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  • Best Luxury Compact Cars for 2029

    Best Luxury Compact Cars for 2029

    When you want the best of the best, it helps to be informed. That goes double for when you want a luxury car: they’re expensive, and a pretty big investment for your future. When you go shopping for luxury, you don’t want to settle for second best. Here are our top picks for luxury compact cars in 2019.

    Best Luxury Compact Cars

    Audi A5

    Audi’s name is a respected one in the world of luxury vehicles. The Audi A5 for 2019 is a killer vehicle for a number of reasons. The vehicle starts around $44,200 and can run you all the way up to $74,200. The engine options in the A5 are suitably impressive, bringing a might and heft to the otherwise breezy convertible.

    The trunk space is small, even for a compact vehicle, and the price is quite high. However, for the money, you get a stellar ride. The ride is smooth and responsive, the interior is high-quality and luxurious, and the sound quality of the stereo is top-notch.

    2019 Genesis G70

    The Genesis G70 is another wonderful luxury vehicle that you should consider if you’re a fan of going fast and looking stylish. The handling and performance of this vehicle make it well worth the starting price of $35,000. Options could bring it up to $52,250, making this a more affordable luxury vehicle than the average.

    The cabin is very slick and attractive, with a high build quality and tons of amenities. The seats are cushy and comfortable, the finish and material are both stellar. The infotainment system is somewhat lackluster, and the fuel economy is sub-par. However, this is still some great bang for your buck in the terms of a luxury compact car.

    Tesla Model 3

    Sleek, stylish, with a name brand that turns heads and an all-electric motor, the Tesla Model 3 is the pinnacle of luxury compact cars. The interior is spartan and calm, while the drive is aggressive and quick, and the lack of a conventional engine saves you tons on gas. Not only that, but it’s great for the environment.

    The Model 3 has a ton of configurations and various price ranges. It could run you as little a $40,000, or as much as $60,000 for some configurations. Tesla promises that there will be a $35,000 configuration in the near future.

  • Should You Buy an Electric Car? The Breakdown

    Should You Buy an Electric Car? The Breakdown

    Here’s the deal: electric cars have a lot of rumors and notions swirling about them. Are they powerful? Do they have strong engine performance? Are they able to make it very far down the road? Are they really cheaper to own than conventional cars? Today we’re going to break down whether it’s worth it for you to buy an electric car.

    Electric Cars and Preconceptions

    Electric Motors

    As a matter of fact, your average electric car is going to be comparable in power to a conventional engine. This goes for both luxury and budget electric cars, though the power, of course, varies by make and model. Tesla’s vehicles, for instance, have been described as quite powerful and very fun to drive.

    Electric motors don’t have to be underpowered. Cutting around turns, peeling out quickly and burning rubber is just as fun with an electric engine as it would be with a gas engine.

    Speaking of motors, the range of the batteries in electric cars has increased dramatically in the past ten years. While range varies based on cars, most electric vehicles offer at least 180 miles of distance on a single charge.

    Economy

    The main reason someone would want to purchase an electric vehicle, outside of environmental concerns, is the economic savings. While most EVs are much more expensive for the initial purchase than conventional cars, you save a lot over the course of owning an EV.

    Electric vehicles don’t require gas, of course. Think of how much money you spend on gas every month. Now think about how much you spend on car maintenance, like oil changes and general engine maintenance. Imagine not having to spend any of that for the rest of your days owning this vehicle.

    Environmental

    More so than just saving you money, electric vehicles are great for the environment. You will no longer be burning fossil fuels, and you’ll also stop using motor oil. Both of these steps are great for the planet. Secondly, you’ll also find that your electric vehicle will last much longer than the average conventional vehicle.

    Preliminary estimates holds that the average EV will last around a decade before they need updates to their batteries and drive trains. During that decade, you’ll be burning no fossil fuels and using no motor oil. Not only are you saving money, you’re saving the planet from the carbon footprint you’d otherwise be leaving behind.

  • Does Certified Pre-Owned Mean You Get a Better Car?

    Does Certified Pre-Owned Mean You Get a Better Car?

    Buying used can help you really keep the costs down on a vehicle. However, how can you be certain that the vehicle you’re purchasing isn’t a lemon? How can you know what the vehicle has been through? Certified pre-owned vehicles are often considered the safer pick when it comes to buying used, as they typically pass inspections and history checks by the auto dealership.

    That said, you can never be one-hundred percent certain when it comes to used cars. While CPO cars tend to be a safer pick than straight-up used car from someone you don’t know, they’re not going to be as safe as a brand-new car. If you really want to spend more and get a car that will last longer, a brand-new one is the one you want.

    However, if you want to be safer than a straight-up used car but save money compared to a new car, CPO cars are the happy middle ground. But does that mean certified pre-owned means you get a better car than buying used?

    Certified Pre-Owned

    How Cars Get Certified

    Auto dealers differ from place to place but, generally speaking, CPO cars have to pass a number of inspections. Depending on the dealer these could be more or less strict, but they typically involve checking a number of systems. Brakes, steering, belts and the like are all usually checked out and certified.

    Another aspect of CPOs that can make them a safer pick than regular used cars is that they have a clear history and background. Maintenance records, accident reports and the like help to paint a picture of what, exactly, has happened to the vehicle in the past. That way you can rest assured knowing exactly what issues the car has had in the past.

    The Benefits

    Generally speaking, CPOs are going to be cleaner vehicles that were well taken-care of and have few, if any, issues. Dealers normally only take in rather new vehicles with very low miles as certified pre-owned. That means that, essentially, CPO cars are marketed as “good as new.”

    Dealers tend to offer a number of benefits to those who buy CPO vehicles, too. If you need repairs on the vehicle or something goes wrong with it, it’s usually covered by an extended warranty from the dealership. The warranty alone can often be well-worth the extra money you spend on CPO, depending on the vehicle and what you’re looking for.

    The other upside to CPOs is that dealers often offer things like rental cars in the event the vehicle is in the shop, free satellite radio, and even reduced lease rates. Generally, these upsides are all there to keep the CPO deal an attractive option for dealers.

    The Downsides

    CPO vehicles aren’t without their downsides. For one, any used vehicle runs the risk of having some unforeseen issues. Most notably, though, CPO vehicles tend to be rather expensive. While not as pricey as brand-new vehicles, they tend to be markedly more expensive than regular used cars.

    Generally speaking, many car experts find that CPO vehicles are often a bad value compared to buying regular used cars. If you know what you’re looking for in a used car and know what warning signs to look for, regular used can be a better value than CPOs. This can vary based on the dealership and where you’re buying the used vehicle, but it generally bears out to be true.

    If you save up a bit of money and set it aside to cover repairs then you can use that to cover the things the extended warranty that a CPO would normally cover. That way you not only save money by not buying the expensive extended warranty, you can use the money you save to put towards any repairs that might come up. If no repairs need to be done, you simply pocket the savings!

    Conclusions

    So, do you get a better car when you buy certified pre-owned? Yes and no. You’re likely going to get a car with less miles, a clearer history and an extended warranty. While these are all great upsides, they’re also things you spend a pretty penny for. As such, while the CPO vehicle is likely a great car, it’s probably a bad value.

    If you want to save money and buy a used vehicle, consider a getting a regular used vehicle. If you get it inspected by a mechanic you trust and set aside money to cover repairs you’ll likely get more value for your money.

  • Where to Find the Best Prices on Tires

    Where to Find the Best Prices on Tires

    Everyone who owns a car dreads that sound of a tire popping. What’s worse than the unexpected expense of needing a new tire? Overpaying on that tire, that’s what. If you’re looking to save some money on your next set of tires, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are the best places to find low prices on tires.

    Where to Find Low Prices on Tires

    Wal-Mart

    Wal-Mart has an auto center with great prices on tires of several name brands. If you’ve turned your nose up at the thought of shopping for tires at Wal-Mart, okay, fair. But are you here to look like a big shot or to save money on tires? Well, if you’re looking for a good deal, then Wal-Mart is a great place to start.

    They’ve also got great prices on maintenance and tire changing, if you need that service. So, next time you’re in the market for getting your tires changed, keep Wal-Mart in mind.

    Firestone

    While Firestone’s tires aren’t the least expensive tires in the world, they are rather inexpensive for their quality. Firestone’s tires have great traction, are quite durable and stay good for way longer than your average tire. All of that comes with a notably low price tag.

    Firestone will also change your tires for you and rotate them when you buy a full set. While they charge a small service fee, it’s quite reasonable. The mechanics there are friendly and knowledgeable, and bring a lot of professionalism to their jobs.

    OnlineTires

    If you want to save money on tires while shopping online, shop at OnlineTires. This site allows you to compare prices at a glance. The best thing about shopping online is that you get the best of both worlds. Not only can you compare prices and inventory, you can do your research all while you’re shopping.

    No worrying about driving out to the shop, having to deal with salespeople or not knowing what you’re looking for. All you have to do is just find the best online deal and wait for your new tires to arrive! There’s nothing to it.

    The only downsides to online shopping are that you have to put the tires on yourself, and you have to wait for them to arrive. If you’ve got a flat and need a new tire right away, online shopping might not be ideal.

  • Automation: Could Self-Driving Cars Put People Out of Work?

    Automation: Could Self-Driving Cars Put People Out of Work?

    Automation is a specter that hangs over the modern worker. The pace of technological advancement makes it difficult to keep up with certain careers. In the past 20 years, fields like web design and programming have exploded, while other fields are in danger of disappearing.

    One such field is that of the professional driver. Truckers, cab drivers and delivery drivers are all at risk of having their jobs rendered obsolete by automation. What kind of time table could such jobs be working under, and how will automation impact them?

    Automation and Drivers

    Obsoletion

    The average truck driver makes upwards of $50,000 per year, a great rate for a field that doesn’t require a high school diploma. As such, the threat of having their job vanish is mortifying for some truckers. While some truckers may be able to transfer into programming jobs, such a pivot certainly won’t be possible for all of them.

    The average truck driver is 55 years old, which means that continuing education would be difficult. Needless to say, the average trucker isn’t going to take up web design. Cab drivers, delivery drivers and the like are also subject to this new technology deleting their jobs.

    Timetable

    Self-driving cars aren’t exactly happening tomorrow. There are still numerous kinks that need to be worked out, and the technology is still in a formative state. There are often reports of self-driving tech getting into accidents and misreading situations. What’s the likelihood that this formative technology is taking anyone’s job any time soon?

    Frankly, it’s low. However, four or five years might be a reasonable timetable to keep in mind. There are a number of companies that are looking into self-driving cars, but even the most optimistic of guesses has proper self-driving tech hitting the market in 2021.

    What to Do

    What is one to do about this situation? If you’re currently a driver, you have time. Perhaps now is a good time to look into expanding your skills into a different field. Learning to code might seem tough, but jobs in programming are only becoming more desirable as time goes on.

    Outside of programming, there are tons of jobs you could look into. Continuing education, if you’re able to pursue it, is a great option if you’re worried about obsoletion. However, many people are apprehensive that not all hard-working drivers will be able to pursue this path and could be on the way to financial disaster.

  • Should You Buy a Used Car?

    Should You Buy a Used Car?

    A lot of people religiously trade in their car every 3 years to get a brand-new car. However, could you be spending more money on this practice than if you were to simply drive a used car? It’s worth noting that a new car loses most of its value in the first 3 years of it’s on the road. Should you be opting to buy used cars instead of new, though?

    Should You Buy a Used Car?

    Your Wallet

    Firstly, you’re going to save a lot of money if you opt to buy used cars over new. However, you knew that. What you might not know if just how much you’re likely to save. New cars, famously, are quite expensive for the value the consumer gets. Largely, what you’re paying for is the “new car smell” and the good feeling you get of owning a new thing.

    However, buying used cars that are in good condition could result in you saving thousands of dollars. On top of that, you can get relatively new, nice vehicles that are used and less expensive than from the dealership. Frankly, you’re better off forgoing brand-new cars for your trade-in value and for your wallet.

    Environmental Concerns

    When you buy a used vehicle, you’re actually making a good call for the environment. Hundreds of thousands of used car sales cut into new cars every year, causing production to slow down. As you well know, unchecked production plays havoc on the environment.

    As such, by buying used, you’re doing a bit of your part to curtail environmental damage. That said, if you’re buying a large truck or SUV, the emissions let off might balance the scales yet again. Jokes aside, buying used is a great way to be environmentally conscious.

    Avoid Dealerships

    No one likes dealing with salespeople. Even salespeople don’t like dealing with salespeople. If you’re eager to cut the dealership out of your car-buying experience, you can buy used cars directly from the previous owners. While you might still have to do a bit of haggling, it’s not the same as dealing with a trained salesperson.

    Shopping via eBay motors, Craigslist or some other online site is a great way to shop for used vehicles and avoid the dealership. That way, you not only don’t spend your day haggling with someone, you also get a fairer deal on a more affordable vehicle. That’s a win-win!

  • Could a Job as a Truck Driver be Right for You?

    Could a Job as a Truck Driver be Right for You?

    Maybe you’ve been looking into a job as a semi-truck driver and thinking about what it would mean for you. What kind of money do truck drivers make? What kind of hours do they work?

    In short, you’re wondering if a job as a truck driver would be right for you. Let’s look into that very question.

    Truck Driver Jobs

    Requirements

    First, before you can even be a professional truck driver, you need to get licensed to drive a semi-truck. The license you need is called a CDL, and usually, you want a Class A. Sometimes you have to get your license yourself, but some companies will sponsor you while you get your license.

    Aside from having the right license, there aren’t really any other requirements for becoming a truck driver. Companies usually prefer people with high school diplomas, though even that isn’t set in stone. A GED would work just as well as a diploma for most prospective drivers.

    Job Responsibilities

    Depending on the company and type of work you’re getting into, your job responsibilities could vary. However, generally, the responsibilities of a truck driver include hauling cargo from one place to another. Some drivers will work in smaller areas and could even go home every night after their route.

    Other drivers do “long-hauls,” staying on the road for days at a time to carry cargo cross-country. These drivers tend to get several days in a row off when they return home. On some occasions, these drivers will pick up hauls at their own discretion.

    Generally speaking, truck drivers don’t sweat the loading and unloading of cargo into their vehicle. The hard part of their job is all the time spent out on the road.

    Average Salaries

    Truck driving pays relatively well for what could be considered a blue-collar job. On average, student drivers make $41,000 per year. CDL drivers, who are licensed and more experienced, make an average of $66,000 per year.

    OTR CDL drivers, who have a ton of experience and complex licenses, make an average of $82,000 per year, making their job position a desirable one for drivers.

    Bottom Line

    A job as a truck driver could be right for you if you don’t mind being alone, on the road and far from home more often than not. If you can handle that, then there’s quite a bit of money to be made for an experienced driver with good endurance.

  • Nissan Rogue: Is it the Right SUV for You?

    Nissan Rogue: Is it the Right SUV for You?

    The Nissan Rogue has a big reputation for being a great compact SUV. Is it the right SUV for you and your family? To help you answer that question, we’re taking an in-depth look at the 2019 Nissan Rogue and giving you our take.

    Between the new features, returning favorites and price tag, is the Nissan Rogue the right car for you?

    2019 Nissan Rogue

    Design

    As a compact SUV, the Nissan Rogue doesn’t pack a lot of surprises into its design. Largely, it looks like every other compact SUV, with a few notes of Nissan flair to set it apart. The angular front grille is noteworthy, giving the vehicle a somewhat sporty and “mean” appearance.

    This is offset by the smooth curves and soft lines elsewhere in the body. Largely, the Rogue is an SUV that manages to look both responsible and somewhat cool, a line that most compact SUVs are doing a good job of walking today.

    Engine

    The 2019 Nissan Rogue sports a respectable fuel economy of 26 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway. The trade-off is the somewhat wimpy engine, coming in at 170 horsepower. At higher speeds, the engine struggles noisily to maintain its pace. If you’re a fan of a fun drive, the Rogue is probably not the right car for you.

    It’s worth noting that the handling is middle-of-the-road, behaving neither sluggishly nor with agility. The powertrain is rather noisy, as well, making what would be an otherwise luxurious cabin somewhat grating. In short, the Rogue is a poor pick for those who are often on the highway.

    Interior

    The interior is high-quality and very well-made. The materials are premium and the cabin feels nice to ride in. There’s plenty of room in the cargo area, making it easy to carry all of your stuff with you. There’s ample room for passengers, too. However, the Rogue, as a compact SUV, only seats 5.

    There are tons of standard safety features to keep you and your family safe. Automatic emergency braking, lane-assist and blind spot monitoring are all available and help you with peace of mind.

    Bottom Line

    The Rogue is a fine vehicle for those who want an upscale interior and don’t mind a weak, noisy powertrain. If you’re often on the highway, the Rogue is a poor pick. For getting the family back and forth to school and the grocery store, however, it makes a fine vehicle.

    The 2019 Nissan Rogue starts at $24,920, and options can get that price as high as $32,740.

  • 2019 Mazda CX-5: Worth the Money? Our Take

    2019 Mazda CX-5: Worth the Money? Our Take

    The Mazda CX-5 is a popular SUV in the luxury category. It’s a compact SUV with a lot of style, and it’s been turning a lot of heads. Maybe you’ve heard some various reviews and you’re wondering whether a 2019 Mazda CX-5 is worth the money. If that’s you, we have good news.

    Today, we’re giving you our take on the compact SUV from Mazda. How does it drive? Is there enough cargo space? And, most importantly, is it worth the money? Let’s get into it.

    2019 Mazda CX-5

    A Car-Lover’s SUV

    In a word: yes. Yes, this is a great SUV, and yes, it is worth the money. Why the glowing praise? Well, that all boils down to the thoughtful design and killer engine under the hood. The performance is agile, the handling is smooth, and the acceleration is downright impressive.

    For drivers who want a fun ride while still leaving plenty of room for the family, the Mazda CX-5 is your compromise point. Sure, you can’t buy a Corvette when you’ve got to get the kids to soccer practice. You can, however, by a Mazda CX-5 and have at least a little fun after the kids are dropped off at school.

    Under the Hood

    There’s a lot to admire under the hood of this surprising SUV. The powertrain might not sound impressive, topping out at 227 horses, but it’s a surprisingly athletic engine that powers this ride. The engine is also somewhat economical: it’s burning at 25 miles per gallon city and 31 on the highway.

    This is all assuming you’re opting for the mightier of the engine options, which entails a bit of an upsell in price. However, we recommend the option highly here, because it’s what makes the car. A Mazda CX-5 with a wimpy engine is like an action movie with no fight scenes: pointless.

    Bottom Line

    There’s a lot to love with the Mazda CX-5. As for some counterpoints, the vehicle does have sub-par room for cargo and a complex infotainment system. However, these are but minor complaints towards an overall stellar vehicle. The athletic, powerful engine and fun ride more than makeup for these minor complaints.

    The quiet, luxurious cabin and smooth ride are all icing on the cake. Starting a little over $24,000 and capping out near $37,000, there’s a lot of room to build the CX-5 that’s right for you and your budget from its options. Just make sure you add the upgraded engine option, so you get that sweet ride.

  • Should You Buy an Acura RDX? Our Take

    Should You Buy an Acura RDX? Our Take

    Acura is a big name when it comes to luxury. For those looking to find the best of luxury SUVs, the Acura RDX is high on the list of potential vehicles. If you’ve been looking for a good vehicle for your family that combines luxury and cargo space, you might have been considering and RDX.

    Today we’ll give you our take: should you buy an Acura RDX?

    Acura RDX: Should You Buy?

    Overview

    There’s a lot to love with the Acura RDX. The 2019 model is a winner across the board, bringing ample luxury and style to go with its smooth ride and spacious interior. Let’s get into what makes it such a great pick.

    Whether you’re trying to get your family to the grocery store and back or taking a trip to the beach, comfort is key. Acura knows that, and that’s why the RDX is such a smooth, comfortable ride. The engine is quiet and responsive, giving the driver tons of control on the road.

    Interior

    Ample tech features come standard on the RDX, and the interior will impress even the most discerning tastes. The cab is spacious, luxurious and comfortable. Finishes are top-notch, the seats are soft and cozy and there’s tons of leg room. The design is altogether impressive, on a holistic level.

    This all goes hand-in-hand with the ample cargo space. When you need to haul a ton of stuff with you, you’ve got room to stash it all. This doesn’t come at the expense of passenger comfort, either, which is a huge plus.

    Engine

    The drivetrain, which is smooth and quiet, offers 272 horsepower, making it modestly impressive. The engine also gets a respectable 22 miles per gallon in the city, and 27 on the highway. The acceleration won’t blow you’re mind, but it’s solid enough to be impressive. In all, this is exactly the kind of engine you’d expect from a luxury SUV.

    Bottom Line

    With some minor exceptions, there’s little to criticize in this high-end luxury SUV. If you’re looking for a roomy, comfortable ride with a great engine for your family, the Acura RDX is a great pick. Our only minor nitpick is the infotainment system, which carries a bit of a learning curve to figure out.

    The only other minor sticking point could be the price. For those on a budget, the intro price of $37,400 might be a bit steep. However, for those able to swing it, this is a stellar vehicle.