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The Used Car Blog

We want consumers everywhere to feel confident about their ability to engage in the used car process on their own terms. We’re going to be posting articles about every aspect of buying used cars, from giving you tips on how to judge the condition of a used car to knowing your way around financing options to what you should look for when test driving a vehicle.

Why a Lower Priced Used Car Doesn't Always Equal a Better Deal

There's an old saying that no two snowflakes 'are exactly alike'. When it comes to buying a used car, that same adage holds true, even when shopping for vehicles of the very same make, model and year. Obvious physical differences that they have include their interior and exterior colors, seat material (cloth or leather), mileage, option packages and engine size. But more importantly, since the day those cars were initially purchased and driven off the lot, their road histories became quite different for a number of reasons.

10 Common Mistakes First-Time Car Buyers Make (You'll Want to Avoid These!)

After the first car, many will buy several cars over the years, depending on how their lives change and how long their vehicles last. As anyone who's bought a car can attest, being a first-time car buyer can seem daunting. First-time car buyers have a lot to think about, not just finding "the one," but determining where to buy and how to pay. Some say the best way to learn is by doing, but first-time car buyer mistakes can cost thousands of dollars, and some mistakes can affect credit ratings and financial stability for years.

Pros & Cons of Buying a Used Car Online

For many years now websites likeTrueCar,AutotraderandCarfaxhave advertised their services as a means to buying a used car online. And although that fingertip browsing experience has changed the way people shop for used cars, you can't actually purchase an auto through them. You still have to contact the seller, arrange financing, negotiate a fair market price, physically get to the vehicle and complete the paperwork in person.

The True Cost of Putting Off Car Maintenance

We've mentioned the importance ofcar maintenancebefore. On the face of it, auto maintenance keeps vehicles running better and helps them last longer, but at what cost? Across the country, average annual maintenance costs run around $550, depending on year, make, model, and usage. This includes typical auto services, such as oil changes, brakes, tires, alignments, and shocks, to name a few. Car owners are encouraged to keep an auto repair savings amount, set aside for regular maintenance, yet a recent AAA (American Automobile Association) survey revealed that about a third of Americans don't have enough money set aside forunexpected auto repairs.Following the old saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," we might say, "an oil change, every 5,000 miles, is worth an engine rebuild." In other words, regular car maintenance saves owners money over the life of their vehicles. What is the true cost of putting off car maintenance? Considering that the average owner pays around $550 per year in auto maintenance, here some of the consequences of putting it off.

Is Buying a Used Car from a Friend a Good Idea?

Friendships are golden, especially lifelong ones, and should be valued. When it's time to buy a used car, you have several avenues to pursue including buying from a dealer, a private seller, and even buying a used car from a friend. Conventional wisdom tells us to not ever do business with someone close to you, as that could really sour your relationship in the end. But in contrast to those wise words might be the fact your friend has a used car that they're willing to part with that matches almost perfectly the profile that you are looking for. And, they are offering it to you at a really, really good price.

How Important is Regular Vehicle Maintenance?

All new cars come with a vehicle maintenance log, and many new and used car dealers offer maintenance service plans, but what's the big deal? Is "regular vehicle maintenance" just another way for dealership service centers to get another dollar out of your wallet, or is there something more?

How Many Miles Are Too Many when Shopping for Used Cars?

Whether you're in the market for your first car or you've owned many cars, chances are good you've considered the merits ofbuying a used car, second-hand car, or "pre-loved" car. After all, used cars are less expensive, depreciate less, and are usually cheaper to maintain and repair.

THE ELECTRIC CAR SHOOTOUT: Chevrolet Volt vs. Nissan Leaf vs. BMW i3

The world is shifting, and with it, the automobile. In another generation or so, gas powered cars may be a thing of the past, left only to enthusiasts and collectors. Electric cars are nothing new. In fact, the world's first practical electric vehicle dates back to 1835, predating Karl Benz' patent on his motorized carriage by 50 years! However, what is new in the world of electric cars is mainstream variety. EV's are no longer an obscure novelty item, nor are they being stamped out by "Big Oil" like GM's fabled EV1 of the 90's. Nowadays nearly every car company offers some variant on an electric car, hybrid or plug-in hybrid. With more and more popping up every day, you now have your pick of the litter. Electric cars now come in a variety of shapes, sizes and trim levels. With an electric vehicle that can meet almost any budget, there's an electric out there for you.

How to Increase Your Car's Resale Value

Let's talk about how to increase your car's resale value. According to multiple sources, in the past decade, the average length of vehicle ownership in the United States has climbed to 6.5 years! You might plan to keep your car that long, or perhaps only 2-3 years. But when it comes time for you to move on, you'll want to ensure you get the highest possible dollar amount for you car. Regardless of whether you plan to trade it in at a dealership or attempt to sell it privately, you still want a healthy return on your investment. Who wouldn't? This is what's called your car's resale value. Of course, after so many years of use, mileage accumulation and wear and tear, the value will not be the same as it was when you bought it. (Exceptions: keeping the car long enough to see it become a classic or develop a cult following, in which case it will appreciate over time). However, there are certain steps and regiments you can follow to ensure you keep your car's resale value as high as possible. So without any further ado, here are 5 easy tips to increase your car's resale value:(Do not want to read?Watch a videoinstead!)

5 Easy Tips to Make Your Car Last Longer

You don't need to be a world class mechanic to know how to make your car last longer. It's the same as being... not a doctor, but knowing how to take good care of your health. I'm not a doctor, but I do know that eating a salad every now and then, or doing a push-up or two is good for me. I'm also not a mechanic, but I do know that by sticking to certain regiments, knowing my way around an engine and maintaining a schedule, my cars stay with me for a long time, living out happy and healthy lives. The sense of accomplishment you get when your odometer hits 500,000 miles is unbeatable! If you treat your car the same way, it'll be your trusted steed for many years. You might even get to see it become a classic, like you! So without any further ado, here are 5 easy tips to help make your car last longer.(Do not want to read?Watch a videoinstead!)