1. Set your budget.

Buying a used car will be one of the biggest purchases you make and you’ll no doubt own the car for a number of years so it’s important it’s the right decision. It can be easy to get ahead of what you can actually afford and get lost in the world of car buying. Before you even step foot in a dealership, set your budget! Whether that be for a lump sum cash payment or car finance payment, you should never stray from your budget.

2. Know your requirements.

You may already know what you need from your next car. If you don’t, it can be worth thinking about your requirements before you start shopping. This may include things like how many seats you need, how far you typically drive, which safety features are important and if you have any specific make and model in mind. Knowing these factors can help to speed up the process and make sure you’re getting a car which is fit for your purpose.

3. Check out dealer reviews.

Granted, you can buy a car from a private seller or even an auction but buying from a dealership can be the safest and easiest way to buy a car. Selecting the best car dealer is important so before you do so, you should check out reviews of the dealership you are looking to use and see what kind of experience other customers had. This can be done by a quick Google search online. You should also check if the dealership is verified by the Financial Conduct Authority, which you can do on their website, especially if you’re looking to go down the finance route.

4. Research the market price of cars in your budget.

Whilst you’re online, it can be a good idea to search for cars that meet your requirements too. A quick online search can help you to compare cars within your budget from local dealerships. This can help to save time and make sure you’re getting a good deal. It’s also good leverage for later on in the process if there is a similar car at a neighboring dealership which you could use for negotiating purposes.

5. Check out car finance.

Most drivers now use some form of credit or finance to buy their next car. Used cars on finance can be offered to a range of applicants, from Mazda finance to Audi finance, there really is little you can’t get on credit. However, you’ll need to be approved for a finance deal first, which means a lender agrees to help you finance a car. It is recommended you check your eligibility for finance first before committing to buying this way.

6. Take a test drive.

If you’ve just passed your driving test and are buying your first car, the idea of test driving a car can be daunting. However, it is a step you should never skip. Test drives are important, especially if you can’t decide between a few cars. Test driving a car gives you an opportunity to see how you like it, how it performs and also a chance to check the car’s condition.

7. Check the car over.

Whilst you’re out on a test drive, you can take this time as an opportunity to park somewhere safe and check the car over. It can be daunting to look over the car under the watchful eye of the salesperson. If you’re not sure what to check, you can do simple car checks like looking for any defects in the paintwork, check the tyres are in good condition, checking the mileage on the car matches what you’ve been told and checking all the electrics work as they should.

8. Know your rights.

When you buy a car from a dealership, you have better protection than you would if you bought from a private seller. If something goes wrong during the purchase, you are protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If the car is faulty, you are able to request a full refund in the first 30 days of getting the vehicle. If the car is not of satisfactory quality or matches how it was described or is not fit for purpose, you can also be eligible for a refund too.

9. Negotiate the price.

So, you’re not likely to get the car for half of the advertised price, but there can be some wiggle room to negotiate a used car price. Set your budget for a car and then tell the dealer you can only go to slightly under your budget, this way you could bag a great bargain if they agree, or you can make it seem like you’re happy to negotiate but end up with what you could afford anyway.

10. Drive away happily.

Once you’ve found the car and are happy with the deal, all that’s left to do is sign the paperwork and drive away happily! We hope the used car buying process was an easy one and you’ve used the points above to get a good deal.

The post 10 Used Car Buying Tips To Getting A Good Deal appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

Car brands that currently have the best resale value include Toyota, Subaru, Honda, Dodge, Chevrolet, GMC, RAM, Jeep, Ford, and Mazda. The competitive advantages of these car brands are essential to consider for both seasoned and new car buyers. In recent years, trucks have dominated the top ten list of the resale value charts, while few cars were represented on the list.

Subaru

Subaru has consistently had outstanding resale value throughout the years. The car brand won four awards in the 2021 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards. The Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and Outback are the most popular Subaru vehicles, and all four have impressive resale values. The high resale value of the Subaru brand primarily comes from the longevity of its cars, off-road capabilities, and affordable starting prices.

Subaru’s competitive advantages include fuel efficiency, reliability, all-wheel drive, safety features, and low maintenance costs. Additionally, the current market has more buyers than available inventory, indicating increased demand for used cars. The prices of used Subarus have increased and are similar to newer models. For example, a 2017 Subaru model costs roughly the same as the latest model. Subarus can make a quality vehicle investment for car buyers as it constantly has strong resale value.

Toyota

Toyota consistently is one of the best vehicles for resale value. There are several reasons for the high resale value. First, Toyota is known for its reliability, meaning that the cars are well-built well and have advanced technology to help drivers get through all kinds of terrain. Drivers tend to demand more from their Toyota vehicles due to its reliable reputation. Second, the cars are very popular, especially the most popular models like the Corolla and the RAV-4, which increases their demand. These features are important factors in the higher resale value of Toyota.

Honda

Honda is among the top car brands with the highest residual value projections. A high residual value means that the vehicle is projected to hold the highest percentage of its retail price after three years of ownership. Value retention is used to determine resale value. These values are crucial to consider. The 2022 Honda Civic is projected to have the highest sale value among all compact cars in the past three years.

Dodge Ram

The Dodge Ram holds its resale value better than its competitors. Features that make it appealing among truck lovers are that it has some of the best towing and cargo capacity in its class. The Ram is also spacious and has some very advanced technology, which is also something to consider for investment in a vehicle. Although the resale value depreciates relatively fast, it holds its value quite well.

Mazda

Mazda has a lower resale value than its competitors like Toyota because the car brand is less renowned. The lack of brand power indicates that a four-year-old Mazda will hold 4% less of its value than the same age Subaru and 1 to 2% less than a Honda or Toyota. Although Mazda makes reliable cars, fewer people are aware of its quality. Mazdas are cheap to buy while adhering to high-quality standards and build, which is something to consider before investing in one.

Ford 

The 2022 Ford F-Series lineup was among the top 10 vehicles in terms of resale value. It has been the country’s best-selling vehicle in addition to being a resale value standout. At 60 months, the resale value is 50.6%

The Bottom Line

When looking to buy a car, the car’s resale value is a critical factor that determines if you will make or lose money when you sell the vehicle. A car’s resale value indicates if it is a good or bad long-term investment. Some car brands with high resale values include Subaru, Toyota, and Honda. These cars have brand power and an excellent reputation behind them, boosting their popularity in the market. They also have outstanding reliability and advanced technology, making them fantastic investments for car buyers. These car brands have found ways to ensure that their older versions maintain competitive prices, which is excellent for car owners.

On the other hand, Mazda is a lesser-known car brand, which has resulted in its lower resale value. While Mazdas are cheap, their lack of brand recognition has made them less of a quality investment. The Dodge Ram has good resale value in trucks, but trucks depreciate quickly. It is essential to consider all of these aspects when purchasing a vehicle.

The post Car Brands with the Best Resale Value appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

SUVs, minivans and sedans are the most popular choices for family cars, with good reason. Extra room, cupholders and entertainment systems to keep the young ones, tweens and teens happily occupied when you’re on a road trip or a long drive are must haves when choosing a family car. More important still are high scores when it comes to crash test and safety ratings.

If you are thinking about a new family car be sure to check out State Insurance for a range of car insurance options.

Kia Sedona Minivan

Minivans are the vehicle of choice for parents due to their spaciousness and sliding doors, as well as excellent entertainment systems. The Kia Sedona, offering 18 to 24 mpg and priced lower than others in its category, is the best option when it comes to value for money. It offers a smooth ride, handling like a smaller car. Depending on the model you choose, you can pack in up to five car seats: great if you have a large family or are part of the carpool for the kids’ preschool.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan

For those parents who want to reduce their carbon footprint by driving a hybrid vehicle, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the right choice – in fact, it’s the only hybrid minivan currently on the market. 520 miles on a full tank and just one charge makes for very impressive fuel economy – expect to get as much as 82 mpg. The minivan has good pickup, comparable to its gas-powered sibling. You can fit up to four car seats in this model.

Toyota Sienna Minivan

The sole minivan on the market with all-wheel drive, the Toyota Sienna is a good pick for wintry and rainy conditions. It offers between 19 and 27 mpg and has a powerful engine, giving you a smooth-as-butter drive on the highways. With space for two booster or car seats in the middle row and two more in the back row, you have the ability to carry four kids at a time in this car.

Honda Odyssey Minivan

This is as good as it gets when it comes to fitting in numerous car or booster seats – up to six. It gives from 19 to 28 mpg and offers a smooth ride, with ten-speed auto transmission. It has the most impressive pickup of any minivan on our list.

Subaru Legacy Sedan

This is the best all-weather sedan with four-wheel drive that enables you to manoeuvre safely in sleet, snow and rain. It also has space for kids and three car seats and gets up to 35 mpg.

Honda Accord Hybrid Sedan

Eco-friendly and boasting up to 48 mpg, the Honda Accord Hybrid Sedan offers space for three smaller car seats or booster seats in the back and offers a smooth ride, with no discernible transition when moving between electric and gas.

Volkswagen Atlas SUV

Among the three-row SUVs, this one is the best value. You will get 20 to 26 mpg, it has safety features such as automatic headlights installed as standard, and it can accommodate up to five car seats between the second and third rows.

Subaru Ascent SUV

The Subaru Ascent is the best choice for a big family among three row SUVs. Offering 21 to 27 mpg, it comes with all-wheel drive as standard and has an incredible 19 cupholders. The ability to fit three narrow or two full-size car seats in the second row and two more in the back row means you can ferry up to five little ones at a time.

Nissan Pathfinder SUV

Offering 19 to 26 mpg for the four-wheel transmission model, this one makes the list for its impressive safety features that come as standard. Good steering and a powerful engine make for a good ride, and it has capacity for three car seats in the second row and a couple of boosters in the third.

Mazda CX 9 SUV

The Mazda CX 9 looks sleek and, with mileage of 22 to 28 per gallon, is more fuel efficient than its counterparts. You can easily fit four car seats across the back rows.

Ford Edge SUV

This is a great two-row SUV and makes our list for being able to fit up to three car seats in the back row, unusual for a two-row model. Decent mileage of between 21 and 29 per gallon and a smooth ride are what you will get with the Ford Edge.

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid SUV

This is the best hybrid SUV when it comes to mileage, enabling you to travel around 480 miles on a single tank of gas. The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid offers a smooth and quiet ride, as well as space for up to three car seats.

The post The Best Family Cars to Buy This Year appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

Statistically, young men tend to choose cars that are representative of who they are and what they like. So if you’re looking for something stylish, but still within your budget, these cars should fit the bill.

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is a classic favourite. This vintage yet modern ride still conveys messages of the driver being a true car enthusiast with a penchant for freedom. The cool guy vibes radiate off of this car. With so much of its look rooted in history, your car doesn’t just look great, but it has a long-standing reputation for affordability, reliability and top of the line engineering.

Getting that sports car aesthetic but at a price that is manageable, your Ford Mustang gives you value as well as being fun to drive. Some additional perks are the range of models that appeal to a variety of different tastes and the fully customizable options. You also get to join a historic community of mustang owners and lowers. Indeed, tickets to car shows that are included in your ownership.

Volkswagen CC

For those who want the sleekness of premium vehicles for a price that’s affordable, the Volkswagen CC is a stylish option that’s sure to turn heads. With a sweeping roofline, dramatic body detailing, low-to-the-ground stance and elegant frameless side windows, this coupe is expressive and full of personality.

Equipped with tech like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and autonomous braking, the CC doesn’t just look good but is contemporary enough for the modern professional. With a history rooted in security, safety, and longevity, this car is affordable, attractive, and has the goods to back up the aesthetic.

Chevrolet Impala

This sedan is the quiet champion, the one that doesn’t need to show-off, but let’s itself do the talking. Available in just one model – a full-size, four-door sedan – the Impala has three trim levels – LS, LT, and Premier – with a six-speed automatic transmission. This car represents devotion, practicality, quality, and athleticism.

The sleek profile of the car is countered by the surprising spacious interior cabin. With limo-grade backseat room and 19 cubic feet of trunk space, this car transitions perfectly from weekday work car to weekend road trips. A smooth and quiet ride, this sedan is made for highways, pounding the pavement efficiently, but taking corners as swiftly as a sports-car. With such style and functionality, it’s no wonder it’s popular with young male drivers.

Audi A3

Getting a bit more premium now, the Audi A3 is a compact, handsome package. With the exact German engineering we love, the fit, finish and steering are superb. This car is available in a sedan or two-door soft-top convertible, with backup camera, 10-speaker audio, adaptive cruise control and infotainment system.

For the young professional looking to make a statement and ride with the big leagues (but also wants to remain budget-conscious), the Audi A3 is best described as “champagne on a craft-beer budget.”

Mazda 3

A favourite amongst many young, male professionals, the Mazda 3 is excellent at combining style, dynamics, and value. Choose from either a sedan or hatchback, this slick six-speed manual or automatic is responsive, handles well and can handle the curves of any road. With it’s amazing value for money, add-ons like navigation, traffic-sign recognition and heated seats are luxuries you can afford and should. This car is for the smart, practical guy who loves to hit the road on the weekends and just drive. Zoom away in your Mazda 3 and let the car speak for you.

Whichever of these great cars you choose, remember: your car is a reflection of who you are. Don’t settle for just any old clunker. Now is the time to invest yourself and drive away in a car that will have you looking and feeling great!

The post 5 Most Stylish Cars for Young Professional Men appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

Mazda customers Down Under are now glad to know that the new Mazda6 is powered up by a new turbo, borrowed from the CX-9. It is about a 2.5-liter turbo flat-four cylinder, with 170 kW and 420 Nm of torque. The power is sent to the front axle via a six-speed automatic transmission. This would make it keep up with its top predators like the Subaru Liberty with 191 kW, Toyota Camry with 224 kW or Ford Mondeo with 177 kW.

However, the company is also throwing in the non-turbo variant with good 140 kW and 252 kW, respectively, while the diesel 2.2-liter twin-turbo churns out 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque.

Arriving in Australia both in Sedan and Wagon body style, the all-new 2018 Mazda6 is available in four trim levels, such as the Sport, Touring, GT and top of the line Atenza. Visually, the design of all models is enhanced by the new sophisticated mesh grille up front, along with updated headlights and relocated fog lights, revised rear bumper as well as fresh taillights. All these highlights at the exterior are complemented by a choice of 17- to 19-inch alloy wheels.

To reduce sound inside, the engineers have added sound deadening materials, introducing as well higher-quality materials such as Ultra-Suede trim, Japanese Sen wood accents, or aluminum garnishes. There are also the new safety systems, all part of the i-ActiveSense safety suite with autonomous emergency braking and much more.

As for prices, the cheapest Mazda6 can be had from $32,490 in the Sedan Sport 2.5L shape, while the top of the line 2018 Mazda6 Atenza 2.2TD is available at $50,090.

Before purchasing such a car, the persons interested in achieving a Mazda can try other different models to see which fits the best.

The post Mazda6 Launches in Australia, Brings New Engine to the Surface and Couple of Visuals appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

The all-new 2018 Mazda6 recently arriving in the United States is also highlighted by a high-performance engine in the shape of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T, which is thoroughly described in the official video presentation below.

In the United States the 2018 Mazda6 is not expensive. It costs just $23,000 in the Sport variant, however it comes with a wide range of high-end characteristics and features, which make it a worthy adversary against top notch models from Mercedes-Benz, Audi or BMW.

The array of features comprise “electronic parking brake, cloth seats, a six-way manual driver’s seat with lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, push-button start, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth phone and audio pairing, MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system with and Commander control knob and touchscreen control, rearview camera, a new eight-inch display screen, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.”

The higher-level variants feature more goodies like Lane-Keep Assist, adaptive Mazda Radar Control, Lane- Departure Warning, or Smart Brake Support.

As for the engine under the hood, the 2.5T-liter SKYACTIV-G is considered a highly-advanced engine, coming with standard 2-cylinder deactivation which makes it more efficient during cruising conditions.

This means that the whole output is set at 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, being sent to the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission in standard form. There is also the SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission available on the higher variants.

Full details with the car`s SKYACTIV engine are highlighted in the video below! Enjoy and stay tuned!

The post US: 2018 Mazda6 Sedan Introduced at $21,950, Engine also Explained in Video appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

This time we have the pleasure of taking a closer look at the 2018 Mazda CX-50, recently launched in the United States in prices and specifications. Customers also have the chance of admiring its famous KODO design in the video below.

In the United States the 2018 Mazda CX-50 comes with an entry-level price of $24,150 MSRP, meaning plenty of standard high-tech features, safety packages and other stuff. However, if you want the Grand Touring Premium Package, you have to empty your pockets for another $1,395. The full price tags and other offers are detailed in the media gallery below.

From a visual perspective, the new 2018 Maza CX-50 also comes exclusive in three different paintjobs – Soul Red Crystal ($595), Machine Gray Metallic ($300) and Snowflake White Pearl Mica ($200).

As also previewed in the video, the new CX-50 looks extremely appealing with the evolutionary design, highlighted by the KODO language, adding as well other cool elements that separates it from the previous model.

As a plus, there is also the new cylinder-deactivation technology for its SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine which ensures for a smoother driving experience and increased performance.

The new options are also important to mention – rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic on/off headlights, adding a wide range of safety gizmos, all part of the Sport i-ACTIVSENSE Package with – Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Lane-Keep Assist and Smart Brake Support.

More details about the car`s exterior design language and other cool stuff can be found in the video below released by Mazda carmaker. Take a look and tell us what you think about the new 2018 Mazda CX-50! Is it worth the price tag?

The post Video: 2018 Mazda CX-50 Arrives on US Soil in December, MSRP Announced appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

One of the carmakers present in Los Angeles is Mazda with its latest edition Mazda6, an exclusive ride with plenty of new technology and updated powertrain under the hood. The model was previewed today ahead the event and can be revealed in details below.

Mazda is well-known for its innovation in the technological area and the 2018 Mazda6 is no exception. It will be equipped with new safety features all part of i-ActiveSense safety pack, adding as well new adaptive cruise control system, 360-degree parking camera or cylinder-deactivation technology.

The car`s design has also suffered some modifications, the Japanese carmaker introducing the concept of “Mature Elegance” for the first time, meaning plenty of new and refined language lines at the exterior and high-quality materials inside the cabin. There is also the new Japanese Sen Wood trimming which redefines the concept of luxury.

One of the car`s major improvements is the new 2.5-liter turbo ‘SkyActiv-G’ flat-four cylinder, the very same found on the bigger CX-9 SUV, and now producing 170 kW and 420 Nm of torque.

As Mazda declares, the engine develops “torque on par with a 4-liter V8”, capable of impressive performance figures. Unfortunately, there are no news on that matter. However, the new engine should the perfect candidate against the likes of the Hyundai Sonata or Kia Optima, both coming with power up to 180 kW, or the Subaru Liberty with 191 kW, or the Ford Mondeo with around 177 kW.

Mazda will release full specs of the new 2018 Mazda6 in L.A. starting with November 29th. We will surely get back on that. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out our up-to-date auto news!

The post 2018 Mazda6 Previewed ahead 2017 L.A. Show appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

As we can depict from the photos, the model was shipped to Australia in a limited-run of 50 units, which will be used for promotional purpose, with other 1,200 models to arrive later on. This means that the model will be launched in big style.

The Mazda X-5 in all its forms is an exceptional SUV and very popular in the Land Down Under, and the latest edition will become even more successful than the previous generation. Alastair Doak, CEO at Mazda Australia, has also declared about the SUV`s success that:

“Never has Mazda has seen such a response from potential buyers waiting information on a new vehicle. Of the almost 100,000 people who have, so far, entered out competition to win a Next-Gen Mazda CX-5, over 33,000 registered their interest in the vehicle, and a staggering 45,000 want to be contacted directly from Mazda once it goes on sale.”

Once in showrooms countrywide, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 will be available in five variants, with three engines to choose from – the SkyActiv-G 2.0-liter petrol, SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter petrol and 2.2-liter turbo diesel SkyActive-D. The same engine lineup will equip the European and US dealerships, this summer.

Prices and full details with the 2017 Mazda CX-5 in Australia will be announced at a later date in the SUV`s official presentation.

The post First Batch of 2017 Mazda CX-5 Gets Shipped to Australia appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

Even if the Japanese-based carmaker has yet to confirm such good news that would consolidate the model`s position on the high-end SUV market, a report issued from LiveDoor Japanese auto magazine also states the same news.

When the new model will eventually arrive with a third seat row, that doesn’t necessary mean that the carmaker would have to modify the SUV`s wheelbase; we might be talking here at children seats that could be flipped-up to make room for extra luggage.

The same Japanese report also stated that the carmaker might be launching the new Mazda CX-5 somewhere in February, with the model reaching the Australian shores as soon as possible. Prices will be announced at a later date.

As for the new CX-5`s powertrain under the hood, we should expect the same engine lineup as in the standard CX-5, including the 2.5-liter petrol burner or the 2.2-liter turbo diesel variant. We surely hope for an official confirmation in the upcoming period.

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