Are you buying a reliable vehicle?
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.
[Related: Should you replace your current car?]
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.
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
No credit car financing options
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.
[Related: What to do when you’re buying your first car]
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.
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?
How to determine which car to buy
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.
[Related: What to look for when buying a used car]
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.
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?
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.
[ READ MORE: RestaurantsrnDelivering in Orlando, Florida ]
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.
[ READ MORE: Tipsrnfor Shopping for a Car Online ]
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.
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
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!
[ OutdoorrnActivity Ideas | Howrnto Make Money in Quarantine | OkCarzrnBlog ]
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
How to Save Money with the 50/30/20 Budget Rule
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.
[ READ MORE: Tipsrnfor Spending your Stimulus Check Strategically ]
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.
[ Bad Credit UsedrnCar Loans in Central Florida ]
Looking for more financial advice? Follow the OkCarz blog for more tips andrntricks about managing your finances and everything automotive!
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
Interest on vehicle financing
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.
[Related: How does car financing work?]
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.
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
Glove Box Organization Tips
What should you keep in your glove box?
There are many different schools of thought when it comes to vehicle upkeep. There are some drivers who are incredibly meticulous when it comes to keeping the interior of their car looking as good as it was when they got it. Others may treat their vehicle like a landfill, and keep it full of all sorts of junk that gets shuttled from the back to the front seat. No matter how you keep up your vehicle, there is one area that should maintain organization.
In many vehicles, the glove box is a free-for-all stuffed with superfluous items. However, it can be helpful to you if you keep your glove box organized. This organization can make a routine traffic stop go smoothly, and you’ll have room for items that could make all the difference in an emergency.
[Related: Emergency items to keep in your trunk]
Important items to leave in your glove box
If you’re being stopped for a traffic violation or any other issue, you’ll want to make sure that you have your license and registration on hand. Most drivers keep their paperwork in the glove box, which is a secure and contained area. However, all of those papers add up, and you may end up searching through piles of paperwork until you’re able to find the one that you need. That is why it is recommended that you keep your registration, proof of insurance, and a copy of your driver’s license bound together by a paper clip or in a plastic bag. You should also keep any important medical information in the same area.
The glove box is also a great place to keep small maintenance objects, like a tire gauge and spare fuses. Other small components to consider keeping in your glove box include a spare car charger, a flashlight, first aid kit, the owner’s manual, and a map. While you may already have some of these items in a different part of your vehicle, having a spare that is easily within reach won’t do any harm.
If you’re looking for a new glovebox to put your items in, visit OkCarz at one of their five locations to take a look at the used vehicle options available.
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
Benefits of Getting a Car Loan Directly from a Dealership
As you shop around for car loans, you will notice that you willrnfind many options. However, these options generally fall into two categories: banksrnand buy here pay here dealerships. Which is better? Is financing with a buyrnhere pay here dealer better than a bank? We will explore the benefits ofrngetting a car loan directly from a dealership so you can better understand ifrnthat is the best option for you.
[ READ MORE: HowrnDoes My Credit Score Affect My Car Loan? ]
The Loan Approval and Buying Process is Fast and Easy
Since you would be working directly with the dealership,rngetting approved for a car loan is fast and easy. This is because there is nornthird party you need to wait on and there are financing options for everyone,rnincluding those with bad credit. Not only that, but many buyers end up drivingrntheir purchased vehicle that same day.
Payment Options are Flexible
A major plus of financing with a buy here pay here dealer isrnthat you will have many payment options available. With plans flexible to your budget,rnit’s easy to find a payment option that is affordable to you.
Small Down Payment
In emergency situations, you may not have much cash for a down payment on hand. By financing with a buy here pay here dealer, the down payment is often very affordable. Of course, this varies by the dealership, so be sure to check with the buy here pay here dealer first so you know if you need to save that extra cash.
[ Get Approved for a Car LoanrnOnline at OkCarz ]
Whether you have struggling credit or enjoy the convenience,rnfinancing with a buy here pay here dealership is a great option to consider. Torndiscover how much you qualify for, contactrnus at OkCarz and we will help you finance for the car you need with arnpayment plan you can afford.
More from OkCarz
How Does My Credit Score Affect My Car Loan?
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Getting a Cosigner?
What are the Benefits of Financing for a Vehicle In-House?
Where Can a Student Get a Car Loan in Central Florida?
Flower Shops Offering Delivery Services in Lakeland, Florida
Being stuck at home, it’s harder than ever to find the perfect gift for your mom on Mother’s Day. However, she deserves to be shown how much you love her with a thoughtful gift, such as a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Here’s where you can get flowers delivered for Mother’s Day in Lakeland, FL.
[ Keep Up on Local Events in Lakeland, Florida ]
More from OkCarz
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?
Where to Take the Kids to Buy Pumpkins in Florida
Connect with us
