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Used Car Safety Features for Young Families

November 01, 2018 · 3 min read

Safety Features for Young Families | Rath Auto Resources NWA

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:

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

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Feb 21, 2020 in Best Used Vehicles

Best Used Cars for Off-Roading Fans

Off-roading is for the thrill-seeking and adventurous driver. Off-roading is an exciting way to explore the power and performance capabilities of your vehicle. If you are a fan of off-roading, there are several 4WD used cars that you can take on the trails. 2014 GMC Yukon The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that packs a punch. Under the hood of this vehicle is an available 5.3-liter Vortec V-8 engine that can achieve up to 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque. There's also a 6.2-liter Vortec engine that can earn 405 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque if you opt for the Denali trim level. Either option can tackle the off-road with strength and excitement. more 2006 Toyota Highlander If reliability is what you are looking for in an off-roading vehicle, the 2006 Highlander is an excellent option for you. With regular maintenance, Highlanders can easily last for more than 150,000 miles. Lexus RX 350 Seeking something more luxurious? The Lexus RX 350 is a 4WD luxury crossover that does not hold back when it comes to performance and power. The vehicle is capable of towing heavy loads, while also offering high-end features like heated and cooled front seats. 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe The Chevrolet Tahoe is another example of a full-size SUV that is excellent for off-roading. This heavy-duty vehicle can earn as much as 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque with its 5.3-liter V8 engine. 2006 Honda Pilot The 2006 Honda Pilot offers AWD, making it an excellent choice for driving on various types of terrain. This SUV also has a reliable track record and experiences few maintenance and repair issues. Ford Explorer The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular mid-size SUVs on the market. You can find this SUV with 4WD or AWD, depending on which engine option you select. It is also available with three rows of seating if you want to take your loved ones along for the ride. 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser The 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser's name says it all. This SUV is designed to tackle various terrain with ease. Under the hood is a 4.7-liter V-8 engine that is capable of achieving up to 228 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. 2007 Toyota RAV4 Yet another Toyota SUV option is the RAV4. This SUV is agile and fun to drive. Its handy size makes it robust enough to tackle off-roading, as well as your daily commute. Jeep Grand Cherokee When it comes to off-roading vehicles, Jeep leads the pack. The Grand Cherokee is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine or a V-8 engine. Either option offers enough power for an off-roading adventure. Jeep Wrangler Perhaps the most popular off-roading vehicle is the Jeep Wrangler. This SUV is designed with the needs of off-roaders in mind, offering a variety of performance and convenience features. This vehicle also has a 3.6-liter V-6 engine under the hood. You can discover the perfect 4WD SUV for your off-roading interests at Rath Mitsubishi! Be sure to check out our location to test drive a variety of exciting vehicles. Image via RathMitsubishi.com

Jan 17, 2020 in Best Used Vehicles

Top 5 Benefits of Owning a Used Pickup Truck

If you need a tough pickup truck for your work or recreational needs, there's no shortage of excellent options on the market. If you're deciding between new and used, you'll be happy to know that there are numerous benefits to buying a used model. Here are the top five benefits of owning a used pickup truck. 1. Used Pickup Trucks Are Cheaper Pickup trucks can be pricey, especially if you choose a new model with all the latest features. Fortunately, many used models offer similar capability, performance, and features, so you can find all you need at a lower price. Best of all, if you find a new model you like but it doesn't fit your budget, you may find a used pickup truck with nearly identical features and capability at a price that works for you. more 2. You Have More Options Dealerships only stock a certain number of new models each year, limiting your options for trims, colors, and features. With a used vehicle, you'll have a much larger pool of options to choose from. Also, if you like a particular make or model of pickup but the newer models don't have the look or capability you're going for, a used model is a great choice. You can choose among many models and features from several years, giving you even more variety to pick from. 3. You Avoid Initial Depreciation Just like with any new vehicle, when you choose to buy a brand-new pickup truck, you'll take a depreciation hit as soon as you drive it off the lot. With a used pickup truck, the first owner had the initial depreciation, so you can find a nearly new truck at a fraction of the price. If you choose to trade or sell shortly thereafter, you'll also get more value out of your purchase than if you bought it new. 4. You Can Buy Certified Pre-Owned Trucks If you like the warranty and peace of mind of buying new but prefer the prices of used vehicles, a certified pre-owned truck is a great option. Most automakers have a certified pre-owned program that can take the stress and uncertainty out of buying used. A certified pre-owned vehicle has to have low mileage and be in like-new condition before it passes certification and gets a guarantee from the manufacturer, but it has a much lower price tag than a brand-new vehicle. On top of that, many certified pre-owned vehicles come with warranties and other benefits. 5. Lower Insurance Costs One of the major factors in determining your car insurance rate is the value of your vehicle so it can be covered in the event of an accident. With the cost of depreciation on a new vehicle, the insurance premium can be high, and it usually stays there for the first few years. With a used vehicle, that initial depreciation is over, so you'll likely have a much lower insurance rate. If you're shopping for a used pickup truck, visit Rath Auto Resources to browse our inventory of used pickup trucks in many years, makes, and models to find your perfect fit. Call or stop by today! Image via RathAutoNWA.com

Feb 06, 2020 in Best Used Vehicles

Best Affordable Used Models

Shopping for a used car can be tough with a tight budget. Thankfully, there are several great options at affordable prices that will work for various lifestyles. Here are five of the best affordable used car models. Toyota Corolla The Corolla is a spacious sedan known for its reliability. These models are built to last and hold their value well. The 11th generation of the Corolla started in 2012 and stretched through 2019, with a new generation just introduced in 2020. This means that any used models from 2012 and on will have the same basic design with some small upgrades in technology and trim levels from year to year. more If you choose a used model from 2016 or later, you'll enjoy some pretty impressive standard features like LED lighting and a touchscreen infotainment system. Fuel economy is ideal from year to year, and the LE Eco model was introduced in 2016 for even more efficiency. If you're looking for a small sedan with everything you need, you can't go wrong with a used Corolla. Ford Fusion Only in its second generation, the Ford Fusion is a fairly new vehicle. The Fusion was first introduced in 2006 and redesigned in 2013. The Fusion is a roomy sedan with trim options for just about any lifestyle. Choose between sporty designs in the SE and SEL trims, hybrid and plug-in models, and the Titanium trim loaded with perks. The updated SYNC 3 infotainment system was introduced to the 2017 model, and it offers a super easy interface with seamless smartphone integration. If you choose a used Fusion from 2017 or later, you'll also enjoy standard features like the push-button start and rotary shifter. Hyundai Elantra A new Hyundai Elantra hit the market in 2017, so the 2017, 2018, and 2019 used models offer lower price tags with up-to-date features. The engines available for this compact sedan were all new with the new generation offering a 2.0-liter standard option, a turbocharged efficient option, and an exciting turbocharged four-cylinder option. If you find an SE model with the popular equipment package, you'll enjoy features like automatic headlights and a touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Mitsubishi Outlander If you need some extra space, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a three-row SUV at an affordable price. The current generation was introduced in 2014, so finding an updated model in the used inventory will be easy. You'll get some serious bang for your buck with the long list of standard features the Outlander brings to the table. The base models from 2014 and on come with fog lights, heated exterior mirrors, and automatic climate control--features typically only found on higher trim levels of other SUV models. No matter which year you choose, you'll have seating for up to seven and ample cargo space. Come by Rath Auto Resources in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to check out our great selection of used vehicles. Take a few of these discussed models for some test drives to see which is your perfect fit. Image via RathAutoNwa.com