Sports cars have always been objects of desire for thrill seekers and speed demons. Some models remain prohibitively expensive, but there are affordable options with serious performance and handling that can provide an exciting driving experience without breaking the bank. Here are 5 affordable sports cars for thrill seekers:

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seat roadster that provides an engaging driving experience with its rear-wheel drive and manual transmission. The Miata starts around $25,000. It has a sport-tuned suspension, direct steering, and delivers 181 horsepower. While not the quickest, its handling and affordability make it a perfect entry-level sports car.

The Subaru BRZ and its twin the Toyota 86 are lightweight, rear-wheel drive sports cars renowned for their handling. They feature a 205-horsepower horizontally opposed engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Pricing starts around $25,000. These twins provide an authentic sports car feel and experience at an affordable price.

The Ford Mustang EcoBoost delivers 310 horsepower and performance to match from its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It has rear-wheel drive, a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission, and a sport-tuned suspension. Pricing starts at $26,000. The Mustang EcoBoost combines power, handling, and style in an iconic American sports car that won’t break the bank.

The Hyundai Veloster N is a hot hatchback that provides outstanding performance and value. It has a 275-horsepower turbocharged engine, 6-speed manual transmission, electronically controlled suspension, and track-tuned steering. Pricing starts around $27,000. The Veloster N delivers a raw, unfiltered driving experience that rivals more expensive hot hatches.

The Volkswagen GTI is a perennial favorite, with its blend of performance, practicality, and affordability. The GTI has a 228-horsepower turbocharged engine, 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission, and track-tuned suspension. Pricing starts at $28,000. The GTI is a refined yet engaging hot hatch that can serve as an everyday driver and weekend thrill ride.

Here are some essential car maintenance tips every driver should know:

Checking your tire pressure regularly is important for safety and maximizing the life of your tires. The correct PSI levels for your specific vehicle make and model can be found in the owner’s manual. Under-inflated tires can reduce handling and braking, and over-inflated tires can burst.

Change your engine oil as recommended in the owner’s manual. Fresh oil is essential for lubricating and cooling your engine. Not changing the oil regularly can reduce engine performance and cause permanent damage.

Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles to ensure even tread wear. Front tires wear out more quickly, so rotating front to back and crossing left to right helps maximize the life of the full set.

Inspect and replace air filters periodically. Clogged air filters reduce airflow to your engine and cabin, reducing performance and increasing fuel consumption.

Check and replace windshield wipers once a year or if they start streaking, chattering or not cleaning effectively. Worn out wipers reduce visibility and can be a safety hazard.

Vacuum your seats and carpets, wipe down vinyl and plastic parts and clean your windows inside and out. A clean car interior makes driving more pleasant and helps prevent permanent stains.

Check and refill windshield washer fluid. Low washer fluid reduces your ability to clean your windshield, reducing visibility.

Check all exterior lights including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, etc. Burned out or malfunctioning lights reduce your visibility to other drivers and can lead to accidents or traffic tickets.

Inspect and test your emergency tools like the spare tire, jack, lug wrench and emergency flashers. These tools are critical in case of a flat tire or other roadside emergency.

Check and refill coolant levels. Low coolant reduces your engine’s ability to prevent overheating and can lead to permanent damage.

Inspect suspension and steering components for wear or damage. Worn out or loose steering/suspension parts severely impact handling, braking and safety.

Check and tighten fuel filler cap. A loose or missing cap allows fuel to evaporate, reducing gas mileage.

Check and clean battery terminals. Corroded or loose battery terminals prevent your battery from operating efficiently and can prevent your vehicle from starting.

Inspect drive belts for cracking or fraying and replace as needed. Faulty drive belts prevent critical components like your alternator, power steering pump and AC compressor from operating properly.

Replace dirty or clogged fuel filters. Clogged fuel filters reduce engine power and performance and can prevent your vehicle from starting.

Replace worn brake pads. Worn out brake pads severely reduce braking ability, which is critical for safe driving and avoiding accidents.

Negotiating the best price when buying a car requires preparation and patience. Do your research ahead of time to determine a reasonable price range for the specific vehicle you’re interested in. Check vehicle valuation guides like Kelley Blue Book to find the fair market price for that car based on its make, model, year, trim level, mileage, condition, and optional features. This will give you a solid starting point for your negotiation.

Once you start negotiating with a dealer, don’t focus on the monthly payment. Negotiate the total vehicle price first. Dealers can manipulate monthly payments in various ways, so you need to know the total bottom-line price you’re paying for the car. Come prepared with facts to support your offer price. Point out any recent sales of comparable vehicles. Mention any incentives or rebates currently available. Highlight any issues with the condition or history to justify a lower offer.

Start with a reasonable initial offer that’s at least 10-15% below the fair market price. Don’t feel pressured to make an offer right away. It’s okay to tell the salesperson you need time to think it over. Take a walk around the lot, check your notes, and determine what you’re comfortable offering. Make a lower counteroffer if the dealer does not accept your initial offer. Be willing to walk away if you’re not getting close to a reasonable price. Often the dealer will come back with a lower counteroffer to keep you at the table.

Once you have agreed on a final vehicle price, the negotiation isn’t over yet. You still need to go over the financing details, trade-in value, and extras like an extended warranty. Negotiate the best overall deal by getting preapproved for an auto loan from your bank or credit union before going to the dealer. That way you can see if the dealer can beat your preapproved rate. Get quotes from other dealerships for your trade-in to leverage a higher value. And only buy extras that really matter to you.

The negotiation process requires patience, but putting in the effort can save you thousands of dollars on your vehicle purchase. Stay confident in the reasonable price you’ve determined, and don’t feel pressured into accepting an offer that’s not in your best interest. With some determination and persistence, you can negotiate the best overall deal on your next car.

The modern SUV comes in all shapes and sizes, but for families, certain characteristics are non-negotiable. Safety, spaciousness, and style are essential for a family vehicle that needs to transport both kids and cargo. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best family SUVs that balance all three.

The Toyota Highlander has long been a top choice for families looking for a safe, reliable SUV. The Highlander earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the highest available. With a hybrid powertrain option, the Highlander delivers solid fuel economy. Three rows of seats mean enough space for up to eight passengers. For 2020, the Highlander gets a bold new look and updated technology features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and Wi-Fi hotspot.

For maximum passenger space, the Chevrolet Suburban is hard to beat. This full-size SUV can seat up to nine people with an optional front bench seat. The Suburban also has a cavernous 144.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. A long list of standard advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring help give you confidence behind the wheel of this large vehicle. Fuel economy is unsurprisingly low, but for some families, the space is worth the trade-off.

Style and luxury come together in the Lincoln Navigator. This plush full-size SUV is filled with high-end materials and technology. The Navigator can seat up to eight people over three rows. Twin-turbocharged V6 engine puts out an impressive 450 horsepower while maintaining a respectable 18 mpg combined. The Navigator is also available with Lincoln’s new phone-as-a-key technology that allows you to start and unlock your vehicle with an app on your smartphone.

For families on a budget, the Kia Sorento is an appealing option. The Sorento has a solid reputation for reliability and value. Seating for up to five or seven passengers is available. The base four-cylinder gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined. An available V6 engine provides more power for towing. The Sorento includes advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning as standard equipment. Kia’s outstanding 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides peace of mind for years to come.

The Hyundai Palisade is another smart choice for families looking for an affordable three-row SUV. Sharing a platform with the Kia Telluride, the Palisade offers comparable space, power, and value. The Palisade’s interior is one of the nicest in its class, with high-quality materials and lots of technology like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, multi-zone climate control, and a long list of advanced driver assistance features. The Palisade’s 291-hp V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission provide smooth power and respectable fuel economy.

For carpooling and hauling kids to activities, a family SUV needs to handle well in tight spaces. The Mazda CX-9 signature stands out with its nimble, car-like handling. The CX-9 can seat up to seven passengers. A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission provides plenty of power and gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined. The CX-9 includes an 8-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth, USB ports in all three rows, and active driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist. Mazda’s premium styling and high-quality interiors make this three-row SUV feel like a luxury vehicle at an affordable price.

With so many excellent options, finding the right family SUV comes down to determining what factors are most important to you. Do you need maximum passenger and cargo space or something more compact? What level of fuel efficiency or performance are you looking for? How much are you willing to spend for the latest advanced safety technologies and luxury features? By weighing all these variables, you can find an SUV that checks all the boxes for your family’s needs.

Understanding car insurance can be confusing. There are many factors to consider to make sure you get the coverage you need at an affordable price. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process and find the best car insurance for your needs.

Car insurance provides financial protection in the event of an accident or other incident involving your vehicle. The specific coverage and limits you choose determine how much protection you have. Liability coverage pays for the other driver’s injuries and vehicle damage if you cause an accident. Collision coverage pays to repair your own vehicle after an accident. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from events like theft, vandalism or natural disasters.

Think about how much coverage you need. If you have an older vehicle, you may only need liability coverage. If you have a newer car, you’ll want collision and comprehensive coverage as well. Check your state’s minimum requirements and consider how much you can afford for deductibles and premiums.

Compare quotes from different companies. Rates can vary significantly between companies for the same coverage. Look at large national companies as well as smaller local insurers. Compare quotes for the type of coverage you need to find the best value.

Look for ways to save. You may be eligible for discounts for bundling multiple policies, anti-theft devices, good student grades, safe driver programs and more. Raise your deductibles to lower premiums. Drive safely to maintain a clean driving record.

Review and understand your policy before signing. Make sure you know exactly what is and isn’t covered. Check that coverage limits and deductibles meet your needs. Understand how the claims process works in case you need to file a claim.

Ask about additional coverage if needed. If you have an expensive vehicle, high-value home or substantial assets, extra coverage like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement or umbrella insurance may be worth the cost.

In summary, do your research to determine how much car insurance you need. Compare quotes from different insurers to find the best value. Look for available discounts to save money. Carefully review your policy to ensure you understand your coverage before purchasing. Additional coverage options may provide extra peace of mind for high-value assets. With some time and effort, you can find affordable car insurance that provides the protection you need.

Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars are two popular environmentally-friendly options for drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint. EVs run entirely on rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs, while hybrids use a combination of gas-powered engines and electric motors.

Choosing between an EV or hybrid comes down to your needs and driving habits. EVs produce zero direct emissions, so they appeal to eco-conscious consumers and those concerned about the environmental impact of driving. However, they have limited range on a single charge compared to gas-powered cars. Hybrids offer more range and flexibility but still rely partly on gasoline.

Cost is another important consideration. Although prices are coming down, EVs tend to cost more upfront than comparable gas vehicles. Hybrids also command a premium over gas-only models. However, both EVs and hybrids are cheaper to fuel and maintain in the long run thanks to lower energy and service costs. Federal and state incentives can also help offset some of the higher sticker price for EVs and plug-in hybrids.

In terms of performance, some EVs can accelerate and handle as well as high-end sports cars thanks to instant torque from their electric motors. Hybrids typically don’t match the performance of all-electric models but often handle better and get better fuel economy than non-hybrid counterparts. Advancements in lithium-ion batteries and motors are also allowing for longer range, faster charging, and more power in new EVs and plug-in hybrid models.

For many drivers, a plug-in hybrid offers the best of both worlds with an all-electric range for short trips as well as a gas engine for longer journeys. However, if you have a short commute and regular access to charging, an all-electric vehicle could work well as an eco-friendly option. As with any vehicle purchase, take time to weigh the pros and cons of different models based on your needs and see how the costs and benefits balance out for your particular situation. The good news is there are more choices than ever for those wanting to drive green.

The automotive industry has made huge strides in improving fuel efficiency over the past decade. New technologies like hybrid powertrains, turbocharged engines, and lighter vehicle materials have all contributed to vehicles that can travel more miles using less fuel. For those looking to minimize trips to the gas station, here are the 10 most fuel-efficient cars available for the 2024 model year.

The Toyota Prius has been the benchmark for hybrid fuel efficiency for two decades. The latest Prius Eco model achieves an estimated 60 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway. The Prius’s hybrid powertrain combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a net 121 horsepower. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Hyundai’s Ioniq Blue is the most efficient non-plug-in vehicle without a hybrid powertrain. The Ioniq Blue’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine runs on the efficient Atkinson cycle and is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. It achieves an estimated 57 mpg in the city and 59 mpg on the highway. The Ioniq is also available as a hybrid or fully-electric model for those seeking alternative fuel types.

The Honda Insight, one of the first hybrids sold in the U.S., returns as an elegant and affordable sedan. The latest Insight gets an estimated 55 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway from its hybrid powertrain. It features a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and lithium-ion battery pack. The Insight offers seating for five adults, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking assist.

Mazda’s Skyactiv-X engine uses spark-controlled compression ignition to enable fuel-efficient combustion. In the Mazda3 sedan, the Skyactiv-X 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine achieves an estimated 53 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. The Mazda3 features an upscale interior with leather seats, head-up display, and a suite of advanced driving aids. For performance, the Skyactiv-X engine produces 178 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Kia Niro dedicates itself to maximum efficiency. In hybrid form, the Niro achieves an estimated 50 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway. The Niro Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and six-speed dual-clutch transmission. It seats five adults and offers crossover-like cargo room. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, a 10-inch touchscreen, and emergency braking with pedestrian detection. For all-electric range, the Niro EV has an estimated 239-mile range per charge.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid has been providing mid-size sedan efficiency for over a decade. The latest Fusion Hybrid can achieve an estimated 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. It features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with a total system output of 188 horsepower. The handsomely styled Fusion offers seating for five, leather seats, a 12-speaker Sony audio system, and a full suite of advanced driving aids.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid has matched fuel efficiency gains with driving enjoyment. The hybrid version of Toyota’s popular mid-size sedan achieves an estimated 51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 208 net horsepower. The Camry Hybrid offers an engaging drive experience with supportive seats, minimal road noise, and solid handling. Standard advanced safety features include automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and road sign recognition.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delivers solid value and efficiency. It achieves an estimated 45 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway. The Sonata Hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 192 horsepower. It includes dual-zone climate control, power driver’s seat, keyless entry, and a full suite of advanced driving aids. Hyundai’s 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides added peace of mind.

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid provides an efficient and affordable compact sedan option. It achieves an estimated 53 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway. Under the hood is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with 121 horsepower. Standard features include pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and radar cruise control. The Corolla Hybrid offers a comfortable cabin, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display.

The Honda Accord Hybrid proves efficiency and mid-size sedan practicality can go hand in hand. The two-motor hybrid powertrain achieves an estimated 47 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway. Total system output is 212 horsepower. The Accord Hybrid offers premium features like leather seats, navigation, Wi-Fi, and a 10-speaker audio system. Honda Sensing provides a full suite of active safety features. Roomy seating for five and a large trunk make the Accord Hybrid suitable for family life. For those wanting maximum efficiency without compromise, the Accord Hybrid is hard to beat.