How to get the best fuel ecnomy out of any used car

We understand that when selecting a new used vehicle, great MPG typically ranks high in most car buyer’s list of important qualities to have. We have many vehicle models to chose from here at CarLoanUnlimited.com that both affordable and gas efficient. However, if you find yourself stuck with a gas guzzler, there are ways of getting the most mileage out of your used vehicle. Here are a few tips and key facts to keep in mind for getting the most for the gas you pay for.

Weight and Aerodynamics

After huffing up a flight of stairs fully-laden with groceries, you’ll likely appreciate that your vehicles work exactly the same way – they even “inhale” oxygen and “exhale” carbon dioxide. In other words, the more weight they’re carrying, the harder they’re working. Similarly, pushing against the wind also expends more energy than if the car can cut through the wind. In either case, the end result is the same – more energy requires more fuel, driving down your miles per gallon (MPG). To get the best MPGs your vehicle can see where you can reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. If you don’t need to carry it, consider leaving it home.

• In the average automobile, every 100 pounds extra weight exacts a 1% MPG penalty. Smaller vehicles will experience bigger penalties than larger vehicles.
• Roof racks and cargo boxes, particularly roof-mounted boxes, and duffels can really depress your fuel economy, even unloaded. At speeds under 40 mph, aerodynamic problems might cost 2%-8% of your base fuel economy. At highway speeds, 65 mph to 75 mph, the penalty bumps significantly, costing 6%-25% more. Rear-mounted cargo boxes aren’t quite as bad, maybe costing up to 5% at highway speed.

Boost Fuel Economy with Proper Maintenance and Repair

Vehicle condition has a huge impact on fuel economy. When the engine is running properly, it’s using fuel most efficiently and delivering power most efficiently. On the other hand, when things aren’t working right, whether or not the check engine light (CEL) is on, more fuel is being used to get the same result, costing you more to drive the same distance. To get the best MPG out of your ride, keep it in good shape.

• At your next engine oil change, consider a flush and the lightest synthetic your engine is designed for. If your engine is designed to run 5W-20, it’ll use more fuel forcing 10W-30 through it. Synthetic oils also run cleaner and longer than conventional oils, saving you money on maintenance.
• Tire pressure is a big problem in the United States, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly half of all American vehicles are running with at least one under-inflated tire, which is why tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) were mandated starting in 2007. Besides being the leading cause of tire blowouts, insufficient tire pressure also increases rolling resistance and fuel consumption. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that each pound under-inflation exacts a 0.2% fuel economy penalty. Check and adjust tire pressure every week or two to maximize fuel economy.
• Speaking of tires, another way to improve fuel economy, at least the next time your tires are worn and in need of replacement, is to consider low rolling-resistance (LRR) tires. Consumer Reports (CR) estimates the average driver could save $78 per year in refueling costs, which isn’t huge, but every little bit helps. As with all tire factors, the reduced rolling-resistance of an LRR tire comes with a trade-off, and some consumers may experience reduced traction and cornering performance.
• Finally, the CEL or any other engine monitoring or control problems can seriously impact your fuel economy. The EPA estimates that a faulty oxygen sensor, also called Lambda or Air-Fuel Ratio sensors, can impact fuel economy by as much as 40%! Have any CEL or running problems diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to extract the highest MPG possible.

Driving Habits for Better MPG

This might be the hardest thing to change, especially if you’ve been driving for years or decades, but our driving habits can be costing us more MPG than necessary.

• The most basic advice we can give here is to simply slow down, especially on the highway. While the interstate might be rated at 65 mph and “everyone” seems to be driving 75 mph or more, it’s also costing you more to drive so fast. EPA fuel economy estimates are calculated at a pokey 55 mph, costing you about 5 MPG for every 10 mph. Driving the speed limit not only saves you fuel but is also significantly safer.
• Depending on where you drive, road and traffic conditions can range from calm to insane – failing to remain calm can not only be bad for your health but also drain your fuel tank. In stop and go traffic, aggressive driving, such as jack-rabbit starts and aggressive lane-changing, followed by sudden stops and excessive idling, can increase fuel consumption by 10%-40%. On the highway, aggressive driving can cost you 15%-30% in reduced fuel economy. In addition to saving you money at the pump, you can reduce your blood pressure and prevent car crashes by maintaining a calm demeanor.

At the end of the day, your real-world fuel economy depends on several factors coming together in harmony. You can use the right oil and the right tires but cancel out their benefits by carrying too much weight or driving too fast. Learn to balance all of these and you can maximize your fuel economy no matter what you drive.

If fuel Economy is a major concern when selecting your next used vehicle, our skilled and knowledgeable team at CarLoanUnlimited.com can assist with finding the perfect car for you. With many vehicle models to choose from, our Orlando/Longwood and New Smyrna Beach locations have plenty of gas-efficient cars to choose from. And once you find a car that meets your needs, our in-house financing options like EZ car Loans, no credit check car loans, and low-price down payments from $500 down ensure you can drive today with your used car. Visit our buy here pay here dealership today!

3 Helpful Driving Habits to Make your Used Car Last Longer

No matter how old or new your car is, regular upkeep and maintenance is an important part of car ownership. But it can be small habits that determine the longevity of your vehicle, especially if it’s a used car. Here are some helpful car driving and ownership tips on getting the most out of your used vehicle.

1) Regular oil Changes

Although one of the more obvious suggestions on the list, it never hurts to illustrate is importance. Often compared to the lifeblood of a car, and oil’s quality and cleanliness can dramatically impact a car’s performance. In some extreme cases, some car experts suggest changing it in as little as every 1,000 miles. However, the average car can ideally go between 3,000-5,000 miles before an oil change is necessary. If one goes beyond 5,000 miles before changing the oil in their used car, the oil will gain large enough deposits of dirt, grime, and other abrasives that could lead do filter clogging, overheating, and damage to the engine itself.

2) Reduce Weight

Even for cars engineered to handle hundreds of pounds of storage, it’s in best practice to limit the excess weight you’re placing on your used vehicle. That extra weight can impact almost all aspects of your used car’s health, including using more fuel to run your vehicle, increasing wear and tear on your bakes, and adding excess stress and pressure on your suspension, shock absorbers, bushings, bearings, and more.

3) Drive Regularly

Unless you have more cars than days in the week, this is generally one of the easiest guidelines to follow. But even if you simply depend on other means of transportation besides your used car, it’s important to drive it at least once a week to maintain optimal car health. This simple exercise can do a lot to prevent some harmful side effects to your car, including:

• Moisture collecting in the gas tank (especially if it isn’t full) and in the oil over time, and that can lead to corrosion.
• Rodents, snakes, or other animals taking residency in your used car’s engine.
• Prevents air pressure from losing rapidly.
• Keeps the battery from slowly draining, requiring a jump or even a full replacement if neglected long enough.

These tips should help you get the most out of your car, but excellent care is only half the battle. The other half is practicing these habits with a used car that’s already in excellent shape. At CarLoanUnlimited.com, we have many vehicle models to chose from, all of which meet our rigorous quality standards. And without EZ Car Loan and no credit check car loan options, you are already approved. Come swing by CarLoanUnlimited.com our Orlando/Longwood and New Smyrna Beach location and drive today!

The 3 best questions to ask to find your perfect used car

Let’s face it, it’s not always feasible to purchase a brand new vehicle, and more people than ever are turning to EZ car loans or in-house financing options for leasing a used car. But between the many makes and models to choose from, not to mention those cars’ year, mileage and condition, it can be a lot to consider when selecting your next vehicle. If you find yourself struggling with the number of factors to consider, we have 4 simple questions to ask yourself to help narrow your options and select the used car perfect for you.

1) What do you need most from your vehicle?

“What do I need from my new car?” can be a deceptively complicated question. The truth is, any used vehicle will likely need to fulfill multiple needs, but some may take priority over others. The spacious seating options of a minivan may take priority over getting a fuel-efficient sedan. Selecting a car with the lowest mileage may take a backseat to a car with fewer and more affordable repairs in the future. There is a multitude of features that can impact a used car selection, such as:

• Current mileage
• Miles per gallon
• Number of seats
• Average cost of repairs, and most common repairs
• Additional perks (bluetooth, power locks/winders, etc)

Some options you can live without, and some are a vital part of any used car purchase. We suggest identifying the three most important qualities you’re looking for in your next vehicle, and use that as the benchmark separate all but the best cars available for you.

2) What can you afford?

Perhaps you have created this list of prerequisites for your ideal used car, and have even found a few options you’d be happy with. But now comes the question most people searching for a new car dread: can I afford this? Before you reach this point in your used car search, it helps to have a financial gameplan that goes beyond simply purchasing the car. Here are a few helpful questions to answer to assess your used car budget:

• How much can you afford in car payments monthly?
• How large of a down payment can you place?
• How much will you be spending monthly on gas and tolls?
• What are some of the major repairs you can expect with the car of your interest, and how much will they generally cost?

3) What do you want from your next used car?

Unlike our first question, this isn’t about what’s necessary for your driving habits and lifestyle. At the end of the day, we all still want to be happy with the used car we purchase. Visit CarLoanUnlimited.com and learn more about our incredible in-house finance options: such as our EZ car loans, no credit check car loans, and our low-price down payment options from $500 down. Visit our Orlando/Longwood and New Smyrna Beach locations and start driving today!

The impact of the used car market on you

It’s no surprise that there are more used cars making up a larger portion of the overall vehicle market than brand new cars. Over the past two years alone, used car sales have risen from 39.2 million in 2017 to over 40 million in 2018. There are a number of economic impacts that have lead to this steady rise in the purchase or short-term loans of used vehicles, but how do these numbers affect the person looking for a used vehicle now? We’re here to shed some light on how the used car market can impact your next in-house car loan.

Higher Demand means Higher Prices

In the wake of stagnating wages over a rise in the cost of living, there are many economic trends indicating many consumers have become more frugal and more conscious of investing in better, cheaper deals. This logic has extended itself to the world of used cars. As the rates of used car loans increased over the years, its demand has had an impact on slowly rising prices for used vehicles. This trend is likely to continue as rising costs have, as of yet, negatively impacted the average consumer who is willing to pay a little more for an ideal used car overpaying even more for its brand new counterpart.

The Impact of Rising Costs of New Cars

The used car market isn’t the only market with rising price-tags. Although, its rates are not escalating nearly as fast as the used car market. Over the past seven years, the average price of a new vehicle has increased by 7.7%, compared to the used car market with an average increase of 14.8. Despite this number nearing double the rate of the used car market increase, the used car market is still a better value overall, with most used cars being at least $10,000 cheaper than their newer counterparts, and will still be a better deal to the more financially conscious car consumer.

Timing is Everything

It’s a familiar adage and its one that is befitting to the often capricious nature of rising and falling costs of used vehicles. Sometimes, choosing when to take on an EZ loan isn’t an option for purchasers seeking an immediate need for a used car. But if the luxury of choosing when to buy your car is on your side, used vehicles are the cheapest during the last quarter of the year. Most dealers are motivated to create better deals to entice consumers who are busy with holiday shopping, or those looking to purchase a very generous gift on four wheels!

If news of the increased demand and rising prices of used vehicles has you concerned, you have nothing to worry about when purchasing a used car at CarLoanUnlimited.com. All credit types are accepted as we offer no credit check auto loans, EZ car loans, and low-price down payments from $500 down. Drive Today in your affordable used car by visiting our Orlando/Longwood or New Smyrna Beach locations

Why used cars are the best options for Millenials

Buying, or financing a car is a big step for anyone, but especially big for young adults and millennials. There is a multitude of factors that go into selecting the right vehicle for them, especially the choice between buying new or used. But any millennial seriously considering this investment should consider all of the benefits with getting easy short term loans or an EZ Car Loans on a used vehicle.

Financially Manageable

In short, buying or financing used vehicles is the most affordable option for most millennials, which is an important factor in an increasingly dire economic climate for this generation. For most millennials, homeownership and families have become more challenging. Between stagnating wages form the 2008 recession and rising student loan debt, the average millennial has 34% less family wealth than their previous counterparts held at the same age. With this in mind, the cost is everything; and used vehicles offer the best value for the budget-conscious generation.

Depreciating Values on Cars

For new car owners, depreciation can be a massive burden on a car’s resale value, but it can be a blessing for the savvy used car purchaser. For those unfamiliar, depreciation is the gradual reduction of value in a car’s worth, and it can come in very swift and unpredictable ways. Simply driving a new car off the lot can depreciate a card as much as 10%. It will decrease an additional 10% after the first year and continue to decrease as high as 12-20% For each year after that.

For a used car purchaser like most millennials, depreciation can be a valuable thing. Regardless of the mileage on a vehicle, its value is guaranteed to diminish over time. This means if you can find on an older model car that is low on mileage and relatively new condition, you’ll be getting one of the best deals.

The working-class millennial generation are some of the most frugal and intelligent when it comes to spending their money. We here at CarLoanUnlimited.com understand this and provide all of our customers, millennial or not, the most affordable options with or in-house financing. Our buy here pay here dealership located in Orlando/Longwood and New Smyrna Beach ensures you are approved when all credit types are accepted and provided affordable EZ loans, no credit check auto loans, and low price down payments from $500 down.

Getting the best value for your trade-in

Trading in your used car at a buy here pay here dealership is often the easiest way to reduce the price of your used car loan. With CarLoanUnlimited.com, our Orlando/Longwood and New Smyrna Beach locations give the fairest prices we can on any trade-in. We not only provide our customers with the best no credit check out loans for used cars but the knowledge necessary to understand what goes into determining the value of a trade-in. Here are some tips for determining your car’s trade-in value.

Research market value

Learning the value of your used vehicle is surprisingly simple if you know where to look. There are many sites you can visit to determine vehicle worth based on year, make, model, condition, and multiple of other factors used to determine the most accurate price range you can expect in your trade-in. Despite the many options out there for gauging this, we recommend Edmunds True Market Value and Kelley Blue Book Value (KBB).

Both sites come with their advantages: KBB is one of the most widely recognized names in estimating a car’s worth, but ETMV can give you the average price-range the car is sold at in dealerships, which adds a level of transparency about the overall value. We recommend using both sites to ensure the estimated trade-in closely resemble one another.

For most, this information alone would suffice. But for people looking to get the best deal on their EZ car loans or short-term loan, there are ways of digging even deeper for more information on a car’s trade-in value.

Looking Into Local Value

Although KBB and ETMV are fantastic tools to gauge trade-in value, they are just a starting point. It’s important to remember that these prices are based on a national average, and are subject to numerous variables of market fluctuations, even on a day-to-day basis. For those serious about learning just how much they can get for their used vehicle trade-in, examining your local market is key.

Local market values that are the most relevant data for accurately determining your car’s trade-in value. In fact, there is a simple way to assess this through CarLoanUnlimited.com Orlando. If we have a similar car to the year, make, and model to the one you are trading in, follow these two simple steps:

1. Subtract $2500 from the listed value
2. Compare that price to either the KBB or ETMV estimation, and go with the better value

With knowledge of the best practices in determining your vehicle’s worth, we’d welcome you visit CarLoanUnlimited.com’s Orlando/Longwood and New Smyrna Beach locations. View our many vehicle models to choose from, including some of the most flexible financing options available. Everything from EZ Car loans to no credit check car loans, we’ve got you covered so you can drive today with your new car!

Helpful advice for financing a used car

Getting a new vehicle can be a big financial commitment. Whether you buy new or used, having a clear idea of your budgetary goals can be just as important as the car you select. Even with the help of CarLoanUnlimited.com and our in-house finance or no credit check out loans, it can always benefit you to learn some helpful tips on the best ways to prepare for such a big investment.

Set a budget

This step in the car buying process may seem like common sense, but there are some helpful rules of thumb to keep in mind to ensure you aren’t breaking the bank. It is advised to keep your monthly transportation expenses (car payment, gas, etc.) to under 20% of your monthly revenue, and it’s best to keep the car payment itself around 12%. For example, your car payment should be $360 or under with monthly revenue of $3000.

The best method of ensuring your car payments stay affordable, we recommend putting a down payment on the car to reduce the overall price of the vehicle you’d be left to pay off. At Car Loan Unlimited’s Orlando/Longwood and New Smyrna Beach locations, you are approved with or without this down payment, but our low-price down payment options from $500 down ensure even the smallest investment can lead to the biggest monthly savings for you, no matter the size of your budget!

Research your options

Once your financial projections are solidified, next comes researching your car options. It helps to get an idea of types of vehicles that you think fit your lifestyle. Safety, miles per gallon, and overall durability of mileage are all important factors to consider.

After you’ve made a small list of desired makes and models, its time check our extensive collection of vehicles available for short term loans or EZ loans. Beyond simply reviewing the car’s cursory appearance and mileage, we encourage our clients to visit our Orlando location to inspect the inside, the engine, and even take a test drive. If everything meets your satisfaction, it’s time to move on to solidify the deal.

Weight out your lending options

With a car selected that’s within your desired budget, now comes the time to weigh your financing option; finance through a 3rd party provider or directly through the dealership. Sadly, for many car purchasers, 3rd party loans are often the only option when dealing with dealerships who are not equipped to handle financing options internally. Not only does this complicate the process of you getting your new used car, but often comes with rigid restrictions and high-interest rates, especially to those with poor credit or no credit at all.

At CarLoanUnlimited.com, our buy here pay here Orlando/Longwood and New Smyrna Beach locations have the necessary banking licenses that can get you driving today. We offer EZ loans, no credit check auto loans, and many other in-house financing options for our customers. Reach out today, where all budgets and all credit types are accepted!

3 helpful tips for inspecting a used vehicle

Buying or financing a used car can be just as challenging and time-consuming as buying new. Securing an in-house finance option for a GREAT used car is even trickier; requiring a keen eye and good research to ensure you’re getting the best deal on your easy short term loan. At CarLoanUnlimited.com, we understand this process well, and here are a few tips and tricks you can apply when selecting your used car!

1. Review before visiting

Before visiting our buy here pay here dealerships in Orlando/Longwood and New Smyrna Beach, be sure to review our many vehicle options to chose from. Everything you need to know from make, model, year, mileage and more can be found there. However, not any car be the best fit for you and your needs. We encourage all of our customers to do some homework on which models maintain their value and durability over the course of their lifespan. Sites like Kelly Blue Book can assist with providing those crucial details you’ll need before making a wise investment.

2. Inspect the outside

Here at CarLoanUnlimited.com Orlando, we know ample research on a vehicle alone isn’t enough to convince the average buyer. Sometimes it takes seeing the car in person to feel confident in your future vehicle. Here are a few items, in particular, to focus on when checking out a potential car.

A few scratches here and there may turn away some people, but cosmetic issues such as these can be quickly and easily remedied. Larger areas of concern lie just underneath the surface. It’s important to look over the exterior to ensure there are no signs of rust or any kind of metal corrosion, such as peeling or bubbling paint. If none are present, we recommend moving on to checking all the doors and windows of the car, as any kind of resistance (or lack thereof) of opening and closing them could be a sign of greater wear and tear.

3. Check under the hood

People always say “it’s what is on the inside that counts”, and the same is absolutely true when it comes to used cars. Checking the quality of the engine is a crucial element in making a selection in a used vehicle. From seasoned pros to car newbies, it always helps to look at these key three areas: fluids, hoses/belts, and battery.

Fluids
If the oil is a honey or amber color, the oil has recently been changed in the car. If not, the engine oil should be dark brown or black. It should never be gritty gray, not should the dipstick itself have any kind of water droplets on it. If you observe this, it is the sign of a cracked engine block or blown head gasket.

Hoses/Belts
There are a number of rubber hoses connecting parts such as the radiator or the air conditioner. These should be firm to the touch and supple, not hard, mushy, or cracked. As for the engine belts, we recommend running your hands alongside it to ensure they are not frayed or weakened in any way.

Battery
As for the battery, be aware of any rust or corrosion near the two terminals of the battery, as this is a clear indication that the battery may be depleted soon. If there are no visual indicators of the battery’s health, we suggest checking the battery’s charge with a multimeter if you have one

There are many more precautions one could make before deciding on the perfect used car for them. If you’re interested in being as informed about the state of your future vehicle, be sure to visit CarLoanUnlimited.com. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect used car. And with our no credit check auto loans from $500 down, it’s never been easier finance your used car. Come visit our Orlando/Longwood or New Smyrna Beach locations and drive today!

3 Myths about In-House Car Financing

It’s time to buy a car. You do your research, find the car you want in the color you want. But your bank account won’t let you buy it in one go. You are going to have to get an auto loan. Where do you go? A bank? They may look at your low-income and shake their head. Should you go to a credit union? Same problem. But you don’t want to finance through a dealership. You’ve heard too many stories about dealerships.

But are those stories true? Here are three myths you’ve probably heard, but are NOT true.

1. Dealerships are more interested in getting your money than helping you buy a car

Every business needs money to run. Even car dealerships. But every business also needs trust, friendship, and confidence of customers. Even car dealerships. If all dealerships were out to steal your money, they would not have much business.

While some car dealerships may have less integrity than others, dealerships like Car Loan Unlimited want to help you. We want to put a stop to myths that scare you away from honest options like in-house financing.

2. In-house financing charges higher interest

Interest is the stumbling block of car loans. It needs to be low enough for you to afford, but stand out enough for you to be wary of it. That being said, the interest on your loan will depend on your credit score, not on where you finance. Dealerships can offer you better deals than some banks and credit unions depending on your credit score. Dealerships can even offer you better deals when banks or credit unions turn you down.

3. In-house financing is only for new cars

You want a used car, but your bank or credit union turned you down. You don’t want to buy a new car, but what choice do you have? Try choosing not to believe this myth. CarLoanUnlimited.com will finance in-house for used cars. They want to help you find the right car for you. That includes helping you secure a loan. In-house financing applies to both new and used cars.

For more facts about in-house car financing, browse CarLoanUnlimited.com. You will find a great selection of cars, ideas for financing, and help when you need it.

How In-House Financing Options Can Make-Over Your Credit Score

The world, and particularly Orlando, is obsessed with makeovers. We like watching experts take someone, dress him or her up, dye their hair, throw on new make-up, and turn them into someone completely different. It’s fun to see the before and after. It’s interesting to see how they are treated different. We marvel at differences in behavior and confidence. Who wouldn’t want a makeover?

But instead of a makeover to change your appearance, why not a makeover to change your credit score? Wouldn’t you like to see your score go up? Have all the dirt and mistakes disappear from your credit history and be able to feel confident about your financial history?

There’s a way to accomplish this, but it may not occur in the way you’d expect.

First of all, it isn’t an instant change. It will take time and effort to turn your credit score around. Second, it’s not a permanent solution. A good credit score must be maintained even after achievement.

But what is the solution? In-house financing.

A car dealership with in-house financing is like the television show promising to makeover your appearance or house. They are the catalyst for change. Once you buy a car and finance in-house, you can be coached through the journey of making-over your credit score.

The in-house financier will help you make a plan. This plan will include buying a car, setting up a payment schedule, consequences if you miss payments, and what happens when you finish paying off your car.

In-house financing cuts out the middle man. You may hear people tell you to go to a bank or credit union for a loan. Financing in-house lets you correspond directly with the people who care most. They deal with people who have credit troubles every day. They have experience and they have resources.

Next time you want to give your credit a makeover, visit an Orlando dealership that finances in-house. Maybe we’ll see you at Automotive Link or on CarLoanUnlimited.com. For more information on how an in-house make-over can help your credit, browse our website. We look forward to changing your credit score, and your life.