Blog

A compact vehicle, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is a fuel-efficient vehicle that offers plenty of amenities and boasts stellar safety ratings. The vehicle has two body style types with the sedan and hatchback. You have numerous trim options available as the sedan includes six trims (SE, SEL, Value Edition, Limited, Eco, and Sport) and the hatchback has two (GT and GT Sport). Find out what else you can expect with the 2018 Elantra. Performance The 2018 Elantra's base engine doesn't produce a lot of power, but it does get you where you need to go. This 2.0-liter four-cylinder base engine produces 147 horsepower, while the GT models produce 161 horsepower. Available upgraded engines include two turbocharged engines: a 1.4-liter four-cylinder 128-horsepower engine and a 1.6-liter four-cylinder 201-horsepower engine. All engines are powered with a front-wheel drivetrain, and while the six-speed manual transmission is standard, you can opt for a six- or seven-speed automatic. more Concerning the engines, the Elantra achieves excellent gas mileage. Even the base engine makes the vehicle one of the most fuel-efficient in its class as it garners 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 161-horsepower engine gets 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The two turbocharged engines get 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for the 201-horsepower option and 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg in the city for the 128-horsepower engine. Cargo Space You might not think of compact vehicles as having plenty of cargo space, but the 2018 Elantra seeks to dispel that thought. The sedan option features 14.4 cubic feet of trunk space, which places it near the top of its class. The GT hatchback almost doubles that amount with 24.9 cubic feet of space with the seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Infotainment The Elantra's user-friendly infotainment system comes standard, and you can easily pair your smartphone with the system. This standard system includes a four-speaker audio system, a USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available upgrades include a 7- or 8-inch touch-screen display, navigation, satellite radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, an eight-speaker audio system, and additional USB ports. Safety Although the 2018 Elantra doesn't come with many safety features, there are numerous upgrades available, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Elantra a Top Safety Pick+ as it received the highest rating in five crash tests and the second-highest rating for small overlap front passenger-side evaluation. Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the sedan and hatchback body styles an overall safety rating of four out of five stars. The 2018 Hyundai Elantra is a quality option to consider if you're in the market for a used vehicle. If you're interested in scheduling a test drive, reach out to the professionals at Rath Auto Resources NWA. They can help you get behind the wheel and drive off in one of these compact vehicles today. Image via Rathautonwa.com

There are plenty of good reasons to purchase a used vehicle. Lower insurance rates and costs to purchase are at the forefront. It may also mean you don't need to take out a loan to purchase the vehicle which is a sound decision if you can go that route. Once you've decided to purchase a used vehicle, the next decision is what type of vehicle you want to buy. Hondas are some of the top used models on the market, and for good reason. Let's take a look at why buying a used Honda is such a wonderful idea. Honda is Recognized for Reliability With any car purchase, you're likely going to rely on it like it's a member of the family. You take it to work every day, take the kids to school, drive to sporting events, or friend's houses, go grocery shopping, and even go on vacation with it. You depend on your car, and you can rest assured that a used Honda will be there for you in crunch time. Each year, J.D. Power reviews and releases its top picks for the most dependable, highest performing, and safest vehicles, among other things. more Time and time again, Honda has won marks for its dependability in one category or another. When rating for dependability, J.D. Power takes reported repair needs for the last three years to help calculate its winners. For example, the 2013 Honda Fit won a dependability award in 2016 and the 2015 Honda Odyssey took home the crown in 2018. Year after year, used Hondas are finding their way on top of dependability ratings, so you can feel confident placing your trust in them. Hondas Hold Their Value Purchasing a used car comes with a challenge. There's a delicate balancing act between spending too much for a vehicle that won't last and not spending enough to receive a quality vehicle. Taking into account that most cars depreciate by up to 40% in their first three years, you might wonder just what will happen to the value of the vehicle after you take it home. Of course, all cars lose value with time and mileage, but thanks to Honda's recognition as a dependable vehicle, they're holding their value better than ever before. Finding the Right Used Honda When shopping for a used Honda, look at previous year's models to see which you like best. Make sure you compare year to year and see where certain features you want become available. This will help you narrow your search and find the right Honda model and trim level for you. Like always, try not to get sucked into the excitement of a test drive and keep an open mind about how the used car is performing. Shopping for a new car, whether it be new or used, can be stressful. A lot is riding on your shoulders to find a vehicle that's dependable and priced appropriately. Check out our online inventory of used Honda models and let us help get behind the wheel of a quality used car. Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ

Making the choice to buy a used car instead of a new one can be a sound financial decision. There are several benefits to purchasing a used vehicle such as lower insurance and registration costs, and a lower overall cost to purchase. If you think you're going to purchase a used car as your next vehicle, take a look at our guide below on how to get your best deal. Research the Market and the Cars You're Interested In In order to ensure you're getting a great deal for a used car, you'll have a bit of homework to do. Make sure you research the market value for cars you're considering in your area. This will give you a good insight into what a fair deal would be when you get to the dealership. Another thing to research is the models you're specifically interested in. Some models are known for having issues or component failure around certain high mileage benchmarks. This is to be expected since cars are machines and they will wear down over time. more Remember to research the trim levels available as well to have a firm understanding of which features are available. When shopping for used cars, you don't typically have the freedom of choice when it comes to available trims. The highest trim levels will likely cost more but they're also more likely to have more technology included. If you can find a higher trim level at a rate that's closer to the lower trims, it can be a huge win if the price is right. Understand Depreciation Cars will always lose value with time. There are a few periods of time when a car will depreciate quickly over time. For example, cars lose 10% of their value right after they leave the lot, another 20% after a year, and a total of 40% of their value after three years. As a buyer, look to take advantage of these depreciation averages to get the best deal. Buy cars shortly after the first or third year mark for the largest discount. At that time, the vehicle is also likely still under the manufacturer's warranty, which is a nice bonus. Pay Attention During Your Test Drive It goes without saying that you should test drive any vehicle you plan to purchase. When test-driving a used vehicle, try to be more aware of different sounds in the vehicle. This can be your first alert to any maintenance needs that might be coming down the road if you choose that vehicle. Many guides will advise you to leave the radio off during your test to listen for these potential issues, however, the radio is something which is used every day by drivers, so be sure to test the speakers out as well. Purchasing a used car has several benefits which make it an appealing option. Understanding the market and how cars depreciate over time can give you an edge when shopping for a new car. If you're interested in purchasing a new-to-you car this year, stop by the dealership or check out our online inventory. Image via Flickr by SoulRider.222

Purchasing a pre-owned vehicle makes plenty of financial sense. Pre-owned models offer some of the latest technology and safety features without the hefty price tag that comes with a new vehicle. If you're searching for a pre-owned vehicle, consider some of these top options that are under $20,000. 1. Nissan Altima The Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan that offers loads of style. The exterior has clean and smooth lines for eye-catching good looks. Inside, you'll discover an open and airy interior that gives all of your passengers the room they need. Plus, with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, you can easily adjust to accommodate large cargo. Recent Altima models will come standard with several important safety features, such as a rearview camera. You can also find higher trim levels that offer excellent comfort features, including a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather-trimmed seats. 2. Honda Accord If you're looking for a pre-owned vehicle that's reliable, well-built, and affordable, you'll find what you're searching for in the Honda Accord. Although the Accord is a midsize sedan, it can comfortably fit up to five people inside. Accord owners also marvel at the spaciousness of the trunk. Not only is the sedan comfortable, it is also fun to drive. If you choose a higher trim level, you can find some great interior features, such as an infotainment system with a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and plenty of driver-assistive technologies. 3. Dodge Charger If you're interested in getting a brawny muscle car with plenty of power, take a look at the Dodge Charger. The Charger has an iconic design and aggressive good looks that always turn heads. Recent models also come standard with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. 4. Kia Optima The Kia Optima combines versatility, comfort, and style into a sharp midsize sedan. With distinctive exterior touches that include side sills and a striking front and rear fascia, the Optima is just as captivating to look at as it is to drive. When you get behind the wheel of the Optima, you'll discover a roomy vehicle that also includes plenty of outstanding features. The inside of the vehicle is known for being spacious and quiet, and newer models can help you stay connected with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 5. Toyota RAV4 The Toyota RAV4 proves you're not limited to sedans when you're looking for an affordable and reliable pre-owned vehicle. This crossover SUV offers rugged good looks, all the interior space you need, and some impressive capabilities. Plus, if you're interested in getting some of the latest safety features, you'll be pleased to know that newer RAV4 models come with Toyota Safety Sense, which is a bundle of active safety features that can include forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. Whether you want the sleek style of a sedan or the spaciousness of an SUV, these pre-owned vehicles under $20,000 offer affordability, dependability, and plenty of top features. Image via Flickr by TuRbO_J

When buying a used luxury car, you want a vehicle that holds its value well and has a healthy history of maintenance. Certain luxury vehicles are built to last with high-quality parts. Choose a reliable model for your pre-owned luxury car, and you'll enjoy many years of comfort and style without paying full price. Here are five of the best pre-owned luxury car models. 1. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Specifically, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a great pre-owned luxury model, but any model years for this vehicle are sure to please. This sedan offers a comfortable interior and a few different engine options. The base trim comes with a V-6 engine, while the Sport and AMG trims get a V-8 for more power. E-Class sedans are practical and reliable as well as sophisticated and luxurious. You can't go wrong purchasing a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz E-Class. more 2. Audi A3 The Audi A3 is a great luxury vehicle for several reasons. It provides lots of space, thanks to its hatchback configuration, but maintains a sophisticated stance and stylish exterior. The 2009 model year is a great year for the A3 with its top safety ratings and standard leather seating. This year brought a newly designed interior and exterior, so you can enjoy an updated look in a pre-owned model. 3. Cadillac CTS Get a responsive drive with a sport-like feel while sitting in a totally luxurious cabin when you sit behind the wheel of a 2011 Cadillac CTS. Whether you find a model with the 270 horsepower V-6 engine or the 304 horsepower V-8, you'll enjoy some serious kick. Standard interior perks include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and leather accents. 4. Acura TL The 2009 Acura TL is a great luxury midsize sedan that's loaded with features. A totally new design came with the 2009 model year, so this Acura is modernized inside and out. You can get up to 305 horsepower with an available V-6 engine and smooth handling with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. Standard cabin features offer convenience and comfort with leather seating, a power moonroof, Bluetooth capability, and more. If you find a pre-owned 2009 TL with the technology package added, you'll also get a solar-sensing climate control system and integrated navigation. 5. Lexus RX 350 If you're looking for a more recent model with extra space, the 2014 Lexus RX 350 is an ideal choice. This is also an ideal family car thanks to its high safety ratings, quiet cabin, and ample space. With the rear seats folded down, you'll open up 80.3 cubic-feet of cargo space. You can still enjoy some power and perks alongside such family-friendly features, as the RX 350 comes with a 270 horsepower V-6 engine and available heated leather seats. At Rath Auto Resources, we know quality. Browse our selection of pre-owned luxury vehicles and see which one best fits your lifestyle. We will get you behind the wheel of the luxury vehicle you've always wanted. Image via Flickr by RN GNZLZ

If you love to camp, then why not splurge on a used car that's especially good for those adventurous journeys? There are plenty of cars out there that offer the perks needed. Here are a few options. 1. The Honda Element If you can get your hands on a used Honda Element, it's well worth it! While this car might not appear as stylish on the outside as do other large cars, The Element has everything you need for a well-planned journey. You'll appreciate that the back seats can be taken out, thus creating more space for cargo. This car also offers good visibility in case you bring a trailer along with you. The Element's hatch tent accessory makes it an ideal car for camping expeditions. more 2. The Subaru Outback The Subaru Outback carries a little bit less mechanical bulk than do other SUVs, which makes it great for long drives. There's a raised suspension that can help if you're trying to force through a bushy trail or muddy road. There's also a good amount of cargo room: 73.3 cubic feet of storage. The Subaru can even tow up to 2,700 pounds; however, you'll require the correct equipment to set this up. 3. The Nissan Xterra The Nissan Xterra is a helpful choice for a camping car thanks to it being spacious, yet mid-size. You may not always require all the room an extremely large vehicle offers, so the Xterra is a good compromise. There's more space than you think: A storage box beneath the load floor can hold smaller tools or accessories. Other conveniences on the Xterra include hooks and tie-down cleats, a suspension system, and the ability to tow 5,000 pounds. 4. The Toyota Camry The popular Toyota Camry is pleasant for small- to mid-range camping trips that include one to four people. The Camry is comfortable, with a spacious interior and features like cruise control that make for a smooth ride. While there's not enough storage to fit all the items you might put in an SUV, the trunk is roomy enough to easily carry a great deal of cargo, blankets and pillows, and other supplies. The front seats recline backward if you need to rest at a pit stop or if you're rained out and need to spend time in the car. 5. The Honda Odyssey The Honda Odyssey is another convenient camping option. It also offers a great deal of interior space for its size (about 148 cubic feet of space), so you can easily transport all you need. Also, you can check for the available HondaVAC accessory, which is a great add-on to help you clean up after your journey. There are plenty of used car options to use for your upcoming camping adventure. To help you pick the perfect size and capabilities, consider the number of passengers you'll transport, whether you plan to tow a trailer, and the items you'd like to bring. For great advice on the perfect camping car, visit your local dealership. Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ

If you just bought a new car, then you probably want to maintain its quality for as long as possible. Here are three ways to maintain the value of your car with ease: 1. Get Your Maintenance Done It can be tempting to take it easy and simply enjoy the smooth, problem-free ride of a new car without worry over maintenance. However, it's ideal not to take this blessing for granted. Schedule your car for regular tune-ups in order to keep it in shape. Just like a healthy person needs an annual check-up, healthy eating, and exercise, your car also needs its TLC! more Also, a minor or undetected problem can become more significant if you don't rush to look into it. Generally speaking, getting maintenance done in its proper time can make your car more efficient and can even keep your engine running more smoothly. 2. Clean-Up Messes Quickly Often when we're thinking about car maintenance, we consider the mechanical aspects: all the invisible aspects that could possibly go wrong on the inside. However, there is one aspect that you have almost complete control over and can fix yourself: stains! Aesthetics -- the general look of your car -- does impact the price tag. You could have a car with low mileage, but if the fabric looks horrid, you won't be able to sell it at the same value. The trick? Keep some anti-stain remover in the glove compartment, along with some towels for large spills. For coffee and kids' drinks, find cups with secure lids, or encourage your kids to drink water. Also, consider stopping off at a park to eat your meals rather than chewing in the car. 3. Don't Smoke In It It is best not to smoke at all, due to the effect on our health. But if you are a smoker, do not smoke in your car at all. Cigarette smoke worms its way into the fabric. Even if you leave the windows open as you smoke, the smell does its harm almost immediately. Cigarette smoke can also tarnish the sharp, sleek colors of your car's interior. What was once a unique, fresh look can become yellowed and hazy. Statistics suggest that about 78% of people do not smoke. For non-smokers, this kind of deterioration will be more noticeable simply because they are not used to it themselves. If they can choose between buying a smoke-affected car or a clean one, they'll often opt for the cleaner one. Don't lose out. Preserve your health and your car, too. Stop at a restaurant for a smoke break, or cut the habit altogether. If you just invested in a brand-new car, or if you just love yours so much that you want to hang onto it, try to care for it as best as you can by following these tips. Even if you never sell your car, you will benefit from its value by enjoying the ride so much more! Image via Flickr by Rich Nacmias

When you're looking for the perfect vehicle for work, check out the 2018 Nissan Frontier. There are many features you'll love about this truck, such as its powerful performance. Here are several reasons why the 2018 Nissan Frontier is perfect for your next work truck. 1. Powerful Performance The truck delivers a powerful performance with 281 pound-feet of torque and 261 horsepower. The vehicle has a 4.0-liter V-6 engine and goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in eight seconds, which is a quick time for a midsize pickup truck. It's easy to maneuver the truck thanks to the wide steering wheel. When going around turns, the truck stays controlled and isn't top-heavy, even with its taller height. A five-speed transmission is found in the truck and it has a quick throttle response. more 2. Comfortable Interior Cabin Just because you're headed to work shouldn't mean you're uncomfortable. The 2018 Nissan Frontier has a comfortable interior filled with plenty of technology that you'll enjoy. Power-adjustable leather and heated seats are available in the front so you'll enjoy the ride to work. There is also a Rockford Fosgate audio system so you can clearly hear your music or favorite podcast as you drive. If you have coworkers you ride with, they'll enjoy the dual-zone automatic climate control system so everyone in the truck can find a comfortable temperature. There is also a 5.8-inch touch screen that has NissanConnect to make it easy to access all the features in your truck. This includes navigation, which means it's never been easier to find which route to go on to get to your destination. 3. Good Utility Vehicle The size of the bed in the Frontier is perfect for easy maneuverability, and tie-downs and bed rails make it even more versatile. The rear seating is also flexible so you can increase the cargo space if you prefer. Storage is available for smaller items in the center console as well as the door pockets. A small shelf can fit your phone or another small device while you're driving. There is a cubby box available under the seats for smaller items as well. The truck can tow anywhere from 6,100 to 6,500 pounds depending on the transmission, bed length, trim level, and drivetrain. 4. Helpful Technology There are multiple features that make it easier to get around. The truck has rear parking sensors so it's easy to back up when you're leaving your worksite. There is also a rearview camera so you can see any objects or other vehicles that might be in your way. You can also use your phone through the vehicle with voice control. You're able to search through your phone's address book and make calls just by using your voice. To check out the 2018 Nissan Frontier in person and see if it's the right vehicle for you, visit our dealership at Rath Auto Resources NWA. Our sales staff is here to answer any questions you have and let you take it for a test drive if you would like. You can also view the rest of our inventory while you're here. Image via RathAutoNWA.com

Used cars are amazing values if you do your homework first. These tips will help you navigate the used-car-buying process and score you a deal you'll be excited about. 1. Know Your Budget How much can you afford ... comfortably? You're not looking for the biggest possible number. When establishing your budget, keep in mind how much you can afford. Factor in something for maintenance unless you're planning on buying a used car with a warranty. more 2. Decide Upon Your Must-Haves Consider your needs so you can begin narrowing down the cars. Many times with used cars, buyers can afford more than they could with a new model. They can get so excited about the options that they get swept away. However, if you know what you want and need, this is less likely to happen. Need room for sports equipment or camping gear? Looking for reliable gas mileage? Knowing what you want before you fall in love with a car will help you make a wise decision. 3. Decide on a Car or Let Fate Decide Used car shopping has changed a lot with the internet. Now you can research what's available without strolling lots. You can decide based on inventory exactly what manufacturer, make, and model you want. Then you can contact the dealership and arrange a test drive. Or you can leave it up to chance and visit the lot to view inventory. Both have benefits. Researching online means you can find out about the car ahead of time. Research important things like maintenance costs, insurance, reliability rating, value for your area, and a lot more. However, viewing inventory in person means you will see the most up-to-date cars available. Sometimes vehicles are on the lot before they've been added to the dealership's online inventory. You can score a good vehicle by physically being present before it goes on the web. That's why knowing what you want ahead of time can help you recognize a good deal quickly. 4. Check the Vehicle History Report Once you find a car you like, get in. Take a test drive. Imagine yourself behind the wheel. But before you do all of those fun parts, take a look at the vehicle history report. A vehicle history report will give you all the important details that can help you make a smart buying decision like info on past ownership, accident history, title status, and mileage. 5. Negotiate a Good Deal There are books written about how to do this but ideally, you would be well-equipped with your research. You would know what similar cars go for in your area and the value of the car. Don't look at monthly payments as much as the total cost of the car. Also, think of other bonuses the dealer may give you that could save you money like warranties or free oil changes. Finally, work with a straightforward dealer; one like Rath Auto Resources, that's looking forward to building a relationship with you, not someone who's just looking for a one-time sale. Image via Flickr by Foot Slogger

Are you looking for a good, reliable second-hand car? Look nofurther than at Rath Auto Resources NWA. Our inventory list has some great models. Whether you want a family sedan, powerful workhorse, or luxury sedan, we have it listed. A 2015model is a good choice, being only three years old, as it can drive you for many years to come. Here's a look at three of the top 2015 models that you should check out. 1. 2015 Toyota Camry SE Are you in the market for a reliable family sedan? Look no further than the 2015 Toyota Camry SE. Toyotas are known for their reliability and we have a great celestial silver metallic Toyota Camry in stock. This six-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive has a four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine that produces 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. more Safety features of the 2015 Toyota Camry include adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, a pre-collision system, and lane departure warning. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the2015 Toyota Camry a four out of five stars frontal crash and rollover safety rating. It gets the best rating of "good" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a Top Safety Pick+. Toyota's Entune system is responsive and makes the cabin feel modern. The center stack controls are user-friendly with large buttons. 2. 2015 Ford F-150 Looking to ride in comfort paired with brute force and power? Come to Rath Auto Resources and take a look at the 2015 Ford F-150 we have in stock with 34,708 miles on the clock. The 2015 Ford F-150four-wheel-drive comes with a six cylinder, 3.5-liter engine. The V-6 engine produces 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque and is able to tow a whopping 7,600 pounds. Safety is important on the Ford F-150, and it comes with many safety features such as electronic stability and roll control, ABS brakes, driveline traction control, side impact beams, rear parking sensors,cross-traffic alert, and tire specific low tire pressure warning. As for the NHTSA safety rating, the 2015 Ford F-150 earned a five-star overall safety rating. 3. 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited Do you have a comfortable and luxurious car in mind? The 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited delivers with comfort, luxury, and driving ease. The dash, featuring with all the latest bells and whistles, is made from finest materials and has an innovative center-console design with plenty of storage space. The nine-speed automatic transmission comes with a four-cylinder2.4-liter engine that produces 184 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. Safety features on the Chrysler 200 Limited include electronic stability control, ABS, drive traction control, dual stage driver and passenger front and seat-mounted airbags, side impact beams, and low tire pressure warning, It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for side and front crash tests and four stars for the rollover crash test. Which model will you choose? Call and book a test drive, and who knows, maybe you will drive away with one of our top 2015 models. Image via Flickr by Tommy Truong79

Buying a used car is a smart move financially. However, it's critical to avoid impulsively buying a car that will give you problems for years to come. Whether you are buying a used car from a dealership or private individual, having knowledge and resources will help you make a wise and informed choice. Here are five steps you as a buyer need to follow to make a good decision. 1. Decide What You Are Looking For The first step is to take some time and list what you want and need from a car. For example, do you want a big or small car, what features do you need, and how many seats must it have? Now research which cars fit your description and check their prices. more Avoid merely walking into a car dealership and browsing. Salespeople are highly trained and will put pressure on you to buy right there and then. First, decide what you are looking for before visiting a dealership. Check the classifieds and different dealerships online to get an idea of what is available and the going price of the type of car you want. 2. Work out Your Finances Now that you know what you are looking for, it is time to work out your budget. Be realistic about what you can afford and stick to that budget. Remember to include costs for the car inspection and any repairs that may be necessary. Set a price range, which will help you narrow down your search. If you need to borrow money to cover the purchase, get a couple of quotes from various lenders for the most affordable loan. 3. Carfax Now that you have decided on the type of car you want and your price range, you may find a car that seems to tick all the boxes. But, before actually buying the car, check the Carfax report. This report gives you the history of the car, such as whether it has been in an accident or had other worrisome things happen to it. Certain dealerships run this report for you, but if they don't or you are buying from a private seller, it is very wise to run the report yourself before making a commitment. 4. Test Drive the Car This is probably the most important step - how does the car drive? Test drive the car in different situations such as up and down steep hills and on the highway. Don't be afraid to say no to the car if there is anything that you are not happy with. 5. Have the Car Inspected Take the car to a trustworthy mechanic for an inspection. He or she will be able to check the car for mechanical problems.  Don't skip this step just because the seller claims that the vehicle is in good running condition with no mechanical faults. Verify it yourself. By following these five tips, you can find a great car that will keep you on the road for many miles and years ahead. Image via Flickr by ronsaunders47

hen you have a family, your priorities in a vehicle change. Namely, things like safety and connectivity become much more important. So, when you visit a car lot, you need to settle on a vehicle that will help keep your passengers entertained and safe. These are some features you absolutely must look for when shopping around for a used family car. Connectivity Entertainment is more important than you might think — just ask any family that road tripped with kids before the days of in-car Blu-ray players and Wi-Fi. Some connectivity features that can make a huge difference on the road include: more USB ports Wireless charging stations Wi-Fi hotspot (note that a subscription is needed to have internet access) GPS or navigation apps, such as SiriusXM Traffic Of course, connectivity is about more than entertainment. It's also about staying safe on the road. A car with Wi-Fi can help you stay updated on traffic and weather, and some vehicles have built-in apps that you can access from a touch-screen display to get real-time data about hazards and delays. Make connectivity a priority to ensure your family is entertained and safe on the road. Also, features like tire pressure monitoring can help you stay connected regarding your vehicle's maintenance. Visibility Visibility aids are essential safety features for a modern family vehicle. Additions such as a rearview camera, for example, can help you safely back out of your driveway and ensure that there are no people or hazards in your path. Two other examples are rear-cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. These types of safety features alert you to oncoming traffic that's occupying areas that are normally very difficult for drivers to see. Highway Safety Features Visibility is important on the road, but it's only one category of safety features that can prevent an accident from happening. Advanced features like these can be hard to come by since they're often only available in certain trims or as optional packages. But if you find a vehicle with them, it can make a huge difference when you get out on the road. A few safety features to add to your want list include: Forward collision warning Lane-keep assist Lane departure alert Active cruise control Emergency brake assist Other Modern Safety Features If you're buying used, you can rest assured that any vehicle made within the last five years will have modern features, such as a comprehensive air bag system and Latch attachments for child seats. However, you should still take a moment to check that these systems are functional. Looking at a vehicle's repair history should inform you if there's ever been an issue with these safety features. Things like electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are also standards in newer vehicles, but you should still check for them. Picking the vehicle that's best for your family is worth the effort. You don't want to compromise on essentials that will keep all your passengers safe, so check for these features while browsing the selection of used cars at Rath Auto Resources NWA. Photo by The National Roads and Motorists' Association | Licensed under cc BY 2.0