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Using the J.D. Power Ratings to find the right used vehicle When buying a vehicle, drivers want to be sure that it will be with them for the long haul. Even those who are looking at used models want to ensure that their vehicle isn’t going to end up costing them a lot of money, so they often are looking for the most dependable vehicle. When it comes to vehicle dependability, the J.D. Power Awards are a great way to see if your vehicle is considered dependable.   When you’re looking at the J.D. Power dependability rankings for 2017, you’re learning more about how 2014 models are holding up. Real drivers of the models being ranked provide information on their vehicles, and how it is performing after three years of use. This data is then used to pick the most dependable model from a variety of classes, which can be helpful for drivers who are looking to purchase a used model. 2017 J.D. Power Dependability Award winners at OkCarz No matter what sort of vehicle you’re looking for, the J.D. Power Dependability Awards provide information on all styles of vehicle, from pickup trucks to compact cars. Models are graded on how to various aspects of the vehicle holds up over time, focusing on features and accessories, body and interior, and powertrain dependability. There is also an overall dependability rating.  Drivers who are looking for the most dependable used models can find some of them at OkCarz, like the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic, which was named the most dependable small car. If you’re looking exclusively for a car, your options also include the 2014 Toyota Camry and Avalon as most dependable large and midsize car. Those who want a larger vehicle that is able to handle any task might be best served with the most dependable large light-duty pickup, the 2014 Ford F-150. Whichever model you end up checking out, you can find a whole host of dependable used vehicles that come equipped with a limited powertrain warranty at OkCarz. 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 >

What is the difference between a new and used car loan? Shopping for a car is often a confusing time for drivers. There are a lot of aspects to consider, like if you’d be better off buying a new car or a used vehicle. While there are benefits to both new and used cars, there are also reasons to consider one over the other, depending on your situation. New cars are always more expensive than a used model, but most people need to secure financing regardless of if they go with a new versus a used vehicle.    When looking at financing options for a new vehicle versus a used car, you’ll probably notice that they aren’t created equally. In many cases, there are some better financing options when you go with a new car since they have the support of the manufacturer, which often provides incentives and deals for those financing a new car.  So, while the overall loan amount might be more for a new car, there is the chance that your interest rate will be lower. Financing a used vehicle On the other hand, used vehicles don’t cost nearly as much as a new model, but they don’t have the same special pricing options. As such, your used car loan might have higher APRs, but the lower price might mean that the overall term of your repayment is shorter. A used vehicle is also going to depreciate at a slower rate than a new car, which loses about 20{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} of its value in the first year of ownership.    Regardless of if you choose a new or used vehicle, your financing will likely be determined by your credit score. Drivers who have a poor credit score are generally better off financing a used vehicle instead of a new one. If your credit score is in bad shape, visit OkCarz, where you can qualify for pre-approval, even with a bad credit score. Go online to learn more about how OkCarz is able to help you find vehicle financing, or to view the used vehicle inventory. 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 >

3 reasons for choosing to drive a hatchback The car you drive is a very personal choice. Many drivers are looking for a vehicle this is able to help them express who they are. Other drivers just want a tool that will get them from point a to point b with very little hassle. No matter which camp you fall in, you’ll have to make decisions about what style of vehicle will best fit your needs. Many drivers have strong opinions as to which style is best, and there a quite a few who are strongly against hatchbacks.    While hatchback models sometimes get a bad rap, there are plenty of benefits if you choose to drive one. Many drivers who choose an SUV or crossover might actually be better served with a hatchback, which is essentially the midpoint of a crossover and a sedan. Small Size, Spacious Interior One of the perks of having a hatchback is that it seems like a smaller vehicle from the outside, but when you get in, it is deceptively spacious. Whether you’re looking to cart passengers or cargo, a hatchback has the space you need without the bulky exterior of an SUV or crossover. Flexible Cargo Space When you choose a sedan, you have a limited amount of space for cargo that is confined to the trunk. With a hatchback, you are able to fold down the back seats, generally in a 60/40 split, to increase the size of your cargo hold, allowing you to fit a variety of bulky items..wrc-column-grid Better Fuel Economy than a crossover There are plenty of similarities between a crossover and a hatchback, but when it comes to fuel economy, the win almost always goes to the smaller vehicle. For example, when you compare the 2017 Ford Focus SE hatchback against the 2017 Ford Escape, you’ll see that the Focus provides an estimated fuel economy of 34 mpg, while the Escape comes in with a respectable estimated combined 24 mpg. Finding a Used Hatchback at OkCarz There are many other reasons to buy a hatchback, like the unique shape that lends itself to better visibility, or the higher rooflines that make sitting in the back seat more comfortable. If you’re interested in learning more about which hatchback models are the best fit for you, you can find the answer at OkCarz. There, you’ll be able to find financing information, like how you can apply for pre-approval online. 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 >

How much should your down payment be on a used car? Buying a vehicle is one of the biggest purchases that many drivers will make. Even with a used vehicle, it is likely that you’ll end up spending quite a bit of money to get the vehicle that you truly want. The high cost of vehicles means that most people will need to finance at least part of their purchase, instead of paying for the entire thing up front. However, financing the entire cost of your vehicle, even when it is used, is generally not possible. This is why you’ll need a down payment for your purchase.    When you use a down payment, you’re paying up front for a small percentage of the vehicle that you’ll be paying off during the time frame of the loan. This lowers the amount of money you’ll need to borrow to complete the purchase. In turn, this lowers your monthly payment and the time frame for your loan repayment. The less money you take out for your loan and the less time you take to pay it back will lower the amount that you’ll end up spending on interest. Why do you need a down payment when buying a used car? Those who are financing a vehicle will likely need to provide a 10-20{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} down payment on their vehicle, which can protect you against depreciation. With depreciation, your vehicle usually loses about 20{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} of its value every year, and with that down payment, you won’t end up owing more on your vehicle than it is worth. While 20{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} is the suggested down payment amount, there is nothing stopping you from paying more, which could be beneficial for you in the end.    Drivers in Florida who are looking for information on financing for a used car should visit OkCarz, or go online for more information on how to get vehicle financing. When you’re on the OkCarz website, you can view the inventory of used vehicles, and even apply for pre-approval, so that when you go in to buy a used vehicle, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for. 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 >

Why is your check engine light on? Generally, when they’re behind the wheel of a vehicle, drivers are able to relax and focus on a single task. Unfortunately, sometimes when you’re in the middle of a drive, something horrible can happen. You might be driving along, with nothing but the open road in front of you, when the check engine light suddenly appears. While it might not be enough to completely ruin your day, having any lights on your dashboard means trying to figure out what exactly is wrong with your vehicle and how you can fix it.    While it can be tempting to cover up the check engine light, or just ignore it, that can lead to any of your vehicle’s problems getting worse. While it can be fairly easy to check to see what exactly is wrong with your vehicle, it is also a hassle. Of course, it can be time-consuming to get your vehicle diagnosed, and then to get that issue fixed, but at least you can be sure that your vehicle won’t end up on the side of the road. What is wrong with your vehicle when the check engine light is on? Generally, when your check engine light comes on, the problem is related to the powertrain and emissions system. This could mean anything from a problem with your spark plugs, or an issue with the catalytic converter. While these can cause damage over time, they won’t immediately destroy your vehicle. However, when your check engine light comes on, the first thing you should do is check your gas cap. When the gas cap is loose, you’re losing fuel due to evaporation, which reads as an emissions problem.    There are plenty of reasons that your check engine light might be on, but it isn’t usually anything that needs immediate attention. If the light begins blinking, you will want to pull over, as that can indicate a misfire in the engine, which can lead to extensive damage. If you’re in the market for a used vehicle, but want to make sure that it won’t have the issues that many used vehicles do, OkCarz checks all of their vehicles before they get put on the lot, and every one comes with a six-month/6,000-mile powertrain warranty. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? How to Check Your Tire Tread with a Quarter How to Properly Maintain Your Car Battery < Previous post Next post >

Which used SUVs are the most fuel efficient? The majority of drivers want to spend as little time as possible stuck at the gas pump. Besides being a drain on your wallet, it isn’t fun to be stuck watching the number tick up when you would rather be on the road. One of the ways that you can avoid gas stations is to buy a small compact vehicle, which often gets excellent fuel economy. Of course, this isn’t a solution for everyone, as some drivers need to have larger cars with more interior space. In this case, you’ll likely want to look for a used SUV with excellent fuel economy.    Whether you have a long commute, or if you just want a vehicle that lets you spend more time on the open road, you have a variety of options when you look for a used model. If you’re looking for the space and performance of an SUV, many drivers think that they have to sacrifice fuel economy. That isn’t always the case, as there are some SUV options that provide similar fuel economy to that of a traditional car. Model City Highway Combined 2011 Kia Sportage 22 mpg 30 mpg 25 mpg 2012 Ford Escape 21 mpg 27 mpg 23 mpg 2013 Toyota Highlander 20 mpg 25 mpg 22 mpg 2014 Nissan Rogue 25 mpg 32 mpg 28 mpg 2016 Mazda CX-5 26 mpg 34 mpg 29 mpg Finding the right low gas mileage vehicle If you’re looking for a vehicle with excellent fuel economy, it can sometimes be difficult to narrow down your options. Of course, for those who are looking exclusively for a vehicle that they can use to get from point A to point B without guzzling gas, there are a variety of used Hybrid vehicles that they can consider. However, those who often need to tow a small trailer, or who want to take their vehicle off of the beaten path need an engine with a little more oomph, which often translates to poor fuel economy. Vehicles like the 2013 Toyota Highlander and the 2011 Kia Sportage offer high performance and fuel economy. Visit one of the five OkCarz locations in Florida to learn more about all of your used SUV options. 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 >

How to dispose of your Christmas tree in Tampa Bay, FL Now that New Years has passed, you’ve likely begun to pack up all the decorations and turn your attention to the next big holiday. If you took the time to put up a real Christmas tree, that means you’re stuck with this previously festive foliage that you need to get rid of. If you’re looking for how to dispose of your Christmas tree in Tampa Bay, FL, you have several options.    If you’re a customer of Hillsborough County solid waste, your Christmas tree is eligible for pick up or drop off. If you aren’t looking to try and re-attach the tree to the roof of your vehicle, all you have to do is cut it into sections that are no more than 4 feet long and 6-inches thick, with all decorations removed. From there, all you have to do is put it on the curb on the regular yard waste collection day. Those who don’t have a saw, or who aren’t looking to mess around with chopping up a tree can simply bring their bare tree to one of the three Yard Waste Processing Facilities in Hillsborough. These sites are located at 346 Falkenburg Road or 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave, in Tampa, FL, or at 13001 US 41, Gibsonton, FL. When you bring your tree between 7:30 am and 5 pm, Monday through Saturday, you will need to bring your photo ID and current property tax bill, verifying that you are a Hillsborough County Solid Waste customer. Recycling your Christmas Tree If you aren’t able to dispose of your tree through the waste facilities, a decomposing tree left in the backyard can provide shelter for wildlife. If you don’t mind the work, you can also chop or grind up you tree and use it from mulch in the springtime. Repurposing something like a Christmas tree, or a used vehicle is a great way to help the environment. You can visit OkCarz to take a look at hybrid vehicle options available, or to see if you qualify for vehicle financing. 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 >

When is the best time of year to buy a used vehicle? Many drivers regard buying a vehicle as a sort of magic trick that only certain people have figured out. Between financing and incentives, it can be difficult to know if you’re getting the best deal on one of the most expensive purchases you’ll likely ever make. Before you make any purchase, it can help to do your research, and with a big purchase like a vehicle, you may want to consider looking at when the best time to buy a used vehicle is.    While the New Year is generally a time for a change, most people aren’t out looking for a used vehicle right now. Many new car dealerships are offering crazy incentives to help move last year’s models off of the lot, but you’ll still likely end up paying an arm and a leg to get one. Buying a used model during winter is a great way to ensure that you’ll have a variety of options to pick from. How to choose when to buy a used vehicle When you’re looking for a used vehicle, it can be helpful to pay attention to new market trends. If there’s a new model people are buzzing about and lots of incentives, it is possible that the used market will grow once people begin trading in their old vehicles to get the next big thing. The same principle goes for holidays. You’re more likely to get a better deal on a used car during a holiday, or during the months of November and December, when new cars are loaded with a variety of incentives that draw people to them.    Even if you’re buying a used vehicle, you’ll want to make sure that you’re in a situation where you can buy one. Make a budget and do your research on which used model would best fit your needs. Once you’ve decided how much you can afford, it doesn’t really matter when you buy your vehicle. If you’re looking for a used vehicle, but don’t know how much you can afford, or if you even qualify for financing, visit OkCarz, where you can get all the financial help you need. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Should you lease a new car or buy a used vehicle? Best Pricing on a Used Vehicle Should you finance your used vehicle through the dealership? How to make a budget < Previous post Next post >

What happens if you don’t change your oil? There are many important components to consider when you’re driving, the first of which is what is happening on the road. However, you should also be paying attention to your vehicle. There are plenty of things that can go wrong and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. If you’re worried about your vehicle while you’re driving, the first thing to consider is how long it has been since you’ve changed or checked your oil. You don’t want to have to find out what would happen if you don’t change the oil in your vehicle.    Oil changes can be a pain, whether you’re doing them yourself, or taking your vehicle to a service station. Without a proper oil change schedule, you could end up irreversibly damaging your vehicle. The oil is one of the most important components of your vehicle. It ensures that the engine remains lubricated and helps draw away heat. Over time, the oil in your vehicle degrades, and picks up all sorts of dirt and debris, compromising the oil and making it less effective, and eventually causing engine failure as the metal parts rub against each other. This is why you need to change your oil. When should you change your oil? The rule of thumb for oil changes was that you needed to get one every three months or 3,000 miles. With newer cars and synthetic oils, you can go longer between changes. For most vehicles, every five months or 5,000 miles seems to be the new point of deterioration. On most vehicles, it isn’t that difficult to change your oil by yourself.    If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle, you need to make sure that everything is in working order. At OkCarz, all of our used models have been thoroughly inspected, so you don’t have to worry that the vehicle you’re buying might be a car that hasn’t seen an oil change in years. Once you’ve found your new ride, you can find ways to take care of it on the OkCarz blog. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes How to Tell if Your Power Steering Pump is Failing What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? How to Check Your Tire Tread with a Quarter < Previous post Next post >

Are there benefits to buying a car without financing? There are many Americans who see buying a new car the same way that they see pulling teeth: painful, but often necessary. For many, having a car is not a luxury. However, since cars are one of the most expensive purchases that people will make, it isn’t always easy to find a way to pay for a brand-new vehicle. That leaves more and more drivers behind the wheel of a used model, which can sometimes be too expensive as well. When you need a new vehicle, there are multiple ways to buy one, but there is some conflicting information on which way is best.    When most drivers go to buy a vehicle, they are either going with financing or cash in hand. Buying a car in cash in almost unheard of these days, but there are some who think that paying up front for their vehicle is the best way to go. When you buy your car with cash, you’ll be able to avoid paying interest on a loan balance, as well as not having to make monthly payments. However, there are some downsides to paying for your vehicle with cash. Why you should finance a vehicle While paying for your car up front can be smart, it is also very difficult. Cars can be expensive, and when you pay with cash, you’re limited to how much you have on hand. Depending on how much you were able to save, you could end up scraping the bottom of the barrel and end up with a lackluster automobile. Putting that same money towards a down payment and then financing the rest lets you buy the vehicle that you want without having to pay for interest on the entire thing.    There are some benefits to buying a vehicle with cash, but for those who aren’t able to afford it outright, or people who are looking to build credit, financing is an excellent option. You can either financing through the dealership or through a credit union, and you’ll truly be able to find the car of your dreams. Visit one of the five OkCarz locations to learn more about how you can apply for financing, even with a less-than-stellar credit score. 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 >

How to drive safely in heavy traffic Though there are many people who like driving, there are only a few sadists who enjoy driving while in heavy traffic. Whether you’re going somewhere for the holidays or if you just happen to be on the highway during rush hour, you’ve likely experienced at least a slight traffic jam, if not a complete standstill. No matter where you’re trying to go, these tips will help you learn how to drive safely in heavy traffic. Don’t play with your phone This is a basic rule that people should be following the moment that they get behind the wheel, but the dependence many drivers have on their technology may make it difficult for some to drag themselves away from their apps, especially if the vehicle isn’t moving. Even at a complete stand-still, you shouldn’t be using your phone, since traffic conditions can change at any moment. Don’t Tailgate When you’re driving on the highway and end up behind someone who isn’t keeping up with the flow of traffic, tailgating them is not a good option. For one, it is seen as very rude, and it will not do anything to get the slowpoke in front of you to start moving faster. When you tailgate someone, you’re putting yourself in a situation that could turn dangerous if the car in front stops suddenly. Resist Road Rage While it can feel great in the moment to blare on your horn or use inappropriate gestures to express displeasure at someone’s driving, it isn’t going to do anything to improve the situation. It is likely that the person you’re admonishing is already frazzled and uncomfortable, and your displays of aggression won’t make it better for either of you. Staying safe on the road Whether you’re a new driver, or you’ve been on the road for a long time, there are always situations where you won’t be sure what you need to do. You can find more tips and tricks for driving safety and other topics, like vehicle maintenance, when you visit the OkCarz blog. 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 >

When should you replace your tires? There are few components of a vehicle that are unimportant, but if you were going to rank them from most to least important, your tires would be near the top. As the only aspect of the vehicle that is in direct contact with the road, having tires that are well-maintained can be the difference between arriving to your destination safely, and ending up in a ditch. Even if you take care of your tires, you will need to replace them at some point.    The rule of thumb for tire replacements is that you should consider new tires around 40-60,000 miles. Depending on how much you drive, this would likely equate to getting new tires every five years. If your tires are well-maintained, you may be able to go longer between tire replacements, but once you hit five years on the same set of tires, it is suggested that you take your vehicle in for a yearly professional inspection. How to maintain your tire’s longevity While time and age are two ways of determining if you need to change your tires, another way is easy to do when you’re checking your air pressure. Simply take a penny and insert it into the treads of your tire so that the top of the President is facing downwards. If Lincoln’s head isn’t submerged, the tread of your tires has worn down too far, and the tires should be replaced.    To increase the time needed between tire replacements, tire care is important. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated, and rotate them about every six months or 6-8,000 miles. This can help tires wear evenly, and means you won’t have various levels of wear and tear. If you’re considering buying a used car, make sure to inspect the tires before purchasing, and try to find out when they were last changed. To learn more about vehicle maintenance you can do yourself, visit the OkCarz blog, which provides plenty of information about a variety of topics. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes How to Tell if Your Power Steering Pump is Failing What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? How to Check Your Tire Tread with a Quarter < Previous post Next post >