The primary financial advantage of buying a used car is that you won’t absorb the high initial cost of depreciation, about 12 percent the first year, according to Edmunds.com. Some financial advisors recommend used cars for this reason. Because cars are better made now they last longer, so a three-year-old, pre-owned certified car will provide a good value compared to a similar new model. Plus, the amount of research you can do now—not only a make and model, but the exact vehicle you’re considering—has ballooned in the past decade. Certified pre-owned vehicles have taken some uncertainty out of buying used and sometimes a vehicle will still carry a portion of the new warranty.

Whether you buy new or used, you’ve got to do your homework. What kind of vehicle do you need and want? How much can you afford to pay and what will it cost to own the vehicles that fit the answers to first two questions. With a used vehicle, you want to check into the model’s reputation and cost of ownership, just as you’d do with a new car. The advantage is there’s more real world data on a three-year-old model than one that’s new this year. Ford San Antonio offers complete services for all your automotive dealership needs. Don’t forget insurance and fuel costs, as well as maintenance. The cost of even common repairs is going to be different for a three-year-old economy car and a six-year-old near-luxury model even though both might be listed for the same sale price. Further research will give a good idea of cost of ownership and is nearly as important as researching what a given year/make/model sells for.

Now the search really begins. When you’ve narrowed things down to vehicles you might want to test drive, you’ll want to contact the seller, whether private party or dealer, and get some basic information first. Edmunds.com has a handy Used Car Question Sheet you can use to be sure you ask important questions. Using Carfax or Autocheck can reveal important reasons to scratch a potential vehicle from your list. When you test drive the car, try to start it when it’s cold and turn off the radio and turn down the blower fan so you can check for any odd noises from the drivetrain, brakes and suspension. Check to make sure all the features work. Modern cars have many electrical and electronic items and making sure you know how to use them and that they work can save money and heartache. Use a flashlight to look into dark areas under the hood and underneath the car to check for leaks or damage.

OK, you’ve narrowed your choices down. Now you’ll want to know how the asking prices compare with the market. There are several online tools, such as KBB.com and Edmund’s TMV that can provide guidance. It’s also important to check local ads to see what the asking prices are in your area for the car you’ve chosen. Plainfield Nissan has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. Unless you’re buying a certified vehicle, a pre-sale inspection is a good idea and the cost should be borne by the seller. While much of the inspection can be done through the diagnostic port on a modern vehicle, it’s still a good idea to get have a couple of mechanical checks done, including a compression and leak-down test. Service records can be important but aren’t a substitute for checking the current condition.

Tags: Used car, Hyundai NJ, financing, diagnostic test, Ford San Antonio, used car value, depreciation, certified pre-owned, Plainfield Nissan, warranty

Photos by: Kevin Brewer, Alden Jewell, stp243 / Steve

The 2011 Toyota Highlander receives a new hood, front fascia and fenders that help distinguish it from 2010 models as well as revamped head and tail lights and 17-inch alloy wheels. Gas models will receive black rocker panels and chrome accents while hybrid models will get color-keyed rockers with chrome accents and vertically stacked fog lamps. Hybrids will be further distinguished by a unique grille and bumper design. All Limited models will get 19-inch wheels and silver roof rails and SE models gain a power liftgate.

Complete details on all the exterior changes are available at Toyota.com. Visit The Car Connection for further analysis of the 2011 Toyota Highlander.

Powering the 2011 Toyota Highlander is either a 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V-6. The four-cylinder will be standard in Base trim models while the V-6 will be an available option. Conversely, SE models will come standard with the V-6 and will have the 2.7-liter engine as an available option in 2WD versions. Highlander Hybrid will also feature the 3.5 L V-6. Honda Used for Sale Hartford offers value and service for all your automotive needs. Hybrid powered Highlanders are expected to average 28/28mpg (city/hwy), which is quite an increase over the 20/25 mpg expected form four-cylinder equipped models. The 3.5-liter V-6 has an EPA estimate of 18/24 mpg.

Upgrades inside the 2011 Toyota Highlander include standard 50/50 split third row seating and rear climate control. SE and Limited Highlanders will come with Tech Audio which consists of integrated XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® connectivity and a USB port. Tech Audio is available as part of an option package on Base models that includes a backup monitor, eight-way power adjustable driver seat, tonneau cover, flip-up liftgate window, fog lamps, and black roof rails. Highlander Hybrid Base offers a new leather package with leather-trimmed heated front seats, leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, and moonroof; and SE models are now available with a navigation option.

All gas powered Highlanders come with Toyota’s Star Safety System™ which integrates Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electric Power Steering and ant-lock brake system with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist. The Star Safety System automatically adjusts engine output, braking force and even additional steering input to compensate for wheel slippage in adverse conditions.Philadelphia Hyundai is a great source for all your automotive needs. Highlander Hybrids are equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management which utilizes many of the same tools, but is an advanced system designed to anticipate slippage before a skid. All Highlanders come with Hill Start Assist and 4WD models include standard Downhill Assist Control. Further safety features include seven standard airbags, which includes roll-sensing side curtain airbags.

The recent recession put used cars in high demand. Their lower price tag meant that consumers weary of the economy could get into a car without breaking the bank. But even as the economy begins to thaw, pre-owned cars and trucks are still seeing demand.

According to ADESA, an auto auction services provider, the average price of a used car is up 7.5 percent compared to last year. That’s good news to used car dealers Chantilly Acura which focused plenty of attention on their pre-owned inventory when the economy took a tumble. One used Honda Accord dealer in Fredericksburg Virginia also saw a steep demand for certified pre-owned models among consumers that wanted to save money, but still wanted some type of assurance in the used vehicle’s quality.

“Folks are paying top dollar for used cars,” said Tom Kontos, ADESA’s chief economist. “When you go trade your car in, you should get more money for it, just because there’s not so many going around.”

In the wake of the rescission, many consumers have learned valuable lessons, not least of which is the importance of saving money. Silver Springs used Lexus dealers agree that pre-owned models will still play an important role for dealers even as the economy recovers.

With the economy and the job market seemingly far more stable than even just six months ago, new car sales are rebounding, but for many dealers it’s the pre-owned inventory that still helps to keep the lights on.

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Read more about used cars and other news on this blog.

GMC has remained one of GM’s core brands, but until recently it has been known for providing badge-engineered versions of existing Chevrolet models. Based on the Chevrolet Equinox, the 2010 GMC Terrain is much more than a thinly disguised Chevy. With unique styling, the GMC Terrain provides a uniquely GMC-spin on a solid GM platform.

Powering the 2010 GMC Terrain is a 2.3-liter four cylinder producing 182 horsepower and 172 ft lbs of torque, or a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 264 horsepower and 222 ft lbs of torque. The EPA gives the Terrain a fuel rating of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder, and 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with the V6. Both engine choices are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. For a roomy SUV that provides two powerful engine choices, the GMC Terrain offers highly competitive fuel economy.

Performance for the four-cylinder is not going to be too impressive, but should provide plenty of power for daily commutes and freeway passing. For even more power and improved towing capabilities, the V6 provides more than enough power.

Inside, the 2010 GMC Terrain provides an informative information center that easily provides a wide range of data for the driver, including average fuel economy, tire pressure, fuel range, and oil life, among other data. Behind the wheel, drivers will find a very quiet cabin, comfortable seating, and even a car-like ride that buyers demand in this segment. With a wide range of available features such as leather seating, rear view camera, Pioneer audio system, the Terrain does provide plenty of surprising luxuries. Overall interior quality is also an incredible improvement over other recent GMC products.

With a commendable balance of ride quality, interior comfort, and even fuel economy, the 2010 GMC Terrain offers many benefits, much like the all-new Chevy Equinox, but this time with its own styling.

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Although the industry was shocked to hear that an offer from Spyker to by Saab was back on the table again, it appears that General Motors has not ceased the process of winding down the Swedish automaker.

No new announcements regarding Saab are ready to be made according to GM spokesman Chris Preuss. Clearly the determination of Spyker Cars is not convincing enough for GM to halt the end of this loss-generating brand.

Although Skyker continues to be at the forefront of the Saab saga, GM has revealed that other parties were also interested in Saab. However, with no clear ideal scenario available yet, GM will continue to wind-down Saab and consider offers over the next several months.

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Catch more Saab-GM news here.

The 2010 Toyota Prius is a technological marvel to some extent. With a base price of $23K, drivers can expect extreme miles per gallon and will also enjoy riding in a vehicle known for eco-friendliness. But while most accounts of the Toyota Prius seem to be positive overall, some admit that real-world driving puts it in a different light than many mainstream reviews.

For starters the design will either excite or sicken potential buyers. The space-aged styling does make the Prius very aerodynamic which is important for reducing fuel consumption, but the problem is that the design also places instruments out of reach for the driver. In addition, controls take a bit of getting used to as they’re not placed where drivers would expect to find them.

As with many Toyota vehicles these days, the base price appears to be highly competitive, but even when the most common options are added the price can climb quickly according to Bremerton car dealers. As such it’s easy for a Prius to reach well into the mid-$30K range with popular technology and safety options.

Another factor that some buyers may neglect is that the Prius is by no means a driver’s car. Sure high-MPG is an attractive selling point, but after driving the Prius every single day, drivers could become disappointed with lack of responsiveness and rather poor acceleration.

Although the 2010 Toyota Prius lacks some of the positive aspects of many gasoline-powered cars, the Toyota Prius remains the most popular hybrid vehicle on the road nonetheless. The simple reason is that regardless of the car’s shortcomings, the Prius is still priced reasonably and still provides class-leading mileage according to Interstate Toyota. If you can get past its small shortcomings, the Prius is still a great choice for those interested in the environment and in saving on fuel costs.

Despite any shortcoming, Wrentham MA Toyota dealers have a competitive product on their hands that remains the highest selling hybrid on the market. And, chances are, it will stay that way for a long time to come.

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Get the latest on hybrid cars here at Car Biz Buzz.

General Motors has announced that its restructuring efforts are already paying off. The automaker has said that it expects to pay back the money it was loaned by to the U.S. government, as well as the Canadian and Ontario governments, earlier than expected.

GM received a total of $6.7 billion in loans from the U.S. Treasury as part of bankruptcy restructuring. As a result of this restructuring, the U.S. Government is still the single largest stake holder in the Detroit automaker. Although GM was eager to announce that progress has been made, CEO Fritz Henderson was quick to downplay the announcement and identified that the automaker still has plenty of work ahead.

Between the emergence of post-bankruptcy GM and the end of the quarter, GM has already lost $651 million. Although the loss is substantial, Wichita Chevrolet Service stresses that it’s still lower than what was originally predicted. According to Oshkosh Buick dealers, success in Asia and in emerging markets has helped the automaker overall. Cash for Clunkers was also beneficial.

As early as June 2010, GM could repay its debt to the U.S. government. While GM is currently a privately owned company, it also expects to begin selling stock again in 2010. All these developments show positive signs that GM is on its way to profitability again says Car Smart Auto Sales, but GM still has plenty of challenges ahead.

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For all the latest on General Motors sales check back soon.

The Volkswagen Passat has seen its fair share of ups and downs. But as new car demand waned, the demand for the Passat plummeted. Instead, buyers were either more interested in sportier looking CC, or in other foreign luxury brands. This has led VW to consider dropping the Passat when a new mid-sized sedan is expected to go on sale in 2011.

The all-new sedan, which is to be built in the U.S., has yet to be named according to Toronto Volkswagen Oakville Volkswagen. Although it will be larger than the current Passat, it will also be priced lower, which Woburn Toyota service center admits may help it become more competitive next to lower priced options from Japanese and domestic automakers.

Since it will be built in Tennessee, Volkswagen will be able to offer the new sedan with a lower price tag than the Passat. The 2010 Passat starts at just under $28K. This year VW will also be dropping the V6 model and will only offer the sedan with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, despite the fact that used cars Bremerton continues to see interest in VW’s venderable V6 mill.

Although a name and specific details of the new sedan are not yet available, VW is expecting to sell about 100,000 units per year when it finally arrives – far more than the goals set for the Passat. Last year Passat sales totaled 30,034 units. Despite being based on the Passat, the CC sedan will remain in the lineup.

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Read more about import auto news right here at Car Biz Buzz.

Cash for Clunkers proved to be beneficial to everyone, especially considering that everyone had been hurting before the program’s start. But it was the foreign automakers that benefited even more as their market share actually increased.

Critics of the Cash for Clunkers program warned that it could fuel the sales of foreign brands says Philadelphia Chevrolet dealers, thereby funneling U.S. tax payer dollars away from American companies and into the pockets of other brands. Illustrating the advantageous position of foreign brands is the statistics from J.D Power which suggest that normally U.S. car buyers purchase domestic brands 47% of the time. However, during the Cash for Clunkers program, that percentage fell to 38.5%, indicating a growing preference among American consumers for foreign makes, which has come to no surprise to Tampa Honda.

One of the factors contributing to the interest in foreign automakers is the concern over fuel efficiency point out Toyota Quick Lube. Under the program, most buyers were fixated on improved fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, most consumers also associate foreign brands with improved fuel economy.

With the goal of the Cash for Clunkers program to improve the environment and get more gas-guzzling vehicles off the road, consumer perceptions played a larger role than anticipated notes Car Loans Macon.

Since American buyers still regard Japanese and Korean brands in particular as the leaders in providing fuel efficient vehicles, it was not too surprising to dealers such as Longview Honda Service that consumers flocked to these showrooms more often than domestic brand showrooms. Perhaps this is yet another warning to domestic brands that changes need to happen fast.

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The Cube is the Nissan answer to Scion’s xB or Honda’s Element. All are compact, bold in their design, and affordable. While affordability and fuel efficiency is enough to excite plenty of car buyers these days, the Nissan Cube and its closest competitors also feature a love-it-or-hate-it design that certainly won’t resonate with every car buyer.

Powering the Nissan Cube is a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission. The engine produces 122 horsepower and 127 lb ft of torque which doesn’t sound like much to consumers at a Nissan dealer in Seattle but once under way it’s certainly enough to easily move this 2864 pound vehicle. The Cube gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the CVT. Those numbers are enough to make it more fuel efficient than many other vehicles in its class.

The exterior of the Cube is the Nissan’s most distinctive quality according to test drivers among Nissan dealers Boston. However, its boxy appearance will likely appeal to younger car buyers and the exotic exterior styling is continued throughout the interior as well. The headliner even features ripples around the overhead dome light, mimicking the effect of a pebble dropped into a pond. One Providence used Nissan dealer says the Cube has a wide range of unique and fun available features including 16 inch alloy wheels, six speaker audio with Rockford-Fosgate amplifier and subwoofer, and even a USB input for your iPod.

Priced from $13,990, the Nissan Cube is certainly an affordable compact vehicle that offers ample versatility for passengers and cargo. With competitive fuel efficiency, the Cube should appeal to plenty of buyers, but thanks to its unique style the Cube will certainly not be confused with just any compact vehicle.

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More car reviews are on their way.