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2019 Christmas Photos with Santa in Lakeland, Florida Christmas is almost here, which means that Santa is in town! Before Santa returns to the North Pole to deliver presents on Christmas Eve, bring your kids to get some Christmas pictures! Here are a few dates and times that you can visit Santa this year in Lakeland, Florida. Meet Santa at Tribute Realty On December 14 th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Santa will be at Tribute Reality in Lakeland to meet with your kids. Pictures will be free, so bring the entire family! Hot chocolate will be served for anyone meeting with Santa. For more details, visit the event listing on Facebook here. Breakfast with Santa at Family Fun Center Want to eat a good meal with Santa? On December 14 th from 8:30 am to 10:00 am, head to the Family Fun Center for breakfast and photos with Santa himself. Tickets for the event cost $12.99 each. This event can only hold a limited number of people, so get your tickets early! For more details and to buy tickets, check out the event listing here. Pet Photos with Santa If you have pets, then you won’t want to leave them out this holiday season. Santa will be at Petco on December 15 th to take pictures with your pets! With a $9.95 donation, you will get a digital photo of you and your pet with Santa. For more details, visit the Facebook event posting here. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Tips to Stay Fit During the 2020 Holiday Season Restaurants Offering Veteran’s Day Discounts in Florida Fun Activities to Do at Home During Fall 2020 Which Haunted Houses are Open in Florida in 2020? < Previous post Next post >

Most Affordable 2019 Sedans for Drivers on a Budget Buying a car is a big commitment. Shopping for one is even harder if you are on a tight budget. Thankfully, there are many great options available for those that want to save extra cash. Here’s our top 10 list detailing which cars were the most affordable for drivers in 2019. Top 10 Most Affordable 2019 Vehicles Nissan Versa – $12,460 Chevrolet Spark – $13,220 Mitsubishi Mirage – $13,795 Ford Fiesta – $14,260 Hyundai Accent – $14,995 Kia Rio – $15,390 Chevrolet Sonic – $15,420 Toyota Yaris – $15,600 Honda Fit – $16,190 FIAT 500 – $16,495 As you browse this list, you may notice some interesting observations. It’s important to realize that none of these brands appear in the top 10 twice. This shows that if you love a particular brand, chances are you can find a vehicle that fits in your budget. The next observation to make is that every car on this list is compact. As a vehicle increases in size, the price will also increase. If you are an individual looking for an affordable option, any of these cars can get you to where you need to be.   We also want to mention again that these vehicles are all of the 2019 model year. If affordable and new is what you want out of a car, then each of these options are great contenders to research. However, if you have a family, enjoy extra space or better performance, then you will want to buy used. No matter what you are looking for, contact us here at OkCarz and we will help you find the vehicle you want at a price you can afford. We offer a large variety of used vehicles that are as recent as 2019. Curious to research some models? Check out the OkCarz blog! 2019 Nissan Versa rn 2019 Chevrolet Spark rn Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What are the Most Fuel Efficient Pre-Owned Cars? Tips for Test Driving and Inspecting a Used Car Which SUVs have the best towing capacity? Sedans with spacious interiors < Previous post Next post >

rnrn rn What paperwork do you need to bring when buying a used car? While buying a car can seem difficult, it can actually be quite simple as long as you know what you need to have when you make your purchase. There are some things you should have taken care of before even showing up at the dealership, like deciding on a budget, how you’re going to pay for the vehicle, and what style of vehicle you want. Even if you’re buying a used vehicle, you’re going to spend a lot of time going over paperwork, so it’s important to know what you need to bring with you. Paperwork to bring with you to the dealership Driver’s License While this may seem obvious, you’ll probably want to double, or even triple check your wallet before you leave for the dealership. Before you drive off of the dealership lot, they need to know that you are actually legally able to drive the vehicle home. If you’re paying by check or getting financing, it’s likely that you’ll need to provide identification, either with your driver’s license or another form of valid identification. Proof of income and residence Speaking of financing, while it is possible to apply for pre-approval or to finance through a third party if you’re going to the dealership to secure financing, you’ll likely need to bring proof that you’ll be able to pay for the monthly installments. Proof of income can be a pay stub from your job or a bank statement. You’ll also need to show proof of residence by bringing a utility bill or a lease or mortgage agreement, so the dealership knows that you live at the address you say that you do and that bills will not be sent to the wrong address. Proof of insurance Before you drive off of the lot, you need to have insurance, not only for the dealership but for your own protection as well. Once you leave the dealership in your new vehicle, you are the owner of the car and are at fault for anything that happens. Before you go to the dealership, contact the insurance company of your choice to see how they advise you to proceed. You’ll also need to bring proof of insurance when you’re registering the vehicle, as most states require you to have insurance. Buying a used car at OkCarz In order to make buying your used vehicle as painless as possible, you’ll want to do your research. While these are some basic things to bring with you, you might need to bring other paperwork with you to the dealership. Before you go to buy your vehicle, contact the dealership to see if there is anything you need to bring with you before you’ll be allowed to drive away in your new ride. At a dealership like OkCarz, you can find a variety of used vehicles in the online inventory, making it easy to do your research and prepare for your purchase before you visit the lot. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Ways You Can Minimize Credit Card Debt Who Qualifies for the No Credit Finance Program at OKCarz? How Does My Credit Score Affect My Car Loan? What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Getting a Cosigner? < Previous post Next post >

Coupe vs Sedan vs Hatchback As you shop for a car, you’ve probably come across coupes,rnsedans and hatchbacks. Even if you haven’t seen each of them, you likely havernat least heard of them. So, what are the differences between coupes, sedans,rnand hatchbacks? Here’s a brief overview of each of these similar body types. Size and Visual Differences Size is a big difference between the body styles of coupes,rnsedans, and hatchbacks. Coupes have the smallest interior space compared tornsedans and hatchbacks. Sedans meet in the middle while hatchbacks offer thernlargest interior volume. It is important to note that the extra space forrnhatchbacks is located in the trunk. Many sedans and hatchbacks will share similarrnpassenger space while hatchbacks can hold more luggage. Both sedans andrnhatchbacks are great family options. Coupes, on the other hand, are great forrnindividuals but won’t be able to hold families.   Because of distinctive sizes, the visual appeal willrnfluctuate. Coupes typically will have two doors while sedans and hatchbacks oftenrnhave four. Coupes also tend to look the sportiest of the three while hatchbacksrnare the least sporty. 2020 Honda Civic Coupern 2020 Chevrolet Impala Sedan 2020 Kia Soul Hatchback Test Drive a Used Car at OkCarz To sum all that up, coupes excel at sporty looks but don’trnoffer much space. Hatchbacks are the opposite in that these vehicles providernplenty of space while the visual appearance isn’t very sporty. Sedans provide arnbalance of being both sporty and roomy.   No matter which body type you like best, you can find arnvariety of used cars here at OkCarz. Interested in a coupe? Check out our currentrncoupe inventory here. Are sedans more your style? We have plenty of sedanrnoptions right on our website. Maybe you are looking for that extra cargornspace in a hatchback. We got plentyrnof hatchbacks available as well! If you have any questions about any of ourrnavailable models, don’t hesitate to reach out. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Should I Buy an SUV or Minivan at OKCarz? Differences Between LED and Halogen Headlights What’s the Difference Between an Automatic Transmission and a CVT? What are the Differences Between Crossovers and SUVs? < Previous post Next post >

Steps You Should Take When Someone Breaks into Your Car Getting your car burglarized or vandalized is never fun.rnUnfortunately, it is something that happens to drivers every day, especially inrnlarge cities. If your car was broken into, the first thing you should do is makernsure you are safe and stay calm. Once you’ve taken a moment to breathe, followrnthese steps you should take after someone breaks into your car. List of Things to Do After Your Car is Burglarized Take pictures and make a list of missingrnitems. It’s very important to take pictures of all the damage caused by thernbreak-in the way you found it. After you get all the pictures you need, make arnlist of missing items. You’ll likely feel flustered with emotions while doingrnthis, so make sure you write or type everything down so you don’t forget later. Contact the police. This may seem like arnno-brainer, but you should always contact the police after a car break-in. Callrnthe non-emergency number to request an officer to your location. When theyrnarrive, file a police report with them and ask for a copy. If necessary, contact your financial institutions.rn Credit cards, phones, and paperwork with personal information are veryrnvaluable to thieves. If you lost your phone, contact your phone company, lockrnor erase the contents on your phone remotely, and change any passwords thatrncould be saved on your phone. If you are missing credit cards or personalrninformation, contact your banks and credit card companies to freeze and put arnfraud alert on your accounts. Consider contacting your insurance company. rnDetermine the losses you just incurred. If your deductible is higher than yourrnlosses, it isn’t logical to contact your insurance company as you won’t get anyrnmoney. In addition, filing a claim may increase your insurance rates. If you decidernto contact them, any comprehensive insurance linked to your vehicle can cover thernvandalism. Your renters or homeowners insurance can help cover missing itemsrnlike laptops and phones. Remember the police report from earlier? Mostrninsurance companies will want proof of the break-in and will ask for this copy. Move your vehicle somewhere safe and get itrnfixed. Park your car in a secure location like a garage until you get itrnfixed. Burglarized cars left on the street are bigger targets for auto theft. Did you find this post helpful while handling your stressful situation? If so, follow the OkCarz blog for more tips and tricks like this. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What Information Should I Exchange After a Car Accident? 10 Things You Need To Do After a Car Accident How can I make my car insurance less expensive? How to Find Best Deals on Auto Insurance as a Teenager < Previous post Next post >

Bad Credit Auto Loans in Central Florida Buying a used car shouldn’t have to be difficult.rnUnfortunately, it is hard for buyers with bad credit to find the loan they needrnto make a car purchase. So where can you get a used car loan in Central Florida?rnNo matter your financial background, you can get the auto loan you need atrnOkCarz. Apply for Loan Approval Applying for a loan at OkCarz is easy and hassle-free. To getrnstarted, fill out the necessary information on our online loan pre-approvalrnform. This includes your name, contact information, and address. That’s it!rnWe won’t ask for your Social Security number and applying won’t affect yourrncredit score. In addition, this application won’t cost you even a penny!   After submitting the form, you will see the maximum amount of money you can qualify for in a loan from us. You can even see how your credit compares to other car buyers across the nation! Get Your Trade-In Value at OkCarz Looking to lower your car payment? Don’t want to drive yourrncurrent vehicle anymore? Find out how much your car is worth through a simple online form! Oncernthe information is submitted, we will reach out to you within 48 hours with ourrnestimate of your car’s value. Did you like the number we gave? We will honor ourrnestimate and buy it off you if you choose to sell it!   Of course, if you prefer to talk with us directly whenrnapplying for a loan, feel free to visit one of our locations in the CentralrnFlorida area. For more tips on financing for a vehicle, check out the OkCarz blog. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How Does My Credit Score Affect My Car Loan? What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Getting a Cosigner? Knowing where to get a used car loan is the key to saving money on your next pre-owned vehicle in Brandon, FL Tips on how you can check your credit score for free in Tampa, FL < Previous post Next post >

Which used full-sized SUVs provide the most interior space? People have different criteria that they look at when going to buy a car. There are some who are looking for the newest, most exciting technologies, and others who want to make sure that their future vehicle has massive power. However, most drivers can agree that when they’re looking for a car, the overall interior space is important. That is why so many drivers opt for an SUV, which provides everything that you could want from your vehicle. Of course, not all SUVs are created equal, and some are more capable of hauling around cargo and passengers than others. Ford Expedition 1st/2nd/3rd-row leg room: 43.0/39.1/37.7 inches   Total Cargo Volume: 108.3 cubic feet   Cargo Volume behind 3 rd row: 18.6 cubic feet GMC Yukon 1st/2nd/3rd-row leg room: 45.3/39.0/24.8 inches   Total Cargo Volume: 94.7 cubic feet   Cargo Volume behind 3 rd row: 15.3 cubic feet Chevrolet Suburban 1st/2nd/3rd-row leg room: 45.3/39.7/34.5 inches   Total Cargo Volume: 100.3 cubic feet   Cargo Volume behind 3 rd row: 31.6 cubic feet Toyota Sequoia 1st/2nd/3rd-row leg room: 42.5/36.4/35.3 inches   Total Cargo Volume: 120.1 cubic feet   Cargo Volume behind 3 rd row: 18.9 cubic feet Other features of a full-sized SUV There are other benefits to driving an SUV. In addition to the spacious interior, drivers can also utilize an SUV to tow a trailer, sometimes towing as much as 9,000 pounds. While it isn’t the same capability that you would find with a truck, the massive interior does more than make up any perceived deficits. There are also plenty of other features that you’ll need to consider when you’re buying a vehicle, but many SUVs are equipped with new and exciting technologies.   Those who have looked for an SUV know that if you’re searching for a brand-new car, you’re going to be paying an arm and a leg. Instead of overpaying for your vehicle, visit OkCarz, where you can find a used SUV that has all the features you want, without the over-inflated price sticker. You can also apply for financing, which can help make buying the perfect SUV easier than ever. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Which Cars Were the Most Affordable for Drivers in 2019? What are the Most Fuel Efficient Pre-Owned Cars? Tips for Test Driving and Inspecting a Used Car Which SUVs have the best towing capacity? < Previous post Next post >

Steps to follow after being involved in a collision No one wants to think about getting into an accident. Even with the variety of safety features that you can now find on vehicles, accidents still happen, and it is still a confusing and terrifying experience for any drivers. If you’ve gotten in an accident, it is likely that you’ll be a little shaken up, but it is important to you follow these steps to help make the aftermath of the collision less stressful. Move your vehicle (if possible) The first thing to do after an accident is to assess if you’re in a safe place. If you’re blocking a lane of traffic, try to move your vehicle to the shoulder or off of the road. Of course, this isn’t always possible, so if your vehicle isn’t able to move, put your hazard lights on. Check on others and yourself If you’re in an area where you can safely leave your vehicle, put your vehicle in park and get out after checking that you won’t be exiting into a dangerous situation. Check to make sure that you aren’t injured, and then go assist the other parties in the accident. Call the Police Even if you aren’t injured, you should notify the police, especially if you intend to submit a claim to your insurance company. Even if the accident seems minor, it can still be helpful to contact the police. While you wait, take a moment to exchange insurance with the other party involved, and to take pictures of any damage that may be visible on both vehicles for insurance purposes. How to prepare for a car accident While most drivers don’t go out of their way to get into an accident, you can still make sure that you’re prepared in case something should happen. Make sure you have insurance on your vehicle and check that you have all of the paperwork that you might need. After the accident, if your vehicle isn’t salvageable, visit OkCarz to view our inventory of used vehicles at reasonable prices. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How to Keep Yourself from Driving While Distracted Safety Tips for Drivers Sharing the Road with Motorcycles How to Protect Your Child from Suffering Heatstroke in a Car Is Driving Under the Speed Limit Dangerous? < Previous post Next post >

Benefits of buying a used car vs leasing a new model One of the decisions that has to be made when shopping for a vehicle is whether or not you want to buy new or used. For most drivers, that decision comes down to finances. A new car is much more expensive than a pre-owned vehicle, and that fact pushes drivers toward buying a used car instead.  However, something that isn’t considered very often is if it is a better value to buy a used vehicle or lease a new one.    Leasing a vehicle is a lot like paying rent. You’re supposed to keep the car in excellent condition, you’re able to trade it in for a newer model when your lease is up, and you don’t have to worry about dealing with maintenance as the vehicle ages. On the other hand, when you choose to lease instead of buy, you don’t own your vehicle at all, and so after your lease is up, you’ve paid your monthly installments with nothing to show for it. While owning your vehicle is one of the biggest benefits of buying a used vehicle, here are some other reasons to buy a used car over leasing a new one. Why buy a used car? When you lease a car, you are restricted to the terms of your lease. In many instances that includes a maximum mileage. If you are planning on driving a far distance, leasing a vehicle could end up costing you more, since going over your maximum mileage generally leads to additional charges. You also have to leave the car in like-new condition, since it will either be sold or re-leased when you’re done with it. On a used car, you can customize any way you want, whether that includes adding a new sound system or putting on crazy mods. Drivers of a leased car might feel like they have an advantage since brand new vehicles often have the latest technology and safety features but used car buyers can find plenty of models that provide access to technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and many of the same safety features as a new vehicle.  While a lease is generally less expensive than a new vehicle, you can find a variety of reasonably priced used vehicles at OkCarz, with plenty of options for financing, no matter your financial situation. Visit one of the five OkCarz locations in Florida, or view the used car inventory online to find the vehicle that is perfect for you. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What is the Debt Avalanche Method? Tips to Stay Fit During the 2020 Holiday Season What is the Debt Snowball Method? How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes < Previous post Next post >

Steps to follow when your car has been stolen Many people have experienced the slight moment of panic when they leave an event or crowded store and aren’t able to immediately find their vehicle in the crowd. For many, the instant thought is that their vehicle has been stolen. While you’ll likely be able to locate your vehicle with a little bit of walking and repeatedly pressing the panic button on your key fob, there are some instances where you’ll be facing a stolen vehicle. After checking to see if your vehicle has simply been towed, you’ll need to follow these steps for trying to find your missing vehicle. Alert the police When you’ve determined that your vehicle has actually been stolen and isn’t just misplaced, call the police and file a report. Some vehicles have technology systems that help track them down, otherwise, you’ll have had to provide the police with your VIN, year, make, and model. From there, the police will begin investigating. Call your insurance provider If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance provider should cover getting a new vehicle after they determine that it isn’t a fraudulent claim and your vehicle was truly stolen.  Once their investigation is concluded, you’ll likely receive a payout for the actual cash value of your vehicle. While you’re waiting for a new vehicle or for your car to be found, some insurances will provide you with a rental so you don’t have to give up on all of your plans. What to do if you don’t have comprehensive insurance? While not knowing where your vehicle is can be terrifying, the majority of stolen vehicles are found and returned, which means that you won’t likely end up with a payout. To make sure that you’re prepared for the possibility of vehicle theft, check that your insurance will cover a stolen vehicle. If you don’t have comprehensive insurance and you need to get back on the road, stop by OkCarz to take a look at the inventory of used vehicles for sale to find a reasonably priced car, and learn more about your financing options. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What Information Should I Exchange After a Car Accident? 10 Things You Need To Do After a Car Accident How can I make my car insurance less expensive? How to Find Best Deals on Auto Insurance as a Teenager < Previous post Next post >

Does having a used car affect insurance costs? Buying a car is a process that doesn’t stop when you drive your recently-purchased vehicle off of the car lot. There are other things that you have to take into account when looking for a vehicle, whether you end up buying a new or used model. Whether you finance your vehicle or pay up front, there are still plenty of costs associated with owning a vehicle. One of these continuing costs is paying for insurance on your vehicle.    While buying a used vehicle often leads to paying less for the vehicle, you might end up with a higher insurance rate. One of the biggest reasons for this is that the older your vehicle is, it is more likely to be stolen. Despite the fact that newer vehicles might be more valuable, they’re harder to steal with all the safety features, which often includes some sort of GPS tracking. Newer vehicles also often feature advanced safety features that can help drivers avoid potential accidents. All in all, a lot of factors go into how your recently-purchased vehicle is insured. How to choose your insurance Another important aspect to consider is what type of vehicle you have. Even when you buy used, some models have fairly negative connotations, which could possibly lead to risky driving, potentially causing a collision. However, if you’re a cautious driver without accidents on your driving record, you’ll likely end up paying less for your insurance. While the vehicle your drive plays a small role, you can lower your insurance by opting out of insurance aspects that aren’t strictly necessary on a used vehicle, like collision and comprehensive insurance. Be sure to compare insurance rates from a variety of providers to ensure that you’ll be getting the best coverage for your money.    Learn more about what you need to do when buying car insurance and find other tips and tricks that will help you purchase a used vehicle on the OkCarz blog. Drivers can also find information on applying for financing and view the OkCarz inventory on the website. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover? What Information Should I Exchange After a Car Accident? 10 Things You Need To Do After a Car Accident How can I make my car insurance less expensive? < Previous post Next post >

What to do if you’re buying a car in a different state When you’re looking to buy a car, it is likely that you’ve been searching high and low to find one that is exactly the right fit for you and your needs. In some cases, it can feel like a miracle when you finally stumble across a vehicle that is absolutely perfect for you. However, in some cases, it seems like that perfection could easily slip away if the model you’re looking for isn’t available in your area. Sometimes finding the perfect vehicle, even when unavailable near you, is as easy as hopping over to the next town. In some cases, you won’t be as lucky and may have to look outside of your state to find the vehicle you want.    Buying a vehicle across state lines is only a little bit harder than going to the dealership down the street to purchase your car. The main thing to worry about when buying a vehicle out-of-state is the sales tax. While you may be buying the vehicle in a state with little to no sales tax, you won’t be paying sales tax for that state. Depending on which state you are from, and where you’re buying the vehicle, the dealership may handle the entire transaction for you, including passing along the sales tax your home state. If they won’t deal with it for you, you’ll have to find which agency your sales tax needs to be sent to before you register your vehicle. Registering an out-of-state vehicle Again, depending on where you buy the vehicle, it will likely be temporarily registered and then need to be re-registered and titled in your state. To be safe, work something out with the help of the DMV in the state you are buying from so you can be certain that you’ll be taking your vehicle home with you. If you need to use vehicle financing to buy your vehicle, you won’t be impeded by the fact that you’re buying a vehicle in a state other than your own. It is not likely that you’ll have to arrive at the dealership with financing in hand, though you can go through your local bank for financing if that is what makes you the most comfortable.    While it isn’t particularly difficult to buy a vehicle out-of-state, you can avoid all of the potential headaches by simply visiting a local dealership, like OkCarz. With five locations, OkCarz has a wide variety of used models, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs. Learn more about financing options, and view the inventory online, or visit one of the five locations in Florida. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What is the Debt Avalanche Method? What is the Debt Snowball Method? Tips for Improving Your Current Budget Tips for College Students Shopping for a Used Vehicle < Previous post Next post >