You can never be too prepared...

If there's one thing that experience has taught me, it's that you can never be too prepared to make a decision, especially one as major as purchasing a car.

It's in every car shoppers best interest to have as many facts and opinions about each vehicle they consider, and the power of the Internet makes that quest simpler than ever.

That being said, here are some of what I've found to be the most reliable, detailed, and unbiased sources of information on any mainstream vehicle:

Vehicle History Info - always get a vehicle history report before seriously considering any pre-owned vehicle!

• CARFAX - The starting point for learning about your vehicle's history. Never purchase a car without one!
• Experian Autocheck - Slightly pricer, but one of the most detailed and accurate vehicle history evaluations available.

Pricing Info

• LeaseCompare.com - Check this one out if you're thinking about leasing! 
• Kelley Blue Book - A must-see source for up-to-date pricing and information about any vehicle
• NadaGuides - Another great source of prices and info, free AutoCheck reports available
• TrueCar.com - If you're looking to buy new, TrueCar provides an easy, visual way to discern the best local deals on whatever car you're looking for and gives you an idea of how much you'll actually be paying, after fees.
• Cars.com - Hard to beat this comprehensive, all-in-one source for vehicle pricing and research. 

Reviewer Opinion

• Consumer Reports Cars - Great source for reviews/info, cars are ranked from best to worst by class
• US News Car Rankings & Reviews - Another terrific source for information and reviews on any vehicle -- offers a great combination of data analysis and reviewer perception to form an opinion about each vehicle and rank them from best to worst.
• Consumer Guide Automotive - Another one to check out for reviews on any vehicle you're considering. They rate each car 1-100 and clearly list each vehicle's pros and cons.
• The Truth About Cars - Useful, unbiased auto reviews -- the reviewer isn't afraid to point out each vehicle's shortcomings, which is necessary to get a full picture of any vehicle you're considering.

Fact/Statistic Databases

• Wikicars - Great resource to research any modern automobile. Densely packed with history, facts. and other info and easy to navigate.
• FuelEconomy.gov - Very useful interactive official US government resource for fuel economy information on current and future vehicles. More important now than ever!
• Safercar.gov - A fantastic database of vehicle crash test safety ratings and useful info on current and upcoming automotive safety technology.

Thinking about a hybrid?

• HybridCars.com - In a struggling economy, hybrid vehicles are more popular than ever. Great site that focuses on these new vehicles and the shockwaves they're producing in the auto industry.
• AutoBlog Green - Hybrid cars are progressing quickly -- AutoblogGreen is an easy way to follow the latest developments in hybrid vehicle technology.

Should I Go Green?

With fuel costs at record highs and prices quickly approaching $5 per gallon, the fuel savings associated with hybrid vehicles like Toyota's Prius and Honda's Insight can be very appealing. However, hybrid technology is relatively new, and many consumers aren't up to speed on the true costs and implications of hybrid vehicle purchasing. All hybrids are not created equal -- in fact, the term "hybrid" can mean many different things. 

On the most basic level, a "hybrid" is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move. In the US, hybrid essentially refers to a vehicle powered by both a gas motor and an electric motor. Car shoppers purchase hybrids primarily for one reason -- greatly improved fuel economy. Other purchasers cite concern for the environment as a motivating factor.

Whatever your motivation, there's a few things to consider before you pull the trigger on your new hybrid. First of all, it's important to weigh how much you'll save on gas against the extra purchase cost of a hybrid vehicle. Unfortunately, with hybrid technology still in its youth, electric motors and batteries remain costly and buyers should be prepared to spend more on a hybrid than on a traditional gas-powered vehicle. However, the long-term difference between 40mpg and 25mpg can also translate into significant savings.

Here's a brief breakdown of the fuel savings that would be typical of the leading hybrids:

• If you're like the average American, you drive your car about 30 miles everyday (12,000 miles per year). 
• If you're like the average American, you're currently paying almost $4/gallon for gas in these difficult economic times.
• If you're like the average American, your gas-powered car gets around 20mpg.
• If you're like the average American, your hybrid car gets around 40mpg.

 

Traditional	Hybrid
1.64 gallons per day	0.82 gallons per day
$6.57 on gas per day	$3.28 on gas per day
$46 per week	$23 per week
~$200 per month	<$100 per month
~$2400 per year	~$1200 per year

It's clear that hybrids offer significant savings on fuel after purchasing. If you can get over the hump of the inflated purchase price, there are 4-digit savings to reap later on. These can be quite substantial, especially when you consider the savings over the multiple-year term of a loan or a lease.

However, there are other costs to consider when owning a hybrid, including increased breakdown potential with the complexity of parts necessary to regulate the gas and electric motors. I'll detail these costs and other considerations more in my next article. 

The age of the electric car is upon us, and you can never be too informed! Stay tuned.

Don't be afraid!

We all know that purchasing a used car can be a difficult, tedious process. With the plethora of options available to shoppers, some of them legitimate and some of them not, it's not always easy to decipher what vendor or what type of vehicle is the best option for you. It's unfortunate that consumers experience these challenges, because purchasing a car should be an exciting, fun process. QCertified has a few words of advice to help make the process easier and less strenuous.

Be prepared. Before you enter into an environment where you'll be pressured to make a purchase, you should have a good idea of what kind of vehicle you're looking for, typical prices for that year/make/model, and some knowledge of what kind of condition the vehicle should be in. It's not uncommon to encounter pushy, persuasive individuals in a sales environment, hence the cliche of the "used car salesman." Proper preparation will help ensure that you're not pressured into making a poor decision.

Don't shop just anywhere. If you're shopping locally, use the terrific resources of the Internet to read reviews and other shoppers' comments on local used car vendors. Check out local forums and pages like Yelp and DealerRater to get an idea of what dealerships your neighbors have had good experiences with. Choosing a reputable dealership with a history of satisfied customers will not only ensure you don't get ripped off, but will also make the process more relaxed and enjoyable. Nobody likes being skeptical when making such a large purchase.

Be wary of private sellers. While purchasing from a private seller can open up your options and widen the number of vehicles available in your price range, it also dramatically increases the chances of being deceived and making a regrettable purchase. With no certification process necessary and the seller's word the only information you have, it becomes much easier for sellers to be dishonest, especially on the Internet.

Be in charge. Wherever and however you're purchasing your next vehicle, be confident and assertive throughout the entire process. Know what you're looking for and what you're not looking for, and don't be afraid to let a salesman know that you're not interested. Hold out for a vehicle that truly feels right to YOU. Don't let such a fun purchase become an anxiety-ridden process!

Our recommendation! QCertified constantly strives to make purchasing a pre-owned vehicle a simple, worry-free procedure. We believe that QCertified.com offers the best used car buying experience while still providing affordable vehicles that serve our customers for years. All of our hand-picked, pristine vehicles undergo a rigorous certification process, including a 128-point inspection performed by ASE Certified Technicians and a comprehensive vehicle history evaluation provided by Experian Automotive. You can shop from the comfort of your PC or the convenience of your iPhone/iPod Touch with our popular mobile app.

Don't let used car buying become a stressful experience, choose QCertified and shop with peace of mind!

What exactly is an "American" car?

Did you know the most "American made" car sold in the US is the Toyota Camry? And the runner up is the Honda Accord? Our understanding of what makes a car American is constantly evolving. 

With the US economy on its heels, citizens are more protective of job opportunities in our country than ever before. One of the most protected areas happens to be the automobile business, partially because of the huge amount of jobs created by factories and dealerships and partially due to the widespread belief that foreign car companies are taking over thousands of American jobs. 

However, many fail to understand that "American" car companies, like Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Lincoln, and other GM brands, are not necessarily the saviors of the American economy that people may view them as. For instance, several of Ford's models are assembled completely in Turkey and then shipped to the US to be sold. Similarly, Lincoln's MKZ is built in Mexico and shipped to the US while the Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Camaro find their home in Canada. 

On the flipside, you may be surprised where some "foreign" car companies assemble their vehicles. Mazda's Mazda6 is built in Michigan, while Toyota's Camry and their full line of pickups are birthed in Kentucky. The Mitsubishi Eclipse also finds its home stateside. 

So, next time you hear somebody complain about those "foreign car companies" taking US jobs, remind them that your Camry is actually more American than their Charger. 

The AIDIA (American International Automobile Dealers' Association) has created a website that lets users see for themselves where foreign automakers produce their vehicles, and how deep their roots run in the United States. You can access it here.

Version 2 of QCertified iPhone/iPod Touch app released

The popular QCertified iPhone/iPod Touch app has been updated -- download your new copy today! The new version features a new tabbed interface, an improved detail layout and ability to view thumbnails of the cars through which you're browsing. 

It's now easier than ever to search for your next pre-owned vehicle. 

Shop QCertified and shop with confidence! Avoid the common hassles of buying a used car, stick with our selection and have peace of mind. 

Choose your next car! -- QCertified's recommendations

So, you've decided what type of vehicle you're looking for. Whether it's a sporty two-door, a practical sedan, or a heavy-hauling SUV, you still have a big decision to make -- what manufacturer and what specific vehicle should you choose? While these decisions eventually boil down to personal preference, there's no doubt that some manufacturers and vehicle models are better suited for you than others. 

1) Compact Sedan

If you're looking for a compact sedan, check out the Hyundai Elantra, model years 2003-2008. Peppy performance and a smooth ride characterize the Elantra, which underwent a modernizing redesign in 2007. Affordable, good-looking, full-featured, and economical. 

2) Larger Sedan
If you're looking for a larger sedan, consider the best-selling Toyota Camry, model years 2003-2008. An excellent family vehicle, the Camry boasts one of the quietest and gentle rides of any affordable sedan. Some of these affordable sedans are even equipped with a 268hp V6, a new offering from Toyota as of 2007.

3) Compact SUV

Looking for a little more cargo space? It's hard to beat the Honda CRV with its standard All Wheel Drive and hefty cargo space. QCertified recommends model years 2003-2008.

4) SUV/Truck

Perhaps you need a big hauler -- look no further than the Chevrolet Tahoe. It's luxurious and powerful, particularly when equipped with the 5.3 liter V8 engine. 

5) Sportscar

Need something sporty? Check out the Mazda Miata, model years 2003-2008. You'll have a blast in this crisp-handling convertible, and super-affordable used deals are not hard to find. 

6) Hybrid

If you're looking to save on fuel and help the environment, the best hybrid is still Toyota's Prius. With unbeatable fuel economy and surprisingly respectable performance, the Prius is a great value and will help you save for years to come. 

Though there are many other options on the market, these are a few of QCertified's favorites. Whichever model you decide to go with, be sure to stay educated! Research KBB and NADA values to be sure you're getting a good deal. Refer to my earlier articles for how to stay safe in your search for a used car. 

Pick the easiest option with QCertified.com -- easily search by year, make, model and location and find YOUR perfect pre-owned car. Don't bother worrying about the condition of your potential ride, find the car and the price that suits you and pull the trigger with confidence. 

With so much selection, how to make a choice?

Whether you're browsing a CPO website like QCertified or perusing local used car lots, the selection of pre-owned vehicles available to consumers is vast. It can be difficult to sift through all the choices and find the perfect car for you. To make a proper decision, an examination of your goals and priorities is required:

1) Where will you typically be parking the car? Tightly packed in city street spots? Or in a garage next to your house off the freeway? City drivers will typically be looking for a smaller, easier-to-park vehicle. Compact cars and smaller SUVs will be easier to parallel park and will allow drivers to choose a greater range of spots. Suburban or country drivers won't have these concerns.

2) What will you typically be hauling around? Drivers who plan on carrying lots of cargo--whether in the form of people or stuff--will probably lean more towards the SUV/minivan or the newly popular 5-door hatchback/wagon. If you'll mainly be in the car by yourself or with one or two other passengers, you'll probably consider small sedans or compact cars/hatchbacks.

3) Roominess/size or fuel economy/performance? Many consumers find it difficult to decide between the roominess of an SUV and the fuel economy/performance of smaller cars. This is a very customer-specific decision that truly boils down to the buyer's priorities. However, it's important to consider that gas prices are getting worse and worse, and the recent turmoil in Egypt and Libya does not bode well for the future of affordable oil. Unless you truly need the room of an SUV, which many people legitimately do, I would recommend browsing smaller, more economical options. The savings at the pump will be a gift that keeps on giving. Additionally, compact cars typically offer better performance and a more exciting driving experience which appeals to many.

The flexibility of buying pre-owned is unparalleled -- you can choose the car you want and, if the price isn't right, you can move a couple model years backwards and get the price within your range. However, all these options render it difficult to make a decision.

Stay tuned! My next article will identify and detail the best vehicles in each of these categories and help you narrow your choices even more. Thanks for reading!

A smarter, safer option

Watch this brief YouTube video and see why QCertified is among the safest and smartest ways to shop for you next pre-owned vehicle. 

An option you can trust

Being tasked with finding your perfect pre-owned vehicle may seem overwhelming, but options like QCertified can simplify it. 


Time-Tested -- QCertified is offered by Resource Automotive, global leader in automotive warranty services for over 45 years. Founded in 1964, RA's 45-year legacy definitely brings peace of mind when shopping for such a precious item.


No dishonest sellers, no shady dealers -- every QCertified vehicle is hand-picked from the inventories of nineteen carefully chosen dealerships. Just to verify that dealers are meeting QCertified's expectations, a third-party randomly evaluates each of the nineteen.


Don't worry about getting a lemon or spending more time in the shop than on the road, each vehicle is run through a rigorous 128-point safety inspection performed only by ASE Certified Technicians and must impeccably pass to become a part of QCertified's ranks. You'll receive a copy of the inspection right from the mechanic's hand and rest assured with the certainty of knowing your vehicle's true condition. 


Don't deal with the hassles of title troubles -- I've discussed the importance of a proper vehicle history report -- few things are more frustrating than purchasing your dream car and having your dreams shattered with title troubles! QCertified doesn't disappoint -- each vehicle must flawlessly pass an Experian Automotive vehicle history evaluation and most vehicles have only had one owner. 


Warranty coverage -- Each vehicle comes with a QUltimate Limited Powertrain Warranty to lend you further peace of mind. If you desire complete confidence, easily upgrade to Resource Automotive's globally renowned mechanical repair service contracts.


Search and browse with ease -- You can browse or search QCertified's inventory using their website's search tool or by using their nifty iPhone/iPod Touch app available in the iTunes store. 


Stay tuned for more advice and special offers! This week, I'll offer important advice on how to sift through the hundreds of options available to find the perfect car for you. 


http://soyouwanttobuyausedcar.blogspot.com/2011/02/not-all-cpo-programs-are-created-equal.html 
certified pre-owned, QCertified, used cars, buying advice, buy used cars, Chicago, Indianapolis, Virginia, Chester

Pick a CPO company you trust

As we all know, the most integral part of any business interaction is trust. This is particularly true with large purchases like an automobile nearly always is. With the plethora of choices provided by the internet, this trust is harder than ever to achieve. 


Look for vendors with a strong reputation or a long history. No company forms deep roots through taking advantage of their customers. If they've been in business for a long time, chances are they have a decent amount of satisfied customers.

Not all CPO programs are created equal...

Heed caution! CPO programs are offered by thousands upon
thousands of dealers. Choose your vendor wisely!

With certified pre-owned being such an attractive option to consumers, it's no surprise that thousands of dealers and vendors have adopted CPO programs and began to market them. However, there are plenty of used car vendors who may not respect the "certified pre-owned" label as they should.


When examining the marketplace, conscious consumers will notice a great variance in what certain dealers/vendors consider certified pre-owned. There is no universal definition for the label and unfortunately, there are unscrupulous sellers who will use this lack of distinction to their advantage. It's imperative to use caution and discretion when searching for CPO cars, despite the comfort provided by the "certified" designation. 


The most lax CPO programs offer a brief inspection and maybe a free vehicle history report. Their criteria are few and their expectations low; it doesn't take much to get a vehicle certified. These are the CPO programs to watch out for -- with such low standards, sometimes the only difference between a CPO vehicle and a traditional used vehicle is the price! 


Don't make the mistake of falling for gimmicky CPO programs -- be an educated consumer. Read and comprehend exactly what your chosen vendor's CPO benefits include and ensure that their criteria are numerous and their standards strict. Look for at least a 128-point inspection performed by ASE Certified Technicians (not just any mechanic) and ensure that a more detailed vehicle history evaluation is requested. Free history reports can be misleading and sometimes even inaccurate. Additionally, make sure that your CPO program only accepts vehicles with an impeccably clean title -- the last thing you want to be dealing with is a hole in your pocket and a legally inoperable vehicle.


In my next article, I'll focus on specific CPO programs that will best fit YOUR needs. Stay tuned and stay educated!


http://soyouwanttobuyausedcar.blogspot.com/2011/02/not-all-cpo-programs-are-created-equal.html
certified pre-owned, QCertified, used cars, buying advice, buy used cars, Chicago, Indianapolis, Virginia, Chester

Why is certified pre-owned a smart choice?

An example of the benefits typically offered by CPO programs

Most people would prefer to purchase a shiny, never-before-driven vehicle, but few have excess room in their budget for that luxury. All used car shoppers love the affordability of used cars but understand the risk of purchasing a vehicle that you're unfamiliar with.With certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, consumers look to eliminate or diminish this risk by relying on the enhanced credibility of a dealership and mechanic over a private seller. Additionally, most certified pre-owned vehicles pass strict mechanical and cosmetic inspections before earning the "certified" title. This series of examinations is what separates CPO cars from traditional used cars. 


Instead of dealing with a completely unfamiliar private seller, buyers get to interact with a reputable dealer. And instead of simply waging a guess at the internal condition of the car, buyers have the peace of mind that a trained mechanic has examined and certified the vehicle. This security is what draws shoppers to CPO vehicles, despite the fact that they are often priced slightly higher than privately sold vehicles. In essence, the consumer pays a little extra for a lot of extra confidence. 


It's important to consider that not all CPO dealers or vendors are created equal. CPO programs differ in how strict their standards are, how detailed their inspections are, and in other important areas.


Stay tuned for my next article which will discuss your options for buying certified pre-owned.


http://soyouwanttobuyausedcar.blogspot.com/2011/02/why-is-certified-pre-owned-is-good.html
used cars, QCertified, certified pre-owned, affordable used cars, Chicago used cars, used car buying advice

Used and certified pre-owned sales at record highs -- why?

More consumers than ever are turning to used and certified pre-owned vehicles. Some are beginning to view buying new as a waste of money, especially in a strong, buyer-friendly used car market. In an especially rocky economy, the added value and depreciation savings provided by pre-owned vehicles is more attractive than ever. And with hundreds of websites whose sole purpose is to index used vehicles, the market is historically accessible. 


While the resurgence of the used car market is undoubtedly a positive, there are the inevitable negatives that come along with such a strong market -- it's never been easier to get ripped off or fall victim to dishonest sellers. In an economy where both sellers and buyers are desperate for cash, unscrupulous business tactics are becoming alarmingly common.


It's important for buyers to take caution when dealing with vendors or sellers they've never met or dealt with, and it's even more important for each and every consumer to --do their homework-- before making such a monumentous purchase. Purchasing a car can and should be an exciting moment for everyone, and it easily can be with the proper preparation.


Although the savings associated with dealing with a private seller can be tempting, herein lies the largest chance of falling victim to dishonesty. It's very difficult to verify the characteristics of a vehicle without physically inspecting it, and most consumers lack the expertise required to properly evaluate a vehicle.


Thus, many are turning to a third option -- certified pre-owned vehicles. Certified pre-owned vehicle vendors look to eliminate the negative aspects of buying used by providing high-quality, clean cars that have passed detailed inspections and have clean history reports. The goal is to give the buyer tangible confidence that they're purchasing a vehicle in good condition. Without the proof of inspection and history reports provided by a dealer or vendor, it can be exceedingly hard to verify the condition of a vehicle without an auto mechanic on call. 


http://soyouwanttobuyausedcar.blogspot.com/2011/02/used-and-certified-pre-owned-sales-at.html
used cars, QCertified, certified pre-owned, affordable used cars, Chicago used cars, used car buying advice