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Six Tips to Get the Best Deal on a Car Lease

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Negotiating a car lease doesn’t have to be challenging. It is much easier to negotiate deal if you prepare, using tested methods that can get you the best deal on a car lease.

Carry out Research Beforehand

It helps a lot to carry out research ahead of time so that you can learn enough information to discern between the most appropriate car lease options from which to choose. When negotiating a car lease, knowledge is power. With a better appreciation for the different types of models and pricing options, you are better able to avoid unnecessarily high leases which may not suit your financial plans. It is advisable to make searches for the most appropriate alternatives in your geographic location.

Keep Your Internet on Standby

The internet is a treasure trove of information that can give you real-time access to important information on a car deal. It helps to make sure you have your phone available so you can easily verify information that a salesperson may provide. This also sends a message that you have a good ability to negotiate the best deal for yourself.

Know the Tricks of the Trade

It is important to have enough knowledge about the tricks which some providers of car lease deals may use. An avalanche of paperwork and other information can make it a lot harder to make the most appropriate decisions. Some devious salespeople may use these kind of situations as the perfect opportunity to use tricks and scams to increase their bottom line.

Don’t Be Scared to Walk Out

There are always other options to choose from. You shouldn’t be afraid to let the salesperson know that. If a negotiation is not going your way, you have every right to leave. Not only is it beneficial for you to find a more appropriate deal but it also sends a strong message which may in turn positively affect previous negotiations

Know the Leasing Lingo

Understanding the language of leasing makes it easier to talk your way out of bad deals. The terms used for car leasing can be very different in nature from the terminology of leasing. Your ability to negotiate depends heavily on how well you understand the terms used by the salesperson. Some salespeople use terms to confuse or intimidate buyers. The risks of being confused by terms can be greatly reduced with basic practice.

Look for an Upfront Discount

With enough preparation, you can stay ahead of the game. Looking for an upfront discount will help you to set the pace for negotiations. It also helps to give the salesperson a better understanding of your needs as you enter the conversation.

These 22 Cars Are The Highest Quality Models of The Year

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Highest quality models

Buying a quality vehicle can help you save money in the long-run. You won’t have to purchase a vehicle as often if you lean towards the highest quality models. These 22 cars being made in 2019 will give you a good run for your money.

What Are The Highest Quality Models in 2019?

For the second year in a row, Korean car brands dominated the list of highest-quality cars in the United States. Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia took the first three spots on the list. All three brands are part of the same Korean manufacturing group. According to the annual survey by J.D. Power, the electronics performance in the vehicles was especially great.

The survey, which is released every year, takes a look at how new cars perform within their first 90 days. It tracks defects, shortcomings, and any problems with advanced safety systems. This plays an influential role in the public perception of vehicle brands. However, it does not gauge reliability in the long-term. It also doesn’t track the popularity or value of the vehicles.

In 2019, vehicle quality stayed flat and did not improve for the first time in five years. “Automakers continue to make progress in areas like infotainment that attract a lot of consumer attention,” Dave Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power, stated. “However, some traditional problems crept up this year including paint imperfections, brake and suspension noises, engines not starting and the ‘check engine’ light coming on early in the ownership experience.”

2019 Quality Cars

Highest quality models

It seems many car buyers are having issues with advanced assistance systems in their vehicles. In most cases, these systems are critical in helping build trust in automated cars in the future. Below is a list of the highest-rated vehicles in 2019.

  1. Genesis
  2. Kia
  3. Hyundai
  4. Ford
  5. Lincoln
  6. Chevrolet
  7. Nissan
  8. Dodge
  9. Lexus
  10. Toyota
  11. Buick
  12. GMC
  13. Mazda
  14. Mercedes-Benz
  15. Porsche
  16. Honda
  17. Cadillac
  18. Jeep
  19. Infiniti
  20. BMW
  21. Ram
  22. Audi
  23. Mini
  24. Acura
  25. Chrysler
  26. Subaru
  27. Volkswagen
  28. Volvo
  29. Alfa Romeo
  30. Mitsubishi
  31. Land Rover
  32. Jaguar

Tesla was not measured in this year’s survey. “For certain states, we need the manufacturer’s permission for us to contact their customers,” J.D. Power said in a statement. “These states make up approximately 70% of Tesla’s sales volume, and Tesla does not give us approval in these states. (All other automakers do give permission.) Therefore we only have responses from states which comprise about 30% of Tesla’s sales volume, and our current rules preclude us from reporting publicly on what may be an unrepresentative sample of customers.”

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What Are the Uber Car Requirements in Florida?

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Uber is a popular option for people who want to make extra money on their terms. However, if you are considering becoming an Uber driver in Florida for the first time, having a car that meets the requirements is essential. Otherwise, you will not qualify to use the platform to find passengers.

What Are the Uber Car Requirements in Florida?

In most cases, people who are getting ready to start with Uber will be joining the UberX program. This is the basic Uber service.

Florida drivers interested in driving for UberX need a qualifying vehicle. Here are the Uber car requirements in Florida:

  • 15-year-old vehicle or newer
  • At least four independently opening doors (not including hatchback doors or trunks)
  • Seating for at least four passengers (5 total factory-installed seats with seat belts)
  • Working windows
  • Working air conditioning
  • Good condition with no cosmetic damage
  • No commercial branding

All cities in Florida follow these requirements, including:

  • Central Atlantic Coast Cities
  • Florida Keys
  • Gainesville
  • Jacksonville
  • Miami & South Florida
  • Orlando
  • Panama City
  • Pensacola
  • Tampa Bay
  • Tallahassee

Plus, your vehicle must continue to meet those standards if you are going to drive for Uber, including the age requirements. This means, if you have a 2004 vehicle, you could potentially use it to drive for Uber in Florida during 2019. However, in 2020, your car might not qualify any more, so you would become ineligible unless you replaced your vehicle with something newer that also meets the other requirements.

What Are the Uber Driver Requirements in Florida?

If you want to drive for Uber in Florida, you need more than just a suitable vehicle. You will also need to meet a few other standards.

First, you will need a valid US driver’s license. It has to be a full-fledged license and not a learner’s permit or something similar.

Second, you have to be the minimum age to drive in your city unrestricted and have at least one year of driving experience if you are 23 or older. Drivers under the age of 23 need at least three years of driving experience.

Third, you need to be able to provide specific documentation. This includes your driver’s license, proof of residency, proof of insurance for your vehicle, and a driver photo.

Finally, all drivers need to pass a screening process. Uber will run your driving record and check your criminal history. You can be disqualified if your background check reveals issues that do not align with Uber’s standards.

On the driving record sign, this usually means you cannot have any major moving violations, like reckless driving or a DUI, within the past seven years. Additionally, you may be limited to only three minor moving violations during the past three years. This usually includes offenses like speeding or failure to obey certain traffic laws. Having recent accidents also hurts your chances of becoming approved as an Uber driver.

For the criminal history, anyone one with a felony, sexual offense, or violent crime in the last seven years is not eligible to drive for Uber. Individuals who are required to register as a sexual offender are also disqualified automatically.

Other Requirements to Drive for Uber

Yes, one of the biggest additional requirements is having a smartphone that can run the Uber app. Without that, you cannot connect to the system to find riders.

Additionally, if you want to drive for specific Uber services, like UberXL, UberSELECT, UberBLACK, UberSUV, or UberLUX, then your vehicle needs to meet the standards for those options as well.

Here is an overview of the additional vehicle requirements for Uber services aside from the basic UberX:

  • UberXL – vehicle must be able to carry at least 6 passengers
  • UberSELECT – vehicle must be an entry-level luxury sedan and have a leather or synthetic leather interior
  • UberBLACK – vehicle must be a higher end sedan and have a black leather or synthetic leather interior and black exterior. The driver must maintain commercial insurance
  • UberSUV – vehicle must be a full-size SUV with black exterior and black leather or synthetic leather interior and seating for at least six passengers
  • UberLUX – must be a high-quality luxury brand vehicle with a leather or synthetic leather interior. The driver must maintain commercial insurance and have a rating of 4.7 or higher.

Model year, condition, and other requirements for the Uber services above may also be more stringent than for the regular UberX service, so it is important to keep that in mind if you are hoping to join those programs.

Uber will inspect the details of your vehicle to determine which (if any) programs you are eligible to join. Then, once you are approved for at least the basic UberX option, you can start earning money as an Uber driver.

Do you drive for Uber in Florida? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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Ford, GM, Nissan Announce Cars They Will Discontinue in 2019

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Ford GM Nissan

Automakers like Ford, GM, Nissan, and Chevy have begun announcing cars they will discontinue in the coming year. Many of the companies’ most popular models will no longer be in production starting in 2019. Manufacturers have begun to take these models to the chopping block because the needs of the buyer have changed drastically. So, which cars will fall off the production line this year and what is replacing them?

Ford, GM, Nissan, Chevy Say Goodbye to Old Models

Much of this shift is due to the rise in popularity of SUVs and crossovers. It is estimated that 1 in 2 vehicles that will be sold in 2019 will be an SUV or crossover, according to Edmunds. Both of these vehicles offer more space and a fuel economy much better than it was years ago.

Most people seem to be shifting away from compact cars, hatchbacks, and other types of passenger cars. Several of the vehicles on the list of those to be hacked in 2019 are also hybrids. That may come as a surprise to some. However, with gas prices under $3 a gallon in most places in the U.S., many consumers are no longer looking for a break when it comes to gasoline.

What Vehicles Are Being Discontinued?

Automakers do not discontinue vehicles without putting a lot of thought into it. Remember, automakers invest quite a bit of time and money into marketing and developing new cars. Volkswagen, for example, will be discontinuing the Beetle (for a little while). The 2019 model will be the last one made until smaller vehicles regain popularity.

Ford GM Nissan

Cadillac CT6 and XTS

Both the Cadillac CT6 and XTS are being discontinued in 2019. Essentially, both of these luxury SUVs debuted at a bad time for the market. Luxury buyers with that amount of cash are buying SUVs for the most part.

Cadillac ATS

Cadillac will also discontinue the ATS next year. It was designed as a luxury sedan that would compete with BMW’s 3-series. However, it could not compete with similar vehicles on the market.

Chevrolet Impala

This isn’t the first time Chevy has made the decision to pull the Impala off the production line, so don’t be surprised if you see it pop up again. In the current climate, the Impala could not compete with the overall downfall of the sedan in the car-buying world.

Chevrolet Cruze

Another car Chevy is tossing out is the Cruze. Although the car was popular at first, sales have suffered recently due to the boom in popularity of the SUV.

Chevrolet Volt

The Volt is being taken out of production in 2019 as well. Like many other first-generation hybrids, it never reached the level of popularity GM hoped for. Because of that, GM has switched its focus to battery-powered cars.

Ford GM Nissan

Ford Taurus

Like the Impala, this is not the first time Ford has shown the Taurus the chopping block. It may be the last time though. At one time the sedan was extremely popular, however, those days are gone.

Ford Focus

Another Ford vehicle being taken out of production is the Focus. Like many other manufacturers, Ford is shifting towards SUVs and pickup trucks. As of early December, Ford only had 12,000 Focus cars left.

Ford C-Max

Ford is also discontinuing the C-Max in 2019. The car had a strong start but because of the decline in popularity of vehicles like it and the CR-Z Ford is taking it off the production line.

Ford GM Nissan

Honda CR-Z

Speaking of the CR-Z, Honda is also pulling the popular car model off the line too. The compact hybrid entered the market just as hybrids were declining.

Hyundai Azera

Hyundai is also sending one of its cars to the chopping block in 2019 too. After 2018, there will be no more new Azera models produced. Instead, the manufacturer is focusing on the Genesis.

Nissan Juke

Nissan has announced only one car being put out of production. The Juke is being kicked out for a new crossover called the Nissan Kicks.

Toyota Prius

The popular Prius will be put out of production this year as well. Actually, it hasn’t been manufactured since 2017 but the car is still registering sales.

Ford GM Nissan

Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen will be putting the Beetle out of production once again. It is one of the most iconic vehicles in history though, so you’ll probably see new Beetles in the future – don’t worry.

Volkswagen Touareg

VW is also nixing the Touareg in 2019. The company plans to continue selling it in foreign markets but it will no longer be available in the U.S. Instead, Volkswagen will be focusing on larger SUV models, such as the Tiguan and Atlas. The car company has plans to introduce new SUV models to the market as well.

Goodbye Isn’t Forever in the Car Industry

With the auto industry, goodbye doesn’t necessarily last forever. Many automakers have relaunched popular old models if the time is right. Some manufacturers are doing just that in 2019. Ford will revive the Ranger pickup truck and Honda is bringing back the Passport SUV. Toyota will be relaunching its Supra sports car. So, if one of your favorite cars is getting the ax in 2019, don’t worry. There’s a chance you’ll be seeing it again in the future.

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Costco Gas Station Hours of Operation

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costco gas station hours
Costco gasoline stations are known for offering members a great value on high-quality fuel. Among their advertised advantages are stations designed for fast refueling and the best prices on gas. Wondering if your local gas station is open? Here are Costco gas station hours.

Costco Gas Station Hours

So, when are Costco gas stations open? On weekdays Costco gas stations are typically open from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. (and some even at 5 a.m.). They typically close between 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. These extended opening hours appeal to everyday commuters who drive to and from work every day, but who only shop at Costco Warehouse once in a while.

Costco weekend gas hours are shorter than they are during the week, but the hours of operation are still longer for the stations than for the stores. Pump hours begin at between 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and close between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Some stations will close a bit earlier on Sundays than on Saturdays.

Store and gas station hours can change throughout the year, particularly during holiday seasons. Costco gas stations and stores are often open longer Monday through Friday. It is important to call the local Costco store and verify exact hours that they are open on a particular day, especially during the holidays. You can also check the Costco holiday schedule.

Costco gas station hours are usually:

  • Monday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Thursday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Sunday: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.

When Are Costco Gas Stations Closed?

Costco Gas stations are closed on the following days:

Independence Day
Labor Day
Easter Sunday
Memorial Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Years Day

Costco Gas Prices

Costco can typically offer gasoline for about 6 to 12 cents a gallon below local competitors’ prices, which is one reason why the gasoline sales account for 10 percent of the company’s revenue. The company does not show their gas prices on their website, partly because gas prices are subject to a high degree of market fluctuation as well as differences in local taxation structures.

Do I need a Costco Membership to Buy Costco Gas?

Only Costco members or Costco Cash Card customers can make purchases at Costco stations.

Types of Gas at Costco Gas Stations

Regular Unleaded (typically 87 octane), Premium Unleaded (typically 91 octane). Diesel fuel is available in some locations. Octane requirements can vary by state. Costco buys fuel from major refineries and distributors in each area. All of Costco’s gasoline is fully guaranteed, just like the merchandise they sell in their warehouses. (Read more about Costco gas quality and type here.)

Is Costco Gas the Cheapest?

Your local Costco gas station will typically offer the lowest gas prices in the immediate area. However, when evaluating whether or not Costco gas is a good deal, you will need to compare prices in your area. For example, many supermarkets such as Safeway or Fred Meyer offer per-gallon discounts on a particular brand of gas based on what you spend on groceries. So if you are buying gas after you shop, the amount you save could be substantially more per gallon than the discount Costco offers. You will also need to factor in the cash back rewards on any credit card you might be using.

To make a better decision on this, check Costco’s official U.S. homepage and Canadian homepage. If Costco isn’t providing enough information you can use Priceviewer.com or Yelp.com to search for individual gas station hours in your state. We recommend using the GasBuddy App for updated Costco gas prices, or visit www.gasbuddy.com and search for your local city.

In general, if you’re an all-around savvy shopper, you should approach every gas run as strategically as you would any other shopping. First, consult GasBuddy to find the least-expensive gas prices around and plan on filling up at a time and place where you know you’ll be near cheap fuel. Also by using grocery-chain gas discounts wherever you can snag them, you’ll be able to save more cash at the pump.

You can also use this handy calculator to estimate your Costco gas savings.

As always, if you know the local hours of your Costco gas station, please feel free to leave a comment.

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You can check out our articles for Target as well.

Target Christmas Store Hours

Target Holiday Schedule and Store Hours

Use the Airbnb of Car Rentals to Make Money on the Side

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airbnb car rentals

Over recent years, the transportation industry has undergone some astounding changes. The introduction of ride-share companies, including Uber and Lyft, became game-changers in the sector.

As of mid-2018, approximately 833,000 Uber drivers hit the road during the prior year, shaking the taxi industry to its core.

Now, there’s another disruptor in the transportation space. Two apps, dubbed the Airbnb of car rentals, are creating new opportunities for individuals looking to make money on the side. Plus, they are impacting the rental car industry, putting companies like Budget and Avis in the same position as taxi businesses.

If you are looking to make some side money off of your vehicle, here’s what you need to know about the Airbnb of car rentals services.

Turo-The Airbnb of Car Rental

A peer-to-peer car-sharing company, Turo works a lot like Airbnb. People who want to make additional cash for their vehicles can rent them out to users in need.

Approximately 250,000 cars are up for rent through the app, covering over 4,500 cities. Turo welcomes a wide range of vehicles, including everything from pickup trucks to sports cars.

Turo has comprehensive agreements for both those who put their vehicles up for rent and the renters. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as there is a substantial amount of risk in renting out your car. After all, someone could scratch, dent, or even total it. Plus, there is a chance of theft.

There are insurance options through Turo that can offer a level of protection. It’s still important to read all of the fine print thoroughly. This ensures you are fully aware of where various responsibilities lie, including it a renter gets in an accident.

How Easy Is It To Become Sign Up For Turo

Signing your car up with Turo is relatively simple. However, it is important to note that the company can reject your vehicle if it doesn’t meet their standards. If you’re driving a clunker, you likely won’t be able to put your car on Turo.

Once your car is on the available list, Turo uses dynamic pricing to set the rate. This means what you can earn fluctuates depending on demand. If you want to offer delivery, such as bringing the car to the nearest airport, you can set an additional fee.

As the owner, you get the final say on whether to provide the vehicle to someone who wishes to rent it. This is another reason why Turo is one of the “Airbnb of car rentals” apps, as you can reject a request largely at your discretion. However, all potential renters go through screening processes, including an examination of their driving history to ensure they are safe drivers.

If you accept a renter, the Turo app walks you through a handoff checklist, ensuring you complete important steps like documenting the mileage and checking the renter’s driver’s license.

After that, you’re typically aren’t involved until the renter brings your car back. Then, you reassess the condition of the vehicle and close out the agreement. Turo deposits your money not long after that.

Getaround

Getaround is another peer-to-peer car-sharing business, allowing individuals who want to earn a little extra cash from a dormant vehicle to rent out their car to someone in need. The app boasts 1000’s of vehicles but focuses on major cities, like D.C., L.A., and Seattle, and their immediate surrounding areas.

This service focuses on trips of all sizes. For example, a person who wants to spend an afternoon at a local hiking spot but doesn’t have their own vehicle might rent a car through the app. Other renters, such as those who usually rely on public transportation, can secure an automobile through Getaround to make tasks like getting groceries easier.

Like Turo, Getaround has insurance options to mitigate your financial risk. However, you are letting a stranger drive your vehicle, so issues can occur. However, renters are pre-screened for red flags, like prior accidents, to make sure they are reasonably skilled drivers.

Additionally, your car has to meet the company’s standards. If your vehicle isn’t in good repair, you might not qualify.

Otherwise, this Airbnb of car rentals offers the kind of experience you expect from the service category. You list your car, make an agreement with a renter, and allow them to use your vehicle. In return, you earn some side money.

Should You Sign Up with the Airbnb of Car Rentals?

Whether renting your car through an app like Turo or Getaround is a wise move depends on your situation. First, you must own a vehicle that you don’t need to drive from time to time. If you rely on your car on a daily basis, this might not be right for you. However, some renters only secure a car for a few hours a day, so it is still worth exploring.

Second, when you rent out your vehicle, you are taking a risk. While the Airbnb of car rentals companies do offer insurance, a renter being in an accident is still an inconvenience.

While you may have coverage for repairs, you will be without that car while it is in the shop. Additionally, if they total your vehicle, you could be in for a series of headaches along with the loss of a car. After all, an adjuster will determine the vehicle’s value, so you might not get enough to purchase a similar automobile from the insurance money alone.

What About Your Personal Car Insurance?

Additionally, your personal insurance likely won’t cover an accident that involves a renter. This means you can’t tap that resource to make up any difference. Instead, you are relying on the insurance from Turo, Getaround, or similar company, hence why reading all of the fine print is a must.

You can lessen your risk by reading renter reviews before agreeing to provide your car. Similarly, you can contact your insurance company to see if they will also cover any damage.

Finally, you need a vehicle that potential renters may find attractive. Pickup truck owners may appeal to people who are moving or need to purchase a large item. Sports car owners could attract tourists or business professionals. If a renter wants to head out camping, then they may look for SUVs to rent.

Depending on your type of vehicle, your demand may vary. However, you can always explore this by listing your car and seeing if there is enough interest to make it a worthwhile venture.

Ultimately, if you are comfortable with sending your vehicle out onto the road with a stranger, you can make extra money with these apps. But, if you couldn’t survive if your car is in an accident or totaled, this might not be the best money-making option for you.

Have you rented out your vehicle on one of the Airbnb of car rental apps? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles that can help you make money on the side? Give these a try.

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