A lot of people make mistakes when selling their car; dealers can even make mistakes. However, you don’t have to be a statistic if you take time and do some research. Continue reading to find out what the 5 top car selling mistakes are, so you know how to avoid them.

1. Not Knowing the Car’s Value

You can’t possibly price your vehicle accurately if you don’t know its selling value. You can use any online website that has a tool to precisely calculate the vehicle’s price. Most of the time you can check the private-party and trade-in sale value, to see the differences.

If you want the most specific pricing for your vehicle, make sure you put in its exact condition, options from the manufacturer and its mileage.

If you would prefer to do it a different way, then you should check the marketplace. You can look at what other people are selling that is comparable to your vehicle’s make, model and year. Furthermore, be sure it is close to your mileage and available equipment. Looking online is a great way to know what is being sold in your area for what price.

2. Repairing It Before The Sale

Before selling your vehicle, you don’t need to fix every single mechanical problem. For one reason, you don’t want to lose money selling the car you’re there to make money on.

You want to handle minor collision or body damage the same way. Repairs like these don’t add more value to the vehicle, so in turn, you lose money.

You should have estimates on all the repairs needed on the vehicle. So if someone offers you $4,000 less because of minor cosmetic damage, but it will only cost you (according to your estimate) $3,000, you should just have it fixed so you can make 1,000. Also, make sure you tell a potential buyer about all the problems beforehand.

3. Taking the First Offer

If you want to sell a vehicle, you have to negotiate. If you take a buyer’s first offer, you will lose money by not making a counteroffer. Even if they offer more than you truly wanted, always make a counteroffer.

There are two reasons you should do this:

1. If the person doesn’t know what they are looking at, they may pay more than it’s worth. It’s okay to do this if you’ve been completely honest with them about the history and condition of the vehicle.
2. If you quickly take the first offer, the buyer may get suspicious about the shape of the vehicle.

If you want to trade-in your car, go to lots of dealers, maybe you’ll get lucky and someone will pay you more.

4. Forgetting to Wash It

A lot of buyers, mostly dealers, will not expect a used vehicle to be flawlessly detailed. With that said, if you don’t clean your vehicle at all, people may think that you don’t care about your car.

You should at least wash and wax the exterior, vacuum the inside, dress the tires and clean the inside of your windows. While you are doing this, you should remove all your personal belongings. Make sure you check places like the seat cushions for items that were left behind. Buyers will think that you maintain the vehicle correctly.

5. Failing to Complete Paperwork

There is one last thing that needs to be done before you transfer the ownership of your car. Make sure you do all the paperwork. Not filing the paperwork correctly can lead to fines or tickets that the new owner receives, but you have to pay.

You need to handle this immediately after the sale. Some DMVs provide you with online resources to make things easier. Make sure you have a copy of every document recording the sale and when it happened.

You also need to get in contact with your auto insurance company so that you are not insuring the vehicle anymore. Obviously, you should only do this when the paperwork has been finalized.

Don’t Make These Car Selling Mistakes

You don’t need to make these mistakes when selling your car. Just make sure you know your cars value, do the repairs under a budget and finalize the paperwork correctly. If you follow these guidelines, you are sure to make no mistakes.

If you would like to earn more on your trade-in, then check out this article: Earn More on Your Trade-In Vehicle

To ensure your vehicle lasts as long as possible, you want to perform some regular tasks, based on the mileage and the season. While we have previously discussed DIY car maintenance, many other jobs should be performed regularly. Our complete car maintenance checklist will show you what to do and when to do it.

You can find the automaker’s recommended service intervals in your owner’s manual or online, but here is a general guideline of what to expect.

Short-Term Car Maintenance Checklist

These tasks are done most frequently to ensure the vehicle runs its best.

Check Fluid Levels

For the common driver, checking your automotive fluids once a month should work well. However, if you spend a lot of time driving, you might want to do this more frequently. Check the oil and coolant when the engine is cold. If you allow either to get too low, you could face serious engine trouble down the road.

Change Oil & Filter

The oil in your motor lubricates all of the moving parts, keeps the engine cool, reduces wear and tear and seals out debris. By keeping it clean, you ensure that the motor runs at optimal levels. Some oils require changing every 3,000 miles or three months, while others can go 10,000 miles. It’s also best to replace the engine oil filter every time you perform an oil change.

Change Air Filter

The air filter regulates the flow that your engine receives. It also keeps out contaminants and debris, ensuring that nothing damages the motor. By changing the air filter regularly, you protect your engine and increase your fuel efficiency while decreasing the emissions. According to MechanicScout, you want to change your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

Check Tires

If you want to have a safe ride, you must have decent tires. Inspect the tire pressures and tread depth often to ensure everyone remains protected. You also want to have the tires rotated often to ensure proper tread wear.

Inspect Lights

Also, you want to physically check the lights on your car frequently. Turn on the headlights and test the turn signals, parking lights and brake lights.

Long-Term Car Maintenance Checklist

Here are some tasks to perform less often.

Change Transmission Fluid

Just like the oil, you need to change the transmission fluid to ensure proper lubrication of the moving components. Whether you drive an auto or manual, you want to check and change the fluid at appropriate intervals to avoid expensive transmission repairs or replacement.

Inspect Suspension

Your struts and shocks are vital to your vehicle’s function. As you drive over bumps, these parts control the impact. You want to have the suspension inspected every 50,000 miles by a professional. You may need it done sooner if you notice trouble with the ride control.

Replace Coolant

The fluid found in your radiator keeps the engine cool. You must have this fluid regularly flushed to remove any contaminants that have built up.

Change Spark Plugs

Spark plugs ignite the air/gas mixture to power your vehicle. When the spark plug stops working correctly, the engine loses power and becomes less efficient. Most spark plugs are changed every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on what kind you use.

Replace Belts & Hoses

Take a look at the hoses and belts often to examine for wear. If they look worn out, it’s best to replace them before something malfunctions.

Seasonal Car Maintenance Checklist

There are a couple of things you want to do every time the season changes.

Change Windshield Wipers

You should change your windshield wipers every six months or when you notice the effectiveness decreasing. If you drive in bad winter weather, consider getting high-performance wipers. Make sure you also pull them away from the windshield to prevent the buildup of ice.

Check Battery Performance

If the car battery fails to work, you won’t be able to start your vehicle. Extreme temperatures take a toll on the battery, so test it often to ensure it is charging properly.

By performing a little due diligence throughout the year, you can ensure your vehicle keeps running longer. Contact a professional mechanic if you are unsure how to complete these jobs, and always follow the recommended car maintenance checklist found in your owner’s manual.

If you are looking to buy a pre-owned vehicle, you must consider the benefits of a used car inspection. After all, you don’t merely want to trust the car dealer to be honest and upfront. After you do your research and find the model you are hoping for, you want to get an inspection from a trusted mechanic. If you don’t know how to do this, we have the tips you need to get started.

Who Needs a Used Car Inspection?

Some used vehicles sold at the dealer receive the label CPO, which means certified pre-owned. These go through a multi-point inspection before they are available for purchase. With these vehicles, you have a lot less to worry about.

If you don’t spend a little more for one of these vehicles, we highly recommend getting your own inspection done. In addition, if you purchase from a private party, you won’t want to take any chances.  

Who Should Do the Pre-Owned Car Inspection?

If you have a trusted mechanic, it’s best to go to them to inspect your used car. If you don’t, you could try a mobile car inspection service, car inspection company or local automobile repair shop. Additionally, make sure you read local reviews for the best company in your area. 

What Does a Used Car Inspection Cost and Cover?

It costs around $100 to get a vehicle inspected on average. An inspection typically checks the following parts.

• Fluids
• Brakes
• Hoses
• Belts
• Tires
• Radiator
• Exterior (paint, body parts, etc.)
• Engine
• Transmission
• Suspension

If you want the mechanic to look over other parts, be sure to request that separately. 

Buy a Quality Used Car

Are you currently in the market for something pre-owned? Consider reading our previously-posted best used cars under $15,000 list. Consequently, you might find the next model you were hoping for.

There’s a lot of overlap when you look at the car brands and the parent companies. Many people don’t realize that there are a handful of owners out there running multiple auto brands. In this guide, we look at the top brands and show you who owns them.

Aston Martin

Surprisingly, the popular car from James Bond movies is owned and run by Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings. It’s one of the two British brands found in the United States.

BMW Group

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG offers a great lineup of coupes, sedan, SUVs and electric vehicles. Yet, this luxury brand makes more than BMWs. It also runs the Rolls-Royce brand, sells MINI and has a lineup of motorcycles.

Daimler

This German company owned DaimlerChrysler starting in 1998 through 2007. Now, this is the parent to Mercedes-Benz. The company also manufacturers Sprinter and Metris vans.

Ferrari

At one time, Ferrari was part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, but went back to parenting itself in 2016. It is still one of the world’s best sports car companies.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Speaking of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, this company still owns several car brands. FCA is the parent of Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Chrysler, RAM and Maserati.

Ford Motor Company

The blue oval sold off Land Rover and Jaguar to Tata Motors in India and it also gave Volvo to a Chinese company. Mercury has also been closed up for quite sometime, but Ford still runs Lincoln.

General Motors

The other American competitor goes rid of Saturn, Pontiac and Oldsmobile. Yet, the Hummer is scheduled to come back, while the company continues to run GMC, Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick.

Honda Motor Company

The Japanese automaker oversees both Honda and Acura. There’s also quite the lineup of motorcycles and off-road vehicles to enjoy.

Hyundai Motor Group

This South Korean automaker has the Kia lineup under its belt. It also launched Genesis, which is the luxury division, back in 2015.

Jaguar Land Rover

Tata Motors Limited, an India-based company, now runs both Jaguar and Land Rover. They were purchased from Ford Motor Company in 2008, but are built in the United Kingdom.

Mazda Motor Company

Mazda was once a part of the Ford Motor Company from 1974 through 2015. Now, the automaker stands on its own.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance

This alliance formed in 1999 and it is now the owner of ten different brands. In the United States, the brands Nissan and Mitsubishi fall under its hat.

Subaru Corporation

Once known as Fuji Heavy Industries, this Japanese brand sells only Subaru vehicles. However, there have been some partnerships with Toyota to create vehicles.

Tesla

Tesla is run by Elon Musk, who launched the EV Roadster in 2008. The company also sells solar panels and is responsible for managing superchargers around the world.

Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota is the largest automaker in the world. It’s not only responsible for the Toyota lineup, but also Lexus, the company’s luxury brand. There was once a Scion brand, but that didn’t last long.

Volkswagen Group

This group doesn’t just sell Volkswagens. It’s also known for the Bugatti, Audi, Bentley, Porsche and Lamborghini nameplates.

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group

You may not recognize this company, but it is the parent to both Volvo and Lotus. Lotus was purchased in 2017 and control was taken over Volvo in 2020. The company is also behind Polestar vehicles.

What Car Brands Surprise You?

Does any of this information come as a shock to you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

When you are finished, check out some car acronyms you should know.

Remember when gas prices were below $2? With fuel prices still elevated, it’s time to make some changes to lower your cost at the pump. We’ve put together five tips to save gas and cut your costs to give you a slight advantage.

1. Don’t Idle the Engine

What’s worse than getting reduced fuel economy? Driving 0 miles per gallon. That’s precisely what happens when you allow your engine to idle without going anywhere. However, many people leave the engine idle because they believe restarting it uses more fuel. In general, restarting the engine uses the same amount of fuel as idling 30 seconds. If you plan to idle longer than this, you should turn the engine off instead.

2. Keep Tires Inflated

Driving on tires that aren’t properly inflated will cause you to use more fuel than necessary. Find the appropriate tire pressure for your car and check it often. You can find this figure on the driver’s side door jamb. You should check the tire pressures once a month and any time the temperatures fluctuate significantly. If you carry a tire pressure gauge with you, it’s much easier to do.

3. Avoid Premium Fuel

You probably don’t need to use premium fuel in your vehicle. Unless the owner’s manual specifically tells you to use premium fuel only, you have a choice. With prices the way they are today, it’s unlikely you need the small boost to performance this badly.

4. Shop for Fuel Prices

In just a mile radius, you can find huge price differences for fuel. Warehouse clubs tend to have the lowest prices, but you might be able to find something comparable. Look on a fuel station finder, such as GasBuddy to perform some comparison shopping.

5. Keep the Car Tuned Up

It might be difficult to keep up with car maintenance when money is tight, but it’s essential to lowering your overall costs. With regular maintenance, you prevent future, more costly problems from occurring. You also spend less money on fuel with the engine running at optimized levels.

Share Your Tips to Save Gas

What are some of your best tips on saving gas during these times? Share some ideas with us in the comments.

Are you planning on purchasing a vehicle, but aren’t sure what to do first? You don’t want to rush a process such as this one. So, we’ve put together 10 of the best car buying tips to help you make the right decisions. 

1. Establish Your Car Budget

New vehicles will lose at least 60% of its value in the first five years you own it. So, we highly recommend getting a CPO (certified pre-owned) or a used vehicle. Then you’ll be able to purchase a nicer model for less money. If you are determined to get a new car, make sure you know your budget ahead of time and stick to it. 

2. Evaluate Your Choices

Once you have your money set aside for a car, start researching models that fit your budget. Check the reviews on that vehicle for reliability. Also, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the car is if it does not fit your lifestyle. 

3. Perform Research

When you find the vehicle you like, use the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to check the car’s history. By doing this, you’ll receive the repair information, potential recalls, accident history and other info on the vehicle’s condition.

4. Get Your Car Insurance Quote

Buying the vehicle won’t be the only money you’ll have to put out. You also need to set aside money for insurance. When you have chosen the car you want to purchase, get quotes from multiple insurance companies for the best value and price. 

5. Take a Test Drive

To ensure you have the right car, you should test drive it. Don’t purchase a vehicle that you cannot test drive. You can always visit other dealers for the model you need if you can’t find it where you are shopping.

6. Have a Mechanic Inspect It

Don’t spend a dime before you have an independent mechanic look over the car. The vehicle can look and feel like it’s in good working order, but there could be something wrong that you don’t know about. 

7. Choose a Good Car Buying Time

We recommend buying a vehicle near the end of the month or during holidays. The best months to buy a car are March, June, September, and December. You should also go in the middle of the week and later in the day to get the best offer. 

8. Skip the Extras

Don’t ever pay for things you don’t need, like extra detailing or extended warranties. This is a waste of money. You don’t need heated seats or the upgraded stereo system to make you happy unless you can easily afford these options. So, skip the extras.

9. Negotiate the Price

If you’re willing to walk away because the dealer isn’t meeting your price range, you will get a better deal. Let the salesperson know you are set on buying this car right here right now if they will go the extra mile. By negotiating car prices, you always end up with a good deal. 

10. Ask a Friend to Join You

Bring someone who will keep you on the right track when it comes to buying a car. Tell them your budget and the model you want. So, if you start looking at other vehicles, they can remind you what you are trying to get. 

Share Your Car Buying Tips

Make sure you share your car buying tips with us. We want to hear how you saved more money at the dealership.

Whether you are interested in automotive terminology or looking to buy a car, learning some popular car acronyms is wise. This information can make you sound more intelligent or become a better consumer. Here are a few that are the most important to understand. Today, we look at the power supply, drivetrain and safety systems.

Power Supply Car Acronyms

In today’s modern age, cars are powered a number of ways. Many of the most popular ways have acronyms to make it easier to discuss. Herea are some you should know.

• ICE: Internal combustion engine
• HEV: Hybrid electric vehicle
• PHEV: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
• BEV: Battery electric vehicle

It’s no surprise that the manual transmission is fading into the sunset. It was only five years ago that we posted about ten vehicles that still contained a manual transmission, but they seem to be disappearing fast. But, don’t just take our word for it, Motor1 showed that only 1.7% of new cars in 2023 were sold with a manual gearbox.

Still, we love the manual – and here’s why.

#1. Young People Gravitate Toward Them

While there’s no substantial research that proves this fact, you can see the manual included in many vehicles appealing to the younger generation. Think to the car, such as the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Honda Civic Si and the VW Golf GTI. What’s common with all of them? These automakers still offer a manual option.

#2. Manual Transmissions Keep the Price Down

While we all want to own a high-end sports car, our budgets don’t always allow for it. However, choosing a model with a manual allows us to get behind the wheel for less, making the dream more attainable. Just imagine the backlash that would occur if the next-generation Miata was only available with an automatic transmission. It would be sacrilegious.

#3. Manual Transmissions Allow for Easier Maintenance

Maintaining a car isn’t getting any easier. With complicated technology and advanced features included with many models, working on your own vehicle has become difficult. However, owning a car with a manual transmission makes it all much simpler. Not only that, but the technology has long been perfected, leading to far less trouble, to begin with.

So, what do you love about the manual gearbox? Is it the simplicity or the reliable power that appeals to you? We want to hear your thoughts about the future of the manual option and if you prefer this powertrain. If you could install a manual transmission into any car, what would it be?