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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

How to Spot a Lemon Car

Purchasing a used car comes with risks, but all of those can be mitigated with sound inspection and identifying right away the defects you can live with and send out for repair. The risk of ending up with a so-called “lemon” happens when the buyer wasn’t able to spot hidden defects in the vehicle, and is then compelled to spend massive cash for repairs. Here are some tips in spotting a lemon.
Check the reliability record – Models with a good reliability record should always be on the top of any used car buyer’s list. Sites like Consumer Reports have an annual subscriber survey which details real-world reliability information of a specific car model in scrutiny.
Identify flood damage – Once a car has been submerged in floodwater, it is bound to experience further performance issues in the long run. One way to identify flood damage is by inspecting electrical connections for corrosion, or moldy upholstery. A funky cabin smell is also a tell-tale sign, as well as silt underneath the carpets.
Test-drive it on the freeway – Driving a used car fast is often the best way to listen for rattles, as well as identify unwanted gaps between doors and frames. However, buyers should always remember to drive fast in a safe way, or the car won’t be the only wreck at the end of the day.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Buying a Used Car: What to Do before Leaving Home

Buying a used car is a meticulous process. However, it’s definitely worth the time and effort when you come back home with a sweet whip without any faults—and yes, it does happen more often than you think.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that your search for a used car begins in the dealership lot. In fact, there are several measures you need to take before you step out of your home. By doing the following, you minimize your chances of driving home a “lemon”:

Do Your Homework

Check out your preferred dealership’s stock of used cars and list down the ones that catch your eye. Afterwards, check online reviews of each model. In particular, check the safety rating each model received from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Check the Weather Report

Take advantage of the 10-day weather forecast and schedule your trip to the dealership during a bright and cheerful day. Don’t underestimate how helpful sunlight is during your visual inspection. At the same time, test driving (you should always test drive a car before buying) is easier when the roads aren’t slippery.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Living in New Orleans: Why You Need to Get a Car

New Orleans is a city of many distinct neighborhoods. Tourists may not mind going around the city’s main attractions and attending annual events like jazz fests and Mardi Gras on foot. However, for residents, it’s not the same case. If residents want to go from one area to another, they would need an efficient car.

There are many areas within the city that can only be accessed via a car, especially if residents wish to comb through the small towns and natural attractions. Residents living in the suburbs, in particular, can’t solely rely on public transport since there are locales that cannot be reached by bus or any other means of mass transit.
Most residents are also aware of what happens to the city when a hurricane hits, making cars essential. A large part of the city is situated below sea level, and while it is surrounded and protected by an extensive system of canals and water pumps, New Orleans, especially some of its suburban areas are still prone to flooding. Many residents are aware of the potential and prolonged flooding problems these hurricanes could cause.

In such cases, residents will be prompted to evacuate before flooding directly hits them. Thus, having a car means having an efficient way to get out of the city during a storm-related evacuation.


Friday, August 15, 2014

Finding an ideal first car for your teen

Most parents have only one thing on their mind once their teenager gets his or her driver’s license: What’s he/she going to drive? Unless they’re willing to share their vehicle, mom and dad need to look for a dependable used car for their youngster. Parents can take a cue from a popular automobile magazine which recently recommended 15 used cars for teenagers.
The cars were selected on the basis of affordability, reliability, and safety. The list includes a good mix of SUVs, compacts, and medium-sized sedans. Some models aren’t what many would typically consider for a first-time driver, but the advanced features of these cars make them easy to handle without sacrificing performance.

One of the recommended vehicles is a 2009-and-up Subaru Forester. Its wide field of vision and all-wheel drive make it safe and easy to drive for inexperienced or new drivers. Standard features include leather trim, keyless entry, cruise control, Bluetooth, rearview camera, sunroof, and navigation, to name a few.


Families who are sold on Subaru used cars in Baton Rouge should consult dealers that exclusively carry the brand. They are in the best position and have the facilities to maintain the vehicle, regardless of age. These dealers can also provide manageable financing, so the youngster can share in the responsibility of paying for the car. When it comes to car ownership, guide your teen on how to start on a good note so he or she is set for life.