Tag Archives: Edmunds

Avoid This Common Used Car Buying Mistake

What are some mistakes that used car buyers can make?

What is interesting is that one of the first things that come to mind when that question is asked is not researching price or not staying in budget or not even making sure to shop for a car that suits their needs. One of the most overlooked things that used car shoppers can do, according to USNews, is not looking at the tires.

Speaking with a senior consumer advice editor at Edmunds, they found that most people don’t give the car they’re looking at a proper inspection. One of the things that gets missed even more is the tires. According to the editor, Ron Montoya, buyers don’t look at the threads of the tires and see how old the tire is. You can look at the sidewalls and see a four-digit number that will show you the week and year of the tire. Knowing this simple fact can be a headache down the road for cost if you are not careful.

So bare that in mind the next time you’re doing used car shopping. While we implore each and every buyer to examine their budget and make sure to set a price range for a vehicle they can afford and not to go over it, we don’t do enough to instill in them the knowledge of inspecting the vehicle. It’s always a wise idea to take your time and test drive the vehicle, but looking at the tire age is also very important.

If you have bad credit or low credit and need to get a new or used vehicle, be sure to contact us at Approved Loan Store. Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

What to Know About Down Payments

A down payment is a powerful tool in getting a car loan. The question is, for many people, how much money to put down as a down payment? The conventional wisdom, according to Edmunds.com, is that a down payment should be 20%. The problem with that number is how many people struggle with circumstances today that make them unable to have that much for a car at the time of purchase. How does that effect the number people need for a down payment?

Down payments have been steadily decreasing from that 20% number. The reasoning is because car prices are increasing, but the wages the average buyer is making has stayed the same. The average family has less money to use for something like a down payment. So they don’t have the extra income to spare, hence the decrease in the amount.

That still doesn’t answer an underlying question: how much should you put as a down payment? The answer, sadly, has no number, instead it deals in one general thought process. It is up to you to figure out how much money for a down payment is available to you. How much have you saved? How much can you comfortably pay up front? These are some of the important questions to ask if you want the answer to how much cash should you put as a down payment.

2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, V-6 Models Get Price Cut

At Approved Loan Store, we like to let our customers know about sales or specials on their favorite makes and models, and for car shoppers looking for a new sedan, Toyota has cut the cost on the 2014 Avalon XLE Touring model.

According to the Associated Press, the 2014 Toyota Avalon XLE Touring will be $500 less expensive for the V-6 and hybrid versions, and though the base model’s $31,340 price is still steep for some buyers, the 2014 model has a number of improvements. The rear-view camera is now standard, and other standard features will include heated front seats, Bluetooth capability, leather seats, and more.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon was well-reviewed by critics. Edmunds praised its roomy seating, “luxury-like cabin quality,” and large trunk space, and user reviews were also extremely positive with a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. Even Car and Driver, which got in a few jabs about drivers’ AARP eligibility, had to admit that the 2013 Toyota Avalon had stepped up their game and added “athleticism and a few pinches of sophistication” to the popular sedan.

Whether you’re looking for a Toyota Avalon, a car to handle the whole family, or a fun little ride for yourself, Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to get you in the car you need at rates you can afford. Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Ford C-Max Sales Increase in August Despite Rating Downgrade

Ford C-Max drivers aren’t getting 47 miles per gallon, but they don’t seem to mind.

Recent negative press about the Ford C-Max and its fuel economy rating has surprisingly not affected the vehicle’s sales numbers. Back in August, its fuel economy rating was lowered from 47 mpg to 45 mpg highway and 40 mpg city, and Ford gave a rebate of $550 to C-Max buyers and $325 to lessees. Ford still managed to sell 3,000 units in August alone, more than they sold in July.

Reviews have been very positive for the 2013 Ford C-Max, which is perhaps why their sales have been unaffected by the fuel economy rating change. Car and Driver said the C-Max has “arrived just in the nick of time” and compared to other cars in its class, it is “not a robotic electropod but a hybrid fuel sipper that Europeans would consider worthy.” The C-Max also performed very well in government safety testing, earning a four-star rating on the frontal crash test, a five-star rating on the side crash, and a four-star rating on the rollover test. As if that weren’t praise enough, Edmunds wrote that finding a car like the C-Max was as likely as finding a unicorn.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Have you heard the news about the Ford C-Max’s fuel economy rating, and would you still want to take it for a test drive? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

From Fords to Mazdas, Kias, Chryslers, and more, Approved Loan Store wants to help you get into the car you want at terms you can afford, even if you have issues with credit! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Nissan Prices Altima Under $23,000

The Nissan Altima has gone through a major overhaul for the 2014 model, and Nissan is finally able to announce the pricing on one of their most popular vehicles.

Starting price for the Altima ranges from $22,650 for the Altima 2.5 up to $31,450 for the Altima 3.5 SL. Standard features on the Altima 2.5 include the Advanced Drive-Assist Display, Nissan Direct Ignition System, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, push button ignition, power windows and door locks, and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS). There are additional audio, technology, and navigation packages available for certain models and a wide range of optional features for an additional cost.

The 2014 model has a lot to live up to considering how the 2013 Nissan Altima was received. Edmunds named the 2013 Altima as their Top Recommended Sedan under $25,000, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Altima a five-star overall rating in their New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). After glancing through the features list and the photos Nissan has released so far, it is safe to say that probably won’t be a problem.

Are you looking to get into a Nissan Altima? How about a Chevy, Chrysler, or Kia? No matter what you are looking for, Approved Loan Store wants to find you the car you want at terms you can afford! Are you finally ready to get into a great new or used car? Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Pricing Announced For 2014 Ram 1500

Just in time for the 4^th of July, Ram announced the pricing for one of America’s favorite trucks, the 2014 Ram 1500.

The 2014 Ram 1500’s base starting price will be $24,605, and the price tag will go all the way up to $49,175 for the Ram 1500 Laramie Limited starting cost. Not much has been said yet about the features in the new Ram 1500 aside from the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine and the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, but more features will likely be announced in the next few months.

On the up-side, the Ram 1500 will have improved fuel economy and more power, and it is already established as a reliable truck. When Edmunds reviewed the 2013 Ram 1500, they named it as their favorite full-size pickup truck. Unfortunately, these updates come with a price increase. The base 2014 Ram 1500 will be $610 more than the base 2013 Ram 1500.

In our opinion, the jury is still out on the 2014 Ram 1500. The new engine and transmission all sounds great, but we need to know more about the 1500’s features before deciding if the price increase is worth it.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Do you think the price increase will be worth it for the 2014 Ram 1500? What are your thoughts on the 2013 Ram 1500, and would you consider test driving the 2014 Ram 1500 when it goes on sale later this year? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Summer time is here! Are you finally ready to get into a great new or used car? Approved Loan Store wants to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Toyota Sells 3 Millionth Prius Worldwide

Last week, Toyota announced that 3 million Priuses have been sold worldwide.

It has been 16 years since the Prius was first launched and a whole decade since the introduction of the second generation Prius. In 2009, Toyota introduced the third and most recent generation Prius which produces only 89 g CO2 per km.

The Toyota Prius, one of the first and most popular widely-available hybrid vehicles, also has the distinction of receiving the NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating. Kelley Blue Book rated it a 9.1 out of 10, and Edmunds awarded it a 4.9 out of 5-star rating.

At the time of publication, the starting price for the 2013 Prius is $24,200. Standard features for the 2013 Prius Two include LED daytime running lights, climate control, UV reduction glass windshield, touch-screen audio player with iPod connectivity, fuel consumption history and rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop lights.

Are you looking for a safer car or one with better fuel efficiency? No matter what you’re looking for, Approved Loan Store wants to help you get in a car you want at terms you can afford! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

LA Auto Show: Honda Announces New Civic Premiere

In 2 weeks, Honda will unveil the new Civic at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and early word that Honda listened to its fans and critics with the newest model of one of their most popular cars.

Almost 50 vehicles will debut during the show including world premieres from Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler, and Honda will be showing off several new vehicles including the Civic. Some members of the press, though, got an early look this week to stir up excitement for the official premiere at the show.

On the outside, the 2013 Civic will have an open-mouth lower bumper, a black mesh grille with integrated fog lights, and larger jewel-style tail lights, but reports are saying that it is what’s on the inside that counts with the new Civic. According to the Wall Street Journal, Honda has updated the interior, turned their focus to the driver’s comfort, and overall aimed to give it a feeling of luxury and youth.

Will the new Civic live up to the hype? We won’t know for another two weeks yet, but looking at the LA Auto Show line-up, it will have to bring its A-game to stand out from the pack. Then again, Honda has a history of excellence with awards from Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Green Car Journal, not to mention About.com’s 2012 Best New Car award. They just might be up to the challenge.

No matter if you’re looking for a Civic, an Accord, or something else entirely, Approved Loan Store can help you! Whether if you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit, we want to get you into the car you want at terms you can afford! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and get the latest auto news and tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

CBS News Picks 5 Best Cars Made in America

Yesterday, CBS News MoneyWatch named their 5 best American-built cars. With so many great American cars on the market today, we were curious as to what made the cut. The list is below along with our thoughts on each of their picks.

Cadillac CTS – Winner of Popular Mechanics’ Top 10 Car, Car and Driver’s 10Best, and Edmunds.com’s Best Retained Value Award, CBS couldn’t really make the list without the Cadillac CTS. The Cadillac CTS’s latest tagline is, “If you’re going to make a statement, don’t mumble,” and with its combination of power and luxury, a driver won’t be able to blend in driving the Cadillac CTS.

Buick LaCrosse – In the past, the Buick LaCrosse has had no trouble racking up stellar reviews and awards, and 2012 is no exception. Already, it has earned five-star safety ratings from the NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program as well as a Consumer Digest Best Buy. Kelley Blue Book reviewers also gave it a 4.5 out of 5 rating, making it popular with everyday drivers and car reviewers alike.

Ford Flex – The Ford Flex is probably the most underrated of the bunch here. It still isn’t a household name, but consumers and car reviewers who have driven it are hoping that changes soon. This cross-over is a seven-passenger family car with a completely different feel from the usual minivan or SUV.

Chrysler 300 – In 2012, the Chrysler 300 has already taken home some of the industry’s top awards. The 2012 Chrysler 300 was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines and Interiors as well as a Consumer Digest Best Buy. It was also ranked #1 in Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000 and made Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Best Family Cars list. Like the Cadillac CTS, it would be difficult to make a list of the best American-made cars without including the Chrysler 300.

Ford Focus – Edmunds claims that the Ford Focus the first American-made compact car to really give Japanese automakers a run for their money, and though that initial success might have gone to their head, Ford has made some big changes to the Focus that have made it a must-see American-made model. Edmunds specifically cited the 2012 Focus as a “monumental improvement,” calling it a “well-rounded, well-built car that is easy to recommend.”

We want to know what you think of CBS News’ list! Did your favorite car make the cut? What do you think got snubbed? Leave a comment below and tell us what you think!

Are you looking for a great new or used car? Approved Loan Store wants to help you get into the car you want at terms you can afford! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest auto news by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Parents Magazine, Edmunds Find a Car for Every Family

The mini-van might be the classic family car, but new mom and dad drivers have more options open to them in 2012. There are vehicles on the market today that offer comfort, more space, and different styles than the typical “family car.”

Of course, not every car shopper knows what it available on the market to meet their needs, and as a result, they might miss the opportunity to find what they want and what they need all in the same car. For this reason, Parents magazine and Edmunds.com teamed up to make a list of the 15 most family-friendly cars.

Their list was based on numerous factors including safety, price, and the features offered in the vehicle. Additionally, they spoke with everyday parents who “drive these vehicles every day” and know all the advantages and disadvantages personally. Also, they broke the list down into High Mileage, Budget, Crossovers, Sedans, and Large Vehicles, 5 categories total, with 3 vehicles in each category. The least expensive car listed was the Chevrolet Sonic starting at $14,600, and the most expensive was the Dodge Durango starting at $29,990, so there is a car on the list for every budget.

Here is the complete list:

High Mileage

Toyota Prius V
Honda Civic Hybrid
Chevrolet Cruze Eco

Budget

Chevrolet Sonic
Ford Focus
Hyundai Elantra

Crossovers

Mazda 5
Kia Sorento
Honda CR-V

Sedans

Volkswagen Passat
Toyota Camry
Kia Optima

Large Vehicles

Dodge Durango
Toyota Sienna
Honda Odyssey

Are you looking for a new family car? Approved Loan Store wants to help! Good credit, bad credit, big family, Approved Loan Store will find the right car for you! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here. Also, keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

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