8 Tips to Be a Smarter Consumer

published 5 March 2012

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Back in 2008, the average price of a 32-inch LCD TV was $867; by last year, the price had dropped by $330, according to iSuppli, a market-research firm. The first Kindle, introduced in 2007, cost $400; the latest version sells for as little as $110 without ads, is lighter and has way more memory and battery life. And you can snag a third-generation iPhone for as little as $50 (down from $600 at its 2007 introduction). Prices don’t always fall, but even newer models that cost the same will have enhancements, and the early kinks will be ironed out. For even better deals, look for refurbished tech products, which often come with warranties.

Kia’s midsize SUV switched from truck to crossover construction last year and now features more agile, carlike handling. A four-cylinder engine graces the lineup and gets 29 miles per gallon on the highway, versus 26 mpg for the V6. Second-row legroom is a roomy 38 inches, and cargo space behind the second row is 37 cubic feet -- enough to fit the family and all your gear. The third row of seats (optional on four-cylinder models and standard on V6 models) is perfect for little ones, but not unbearable for adults. The Sorento rates a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The first mass-market electric vehicle to hit the streets, the Leaf boasts serious amenities in addition to zero tailpipe emissions and a “fueling” cost of less than $700 a year. A heated steering wheel and heated seats and mirrors are standard features for 2012, as is a 7-inch information display with navigation (to help you find the nearest charging station), Bluetooth, and a USB connection for music. A full charge takes about eight hours on a 220-volt dock and will carry you 73 miles, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The price tag is steep, but a $7,500 federal tax credit helps.

Kiplinger’s named the Outback Best in Class Wagon for the third year in a row, based on its fuel economy, stellar resale values and bragging rights as an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes in three different versions (all standard) on Outback models, depending on the transmission and engine. On the 2.5i automatic, power is distributed to the wheels depending on acceleration, deceleration and available traction. For trail-rated accessories such as splash guards and all-weather floor mats, check out the Popular Package ($772).

Many celebrities have driven Porsches over the years, but few were cooler than 1950s film star James Dean -- whose love of Porsches became legendary after his death at the age of 24 while driving a 550 Spyder. Questions of your demise aside, if you desire two seats and the feel of the wind tousling your hair, then the Porsche Boxster is a good choice. It corners and brakes like a dream, and the engine is placed mid car, so there’s storage fore and aft. The Spyder has a larger engine and more horsepower. If money is tight and you can sacrifice some speed, consider the base Boxster, for $15,000 less.

Chrysler’s restyled 300C is evocative of the 1957 model, with a wide front grille and fins. But there’s more to the C than nostalgia. The doors open wide for easy entry, and the dashboard is clean, with big, easy-to-use controls. Heated seats (front and rear) and a rearview camera are standard, and the pedals and steering wheel adjust at the touch of a button. Add the Safetytec package ($2,420) for adaptive cruise control, which uses radar to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you on the highway. The package includes forward-collision and blind-spot warning and cross-path detection.

If you’d rather spring for a new car for your teen, consider the Kia Soul or Ford Focus. But if you’re looking to spend less, consider a three-year-old Civic. Its 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower and gets 36 mpg on the highway. The EX-L model has safety features not available on lower trims -- standard stability and traction control plus brake assist (to apply maximum braking force in an emergency). Other standard perks include heated leather seats, USB connectivity and a 60/40 split folding rear seat to expand the car’s 12 cubic feet of cargo space.

Airfare. Scout out fares on major travel sites, then plug a few itineraries into Bing Travel’s handy “price predictor,” which forecasts whether prices are headed up or down. Next, sign up for e-mail alerts from airfare-alert sites or follow them on Twitter. We like Airfarewatchdog and Farecompare to get the scoop on sales and promotions. (Skip blind booking sites, such as Hotwire and Priceline, which often place you on roundabout routes at inconvenient times.)

Vacation rental homes are pigeonholed as the classic lodging for families or large groups on beach vacations. But they can also suit singles and couples, not to mention families, looking for more space away from the tourist meccas in U.S. cities or abroad. Besides offering more square feet per dollar, rentals usually have a kitchen to help keep down food costs and a laundry room so you can pack lighter.

Hide the paper (and online) trail. Shred loan applications, bank statements and insurance forms before you toss them. To avoid high-tech identity thieves, never bank online using a public computer or public Wi-Fi over an unsecured network. When you are entering information online, look for “https” at the beginning of the URL. That means the site is secure. Make your passwords hard to crack by using symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters, and jumbled words (see Foil the Hackers With Unique Passwords).

Monitor your credit report. Look for bogus transactions or errors in your credit report by routinely checking your report at AnnualCreditReport.com. You’re entitled to receive one free copy from each of the three major credit bureaus every year. Stagger your requests and you can check your report every four months. Also pay close attention to credit card bills so you can spot any unauthorized charges. If you’ve been a victim of ID theft, contact one of the credit bureaus (Experian.com, Equifax.com or Trans Union.com) to file a fraud alert, which will require lenders to attempt to verify your identity before issuing any new credit in your name.

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