Best Vehicles for New Drivers: 2021 Edition

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A New Car for a New Driver!

You finally got your driver’s license. Now you have to take the next big step: choosing the vehicle that’s perfect for a new driver such as yourself.

If you don’t have confidence in your driving skills yet, you might find some cars hard to navigate as their controls may be too advanced for your level. However, you don’t have to worry because you can find a slew of vehicles out there that are ideal for someone new to driving.

 

What Are the Recommended Cars for Rookie Drivers?

As a beginner in driving, you are recommended to use smaller vehicles first since those are more manageable and easier to handle. You should also look for cars that have user-friendly controls. Give importance as well to their safety features and reliability.

  1. Hyundai i10

If there’s something that new drivers are often worried about, it is getting their cars scratched or damaged. That’s why it’s essential to know how reliable the brand is. Fortunately for you, ranking sixth in the 2020 reliability survey is Hyundai at 96.3%.

It has an unlimited-mileage warranty that lasts for half a decade and guaranteed roadside assistance for one whole year. it also has built-in systems for emergency braking, lane departure and assistance, and automatic emergency service response.

  1. Ford Fiesta

As a novice in driving, you might find it hard to maintain a straight course if the steering is too light. Meanwhile, if it is too heavy, the car will be difficult to drive. However, those are not your concerns when you drive the Ford Fiesta as it has accurate and well-weighted steering.

Another advantage is that it has a feature called the MyKey system, which regulates the car’s maximum speed as controlled by the driver’s parents or supervisor. That can be very beneficial to avoid overspeeding and road accidents.

  1. Volkswagen Polo

You won’t be a beginner in driving for long. The best way to gradually introduce yourself to the more advanced level is to experience a precursor. And the ideal vehicle for this is the 2021 Volkswagen Polo, which is known for its refined yet uncomplicated controls.

Despite its more advanced features, there’s no concern about its safety. It has an automatic emergency braking system, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

 

Make a Difference in Your Community with Your Car Donation

If you’re planning to get rid of an old car you inherited from a family member, consider donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll put your vehicle up for auction with the proceeds going to the Goodwill organization serving your local area.

Goodwill organizations are IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits with branches all over the United States. They cater to disadvantaged Americans or those who are saddled with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other personal issues that hamper their search for decent and stable sources of income so they can live productive and fulfilling lives.

These Goodwill nonprofits make use of the funding that comes from our sale of donated vehicles to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

You’ll also benefit from your charitable contribution since you’ll have the opportunity to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. Moreover, we’ll provide you with our free towing service at your convenience.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community, with once idle members getting great opportunities to attain financial stability.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, even those that are no longer working. We can collect your vehicle donation anywhere in the country since we operate in all 50 states.

For more information about our vehicle donation program, feel free to check out our FAQs page. If you have questions, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

 

Make Your Best Move Today!

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Teaming up with Goodwill Car Donations will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. It will not only help you deal with your clunker problem but will also allow you to help the disadvantaged folks in your locality to turn their lives around. Do something extraordinary today! Call us at 866-233-8586  or fill out our online donation form today!


3 Best Vehicles for a Large Family: 2021 Edition

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On the Hunt for the Perfect Family Car?

Choosing the best vehicle for your needs, budget, and preferences can be overwhelming, but it’s more so if you have to take your large family into account. When it comes to shopping for the best vehicles for large families, most people use the number of seats available as the basis for their decision.

While a vehicle’s seating capacity is essential, it shouldn’t be your only concern. You should also consider the vehicle’s safety features, especially if you have kids. It’s also a must to check if the vehicle has enough trunk space if you travel often with your whole family.

What SUVs and Minivans Are Best for Big Families?

The list of vehicles available on the market is endless, which is why most people think that it’s almost impossible to decide where to start looking. If you want to go for the best one out there, start searching from Goodwill Car Donations’ top picks for the best vehicles for large families.

  1. Honda Odyssey

This minivan has received the best family car award for three consecutive years now. It comes with tons of safety features and entertainment technologies and can accommodate up to eight passengers.

If you have kids, you’ll be glad to know that the Honda Odyssey features a LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system for up to five seats. Long road trips won’t be a problem because it has Wi-Fi, a DVD player, a charging pad, a camera, and an in-vehicle vacuum.

  1. Kia Telluride

Are you looking for a family vehicle that has superior safety and entertainment features? You can’t go wrong with the 2021 Kia Telluride. It has eight available car seats, all with individual USB ports and wireless chargers.

Moreover, it also has impressive features that include a blind spot monitor, standard safe exit assist, smart cruise control, lane-keeping technology, systems for rear occupant alert, and emergency braking and warning.

  1. Ford Expedition

If going on family trips is your primary purpose for purchasing a new vehicle, then you should check out the 2021 Ford Expedition. It has eight car seats and cargo space wide enough to fit your pets and gear for your favorite outdoor activities.

Got a Clunker? Donate It to Us to Help the Poor

While you’re trying to decide on the best car for your family, disadvantaged individuals in your area are struggling to make ends meet. They include the men and women in your community who are suffering from disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages that keep them enslaved to poverty.

If you have an extra vehicle that you no longer need, you can use it to help your impoverished neighbors. All you have to do is turn over that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

We will auction off your donated vehicle to raise funds for the community-based programs and services of the Goodwill organization serving your area. Located across the United States, Goodwill organizations are IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits that seek to empower disadvantaged Americans. They use the money sourced from vehicle donations to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

As a Goodwill donor, you’ll enjoy awesome perks. Aside from knowing that you’ll be helping less fortunate folks achieve financial stability and a much better quality of life, you’ll also find satisfaction when we haul off your vehicle for free and enable you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, even those that are no longer working properly.

If you need more information about our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. For your questions or concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or contact us online.

Touch Lives Today!

Your Goodwill vehicle donation will touch people’s lives in ways that you could never even imagine. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

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4 Top Reasons Why Your Car A/C Is Blowing Hot Air

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Sweating Inside Your Car?

No one likes to drive in the scorching heat without turning on the car’s A/C. The air conditioning keeps you cool and comfortable even under the hot summer sun. It makes you look forward to getting into your car after a hot day spent outdoors.

If your A/C starts to malfunction, however, your day (and mood) can quickly swing from good to bad. Can you imagine sitting in traffic for an hour under the sun’s heat without any A/C?

There can be several causes why your A/C has stopped blowing cool. Goodwill Car Donations has listed 4 of the top reasons:

  1. Refrigerant leak

Your car’s refrigerant is a liquid that’s responsible for keeping things cool. It circulates through your air conditioning system, removing heat and humidity from the cabin. If your refrigerant is leaking, its levels will run low or dry out pretty quickly no matter how many times you get it refilled. Causes can vary from worn-out evaporators to punctures in the hoses connected to the evaporators.

  1. Compressor issues

Just like your engine is the heart of your car, your compressor is the heart of your A/C. It’s responsible for circulating refrigerant through the system. If it’s broken and not working properly, your A/C won’t be able to blow cool air. Some compressor parts can’t be replaced, so you’d likely need to replace the entire compressor if this happens.

  1. Electrical issues

If the A/C system checks out fine, the lack of cool air could be related to your vehicle’s electrical components. Frayed wires or blown fuses can affect your A/C from working properly.

  1. Broken condenser

The function of the condenser is to make sure the refrigerant stays cool. If it’s not working properly, that should explain why warm hair is blowing out of your A/C. Sometimes, condenser issues can be as simple as clearing out blockages or clogs caused by road debris.

 

Having One Too Many Car Problems?

If a malfunctioning A/C is just one of your car’s many persistent problems and you’re being overwhelmed by the high costs of repairs, your best option is to simply retire that vehicle in a way that will give it a new and worthy purpose. That way is by donating it to us here at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use your vehicle to empower the disadvantaged people in your community so they can free themselves from a life of misery.

We will do that by auctioning off your vehicle to raise funds for the community-based programs and services of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to individuals saddled with disabilities, lack of education, skills, or job experience, and other disadvantages that prevent them from finding decent sources of income.

These nonprofits use the money sourced from the sale of donated vehicles to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

It will take you just a few minutes to make a Goodwill donation. All you have to do is contact us. We’ll handle everything else from that point on, including picking up and towing your vehicle at absolutely no cost to you.

Your charitable contribution will also make you eligible to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Better yet, you will also savor the satisfaction of having done something wonderful for your community by supporting the creation of new jobs. This will surely contribute to the growth and progress of your community.

We accept nearly all vehicle types, even those that are no longer working properly.

If you need more information about our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. For your questions or concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or contact us here.

 

Help Empower Disadvantaged Folks Today!

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Making a Goodwill vehicle donation is a textbook description of a win-win situation. The disadvantaged residents of your community will benefit from it while you get your share of rewards as well. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


6 Ideas for Your Ultimate Van Life Conversions

Enjoying a coffee on a camping trip with moka pot and self built campervan | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Dominic Howlett under Unsplash License

Clever Design Hacks You Can Use in Making Your Own Mobile Home

More and more people these days are switching to tiny homes to save up on costs and minimize their living expenses. Living in smaller homes with just the essentials lets you save up on mortgage and utilities while giving you more time for yourself since maintenance of your new cozy home is a breeze.

For the same reasons, plus the added benefit of mobility, more and more Americans are converting their vans to liveable homes. You could get up and go at a moment’s notice in your trusty mobile home without having to spend days packing and hiring a mover to transport your stuff.

Among the top reasons why you may want to consider converting to van life are:

  • It allows you to save a lot of money.

You won’t have to worry about mortgage or rent. You can also save a ton on utility costs with your new mobile lifestyle. Just be prepared to invest in the purchase of a van and its conversion, which will cost you a couple of thousand bucks. You can save by purchasing a second-hand van that’s already been converted and make your own DIY improvements as you go along.

  • It gives you the freedom to travel.

What’s better than traveling carrying your home with you? You will have an unlimited number of spots to park and call your home!

  • It’s an enticing challenge.

Van life is not for all types of people, but if you want to learn and challenge yourself, it could be the right experience for you. Converting your van to make it liveable and comfortable develops your skills in home improvement. As you travel to various destinations, you will get exposed to different types of people and cultures. It’s not always going to be easy, but it has its own rewards.

Our 6 Tips for Your Ultimate Van Life Conversion

Here are snaps of 6 clever designs that can transform your van into your desired mobile home:

  1. Bitten by the travel bug

If you intend to travel to various places and experience different cultures, then embarking on an extended road trip using this comfy mobile home could be the right call.

  1. The Ultimate DIY project

If you’re handy with tools, you can save a lot by building custom furniture for your van. There are plenty of design ideas for extra storage, beds, and dining areas that you can explore online. See what fits your personality.

  1. Go rustic and stylish

Even when you’re on a budget, you can decorate your space with unique pieces that you can find in thrift stores and come up with a bohemian-inspired look for your interior.

  1. Simple and functional

You can achieve the best van life conversion by focusing on your main layout. Before embarking on your conversion, make sure that you map out the layout for your needs as you transform your van into a living space.

  1. Make good investments

If you’re planning to live in your van for a long time, you might do well by investing in facilities such as a toilet and kitchen, which are essential to your new lifestyle. You can get creative and make pull-out outdoor kitchens so you can move around freely as you prepare your food. You can also install a shower and toilet.

  1. Elements with multiple purposes

Maximize the use of elements in your van by making them count for multiple purposes. Use your dining table as a mobile workspace. Create storage spaces for your stuff with clever design ideas.

Leaving Behind Unneeded Vehicles? Donate Them to Us!

As you prepare for your ultimate van life conversion, you may have a car and other vehicles that you will have no more use of. If you’re thinking of the best way to dispose of them, you will receive maximum benefits if you simply turn over those vehicles to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

When you do so, you’ll entitle yourself to receive valuable rewards such as getting the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season for each of the vehicles you’re donating. Expect 100% tax-deductible sales receipts in your mailbox within 30 days after we sell your vehicles.

Furthermore, we’ll be towing your vehicles at absolutely no cost to you, and it’s even up to you to decide on the time and place for this.

We’ll auction off your donations and use the proceeds to finance the life-enrichment programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged individuals — those who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other personal issues (such as having prison records) that prevent them from finding decent sources of income and living poverty-free lives.

These Goodwill nonprofits use the funding that comes from the sale of donated vehicles to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

You’ll be amazed and feel fully satisfied when Goodwill uses your donations to empower disadvantaged individuals, enabling them to achieve their dreams of living financially stable and fulfilling lives.

We take in a wide range of vehicle types — from your rusty sedan to your dad’s broken-down tractor. The condition of the vehicles you’re donating wouldn’t matter much to us either. We’ll happily accept your battered car even if it wouldn’t start anymore.

We can also collect your donation wherever you’re located in the country since we operate in all 50 states.

Got a question for us? Call us anytime at 866-233-8586 or send us a message here. You may also want to check out our FAQs page to learn more about our vehicle donations program.

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Transform Lives as You Go On a New Adventure

As you venture into a new lifestyle, you can still make good use of the vehicles you’ll be leaving behind. Turn them over to us at Goodwill Car Donations so we can use them to uplift the lives of your disadvantaged fellow Americans. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


How Do You Recharge Your Car’s A/C?

Car Interior Conditioning | Goodwill Car Donations
Photo by kaboompics under Pixabay License

 

4 Simple Steps to Keep Your Car’s Interior Cool

Has your car’s A/C stopped blowing cool air? Before you start worrying about this, know that solving your A/C issue can be as simple as recharging your A/C refrigerant!

All you need to do is add more refrigerant to give your A/C the juice it needs to blow cool air again. While this is a bit more complicated than refilling your washer liquid for your windshield, you can still do it on your own provided you follow the basic steps and take precautions (since the refrigerant is considered a hazardous liquid).

Keep in mind, however, that some cars (like classic cars and today’s latest models) can’t have their A/C recharged. It’s because those cars use different refrigerants than the R-134a type of refrigerant contained in most DIY canisters. Classic cars built before 1994 were designed for R-12 refrigerant while many of today’s newest cars use the latest refrigerant called R-1234yf. You cannot mix refrigerant types, and putting the wrong refrigerant in your car will cause damage to your air conditioning system. If you don’t know the type of refrigerant used in your car’s A/C, better not recharge it. Your only option when your A/C stops working properly is to have the entire unit replaced.

Check out these 4 steps below on how you can recharge your A/C all by yourself:

  • Step 1:

Purchase a refrigerant charge kit for your vehicle. Most auto shops should have this and will be able to help you choose the correct type of refrigerant you need.

  • Step 2:

Pop your hood open and find the low-side port. This is the barb on the larger tube between your compressor (mounted to the engine and with a belt) and evaporator (which looks like an aluminum can). If you don’t know what these parts look like, a quick Google search should be able to help you out.

  • Step 3:

The charge kit you purchased should have a gauge and a hose attached to the can of refrigerant. Attach it to the low side port securely. Start your car engine and blast your A/C to its max setting, then head back to the hood to check the gauge on the refrigerant can. The front of the compressor should be spinning and the clutch should be engaged, if the pressure is lower than 20 psi on the gauge, dispense refrigerant until the clutch engages.

  • Step 4:

The refrigerant should have a chart or instructions for the proper system pressure you should apply. Follow it as noted and continue dispensing refrigerant until you reach the level you want. However, you should allow for a little allowance and make sure not to over-pressurize the system.

 

Support Needy Residents In Your Area Using Your Jalopy

 Recharging your car A/C by yourself is easy. What’s not easy is paying for the high cost of repairs not only of your car A/C but other parts as well. If you’ve busted your wallet trying to fix your clunker to no avail, there’s only one thing left for you to do: Dispose of that jalopy in the best and most advantageous way possible!

You can do that by simply donating that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We will use your donation to improve the living conditions of the disadvantaged individuals in your community. They include those men and women who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages that prevent them from breaking free from poverty.

We’ll sell your donated vehicle in one of the best auction houses in our network, with the proceeds going to the local Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding to deliver vital services to disadvantaged Americans, providing them with job training and employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

Donating to Goodwill Car Donations means getting your unwanted vehicle picked up and towed away at zero cost to you. It also means getting entitled to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Moreover, your act of charity will bring you an immense sense of satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be contributing to the growth and development of your community by empowering your needy fellow residents through work and learning.

Making a car donation to Goodwill is super easy. It’s quick, convenient, and hassle-free! All you need to do is contact us. We’ll handle everything else. 

We accept a wide range of vehicle types. Whether you’re donating a sedan, a truck, or a run-down boat, we’ll be glad to receive it.

Your location should not be a problem either. We can collect your donation wherever you are in the United States.

You can get more information about us, including our donation process and your benefits as a donor, by checking out our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may reach us at our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also send us a message here.

Black SUV Parked | Goodwill Car Donations
Photo by Ihor Lypnytskyi under Pexels License

 

Make a Difference with Your Car Donation Today!

Donating to us your old and unwanted car is all it would take to make a difference in your community. Your gift will bring immense benefits to your disadvantaged neighbors. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


Best Vehicles for High School Students

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Choose from These 6 Top-rated Vehicles

Many parents usually get stressed and anxious when picking a car for their teens. They have to make sure that the vehicle is safe, reliable, and of course, affordable. Their search leads them to the question: Which models offer the right combination of safety and value?

Car shopping can get a little bit nerve-racking, especially when you’re looking for the perfect match for your high school student. The sheer volume of options can leave even the savviest car shopper feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. That is why it’s always a smart idea to do your research first before deciding to surprise your teenager with their first set of wheels.

To help you narrow down your choices, Goodwill Car Donations has rounded up 6 of the best vehicles for high school students.

  1. 2017 Jeep Renegade

If your high schooler prefers an SUV, the 2017 Jeep Renegade is definitely a great pick. Besides being the Jeep’s least expensive model, it’s also the most playful, judging by its style and character. This compact SUV is super easy to maneuver and park, and you can drive it off-road, too. As for fuel economy, we can say that it’s pretty good by SUV standards.

  1. 2017 Honda Fit

With a stellar reputation for reliability, Honda is a fantastic choice for your high school driver. Chances are, the car will last them through college and perhaps even into their early working years. The 2017 Honda Fit has a spacious interior despite appearing small on the outside. Plus, it comes with a backseat that flips and folds in various ways, making it a perfect storage for bulky cargo.

  1. 2017 Hyundai Elantra

Available as a hatchback or sedan, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra is another great pick for high school students. With its roomy interior, easy-to-use features, and good safety and reliability ratings, it’s no surprise that it ranks in the top half of the competitive compact car class. A bonus is that Hyundai cars have extended warranties.

  1. 2018 Chevrolet Spark

The 2018 Chevrolet Spark should be your leading pick if you’re looking for a car that’s small, affordable, and extremely safe. We’re saying extremely safe because it comes with 10 airbags and is subscribed to OnStar, a service that automatically calls for help if the car crashes. It’s also one of the least expensive cars on the market, giving you all the more reason to want to buy it for your youngster.

  1. 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

If your high schooler is looking for an eco-friendly car, we strongly recommend the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. It’s small, inexpensive, and it gets great fuel economy, with the EPA giving it a rate of 55 MPG combined. This hybrid model encourages efficient driving. Teens who drive for maximum MPG (rather than maximum MPH) are less likely to get into a car crash.

  1. 2017 Subaru Impreza

Is your family living in a city where it usually rains or snows? If so, we suggest you pick the 2017 Subaru Impreza for your high schooler. As with all Subaru models, the Impreza comes standard with all-wheel drive, which means it’s extra surefooted during inclement weather. Just be sure to buy the basic 2.0-liter model, since the WRX or STI models are designed for skilled and experienced drivers.

 

Got an Unwanted Car? Use It to Help the Needy

Would you be willing to dispose of your unwanted car for the benefit of the impoverished and disadvantaged people in your community? When you donate such a vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations, you’ll make it possible for them to turn their lives around.

We will auction off your vehicle and transfer the funds to the Goodwill organization serving your area. Goodwill organizations are IRS-certified 501(c)3 nonprofits located in various parts of the United States.

These nonprofits cater to Americans who are suffering from disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages that make living a struggle every day of their lives.

These Goodwill nonprofits make use of the funding that comes from our vehicle donation programs to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

It’s easy to donate to us. At Goodwill Car Donations, we make sure our donors get to experience a stress-free donation process. You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. All you have to do is contact us online or by phone.

Your donation will entitle you to receive high-value rewards, including getting our professional vehicle towing service at no cost to you. Your gift will also qualify you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community as once idle members get to harness their full potential, allowing them to enjoy stable and decent sources of income.

Feel free to donate nearly all vehicle types. We’ll accept anything you hand over to us with open arms, including those that are no longer in good condition. We’ll take vehicles that won’t start or run anymore.

Know more about Goodwill Car Donations, our mission, and our donation process by visiting our FAQs page. You can also call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message through our site’s contact form.

 

Be a Blessing to Others Today!

Photo of White Car on Wet Road | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Erik Mclean under Pexels License

If you have a beater that you want to part ways with, you have what it takes to become a blessing to the less fortunate people in your community. Donate it to Goodwill Car Donations by calling 866-233-8586 or filling out our online donation form now!


3 Best Vehicles for Commuting: 2021 Edition

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Know the Features You Should Look for in a Commuter Car

Is your daily commute becoming more stressful and frustrating? Longer and more complicated commutes may have compelled you to look for the right commuter car that offers more than just the comfort and space that can put your mind at ease. Your commuter car has to have excellent crash test ratings, remarkable fuel economy, impressive safety systems, and a good starting price.

What Car Should You Buy If You Commute Often

Traveling to work and other places using public transport may seem practical and economical at first. However, in the long run, that may no longer be the case. While purchasing a car may be a big investment, it still is the better choice.

You shouldn’t buy a car just for the sake of it. Look for one that has a reasonable price tag, ample safety features, a good fuel economy rating, and a spacious interior. If you’re going to spend a lot of time traveling using your car, you might as well enjoy the ride.

To help you find the right set of wheels, Goodwill Car Donations has compiled the best vehicles for commuting in 2021:

  1. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is guaranteed to give you a safe, comfortable, and quiet ride that will make up for the stress of traffic. What’s more, you’ll love its ample cargo space and excellent gas mileage. When it comes to entertainment, its 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is compatible with Apple C  arPlay and Android Auto, won’t disappoint!

  1. BMW 3 Series

Do you want a more modern and sophisticated feel for your commuter car? Then the BMW 3 Series may just be the right choice for you. It comes with an AI personal assistant that responds to voice commands. It also has loads of safety and support features including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and assistants for reversing, steering, and lane-keeping.

  1. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a great choice for someone who’s looking to purchase a commuter car for practical reasons. It has a comfortable and quiet interior, user-friendly controls, outstanding safety features, as well as impressive entertainment via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the best part about the Honda Civic is its affordable price.

Looking for the Best Way to Dispose of Your Clunker?

You’re probably thinking of purchasing a new commuter car to replace the old one you have. If that’s the case, you’re probably thinking of how best to dispose of that clunker to find garage space for your new car.

Your best option is to simply donate that beater to us at Goodwill Car Donations. Once you inform us of your donation offer, we’ll have your unneeded vehicle towed away at no cost to you at a date and place of your convenience. What’s more, your donation will make you eligible to enjoy a top tax deduction in the next tax season.

Aside from the material rewards that you’ll get from your act of charity, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community, particularly its disadvantaged residents. These are the men and women living among you who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other personal issues that prevent them from finding decent sources of income and living productive and fulfilling lives.

We will sell your vehicle through an auction, with the proceeds going to the Goodwill organization serving your area. Located in various parts of the country, Goodwill organizations are IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits that are dedicated to providing life-changing assistance to disadvantaged Americans. They use the funding they get from our vehicle donation programs to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

We accept almost all vehicle types, whether still in good running condition or no longer. You can donate anywhere in the United States since Goodwill Car Donations operates in all 50 states.

For more information about our vehicle donation program, visit our FAQs page. If you have questions, call us at 866-233-8586 or contact us online.

Turn Your Clunker into a Life-changer Today

You can turn your unwanted car, truck, van, or whatnot into a powerful tool that can transform lives in your community. Make a difference today by calling Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or filling out our secure online donation form now!

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3 Best Vehicles for College Students

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Here’s a Guide to Finding the Best Car for Your College Student

One of the most exciting yet stressful times for parents is when they send their high school graduates off to college. You’ll have to help them set up their dorm room, register for their classes, and purchase their books.

Another important task that you need to cross off your to-do list is picking the best car for them. However, before you start shopping, you need to narrow down your options by making a list of must-have car features which you’d want your college student to have. You also have to consider where they’ll drive their car and how far they’ll have to drive to get to and from school. Of course, you also have to consider your budget.

What Are the 3 Best Vehicles for College Students?

If your college-age kid lives far from campus, the flexibility that comes with on-demand access to a private and personal vehicle is extremely convenient. To help you make the right choice, Goodwill Car Donations pulled together a list of the best vehicles for college students.

  1. Jeep Wrangler

Aside from being fun to drive, a Jeep Wrangler is also a great choice for riding around on campus. Your college student won’t have a hard time driving it on weekends or during spring break. Whether they decide to go off-roading with their besties or take their vehicle to the beach, a Wrangler can take them anywhere in style.

  1. Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is a practical choice for a college student who spends most of their time on campus. Although it’s big enough to accommodate 5 people, this car is small enough to fit in crowded parking spaces. What’s more, its fuel efficiency also makes it less of a financial burden.

  1. Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is an eco-friendly vehicle that offers the best car mileage and comfortable seating. It’s the best choice for college kids who are looking to save some money on gas. Additionally, this car handles well and is known for its reliability. Its large cargo area makes it extremely easy for your young driver to pack up when they travel to school or head out off-campus for a weekend drive.

Turn Your Old Clunker Into a Life-changing Tool

Are you planning to get rid of an old and unwanted car to make room for a new one? The easiest and most rewarding way to do that is by simply donating that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

What’s more, you can count on us to provide you with a highly satisfying donation experience, knowing that your act of charity will help generate new jobs in your community. These will particularly benefit residents who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages that prevent them from living productive and fulfilling lives.

We will auction off your donated vehicle and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organization serving your area. Spread throughout the country, Goodwill organizations are IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits that cater to disadvantaged Americans. They use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

These are all meant to equip needy individuals with the tools that will help them attain economic independence and a better quality of life.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, whether still in good condition or no longer.

To find out the details of our vehicle donation process, and other relevant information, visit our FAQs page. For your questions and concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or contact us here.

What Are You Waiting For?

Donating an unneeded vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations means helping your community, enjoying free towing services, getting a top tax deduction, and much more! Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

Person Needing Help | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Sofia Alejandra under Pexels License


3 Signs Your Transmission Is Failing

Transmission | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Unervi González under Unsplash License

Detect the Problem Early to Save Yourself from Hefty Repair Bills

The transmission serves a vital role in your car and contains hundreds of components, all smoothly working together to make sure your car runs just fine so you can get to your destination without any hitch.  Mounted directly on the engine, the transmission converts the engine’s combustion power to momentum, which drives the wheels. It’s responsible for changing the gears of your vehicle’s engine. Without it, you can’t expect your car to move.

There are two transmission types: manual transmission and automatic transmission. Manual transmission requires the driver to physically shift the vehicle into the different gears using a clutch and a shifter (also known as the shift knob). Automatic transmission, on the other hand, does most of the work for the driver. Here, the clutch is no longer present. The gearbox is also simplified, only requiring the driver to put their focus on the gas pedal and the brakes.

Both transmission types have their own advantages and disadvantages. Automatic transmission is often costlier in terms of maintenance and repairs compared to its manual counterpart.

As with most car parts, being able to identify your car’s transmission problem early on can help save you from potential massive headaches and hefty repair bills. It can also save you from running into dangerous situations on the road.

If you drive your car daily you should be able to tell if something’s off. Is your car revving much higher than usual? Do you hear loud noises when you’re speeding up? Do you smell something weird coming from your engine? These can all point to a probable transmission problem. If you experience these warning signs, you should get your car checked as soon as possible. Ignoring these tell-tale signs can make things worse.

3 Signs of a Transmission Problem

Transmission problems are complex. They can be as simple as a fluid change or replacing a few worn-out parts. However, the problems can be complicated, requiring extensive and expensive repairs.

Take a look at these 3 common signs that your transmission might be going bad or failing:

  1. Strange sounds

Do you hear a strange humming, whining, or buzzing sound? Do you feel as if something’s grinding every time you shift a gear? Manual and automatic transmissions both have unique tell-tale signs that they’re about to go bad or if there’s a problem. Don’t dismiss odd noises, especially if you hear them constantly whenever you’re driving.

  1. Transmission slipping

Automatic and manual transmissions both have a clutch system. Over time, this will eventually wear down and you’ll experience transmission slipping while trying to change into the next gear. If things get worse, it’ll come to a point where the transmission seizes and won’t engage anymore, leaving you with a car that’s pretty much stuck in place.

  1. Weird smells

Transmission systems have their own fluids designed to lubricate all the gears and ensure that everything’s synchronized. Over time, or if your vehicle is constantly being driven over long distances, the fluids can leak or burn inside the transmission. If you smell something weird or if you see red fluid leaking under your car, head on over to the repair shop and get your transmission serviced.

Think Your Car Is Useless? No, It Isn’t if You Do This!

Do you think your car’s transmission is failing? Is this just one of several car problems you’re dealing with? Don’t worry. Even if your car is plagued with so many issues, it’s not entirely useless. You can still squeeze out some benefits from it while giving it a worthy purpose — that of improving the lives of the struggling disadvantaged residents in your area. You can do that by turning over that vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

Your donation will become a vital source of support for the men and women in your community who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages (such as having prison records) that prevent them from landing decent jobs and living poverty-free lives.

We’ll have your car auctioned off, using the proceeds to fund the community development programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding that comes from the sale of donated vehicles to sustain their delivery of critical services to their beneficiaries. The services include job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

These services are meant to empower disadvantaged individuals to reach their full potential and turn them into productive and financially stable members of their community.

Expect a 100% tax-deductible sales receipt in your mailbox a few weeks after your vehicle’s auction. You’ll need it to claim your top tax deduction in the next tax-filing season.

What’s more, you can count on us to provide you with a highly satisfying donation experience, knowing that your act of charity will help generate new jobs in your community.

You can donate almost any type of vehicle. In most cases, we accept even vehicles that are no longer in good condition. You can also make your donation wherever you’re residing in the country since Goodwill Car Donations operates in all 50 states.

For more information on our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have any inquiries, call us at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586. You may also drop us a message here and we’ll respond to you promptly.

Turn Your Clunker into a Poverty Buster Today!

Classic Coupe parked | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Cristian Macovei under Unsplash License

Your old car may seem useless to you, but we can convert it into a weapon to fight poverty in your area. If you care for your community and the people who live there, then donating that vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations makes a lot of sense. Call 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!


3 Signs of a Blown Engine and What You Can Do About It

Car Engine Stopped | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Gustavo Fring under Pexels License

A Damaged Engine Can Pose Dangers to You and Other Drivers

When you buy a car, it’s often said that its sale price is just your initial payment. Becoming a car owner puts you on a journey of constant maintenance, checkups, repairs, and parts replacements. You can expect all these especially if you drive your car daily.

Minor problems or replacements like brake pads or wheel bearings are usually easy to fix. However, for issues related to your engine, things can be more complicated and costly to repair.

The engine is the heart of your vehicle. Without it, your car is nothing more than a hulking piece of metal. A damaged engine greatly affects the performance of your car, making it a hazard both to you and other drivers on the road.

Your engine can get damaged in many ways. Overheating is a common reason as well as hydrolocking, which happens when you try driving your car through a flood and your engine gets submerged, filling its cylinders with water.

Every vehicle has a recommended schedule for its maintenance, and manufacturers highly encourage drivers to follow it. Being diligent in your car checkups and oil changes can help you avoid costly engine repairs or a blown engine.

3 Signs That Your Car Has a Blown Engine

Always be on the lookout for symptoms of trouble whenever you drive your vehicle, especially if it’s been a while since its last checkup. If you’re driving and some things seem off, whether they’re strange lights on the dashboard or weird knocking noises, you should stop somewhere safe immediately.

The worst-case scenario is that your engine is on the verge of giving up. You wouldn’t want to be in the middle of the road when that happens!

Check out these 3 signs that may indicate engine damage or a blown engine:

  1. Check engine light is on.

There’s a reason why the “check engine” light is there. Don’t ignore it — it can very well save you from harm when you suffer a blown engine. Play it safe by scheduling a trip to the car shop as soon as you’re able to.

  1. Car performance isn’t how it used to be.

Is your car taking longer to speed up than before? Is there an increase in your fuel consumption? If your car’s performance is noticeably different compared to how it used to be, it might indicate an internal problem that you need to get checked out.

  1. More smoke spewing out.

An increase in your car’s exhaust is typically a bad sign, signaling that something might have broken down inside your vehicle. A trip to the auto shop is always warranted when this happens to avoid an even bigger headache.

Your Busted Car Still Has Value — Use It to Help the Needy

If you suffered a blown engine or some other serious car problems, you probably got the shock of your life when told of the huge costs of its repairs. Splurging money on repairs would be unwise since these wouldn’t guarantee that your car would be restored to its former pristine condition.

Still, just because your engine suffered damage doesn’t mean your vehicle has lost all its value. You can still squeeze some benefits from it by using it to help disadvantaged individuals living in your community. You can do that by handing over that clunker to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

We’ll do our best to fix and shine your vehicle for free and have it ready for auction. Once the vehicle is sold off, we’ll use the proceeds to support the life-enhancing programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to individuals who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education or essential skills, and other disadvantages, such as having prison records. They use the funding they get from vehicle donations to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

To donate, all you have to do is contact us. We’ll handle everything else from that point on, including picking up and towing your vehicle at absolutely no cost to you.

Your charitable contribution will also make you eligible to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Furthermore, your gift will also allow you to savor the satisfaction of having served your community by helping empower your less fortunate neighbors.

You can donate almost any type of vehicle even if it’s already in bad condition.

For information about our quick and convenient vehicle donation process and other important matters, feel free to check out our FAQs page. If you have questions, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here.

Turn Over Your Clunker to Us Today!

Are you ready to transform your run-down car into a vital source of assistance for your community’s disadvantaged residents? Turn it over to Goodwill Car Donations today! Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!

Red Porsche 911 | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Tnarg under Pexels License