Blog

Nothing beats the feeling of hitting the open road behind the wheel of a sports car. This is a dream for so many people, but if you’re thinking about buying a sports car, you may have some reservations.  For example, you may assume that all sports cars are gas guzzlers, but that’s not the case. You don’t have to choose between a fast, fun car and a car that gets good gas mileage. As it turns out, you can have both. Here are the top 10 sports cars with great gas mileage: Sports Cars With Great Gas Mileage [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Honda-Civic-Si.jpg] HONDA CIVIC SI A Honda Civic probably isn’t the first vehicle that comes to mind when you think of sports cars. It’s true that the standard Honda Civic is a traditional sedan, but the Honda Civic SI is an exceptional sports car.  The base model comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is capable of producing up to 205 horsepower. A turbocharged engine is also available on higher trim levels. Most models are designed with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), however you can opt for a six-speed manual transmission if you prefer. Even though the Honda Civic SI is a fast sports car with crisp handling, it is surprisingly fuel efficient. You can expect to get about 32 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway behind the wheel of a Civic SI. Sports Cars With Great Gas Mileage [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Chevrolet-Camaro.jpg] CHEVROLET CAMARO The Chevrolet Camaro is one of the most famous classic American sports cars. It also happens to be one of the most fuel efficient. If you’re in a Chevy Camaro, you can drive about 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway before you need to refuel.  Even though the Camaro is fuel efficient, it is designed with all of the hallmarks of a sports car. You can choose from a wide range of powerful V6 and V8 engines, including one that produces up to 650 horsepower. However, this engine is not available on the base model, which comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces up to 275 horsepower. This vehicle also goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just over five seconds, so you can hit the ground, or in this case, the road, running. Sports Cars With Great Gas Mileage [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Mazda-Miata.jpg] MAZDA MIATA The Mazda Miata is a sporty convertible that offers passengers a fun and smooth ride. Don’t let its sporty look fool you, though. This vehicle is far more fuel efficient than it may seem. In fact, it’s one of the most fuel efficient sports cars on the market. You can get up to 26 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway in a Miata.  The Miata only seats up to two adults, so some people may find the interior a little cramped. However, it is built with a number of features to make your ride more enjoyable, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a user-friendly infotainment system.   If you want to make your Miata look even sportier, opt for one of the Appearance Packages, which will add a spoiler, rear diffuser, and front air dam to your vehicle.  Sports Cars With Great Gas Mileage [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Toyota-Supra.jpg] TOYOTA SUPRA Toyota discontinued the Supra in 2002 but then relaunched it in 2020 due to an increase in consumer demand. Like the Miata, the Toyota Supra is a two-seater, so it’s not as spacious as some of the other sports cars on this list.  Its small size is one of the many reasons why this vehicle is so fuel efficient. The Supra gets an average of 24 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The Supra also accelerates faster than many other sports cars on the market. You can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an astonishing 3.8 seconds.  You can choose from a number of different engines for your Supra. However, the base model comes with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine that is capable of producing up to 335 horsepower. Sports Cars With Great Gas Mileage [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Hyundai-Veloster.jpg] HYUNDAI VELOSTER The Hyundai Veloster, which is a hatchback coupe, is not as well known as some of the other vehicles on this list. However, it’s one of the most impressive and fuel efficient sports cars available today.  The Veloster has a starting price of just under $19,000, which makes it ideal for sports car lovers who are shopping for a new car with a smaller budget. This vehicle gets up to 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway, so you won’t need to spend a lot on gas, either. The base model comes with a lackluster engine, so it’s recommended that you upgrade to the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine if you’re looking for more power. This engine is capable of producing up to 201 horsepower. Sports Cars With Great Gas Mileage [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ford-Mustang.jpg] FORD MUSTANG The Ford Mustang is another classic American muscle car that gets great gas mileage. You can expect to get up to 21 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway behind the wheel of a Mustang. The Mustang seats up to four adults, so it offers a bit more room than the two-seater sports cars on this list. The interior is also designed with upscale materials and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Thanks to FordPass Connect, you can also use your smartphone to do things like lock and unlock your Mustang. Every Mustang, even the base model, comes with Ford’s CoPilot360 system. This system includes a number of safety features such as active drive assist, automatic high beam headlights, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. Sports Cars With Great Gas Mileage [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Volkswagen-GTI.jpg] VOLKSWAGEN GTI If you’re looking for a hatchback sports car with great gas mileage, look no further than the Volkswagen GTI. This vehicle comfortably seats up to five adults, so it’s somewhat bigger than the other sports cars on this list. It also offers far more cargo space than most sports cars on the market.  Despite its slightly larger size, it still gets above average gas mileage. You can expect to get 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway in the Volkswagen GTI. The GTI comes with a turbocharged engine that produces up to 228 horsepower. You can choose whether you want a manual or automatic transmission. The gas mileage is about the same for both options, so it all comes down to which type of transmission you prefer.  Sports Cars With Great Gas Mileage [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Audi-TT.jpg] AUDI TT If you’re interested in purchasing a luxury sports car that gets great gas mileage, the Audi TT is the perfect choice. This vehicle gets about 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway.  The base model comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 228 horsepower. Other engines, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 288 horsepower and turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder with 394 horsepower, are also available. Because the Audi TT is a luxury vehicle, it’s more expensive than most other vehicles on this list. The starting price of a TT coupe is just over $50,000, but if you want a convertible, you will have to pay at least $54,000 for a new model. Sports Cars With Great Gas Mileage [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Subaru-BRZ.jpg] SUBARU BRZ The Subaru BRZ is a 2+2 sports car, which means it has two seats in the front for adults and two seats in the back for cargo or small children. Even though it’s not a luxury vehicle, it is still designed with many upscale features, including heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather seats. All models, even the base model, also come with a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen. The base model is built with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that produces up to 228 horsepower. You can also choose between a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.  Like the other sports cars on this list, the Subaru BRZ is incredibly fuel efficient. This vehicle gets about 24 miles per gallon in the city and up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway. Sports Cars With Great Gas Mileage [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Lexus-LC.jpg] LEXUS LC The Lexus LC is one of the most luxurious sports cars on the market, so it comes with a hefty price tag. The base model starts at $93,000, but if you want a higher trim level, you will need to spend six figures.  Luckily, you won’t need to spend a lot on gas if you purchase the Lexus LC. This vehicle gets about 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. The Lexus LC is powered by two electric motors and a V6 engine that produces up to 354 horsepower. Together, this hybrid system allows the Lexus LC to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under five seconds. These are some of the many sports cars that get great gas mileage. By buying one of these cars, you can truly enjoy the best of both worlds.

Shopping for a used car could require a bit more online research. Buyers might know the make and model they want, but they might need a specific price to fit their budget. They may need to look at the age of the vehicles, and used cars also can vary in the number of miles on their odometer. Price could differ because of mileage, age and condition, too. Of all these factors, though, mileage might be the most perplexing. What is the best mileage for a used car? Is there a mileage that buyers should absolutely avoid? Here’s how to decipher the numbers on the odometer! Best Mileage for a Used Car [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Why-Mileage-Affects-Price.jpg] WHY MILEAGE AFFECTS PRICE When shopping for a used vehicle, a number of factors affect the price: make/model, age, mileage and condition. Older vehicles may be less expensive than newer models, but this isn’t always the case. For example, an older luxury car might be more expensive than a newer economical vehicle. Cars with damage or less than stellar interiors also may offer a lower price. There could be rips or other issues related to the overall appearance of the car. For obvious reasons, this doesn’t bode well for the value of the vehicle. Thus, the dealership will likely slice that price tag. Make and model also affects the price of used inventory for obvious reasons. Again, a luxury vehicle is going to be priced higher than a standard model. A minivan that is the same age as a compact car will typically be more expensive, too. Mileage is the final factor that can decrease or increase the sticker price. Why is mileage such an issue? Higher mileage means more wear and tear. As the mileage increases, the maintenance issues may also increase. When cars hit 100,000 miles, for example, there are a number of mechanical services that may be necessary. Drivers might consider the 100,000 mile marker as the car’s middle age. Car and Driver explains that today’s cars will drive up to 200,000 miles. Buying a car with six digits is a significant odometer reading, but is it a deal breaker? That really depends on the buyer. BEST MILEAGE ON A USED CAR FOR A COMMUTER Buyers will often turn to the used market to find a vehicle that’s more affordable. Some buyers don’t even consider a new model, because of the issues related to depreciation. For these buyers, used inventory is the better option. While a number of factors affect the price of a used car, buyers may zero in on the odometer when all other factors are equal. For commuters, choosing a used model that offers the lowest mileage might be ideal. What is the best mileage for a used car if the buyer needs that vehicle for a lengthy commute? The answer isn’t simple, because the buyer really needs to weigh the options of price and mileage and also understand how long they wish to keep that car. If the buyer is financing the car for three years, they will need to figure out if the car will even last that long. For example, if the car buyer commutes 100 miles round trip five days per week, they will drive about 2,000 miles per month or 24,000 miles each year. If the odometer of the used model is resting at 100,000 miles, that means the vehicle will rack up at least 60,000 miles over the life of the loan. While a vehicle could last up to 200,000 miles, there is no guarantee that it will last that long. Driving a car an extensive amount each day adds wear and tear on the vehicle. While every used vehicle should come with a report on its previous ownership and history, the buyer doesn’t know the driving habits of the previous owner. Did they commute daily? Did they service the vehicle regularly? For commuters who are buying a used vehicle, the mileage is important. Unfortunately, the mileage might not be the only consideration for the buyer. Price could impact what they choose, too. For this reason, one recommendation for a driver who needs a used car for a commute is to choose the model with the lowest mileage that fits within their budget. Buyers also can research safety ratings for different models via the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to find their safest models. BEST MILEAGE ON A USED CAR FOR CITY DRIVERS City drivers are those who drive locally. These drivers may work near their home, or they may be retired or stay-at-home parents who don’t need to travel far during their daily routines. When buying a used car for local driving, does mileage matter? The odometer reading may still be a factor to consider, but it may matter less to city drivers than to those who have long commutes. Buyers still need to consider how long they plan to keep the vehicle. They also need to look at their budget needs and how this weighs against the odometer reading. If buyers are driving 10 miles a day on average, the mileage isn’t going to become such an issue. However, if buyers also plan to use the vehicle for road trips or more extensive travel, then mileage on a used model could be more of a factor. Like commuters, though, city drivers might look at both price and mileage and weigh their options accordingly. Best Mileage for a Used Car [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Finding-the-Best-Used-Car.jpg] FINDING THE BEST USED CAR For many used car buyers, mileage will play into their final decision but so will price. Unlike new inventory, there are a number of factors that buyers will need to consider when purchasing a used vehicle. Some buyers can have their heart set on a specific make/model. Maybe they have a preference related to the type of car they drive. When searching for used models, though, sometimes the choices even with a single model can be really overwhelming. Prices can vary considerably. How do buyers sift through all their options? When shopping is used, buyers should understand where they are willing to compromise and where they will not budge. Some buyers might be willing to opt for an older model if it offers lower mileage. Other buyers might hunt for the newest models and not care about the mileage. Price and the budget may play into this decision, too. If buyers must have a low price, they will need to compromise in some areas. Again, buyers may find lower prices for cars that are older or that have higher mileage. However, lower prices also could be associated with economic models, too. Are buyers willing to sacrifice the model they want for a budget option? Would they rather choose an older luxury model than a budget-friendly newer economic vehicle? What about safety features? Newer models will typically offer better safety features. Do buyers want a backup camera or more modern capabilities? These are considerations buyers need to factor into their decision. IS FUEL EFFICIENCY MORE IMPORTANT THAN MILEAGE? Commuters may be curious if the fuel efficiency of a vehicle is more important than its mileage. If a car offers great fuel efficiency, does the mileage even matter? Hybrids and electric cars both get great energy efficiency. Since electric vehicles don’t use fuel, they don’t offer statistics related to miles per gallon (MPG). Instead, many include stats referring to the miles per gallon equivalent (or MPGe). Hybrids could travel 60 miles per gallon, but electric models might boast more than 100 MPGe. While this means that drivers won’t have to hit the pump or the plug as often, it doesn’t negate the odometer reading. Mileage still affects the value of the car and it still affects the life of the vehicle. Fuel efficiency can save money, but it won’t allow a vehicle to necessarily last longer. The electric plug isn’t a fountain of youth for an automobile! Instead of an engine that may fail, an electric vehicle will have a battery that needs to be replaced. As AutoTrader explains, batteries are constantly evolving and getting better. Older electric vehicles will offer less range than newer models. Is it cheaper to replace an older model’s battery or just replace the car? That could be the ultimate question for those who opt for used electric models. WHAT IS THE BEST MILEAGE FOR A USED CAR? There is no ideal odometer reading for a used car. Buyers need to weigh the mileage against other factors for the car. Age, mileage, condition and make and model all affect the price of that vehicle. Some buyers may be fine with a car with higher mileage if it fits into their budget. These buyers could be city drivers who don’t travel far for work or daily errands. Those with long commutes, though, might need a car with the lowest mileage that fits into their budget. Higher mileage on a used model could mean more money in upkeep if the driver uses the car for long commutes. In addition, that used purchase might not have a long life if it already has an odometer with six figures. Ultimately, buyers need to find the used model that fits their budget and their driving habits. Mileage is important to some buyers but isn’t a concern to others. The reading on the odometer is just one aspect to consider when buying a used model.

You have to make a number of decisions when buying a car, including what body style best suits your lifestyle, where to buy the vehicle from, and of course, how much to spend. Many people focus solely on the purchase price when determining whether or not they can afford a vehicle. However, the purchase price is not the only cost you should consider.  Most states charge sales tax on vehicles, which can increase the cost of buying a car by thousands of dollars. Each state sets its own sales tax rate, so the amount you will need to pay will vary depending on where you live. If you’re preparing to buy a vehicle, it’s important to understand which states have the least and most in car taxes so you know what to expect.  WHICH STATES HAVE THE HIGHEST AND LOWEST VEHICLE SALES TAX RATES? State sales tax rates can vary from year-to-year. Currently, the states with the highest sales tax rates include: 1. Nevada: 8.25% 2. Kansas: 7.50% 3. California: 7.25% 4. Indiana: 7% 5. Rhode Island: 7% 6. Tennessee: 7% 7. Utah: 6.85% 8. New Jersey 6.63% 9. Georgia: 6.60% 10. Arkansas: 6.50% The states with the lowest sales tax rates include: 1. Alabama: 2% 2. Colorado: 2.90% 3. North Carolina: 3% 4. Oklahoma: 3.25% 5. Hawaii: 4% 6. Louisiana: 4% 7. New Mexico: 4% 8. New York: 4% 9. South Dakota: 4% 10. Virginia: 4.15% Which States Charge the Least, Most in Car Taxes [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Which-States-Dont-Charge-Sales-Tax-On-Cars.jpg] WHICH STATES DON’T CHARGE SALES TAX ON CARS? There are also a number of states that don’t charge sales tax on vehicle purchases. These states are: * Oregon * New Hampshire * Montana * Delaware * Alaska If you live in one of these states, you won’t need to worry about paying sales tax when you purchase a new vehicle. VEHICLE SALES TAX RATES BY COUNTY/CITY Looking at the sales tax rates will give you a general idea of which states charge the most and least. However, it must be noted that vehicle sales tax rates typically vary by city or county, which means the sales tax rate doesn’t tell the whole story. For example, the state sales tax rate in Florida is 6%. However, the state allows local governments to collect up to an additional 1.5% on purchases. This means some cities in Florida, including Tampa and Jacksonville, have a 7.5% sales tax rate. If you register your vehicle in one of these cities, you will be charged the 7.5% rate instead of the state-wide 6% rate. For this reason, it’s important to look at the local sales tax rate rather than the state sales tax rate when determining how much you will need to pay after purchasing a vehicle. Which States Charge the Least, Most in Car Taxes [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Can-You-Save-Money-By-Buying-Your-Vehicle-in-Another-State.jpg] CAN YOU SAVE MONEY BY BUYING YOUR VEHICLE IN ANOTHER STATE? There’s no doubt that some cities, counties, and states charge higher sales tax rates on vehicle purchases than others. If you live in an area with a high sales tax rate, you might be wondering whether you can save money by purchasing a vehicle in an area with a lower sales tax rate. For example, if you live in California, which has one of the highest sales tax rates in the country, you may be tempted to cross state lines and purchase a vehicle in Oregon, which does not charge sales tax on vehicle purchases. However, purchasing a vehicle in an area with a low sales tax rate does not necessarily mean you will save money. The reason for this is simple. The sales tax rate you are charged will depend on where you register your vehicle, not where you purchase it.  If you purchase the vehicle in Oregon, you will still need to register it in your home state of California, which means you will be charged the local sales tax rate, not Oregon’s sales tax rate. The bottom line? You can’t avoid paying sales tax on your vehicle simply by traveling to a state that charges a lower sales tax rate or does not charge sales tax at all.   HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON TAXES WHEN BUYING A CAR Traveling to an area with a lower sales tax rate won’t help you save money on taxes when buying a car. Fortunately, there are a number of other ways to reduce your tax bill when you purchase a vehicle. You may qualify for a tax break if: * You are disabled. If you meet your state’s definition of “disabled,” you may be exempt from paying sales tax on your vehicle regardless of what the sales tax rate is in your city or county. * You’re buying an older car. If your vehicle was manufactured prior to 1973, it is classified as a historic vehicle, which means it is exempt from sales tax. * You’re moving to another state. If you’re planning on permanently moving to a state that does not charge sales tax on vehicle purchases, you won’t have to pay sales tax on your vehicle. However, the move must take place within 90 days from the date the vehicle was purchased. * You itemize your deductions. If you itemize your tax deductions, you may be able to deduct your vehicle sales tax expenses. However, if you deduct your sales taxes, you cannot deduct your state or local income taxes, so make sure you run the numbers to determine which option is best for you. * You use your vehicle for business purposes. If you purchased a vehicle to use for business purposes, you may be able to deduct a certain percentage of the cost. The vehicle must meet certain requirements, so discuss this with your accountant to figure out if you qualify.  You may also qualify for tax credits at the state and federal level if you purchase an electric vehicle.  For example, if you purchase a new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. The credit amount will vary depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity. You will still have to pay sales tax on your vehicle, but getting this tax credit will offset the cost. You must meet certain requirements to qualify for this federal tax credit. For instance, the IRS will only allow the original buyer of the electric vehicle to claim this tax credit. If you purchase a used electric vehicle, you won’t qualify for this federal tax credit since you are not the original buyer. Talk to your accountant to learn about other conditions you must meet to take advantage of this credit. Some states also offer financial benefits to people who purchase electric or hybrid vehicles. In California, for instance, you can earn a rebate of up to $1,000 if you purchase a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The rebate increases to $2,000 if you purchase an electric vehicle and $4,500 if you purchase a fuel cell electric vehicle. Just like the federal tax credit, this rebate won’t eliminate your sales tax bill, but it will help you pay for it. If you live in California, you may also qualify for the state’s Clean Fuel Reward. This financial reward is available to anyone who buys a new electric vehicle with a battery capacity greater than 5kWh. The vehicle must be purchased from a participating retailer and registered in the state of California. If you qualify, you could receive an instant reward of up to $750, which you can use to cover a portion of your sales taxes.  Before you start shopping for a new car, do your research to figure out if your state offers any financial incentives for purchasing an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Which States Charge the Least, Most in Car Taxes [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Which-States-Have-the-Highest-and-Lowest-Car-Ownership-Costs.jpg] WHICH STATES HAVE THE HIGHEST AND LOWEST CAR OWNERSHIP COSTS? Sales tax isn’t the only expense you will incur if you own a vehicle. There are a number of other vehicle ownership costs, including the cost of fuel, insurance, maintenance and repairs, and registration. Just like sales tax rates, these ownership expenses can vary depending on where you live. In other words, it’s much cheaper to own a car in some states than it is in others.  According to one study, Louisiana has the highest car ownership costs of all 50 states. In Louisiana, you should expect to pay these expenses if you own a vehicle: * Taxes: $3,615 * Insurance: $2,113 * Maintenance and repair: $389 * Fuel: $1,051 * Registration: Varies depending on the sales price of the vehicle * Title costs: $69 * Vehicle property tax: $38 In sum, the average annual cost of owning a vehicle in Louisiana is about $14,965. This same study found that Oregon has the lowest car ownership costs of all 50 states. On average, Oregon vehicle owners pay: * Taxes: $0 * Insurance: $1,220 * Maintenance and repair: $390 * Fuel: $1,085 * Registration: $86 * Title costs: $77 * Vehicle property tax: $0 In sum, the average annual cost of owning a vehicle in Oregon is about $10,510. Now you should have a better understanding of how much you will need to pay in sales tax and other ownership costs once you purchase a vehicle. Keep this information in mind to ensure you choose a vehicle that you can afford.

Third-row SUVs are an ideal vehicle for car buyers looking for enough space for a large family or those who need cargo space for recreational or business equipment. These vehicles have a rugged aesthetic for buyers who don’t necessarily want a standard family car. Third-row SUVs are perfect for fitting extra passengers—most will seat at least seven—but not all of them are full-sized SUVs. Car buyers can find third-row SUVs for every budget and space need; third rows are offered in mid-size and full-size SUVs. Looking for the perfect third-row SUV? Here are the options by size and price. SMALLER THIRD-ROW SUVS Looking for a small SUV with maximum seating capacity? The smallest SUVs that feature third-rows might be more midsize than small. Many compact or small SUVs typically only feature a second row plus cargo space. CarBuzz ranked the top smallest SUVs that feature third-row seating. While smaller SUVs might not have as much space between rows as larger options, they could be easier on the budget. Here are the top five smallest SUVs featuring third-row seating from CarBuzz with additional data on price, seating capacity and safety rating (from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety): Kia Sorento [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Kia-Sorento.jpg] * Kia Sorento (Midsize SUV) Base Price: $29,490 (2022 model) Capacity: Space for 7 Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick Hyundai Palisade [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Hyundai-Palisade.jpg] * Hyundai Palisade (Midsize SUV) Base Price: $33,150 (2022 SE model) Capacity: Space for up to 8 Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+ Kia Telluride [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Kia-Sorento-1.jpg] * Kia Telluride (Midsize SUV) Base Price: $32,790 Capacity: Space for up to 8 Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick Genesis GV80 V6 AWD [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Genesis-GV80-V6-AWD.jpg] * Genesis GV80 V6 AWD (Midsize SUV) Base Price: $59,650 (2021 model) Capacity: Space for 7 Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+ Volvo XC90 [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Volvo-XC90.jpg] * Volvo XC90 (Midsize SUV) Base Price: $49,900 (2022 model) Capacity: Space for 7 Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+ SUVS OFFERING THE MOST ROOM IN THE THIRD ROW Midsize SUVs might be easier on the budget than their larger counterparts, but for buyers who need as much space as possible, a full-size SUV might be the best option. U.S. News & World Report ranked the SUVs (2021 models) with the best third-row seats. Here are the top five picks from U.S. News based on leg room for the third-row with additional data on price and safety ratings (two are actually midsize models!): Ford Expedition [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ford-Expedition.jpg] * Ford Expedition Third Row Space: 40.9 inches. Base Price: $50,595 (2021 model) Safety Rating: N/A Chevy Suburban [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Chevy-Suburban.jpg] * Chevy Suburban Third-Row Space: 36.7 inches Base Price: $52,300 (2021 model) Safety Rating: N/A GMC Yukon [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GMC-Yukon.jpg] * GMC Yukon Third-Row Space: 34.9 inches Base Price: $50,595 Safety Rating: N/A Volkswagen Atlas [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Volkswagen-Atlas.jpg] * Volkswagen Atlas (Midsize SUV) Third-Row Space: 33.7 inches Base Price: $31,545 Safety Rating: Review Report Chevy Traverse [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Chevy-Traverse.jpg] * Chevy Traverse (Midsize SUV) Third-Row Space: 33.5 inches Base Price: $29,800 Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick FINDING THE BEST AND MOST AFFORDABLE THIRD-ROW SUV Buyers on the hunt for a new 2021 or 2022 SUV featuring the third-row of seating might opt for the Chevy Traverse or the Kia Sorento, as these two models are the least expensive of all the above choices. But these models are not the least expensive third-row SUV; the Volkswagen Tiguan is the least expensive 2021 model with an MSRP of $25,245.   Those with a very tight budget, though, also can shop used or pre-owned SUVs to find a deal that fits into their budget while providing the space they need. When looking for used or pre-owned models, buyers can research different models for their safety ratings via IIHS. The site offers an easy search query system to find the ratings for almost all vehicles; however, data on larger SUVs could be limited. If buyers aren’t sure if they are getting a good deal from the dealership, they also can use Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to find out the prices of a model in their area. KBB offers an easy query system to find prices of models. Just type in the year, make, model and location, and KBB will pull up all the vehicles in the area. This lets buyers compare prices across dealerships. RESEARCHING OPTIONS ONLINE Cox Automotive’s Car Buyer Journey Study (Pandemic Edition) reported that buyers spent more than seven hours researching and shopping for a car online. This was actually about two hours less than buyers spent on the same tasks in 2019. However, for many buyers, the research begins online. Many begin their search via third-party sites (like KBB), and more than three-quarters of shoppers went to at least two sites. The study noted that dealership websites were more likely to be the final online destination for buyers; 33 percent of those participating in the study said that they visited dealership sites last. Buyers may look online for safety ratings, price and other details related to their potential purchase. Some buyers might know exactly the type of vehicle they want and may zoom through their research phase, looking perhaps only at the best prices in the area. Other buyers, though, might have no idea about the type of car they want to purchase. These shoppers could do a bit more research online. They may feel that they are beginning their search from scratch. While buyers could visit sites like Edmunds, IIHS and KBB for information about vehicles, these sites don’t necessarily help buyers visualize the vehicle beyond simple two dimensional photos. Even dealership sites may offer limited photographs of new models. Some could offer slideshows or a selection of photos, but what about buyers who want more visual data? Augmented Reality for Immersive Research [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Augmented-Reality-for-Immersive-Research.jpg] AUGMENTED REALITY FOR IMMERSIVE RESEARCH RelayCars provides buyers with the tools to research any vehicle up close via 3D and augmented reality visuals. RelayCars offers thousands of models for buyers to explore. Augmented reality can be a key tool during the car research phase. While photos show details of the vehicle, they aren’t designed to allow for exploration. Augmented reality  has been used by many stores and companies for try-on experiences that give consumers a way to see products before purchasing. With augmented reality, consumers can virtually swipe paint onto their walls or try on different cosmetics. Stores also let shoppers preview furniture in their homes. Just drop a coffee table into the space to see if it fits. RelayCars is the try-on experience for cars. While the site lets shoppers preview vehicles on the screen via interactive 3D graphics, RelayCars also offers an augmented reality experience. Visitors to RelayCars can choose a model that they want to explore and view in augmented reality, and, using their smartphone or tablet camera, they can capture the space where they want to place the vehicle. The car (or SUV) can be dropped in any space. View an immersive vehicle in the driveway or see how it looks in the garage. Why is augmented reality so different from standard imagery? Augmented reality typically depicts the product as it would be in person. The table from a furniture store isn’t just a tiny model, it’s shown in normal size via the augmented reality preview. When shopping for cars, augmented reality can let shoppers better understand the design of the vehicle. In addition, some platforms even let the user look inside the vehicle. The vehicle can appear wherever the user wants to explore it. Once the augmented reality vehicle is placed into the environment, the user can actually walk around the model. RelayCars lets users preview as many vehicles as they want in augmented reality. There is no limit to how many vehicles consumers can research. The site acts as a research tool to help buyers better understand their options and explore them. After they’ve used the augmented reality tool via RelayCars, they also can view the car on-screen in 3D. The images of the vehicle can be rotated to see the car from any angle. In addition, RelayCars also offers a 3D panorama tour for each model. This lets users explore the interior of the car. Every vehicle in RelayCars’ showroom also can be viewed in different paint hues. However, the options depend on the color choices for each vehicle. USING RELAYCARS TO FIND THE BEST THIRD-ROW SUV For buyers looking for the best SUV with third-row seating, RelayCars can be used to explore the interior space. The 3D panorama viewing option gives users the feeling that they are sitting in the front seat of the SUV and looking around the vehicle. Use the mouse or just a fingertip to navigate around the SUV. Augmented reality also lets buyers see how the SUV would look in their garage or driveway. They also can immerse themselves in exploration to better understand the SUV’s design and walk around the vehicle. Buyers can explore different SUV models via RelayCars to find the best SUV for their space needs. Then they might visit dealership websites to find the best price or deals in the area. RelayCars adds an immersive visual element to the car shopping experience to allow for consumers to create a virtual (or augmented reality) showroom in their home. When buyers find the best SUV at the best price, they can save the rest of the details for the dealership visit. RelayCars helps buyers research vehicles from home and creates a unique preview experience that lets them explore all their vehicle options!

Figuring out what type of vehicle you can afford to buy is difficult. Why? It involves far more than just looking at the purchase price of every vehicle. You need to factor in ownership costs, too.  Ownership costs are any costs that are related to owning a vehicle. Some of the most common ownership costs are fuel, insurance, repairs, and maintenance. However, there are two other hidden costs of owning a vehicle that many people forget about when calculating their budget.  These hidden costs are depreciation and inflation. If you’re planning on buying a new car, it’s important to understand how both of these hidden costs will impact your vehicle’s value and your wallet. Here’s what you should know: WHAT IS DEPRECIATION? Depreciation refers to the rate at which an asset’s value declines over time. All assets that suffer wear and tear with normal use, including vehicles, depreciate. In simpler terms, this means the value of your vehicle will drop as it ages. All vehicles depreciate, which means your vehicle will lose value as it gets older regardless of whether you purchased it new or used.  Car Buying Tips [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/How-Quickly-Do-Cars-Depreciate.jpg] HOW QUICKLY DO CARS DEPRECIATE? Before you purchase a vehicle, it’s important to understand how quickly it will depreciate so you know how much the vehicle will be worth in the future.  There are a number of factors that can impact how quickly a vehicle depreciates, which is why every car depreciates at a different rate. Some of these factors include: * Age: The value of a car will decrease as it gets older. * Type of car: The make and model can impact the vehicle’s depreciation rate. Makes and models that are in high demand tend to depreciate at a slower rate than vehicles that are not as popular. * Mileage: The lower the miles, the longer the vehicle will last and the greater its value. As a result, vehicles with high mileage depreciate at a faster rate than vehicles with low mileage. * Condition: Normal wear and tear won’t have a huge impact on a vehicle’s depreciation rate. However, if a vehicle has suffered extensive damage, it will depreciate at a much faster rate. * Color: You might be surprised to learn that the color can impact a vehicle’s depreciation rate. Vehicles with a traditional paint color typically depreciate at a slower rate than vehicles with a custom paint job or unusual color. * Fuel prices: If gas prices are low, fuel efficient vehicles may not retain as much value as they get older. On the other hand, if gas prices are high, fuel efficient vehicles will depreciate slowly and gas-powered vehicles will depreciate quickly. * Manufacturer’s reputation: Some manufacturers are known for producing reliable, durable vehicles. The vehicles produced by these manufacturers may depreciate at a slower rate than others.  In general, new cars depreciate much faster than used cars. The value of a new car typically drops around 20% during its first year of ownership. After the first year, the value of a new car will continue to decrease by about 10% per year. This rate won’t continue forever, though. Depreciation slows down once the car is five years old and comes to a halt once it is 10 years old.  Car Buying Tips [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Which-Cars-Have-the-Fastest-Depreciation-Rates.jpg] WHICH CARS HAVE THE FASTEST DEPRECIATION RATES? Depreciation rates vary widely, but some vehicles are known for depreciating at a faster rate than others. According to the U.S. News & World Report, these are the vehicles with the fastest five-year depreciation rates: Make and ModelAverage Five-Year Depreciation RateBMW X366.5%Lincoln MKZ67.1%Mercedes-Benz S Class67.1%Volvo S6067.8%Mercedes-Benz E Class69%Maserati Ghibli69%Audi A669%Nissan Leaf70.1%BMW 5 Series70.1%BMW 7 Series72.6% The starting price of a BMW 7 Series is currently $86,800. Based on the data provided by U.S. News & World Report, this means that the vehicle will lose 72.6% of its initial value by the time it is five years old. In other words, a BMW 7 Series that is purchased today for $86,800 may only be worth around $24,000 in five years.  Luxury vehicles dominate this list, which is not surprising, given that luxury vehicles tend to depreciate faster than others.  WHICH CARS HAVE THE SLOWEST DEPRECIATION RATES? Some vehicles are known for retaining their value better than others. According to the U.S. News & World Report, the vehicles with the slowest five-year depreciation rates are: Make and ModelAverage Five-Year Depreciation RateNissan Frontier43.5%GMC Canyon41.2%Dodge Challenger40.6%Subaru WRX39.8%Toyota 4Runner38.5%Toyota Tundra37%Porsche 91136%Jeep Wrangler32.8%Toyota Tacoma32.4%Jeep Wrangler Unlimited30.9% The starting price of a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is currently $77,095. According to this data, a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited that is purchased today will lose about 30.9% of its value over the next five years. This means if you purchase a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited for $77,095 today, it will be worth about $53,273 in five years.  Based on this list, it’s clear that pickup trucks, sporty sedans, and truck-based SUVs tend to depreciate at a slower rate than other vehicles.  Car Buying Tips [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/How-Can-Your-Cars-Depreciation-Affect-You.jpg] HOW CAN YOUR CAR’S DEPRECIATION AFFECT YOU? By now, you should understand what depreciation is and how quickly you can expect a new vehicle to depreciate. However, you may be wondering why this information matters and more importantly, how your vehicle’s depreciation rate will impact you. Your vehicle’s depreciation rate can impact you in several ways. First, a vehicle’s depreciation rate will affect its resale and trade-in value. Even if you don’t plan on selling your vehicle any time soon, it’s important to know how quickly it will depreciate so you know what you can expect to get for it when it’s time to sell it or trade it in.  The depreciation rate can also impact you if you took out an auto loan to pay for your new car. If your vehicle depreciates too quickly, you may end up having negative equity, which means you owe more on your vehicle than it is worth. This is often referred to as being “underwater” on your auto loan. If you try to sell your vehicle while you are underwater on your auto loan, you may end up owing your lender money.  For example, if you owe $10,000 on your vehicle but you can only sell it for $8,000 due to depreciation, you will need to pay your lender $2,000 to make up the difference once the vehicle sells. For these reasons, it’s crucial to consider a vehicle’s depreciation rate when deciding whether it’s right for you. HOW TO SLOW DOWN YOUR VEHICLE’S DEPRECIATION There are a number of things you can do to reduce your vehicle’s depreciation rate, including: * Don’t drive a lot. The fewer miles you put on your vehicle, the slower it will depreciate. * Take good care of your vehicle. Schedule regular oil changes and other maintenance services. Doing this will help your vehicle retain more of its value over the years, especially if you keep the maintenance records as proof. * Preserve the exterior. Exposure to environmental elements such as rain, heat, cold, and ice can slowly damage the exterior of your vehicle. This damage can cause the vehicle to depreciate quickly. To prevent this problem, park your vehicle in a garage to protect it from these harsh environmental elements.  WHAT IS INFLATION? Depreciation isn’t the only factor you should consider when purchasing a car. You also need to think about inflation.  The term “inflation” refers to the decrease in the purchasing power of money, which is displayed as an increase in the prices of goods and services. In other words, the price of things increases, so the value of every dollar decreases.  The inflation rate is the rate at which the value of the dollar is falling and the prices of goods and services are increasing.  Car Buying Tips [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/How-Does-Inflation-Affect-Your-Cars-Value.jpg] HOW DOES INFLATION AFFECT YOUR CAR’S VALUE? Just like depreciation, inflation can affect your car’s value. Inflation causes the prices of goods and services, including vehicles, to increase. If the inflation rate goes up, the price of your vehicle may increase as well. This means you may be able to get more money for your vehicle if you choose to sell it when inflation rates are high.  However, it’s important to note that a high inflation rate will increase the cost of new cars, too. So although you may get more for your vehicle if you sell it when inflation rates are high, you may need to spend even more to purchase another vehicle since new car prices will most likely be higher as well. Now you know the basics of depreciation, inflation, and more importantly, how these two hidden costs will impact you if you purchase a new car. Keep this information in mind when shopping for a new car so you can choose the vehicle that’s best for your lifestyle and your budget.

Buyers on the hunt for a new pickup truck might be drawn to this body type for its rugged durability and towing capacity. Pickup trucks are offered in ½ ton, ¾ ton and full-ton models. Some are diesel, but electric trucks are an option, too. Pickup trucks are a workhorse vehicle and many are capable of towing and hauling massive loads. Trucks also can hit the off-beaten paths, conquering sand, mud and rocks, too. When shopping for a new pickup truck, though, what models are the best and most reliable. Here are the most reliable pickup trucks. Reliable Pickup Trucks [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sizing-Up-the-Pickup.jpg] SIZING UP THE PICKUP Buyers who are unfamiliar with the pickup truck market might be a bit overwhelmed by their options when they start browsing online. Buyers will typically see a range of numbers for pickup truck models; these numbers include 1500 or 150, 2500 or 250, 3500 or 350 or even 4500. What do these numbers mean? Pickup truck numbers denote their size. It’s easier if buyers associate the numbers with tonnage; the numbers 1500 or 150 denote ½ ton models, 2500 or 250 refer to ¾ ton models and the largest vehicles are full-tons and are denoted by 3500 or 350. However, buyers may see a 450, and this is the largest model. Other manufacturers may represent their largest models differently. Weight for models isn’t necessarily ½ ton or even full ton; the terms ½ ton or ¾ ton are now just industry references. Models may weigh significantly more than the ½ ton reference suggests. Buyers need to look at these classes as measurements of strength instead of weight or exact tonnage. A half-ton pickup is the lightest weight option, and it is capable of towing and hauling a significant amount of weight. However, towing and hauling capacity increases with the model size. Buyers who need brute force for work needs would need to choose a full-ton model. Reliable Pickup Trucks [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/The-Weight-of-Towing.jpg] THE WEIGHT OF TOWING The larger and heavier the pickup, the more weight it is capable of towing. Vehicle buyers may have different towing needs related to their job or just their lifestyle or interest. Avid water sport enthusiasts may need to tow a small trailer carrying a jet ski or a boat. Those who love the outdoors may need to tow a small camper. Farmers or ranchers may need a heavier pickup truck for towing large machinery or equipment, though. They may opt for a ¾ ton or one-ton model. How much weight can each model tow? What model is best for a buyer’s towing needs? Here’s how the most popular models of ½ ton pickup trucks stack up in towing capacity: * 2021 Ford F-150 (Five engine options) 8,200 to 14,000 pounds * 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (Five engine options) Up to 13,300 pounds * GMC Sierra 1500 Up to 13,000 pounds * 2022 Ram 1500 Up to 12,750 pounds * 2021 Nissan TITAN 9,310, to 11,040 pounds * 2021 Toyota Tundra 9,400 to 10,100 pounds * 2022 GMC Canyon Up to 7,700 pounds * 2021 Ford Ranger Up to 7,500 pounds * 2021 Jeep Gladiator Up to 7,650 pounds * 2022 Chevrolet Colorado Up to 7,000 pounds * 2022 Toyota Tacoma 3,500 to 6,800 pounds * 2022 Nissan Frontier Up to 6,720 pounds * 2022 Honda Ridgeline 5,000 pounds TOWING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ¾ TON AND FULL TON PICKUPS For car buyers who need towing capacity beyond the abilities of the typical ½ ton pickup, a ¾ ton or full-ton might be the better option. For the one-ton models, Ford ranks as the top choice for towing. The Ford F-350 is capable of towing up to 21,000 pounds, but with a fifth-wheel this extends its towing power to 32,000 pounds. Ford also offers the Super Duty F-450 XL, which can tow up to 36,400 pounds. This is by far the beast of all the pickup truck options.   The ¾ ton models can’t tow nearly as much as a full-ton pickup, but they can tow more than the ½ ton. In this class, Ford’s F-250 model can tow up to 21,800 pounds (for the fifth wheel depending on the engine). The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD can tow up to 18,510 pounds. WHAT IS THE SAFEST PICKUP TRUCK? Buyers may want the safest pickup truck. When researching the safety ratings of a vehicle, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is the best resource. Buyers can search by make/model to find the safety rating and read the full safety report. The top rating is denoted as the Top Safety Pick+. For small pickup trucks, there were no models that received this rating. However, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Crew cab pickup received a Top Safety Pick rating (which is the next best rating from the Institute). For 2021 large pickup trucks, there also were no models that received a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Multiple models received the Top Safety Pick rating, however. These models included: * 2021 Ford F-150 Crew Cab pickup * 2021 Ford F-150 Extended cab pickup * 2021 Ram 1500 Crew cab pickup Buyers considering other models can check out their safety ratings by visiting the IIHS website. Safety reports are provided for every make/model. However, not all 2022 models have been released so data could be unavailable. MOST RELIABLE PICKUP TRUCKS Reliability encompasses many factors for a vehicle. Every year, J.D. Power ranks one vehicle in each class as the most dependable; this vehicle is given the J.D. Power Award for Highest Dependability. Here’s how pickup truck models fared for the 2021 awards (based on 2018 model years): LARGE HEAVY DUTY PICKUP (#1) * 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD The Silverado scored an 80 from J.D. Power. For Quality and Reliability, it received an 81 (which is denoted as Great). The Silverado received a 78 related to Driving Experience; this is considered Average. For Resale, it received another average score of 79. However, it received an 83 for Dealership Experience, which also is Great. LARGE LIGHT DUTY PICKUP MODELS * Toyota Tundra 4WD The Tundra scored an 84 in Quality and Reliability, which was the highest in its class. However, for Driving Experience, it only scored an 81. THE BUDGETARY MATTERS Car buyers might review the safety and reliability ratings as well as the towing capacity for their pickup choices, but price often affects the choice of many buyers. Pickup trucks can range in price, depending on their size, their engine and additional features as well. The full-ton models will be the most expensive choices, but the engine also adds to the cost. With pickup trucks, buyers can typically choose from different engines. The power of the engine can increase the towing capacity. More powerful engines—including diesel—will often be more expensive. Buyers also could choose to add more features to their truck, and this also adds to the price of the automobile. Before shopping for a pickup truck, buyers should figure out how much they can spend. However, the price of a vehicle doesn’t just include the monthly payment, it also includes the price of insurance and fuel needs. In general, experts recommend allocating no more than 15 to 20 percent of take-home pay (this is the amount after taxes are deducted) to transportation costs. Nerdwallet advises that the car payment should only be less than 10 percent of take-home earnings. USE RELAYCARS TO EXPLORE THE OPTIONS Once buyers have figured out how much they can spend on a new pickup truck and have researched the trucks that fit their towing needs, they can explore their options on RelayCars. Using the site, buyers can preview cars in 3D or in augmented reality. RelayCars includes a virtual tour of the exterior and interior of each different model. Each vehicle can be explored in 360 degrees to see the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The interior panorama tour allows buyers to see the features in the front and back seats. Using these virtual tours, buyers can better understand the vehicle’s space constraints to determine if the model is a fit for their needs. RelayCars also lets buyers view the vehicles in different paint hues. RelayCars provides an immersive augmented reality experience for buyers, too. Each model in RelayCars’ virtual showroom can be explored in augmented reality in the user’s environment. Drop a Dodge Ram into the garage and walk around the vehicle, or preview different trucks in the driveway. With augmented reality, car buyers can get up close with a virtual model of any truck. They will see a graphic depiction of the vehicle appear before them, and they can view that car as if it’s actually in their space. Augmented reality gives users a personalized showroom experience, except the user’s own environment transforms into the showroom. There is no limit on the number of pickup trucks that car shoppers can preview via RelayCars. Check out different makes and models to find the most appealing option. Explore the exterior and interior of each model, and then decide what pickup truck would work best for the needs and budget of the buyer. RelayCars is open day or night. When buyers are shopping for the most reliable pickup truck, they can view their options from home at any time of day. Use RelayCars as a personal vehicle showroom and immerse in the virtual and augmented reality experiences.

Becoming a parent can change many aspects of your life, including your finances, priorities, and of course, your sleeping schedule. It can also change your wants and needs when it comes to the type of vehicle you drive.  Soccer moms–and dads–need a safe, reliable vehicle with plenty of room for their kids. Parents typically spend a lot of time driving their kids to and from school, play dates, and various extracurricular activities, which means they also need a car that gets good gas mileage.  Finding a vehicle that meets these unique needs isn’t easy. Fortunately, there are a number of vehicles that fit the bill. What’s the best car for soccer moms and dads? Here are some of the top picks: Best Car for Soccer Moms [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Ford-Expedition.jpg] FORD EXPEDITION The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV that comes with either two or three rows of seating, so you can comfortably seat between five to eight passengers depending on which option you choose.  Even though the Expedition is a large vehicle, it still gets good gas mileage compared to other full-size SUVs. You can expect to get about 17 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway.  The Expedition is designed with a number of features that make it ideal for a soccer mom’s lifestyle. For example, it includes a WiFi hotspot, which will keep your kids busy during long drives. It is also designed with 15 cup holders, so everyone who is along for the ride will have a place to put their drink. Best Car for Soccer Moms [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Volvo-V90.jpg] VOLVO V90 Soccer moms aren’t limited to driving minivans or SUVs. There are also a number of wagons, including the Volvo V90, that are ideal for soccer moms and dads. The Volvo V90 isn’t as big as the Ford Expedition, but it comfortably seats up to five passengers and has plenty of cargo space. Volvo is known for producing safe vehicles, so it’s not surprising that the V90 earned the highest rating possible in six separate crash tests. The V90 also comes with countless safety features, including oncoming collision mitigation, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. The Volvo V90 also has a luxurious interior that features high-end materials, a user-friendly infotainment system, and comfortable seating. There’s also a panoramic moonroof that parents can open to make the drive a little more entertaining for their kids in the back. Best Car for Soccer Moms [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Subaru-Forester.jpg] SUBARU FORESTER The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that is designed to meet all of the needs of soccer moms and dads. Because it is a smaller SUV, it gets better gas mileage than some of the larger vehicles on this list. You can expect to get about 26 miles per gallon in the city and up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway. Even though it’s a compact SUV, the Subaru Forester is built with an impressive amount of cargo space. There are 31 cubic feet of storage space in the truck, which increases to over 76 cubic feet of space when the seats are folded down. The Forester is also designed with plenty of features to keep your passengers safe, including a rear-seat seat belt reminder, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lead vehicle start alert. Best Car for Soccer Moms [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Chrysler-Pacifica.jpg] CHRYSLER PACIFICA There’s a reason why soccer moms are often associated with minivans: these vehicles are practical, reliable, and ideal for active parents. If you’re interested in a minivan, you can’t go wrong with the Chrysler Pacifica.  The Chrysler Pacifica has three rows of seating, so it’s perfect for large families. You can even choose between a bench or two bucket seats for your second row of seating. Both the second and third row of seating also fold flat into the vehicle’s floor so you can quickly convert your backseat into a large trunk with over 140 cubic feet of storage space. The Pacifica comes with a number of standard entertainment features. But if you want to keep your kids busy during a long road trip, you may want to upgrade to the trim level that includes a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. Best Car for Soccer Moms [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Dodge-Durango.jpg] DODGE DURANGO The Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV that seats between five to seven passengers, depending on whether you choose a model with two or three rows of seating. The trunk has about 17 cubic feet of storage space, which increases to 43 cubic feet when the third row of seats is folded down. If you want to maximize your cargo space, you can fold both the second and third rows of seats down. This will give you more than 85 cubic feet of storage space. The Dodge Durango is also designed with an infotainment system to keep your passengers entertained on the road. The system is simple and straightforward to use, so your kids can adjust the controls while you focus solely on the road. Best Car for Soccer Moms [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Mercedes-Benz-GLS.jpg] MERCEDES-BENZ GLS If you’re in the market for luxury, look no further than the Mercedes-Benz GLS, which is a full-size SUV. The GLS can seat up to seven passengers and has a powerful engine capable of producing up to 603 horsepower. The interior features comfortable seating, high-end materials, and plenty of legroom. The base model comes with an infotainment system, an in-car communication system, a touchpad controller, satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. However, you may want to consider upgrading to one of the higher trim levels, which come with a 7-inch Mercedes-Benz tablet and wireless chargers in the backseat.  Best Car for Soccer Moms [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Toyota-Avalon.jpg] TOYOTA AVALON Soccer moms and dads often assume that they need a SUV or minivan to accommodate their growing families. However, some sedans can meet the needs of a busy parent. One of these sedans is the Toyota Avalon. The Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan that seats up to five passengers. The Avalon’s truck offers over 16 cubic feet of storage space. But unlike many other sedans, the Avalon’s rear seats are designed to fold down to substantially increase the cargo space in the back. Because it’s a sedan, the Toyota Avalon gets better gas mileage than other vehicles on this list. You can get up to 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway when you’re driving an Avalon. Plus, like other Toyotas, the Avalon is known for its reliability. You won’t need to worry about being late to pick up your kids due to an unexpected car problem. The Avalon also comes with many safety features, including blind spot monitoring, a rear view camera, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Best Car for Soccer Moms [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Volkswagen-Atlas.jpg] VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size crossover SUV that is popular among busy parents with active lifestyles. It is available with two or three rows of seating, so you can seat between five to eight passengers depending on which model you choose. The Atlas gets fairly good gas mileage, especially for an SUV. You can travel up to 21 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. The Atlas doesn’t have the most powerful engine, but it does offer a smooth and comfortable ride. Plus, it has an easy-to-use infotainment system and speakers throughout the cabin so your kids will enjoy the ride even if you get stuck in rush hour traffic.

Buying a car is a major financial commitment. If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on a car, it’s important to make sure it’s exactly what you want. For this reason, many people choose to modify their cars to fit their unique needs.  If you’re thinking about customizing your current car or buying a new car, you may want to use an online vehicle modification tool to explore your options. These tools allow you to build and customize vehicles using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. By using one of these tools, you can make sure you are completely satisfied with the vehicle you purchase or modifications you make to your current car. How can you start the process of bringing your dream car to life? Here are some of the best online vehicle modification tools: RELAYCARS Step inside the RelayCars virtual showroom to explore and customize thousands of different vehicles. The showroom is powered by augmented reality and three-dimensional technology, which makes the vehicles appear incredibly realistic.   Once you step into the virtual showroom, select a vehicle from RelayCars’ extensive library. Then, start customizing it. This tool will show you what exterior paint colors are available for the vehicle you selected. Choose a paint color and apply it to the vehicle with a tap of the finger or click of the mouse. This gives you an opportunity to see what a specific model would look like in every available paint color. Before you leave the showroom, take a look inside the vehicle. You can sit in the driver’s seat and explore every inch of the interior just by moving the tool in different directions. You can even turn around and look behind you to check out the back seats.  All automotive consumers can benefit from this powerful online vehicle modification tool. However, it is especially helpful to users who are thinking about buying a new car. If you’re going to buy a new car, use this tool to explore your options, customize the colors, and decide which vehicle is right for you. Online Vehicle Modification [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Automotive-Manufacturer-Websites.jpg] AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURER WEBSITES Automotive manufacturers understand that consumers want the ability to modify vehicles online, which is why most manufacturers have these tools on their websites.  All you need to do is select the specific model you want to customize. You can use these tools to change the exterior and interior color of your vehicle. Then, choose which features you want to include and what accessories you want to add on to bring your dream car to life. These tools are easy to use, however, your options are limited when it comes to which vehicles you can customize.  For example, if you are on the Toyota website, you will only be able to choose from various Toyota models. If you want to customize a BMW, you will need to leave the Toyota website and visit BMW’s site instead. This makes it more difficult to compare your options if you are trying to choose between multiple vehicles produced by different manufacturers.  Online Vehicle Modification [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Car-Color-Changer.jpg] CAR COLOR CHANGER If you simply want to change the paint color of a vehicle, another option is the Car Color Changer app, which is available for Android devices. You can use this app to see what countless paint colors would look like on different vehicle body styles. There are pros and cons to this online vehicle modification tool. It’s very user-friendly, so you don’t need to be tech savvy to use it. You can also create custom designs with more than one paint color. For example, you can choose to paint half the car bright red and the other half a sleek and sophisticated charcoal gray. However, you cannot preview paint colors on a specific make and model. Instead, you can only see what different paint colors would look like on a generic SUV, sedan, or hatchback. This is the main drawback to using this online vehicle modification tool, especially if you are trying to decide which vehicle to purchase.  FUEL OFF ROAD There is also a vehicle modification tool on the Fuel Off Road website. Fuel Off Road is an online retailer that sells wheels and tires for passenger vehicles. To assist online shoppers, Fuel Off Road built a modification tool on their website that allows customers to customize vehicles with various wheels and tires.  If you are thinking about upgrading the wheels and tires on your vehicle, you can use this tool to explore your options and preview what different styles would look like. Just like the Car Color Changer app, the Fuel Off Road tool does not allow you to preview the modifications you have selected on a specific make and model. You can only see what the wheels and tires would look like on a generic truck. However, you should still be able to use this tool to get a good idea of whether you would like different wheels and tires for your vehicle. 3D TUNING 3D Tuning is one of the most popular online vehicle modification apps on the market. You can choose from over one thousand vehicles in the 3D Tuning library. Unlike the Fuel Off Road and Car Color Changer tools, 3D Tuning does allow you to choose a specific make and model to customize. Once you choose a vehicle, start customizing it.  3D Tuning has more modification options than the Fuel Off Road and Car Color Changer tools. You can use 3D Tuning to customize everything from the vehicle’s bumpers and grills to exterior paint color. You can even customize the side mirrors on the selected vehicle. Save the cars you customize in your 3D Tuning Garage so you can revisit them later. You can also share them with your friends and family members. Online Vehicle Modification [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Fix-My-Car.jpg] FIX MY CAR The Fix My Car app is another option. There are several different versions of the Fix My Car app, including Garage Wars and Custom Mods, which are both designed with a vehicle modification feature.  But unlike the other tools on this list, the Fix My Car app was built for race car aficionados. It allows you to choose a vehicle, make modifications, and convert it into a racing car. Fix My Car has educational value, too. It teaches users about the various features found on a racecar and explains how to make certain modifications. Even though it’s educational, it won’t feel like you are learning when you are using the app because it’s so fun.  If you are looking for fun and games, download the Garage Wars version of this app. After you customize your vehicle, you can enter it into a speed race using this version of the Fix My Cars app.  OVERDRIVE CITY If you are trying to decide which vehicle to purchase or what modifications to make to your current car, Overdrive City is not the right tool for you. But if you just want to turn customizing different vehicles into a fun game, you may want to download this app on your Android or iOS device. The Overdrive City app allows you to build car factories, manufacture parts, and customize vehicles. The app does allow you to customize a specific make and model, but options are limited. Currently, the app lets you choose from various models produced by luxury manufacturers such as Porsche and Lamborghini.  Once you’re satisfied with your custom creation, enter it into a car race and compete with other users.  CAR WRAPPER If you want to change the exterior color of your vehicle, you have two main options. You can either paint it a different color or get a car wrap, which is a thin layer of vinyl that is applied to the exterior of your vehicle. If you’re thinking about getting a car wrap, explore your options on the Car Wrapper app. To begin, choose the make and model of the vehicle you want to wrap. Then, browse the color and finish options to design a custom wrap for your vehicle. You can choose to partially or completely cover your vehicle with your custom wrap. You can even apply multiple wraps to the vehicle to create a truly unique design.  This tool makes it easier to visualize what a car wrap would look like on your vehicle. This way, you won’t end up paying for a car wrap you’re not completely satisfied with. Online Vehicle Modification [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Car-Mechanic-Simulator.jpg] CAR MECHANIC SIMULATOR If you love classic cars, the Car Mechanic Simulator app is the right online vehicle modification tool for you. To begin, choose from a selection of classic vehicles available in the app. Then, start customizing your selected vehicle.  The app allows you to repair and/or replace old parts, remove rust, and change the exterior paint color of the vehicle. In other words, it gives you the power to breathe new life into an old car using your smartphone or tablet.   Start using these online vehicle modification tools now so you can visualize your dream car on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Modern vehicles were first built in Germany in the late 1800s. However, the Ford Model T, which was introduced in 1908, was the first mass-produced vehicle that people could actually afford to buy. This is why Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, is often referred to as the father of the automotive industry.  The automotive industry has come a long way since the days of the Ford Model T. Throughout the decades, the industry has evolved in response to changes in consumer demand, innovative technologies, and safety and environmental concerns. But many experts believe that the biggest changes are yet to come.  Automotive experts believe that the industry will go through a transformation period over the next decade. What will inspire these changes and what should consumers expect? Here are the 7 trends that are set to shape the future of the automotive industry: Future of the Automotive Industry [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Autonomous-Vehicles.jpg] AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES In the past, a self-driving vehicle seemed like something you would see in a futuristic science fiction movie. But now, many experts believe that autonomous vehicles will have a major impact on the future of the automotive industry.  There are five different levels of autonomous driving. The lower levels are vehicles that still require a human driver even though they are designed with some autonomous features. There are many vehicles available today that fall into the category of level 1 or 2 automation. For example, Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist system controls the vehicle’s steering and braking, but requires a human driver to have their hands on the steering wheel at all times.  In the future, though, experts believe that the roads will be filled with level five autonomous vehicles, which do not require a human driver.  The thought of self-driving vehicles may sound frightening, but the introduction of these vehicles could actually improve road safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 94% of all traffic accidents are caused by human error. In the future, autonomous vehicles could prevent these accidents, which could save thousands of lives per year. CONNECTIVITY In the automotive industry, the term “connectivity” refers to a vehicle’s ability to connect with the outside world. The three different types of car connectivity are: * Car2Car: This refers to a car’s ability to send and receive data from other cars located nearby. * Car2X: This refers to a vehicle’s ability to send and receive data from infrastructure such as traffic lights. * Passengers: This refers to the passengers’ ability to connect with the outside world while traveling in a connected vehicle.  Experts predict that all three types of connectivity will be incorporated into the design of future vehicles, which would drastically transform the driving experience. For example, in a fully connected vehicle, passengers would be able to connect to the internet to communicate, work, shop, or pass the time on their favorite websites.  Meanwhile, their vehicle would be able to connect with other vehicles and traffic infrastructure to collect important data about upcoming traffic, weather, or road hazards. The vehicle may discover that there is a car accident ahead that has slowed down traffic. Based on this information, the vehicle may decide to take another route to ensure the passengers can get to their final destination as quickly as possible. These are just two examples of how connectivity could significantly improve the driving experience in the future. Future of the Automotive Industry [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Electric-Vehicles.jpg] ELECTRIC VEHICLES Electric vehicles already exist in today’s world. In fact, there are about 1.8 million electric vehicles registered in the United States. So far, the electric vehicle market has only experienced slow growth. However, experts predict that electric vehicles will dominate the automotive industry over the next decade.  There are a number of reasons why experts believe this will happen. First, experts predict that more governmental bodies around the world will pass legislation encouraging or requiring consumers to purchase electric vehicles.  In California, for example, Governor Newsom signed an executive order that phases out the sale of gas-powered vehicles in the state. Experts believe that legislation like this will pass in many other areas around the world in the future. This would leave consumers with no other choice but to purchase electric vehicles. Experts also believe that electric vehicles will grow in popularity as charging stations become more available around the world. Many consumers are hesitant to go electric because they fear they won’t be able to find a charging station when they need to give their battery a boost. But now, these charging stations are popping up everywhere, which means consumers won’t need to worry about being inconvenienced by owning an electric vehicle. If these predictions come true, the growth of the electric vehicle segment of the market will have a major impact on the future of the automotive industry. SHIFT TO ONLINE The vast majority of consumers are comfortable shopping for items online. However, until recently, the concept of buying a car online rather than at a dealership was practically unheard of. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.  During the pandemic, dealerships were forced to temporarily close their showrooms. Even when the showrooms re-opened, many consumers felt it was safer to shop online for vehicles rather than visit dealerships in person. This resulted in an explosion of online vehicle sales. In fact, 30% of all new car sales were completed online in 2020. Experts believe that this trend will not die off once the pandemic is over. Instead, they believe that it will redefine how consumers shop for vehicles and how automotive companies sell to consumers in the future.  Automotive manufacturers and dealerships must be willing to invest in the right tools to shift to online sales. They must also find ways to connect with and assist consumers as they move through the car buying process online. It may be challenging to make these changes at first, but in the long run, the automotive industry could benefit greatly from this trend.  Future of the Automotive Industry [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Shared-Mobility.jpg] SHARED MOBILITY In today’s uncertain world, many consumers are hesitant to make large purchases, including vehicles. These consumers are beginning to demand more flexibility from the automotive industry. Experts believe that the industry will respond in the years ahead by embracing shared mobility. Vehicle-sharing is already available in a number of big cities in the U.S. Car-sharing companies offer consumers the chance to pick up a vehicle at a convenient location and use it for a short period of time. This allows consumers to enjoy the perks of having access to a vehicle without having to incur the costs of car ownership. In other words, consumers can use a vehicle whenever they need it without having to make a large financial investment or worry about maintenance, repairs, or insurance. In the future, experts believe that this car-sharing model will grow in popularity and expand to other areas in the U.S. This could drastically change the automotive industry. If car-sharing becomes more popular, vehicle sales may decline in the future. A rise in car-sharing could also change how automotive manufacturers design, produce, market, and sell their vehicles. SHORTER MODEL CYCLES The term “model cycle” refers to the length of time that a specific vehicle model is produced before it is redesigned. Right now, model cycles are typically between five to eight years. This means most automotive manufacturers redesign a model after it has been sold for five to eight years. However, this could change over the next decade. Experts believe that the model cycle in the automotive industry will shrink to one year. Instead of updating designs every five to eight years, automotive manufacturers will need to release new designs every year.  Why? According to experts, vehicles of the future will be autonomous and connected, which means they will be designed with incredibly sophisticated technologies. These advanced technologies will need to be updated far more frequently than the technologies used in vehicles today. In order to issue these updates, automotive manufacturers will need to drastically shorten their model cycles to one year.  NEW ENTRANTS Toyota, Ford, Honda, and several other manufacturers have dominated the automotive industry for decades. However, they may face some new competition in the future. Experts predict that the changes in the automotive industry will make it easier for other companies to enter the market and compete with today’s major players. These experts believe that some of the competitors may come from the tech industry. Companies from this sector may enter the autonomous driving vehicle segment of the market.  Automotive consumers may view new competitors as edgy, innovative, and exciting, which could make it difficult for larger, established brands to compete with them. Established manufacturers may also face competition from Chinese car manufacturers, which have experienced an impressive growth in annual sales over the last few years. New entrants could shake up the automotive industry and force established players to rapidly innovate in order to retain their customers. Based on these predictions, the automotive industry may look very different in a decade. These trends could completely disrupt the industry and bring surprising changes for consumers and manufacturers alike.

The process of shopping for a new car has evolved significantly. The pandemic pushed the car industry into the online shopping world, but, even prior to lockdowns, many buyers were already looking online for research purposes. Now technology has enhanced the shopping experience to include virtual and augmented reality features. Businesses used mixed reality to reimagine online shopping and to create a platform that more closely resembles shopping in the physical store. In fact, even consumers looking for a new car online have witnessed immersive vehicles drive into augmented and virtual reality apps to create a more engaging and interactive user experience. What makes a vehicle immersive? And can anyone access the power of augmented reality? Or virtual reality? VIRTUAL REALITY, AUGMENTED REALITY AND EXTENDED REALITY Online businesses and stores began to incorporate interactive features like augmented reality years ago. For some industries, offering augmented reality tools allowed them to create a solution to trying on products virtually. One of the issues with shopping online for cosmetics, sunglasses and even clothes was the lack of physical interaction from the consumer. That is, in the store the consumer could perhaps test out a lipstick hue and try on frames and clothing. Online was different. While virtual models or pictures of models could show shoppers what a product should look like, there was still a question in how that product would translate on each person’s body and complexion. Even home improvement purchases could be hit or miss. For example, homeowners might have to guess as to whether or not a paint color would look good in a room. Or they might not know if the color they were viewing on screen was an accurate depiction. To help customers better visualize purchases, businesses needed some way to provide virtual try-on experiences. Obviously, a human cannot just step into a computer. The solution for some stores and businesses was to implement an augmented reality platform that provided this virtual try-on experience. By using the camera on their phone or tablet, shoppers could show a wall and then select a paint color. In an instant, the hue would magically appear on the wall. Cosmetics brands and stores offered a similar feature. Shoppers could select a particular product, choose their color and swipe it on their face…virtually. The camera would show their face like a mirror, and the product would be painted on lips, eyes, cheeks…and even hair (for hair color previews). This virtual experience was virtual in the sense that it wasn’t in-person. However, there is a difference between virtual reality experiences and augmented reality. Many businesses implement augmented reality experiences for try-on previews. While some could offer virtual reality, this isn’t the most popular option. Virtual reality has different meanings to different people. Some feel that virtual experiences are any experience that doesn’t take place in-person like virtual learning or virtual meetings. Virtual reality, however, is defined as an experience that takes place in a virtual reality. Users typically must wear a headset or goggles to enter this type of experience. Virtual reality lets the user experience activities and experiences and even products in a realm separate from their own environment. All elements depicted are graphics. Nothing in virtual reality incorporates the real environment. Augmented reality, however, can be experienced without a headset. Users often just need a phone or tablet (that’s compatible with augmented reality). Augmented reality (or AR for short) superimposes graphic elements on top of the real world environment. It’s the mix of real and graphic that might make it an ideal choice for businesses that need a way for shoppers to preview products. Viewing cosmetics or even furniture in a graphic virtual environment wouldn’t be so helpful for a buyer that just wants to know if a lipstick flatters them or a chair looks nice in the living room. There also is XR, which stands for extended reality. XR isn’t a separate technology from augmented and virtual reality. Instead, it’s an all-encompassing term to include all these technologies. How is an Immersive Vehicle Helpful to Buyers [https://relaycars.gryffin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/image.jpeg] HOW IS AN IMMERSIVE VEHICLE HELPFUL TO BUYERS? Augmented reality lets buyers or shoppers easily preview products by overlaying their graphic depictions in the real-world environment. But how does augmented reality and an immersive car benefit car shoppers? Wouldn’t this kind of graphic just be cumbersome? Manufacturers, dealerships and sites like RelayCars allow shoppers (or visitors) to use augmented reality to preview different vehicles in many makes and models. Users simply choose the vehicle they want to preview, and, once again, using their phone’s camera, they can drop the vehicle into any space. RelayCars, however, mixes virtual reality immersive cars with the power of augmented reality. So how does this work? The site lets visitors view the car online and interact with the virtual depiction. Turn the vehicle around. View pictures of the interior. Shoppers that want to get up close to a vehicle can launch the augmented reality experience. Drop the car in any space. Then walk around it and explore the different features. Manufacturers might have their own augmented reality experiences, as well. Every experience could vary. For example, Lamborghini launched one of its models via an augmented reality experience. The launch included a video and other elements, too. HOW CAN SHOPPERS USE AUGMENTED REALITY TO FIND THE PERFECT CAR? Dropping an augmented model of a vehicle into a space might sound novel and fun. However, augmented reality isn’t just about keeping the buyer entertained while looking at cars. This technology can help aid in the buying process. Looking at pictures online can give shoppers some idea about a vehicle. They can view the interior and peek at different features. Maybe they can even look at the vehicle in different paint colors, too. Augmented reality is immersive by design, though. This technology gives shoppers the power to really see how a car looks in their garage. Or in their driveway. They can use augmented reality to get a better idea of rear passenger space. And view those paint hues in a more realistic manner. Augmented reality tools can be used to compare different models, too. While the camera can only display one model at a time, users can explore as many models as they wish with many augmented reality sites. RelayCars doesn’t require users to subscribe, there isn’t a time limit, and there also isn’t a limit on how many cars that users can see. Some buyers might not know what type of car they want to drive. Immersive cars via augmented reality can help them explore all the options. Drop in a crossover. Explore an SUV. Look at pictures of different sedans, then preview the vehicles using augmented reality. Maybe how the car appears in the driveway matters. Sure the car could look cool in photos. But maybe when the potential buyer views it in augmented reality and sees it in the driveway, it loses appeal. Augmented reality allows users to see each car in a large depiction. Users aren’t viewing tiny models, they are seeing large vehicles in front of them. Size and scale can make a difference when researching. Not knowing what precisely they want isn’t necessarily an uncommon situation for many car buyers. In fact, Cox Automotive reported in its most recent Car Buyer Journey Study that 35 percent of buyers knew what they wanted. Augmented reality could be yet another way for buyers to figure out what car is the perfect choice for their needs. This technology could lead buyers to research stats and pricing on different vehicles and compare their options. In addition, younger buyers like Generation Z aren’t focused on being loyal to a specific brand. In fact, Little Black Book reports that “…71% say that they need to be aware of all the buying options available to them – making them more likely to engage with competitors and more likely to buy based on research than brand reputation.” Future of Shopping [https://relaycars.gryffin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/image-1.jpeg] ARE IMMERSIVE CARS THE FUTURE OF SHOPPING? Not every manufacturer offers shoppers the option to view models via augmented reality. But could this experience be more commonplace in the future? Dealerships may realize that buyers want these immersive vehicles and that they want to be able to preview different models beyond two-dimensional pictures. However, RelayCars also is always open. Immersive cars aren’t necessarily the future, they are the present! In the future, buyers could see more immersive features via augmented reality. Yes, immersive vehicles could become more…immersive. Imagine clicking on an augmented reality car’s door and watching it open. Perhaps in the future shoppers can look at the interior. Or maybe they can click on the trunk and check out the cargo space. The future is always a big question mark. However, the automotive industry is advancing to meet the demands and needs of the consumer. As technology gives way to more immersive experiences, manufacturers and businesses could incorporate newer technology to heighten user engagement. RelayCars is constantly adding new models to its online inventory. And the site provides a mix of augmented and virtual experiences. When RelayCars launched, it looked different and offered other viewing options for visitors. And when—and if—those much anticipated augmented reality glasses become a reality, they could change shopping, too. Maybe everyone will view products in augmented reality, and perhaps those immersive cars will appear before our eyes.