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Top 5 Used Family Cars Under $15,000

Used Family Cars
Buying a used car is a great idea. The following are five of the best used family cars that offer outstanding value for their good, pre-owned prices.

Buying a used car is an excellent idea, no matter what type of vehicle you’re looking for. The following are five of the best used family cars that offer outstanding value for their good, pre-owned prices.

2011 Nissan Maxima

The handsome 2011 Nissan Maxima still looks fresh today, and in a Maxima that has been well cared for, the mechanics feel just as up-to-date. A midsize sedan is always a good, efficient option for family travels, and this affordable choice will not disappoint.

2012 Honda Odyssey

Excellent safety ratings, an efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine, and family-oriented amenities make this minivan a great used family vehicle.

2011 Toyota RAV4

If you want a vehicle with four-wheel drive, a used Toyota RAV4 is a great pick. They’re comfortable, reliable, and easy to maneuver, making them good choices for driving in the snow or off of pavement.

2011 Toyota Sienna

Another great used option in the minivan segment is the Toyota Sienna, which was redesigned for the 2011 model year. In these models and later you will find various valuable features like a kid-friendly entertainment system.

2011 Honda Pilot

Hondas are known for being reliable and long-lasting, which makes them great used cars. The 2011 Honda Pilot seats up to eight, so it’s a good choice for bigger families or frequent carpoolers.

Picking the right car is crucial when buying used, which makes having access to an extensive lineup of excellent used car truly convenient. And that’s exactly what you can expect at E-Z Way Auto Sales!

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What are the most reliable car brands?

2018 Toyota

2018 Toyota

When looking to buy a new or used vehicle, a factor that should consider is how reliable the vehicle will perform over time. Not only will this elevate your confidence on the road, but it will give you peace of mind that your investment is a good one and that the car will serve you well for years to come. Typically, there are certain car brands — or models — that have a reputation for being reliable and long-lasting. Here’s a short guide to the most reliable car brands to help you on your search for the perfect used car. Both U.S. News & World Report and Consumer Reports rank these brands among the top.

  • Toyota: Toyota is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, and its popularity is guaranteed by its steady reliability and beloved models.
  • Kia: Kia’s exceptional warranty is unsurpassed for its quality, which is backed up by its reliable performance and equipment.
  • Buick: This luxury brand is among the best, achieving the perfect balance between performance, affordability, and upscale features.
  • Honda: Honda vehicles — like the Accord, Civic, CR-V, and Odyssey — routinely lead their segments and win top industry awards.

So there you have it: if you’re looking for a used car, a good place to start is to shop for those offered by the reliable car brands. Check them out at E-Z Way Auto Sales!

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Fuel Efficient Driving Tips

Fuel Efficient Driving Tips

No driver likes paying more than they have to for fuel, and conserving fuel is easier than you might think. With just a few minor adjustments, you can significantly increase your car’s fuel economy. Check out these fuel efficient driving tips to get the most out of every drop of gas!

Relax

Sometimes saving fuel is as easy as simply relaxing a little behind the wheel. Stressed drivers tend to hit the gas more and drive more aggressively. As a result, fuel efficiency suffers. According to Ford, choosing to relax behind the wheel and drive more smoothly can increase fuel economy by up to 33 percent. Your brakes and tires will last longer with more relaxed driving, too!

Slow Down

Speeding uses more fuel than simply maintaining the speed limit. Fuel economy tends to decrease dramatically when driving at more than 50 mph. Instead of hitting the gas, leave a few minutes earlier in order to slow down. Even slowing down just 5 mph can result in significant savings over the life of the vehicle.

Close the Top

Hitting the highway in a convertible doesn’t mean getting bad fuel economy. Closing the top when traveling at high speeds lowers wind resistance and increases efficiency. You’ll also experience less turbulence and reduced noise.

Another way to get better fuel economy is to keep your car in good shape. For the best service, schedule an appointment at E-Z Way Auto Sales!

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How to Research Used Cars Online

Auto Dealership

Auto Dealership

There is no single, set-in-stone way to go about the used car buying process, but most shoppers start with a whole lot of good-old fashioned online research. With the multitudes of online resources (some more reputable than others), finding the right vehicle information can be fraught with unnecessary challenges and stressors.

But take a deep breath – your friends at E-Z Way Auto Sales are here with a few tips to help you successfully (and succinctly) research used cars online.

Use Reliable Websites

Avoid personal blogs and non-professional sites. A few reliable go-to sites are Edmunds.com, AutoTrader.com, and CarsDirect.com. These sites process the most up-to-date, insider information directly from the auto industry and present it to consumers in a clean, easy-to-read style.

Resist the Impulse to Be Impulsive

You might stumble upon what seems to be the perfect make and model at a sublime price, but don’t take the plunge right away. Bookmark the page with the vehicle information and do some more research on model’s history, its resale value, known mechanical issues, and seller information. Patience pays off, we promise!

Don’t Share Personal Information

If any seller – especially an independent or private seller – asks for your personal information (e.g. social security number, home address, date of birth, etc.), say NO. There is no need to share personal information until the point of sale.

If you still want to know more about how to research used cars online, give us a call! One of our helpful representatives is waiting to assist you.

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Stay Safe in the Storm: Tips for Driving in the Rain

GPS in rain

GPS in rain

We have experienced some extreme weather in recent months, from hurricanes to unseasonable snow. To feel more prepared for the next dose of stormy weather, take a look at these quick tips for driving in the rain.

Pay attention to the wind

Even if you drive a larger vehicle, you should stay aware of the wind. Heavy gusts can come out of nowhere. Pay attention to weather forecasts, turn down music or other media, and keep two hands firmly on the wheel. Some areas that are particularly susceptible to heavy wind will have road signs posted to warn you, so stay on the look-out!

Drive slowly but don’t crawl

Lower your speed when rain and wind start to escalate, but be aware that not everyone on the road (especially the freeway) will do the same. If you feel that visibility is so bad that you cannot safely operate your vehicle, find the safest place to pull over, put on your hazard lights, and stay in the car until the weather improves.

Make sure your lights are on

The minute you turn on your wiper blades, you should turn on your lights. This helps other cars see you when the rain might otherwise make it difficult.

Increase your following distance

When driving in the rain, make an effort to increase the space between yourself and other drivers. An extra second can be the difference between a close call and a collision.

From all of us at E-Z Way Auto, we wish you safest travels all year long.

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Why It’s Important to Change Your Oil

Car Service

Car Service

Routine maintenance is crucial for keeping your vehicle safely on the road for as long as possible. Be sure to regularly have your engine, tires, brakes, and battery inspected, and don’t forget your regular oil changes. Depending on your which vehicle you’ve purchased from E-Z Way Auto, your oil might need to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, though some vehicles can make it up to 7,500 miles.

Here are a few reasons why it’s important to change your oil regularly:

Oil serves as lubricant for your car’s engine, which has several moving parts that can create a lot of heat. Keeping them properly lubricated with oil keeps your car’s engine from overheating.

Further, oil naturally removes dirt, engine wear particles, and sludge that would otherwise build up in your engine and cause damage. Over time, the oil becomes dirty and needs to be replaced. If you don’t replace this oil, your engine will grow increasingly dirty and will be prone not just to overheating, but other kinds of damage as well.

Getting your oil changed is also a win for fuel economy. Good engine lubrication leads to better mileage on the road. A regular oil change, though it may cost you $20 to $30, could save you even more in fuel costs.

If your car is in need of an oil change, stop by E-Z Way Auto or give us a call to schedule a service appointment.

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Maintenance 101: Why You Should Get Your Car’s Tires Rotated

why you should get your car’s tires rotated

If you are not someone who is passionate about cars, it is probably easier to take your car in for routine maintenance than get your hands dirty under the hood and risk breaking something. But, inquisitive minds still might wonder why we need to replace spark plugs, get the oil changed, etc. We at E-Z Way Auto Sales  hope to shed light on some of those topics. We’ll start with an easy one: why you should get your car’s tires rotated.

Tire rotations should go hand-in-hand with every oil change—or at least every other. A good rule of thumb is every 5,000 miles. Why should they be rotated and at this frequency?

Tire rotations are all about the longevity of your tires. By the nature of the way you drive, your front tires will wear differently from your rear tires (and left vs. right). By regularly rotating them, you are ensuring the even wear of your tires. Doing so will keep them on the road longer and keep you safer behind the wheel.

Rotating the tires yourself is possible, though not recommended. You’ll need tools like an impact wrench, a torque wrench, a jack stand, and a hydraulic floor jack—plus the know-how. Because of that, it is recommended that you bring your car in to service departments like Tech 3 Automotive for routine maintenance. If it’s been a while since you’ve had the tires rotated, call them to schedule an appointment.

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Four Tips For Servicing A New Car

Car Problem

Servicing a new car is crucial to keeping it looking better and lasting longer, so make sure you stay on top of the maintenance schedule and address these needs.

 

Check Oil Level and Quality Each Month

Most modern vehicles only need oil changes every 5,000 miles or so, but it’s still a good idea to check the actual level and quality of the oil at least once a month to make sure there are no leak and the oil isn’t too dirty.

 

Keep Up with Tire Pressure

Improperly inflated tires can lead to a whole host of problems, from reduced fuel economy to uneven tread wear. Make sure you break out the pressure gauge regularly and keep your tires inflated.

 

Wash Your Vehicle Regularly

Washing your vehicle doesn’t just keep it looking nice. The accumulation of dirt and grime can cause lasting wear-and-tear, especially if you live in an area where salt accumulates on the undercarriage in the wintertime.

 

Have Routine Inspections Every Oil Change

Whenever you go in to have the oil changed, you should have a professional look over your vehicle. Things like checking battery charge, inspecting brakes, checking fluids, changing filters, and other routine maintenance should be performed regularly.

 

Follow these simple guidelines for servicing a new car to keep it in like-new condition longer. Here at E-Z Way Auto Sales, we inspect every vehicle before we put it on the lot to sell to you. Check us out today!

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Why Buying a Used Car Is a Smart Idea

Why Buying a Used Car Is Smart
Buying a used vehicle is a smart decision, and even more when you buy from E-Z Way in Hickory, Lenoir, Morganton, or Lincolnton!

Buying a new car can be out of the question for many drivers, but new vehicles aren’t the only option. Used vehicles may present a better value to the right buyer. Here are a few reasons why buying a used car from E-Z Way Auto Sales is a wise decision.

Depreciation
There aren’t many things that can reduce a new car’s price as dramatically as depreciation. Depreciation is the initial drop in value that the car takes when it leaves the lot under new ownership. The drop in value can sometimes be as much as 40%!

Fortunately, used cars don’t go through this sudden initial depreciation, as they’ve already had one owner and are no longer considered new. That means a used car will retain more of its value after you purchase it.

Certified Pre-Owned Programs
Some manufacturers and dealerships sell used vehicles that are known as Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) models. Before a car is admitted to a CPO program, it must be inspected and reconditioned to like-new status and undergo a background check. After that, the dealership or manufacturer will back the vehicle with an extended warranty.

Those benefits tend to provide peace of mind for drivers of all ages. While a CPO vehicle will be more expensive than an ordinary used model, it’s still thousands of dollars cheaper than a comparable new car.

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Winter Car Prep You Should Do In Advance

winter car prep

Need to do some winter car prep to stay safe in the colder months? Here are some suggestions.

Keep a Winter Emergency Kit On Hand
Inevitably, winter emergencies happen. No matter how much you service and maintain your vehicle in advance, it doesn’t hurt to have some supplies on hand, like blankets, a flashlight, and water bottles.

Check the Tires Regularly
Properly inflated tires get better traction, which means better grip on icy roads. Additionally, make sure your tread isn’t too worn down.

Maintain Coolant and Oil
Oil changes are always a given, so make sure you’re flushing it on schedule. The coolant helps maintain engine temperature, so keep an eye on that, too.

Make Sure the Heat Works
You might try to skip on paying up for repairing a broken HVAC system, but in a harsh winter, heat isn’t just a luxury, it’s crucial to your safety. The HVAC system runs your defroster, too, so make sure your heat works properly.

Switch to a Winter Wiper Fluid
Road salt, ice, and snow get grime all over your windshield, which makes windshield wiper fluid crucial to maintaining visibility. Switch to a winter-grade fluid so it doesn’t freeze.

If you need any help on winter car prep, don’t hesitate to call our Sales team at E-Z Way Auto Sales on more suggestions.