Car Mileage Tops Car Buying Consideration Factor

Monday, July 20th, 2009

When it comes to buying a second-hand car, car mileage was seen as the top consideration for selecting a new vehicle. This was revealed by CarMax in a survey they had conducted online. The next factors were car accident frame damages and regular maintenance.

Going back to car mileage, it is not surprising. The longer a car runs, the more issues on wear and tear for the entire car surfaces. They may not necessarily be glaring, but the fact remains, the more a car is used, the depreciation value starts to sink in.

This is not of course to discourage people from buying a car that has been used over and over again. The fact remains first owners need cars for various reasons. They are the means for everyday transportation and depending on their profession or venture, car use may really be a need.

Of course, the pricing factor will play a vital role. It is only common to find that cars which are extensively used to carry a lower market value would naturally be priced lower. The more things you do to dilapidate your car only leads to being valued lower since they have been obviously used in any which way where owners would want a car in the first place.

(Source) Press

Tags: buying a second hand car, car accident, car buying, car car, car mileage, carmax, Cars, damages, depreciation, everyday transportation, press car, profession, surfaces, tops car, wear and tear

CarMax Reveals Growing Search Trend for Hybrid and Diesel Vehicles

Monday, July 13th, 2009

As far as their site is concerned, CarMax can confirm the wandering thoughts on which cars are being searched for today. And the two popular cars are the hybrid and diesel vehicles, two cars that cater to cheaper fuel that is easy on the pockets.

This is not entirely surprising considering that this trend has been all over the news and rampant among automotive discussions. People are becoming wiser, turning to these vehicles mainly because fuel is getting costlier by the day. Motorists are shifting towards alternative vehicles but you can be assured that a lot of the famous car brand names still come up.

Popular hybrid vehicles on carmax.com include the Toyota Prius, Lexus RX400h and the Honda Civic hybrid while popular diesel vehicles include the Ford F350, Dodge Ram 3500 and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

As you can see, the big name cars are still there. This stems from the fact that these auto manufacturers were ready since the whole fuel issue hit us. So with this post, you now have a guide for yourself in case you are looking for a reliable car to use.

(Source) Press

Tags: auto manufacturers, car brand, carmax, diesel vehicles, dodge ram 3500, ford f350, honda civic, honda civic hybrid, hybrid vehicles, lexus rx400h, motorists, pockets, popular cars, toyota prius, two cars, volkswagen jetta, volkswagen jetta tdi

Car Buffs Still Looking for Sports Cars

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

We may be in recession but car lovers are still looking for sports cars. According to carmax.com, car shoppers searching online for sports cars increased six percent in April from the previous month. Online sports car searches are up eight percent over January’s figures.

The No. 1 searched car on carmax.com for April was the popular Ford Mustang sports car. This was the first month it landed the top spot in searches in the last several years.

Three other sports cars ranking in the top 20 online searches for April were:

  • 13th position – Infiniti G35
  • 14th position – Dodge Charger
  • 17th position – Chevrolet Corvette

“Whether customers are searching for that ‘instant classic’ or just a fun ride for the summer, carmax.com is the best place to find a car of any vehicle type that matches their needs,” said Ann Yauger, director of carmax.com. “Within the CarMax inventory there are thousands of vehicles of all makes and models for customers to choose from.”

(Source) Press

Tags: car buffs, car lovers, car shoppers, carmax, Chevrolet, chevrolet corvette, Dodge, dodge charger, Ford, ford mustang, fun ride, last several years, makes and models, other sports, recession, Sports Car, Sports Cars

Spring Your Car into Shape with CarMax

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Spring may be just another season for us, but it is also a time where proper maintenance for your car takes a change. With a little love and tender care, your ride can be ready for spring in no time. CarMax, Inc., the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, and its master technicians, offer advice on how to spruce up your car for spring during National Car Care month.

“Spring is one of the most critical times for vehicle maintenance,” said Tom Damon, ASE Master Technician for CarMax. “Harsh winter conditions can adversely affect your car. Regular vehicle maintenance avoids unexpected costly repairs.”

To help your car recover from the damaging effects of winter, CarMax technicians suggest that drivers perform the following five tasks in the spring:

  1. Take your car to an automatic car wash that has an under-carriage wash. This can help remove corrosive residues left behind by winter road treatments used to melt ice and snow.
  2. Wash and wax your car. The wax will protect the paint from damaging UV rays.
  3. Change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles or at the manufacture’s recommendation and have the air filter and PCV valve checked and replaced if needed. Winter temperatures can cause the formation of harmful condensation and acids in the engine oil.
  4. Have your vehicle diagnosed by an automotive professional. If the engine is not running smoothly or any other conditions arise, preventive measures can help extend the life of your vehicle and improve gas mileage.
  5. Have a qualified automotive technician check:
  • The condition of the engine coolant, belts, and hoses; hoses deteriorate from the inside out and summer driving gives your cooling system a workout.
  • All the lights and lenses for cracks; you should also replace wiper blades each spring and fall to ensure optimum visibility in all weather conditions.
  • The tires for any abnormalities (including the spare); the tire pressure should also be set at the level specified for your vehicle.
  • All the wheels and inspect the brakes thoroughly for damage due to corrosion since most states use salt, sand or other chemicals to melt snow and ice on the roads. During this process, it is also a good idea to have the tires rotated.
  • Your vehicle’s steering and suspension for loose, worn or damaged components often caused by potholes and other road irregularities.
  • The car battery, since it works much harder in the summer months and you’ll want to be prepared.
  • The air conditioner, so you can avoid the wait if you need to have it repaired during the summer.

(Source) Press

Tags: automatic car wash, carmax, costly repairs, critical times, engine coolant, gas mileage, master technicians, national car care month, preventive measures, snow wash, vehicle maintenance, weather conditions, winter road, winter temperatures

Carmax Pushes for Inclusion of Used Cars in Cash for Clunkers Bill

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Carmax Inc. has vouched to help urge Congress to include used cars in the “Cash for Clunkers” proposals. By including used vehicles, this legislation is better positioned to promote fuel efficiency, save jobs, and help more Americans afford a car. One legislative proposal that does include used cars is S. 247, sponsored by Senators Feinstein, Schumer, and Collins.

“More people will be able to participate in the program, more jobs will be saved, and more fuel-efficient vehicles will end up on the road by including used vehicles,” said Tom Folliard, president and chief executive officer. “Excluding this segment of the auto industry could potentially have a negative impact on millions of American workers and thousands of U.S.-based businesses. Nationally, used car sales outnumber new car sales nearly 3 to 1.”

Including used vehicles in the legislation will have the following benefits:

  • Help More Americans Afford to Buy a Car
  • Save More American Jobs
  • Increase the Number of Eligible Fuel-efficient Cars on the Road

(Source) Press

Tags: auto industry, carmax, carmax inc, congress, fuel efficiency, fuel efficient cars, fuel efficient vehicles, jobs, legislation, legislative proposal, new car sales, proposals