by Gabrielle DeSantis

The car buying process is stressful enough as it is. These days the process also adds supply issues, sky-high prices, and a pandemic. Consumer Reports has some tips on buying a used car, such as the importance of mileage and age. Don’t overlook getting an inspection, a Carfax report, and considering the technology included with the vehicle.

Consumer Reports: Consinder the age vs. mileage

When it comes down to it, buyers are often faced with choosing an older vehicle or a vehicle with more miles. Especially these days, when cars sit on lots of short periods of time unless there is something undesirable about it. Consumer Reports says that there are a few ways to get the information needed to buy a good car.

One of the first suggestions was to check the maintenance and repair records thoroughly. Ideally, the previous owner maintained the car at the correct intervals throughout its former life. If the mileage is suspiciously low, it is a good idea to check how long it has been on the lot. Gabe Shenhar, associate director of Consumer Reports’ auto test program, notes that buyers do not want a car that has been sitting for a while.

Sometimes, vehicles with higher mileage might need an expensive repair right away. Two examples could be a timing belt or fuel pump replacement. If that is the case, be sure to factor this into the price of the car.

Consumer Reports says extra safety features are worth buying

In addition to this, it is a good idea to consider the technology. Jennifer Stockburger from Consumer Reports says, “I would lean more toward newer vehicles, even if it has more miles.” This doesn’t just mean the seats or Apple CarPlay, but with safety features. Vehicles make giant leaps between years with safety and fuel economy.

Some of the safety equipment could include electronic stability control, forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, and various other things. These features make you and other drivers safer. So if the vehicle has 5,000 more miles but is three years newer, it might make sense to pick the new car if it has been well-maintained.

The next step suggested is to have the car inspected by a shop that does diagnostic work. This could cost between $100 and $150 but will uncover any issues lurking. The mechanic can write up a detailed report with prices to better understand what the vehicle needs.

A few more tips for buying a quality vehicle

Getting a Carfax report for the vehicle is a good idea, but not enough on its own. Not everything gets reported to Carfax, so getting it in addition to an inspection is recommended. If there is a particular type of vehicle you are looking for, check some prices online before heading to the local car lot. Places like AutoTrader, CarMax, and Edmunds can give prices on similar vehicles.

Overall, there are a few ways to get a quality used car without buying a new vehicle. Hopefully, you will find any issues ahead of time by putting in a little work and research. Buying a used car might seem stressful, but it doesn’t have to be.

RELATED: Consumer Reports Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now, With 3 Subaru Options

The post Consumer Reports: Is Age or Mileage More Important on a Used Car? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Winnebago Industries has been building recreational vehicles since 1966. It started out selling the vehicles at a significantly lower price than its competitors. Winnebago offers several levels of different models, ranging from $95,000 camper vans all the way up to $387,295 motorhomes. These RVs are the pinnacle of mobile decadence at every level, from big leather couches and fireplaces to basic vans with full bathrooms. However, these RVs aren’t without their own set of problems, just like any other vehicle. 

Brakes and steering: 2004 Winnebago Sightseer

The 2004 model year was particularly troublesome for the Sightseer, with 2006 raking in 10 recalls. Owners complain of engine failure and brake pistons seizing, while others report problems with the suspension and leaking differentials. Thankfully they recalled the brakes, as well as some steering components on the Workhorse chassis. 

Solar panels and fire extinguishers: various 2018 models

Several Winnebago RVs suffered from various individual ailments, but a few models got all of them. The Fuse, Journey, Travato, Adventurer, Era, Intent, Forza, and Revel all had at least three recalls against them. Most of them had to do with the fire extinguisher becoming clogged, others had detaching roof racks. Some RVs didn’t have their solar charging port fused, while others had improperly secured battery and hydraulic lines, according to the NHTSA.

Wrong axle: Micro Minnie

Though not a camper van or motorhome, Winnebago recalled the 2019-2020 model year Micro Minnies for having the wrong axle. Micro Minnies also had no emergency exit window installed in the bedroom, making it difficult for occupants to escape the trailer during an emergency. 

Winnebago not out of the woods for 2021

There were recalls announced of the Winnebago 2021 Revel, Vista, and Adventure RVs for a defective power bed. The gears inside the bed’s motor can fail, causing the bed to prematurely extend without safely secured, falling on unsuspecting passengers. Winnebago dealers agreed to replace the motor for free.

Parts missing, electrical gremlins, and general discomfort

Complaints on 2021 models are still rolling in. Owners report led light failure with 2017 Era, warped components, jammed sewer tank, and kinked plumbing with their Hike RV, and missing parts including panels and screen doors. Others report poor quality control, with bed frames disintegrating and interior materials that don’t hold up to cooking liquids. Unfortunately, Winnebago’s customer service seems a bit slow on the uptake. Customers needing to fix various problems with their $100,000 (at least) purchases aren’t having an easy time rectifying the defects.

Winnebago has made RVs for decades. While they do offer a variety of sizes and versatility, some of their products may not be worth the price. Even with all of the recalls, 2018 appears to be the best year for these RVs. The problems weren’t detrimental, and thankfully they were also recalled. Whichever RV is being considered, have it inspected and make sure it’s solid. Apparently dealing with Winnebago customer service can be a difficult task.

RELATED: Winnebago RV Growth During COVID-19 Lockdown

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