One cannot stress the importance of reliability when it comes to buying an SUV or any used car, for that matter. The automobile might get you the best mileage, looks, features, and performance. But it can get annoying if the vehicle breaks down regularly or needs you to shell out more on repairs than the amount spent on purchasing the SUV. So if you’re shopping for your first used SUV or upgrading to one, here are five reliable options to consider. GMC Terrain The GMC Terrain is one of the most reliable SUVs when it comes to buying a used model. It comes with premium interiors and seating that can carry five people from one destination to the next comfortably. The ride quality of the GMC Terrain is smooth and packs an efficient engine. Customers should be able to purchase a pre-owned model between $19,000 and $28,000. Toyota Highlander The Toyota Highlander is a reliable SUV that is suitable for families. The vehicle is flush with technological features, high-quality interiors, and a powerful standard V6 engine. The Highlander is also awarded a five-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA. Customers can get a pre-owned Toyota highlander starting at $40,000 based on the model they pick.

Buying a new car, like an SUV, is usually a major purchase decision. It is typically a one-time investment for many who do not plan to switch vehicles for a few years. This means that simply opting for the latest make and model is not enough. You must consider the necessary features based on your and your family’s needs. So, here are a few mistakes to avoid when buying a new SUV: Focusing on the exterior Major brands manufacture compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, and even luxury SUVs that come with many features and upgrades, each usually better than its predecessor. However, you need to compare features and not just go for only the exterior build and design, as what matters more is the car’s performance, engine, and comfort. Going for unnecessary accessories Premium and luxury cars are already loaded with advanced features. So when buying a new SUV, do not overspend on extra upgrades that the salespeople may make you believe are crucial. Install what is essential as there is always room for upgrades later. Underestimating safety features Modern vehicles, especially SUVs, come with safety features that are a mandate in many states. Some of the crucial safety features you need to consider are automatic braking, stability control, airbags, and sturdier builds.  Choosing the wrong arrangement If you can afford to buy, do not lease a car.

Purchasing car insurance is never considered necessary unless a mishap takes place. Despite people’s aversion to spending some additional bucks on car insurance, one cannot deny that they constitute an essential component of driving costs. Having acknowledged this fact, customers are only required to avoid specific costly mistakes so that only those car insurances are purchased, providing maximum coverage for a nominal price. This article discusses the common mistakes to avoid while buying auto insurance. Mistakes to avoid when buying auto insurance While selecting suitable car insurance is as essential as choosing an appropriate car, the two decisions are intricately linked. The ambit of one’s car insurance options depends on what vehicle one chooses. On the other hand, the insurance budget determines the range of cars one can afford to drive. Besides, it is illegal to ride without being insured on the roads of most states. So, to choose the right auto insurance plan, here are a few mistakes one must try to avoid at all costs: Purchasing state-mandated minimum coverage As per state mandates, all drivers should get an insurance cover of at least $10,000 to $50,000 for physical injury per accident per person and $10,000 to $50,000 for damages caused to property.

Not everybody can be a perfect driver on the road. The sheer number of variables, such as traffic rules, pedestrians, other vehicle owners, road conditions, and weather, means that even the most careful drivers make mistakes occasionally. On the other hand, certain driving habits can only be described as reckless, as they can land drivers, pedestrians, and other road users in danger. To avoid that, here are some driving mistakes everyone must try to avoid: Driving slow in the passing lane The high-speed passing lane is for the purpose its name suggests – for vehicles to overtake others and, basically, slam the throttle to get to their destination as soon as possible. Therefore, it is often referred to as a fast lane. Driving slowly on such lanes blocks the traffic and slows down everyone. More importantly, driving slowly on passing lanes can also result in vehicles tailgating each other and unavoidable collisions. What’s more, frustrated drivers who cannot get a move on in the passing lane may end up over-speeding on the inside lane. To avoid such dangerous accident-prone scenarios, drivers must decide the lane to take based on the speed at which they are most comfortable driving their vehicle.

Learning how to change a flat tire is an important skill on the road. While the basics of driving and dealing with such emergencies are often covered at driving school or by an instructor, there are several things one may not know about changing a flat tire. So, here are a few mistakes one can make when dealing with a flat tire and how to avoid them for a quick, hassle-free tire change: 1. Being unprepared This is one of the most common mistakes one can make when dealing with a flat tire. As it is impossible to predict when a tire may go out, drivers must ensure that their cars are always equipped with the following tools: – The owner’s manual, as a guide for finding the jacking points –  A heavy-duty torch – A warning triangle – A high-visibility jacket – The wheel nut key (for locking wheel nuts) – A pump and pressure gauge – Wheel chocks (to prevent vehicle movement) – A jack and wheel wrench – A healthy spare tire 2. Changing tires on an uneven road One must always change the tire on an even surface, as the car may not sit right on the jack on gravel, grass, and slopes, potentially sliding off or shifting.

Whether one is trying to buy their first car or upgrade to a new one, the options are endless, with various car models catering to diverse needs. While an SUV might be ideal for families, a sedan or a hatchback might work for other drivers. Electric vehicles are also worth considering. One brand that offers all these options while ensuring quality and affordability is Kia. So, here are the best Kia vehicles to consider buying: 1. Kia Forte: Compact sedan The Kia Forte is a compact sedan starting at about $21,000. It offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter 147-hp four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.6-liter 201-hp four-cylinder engine. On the inside, the car has a minimalist design and modern technology, including an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. 2. Kia Seltos: Subcompact SUV The Kia Seltos also has an attractive price tag, with the base trim available for about $25,000. The vehicle offers ample room and exceptional cargo space compared to competitors in the segment. A smaller display with an analog gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard features in every model. The Seltos also features handy driver-assistance technology to make the on-road experience seamless 3.

Buying a used car is incredibly beneficial as you save money on hefty price hikes and taxes applicable for brand-new vehicles. You also enjoy free reign for negotiation and more affordable APR rates on older car models. However, you must carefully scan online auto trading platforms to spot the top used car options and deals. Here are a few easy ways to ensure you get more bang for your buck! Start with online listings Websites and automotive platforms like CarMax, Carvana, Autolist, Autotrader, Edmunds, and Vroom sell the top models of used cars. They offer the best APR rates and list updated prices of their vehicles. But visit these sites during the off-season as specific makes are not in demand and are, hence, cheaper. For example, nobody wants a convertible during the winter or a hard-top sedan during the summer. So, buying before the season changes will save you more money. Compare deals based on APR Compare the APR offered on different vehicle trims to find the best one. For example, the Honda Civic (2018 to 2023) sedans currently have a 2.99% APR financing option on some trading platforms. The exact APR rate is available on the Honda CR-V (2018 to 2023) SUV trims.

Buying your first or upgrading to a new or pre-owned vehicle is a fun yet complicated experience. However, do not overlook the possibility of buying a seized vehicle. These automobiles refer to trucks, cars, and other motor vehicles that have been taken possession of by financial institutions due to non-payment of loans. They may also be sold at auctions to recover the outstanding loan amount. Here are six benefits of buying a seized vehicle. Multiple buying options Financial institutions may seize a ton of vehicles each day. Therefore, you might be able to pick from a variety of vehicles across multiple segments. A few choices may include trucks, SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks. Unique choices Since vehicle auctions may include a range of vehicles, you might stumble upon a rare or unique automobile that isn’t available through traditional channels. They may also range from basic to luxury models with the latest technology. So ensure you do your research before making the purchase. Good condition Most vehicles sold at an auction are usually at most 5 years old. Some vehicles are also in nearly new condition. You may find the best vehicle deals on fleet and government vehicles. These are well-maintained and serviced regularly.

An oil change is a necessary maintenance task that should be done within a specified time limit to ensure the engine does not cease to work. Skipping this step only further increases the risk of engine problems that might cost thousands of dollars in repairs simply because of a lack of proper lubrication. If you prefer to change engine oil on your own, here are five critical mistakes to avoid next time. Not using the right type of oil Motor oils are classified into different blends depending on the type of vehicle and the driving conditions in which they are used. Synthetic oil is more suitable for extreme weather changes. It has better viscosity and resistance to oxidation. High-mileage oils help improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions, whereas conventional oil is the cheapest of all variants used in most motor vehicles. Not maintaining proper oil levels Underfilling or completely topping up the engine oil will only hamper engine performance. Learn to use an oil dipstick before running the engine. Overfilling can force the engine oil to fill up the gasket, leading to leaks. Not filling enough increases friction and can stall the pistons completely. Not replacing oil when its recommended If you drive an older model vehicle, it is recommended that you change the engine oil once every 3,000 miles.

Buying an SUV is about driving around a vehicle that offers comfortable and modern interiors, a rugged exterior, and performance tailored to navigate the city, highway, and other terrains. These vehicles are also a significant investment one usually makes for themselves and their family. Therefore, one of the key elements that everyone desires in this vehicle is safety. So if you’re searching for the safest SUVs this year, here are six options. Acura MDX The Acura MDX is one of the safest SUVs, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. It has a standard set of active safety technology, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The three-row crossover can be built starting at $49,000 on Acura’s website. Honda CR-V You could build the crossover SUV on Honda’s website for about $28,000. The CR-V packs a standard set of safety features, such as a road departure mitigation system (RDM) – which helps drivers stay on the road and follow lane lines. It also boasts a collision mitigation braking system™ (CBMS™) to alert the driver of a potential collision. Kia Telluride Kia makes some of the safest vehicles in the market, and the Telluride is one of them.

Resale value is one of the most important aspects to consider while buying a vehicle. Generally, dealers and buyers take into account the 5-year resale value of automobiles. Studies suggest that, on average, a vehicle typically retains about 45% of its original value after 5 years of ownership. However, models from reputed and reliable brands have low depreciation rates. Here are a few such vehicles with the best 5-year resale values: Jeep Wrangler SUVs tend to have higher resale values due to their durability and endurance. One such model is the Jeep Wrangler—a compact SUV with good off-roading abilities and a butch, indestructible build quality. It can seat five people. On the depreciation front, the Wrangler loses only 8.9% of its original value after 5 years of on-road usage, making this gas-powered (also available as a hybrid off-road SUV) vehicle one of the best long-term utility assets for buyers across the country. Subaru Crosstrek The Subaru Crosstrek is more urban in its style compared to the gigantic Wrangler. One similarity, though, is the SUV’s excellent 5-year resale value. One can get up to 61% of the original value on selling their Subaru Crosstrek after five years of use. That value, combined with the SUV’s sleek design, powerful engine, and assured driving dynamics, makes this vehicle a sought-after option.