Whether you buy a new or used car, there is a level of attention you must pay to your car. There are certain things every car is going to need, but used cars in particular require a bit more maintenance. In fact, the US government suggests setting aside about $600 a year to cover the costs of repairs and maintenance.That seems like a hefty price, however if you take care of your used car, that cost can be greatly reduced.

The problem with used cars is that most times all the parts are stock, meaning they are the same parts that were in it the day it left the factory. They are designed to last, however a lack of care for your vehicle will result in those stock parts to deteriorate. Take not changing your oil for example. Over time will cause sludge buildup, wear out your piston rings, bearings, cam, and lifters. Leave it long enough and you will have engine failure.

One suggestion is quickly checking over your car every 3,000 miles, from top to bottom. If you can’t do this yourself, have a mechanic do it for you when you get your oil changed. This simple procedure can save you thousands in the long run. It gives you the opportunity to see any potentially dangerous situations, and keep up with required maintenance. Simply put, take care of your used car, and it will last much longer.

Topics Car, Maintenance, Used

Buying a used car in Newark NJ can be an exciting experience. Every day thousands of new vehicle owners go through the same thing, however it’s no secret that not everyone is happy with their purchase. So what separates those happy with their choices and those not? The amount of time put into the process. If you are willing to invest as little as an hour into your investment before you make it, you can be one of those happy consumers. Here is how.

Do research on the make and model you have in mind. There are plenty of resources out there for free, namely on the very internet you are using to read this article. Look over some vehicle review sites, go to the bookstore and flip through some car magazines, talk to friends or colleauges knowlegable in the subject. Try to have a clear but general understanding of the used vehicle. If you are sure you know which one you want, try to locate at least two in your area, and check them both out. One is going to be beter than the other, and the more options you have, the more you can be sure you are getting the best for your money. Lastly when you are confident in your choice, run a carfax report (or similar service) to make sure your used car has not been too used. Major accidents, water damage, fires, and lost titles are all red flags.

Before you commit, determine the state of your finances and make sure you can afford payments. Even if you are paying cash upfront, are you sure this is what you need? Many times people buy something they really can’t afford, and it sets them back for the life of the loan. Maybe you are not financially ready for that shinny sports car quite yet, so you should buy something cheap you can pay it off quickly, which will help your credit, and the money you do save you can put towards the car you really want.

Topics Car, Finances, Newark, nj, Tips, Used