A lot of aspiring car owners and motorists tend to look for a pre-owned car instead of a new one because it helps them save money. Still, you need to be careful when buying a secondhand car since it may come with hidden risks or damaged components. To help you out, below is a list of reminders when inspecting a used car before buying it.
Never visit a car dealership at night to check out their models. Instead, you should visit during daylights hours. You need to see your preferred ride in good sunlight. Doing so would enable you to check whether or not its panels are aligned or tampered. If it’s uniform, then the vehicle is good to go. Otherwise, it’s on its way out.
Tires are essential when you’re checking out pre-owned cars. You need to make sure that the vehicle you’re going to pick doesn’t have worn out tires; otherwise, you might end up spending more than you intend to. You also need to inspect whether or not the wheels are correctly aligned, as feathered or cupped tires indicate that it’s not in tip-top condition.
Open the car’s hood and inspect the liquids circulating within, including the transmission fluid, the engine oil, and the brake fluid. If the transmission fluid is reddish and does not smell, then it’s good to go. The same goes for the engine oil, although it’s not always a tell-tale sign that the car you want to buy is in good shape. And a full brake reservoir indicates that the vehicle has functional brakes (you also need to take this with a grain of salt since this is not always a sure sign).
The vehicle’s timing belt is also critical to look out for if you plan to buy secondhand. It needs to be relatively unused before you make a purchase. Otherwise, you might leave yourself vulnerable to car trouble in the future.
Car antifreeze or coolant not only regulates a car’s engine during extreme temperatures, but it also helps maintain proper fluid levels in a vehicle and help prevent its parts from corroding. So best make sure the car’s coolant container has optimal amounts of the liquid before you proceed with purchasing it.
Keeping in mind the parts listed above will help keep you from buying a vehicle that’s going to be a problem down the road. But before you buy a car, here’s one bonus bit of advice: Once you find a vehicle that you like and you’re interested in it, call a parts store first. Ask if there’s a lot of parts ordered for the model you’re targeting (i.e., wheel bearings, brake pads, etc.). That way, you’ll know if the car currently in the dealership has recently had its parts replaced.
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Driving isn’t a right, it’s a privilege. Thus, you need to be fully prepared before you take your brand new or pre-owned car for a spin. That means a lot of things, like preparing yourself, having the right documents, and what-not. To help you out, listed below are five of the most essential things responsible motorists have.
Driver’s License
Obviously, you shouldn’t drive without a driver’s license, even if you have mad skills behind the wheel. In any case, the law requires anyone wanting to operate an automobile to have a license first, with hefty penalties for those who fail to comply. So if you’ve just bought that shiny albeit secondhand car you’ve been daydreaming about, better get a license before starting its engine.
Car Registration
Next, you need to make sure that your car’s registration is up-to-date. Like your driver’s license, a vehicle’s registration is critical; you shouldn’t take your ride out if it’s unlisted. Therefore, as soon as you have your license (or before, it doesn’t really matter which comes first as long as you get both), bring your auto to the nearest Land Transportation Office (LTO) and get the necessary registration documents.
Spare Tire
As soon as your license and registration are ready, you can start driving. But first, you need to make sure you bring a spare tire. Though you probably won’t use it, it’s still important to bring one on your road trips. That way, you’ll be prepared to replace one of your tires in case something does happen.
Tool Box
And you also need to bring a toolbox with you (complete with all the tools and gadgets you might need, of course). Mishaps and accidents can happen while you’re on the road no matter how careful and responsible you are. By having all the sets of necessary tools at your disposal, you’ll be able to remedy whatever damage your beloved ride incurs along the way.
Fitness
Last but definitely not least, you need to be physically fit before you drive. Most people neglect factoring in their health and well-being when it comes to driving. Don’t be like those guys! Instead, make sure you’re in tip-top condition before hitting the road. This means having good eyesight, having proper presence of mind, and many more.
The Takeaway
Before you can start driving, you need to make sure you have everything you need. By keeping the things listed above near at hand, you’ll be one step closer to hitting the road with your beloved ride.
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Getting a car if you have money and good credit score is one thing, but buying one if you’re broke or in debt is quite another. Still, even if your financial status is currently on the rocks, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a brand new or used car. By following the tips laid out below, you can do just that!
Get a Loan Through the Dealership
Seeking a loan though dealerships is quite common. In fact, a lot of auto dealerships specialize in selling affordable used cars to customers with slightly critical financial status. Most refer to them as “buy here pay here" programs. Basically, the dealer gives you a car loan to help you buy a vehicle with little to no money down. Afterwards, you need to settle your debt with the dealer an interest rate they will set. Before applying for this type of loan, you should know the good chance your application would be approved.
Keep Your Employment Status Steady
You can also increase your chances of buying a car is by improving your current financial standing first. And the best way you can do this is by having a stable employment with a steady income. Many lenders and dealers look at an applicant’s employment status and pay slip when deciding to approve their loan. Most base their decisions on the person’s ability to settle their loans as soon as possible. So if you want to buy a new car and you’re currently unemployed, best get a job first.
Optimize Your Credit Score
Another way you can improve your current financial standing is by optimizing your credit score. Stat by learning what your credit score first to help you know where you stand financially. Then proceed with evaluating your score to know if you can still qualify for a car loan or not, as well as determine the amount of money you can get from the loan. While you’re at it, you should make sure there are no discrepancies in your credit report (notify the authorities immediately in case there are). And you can also do a few things to gradually improve your financial standing, including paying off small balances and getting a credit card.
Improve Your Financial Status First
By following the tips above, you’ll be able to buy your own car despite having little money and a previous undesirable credit score. Still, it would be better if you improve your financial standing first. That way, you can better enjoy your ride.
If you’re ready to purchase a second hand car now, then let’s #GoDrive!
Buying a brand new car should be given a great deal of thought. Aside from the fact that a vehicle never appreciates in value, you should also be aware of the other factors (most of them financial-related) that come with buying a ride, be it a new one or a pre-owned car. Read on below to find out what these factors are.
Automobile Brand
Gone are the days when Americans can claim dominance when it comes to SUVs, as well as the period when South Korean cars were considered inferior to Japanese ones. By choosing the right brand for you, you’ll be able to get a vehicle that would suit your needs best. Plus, some brands have greater after-sales service and higher resale value compared to others.
Vehicle Type
You also need to know what vehicle to buy; otherwise, you might end up with a ride you don’t like. A few things to keep in mind when considering vehicle type are the number of seats, parking space in your home, and the vehicle’s purpose (business, family, etc.).
Transmission
Choosing between manual and automatic transmission when buying a car is very important. With the traffic in Metro Manila getting worse, most motorists opt for AT vehicles instead of MT because they’re easier to handle. Still, MT rides tend to come at a more affordable price, and there’s a certain level of excitement with driving a car with a stick shift.
Car Dealer
Finding car dealers today may not be that hard, but looking for good ones is quite another matter. Aside from better lounge areas, service bays, and parking space, good car dealers must also be very professional and knowledgeable about the car you’re planning to buy. And the car dealer’s place must be near the area where you live. That way, both of you won’t be hassled by today’s worsening traffic.
Maintenance Costs
Always remember that your car spending won’t end with buying your ride. It comes with maintenance costs that will manifest itself the longer you have your car. Knowing the cost of maintenance involving a new vehicle should also be one of your top considerations. By doing so, you’ll be able to prepare yourself in case better a component of your car becomes damaged or worn out.
Aside from the factors above, you also need to think about other things before buying an automobile, including your buying budget, the car’s color, and better deals from car stores. This also applies to used cars. By considering them thoroughly, you’ll be able to afford your dream car.
You may also want to check out pre-owned car units first, as you might see more benefits in having one than a brand new unit. Go to GoDrive’s shop here.
A lot of people still scoff at the idea of buying a secondhand car ― much to their loss! Believe it or not, getting a used vehicle instead of a brand new one can actually be the better choice. Aside from the fact that there are reputable dealerships that offer quality and affordable bargains, here are a couple of other reasons why a secondhand car is a smart investment.
Recent Cars Live Longer and Are More Reliable
Many secondhand cars in the past made risky investment indeed. Luckily, the same cannot be said of today’s modern cars. Where past vehicle models are designed to last only up to 7 years, today’s line of automobiles can last at least 10 years. Moreover, today’s cars are built with features that made it much more reliable than their predecessors. Thus, it will cost you significantly less to get a used but well-maintained car than a brand new one.
Better Financing Terms are Also Available Now
Secondhand car dealerships don’t have to sell their cars as hard as those offering new ones; they don’t need to lure you in with installment schemes, impressive sales talk, and what-not. Thus, interest rates for used vehicles tend to be higher than on brand new ones. Still, these interest rates are very competitive! Plus, you can negotiate with the dealer to get lower down payments and long repayment terms, grabbing a fantastic financing assistance deal in the process.
Insurance Costs Also Tend to Be Less
Buying a used car and getting it insured will cost you much less in the long run than buying a new one. Car insurance is based on a variety of factors like age, previous accidents, and value. However, vehicle value plays a bigger role than most of these factors. A brand new car’s value plunges during the first years of ownership, no matter how well-maintained it is. Thus, its insurance cost tends to be less.
And You Can Minimize Depreciation
The value of a brand new car starts going down by 20% as soon as you drive it off the lot, and it will gradually decrease in value by 10% during the first year of ownership. This is something not faced with second hand car owners. Not only does a used vehicle enable you to better take that depreciation hit, but it also allows you to get a great deal for a fair price.
As you can see, pre-owned cars does make a smart investment for those looking for great car deals at affordable costs. So instead of shelling out thousands of pesos for a brand new ride, you would do better to get a used car and save your hard-earned bucks.
Check out GoDrive’s quality second hand car units here.
Having your own car is awesome. Not only can it help you go places better, but it can also improve your lifestyle as a whole. This doesn't just apply to brand new cars, mind you; a second hand car can also make your life just as easier. Read on below to learn more about the importance of cars in your life.
It Makes Traveling More Comfortable
Public transportation might be cheaper, but they’re not as comfortable as driving your own car. Plus, you can’t always rely on commuting. Not only does doing so leave you in the mercy of harsh elements (many public transportation vehicles are air-conditioned, but they may still be not as maintained as private vehicles), but it can also leave you more vulnerable to theft and harassment.
It Gets You Places Faster
Another perfect reason why you shouldn’t always rely on public transportation is that it can eat a lot of your time. Most public vehicles tend to move more slowly and sluggishly than private vehicles, especially since they need to load and unload passengers at different points along roads and highways. Sure, you can try P2P rides, but they can also be slowed down by unforeseen factors like accidents, roadblocks, and what-not.
It Lets You Bring More Stuff
It’s always good advice to travel light. There are moments, though, when you need to bring large and heavy baggage during your adventures, especially if you’re going to spend a long time away from home. Getting these luggages from point A to B can be very cumbersome, particularly if you’re traveling on your own. By having your own car, however, you’ll be able to carry your stuff easier. Just place it in the baggage compartment of your vehicle, and you’re good to go.
It Helps Your Family Grow Closer
One last benefit (albeit underappreciated) a car can offer, is that it gives you an opportunity to grow closer with your family. Believe it or not, people spend a significant amount of time inside vehicles. So if you’re travelling with family and friends, you might as well make the most of it and spend quality time with them while you’re driving. That way, you’ll not only strengthen your bond with each other, but you’ll also make the journey smoother.
Invest in a Car Now
Buying a vehicle, whether it’s a brand new one or a pre-owned car, is one of the largest investments you will ever make in your lifetime. Rest assured, however, that a car is worth every penny you earn.
Check out GoDrive’s best used cars here.
Through new technologies, we now enjoy an array of fuel-efficient cars to choose from, with automakers and even car financing companies offering a slew of vehicles for everyone to enjoy. If you’re currently looking for a more fossil-fuel-friendly auto to drive in, then here are a few models to consider:
Honda Insight
Capable of making 54 miles per gallon (mpg), the Insight is regarded as a fuel economy champ by both its makers and fans. The sedan is highly inspired by the Honda Civic, sharing many of its strengths like a comfortable ride, a roomy rear seat, and secure handling. It sports a gas system with electrical assistance, and you can switch from gas to electrical power as you prefer.
Chevrolet Colorado Duramax
The present Chevy Colorado model is a game changer not only when it comes to fuel efficiency, but also as a pickup truck. It sports General Motors’ 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder engine (allowing it to run on diesel power), and its mid-size pickup truck segment is revitalized. Plus, it has many tech features and off-road capabilities.
Mazda CX-3
Fusing the features of small hatchbacks to the taller and boxier bodies and all-wheel drive capabilities of traditional SUVs, the CX-3 has attractive styling, a well-designed engine, and a fine-tuned chassis. However, what makes this model so energy saving is the fact that it can be used either as a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive, with a fuel economy rate of 31 and 29 mpg combined, respectively.
Toyota Prius Prime
The Prime is very much like the regular Toyota Prius, except it has an electrical power system that makes it capable of running up to 23 miles on electricity only. Most of the other features found in Prius vehicles are included in this Prime plug-in, including the gas engine, full-throttle acceleration capabilities, and the infotainment system with its large touch screen.
Hyundai Ioniq
Challenging Toyota’s Prius Prime in terms of performance and fuel-efficiency is Hyundai’s Ioniq. Evoking the same hatchback configuration and silhouette exhibited by its rival, the Ioniq is capable of running up to 52 mpg. It has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that can dish out around 139 Hp, and like other hybrids, it can drive at low speeds on electric power alone.
Go Fuel-Efficient
Fuel-efficient cars not only help you save a lot of money, but they also make great collateral should you ever apply for a car collateral loan. Plus, they make very stylish rides. So if you’re out there car-hunting, better go for the more fossil-fuel-friendly options available.
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