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Check Your Car Before Going To College
Summer is coming to a close and many students are headed to college. That may mean a road trip a few miles away or several states away. So, before you go, here is a simple road trip checklist you can do a few days before you head to school:
1. Check the fluids in your car. Check your car’s oil, brake, coolant and windshield wiper fluids. If your car is soon due for an oil change, get it done. Change your oil filter, too. Your car will run smoothly with cleaner oil. You should also check your car’s cabin filter. Replacing the cabin filter will improve your car’s performance.
2. Check the windshield wipers. There’s nothing more dangerous than encountering rain and having your wipers not work properly. Replace them if they are not in good condition.
3. Check the tires. Make sure the tires are set at the right pressure, as recommended in the car’s manual. Then check the tire tread. If the tread is less than 1/12" or 2.5mm, replace your tires, especially if you will be traveling many miles.
3. Check all the lights. Make sure all your car’s lights, including the brake, turning signal and license plate lights are functioning properly. You want to make sure cars behind can see you well, especially when you step on the brake, and that you have good visibility when traveling at night.
4. Clean your vehicle inside and out. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than traveling in a dirty vehicle. Remove the trash in your car; in fact, if you plan on going on a long trip, bring along a disposable trash bag. Wash the outside of your car. Pay special attention to all the windows, so you get good visibility when traveling.
5. Pack a car safety kit. You should have a first-aid kit and emergency equipment that should at the very least include a working flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, wrench, tire gauge and jumper cables. Other items you may include are flares, a tire reflector, fire extinguisher, extra coolant, blanket, rags or paper towels and bottled water.
And don’t leave home without your phone and car charger!
Carousel Pre-Owned serving Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, North Liberty, Marion, and Coralville, IA is proud to be an automotive leader in our community. Since opening our doors, Carousel Pre-Owned has maintained a solid commitment to you, our customers. We do our best to ensure your complete satisfaction every time you step into our car dealership. This is why we offer the widest selection of used and pre-owned Cars, Trucks, and SUVs and provide true ease of purchase in Iowa.
How do I negotiate on a used car at a dealership?
Category: Car Shopping
You’re buying a used car because you know it has more value than purchasing a new vehicle. Cars that are around two years old are especially a good deal since their new car value has dropped nearly 50 percent from their original sticker price.
In any negotiation, knowledge is power. Once you have an idea of the kind of car you’d like to purchase, do your research on what the car is worth used. Check the Kelley Blue Book or the National Automobile Dealer Guide Official Used Car Guide to get both retail value and wholesale value of the car. Read more to know how to negotiate on a used car at a dealership.
When is the best time to buy a used car?
Date: July 5, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
There can be great deals on cars throughout the year, depending on the occasion, the season, the month, the day or even the time of day.
Watch for sales, especially during holidays like Black Friday, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and Columbus Day. Some, but not all three-day weekends can be good times to buy a used car. You may not get the best deal in the months of April, May, June or July. During these times, the weather gets warmer and more car shoppers come out and are ready to spend money, so dealerships may have less incentive to offer discounts. Read more to know when the best time to buy a used car is.
Date: June 21, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Whether pre-owned or new, the key to keeping a vehicle healthy and you happy and safe is regular maintenance. Neglecting regular maintenance on your car can lead to a breakdown or, worse yet, a bad accident. It could cost you a lot of money, if not your life.
Here are priorities you need to check regularly to keep your vehicle well-maintained, increase its life span and keep your safe on the road.
Should I Buy a Used Car from a Private Seller or a Car Dealership
Date: June 9, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
When you’ve decided you are better off buying a used car instead of a brand-new car, the next question that will come to mind is whether you should buy the vehicle from a private seller or a dealership. Let’s examine the pros and cons.
Know the Difference: Vehicle History Report vs. Vehicle History
Date: May 25 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Acquiring a vehicle history report before purchasing a used car can save you a lot of money and headache afterwards. A vehicle history report can be purchased for a fee from companies like Carfax and AutoCheck.com. Other websites, like the National Insurance Crime Bureau, can provide you with the history of a vehicle for free, but they will not provide you with as detailed information.
Whether pre-owned or new, the key to keeping a vehicle healthy and you happy and safe is regular maintenance. Neglecting regular maintenance on your car can lead to a breakdown or, worse yet, a bad accident. It could cost you a lot of money, if not your life.
Here are priorities you need to check regularly to keep your vehicle well-maintained, increase its life span and keep your safe on the road.
5 Steps to Buying Your First Car
Date: May 17 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You got your first job and you’re renting an apartment of your own. The next testament to your full independence is to buy your first car. Buying your first car can be overwhelming, but doing research ahead of time will make it less daunting and help you arrive at an informed decision on the best car for you. Read more for a few tips.
When to Know It's Time to Replace Your Car
Date: May 10 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Every car, no matter how well-maintained, will reach its limit and sooner or later, you’ll have to decide whether the car is worth keeping, or whether it’s time to look for another vehicle. Read more to know when it's time to replace your care.
Should You Pay Cash for a Used Car
Date: April 28 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’ve done your research on the type of car you want and you are ready to approach the dealer. The question is, will you get a better deal if you pay all cash for a pre-owned car?
A buyer paying all cash may appeal to a seller, but cash may not always be king when it comes to buying a used car. Paying all cash for a car would save you money on interest charges and could save you time in a dealership, but it may not always guarantee that you’ll get a better deal.
Preparing Your Car to Sell to the Dealership
Date: April 20 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
So, you’re ready to say good-bye to your car. Maybe you want to replace it because it’s giving you more trouble than you want to deal with; or, maybe just want a change - something new or newer.
Of course, you’d like to get the most money out of your car. At Carousel Pre-Owned, we want to help our customers be informed, so here are a few things you can do to prepare your car so you get the most for trade-in.
What to Include in a Car Survival Kit
Date: April 13 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
At Carousel Preowned, we are proud to be a used car and automotive leader in our community. Our customers are very important to us and our customer care goes beyond purchasing a vehicle; we want you to be safe. We encourage everyone to carry a Survival Kit in their car. In an emergency, it could save your life and the lives of your passengers. Read more to learn what you need in your Survival Kit.
15 Car Buying Questions You Should Ask
Date: Mar. 29 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
It’s a rare person who enjoys the car buying process. More often than not, we find ourselves wondering what questions we should ask when we’re at the dealership. And when we do purchase a new car, we wonder “Did I get a good deal?”
Getting a good deal is more than just price. At Carousel Preowned, we want to help our customers be informed; help them know what questions to ask. So, we’ve compiled a list of 15 car buying questions you should ask. Some of these questions may not be applicable to your situation and there may even be more that we forgot, but it’s a start and we hope it’s helpful.
Cost Considerations for Used Cars
Date: Mar. 22 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’re considering purchasing a new or used car, but when it comes to the cost and your budget – what should you know about? For starters, used cars are the most affordable. The average new car can range anywhere from $20,000 to $55,000 according to Kelly Blue Book. While the average used car can range anywhere from a few thousand to the average $13,000.
Beyond the sticker price, it’s smart to get ahead of expenses like maintenance, repairs, parking, gas and more. To get a handle on your budget, determine ceilings for down payment costs, monthly payments, insurance in addition to miscellaneous expenses like parking and gas. Here’s what you need to remember when budgeting for your used car.
Date: Mar. 15 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
If you’re shopping for a used car, you’ll want to understand what types of used cars there are and what to look for before setting out on your search. Here’s a look at the types of used cars and what to consider.
What to Know if You're Selling Your Car to a Dealership
Date: Mar. 6 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’re ready to sell your car. You have a few options, some easier than others. You can sell it on your own, privately. This will often get you the most money, however it requires a great deal of time and effort. You can use sites like Cars.com or AutoTrader, which also require time and effort. Or, you can sell your car to a dealership. Here’s what you need to know if you’re selling your car to a dealership.
How Much Mileage Is Good For A Used Car
Date: Feb.22 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
There are many reasons why buying a used car rather than a new car is a wise choice. But there are also factors that should be taken into consideration before purchasing a used car. Good mileage is one them. But how much mileage is good for a used car? Here’s what to know before purchasing a used car.
Date: Feb.1 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
If you're buying a used car for your teenager, here are a few things to keep in mind before you go to the dealership.
What You Need to Know When Test-Driving A Used Car
Date: Jan. 18, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Buying a car can be a big decision. Making the most of a test drive is a simple matter of common sense, careful observation, and knowing what to look for. Read on for how to prepare yourself for this all-important experience and what to keep track of when taking a car out for the first time.
Date: Jan. 18, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’ve decided to purchase a new car – fantastic! We invite you to look at our online selection of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles. We are confident that your dream car is here on our parking lot. As you’re looking for your vehicle, we’ve compiled a helpful checklist for you to reference to help ensure a fantastic customer experience.
Advantages of Buying a Used Car
Date: Jan. 11, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Used cars are a great option for all kinds of drivers. They offer benefits like having more options and lower prices, making them an excellent and affordable choice. If you’re considering buying a used car, read on to find out more about how Carousel Preowned can help.
Date: Dec. 29, 2017 | Category: Car Shopping
When you decide to purchase a car, truck or SUV from a Carousel 2, you’ve made a good decision. Shopping at Carousel 2 ensures that you’ll obtain a high-quality automobile that has already met our high standards. Read about a few benefits you can experience when you shop with us in Iowa.
Date: Dec. 19, 2017 | Category: Car Shopping
Buying your first car can seem a little daunting. There are many makes and models to choose from with a variety of features. It can be difficult to sort through the options and find the best car for you. Consider these ten tips before you buy a car.
Date: Nov. 13, 2017 | Category: Car Shopping
If you are looking to buy a car for yourself or a family member, consider purchasing a used car instead of a new car. Carousel Preowned is a trusted used car dealer, and we believe that our high-quality used cars will fulfill your transportation needs.
The 2015 Honda Fit EX-L in Iowa City: Delivery Efficiency and Epic Moments Every Time
Date: Feb. 13, 2017 | Category: Honda Fit
The 2015 Honda Fit EX-L in Iowa City is making a splash in the economy car market, redefining the way these cars handle and look. This five-person hatchback offers plenty of character on the inside, and a fun performance wherever your journeys take you. It delivers on all points, from a spacious interior to an impressive fuel economy...
Date: Feb. 7, 2017 | Category: Chevrolet Malibu LT
The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT in Iowa City is a great vehicle to take out with the family, given its reliability and cargo space. It offers plenty of safety and entertainment features as well to ensure every passenger has a good time on long-distance trips...
Date: Feb. 1, 2017 | Category: Dodge Journey RT
Cruising down different roads can be epic every time when inside the refined 2015 Dodge Journey RT, a timeless SUV designed for today’s modern world. Its interior is fit for a queen and king, and the exterior drops jaws in any setting. Take this SUV out for long-distance trips with the family or daily commutes. It is ready when you are...
Date: Jan. 25, 2017 | Category: Dodge Journey RT
Perhaps one of the most competitive markets in the automotive industry is the SUV crossover segment. Despite this, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander SE soars above its SUV competitors with its commendable fuel-economy, tech-oriented features, and long-lasting parts. It is designed for the roads less traveled and busy cities, making it a versatile SUV to add to your collection...