Cars

Does Costco Do Brakes?

September 6, 2017 By James Hendrickson Leave a Comment

Costco is a go-to spot for people trying to save money. Not only are you able to buy just about everything in bulk, you can also save money on other day-to-day expenses as well. So, what kind of car repairs does Costco offer? Does Costco do brakes? Tires? Oil changes?

Does Costco Do Brakes?

No. Costco does not do brakes. After reaching out to Costco, we discovered that brake repair services are NOT offered at their warehouse locations. However, the retailer has an auto program that will help its members save on car repairs. This is called the Costco Auto Program.

Costco Auto Program

The Costco Auto Program will help you get your brakes done (or anything else) with that well-known and desired Costco discount.You can locate the nearest service center to you by using this locator. Costco Auto Program members get 15% off parts, service and accessories at participating service centers throughout the United States. (Get the coupon here.) You can use this on any car that is registered to the Costco member’s home.

To become a member of the Auto Program, all you have to do is be a member at Costco. (See how you can get a discounted Costco membership here.) You’ll get 15% off (good for up to $500 in savings) and you can use it on brakes and alignments, shocks and struts, belts and hoses, heating and cooling services, routine maintenance, etc.

Keep in mind, to save money with Costco you will have to go to a participating service center (not all service centers participate). You will also need this coupon and it should be noted that the Costco discount is only available for certain vehicles (not all cars will be covered). The discount cannot be used on air bags, oil changes, ties or inspections. You also won’t be able to use it if the work is covered by a warranty or insurance policy.

Auto Repairs Available Through Costco’s Auto Program

Since the answer to the question, “Does Costco Do Brakes?” is no, you’re probably wondering about what other services the company offers through their automotive program. The answer is: just about everything. As stated above, you’ll need to go through a Costco partner to save the extra cash but the savings could be worth it. Other repairs available include:

Brakes
Alignments
Oil changes
Tires and wheels
Batteries
Starters
Heating and cooling systems
Belts and hoses
Routine maintenance
Install car technology (new radios, etc.)

No matter where you decide to get your auto repairs done, whether it be at Costco or elsewhere, be sure that you know what you are buying. Research what the average price is for the services you need and call around before settling on doing business with a specific mechanic. Also, remember that many parts will come with limited warranties, etc. Always know the details of the products you are buying.

When it comes to auto parts or auto service warranties, coverage will vary from mechanic-to-mechanic. While calling around and comparing prices, ask about what kind of warranty the shop offers on their repairs as well as any warranty on the parts. For example, many batteries have a three-year warranty (or a warranty up to a certain mileage count). You may have to pay extra to insure the parts though. Car battery warranties, for instance, usually cost an additional $40 to $50. However, the $40 or $50 is worth not spending another $100+ on a car battery if it dies again shortly after your purchase (sometimes the part is just bad).

Similarly, many shops will guarantee their work and the parts they use. So, if you go to a shop and get work done on your brakes and your brakes stop working three days later the shop will warranty their work. Whether the issue is with the part or the service, the shop will cover the cost of repairing your vehicle again. As stated above, you’ll have to call and inquire about any warranties or guarantees individuals shops may have.

If you’re interested in learning more about Costco’s Auto Program, check out the video below:

Have you used Costco’s Auto Program or other similar auto services? What was your experience?

Photo: North Texas Daily

Memorial Day Deals and Freebies 2017

May 27, 2017 By James Hendrickson Leave a Comment

If you are in need of certain items, Memorial Day can be the perfect time to take advantage of some great deals. Most retail stores will be open for the holiday hoping to get your business. But what are those Memorial Day deals and freebies? While you should avoid splurging on useless items, the following are a few things that you might consider purchasing over the Memorial Day weekend if they happen to be on your list.

Memorial Day Deals and Freebies

Spring Clothing

Probably the best deals that can be found over the Memorial Day weekend sales are for spring clothing. The spring clothes have been in the stores for a few months, and the summer clothing lines are beginning to come in. That means that the stores need to move out all their spring inventory to make way for the summer clothes. Many of the spring clothes will be discounted 50% or more. Add in Memorial Day sales, where it’s possible to find Groupon coupons taking off an additional 10% to 40% of the already discounted prices, and this weekend is a great time to get all your spring clothing for next year. Expect some especially hot deals from the following:

Old Navy: Take advantage of Old Navy’s Summer Kick-off Sale, where you can find 50% off tees, 40% off tanks and swimwear, and 30% off all shorts.
Banana Republic: Get up to 40% off your order with the code BRMORE when checking out online.
Vera Bradley: Vera Bradley is offering 25% off travel items including backpacks and 30% off select patterns and styles, both online and in stores.
Eddie Bauer: Receive 40% off your entire purchase when you enter the code FIR at eddiebauer.com.
Accompany: Enjoy free shipping on all orders $150 or more from their wide selection of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel.

Home Goods

May is a great month to buy items for the home in general, and if you add in the discount coupons which are usually available for Memorial Day deals and freebies, you can get some fantastic discounts. Many items in the housewares category will already be marked down as much as 30% or more at places such as Target and Sears. If you can find a weekend sale coupon, you can add that on top of the discounted price to save even more. Here are some other deals you won’t want to miss:

Overstock.com: According to their website, Overstock is hosting their biggest Memorial Day sale yet. Take an extra 10%, 15%, and 20% off various items including but not limited to furniture, area rugs, home decor and more.
Pottery Barn: Save up to 40% on sectionals and sofas.
Home Depot: Home Depot is holding a store-wide sale for Memorial Day Weekend. Save up to 40% on appliances as well as 30% off patio furniture.
Lowe’s: Lowe’s Memorial Day sale also includes up to 40% off select appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, and more.

Barbecue Grills

This isn’t the best time to buy barbecue grills because they will be discounted even more at the end of summer when the stores will want to get rid of their inventory. That being said, if you’re planning to do a lot of grilling this year, and you need to replace your old grill because it’s not going to last this summer, the Memorial Day sales will be your best opportunity to get one at a good price. Stores will discount some to drive traffic to the stores, so with a bit of work and price comparison, you should be able to find a decent deal. Here are just a few places you might be able to find some grill gear discounts:

Home Depot: Take up to 15% off grills and smokers.
Lowe’s: Save up to $50 on select grills and smokers for Memorial Day.
Sears: Sears is offering up to 30% off grills and outdoor cooking gear, plus an extra 10% off online with the code 10SEARS.
Camping World: Enjoy up to 40% off grills and accessories from Camping World as part of their 13th Annual Grill Fest.

Camping and Outdoor Gear

Much like with barbecue grills, the best time to buy camping and outdoor gear will be at the end of the summer season when stores will be liquidating all their overstock. If, however, there is camping or outdoor gear that you absolutely need to get to use this coming summer, you’re likely to find the best deals during the Memorial Day sales. The discounts on these items will be limited, but if you do your homework, shop the sales, and look for coupons to stack on top of those, then you should be able to find a decent deal on these items. Still, be sure that you can’t get by without buying it until the end of summer, as this will be the time to get the best deal. Check these out:

DICK’s Sporting Goods: DICK’s is hosting a variety of sales for Memorial Day, such as 50% off select apparel, 40% off select footwear, up to $130 off certain kayaks and SUP boards, and more.
Camping World: You’ll also be able to purchase discounted camping items from Camping World. For instance, the Colman Citronella Lantern is currently 62% off, an open fire grill is 38% off, and you can buy discounted insect screens for your tent also at a discounted rate.
Home Depot: If you need a new lawn mower, Home Depot has sales on both push and rider mowers, ranging from $50-$100 off. Some even include free shipping.

Cars

The best time to buy a car is when the new season models are coming out, or at the end of the year. If you need to purchase a new car before the end of the year, the Memorial Day sales (which can last until the end of the month, and even into June) can be a good time to do it. The weather has usually improved across the US and car dealerships are eager to get people into their showrooms. To entice people to their showrooms, many car dealerships will be offering good discounts for the holiday. According to CarsDirect.com, some deals to keep an eye out for include but are not limited to:

Chevrolet: Get 20% off the sticker price from select Malibus and 10% off all Corvettes.
Volkswagon: Volkswagon is offering a $1,500 holiday bonus on any Jetta model plus 0.9% annual percentage rate (APR) for 72 months.
Kia: Pay nothing for five months plus 0% APR for 66 months on the 2017 Forte, Optima, Soul, and Sorento.
Volvo: Lease a 2017 S60 T5 Inscription from just $385 for 36 months with nothing due at signing with your first payment waived.

The key to remember here is that you don’t want to be upsold extras that you don’t need as well as review all terms included with your deal. There will be good discounts on the base models to drive you into the showroom, but the salespeople will try to get you to buy upgrades to make their money.

Freebies

Because this is a holiday honoring those who died while serving in the military, there are several Memorial Day deals and freebies exclusively for men and women both active and retired in the military over Memorial Day Weekend. If you are in Washington, D.C. over the three-day weekend, you’ll find several free events in and around the area for the cause. Not to mention, the following are other activities or items members of the military can enjoy at no charge:

National Parks: The National Parks actually provide free annual land passes year-round for current U.S. military members and dependents. Make sure you have your Common Access Card (CAC) or your military ID. Visit their website for more details.
Hooters: If you’re a veteran or active member of the military, get a free entree from Hooters on Monday, May 29 simply by presenting a valid military ID at participating locations throughout the nation. See the full news release here.
McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood and Steaks: McCormick and Schmick’s will honor those who served in the U.S. military with complimentary lunch or dinner meals on Monday to veterans, individuals currently serving in the military and National Guard, and Gold Star honorees (parents and spouse).

If you know of any Memorial Day deals and freebies, feel free to mention them in the comments below or in our forums. Thank you to all those who have served or are serving in the military!

Car Free: Living In America Without A Car

March 27, 2017 By Alexa Mason 24 Comments

It comes as a shock to most people I meet, but I don’t own a car. Three years ago I was thousands of dollars in debt and something had to give. I decided that it would be my car.

When I made the decision my friends and family thought that I was crazy. Truth be told, I even thought I was crazy. Nobody that lives in the suburbs lives without a car. If you think about it, there isn’t anything more un-American than not owning a car. Yet that was exactly what I planned to do.

When I made the decision to be car free, I wasn’t even sure if it would be possible to live without one, but there wasn’t really any other choice. It was either that or continue to drown in debt. Three years later, I can’t imagine life with a car. It was by far the best financial move that I could have made and it has resulted in be being debt free with a fully funded emergency fund today.

The decision to sell my car was not an easy one. I am a single mother with a four-year-old child. She was one when I made the decision. As mentioned, not having a car in the suburbs is a concept that most people can’t even imagine. The nearest grocery store and shopping center is about 5 miles from my house, so going there by bike is not what most people would consider convenient. Today, even though I would have no problem affording a car, I choose to transport myself by bike.

Just because I don’t have a car doesn’t mean that there aren’t times when I need one. On days that it rains, I have a number of kind friends that will allow me to carpool with them into work. If I need to buy a large amount of groceries that my bike can’t handle, I will either have a friend drive or call a taxi to get this accomplished. There are times when I have to take a taxi or occasionally even rent a car, but I still come out far ahead financially doing this than if I owned my own car.

There is no doubt that not having a car poses some problems, but overall they are small to what I gain in return. I realize that not everyone can go car free, but I believe that a lot more people can than think it is possible. Here are some of the reasons that I ditched my car and continue to not want one:

I have no car payment

One of the reasons I originally needed to get rid of my car was that the $300 a month car payment was something I couldn’t afford. Instead of paying for the car I could use that $300 to put toward more important things. Originally, that was to pay down the debt I had, but now that I’m debt free, that payment will help my little girl go to college and build a retirement fund for myself.

I don’t have to pay for car insurance

An added benefit beyond not having a car payment is not having to pay for car insurance twice a year. For me, That adds up to nearly $1000 that goes toward savings instead of out the door.

There isn’t any pain to my pocket book when gas prices increase

While everybody else is worried about the price of gas and the rising costs of operating their cars, I don’t think about it at all. Since I don’t have to purchase gas, it has very little effect on my lifestyle and I don’t need to figure out how to squeeze higher gas prices into my monthly budget like I used to.

I don’t have any car repair bills

Before I made my car free move, I was living paycheck to paycheck. When I was doing this, a breakdown was not a mere inconvenience, it was a financial disaster. I would all of a sudden have a several hundred dollar car bill that needed to be paid right away in order to get me back on the road, but not the money to pay for it. I no longer worry about unexpected car repair bills. My bike needs to get a tuneup from time to time and may get a flat tire on a rare occasion, but any repairs or upkeep is far less expensive than anything a car would cost.

I’m healthier

I didn’t think I was lazy when I had a car, but I now realize how wrong I was then. Being car free gets me off my lazy butt and outdoors much more often than if I had one. Riding a bike for transportation has made he much healthier than I would be if I owned a car.

I got rid of my gym membership

It only took a month after I bought my bike and sold my car for me to realize I no longer needed my gym membership. Biking allows me to get plenty of exercise — far more than I ever got from workouts at the gym — on my own and there’s no need to pay $30 a month.

I have a much healthier bank account

The final result is that I have much healthier savings than I would ever have if I still owned a car. In fact, I’m sure that I would still be in debt living paycheck to paycheck. It took what seemed like a radical move to get me out of my debt cycle, but from my current perspective it wasn’t a radical move at all. It was a common sense financial move that allowed me to establish the financial foundation I needed.

Do you have a story about saving money or earning money that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear about it.

Photo: Fernando de Sousa

How to Keep Yourself and Your Family Safer on the Roads

March 9, 2017 By Alexa Mason Leave a Comment

Most days when you listen to the news, you hear something about a bad car accident that has claimed lives or badly injured drivers or occupants. With so many vehicles on the road these days, and so many people driving with a lack of concentration, or when they’re stressed, angry, tired or under the influence, it’s probably no wonder that car accidents are such an issue.

However, this is a big worry when you and your family are on the road most days. Keep in mind that accidents can not only cause harm to the people involved, but also end up being a financial worry if your car is badly damaged or totaled. If you’re keen to stay safe and avoid accidents, read on for some top tips you can follow today.

Common Causes of Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Distracted Driving. One of the key reasons that many accidents happen nowadays is because drivers are distracted. This has become a more prominent threat in recent years, as so many people have a reliance on checking their smartphones for emails, texts, calls, and updates regularly. To stay safe, you need to put your phone away when you’re driving. As well, avoid other distractions when at the wheel, such as reading, applying makeup, fiddling with your clothing, and changing music.

Driving Under the Influence. Unfortunately, even with the greater awareness around the risks of drunk and impaired driving these days, it remains one of the leading causes of accidents in the United States. To not only keep yourself and others safe from a crash, but to also stop yourself from being fined or arrested, you need to take a taxi or car service, walk, or get a friend or family member to drive you if you have a few drinks.

Speeding. Of course, speeding is always another common problem when it comes to being on the roads. If you don’t want to injure your car, yourself, or others, or get faced with an expensive fine, you need to stick to the speed limit at all times. Focus on road signs around you indicating a change of permitted speed as you go, particularly in areas you’re not familiar with.

Reckless Driving. Reckless driving is another cause of many crashes that needs to be avoided. This refers to actions such as being aggressive, changing lanes quickly, tailgating, running red lights, going the wrong way down a one-way street, taking improper turns, merging lanes without looking, or giving way to others, and more.

Other Factors. Some other common causes of accidents include:

Bad weather — in particular rain, fog, snow, and ice
Lack of visibility when driving at night
Animal crossings
Design defects in vehicles
Construction sites and other changes to roads or conditions
Tire blowouts

It is important to stay focused on the road ahead and other drivers and things around you when you’re driving, so that you see potential hazards before they cause you to be in an incident.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Car

When it is time to buy a car, keep in mind that, although you’ll be looking to save money and get a good deal, sometimes a more expensive vehicle will be more cost-effective over the long run. When it comes to safety, consider that the size and weight of a vehicle matter considerably. Larger, heavier cars tend to offer more protection than smaller, lighter ones as there is less structure in the vehicle available to absorb the energy of a crash.

Another factor you should look at when comparing vehicles is whether or not they have a crashworthy design. Vehicles with safer structure have elements such as:

Crumple zones to absorb the force of crashes
Airbags
A very strong occupant compartment, roof, and side panels to handle impact and/or rolling
Proper seat belts in all the right areas

It also pays to look for cars with crash-avoidance technologies. For example, some vehicles are now equipped with adaptive headlights which shift direction as you steer, so that you can see curves in the dark much better. There are also technologies involving auto-brake systems, collision warnings, blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assistance, and more.

What to Do If You Get in an Accident

The first thing to do after an accident is turn on your hazard lights, and make sure that everyone involved (both inside cars and outside them, if pedestrians or animals are involved) is okay. If possible, you should get everyone to relocate to safety, such as to the sidewalk or shoulder of the road.

If anyone has been hurt, don’t hesitate to seek help immediately, by ringing 911. Don’t forget that injuries can be internal, and therefore not show visible signs, so if people seem groggy, unresponsive, unclear, or otherwise not quite right, it is better to get them checked out sooner rather than later.

Next, it is important to exchange information (such as names, phone numbers, licence numbers, licence plate numbers, email addresses, and insurance details) with any other drivers involved. You may also want to take down the details of any witnesses to the accident. It also pays to take photographs of your car and the scene.

As well, police will likely be called, so you will need to file a report with them, and document the damage to your vehicle. Even if you’re only been involved in a very minor crash, it can be worthwhile getting the police to come out so that you have a report to reference if you develop health issues later on from the accident.

Your insurance company will also need to be contacted, so make sure you have as much information as possible that you can forward on to them (this includes a copy of the accident report compiled by the police officer).

If you or one of your family members is injured in a crash, you may want to think about getting legal advice and putting in a compensation and/or medical claim. In particular, it pays to contact specialists in the area, such as these car accident attorneys in San Antonio.

How Much is an Uber Ride?

March 1, 2017 By Amanda Blankenship 1 Comment

Uber and companies like it have been growing in popularity in recent years. The company provides rides for customers who have downloaded their app. You simply request and uber from the app and it arrives within minutes.

Many people have been using uber for nights out at the bar so they don’t have to worry about driving. Uber is also popular for people on vacation to use so they don’t have to navigate the new area. And there are a few people, like me, that use Uber as their main mode of transportation but how much is an Uber ride? How much are you really saving not having a car?

How Much is an Uber Ride?

The average uber ride costs $13.36. Frequent Uber users spend about $96 a month on rides and those that frequent Uber’s services spend approximately 1.3 percent of their income on rides. The base fee for an Uber ride is $1. After the base fare you pay approximately $0.30 per minute you are in the car and they’ll bring you anywhere (people have Ubered hours away).

Uber’s per-minute price increases if you need a larger car though. If you request an SUV you’ll be paying $0.55 per minute (almost twice as much as the standard ride). New Uber customers receive their first ride (up to $20 value) free. Visit Uber’s Fare Estimator here or on the app to see how much your Uber ride will cost you.

How Much is a Ride With Lyft?

Uber isn’t the only ride-hailing app out there either. Lyft is another similar service and has an average ride cost of $12.53 per ride (slightly cheaper than Uber). Lyft has a higher base fare of $3.50 and it goes as high as $10 for larger vehicles.

Its per-minute pricing is about the same as Uber but the company is less popular so you may be able to catch a ride more quickly than if you ordered an Uber. Like Uber, Lyft gives its new customers cash for rides (generally about $20 in $5 increments). If you’d like to get an estimated price for your Lyft ride you can visit the website or download the app.

How Much is an Uber Ride Compared to a Taxi?

That being said, only 15 percent of Americans have even downloaded one of these ride-hailing apps. A majority of Americans (if they need to rely on someone else to drive) take advantage of public transportation or call a taxi. How much is an Uber ride compared to a taxi, you ask?

Well, taxis are still way more expensive than taking Uber. Although both companies’ rates differ from city-to-city, in Charlotte (where I live) the average taxi fair is four times the amount I would spend on an Uber for the same distance.

So, it seems like a no-brainer. Uber or Lyft is the way to go when is comes to getting a ride. While none of these ways to get around are the most economical, Uber is a great way to get around if you’re in need of a ride.

New to the app? Check out the video below to learn how to use the Uber app.

Will you try Uber or Lyft?

Photos: Boing Boing and Business of Apps

Cars That Look More Expensive Than They Actually Are

January 5, 2017 By Alex Leanse 1 Comment

The car you drive, like the clothes you wear, can say a lot about who you are. We all want to look good, but have to balance that against functionality, durability, and cost. You can usually tell if cars or clothes are expensive just by looking at them, but that’s not always the case. Just like finding high fashion on the discount rack, there are plenty of cars that let you roll in style at an affordable price point. No matter your needs for a vehicle, here are 10 cars that look more expensive than they actually are.

2017 Cars That Look Expensive (But Aren’t)

2017 Honda Civic – MSRP $18,740: For decades, the Honda Civic has set the standard for simple, reliable, inexpensive transportation. Now it raises the bar for what an economy car should look like too, with a better design than ever before. Sharp angles and subtle curves combine to give the Civic a futuristic look, aided by a sleek profile that improves efficiency. Chrome trim and LED headlights come standard, but options like spoilers, center-exit exhaust pipes, and a punchy turbocharged engine boost the Civic’s style and sportiness for not much more money. Long-term costs are low too, with under $7,000 in maintenance over the first 10 years of ownership. The car comes in sedan, coupe, and hatchback body styles, so whatever your needs are for a car, there’s a Civic that suits them.

2017 Mazda CX-3 – MSRP $19,960: If you’re looking for a small SUV that’s inexpensive, stylish, and fun to drive, the Mazda CX-3 might be the one for you. The CX-3’s wide grille, strong curves, and lifted ride height make it look big and brawny, but you’ll be reminded of its compact dimensions whenever you parallel park it. Blacked-out window trim and pinched exterior lights give it a sporty, modern style. The interior looks premium too, with leather, brushed metal, and carbon fiber trim covering the simple yet functional dashboard. Mazda emphasizes driving dynamics in all their vehicles, so whether you’re standing outside or sitting behind the wheel, the CX-3 is sure to make you smile.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado – MSRP $20,055: Pickup truck shoppers are usually limited to options that prioritize utility over style, but the Chevrolet Colorado does a great job of combining both. There’s no question that first and foremost it’s a pickup, with multiple bed and cab configurations to meet a range of needs. The Colorado’s high ride height, boxy wheel arches, and upright grille give it a powerful, rugged look, but it’s not all about brute force: the body still has enough curvature to provide broad appeal. With over 7,000 pounds of towing capacity, available four-wheel drive, and optional torquey diesel engine, the Colorado offers major utility along with style that no other truck can match.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport – MSRP $22,485: Hyundai’s Elantra is available in a variety of trim levels, but the Sport model gives upscale style and features to the already sharp small sedan. Big two-tone multi-spoke wheels unique to the Sport look far more expensive than the hubcaps found on lower trim levels, and LEDs in the headlights and taillights look complex and dimensional. Big air inlets on the front bumper, twin exhaust tips at the rear, and a small red “Turbo” badge on the grille hint at the upgraded powerplant under the hood. The Elantra Sport proves that you don’t have to shell out big bucks to have a car that’s as good looking as it is exciting to drive.

2017 Jeep Compass – MSRP $23,000 (est.): Jeep started from scratch with the 2017 Compass, and paid equal attention to making the car look great and capable on trails. It wears Jeep’s trademark seven-slat grille, but also has modern design touches like trim that flows above the side windows and wraps around the rear glass to the other side. The headlights give it an aggressive presence, and the spacious wheel arches have plenty of room for knobby off-road tires. An optional black-painted roof provides great contrast against lighter shades of paint on the rest of the body. The Jeep Compass is going to look great whether you need a car to run around town or tackle rocky roads.

2017 Toyota Prius – MSRP $24,685: The looks of the Toyota Prius have always been dictated by making the car as aerodynamic and efficient as possible. The car has been a sales hit, but it’s safe to assume that MPG figures has been the main selling point, not styling – until now. Toyota did much to banish blandness from the current Prius by giving it a futuristic and highly polarizing design. The body is heavily sculpted, with complex surfacing and deep cutlines, and the headlights and taillights really catch the eye. It’s up for debate whether the design of the 2017 Prius is a success or failure, but what can’t be refuted is the car’s fantastic fuel economy: over 50 MPG makes fill-ups few and far between.

2017 Ford Mustang – MSRP $24,915: The Ford Mustang has been a classic since its introduction in 1965, and the stylish 2017 model continues that tradition. Even though the current bodystyle has been on the road for a few years, it’s still a head turner. No doubt it’s the sleekest muscle car available today, with a design reminiscent of European exotics. There’s a huge catalogue of optional extras – including spoilers, decals, wheels, and exhaust – so Mustang drivers can personalize their ride’s looks. A variety of powerful engines are available under the hood, but despite its sporting credentials, the Mustang isn’t known for its reliability: It costs almost $12,000 to maintain in its first decade on the road.

2017 Kia Sedona – MSRP $26,800: If all you need your car to do is carry as many people as possible, a minivan is your best bet. With the Kia Sedona, you can maximize your people-moving capacity without sacrificing style. It won’t ever be mistaken for anything but a minivan, but with a chrome-lined grille, LED running lights, and uniquely-shaped side windows, the Sedona’s handsome looks will help it stand out in the school drop-off line. The well-laid out interior is as stylish as it is spacious, too. Ultimately the Kia Sedona has premium design that makes it look expensive compared to other minivans on the market.

2017 Infiniti QX30 – MSRP $29,950: You could stare at Infiniti’s QX30 crossover SUV for hours and still find new features in the striking exterior. Its dramatic, curvaceous, and flowing body really catches light and draws the eye in to take a closer look. Infiniti claims that entirely new manufacturing processes had to be developed to build the QX30’s body panels, so clearly they made no concessions in the car’s styling. Chrome trim abounds but isn’t overdone, and the raised ride height gives it an authoritative presence. Overall it’s an organic design, with headlights clearly inspired by the human eye. Drivers ready to put a luxury car in their driveway will be attracted to the QX30’s style and price point.

2017 Buick Cascada – MSRP $33,065: Want a car that lets you feel the wind in your hair? The Buick Cascada convertible is a great-looking and reasonably-priced option. The car is a major departure from Buicks of old, with European-inspired styling that’s sure to turn heads. A crease running along the side of the car makes it look long and low, while the angular headlights and taillights break up the otherwise smooth design. A palette of bright and subdued paints are available, so you can choose whether you want your Cascada to stand out or be more subtle. Don’t let Buick’s oldschool reputation stop you from giving the Cascada a closer look.