Does Mileage Really Matter When Buying a Used Car?

2025-06-22T22:51:36+00:00Automotive Knowledge, California, Electric, EV, Miramar Car Center, Safety, San Diego|

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: “That car’s got high mileage—skip it.” But is mileage really the deal-breaker it’s made out to be? At Miramar Car Center, we’ve helped plenty of smart buyers get great deals on cars with a few extra miles—because mileage is just one part of the story. Here's what you really need to know: 🧩 Mileage vs. Maintenance: What Matters More? A vehicle with 90,000 miles that’s been regularly serviced is often a better buy than one with 40,000 miles that’s been neglected. Look for: Consistent oil changes Brake/rotor replacements Transmission and coolant service Timing [...]

How to Choose the Right Used Car – Without Regrets

2025-06-22T22:50:28+00:00Automotive Knowledge, California, Electric, EV, Miramar Car Center, Safety, San Diego|

Let’s face it: shopping for a used car can feel overwhelming. With so many makes, models, and price points out there, how do you know you're getting the right one? At Miramar Car Center, we help hundreds of San Diego drivers find the perfect ride—without the stress. Here’s what we recommend when it comes to choosing your next used vehicle. 1. 🚦 Start with Your Needs (Not Wants) Ask yourself: Do I need fuel efficiency or cargo space? How many miles do I drive per week? Am I commuting solo or hauling the whole family? Your lifestyle should guide your [...]

How Summer Heat Can Wreck Your Ride (and How to Protect It)

2025-06-22T22:49:12+00:00Automotive Knowledge, California, Electric, EV, Miramar Car Center, Safety, San Diego|

☀️ The Hidden Dangers of Heat on Your Car You may not see it right away, but prolonged heat exposure can slowly wear down your car in several ways: 1. Battery Breakdown Heat accelerates corrosion and can cause battery fluid to evaporate, shortening its life. If your battery is more than 3 years old, get it tested before a heat wave hits. 2. Tire Trouble Hot pavement and underinflated tires are a bad combo. Increased heat expands the air inside your tires, which can lead to blowouts—especially if you’re on a long road trip. 3. Fluids Under Pressure Oil, coolant, [...]

The Top 5 Most Underrated Cars for San Diego Drivers

2025-05-21T15:58:11+00:00Automotive Knowledge, California, Electric, EV, Miramar Car Center, Safety, San Diego, Tesla|

Everyone talks about Teslas, Jeeps, and luxury SUVs.But when it comes to real-life driving in and around San Diego—tight parking, freeway merges, beach runs, and weekend getaways—there are a few unsung heroes that deserve more love. At Miramar Car Center, we see firsthand what actually works for local drivers, and we’re here to give these five vehicles the spotlight they deserve. 1. Honda Fit Why it’s great: Insanely roomy for its size. The “Magic Seat” lets you fold the back seats in multiple ways, giving you space for surfboards, grocery hauls, or road trip gear. Bonus: Sips gas. Parks anywhere. [...]

Why Low-Mileage Used Cars Are a Smart Buy

2025-04-23T13:20:43+00:00Automotive Knowledge, California, Electric, EV, Miramar Car Center, San Diego|

When you’re in the market for a used vehicle, one of the first things people check is the mileage. And for good reason — mileage tells a story. But what does “low mileage” really mean, and is it always worth the hype? At Miramar Car Center, we talk to shoppers every day who are trying to make the smartest, most cost-effective choice. If that sounds like you, here’s why low-mileage used cars might be exactly what you’re looking for. 🚗 Less Wear, More Life Left The biggest benefit of a low-mileage vehicle? It hasn’t been driven as much — which [...]

Why Buying a Car in San Diego Is Different (and What You Should Look For)

2025-04-23T13:16:52+00:00Automotive Knowledge, California, Electric, EV, Miramar Car Center, San Diego|

Shopping for a car in San Diego isn’t quite like shopping anywhere else. Sure, the basics still apply — price, reliability, mileage — but when you live in a place with sunshine 300+ days a year and traffic that can turn a 15-minute drive into an hour, your priorities shift a bit. At Miramar Car Center, we’ve helped thousands of SoCal drivers find the right ride, and we’ve picked up on some key differences that matter when you’re buying a vehicle in a city like ours. Here's what makes car shopping in San Diego unique — and what you should [...]

EV Curious? What to Know About Electric Cars Before You Buy

2025-04-23T13:10:28+00:00Automotive Knowledge, California, Electric, EV, Miramar Car Center, Safety, San Diego, Tesla|

Thinking about going electric? You're not alone — especially here in California, where clean air goals and gas prices both point toward one thing: EVs are the future. But before you jump behind the wheel of an electric vehicle (EV), it helps to know what you're getting into. At Miramar Car Center, we’ve seen a growing number of shoppers curious about used electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. So if you're EV curious, here’s what you should know before making the switch. ⚡ Range: How Far Can You Really Go? One of the first questions people ask is, “How far will [...]

Convertible Season: Top Picks to Enjoy San Diego’s Sunshine

2025-03-24T17:23:18+00:00Automotive Knowledge, California, Electric, EV, Miramar Car Center, San Diego|

There's nothing quite like cruising around San Diego with the top down, soaking up the sun, and feeling the ocean breeze. Convertible season is here, and Miramar Car Center has the perfect vehicles to elevate your sunny-day adventures. Here are our top picks for convertibles that are perfect for enjoying San Diego's beautiful weather: 1. Mazda MX-5 Miata This classic roadster is renowned for its agile handling, sleek design, and enjoyable driving experience. It's compact, fuel-efficient, and perfect for exploring the scenic routes along the coast or winding through city streets. 2. Ford Mustang Convertible Combining classic American muscle with [...]

The Best Compact Cars for San Diego City Driving

2025-03-24T17:25:40+00:00Automotive Knowledge, California, Electric, EV, Miramar Car Center, San Diego|

Navigating San Diego’s bustling city streets requires a car that’s agile, practical, and fuel-efficient. Compact cars are perfect for maneuvering through tight parking spaces, handling busy traffic, and saving on gas. At Miramar Car Center, we've selected some of the best compact cars that excel in city driving. Here are our top recommendations: 1. Honda Civic The Honda Civic is a perennial favorite for city dwellers, known for its reliability, exceptional fuel economy, and smooth ride. Its compact size, responsive steering, and advanced safety features make it ideal for navigating busy San Diego streets. 2. Toyota Corolla With an outstanding [...]

Top Things to Do in San Diego During the Summer

2025-03-24T17:28:15+00:00Automotive Knowledge, California, Electric, EV, Miramar Car Center, Safety, San Diego|

Summer in San Diego offers an abundance of sunshine, beautiful beaches, and exciting attractions. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are some must-experience activities that capture the best of San Diego’s summer: 1. Hit the Beach San Diego boasts numerous stunning beaches perfect for surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing. Popular spots include Mission Beach, La Jolla Shores, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach. Spend your day sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, or strolling along scenic boardwalks. 2. Explore Balboa Park Home to lush gardens, world-class museums, and the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park provides endless entertainment. Enjoy outdoor concerts, cultural [...]