Tips

Inflation is driving up car prices. 6 tips for buying in 2022

By Betty C. Morrow 4 days ago

2021 was an unusual year for the automotive industry. While customer demand for new cars rebounded from the economic uncertainty of 2020, automakers found themselves unable to meet that demand because of semiconductor chip shortages and supply chain problems, and prices for both new and used cars skyrocketed. 

So what should car shoppers expect for 2022? Much of the same, unfortunately.

“Competition for new vehicles will be fierce as inventory shortages persist in 2022,” said Ivan Drury, senior manager of insights for the auto website Edmunds.

Along with shortages and supply chain issues, drivers also have inflation to thank for continued price hikes for cars in 2022. Overall consumer inflation soared 7% in 2021, the biggest increase in nearly 40 years, the Labor Department said on Wednesday. Used car and truck prices, a main driver of the surge, shot up 37% last year, with the average used vehicle now costing

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10 basic car maintenance tips that can save you money

By Betty C. Morrow 2 weeks ago

(iSeeCars) – New and used car prices are at record highs. One way to save money on buying a new (or new-to-you) car is to prolong the life of your existing vehicle. Or, if you plan to sell your vehicle, proper car maintenance will increase its resale value. Routine oil changes are a no-brainer, but there are additional routine maintenance measures that can easily be overlooked. That’s why we compiled this handy list of basic car maintenance tips that can improve the quality and reliability of your car and save you money in the long run.

Here are 10 simple things that can have long-term effects on your car’s reliability. While this isn’t a comprehensive list, it highlights some of the most overlooked car maintenance items that can help cut down on unnecessary car repair expenses and keep your car running smoothly.

1. Wash Your Car Regularly

While

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Tips for buying a new or used vehicle in a red-hot market

By Betty C. Morrow 8 months ago

If you’re in the market for a new ride, here are some money-saving tips to keep you from getting burned.

ST PAUL, Minn. — Car sales have done a 180-degree turnaround from a year ago when sales plunged 30%. New cars, used cars, the boom is one of the hottest and trickiest markets for consumers.  

Tom Leonard, President and CEO of Fury Motors in St. Paul believes demand for vehicles is at an all-time high. “What has changed in the last few months is the availability of the new vehicles,” he said. “Where we use to have a 100-day supply, we probably have closer to a 30-day supply.”

That makes Leonard a happy man. But the demand comes as a microchip shortage is stalling production at many auto plants. Couple that with employees returning to work, low interest rates and buyers flush with cash and finding your new vehicle could

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Buying a car? Follow these 4 tips to hit the gas with confidence

By Betty C. Morrow 8 months ago

Last year brought unprecedented changes across nearly every industry, and automotive was no exception. In fact, the auto market continues to exceed expectations. Compared to March 2020, TrueCar estimates vehicle sales were up 42% in March 2021. So, if you’re in the market to buy a car, you’re in great company.

Navigating a new and ever-evolving automotive landscape can be tricky, but these four tips will help you be successful with your car-buying journey in 2021 and beyond.

Set a realistic budget

Before you start the process of financing and looking around for a car, you should understand your budget. That includes taking into account not just the sticker price of the car, but the total cost of owning a vehicle.

“Make sure you can afford the monthly loan payment, in addition to other costs that come along with car ownership, personal property taxes, registration fees, insurance, fuel costs

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