Month: October 2021

With new car prices soaring, many people have found that buying a used car can be a great financial alternative. Don’t think that just because a car has a few years on it that it’s not worth your consideration. There are many older-model cars and trucks that are high-quality, durable, and attractive vehicles that will work great for your situation.

If you’re considering purchasing a used car but aren’t sure which one fits your needs and budget, we’ve created a list of some compelling – if not immediately obvious – car choices on the market now. We’ll discuss why these models continue to rank well in performance and popularity so that you have a better idea which vehicle might be best for you. Regardless of which you choose, always give yourself that extra piece of security with a warranty from Cars Protection Plus.

Small Cars: 2018 Kia Rio

The 2018 Kia Rio is a sporty, subcompact car that’s a great choice for someone looking for a smaller vehicle.

Benefits

• Scores high in safety tests
• Comfortable for both driver and passengers
• Easy to maneuver
• Sporty design
• Reliable; has high longevity

One of the best features of this car is the safety ratings, which is why this vehicle has been popular for multiple years in a row.

The 2018 Kia Rio was named among the Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This car is equipped with safety features like automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, and a forward collision warning.

The 2018 Rio also features a 130-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and either a standard six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automotive.

Cost

Current listings for this car range anywhere from $13,000 to $16,000 depending on the condition and mileage.

The 2018 Kia Rio is comparable to the 2018 Honda Fit and the 2018 Ford Fiesta.

Trucks: 2016 Toyota Tacoma

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is loved now for what it was loved for back in 2016 — it’s reliable, safe, has great off-road capabilities, and lends some surprising muscle for a compact truck.

Benefits

• Smooth, quiet drive
• Off-road capability
• Rear and four-wheel drive
• Four and six-cylinder available

The 2016 Tacoma is one of the safest trucks in its category. It rates well in crash tests and scores four out of five with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2016 Tacoma features:

• 152 horsepower four-cylinder engine or a V6 engine with 278 horsepower
• Standard rear-wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission or four-wheel drive with five or six-speed manual transmission also available

The 2016 Tacoma is a comfortable ride and thanks to its compact design, it’s easy to maneuver. It has great off-road capabilities, but acceleration might feel slow for some with the four-cylinder engine. Gas mileage is of course better with the four-cylinder version rather than the V6.

Cost

Depending on the condition and mileage of the vehicle, pricing for a 2016 Toyota Tacoma could start at about $23,000 and end at around $36,000. It’s amazing how these trucks are holding their value.

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is comparable to the 2016 Chevy Colorado, the 2016 GMC Canyon, and the 2016 Toyota Tundra.

Compact SUVs: 2010 Honda CR-V

Although older than most recommendations, this vehicle ranks as one of the best compact SUVs due to its reliability and smooth-riding capabilities.

Benefits

• Comfortable interior
• Great fuel economy
• Scores high in safety tests
• Easy to maneuver, especially for an SUV

Scoring a five out of five for safety from the National Highway Traffic Administration, the 2010 Honda CR-V is one of the safest vehicles in crash tests.

This vehicle is also quite spacious even though it is a smaller SUV. This means it’s ideal for someone looking for a family-size vehicle that’s still easy to park and won’t kill you at the gas pump.

The 2010 Honda CR-V features a 180-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a standard five-speed automatic transmission.

The four-cylinder engine of the CR-V might feel sluggish to some when accelerating but has no trouble getting up to speed on the highway. This vehicle does not come in a six-cylinder model, unfortunately, but what you lose in horsepower, you gain in gas mileage. With 21 to 28 mpg depending on the area, the 2010 Honda CR-V does a nice job with fuel economy for an SUV.

Cost

Listings for this vehicle usually begin at about $8,500 and can go up to about $15,000.

The 2010 Honda CR-V is comparable to the 2010 Toyota RAV4 and the 2010 Subaru Forester.

If you like the sound of the CR-V but perhaps want a newer model with the same advantages, the 2014 Honda CR-V is a great choice. With a sportier, refined look, the 2014 CR-V offers great fuel economy, comfort, and safety features for a listing price roughly between $14,000 and $22,000.

Buying a Used Car

When buying a used car, it’s important to do your homework. If you know what type of vehicle you want, whether that be a car for just you, one for a growing family, or one to assist you on the job, read reviews and ask your dealership questions.

We hope that this overview of some top-rated vehicle models has helped you narrow down your search!

In recent years, EVs have become synonymous with the future of automobiles. Due to the worldwide environmental movement towards clean energy and the desire to increase fuel efficiency in the United States, people are turning to electric vehicles (EV) as a solution to gas-powered transportation.

Along with the desire to lower emissions and air pollution, EV cars have attracted customers who want to save money in the long run. These customers hope to avoid the nation’s high gas prices, but how are these cars performing, and what models are car manufacturers releasing to entice customers?

Here is the latest EV car news, including industry trends and which models to look out for this year.

More Affordability for EV Cars

Affordability is a major factor for potential and returning buyers, and it’s impacting the EV car industry. While there’s widespread interest in switching to electric cars, most consumers have reservations because they are wary of spending a lot of money.

Of course, a warranty from Cars Protection Plus helps protect consumers from high costs of damage and repairs, but the initial price tag is still considered expensive and is affecting the number of purchases in 2021. In 2019, the sales of these types of electric vehicles tipped over the two-million mark. However, nationwide EV sales still only makes up less than 2% of vehicle purchases in the United States, which is concerning to manufacturers and investors.

However, Europe and China are showing different numbers, mostly because of a greater concern for environmental damage and government involvement. For example, European car manufacturers recently debuted several new models with eco-friendly features that cut costs thanks to government incentives. As a result, we’re seeing more buyers worldwide than ever before.

Breakthroughs From EV Manufacturers

Regardless of the low purchase figures in America, almost every major car company is releasing its own new electric vehicle models to appeal to customers. They know customers are interested, and they’re working hard to offer them a great deal by decking each model out with the latest eco-friendly perks.

Tesla

Known as the leading company of electric cars, Tesla continuously draws attention as it releases new models. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 is the latest in the company’s line of mass-market EV cars. With software updates, Tesla’s new model improves upon past models’ features as well as the battery. Additionally, it costs less than the company’s Model S.

Mustang

In its own spin on the EV car, Mustang has released the 2021 Mustang Mach-E Premium. With its sports car styling and technology (Apple CarPlay, Android auto, and touchscreen on dashboard), this model offers a mixture of style and performance. Though it is only a Mustang in name, it still provides useful features and a great price for its features. Being nearly $25,000 less than a Tesla X, a Mustang Mach-E may not have as much range, but it does include a lot for a vehicle at its price.

Nissan

The 2022 Nissan Leaf is the cheapest electric car in the United States. It is considered the ideal car for those who are new to EVs and do not want to splurge on their automobiles. The model features ProPilot driver assistance software and ePedal one-pedal driving mode. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Those with a tight budget and a curiosity to switch to electric vehicles may find the Leaf to be favorable for one of their first electric cars.

Other Companies

Many other companies offer their own takes on the EV car. The GMC Hummer Edition1 is a pickup truck with off-road prowess, great horsepower, and range. However, its drawback is how expensive it is compared to other companies’ models at $112,595.

At an even higher price, the 2021 Lucid Air Dream is known for its all-wheel drive and status as the world’s most aerodynamic luxury car. Due to how sleek and swift it is, it earns its namesake of the Air. High prices for these EVs are not surprising due to their designations as luxury vehicles with special features.

Increase in EV Car Capabilities

The number of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) is increasing along with stronger, more appealing technology for each new model. Manufacturers are attempting to lower CO2 emissions with emerging engine technologies. Along with this, the average horsepower of new EV vehicles continues to increase. Electric vehicles can advance in weight and power without emitting higher emissions, unlike those with internal combustion engines.

Updates on the Movement Towards Clean Energy

In an effort to research and promote the benefits of electric transportation, several organizations formed a coalition called the Southeast Electric Transportation Region Initiate (SETRI). This group aims to address issues such as EV charging, accessibility, policy guidance, job growth, and consumer awareness.

As this industry develops well into the future, this coalition will focus on the improved coordination of companies that distribute electric vehicles. The widespread use of clean energy in transportation is a major part of their mission. Their continued work is supported by a great number of groups and the list is growing.

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt that there is major appeal for EV cars in the United States and abroad, but manufacturers are realizing that consumers need more reasons to invest in these vehicles. That’s why we’re seeing new engines with stronger horsepower, brand-new models with technological innovations, and government incentives to purchase electric cars.

It may take the American public a long time to realize why these vehicles are worth purchasing, but we expect the popularity of EVs to slowly continue and lead to more purchases in 2022 despite the affordability concerns.