Test drives can only go so far – a driver needs to really have the car for a few months before they can be sure if the car is right for them. For those in the market for a vehicle, JD Power helps buyers arrive at that decision. Their annual APEAL survey (Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout) is designed to complement their Initial Quality Survey, which tracks problems with a vehicle in the first 90 days. While that is one measure of quality, APEAL looks more at the intangibles, asking recent owners to rate over 80 factors that get to the heart of whether they like the car or not. The results of this APEAL survey tracked 2010 model cars for sale, meaning that many of these vehicles can now be found on the used market.

Following the trend that started in the Initial Quality Survey, American brands posted the biggest improvement in this year’s survery, overtaking foreign cars in average rating for the first time since 1997. The study showed that redesigned vehicles from Ford and GM were among the highest rated models in the poll. Chrysler did not fare as well, but it was enough for the Big Three and their associated brands to top the foreign average.

"Historically, vehicle models achieving high APEAL scores have been shown to generate faster sales, higher profit margins and less need for cash incentives," the study said. "High levels of vehicle appeal also have a strong influence on customer recommendation rates."

Owners may want to rush out and throw down money on these used cars right away. However, the APEAL survey demonstrates the benefits of waiting. By showing patience, finding out which models are highly-rated and performing well without issues, and then waiting for these late-model vehicles to hit the used car market, drivers can save a bundle and get a car they know will be up to snuff.

Porsche took home the crown, as it did in the Initial Quality Survey as well. However, there were major discrepancies between the two results. For example, Land Rovers were last in initial quality, but fifth in APEAL. Jaguar, second in APEAL, was fifth from the bottom in initial quality.

Ford’s Lincoln brand was the best domestic brand, followed closely by GM’s Cadillac. Chevy and Ford placed around the middle of the pack, while Chrysler took last with its Jeep brand, third to last with its self-titled models, and eighth from last for Dodge. Its new Ram truck brand fared the best, but still placed slightly below Chevy and Ford. However, Chrysler has a slew of redesigned models debuting soon.

Ford continued its impressive turnaround by taking top marks in the most categories, with five. It won outright with its Explorer, Expedition, Flex, Fusion and Taurus models.

Other highly-ranked vehicles included the BMW 3 and 5 Series and the Mercedes E- and S-Class.

The affordable performance vehicle is a small market, but one that is dominated by a fierce rivalry between two classic vehicles: the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro. These cars are tuned for performance, and while slightly expensive, they can both be found at used Ford or Chevy dealers for a fraction of their dealer price.

Motorists have debated the merits of the cars since the Mustang’s debut in 1964. The car’s popularity caused competitors to introduce similar vehicles, known as “pony cars,” which were closely related to their larger brethren, the muscle car. These cars were defined by their sporty characteristics and emphasis on performance at a non-luxury brand price.

Direct competitors to the Mustang included the Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro. While pony cars and muscle cars began to fall out of favor over the years, they have seen a recent revival. Ford’s redesigned Mustang has enjoyed critical success and big sales, and Chevy has reintroduced the Camaro in order to compete. The Dodge Challenger, while lagging behind in sales, has also made a comeback.

Those who are looking for a sporty car without paying Mercedes or BMW prices are frequently turning to new Mustangs and Camaros in the same way that drivers did forty years ago. In fact, the battle of the pony cars has led to a war of words between Ford and Chevy, who tout their model’s superiority over the other.

When Ford recently debuted the new 2011 Mustang to the automotive press, they were sure to have a Camaro on hand to point out all the ways the Mustang improved over its rival. And when the May sales figures came out showing Mustang’s triumph over the Camaro, Chevy responded with a press release detailing how many more Camaros they had sold over the previous months.

So drivers might be wondering – which one to buy? The cars are very close in price and both offer either a V6 or V8. MSN Auto recently did a point-by-point comparison between the two ponies and found that there wasn’t a striking difference in performance and handling. Instead, they found the difference came down to styling. MSN praised the Mustang’s slightly roomier interior and trunk space while favoring the Camaro’s sleek, eye-catching appearance.

Once drivers have made the decision, they should hit the used car market before paying the dealer’s inflated price. Buying a used Ford Mustang is an especially good idea right now, because Ford will be selling off the late-model Mustangs to make way for the redesigned 2011 model. These late-model cars can reach used car dealers with a slim amount of mileage but a huge amount of savings off the manufacturer’s price.

There will be plenty of Camaros, Mustangs and Challengers to be found at used car dealers, but those who want a true American pony car might want to scour the internet for some of the classic models of the sixties and seventies.

The SUV is a dying breed. Between concerns about fuel economy and a trend toward smaller crossover vehicles, true full-size SUVs are dwindling. However, there was a time when the big SUV ruled the road. The vehicles practically flew off the lots as families opted for them over the bulkier and less-powerful minivans.

The cars might be trending out of style, but that doesn’t mean that those who are fans of the SUV need to put themselves in an often-expensive yet smaller new crossovers. There are plenty of used car models on the pre-owned market that offer buyers the full features of an SUV- namely, power and roominess.

One of the great things about SUVs is that they often feature bigger engines than their smaller counterparts, which often translates to more power. Take something like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. With the optional SRT package, this vehicle actually accelerates faster than anything in Chrysler‘s entire fleet, except for the Dodge Viper.

Consumers may also want to check out some classic SUV brands, like the Ford Explorer. These tried-and-true models haven’t changed much over the years, even as the industry trends toward smaller cars. Many automakers have followed the trend and eliminated full-size trucks from their lineups, but most of the companies that offer wide ranges of vehicles, like Honda, Nissan, or Toyota, still make a full-size model.

Even if they don’t, there are plenty of discontinued models that can be found on the used market. Used car lots, for example, are the only place to find the once-popular but now dead Hummer brand. Other full-size SUVs to fall by the wayside that drivers should keep an eye out for are the Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, and Ford Bronco.

One thing car buyers should consider is the use of the vehicle. SUVs like Jeep were originally designed with off-roading in mind, but many don’t care for the sport. These drivers will want to search for an SUV that provides a roomy interior without the necessary suspension and engine modifications for off-roading.

However, those who do want to take their used SUV off-road must be careful when buying a car. If the previous owner took the vehicle off-roading as well, the car might have sllight damage that the regular mileage won’t reveal.

Another option for SUV buyers is luxury. There are many high-end sports utility vehicles aimed at those looking for luxury. Popular models include Range Rovers, Mercedes-Benz G and GL Class, and BMW X5. These large cruisers might command a hefty price tag when bought news, but can be had at a fraction of the price on the used car market.

SUVs might be expensive and traditionally carry the extra cost of using up lots of gas. Buying a used SUV already mitigates that expense somewhat. In addition, technology has changed in recent years and many modern SUVs are more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. With a little research, drivers can find a used SUV that fits their lifestyle, without draining their bank accou

Many drivers don’t care about all the bells and whistles that carmakers throw at them when selling new cars. Instead, they care about one thing: horsepower. Well, they care about horsepower along with torque and a variety of other important factors in determining a car’s performance. What’s underneath the hood are the key factors in driving up a car’s price, but potential buyers don’t need to drain their bank account in order to have a high-powered ride. By shopping on the used car market, they can find deals on some classic cars.

Edmunds Inside Line recently listed some models that performance junkies should keep an eye out for when looking for deals on the used car market. According to the website, all of these cars can be found for less than $10,000, though most of them retailed for much more than that.

BMWs are world-renowned for their engineering standards, as well as their price tag. Fortunately, there are a host of used BMW‘s that can be had at a steep discount. The news provider recommends the 740i and 740iL E38 models from 1995-2001. Drivers who want to turn heads will be happy to know that this car was selected as James Bond’s ride of choice in “Tomorrow Never Dies.” Looking under the hood, its easy to see why the superspy preferred the 740i.

This machine boasts a V8 with 282 horsepower. If that’s not enough, drivers should keep their eyes peeled for the rarer V12-powered 750 models, which ups the ante to 322 horses. Of course, the 7 series is just one used BMW that drivers can find among pre-owned vehicles. They can also find deals on 5 series or the 635i.

If you want a great car but don’t need all those horses, take a look at the 1999-2000 Honda Civic Si. Its 160-horsepower 1.6 liter inline four engine might not turn heads as much as the BMW, but it makes up for that in handling. For years, Honda used a wishbone front suspension that some say gave their cars a unique feel. These Honda Civic Si models were the last Hondas to use the suspension, and are highly sought after by those who feel the new Hondas don’t handle as well as they used to.

Delving even further back into last decade are the 1990-1996 Nissan 300ZXs. These precursors to the famous Nissan 350z models offer comparable performance at a decent price. They might be difficult to find without a ton of mileage on them, but they are worth it if one pops up.

The ideal version of these cars are the twin turbo ones, although those can be even rarer. However, the used market has downgraded the value of features like the convertible roof. If drivers are lucky enough to find a used Nissan 300ZX twin turbo 2-seater convertible with decent mileage, they could have a world-class car (the model won numerous top 10 car in the world awards at the time) for a fraction of the cost.

The used car market is a great place to find a vehicle without suffering sticker shock from dealer-inflated prices. However, the market can be tricky, and there are a number of things that drivers should look out for while shopping for a used vehicle.

The internet is a great place to start your search, according to CBS News. Sites like AutoTrader allows users to easily compare a range of models, as well as get dealer quotes and see what others are paying in their area. This allows the consumer to have a lot of information at their disposal when deciding on their car.

Craiglist and eBay are also good sites for driver-to-driver sales. However, scams are frequent on these sites, especially over distance. Drivers should restrict their search to their area so they can see the cars for themselves.

With used cars, it’s always important to make sure the car is in working condition. Drivers should get the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and use it to get a full history of the vehicle. It is also beneficial to take the car to an independent mechanic before you buy. It might cost a few bucks, but it can save drivers lots of headaches in the long run.

Another thing that drivers should look for is “certified” status. Certified vehicles come in two forms: dealer-certified and factory-certified. Dealer-certified means that the dealer has inspected the vehicle and ensured it is in working order. Essentially, these are small warranties, usually lasting about 90 days, that will fix any problem that the car immediately has. This is the dealer’s way of reassuring the owner that the car is up to snuff. If a car is not dealer-certified, its an immediate red flag that something is wrong.

Many brands also have factory-certified or pre-owned programs. In this case, the car is sent back to the manufacturer for inspection. Should the manufacturer decide that the car is close to its original factory configuration and in working order, it will add the car to its program. The programs vary from brand to brand, but most provide some form of warranty protection, some continuing the car’s original warranty, according to the news source. If consumers can find a factory-certified vehicle, it can be a great buy.

When buying directly from a driver, shoppers don’t have the luxury of certified cars. Instead, they should look at things like the condition of the exterior or interior to ensure that the car has been well maintained. It is also critical to have these cars independently inspected.

One thing to watch out for are flood-damaged vehicles. Manufacturers don’t cover water damage, so none of these cars will be factory-certified. In many cases, flooding can cause unseen complications. Dealers might be offering these vehicles as a steal, but they are extremely risky and prone to having one or more parts not working, according to the news source.

The most important thing to remember is to not get locked in to any one vehicle. There are a host of options out there, many dealerships, and even alternative ways to buy, like auctions. Take the time to research to decide what is most important, and don’t compromise. If a seller won’t budge on a certain aspect, walk away. There are many cars out there and with a little patience, drivers can find the perfect car for their needs and budget.

In order for car owners to get the most out of their vehicle, it may be best to practice preventative care, as opposed to reacting to problems when they occur.

This includes getting a tuneup when a car reaches certain mileage milestones such as 50,000 or 100,000 and ensuring that the oil is changed every three months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first).

However, one of the easiest, and most inexpensive, ways to provide optimal car care is to regularly check the air pressure in the tires. The best part? This can be done with a simple air pressure gauge and most of these devices sell for about $10. Find the right store and it could be cheaper.

Razvan Bosomoiu, Goodyear brand manager, explains that car owners who don’t properly inflate their tires can cause their car to “increase vehicle fuel consumption, meaning that motorists may get less miles per gallon than with properly inflated tires.”

But why is something like air pressure so important? One simple reason is that by ensuring tires are correctly inflated can save owners money in the longrun.

Your car will get better gas mileage

With all the talk of hybrid and electric cars coming to the market, along with rising gas prices, more consumers are concerned with gas mileage and how they can maximize it. A car with a high gas mileage means it can go further on one tank of gas when compared to other vehicles with low gas mileage.

Consumers who have yet to look into new or used hybrids can increase their gas mileage through the air pressure in their tires.

Tires with low air pressure can cause a car to drag, which means it will need to use up more gasoline to run properly. Maintain the right PSI in tires will avoid this problem and can increase a vehicle’s gas mileage, which in turn may save money on gas.

Tires last longer

While replacing a tire for a car is inevitable, car owners can put off the process longer if the air pressure is checked on a regular basis. Aside from causing a car to drag, a low PSI can cause increased wear and tear on a tire. So owners who fail to check the air pressure may fall victim to tires with a short life.

This also includes over-inflation of tires, which is a bad idea. The thinking that more air is a good thing is wrong, since over-inflating a tire past its recommended PSI may cause blowouts or bulges in the tire.

Always forget to check? Do it at the gas station

It” true that sometimes the simplest tasks are the easiest to forget. One idea is to get into a regular schedule with checking a car’s tire pressure. Always doing it when filling up the gas tank or on a Sunday evening may help remind owners. Or consider saving the receipt from the last time you had to buy new tires as a reminder to maintain proper air pressure in your tires.

Since the introduction of the Toyota Prius in North America in 2000, a portion of the general public has had a fascination with the hybrid vehicle, thanks to the automobile’s impressive gas mileage and environmentally friendly features.

And now, almost a decade later from that first introduction, there are more hybrids on the market and increasingly more interest among car buyers, most likely because of the financial benefits that come with owning a hybrid vehicle.

But for those who are interested in purchasing a used hybrid car, what exactly goes into researching this new type of automobile? And for those who have purchased used cars in the past, can their prior knowledge be used toward a hybrid purchase?

Here are some things potential hybrid owners should consider when looking at used cars.

Get the history

As with all used car purchases, it’s still important to run the history of a car, be it hybrid or not. The oldest hybrids out there will be approximately 10 years old, and it’s worth knowing what kind of work has been done to it and whether or not the car was involved in an accident.

It may also be a good idea to get a pre-purchase inspection from a dealer who is authorized to sell the same make of the used car you are looking at.

Mileage may not be a big issue

In the past, people who were looking to purchase a used car usually paid attention to the mileage of the vehicle. High mileage meant there was most likely more wear and tear on a car. However, this way of thinking may not apply to used hybrids.

These are cars are meant to have a higher mileage, so it may be typical to see cars with 80,000 miles on it. In fact, there have been reports that some hybrids in the market have already gone past 100,000.

The hybrid battery

Part of the reason hybrid cars get such good mileage is because they partially runs off a battery, which also helps owners of these vehicles to save on gas (a full tank of gas in a hybrid can go much further when compared to a standard gas-powered car).

But like all batteries, there may come a day when the one in an older hybrid model needs to be replaced. It’s important for used car buyers to get a full understanding on what a battery replacement may entail. For example, those looking into a used Toyota Prius should conduct research and talk to dealers so they understand how they should replace the car’s battery if it should come to that. In some cases, it’s been reported that a replacement battery could cost upwards of $2,000.

Learn how to drive

Finally, keep in mind that hybrids are a different kind of car and that just turning them on may confuse some consumers who have spent years driving gas-powered vehicles. Doing the necessary research on how to operate a hybrid car will help buyers be more comfortable during and after the process of buying a used car.

According to a new national survey conducted by Insure.com, New York and New Jersey rank as the 27th and 28th least expensive states for car insurance in the country, placing them right in the middle of the pack.

Surprisingly, Louisiana was found to be the most expensive state, with a median premium of more than $2,500 per month. In contrast, car owners from Maine spend just over $900 each month to insure their vehicle.

While car owners can’t do much to about having to pay for car insurance, there are a few ways to minimize costs. The easiest way to save money on premiums is to purchase a new or used car that is safe, modest and easily fixable.

Officials with Money Watch report that while a supercharged Jaguar XKR would cost a driver approximately $2,500 a year in insurance costs, a Honda Odyssey would run just over $1,000 annually.

The news source also suggests that used car owners raise their deductibles, lower their collision coverage and comparison shop for the best deal available. Taking the time to check with several different car insurance companies can save hundreds of dollars a year in the long run.

With summer just around the corner, April is the time that most car owners get around to assessing their vehicle’s exterior and fixing any problems that may have occurred during the winters months. In the Northeast, dents, dings and scratches are bound to happen when snow hits the ground. With a few helpful tips, even the deepest, most obvious scratches can easily be removed.

The first thing that any car owner should do when encountering a nick or scuff mark is to go to the local auto parts store and purchase the materials necessary for the job. The three main ingredients that are needed are primer, body compound and paint in your vehicle’s color.

To obtain the correct shade, check your vehicle’s identification number, which is stamped into the dashboard on the driver’s side in most cars, according to EHow.com. Provide this number to your auto parts store and they can match the exact shade of paint for your vehicle. If possible, never choose a color using an eye test – a mismatched paint job will often look worse than the scratch itself.

After purchasing your tools for the job, wash the scratch and the surrounding area with a mild laundry detergent to remove any excess wax. Next, take a small section of sandpaper and grind away any rust that has accumulated. If the scratch is fresh, this step may be avoided.

At this point, you will want to take some masking tape and newspaper and isolate the scratch, says Christopher Bibey of Associated Content. After sealing off the area, take a plastic knife and apply body compound to the area. Make sure not to use a metal knife or you could significantly damage the paint job.

Let the body compound dry and then sand the area flat to create an even surface to paint on. Next, apply to primer to the scratch and give it time to dry.

Finally, take the smallest paint brush that you own and gently paint over the scratch. Be certain not to use too much paint or it may give the car an uneven look.

If you hang on to all of the materials that you purchase, you can fix most any scratch an no cost for the life of your automobile.