Read. Shop. Buy smart.
Is it time to replace your old car? The April issue of Consumer Reports is totally devoted to finding the right vehicle. Starting with “10 Top Picks,” navigate through 15 articles full of guidance and ratings. For example, in “Will and Electric Car Save You Money” learn that electric vehicles (EV) may cut repair expenses by 50%. EV technology is new, and glitches are to be expected. This is especially true for vehicles from automakers who are just bringing out their first EVs. A better choice may be a brand that has been on the market for a while.
“Fuel” savings with an EV depend upon how the cost and convenience of electricity compares to the cost and convenience of gas in your area. There are tax credits for qualified buyers in some states, but the credit can depend upon the price of the car and where it was assembled. See “Gas vs. Electric Savings Showdown” to find out more about these credits.
Today’s car market contains a bewildering variety of cars produced by 32 major automakers. Before visiting the showroom, read through “Brands That Make the Best Cars,” “The Best & Worst Lists 2023” and the “New Car Ratings,” (along with the associated 32 pages of reviews). These reviews and rankings take into consideration road test scores, reliability, owner satisfaction, safety and clean emissions. They also rank vehicles for gas mileage and comfort. Speaking of comfort, check out which makes and models come with driving assistance technology. “Easy Driving! Why You’ll Love These Features” explains what these systems can do.
After selecting a new car, it’s time to go through the process of actually buying it. As CR explains, this is where things can get tricky. Dealerships make money on the extras and insurance they sell with car purchases, including parts warranties, extended warranties and embellishments. Are these extras really necessary? Check out “Just Say No To These Dealership Extras” to save some cash.
Other topics in this issue include:
“Best Used Cars” and “Used Cars to Avoid”
“Most and Least Reliable Cars”
“What’s New, What’s Next”
“How Far Can That EV Go?”
Consumer Reports magazine is available free in print and online to Fauquier Public Library card holders, providing access to articles, reviews and ratings on over 8,000 products and services. The library has copies of Consumer Reports dating back to 2019.