“I’ll only consider a car if it has _______.”
This is something our Shift Advisors frequently hear from prospective buyers. Not only that, the features tend to be the same ones: auxiliary inputs, leather seats, backup cameras, and other creature comforts that can really make the difference for some drivers. Continue reading “Filter Cars by Your Favorite Feature”
Ever wondered what it’s like to drive a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon? Go beyond the listing and behind the wheel of Jeep’s most comfortable Wrangler. Continue reading “Video Test Drive: 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon”
When you think of a sports sedan, chances are, you think of one car: the BMW 3-series. There’s a reason for that. Today, we express our appreciation for BMW’s game-changing sedan. Continue reading “Cars We Love: BMW 3-Series”
18 days left until we give away a car! We can’t win, but if we could, what would we pick? We asked Matthew.
Continue reading “Shift’s Giveaway Picks: Matthew’s 2015 Chevrolet Suburban LT”
When it comes to a car’s condition, people often mention the Carfax report. So just how does Carfax work? A Carfax report is your window into a car’s past. Like a private eye, it gleans data from insurance companies, DMVs, and even the police to tell you about a car’s background.
In the most extreme cases, it can save you from buying a lemon. That’s why we include a full free Carfax report for every car we list on Shift so customers know exactly what they’re getting (and what they’re not).
How does Carfax actually work?
A Carfax report is essentially a data snapshot of a number of different available data records. It gathers information from police departments, insurance companies, DMVs, and auction houses to piece together a history on nearly every car out there. Their data-gathering team in Virginia adds about 3.5 million records a day, with a compiled total of about 15 billion records.
How does Carfax help in buying a used car?
The records included in a Carfax report tell you things you wouldn’t know by just going for a test drive or having a mechanic inspect the car. A Carfax report is a little like a crystal ball that can give you a picture of a car’s past, such as:
All of this info lets you avoid getting scammed and helps you make a more informed decision about the car you’re about to buy. At Shift, every car we list has gone through a rigorous 150-point inspection by ASE-certified mechanics, is reconditioned and comes with a complete vehicle history report.
Where does all that data come from?
Carfax must have an army of data crawlers trolling the internet because the company culls data from about 92,000 sources—everything from motor vehicle agencies, to many police and fire departments, collision repair facilities, and auto auctions.
Here’s their list of all of the sources:
How much does Carfax cost?
Carfax has a three-tiered pricing model. If you’re going to test drive more than one car, and you probably will, you might want to get the second option, which provides five reports.
At the end of the day, the Carfax report is one of the most important pieces of documentation you can get on a used car, so be sure to get one when you go shopping.
Ah, Thursday—our favorite day of the week to reminisce about automotive classics. On this #tbt, we examine a car you likely know well but whose Hollywood history and evolution story you may not: the Mini Cooper.
Continue reading “#tbt: Oh Behave, a Mini Cooper Retrospective”
This is the first in a series of odes to the cars we’ve known and loved. Here, Kyle Clark – a Shift Car Enthusiast – pays tribute to the Datsun he refurbished in college and still drives today.
From the spotless leather seats to the smell of a freshly cleaned car, shopping for a new car can feel like going on a first date. The potential problem? If you have rose-colored glasses on, it can be easy to forget you’re really searching for a long-term partner. To help you keep a level head about your next better half, we put together a list of what to look for when buying a used car.
This advice comes directly from Shift’s Advisor Team and Concierges, who help people take new rides for a spin every day, and what advice they give customers most. The response was unanimous: the trick is to find your own perfect balance between performance, reliability, and practicality — and something you like. Here’s what we suggest.
Normally, a solid checklist of what to look for when buying a used car will include things like the car’s service history, a clean Carfax report and signs of an unreported accident. In addition to that (we’ve covered that in detail here), we recommend reading online to find out more about the model and combing through the listing carefully to be sure the specific car you’re eyeing has the engine, transmission and other important options that you want.
Things might seem rosy when you’re walking a typical dealership lot, but one of the most important things to look for when buying a used car is how it works in your own turf. One advantage of taking a test drive at home is the opportunity to test how a car fits with the particulars of your daily life. If you have a driveway, make sure you won’t scrape the bottom as you pull in; if you park in a snug garage, double check that you can open the doors enough to easily get out of the car. Live on a narrow street? Be sure to try a U-turn, then parallel park. And if you generally sit in traffic during a morning commute, try to schedule your test drive during a similarly congested hour.
During the test drive, be sure to toss the keys to your Concierge and take a spin in the passenger seat. Or, better yet, go pick up your significant other so you can take turns riding shotgun. If you have kids or pets, make sure the car will work for them, too. Have toddlers in your present or future? Be sure you can get the car seat in without throwing out your back.
Finance or cash? How to pay for your car
When it comes to options, think about whether you prefer something simple and intuitive or all the latest features. Does a backup camera matter when you’re parking? Are you dying for a power lift gate? How about GPS navigation? Electronics are also becoming more important with every model year. Sync up your phone with the entertainment system, listen to a playlist, make a few calls. Everything should work easily and intuitively, especially if you make a lot of hands-free calls or depend on music to break the monotony of a long commute.
At some point, turn off the stereo and listen to the car. Is that gruff exhaust note going to turn grating after the novelty wears off? Can you really get comfortable in the seat? Can you see and reach all the controls? Do you have clear visibility of the road ahead (and behind) you? Notice how the car responds against the pavement on both city streets and mountain roads. Many people buy cars based on recommendations from friends or family members, but it’s important that the vehicle feels right for you. Overall, ask yourself, “Is this something I’d be happy to sit in and drive every single day?”
While it’s important to consider your next car thoughtfully, the experience shouldn’t leave you tied up in knots. Relax, get comfortable and have fun. Remember: there’s no pressure to make a quick decision and it’s worth it to wait if it means you’ll be happier in the long run.
Ready to meet your perfect match? We’re always here to help you find the car that fits your lifestyle (plus, you have 5 days or 200 miles to return it it ends up not being “the one”).
Been meaning to sell your car and want to get a better deal with no hassle? No worries — we’re here to help. And, this week, Shift and Uber are joining forces to change the way you get around Los Angeles.
It’s a great time to be here at Shift. We just announced our Series B, have continued to hire smart and talented people, and feel confident in our product.
We’re using technology to fix a broken system, from the bottom up, and are providing an exceptional customer experience.
TIME magazine agrees. Check one reporter’s experience with Shift here. Continue reading “TIME Magazine takes Shift for a spin”
