When considering purchasing a used or certified pre-owned vehicle, it is important to do your homework and thoroughly research your options. While typically not as expensive as buying a new car, purchasing a used vehicle is still a major purchase, and doing so without researching the vehicle and its history could make you regret your choice. The following eight steps can help you obtain the perfect previously owned vehicle for you.

1. Determine How Much You Can Afford

As a general rule of thumb, your monthly car payment should be no more than 30% of your take-home pay. Car shoppers tend to get in trouble with car costs when they shop for cars with their hearts instead of with their heads and buy something more expensive than they can really afford.

Once you determine how much you can afford to pay, you should research your financing options. Dealerships like Torre Nissan can help you secure a loan, but you can also walk in with financing already secured.

2. Make a List of Used Cars

Determine what type of vehicle you prefer, whether that be a compact car or an SUV. Perform research on some of the vehicles’ features, average prices and read some reviews to ensure you are adequately informed about your options. Luckily, Torre Nissan has their inventory of certified pre-owned vehicles available on their website, making it easy to find an array of high-quality vehicles.

Torre has several used and certified pre-owned Nissans as well as other makes. Our selection of Nissan models include:

• AltimaFr
• Fontier
• Maxima
• Murano
• Pathfinder
• Quest
• Rogue
• Sentra
• Versa Note
• And Much More

3. Check the Price of the Car You Want

You can get a good idea of how much the car you want will cost by checking Torre Nissan’s website and by finding the make and model’s True Market Value online. You should strongly consider purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle, which are refurbished and come with excellent warranties.

4. Contact Torre Nissan about the Vehicle

Once you have determined your preferred vehicle, stop in or call Torre Nissan. They can answer any questions you may have and help guide you through the purchasing process.

5. Check the Vehicle History Report

You should be sure to check out the history report for the vehicle you are wanting to buy. You can access these yourself from companies such as Carfax and AutoCheck, or you can ask your dealer to provide one for you. You can also obtain the vehicle’s VIN and enter it into the free look-up tool offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for more information.

6. Conduct a Thorough Walk-Around

Before you even get into the vehicle for a test drive, it is important to take a look at every aspect of its exterior. There are plenty of things to look for including:

• Signs of Poor Alignment – Check the tires for wear. Balding could indicate that the vehicle needs a front-end alignment or even a suspension component repaired.
• Signs of Possible Body Repair – Stand back and make sure everything lines up correctly on the vehicle’s panels and seams. Bring a small refrigerator magnet and place it gently around various parts of the body panels to be sure it stays in place. If not, that means there is plastic body filler and the vehicle has been involved in an accident.
• Signs of Repainting – Take a look inside the vehicle’s trunk, doors and hood, looking for paint over-spray. Also be sure that all the body’s parts are the same color.
• Signs of a Cracked Block – Check the radiator fluid to be sure it’s not foamy or does not contain oil droplets which can mean the car has a defective head gasket or a cracked block or cylinder head.
• Signs of Flood – You can tell if the vehicle may have been involved in a flood by reaching up under the car and feeling around the top of the gas tank. If mud or leaves are present, the vehicle may have been involved in a flood or at least taken off-road frequently.

7. Conduct a Thorough Test Drive

Many people test drive a vehicle to make sure they are able to drive it comfortably, but there are other reasons to road test it before you buy. Some other things to make sure you pay attention to include:

• Seat Comfort
• Cockpit Ergonomics
• Dashboard Lights
• Engine Noise
• Steering Vibrations
• Brakes

8. Understand the Terms

Once you come into Torre Nissan to purchase the car you want, be sure you understand all the terms of what you are buying. Get copies of all paperwork including financing and warranties so you can consult them later and ask any questions you may have to your salesperson or financing consultant.

Once you have completed these steps, it is time to take your vehicle home and enjoy it for many years to come.

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Parents shopping for an appropriate used car for the new driver in their household have a lot of factors to weigh. Safety is pretty much always top of the list, but also keep in mind drivability, durability and reliability, plus mileage.

While new cars are certainly appealing, first-time drivers are usually better off with used or certified pre-owned vehicles for numerous reasons. If you’re a parent trying to teach your son or daughter responsibility by getting them to pay for their own vehicle, a used car is more realistic. Also keep in mind the degree to which your average teenager cares about cleanliness and upkeep. It’s much easier to accept a trashed interior when it’s already old and less than pristine.

Choosing the right pre-owned car now also gives young drivers the opportunity to save up and get a fancier, newer car somewhere down the road.

When looking for used cars in La Quinta, consider the following 10 models.

10. Nissan Frontier

You might not think about a pickup truck being ideal for a first-time driver, but the Frontier features a solidly built design that can handle lots of abuse on the inside and outside. The Frontier gets decent gas mileage for a truck at 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. For those first-time drivers who are stuck on getting a truck, the Nissan Frontier is the perfect choice.

9. Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is a different breed and is known for its high level of utility. The second generation of this subcompact crossover SUV became available in 2014 and young drivers can enjoy its functionality, safety and individuality. The Soul is also affordable for young hipsters wanting something a bit different.

8. Ford Focus

The compact Ford Focus is a popular car for first-time drivers due to its better than average reliability. The third generation became available in 2010 and more than 200,000 of these cars have been sold each year since 2012. First-time drivers who don’t want an unnecessarily large vehicle can consider a Focus.

7. Nissan Cube

The Nissan Cube is a mini multi-purpose vehicle which was sold exclusively in Japan from 1998 to 2008. During that time the affordable Cube became very popular with younger Japanese drivers, and since 2009 it has become popular for first-time drivers in America thanks to its generous passenger and cargo space.

6. Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 sedan is a popular and well-liked compact car that is also affordable for first-time drivers. It is one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars available on the market and is praised for its precise and responsive handling and firm, comfortable ride.

5. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is one of the bestselling mini-SUVs in the world and is known for its economy, utility and reliability which makes it great for first-time drivers. The CR-V stands the test of time and retains its value well. It has also received IIHS Top Safety Pick awards, which should be comforting for parents of young drivers.

4. Nissan Altima

The mid-size Nissan Altima has been on the market since 1992 and is still available for good reason. The Altima is very reliable and can keep going and going if well maintained. The Altima is also affordable and gets good gas mileage at 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, making it an ideal car for first-time drivers who may struggle with stretching their gas money.

3. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is one of the most popular cars in the world, which means it’s easy to find spare parts and repairs are often cheap. The Civic is great for first-time drivers thanks to its affordability and lower operating costs, as well as its tremendous resale value. This car can easily go for 250,000 miles if properly maintained.

2. Nissan Xterra

The Nissan Xterra is the ideal SUV for first-time drivers with an active outdoor lifestyle. The Xterra did not change much from 1999 to 2015. Even though it is no longer being produced, this SUV is a great used vehicle for young drivers, and has won many awards in addition to receiving the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest Side-Impact Safety Rating in 2010.

1. Nissan Versa Note

Nissan’s Versa Note, or simply the Note, is an affordable mini multi-purpose vehicle which features plenty of head and leg room for growing teenagers getting behind the wheel for the first time. The Note features a functional hatchback along with a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system which makes it great for lugging around sports or musical equipment. The Note also has an EPA rating of up to 40 mpg which means first-time drivers won’t need to break the bank to keep it fueled up.

Find Your First-Time Driver’s Used Car Today!

Torre Nissan has a wide selection of pre-owned inventory including Cubes, Frontiers, Altimas, Xterras and Versa Notes. We offer new, used and certified pre-owned vehicles and also offer parts, financing and service. Check out our inventory on our website or come on down to Torre Nissan today to find the perfect vehicle for you or the first-time driver in your family.

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While texting and driving is never encouraged, there are still many useful and safe ways your smart phone can be useful on the road. Make your Nissan driving experience more pleasant with these free apps, available to both iPhone and Android users.

GasBuddy

Tired of getting gas only to drive a mile down the road and see it somewhere else for far less than what you just paid? GasBuddy helps locate the cheapest gas stations in your area based on the city, state or zip code you input. The prices listed are submitted by other users who earn the chance to win points and achievements each time they report local prices.

Platform: iOS (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gasbuddy-find-cheap-gas-prices/id406719683)

Find My Car

We’ve all forgotten where we parked at some point, and there’s nothing more frustrating than walking aisle after aisle trying to spot it. Find My Car uses GPS and an internet connection to help you find your parked vehicle. Simply put a pin on the map to easily locate your car in packed parking lots or city streets.

Platform: iOS (https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/find-my-car/id349510601) | Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.elibera.android.findmycar&hl=en)

Waze

When you get in your car to go to work or drive home you want to listen to what you want to listen to, and that may not entail tuning into some radio show and waiting 15 minutes for the next traffic update. Waze provides real-time traffic information, voice navigation and up-to-date road maps so you can enjoy on-demand traffic updates. Members of the 50 million user community can even report accidents, hazards, closures and police traps.

Platform: iOS (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/waze-social-gps-traffic-gas/id323229106)

Speedometer Speed Box

Unsure if your car’s speedometer is working properly? Speedometer Speed Box gives an accurate measure of your current speed in miles per hour or kilometers per hour and also keeps track of your distance traveled.

Platform: iOS (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speedometer-speed-box/id286677125) | Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.speedbox&hl=en)

RepairPal

Keeping track of your repairs and auto shops that provide good service isn’t always easy, but it can be useful to know when you last rotated your tires or changed your air filter. RepairPal helps you keep track of your vehicle’s repair history, provides estimates for repair costs and recommends repair shops in your area that other users have found to be reliable and honest. All of the information is then made accessible through an online account for future reference.

Platform: iOS ‘ Android (http://repairpal.com/mobile)

Craftsman Garage Door and AssureLink™

Craftsman Garage Door uses AssureLink™ Connectivity to control your garage door at a distance through your mobile device. Users can even set an alarm so they are notified when their garage door is opened or closed without permission.

Platform: iOS (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/craftsman-garage-door/id462908420) | Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chamberlain.android.craftsman.assurelink&hl=en)

Don’t Forget the Car

In order to enjoy the convenience afforded by all these apps you first need a great, reliable vehicle in which to use them. If you’re in the market or soon to be looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle, make sure to stop by Torre Nissan or browse our inventory online!

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‘Tis the season for deals on everything from video games to home furniture. While most people will be spending Black Friday getting trampled at their local shopping center, those looking to buy a new car can find deals that are just as good for half the trouble. The holiday season is the best time to buy a new vehicle from your local Nissan dealer, and here’s why.

Timing

Most of the hassle that comes with buying a new car, or doing holiday shopping of any kind, is dealing with the crowds. At a mall, it’s frustrating. At a dealership, it’s hard to justify making such an important purchase when all of the salespeople seem too busy to talk to you. Go on days when everyone is busy elsewhere to get the attention you deserve when buying a new car. Black Friday is perfect for this. If you’re not too busy, most experts agree that the best time of year to purchase a new vehicle is the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Most people are done with all of their holiday shopping or sleeping off all the leftovers they ate; you’ll have all the attention you need from your local dealers.

Last Year’s Model

Many dealerships try to clear out the past year’s inventory during the holiday season to make room for the new models. Older models tend to become heavily discounted in the autumn and fall months, even if they’re still brand new. Newer vehicles may have all the bells and whistles, but the savings you’ll get from buying the next best thing more than make up for it. Drastic design changes may even help you; they’ll make the previous model cars look even more outdated and dealers will be eager to switch them out for the latest and greatest.

Automakers will sometimes put out their own special financing options or cash-back deals over holiday weekends. Combining these deals with what your local seller is offering can save you up to thousands of dollars off the factory price of the car you’re looking to purchase.

Your Local Torre Nissan

If you’re looking to buy a vehicle for yourself or a loved one this holiday season come to Torre Nissan for all of this year’s and last year’s best Titan, Rogue and Sentra models. Contact us today to talk with a member of our qualified staff about sales and leasing options.

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Nissan’s Sentra model has gone through a lot of changes since first being introduced in 1982 as a subcompact vehicle. Through the years it has also been classified as a compact and a mid-size, and has also been known as the Nissan Sunny, Sylphy, Tsuru and Pulsar.

Many car enthusiasts were excited to learn that a brand new version of the Sentra will be made available in 2017, the Nissan Sentra NISMO. In case you aren’t familiar with NISMO, it is Nissan’s in-house tuning, motorsports and performance division which has been responsible for versions of the Skyline and Silvia.

The all-new 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO made its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2016. Under the hood, it is set to feature the same 1.6 liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine as the Sentra SR Turbo, which will also become available at the same time. That engine will allow for 188 horsepower paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

According to the carmaker, the Sentra NISMO is the company’s first “mainstream, affordable” model to receive the NISMO treatment. The four-door model will sit upon 18″ NISMO aluminum-alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

The interior has been upgraded from previous versions of the Sentra and will include:

• 370Z-inspired steering wheel
• Alcantara® and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• 12 O’clock red leather stripe on wheel
• Heavily bolstered seats
• Red NISMO tachometer
• Track-inspired front seats
• NISMO-branded aggressive bolsters

The Nissan Sentra NISMO will also feature a re-tuned suspension and red accent stripes which will complement your choice of a Brilliant, Aspen White, Silver, Super Black or Gun Metallic exterior color.

Nissan Sentras in La Quinta

We encourage you to come into Torre Nissan to test drive the newest Sentra model and see how you like it. We also offer a wide selection of new and pre-owned Nissan Sentras, and are currently honoring manufacturer incentives as well as cash certificates for recent graduates and military members. Get started now by getting pre-approved online!

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