Car Repairs that Cost More Than You Think

Is your car getting up there in age? You might not think it's a problem at all. In fact, you're kinda strapped for cash and your credit isn't all that good. Keeping your old, beat-up car probably seems like the best answer right now. The alternative is buying a different car and you don't think that's the best use of your money. All you have to do is stay on top of car repairs and you'll be fine... right?

What kind of down payment do I need to finance a car?

A car commercial comes across the TV screen. In big, bold numbers, the 'low monthly payment' grabs your attention. Can you really buy the car for so little? Of course, what you DON'T see is the fine print at the bottom of the screen. It tells you the payment doesn't include taxes or dealer fees. It also says that X amount is due for down payment.But do you really need a certain amount for a down payment? How do you know if it's a requirement?

Best Trucks for Life in Missouri

In Kansas City, the type of vehicle you choose to drive can exemplify your prairie roots. Whether it's a passenger car, a compact commuter, an all-wheel-drive SUV, or a pickup truck, some things just show how American you really are.A truck is perhaps the best vehicle you can choose for life in Missouri. If you have a cottage by the lake, you can use your pickup to haul your necessities in the spring when you open up and in fall when you shut down for the season. If you hunt, a pickup truck is a great choice to bring big game to your camp or to the butcher for processing. Whether it's fishing or waterskiing, towing a boat is best done with a truck.Check out these 5 pickup trucks that are perfect for life in Missouri.

Is It Worthwhile to Trade In Your Car at CarUP?

You've been considering buying a new car. The one you have right now is getting older, and things are starting to go wrong with it. Wiring is getting old and brittle, the engine is getting tired, and leaks are starting to show up. Your tires need to be replaced soon and your brakes just started to squeal. You'd love to avoid those costly repairs and the upkeep that's looming down the road.It would be great to get a new car and just leave this aging car at the dealership's doorstep. But is it worthwhile to trade in your car, or will you be on the losing end of the deal? Maybe these thoughts will help you decide.

Which Options Will Boost My Future Resale Value?

Unless the car you buy is a limited production or an extremely rare exception, it's going to depreciate. That's what happens when you buy a product - like a car - that breaks down, adds wear, and racks up the miles during the course of its lifetime. Frankly, it shouldn't be a surprise. Would you expect that someone would pay what you did after you've used your vehicle? It's why considering resale value when shopping for a used car is so important.Even though your vehicle is going to depreciate, there are a few things that can prevent a massive price drop. Of those few things, your vehicle's options should be included. Which options should you choose to help keep your resale value as high as possible?

Should You Trade In or Sell Your Car?

It has come time to upgrade your vehicle. Your family may have expanded and your current car is too small. Our job location may have changed and you now need something better on fuel. Or, you just want something with more options or, simply, nicer than your current vehicle. THe problem is that you have a car right now, so what do you do with it? Do you trade in or sell your car?

Can I Get Financing for Cars Under $10,000?

Buying a car is often a stressful situation, and that's understandable. It's a big chunk of change you're putting towards a vehicle. What's worse is that it will drop in value over time - essentially, your money 'evaporates'. So to minimize the hurt, you may be looking at cars under $10,000. But is it possible to get financing for older and/or lower-priced cars?Yes, it is possible. At CarUP Kansas City, we can arrange financing for most any vehicle you select from our lot. That includes cars under $10,000. However, there are pros and cons to purchasing and financing cars under $10,000. Here are a few:

Three Ways to Save Money this Summer

Crank up the air conditioning in your house. Hit the malls for a new summer wardrobe. It's summertime, and you want to enjoy it while you can! You have your shopping list all set to go and your credit card in hand. You're going to do some serious shopping damage at the department store before you crash at home to cool off.But once you've done your summer shopping prep, you won't be able to get out and enjoy it. Your credit card will be maxed, leaving no money for summer fun while you pay it off. Instead, why not look for ways you can trim back your spending this summer? In the end, you'll be able to make the most of the warm weather while it's around.

Four Ways to Blow Your Paycheck

Money comes and money goes. That's how the economy works, right? But when payday rolls around, you want your money to last until the next one...and maybe put a little bit away at the end of the week. Sadly, that's not how it goes for most Americans. A full half of all US citizens live paycheck to paycheck. Often, it's because of bad spending habits.If you want your money to last longer than the weekend, avoid these four ways to blow your paycheck.

What Can You Do if Your Car Payments are Too High?

You have a car loan, as most people do. It was great at first...and then something changed. You may have been hit with a massive repair bill for your furnace at home, or your preteen son needs braces. You've been laid off your long-time career position just before a promotion you expected. You fell ill and can't earn as much as you used to. Suddenly, you need to buckle down on your finances and your car payments are too high. What can you do about it?It's a horrible place to be, but don't despair - you have options.