I remember my first car, a 1969 Chevelle Malibu. It was blue with a black hardtop, three-speed on the column with vinyl bench seats – and a lot of problems under the hood. But I loved my “Blue Goose.” It was my first big purchase, my first “payment plan” to the Bank of Father, and my shout-out to … [Read more...] about How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free
Cars
Used car shopping? Do your homework and avoid problems.
If you are in the market for a used car for yourself or a first car for your high-school or college student, you usually begin with a price range. But once you know how much you can spend, do your research on vehicle safety, average gas usage, and reliability. Here's a five-step plan to help you … [Read more...] about Used car shopping? Do your homework and avoid problems.
Get your car ready for winter and save money
The last thing any of us need is to have the car break down in harsh winter weather. Spending some time winterizing your car could help prevent a breakdown or accident and save on repair costs and gas in the bargain. Here are 12 quick and easy fall and winter maintenance tips. Some things you can do … [Read more...] about Get your car ready for winter and save money
Save money on auto insurance
There’s a lot of wiggle room in between having enough coverage in case of an accident and not paying extra for coverage you may not need. It can be confusing to navigate the lawyer-speak in a policy. But with a little research, you can save money on auto insurance, whether you are buying or … [Read more...] about Save money on auto insurance
How to get the best new car deal
You are ready to buy your first car. You can see yourself, driving in that shiny red convertible, feeling the wind in your hair. You might even go look at one in the dealership. But then, reality hits. The payments for that glam roadster are more than your rent payment. So it's time to shop smart. … [Read more...] about How to get the best new car deal
Tips for donating your car to charity
Donating a car to charity requires almost as much research as buying one. These tips will ensure there’s a tax benefit for you and that you're donating to a legitimate group. Know what your car is worth. Your vehicle does not have the same value to a used car dealer and to a charity. Current … [Read more...] about Tips for donating your car to charity
Apps that can help you shop for cars
If you are in the market for a new or used car, these apps will help you shop for the best deal and save money. What I love about these hand-held tools is that you can use them to find a better price than a dealer is offering you even while you are inside the dealership, and use that to negotiate a … [Read more...] about Apps that can help you shop for cars
How to live without a car
Whether it's to save money, reduce environmental impact, or be safe, a lot of families find themselves living with one car – or none at all. The number is likely to increase as the population ages, too. Cars are useful but costly: along with the purchase price and monthly payments, you have gas, … [Read more...] about How to live without a car
Hypermiling: Extreme tips save money on gas
My local gas station recently installed Gas Station TV. It’s loud and annoying – I just want to pump in peace! Between that and a price of $4.25 a gallon for regular, I don’t ever want to go to the gas station. There are a lot of good tips for saving gas that are also well known, such as keeping … [Read more...] about Hypermiling: Extreme tips save money on gas
Is it time to buy a car online?
Buying a car is often a stressful and confusing process, with salesman pressuring for the sale while you try to juggle sticker prices and discounts and upgrades in your head. Smartphones helped alleviate some of the stress of a visit to the car lot, as you can now quickly search and compare … [Read more...] about Is it time to buy a car online?
10 ways to get the best deal on a rental car
Think finding the lowest airfare is tricky? Try getting the best deal on a rental car. These days, car rental rates change faster than television networks launch reality series. But there are ways to both save and be satisfied, without making you feel like a contestant on Survivor. Here are … [Read more...] about 10 ways to get the best deal on a rental car
Auto Zone’s Loan-A-Tool service offers free tool rentals
Tools can be very expensive. Unless it's part of your trade, it's often not cost-effective for "do-it-yourself-ers" to buy tools for quick repair jobs around the house or on a car. Thanks to Auto Zone's Loan-A-Tool, there's no more need to pay for tools you need temporarily. Using the FREE service … [Read more...] about Auto Zone’s Loan-A-Tool service offers free tool rentals
