Whether new or used, buying a car is a huge investment. With growing inflation, more people than ever have been opting for pre-owned cars, as it can significantly reduce ownership and insurance costs. However, these can come with their issues, such as wear and tear or negligent maintenance. Check out these ten common mistakes people make when buying a used car and easy ways to avoid them for a better experience. Skipping the test drive Many buyers do not take the car out for a test drive before they buy it. While one may do this as a vote of confidence or faith in the dealer, it could lead to potentially expensive repairs in the future. Before buying a used car, it is always a good idea to test drive a few. If possible, work out a deal for a longer test drive, say 30-40 miles, where the car can be tested in different traffic and road conditions. This will help one build a clearer understanding of what the car’s ownership and performance would look like. Leaving financing to the last minute Before heading out to buy a used car, one needs to figure out how they plan on paying for it.

For automobile enthusiasts, there’s nothing comparable to buying an SUV that perfectly balances speed, space, comfort, and power in a vehicle. This is the main reason why SUVs have emerged big time in the automotive industry, offering different sizes and trims to suit personal preferences. However, buying an SUV is a significant investment, so avoiding mistakes becomes crucial. To help make an informed decision, here are some common mistakes to avoid while purchasing an SUV. Only going by the design There are many SUVs with unique designs currently on the market. But going only by an SUV’s design is a mistake because a spectacular SUV with limited utility features is a white elephant. Therefore, one should consider the overall features of the vehicle, including factors like its performance, cargo space, price, safety, etc., before making a choice. Buying a vehicle of the wrong size An SUV’s size determines the number of passengers and the amount of cargo it can accommodate. While only four to five passengers may fit comfortably into a compact SUV, midsize ones can accommodate up to seven passengers, and the large ones have space for even more. The best way to decide what size of SUV one requires is to consider personal requirements – the number of family members, frequency of long-distance travel, etc.

Jeep is one of the most popular brands in the country, and it is known for manufacturing rugged, all-terrain vehicles that do not compromise on features or comfort. Its vehicles can be quite expensive, and it is, thus, a long-term commitment, and one must look into factors like the budget, seating space, infotainment, and more. If one is considering a vehicle from the brand, here are the most popular Jeep vehicles from 2024 to note. 2024 Jeep Wagoneer The Wagoneer is a full-size SUV from Jeep that is highly popular for its luxurious interiors. It is an 8-seater car with 3 rows of seating. The front row seats come with in-built heating and ventilation systems and also have powered recline and lumbar adjustments. Here are a few details about the Jeep Wagoneer’s interior dimensions: Headroom: 41.3 inches in the first row, 40 inches in the second row, and 39 inches in the third row. Legroom: 40.9 inches in the first row, 42.7 inches in the second row, and 36.6 inches in the third row. Shoulder room: 66.1 inches in the first row, 65.2 inches in the second row, and 64.4 inches in the third row. Besides the spacious interiors, the 2024 Wagoneer also delivers in terms of other features such as infotainment technology and driver assist technology.

Buying a used van is a good idea if one wants to spend less. But at the same time, it is important to remember that a used van may be heavily worn out and look less appealing. Its engine may also be less efficient, leading to reduced mileage. If someone still wants to purchase a used van, they should research well and avoid a few common mistakes to get the best deal. Ignoring the van’s history One of the biggest mistakes when buying a used van is not checking its history. Used vehicles come with a document that records what the vehicle has been through since it was first purchased. For example, it includes details like whether the van has met with an accident, any pending insurance claims, and whether any parts have been changed. This information helps understand the vehicle’s condition, how well it will perform, and its market value. Usually, the dealership presents this record to anyone interested in buying the vehicle. But if they do not, one should ask them for it. Skipping inspection by a professional mechanic Another mistake to avoid is not calling an expert mechanic to inspect the used van. Some rely on their research and history checks and skip professional mechanic inspections.

A certificate of title is a legal document that signifies ownership of any asset, be it a car or a home. One needs this document when registering a vehicle with the state’s DMV. Individuals also require it when selling the vehicle or transferring ownership from one person to another. The certificate of title holds important information about the vehicle, including its make, model year, and unique vehicle identification number (VIN). What is a VIN? To conduct a title search on a vehicle, one needs its VIN. Car brands use this unique 17-digit alphanumeric code to identify individual units manufactured. Here’s all the information it holds: Continent The first character of the VIN indicates the country or continent in which the car was built. Numbers between 1 and 5 signify the vehicle was built in North America. World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) The  first three characters  together  signify which company/brand manufactured the car and the volume of cars they produced in the year.  Together, these three characters make up the WMI. Vehicle Descriptor Section Characters 4 to 8 indicate the vehicle brand, engine size, and type, offering a brief description of the vehicle itself. Check Digit The next character identifies whether the manufacturer authorized the vehicle for use.

When heavy loads must be carried across long distances, there’s no vehicle better than a pickup truck for this task. With a tremendous load-bearing capacity, plush interiors, and an elegant look, RAM trucks are the ideal choices to carry such heavyweight goods on off-terrain roads. However, buying a RAM truck is a major investment for companies, and since there are various models and trims available, one should consider certain key aspects. 1. Understand the required load-bearing capacity RAM trucks are available in various sizes and trims, each with a different load-bearing capacity. If one buys a RAM truck with a load-bearing capacity that is lower than one requires, it may get overloaded, which can eventually cause problems with momentum and the tires. In contrast, if one invests in a RAM truck with a higher load-bearing capacity than what’s required, one might spend much more than necessary. So, it’s best to estimate the required load-bearing capacity beforehand so that one’s requirements are met and there is no financial crunch. 2. Determine luxury requirements The best RAM trucks available today perfectly integrate  esthetics  with functionality. However, not everyone buying a RAM truck may require cutting-edge technology or premium luxury features.  In such cases, one can save a considerable amount by opting for an older model or trim that has a good load-bearing capacity but may  not  have  all  the luxury features.