owned vehicles that have been inspected and guaranteed to be better than other used cars. Typically, they are less than three years old with less than 50,000 miles and are the cream of the crop. The best are certified by the manufacturer and are sold by new car dealerships. Be leery of certified pre-owned vehicles from independent used car dealerships.
CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED: Previously owned vehicles that have been inspected and guaranteed to be better than other used cars. Typically, they are less than three years old with less than 50,000 miles and are the cream of the crop. The best are certified by the manufacturer and are sold by new car dealerships. Be leery of certified pre-owned vehicles from independent used car dealerships.
Escrow
ESCROW: As explained by SoveriegnBank.com, it is money, property, a deed, or a bond put into the custody of a third party for delivery to a grantee only after the fulfillment of the conditions specified. In plain English, a buyer would pay a third party to hold onto money to make sure the seller delivers the car. Using escrow also avoids checks that don’t clear and other financial difficulties.
ESCROW: As explained by SoveriegnBank.com, it is money, property, a deed, or a bond put into the custody of a third party for delivery to a grantee only after the fulfillment of the conditions specified. In plain English, a buyer would pay a third party to hold onto money to make sure the seller delivers the car. Using escrow also avoids checks that don’t clear and other financial difficulties.