Selling a car online offers convenience and the potential for good profits and can present some challenges that can make the experience difficult for some consumers. A major concern is trust and transparency. Online transactions rely heavily on both, and for car sales, this can be especially complex. Sellers worry about verifying the intentions of potential buyers, as it’s often hard to assess whether someone is genuine. There’s also the challenge of confirming secure payment...

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NADA Car Values are now J.D. Power Values!! For decades, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), is now operating under the J.D. Power brand. Since rebranding under J.D. Power in 2021, NADA has continued to serve as a reliable benchmark for vehicle pricing across the nation. Yet, while their values offer a useful reference point, they may not always capture the nuances of local markets. National estimates often miss key regional factors, like local demand,...

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Accidents. Almost everyone encounters them at some point, and while many are thankfully minor, even small incidents can impact a vehicle’s value significantly. This depreciation often results in a financial loss for owners. Knowing how accidents—whether minor or major—affect a car’s worth is essential for both buyers and sellers. The following provides insight into the factors contributing to a vehicle’s loss in value following an accident. Immediate depreciation is one of the most notable effects....

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Keeping a high-mileage car can be a smart financial choice with clear advantages but also some potential downsides. Here’s a look at when it’s worth sticking with an older vehicle and when it may be time to consider an upgrade. One major advantage of high-mileage cars is cost savings. After a vehicle passes 100,000 miles, depreciation slows down, making these cars cheaper to own and maintain than newer models. Along with a lower purchase price,...

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As the holiday season approaches, many service members find themselves far from family, fulfilling a commitment to serve our nation. In October 2023, the U.S. Army made a significant policy change by discontinuing the long-standing benefit of free storage for soldiers’ vehicles and personal belongings during deployment. For those already bearing the weight of being away from loved ones, this decision has added unexpected financial and logistical stress. For years, free, Army-subsidized storage has helped...

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Figuring out your car’s value isn’t always straightforward—it depends on multiple aspects like the car’s make, model, year, mileage, condition, and current market trends. Platforms like Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, and NADA Guides can offer a quick value estimate, but are they fully reliable? NADA’s data is widely respected, but some critics suggest it may not always reflect actual market conditions. Its valuations can rely on industry averages, potentially overlooking regional factors and other...

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We are weighing in on this massive recall! September 2024, Ford Motor Company issued a significant recall affecting approximately 90,736 vehicles due to an engine issue that could lead to serious safety concerns. The recall impacts select 2021-2022 models, including the Ford Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, and the Lincoln Nautilus and Aviator. Vehicles equipped with the 2.7-liter or 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engines—specifically from the 'Nano' EcoBoost series—are subject to this recall. Ford’s recall addresses a...

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Verifying whether a vehicle's engine is original involves cross-referencing the engine number with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This process is essential for maintaining a vehicle's authenticity, especially for classic or collectible cars, and it helps provide assurance to potential buyers about the originality of the vehicle. Here's how to cross-reference the engine number with the VIN to determine if the engine is original. It's important to first understand the distinction between the VIN and...

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Depreciation is one of the most significant financial realities of vehicle ownership. As soon as a new car is purchased and driven off the lot, it begins to lose value—rapidly. On average, a vehicle loses about 60% of its value within the first five years, a staggering figure that often catches owners by surprise. This steep depreciation rate is influenced by several factors, from the basic economics of supply and demand to the relentless march...

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It's been another month and it's our followup on recalls! Since September 2024, a series of vehicle recalls has surfaced across various manufacturers, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining automotive safety standards. As these recalls unfold, drivers and consumers are reminded of the importance of vigilance when it comes to vehicle safety, as even seemingly minor issues can have significant implications for road safety and vehicle functionality. One of the more prominent manufacturers to issue...

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