Best Used Vehicles for Teens Is your teen gearing up to get behind the wheel for the first time? It’s no secret that every parent worries when their teenager gets behind the wheel, especially for the first time. In a day and age in which distractions are everywhere you look, safety, especially while driving is of utmost importance. Whether it’s packed with high-tech safety features, or simply built safely, picking n affordable, yet safe vehicle for your teen is a must. Below is a list of our favorite used vehicles for teenagers, give it a read before you shop at LOFI Motors located in Corpus Christi, TX. Safety First When picking out a used vehicle for your teen driver, safety should always come first. Being that we’re in the golden age of technology, most cars will come with high-tech safety features designed to make drivers of all ages feel safer. There are some fantastic safety features out now, budget depending, these are some great safety features you should look out for on the vehicle your teen will be driving. Here are some of the features we recommend:   Anti-Lock Brakes: An absolute must-have safety feature on any vehicle. Also known as an anti-lock brake system (ABS), this safety feature “pumps” the brakes to maximize stopping power in an emergency braking situation. This feature will feel as if the car is “shuddering”, do not be alarmed however, that is ABS at work that you’re feeling and is normal. ABS will provide maximum braking power while allowing you to safely steer around obstacles. Traction Control: Another great safety feature, Traction Control (TCS) uses the ABS feature to control acceleration, slowing down the vehicle in a controlled manner by slowing a spinning drive wheel. Stability Control: Yet another safety feature tied to ABS, this feature utilizes ABS to apply braking to the corresponding wheel or wheels, correcting a vehicle slide. A great feature to have for those windy back roads and rainy evenings. Forward-collision warning: This system uses sensors to detect objects in front of your vehicle, when it detects an object an audible warning signal is triggered to bring the driver’s attention to the object in front of them. If the system detects an impending collision, it will automatically apply the vehicle’s brakes if there is no immediate driver input to avoid the collision. This is a great feature for distracted teen drivers. Blind-spot Detection: A life-saving invention, blind-spot detection uses sensors or cameras to detect cars in your vehicle’s blind-spot, undetectable to most drivers. A visual warning is typically given, in the form of lights on the mirrors or A-pillar of the car. Some vehicles even include an audible warning as well. This safety feature is great for new teen drivers that are still wrapping their minds around blind spots. With safety being the number one concern for parents with their children behind the wheel, it’s important to consider this list of great safety features. Keep this short list in mind on your search for your teen’s first vehicle and your teen will be plenty safe behind the wheel.   Looking for your teenager’s first vehicle? Come to LOFI Motors and check out our wide selection of used vehicles, packed with safety features designed to keep your teen driver safe behind the wheel. Which Used Car is Best for My Teen? Picking the right vehicle for a teenager can seem like an impossible task, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget, that’s why we made this great list of used vehicles to consider. With a sea full of options when it comes to used vehicles, it’s a great help to have somewhere to start your search, and this list is exactly that. Read up on this list of the best, used vehicles for teenagers, then stop in here at LOFI Motors to find the right vehicle for your teenager! 2017 Toyota Rav4 2017 The Toyota Rav4 has consistently been a top pick amongst parents buying for their teens, due in part to its winning of the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in 2017. The Rav4 is a stylish sport-utility vehicle with a plethora of great safety features and great gas mileage. We recommend looking for an SE trim model, which has the most safety features amongst the Rav4 lineup. Fitted with LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lights, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and even automatic high beams, this 2017 Toyota Rav4 is a great choice for keeping your teen driver safe and stylish. Honda CR-V 2019 Redesigned completely for the 2017 year, the Honda CR-V is a teen driver-friendly vehicle known for its comfort and safety features. The EX model comes with a bunch of driver assists such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist, as well as convenient fog lights and dual climate control features. Always reliable and dependable, the Honda CR-V is a great choice for new teen drivers, loved by parents all over America. Mazda Mazda3 One of the best in its segment, the 2019 Mazda3 is a great compact sedan for teen drivers. A recipient of top crash safety test scores from IIHS and NHTSA, the 2019 Mazda3 is a top choice vehicle for teen drivers. Look for the Select model, it comes equipped with LED headlights, integrated mirror turn signals, adaptive cruise control, eight airbags, and a slew of driver-assist features, all to keep your teenager safe behind the wheel. 2018 Mazda CX-5 Another great showing from Mazda is their 2018 CX-5, a mid-size SUV that’s quite comparable to the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4. The Touring trim of the CX-5 is our favorite, loaded with driver-assists and advanced safety features. Equipped with LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and adaptive cruise control, the CX-5 is as comfortable as it is convenient. Comfortable and convenient, the CX-5 was also an IIHS top safety pick back in 2018 as well. 2019 Subaru Crosstrek An IIHS top safety pick in 2019, the Subaru Crosstrek is a sporty, yet safe choice for your teenager. Designed to go anywhere, the Crosstrek is a crossover SUV that gets great gas mileage and even has all-wheel drive. Not only is the Crosstrek safe, but it also comes packed with features if you choose the Premium trim, including things like adaptive cruise control, fog lights, and automatic climate control. 2014 Ford Taurus A model that’s seen production since the mid-80s, the Ford Taurus is a top pick amongst parents who are looking to buy their teenager a safe, comfortable vehicle. The reason we suggest looking for a 2014 or newer Taurus is that the IIHS lists all post 2013 Ford Taurus’ as having longer side-curtain airbags and improved protection during crash events. Relied on by government fleets, most notably police departments, the Ford Taurus is an ultra-reliable vehicle with incredible safety ratings. Picking the Right Vehicle In this day and age, with all the distractions on the road, it’s paramount that you keep your teenage driver safe behind the wheel. We know that nothing short of driving your teen everywhere will bring complete peace of mind, but putting them behind the wheel of an IIHS top safety pick can definitely ease those worries.   No matter which vehicle you choose, you can be assured that this list was curated with your teenager’s safety in mind, with all vehicles listed being the top IIHS safety picks. Protect your precious cargo by putting them behind the wheel of a used vehicle packed with great safety features. Here at LOFI Motors, we have a wide selection of used vehicles that have been awarded the IIHS top safety pick, so stop by and find your teenager’s first vehicle!

Whether you're new to car buying or you haven't bought a new one in years, it can be a little hard to know which car is best for you. How do you find the car that will exactly suit your needs and also reflects who you are as a person? To help narrow down your options, we've created this short 6-question quiz to determine what car is the right match for you. 

If you are planning to buy a vehicle to drive for a couple of years, you’ll likely be looking to trade it in or sell it after that. This is why making sure you take good care of your vehicle is important. While you will likely not get the same price you paid for your vehicle, there are ways to reap the most return possible and ensuring you won’t make a big financial hit when you’re buying your future car.    Here are a few tips to protect your car’s resale value:    1. Buy a Vehicle with a High Residual Value When buying your vehicle, do a little research on vehicle makes and models that hold a high residual value. This means that the car retains the highest percentage of the initial value. Purchasing cars with strong residual value helps you maximize your return when you decide to trade-in or sell your car.    2. Regular Maintenance It goes without saying, maintenance is critical to maximizing your vehicle’s resale value. Ensure you take your car in for an oil change roughly every three months to keep your engine running smoothly. Even if no issues are apparent, make time to take your car for an overall check-up at least once a year.    3. Avoid Parking your Car in Crammed Places The first thing a potential buyer will notice in a car is it’s exterior. Don’t let a dent reduce your chances of selling your car for the best price. Minimize dents and scratches by leaving space between you and other cars when parking. Make sure there’s enough space for your neighbor to open the door without hitting your car. If you have a garage use it to shelter your car from environmental factors that might impact your car exteriors.   4. Fix Minor Dents Right Away The occasional dent might occur even if you are a safe driver and you’re parking carefully. Don’t let the dents build up, fix them as soon as they happen so that you don’t end up with a lot of fixing to do when comes time to sell.   LOFI Motors North is a pre-owned, late model dealer that provides customers with a complete automotive experience at competitive prices. Explore our inventory to find the right car for you.

If you’re planning on upgrading your car, you might be asking yourself how much you can get for it. This article will go over, what trade-in value is, how it can be measured, how you can estimate your car’s trade-in value, and whether it’s better to sell or trade-in your used car.    What does trade-in value mean?   When you plan on  buying a new or used car, you want to make sure you negotiate the best price possible. Part of what you can use to negotiate is how much trade-in value you can get out of your current vehicle.    Trade-in value is the price a dealer is willing to offer you for your existing vehicle. When you trade-in your car, you are basically selling it to the dealer you are choosing to buy your new car from. The dealer estimates your car’s trade-in value and credits the amount toward’s the price of the car you plan to buy. The dealer may also offer you the trade-in value in cash.    If you want to reduce the purchase price when buying a new or used car and you don’t need two vehicles, trading in your car is a smart option.    How can I find out my car’s resale value?   If you’re in talks with a car dealership to close a trade-in deal, here are a few things to consider:    - What is your vehicle’s year, make and model? - How popular is your vehicle's make and model?  - Are there any extra features and add-ons to your car?  - How many miles are recorded on the odometer?  - Does your car have any accident history?  - Did your car undergo regular maintenance and repair?  - What is the condition of your car’s interior and exterior?  - How much are others selling the same make and model, with the relatively same condition, for in your area?    You can do a little bit of online research before heading to the dealership and searching your vehicle characteristics on available online tools or by searching on classifieds to see how much similar vehicles are being sold for.    How to get the most trade-in value? If you are planning on trading in your car in a couple of months or years down the road, here are few things you can do to maximize its trade-in value: - Keep up with regular car maintenance - Regularly clean up the interior and exterior - Fix major and minor repairs as soon as they occur    Learn more about protecting your vehicle’s resale value here.  

A vehicle is the most fuel-efficient when it’s well-maintained. Regular changes in oil and mechanical check-ups are a must in order to keep your vehicle running smoothly. While it may seem like quite a budget to spend on maintenance throughout the year, in the long run, it will save you both time and money from spending extra on gas or serious car problems.    Here a few quick and easy tips that we recommend to reduce your fuel consumption:    1. Use your car only when necessary   One of the primary ways you can reduce fuel use is to use the car only when necessary. Instead of using your car on short journeys, consider walking or cycling. Consider car-pooling for daily journeys such as your commute.     2. Accelerate gently when driving    The faster you accelerate, the more fuel you consume. By easing onto the pedal gently, you can save on gas. Harsh acceleration is not only bad for fuel consumption but also increases the wear and tear on the engine.   3. Maintain a steady speed when driving   As well as being illegal and dangerous, driving above the speed limit wastes fuel and also increases pollution. By driving at an appropriate speed, you can better anticipate the traffic ahead, reducing the need to brake abruptly. Every time you brake and then accelerate again, the engine uses more fuel and therefore produces more CO2.   4. Switch off the engine in standstill traffic   When your engine is idling, it is consuming fuel. By switching your engine off when traffic is not moving, you can save a substantial amount of fuel over time.  Many new vehicles now have a feature that does it for you automatically, known as ‘stop-start”.  If your car has this option, it would be best to use it rather than switching your engine off.    5. Make sure your tires are inflated   Using under-inflated tires creates more resistance when driving, which leads the engine to work harder and thus use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and before a long trip. It will not only reduce fuel consumption but also help keep your tires in good condition.    6. Remove additional weight if not needed    You may not realize it but additional weight from roof boxes, roof racks, bike racks, etc. can significantly add to fuel consumption at speed since it increases drag and wind resistance.     LOFI Motors North  is a pre-owned, late model dealer that provides customers with a complete automotive experience at competitive prices. Explore our inventory to find the right car for you.

As we face uncertain times with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and we are practicing social distancing, buying a car might not seem like a top priority for some. For others, their vehicle needs are still very much a priority and a concern. If you are planning on buying a new or a used car now, or at some point in 2020, here are a few things to be aware of.    1. Are all car dealerships currently closed?    While many car dealerships are closing shop, they are still fully functional online and by phone. If you are interested in a particular vehicle, give us a call, send us a text, email us, or Facebook message us. We’re available to resolve your car needs from the convenience of your homes.    2. Do I risk coronavirus exposure from shopping for a car?   There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus from any encounter with other individuals and leaving the house when it is not necessary is discouraged. That being said, as people should be avoiding carpooling and using public transportation, having a car might be a priority just to get out of the house to get any essential groceries or to keep going to your job if you are not working from home.    3. How can I minimize the risk of COVID-19 when purchasing a car?    To limit the time around people at a dealership, start by doing your research online. Call the dealership up to see if the buying process, as well as your credit application, can be handled online or via email. If you are worried to drop by the dealership to pick up your new car, don’t hesitate to ask what other alternatives are available. Some dealerships offer to deliver the car and some companies offer car delivery services.  If you decide to go to a dealership to pick up a car, don’t hesitate to ask in advance about any precautions the dealership is taking to protect car shoppers. LOFI Motors North is a pre-owned, late model dealer that provides customers with a complete automotive experience at competitive prices. Explore our inventory to find the right car for you.      

What is the difference between leasing and financing a vehicle?    Car shoppers frequently ask about the difference between leasing and financing a vehicle. Both are routes to accessing a vehicle but both have completely different terms and outcomes.   Financing a Vehicle   Financing is a means to purchasing a vehicle. It basically means that you are taking out an auto loan and making payments on the initial value of the car until you’ve paid the whole car off.    When financing a vehicle, you: - Pay a monthly payment for an agreed-upon amount of time and interest rate. - It usually requires a down payment of around 10-20% of the car’s value. - You can sell the car at any time, but the financing terms remain until the loan is completely paid off. Leasing a Vehicle   Leasing is a means to obtain a car for a determined amount of time but you do not own the vehicle at any point in time. You can think of leasing as a long-term car rental.    When leasing a vehicle, you:  - Pay an agreed-upon monthly payment which is usually less than the monthly payment for financing a car. - Leasing terms usually last 2-3 years at which point you need to return the vehicle. - Sometimes you need to provide a downpayment which is typically a lot less than the down payment for financing a car. - You cannot sell the car during your lease since you do not own it. So, which is better?    Whether you should lease or finance a car depends on your specific needs. If long-term cost savings are important to you then it is definitely a better idea to buy a used car.   Leasing a car is essentially a rental agreement. During the term of the lease, you are typically the one responsible for all maintenance and repairs, as well as any wear and tear accumulated at the end of the lease. Leasing might cost less in the short term but you can never get any of your money back at the end of the lease term.    LOFI Motors North is a pre-owned, late model dealer that provides customers with a complete automotive experience at competitive prices. Explore our inventory to find the right car for you.    

Whether you are into zodiac signs or not, this quiz will tell you what car is best suited for your personality. By asking a few easy and simple questions, we've created a simple, fun way to find out what car is best for you. What's better, the cars are currently on the lot. So feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the car you match with.