Top 10 budget friendly cars that you can definitely afford

When you’re in desperate need of a car and you’re on a tight budget, you need to let go of superficial preferences and be extremely practical. 

1.     Hyundai Elantra

Not only that this is the only manual transmission available in the entire 2010 Elantra sedan lineup (which we know are cheaper than automatics), it’s also tuned for maximum fuel efficiency.

2.      Kia Forte Sedan

Prep yourself because this list is dominated by Hyundais and Kias which are Korean. Yes it’s a little expensive but as mentioned we’re going for the practical ones to buy and own. This Forte is a six-speed manual transmission, plus it’s quite attractive too.

3.      Suzuki SX4 Sedan

You’d assume more people are into this hatchback since its price is quite reasonable considering it’s decently fast. But surprisingly it’s one of the most underrated cars. Three year insurance cost of this one is only $3830 and three-year fuel cost would be $3563.

4.      Kia Soul

This may be small but it offers an extensive menu of customization options not to mention that it only cost $21, 063 in three years, inclusive of base MSRP, EPA combined mileage, fuel cost, and insurance cost.

5.      Toyota Yaris Three-Door Hatchback

Yes, it’s about $1000 more expensive than a Smart Fortwo. But this has more cargo space and has more passenger space so it gives you a feeling of a real car.

6.      Kia Rio Sedan

When it comes to driving experience, Rio sure is more than an anemic shuffle. Actually, it placed third on the comparison test of econocars. Not to mention that it’s only costs $19, 378 in three years of owning it, so there’s that.

7.      Chevrolet Aveo Sedan

Okay, let’s get this straight. We did include this sedan on the list because three-year costs are within reasonable one. But you’d want to opt for the 2011 model, it’s similarly thrifty but it’s a lot better compared to its predecessor.

8.      Smart Fortwo Coupe

If you’re only after a vehicle so you can have a ride to and from anywhere that is small, cheap and fuel efficient, this is great. Just don’t expect that much from this Coupe.

9.      Hyundai Accent Three-Door Hatchback

While the Accent is the cheapest car on the list, you have to be aware right off the bat that it’s insurance cost over three years isn’t that cheap. So, if you’re really wanna stick on the budget, you might want to prioritize your insurance agent.

10. Nissan Versa 1.6 Base

Well, the Nissan Versa is fine. It is quite competent and capacious for its $17, 506 three-year cost of ownership. But you’ll have to do with some setbacks. But then, it is the cheapest car possible. If you want a little more quality than what the Nissan Versa can offer you with the same price, start looking for trust-worthy used cars.

Car Repairs You Can Easily Handle On Your Own

Replace Wiper Blades

With a screwdriver and new blades, you can easily replace the old ones, by tilting the wiper arms upwards, in just five minutes. Just follow the instructions on the package and you should be fine.

Replace Fuse

Check your owner’s manual first to know where to find the fuse box and the type of fuse you’ll need. Using a fuse puller, you can easily do the job. The fuse box cover is usually labelled so you won’t have trouble identifying the circuit.

Replace Light Bulb

It’s basically as simple as replacing a light bulb at home. You won’t need a mechanic for that, do you? Just make sure you buy the same bulb as the old one from a trusted auto parts.

Replace Air Filter

Remove the cover of the filter box using a screwdriver then just lift the filter out.

Change Oil And Filter

You would have to refer to the user’s manual with this one too. That will tell you the type of engine oil and recommended capacity. After that prepare your latex gloves, drain pan, funnel, oil filter wrench, and a combination wrench, if your car is a newer model, you’ll be able to get this done in less than 30 minutes. Oil filters of newer cars are more accessible which also means there’s less chances of spill.

Tire Replacement

If there’s one car repair that every car owner should know, that’s changing tires; especially since jack and tire changing tools are provided by most car makers.

Check Radiator Hoses

Always check both the upper and the lower radiator hoses to see if they’re both damaged. Radiator hoses are usually just held by screws and clamps, so all you need is a screwdriver.

Check Car Batteries

You’ll know it’s time to have your batteries replaced if it hits only 9.7 volts when starting the engine. You’ll need suitable gloves, eye protection, and a voltmeter for this car repair.

Check Car Signal Relays

All you have to do is check your owner’s manual. Inspect relay cluster and then the turn signal relay. It could be just a bad turn signal relay or dead bulb.

Check Seat Belts

With just a screwdriver, you can easily replace the old seat belts with new ones. But even if you’ve already replaced it, see if the new seat belt is working fine.

Top 9 Road Trip Friendly Tips

Road trips are fun and exciting! It’s a great way to explore new places while gaining a lot of benefits like being able to sharpen your mind, seeing things in new and brighter way, building your confidence to try new things and get out of your comfort zone. But to make sure you get the best out of your travel experience, mind these tips to avoid common mishaps on the road.

1. Pick An Enthusiastic Companion

Nothing sucks out the life out of a supposedly fun trip than having a travel buddy who is in a completely different page. So you might wanna make sure that the person you’d be traveling with is someone who understands the responsibilities and challenges of travelling, but is also spontaneous enough to take things in stride.

2. Be Realistic With Your Budget

Do your research well when it comes to possible expenses so you can budget well. Believe me; you don’t wanna cut your trip short because you ended up with not enough money to go on.  Be smart on the things to save and splurge and make sure to set a fund for unexpected expenses.

3. Make Sure You Take A Reliable Car

If would rather bring a car than to commute, you better be certain that that vehicle won’t be a problem. Have the car checked for possible repairs before the trip; opt for a ride that ensures fuel economy, passenger comfort, cargo volume, off-road ability and cruise control. Secured safety features like airbags, traction control, vehicle stability, and tire pressure monitor system should also be a non-negotiable.

4. Don’t Drive Tired

You’re supposed to be headed for a fun and relaxing getaway, not to a hospital due to road accident. No one wants that, so don’t risk it by forcing yourself to drive even if you’re already beat just so you could go home by a set schedule. Give your body the rest that it needs to avoid accident.

5. You Pick The Playlist

The driver should be able to pick the playlist. Why? Because music can affect the driver’s mood, which means he can be as engaged or not on the wheels depending on the music he hears.

6. Don’t Be Too Confident With Your GPS

What if your phone goes haywire all of a sudden? Then you’d end up not knowing which route to go because you relied on one source for GPS. Better have a backup gadget as well as backup navigation apps just to be sure.

7. Get Off The Highway

Now, where the fun in that if you stay on the highway? That’s fine if you’re already headed home, but if you’re still in the middle of the road trip, why not goes off the beaten path? Who knows, you might discover a local restaurant or a tourists spot that not many people know but turned out to be a great find? Just make sure your car is prepared for fewer gas stations, public attractions, and rest stops since you’d be going in less traveled road.

8. Opt For Healthier Snack

Yes, you need to eat when your stomach calls for it, but you’ll get tired right away, not to mention gain more weight if you stop for fast food every time your tummy growls.  Have a stash of easy snacks that are a good combo of protein, carbs, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied in the car.

9. If You Can, Don’t Crash On Motels

If you come to think of it, hotel accommodation don’t costs that much considering that they often come with complimentary meals, a nice pool, fitness centers, and comfy mattresses. Plus you can always split the price with your travel companion, so why settle for a motel with amenities you can’t be sure of?

The 10 Finest Muscle Cars!

You fancy muscle cars? Dig in to this list of 10 greatest old muscle cars and get to know them a little bit more!

1967 Shelby Mustang GT500

This super snake fastback doesn’t disappoint! With its 428cu (7.0L) V8. 2.048 engine, no wonder it was featured in the 2000 action movie remake of "Gone in 60 Seconds”!

1966 Shelby Cobra 427

Of all the Cobra variants the 427 Semi/Competition or S/C is the most desirable series. This series were strictly made for racing complete with solid lifters and side oil passage which this series is very known for.

1969 Z28 Chevy Camaro

The 1969 Z28 Chevy Camaro had single season styling and unique combination of brake, engine, exhaust, and induction option. This is probably the reason why it was the most sought after Z28, though it wasn’t the fastest muscle car.

1970 Chevelle 454 SS

Producing an incredible, tire spinning 450 horsepower, this Chevelle 454 is truly invincible over a quarter mile.

1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda

Aside from the V-8 engine, shaker hood, featuring an air intake mounted on top of the engine's air cleaner that protrudes through a hole in the hood which was a standard on this bad boy, the dual-carburetor, 426-cubic-inch Hemi that whipped up 425 horsepower seals the deal with this one.

1965 Pontiac GTO

Back in the day and even up to this day, the 1965 Pontiac GTO is a hit. With its 3/2 BBL 398 V8 engine which produces 360 horsepower evokes speed and style along with its coke bottle curves!

1970 Boss 302 Mustang

You know why many car enthusiast desire this car? It’s because it’s not just some vintage track car, but a car that helped serious racers and enthusiasts improve their own Boss 302’s.

1969 Dodge Charger

To attract more youthful drivers, the 1969 Dodge Charger sported a new grille and tail light treatment to bolster the sporty image. Nevertheless, it was still legendary.

 1968 Pontiac Firebird Coupe

You probably may not compare it to today’s well-built car, but it will still turn heads. Plus for an old car, it’s performance is commendable.

1970 Buick GSX

Once upon a time, the roads were graced by this 455-cubic inch V8 engine. There’s no denying that it remains the era’s largest engine ever.

Easy Car Repairs You Shouldn’t Pay For

We understand that owning a car is pretty costly, gas, maintenance expenses, and car repairs are no joke. But then, some would say that you could do cost-cutting by doing the repairs yourself. While that may be right, you probably think you can’t because you don’t have the skills.

Well, hush now. Here are some car repairs that, believe it or not, you can really do yourself despite your abilities.

Replace a Broken or Worn Drive Belt

The key to knowing if you need to replace your drive belt or not is if you hear your car squeal when you start it or use some accessories and if you can see crack or it’s already obviously worn. A quick visual inspection is all you need. But if it’s simply loose, just tighten it up.

Replace Your Battery and Alternator

Grab a multi meter to confirm if your battery or alternator is dead, but usually failure to power on your accessories or turn the car over is a sure indication. Can’t find where either of them is? You car’s manual will help you locate it. Learning how to jump your car will also help a lot because sometimes it’s all it needs and not a replacement of battery or alternator.

Replace Your Brake Pads

With a jack, torque wrench and ratchets, tire iron, c-clamp you’d be able to change your vehicle’s brake pads easily. But if the squeal sounds turns into grinding ones, you have to have the rotor itself replaced and not just the pads.

Fix Exterior Coolant Leaks

You know you have a leak if you see a pool of green, orange, or yellow liquid on the ground once you park your ride after driving it. With that, you need to pop open the hood and look for the same colored liquid draining from a hose or plastic piece. You just have to unclamp the leaking hose, put on a new one, and then reinstall the clamp.

The Regular Maintenance You Can Do in an Afternoon

While it’s a universal knowledge to tune-up your car every 30,000 miles or every two years, you have to know the following terms and procedure before you do the tune-up yourself.

·         Replace a Fuel Filter

·         Replace the Air Filter

·         Check and Replace Spark Plugs and Wires

·         Replace Distributor Cap and Rotor

·         Oil Change

Facts About Tires That You Should Be Aware Of

Tires are vital parts of vehicles and yet they only get attention during a flat one. Since you’re spending hard earned money on them, don’t you wanna know valuable information about them? Tires don’t come cheap, read and learn a thing or two about getting the most out of your tires.

You’ll Find The Recommended Tire Pressure On The Inner Side Of The Door

Not the one indicated on the sidewall of the tires.

Valve Caps Are There To Keep Anything From Entering The Valve That Could Cause Air Loss

Even without the caps, the tire won’t lose air, but other elements like dust, water, and mud (which could cause the air loss) could enter the valve.  

Lowering Tire Pressure Is A No-No

Lowering the tire pressure doesn’t help on wet surfaces since it makes the car lock up and skid more. The same thing during summer season as it could flex or bend the tire wall if you do so.

You’ll Need To Increase Pressure During Winter

For every degree the temperature drops the pressure of the tire decreases by 1 PSI. That said, it is advisable to increase the pressure by 2 PSI for every 3 to 4 degree drop.

Tread Pattern Exists To Discharge Water On Wet Surfaces

Not for aesthetics or handling on dry surfaces.

Winter Tires Are Not Just Required On Snow Or Icy Roads

Even without snow or icy roads, if the temperature is below 10 degrees it would be best to be equipped with winter tires too. This keeps the tires from going stiff due to cold.

Air Pressure Should Be Checked Weekly

Tires lose pressure naturally, especially if you drive every day. So it’s best to check as often as weekly and not only when you take it to the car servicing.

Slick Tires Provide Better Grip And Handling Only In Dry Conditions

Yes, slick tires help cars or bikes go faster because they provide better grip and handling on the race track, but that’s only during dry conditions. On the other hand, using such tires on road-going vehicles on a wet surface can be very dangerous.