How to Find the Value of My Car Online for Free
Easy Online Trade-In Appraisal at OkCarz
Considering getting a discount on your next car? Wondering howrnmuch your current vehicle is worth? Looking for a way to determine your car’srnvalue without visiting a dealership in person? Here at OkCarz, we provide freernand easy online trade-in appraisals for anyone curious about their vehicle’srnvalue. Continue reading to see how you can get your estimate quickly.
[ READ MORE: Howrnto Apply for a Bad Credit Used Car Loan in Central Florida ]
Get Your Car Trade-In Value Estimate
Getting your car trade-in value is so easy at OkCarz, itrnonly takes a few minutes to do! To get your estimate, simply provide us with:
- Your preferred location you would like to work with
- Your contact information
- Vehicle make, model, year, trim, mileage, and exterior/interiorrncondition
- Information regarding whether you are thernoriginal owner or if the vehicle has been in an accident
To submit your information for a trade-in estimate, pleasernprovide this information on our onlinernform here. One of our representatives will contact you with an estimaternwithin 48 hours. Also, there is no fee to request your estimate nor will there bernany obligation for you to accept the offer!
[ READ MORE: SavingrnMoney with the 50/30/20 Budget Rule ]
Interested to accept your trade-in value estimate? Want somernassistance in shopping for a different used vehicle? Have any questions for ourrnteam here at OkCarz? Contact us onlinernor by phone and we will be happy to help!
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Good Credit Car Loans vs Bad Credit Car Loans
You may have found a vehicle that you are interested in buying and need to take out a loan to do so. However, your credit score may be less than appealing. Perhaps your credit score may be really high compared to the average person. How exactly does credit affect a car loan? Let’s explore the differences you may find in a good credit car loan versus a bad credit car loan.
How Credit Impacts How Much You Pay
Despite two borrowers requesting the same amount of money from a lender, chances are that they will not pay the same. If one borrower has better credit than the other, that borrower will likely get a lower interest rate. Not only that, but the person with the higher credit score likely won’t be required to pay as much upfront as a down payment. In addition, the borrower with a good credit score will have an easier time getting approved for a car loan than someone with bad credit. Why does this happen?
From the lender’s perspective, borrowers with higher credit scores are deemed to be less risky. These people have proven to pay their bills on time and the lender will have more security in making sure they get their money. Meanwhile, someone with poor credit may be seen as too risky. They feel there is a much lower chance that a person with poor credit will keep their financial commitments or make timely payments. Therefore, the interest rate is normally increased for poor credit individuals, and getting approved may take longer.
What to Do if You Have Bad Credit
If you have less than perfect credit, it’s okay. We understand that your credit score is not an accurate reflection of a person’s willingness to keep their commitments, and not always the best way to gauge an individual’s lending risk. The fact is that everyone deserves reliable transportation.
We own both car dealerships and the finance company. This gives us the power to offer loans based on your income and stability regardless of your credit score. Let us help you get into one of our high-quality pre-owned vehicles at one of our many Central Florida area dealerships today.
To get pre-approved, simply fill out and submit our online application. Need help along the way? Contact one of our No Credit Finance Specialists at 863-286-3822 and we will answer any questions that may arise.
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Are you severely impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak? Can’t afford to buy food for the family? Generous donators and volunteers are managing food pantries to help struggling Lakeland residents get the food they need to survive. See where you can pick up food in the Lakeland, Florida, area below.
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How to find a dependable used vehicle
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.
[Related: Is there a best month to buy a vehicle?]
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.
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How do new and used car loans differ?
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.
[Related: Putting a down payment on a used vehicle]
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.
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Benefits of driving a hatchback
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.
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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.
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Putting a down payment on a used vehicle
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.
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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.
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What the check engine light means
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.
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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.
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Used SUVs with the best fuel economy
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 |
[Related: What is a hybrid vehicle?]
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.
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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.
[Related: Is there a best month to buy a vehicle?]
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.
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