Carsut – Understand cars and drive better

Category: Car Buying

A complete, unique and special car buying guide that will lead you to the most compatible car for your situation.

16 Used Cars to Avoid

Here’s the list of 16 used cars to avoid in your entire life. These cars are voted as the worst used cars according to consumer reports and some other sources from the internet. Some feedback are collected from related forums and blogs. They are written by drivers who actually using the cars. Well, these used cars might not be as bad as described but there are many negative comment about them, it is better to avoid them as used cars except you really tight on budget.

1. Chevrolet Aveo

A used Chevrolet Aveo is affordable with high fuel economy, however, it comes with a weak engine, cramped interior and middling crash test scores. Consumer Reports takes issue with the 2009 Aveo’s brakes, body integrity and body hardware. This could be the reason it was replaced by Chevrolet Sonic in 2012.

2. Chrysler Sebring / Dodge Avenger

With an unrefined engines, the Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Avenger is giving a poor fuel economy and lackluster acceleration with V6s. According to Consumer Reports and J.D. Power owner surveys, models from 2008-2009 are having poor long-term mechanical reliability.

3. Dodge Nitro / Jeep Liberty

A used Dodge Nitro / Jeep Liberty is priced at less than $10,000. It has a good towing capacity but bad in gas mileage. An owner of Dodge Nitro from California cited the handling is like driving a truck. See best used cars under $10,000 if you are looking for a used cars under $10,000.

4. Jaguar XF

According to a Jaguar Owner’s forum, owner surveys indicate the Jaguar XF will suffer lower-than-average reliability. This means you might need to prepare a bunch of money to keep the car running especially if the warranty is expired. Thus, consider twice if you are thinking to get a used car.

5. BMW 7-Series

The BMW 7-Series is another used cars to avoid when it comes to car buying. It is a luxury car with good feedback but all the positive feedback are meant for new car, not used car. According to Consumer Reports, it ranked worse in terms of engine major and transmission major.

6. Jeep Wrangler / Wrangler Unlimited

Most of the used Jeep Wrangler or Wrangler Unlimited are taken off-road, therefore, you might want to prepare extra money for excessive wear and tear if you are looking for a used one. Models from 2008-2009 get low ratings for reliability from J.D. Power.

7. Lincoln MKS

The Lincoln MKS received poor ratings for both quality and long-term durability from J.D. Power. It also gets below average in reliability from Consumer Reports. Be prepare for the cost of replacement parts if you are looking for a used Lincoln MKS.

8. Volkswagen GTI

The Volkswagen GTI has a lively engine with good fuel economy. It also features an upscale interior but it landed on the Consuper Reports’ as worst used car list due to the reliability.

9. Saturn Relay

Don’t be attracted by the large cabin storage because the Saturn Relay is one of the worst used cars to avoid. There is no airbag coverage for third row and it has an unimpressive IIHS side-impact crash test score. The production went on from 2005 until 2006 and it could be very hard to get any replacement parts. Avoid, avoid, and avoid!

10. BMW X5

It’s not surprise to see the BMW X5 appear in the list of used cars to avoid because both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power cited it for having worse than average reliability, particularly 2008 and 2009 model. It could be costly to for the car maintenance just to keep it running.

11. Audi Q5

We love the Audi Q5 because it has a comfortable interior and handles very well. However, a 2012 Consumer Reports rated it as the worst car for overall reliability. According to myAUDIQ5 forum, owners are complaining about the navigation system and the functioning of the keyless entry.

12. Cadillac STS

The Cadillac STS was discontinued after the 2010 model year. Still, it is not really recommended to buy as a used car because J.D. Power gives it low scores for overall dependability. On the other hand, Consumer Reports cites issues with its braking and electrical systems.

13. Chevrolet Blazer

The Chevrolet Blazer was discontinued after the 2005 model. Poor crash test ratings and worst reliability make this car a MUST to avoid. Fuel pump failing, electrical problems, transmission issues are just a few to be mentioned.

14. Kia Sedona

Introduced in 2001, the Kia Sedona has been in the automobile market for more than a decade. However, Consumer Reports rated the reliability of this car below average for all model years.

15. Volkswagen Touareg

The Volkswagen Touareg often regarded as a funny car name. According to car related forums and blogs, the first-generation Touareg received complaints for having premature failure on the center support bearings. It could be costly to repair it if the warranty expires.

16. GMC Acadia

According to Consumer Reports, the main issue for the GMC Acadia is the transmission problem. The transmission refuse to downshift at certain times. Transmission issue is often one of the most costly when it comes to car repair.

Although you are advised to avoid buying these used cars, it doesn’t mean you can’t buy them. You can still buy it as long as you inspect a used car properly. It could be a good buy if you understand the common issues and know which parts have been replaced by previous owners.

October 9, 2015
Difference Between Automatic and Manual Cars

It’s not embellish to say that many people don’t really know the exact difference between automatic and manual cars. Take an example of the answer we get from a random drive who have been driving an automatic cars with a valid driving license for 3 years, “You don’t have to worry much about driving an automatic car. I usually put the gear selector to D and just drive it. For manual cars, it is quite troublesome because you have to deal with the clutch and shift gears all the time.” She definitely made her point but there are few more things about both automatic and manual cars you need to know.

8 Differences Between Automatic and Manual Cars

Learn the difference between automatic and manual cars will allow you to drive better. It will also give you adequate knowledge to make the correct decision when buying a new car. Basically, there are five main differences between manual and automatic transmission cars.

1. A manual transmission car has three pedals – clutch, brake and accelerator (gas pedal). An automatic transmission car has only two pedals – brake and accelerator.

2. A manual transmission car features a gear shift. It is also known as Stick Shift. You need to press the clutch in order to shift gears. An automatic transmission car features a gear selector where you need to put the car to D to drive it. The gear selector in an automatic car also has P (Parking), R (Reverse) and N (Neutral).

3. It is more complex to get started on a hill when driving a manual car compare to automatic car. In a manual car, the driver needs to control the clutch and shift gears manually. See learning to drive a manual car for more details. In an automatic car, the driver only needs to put the gear selector to D and drive it because the car will shift automatically for you.

4. You need to press the clutch and apply the brake to slow down or stop a manual car. As for automatic car, all you need to do is lift your right foot from the gas pedal to the brake to slow down or stop the car. Some people prefer automatic car because it is easier for parallel parking.

5. When it comes to pricing, all the manual transmission cars tend to be less expensive compared to automatic transmission cars because the transmission system is simpler. An automatic transmission consists of complicated technology thus is it more expensive to repair. You could save up few hundred dollars if you are buying a stick shift.

6. It is easier to do a burnout in manual car compared to automatic car because you can control the wheel spin with clutch. See how to do a burnout for more details.

7. Automatic cars bring more advantages when you are driving in traffic jam because you don’t have to keep shifting gears like the manual cars. Driving a manual transmission car in traffic is simply gruelling.

8. Manual transmission cars typically gives a better gas mileage. This is because the driver can control the car based on the road conditions. Also, you can rev your engine to the redline in a manual car but you can’t do it in automatic cars. Redline is the maximum RPM value a car engine is able to handle.

Most cars on the road today are automatic transmission because they are easier to drive especially for people who are learning to drive a car. In conclusions, there are advantages and disadvantages of both manual and automatic cars. All you need to do is understand the difference between automatic and manual cars and go for the one that suits your needs the best.

September 8, 2015
Top 10 Cool Girl Cars

Ladies, l-l-ladies, baby, honey, tell me where you get these cool girl cars? Being a teenage girl, it is a must to get a cool car that suits your look, your age, and your needs. There are so many types of cars out there and you don’t want to drive a car that makes you look ugly. Drive a cool car that makes you look as good as in bikini. If you have no idea of what the cool girl cars are, starts with the list below. On the other hand, you should read our car buying guide too. It is a ten-step guide that will lead you to buy the right car for your life.

Top 10 Cool Girl Cars Attract Ladies

Girls are very particular to everything they own. According to our research, a girl wants everything look good from her head to her toe including the car she drives. Take a look at the street in New York, London, or Morocco, you will see many girls are driving small cars with top interior comforts such as nice leather seats and beautiful dashboard.

1. MINI Cooper

Regardless of hatchback, convertible, coupe or crossover, girls love the MINI Cooper because of its appealing. The MINI Cooper has a fuel economy rating of 29/40 mpg, making it one of the best gas mileage cars available today. Do you know that the pop star Britney Spears and Kristen Stewart are also driving a MINI?

2. Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle has an aggressive look. It’s like a giant turtle running on the road. Inside the car, it features flower vase, vertical windshield, and a color-keyed dash that looks very cute to ladies.

3. Audi TT

The newest Audi TT is so beautiful and highly distinctive. Uniqueness is one big consideration for women when it comes to buying a new car. Furthermore, the Audi TT features all-wheel drive with a very reasonable fuel economy of 23/30 mpg. Gal Gadot and Kate Gosselin are two sexy girls that drive Audi TT.

4. Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a little convertible with sports car look. This car accelerates with an inspiring roar from its 167 horsepower four-cylinder engine. It is capable to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds. Girls will fall in love with the speed for sure.

5. Toyota Prius

People love the Toyota Prius because it has a space-efficient body with roomy backseat and cargo area. It also gives the owners an outstanding fuel economy of 51/48 mpg. The price tag of a brand new Toyota Prius starts from just $23,000, making it one of the best-selling cars in the United States. Do you know that Cameron Diaz owns a Prius too?

6. Chevrolet Sonic

The Chevrolet Sonic is one of the cutest car you can buy in the United States. It is small but it is powerful. There are two types of engines for the Sonic – the sporty Ecotec 1.4L turbo or the Ecotec 1.8L. The turbo version is pumping 138hp and 200Nm of torque which is very impressive.

7. Fiat 500 Abarth

The Fiat 500 is more than just a car. It looks sweet and it will make any girl drive look sweeter. From power to comfort, the Fiat 500 has everything. The base model is providing 101hp and 98 ft-lbs of torque. Speaking about practicality, it scores a fuel economy of 28/34 mpg.

8. Kia Soul

Our team run to the town and interviewed 10 ladies who are driving Kia Soul. Six of them told our reporters that they love the car because of the name “Soul”. It sounds funky and cool. This has once again proof that car names are very important. Nobody wants a car with funny name (see also funny car names).

9. Nissan Juke

For some reasons, there are many websites comment the Nissan Juke as one of the ugliest cars ever built. However, there are many of them on the road and most of them are driven by women. It might be odd for guy but not for women.

10. Honda Fit or Honda Jazz

In the U.S., it is known as Honda Fit. In some Asia countries, it is called Honda Jazz. It doesn’t really matter because both names are nice to hear and girls love the look of this car. The Honda Fit is a fun car to drive with powerful engine and high fuel economy of 29/37 mpg.

In a nutshell, girls prefer something cool, beautiful, and cute. Sensation, temptation, and reasonable vibration are the features that should be found in all the cool girl cars.

September 7, 2015
How to Pay Off Your Car Loan Faster

Have you ever wondered how to make your car payment go down or how to pay off your car loan faster? If you do, you should really check out how the smart people deal with their loans. According to a research, 70% of people sign up for car loans to buy their new cars. Often, these car loans take almost one-third of their monthly income and they last for at least 48 months up to 84 months. If you feel like you are paying a lot of interest for no reason and don’t want to suffer for 84 months, perhaps you should check out these proven methods to pay off your car loan faster.

Method 1: Pay Your Loan Bi-Weekly

Instead of making payment every month, you can make bi-weekly payments. This is one of the fastest ways to pay off your car loan early because less interest will be accumulated when payments are applied more often. There are 52 weeks in a year and you will make 26 (or 27) yearly payments using bi-weekly payment method. In fact, you can also shave off the payment for last few months.

Method 2: Make Extra Payment Whenever You Got Extra Cash

Pay more is often the best way to settle your car loan early. You can do this whenever you got extra cash and that could save you a lot of interest. For example, pay $500 instead of $428 every month. At the end of the year, you can see an extra $864 is paid to your car loan in your statement. In order to make extra payment, you need to find extra cash, thus, work harder.

Method 3: Make a Large Extra Payment

Regardless of when you do it, making a large extra payment can help you to pay off your car loan faster. If your car loan interest rate is 5%, making a $10,000 extra payment could save you $500 dollars in a year. Do no overlook $500 because there are many great cars under $500 dollars.

Method 4: Round Up the Monthly Payments

Round up is one of the best techniques to pay off your car loan faster. The monthly payment for a $22,000 car loan with 5% APR and 84 months term is $310.94. You can actually shave off at least 11 months if you round up the amount and pay $350 every month.

Method 5: Refinance Your Loan

We mentioned about refinancing your car loan in Chapter 4 of our Car Buying Guide, Car Leasing versus Car Buying. Refinancing is the easiest and simplest way to pay off your car loan faster. Do a little research and find out which local banks are offering super low interest rates on car loans. If you are able to refinance your car loan from 6% to 2.5%, that will be a big saving. Refinance is also an awesome way to make your monthly car payment go down too.

Method 6: Pay Online or Sign Up Auto Payments

Nowadays, a lot of things have gone online. Many banks started to offer additional discounts if you pay your monthly car payment online or sign up for auto payments. Pay online or sign up auto payments is a good practice although it doesn’t help you to save a lot of money compared to other methods above. However, it did bring you convenience as well as little discounts.

See also: Things to consider when choosing the right car

August 5, 2015
What Your Car Says about You (Part 2)

This is part 2 of What Your Car Says about You. Hit the link and you can go back to What Your Car Says About You (Part 1). In part 1, we talked about what your car color says about you. In this part, we are going to talk about what your car brand says about you. Audi, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Volvo and Jeep, what is your favorite car brand? (more…)

July 14, 2015