What are the safest Used Vehicles?
How can you tell if a used car is safe?
Whether you’re just learning how to drive, or if you’ve been behind the wheel for years, it is important that you stay safe while you’re on the road. Many newer models have advanced driver assist features that can help you avoid a potential accident. However, even if you can’t get a brand-new car that has all of the new features, there are plenty of used vehicle options that you are able to choose from that are the safest on the road.
When you’re looking for a vehicle that will help keep you safe, there are two ratings to consider, the ones from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If a vehicle is highly rated by both agencies, it is likely that it will be a good choice to keep you safe on the road. The NHTSA is rated by stars, with the best being five out of five, with information on overall ratings, frontal crash, side crash, and rollover. The IIHS has a different rating system, measuring a variety of different aspects and then providing a list of Top Safety Picks, which have been rated “Good” or “Acceptable” in various tests, like front small overlap.
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| Model | IIHS Rating | NHTSA Rating (Overall) |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | Top Safety Pick | 5 Stars |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Top Safety Pick | 4 Stars |
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick | 4 Stars |
| 2014 Kia Soul | Top Safety Pick | 5 Stars |
| 2015 Ford F-150 | Top Safety Pick | 5 Stars |
| 2015 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick | 5 Stars |
| 2016 Kia Sedona | Top Safety Pick | 5 Stars |
| 2016 Nissan Murano | Top Safety Pick Plus | 5 Stars |
Finding the safest used vehicle
There are, of course, other factors to consider when you’re thinking about vehicle safety, like age and advanced features that might be available. In some older vehicles, some of the features that modern drivers are accustomed to, like airbags, antilock brakes, traction control, and many more, weren’t always standard. While you’d now be hard-pressed to find a vehicle without these features, some vehicles from the late 90s and early 00s aren’t equipped with these systems. However, when you’re looking for a used vehicle, these models are an excellent place to start.
To learn more about used vehicles that will help keep you safe on the road, and the safety features that are available, visit OkCarz at one of the five locations. You can also find more information online at the OkCarz website, where you can find information on used vehicle financing and view the entire inventory of used models.
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When is a car too old to buy?
How old should your used vehicle be?
When buying a used vehicle, there are a lot of aspects that drivers have to consider that they wouldn’t think about in a new vehicle. For the most part, on a new vehicle, it will maybe be a year or two old, at most. Many are essentially fresh off the line. However, with a used car, you have a wide range of options to consider, making it more difficult to figure out which one is the right choice for you. When you’re looking at vehicles from a wide sample of years, you need to think about how age can affect a used vehicle.
While there are some benefits to buying a much older vehicle, like the unique styling and in some cases, lower price, there are some reasons why you shouldn’t purchase a vehicle that was made before the invention of the iPhone. For one, your vehicle probably won’t have the technology features that many people now want. It also might not have stability control, which wasn’t mandated by the government until 2007. Older vehicles will have airbags, which were federally mandated in 1998, and many will have anti-lock brakes and side airbags, which became common in vehicles in the early aughts. So, if you’re looking for vehicle safety, anything from the late 90s to early 2000’s will likely have many of the basic safety amenities that drivers have come to expect, but as you inch closer to the present, you’ll also have access to advanced safety feature as well.
[Related: How to find a dependable used vehicle]
When does a vehicle stop being reliable?
The older a vehicle, the longer it has been on the road, racking up miles and owners. Even when well-kept, normal wear and tear will win out in the end, potentially leaving you with costly maintenance a couple of years down the line. After about 20 years, as your vehicle ages, it will also get harder to find parts for repairs, once again driving up the price. When it comes to deciding if a vehicle has been around the block a time or two too many, think about how long you’d want it to last with you, and if you’re willing to put in the time to keep it in great shape.
When it comes down to it, any vehicle that has been well-maintained that you feel comfortable driving is a good vehicle for you. While older vehicles will probably need more maintenance and lack the modern technologies, you can’t put a price on finding a vehicle that fits you, whether that is through the appearance or the pricing. Sometimes, even when you’re looking at an older vehicle, you might need some assistance with financing. If that is the case, visit OkCarz, where you can get financing help, no matter what your credit score is, and even apply for financing online.
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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?
What type of engine do you want when buying a car?
What is the difference between I-4, V6, and V8 engines?
Buying a new car means that you have to navigate all of the terms and specifications. While some are obvious, like how the size and style of the vehicle will relate to the interior dimensions, there are other aspects that can feel as unfamiliar as if they were in another language. For many people, this sticking point in vehicle knowledge is often related to performance and which engines are available on models.
An engine in a vehicle works when a piston moves in a cylinder, which is connected to a crankshaft that provides energy to the transmission and wheels, which is what causes the vehicle to move. The piston in the cylinder compresses a mixture of air and gasoline, which creates a small explosion when a spark from a spark plug is given off. This energy is what moves the piston back down, starting the cycle over again, after the exhaust is expelled. The number of cylinders, and by extension, pistons, is what determines how powerful the vehicle is.
[Related: How to measure engine performance]
Which engines are the most powerful?
When you’re looking for a car or a crossover, it is likely that the engines you’ll encounter are an I-4 or V6. That means that there are either four or six cylinders in the engine providing power. The “I” and “V” stand for the configuration of the cylinders on the engine block. The “I” stands for inline, meaning that all of the cylinders are in a straight line on the engine. With a “V” the cylinders are placed so that they are at an angle from one another, creating a V-shape. Most inline engines have four, five, or six cylinders, while V-oriented engines are best suited with six or more cylinders.
This is why drivers who are looking for a truck or a larger SUV are more likely to find a V-configured engine with either six or eight cylinders. These will likely provide more power, allowing the vehicle to tow a trailer or accommodate more weight. No matter what style of engine you’re looking for, OkCarz has plenty of options for you to consider, as well as financing assistance that can be found online, along with the entire inventory.
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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?
How Safe is the Used Volkswagen Jetta Sedan?
Pre-Owned VW Jetta Safety Technology
Shopping for a used vehicle can be a hassle, especially if you are questioning the safety of that vehicle. Will this vehicle protect me if I got into an accident? What safety features are included in this model? If you are looking for a sedan that will prioritize the safety of you and your passengers, consider the used Volkswagen Jetta sedan.
[ Explorernthe Used VW Jetta ]
Driver-Assistive Technology
Everyone’s human and sometimes we need an extra set of eyes to prevent accidents. Many pre-owned VW Jetta vehicles offer a diversity of driver-assistive technologies to help keep you out of harm’s way. Here are a few convenient and advanced features you may find in a used Jetta.
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Traffic Alert
- Light Assist
- Lane Assist
- Front Assist
Safety Features
If an accident were to happen, Jetta needs to protect you to minimize the severity of your injuries. From its strong frame to automatic systems, the VW Jetta offers many different safety features to help you in a variety of situations. Here are some features you’ll likely find in a pre-owned VW Jetta.
- Safety Cage
- Intelligent Crash Response System
- Automatically turns off fuel pump, unlocks the doors, activates the hazard lights after a crash that deploys the airbags
- Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
- Tire-Pressure Monitoring System
- Various Stability-Enhancing Systems
Safety features and technologies will vary based on thernspecific Jetta model you are interested in. To learn about the featuresrnincluded with the VW Jetta you are interested in, contact us at OkCarz. We will providerna full list of safety features and technologies you can expect in that specificrnvehicle.
Intrigued to learn more about the safety of various vehicles? Interested to know how you can keep yourself safe through car maintenance? If so, check out the safety section of the OkCarz blog.
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Best Cars in 2018 Academy Award-Nominated films
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Vehicles featured in the 2018 Oscar-nominated movies
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From Doc Brown’s DeLorean and a Best Sound Effects win for Back to the Future to the Buick Roadmaster in 1989’s Best Picture winner Rain Man, cars have been an important part of the films that Hollywood loves. With the announcement of the 2018 Acadamy Award nominees, now is definitely the right time to take a look at the vehicles that played a role in the cream of the crop of 2017 movies.
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Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
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In a movie about a corrupt police force in a small town, it’s no wonder that the classic cop car, a Ford Crown Victoria, makes an appearance. There are other Ford models that show up in the Best Picture nominated film, like a 1984 Ford B-Series and a 1988 Ford LDT Country Squire.
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The Shape of Water
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Nominated for thirteen awards, The Shape of Water sets a realistic scene as a contrast to the fanciful plot with a variety of 1960’s models, like the Ford Econoline and the Dodge Dart. While most of the vehicles are in the background, the vehicles are an important part of establishing the time period of the film.
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Get Out
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Director Jordan Peele is one of three people who have garnered a Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Picture nomination for their first film. Though there isn’t a huge focus on cars, two of the vehicles primarily featured in Get Out include a 2015 Lincoln MKC and a 1983 Porsche 944.
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Baby Driver
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Though not nominated for Best Picture, Baby Driver has been recognized in three different categories. While there isn’t a Best Chase Scene option, this heist film would have been a shoo-in. While the most visible vehicle in the film is a 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX, there are plenty of vehicles featured, like a 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 550 and the 20017 Chevrolet Avalanche.
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Pick a winner at OkCarz
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Find a vehicle that makes you feel like a star at one of the five OkCarz locations in Florida. While you won’t likely be dragged off to the Sunken Place, or have to speed through the streets to shake to police, you still want to make sure that you have the car that fits you, even without the Hollywood budget. Drivers who want to learn more about vehicle financing or how they can get credit help are able to find all the information they need on the OkCarz website, and can even apply for pre-approval for a car loan.
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How Much Space is Inside the Used Honda HR-V?
Pre-Owned Honda HR-V Passenger and Cargo Volume
Entering the market in 2016, the Honda HR-V quickly grew tornbe a top pick among drivers in Central Florida. While not one of the largerrnSUVs, this crossover offers enough space for the common individual or family tornenjoy. Exactly how much space is inside the used Honda HR-V? Keep reading to learnrnabout the passenger and cargo volume inside the HR-V.
[ Learn about thernHonda HR-V ]
Honda HR-V Passenger Space
Offering two rows of seats, the Honda HR-V can seat up tornfive passengers. Those in the front row can enjoy 41.2 inches of legroom whilernthe passengers in the back have 39.3 inches available. In addition to plenty ofrnspace for passengers, the Honda HR-V offers lots of comfort and convenience featuresrnto make riding inside this crossover more relaxing and fun.
[ READ MORE: HondarnHR-V Technology and Comfort Features ]
Honda HR-V Maximum Cargo Space
One of the major pluses of owning a Honda HR-V is knowingrnyou will have enough room to store plenty of belongings, large or small. Thernamount of cargo space you will have available will depend on whether you havernpassengers sitting in the back row. If you need the rear seats up, the HR-V offersrn24.3 cubic feet of space. Want to pack as much cargo as possible? With the secondrnrow of seats folded down, the maximum amount of cargo space inside the HondarnHR-V is 58.8 cubic feet.
[ READ MORE: Instagram Photos of the Honda HR-V ]
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Top 6 Pictures of the Ford Explorer SUV on Instagram
Ford Explorer Instagram Photos
A top pick among Ford fans, the Ford Explorerrnoffers the versatility and capability that families need. Various technologyrnfeatures add to the fun and help protect your loved ones. Not only that, butrnthis family vehicle offers a bold and sporty design, making the Explorer one ofrnthe most stylish vehicles on the road. Don’t believe us? Check out these six picturesrnof the Ford Explorer SUV on Instagram!
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What is the Difference Between FWD and AWD?
Front-Wheel Drive vs All-Wheel Drive Comparison
As you shop for a vehicle, you’ve likely have come acrossrnthe terms front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). FWD and AWD arerntwo different drivetrains which each being found in many vehicles. What’s therndifference between FWD and AWD? There are different benefits from owning each,rnso let’s see how these drivetrains compare.
[ READ MORE: WhenrnShould You Get Your Tires Rotated? ]
Pros and Cons of FWD
FWD is the most common drivetrain out there. From old vehiclesrnto current models, FWD has been available to drivers for decades. Why dorndrivers continue to buy cars with this drivetrain? It comes down tornaffordability and efficiency. This drivetrain is the cheapest for manufacturersrnto produce, thus making FWD the cheapest for drivers to purchase. In addition, FWDrnis known to be more fuel-efficient than other drivetrain options. This is duernto the fact that only the front two tires are powered by the engine.
Now you’re probably wondering why some drivers would ratherrnpick a different drivetrain. While FWD is good for drivers on a budget, itrnposes a risk during weather conditions like rain. Also, vehicles with FWDrncannot easily travel off-road. Since only the front tires are powered, if onernloses traction, it can be hard for the vehicle to regain the grip it needs.
Pros and Cons of AWD
AWD is the opposite of FWD for many reasons. This drivetrainrnpowers all four wheels rather than just two. Since it is newer technology, thisrndrivetrain is a bit more expensive and less efficient. However, handling toughrnroad conditions are made much easier as the vehicle would be able to holdrntraction better.
Many AWD drivetrains combat its flaws by engineering thisrnsystem to adapt to the road. For instance, if you are slipping, the wheels withrnthe best grip will get engine power. While cruising, the front two wheels canrnget power and act like FWD. Of course, this flexibility can depend on the brandrnmaking that AWD drivetrain.
So which drivetrain should you choose? That depends on how yournplan on driving your next vehicle. If rain and travelling off-road isn’t anrnissue for you, you may as well save the extra cash and get a vehicle with FWD.rnHowever, if traction has been a problem or if you plan on travelling off-road,rnwe recommend buying a usedrnvehicle with AWD. For help finding the right car with the right drivetrainrnfor you, contact us here at OkCarz.
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Conventional Oil vs Synthetic Oil
Whether you are shopping for a different vehicle or arernconsidering changing the type of oil you use, you’ve probably heard about syntheticrnoil. This type of oil differs greatly from conventional oil, which is the typernthat is typically used in vehicles. What’s the difference between these twornoils? What are the benefits of each one? Today, we will discuss how these twornoils compare.
[ READ MORE: Whenrnto Change Your Oil ]
Conventional Oil Pros and Cons
Conventional oil is the traditional type of oil that you willrnmost commonly see. This oil was harvested from the ground and is a cheaprnoption. In addition, conventional oil works well with most new and old vehicles,rnmaking conventional oil rather universal.
To cover the disadvantages of conventional oil, it’s a goodrnidea to look at the benefits of synthetic oil. Let’s take a peek at what yourncan expect while using synthetic.
Synthetic Oil Pros and Cons
Overall, synthetic oil is a great alternative to conventionalrnoil. This oil withstands extreme temperatures better, thus breaking down lessrnin hot climates and flowing better in cold climates. It also resists sludge andrngrime buildup better than conventional oil, making the engine last longer andrnkeeping it cleaner. Finally, synthetic oil doesn’t need to be changed as oftenrnas conventional oil does. This is all due to the fact that synthetic oil isrncreated in a lab.
However, there are a couple cons when it comes to syntheticrnoil. Synthetic oil changes are more expensive since the oil is high quality.rnCost does average out as the changes aren’t frequent, so you could considerrnthis a tie with conventional. In addition, not every engine will be able to runrnon synthetic. Specifically, old engines with high mileage may have difficultyrnadapting to synthetic. Before making the switch, we highly recommend that yournspeak with a mechanic and consulting your owner’s manual.
Need more tips and tricksrnon how to maintain your vehicle? Checkrnout the OkCarz blog for a variety of topics!
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Used Hyundai Elantra Comfort and Technology Options
If you are looking for an affordable sedan that has a variety of technology features, look no further than the Hyundai Elantra. Even in older models, the Elantra offers a diversity of convenience and technology features to keep you comfortable, engaged, and entertained.
[ Shop for a Used Hyundai Elantra in Florida ]
Media and Entertainment Technology in the Hyundai Elantra
As you shop for a used Hyundai Elantra, you will find that you can choose from many different media and entertainment technologies. Recent Elantra models may have features such as a multimedia navigation touchscreen display with rearview camera, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, Infinity® Premium Audio System, Blue Link®, and more.
Comfort and Convenience Features in the Hyundai Elantra
Both comfort and convenience features are integrated into the interior design and
technology, so you will find many that will benefit everyone in the cabin. Some features you may find in a used Hyundai Elantra include a wireless device charging pad, hands-free smart trunk release, power tilt and slide sunroof, leather seats, remote keyless entry system and much more.rn
Test Drive the Hyundai Elantra at OkCarz
Are you excited to see which convenience and technology features are offered in the Hyundai Elantra for yourself? Stop by OkCarz to take a look at a variety of Elantra models and features available. See an Elantra you are interested in? Let us know and we’d be happy to tell you more about that specific model as well as get you behind the wheel for a test drive. As you continue to browse, check out the OkCarz blog for more information on our large variety of brands and models, including the Hyundai Elantra. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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