Explore All Blog Categories

These vehicles are best-in-class, (auto) science tells us

Kia Sorento SUV traveling on road beside trees
The art of making a great car purchase actually lies with a little science. Or a lot, according to the Automotive Science Group, which aims to help consumers make informed car-buying decisions through its objective, data-driven analysis. To that end, it has created the Automotive Performance Index, enabling shoppers to find the best new models across a range of categories. “You define the size and class of automobile that meets your needs, and we'll differentiate the best-performing model in the segment,” says the group. For 2019, the index has identified 33 best-in-class vehicles in 11 categories based on economic, environmental and all-around performance… Read More
Written by: on
Category: Car and Driver Tips, RoadLoans News

Genesis, Kia, Hyundai pull ahead in new-vehicle quality rankings

Kia Rio sedan parked on quayside
A trio of Korean brands continues to set the standard for new-vehicle quality in an influential study. Genesis, Kia and Hyundai have widened the gap between themselves and other automakers in the 2019 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, which assesses vehicles early in the ownership experience.   It’s the second year running these nameplates, all part of Hyundai Motor Group, have filled the top three positions and they account for six of the highest-ranking models within the 20 vehicle categories. Genesis, newcomer to the luxury segment, tops the list with fewest reported problems in the first 90 days of ownership,… Read More
Written by: on
Category: Car and Driver Tips, RoadLoans News

The best states for a summer road trip

Smiling woman looking over shoulder from front seat of car
    With countless possibilities, the road trip is a favorite way to journey through the American summer. Picking a destination isn’t always easy, however, which is when WalletHub’s 2019 list of best summer-road-trip states proves useful. All 50 states have been rated based on more than 30 criteria covering cost, safety and activities. These include factors such as the price of gas, the condition of roads and how busy they are, the state’s share of national parkland and the number of attractions you will find. While North Carolina is the best state for a summer road trip overall, other… Read More
Written by: on
Category: Car and Driver Tips

10 cars that fly the flag for America

Jeep Cherokee on highway in front of mountains
    If you are buying, or already driving, one of these 10 cars this Fourth of July holiday then you have extra reason to celebrate. They’ve been identified as the most American-made new models in a Cars.com index of more than 100 vehicles. American-made doesn’t just mean they were put together in this country, although that’s an important part. In the context of a globalized auto industry, the study also looked at the domestic parts content; where the engine and transmission come from, and how many U.S. factory workers the parent automaker directly employs relative to vehicles sales. On… Read More
Written by: on
Category: Car and Driver Tips

Improve your car-shopping experience with an auto loan calculator

Woman with calculator and pen in hand
    The dealer hands you the keys, you take the wheel and drive off the lot reveling in your shiny new vehicle purchase. What could be better? Knowing you’ve made a great choice for your finances, as well as your driving wants and needs, could make it all the sweeter now and for the years to come. That’s why it’s well worth using an auto finance calculator before you shop. Online tools such as RoadLoans’ affordability and monthly payment calculators give consumers a number of advantages as they search for their next car and the best financing arrangements. Auto… Read More
Written by: on
Category: Financing

How many years can you finance a new or used car?

Hand holding pen signing car loan contract
    The trend for longer auto loans means some consumers can qualify for financing up to 96 months, or eight years, should they want it. The average loan term, meanwhile, stands at almost 69 months for new and 65 months for used vehicles, according to Experian data for the start of 2019. Rising auto prices and consumer preferences for large, costly SUVs have contributed to this pattern, and increasing the loan term is an effective way of getting an affordable monthly payment. However, while a low car payment is always appealing, it’s not always the best financial move. A… Read More
Written by: on
Category: Financing

35 used-car bargains to find off lease

Acura RLX sedan
All those drivers leasing vehicles may be doing used-car shoppers a favor. Off-lease vehicles, which typically come onto the used-car market at three years old, are offering some attention-grabbing bargains. Research from iSeeCars.com puts the headlights on price drops of up to 55 percent for such vehicles compared to same-year versions bought new – extending to 69 percent for electrics – in a market where just-leased cars are reaching record highs. If you have a liking for luxury, the news is even better. As many leased vehicles are high-end models, so too are many of these potential bargains. Listed below… Read More
Written by: on
Category: Car and Driver Tips, RoadLoans News

How RoadLoans works: I got my car loan, now what?

How RoadLoans works: I got my car loan, now what?
  It’s time for a broad smile. Your RoadLoans approval means you now have a big advantage as you move onto buying your next car. Preapproval gives you the terms of your financing before visiting the dealership so that, on arrival, you can focus on selecting the right model and negotiating a great deal on price. Your next step is to download and print your loan packet, gather the required supporting documents, and visit the preferred dealership located nearby. You’ll find details of your dealership within your loan papers. Alternatively, you can use our dealer locator to find another. We… Read More
Written by: on
Category: Financing

45 most popular SUVs to buy used, ranked by CarMax

GMC Arcadia SUV
There’s lots to love about SUVs. Whether it’s for ferrying family about town, enjoying a road trip in comfort or doing a spot of hauling, these vehicles have you covered. Their growing popularity is testament to their versatility, but with so many options on the market, it’s always helpful to have some reference points, especially if you’re buying used. Take a look at the 45 most popular SUVs to buy preowned, put together by CarMax, based mainly on sales data for periods of 2018. You can browse the options by different categories across the SUV segment, from AWDs and compacts… Read More
Written by: on
Category: Car and Driver Tips