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The All-New 2018 Toyota Vios is Bigger & Better

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Toyota is a market leader in the automotive industry globally and it is no surprise why the Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer continues to dominate the car market here in Singapore. With a strong belief that there is always a better way, Toyota constantly aims to exceed customer expectations and challenge conventional boundaries through their Kaizen spirit.

Just about four months ago, Borneo Motors (Singapore) launched the all-new Toyota Vios, an impeccable subcompact sedan equipped with state-of-the-art features and best-in-class safety and technology.

A pioneer of the subcompact category, the Vios has always embodied value since its introduction, a quality that has helped it gain an edge over its competition. Over the years, customer needs have evolved and environmental regulations have grown diverse and increasingly strict. In order for the Vios to retain its position at the forefront of the category, elements of the vehicle had to be rethought, while retaining the values that customers have come to know and love.

According to Takatomo Suzuki, Vios Chief Engineer, the new Vios is a new value pioneer – an innovative and quality new model designed without compromise. It was designed to focus on retaining the qualities Toyota customers have come to know and love like its value and comfort, while improving the technology and features of the car to keep up with changing customer needs and environmental demands.

Take a look at how the Toyota Vios has evolved over the years!



Just a couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege to take the new Toyota Vios out for a ride and having spent a few days with it; here are just some of my personal opinions and thoughts about the driving experience.

Appearance- Distinctive Styling, Inside and Out

Cutting-edge design defines the exterior of the new Vios, with its dynamic angles and sharp headlamps with integrated clearance lamps. The front of the new Vios has been updated with a horizontal grille for a wider yet more aerodynamic appearance.

On the inside, the central console of the new Vios has been redesigned to create a greater sense of integration. By removing the intervening gap and enlarging the centre cluster, the centre ornaments now extend seamlessly to integrate the upper portion of the instrument panel to the front console. All metallic ornaments such as the speaker grille, register knobs and air conditional dial have a consistent design throughout the interior. The Optitron meter and white LCD character display also enhance the advanced look and feel of the new Vios interior.

Comfort- A Spacious Interior Designed for Comfort

At 1730mm, the new Vios is the widest in class, featuring a spacious and comfortable cabin, where all occupants can sit in complete comfort thanks to newly designed rear seats and increased shoulder space.

An improved rear seat shape with enhanced coil springs and shock absorbers mean a smooth ride – even on bumpy roads, while the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) provides smooth acceleration, resulting in less fatigue and greater comfort for occupants. The Vios also provides excellent cabin quietness, due to the silencers and seals fitted throughout the car that enhance the sound absorption and sound insulation performance.

Safety- Class-Leading Safety and Technology

The new Vios comes equipped with seven SRS airbags, including SRS side airbags, SRS Curtain Shield Airbags (CSA) and SRS knee airbag. It also features a range of brake control systems to help prevent emergencies before they occur, such as the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

Driving Performance- Dynamic Efficiency

Driving performance of the new Vios has been optimised to suit the conditions of Singapore roads and fuel efficiency is maximised with a proven 1.5L Dual VVT-I engine, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Low Rolling-resistance Coefficient (RRC) tires. Both the E-grade and G-grade Vios are also Euro 6 compliant.

Summary

The new Toyota Vios is trendier and more sporty-looking than its predecessor. An affordable and reliable car for first-time car owners; the all-new Vios makes the perfect entry-level car that not only gets you from point A to point B but is also fuel-efficient and comfortable as well.






Although its setup is pretty basic and not as sophisticated, the in-car-entertainment system is one of the best that I have experienced. With a big boot space for shopping bags, the all-new Vios is definitely a functional car for most families.

Priced at $89,9881 for the Vios E-grade and $95,9881 for the Vios G-grade, the Vios is the perfect choice for any lifestyle.

Head down to the Toyota car showroom for a test-drive today!

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Driving Safety Tips That Your Instructor Never Mentioned

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Instructors are usually great at teaching us the basics of driving, but there are many things to learn that they won’t outright tell us. Learning to drive might be simple, but actually understanding how your vehicle works and how to make the most of your vehicle is an entirely different thing.

Here is some useful advice to help you drive safely that your instructor probably hasn’t mentioned.

Experience Teaches You Really Well
It’s important to drive fairly often so that you can familiarise yourself with driving. If you haven’t driven much, then you won’t learn about your vehicle and you won’t learn to get comfortable with the act of driving.

Speed Up
Your instructor probably told you to drive slowly and steadily, but this can actually be problematic depending on the road conditions. It’s more important that you stick with the flow of traffic so that you’re neither going too fast or too slow.

Prepare for the Weather
You likely learned to drive in a single weather condition. Perhaps it was sunny during the time you took your lessons and maybe you’re not prepared for slippery or wet roads. Driving in bad conditions comes with experience, but you should still look online or speak to experienced drivers about how to drive safely during every season.

Carry Emergency Kits
Whether it’s extra water during the summer to stay hydrated or putting together a winter survival kit for winter, it’s important to carry emergency supplies in your car because the last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead vehicle and no way to contact your breakdown service.

Infographic by Intelligent Car Leasing

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How To Buy A Car Right The First Time?

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Buying a new car is a substantial financial commitment. After getting a house, a car is the next most significant purchase that most of us will make. Whether we are saving up to make that investment, committing to a financing deal, or even leasing a new model; a lot of consideration is needed before making the tough decision.

As a new car is an asset that depreciates quickly, it is important to try and future-proof our choices. Sure, that sporty little coupe may be a great idea for now, but what are your plans for the future? Will it still be suitable in five years’ time when you have a family? How long do you intend to keep the vehicle and what changes are likely to happen within that time frame? You will also need to consider the practical uses of the car.

Below are some thoughts to help you get started.

1. Decide On Your Requirements

When you’re making such an extravagant purchase, it’s quite easy to get carried away especially when you enter the dazzling showrooms with persuasive sales assistants. Coupled with the glossy brochures, it’s hard to resist the lure of the latest model. However, it could be a big financial mistake if you don’t carefully consider what your needs from the vehicle actually are. Functionality always needs to be the primary consideration for your purchase. First of all, think of how many passengers you may need to carry – is it just you commuting, or do you have a family situation where you may need to transport kids? Consider the conditions where you live – are ice and snow likely, or are the winters generally milder? Do you need an all-wheel drive? What sort of surfaces are you covering – off the road or paved surfaces – or minor roads in less good repair? How important is fuel economy to you? If you regularly cover long distances, you may need to prioritise this over other factors? Consider the car’s safety features too, especially if you’re likely to be driving young children. How much space for equipment and cargo do you need? And also, how much space for parking is available where you live?

2. Select Your Budget

Although it would be nice not to have to think of money, it does play a huge factor in determining the best vehicle for you. You don’t want to set your heart on a car based on other factors and then realise that the financing is way out of your reach. If you’re paying cash or from savings, you have a hard limit. But if you’re relying on taking financing out for your purchase, you need to be realistic about the deposit and monthly payments you can afford. As a general rule, no more than 20 percent of your disposable income should be going on a car payment each month. It may be a good idea to check your credit rating before applying for finance – your credit score can affect the rates you get offered, which in turn will impact what you can afford. Think about what you could do to reduce the upfront price – for example, could you time your purchase for just before a plate change, when current-year-old-plate models are reduced? Could you look at manufacturer approved used cars of 2 years old or less? Or could you see if your local showroom is planning to sell off ex-demonstrator models or has any upcoming promotions on the purchase price? All of this can really help to cut the cost – register your interest with the dealership early to be alerted to any offers. Some websites will help you go in armed with the latest information by letting you see the average price paid for the make and model you’re looking out. Remember it is possible to negotiate even on a new car sale – try to time this towards the end of the month when sales assistants may be more desperate to hit their sales target.

3. To Lease or To Buy?

If you are financing the purchase, you need to decide what route to go down with the money, as there are usually several schemes open. Look at the various APR rates offered by the dealership, and compare them to a loan you may be able to get from your bank, in case this would cost you less overall. If you do decide to go with dealer financing, there are two main options – buying, or leasing. Each has their separate pros and cons, so you need to choose which is right for your personal circumstances. If you don’t have much cash available for a deposit, leasing requires a much smaller upfront payment than a purchase agreement. There are also lower monthly payments, but you will not own the vehicle at the end of the arrangement, and you will have to agree to a ‘reasonable usage and wear and tear’ clause that may not be suitable if you do a lot of mileage. However, with depreciation taken into account, sometimes leasing is the best option. Buying the car is more expensive initially, but if you believe you will be able to achieve a good resale value, it could be the better option. Are no-trade-in and hassle-free swaps your style? Or do you need more flexibility to sell the car as and when you need and have control over what modifications to make to the vehicle?

4. Consider Similar Vehicles

You may have set your heart on that Subaru WRX or the BMW X5 but setting your heart on a specific model is not the best idea. The marketplace changes all the time with new models arriving, so the perfect vehicle for you may be just about to launch. Find comparisons of vehicles in the same class as the one you’ve got your eye on to make sure you are getting the best deal for your needs. Compare the features, specifications, and pricing of each model or look at new car buying guides if you’re not sure where to begin.

5. Find Out the True Cost of Ownership

A little internet research at the pre-purchasing stage could save you a lot of headaches further down the line. For example, did you know that some cars which are cheaper to purchase initially could end up costing more later on? Maintenance costs and average depreciation all need to be factored into your decision. Before committing, make sure you have an idea of the cost of ownership of your new vehicle. Car insurance and fuel costs are also an issue to be considered. Making a clever decision here could actually save you thousands.

6. Scope Out The Market

You don’t have to go to dealerships to find out this information anymore. Most dealers now offer a list of inventory via their website so that will help you to get a picture of what models and options are in stock before you go down. It may be worth travelling further if a particular dealership has an offer running on the model you want.

7. Set Up A Test Drive

A lot of things can change on a test drive. The vehicle you thought was perfect for you can turn out to have features you don’t like or handling that you don’t prefer – and if you’re comparing two or three similar models – like the Mercedes GLA vs. Audi Q3, for example, sometimes after driving them gives you a clearer pictures of which is a winner. Call or email your local dealership to schedule a test drive, and if you can drive all the models on your shortlist on the same day, it saves you a lot of time. Making an appointment is much better than just turning up ad-hoc, as you are sure the car is prepped and waiting for you. Before you go, take a look at some walk-around videos of the model you’re interested in and make sure to go through all your notes on pricing and features so that you can check details with the salesperson on the day. The best test drives allow you to put the vehicle through its paces exactly as you would in your
daily use – so don’t be afraid to specify if there’s a particular condition you’d like to test the vehicle in. If you’re commuting, try to test the vehicle out in both slow-moving congestion and faster paces. Get in and out of the car several times and if you’re planning on carrying passengers, don’t forget to sit in the back and see what its like there. Check the cargo space and ease of loading, and if you use a child seat, bring it along to test how easy it is to fit and remove.

8. Making a Final Decision

Don’t be afraid to request another test drive if you feel you need it. If a salesperson is distracting you with their chatter, you can request to come again. It’s only right that you be allowed to focus on evaluating the driving experience for such a big purchase. There could be several good choices, so you’d be wise to sleep on any major decisions and not feel pressured into signing up for anything too quickly. Your decision should be made to last!

Know of any other tips or tricks to look out for when buying a car? Share them with us by commenting below!

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Simple Ways To Bring Down The Cost Of Car Ownership

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Owning a car has become quite a common part of life. Apart from living in major cities that have great transport links, a lot of us will use our cars for daily use – so much so that we can’t imagine what life would be without them. However at the same time, it’s hard not to acknowledge that owning a car is expensive. When you’re not used to it, the cost of getting a car can surprise you and even when you’ve owned and have been running a car for years, you may at one point in time come to the realisation that you just need to bring those bills down.

Here are five thing you can do if you’re keen to reduce the cost of car ownership.

1. Car Sharing

Car sharing can be a really great way to reduce your gas bill each month. When you’re driving yourself to work everyday, the costs can add up. However, when you begin to share that journey with others, that cost comes down. On a side note, this is also a great idea for the environment too. Keen to enroll yourself in a car sharing programme? Sign up with Uber or Grab today!

2. Drive Carefully

The way you drive has a direct impact on how much gas your car uses. Even if you think that it won’t make much of a difference, you’d be quite surprised. You only have to head over to carsdirect.com to read their post on how you can reduce your fuel consumption. When you make the conscious effort to drive carefully, you can change how much gas your car uses.

 

3. Reduce The Amount Of Time You Spend Driving

If it is suitable or convenient, you can consider reducing the amount of time you spend driving by taking the public transport or using a bicycle for short journeys. This way, it can help you to save some money especially when parking charges and tolls fees can be quite hefty.

4. Shop Around

Another major cost of car ownership will always come in the form of car insurance. To make sure that you get as much cost savings as possible, you should shop around for your car insurance by comparing prices on sites such as cheapautoinsurance.co. This way, you’ll always get the best deal and if you make the conscious effort to shop around, it will often allow you to reduce annual running costs each year.

5. Prioritise Maintenance

Finally, you should also look to stay on top of maintaining your car. Most car breakdowns could have have been avoided if the car has been well-maintained. Yes, maintenance and services will cost you, but they’re cheaper than having to pay for major repairs. It is recommended that you send your car for servicing and maintenance every 6 months.

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Cars from the 90s And Early 2000s Are Becoming The New Classics

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Time waits for no man and we only have two years left until the turn of the decade. If you are in your thirties or forties now, things from your youth might no longer be so new.

Although time does not necessarily affect all of us in a bad way, we have to keep in mind that things from the 90s or even the early 2000s are now slowly becoming decades old. What this means is that some things from your youth or your early adulthood are now slowly starting to be seen as classics.

Whether it’s cars, video games, movies or actors; they are all starting to be the new “old school”, and while some may see that as somewhat depressing, it’s quite nice seeing how things are liked enough by the general public that they get dubbed as “classics”. After all, it’s not an easy title to acquire.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at a few car models from that time period which are now either already being called classics, or probably will be a classic soon enough.

The Rolls Royce Phantom VII

Despite only being released a tad later than the other cars in this post, it certainly does not lack class and is highly deserving of the “classic” title. Considering that the Rolls Royce Phantom VII is the seventh edition of the long-running Phantom series of Rolls Royce cars, it has certainly earned its spot amongst the greats over the last 15 years.

The Subaru WRX

The WRX has been around since 1992 but it certainly does not feel like much time has passed since then. WRX stands for “World Rally eXperimental”, but some people say that it also stands for “World Rally Cross”. Though nobody really knows for sure; what we do know is that this series has been met with positive reception and has seen several newer models of the Subaru WRX to come out over the years. Do the older versions now deserve the title of “classic” at this point? “Yes” would be a safe bet.

The Dodge Viper

With one of the most stylish designs to ever grace a car, the Dodge Viper is the raw definition of sleek and powerful. Production began in 1992 but was recently stopped in 2017. If you want to snatch a Dodge Viper from somewhere, you might still have a chance. Although all sorts of concept cars and exotic sports cars are released all the time, the Dodge Viper has become a fan favourite of sorts. It could be the simplistic design or the striking paint job but the Dodge Viper is certainly iconic in this day and age, and no one can deny that.

Lotus Elise

Much like the Viper, the Lotus Elise is a two-seater with rear-wheel drive. Despite being conceived in 1994, the Lotus Elise was only released two years later in September 1996. Since then, it has had its fair share of exposure both in pop culture and even car-oriented video games. Considering that the Lotus Elise is currently in its third series, it’s safe to say that it is doing pretty well. The first edition of the Lotus Elise is widely recognised and surely deserves a spot amongst the other modern classics.

Think of any other cars that are becoming new classics? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Tips to Keep Your Car Running Properly This Year!

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Your car needs to be well looked after in order for it to perform optimally.

According to experts, the upkeep of a vehicle monthly can cost up to $100 for the cheapest make and a lot more for an expensive one. If your car is precious to you, you will want to spend that amount and probably a lot more in order to make sure that your vehicle stays as efficient as when you first bought it.

Looking after your car can be costly, but it is more expensive to pay a lump sum of money when it breaks down and stop working altogether after years of neglect.

Here are 6 tips to help you keep your car running properly this year and prevent any unwanted surprises:

1. Replace Worn Tires and Rims

The safety and performance of your car depend on the effectiveness of your tires, and as a result, it is of paramount importance that you put aside some money to replace overused tires and rims. According to a recent study, worn tires could be the cause of about 200 road fatalities every year. Due to wear and tear, most tires start decreasing in quality after they have been used for some time. Look into replacing worn tires and rims this year in order to keep your vehicle running safely.

2. Get the Wheels Aligned

If you align your vehicle’s wheels, you ensure these are set to the optimum position, as outlined by the manufacturer. Having your car’s wheels non-aligned means they will wear out earlier, meaning your safety behind the wheel could also be at risk. If you are a heavy car user or have recently hit a kerb while on the road, this might have caused your wheels to become unaligned and we suggest you book your car in for a check to see if the alignment is correct. This has been proven to prolong the life of your tyres by up to 19,000 kilometres and as well as increase fuel efficiency.

3. Pay Attention to the Intake Valves

If your car has trouble running smoothly, there might be a problem with your intake valves and it could be the result of excessive carbon buildup. This is what usually happens to vehicles when they have been driven for over 80,000 kilometres. Direct injection engine-based cars are specifically at risk of this happening since the fuel in these is not sprayed on the intake valves, thus resulting in the valves not getting the proper clean up they need. If your car keeps stalling or if it is not running smoothly when temperatures are low, this Bavarian BMW repair store will help you get your car back to form.

4. Clean Air Filters Regularly

Cleaning the air filters regularly is less costly than replacing the parts of the engine these protect, and as a result, it is advisable that you do this from time to time in order to elongate the lifespan of your car. Combustion engines require a mixture of fuel and oxygen to run correctly and the air that is used has to be cleaned before this makes its way into the engine. Unless the air is clean, dust and debris will inevitably be caught up in the engine, and this will affect its performance. This is why it is essential to make sure you clean the air filters regularly. Furthermore, it is cheaper to get the air filters cleaned than to replace an engine. Contact a professional mechanic to inspect and clean the air filters.  

5. Have the Exhaust System Inspected

The exhaust is a vital part of the car. It helps filter away gaseous residue from the engine. In order to have your exhaust system running as healthily as possible, you could run some checks yourself that will help you be sure about the state of your exhaust. You could brush off the rust from it and check if it has any small holes, as the presence of these could be dangerous to the running of your car. Small holes allow for external air to penetrate your engine and this could be dangerous in the long term as this air could contain dust and debris.

6. Wash Your Car Regularly

Your car needs to look good for it to be admired and washing your car regularly helps prevent any accumulation of unsightly stains. Waxing your vehicle also keeps it shiny as it creates a protective barrier between the paint and the weather so that your vehicle can endure the harshest conditions without its surface being completely ruined. By maintaining the outward and inward appearance of your car, you indirectly extends its lifespan and increases its resale value.

Keeping your car in good check isn’t cheap but it is worth the investment in the long term as it will extend the lifespan of your car. While your car might not be the latest trendy model in town, it is still a sturdy piece of machinery that aids you in commuting from one point to another, whether it be for work or play.

Got any other tips to keep your car running properly? Share it with us by commenting below!

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How To Have Sports Car Fun Without The Drawbacks

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When you picture yourself driving a sports car, you might imagine yourself sitting in something with two seats, a big V8 under the bonnet, and maybe a convertible to make the most of that summer sun. That dream, however, is ruined when you think of that big thirsty engine that incurs high fuel costs, the fact that you occasionally need to carry more than one passenger, or should you need a boot space that can hold more than a couple of small shopping bags.

Enter the hot hatch!

Europe, and more specifically, Britain, are absolutely in love with them, and it’s hard to disagree.

What would you say if you were offered a car that had nearly 300 bhp, could do 0-100 km/h in less than 6 seconds and give you 12.82 km/litre of fuel burnt during the morning commute?

Well, that is what is on offer with some of the following hatchbacks that I’m about to introduce!

You may have to make do with five doors instead of three doors; but you get five seats, decent boot space, and all the usual creature comforts for no more than the price of a mid-size sedan.

Here are three options to consider if you’ve got that sports car itch but still need a practical daily driver.

Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR

Having only arrived in 2011, the GTC is a fairly new name on the hot hatch scene but the Astra has been around for many years and is well known for having more than its fair share of power. This new version comes with a 2.0 turbo engine producing 280 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. It has an electronically limited top speed of 249 km/h and will manage a very economical fuel consumption of 15.3 km/litre. It also has a very capable limited slip differential to keep everything behaving as it should, which is a must when you have that much power going through the front wheels. Head down to your nearest Vauxhall Dealer, and you’ll notice that it’s not the subtlest of beasts as it won’t go unnoticed in a car park full of the usual three and five-door hatchbacks. Then again, VXRs have never been restrained and is a vehicle for those that like a car that looks as good as it goes.

Honda Civic Type R

One of the most well-known names in the hot hatch industry is the Civic Type R and it pays homage to its Japanese heritage in true Fast and Furious style with aggressive body kits and a huge rear wing.

You might have heard the familiar cry of the boy racers screaming “VTEC yo!” but those days are now gone. In 2015, Honda bowed to the prevailing trends and manufactured their first turbo-powered Civic Type R. It boasts a whopping 306 bhp and 406Nm of torque, all of which goes through the front wheels via a limited slip differential but not eliminating that dreaded torque-steer. It’ll manage 0-100 km/h in a claimed 5.7 seconds (although real-world tests managed it in 5.2 seconds) and has a top speed of 283 km/h.

Volkswagen Golf R

Possibly one of the most grown-up hot hatches available in the market, the Volkswagen Golf R is distinguishable to the knowing eye by the two twin exhaust tips at the back of the car and its huge 19-inch wheels. The Volkswagen Golf R sports a 2.0 turbo engine which puts out 306 bhp and 401 Nm of torque. It will manage 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds with a manual transmission or 4.6 seconds with the optional DSG. Limited to a top speed of 249 km/h the Volkswagen Golf R has a Haldex four-wheel drive system; which means that more power can get to the road giving better traction in the corners.

Well, there you have it; three ways to get supercar performance with all the practicality of a family run-around. All the cars have an average fuel consumption in the mid-30s, so there’s no reason not to treat yourself, just make sure you keep your new pride and joy protected.

 

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How To Protect Your Car From Thieves

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Your car is an important part of your life and considering the fact that cars in Singapore cost more than anywhere else in the world; you will definitely want to ensure that it is protected, safe and take precautionary measures to prevent your car from being stolen or damaged in an accident.

Here are some things you should have for your car.

Thieves Alarm System

Most modern cars come with an alarm system built into them, but some older models and 2nd hand cars don’t. If you don’t have one already, then you should consider getting one fitted because having an alarm can deter a potential car thief and prevent your car from being stolen. It is far better to pay for the relatively small cost of having the alarm fitted to prevent the potential theft of your far more expensive car. Plus once you have gotten it fitted, you likely never need to have anything else done the alarm system. 

Cameras

A lot of people are fitting their cars with various cameras that will record an accident so that they can obtain evidence of a dangerous driver and be able to file an insurance claim more easily. There are car cameras that face the front of the road and also rear view camera systems to check the back. Both are excellent and just having them fitted can mean that your insurance premium could be reduced (a fine example is Direct Asia’s Car Insurance). The reason car cameras protect your car is that they ensure that you have evidence to back up your claims which means that any work that needs to be done after an accident can be done quickly and without you having to pay. 

Steering Wheel Lock

This one is slightly old school but is effective nonetheless (especially for road trips to Malaysia). A steering wheel lock goes through your steering wheel and prevents it from moving unless it is unlocked. This means that if someone did break into your car with the hopes of stealing it, they would have a lot more trouble because they would have to get through another lock. This might buy enough time for the car thief to get caught or it might deter them from trying in the first place.

You can keep the steering wheel lock in your car boot or under your seat. A lot of cars might come with steering wheel protection built in but there is nothing wrong with some added protection. Furthermore, when people see the steering wheel lock, they will know that your car is protected and are far less likely to try to steal it in the first place.

What other ways do you take to protect your car from thieves?
Come share it with us in the comments section below!

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Getting Your Teen His/Her First Car?

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So, it is time for your teenager to get behind the wheel. You have probably been their only rider with them for a few months and you are ready to say that your child can safely drive without you.

Well, the next question is; “What are they going to drive?”.

You are probably ready to have your car back but that might also mean that you have to make an investment in a new car for your teen. Before you run out to buy a new car, let’s go through the option of a used car.

New Car vs Used Car

If you think about it, you may not want to put your child in a brand new car. First, you are going to have to think about the fact that new cars begin to depreciate the very moment you drive them off the lot. Should your child total it, you aren’t likely going to get back the full amount of the car and this can be a nightmare insurance situation that you can easily avoid.

Car insurance is the next thing to think about. A brand new car is going to have higher insurance rates and your teen is likely to be quoted pretty high insurance premiums. It might be more than they can afford on their own or it may exceed your budget. A used car will usually have lower insurance premiums which will make them more affordable.

Let’s face it, teens are not usually the world’s best drivers. They miscalculate distance and park close to people or objects. Dings tend to happen and scratches are not uncommon. If you want your nice new car to stay pretty and shiny, you may not want to give it to your teen to drive. A used car is going to retain its value a little bit better.

A used Chevy in Fort Lauderdale has some of the best resale values and they are good cars that come Certified Pre-Owned. While you are likely to get some grumpy comments from your teen, this might just be the best solution for the time being and who knows; your teen might start to cherish and appreciate having a car to travel around in.

In reality, no matter what you decide for your teen, owning a car whether new or used is going to be a life-changing experience. Your bundle of joy is now going to be in charge of his or her own life and while it is a sense of independence for them, it is also for you; no more are you going to constantly change your schedule to get them to where they need to go but rather, you now can do more of what you want to do and less of what you have to do.

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Keeping Your Car Squeaky Clean Inside and Out

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A car is a huge investment. In fact, for most people, it’s the second largest purchase that they make during their lifetime besides their house. So, it’s astounding that so many people let their car slip into a bad state. Sure, it may be functioning fine and allowing you to get from point A to point B; but why make journeys uncomfortable for yourself by letting your vehicle fill up with junk, fast food wrappers, and dirt? What if you find yourself having to give a family member, friend, or colleague a lift? They’re likely to make a comment on the messiness of your car’s interior that could be entirely avoided. You also want to ensure that your car looks presentable to outsiders too. If you’ve invested a lot of cash into it, you should make it shine and catch people’s eyes in the best light possible. So, it’s time to ditch the dirt inside your vehicle and prevent people scrawling messages made of dust and mud on the exterior.

Here’s how to keep your car squeaky clean inside and out!

Clean Inside and Out Once a Month

Exteriors

You can prevent your car’s exterior from becoming excessively dirty by parking it at a garage out of the elements and avoid parking beneath trees where possible as birds and bats are likely to defecate. However, you should still give the outside of your car a complete scrub down at least once a month.

Stock up on products such as car wash soap, car wax and polish, and windscreen and wheel cleaners. Always opt for high-quality options as cheaper products can tarnish or damage your car if used regularly. Read car wash soap reviews and as well as other product reviews to check out how others have found them and whether each item is recommended or not.

Start by rinsing off the exterior of your vehicle with a hose. This will remove the surface layer of any thick scum or dust. Next, fill a bucket with warm, soapy water and use a soft sponge to wipe down your car from top to bottom. You might have to put in a little elbow grease to get rid of stubborn dirt. Then give the bodywork another thorough rinse with the hose.

Now, focus on the wheels. Use your chosen alloy cleaner and a brush to rid the alloys of any thick dirt and finish with a cloth. Dry the body of the vehicle with a chamois leather cloth, doing your best to avoid creating streaks.

Finally, use soft cloths and your chosen polish or wax to buff any panels. This will give your vehicle an extra added shine.

Interiors

Now to tackle the insides of your vehicle. Sure, people may not be able to see this as easily but it’s where you spend your time driving. Thus, a clear and pleasant space will benefit you more than anything else. Empty out any trash and bin them. Use a handheld vacuum cleaner to hoover up any crumbs, dirt, or other debris from your floor and seats. Then wipe down the dash and leather seats with a damp cloth and allow it to dry. It’s as simple as that!

A clean car will help you to appear neat and tidy and it gives you the most comfortable journeys possible. So take an hour out of your day once a month to keep your car up to scratch!

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