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Activities to do during winter break near Tampa, FL Even though it likely won’t be a White Christmas in Tampa Bay this holiday season, there’s no reason to miss out on the winter fun. One traditional winter pastime that you can check off of your list is ice skating when you visit some of these ice skating rinks near Tampa Bay, FL, this winter. Ice Sports Forum Tampa, FL- $9.00 Whether you want to pick up a new way to exercise, or if you’re just looking for a way to kill time during winter break, visit Ice Sports Forum for public skating. Public skate takes place every weekend with a live DJ, and during the end of December and the beginning of January, there are additional hours available, which you can view on the Ice Sports Forum website. Tampa Bay Skating Academy Clearwater, Oldsmar, Countryside, FL No matter where you want to go for ice skating in the Tampa Bay area, Tampa Bay Ice has opportunities. Whether you’re going to their extensive public skating times, or if you want to sign up for classes and private lessons, there are opportunities to do so at Tampa Bay Ice. From group prices, to renting out one of their five rinks, you’ll be able to get out on the ice in Clearwater, Oldsmar, and Countryside. Curtis Hixon Park Winter Village Tampa, FL- $13.00 (skate rental included) Open now through January 5, experience Florida’s only outside ice skating rink when you visit the Winter Village in Curtis Hixon Park.  Finish your last-minute gift shopping and enjoy a drink and a snack at the café before you strap on your skates. Open Monday-Sunday at various times, you can enjoy winter break with a classic and fun new tradition..wrc-column-grid Ring in the New Year at OkCarz! The New Year is a time for a change. Whether that change is getting out on the ice or looking at a new used vehicle, now is a great time to consider switching things up. Even if you are making a big change like a new car, there’s no need to worry about destroying your finances with credit help from OkCarz. Apply online for pre-approval, or visit one of the dealership’s five locations, including one in Tampa. 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 >

rnrn rn Benefits of driving a car with a manual transmission As everyone knows, driving a car is not all fun and games. When you’re behind the wheel of a machine, you want to make sure you’re alert and ready to take evasive action. There are some schools of thought that say that driving a vehicle with a manual transmission makes it easier for drivers to pay attention since they live with the constant possibility of having their vehicle stalled on the street.    In many cases, you’d be hard-pressed to find a vehicle that uses a manual transmission. Most drivers are looking for the security of an automatic, which does all the excess work for you. There are some who crave the physical action of putting the car in gear and letting out the clutch. Besides the reasons rooted in tradition, you might be asking yourself if there are any benefits to driving a vehicle with a manual transmission. Reasons to learn how to use a manual transmission While it can be hard to find new models with manual transmission, vehicles like the Kia Soul may have a manual transmission come standard If you have a young driver, or if you’ve just started driving, there is some validity to the fact that driving a manual will help keep a new driver off of their phone or other devices, since they’ll need all of their concentration to keep the vehicle going. A young driver in a vehicle with a manual transmission is also going to learn how to control the vehicle better since they know how much power the car needs. While learning how to drive stick can be difficult, it can pay off, as most people won’t be able to borrow your car.    When it comes to the financial benefits of driving a vehicle with a manual transmission, there are a couple. Most of the time, if a modern car has a shift stick, it is on the base trim level, which is generally the least expensive. If you’re buying a vehicle like a used Kia Soul, which has a standard manual transmission, you’ll likely get an even better price than you would with a model with an automatic transmission. In some cases, manual transmissions get better gas mileage, though that varies based on different factors.     Whether you decide to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission or not, you can find different used options at OkCarz. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Tips for Test Driving and Inspecting a Used Car What questions should you ask when buying a used car? How does depreciation affect used vehicles? Should you lease a new car or buy a used vehicle? < Previous post Next post >

How to tell if you’re getting a fairly priced vehicle Buying a used car is much different than buying a new car. With a new vehicle, there is a price that is suggested by the manufacturer, and from there, the dealership can decide how much they can sell the vehicle for while still making a profit. You’ll also know exactly what you’re getting when you buy a new car, as it won’t have had other owners before you. That is one of the reasons that it can be harder to buy a used car.    Whether you’re just browsing for a vehicle, or if you have a specific make and model in mind, you need to be aware of how much you’re actually able to spend on your used car. If your budget is lower, trying to buy a luxury vehicle like a used Mercedes-Benz will not likely be your best plan of attack unless you’re opting for a model that is significantly older. Sometimes, it can be beneficial to make your budget before you research which models you’d like to look at. Used Car Pricing Tools Once you’ve established your budget, you can begin looking for a vehicle that fits your needs. There are plenty of websites that provide conglomerations of vehicle information, which can help you determine what a fair price is for the used vehicle you’re considering.  Sites like Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book are able to provide information on the current market value of a vehicle.    When you’re buying used, there are plenty of other factors that can come into play, like mileage, the number of owners, and of course, age. There are plenty of things you can do to ensure that you’re getting the best version of the vehicle, but if you shop at OkCarz, you won’t have to worry about surprises. Every vehicle on the OkCarz lot is inspected before you buy and backed by a six-month, 6,000-mile powertrain warranty. View the inventory online to find the used vehicle that best fits your needs. 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 >

rnrn rn rn rn How are hybrid vehicles better for the environment? rn One of the biggest aspects that drivers are considering when they buy a car is how it will affect the environment. In recent years, there have been quite a few attempts to make a fully electric vehicle that could replace the need for traditional combustion engines, but right now there isn’t a perfect option for those who live in areas where “range anxiety” is a well-founded fear. However, many people who travel long distances yearn for a vehicle that will provide them with high fuel economy ratings, which is why many turn to hybrid vehicles. rn The first well-recognized hybrid vehicle was the Toyota Prius, which has been available since 1997. When it was first available to the United States in 2000, many people were derisive of the hybrid technology, claiming that it was for hippies and tree huggers. Now, there are many manufacturers who are focusing their efforts on creating more hybrid models. rn rn How do Hybrid cars work? rn rn A hybrid uses an internal combustion engine and an electric motor connected to a battery to operate the vehicle. The two engines work together while you’re driving to reduce the emissions. There are times when both are working, and other instances when only one, or none of them, are on. When you’re driving on a highway and maintaining the same speed, the combustion engine is being utilized, while the electric motor powers the vehicle when you’re driving slowly, like right after a stop. When your vehicle is completely stopped, the gasoline engine and electric motor turn off, leaving the battery to power the vehicle’s systems. rn One of the things that help make a hybrid model so efficient is the regenerative braking system, which uses the energy released while braking to recharge the battery. Normally, when braking, the energy that is being used is simply wasted. On a hybrid, it is used to power the vehicle while the brakes are being applied and then converted into a source that can be stored by the battery and used later. rn rn rn rn rn rnrn If you’re truly concerned about your emissions, know that buying a used vehicle is better for both the environment and for your wallet. If you’re interested in how a used hybrid vehicle can help your carbon footprint, visit one of the five OkCarz locations. rn Sharing is caring! rn rn rn Facebook rn Twitter rn Google+ rn Pinterest rn rn rn rn rn rn More from OkCarz rn rn rn rn rn Which Cars Were the Most Affordable for Drivers in 2019? rn rn rn rn rn What are the Most Fuel Efficient Pre-Owned Cars? rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn Tips for Test Driving and Inspecting a Used Car rn rn rn rn rn Which SUVs have the best towing capacity? rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn < Previous post rn Next post > rn rn rnrn rn

What to do this Christmas season in Lakeland, FL Now that the holiday season has arrived, it’s likely that you’ve been binging holiday movies on Netflix and listening to Christmas carols so much that you could not possibly rock any more jingle bells. Even if you’re being a Grinch this holiday season, there’s always time to go and enjoy some holiday events in Lakeland, Florida. Take your family and go see these Christmas classics as you’ve never seen them before. A Christmas Story Lakeland, FL December 8-10, 2017 You don’t need a Little Orphan Annie Decoder Pin to know that you should go see this Christmas classic performed by the Lakeland Community Theatre. Buy tickets online, and take the whole family to see the remaining performances on December 8 and 9 at 7:30 pm, or on December 10 at 2:00 and 5:00 pm. Another Night Before Christmas Winter Haven, FL November 30-December 17, 2017 Take a second look at the true meaning of Christmas when you buy tickets to see Another Night Before Christmas at Theatre Winter Haven. Running every Thursday-Friday through December 17, Another Night Before Christmas is a fun and funny musical is a great way to fill yourself with Christmas cheer. Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Lakeland, FL December 16-17, 2017 Start a fun holiday tradition when you go see the annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, performed by the Florida Dance Theatre. The iconic score is accompanied by incredible choreography and scenery, which you can enjoy by purchasing tickets for the shows on December 16 and 17. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live! on Stage Lakeland, FL December 20, 2017 See the classic Christmas favorite on stage in Lakeland, FL. Everything you love about the TV special can be seen on the stage, with the music of Vince Guaraldi, and all of the iconic characters. Buy tickets online and bring the whole family to learn more about the true meaning of Christmas on December 20. Happy Holidays from OkCarz! No matter your approach to the holiday season, OkCarz hopes that you have a good one. If you want to start your holidays off with the right vehicle, visit OkCarz at one of five locations to view the massive inventory of used cars or to learn more about how buying for OkCarz can help your credit score. 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 >

How to tell if your used vehicle is reliable Whether you’re talking about a friend or a vehicle, most people like it when things are reliable. It is one of the many things that can be taken into consideration when buying a vehicle. If your car isn’t reliable, you’ll likely find yourself stuck alongside the road, wishing you had paid more attention to the reliability ratings on the model you’ve chosen. Even when you’ve done your research, how can you tell if your vehicle is actually reliable?   When the rating resources like J.D. Power and Associates or Consumer Reports put together their reliability rankings, there are plenty of aspects that are being considered. Most of the times, ratings are compiled from consumers who have been driving the models being graded. J.D. Power and Associates is one of the most trusted sources on vehicle reliability, and they rate vehicles on three different studies, all of which focus on a different part of the vehicle’s lifecycle. These studies both predict reliability and quantify actual reliability after three years, based off of consumer-reported problems that the vehicles have had. Importance of vehicle reliability Regardless of if you’re buying a new or used vehicle, past reliability ratings can help you determine how the other models produced by the same manufacturer fare. Especially when you’re looking for a used vehicle, it can be crucial to know how your vehicle will perform as it ages. A vehicle with a low-reliability rating could cause trouble later on especially on a vehicle without a warranty.    If you buy a used vehicle from OkCarz, you can get behind the wheel of a used car that comes equipped with a 6 month/6,000-mile powertrain warranty. Every vehicle on the lot is inspected, so you don’t have to worry about any issues cropping up unexpectedly. To find a reliable used vehicle, stop by one of the five OkCarz locations in Florida. 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 >

Can you get a car loan with no credit? Even if you are considering a used vehicle, it is likely that you’ll need financial assistance to complete the purchase. Buying a car is expensive, and having a vehicle is generally considered a necessity, so in order to make the transaction, most people turn to auto loans. However, in order to qualify for financing, most lending agencies want to make sure that you aren’t a risk, and the way they do that is by considering your credit score, making it hard to receive a car loan if you don’t have any credit.    The system of scoring credit is incredibly nebulous, and most people tend to ignore anything to do with it until they absolutely have to. There are many myths about credit scores that are spread that make people frightened to even look at their credit report. When you’re first starting out, not having any credit can make you seem like a liability to a lender, even if you have all the makings of a responsible borrower. If you don’t have any credit history, getting a car loan is a great way to start accumulating credit. Where to go to get an auto loan As mentioned, it can be difficult to get a loan without credit, though it is not impossible. If you have a savings and checking account, visit your bank to ask them about the possibility of a loan. It is encouraged for you to bring proof that you are able to pay reoccurring bills like a utility or phone bill, and that you are employed with a consistent stream of income. Even without those, you can see if someone you know would be willing to be a co-signer. This can be tricky, as this puts both of you on the line if you miss payments, but it is a great way to get qualified for a loan.    If neither of these tactics works, or if you’re looking for a second option, you are able to go directly through a car dealership like OkCarz. You can even apply for pre-approval online, so you know if you qualify for a loan before you even go to the lot. Buying your used car from OkCarz is an excellent way to build credit, with flexible payments, and in-house financing. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Ways You Can Minimize Credit Card Debt Does OKCarz Offer a Warranty for Purchased Vehicles? Who Qualifies for the No Credit Finance Program at OKCarz? How Does My Credit Score Affect My Car Loan? < Previous post Next post >

Which used car is the right fit for you? Car buying is a deeply personal experience. You need to be sure that a vehicle is going to work best for your needs and provide you with all the features and specifications that you want. For example, if you drive a long commute every day, a gas-guzzling SUV isn’t going to be your best option. Finding the right used car is just a matter of looking for the vehicle that is the right fit for you.    The first thing to think about before you buy a car is how much you’re able to pay. A car will likely be one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make, and you want to be sure that you’re able to afford everything that comes with it. Making a budget is a crucial part of the car buying process, and once you’ve figured out how much you can afford, it is easy to determine the rest. What style of car should you buy? Drivers who want a reliable and safe vehicle that has plenty of utility should consider a sedan. While they aren’t as big as an SUV, sedans generally have enough room to seat five people, including the driver, and a fairly spacious trunk that isn’t open to the cabin. By comparison, a hatchback has most of the same features as a sedan, except there is an open cargo space that can be expanded by folding down the seats. Many cars, like the Ford Focus, are available in both styles, so if you like a vehicle, but don’t like the appearance, there may be another option.   If you’re looking for something with a little more power and space, an SUV or a crossover will provide you all of that with the added advantage of All-Wheel drive on some models. A vehicle like an SUV is a great option if you need a vehicle to occasionally tow a trailer while still providing a lush interior. Some crossovers also have towing capability, but otherwise, they are a more fuel-efficient alternative to an SUV. If you’re really looking for a vehicle that can perform and accomplish tough jobs, a pickup truck is the right option for you, though your fuel economy will not be as good.    Buying a used car is all about weighing the pros and cons of each option. No matter which style of vehicle you choose, buying a vehicle at OkCarz is a smart way to start out on a new journey with your used vehicle. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Tips for Test Driving and Inspecting a Used Car What questions should you ask when buying a used car? How does depreciation affect used vehicles? Should you lease a new car or buy a used vehicle? < Previous post Next post >

Ways You Can Help Keep Your Favorite Local Establishments in Business Many people love the services and products that smallrnbusinesses provide over large, international companies. However, with Coronavirusrnforcing non-essential businesses to close, staying afloat is providing to be arndaunting task for many business owners. Unfortunately, not every business willrnreopen after this health crisis ends. So, how can someone support a local smallrnbusiness while in lockdown? Here are a few ways you can help keep your favoriternlocal establishments in business. Purchase Gift Cards Online   While most businesses have locked their doors, manyrnestablishments are still running their websites and social media accounts tornkeep their customers notified of any online deals or announcements. One way yourncan help keep your favorite business afloat is by purchasing gift cards onlinernto gift to someone else or to use later when they reopen. Get Takeout or Delivery and Tip Extra If your favorite restaurants are offering takeout and/orrndelivery services, consider taking advantage of those offers. While not everyrnrestaurant will offer takeout or delivery, the ones that are continuing to feedrnyour area are likely doing so to earn enough money to reopen their doors later.rnNot only would you be supporting that business, but you will enjoy somerndelicious food! Also, be sure to tip your service workers a bit extra as theyrnare working very hard to get you the food you want and are likely workingrnreduced hours. Reschedule Appointments Instead of Canceling Do you have an appointment with a local business? Instead of canceling, consider rescheduling. This doesn’t seem like it would help much, but that lets your business know that customers will be returning once the stay at home order is lifted. Any deposits that you may have given to reserve your appointment will also be very useful to the establishment to cover their own utilities and payroll. In addition, anyone that reschedules will likely get first dibs at picking a new date. Interested in more tips and tricks on how to get a better handle on the COVD-19 situation? Browse the OkCarz blog for more posts like this. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What is the Debt Snowball Method? How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? How to Maximize the Trade-In Value of Your Car < Previous post Next post >

Fun Things to Do with Young Children Inside and Outside Are you feeling trapped inside your home? Do you have somernhigh-energy kids? Here are some fun and cheap things you can do with your kidsrnwhile in quarantine. Build a pillow fort Draw or color Play an easy board game or video game Watch a family-friendly movie Write a letter to grandma or grandpa Dedicate some time to reading Have a picnic in the backyard or indoors Bake delicious treats Check out virtual museums and aquariums Help your kids build a small garden Of course, there are countless more possibilities available.rnGot an idea to keep your kids occupied? Try it out and enjoy some family time! Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What is the Debt Snowball Method? How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? How to Maximize the Trade-In Value of Your Car < Previous post Next post >

Calculating How Much You Should Save and Spend Every Month Are you struggling to save some cash every month? Wonderingrnif you are spending too much on unnecessary wants? With the 50/30/20 budget rule,rnyou can calculate how much you should save and spend every month based on yourrnincome! Here’s how to use it. What is the 50/30/20 Budget Rule? The 50/30/20 budget rule divides your earnings into needs,rnwants, and savings or debts. With this rule, you should spend no more than 50{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e}rnof your monthly income on living expenses like rent, food, and utilities. 30{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} isrnto be allocated for wants that are not essential for living. This includes gamernconsoles, toys, jewelry, decorations, etc. Basically, if you can live withoutrnthat item, it’s considered a want. Finally, you should be paying yourself thernremaining 20{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e}. Consider building your savings or applying the extra cash tornoutstanding debts. How to Determine Your Budget with the 50/30/20 Rule Calculating your budget with the 50/30/20 rule is very easyrnto do. To show you just how easy it is, let’s run an example calculation forrnsomeone earning $2,500 a month. Necessities: $2,500 x 0.5 = $1,250 Wants: $2,500 x 0.3 = $750 Savings/Debts: $2,500 x 0.2 = $500 By applying the 50/30/20 rule, you will know if you are staying in your budget for all three areas. If not, it’s time to reconsider your monthly spending so you can start saving money. Looking for more financial advice? Follow the OkCarz blog for more tips andrntricks about managing your finances and everything automotive! Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What is the Debt Snowball Method? Tips for Improving Your Current Budget Tips for College Students Shopping for a Used Vehicle Ways You Can Minimize Credit Card Debt < Previous post Next post >

How do interest rates work when you get a car loan? When you’re looking for a new vehicle, there are plenty of things to consider before you make your purchase. One of the most important aspects to think about is how you’re going to buy your vehicle. Even with a used vehicle, most drivers won’t be able to pay the full price up front. Luckily, there are other options for payment, like taking out a car loan.    With a loan, you’ll have monthly payments to make, which will be paid back over the course of anywhere between three and six years. When you take out a car loan, you’ll be making two payments, one on the principal loan, and another on the interest. Interest accrues while you’re working toward paying off the principal and is essentially a payment to the lender for letting you borrow the money.    When you get a loan, the lender will set your interest rate, which is a percentage that you pay on your principal loan. In many auto loan situations, you’ll be paying simple interest instead of compound interest. Compound interest means that you’ll be accumulating interest on the principal loan and on the interest that has already accrued. Simple interest only accumulates on the principal loan, and you end up paying less in the long term. Should you get a car loan? For most drivers, a car loan is the only way they can get a vehicle, and while there are benefits to taking out a loan, there are also risks. Before you buy a car, you should weigh the risks versus the rewards and make sure that you’re financially ready to devote a chunk of your income to a car payment every month.   If you’re looking for a dealership that is able to help you find a used vehicle that fits all your needs, visit one of the five OkCarz locations in Florida. No matter what your credit situation is, OkCarz can find a financing option that is the right fit for you. In some cases, after a year, drivers are able to rebuild their credit and trade into a new Toyota vehicle. To get more information on financing at OkCarz, apply for pre-approval online. 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 >