With most people’s money being tight right now, finding a nice vehicle could become challenging. We’ve made a list of some of the best used cars under $15,000. These vehicles have the best rankings and some have won awards, so you know these vehicles are the top choices.

2014 Mazda CX-5 (Avg. Price: $12,000)

This compact SUV, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 has a standard 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine or an optional 2.5 liter 4-cylinder that offers great power. Enthusiasts have said the CX-5 has plenty of room for five adults but is missing an upscale interior.

2015 Nissan Rogue (Avg. Price $12,500)

The automaker made sure the Rogue has a very high-quality cabin. Also, there is plenty of leg- and headroom. You can also choose models that offer a third row if you need the space. There are some downsides to be aware of, such as the 2015 Rogue has a noisy transmission and a sluggish engine.

2013 BMW X3 (Avg. Price $12,000)

If you like BMWs but are on a cheap budget, then the 2013 X3 is a perfect choice. It comes with a 240-horsepower engine that has great fuel economy. The infotainment system is not as nice but the handling is amazing. Plus, there is plenty of leg- and headroom. 

2010 Toyota Sienna (Avg. Price $13,000)

Finding a nice minivan for less than $15,000 is a challenge but here is one. The 2010 Toyota Sienna, comfortably fits adults in the first 2 rows even when taking a long family road trip. There is a ton of cargo space and this minivan offers AWD, which many don’t. There is one big drawback though, the base engine struggles when the van is loaded up. However, just purchase a model that offers the V6 engine to solve that issue.   

2014 Toyota Camry (Avg. Price $11,000)

Do you like reliable, smooth-riding midsize cars? Then the 2014 Toyota Camry is the right vehicle for you. There is plenty of head- and legroom in the back and front seats for adult passengers to sit comfortably. You shouldn’t be able to feel the bumps in this vehicle. Plus, the engine is a standard 178-horsepower 4-cylinder perfect for highway or city driving. There is also an optional V6 268 horsepower engine for those who want a trill.

Planning to Buy Used Cars Under $15,000?

If you would like to research these used cars under $15,000 further. Simply look to sites like the NHTSA for additional safety information. Before you buy a pre-owned vehicle, make sure you get a used car inspection. 

With they year hitting a mid-point, it’s time to look at the best cars for the money in 2021. These aren’t the cheapest cars on the market necessarily, but will provide the best bang for your buck. After all, buying a cheap car can cost you far more in the future. We have a little something for everyone on this list.

2021 Hyundai Accent: Best Subcompact Car for the Money

If you want a subcompact car with high predicted reliability and great fuel economy, you can’t go wrong with the 2021 Hyundai Accent. Plus, this car has an attractive cabin and plenty of standard technology features.

2021 Toyota Camry: Best Midsize Car for the Money

The 2021 Toyota Camry boasts of plenty of passenger space and a roomy cargo hold. Plus, this family-friendly sedan contains high reliability ratings, good safety scores and tons of features for the money.

2021 Honda CR-V: Best Compact SUV for the Money

The new Honda CR-V also earned great reliability ratings and safety scores. Plus, the vast passenger room and cargo space make it a top choice for busy families. Even when equipped with the latest technologies, you can still expect to save money.

2021 Kia Sorento: Best 3-Row SUV for the Money

If you need a three-row SUV, you are going to love what the Kia Sorento has to offer. Not only is there plenty of room among the upscale interior, but the ride is superior and fuel economy stands out among its competitors.

2021 Honda Odyssey: Best Minivan for the Money

With one of the best cabins among minivans, it would have been impossible to name any other model to the list. The third row in the Odyssey is spacious and you can take advantage of the high-tech features for minimal money.

What are the Best Cars for the Money in 2021?

These five are just the top choices, with plenty more high-quality options to choose from. Before you buy a car, research the reliability and safety ratings. We also recommend looking into how much equipment you will get. Remember, a low starting price doesn’t mean you are going to save money, especially once you add all of the features you want.

Once you get behind the wheel, perform some DIY car maintenance to keep your costs even lower.

Have you ever had a car stolen? It’s a terrible feeling to walk out of work or your home and find that parking spot is empty. What most people don’t realize is that the type of car you drive might make you an easier target. Some cars get stolen more often than others. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, these are the top ten most stolen cars in America.

Do you own one of these cars?

Most Stolen Cars

1. 1998 Honda Civic
2. 1997 Honda Accord
3. 2006 Ford F-150
4. 2004 Chevrolet Silverado
5. 2017 Toyota Camry
6. 2016 Nissan Altima
7. 2016 Toyota Corolla
8. 2001 Dodge Ram Pickup
9. 2017 GMC Sierra
10. 2008 Chevrolet Impala

Prevent Car from Being Stolen

Obviously, the best way to prevent your vehicle from being stolen is to use an audible or visible warning device to deter thieves. There are also some other tips to keep your car safe.

1. Make sure you lock your vehicle, even while you are driving.
2. Don’t leave your keys in the car and don’t leave it run while it is unattended.
3. Remove all of your valuables from the car.
4. Don’t travel with your vehicle title in the car. Hide the registration in the car where only you would know where it is.
5. Park in well-lit areas.
6. Have the VIN etched into the windows. Thieves don’t want to deal with the hassle of replacing all of the glass to cover their tracks.
7. Install an anti-theft system. You can opt for a mechanism that locks the steering wheel, an ignition cut-off system or passive alarm. It’s also wise to put a tracker on the vehicle that helps you recover a stolen vehicle.

If you are planning on purchasing a new vehicle, consider our 10 Best Car Buying Tips. Use this guide to save you money and find a vehicle that that isn’t on the top list of stolen models.

Most people can’t afford to purchase a car with the economic shutdown. However, some people still need to get from point A to point B. If you want to buy a vehicle, car dealers have loosened payment and loan terms, making it a great time to purchase. If you need to buy a new car right now, here’s how to implement social distancing while shopping for a vehicle.

Browse Inventory at Home

The first step is to browse the inventory from the comfort of your home. Research vehicles on sites like NHTSA. Look at reviews so you can narrow down the year, make, model, trim level and extras. Once you’ve decided which vehicle to purchase, search local dealer’s sites for their inventory. 

Trade-in Your Car

There are many aspects of the purchase that do not require face-to-face interaction. However, trading in your vehicle does because the dealer needs to perform an evaluation and physical inspection before any offer is made. This is one area where social distancing will become more complicated. 

Schedule Your Test Drive

 You must test drive any new vehicle before you purchase it, so you know if that vehicle will work for you. Although, if you’re purchasing a car from Tesla, you don’t need a test drive. They are the only automakers that allow returns since you must buy the car online.  

Inspection or Certified Pre-Owned

During this tough time, you may want to purchase a used vehicle. However, we highly recommend getting an independent mechanic to look over the car. If you wish to social distance, you might consider purchasing a CPO (certified pre-owned) vehicle instead, since these vehicles typically come with a multi-point inspection.

Finalize the Deal While Social Distancing

The last step is to sign the paperwork and get the vehicle delivered. Some dealers are now offering to handle these steps in your home. If the dealer does not do this, you can ask if they will overnight ship the paperwork to you.

Driving for some is still necessary, even during coronavirus. You might need to shop or have an essential job. So, it’s important to keep your vehicle in good working order. We’ve put together some car care tips you can perform during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Check Fluids

Changing your vehicle’s oil is a very simple but important task. The type of oil you should use, how often it should be changed and how to change it are usually stated in your car’s owner’s manual. If you don’t have your vehicle’s manual, you could always look it up online. 

Don’t forget to check and change if needed, the transmission, brake and radiator fluids. While these fluids don’t need to be changed as often as the oil, they are just as crucial to your vehicle’s health. We suggest keeping all of these fluids on hand in case of an emergency. 

Change Cabin Air Filter

Many parts that are neglected by owners, including the cabin air filter. This essential part improves air quality in your vehicle and the HVAC system. While it doesn’t stop coronavirus, it will prevent pollen from entering your car, which should make you feel better. This filter is usually located in the glove compartment and you only need simple tools to change it.

Pump Up the Tires

At a minimum, you should check the tires once a month. This simple check ensures you limit wear and tear while providing the best performance out of your vehicle. Keep a pressure gauge handy and check before you drive while your tires are cold.

Do not forget to check the spare as this is very important for an emergency tire change. There should be a label in the door jamb that states what the auto manufacturer recommends for tire pressure and maximum pressure you can put in. In addition, make sure you get your tires rotated regularly.

Clean it Up

Take your car to the auto spa often (once they open back up) or do it yourself. Make sure you get areas like the underneath, interior and windshield wipers. Cleaning the undercarriage of your vehicle helps prevent rust while cleaning the windshield wipers helps with visibility. 

Car Care Tips for Now and Beyond

You don’t just have to use these tips now; you can use them anytime you need to perform maintenance on your vehicle. We also suggest keeping an emergency kit in your car containing first aid supplies, food, water, some simple tools and other things that are needed. 

If you want to purchase a vehicle during these times, learn How to Buy a Car Online and save more money.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be challenging to purchase a vehicle, which is why we are giving you the steps to buy a car online. By doing this, you don’t have to risk the health of you, your family and the salespeople working at the dealership. 

Here are eight steps to finding the car you want online.

1. Set Your Budget

First, before you do anything else, you must set a budget based on your income and other bills you have to take care of. If you do this, you won’t have to worry about repossession.

2. Get Preapproved

Before you head to the dealer, you want to get preapproved financing. This will help you acquire the best deal because most dealers want to finance your new car and they will try to beat the price.

3. Pick a Car Model

Now comes the fun part, picking your new vehicle’s year, make, model, trim and extras. If you’re not sure what the average price for a vehicle is, check out KBB’s car’s value tool. You can also get the average price for a trade-in. 

4. Research Car Deals

If you’re considering more than one model, watch for deals. This research ensures you get the best offer. If you only want one model then watch for the best deal in your area. You can take advantage of low-interest financing offers, cash rebates, or a subsidized lease deal.

5. Search Inventory

Search dealers inventory online. Check dealer’s sites that are near you. You can find the best deal checking multiple sites and getting more than one offer.

6. Talk to Sales Managers

Email, online chat and call auto department sales managers. They put more experienced salespeople online, because there is a higher chance you are going to purchase a vehicle compared to the person walking through the front door.

7. Schedule a Test Drive

Some people feel more comfortable purchasing a vehicle once they have taken it for a test drive. If you are one of these people, some dealers are now offering at-home test drives. So, you should be able to drive your daily commute. 

8. Schedule Delivery or Pickup

In some cases, you may need to finish the sale at the dealer. However, some auto sales can be finalized online. Make sure you know what paperwork you need so you don’t run back and forth from the dealer to the bank. After the sale, either have the car delivered or pick it up.

Will You Buy a Car Online Right Now?

So, do you still feel like going to the dealer or would you rather stay in your pj’s on the couch with your laptop and get a new vehicle? Let us know how your car buying experience was after following these steps.

We know how exciting it can be when it comes time to purchase a new vehicle. However, you don’t want to get ripped off by a shady dealer. In this article, we will teach you how to negotiate car price so you can get the lowest cost possible while getting the vehicle you want.

Go Prepared

You want to begin by researching makes, models and trims so you can find your perfect car. Make sure you know what you want. You must know the average price of this vehicle. Consider checking Kelly Blue Book’s valuation tool.

Secure Financing

Show up at your local dealer with pre-approved financing. Then, they have the chance to go lower or not make the sale. Some dealers will lose money because they need to finance so many vehicles.

Look for Deals

Watch for special offers and financing deals that are eligible with the vehicle you want. You may still be considering multiple cars at this time. If you are and a deal comes up on one car but not the other, and you like that vehicle, there is no reason to avoid buying it any longer.

Time the Visit Right

There are good and bad times to shop car dealers for a vehicle. For example, there will be more deals closer to a holiday like Christmas or Labor Day. Also, they will be busier during these periods. As a result, they will have less time to negotiate with you, and will most likely come down on the price.

Shop Dealerships

Don’t just buy your perfect vehicle at the first dealer you come to. Try visiting different lots and see which one will give you the lowest price. Prepare what you will say when you are speaking with salespeople.

Don’t Get Attached: Negotiate Car Price or Walk

Remember, you have the power to walk away at any time. No one’s forcing you to stay and accept an offer you don’t feel good about. If you don’t think it’s a deal, then don’t take it. There are plenty of other dealers and vehicles out there for you to choose from.

Give Us Your Tips

Are there any other tips you have on negotiating new car prices? If so, let us know in the comments below.

If you are planning on selling or trading-in your old vehicle, don’t make the 5 Top Car Selling Mistakes.

There were so many discontinued cars for 2020, but the options are still endless when it comes to choosing a vehicle to own. That’s why we put together a list of the best cars of 2020. We found that Kia, Toyota, Lincoln, BMW and Ram manufactured reliable vehicles for 2020.

2020 Kia Telluride (Best 2020 SUV)

This new Telluride has a starting price of $31,690, which is reasonable. The vehicle also earned a top-rated award from Edmunds, further proving it is a leader. Plus, this Kia has a stylish cabin and lots of passenger space along with standard tech features. It seats eight in all of the three rows and has a V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower.

There are also a ton of accident-avoidance systems in the 2020 Telluride, including forward collision warning, lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, brake assist, safe exit assist, driver attention monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

2020 Toyota Camry (Best 2020 Car)

The price of this vehicle is also low at $24,425. The 2020 Camry is rated higher than most of its competitors, like the Nissan Altima and Kia Optima. This is one of the most popular vehicles in the US, making it a great car to show off to your friends. The new Toyota Camry was redesigned in 2018 with steering and suspension updates; now has 25 more HP.

Standard features include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams and a pre-collision braking system that comes with pedestrian detection. Other available systems are rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic braking and Android Auto is now available for the 2020 model year.

2020 Lincoln Navigator (Best 2020 Luxury SUV)

The 2020 Navigator has an MSRP of $75,825 to $99,970. This new luxury SUV also won the top spot for the “Best Luxury Large SUVs for 2020.” It has an estimated EPA rating of 16 city / 22 hwy MPG, which is the best in its class. This vehicle has a V6 engine with 450-horsepower. Unlike many large SUVs, this one rides smoothly.

In 2020 the manufacturer added more standard systems for passenger safety and comfort. These include automatic braking, SYNC 3 infotainment system, blind-spot monitoring, Ford’s MyKey secondary driver controls, rear cross-traffic alert and pedestrian detection. With all the seats folded down you receive 100 cubic feet of room for cargo.

2020 BMW 5 Series (Best 2020 Luxury Car)

This car has a starting price of $53,900 and is ranked much higher than its rivals, that is how you know it is a great vehicle to own in 2020. It also won an award in the “2019 Best Cars for Families.” So, if you have kids and still want luxury, this would be the car for you. Buyers expect a lot from this brand and they always deliver.

There are six different engine options to choose from, but even the base 248-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder offers more than what most people need. Surprisingly, adults will be comfortable and happy in the 2nd row of seats. This vehicle comes with BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, which is one of the best out there.

2020 Ram 1500 (Best 2020 Truck)

While it’s not a car, we couldn’t forget the best truck for 2020. The MSRP for this truck is $32,145 to $57,265. It gets great mileage at 20 city/26 hwy. You can get a 4WD or RWD drivetrain with seating for five to six passengers. Depending on the engine you choose, you also get 260-395 horsepower.

You know this truck will keep you safe because the NHTSA gave this vehicle a four out of five-star rating. Safety features include Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Daytime Running Lights, Traction Control, Blind Spot Monitor and Cross-Traffic Alert.

Will You Own One of the Best Cars of 2020?

Are you going to become a happy owner of one of these vehicles? Stay tuned for additional updates on cars, trucks, SUVs, tech and more.

If you want to purchase an EV instead, then check out the Best Electric Cars for 2020.

We’ve spent time reviewing the new, refreshed and redesigned cars, but we haven’t looked at the new 2020 car model trims yet. Over the next few minutes, familiarize yourself with the latest versions of some great vehicles.

BMW M340i

The redesigned 3 Series debuted in 2019, now we get the M340i performance trim. It’s also available in all-wheel drive (M340i xDrive) to become the most potent 3 Series aside from the M3.

It features a turbo inline-six that pumps out 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This car comes paired to an eight-speed automatic. Standard features include a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, 10.25-inch touch screen plus the latest iDrive 7 operating system.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

There are no sports cars quite like this. The Mustang Shelby GT500 is the most powerful production Mustang ever built by Ford. It’s going to arrive with more than 700 horsepower, helping it sprint to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

The styling doesn’t look much different, except for the two bold racing strips running down the middle. In addition, the large front grille is adorned with a Shelby Cobra logo. Sadly, you can’t get the model as a convertible.

Kia Forte GT

This model saw a complete redesign in 2019, but there’s a new trim coming anyway. The GT provides superior handling, an aggressive style and peppy acceleration. It pumps out 201 horsepower from the turbo four-cylinder engine. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual although the seven-speed automatic is available.

The company also added some safety tech, such as lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning and forward collision warning.

Kia Stinger GTS

The Stinger shocked the nation in 2018. That wasn’t enough for the automaker, they wanted to make it even better. This car has a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine that outputs 365 horsepower. It also has available all-wheel drive.

Enjoy the bright orange exterior with a few carbon fiber body components. A Stinger logo also replaces the current Kia logo on the trunk lid.

Lexus LC Convertible

We saw the convertible concept of the Lexus LC at the Detroit Auto Show. It’s available with either a soft-top or hardtop. It comes with the exact 5.0-liter V8 engine that pumps out 471 horsepower in the LC coupe. There aren’t a lot of details about this model yet, but we can’t wait to see more.

Lexus RC F Track Edition

While the current RC F comes with a 467-horsepower V8 motor, the updated model sees a jump to 472 horsepower. While it doesn’t add a new powertrain, it does feature some aerodynamic properties that help it reach 60 mph in less than four seconds.

Mercedes-AMG A 35

The A-Class debuted in 2019 and comes with a new trim already for 2020. Thankfully, it’s an AMG model. The AMG A 35 sedan features a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping out 302 horsepower. That comes paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, this car really shines. There are three AMG displays, leather upholstery plus an AMG steering wheel. Standard features include the same as the A 35 with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, five USB ports and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Toyota Avalon TRD

TRD badging comes to the Avalon. It is similar to the Camry TRD that we will talk about in a moment. It comes complete with 19-inch wheels and specially tuned shock absorbers, plus it was lowered more than an inch.

This model features a 3.5-liter V6 that outputs more than 300 horsepower. It also has dual exhausts, black synthetic leather upholstery and TRD accessories.

Toyota Camry TRD

The Camry TRD showcases a sporty side to this sedan. It features 19-inch wheels and has been lowered to reduce the center of gravity. It also comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 301 horsepower. This pairs to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

We especially enjoy the black exhaust that’s specially tuned. This doesn’t just look fantastic but offers a gravel sound. Furthermore, the aerodynamic body kit adds a rear diffuser, rear spoiler plus a front splitter.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The new hybrid model offers 50 mpg combined for maximum fuel savings. It’s powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors. This produces 121 horsepower. There are also plenty of safety features to keep you protected. It comes with lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control and road sign assist.

Other standard features include an eight-inch touch screen, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Toyota Yaris Hatch

We’ve seen a lot happening with the Yaris, ending out our 2020 car model trims. In 2018, it was brand new. Then, in 2019, there were some updates to the trims and names. Now, we get the brand-new hatchback. This too will be built by Mazda.

The power comes out of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that provides more than 100 horsepower. While it’s not overly powerful, it does provide 40 mpg on the highway, making for an ideal commuter car. Inside, there are plenty of features. Enjoy a seven-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Beyond 2020 Car Model Trims

Make sure you check out the other articles in our new 2020 car series.

• 2020 All-New Cars
• 2020 Redesigned Cars
• Complete Lineup of 2020 Refreshed Car Models

This week we started a new 2020 car series. The next step is to document the 2020 refreshed car models list.

A refresh refers to a new front end, engine or something else that sets it apart from the previous year. In comparison, refreshes aren’t enough to be considered a full update.

Audi R8

The R8 is Audi’s entry-level supercar. For 2020, this car is refreshed. The special-edition Decennium trim is available, but only 50 units are coming to the United States. The R8 comes with a V10 engine pumping out 562 horsepower – that’s 30 more than this year. Upgrading to the Performance trim increases that to 602 horsepower.

The interior is also getting some changes. The Audi virtual cockpit is now placed where the gauge clusters once were. Standard technology now includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system, wireless charging and a navigation system. There are also two new interior colors: Palomino Brown and Pastel Silver.

Jaguar XE

The XE hasn’t been doing well in the luxury car rankings recently. The interior became low-quality and the trunk doesn’t have a normal shape. With the new refresh, all of the aspects are improved upon. It will still come with the four-cylinder engine that pumps out 247 horsepower. There’s an optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower. The V6 and diesel option are off the table for 2020.

Inside the cabin, there’s a new head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, 12.3-inch digital cockpit display and updated steering wheel. The company also improved all of the interior finishes.

Nissan GT-R

Everyone loves the GT-R, mainly because it is Nissan’s most powerful vehicle. The 2020 model marks the 50th anniversary of this sports car. Now, it comes in three trims Premium, Fastback and Nismo. The two lower trims come with a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine that pumps out 565 horsepower. The Nismo ups the ante with 600 horsepower.

Inside this vehicle, there is leather upholstery, an eight-inch touch screen and climate controls. With the new horizontal flow of the dash, passengers receive more stability.

Volkswagen Passat

The Passat didn’t get a complete update, but there are some new additions to the interior and exterior. The new styling resembles the Jetta. It comes with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, from the previous model. But, it has 27 lb-ft more torque even though the horsepower remains the same at 174.

In the interior, there is now standard synthetic leather upholstery. If you want something more, Nappa leather is available. They are also offering rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start plus an easy-open trunk. In addition, standard safety features now include a pedestrian monitoring system, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and forward-collision warning.

Want More Than the 2020 Refreshed Car Models?

We have a series going on now for the 2020 cars. In addition to our refreshed models, make sure you check these recent posts.

• Complete Lineup of 2020 Redesigned Cars
• Complete Lineup of 2020 All-New Cars