• Auto
    020 RAM 1500 trims and their defining features

    Built on a stunning legacy, RAM’s trucks are a major hit among Americans. The 2019 RAM 1500 was especially popular, winning multiple awards including the 2019 Editors’ Choice Award from Edmunds. It outperformed most of its competitors, prompting the brand to work even harder to make the 2020 RAM 1500 a worthy successor.

    The result exemplifies the company’s standing in the segment, with the 2020 RAM 1500 being a class above the 2019 version. Available in six trims, the pickup truck is loaded with performance, style, and comfort, already breaking sales and on course to set new standards in the segment. The six versions come with their own set of specifications and features, which underlines their price accordingly.

    2020 RAM 1500 Tradesman

    The base model, whose price starts at around $32,145, has everything you need from a basic to a somewhat advanced level. The standard is the 3.6-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine, producing 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Coming to its features, the Tradesman comes with keyless entry, ParkView® Rare Backup Camera, a five-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth®, and six speakers. Additionally, there’s electronic stability control, a full set of airbags, and traction control to improve stability.

    2020 RAM 1500 Big Horn

    While the performance of this trim is similar to the Tradesman, there are a few interior tweaks that make it more appealing. Big Horn offers leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, carpet flooring, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and rear sliding windows. On the exterior, it has front fog lamps, chrome door, handles, bumper, and grille, along with 18-inch aluminum wheels. The safety package in the Big Horn is similar to the Tradesman.

    2020 RAM 1500 Laramie

    Third in the order of 2020 RAM 1500 trim precedence, Laramie has quite a few upgrades when compared to Big Horn’s interior. Loaded with advanced systems like Uconnect® 4, Apple CarPlay™, Android® Auto, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen. This trim also offers slightly more luxurious seats and is enabled with driver seat and mirror memory.

    2020 RAM 1500 Rebel

    Built for off-roading, Rebel has its own badging and off-road fender flares. It has off-road rubber floor mats, vinyl door trim panels, and integrated tow hooks. Additionally, the Rebel comes with buck seats, powder-coated front bumper, full dampening tailgate and 18-inch painted black wheels. Its infotainment system isn’t that advanced, clearly hinting at the idea behind the model.

    2020 RAM 1500 Laramie Longhorn®

    Starting from around $51,640, this trim offers seamless interiors as well as exteriors. It has an 8.4-inch display, built-in navigation, climate control system, heated seats, ventilated front seats, and under-seat lighting. There is also a rear under-seat storage compartment capable of housing multiple bags. On the exterior, there’s the availability of 22-inch aluminum wheels and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

    2020 RAM 1500 Limited

    The most-expensive trim of the 2020 RAM 1500, the Limited is a class above in terms of class, style, and comfort. It has a power running board on the exterior, which automatically opens and retracts if someone enters or leaves the truck. Limited is also equipped with a blind-spot monitoring system with cross-path and trailer detection, premium leather-trimmed bucket seats, a wireless charging pad, Harman-Kardon® 19-Speaker Sound System, and a 12-inch touchscreen.

  • Auto
    Interesting facts you must know about the Corvette

    Like most things, cars are also a matter of perspective. Some segments and specific models, which may seem appealing to some, might not exactly excite the car enthusiast in you. However, exceptions are an inherent feature of the world, giving some cars the reverence, warmth, and admiration of one and all is a common trait.

    Corvettes fall under this exclusive category, with the car being a hit with almost every car enthusiast. Since its inception in 1953, many Corvette models have earned widespread recognition for their sleek design, powerful engine, and seamless transmission. Although the latest models are slightly expensive, retro models are a big hit leading to cheap corvette for sale in the used car market.

    Unlike most others, Corvettes haven’t lost their value with time. On the contrary, with cheap Corvettes for sale available in the used car market a lot of individuals are buying them and customizing them to their liking. This testifies to the brand’s value and tremendous history demonstrating its might, performance, and popularity over the years. To further add to this, here are some incredible facts about this car.

    • NASA Astronauts drove Corvettes

    Alan Shephard is the first-known astronaut who owned a Corvette. Following his brave stint as the first American to travel in space, General Motors offered him the keys to a 1962 Corvette. Thereafter, six of the Mercury Seven astronauts were given Corvettes as part of an arrangement that offered special terms to astronauts.

    In 1969, three Apollo 12 astronauts ordered identical customized Corvette 390-hp 427 Stingray. The association between the two entities was further strengthened by books and movies like The Right Stuff, Apollo 13, and Terms of Endearment.

    • Corvette outshone racers at Le Mans

    Famed for its exemplary engines and transmission, Corvette launched his Racing Division in 1999. Despite being relatively new compared to the likes of Ferrari and Maserati, the Corvette Racing Division secured a podium position with its C5-R. It recorded victories in 2001, 2002, and 2004 – a sensational start to life in racing.

    • Corvettes are fast in reverse

    It’s fairly known just how incredible Corvettes are at high speeds. The car offers impeccable stability and laser-like precision, making for a powerful driving experience. Its performance is just as good in reverse as well, with the 2014 Corvette Stingray clocking an unbelievable 53 miles per hour in reverse. The Corvette C8, meanwhile, tops out at 31 miles per hour in reverse.

    • Boat Engineers designed Corvette ZR1’s motor

    The Corvette ZR1’s LT5 motor needed to have a small displacement and yet produce over 400 horsepower. To accomplish the task, Mercury’s MerCruiser division was chosen as boats had similar displacement-to-power ratios. The marine division, naturally, took on the responsibility and easily succeeded in doing so in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The motor produced about 405 horsepower, performing well in road tests and even breaking the world record for endurance.

  • Auto
    What to consider before buying a Chevy Silverado 1500

    Chevrolet has been a household name in the automobile industry for over a hundred years now. The auto giant earned a reputation for manufacturing some of the best pickup trucks in recent years and the Silverado series is one stellar example. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is by far the strongest and technologically advanced pickup designed to get the job done, period! A bigger engine, better transmission, and stellar off-road capabilities rank the 1500 trims in a class of its own.

    Here are some of the key highlights of the pickup truck.

    Trims
    The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a true commercial workhorse that offers eight trim variants and three custom special editions. The heavier V8 engine trims can haul heavy loads for long distances, while the lighter Turbo trims offer the best fuel economy in its class. Towing and trailering also play an important role when it comes to choosing a trim variant.

    Engine and transmission
    The bigger the engine block, the more powerful is the pickup. You get multiple options for engines, including your standard V6 or V8 and the more fuel-efficient Duramax® Turbo-Diesel. The Silverado 1500 comes with a 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, or a 6.2L V8, all great engine blocks for the heavy trims. On the other hand, the 2.7L Turbo and 3.0L Duramax® Turbo are the more fuel-efficient options. The pickup also features 6-speed, 8-speed, and 10-speed automatic transmission options suitable for different size engine blocks. The Hydra-Matic® 10-speed automatic transmission has shorter gears to improve efficiency while shifting the power from lower to higher gears.

    Four-wheel-drive
    Most of the premium trims of the Silverado 1500 offer a 4-wheel-drive. The drivetrain is what transfers the power from the engines to the wheels. 4-wheel drives do offer a better grip in questionable weather and terrain conditions. Granted, it is a slightly more premium option to consider but it is worth the price, especially if you are in the long haul business driving cross country. A 4×4 is definitely a much better option for heavy towing and trailering.

    Drive modes
    The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers custom drive modes that modify the vehicle’s throttle and handling response. This is a cool feature that adjusts your ride experience depending on the driving and terrain conditions. The Silverado offers normal, tow/haul, sport, off-road, terrain, and snow/ice drive modes to adjust the power and traction accordingly. All this can be done with the simple turn of a dial on the Drive Mode Selector.

    Off-road capabilities
    The premium trims of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are designed to handle off-road and rough terrains thanks to the Z71-off Road package installation. Premium Rencho® Shocks smooth out a bumpy ride while the hill descent control ensures driving safety on steep grades. A metal underbody shield, all-terrain tires, and automatic locking rear differential further ensure better off-road capabilities.

  • Auto
    5 affordable crossover SUVs you can buy without thinking twice

    Crossover SUVs offer tons of versatility in functionality at practically very affordable prices. Suitable for cargo as well as passenger transportation, crossover SUVs provide the best of both worlds. In addition to being a perfect combination of a passenger car’s fuel economy and a small truck’s cargo capacity, crossover SUVs prices are more pocket-friendly. Crossover SUVs bring in the sturdiness of a pickup truck, spacious cargo hold of hatchbacks, and passenger comfort of a minivan or a wagon. No wonder crossover SUVs have quickly become popular. If you are planning to buy one, here are some popular ones at affordable crossover SUVs prices.

    • Hyundai Kona: With prices starting from $20,100, the Hyundai Kona has one of the most affordable crossover SUVs prices. At a budget price, this crossover SUV is replete with outstanding and significantly good features. These include a stylishly quality cabin with a user-friendly infotainment system, good crash test ratings, and agile handling. At such an affordable price tag, this crossover SUV is a catch.
    • Kia Sportage: The Kia Sportage can easily accommodate five passengers within its spacious cabin. With a price starting from $23,990, the Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV that gives decent performance powered by an efficient four-cylinder engine. For those who require more acceleration power, the SX Turbo trim is the top-of-the-line choice with its 240-horsepower turbo-four engine. Additionally, standard features include a sleek 8-inch touch screen interface with smartphone integration and other standard safety features such as driver condition monitor.
    • Subaru Forester: With standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Forester is priced starting at $24, 495. One of the top-ranking compact crossover SUVs, the Forester offers substantial mileage, comfortable ride, and efficient steering. Additionally, the cabin space is quite spacious with lots of cargo space. With a new lane-centering system, the Forester’s safety features make this a top-notch crossover SUV. All the standard features make it suitable for everyday commute.
    • Kia Sorento: Starting at a price of around $26,690, the Kia Sorento is a midsize crossover SUV. It is bang in the middle of the competitive range of SUVs; however, it has less cargo space when compared to others in its range. But, the Kia Sorento makes up with its reasonable price, fuel efficiency, and easy drivetrain. Moreover, it’s interiors are quite comfortable and well-designed. Safety features include the standard rearview camera. Additionally, the car comes with a top-class 7-inch touch screen interface, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
    • Chevrolet Traverse: With a large cabin space and enough power, the Chevrolet Traverse is the perfect family cruiser in its range of cross SUVs prices. The range is priced from around $29,800. It is incorporated with the latest infotainment system that has a highly functional 7-inch touch screen interface with WiFi hotspot and smartphone integration. The interiors are quite roomy with space for eight passengers plus additional cargo space. Additionally, the car is equipped with Teen Driver safety features from General Motors.
  • Auto
    Check these 4 best small pickup trucks at affordable prices

    Small pickup trucks were once primarily used for hauling farming or construction equipment. However, over the years, these trucks have evolved to hauling so many other things. They offer extravagant cargo and passenger space, have rugged capabilities, and are reasonably priced. So, if you are out in the market looking for a small pickup truck, the number of options available can overwhelm you. However, it is best to opt for a pickup truck that satisfies your requirements. To help you narrow down your choices here is a list of some of the best small pickup trucks currently available in the market.

    • 2013 Toyota Tacoma

    The 2013 Toyota Tacoma is still a very popular pickup truck at an affordable price. It comes in different trim variants and is loaded with a variety of features. Moreover, it gives you an impressive cargo capacity for its size, making it one of the best pickup trucks. Depending on your needs you can either choose a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that gives 159 hp or go for a higher 4.0-litre V6 engine that produces 236 hp. It’s available in both five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic transmission. You can even opt for a four-wheel-drive in case you off-road a lot.

    • 2016 Chevrolet Colorado

    The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado is a comfortable ride with spacious and exquisite interiors. It is a compact truck that can be easily driven in the city while offering the capabilities of a full-size truck. The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado is powered by an economical and powerful turbocharged 2.8-liter diesel engine that delivers 369-lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 7,700 lbs of load. On the highway, it gives you an impressive mileage of 28 mpg in a four-wheel-drive configuration with six-speed automatic transmission.

    • 2018-2019 Nissan Frontier

    Nissan’s 2018-2019 Frontier models make it to the list of the best small pickup trucks for its loading capacity and performance. The Frontier is available in five trim variants that include the first-rate SL trim and Pro-4X, facilitating off-road adventure. You can choose from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 hp and a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 261 hp. The Frontier can tow a maximum load of 6,720 lbs. There is no significant upgrade in the 2019 model and both feature standard equipment across all trim variants.

    • 2015 Toyota Tacoma

    The 2015 model of Toyota Tacoma offers a slight upgrade from its 2013 model, but it’s still affordably priced. You can either choose a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 159 hp or a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 236 hp. It offers an impressive mileage of an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined and 25 mpg on the highway. This is when it is powered by a 2.7L four-cylinder engine, two-wheel-drive configuration, and five-speed manual transmission. Because of its compact size, you can drive it across the city comfortably. For off-roading purposes, it is good to buy the four-wheel-drive variant as it can handle different terrains and weather.

  • Finance
    Triple Net (NNN) lease – Pros and cons, and how to find NNN properties for sale

    Those who work in commercial real estate know that the triple net lease or, commonly called, NNN lease is only becoming popular by the day. Despite the popularity, the NNN lease is still frequently misunderstood by many commercial real estate professionals, and of course, the general public. So, let’s better understand the triple net lease, its pros and cons, and look at how to find NNN properties for sales.

    What is a triple net lease?

    A triple net lease or an NNN lease is a type of lease agreement in which the tenant agrees to pay for all operating expenses associated with a property and the rent cost. Each “N,” or “net” in triple net designates one operating expense category that the tenant is responsible for. The operating expenses of commercial properties include real estate taxes, building insurance, and maintenance.

    To understand more clearly, in a single net lease agreement, the tenant agrees to pay for one of the above expenses. Likewise, in a double net lease agreement, the tenant agrees to pay for two of these expenses. So, a triple net lease agreement means that the tenant is responsible for all three property expenses.

    NNN lease pros and cons

    Pros

    A triple net lease can be beneficial for both owners and tenants. As you imagine from the owner’s perspective, the NNN lease looks quite lucrative. The owners are free from incurring any unexpected or inconsistent costs over time. This ensures that their income from the property remains steady.

    When you look at the triple net lease from the tenant’s standpoint, the key benefit is that you get the total control of a property without even owning it. This is helpful when you’re buying a franchise of a fast-food brand, as you might want to give the property a complete makeover and make a few other adjustments before you’re ready for business. Also, since the tenants are taking on most of the cost, these properties are available at lower rent rates.

    Cons

    The tenants mostly bear the downsides associated with triple net lease agreements. Firstly, they take on more expenses, more management, and other responsibilities that come with the NNN lease. Even when the business of the tenants takes a hit, they are still required to pay the same rent cost to the owners. Apart from this, they are also required to pay for weather damage and other repairs.

    How to find NNN properties for sale

    Finding NNN properties for sale can sometimes be tricky. Many listing platforms do not provide filters that can help you exclusively look for NNN properties and other associated aspects. That said, there exist a few that lets you search for specific properties with NNN leases.

    You can explore these below-mentioned platforms to find NNN properties for sale. Some of these will allow you to search properties by asset class, tenant type, and tenant names to help you find a triple net proprietary ideal for you.

    • Reonomy
    • LoopNet
    • CREXi
    • Ten-X
    • Marcus & Millichap
  • Finance
    5 mistakes to avoid when investing in a high dividend ETF

    Exchange-traded funds (ETF) have been gaining popularity in the investment sector for some time now. Along with mutual funds, they have been one of the most preferred investment options among investors. With investors having pumped in billions of dollars in ETFs by now, these funds sure seem like a lucrative investment avenue. However, financial experts suggest treading this path carefully so as to avoid unforeseeable losses. Here are a few mistakes that you can avoid while investing in high dividend ETFs:

    • Overlooking long-term investment
      Looking at long-term goals is the golden rule when it comes to any type of investment. However, seasoned investors invest in ETFs on a short-term basis through a type of trading called intraday trade. This type of trading allows the investors to buy and sell stocks and other investments on the same day. However, if not thought out carefully, investing in high dividend ETFs through intraday trading can result in lower returns and higher trading costs.
    • Buying an ETF simply based on its name
      This is one of the most common mistakes people make when investing in high dividend ETFs. Investors may think that an ETF’s name provides an insight into its investment reach, i.e., whether the ETF has local or/and global investors. However, this is a ploy that ETF issuers often use to lure investors. Investing in an ETF based solely on its name can lead to disastrous investments. So understand an ETF’s underlying holdings and market objectives before making an investment.
    • Investing in the wrong ETF
      Like every investment, almost every ETF is vulnerable to market trends and economic slowdowns. However, this does not mean that the particular ETF has failed. When an ETF liquidates, you might still receive some money (termination and other fees might be levied). But this may take a while and you may lose out on the time that could have otherwise been utilized to make other investments. However, it is important to know when an ETF is failing so that you can liquidate your investment before it crashes. Some signs of a failing ETF are a short track record and low share liquidity, among others.
    • Not researching adequately
      Not researching enough on how high dividend ETF funds can diversify your portfolio can result in redundancy or even losses. For example, you might be investing in an ETF and large-cap mutual fund of the same type of stock or even by the same company. It can also result in liquidity risk if you have invested in a specific sector. If you are not armed with enough information, then you might find it difficult to sell the ETF whenever you want.
    • Small ETF investments
      The most sought-after investment strategy is putting aside a set amount for investing every month. This is referred to as the dollar cost strategy. However, putting an amount in only an ETF can be counterproductive if you are investing small. This is because you might have to pay commission on a few ETFs that you buy and sell. So make sure to set aside a dynamic amount when investing in ETFs. You can even turn to ETF issuers and online brokerage platforms that do not charge any commission on trading.