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
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
6 ways to get the best new car deal
New model years cars start to emerge in the fall, making the end of summer typically the best time to find a deal on last year's models, according to Edmunds.com. But the right time to buy is always the time you need to buy. Here are five ways to get the best deal on a new car, now or any … [Read more...] about 6 ways to get the best new car deal
6 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 6 tips for donating your car to charity
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
How to pack a winter emergency kit for your car
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Cooler weather has started to spread across the United States, and snow isn’t far behind for many states, if you haven't seen it already. As you start to pull out your winter gear (or light jackets for those in warmer climates), it's a good time to make sure your car is stocked with a few things … [Read more...] about How to pack a winter emergency kit for your car
12 ways to get your car ready for winter
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 … [Read more...] about 12 ways to get your car ready for winter
Do you really need rental car insurance?
Car rental insurance is at best, confusing and, at worst, a waste of your money. Are you covered by personal car insurance? How about a credit card? And if you’re covered ... what's covered? Here are some tips to navigate the fine print. Do your pre-trip homework This may not be the advice … [Read more...] about Do you really need rental car insurance?
How to find out if your car has been recalled
If you own a car made between 2002 and 2008, you might need new air bags. Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced an agreement with the Japanese company Takata that doubled the number of cars it will recall due to the potential of faulty air bags. The first Takata … [Read more...] about How to find out if your car has been recalled
