Last updated 5 days ago
With gasoline prices averaging close to $4.00 per gallon nationwide, a free app promising the best fuel prices wherever you are would seem like a valued travel aid. And that's just what GasBuddy is.
Using your smart phone's built-in GPS capability, GasBuddy pinpoints your location and pulls up area fuel prices at stations in your area, displaying major brands and independents by name. The app even lists prices for regular, mid-grade, and premium, as well as diesel fuel where available, and indicates how recently displayed prices have been updated.
Last updated 1 month ago
If even if you've been checking your tires' pressure throughout the winter months, spring is a good time to do a through inspection of your tires and wheels. With the nicer weather, you can take the time to check-out their condition and consider if you will need new rubber soon. Here are some tips to follow.
via Consumer Reports
Last updated 5 months ago
Buying a car can be both exciting and challenging. There are many things to consider, from what kind of car you need to how you should pay for it. If you want to learn more about the car-buying process, then take a look at these helpful links:
? Read this Cars.com article to learn about the benefits of choosing to buy a used vehicle.
? Parents.com has compiled this list of the best family cars from 2010 to help you decide on the right car for you.
? Take a look at this list of the most fuel-efficient cars in America, provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.
? Find some tips for getting an auto loan with poor credit at Bankrate.com.
? Check out this How Stuff Works article to learn the ins and outs of auto financing.
For more information, call Car City West at (515) 657-6799.
Last updated 6 months ago
While it’s a great way to save money, buying a used car is still a major financial decision. There are many options for paying for a pre-owned vehicle, though most people choose to finance their car with a loan. These loans can come from either the used car dealer or an independent lender, such as a bank. Each option has its own benefits and advantages, as can be seen in this brief overview of used car financing:
- Bank Financing
One of the most common ways to pay for a car is with an auto loan from a bank. Banks will be able to qualify you for loans based on your credit score, and once you have qualified, you can discuss the terms of your loan. Due to the greater resources available, banks can often offer larger loans with competitive rates. Another benefit of using a bank for your auto loan is that you can conveniently link your loan with other bank accounts.
- Dealership Financing
Using the financing department at a dealership also has its benefits. Since they are linked to the vehicle directly, flexible deals can be made regarding how you will pay. A bank, for example, will not offer a cash discount or factor in your trade-in. Using a credit check, dealerships can approve you for loans and finish all paperwork on-site, so this option is generally more convenient.
- Bank Qualification
Most of the time, your best bet will be to use the resources of both a bank and the dealership. At a bank, you can get approved for a loan before you commit to a vehicle, then use the terms negotiated at the bank to structure an affordable and convenient deal with the dealership’s financing department.
If you are interested in buying a high-quality used vehicle, then call Car City West at (515) 657-6799 and ask about your financing options. We provide high-quality used vehicles with convenient financing services to residents of the Des Moines area. Contact us online for more information about our inventory.
Last updated 6 months ago
When shopping for a car, it’s important to keep your lifestyle in mind. One of the most common reasons for needing a new car is the growth of a family. Family vehicles require some special considerations in the shopping process, so read this brief guide to learn what you should look for in a family-friendly car:
1. Safety
Perhaps the most important consideration when shopping for a family car is the level of safety it offers. A good car for the family will have excellent crash test ratings and feature the latest technology for preventing and handling accidents. Make sure that the car you choose has the safety you need for your family.
2. Room to Grow
A common mistake when buying a family car is thinking about the current size of one’s family. While a small sedan might be perfect for two young children, a family can possibly grow in number, and will definitely grow in size. Make sure your vehicle allows room to expand from a kid in a car seat to a few teenagers with football pads.
3. Economy
Driving a family around can take a toll on mom and dad, but it will also take a toll on their bank account. A good family car will be efficient enough to keep fuel costs down whether you are driving kids to school and sports practice or taking a long family trip in the summer.
4. Entertainment
A more optional consideration when looking for a family car is entertainment. Driving a few children around town or across the country can be much easier when they have something to do. That can be as simple as a good sound system or as extravagant as multiple DVD players and screens.
If you are looking for a great, affordable car for your family, then call car City West at (515) 657-6799 and ask about setting up a test-drive. We specialize in the sale of high-quality used vehicles in the Des Moines area. Contact us online for more information about our inventory or financing options.
