Blog
5/20/2022
Iowa Road Trips to Take with One Tank of Gas
Many parents are concerned the high price of gas on the pump will prevent them from taking family road trips during upcoming holiday weekends and in the summer. Don’t let the cost of gas hamper your activities. There are many trips your family can take within the state of Iowa on just one tank of gas, depending on which part of the state you live.
5/13/2022
Iowa Used Car Prices Among Highest in the Country
Used car prices have risen an average of 30.4 percent across states over last year, according to iSeeCars.com’s latest used car price analysis of 1.8 million car sales in March. This is down from a 35 percent increase in February. Interestingly, iSeeCars’ pricing analysis found that used car price increases are not consistent across the country. Used cars in Iowa, for instance, ranked sixth highest in the country, averaging an increase of 32.6 percent from last year or a year-over-year price change of $8,891.
5/6/2022
Iowa Fares Better on the Pump Than Other States, But Summer Travel is Coming
AAA’s national average for a gallon of regular gasoline ended the month of April at $4.17, trending higher than the previous week’s price of $4.12. AAA officials say pump prices will likely face upward pressure as oil prices hover above $100 per barrel. While supply remains tight and the market highly volatile, crude prices will likely continue to fluctuate, pushing gas prices higher.
4/22/2022
How to Calculate Gas Mileage
With gas prices rising, it is good to learn how to calculate your vehicle’s gas mileage. Knowing your car’s gas mileage can help you plan your route when you take a road trip and factor in time for rest stops, meals, and visits to attractions along the way.
4/15/2022
Check Out These Most Fuel-Efficient 5-Year-Old Vehicles
Used car shoppers have been hit not just by record high prices, but now, due to inflation and the Russia-Ukraine crisis, they have to factor in rising gas prices in their search for a used vehicle. This is a big reason for the popularity and high cost of fuel-efficient cars and electric vehicles.
4/8/2022
No More Switching Clocks Could Impact Safety of Drivers
Last month, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent beginning 2023. If passed by the House and signed by President Biden, it means Americans will no longer need to switch clocks in the spring and the fall. While we would have more daylight hours to spend outside after work and school, there are downfalls which could impact the safety of drivers and the overall health of Americans.
4/1/2022
April is National Car Care Month
April is National Car Care Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of preparing your car for spring driving and summer road trips. The Car Care Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating motorists about the importance of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair, recognizes National Car Care Month twice a year, every April and October, to call attention to the importance of car care and preventive maintenance in the spring and in the fall.
3/18/2022
Used Car Prices Increase an Average of 36.9% Across the Country
iSeeCars.com has been monitoring used car prices as they have continued to rise. Already in November 2021, the car search engine reported used car prices increased an average 27.9 percent, or $6,939 year-over-year.According to the latest iSeeCars.com study of over 1.8 million used car sales in January 2022, just two months later, used car prices increased a whopping 36.9 percent, or $9,409, compared to the same month in the previous year.
3/8/2022
Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Electric Car
With elevated gas prices, more buyers are showing a growing interest in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure battery electric vehicles. Tesla continues to dominate the EV market, but models by Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen and Volvo are gaining popularity. Experts forecast even stronger growth in the EV market in 2022, especially once EV pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T enter the marketplace.
2/18/2022
Procedures to Follow When Selling a Used Car in Iowa
With the price of used cars still on the rise, you have decided to sell your used vehicle and believe you have negotiated a good price. What are the next steps you should follow? Not all states have the same procedures, so always check with your state Department of Transportation.
2/11/2022
What is the MSRP Sticker?
When shopping for a car, you will see the MSRP sticker on the car window. MSRP is short for manufacturer’s suggested retail price. MSRP is also referred to as the Monroney, the name of the U.S. senator who sponsored the law that requires auto manufacturers to disclose a vehicle's features and associated pricing, from model information, the vehicle’s standard equipment, warranty information, to optional equipment, parts content, and vehicle safety rating.
2/4/2022
Mixed Outlook for Used Car Prices
There has been much concern about the astronomic rise in used car prices due to high demand and the short supply of new cars. Consumers are wondering by how much will these prices continue to rise in 2022 and will their escalation ever end. Reliable sources forecast differing outlooks, some of which could bring a sigh of relief to consumers.
1/28/2022
Kid-friendly Car Features Provide Comfort and Entertainment on Long Trips
Cars today have many features providing comfort and entertainment for children. From tech entertainment gadgets and passenger seats that can be raised to a child’s height level so they can see out the window, to heated seats and separate climate controls, kid-friendly features whether standard or optional in vehicles are worth considering especially if your family often takes long rides.
1/21/2022
Used Car Prices and Increases Vary Among States
Used car prices are not moderating; in fact, they continue to climb every month. A recent iSeeCars analysis of over 1.9 million used car sales in November found used car prices increased an average of 27.9 percent, or $6,939, compared to the same period last year. This follows a 24.9 percent year-over-year increase in October.
1/14/2022
How to Navigate the Competitive Used Car Market in 2022
It is now 2022 and while the auto industry hoped to recover from the effects of the pandemic by now, it hasn’t happened. Supplies of auto parts, including micro-chips, are not arriving fast enough; hence, the supply of new cars are about 64 percent less than the same time last year. Buyers should expect to pay full sticker price or higher for a new car. Used car prices have skyrocketed, too, with some used cars costing more than their original price tag.
1/7/2022
Car Loan Payments are Rising, Don’t Get Caught in the Frenzy
Used car loan amounts and consequently, the monthly payments of used car buyers have risen across all consumer credit levels, with near-prime borrowers seeing the biggest increase year-over-year, according to CarsDirect. Even more disturbing is a report by Consumer Reports that found there are prime credit borrowers getting subprime loans that are costing more than they should.
12/31/2021
Protect Your Car from Road Salt Damage
Winter can be messy business on Iowa roads because your vehicle has to deal with snow, ice, slush, mud, sand and road salt. Of all these elements that can damage your car, sand and road salt are the nastiest. While road salt helps melt the ice on the road in freezing temperatures and sand keeps the salt in place so you can drive your car safely, salt is naturally abrasive, so rust can quickly occur on any metal part of your car. This will cause damage to the body and engine of your vehicle.
12/17/2021
Taking a Holiday Road Trip with Your Dog
Many families will be traveling by car to visit relatives this holiday season and, in addition to parents and children, passengers will include their ever-loyal companion, Fido. If you plan to take your family dog on your holiday road trip, you will need to prepare and have the proper items to ensure it will be a fun adventure and enjoyable road trip for all.
12/10/2021
Decorating Your Car for the Holiday Season
Many families are getting excited for Christmas this year. So in addition to decorating your house and yard, why not step it up and add some holiday cheer to your car?
Before purchasing car decorations, here are some pointers to heed:
12/3/2021
Fewer Daylight Hours Can Be Risky for Drivers
The end of Daylight Saving Time means fewer hours of daylight, so drivers are going to have to spend more time on the road in the dark. Studies show the risk of accidents increases when driving in lower light conditions.
11/24/2021
Fun Facts You May Not Know About Cars
Greg Macke, a professional car buyer and consumer advocate shared a number of interesting car facts on the www.yourcarangel.comwebsite. Here are some of them and other fun car facts that might pique the interest of some car afficionados.
11/12/2021
Packing Your Car for a Thanksgiving Holiday Road Trip
Packing your vehicle for a Thanksgiving holiday trip can be an art and a science in itself, because often it not only means loading your vehicle with suitcases of clothes, snacks, and entertainment for the kids. After all, an Iowa Thanksgiving isn’t complete without bringing a favorite homemade casserole and a salad or side dish, or maybe a pie or other kind of dessert.
11/12/2021
Iowa Missing Out on Electric Vehicles
Iowa may be missing out as more drivers turn to electric vehicles. A Des Moines Register article states the Consumer Choice Center regards Iowa as one of the worst states in which to own or buy an electric vehicle because direct sale of electric motor vehicles by manufacturers is prohibited by state law.
11/5/2021
It’s November! Time to Get Your Car Ready for Winter
The month of November is when you usually start getting your winter weather outfits ready. It’s also a good time to get your car prepped for the winter. Extreme winter temperatures and heavy snow are just around the corner, so it’s best to get your car in good working order now. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
10/29/2021
Signs Your Tire Rim is Bent and Needs to Be Repaired
A bent wheel rim can cause a vehicle to function improperly. Many car owners do not realize a bent rim is a problem that can lead to greater problems if they go unattended. In fact, along with a flat tire and wheel alignment problems, a bent wheel rim is a common problem of many vehicles.
10/22/2021
Beware, Flood Damaged Cars Could Hit the Used Car Market
There are several thousand cars that were damaged by floods during recent torrential downpours and storms in the Northeast and Southeast, followed by Hurricane Ida in Louisiana. Reports are many that these cars may end up being re-sold without their damage disclosed to either a private seller or car dealer. Car experts are warning consumers that scammers see the situation as an opportunity to trick unknowing car buyers by selling them flood-damaged cars. This scam will be especially heightened since there is currently a short supply of used cars and their prices are already at an all-time high.
10/15/2021
Don't Take Your Spare Tire For Granted
There is a lot to learn about tires, and often ignored is learningabout your vehicle’s spare tire. Have you checked your spare tire lately? Somecar owners have not checked their spare tire at all. It is only when they get aflat tire that many drivers panic and wonder if they have a spare and if it isusable!
10/8/2021
Steps to Filing an Insurance Claim
No one ever wants to be in a position where they have to file a car insurance claim, but it can happen due to a major or even minor accident, theft, vandalism, or a natural disaster. A car insurance claim is a request you make to your car insurance company for coverage of repairs or loss. If your claim is approved, you will receive payment based on your car insurance policy’s terms.
9/24/2021
Used Car Price Increases Vary by State
The global microchip shortage has caused used car prices to skyrocket to over 30 percent between March and June of this year. This is the largest jump in used car prices since 1974, when in a period of three months used car prices jumped by 12 percent. According to iSeeCars.com’s June used car pricing analysis of over 1.9 million used car sales in June, the overall average increase of used car prices was 32.7 percent or $7,583 compared to the previous year. This comes after a 26.4 percent year-over-year increase in May and a 16.8 percent year-over-year increase in April. The analysis also found the price can change depending on the state in which you purchase a used vehicle, so those willing to travel may get a better deal on a used vehicle in another state.
9/17/2021
Motorists Complain about Blinding Headlights
Pickup trucks and larger sports utility vehicles are flooding the streets in the U.S., and while drivers are enjoying these vehicles, other motorists are finding them annoying because bright nighttime glare from the headlights of these oncoming vehicles blinds them. Others complain the glare of their lights from their rearview mirror are disturbing. It appears lighting technology advances to improve nighttime driving has become too intense for drivers with cars that sit lower.
9/10/2021
How Long Can Tires Typically Last?
Car owners often ask how long their vehicle’s tires will last before they would have to replace them. A general consensus is tires should be inspected regularly. They for sure need to be replaced after 10 years even if they are not worn.
You can determine the age of your tires by looking at the code on the sidewall. The 4-digit number is the date code that identifies the age of the tire. The first two numbers indicate the week of the year it was made (out of 52 weeks per year), and the second two numbers represent the year.
9/3/2021
Be Smart About Used Car Loans
As COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted this year, demand for cars has soared, so have car prices and car loans. According to Experian, auto loan debt climbed to an all-time high of $1.35 trillion in 2020 and more car buyers are taking longer term loans for 73 and 84 months or six to seven years.
8/26/2021
How Long Should Major Car Components Last?
When purchasing a used car, it is important to know what issues to watch out for, especially if it is a high-mileage vehicle. While vehicles made in the last decade are built to last over the 100,000 milestone, owners of cars 10 years or older need to be diligent about maintaining their vehicle and cognizant about what problems to expect.
8/19/2021
Don’t Be a Victim of a Carjacking
Carjackings are on the rise across the country. Carjacking is more serious than car theft because it is a federal offense punishable with 15-25 years, depending on the gravity of the crime. If death occurs, a carjacker could be sentenced to life in prison or even receive the death penalty. In contrast to car theft, carjacking is frequently committed in the presence of the victim and usually involves physical violence or the threat of violence toward the victim.
8/11/2021
How to Test Drive a Car the Right Way
You have done your research and narrowed your selection to a particular car make and model. You are ready to test drive the car.
Test driving the car is the best way for you to see if it is the right vehicle for you.You will need your sense of sight, smell, touch and hearing to evaluate the vehicle’s performance, comfort and convenience. Bring a friend with you because it is good to have someone with an objective opinion and another set of eyes and ears to help identify issues. Have your friend sit in the backseat of the vehicle, so they can also give their opinion on how it feels to be a passenger.
7/22/2021
Strategies for Used Car Buyers and Sellers Amid Microchip Saga
In this period of rising used car prices, there are strategies both used car buyers and sellers can employ to get ahead of the competition. One way is to know the vehicles most affected by the chip shortage, which is the main reason for skyrocketing prices of both new and used vehicles.
7/15/2021
The Microchip: How It Has Caused Chaos for Consumers and the Auto Industry
Used car shoppers are suffering from sticker shock and dealers themselves are using words like “bizarre,” “crazy” and “wacky” to describe today’s used car market. They are astounded that used cars are selling more than they are normally worth.
7/9/2021
Places in Iowa Experiencing Surge in Auto Warranty Scams
There are so many scams these days that people must be vigilant when they receive a phone call from telemarketers or anyone seeking their personal information. These scams have become more prevalent during the pandemic, when most people were home and able to answer their phones. The Federal Communications Commission says auto warranty robocalls were the top call complaint filed by consumers in 2020, and the trend is continuing this year. In fact, according to Iowa Information, recently there has been a surge of auto warranty scams, particularly in northwest Iowa, the news site’s area of coverage.
7/2/2021
Thinking of selling your pickup?
The prices of used vehicles are just not letting up due to their low inventory and a lag in the production of new vehicles. If you own a pickup and have been thinking of selling it, now is your chance to sell it quickly. It may be the only time ever, according to some auto analysts.
6/24/2021
Longest-Lasting Cars Still on the Road with Over 200,000 Miles
While regular maintenance and good driving habits help increase the lifespan of a vehicle, there are cars, trucks and SUVs that have been proven to be reliable and reach 200,000 miles and over. From an analysis of over 11.8 million pre-owned cars sold in 2020, iSeeCars found a mix of vehicle types with 10 SUVs (including a hybrid), three pickup trucks, one sedan, one minivan, and one hybrid hatchback made the top 16 models, with each having at least over 2.5 percent of their vehicles reach 200,000 miles. The average for all vehicles reaching over 200,000 miles is just one percent.
6/17/2021
Should I Keep My Car Longer or Trade It In for a Newer Model?
At one time the average person would keep their car or truck for 8.5 years. These days, the trend is to keep cars longer, extending ownership to 11.5 years, especially if the vehicle was manufactured after 2012, when better technology and safety features were mandated for all vehicles, with anti-braking systems and electronic stability controls to help drivers maintain control of the car when turning to avoid sliding and skidding.
6/11/2021
Millennials Expected to Lead Car Ownership Boom
Millennials (people born between 1981-1996) have been slower than other generations to embrace what are typically important stages of American life, from driving a car, marriage, purchasing a home and car, and starting a family. Compared to other generations, millennials were not as excited about cars. Only 44 percent of millennials obtained a driver license within 12 months of the minimum age, and 28 percent had not received a driver license by age 18. Instead, millennials embraced the sharing economy, preferring ride sharing, Lyft and Uber, bike sharing. This seems to have changed.
6/3/2021
Lemon Laws Vary and May Not Cover Your Used Car
A car that incessantly gives its owner problems is usually dubbed a “lemon.” There are many theories about how the term was coined, but regardless of its origin, buying a “lemon” certainly gives you a sour feeling.
Lemon laws protect buyers of cars that repeatedly fail to meet standards of quality and performance. There are an estimated 150,000 cars each year that are lemons. Each state has its own version of the lemon law and vary on what is covered. Iowa’s lemon law is one that is often misunderstood because it does not apply to all used vehicles.
5/21/2021
Expect High Prices for Used Cars to Continue
News of a drop in COVID-19 cases, increased vaccinations, additional stimulus money in the hands of consumers are expected to boost the economy. According to Edmunds.com, automakers sold more than 3.9 million vehicles during January to March, causing U.S. auto sales to rise more than 11 percent in the first quarter of 2021. Several major companies reported March sales nearly doubled from the same month a year earlier. While this is good news for the industry, it may not be for consumers due to a wrinkle in the industry which analysts foresee will affect the price of used cars.
5/14/2021
Consumers Say They Enjoy Car Shopping, but Dislike the Buying Process
What do you enjoy most about buying a car? If you say you enjoy the shopping experience more, you’re among the majority of car buyers who feel the same way. CarEdge.com, an automotive research and vehicle listings marketplace, conducted a consumer sentiment study focusing on the vehicle shopping and buying process and found consumers looking to purchase a vehicle enjoy the shopping experience, but are not as happy with the traditional dealer purchasing process. In fact, they say it is one of their least favorite activities.
4/22/2021
What to Do When Your Used Car No Longer Works
You’ve had the beauty for many years, and it has served you well. You are now in a tough spot since it is an old model and worn. The car’s parts are failing, and it is to the point where you are spending more on repairs than the vehicle’s market value. There are several options you can consider.
4/9/2021
Luxury SUVs dominate used car market
Used cars were always popular, but what’s surprising is amid the pandemic, consumer preferences are turning toward used luxury cars. In fact, the fastest-selling used cars in February were luxury cars.
According to an iSeeCars analysis of more than 1.2 million new and used cars sold in February from model years 2016 to 2020, the average used car took 42 days to sell. The top 20 fastest-selling vehicles, including luxury SUVs, averaged just 31.2 days.
4/9/2021
How Do I Determine the Value of My Used Car?
The values of used cars have increased 15 percent compared to last year. If you are in the market to replace your used car or sell it outright, you will want to find out the value of the vehicle first.
4/1/2021
Time to Wake Up Your Car and Get It Ready for Spring
Spring is here! As more people are vaccinated and states and cities slowly relax pandemic restrictions, many a car owner will get the itch to go on a road trip. You may be ready for a trip, but you have to make sure that your car is ready, as well. The last thing you need is car trouble to spoil your trip.
3/26/2021
Most Satisfying Cars May Not Always Be the Most Reliable
According to a Consumer Reports survey of most satisfying brands of cars, Tesla topped the list, with 88 percent of its owners saying they would buy a car from the same brand again. Lincoln came in second with 79 percent of owners saying they would buy the same car again. Ram placed third with 76 percent owners happy with their pick.
3/19/2021
Is a Certified Pre-Owned Car Better than a Used Car?
At one time or another, a car shopper will ask, “Which is better, a certified pre-owned car or a regular used car? What’s the difference?”
A certified pre-owned (CPO) car is a gently used vehicle sold by a franchised car dealer of the same brand. They are vehicles that are typically well-maintained, collision free, low-mileage, that are only a few years old and pass a rigorous inspection process.
3/12/2021
How to Tell It’s Time for a New Car Battery
Have you ever had your car stall on the road, only to find out later that it stopped because your car’s battery died? It can be a frustrating experience that was totally preventable.
3/4/2021
How Long Can My Used Car Go Without an Oil Change
If you want your used car to last a long time, getting the car’s oil changed regularly is a must. You should abide by your auto manufacturer’s guidelines regarding intervals for an oil change, but intervals may change as your vehicle gets older.
2/26/2021
Getting Your Car Serviced During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is still prevalent around the country. The CDC guidelines say the best way to stay safe from the virus is to stay home. However, there are times when we need to leave our house to go to the grocery, the bank, and yes, to get our car serviced.
2/18/2021
Confirm the Odometer Reading is Accurate When You Buy A Used Car
Since used cars have surged in popularity and price, the incidence of odometer tampering has also increased. Odometer fraud has become so rampant that the Iowa Department of Transportation has updated the rules for odometer disclosure statements in the sale of vehicles to align with federal changes starting with the new year.
2/11/2021
Best Pickup Trucks in Iowa for 2021
Pickup trucks continue to reign supreme in Iowa. According to Edmunds data collected on new vehicle registrations over the course of 2020, the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series and Ram 1500/2500/3500 were the three top-selling vehicles in Iowa. The GMC Sierra 1500 ranked fifth, coming next to Chevrolet Equinox compact crossover SUV. Edmunds ranked all four pickup trucks as the top four best large trucks for 2021. These trucks are also among the top-rated pickup trucks in quality in a survey of thousands of verified new truck owners conducted by J.D. Power Initial Quality Studyand many otherauto consumer sites.
2/4/2021
Winter Isn’t Over - Don’t Disregard Car Winter Maintenance
It may be February, but anyone who lives in Iowa knows the weather can change dramatically. One day temperatures can be a balmy 65 degrees and overnight they could dip to 35 degrees or lower and bring snow or ice. This dramatic shift in temperature alone can be hard on your car.
1/28/2021
Things to Know About Auto Insurance
Whether you are buying a used or new vehicle, you will certainly need some type of auto insurance coverage. Regulations regarding auto insurance, rates, and premiums, can vary for each state.
1/21/2021
Best Safe Used Cars for Teens
It is a new year, and you have a teenager who is excited about getting a driver’s license and their own car to drive, but you are understandably nervous since the crash rates for teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are nearly four times those of drivers ages 20 and older per mile driven. To allay fears of parents, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have teamed up to compile a joint list of recommended safe, reliable and affordable used vehicles for teen drivers. Prices are rounded to the nearest $100 and based on Kelley Blue Book average U.S. prices from July 1, 2020 for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year and range from a little over $5,000 and under $20,000.
1/15/2021
Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Vehicle
Every 40.9 seconds, a motor vehicle is stolen in the U.S. In areas like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids there are more cars, trucks and other vehicles stolen than in smaller towns. In fact, Iowa ranks 37th, with 4,687 motor vehicles stolen in 2018, according to a ValuePenguin analysis on “2021 Motor Vehicle Statistics”.
The most stolen cars in Iowa include the Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge Pickups, Honda Accord and Ford Taurus. Don’t let your car be one of them!
Unless you have comprehensive car insurance, which covers a stolen vehicle, having your car stolen can cause lots of grief in money and time. You’ll have to contact police immediately to file a stolen vehicle report and you must contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of your vehicle being stolen.
1/8/2021
Picks for Best Used Cars for 2021
It’s a new year and iSeeCars.com has come out with the best picks for used cars for 2021. The car search engine studied over 24 million cars and combined the results with crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Their scores on reliability and value retention were aggregated with their NHTSA average safety ratings for an overall final score of which 10 points was highest score and a highest safety rating average of 5.
View our older articles!
Our older articles are archived but are still available for viewing at this link: Archived Blog