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With plenty to see and do in the area, Fort Smith, AR, is a popular destination. Visitors to the area will not be disappointed by the hotels on offer. With options that suit all budgets readily available, visitors will have no difficulty finding a "home" while they explore the sights of the town and its surroundings. more 6 Best Hotels for Visitors to Fort Smith, AR 1. DoubleTree by Hilton Located 3.7 miles from the University of Arkansas and 5 miles from the airport, the DoubleTree is a popular choice among visitors. The onsite restaurant offers a full English breakfast each morning and a selection of dishes in the evenings. Facilities and services on offer include a fitness center, room service, a 24-hour front desk, parking, and a sun terrace. 2. Quality Inn Fort Smith I-540 Facilities on offer at the Quality Inn Fort Smith include a spa and wellness center, indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub. A wide selection of options are available at the buffet breakfast bar, making it an affordable option for families. All rooms are equipped with wi-fi, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. 3. Courtyard by Marriott Fort Smith Downtown Situated in the heart of Fort Smith, Courtyard by Marriott is a favorite among couples. It provides easy access to the sights and shopping in the downtown area. The hotel offers guests an indoor swimming pool complete with a whirlpool, a hot breakfast and evening Bristo, and several lounge areas with fireside seating. Each room is equipped with wi-fi, a coffee maker, flatscreen TV, and air conditioning. 4. Hampton Inn Fort Smith The Hampton Inn has 178 smoke-free rooms available for visitors with free parking as a bonus. The hotel is pet and family-friendly, with additional cribs available on request and a special children\s swimming pool. There is also an indoor swimming pool with a whirlpool. The onsite restaurant provides guests with different options for breakfasts and dinners. 5. Best Western Aspen The Best Western Aspen is the ideal no-frills hotel and is a popular choice among families especially given the adjourning room options. A range of different room options are available, with many including free breakfast for two. The Best Western Aspen offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a  business center. Free parking is available for guests. 6. River Valley Inn and Suites Another popular choice for families is the River Valley Inn and Suites, with pets also welcome. The hotel offers a seasonal outdoor pool, two meeting rooms, wedding services, free wifi, and free parking. There are 128 rooms with non-smoking and smoking options available. Coffee is available in the common area along with a computer station. There is plenty of quality accommodation in the Fort Smith area. They are located throughout the area, meaning it is easy for visitors to locate a hotel in the area that they intend to spend most of their time. A range of different pricing options and room configurations are readily accessible. Those looking to return home in style, call in and see the team at Rath Auto Fort Smith. Image via Pixabay

Your vehicle's radiator keeps the engine cool and prevents it from overheating. The radiator can only perform effectively if all the components of the cooling system work as they should. In the following article, we will discuss why it is vital not to ignore the warning signs and get a radiator repair as soon as possible. more Time for a Radiator Repair? 5 Reasons Not to Ignore the Signs 1. Leaks Will Cause Overheating A common sign of radiator problems is leaking. When you see a red or green puddle under your car, it's a sure sign that there is a coolant leak. Radiator leaks are caused by cracks or degrading or loose hoses, which will allow the fluid to escape. Coolant runs between the radiator and the hot engine. This creates pressure which in time will affect the radiator hoses. When there is a leak, it will ultimately lead to overheating. To solve the problem, your technician will have to replace the radiator hoses. 2. Contaminated Coolant Will Clog Up the Radiator When the coolant changes from a healthy red or green color into a brown, oily sludge, it's a sign that the fluid has been contaminated. This sludge will clog up the radiator and prevent it from cooling down the engine. In turn, this will lead to overheating and engine problems. A coolant flush is needed to get rid of all the buildup and clear the system. 3. Rust Will Lead to Corrosion With the combination of liquid, air, and metal, rust is bound to set in, and if it's not sorted out fast, it could damage the cooling system and get into the engine. When a radiator becomes rusty, the rust mixes with the coolant a thick sludge is formed. This can lead to corrosion. There are two ways to see if rust is setting in. You will see the rust on the outside of the radiator. The coolant will also have a brownish color. The radiator will have to be flushed, and the coolant will be replaced. 4. Overheating Will Occur When Idling or Driving If you notice that the temperature gauge spikes when your vehicle is idling, it could be caused by a broken or failing radiator fan. The fan draws air in to cool down the radiator while driving at low speeds or idling. When the fan stops working, your vehicle's temperature will rise when in traffic or waiting at an intersection. 5. Overheating will Cause White Steam or Smoke The white smoke could be coming from under the hood or from the tailpipe. The smoke is caused by an internal coolant leak and will lead to your vehicle overheating. Either way, pull over immediately when it's safe and wait for your vehicle to cool down. This is a serious problem, and our best advice is to contact your technician straight away and ask for assistance. A faulty radiator that is not fixed immediately could cause extensive damage that will be expensive to repair. Contact Rath Auto Resources today. One of our expert technicians will do a thorough radiator inspection and ensure that your vehicle's cooling system is in excellent working order.

Shopping for a used car is very different from shopping for a new car. For one thing, you don't have to worry about the mechanical problems of a new car because it's fresh from the factory. Knowing how to spot the best used cars on the lot is vital to ensure you purchase a quality vehicle at a good price. more How to Spot the Best Used Cars on the Lot Do Your Research First Before you even begin shopping in person, go online and identify car models that have the features you want, are not prone to mechanical issues, and have a reputation for reliability and longevity. This will weed out any vehicles that are known to have issues so that you don't even bother looking at them in person. Of course, you'll want to have several models in mind when you go shopping in case some aren't available where you shop. Look at the Window Sticker By law, every used car that's for sale must have a window sticker that tells you whether the vehicle is being sold "as is" or if it comes with a warranty. If a warranty is included, it will explain how repair costs will be covered and what percentage you'll be required to pay. While you don't necessarily need to have a warranty on a used car, it does provide some assurance that your purchase will be protected. Inspect the Body Look the entire car over for dents, scratches, rust, and body filler. All panels, the roof, and fenders should be carefully inspected to ensure the body is in good condition. If you think you've found a spot that's been patched with body filler, place a magnet against the area. If the magnet doesn't stick to the spot, body filler has been used. Body damage is not necessarily a deal killer, but you might be able to get a better price. Tires Cars with fewer than 20,000 miles should probably still have their original tires. If the vehicle you're looking at has fewer than 20,000 miles and brand new tires, think twice about that car. The vehicle may have been driven harshly, which may have caused early wear on the tires. Or, it may not have been maintained properly. Either way, it's a sign that the car may not be as good of a deal as it seems. Interior Besides the obvious wear and tear on upholstery,, there are certain things to look for when inspecting the interior. Turn the car on to make sure all warning lights illuminate and that the car starts up right away. Turn on all lights and look for signs of water leaks from windows and doors. If you smell a musty odor, it could mean the car has water damage, so be sure to ask for a vehicle history report. Mechanics If at all possible, have a mechanic inspect the engine and other mechanical components, especially if you're not familiar with cars. This will ensure you're not getting a car that has mechanical problems that are going to cost you even more money in the long run. Additionally, purchasing a used vehicle from a reputable dealership will remove this doubt as well. Searching for a used car is not always easy, but if you know what to look for, you'll find the best deals on the lot. Come by Rath Auto Resources of Fort Smith to check out our inventory of fully-inspected, mechanically sound used cars.

When you're shopping for a used car, you likely have a budget you need to stick to, but of course, you also want to get the best car you can for that amount. These best used cars under $15,000 will help you get a reliable used car and allow you to stay within your budget. 2018 Kia Rio For a subcompact car, the 2018 Kia Rio has a surprisingly decent amount of cargo space and legroom for passengers. The driver's seat is also very comfortable, making this an excellent option for commuters. With strong safety and reliability scores, you would be getting a vehicle that you can depend on as well as one that can keep you and your family safe while on the road. Fuel economy is also good at 37 MPG on the highway. more 2018 Chevrolet Cruze If you're looking for a small car that's packed with technology, the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is the ideal pick. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, and the 7-inch touchscreen is generous for a car this size. You'll also have Bluetooth capabilities and an in-car WiFi hotspot for all your passengers' devices. It gets 40 MPG on the highway and the engine has plenty of power to make passing on the highway easy and smooth. 2014 Mazda CX-5 For drivers who live in areas that get a lot of snow, an SUV is almost a must-have. Fortunately, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that's not only fun to drive, but also provides plenty of interior space for five people. Whether you choose the base model with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or the upgraded version with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, you'll have decent power and better-than-average acceleration. 2015 Chevrolet Trax Another SUV option, the 2015 Chevrolet Trax is a great choice for people who have to park in tight spaces. Its handling is best in class and it's easy to tightly turn into small parking spaces that other cars have to pass up. This model also gets great gas mileage, has high safety ratings, and is considered one of the most reliable subcompact SUVs on the market. Its power is a little weak, but you'll love the way it handles. 2015 Nissan Rogue A larger SUV than the Chevrolet Trax, the Nissan Rogue is a fantastic option for families. There is plenty of head and legroom for all passengers in both the first and second-row seats. If you look hard enough, you might even find a model with an optional third row of seats, which is almost unheard of for compact SUVs. Acceleration can be sluggish, but once it gets going, the Rogue will tackle any road condition you encounter. 2017 Toyota Yaris This little car is a delight to drive because of its luxurious interior and cutting-edge technology. Few cars at this price point have the features of the 2017 Toyota Yaris. For instance, you'll have a backup camera, a touchscreen infotainment center, and automatic emergency braking. These features make it one of the safest vehicles in its class, and Toyota is well-known for its reliability. With a budget limit of $15,000, you don't have to compromise on what you want in a car. Contact Rath Auto Resources today to see our inventory and find a car that meets your needs, wants, and budget.

It can be hard to find a dinner idea that everybody can agree on. But just about everyone loves a zesty and cheesy pizza. So, if you're looking for a crowd-pleasing meal tonight that'll bring a smile to anyone's face, where are the best pizza places in the local area? Check out our guide below and we'll give you the best spots to get the tastiest pies in Fort Smith. 1. Cavanaugh Pizza This spot is a go-to for locals in the area. Available for dine-in or carry-out, you'll love the pizza whether you eat at the store or bring it home to enjoy. If you're dining in, you'll get complimentary nachos brought to your table to snack on while you wait for your order. And if you're feeling really hungry, they have an all-you-can-eat buffet offering for you to chow down on until you're satisfied. more 2. Hideaway Pizza A local favorite, Hideaway pizza gives you great food with a smile from their friendly staff. They have lots of great specialty pies to pick from, but our favorite has to be the Paradise Pizza. It comes with alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and provolone cheese, chicken, bacon, mushroom, spinach, and tomatoes. They also have great Italian food if you're looking for some variety with your pizza. 3. Jim's Razorback Pizza Whether you need delivery or you're looking to stop by, Jim's has you covered. They've got a wide selection on their menu, but our favorite for a unique pick had to be the cheeseburger pizza. Whatever you decide to get, though, do yourself a favor and get a side of wings with your pie. They're sure to knock your socks off with their zesty sauce in a variety of flavors. 4. Gusano's Chicago Style Pizzeria Finding New York-style pies is easy, but have you ever treated yourself to a Chicago-style pizza? If not, you have to check out Gusano's. Their deep-dish pizzas are unlike anything you'll get anywhere else and are hearty enough to feed the whole family. You'll also get a reasonable price for your food, so stop in and say hello to Gusano's friendly staff today. 5. Eureka Pizza What's not to love with pizza at a fair price and friendly service with a smile? You'll get both value and great service at Eureka's. Their whole menu is delicious, but our favorite has to be the Eureka Supreme, which comes with everything but the kitchen sink on it for toppings. If you're really looking for a treat, you can order any pizza with a stuffed crust filled with cheesy goodness as well. Bet you can't read this list without getting hungry. Now you know where to go to satisfy that craving with a delicious pizza pie. Once you're all filled up from dinner, why not treat yourself to a tasty new ride as well? Our selection of quality used vehicles has something for everybody. Stop in and visit Rath Auto Resources today!

Brand new trucks are expensive, and if you want one of the best, you're going to have to pay even more. Fortunately, there are plenty of used trucks that are just as reliable as the day they rolled off the assembly line. The best pickup truck to buy used is one that won't leave you in a lurch when you need it most. Try one of these great used truck models the next time you're in the market for one. Honda Ridgeline Not only is the Honda Ridgeline the most reliable used truck available, but it also provides superior handling and a smooth ride. When a pickup truck has a smooth ride, you know you've hit gold. The truck bed itself is a bit short, but there is a hidden lockable storage area under the cargo box floor which allows you to haul more than you think you can. Moreover, the two-way tailgate makes the truck simple to load as well. more Cadillac Escalade EXT You knew there had to be a luxury pickup truck on this list, and here it is. The Cadillac Escalade EXT provides a luxury ride while still offering a truck bed to haul just about anything you need. Its cargo box is fairly short, but the midgate on later models easily allows you to carry longer cargo as long as you secure it. As with most luxury vehicles, there is plenty of space in both the front and back seats. Ford Ranger The Ford Ranger has proven to be such a popular truck that Ford made the decision to put it back in its vehicle lineup. However, used Ford Rangers are still in high demand. When you visualize a pickup truck, the Ford Ranger is what you see. It doesn't offer much in the way of fancy features, but it performs exactly as a truck should. It's reliable and durable, making it an overall great choice for hauling all sorts of stuff. GMC Sierra 1500 This full-sized pickup truck is considered a best-used buy because of its relative fuel efficiency. You get all the awesome power of a V8 engine, but you also save on gas money, which is an anomaly for a truck of this size. Additionally, the hauling and towing capabilities of the GMC Sierra 1500 are second to none for a truck in this class. You won't have any regrets with this truck both in terms of size and usefulness. Chevrolet Avalanche Essentially, the Chevrolet Avalanche the same vehicle as a Chevrolet Suburban with a short truck bed instead of an enclosed cargo area. Even though the cargo box is short, the midgate allows you to haul longer cargo when you fold down the rear seats. This is an ideal choice for someone who needs both a pickup truck and a family vehicle. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Chevy is known for its trucks, which explains why two of them make this list. If you're looking for a top choice for towing and hauling while still having a nice passenger cabin, this is the truck for you. Reliability and durability round out the qualities that make the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 one of the best-used pickup trucks you can buy. If you're in the market for a pickup truck but are having sticker shock over the new truck prices, consider one of these six used trucks instead. Come by Rath Auto Resources today to see our fantastic used vehicle inventory and take one for a test drive!

Fort Smith, AR is a great place to get all your holiday shopping done, whether you need to find everything in one place or just a few last-minute items. You'll find large department stores, small boutiques, and specialty shops in and around town for everyone on your gift-giving list. 1. Central Mall If you need a spot to get all your holiday errands done, this is an exceptional mall to go to! It's easy to access on Rogers Avenue with lots of parking available. You'll find everything you need from high-quality apparel, accessories, technology, housewares, and more. The mall's website provides an update on seasonal events and sales throughout the year so that you can plan your trip. Gift cards and curbside pickup are also available. more 2. Plato's Closet A unique spot to find the familiar shops you know and local businesses and shops to explore, Plato's Closet offers an excellent selection of quality goods and items for the season. There are buy, sell, and trade options available in the event you are looking for some decent bargains. The fashions are trendy and well-suited for the family and friends on your list who want to expand their wardrobe. Plato's Closet's website features online purchasing and a style blog. 3. Belle Starr Antiques and Vintage Market If you're looking for vintage goods and collectibles for your gift-giving this holiday, Belle Starr is a fantastic shop to check out for some unique gift and housewares ideas. Whether you collect specific items or have a family member who does, you'll find a lot worth exploring all under one roof! Located centrally on North B Street, this market is easy to drop by while you're visiting the city downtown. 4. The Shops at Brick City This spot is number one for all your artisan and one-of-a-kind gift-giving ideas! You'll find a great assortment of high-quality clothing, foods, spices, toys, and more. Getting your holiday purchases done here means you'll be supporting local and small businesses. You'll find everything from hand-crafted jewelry and children's apparel to gourmet foods. 5. Green Pointe Center Do you have last-minute errands and items to buy before the holidays? The Green Pointe Center is a practical way to get those final items, seasonal cards, and specialty goods; you'll find what you need in a hurry or in between getting errands done when you visit in town. The mall is nearby other shops and restaurants so that you can enjoy a tasty snack or meal during your trip. You'll find everything you need and more when you visit the city over the weekend or on your way home from work. Why not enjoy your next drive into town with a high-quality vehicle with all the features you need? Drop by our showroom at Rath Auto Resources to see our inventory and what we have to offer you on your next visit to the city! We provide a wide range of excellent quality vehicles and services at competitive rates!

The braking system on your vehicle is one of the most critical components to ensure is always working properly. After all, it is the only thing preventing you from crashing into objects because you can't stop. However, drivers sometimes forget to have their brakes inspected on a regular basis and may not know the steps to take when you need to get a brake repair. Get Your Brakes Inspected The first step to take when you think you may need to get your brakes fixed is to take your vehicle to a service center for inspection. Often, this is done at the same time as an oil change, but if you notice that your brakes have gotten mushy or you need more pressure on the brake pedal to stop your vehicle, then you should take your vehicle into a service center immediately to have them checked out. more Another sign that it's time for brake service is a squealing or grinding sound coming from your tires when you stop your vehicle. Brake pads are equipped with a sliver of metal that becomes exposed as your pads wear down. Eventually, as the brake pads wear away, the metal sliver comes in contact with the rotors, causing it to squeal. Grinding is even more serious because that means the metal is entirely worn down. Ask About Specials If a service center inspects your brakes and tells you that they need to be repaired, ask about any specials the center is currently offering. In many cases, there will be a deal on parts, including brake pads and rotors. Often, these deals will also include installation, so you don't have to worry about installing them yourself. Typically, you can get your brake inspection free if you opt to have them repaired at the service center. Other service centers might offer you a prepaid gift card if you purchase your brake parts through them, or a brand may be offering a rebate on the brake pads you need to replace. Still other centers may have a discounted brake service package that includes brake pads, machining your rotors, cleaning and lubrication, and brake line inspection. Whatever the deal, it will save you some money if you ask about these specials or coupons before your brakes are serviced. Choose Factory Parts If you decide not to go to your vehicle manufacturer's service center to fix your brakes, be sure you choose genuine brand-specific brake parts if you need to have any replaced. This is because not all pads will fit well with your vehicle, but your manufacturer has specified which parts have been designed for your vehicle's exact make, model, and year. These should be the parts you use for the best results. Of course, if you have your brakes inspected and repaired at your vehicle manufacturer's service center or dealership, you can be sure that only factory-specific parts will be used to replace your work pads and rotors. Not only that, but you'll get superior service from factory-trained technicians as well. This way, you can be sure that your vehicle is in the best possible hands as it is repaired. Getting your brakes repaired is probably not something you look forward to doing, but if you don't, the consequences could be extremely dangerous. Call Rath Auto Resources now to schedule your brake inspection and get the process of fixing your brakes in motion.

We love living in Fort Smith, AR, and we know that you love it, too. With so much to do and friendly, helpful people, our community is one of the best. These are just a few of the reasons Fort Smith is an amazing place to live. History Fort Smith began as a military post, a location in town you can still visit today. It was built up as a Western town with a history of gunslingers and pioneers. Its many museums and historical sites tell an intriguing and entertaining story of a community that was built by imaginative, hardworking, progressive people. more While you are living in Fort Smith, you should make an effort to visit as many of these museums as you can. They are not just for tourists. In fact, they are even more interesting to locals who may recognize their own families or property in the historical accounts of the town. Be sure to see the old fort and courthouse as well as the trolley museum and historic downtown. Shopping Shopping is plentiful in Fort Smith, and residents can find just about anything they need or want here. Go to Central Mall to visit traditional mall stores and spend time looking at window displays and mall decor. The mall may seem small, but it is much larger inside and houses a variety of stores with plenty of items to purchase. For more local shopping, hit downtown for smaller shops and boutiques. The farmer's market is always a great adventure where you can find all kinds of local food to bring home for a meal as well as crafts made by area artisans. Food Fort Smith offers many different restaurants with a large variety of types of cuisine. From fast food to family dining, all of your favorite chains are here. You will also find small independent cafes and high-end dining options. Pizza parlors, grills, steakhouses, and Asian restaurants are all available. You can even find eclectic meals made by award-winning chefs. Recreation This is a town of parks and open spaces where you can always find a place to exercise or play outside. You can take a walk down on the riverfront, or you can start a game of soccer in one of the neighborhood parks. Large parks like Creekmore have swimming facilities and even a train. Visit nature centers to learn about local plants and native animals as well as go hiking in the woods. The lake is the place for aquatic activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. Put a kayak or canoe into the water to explore the landscape from the water. Nightlife At night, the place to be in Fort Smith is downtown. You'll find live bands playing all styles of music from rock to bluegrass in cool venues that are fun to see. Fort Smith, AR is an amazing place to live for many different reasons. See us at Rath Auto Resources for the right car to take you and your family around town to see the sights and get the most out of this wonderful place.

The Trolley Museum in Fort Smith is an exceptional destination for people who are interested in local history and in railroads and trolleys. Whether you are bringing your children or visiting with an expert on the railway, you will find something at the museum to please every person in your group. Ride the Trolley When you ride the authentic 1926 electric Birney Streetcar, you will be stepping into history. The trolley takes you on a short tour of downtown Fort Smith. The tracks run between Garrison Avenue and the National Cemetery. You'll see the sites while you have a great time riding the trolley as people did many years ago. more Learn Local History The museum offers a unique and fun perspective on the history of Fort Smith and the surrounding area. It takes you to a time when streetcars and trolleys were the most technologically advanced form of transportation. The first trolleys were electric and had an operator who engaged the brakes by hand. These were soon replaced by cars with airbrakes and even heated seats. Trolleys remained central to transportation in the small city until automobiles became popular and accessible to everyone. Then the Great Depression was the final challenge that caused the trolleys to be shut down for good. Thankfully, the museum brings the magic of that time back for visitors today. See Vintage Vehicles The museum is home to several of the original Fort Smith trolleys. The oldest models are from as early as 1904. You will also see a collection of railroad cars. The display includes passenger cars, locomotives, freight cars, and a caboose. You will also have the opportunity to view maintenance machinery from the railroad and trolley tracks. Train and transportation enthusiasts will love the opportunity to see these authentic vintage trains and trolleys. Meet the Trolley Cats Several fantastic cats are always available for interaction at the museum. These are the trolley cats and they can often be found lounging in the museum and waiting to greet visitors. There are 5 cats in all, and each approached the museum one day and decided to stay. The museum gives the cats veterinary care so they are healthy and safe for making friends with museum guests. Witness a Trolley Robbery There are a variety of events hosted at the museum throughout the year included haunted trolley rides and holiday events. One event that many families enjoy is the annual reenactment of a trolley robbery at the replica historical western village outside the museum. Whether you are a visitor to Forth Smith or an area resident, you don't want to miss a visit to the Trolley Museum. Between the exciting display of vintage vehicles and the fun opportunity to ride on a real electric trolley, you are sure to have a wonderful time. To shop for your own transportation, stop and see our fantastic selection at Rath Auto Resources. We will help you discover the perfect car for your family.

A used car can provide the same satisfaction as a new car. If you are eyeing a Hyundai car but you are having a hard time choosing between a new or used one, here are seven benefits of purchasing a used Hyundai: 1. Lower Price Used cars are always cheaper than new ones. Your budget may only afford you an entry-level or base trim Hyundai on the new market, but that same budget could buy you a significantly better equipped or more luxurious used car in a higher trim. more 2. Certified Pre-Owned Options Hyundai dealerships offer a large selection of Certified Pre-Owned models for those shoppers apprehensive about used cars. All Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned vehicles undergo a comprehensive quality assurance inspection performed by professional technicians. Additionally, they come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. The requirements for certification include: A maximum of five years old with less than 60,000 miles A clean, non-branded title as verified by a Vehicle History Report 3. Less Depreciation New cars are subject to the inevitable law of depreciation, making used cars an ideal choice, especially if you also plan to sell later. A new car loses value as soon as you drive off the lot. Although some models handle depreciation better than others, you can expect a brand-new car to lose about 30-percent of its value in the first two years of ownership. 4. Variety When you have no problem with used cars, you have a virtually endless supply of inventory to choose from. You are not limited to models that were released over the past year or two. Also, whether you are looking for a car, SUV, van, or other vehicle type, there's sure to be a suitable pre-owned option that fits your lifestyle and needs. 5. Less Stress Over Dings and Bumps A practical benefit from buying a used car is you do not have to be the first person to put a scratch on it. A spotless new vehicle creates a stressful situation for many drivers when it gets a bump or a scrape. Since you are not the first owner, you might find yourself much less stressed if you accidentally ding a used vehicle's door. 6. Lower Insurance Rates Insurance companies consider the car's value when determining rates since the more valuable a vehicle is, the more money they will have to shell out in the case of a wreck. A used car will cost less to insure than a new one due to depreciation. 7. Cheaper Registration Fees Your annual registration fee rate is based on your car's value and model year in most states. It is highest in the first three years but levels off after five years. Buying a vehicle that is at least three years old will save you about a thousand dollars in new and annual registration fees. Contrary to the false impression that purchasing a used car means settling for an unreliable vehicle, buying a used Hyundai comes with plenty of benefits. Visit Rath Auto Resources in Fort Smith, AR, to check out our collection of used Hyundai models.

As long as you maintain it regularly and make repairs when needed, a good vehicle can serve you and your family for years or even decades. However, every car eventually experiences so much wear that it becomes difficult to operate. Here are some of the most common signs that you should trade in your old car for a newer model with better features and more power. 1. You Need Repairs Often No matter how new your ride is, you'll always need regular maintenance and some occasional repair. However, when problems become more frequent and severe, it could be a sign that your vehicle is reaching the end of its life. Having to get constant repairs is annoying and inconvenient, and the costs for replacing important components such as the transmission often exceeds the value of an older car, truck, or SUV. Instead of dealing with constant issues and worrying about whether you can make it to your next destination without a breakdown, use the money you would otherwise spend on repairs to invest in a newer vehicle. more 2. Fuel Efficiency Drops If you notice that your visits to the gas pump are becoming more and more frequent, it may be a sign that your engine's efficiency is falling. At first, the increase in cost may seem small, but those dollars and cents can pile up quickly over time. The drop in efficiency could be from a relatively minor issue like a dirty fuel injector, or you could have a more severe problem. You should get your car inspected by a professional to find out how much repairs will cost. Since newer vehicles are much more efficient than the options available a few years ago, replacing your car will make your fuel costs lower than ever. Using an efficient hybrid or electric vehicle can reduce your transportation costs most over time. 3. Your Vehicle Becomes Unsafe If your car's axles become unstable, your engine's pistons knock loudly and frequently, or your belt system is wearing out belts regularly, you could have an issue that risks the safety of you and your passengers. Unstable axles can lead to a lost wheel or a broken axle, causing a serious accident. Replacing belts can often get expensive quickly, and you could get into a wreck if a belt snaps while you're moving down a highway. Engine pistons that knock loudly often signal an upcoming engine failure. If you start hearing strange noises, have your vehicle checked by an expert. You could also notice a burning smell from excess friction on your belts, an engine that's too hot, or faulty wiring. Your vehicle's electronics could stop working, and you could even have to deal with a fire near the engine. These risks often mean that insuring an older vehicle is more expensive than insuring a newer car. Many insurance companies also give discounts for safety and driver assistance features such as lane-keeping assistance, blind spot warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. When it's time to trade in your old vehicle, head to Rath Auto Services. Their experienced staff will guide you through their impressive inventory and help you find your ideal vehicle. Image via RathAuto.com