If you’re shopping for your first car, you’re probably focused on the fun stuff—color, style, mileage, and features. But before you fall in love with your dream ride, there’s one important question you need to answer: How much car can you really afford? At Miramar Car Center, we want you to drive off feeling confident—not overwhelmed. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you figure out what’s realistic for your budget. 💳 1. Start with the Monthly Payment A good rule of thumb? Your monthly car payment should be no more than 15% of your monthly take-home pay. So if you [...]

Shopping for a used car in San Diego? You’ve probably seen plenty of private listings online that seem like a great deal—but there’s more to car buying than just the price tag. At Miramar Car Center, we believe peace of mind is just as important as the purchase. Here are five solid reasons why buying from a trusted dealership is a smarter move than dealing with a private seller: 1. 🚫 No Guesswork About the Vehicle’s History When you buy from a private seller, you're relying on their word—and hoping they’re being honest. At Miramar Car Center, every vehicle comes [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]