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!