Blog

How to avoid being scammed while buying a car on Craigslist Everybody and their mothers know that Craigslist is either a great place to find gently used items, or a cesspool full of people who are lurking in wait to cause mayhem. Buying a car off of Craigslist, or any other online site that doesn’t belong to a dealership can be a gamble. If you choose to use a user-submitted marketplace site, there are some things that you can do to avoid getting scammed.    When you go to look at a car from Craigslist, it’s dangerous to go alone. Taking a friend along could stop someone from robbing you or doing some other sort of damage. They can also provide a second pair of eyes to help you determine if the vehicle you’re looking at has any issues. You should also meet the seller in a well-lit, public place. It is safer, and can also help you ensure that the vehicle is in good condition. How to tell if you’re being scammed Scammers are great at working the system and are able to use that against you. However, you should trust your gut and if the situation feels wrong, it probably is. If they won’t answer a reasonable question about the vehicle, like a question about its maintenance history, or even why they’re selling the car, you may want to find a different seller.    You may think that buying a car from a site like Craigslist will be easier or cheaper, but this is rarely the case. You’ll have to put in more effort to find a time and a place that work for both parties for a test drive, and even then, you may not like the vehicle you’re looking at, leaving you both having wasted an afternoon.    A dealership like OkCarz has plenty of vehicle options at various price points, so it’s likely that you’ll be able to find a vehicle that fits you. There are also five convenient OkCarz dealerships in Florida, so it is easy and safe to visit one to find the perfect car. OkCarz is an excellent choice to help you find and finance your new vehicle. 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 >

Best used vehicles from the 1990s When you’re looking at new vehicles, it is easy to become overwhelmed. There are so many options and features that are overall pretty convenient, but until you figure out how to use them all, it can be confusing. If new car shopping leaves you longing for a simpler time with cassette players and baggy jeans, you may be better off looking for a used car. More specifically, a used car from the 1990s.    Like crop tops and chokers, vehicles from the 90s are making a comeback. In three years, your 1990 Toyota Camry is eligible to be registered as an antique or historic vehicle, provided that it still has the original engine. If you’re looking for a vehicle that is pre-Y2K, you have plenty of options to choose from. Which 90’s throwback vehicle should you choose? As with new vehicles, buying a used car depends on what you need from your car. While it won’t have the same amount of safety features or interior technologies, you should be able to find a safe, reliable vehicle to fuel your nostalgia. Honda Accord If you want an average vehicle that isn’t going to give you any trouble, you’ll be happy in the Honda Accord. Back in the day, the 1999 Honda Accord has plenty of options to choose from, and a 2.3L four-cylinder engine with a combined estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg. Nissan Sentra Another reliable sedan, the Nissan Sentra is a great vehicle if you aren’t looking for anything ostentatious or flashy. A 1997 Nissan Sentra is powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine, and with an estimated combined 29 mpg, you won’t be guzzling gasoline. Ford F-150 The Ford F-150 is the quintessential American truck. Even in 1991, the Ford F-150 had a wide array of options and powerful engines. On the 1991 Ford F-150, drivers had three engine choices, a 4.9L straight six, a 5.0L Windsor V8 or an International Harvester Diesel V8. Toyota Camry Like the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry is a good, reliable sedan that still sells well today. The 1999 Toyota Camry offered a combined 23 miles per gallon with a 2.2L, four-cylinder engine. Jeep Wrangler The Jeep Wrangler is great for going off-roading or just driving around. A four-cylinder, 2.5L engine with a combined fuel economy of 18 mpg made certain that the 1997 Jeep Wrangler was a versatile vehicle with some personality. Find a used car in Florida If you’re looking for a vehicle from the 90s, put on your blue eyeshadow and bucket hat and visit one of the five OkCarz locations in Florida. You can peruse the available inventory online or find information on financing 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 >

Why should you check your credit score? “Ignorance is bliss” is an old saying that posits that not knowing something can lead to being a happier and more content person. It is also the approach that many people take toward their credit score, despite the fact that it holds quite a bit of power over many large life decisions. Checking your credit score provides you with the knowledge that can help you get a loan for a home, obtain a credit card, and get a job.   If you’re planning on applying for a loan or making a big purchase, it can be beneficial to check your credit score so you have an idea of what to expect when you apply. Your credit score can change based on your credit card or prior loan payments. Of course, simply knowing your credit score isn’t a magic “get out of jail free” card. Not all credit scores are created equal, and just because you know what yours is, you can still have a bad credit score. Once you know what your credit score is, you have the power to work toward changing it. What is a good credit score? The actual range of a good credit score varies based on which credit score company you’re looking at. Most scales start at 300 and go to 850. If your FICO® Score is between 670 and 739, it is considered a good credit score. Those with a credit score anywhere between 740 and 799 have a Very Good score, and those with Exceptional scores are between 800-850. Those numbers shift slightly for your VantageScore, where the Good range is 700-749, and Excellent is 750-850.    These two scoring systems are the ones most often used by lenders to determine the strength of your application. If you have a high credit score, you’re more likely to be approved for credit and receive the best rates. With bad credit, you may not be approved, and if you are, your rates won’t be as good and you may have larger down payment amounts.   If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle with low or no credit, come to OkCarz. They can help you explore financing options to get the used vehicle of your dreams. Learn more about how to get a car loan and boost your credit score at OkCarz at one of their five Florida locations. 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 >

When Should I Get My Windshield Wipers Replaced? rn By Product Expert | Posted in Tips and Tricks, Vehicle Maintenance on Thursday, December 26th, 2019 at 10:38 amrn Signs of Worn Windshield Wipers As you drive in the rain, do you notice that your windshieldrnwipers aren’t working as well as they should? If you have trouble seeing whilernusing the wipers, it’s time for a replacement. Here are some signs that yourrnwindshield wipers are going bad. Skipping, Streaking, or Splitting The most common issues with bad wiper blades are that theyrnstart skipping, streaking, or splitting. When wipers do this, water isn’t beingrnmoved off the windshield properly and can cause visibility issues. Most driversrnwait until one of these signs arise to change their windshield wipers.   Skipping, streaking, and splitting can be caused by a varietyrnof factors. The rubber may be rounded rather than squared. There may be cracksrnor missing pieces in the rubber that water is seeping through. The frame may bernbroken, corrosion is present at the joints or claws, or the wiper wasn’trninstalled correctly. Be sure to check the rubber, arm, and joints so you know wherernthe problem is coming from. Chattering Noise Another sign that your windshield wipers are going bad is ifrnthey are making a chattering sound when being used. Many times, this is due tornthe blades or windshield not being clean. Another cause is if the wiper arm isrnbent and not allowing the blade to contact the glass correctly. If yourrnwindshield and wipers are clean and the arm isn’t bent, then it’s time to getrnreplacements. How Long Do Windshield Wipers Last?   Windshield wipers can last roughly six months to a fullrnyear. Factors that affect how long they last for include the weather, how oftenrnthey are used, the material they are made from, and age. Thankfully, gettingrnwindshield wipers replaced is very cost-effective as wiper blades arernrelatively cheap and you don’t have to replace them too often.   Looking for more tips and tricks regarding proper care ofrnyour car? Check out the OkCarz blog rnfor more! 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 >

rnrn rn rn rn 2017 Midsize SUV Video Comparison rn Shopping for a vehicle can be a difficult task. So many models clutter the market, if can be hard to know which one is the best for your needs as a driver. This is especially true in the crowded crossover and SUV classes. You could spend hours reading comparisons online, or watch this great 2017 midsize SUV video comparison to quickly learn more about the vehicles that make up this crowded class. rn Read More: Work your way into a new Toyota through OkCarz! rnrn 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 What is the Debt Avalanche Method? rn rn rn rn rn Tips to Stay Fit During the 2020 Holiday Season rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn What is the Debt Snowball Method? rn rn rn rn rn How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn < Previous post rn Next post > rn rn rn rnrn

OkCarz New Toyota Program The OkCarz new Toyota Program is an excellent way for car shoppers to re-build their credit and work their way up to a new Toyota vehicle. Through our partnership with Lakeland Toyota, OkCarz is able to offer a very unique opportunity to our customers. OkCarz Toyota Partnership The OkCarz partnership offers a very unique opportunity for our customers. After 12 months of payments, OkCarz customers will be eligible to upgrade to a new Toyota vehicle through Lakeland Toyota. This program is an excellent way for OkCarz customers to build their credit through us and work their way up to an excellent new Toyota car. Read More: How much of your income should you spend on a car? Financing Through OkCarz The first step towards taking advantage of this program is to purchase a vehicle and finance it through OkCarz. We are able to avoid the hassle that comes with third-party vendors, offering financing directly through our in-house Mid Florida Financing Bank. We can get you approved and behind the wheel of an excellent car at a rate you can afford. Read More: How is four-wheel drive different from all-wheel drive? Payments to OkCarz can be made easily at a variety of locations, including right here on our website. We make the process of buying and financing a car as easy and stress-free as possible.   Car shoppers interested in taking advantage of the OkCarz Toyota referral program can apply for financing right here on our website. View our inventory to learn more about the cars we currently have to offer. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Who Qualifies for the No Credit Finance Program at OKCarz? How to Find the Value of My Car Online for Free OkCarz offers low interest auto loans to car shoppers in Lakeland, FL How does car financing work? < Previous post Next post >

Buying a car for a new driver can be a stressful experience for many parents. With a wide variety of vehicles in different shapes and sizes to choose from, it can be difficult to know what kind of car to get. Some parents may be wondering, is it better to buy a teenage driver a larger vehicle? Buying a learning driver and SUV Many parents will want to buy their teenage driver a larger vehicle because of the assumption that a larger SUV or truck will be safer in the event of an accident. This logic is not faulty, but there are other factors that should be considered as well.   Larger vehicles tend to be less maneuverable than smaller cars. Heavier SUVs and trucks will also almost always have a longer stopping distance than a smaller vehicle. This can make it harder to avoid an accident in a larger vehicle than in a smaller car.   Another factor that should be considered is that a larger SUV with more rows of seats can hold more people. More seating means more friends in the vehicle potentially distracting the driver. If you would like to limit the number of passengers your teen can have with them in their vehicle, a smaller car would be a wiser choice. Read More: Take a look at one of these compact cars with impressive storage space This is not to say that larger vehicles are not a good choice for a learning driver. If you live in an area where inclimate weather is a concern, a truck or SUV with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive would be a practical choice.   OkCarz offers many practical pre-owned cars that are great choices for learning drivers. Interested car shoppers can view our inventory or apply for financing here on our website. 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 >

Tampa FL Race Tracks and Courses Very few sports can match the excitement of live car racing. Florida is a great state for racing, offering many impressive race tracks that deliver high-speed fun. If you would like to take in some racing fun, check out one of these Tampa FL race tracks and courses. East Bay Raceway Park More info here! This high-speed clay track has been hosting a variety of different races for over 40 years. The track overs a third of a mile, and routinely hosts national races with drivers from all around the world. R ead More: Check out one of these compact cars that offer impressive storage space Desoto Speedway More info here! Desoto Speedway offers a unique racing experience. The track utilizes a 3/8-mile paved oval with 12-degree baking turns to provide high-speed excitement. Desoto Speedway hosts a variety of races in different type and classes. Lakeland Drag Strip More info here! Lakeland Drag Strip brings high-speed drag racing to the Tampa area. This fun track offers a variety of drag races all year long. Grand Prix of St. Petersburg More info here! This is not really a race track, but the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is definitely worth seeing.  Every year, the Indycar Series takes over the streets of St. Petersburg for this high-speed Grand Prix. Showtime Speedway More info here! Showtime Speedway bills itself as the “fastest ¼-mile in the South.” This speedway also includes a dragstrip to maximize the variety of races available.   If you are in the market for a top-quality pre-owned car while you are in the Tampa area, stop by OkCarz. We offer a wide variety of vehicles along with the financing options needed to get you behind the wheel at the best rate possible. 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 >

Compact cars with great storage space The small car segment draws customers by offering impressive fuel economy ratings paired with nimble handling and an easy-to-drive nature. However, many times this smaller stature comes with a smaller trunk as well. But this is not always the case. Check out this list of compact cars with great storage space to get the most out of your small car. Compact Hatchback Cars One of the best ways to gain an extra amount of storage space in a compact car is to find one that utilizes a hatchback body style. The hatchback design allows many of these cars to offer storage numbers that rival, and sometimes exceed, many larger cars and crossovers. Some of these options include: Vehicle Storage Space w/ Seats in Place Storage Space w/ Seats Folded Down Ford Focus Hatchback 23.8 cubic feet 44.8 cubic feet Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback 18.5 cubic feet 47.2 cubic feet Honda Civic Hatchback 25.7 cubic feet 46.2 cubic feet Volkswagen Golf 22.8 cubic feet 52.7 cubic feet Mazda3 Hatchback 20.2 cubic feet 47.1 cubic feet Read More: How is all-wheel drive different from four-wheel drive? Compact Crossovers With the increased popularity of the crossover, manufacturers have been rushing to offer versions of these vehicles in a variety of sizes. Many small crossover models are able to deliver impressive fuel economy and storage ratings. Models offered in this class include: Vehicle Storage Space w/ Seats in Place Storage Space w/ Seats Folded Down Mazda CX-3 12.4 cubic feet 44.5 cubic feet Chevrolet Tax 18.7 cubic feet 48.4 cubic feet Honda HR-V 24.3 cubic feet 58.8 cubic feet Subaru Crosstrek 22.3 cubic feet 51.9 cubic feet Read More: Check out one of these truck models with good fuel economy ratings OkCars offers many capable compact car and crossover models that deliver impressive storage and fuel economy ratings. You can view our selection online, as well as apply for financing. 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 >

Financing a car purchase is always a hassle. This challenge can come with many questions. One of the most important is “how much of my income should I spend on a car?” There are several things to keep in mind when budgeting your car purchase. Used Car Purchase Budgeting A good rule of thumb to use when planning the purchasing of a vehicle is to budget approximately 20{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} of your income towards a car. This percentage can vary based on the amount of your down-payment, and the length of the loan. Read More: Take a look at these truck models with good fuel economy ratings Is important to take detailed stock of your finances before determining whether it is practical to purchase a newer vehicle. Car Purchase Financing at OkCarz OkCarz can help just about any driver finance their next purchase. Our buy here, pay here model allows us to cut out the middle man. We offer financing through our Mid-Florida Financing Bank. OkCarz is an excellent place to begin the process of re-building your credit.   At OkCarz, car shoppers will be able to find a wide variety of pre-owned vehicles from many different makes and manufacturers. We will be able to find the ideal vehicle that fits your needs as a driver. Read More: How is all-wheel drive different from four-wheel drive? OkCarz offers multiple locations spread throughout Florida, and in North Carolina. Get in touch with our team right away to begin the process of getting behind the wheel of an excellent pre-owned vehicle at a rate you can afford. View our selection, or apply for financing, 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 >

How is all-wheel drive different from four-wheel drive? Car shoppers looking to do some adventuring off-road, or just for some added traction, will be considering all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles. These two similar systems can sometimes lead to confusion. So how is all-wheel drive different from four-wheel drive? Differences between AWD and 4WD Both all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive send power to all four wheels of a vehicle. There are a couple key differences that set these two systems apart from each other. Read More: Make your payments online at OkCarz! All-wheel drive systems can send power to all four wheels, but most of the time the system with prioritize one set of wheels over the other. Power is then sent to the other wheels as needed. For example, an all-wheel drive car will primarily operate in front-wheel drive, but if the system detects the front wheels slipping, power will be sent to the rear wheels. Some all-wheel drive systems will always send a portion of the vehicle’s power to all the wheels, but others do not. Benefits of 4WD Four-wheel drive systems will always send a portion of power to all four wheels of the vehicle. Four-wheel drive systems are most often found on larger trucks and SUVs, and are designed for more rugged use. Four-wheel drive vehicles will have lower gearing ratios, and other systems designed to aid with off-road driving, or extreme weather driving conditions. If you are planning on taking your vehicles off road for a significant amount of time, for-wheel drive is a great choice. OkCarz offers many excellent all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles in our inventory, along with the financing options needed to get you behind the wheel at a rate that fits your budget. 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 >

Most pickup trucks are designed to appeal to car shoppers searching for a powerful workhorse vehicle. Because of this, many times fuel economy is an afterthought for people considering these vehicles. But other shoppers may be interested in searching for truck models with good fuel economy ratings. Small Pickup Trucks The midsize pickup truck market offers many smaller models that deliver competitive fuel economy ratings while still checking off all the performance boxes. Trucks like the Honda Ridgeline can earn up to 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highways. Read More: Make your payments to OkCarz online! Other smaller truck models on the market today include the Chevy Colorado, which is capable of earning up to 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highways, and the Toyota Tacoma, which checks in at 19 city/24 highway. Larger Truck Models Shoppers who are more interested in a larger truck model can still find a vehicle that delivers competitive fuel economy ratings. Some full-size truck models can be equipped with turbocharged diesel engine options that maximize performance and fuel economy. The Ram 1500 diesel can earn up to 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highways.   Other trucks utilize turbocharged gasoline V-6 engines that deliver the performance of a V-8 with better fuel economy ratings. Ford offers the iconic F-150 with multiple EcoBoost engine options. This helps the truck earn up to 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highways. OkCarz offers multiple pre-owned truck models in our inventory. We can help you get behind the wheel of a capable truck at a rate you can afford. Get in touch with our team and find out how to get approved. 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 >