How To Find The Perfect New Or Used Vehicle

Today's conversation is sponsored and all opinions are mine.

Looking for a new or used car can often times be one of those dreaded tasks, but is a must for most of us. It’s even harder when you are doing it for the first time. Narrowing down what style, make, model, and specific features you are looking for is the first step. There is a ton of research involved to ensure you get the perfect vehicle to fit your needs. 

The nice thing about living in this time is that nifty thing we call the internet. You can hop on to Cars.com and browse any type of car/truck/SUV whether new or used, and find what is available right in your area. If you already have car you would like to use as a trade, you can use their online estimator to see what your car is valued at. It took me about 3 minutes to fill out the short form and the results were instant. 

I was looking at used SUVs in a 40 mile range from my location and was really impressed with how many dealers came up in my area. I was able to set the price that worked for my budget as well as the distance I was willing to travel if I was interested in that particular one. It's nice to be able to see the specifics of each vehicle to help make narrowing down my choices easier. 

Some vehicles have many photos to show interior, trunk, backseat, front/rear end, and more. If you get your choices down, you can plan your visits to visit the dealer lot or showroom for a closer look and test drive. It's like a search engine just for automobiles. You can even save your searches and read reviews from other customers. We will be purchasing a family vehicle in the Fall and will utilize Cars.com as a resource to point us in the right direction.

Whether you are looking for a standard car, minivan, truck, SUV, or even a swanky sports car, Cars.com is a great starting place. You can browse the huge selection on their website and make sure you stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

7 Crucial Tips to Help You Pass Your Drive Test

Driving tests makes many people anxious and nervous even after many hours of practice and professional training. Some fail their test because of fear while others fail because of lack of preparation. However, there are some things every prospective driver should know before they take their test to improve their chances of succeeding. Here are seven crucial tips that will help you pass your driving test.

1. Prepare for the Test
Proper preparation and practice lead to outstanding results in any test and professional training is not enough to pass a driving test. You’ll need many hours of private practice as well. Drive different cars where possible and use different routes during your private practice.

The routes you choose should include those near your driving school where you are likely to take the test. You should also consider taking a mock test beforehand to make sure that everything is on point before you take your exam. Companies like Toptests offer mock tests online that can prepare you for a variety of situations. You can find more information about Toptests and their services at www.toptests.co.uk.

2. Sit Comfortably and Relax
Ensure that you are comfortable before you turn on the ignition key. Adjust the driver's seat where necessary. If you have an opportunity to choose a car for the test, choose one that you have driven before during your practice sessions. Take deep breaths just before the test to help you relax. You will make a lot of mistakes if you drive while feeling anxious.

3. Ask Questions
Interact with your examiner during the test and ask questions if you do not understand the instructions. Do not make any assumptions about the instructions. Ask for help if the car develops any mechanical problems that are beyond your training. Minor issues may be part of the test but if you cannot fix the problem, you need to ask for help before it leads to an accident.

4. Focus on the Road
You may be tempted to check your examiner’s reaction and notes at every turn. Keep your eyes on the road and on the mirrors. Concentrate on what is happening on the road. Mistakes happen when you take your eyes off the road. Your examiner can tell when your focus shifts as well.

5. Have a Positive Mindset
Believe that the hours of practice and training will pay off. Visualise yourself passing the test and getting your driving license even before you take the test. See yourself driving confidently through the worst terrains. Focus your mind on the freedom you will get to drive your dream car after passing the test.

6. Prepare for Anything
Anything can happen on the day you are taking the test. For instance, it can snow or rain heavily on that day. Drive under different weather conditions during your practice sessions to prepare for such extreme weather conditions. Learn to drive on slippery roads and deal with sudden obstructions on the road.

7. Avoid Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes that new drivers make is failing to check the mirrors sufficiently. Use the side and rear mirrors properly. Do not speed or use the wrong lanes near roundabouts. Observe the traffic before changing lanes and when taking turns at junctions. These are all simple mistakes that can be easily avoided but could cost you some important points if you commit them on the road.

Passing any test requires proper preparation and a positive mindset. Even if you feel supremely confident, never underestimate your driving test and spend several hours every week driving through different routes to sharpen your driving skills.