Archive | Useful Tips

Buying a Used Car Online? Clearly, the process is convenient. But is it a good deal for the car buyer? And what can you do to protect yourself? Read on…

Does the phrase branded title scare you? If not, it should. Branded title cars have suffered some type of extreme damage, such as a major accident or flooding. To get the vehicle back on the road, a repair shop – that may or may not have known what they were doing – pieced the car […]

Most new car warranties last three to five years. After that, you’re on your own. Unless, of course, you purchase an extended warranty.

We’ve all seen news headlines touting the recall of hundreds, thousands – or even millions – of vehicles. One noteworthy example is the infamous Takata airbag recall that affected around 42 million vehicles [NHTSA].

If you’re like most consumers, you limit your search radius to a hundred miles or so when shopping for a used car. After all, shipping a vehicle from far away sounds difficult, risky – and really expensive.

If your vehicle’s check engine light pops on, a technician will use a scan tool to retrieve the associated diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Scan tools can do far more than just get codes, though; they can unlock a wealth of vehicle information. And that can save you money if you’re considering buying a pre-owned car.

Does negotiating a used car price make your mouth dry and your hands tremble? Well, you’re not alone. Buying a used car – and making sure you don’t get ripped off – can be extremely stressful. That’s why it’s helpful to have a few tricks up your sleeve before facing off with the seller.

The Porsche 911, which has been around since 1963, is one of the most iconic sports cars of all-time. But that doesn’t mean it’s without problems. Each generation of the 911 has unique issues buyers need to watch out for.

The CarFax ‘Car Fox’ marketing gimmick – featuring an overly-perky, animated fox – is engrained in the minds of consumers. So much so, in fact, that nearly every buyer demands a vehicle history report before purchasing a used car. Each year, millions of consumers count on CarFax to reveal issues such as accidents, faulty odometers […]

You wouldn’t go to a doctor who wasn’t board certified – so why would you trust a technician without ASE credentials? Automotive service excellence (ASE) certification is a way for repair professionals to demonstrate knowledge in their field. And if you’re thinking about buying a used car, it’s important to have a pre-purchase inspection performed […]