When shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, the first step is figuring out what kind of car truly fits your lifestyle and daily needs. Ask yourself how you plan to use the vehicle—do you need a reliable commuter car, a spacious SUV for a growing family, or a durable truck for work? Defining your priorities helps narrow your search and ensures you choose a vehicle that suits your driving habits. It's also smart to factor in things like gas mileage, seating capacity, and cargo space to make sure your next used vehicle supports your day-to-day routine.

Budget is another crucial part of the decision. While used cars generally offer great value compared to new models, setting a price range—including how much you’re willing to finance—keeps you focused on what’s affordable. Don’t forget to research the total cost of ownership, which includes insurance, fuel, maintenance, and registration. Websites that offer vehicle history reports and pricing guides can help you spot a good deal and avoid models with a reputation for costly repairs. Stick with brands and models known for reliability and resale value to get the most from your investment.

Finally, take time to test drive a few options and inspect each one carefully. A good test drive can tell you a lot about how a vehicle handles, how comfortable it is, and whether any unusual noises or warning lights appear. Always ask for a vehicle history report and, if possible, have a trusted mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection. Choosing the right pre-owned vehicle means doing your homework, knowing your needs, and being patient. That way, you’ll drive away with confidence—and a car that fits your life perfectly.

Knowing when to sell your car and buy another is all about timing and smart decision-making. One of the biggest signs it’s time to sell is when the cost of repairs starts to exceed the value of your vehicle. If you're frequently visiting the mechanic or your check engine light seems to never turn off, it might be smarter financially to invest in a more reliable vehicle. Keeping track of maintenance costs and resale value helps you determine the best time to sell your car for the most profit before it becomes a money pit.

Mileage and age are also important factors when deciding to upgrade your vehicle. Cars with over 100,000 miles often begin to show signs of wear, especially if maintenance hasn’t been kept up. In addition, newer vehicles typically offer better fuel efficiency, updated safety features, and lower emissions, which can save money in the long run. If your current car lacks these modern features—or if your needs have changed, like needing a family SUV instead of a small sedan—it could be the right time to trade in and upgrade.

The car market itself also plays a big role. Keeping an eye on used car values can help you sell at the peak time, especially when demand is high and inventory is low. Websites that offer car trade-in value estimates are a great place to start your research. Selling your vehicle at the right time not only maximizes your return but also makes your next car purchase more affordable. Whether you're considering a trade-in, private sale, or selling to a dealership, timing and condition are key in making the most out of your vehicle sale.

Summer vehicle maintenance is essential to keep your car running smoothly and to avoid costly repairs during hot weather. High temperatures can strain key systems like your engine, battery, and air conditioning. Start by checking your coolant level and inspecting the radiator and hoses for any leaks or cracks. An engine overheating on a hot day is a common summer breakdown issue, so topping off fluids like coolant and oil—and making sure they’re clean and at the correct levels—is a smart move.

Next, don’t forget about your car’s battery and tires. Heat can shorten battery life and affect tire pressure, which can lead to dangerous blowouts if left unchecked. Be sure to test your battery’s charge and clean off any corrosion on the terminals. Also, inspect your tires for tread wear and check the air pressure regularly. Under-inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency and can wear out faster, especially in summer heat. A well-maintained set of tires improves safety and performance, which is great for both daily driving and road trips.

Finally, summer is the perfect time to make sure your air conditioning system is working efficiently. A properly functioning A/C keeps you comfortable and helps prevent driver fatigue on long drives. Replace your cabin air filter if it's dirty, and consider having a professional inspect your A/C system for any refrigerant leaks or mechanical issues. Regular car maintenance in summer not only enhances performance but also increases fuel economy and extends your vehicle’s lifespan—key benefits that every driver wants.

Winter is quickly approaching and that means fewer hours of daylight. To be sure you can be seen by others and your visibility is not compromised, check your vehicle’s lights and wipers, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

The wiper system keeps excessive water, snow and dirt from building up on the windshield, maintaining clear visibility. Many factors can accelerate the replacement interval of wipers, including operating conditions (winter conditions are tough on wiper blades), frequency of use, material and type of wipers and sunny weather. In fact, wiper blades can deteriorate faster and need more frequent replacement in desert states.

Lights are normal wear items that require periodic inspection and replacement. The lighting system provides nighttime visibility; signals and alerts other drivers; and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior. In addition to replacing dimming, rapidly blinking and non-functioning lights, the following tips can help keep you safe:

If there is any doubt on whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on. Lights not only help you see better in early twilight, they also make it easier for other drivers to see you.

*Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights from being seen by others.

*Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.

*Don’t overdrive your headlights; you should be able to stop inside the illuminated area, otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.

The Car Care Council suggests the following pre-trip check to help ensure safety and reliability on the road:

Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

Check the hoses and belts that can become loose, cracked, brittle, frayed or showing signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.

Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

Check lighting to identify any problems with exterior and interior lighting as the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen.

Check wipers. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months. Make sure the windshield wipers are working properly and keep the reservoir filled with solvent.

To save on fuel costs during the trip, the Car Care Council suggests that motorists avoid aggressive driving, observe the speed limit and avoid excessive idling. Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing should be replaced to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating. The council also recommends that car owners restock their roadside emergency kit.

The last thing any driver needs is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather. The Car Care Council recommends that car owners follow its Fall Car Care Month checklist and inspect their vehicles before the temperatures drop and severe weather hits.

Heating, Wipers & Lights

Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly.

Consider winter wiper blades and use cold-weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.

Check to see that all exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.

Tires & Brakes

Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure of all tires, including the spare. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads.

During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.

Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.

Gas, Oil & Filters

Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the cold weather to prevent moisture from forming in gas lines and possibly freezing.

Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate.

Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.

System Checks – Charging, Cooling & Exhaust

Have the battery and charging system checked, as cold weather is hard on batteries.

Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.

Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

Pack the Essentials

Make sure that your ice scraper and snow brush are accessible and ready to use.

Stock an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, extra clothes, bottled water, nonperishable food and a first aid kit with any needed medication.

According to a recent survey by J.D. Power, the following car brands have excellent reliability ratings for preowned cars: 

1. Toyota

2. Lexus

3. BMW

4. Mazda

5. Honda

6. Audi

7. Subaru

8. Acura

9. Kia

These brands have been consistently rated highly for their dependability and longevity. However, it's important to note that the reliability of a preowned car also depends on factors such as its maintenance history, mileage, and driving conditions.

Another survey by Consumer Reports also found that Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Audi, Subaru, Acura, and Kia are among the most reliable car brands. 

If you're looking for specific models, the 2019 Kia Soul, 2020 Kia Forte, and 2019 Hyundai Tucson are some of the most reliable preowned cars according to J.D. Power. The Toyota Camry, Toyota Avalon, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Lincoln MKZ, Toyota Prius, Honda Fit, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Honda Accord are also reliable preowned cars. 

Source: Conversation with Bing, 11/16/2023

There are several reasons why used cars can be a better value than new ones:

1. Less depreciation: A new car loses a significant portion of its value as soon as it is driven off the lot, whereas a preowned car has already undergone this initial depreciation.

2. Lower insurance costs: Insurance costs for preowned cars are generally lower than those for new cars.

3. Lower dealership fees: Dealership fees for preowned cars are generally lower than those for new cars.

4. More bang for your buck: Preowned cars often offer more features and amenities for the same price as a new car.

5. More peace of mind: Preowned cars have a proven track record, so you can research their reliability and performance before making a purchase.

It’s worth noting that the current global shortage of semiconductor chips and other supply chain issues has caused serious delays in the production of new vehicles. As a result, many people are turning to preowned vehicles instead . However, it’s important to do your research and inspect any preowned car thoroughly before making a purchase to ensure that you’re getting a good value.

Inspecting a preowned vehicle before buying it is a wise decision. Here are some steps you can take to inspect a preowned car:

1. Exterior inspection: Check the body of the vehicle for any dents, scratches, or rust. Inspect the windshield, wheel wells, and undercarriage for any damage or corrosion. Measure the tread of the tires and check for any signs of uneven wear.

2. Interior inspection: Check the seats, dashboard, and carpet for any signs of wear and tear. Test all the buttons and switches to ensure they work properly.

3. Under the hood inspection: Check the oil and transmission fluid levels and colors. Look for any metal deposits in the fluid. Inspect the condition of the brake pads and rotors.

4. Test drive: Take the vehicle for a test drive to check its performance. Listen for any unusual sounds or vibrations while driving.