Car Shopping
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What is a CarFax and Why Should I Ask for One?
Carfax is a web-based service that provides vehicle history reports to consumers and businesses in the United States and Canada. These reports contain information on a vehicle’s ownership history, accident history, service details, title status, mileage readings, and other important details. Carfax obtains this information from a variety of sources, including state motor vehicle departments, police departments, repair facilities, and insurance companies. Carfax reports are often used by consumers and businesses when buying or selling used vehicles to help them make informed decisions about the vehicle’s condition and value. You should ask for a Carfax report when car shopping because it can provide you with valuable information about the vehicle’s…
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What is the Difference Between Horsepower and Torque?
Horsepower and torque are two important measurements that describe the performance of an engine. While both are related to the power output of an engine, they represent different things. Horsepower (hp) is a measurement of the rate at which work is done, or the rate at which energy is transferred. It is typically used to describe the power output of an engine. In the context of an engine, horsepower is a measure of how quickly the engine can do work, such as turning the wheels of a car or propelling a boat through water. Horsepower is calculated based on the amount of torque produced by the engine and the engine’s…
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What is the Difference Between a Diesel Engine and a Gas Engine?
Diesel engines and gasoline engines are both types of internal combustion engines used in many methods of transportation, but they differ in several significant ways. Overall, diesel engines are better suited for heavy-duty applications such as hauling, towing, and long-distance transportation, while gasoline engines are more commonly used in passenger vehicles and smaller applications where fuel efficiency is less of a concern.
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What is the Difference Between the Different Octane Fuels?
The octane rating of a fuel is a measure of its ability to resist “knocking” or “pinging” during combustion, caused by the air-fuel mixture detonating prematurely in the engine. The higher the octane rating, the more resistant the fuel is to knocking. There are typically three octane ratings available for gasoline at most fuel stations: Using higher-octane gasoline than your car requires doesn’t provide any additional benefit to your engine or fuel efficiency. However, using lower-octane gasoline than recommended can cause engine knocking, decrease fuel efficiency, and potentially damage the engine over time. Elevation can affect your octane needs. At higher elevations, the air is less dense, and there is…
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Top Questions to Ask When Buying a Car
Buying a car can be stressful. It is a huge investment and you want to make sure you get a good vehicle and a good value! Average auto loan amounts have steadily increased in the past decade, reaching $41,665 for new vehicles and $28,506 for used vehicles in the third quarter of 2022, according to Experian. Here are some top items to consider and research when purchasing a new or used vehicle: Here are some questions to ask when purchasing a new or used vehicle: Additionally, if from a private seller: At the end of the day, you want to make sure the vehicle, price, and all other factors meet your needs!…
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How does a Car Lease Work?
A car lease is a type of agreement where you pay a monthly fee to use a car for a specified period of time. Unlike buying a car, you don’t own the vehicle at the end of the lease term. It’s sort of like a long-term rental. Here’s how a car lease typically works: You will need to choose a car that you want to lease. You can shop online or in person to find a car you like. Typically you only lease new vehicles, but in special circumstances you can lease retired service loaners or even Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. Once you have chosen a car, you will need to…
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How Does a Car Loan Work?
Car financing involves obtaining a loan, borrowed money typically with interest (APR) to be paid to the lender, to purchase a vehicle. The loan can be obtained from a bank, credit union, or car dealership. The process typically involves the following steps: Determine the amount of money you need to borrow to purchase the vehicle. This amount will depend on the cost of the car, any trade-in value, and your down payment. Also, make sure you will be approved for the amount of money you need to borrow. Check your credit score. Your credit score will play a significant role in determining your interest rate and whether you can qualify…
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Why is Car Shopping and Buying so Difficult?
Car shopping can be a difficult task for several reasons. But it shouldn’t be, because getting a new car is exciting! Here are some common challenges people face while buying a car… and the whole reason this site exists. Wide Range of Options: There are a lot of different car models, brands, and types of vehicles to choose from. Each one has its own features and benefits, which might fit into your needs as a car buyer differently. So, it can be overwhelming for a buyer to decide which car suits their needs and budget. Limited Budget: The reality is cars can be expensive, and most people have a limited…
