Man and woman co-borrowers looking into new car
  If you plan to share a vehicle, or you’d like to maximize your chances of approval and a larger loan amount, applying for a car loan with a co-borrower could be the right choice for you. A co-borrower is part of a joint auto loan in which each party has equal rights to the use and ownership of the vehicle, and responsibilities for the loan. As such, the details of both borrowers are required on the financing application, and will be included on the car’s title. So how does a co-applicant actually help your application? Lenders will take a range… Read More

Mazda CX-5
Safety first. A solid rule for the road, and one the IIHS Top Safety Picks can steer you toward. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released its annual list of best-performing new cars based on updated criteria that prioritize protection for pedestrians as well as vehicle occupants. Sixty-four vehicles – all 2020 model-year cars and SUVs – are split across Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards. To qualify, each must have good ratings in crashworthiness evaluations; good or acceptable headlights, and available front crash prevention with an advanced to superior rating.   The… Read More

Genesis G80
Good news if you’re in the market for a car – vehicle dependability is at an all-time high, says J.D. Power. More good news is that its latest study identifies the best brands and models to help your selection. The market research firm’s 2020 Vehicle Dependability Study looks at problems experienced in the last 12 months by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles. Useful information, especially, for anyone considering a 2017 model-year vehicle. But for those who aren’t, the findings still serve as a valuable barometer of which automakers are producing the most reliable rides, and what they are. Genesis, the… Read More

Millennials’ first love is a road trip, survey finds
  Millennials are often associated with a love of technology and digital connectedness. Given free time, however, there’s actually nothing they like more than a road trip. Heading out for a driving adventure was named the top activity among members of this age group taking part in a survey for Mazda. Thirty-nine percent of the 1,004 respondents, aged 23-38, placed this first. And most of those (64 percent) valued the quality time it afforded with their travel companions – typically a loved one. In fact, when asked to pick, almost all (92 percent) said they would go road-tripping with someone… Read More

Couple in convertible car purchased with finance
  Find a loan that runs as sweetly as your new car There are plenty of car loan options out there, and many of them may be suited to you. Knowing where to look, however, is the starting point that makes it much more likely you’ll end up with the right one. This overview outlines the main avenues you can pursue as you seek approval for new or used auto financing.   Traditional dealerships Getting your financing through a dealership is a common approach as it allows you to buy a car and arrange credit at the same time. The… Read More

Man and woman traveling in car
  Financing is a central part of most car purchases, and the terms of the loan can have a strong bearing on how you feel about the overall buying experience. Understanding the factors involved will enable you to plan for your application and confidently consider any offers you receive. Here are five important points to know about.   1. Credit score Your credit score is based on the credit history contained in your credit reports, and sums up how creditworthy you are. It’s a key reference for lenders in determining how much money they may be willing to lend and… Read More

Toyota Highlander
  What will you be driving 15 years from now? Get behind the wheel of one of these models and you may have your answer. Following are the 15 new cars owners are most likely to keep for 15 years or more, according to research – well beyond the seven- to eight-year average. Fans of Toyota will be spoiled for choice. The Japanese automaker dominates with a broad range of models from its lineup. There are 10 in total, headed by the Highlander SUV and including other utilities, along with pickups, passenger cars and a hybrid. Two more badges, Honda… Read More

Car lifted by dollars to clouds
  To a large degree, your credit score reflects how well you repay your debt, so timely payments on a car loan can be an effective way to build your score.* Other things affect your credit standing, too, such as how long you’ve been using credit products, but paying off an auto loan over a period of years demonstrates to a credit reporting agency that you’re a good, or better, lending risk. That has significant potential benefits for the future because next time you need to borrow, whether for a car loan, mortgage or credit card, you’ll likely have an… Read More

Students on spring break on seashore
  For many students, spring break, that American college tradition and much anticipated vacation, is the first opportunity in the year to plan a memorable getaway. Checking your spring break dates is the important first step in planning your own special trip, and we’ve included an extensive list of dates for universities and colleges across the United States at the end of this article. Scroll through to find your school, and start thinking about destinations.   Spring break month In general, spring break month is February, March or April, depending on where you are in the country, and the specific… Read More

Chevy, Kia, Jeep take 2020 car, utility, truck honors
  Two newcomers and one new take on a classic have claimed the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) titles. The Kia Telluride SUV and Jeep Gladiator truck, both introduced for the 2020 model year, win on their debuts. The redesigned Chevrolet Corvette Stingray sports car is the best car of the year. The awards mark the culmination of months of testing and research by 50 journalists from a range of media in the U.S. and Canada. Run by a non-profit organization, NACTOY are considered among the most prestigious… Read More