Category Archives: Outdoor Vehicles

mud and snow tires

Pros and Cons of Mud and Snow Tires

This entry was posted in Outdoor Vehicles and tagged , , on by .

When it comes to driving in challenging road conditions, the right set of tires can make a significant difference in your driving experience. Mud and Snow (M+S) tires, commonly known as all-terrain or all-season tires, are designed to provide better traction and handling in a variety of adverse weather conditions. 

Let’s explore the pros and cons of these specialized tires to help you decide if they’re the right choice for your new, used or repossessed vehicle.

Pros of Mud and Snow Tires

Enhanced Traction: M+S tires are engineered with deeper treads and unique patterns designed to provide better grip on slippery surfaces such as mud, snow and ice. This improved traction can significantly enhance your vehicle’s stability and handling in challenging conditions.

Versatility: All-terrain tires are designed to perform reasonably well in a variety of weather conditions. Whether it’s light snow, rain-soaked roads or unpaved terrain, these tires offer versatility, making them suitable for drivers facing varied climates and terrains.

Off-Road Capabilities: If you frequently drive off-road or on rough terrain, M+S tires offer better performance compared to standard tires. Their aggressive tread patterns and durable construction provide the necessary grip and durability to tackle uneven surfaces and muddy tracks.

Year-Round Convenience: For drivers who don’t want the hassle of changing tires with every seasonal shift, all-terrain tires offer a convenient year-round solution. They strike a balance between adequate performance in different conditions without the need for frequent tire changes.

Cons of Mud and Snow Tires

Slightly Reduced Fuel Efficiency: The aggressive tread patterns and design that offer better traction can also lead to increased rolling resistance. This can marginally impact fuel efficiency compared to standard tires.

Noise and Ride Comfort: All-terrain tires tend to produce more road noise due to their deeper treads and rugged design. Additionally, their stiffer sidewalls can lead to a slightly firmer ride, which may affect overall comfort, especially on smoother roads.

Performance Trade-offs: While M+S tires excel in various conditions, they might not provide the optimal performance that specialized tires offer in extreme situations. For instance, dedicated winter tires might outperform all-terrain tires in severe snow and ice conditions.

Shortened Lifespan: The aggressive tread patterns that enhance traction can also lead to faster tread wear compared to standard tires. Depending on driving habits and road conditions, the lifespan of all-terrain tires might be shorter.

Final Thoughts

Mud and Snow tires offer a compelling balance between performance, versatility and convenience for drivers facing diverse road conditions. They provide enhanced traction and reliability in adverse weather and off-road situations, albeit with some trade-offs in terms of noise, ride comfort and reduced fuel efficiency.

Before making a decision, consider your driving habits, the weather conditions in your area and the specific terrain you frequently encounter. To start your search for a repossessed vehicle at a fraction of the price of new, visit RepoFinder.com. If you budget for repairs and maintenance, you can get a great vehicle and new tires. 

SUV for family

The Big Debate: Should You Buy a Minivan or SUV for Your Family?

This entry was posted in Outdoor Vehicles and tagged , , on by .

When you have a big family, you need a vehicle to accommodate everyone to school, sports practices, family outings and more. Obviously, a four-door sedan or mini coupe is out. Your two best options are then a minivan or SUV. 

Both vehicles are capable of having three rows, captain seats and plenty of legroom to keep everyone comfortable on the road. But which one is right for your family and how can you make the best decision? Let’s find out! 

Features that Both Minivans and SUVs Have 

SUVs and minivans have plenty of similar features that make them great picks for hauling cargo and people. Let’s take a look.

  • Interior technology. To cater to families, both SUVs and minivans have tech like rear-seat entertainment systems, surround-view cameras, USB ports and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 
  • Safety technology. Since SUVs and minivans are meant to be family-friendly, you can expect them to have plenty of safety features like lane-departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring and collision avoidance. 
  • Fuel efficiency. While minivans are not known for giving the best gas mileage, SUVs are no better. However, minivans are not terrible on gas, and there are plenty of hybrid SUVs and crossover SUVs that match the fuel efficiency of a minivan. 

The Case for Buying a Minivan

The one caveat with minivans is that they give off the ‘soccer mom’ image that many people don’t like. In other words, they’re not cool or trendy like SUVs. However, it’s important to look at things objectively since minivans do have a lot of great features. 

  • Cost. In general, minivans cost less than three-row SUVs.
  • Space. Minivans typically offer more space than three-row SUVs, with about five additional inches of legroom in the third row. This is great for teens and older kids.
  • Accessibility. Sliding doors are a staple of minivans. You can fit into tight spaces and run errands without worrying about doors swinging open or slamming shut. 
  • High-tech features. High-end minivans have things like in-car vacuums, air-cooled seats, second-row lounge chairs and integrated window sunshades.

Now, there are some drawbacks to minivans. Compared to SUVs, they don’t have a whole lot of ground clearance. They’re also not great in extreme weather or off-road conditions. Minivans also don’t have much towing capacity.

The Case for Buying an SUV

Moving onto SUVs, there are plenty of things for families to love about these vehicles. There are many SUV options on the market, making it easy to find a size and layout that you love. Even hybrid and electric options are available! 

Here are some of the top reasons to get an SUV: 

  • Better visibility. SUVs sit taller and have a higher ground clearance, giving you better visibility. 
  • Elevated features. SUVs are focused on the overall cabin experience, which is why they include things like massaging seats, length-adjustable seats and a gauge cluster seat belt indicator. 
  • All-wheel and 4-wheel drive. Because SUVs are available in all-wheel and 4-wheel drive, they can handle rough terrain or stormy weather.  
  • Good towing capacities. If you plan on towing a boat or trailer, an SUV can handle it. Some have towing capacities of up to 9,000 pounds! 

The downside to SUVs are that they are more limited on space, they’re generally less efficient on gas and it’s more difficult to find captain’s seats. 

For many car shoppers, it comes down to features and price. Many are ultimately happy with a minivan or SUV. To shop from a wide selection of affordable SUVs and minivans, visit RepoFinder.com today. 

pumping gas

5 Gas Saving Tips That Really Work

This entry was posted in Outdoor Vehicles and tagged , , on by .

Looking to save money on gas? It’s a smart decision considering that gas is very expensive right now. The cost to fill up an American’s tank of gas has risen by 40 percent since the turn of the year, with the average gallon of fuel costing $3.13. And sadly, prices aren’t expected to go down for the rest of the summer. 

With the cost of fuel being so high, here are five gas saving tips that are guaranteed to save you money! 

1. Use a Fuel Additive 

Fuel additives are compounds made to enhance the quality and efficiency of fuels. By adding one to your vehicle, you can increase engine power, boost acceleration and prolong engine life. Be careful about the additive you purchase for your car, as not all are created equal. Some of the best brands to look for are Lucas, Red Line and Star Tron. 

2. Be a Relaxed Driver 

If you’re not a relaxed driver, now is the time to become one. It might feel good to press down on the gas pedal, but this also causes you to waste more gas. If you become a relaxed driver, you can boost your fuel efficiency by as much as 37 percent! So what’s a relaxed driver? Someone who accelerates slowly, brakes lightly and drives at a lower speed (say, 75 mph to 65 mph). 

3. Use Cruise Control 

When you do a lot of driving on the expressway, it’s best to use cruise control. Set it at a reasonable speed and relax. Staying at a consistent speed and not changing lanes very often prevents sudden high-speed accelerations. In fact, you can save up to 14 percent over someone who’s changing lanes and accelerating. 

4. Check Your Tire Pressure 

Having under-inflated tires can cause you to go through more gas. On the other hand, properly inflated tires are safer, last longer and have better gas mileage. To find the proper tire pressure for your car, check the owner’s manual. Then take your car to the nearest gas station to make sure your tire’s have adequate pressure. 

5. Use the Right Motor Oil 

When giving your vehicle an oil change, make sure it’s getting the right oil. Using the wrong grade of motor oil can cost you 3 to 6 cents more per gallon, according to the US Department of Energy. Not sure which oil is the best? Refer to your owner’s manual for a recommendation, and look for oils that are branded as “energy conserving” or “energy saving.” 

By following these five tips, you can improve fuel efficiency and put more money back into your pocket. And as gas prices increase, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re doing your part in preserving fuel. 

RepoFinder is the largest bank repo list in America. Shop our inventory today and find an affordably priced vehicle in good condition! 

lawn mower

Cheapest Way to Shop for Riding Lawn Mowers

Shopping around for a riding lawn mower? These types of mowers are good for ¾-acre yards and larger. Even though riding mowers are more expensive than traditional push mowers, most people agree that their benefits are well worth it. 

With a riding mower, you can mow a large area, cut around trees with precision and enjoy a number of attachments to bag clippings or mulch. And, if you choose, you can upgrade your tractor to have a plow for removing snow during the winter, attachments to plow the garden or trailers for hauling feed to your livestock. 

When you make the decision to invest in a riding lawn mower, your next step is to find one to buy. You can head to the nearest home improvement store, but you’ll have to pay full price. If you’re looking for a cheap riding lawn mower that still has plenty of life left, consider a repossession.

What is a Repossessed Riding Mower? 

Vehicles are repossessed when their owner fails to make payments on them. In order to recoup their losses, the lender will take back the vehicle, or in this case, the riding lawn mower. Because riding mowers are an investment, it’s not unusual for people to finance them. 

Once lenders take back the riding mower, they’ll try to work something out with the owner. If the owner can’t catch up on payments, the lender will list the mower for sale. To ensure a quick sale, repo inventory gets a significant price reduction. While there are a number of online repo sellers, RepoFinder.com is one of the best. 

RepoFinder has the largest database of repo inventory that changes often. Browse our database for riding lawn mowers, ATVs and other outdoor vehicles in all 50 states. With no middleman, you can speak directly with the banks and credit unions to purchase a used riding lawn mower at a steep discount. 

Tips for Finding the Best Riding Lawn Mower 

When you sign up for RepoFinder Pro, you’ll have complete access to all of the repos on our site. We encourage you to ask questions, do your own research and request an inspection before signing anything. Repossessed tractors are often in good condition, though they might be lacking basic maintenance and upkeep. 

Here are some of the features we recommend looking for: 

  • Check out the exterior of the mower. What is the condition of the tires? The blades? Are there fluid leaks? What is the age of the belts, battery and wiring?
  • Ask about the engine. Lawn mower engines generally last a long time, but you’ll still want to make sure the tractor starts up within the first few seconds and doesn’t smoke. 
  • Look for attachments and accessories. Attachments give you greater versatility, which many people want with a riding mower. Is there a spreader for fertilizer? A side discharge for taller grass? A collection or bagging system? 

If you can wait, you can find a great deal on a used riding lawn mower through RepoFinder.com. Just click on your state and you can find an updated list of repossessions being sold through banks and credit unions in your area.