Whether you have just purchased a new or a used car, the idea to get on the road can be exhilarating. It feels liberating, and it seems to open up a whole new world for you to take on and explore.
However, as a new driver, you need to know several safety driving tips to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers on the road. Here are some safe driving tips that you should keep in mind to boost your confidence and keep you alert while on the road:
Always abide by speed limit signs you see on the road and avoid speeding. There’s a 3-second rule that many responsible drivers follow when they’re behind the wheel.
Check the vehicle in front of you and start counting when they have passed a particular object on the road. The thing can be anything – a tree, a post, or signage. If you get to the same point without finishing the three counts, it means that you are too close with the first vehicle.
When this happens, make sure that you slow down to keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the other cars. When you are constantly speeding, you will have less time to consider other drivers on the road, and you will also have less time to think about what to do in case of unexpected situations.
Safe driving also includes a well-maintained vehicle. Schedule your car for routine maintenance, including tire rotations and oil changes. You will feel safer when driving a car that won’t fail you in case of sudden mishaps.
You should know by now how many lives have been taken by drunk driving. Having a license doesn’t give you the freedom to get behind the wheels when you are intoxicated. Never get behind the wheels even when you’ve only had a little to drink, or you are confident you are not drunk.
Wait until you are sober before driving. However, if you need to go somewhere urgently, it is best to ask someone to drive you. Alternatively, you can hail or book a cab instead of driving while intoxicated.
Anything can happen while you are on the road – bad weather, mechanical failure, or bad traffic. Even well-maintained vehicles will fail you sometimes depending on the external factors you have encountered on the road.
Therefore, it is best to bring your emergency tools onboard. This may include jumper cables, spare tire, wheel wrench, jack, extra batteries, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.
It would be best to prepare for sudden traffic jams or road trips not going as planned. Always carry snacks, water, and non-perishable food items, such as dried fruits and granola bars.
If you just purchased a used car in Calgary, it is crucial to get adequate car insurance coverage. Coverage will help you manage the financial impact arising from accidents and other causes of car failure.
A seatbelt is a must for drivers and other passengers in the car. Do not wait until you have a severe injury that would have been prevented by wearing a seatbelt.
If you want to come to a halt, it is best not to accelerate but get your foot off the gas instead. Defensive driving will save on gas and reduce wear and tear for your tires and brakes. Also, do not hesitate to check the condition of these parts before you close a deal with a used car dealer.
While it is exciting to purchase your first used car in Calgary, you must never overlook the responsibility that comes with driving. Once you get behind the wheel, you must always consider your safety and others on the road. The team at Prime Autos takes pride in providing safe and reliable used vehicles, and we want new drivers to feel comfortable on the roads in Calgary.
Buying a used car is a great way to cut on the expensive costs of a new ride. However, if you are looking to purchase one, there are things that you need to keep in mind to get the best possible deal. While there are numerous financing options for used cars on the market, not every option may be suitable for you.
If you are looking for used car financing in Calgary, here are tips that can help you.
The car may be used, but you still want to ensure that it is within your budget. Figure out what you can afford while keeping in mind the monthly car loan payments and other expenses like insurance and fuel. Once you know how much you can afford, it will be easier to find the best used car financing option from a reliable used car dealership like Prime Auto Calgary.
Before you visit a used car dealer, it is recommendable first to check your credit rating. Your credit score will give details of your credit history and most lenders to decide whether you qualify for an auto loan or not. If you have a low credit score, lenders are unlikely to give you a loan.
Fortunately, it is still possible to get a car loan even with a low credit score. However, the downside of this is that you will end up paying a high interest rate. Therefore, it is best first to determine your credit score and think carefully about getting a car loan if your credit is poor.
If getting financing from a used car dealer is not an option, consider financing from institutions like banks, community banks, finance companies, and credit unions. Numerous financing institutions may be willing to give you financing at a manageable interest rate.
A good strategy is to get quotes from multiple institutions and make a comprehensive comparison before deciding. In some cases, you may want to get the quote in writing and present it to your used car dealer and see if they are willing to lower their interest rate.
It is advisable for any used cars Calgary shoppers to make a 20% down payment. By making a significant down-payment, you increase your chances of getting a good deal on your used car loan. Putting as much money down as possible decreases your loan amount, making it possible to get a shorter loan term.
It can also give you the advantage of making lower monthly payments and significantly decreasing your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. When your LTV is lower, the lender is more likely to give you a good deal on your car loan.
Another benefit of putting as much money down as you can is that it lowers your chances of getting negative equity. This means that you won’t owe the lender more than the car’s worth, especially in cases where something happens to your car while you are still in the process of completing the loan.
When buying a used car, always negotiate the price. Unknown to most people, you have room to negotiate for your car purchase whether or not the car dealership is arranging your financing. At the end of the time, you want the best deal possible, and the dealer wants to make a profit.
If you are doing a trade-in and still want used car financing, make sure that the transactions are dealt with separately. Otherwise, salespeople are skilled and may confuse you to think that you are getting the best deal on your trade-in.
After getting financing for your used car, consider paying for other fees like sales tax, documentation, and registration with cash. Otherwise, most dealerships will add these fees into your financing, and this can give you negative equity. Consequently, this will increase your auto loan, and you will pay more than the car’s actual value.
Because of the vast range of used car financing options available, finding the best deal for you can be overwhelming. Plus, there is a lot to consider to ensure that you finance your used car the smart way. Fortunately, Prime Auto Calgary can help you finance your used car successfully.
Owning a vehicle in Calgary is undeniably valuable and convenient; it can take you wherever you need to go whenever you need to do so. However, not all have the financial capacity to purchase a brand-new vehicle.
If that’s the case, your local used car dealer in Calgary is the next best option if you want to buy a car without sacrificing the quality or breaking the bank. However, it can be challenging to find the right used vehicle.
With that said, this article will discuss the top three used vehicle models in Calgary, detailing why they’re excellent options if you’re looking for one.
Here are some of the most popular used cars and trucks purchased in Calgary:
If you’re looking for used cars in Calgary, you might want to check out the Honda Civic. While this car model has been around for a while, with its 10th generation being produced in 2016, it remains one of the most popular car models available.
One of the primary reasons for this is its excellent fuel efficiency, consuming less while still covering long distances. With a Honda Civic, you don’t have to worry about spending too much on fuel, even if you use it often.
Moreover, Honda Civics are made with high-quality materials that give it exceptional durability, allowing it to remain a reliable vehicle throughout the years, even if you buy it used. Additionally, this durability and reliability give it great value, especially if you decide to resell it in the future.
It’s also low-maintenance, so you can expect long-lasting performance without shelling out too much money.
Overall, the Honda Civic is an excellent choice if you’re planning to buy a used car. It’s reliable, low-maintenance, and fuel-efficient with a great resale value, perfect for those on a budget.
For those who need something more heavy-duty, you might want to take a look at the Ford F150. One of the most popular models for used trucks in Calgary, the Ford F150 features incredible towing and payload capacity, capable of handling weights up to 13,200 lbs. at a time.
It’s made with military-grade materials, too, giving it exceptional durability and a longer lifespan, which is ideal if you’re looking to buy a used truck. It’s perfect for any weather condition, whether it’s the hot summer months or the cold winter season.
The Ford F150 is also suitable for families due to its ample space, giving you more room for your family, equipment, and other items. You can also find a wide range of selections of this model in used car dealerships in Calgary, so you won’t have difficulty finding one.
Overall, the Ford F150 is an excellent option for those who want to buy used trucks, especially if they want something that can handle heavy payloads and have a long lifespan.
SUVs are ideal for families as they have enough room to accommodate everyone and their things. With that said, the Nissan Rogue is an excellent option to consider if you’re buying a used SUV in Calgary. It provides nice and smooth ride quality, ideal for families with small children.
It has enough cabin space to accommodate everyone in the family while still having enough space to store their things.
However, one of its most notable features is that it has an AWD (all-wheel drive) traction that improves its handling in all types of terrains. AWD is perfect for cities like Calgary, where the temperatures in winter can cause significant ice on the roads.
Nissan Rogues also have decent fuel-efficiency, so you don’t have to worry about spending too much on fuel when shuttling your children to and from their appointments. Aside from being comfortable and spacious, the Nissan Rogue also delivers superb performance and durability, giving it incredible reliability, even if you buy it used.
Overall, if you’re looking for a used SUV for your family needs, you can’t go wrong with a Nissan Rogue.
The models mentioned above are the most popular models for used vehicles in Calgary. You can’t go wrong with these models, and you can find them at Prime Auto, a leading used car dealership in Calgary.
Calgary gets a lot of snow in the winter, making it essential to own a truck or SUV with higher ground clearance. In general, all-wheel drive is recommended.
Now, before you go to a used car dealer in Calgary to buy a vehicle for your winter driving, we will show you some critical factors you should consider first so that you don’t pick up the wrong car.
Paired with winter tires, below are some of the safest vehicles for winter driving in Calgary.
If you are not a car person, you may not be familiar with ground clearance. Ground clearance is the distance between your car’s body and the ground surface. With higher ground clearance, you will be able to go through harsher road surfaces like gravels and rocky grounds without having to worry about doing any damage to your car’s body.
Since we are discussing winter driving in Calgary, where snow can pile up on the road, and your driveway, cars with higher ground clearance will give you one significant advantage. Extra ground clearance will allow you to drive through the snowy roads easily. Even when you are required to do digging, you only have to shovel some of the snow away, and you’ll be able to continue cruising again.
A vehicle like a used truck usually has a higher ground clearance compared to sedans and coupes. If a truck doesn’t suit your needs or style, you can try to look for a used SUV for sale in Calgary for a more family-friendly car.
With different road conditions during winters, such as wet roads, icy roads, and snow buildups, having an all-wheel-drive (AWD) car is a huge benefit. When you want to buy a used truck for sale in Calgary, you should make sure that it is equipped with an AWD system.
With AWD, you can crawl through the snow with ease because you have four moving wheels instead of just two. It means if your rear wheels are unable to push your car forward, your front wheels can help by giving additional traction and vice versa. Just remember, AWD will not reduce braking distance!
It’s important to understand that different used SUV and trucks may have various types of AWD systems. While some may work automatically, others may require manual adjustments from you, the driver.
Now that we have talked about wheels and tractions in the last part, we should discuss winter tires. Winter tires are crucial to ensure your safety while driving on a snowy surface.
Tire makers specifically design winter tires so that your car can still move, stop, and turn on snowy and icy roads. Winter tires are made with some particular compounds and are equipped with specific patterns that allow your tires to grip even in low traction situations.
Besides, the use of winter tires is mandatory in some provinces during the winter times. Therefore, it is in your best interests that you put on winter tires on your car immediately after you pick it up from the used car dealer.
Lastly, let us talk about heated seats and steering wheel. Well, we should admit that heated seats and steering wheel don’t have anything to do with your safety and your ability to move on slippery surfaces. But, having those in your car during the wintertime is a great convenience!
In short, the best car for winter driving will be different for everyone. It will depend on the road conditions on their commuting route. Regardless of what used car model you choose, find a trustworthy used car dealership in Calgary so that you can be satisfied with your used car purchase.
Want to save money when buying a car in Calgary? Try to go for the used one! Many experts said that buying a used car makes much more sense financially than purchasing a new one. Buying a used vehicle in Calgary can cost you much less, but only if you do it right. If you need to buy used cars and trucks in Calgary, we will show you the proper way to do it.
Here are some tips on what to do and consider when buying a used car in Calgary:
This first step is crucial to ensure that your next car will accommodate all your needs. Ask yourself first about “How many people will it fit inside the car?”, “Do I need to transport big things with this car later?” or “Do I need a great fuel efficiency or a monstrous power output from this car?”. Those questions will help you decide whether you need a used truck, MPV, SUV, etc.
You will also need to consider the budget for your car. If you are not planning to pay it in cash, you will need to find used car financing in Calgary. Calculate all of your monthly needs, then figure out how much you can allocate for the car payment.
You can try to estimate your monthly payment using loan calculators. There are many loan calculators available on the internet. All you need to do is find the interest rate and then decide how long the term will be; then it will calculate you.
Now, once you have decided what models suit your needs and budget, it is time for you to find the right used car dealer in Calgary. A trustworthy used car dealership will provide you with diverse inventory, clear vehicle history reports, detailed car service records, and post-sale documentation and services.
You can search on the internet and do a little research on user reviews to know whether it is a reliable used car dealership or not. Just type the dealership name on any search engine, and usually, you will find the user reviews on the first or second page. Or, try to ask locals for good car dealer recommendations.
You will want to avoid cars with a history of significant accidents, floods, fire, or any other damage. If you find any of those signs on the vehicle, you can throw that car away from your consideration list. It’s because it may hide other unseen damages on different car parts, such as wiring and electrical devices.
But, if the accident signs are minor, you can take advantage of them instead. You can use those signs as leverage during the price negotiation process.
Don’t forget to check the VINs. The numbers on the paper and the ID plate should match. If they don’t match, there’s a possibility that the car is stolen.
After you’re done inspecting the physical condition, you can take it for a spin to see how well the car performs. Make sure it starts right away and it handles nice. Also, check the functions of all the lamps, indicators, and gauges. If possible, try the used vehicle at different speeds and road conditions.
Now, we’ve made it to the fun part. If you negotiate with a salesperson in a used car dealership, you have to know that he is trained to lure you into the deal he wants.
Generally, a salesperson will make you focus on the monthly payment amount. Yet, if you are a savvy buyer, you will want to focus on the total payment amount. You should also ensure that both of you are talking about our door price so that you will not be charged with any additional fee.
Now that you are done negotiating the price, you can start signing the papers. A reputable dealership will happily walk you through this process. This process might get a little complicated when you buy a used car from a private seller or an unverified used car dealership.
Buying a used car can be a little bit tricky at first, especially for inexperienced buyers; this is why you need to go to a trusted car dealer in Calgary. If you are not sure about checking the car’s condition on your own, you can always call a car inspection service.
Buying a car has always been a necessity for people who have hectic schedules who cannot withstand the burdens of commuting every day. Owning a vehicle comes with many benefits. However, buying a new vehicle can be expensive and most people opt to buy used cars from used car dealerships or private sales.
But how do you determine which of the two is the safest and most practical option? Well, both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Learn more here.
Where you purchase your next used vehicle will depend on your quality standard, budget, availability, and financing options. When making your decision, you need to consider various factors like safety, peace of mind, financial priorities, legal papers, and of course, your convenience. Overall, the benefits of buying from a used car dealership outweigh private sales, and you can confidentially purchase a used vehicle with peace of mind at Prime Autos!
You have to weigh your options when buying a vehicle, depending on the factors that affect your decision. Are you going to settle for a used truck or a new one? Is a used car worth the investment?
It is best to see your choices and talk to the experts before making up your mind. You have to check all options; some dealerships specifically sell used cars and trucks in Calgary, while others sell new vehicles as well. Another possibility is opting for a private sale through Kijiji, Auto Trader or Facebook Marketplace.
Since you’d be spending a considerable amount no matter which one you choose, here’s a look at the pros and cons of the two ventures:
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
If you are buying a car because it is necessary, but you are not after the latest trends and models, it is best to search for a used car than a new one. You will find better value and experience less depreciation; this is especially true for people with a tight budget.
You can get a good deal and a great car as long as you rely on the services of reputable used car dealers in Calgary; as experts in the industry, they can provide the best value for your hard-earned money and find a used vehicle that fits your needs.
Proper maintenance of your car is essential in maintaining its resale value and reducing headaches caused by sudden breakdowns. Poor maintenance of a used vehicle means your car will have to visit a mechanic more often, involving more expenses you could have avoided with planned maintenance.
The point here is maintenance should have a spot in our schedule because it means:
So, what can you do to keep your car in a good performance? Last time we shared some thoughts on picking the right used car in Calgary. There we talked about maintenance and its influence on a used car’s price. This time we will develop that idea to give you more input about this, so you can be sure your vehicle is in prime condition.
These tips will help you reduce your car’s time with the auto mechanic and make you feel confident about your car’s reliability. Of course, this is not written in a stone. Show this article to your used car dealer and ask him whether he might add something that would help you drive safely and reduce expenses.
When first faced with an issue, we all need guidance. Where can you find that? Researching the web for clues is a good option, but you might want to consult:
Oil changes will keep all your car lubricated and prevent future damages. It is advised to change oil frequently, as per the owner’s manual. When doing this, consider checking air and oil filters.
Air filters should be changed once or twice a year. How would you know when the right time is for doing it? Well, it depends on how much you drive, so change it twice a year if your car spends more time in the streets than in the garage.
Regarding oil filters, these should be replaced at every oil change.
Did you find a separated hose, or is it showing cracks or bulges? You might want it replaced. The same goes for the belts whenever you see signs of wear, including cracking, glazing and material loss.
You should check tires’ pressure, the brakes and wiper blades monthly to ensure they are working correctly. Replace when recommended by your manual or mechanic.
First, ensure your battery is fully disconnected. You can easily clean this with a bristled brush along with a solution of water and baking soda.
Washing your used vehicle at least once a month can prevent paint corrosion from salt and dirt. Moreover, having your cars’ inside vacuumed frequently
Since you made it this far, you now have a better idea of what you can do by maintaining your car and enjoying it safely and economically. Following a maintenance schedule will keep your vehicle in good condition and usually leads to a higher price when reselling or trading into a used car dealer.
If you have questions, you can always contact our used car dealer in Calgary for more information. Prime Autos has a large selection of used cars for sale in Calgary, from cars, SUVs, trucks and more.
Buying a car will take a lot of consideration and research. However, we are not going to talk about buying cars but used cars. How can anyone prepare themselves to choose the right used car in Calgary and make the most of their money? We will talk a bit about it.
So, what is this all about? We will talk about creating a plan that helps you choose the right used car for you. To do that, we will need to establish a strategy, determine our budget and proceed with a plan. We will show you how to go through this.
The first step that needs to be done is setting the reason you are buying a used car. Is it going to be used for work? Are you going to use it eventually for a weekend trip? What are the reasons behind your decision to buy a used car?
Once we have this clear, we can narrow down the list of used cars that suit you. Do you want to filter this list even more? Think about your style and what type of used vehicle will fit your lifestyle best. Of course, your budget will help in filtering the list too. In the end, we are aiming at having a clear picture of what we are looking for, knowing our expectations and following a straight path to achieve our goal.
Buying a used car is not just about having the money and giving it to the used car dealer. You need to evaluate every possible situation you may deal with in the future like maintenance, insurance, fuel efficiency or financial terms.
Before we dive into that topic, let’s talk about research and markets. You can use the Internet to look for useful information that would help you with making your decisions. For example, you could search “used car dealer in Calgary” how much you have to pay for a used car. You can easily find that information by going to car dealership websites. For instance, you can visit our used car dealer for great prices on used cars in Calgary. This way, you can adjust your budget accordingly and get a better idea of the market. The more information you get, the better.
The point here is that buying a used car involves other expenses that may affect you depending on how you are going to use your vehicle. In any case, it is essential to keep them in mind. Let’s talk about them.
No matter the type of car we are talking about, we will always incur maintenance-related expenses. However, when talking about used cars, the situation is a bit different. We need to be sure that the used car we are about to buy is in good running condition and meets our needs.
You can always have a mechanic look over the car that you’re thinking of buying. That way, you can check whether the vehicle is in good shape. This is an excellent chance to ask them to give you an estimate of the work that needs to be done and how much its price would be. By doing it this way, you get to know in advance any future expense you might incur in the future. Ideally, the used car dealer will provide their own pre-purchase inspection.
Before buying a used car, be sure how much you will be paying for car insurance. By doing this, you will know in advance whether you will be able to afford these monthly expenses. Depending on how much you would be paying monthly, you may change your decision on buying this or that used car.
Just be sure that you contact your insurance broker to talk about any insurance advice you might follow to secure your car.
Depending on your income and how you will use your new car, fuel efficiency will or will not matter. What’s fuel efficiency? In simple words, vehicles take advantage of fuel to produce energy and take action. Following this, we can say we have fuel efficiency when a car can do more with less fuel.
Why does it matter? Because you would want a used car with good fuel efficiency if you were to use it most of the time and want to save some money on gas.
Depending on your goals, financial terms can be an issue for you. Are you going to buy a used car to drive into the ground? Yes? Then you don’t have anything to worry about. But in the case you are not sure whether you are going to sell it 2 or 3 years onward, you should pay attention to your financial terms.
You would want to adjust your payments to match your loan values with the vehicle’s approximate depreciation as you go along. Most used car dealers are able to provide a variety of financing options to fit your needs.
So far, you have enough information to create a plan for buying used cars. To summarize, you will have to:
This process is easy, but it takes time. If you have questions, you can always contact our used car dealer in Calgary for more information. Prime Autos has a large selection of used cars for sale in Calgary, from cars, SUVs, trucks and more.
When shopping for a car, it does not usually cross people’s minds that they will likely put it up for sale at some point. A vehicle’s condition is critical when attempting to sell used cars. It could either enable you or keep you from making the best possible deal. Therefore, it’s crucial to make sure that your vehicle is in its best shape and here’s where car detailing could help.
Cleaning, protection, reconditioning, and restoration are all included in auto detailing. The interior and exterior of the vehicle must be maintained to complete this thorough process.
It is usually easier to start with the inside before the outside, so the initial phase of auto detailing involves the car’s interior. All of the trash inside the vehicle’s interior should first be removed and vacuumed.
As for exterior car detailing, this includes cleaning, protection, polishing, and decontamination of the vehicle’s exterior. The vehicle’s paint, windows, wheels, tires, chrome, and trim are rigorously cleaned using high-quality products.
To achieve the best shine and lasting results, a professional auto detailing service must be performed one part at a time.
Car detailing will make your car look sparkling and provide you with some personal benefits. Here are some of the advantages of auto detailing:
By improving, restoring, and protecting all of its parts, auto detailing could help maintain your vehicle’s best look. Compared to an ordinary car wash, car detailing requires more time to improve your car’s condition and fix minor imperfections. Machine buffing and polishing, in particular, could be the most complex tasks for a professional detail.
What makes interior car detailing different from the necessary wiping and vacuuming is that it typically involves a deep shampoo. Interior car shampoo help remove stains and bacteria from your upholstery. With the use of dressings, certain interior textures can also be kept hydrated and protected. For example, leather conditioners in leather seats help keep its comfort level and make it look less dry and damaged.
You may not see it, but your vehicle could be carrying billions of bacteria and allergens that can pose a threat to your health. If your car has a lot of dirt, dust, or debris inside it, this will cause these germs in your vehicle to circulate. Careful cleaning of these particles with vacuums and sterile wipes can destroy germs, which is one of the critical reasons why you should consider car detailing. If you feel that you are already starting to sneeze a lot when inside your car, you might need to take your vehicle to an auto detailer.
Most owners might not want to invest extra money on auto detailing as they do not think it is essential. Little do they know that the maintenance offered by car detailing helps keep specific components of the vehicle from worn or damaged. In the end, if these parts are not maintained well, they would have to be fixed sooner or later, which could cost more money.
Another benefit of auto detailing is that it helps maintain your car’s original value, or even add value to older vehicles. Detailing of cars offers lasting and durable protection as multiple applications of wax layers provide excellent strength and shine to your car’s exterior. Whether it’s to a used car dealer or some other third party, it’s vital to make a great first impression when selling your car.
Nobody would want to purchase a car that appears as though it’s run down and never washed. Thus, it is recommended to use a pre-sale car detail to maximize your car’s value to sell it for the best price possible.
A comprehensive cleaning process that helps improve, restore, and preserve all parts of your vehicle; auto detailing will make your car look more appealing. It differs significantly from your basic car wash or cleaning, which can only go so far.
When planning to sell your car, maintaining it is essential to increase its durability and add to its value. Here at Prime Autos, we offer you not only the best prices for used cars in Calgary, but we also provide some of the best auto detailing services that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. For more details, check out our packages for auto detailing in Calgary.