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  • See Why Auto Dealerships Are Desperate For Your Business This Memorial Day

    See Why Auto Dealerships Are Desperate For Your Business This Memorial Day

    When it comes to buying cars, you can wait till the end of the month and hope that the dealership will cut you a deal. Or, you can wait until a big holiday like Memorial Day and take advantage of dealerships competing with larger than normal specials for your business. Covid has hit auto dealerships especially hard this year and these deals are proof that they’re ready to fight for your business.

    Start Early
    When do you want to start looking for deals? The earlier you start, the better in position you’ll be to find out what each dealer is offering. But your opportunity to sieze the best deal is generally between Saturday , May 29th and Monday, May 31st. The only downside of waiting this long is that you run the risk of the vehicle you want most being out of stock.

    Mid Size Sedan Sales
    Kia is offering one of the best deals of the year on their flagship sedan. The Optima is $3,500 off the Special edition and LX trims. Or if those trims aren’t your style they’re offering $4,000 off their other packages. You’ll also save money on financing with 0% for up to 75 months plus 120 days of deferred payment.

    Go Green and Save Green
    Getting an all-electric vehicle has too many benefits to count. It’s simple, convenient and requires less maintenance than a traditional gas-powered vehicle. This Memorial Day Chevrolet is offering $8.500 of or $4,750 with 0% up to 72 months on their all electric Bolt EV. The bolt is as fun as electric cars come with over 266 lbs of near virtually instant torque and a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds.

    Room For the Family
    The 2021 GMC Acadia Is a spacious SUV with more style and refinement than most would expect. It’s a great choice for families. The flexibility of a second and third row fold-flat seating system ensures the interior can change with you. This memorial day you can get $4,000 of all packages but the SL along with 0% financing for up to 84 months.


  • See Why Auto Dealerships Are Desperate For Your Business This Labor Day

    See Why Auto Dealerships Are Desperate For Your Business This Labor Day

    When it comes to buying cars, you can wait till the end of the month and hope that the dealership will cut you a deal. Or, you can wait until a big holiday like Labor Day and take advantage of dealerships competing with larger than normal specials for your business. Covid has hit auto dealerships especially hard this year and these deals are proof that they’re ready to fight for your business.

    Start Early
    When do you want to start looking for deals? The earlier you start, the better in position you’ll be to find out what each dealer is offering. But your opportunity to sieze the best deal is generally between Friday, September 3rd and Monday, September 6th. The only downside of waiting this long is that you run the risk of the vehicle you want most being out of stock.

    Mid Size Sedan Sales
    Kia is offering one of the best deals of the year on their flagship sedan. The Optima is $3,500 off the Special edition and LX trims. Or if those trims aren’t your style they’re offering $4,000 off their other packages. You’ll also save money on financing with 0% for up to 75 months plus 120 days of deferred payment.

    Go Green and Save Green
    Getting an all-electric vehicle has too many benefits to count. It’s simple, convenient and requires less maintenance than a traditional gas-powered vehicle. This 4th of July Chevrolet is offering $8.500 of or $4,750 with 0% up to 72 months on their all electric Bolt EV. The bolt is as fun as electric cars come with over 266 lbs of near virtually instant torque and a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds.

    Room For the Family
    The 2021 GMC Acadia Is a spacious SUV with more style and refinement than most would expect. It’s a great choice for families. The flexibility of a second and third row fold-flat seating system ensures the interior can change with you. This Labor Day you can get $4,000 of all packages but the SL along with 0% financing for up to 84 months.


  • What Should You Pay for a New Car?

    What Should You Pay for a New Car?

    Who doesn’t love the idea of driving around in a brand-new car? Not many people get to enjoy the fun of taking a new car out for a spin, let alone owning one. If you’re thinking about getting a new vehicle, maybe you’re wondering how much you should be spending for your car payment. Should you own, or should you lease? There are a lot of questions when it comes to cars and car payments, so let’s get into it.

    New Car Info

    Buy or Lease?

    Firstly, you need to think about whether or not you want to buy or lease a car. There are a few reasons why you might go with either. Buying a car ensures that you’ll have an actual piece of property when you’re done paying for it, meaning you can resell it later to recoup some of the value. Remember, however, that cars aren’t investments, and they only ever lose value over time.

    If you’re just wanting to drive a new car and don’t want very high monthly payments, you can opt for a car lease. A lease allows you to pay less than a new car payment, on average, and still drive around a brand-new vehicle. However, you have to deal with mileage caps (and fees if you go over) and you won’t own the car at the end of the lease.

    What to Spend

    If you decide to buy your car, you’re going to want to know what to spend on your car payment. Unless you’re fantastically wealthy, odds are good you’re not paying with your new ride in full when you walk into the dealership. As such, you’re going to need a loan from someone. You can go through a bank for an auto loan, or you can finance through the dealership.

    When you look at your budget, don’t just see if you can manage a car payment. Try to get your payments as low as you can while still getting a reliable vehicle. For instance, if you make an average amount of money, it’s not wise to stretch your budget in order to scrape by making $500 (or higher) payments every month for several years.

    Rule of Thumb

    A good rule of thumb to follow is the 20/4/10 rule. This rules holds that you should make the down payment at least 20 percent of the car’s cost, you should never finance for more than 4 years, and you shouldn’t let a car’s expenses exceed 10 percent of your income. That ten percent needs to include car payment, interest, principal, insurance, gas and maintenance.

    This might sound like it accounts for a very small amount of your money. That’s because it should! In general, you want to make sure you’re not exceeding this for your vehicle’s payments. Otherwise, you’re letting your car eat up too much of your monthly pay, and you’ll find it hard to save for anything or get ahead.

    Could You Go Over?

    In theory, yes, you could go over this rule of thumb. Many people who love luxury cars end up spending far in excess of ten percent of their gross income on their vehicle expenses. However, we highly recommend you make any exceptions to this rule with a very good reason. For instance, if you’re buying an electrical vehicle which will net you a tax break this year, you can include that calculation for the purchase.

    Likewise, if you’re incredibly patient and simply save up the money for as much as half of the car’s value as a down payment, you can play with the numbers a bit more. However, it can be incredibly difficult to remain that patient, especially when you might not have the best vehicle for your current daily commute.


  • Best Trucking Companies

    Best Trucking Companies

    The open road can be a great workplace, as long as you’re working for the right company. If you’re interested in a career as a truck driver, you’re likely wondering which the best trucking companies are to work for. Lucky for you, we’ve got a list of the highest-paying trucking companies right here for you!

    Best Trucking Companies to Work For

    Wal-Mart

    Wal-Mart trucking has a reputation for being really great to work for. The company reportedly pays very competitively. Truckers working for them make, on average, around $80,000 per year. That translates to around $40 per hour. They offer training pay, which is great, as well as mileage and activity pay. Wal-Mart even offers a safe driving bonus every three months.

    Drivers for Wal-Mart don’t load or unload freight. They also get one guaranteed day at home per week! Drivers are also given reset hours on the road. The best part, though, is the benefits. Drivers get benefits starting their very first day, and it covers things like dental, medical, life and more.

    Acme

    While they only operate in seven states, Acme is a prolific trucking company. They’ve got a ton of trucks on the road, although they technically don’t own their own fleet. They actually lease all of their trucks. Acme drivers make an average of around $83,000 per year, or roughly $40 per hour. That’s more than just competitive, it’s nearly the highest in the industry.

    They’ve got work for drivers of all experience levels, and they pay rather promptly. Drivers for Acme have noted that they are typically paid just a week after they haul freight. The upsides to working for them are numerous, such as benefits and tons of work available.

    GP Transco

    GP Transco is a lesser-known company, but they’re notable for a few reasons. For one thing, they have the lowest turnover rate of any company in the business. Their average salary is around $75,000 per year, which is highly competitive with other companies. GP Transco offers what is described as a “fantastic” benefits package, which is a huge part of their low turnover rate.

    If you’re going to spend a ton of time away from home on the open road, you’re going to want pay and benefits that match your time. After all, the biggest thing you’re offering as a truck driver is your time.


  • The Scoop on the New 2021 Ford Ranger

    The Scoop on the New 2021 Ford Ranger

    Who doesn’t love the old Ranger line of Ford trucks? Well, we’ve got good news for you: a full 8 years after the last we saw from the line, it’s being revived. That’s right, the 2021 Ford Ranger is on the way and set to double down on Ford luxury and toughness. What’s in store for the 2021 iteration of the Ranger?

    2021 Ford Ranger

    Trim Levels

    The Ranger will sport three trim levels. The XL, the XLT and the Lariat will be available when the truck hits dealerships. Additionally, there will be the FX4 and FX2 packages for the XLT and Lariat, that will allow for better off-roading. There will also be Chrome and Sport appearance packages for those looking to really show off.

    XLT and Lariat trims introduce blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear parking assist. The Lariat is set to be particularly luxurious, with a stellar sound system and smooth, quiet ride. However, all of the trim levels will feature standard safety settings like emergency braking.

    Additionally, cab options like SuperCab and SuperCrew will allow for drivers to pick out which type of interior they want. Both sport a great infotainment screen, including Ford Sync 3 and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Not to mention, the infotainment system supports Alexa voice functionality.

    Off-Roading

    The off-roading packages will include shocks and suspension tuned for hitting the trail, as well as a Terrain Management System. This is a set of features previously seen on the F-150 Raptor sub-line of trucks, so it’s probably sounding familiar to Ford fans.

    The TMS,

    in particular, made its debut on the Raptor. It offers a series of driving modes for various conditions, including snow, grass, gravel and sand. That way you know you’re going to be able to conquer any treacherous terrain!

    When and How Much?

    Expect to see the Ranger hitting dealerships by Summer 2021. The much-anticipated revival of the Ford Ranger is set to start at $24,300 for the stock XL Trim. That puts the Ranger in the lower end of the mid-sized truck competition out of the gate, putting it against the Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon trucks.

    For those looking to really show out, however, the Lariat trim allows for a ton of luxury and expression. The fully-equipped Lariat, complete with all-wheel drive, off-roading and an appearance kit, would set you back a cool $38,385. That’s nothing to sneeze at and sets the Ranger as a flexible entry for Ford in the crowded pick-up market.


  • 2021 Ford Ranger: A Worthy Compact Pickup?

    2021 Ford Ranger: A Worthy Compact Pickup?

    After a long eight-year hiatus, the Ford Ranger is back on the market. The 2021 iteration of the vehicle comes in a bit bigger and meaner than some prior builds, which reflects modern trends towards overall larger vehicles, even among compacts. Today we’re looking at the Ford Ranger to get a feel for its features and whether it’s a worthy successor to the name. Let’s talk about compact pickups!

    2021 Ford Ranger

    Styling

    The vehicle is stylish, to be sure. Fans of Ford’s trucks, like the F-150, will be pleased by the smooth curves and stylish creases found along the body. The grille is narrow and sleek, and the truck has an overall feeling of elegance and stylishness not found in some competitors’ compact trucks. It’s hard to mistake this vehicle for anything but a Ford, with its telltale body lines and iconic styling.

    Interior

    One of the weak spots for this new Ford Ranger is the interior. While far from “bad,” it’s not quite up to par with a lot of the competition. The build quality of some of the plastics, such as on the door and in the center console, is lower quality than we’d expect. Despite being a brand-new model for 2021, the Ranger’s interior feels straight out of 2009.

    On the positive side, the infotainment system is stellar and quite user-friendly. It’s not hard to get your music going, to navigate through unfamiliar regions, and to handle all of your setting through the big touch screen.

    Engine

    What the Ranger is missing in the interior it more than makes up for under the hood. This is where that Ford name really means something: the engine can put out some serious torque, coming in at 310 pound-feet. It’s sporting 270 horses, and it puts out that satisfying rumble when you gun it. Interestingly, the same four-cylinder engine is present at all trim levels.

    While the Ford Ranger’s base trim offers a better engine than most other compact trucks, the lack of options to upgrade to a V6 or diesel engine is notable. Most competitors’ compact pickups offer these as options, though this doesn’t mean that the Ranger’s engine is bad. It’s just an odd design decision.

    Towing

    Arguably the most important thing for a pickup is its ability to tow and haul. Thankfully, the Ranger has that area covered. The truck comes standard with a 6-foot bed, and can carry upwards of 1,560 pounds of payload. This makes it, far and away, the best pickup in the class for hauling cargo in the bed.

    Meanwhile, it can tow up to 7,500 pounds, putting it near the top of the heap among compact pickups. Really, the only truck in the compact class beating the Ranger in terms of towing is the Chevy Colorado, which tows 7,700. A difference of 200 pounds isn’t enough to be notable for most uses.

    Safety Features

    Another important factor of any vehicle is the safety features. The Ranger offers a number of features standard, from the rearview camera to the forward collision warning. Automatic emergency breaking accompanies the pre-collision system, making the vehicle safer for many drivers.

    Another huge safety features is the Ford MyKey system, which allows the primary driver to set volume level maximums and top speed limits for secondary drivers. This means you don’t have to worry about a teen driver cranking up the music and flying down the road!

    Pricing

    The base trim for the Ford Ranger comes in at $24,000, making it a rather affordable purchase for most people. Higher trim levels can get up to $38,000 or more, depending on the options you want to add to the vehicle. Either way, this is a solid compact pickup, and a good choice for anyone who needs to tow cargo.


  • 2020 Toyota Tacoma: On Sale Now!

    2020 Toyota Tacoma: On Sale Now!

    If you’re in the market to buy a pickup truck, your cup runneth over with options. From new vehicles like the Jeep Gladiator and returning favorites like the Ford Ranger to old stalwarts like the Ford F-Series and the Toyota Tacoma, it’s hard to make a decision. The new 2020 Tacoma wants to make that decision a little more clear-cut with a glut of new features that make the quality-of-life with this truck that much nicer without completely redesigning the vehicle.

    2020 Toyota Tacoma: First Look

    What’s New?

    All trim levels excepting the base SR trim are getting a new 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The SR trim keeps the old 7-inch screen, but that’s to be expected. While the rest of the car world has been quick to pick up Android Auto and Apple Carplay, this is the first time the Tacoma has sported these features. It’s better late than never, though! Also new to the 2020 model is the inclusion of Amazon Alexa, allowing for voice controls out of the box.

    Other big additions are outside the cab, such as the new LED headlamps, a new grille design and some slightly altered taillights. In short, many of the exterior design changes are aimed at making the vehicle look that much more modern and newer. This includes three-dimensional looking sequential turn signals, a few updated body lines and a more modern-looking front grille.

    Quality of Life

    The addition of a power driver seat in all but the SR trim is a welcome one. Additionally, the comfortable design of the seats makes the ride quality that much nicer, even when taking the truck off-roading. Terrain-select features are far from the norm in the truck world, so it’s great to see the feature on display here. The TRD and TRD Off-Road trims offer a terrain-select feature that includes options for rock and dirt, loose rock, mud and sand and more.

    Also on display in the TRD and TRD Off-Road is an active multi-terrain monitor that helps you keep an eye on what’s happening beneath the wheels. This is great, since it’s often hard to tell where your wheels are in the massive Tacoma, what with its giant hood in the way and the high driving position you’re in. In short, if you’re looking to take a truck off-roading, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is going to be a solid choice in the TRD and TRD Off-Road trims.

    Under the Hood

    The base SR trim sports a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with only 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which isn’t exactly great for heading off-road. If off-roading is your thing, both TRD trims offer a great engine for doing just that. The engine on display under the hood of these trim levels is a 3.5-liter V6 engine sporting 278 horses and 265 pound-feet of torque.

    With the right equipment, the Tacoma can haul 1,600 pounds in the bed, or tow up to 6,400 pounds. While that’s not the best-in-class when it comes to hauling or towing, it’s impressive when you look at the frame the Tacoma sits on and the age of the base build. Whether or not this is a dealbreaker, of course, depends on how much you plan to tow.

    Safety Features

    The tech running in the 2020 Tacoma is impressive, to say the least. Driver safety features like automatic emergency breaking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control will all be shipping standard on the Tacoma line. Rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot alerts will also be shipping standard on TRD Pro and Limited trims, as well as being available on the other two trims as options.

    In short, this is the same Tacoma you know, now with even more great technology running under the steering wheel. It’s hard to go wrong with the new Tacoma if you’re interested in off-roading!


  • Is the Honda CR-V the Best Mid-Sized SUV?

    Is the Honda CR-V the Best Mid-Sized SUV?

    If you’re in the market for a new car and wondering which SUV is right for you and your family, look no further! Today we’re breaking down some of the best SUVs on the market today and what makes each special. Important aspects, like price and average gas mileage, are high on our list of priorities. We’re also looking for SUVs with great comfort that offer a ton of bang for your buck. Let’s talk about some practical, comfortable vehicles.

    Honda Passport

    When you hear the word Honda, the first thing that comes to mind is usually “reliable.” The Honda Passport is no exception: reliable, comfortable and affordable, Honda’s midsize SUV is well worth your attention. The Passport starts at $31,990 for the base trim, though you’ll likely opt for the higher trim levels for even more cabin amenities, a stronger engine and a more robust safety suite.

    The vehicle gets an average of 20 MPG in the city and 25 on the highway, making it pretty standard among SUVs of its size. Even the base trim offers a pretty solid engine, ponying up 280 horses, making this vehicle fun as well as practical. The interior has a lot of cargo space, and seating for five. Thankfully, all five people get ample leg room and tons of soft-touch materials, making the cabin a peaceful and quiet space for long car rides.

    Toyota Highlander

    Another respected name in the automotive industry, Toyota’s Highlander is another solid midsize SUV you should consider. The cabin is one of the best in the class, offering up a ton of interior comfort for much less than higher-end competitors. Soft, sleek leather seats and a very upscale infotainment system make this SUV feel like it should be $20,000 more expensive. Thankfully, it starts at only $37,170 for the base trim.

    We highly recommend the hybrid version of the Highlander, as it offers a fantastic 30 MPG in the city, though this also means it gets only 28 on the highway. That said, this hybrid still packs a ton of power, bringing 306 horsepower to bear. It’s not exactly light or agile, though, so expect to take turns a little wide. However, this remains a great option for families, offering great cargo space, tons of legroom and a quiet, comfortable ride. Not to mention its stellar suite of safety features and great safety ratings!

    Kia Telluride

    The Korean carmaker has long been considered a leader in SUVs, and the Telluride’s 2020 model is here to continue that tradition. The Telluride is aptly named: riding in this vehicle is downright peaceful. The cabin is quiet and meditative, perfect for getting you through hectic morning commutes or back and forth dropping kids off at school. The suspension is incredibly smooth, the cabin is stylish and likable, and the engine is sufficiently powerful.

    Also making the vehicle appealing to families is the safety software suite. Emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, backup cams and more all make the Telluride a modern and easy-to-drive vehicle. Starting at $31,690, it’s also quite affordable for being a new (and luxurious) midsize SUV! As for the cost to own, it sports an average of 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.


  • Fall Sale: New Truck Deals

    Fall Sale: New Truck Deals

    Trucks deals are a bit harder to find this year, but there are deals to be found, especially over the Labor Day weekend. Here’s what our team found

    Best Full-Size Truck Deal: Ford F-150: Offer details include 0% financing for 72 months. The only exclusion is that F-150 Raptors are not included with this incentive. You will also need above average credit to qualify.

    Best Heavy-Duty Truck Deal: GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD: GMC is currely offering a $4,000 rebate on the new Sierra 2500 and 3500. However, they are not currently offering 0% APR and a national inventory shortage from GM may mean you can’t find the configuration you’re looking for.

    Best Midsize Truck: GMC Canyon: GMC is offering Employee Pricing across most of its lineup. For the GMC Canyon, that can mean up to $5,000 off of the MSRP.

    Since trucks may be in shorter supply this season, why not turn your sights on an SUV? Here are a few great Labor Day deals-

    2020 Ford Explorer: Starting on August 28th 2020, Ford began offering a $1k trade-in assistance bonus on the Explorer. If you combine this offer with 0% APR for 72 months, you’ve got a great deal!

    2020 Hyundai Tucson: Hyundai is offering a $500 Sales Event Cash on Tucsons. In addition, they are offering interest free financing for 6 years and deferred payments for 90 days. Offer ends Sept 8th 2020

    2020 Nissan Kicks: On August 25th, all versions of the Nissan Kicks became eligible for 0% APR for 72 months. In addition, Nissan is offering a $500 bonus just for taking your loan with their financing company.

    2020 Chevy Equinox: Chevy is offering 0% APR for 84 months on the Equinox. That is one of the very few instances where you can get interest free financing for 7 years.

    Don’t forget to negotiate, if you don’t ask, you won’t get 🙂 Happy Motoring!


  • Roadside Assistance- Why You Should Invest

    Roadside Assistance- Why You Should Invest

    As a single female, my parents always instilled in me the value of roadside assistance. Every year I would have a mishap. I wasn’t the type of person that liked to bother friends or family. I didn’t have a partner, so I just found ways to get my needs met. Some of this involved learning about the various roadside assistance programs and signing up for one. On the way, I learned a lot about what these programs offer a person. I would definitely recommend having one in place because you are bound to need it this year. With people flocking to the roads instead of risking it on planes, you are bound to get some extra miles on your car. The chances that you will have an incident like a flat tire also are excelled. In the following article, we will look at the various programs out there so that you can make an informed decision.

    AAA:

    Triple A is a standard staple when it comes to roadside assistance. They operate throughout North America. It is a non-profit that takes their mission to help seriously. So seriously I find that even when I’ve had a flat tire, the first thing I do is call. They will change the tire for you or just tow you to a safe location. You should give them a detailed explanation of what is wrong when you are on the road.

    When you call AAA, they will ask you if you are a member. If you are not a member, they will offer to sign you up on the spot and then will take care of your needs for the day. The sign up process doesn’t take too long, but you will have to have a wallet full of your details. If you don’t have all of your information with you, they will try to be flexible with what you have. AAA will then ask you if you are in a safe location or not. This typically means are you stranded at home versus on a busy freeway. They will offer you priority service if it is an emergency. You know that waiting at home can be a lot more pleasant. However, if you need to get to work quickly and are at home, make sure you advocate for yourself. This could mean the difference between waiting a half hour as opposed to a few hours. AAA has a great way of prioritizing. I’ve been stranded on really cold days and they come quickly. They are friendly on the phone and cheerful helpers. I have never had an experience with one person where I feel like complaining afterwards. These are customer service orientated professionals and it really shows in the way they treat you. If customer service really is a priority for you, then I recommend this service. With AAA, you can also upgrade to one of their better programs. Some of the perks will include longer tows that are free. If you want to be towed across a city or even when you are in a nearby town to the city, then you should go with the Gold Card. This will be a little bit more per month but is worth it. Some of the service providers are so nice that they will let you upgrade at the time of your emergency, however, this is not a given. It really will be luck of the draw when it comes to what you get. Another nice perk that they have added is checking your car out to make sure that you are winterized and your fluids and battery are in good working order. You can call them and schedule an appointment just to do this. I recommend that you call them when you are at home off work. You might just get a same day appointment. If you get this done, then you can expect to have one less emergency on your hands such as your battery suddenly dying. They are knowledgable, so they will get you up to speed on what you need done in order to get your vehicle up to snuff.

    Onstar:

    Onstar is another company that you may have seen advertised on the radio or TV. They have a heavy handed advertising campaign, so it is likely that you have at least heard of them. Onstar is a subsidiary of General Motors. They provide service all over North America as well as other countries such as China, Europe, Brazil, and Argentina. As you can tell, they have quite a far reach. They will offer other services as well, but one of their offerings is emergency services. You will have to have their audio interface in your vehicle to call them. If you’ve had a major emergency, then their sensors will automatically contact the Onstar call center. This can be nice when you’re in a collision because you are not scrambling for a phone number. On the other hand, if you wanted to handle anything with a cash payment, then it can be harder to keep the collision off of public records.

    The services for Onstar can really rack up. If you are on a tight budget, then the $20 just for emergency services can be expensive. This can add up to $240 a year. If you compare this to AAA, this is what you will have to pay on a Gold Plan. However, some people like the fact that there is more SMART technology with Onstar. They can often just locate you without you having to tell them where you are. This can help if you just want quick help with not a lot of questions. Additionally, your car can have free Onstar for the first five to ten years, so if you get used to the Onstar system, then you will probably not want to switch it out. With that said, all of the bundles for Onstar are $90 a month, so they probably want you to get used to hands free calling and everything that they have to offer. The plan is offered through cell phone companies, but it is really just a security, emergency services, and 30 hands free calls per month for your car plan. This means you shouldn’t get used to those hands free calls because if you do more than one a day, the charges can really rack up.

    Aside from the costs, Onstar is a level of comfort that you can only get with Smart features. You know that you will be protected with the Onstar system. You don’t even need to worry about using your phone when you need emergency calling. You really have a phone built into your car. It senses when you have a problem and will send help. However, if you let your battery die or have another problem, then you should have the Onstar number in your phone. You cannot call from your car if all systems are down.

    Onstar is a swanky service that also is friendly. They pride themselves on being able to be there for you right away and taking a proactive approach to your safety and well-being in the car. People who love technology and want more Smart features in their lives will go for the Onstar approach. You can just sign up for the emergency plan and not worry about the other Onstar services if you are on a budget. It is relatively in line with AAA.

    Goodsam:

    The Goodsam Club is geared towards RV adventurers. There are a lot more of them on the road now too thanks to COVID-19. The RV vacation has surged in popularity as you are really in your own bubble in terms of air. You even get your own bathroom if you are willing to pump out the waste. The Goodsam club is ready to offer roadside assistance. The club already has 2.185 members to speak of. This means they already have quite a reach and a proven track record.

    However, just because they offer RV plans, doesn’t mean they don’t have something for cars. While the automobile plans usually cost $100, now they are going for $50 in a huge sale. This means it’s a great time to sign up if you are looking for any affordable auto plan. The costs at this rate really cannot be beaten. However, if you already have a Goodsam membership, then unfortunately, you are not eligible for this deal. If you really look at the above options that we’ve covered, Goodsam is the best price by far. Even when you go with AAA, you will still pay over $100 per year. Also, right now the sale is $55 for coverage of your sport trailer as well. This is a novel option for people that travel with these. If you purchase the platinum package for $90 right now, you will also get emergency medical coverage. This is important for people that travel to other countries. If you are in America, you probably will like having emergency medical coverage if you don’t have medical coverage through work. In this case, at least you know that if you get in a car accident, your medical expenses will be covered.

    With this plan, like the others above, you will get 24/7 assistance. This is of course important because you absolutely need the 24/7 coverage or what is the point? Being stranded in the middle of the night in a car is even more dangerous than during the day. The plan also offers loyalty features. If you use auto-renew, then you will get a $10 discount. This is a great hidden feature that can inspire you to just keep your safety assistance rolling for the next year.

    One of the best parts of the basic plan is that they will cover all of your towing costs. They say that whether it is five miles or 500 miles, that they have you covered. What could be better than being in another state and still having your towing covered? I personally think that if you want to capitalize on the Goodsam sale, that this is the best plan to go with. If you go with AAA, you will have to buy a Gold plan, and even then, they have a cap on how far you can get a tow. The Onstar plan will charge you $20 a month just to get roadside assistance.

    It’s easy to see why the Goodsam family is growing fast. They are in touch with the times and they are offering discounts during COVID-19. This is a time when many people are unsure of everything. They don’t necessarily want to spend on extra expenses, but they still know they should get certain help such as roadside assistance for emergencies. It’s an important part of feeling secure when you travel anywhere in these difficult times.

    Summary

    All of the Roadside Assistance providers offer different perks. I have tried to highlight the little known details that make each provider so special. This can help you make a more informed decision as well as know how each plan differs from the next one. It can be hard when you see a barrage of information and advertising to know what to choose. We’re all on a time crunch and it seems working at home due to COVID has only made us busier.

    You will be in good hands with any of the providers. I made my choice for a recommendation based on economics and how I see a new member to roadside assistance being the best served in this time. However, I do recommend all three of these services as they all have advantages. AAA is the most well-established service, so if you want to go with proven quality, then you can’t go wrong. However, I was surprised by Goodsam and so it is more choice to recommend it for new members.

    Happy Motoring 🚗  🚘  🚙