Blog

If you plan to get married in Columbus, OH, there are many fantastic wedding venues that are ideal for creating the perfect celebration. Take a drive in a Toyota Highlander, a Hyundai Palisade, or a Chevrolet Equinox, and visit some of the best and most popular venues that offer sophisticated and elegant spaces, excellent wedding packages, gourmet cuisine, and attentive staff that will help you turn your wedding dreams into a reality. 1. Brookshire Weddings and Events The fabulous Brookshire Weddings and Events at 405 Greif Parkway in Columbus is a delightful full-service venue with all-inclusive packages and dedicated staff to cater to your every need. The venue provides exquisite cuisine and two spacious suites where the wedding party can get ready for the big day. more Say I do in the sophisticated ballroom with space for 300 guests or on the romantic Ceremony Lawn and mingle with your guests surrounded by scenic gardens with a tumbling waterfall. 2. The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at 1777 E Broad Street in Columbus offers a breathtaking natural backdrop for your wedding celebrations. The John F. Wolfe Palm House, with its lush tropical garden and towering glass ceiling, the rustic yet elegant Wells Barn, the Grand Atrium, and the Veridian, each has a picturesque garden and can accommodate 500 wedding guests. It's a full-service venue that provides on-site catering tailored to your serving style and event coordination to help you create the perfect wedding. There's also a suite where you and your entourage can prepare for your dream celebration. 3. The Blackwell Inn The Blackwell Inn at 2110 Tuttle Park Place in Columbus is a stylish ballroom wedding venue that caters to intimate ceremonies and grand receptions of up to 250 guests. There are two beautiful areas where you can exchange vows. The Grand Ballroom, with its contemporary design, modern lighting, and banquet-style seating, creates an atmosphere of elegant sophistication. The Terrace Patio is ideal if you prefer an open-air ceremony. The in-house wedding coordinator will assist you with all your planning and handle the details to create a spectacular wedding. The Blackwell Inn's catering staff provides excellent cuisine and various serving options. You are also welcome to create your own menu. 4. WatersEdge Event and Conference Venue The nine-acre WatersEdge Event and Conference Venue at 4643 Trueman Boulevard in Hilliard, 14 miles from Columbus, was designed specifically for weddings. The lodge-style venue is on the shores of a picturesque lake and is surrounded by scenic woodlands with indoor and outdoor wedding spaces. Lakeview is spacious with 24-foot vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass, magnificent views over the lake and gardens, and seating for 225 guests. The Cove is a modern, stylish space overlooking the lake, and the elegant Cedar Room is ideal for an intimate ceremony. The venue provides three wedding packages, gourmet cuisine, and relentless attention to detail to ensure your wedding is perfect. Find the ideal venue to walk down the aisle in a beautiful setting and dance the night away in style in the Columbus, OH area! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

When shopping for a used vehicle, you can't go wrong with a used Kia. Kia makes automobiles in all shapes, sizes, and configurations, so you won't have a hard time finding the right one for you. They also make vehicles that are dependable and durable, making Kia one of the best brands to buy used. Check out the top three secondhand Kia models to buy below. 1. 2019 Kia Soul The 2019 Kia Soul is a four-door hatchback. It is equipped with a 1.6L engine, perfect for its compact body. It gets up to 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Soul has above-average cargo space for its class. Behind the first row of seating, you'll have 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space; behind the rear seats, you'll have 61.3 cubic feet of cargo space. more The Soul is equipped with a five-inch touchscreen infotainment system. With this system, you can connect your smart device through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The 2019 Soul has also been awarded the highest possible score by multiple automotive safety agencies. 2. 2015 Kia Forte LX The 2015 Kia Forte LX is a four-door sedan. The 2015 Forte release with three trims: EX, LX, and SX. The LX is the middle of the two trims, combining the best of both worlds between the lower and higher trim levels. The interior is upscale compared to some other sedans from competitors, featuring premium materials and accents. The cloth seat trim provides a plush and comfortable driving experience. The 2015 Forte also comes equipped with an air filtration system, delivering you clean, fresh air straight into the cabin. It is also worth noting that J.D. Power gave the 2015 Forte an above-average reliability rating. 3. 2017 Kia Sorento LX The Kia Sorento is one of Kia's most popular vehicles. The 2017 Sorento is a four-door SUV. It is equipped with a 185-horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder engine, providing powerful and responsive acceleration. Being an SUV, it's not surprising that the Sorento's cargo space is a delight to drivers. The maximum cargo space is 73 cubic feet. The Sorento has 38 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seating. It is also possible to add a third row to the 2017 Sorento. If you add a third row, you'll have 11.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Kia is an undeniable force in the automotive world, bringing reliable, top-performing vehicles year after year. They're built to last, and they are also built to be timeless in style. The most important thing about shopping for a used vehicle is finding a trusted and knowledgeable dealer. Call or message Drive Direct now to speak to a trusted used car dealer and find the right used vehicle for you.

There are a lot of exciting activities and attractions to check out in Columbus, OH, including some of the best music venues featuring a number of different bands and musicians. One of the most fun ways to spend a night is to visit one or two of these awesome spots, so check out the list below to see which ones are the most popular in your area! 1. A&R Music Bar Whether you're looking to discover new local musicians or are searching for which bands are touring through the city, this cool spot features a wide range of different shows for you to enjoy. The friendly staff is always ready to make you feel comfortable in any way they can, and the doors are always open, so you can easily take a breath of fresh air whenever you feel like it. Enjoy the awesome atmosphere that this intimate stage and stylish decor provide every night. more 2. The King of Clubs This venue is one of the most visited spots in the city for many reasons. You can watch from the balconies above or hit the floor below for some dancing, but anywhere you choose to stand gives you a great view of the stage. The King of Clubs offers a lot of different genres but is particularly popular among rock fans. Order something to eat or drink while you're here – just remember to drink responsibly when ordering from their bar. 3. Big Room Bar If you want a place that values local talent and music history above all else, come to the Big Room Bar. This is quite an intimate spot, yet there's plenty of room for you to take to the dance floor with your friends! If you're ever in need of some fresh air, the patio outside provides a relaxing environment to chill out whenever you'd like. Getting to this place couldn't be easier, and the great parking available makes it one of the best places to drive to. 4. Woodlands Tavern With two stages and plenty of space for you and your friends to hang out, Woodlands Tavern has remained one of the most beloved spots for over a decade now. There are a lot of musical performances to enjoy at this place, but it also has TVs, a pool table, and other games for you to keep yourself entertained. Their craft beer is always ready, along with daily specials and a menu of delicious tacos, sandwiches, and more. When it comes to finding places that can provide you with the best up-and-coming bands and musicians, there's arguably no better place than this city. If you're ever in the area, you can't go wrong by checking out one of these fun spots – start making your plans today! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

There's nothing better than planning a summer road trip! Whether it takes you to the mountains for hiking, to the coast for a day at the beach, or to one of the amazing state parks for an outdoor adventure, summer is full of possibilities! Ford has the perfect lineup for a summer trip, with vehicles for any adventure. Read on for more details! The Bronco When your idea of the perfect road trip takes you off the road, the Bronco is the Ford you need. The Badlands model takes off-road capabilities to the next level with a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, a heavy-duty suspension, full-time four-wheel drive, and seven driving modes. It comes with rock rails, a rubber floor, and marine-grade vinyl upholstery. Choose any Bronco trim and you can turn your road trip into an open-air ride by removing the doors and roof. more The Explorer The three-row Explorer is perfect for a family road trip. It has room for up to seven people and their gear. This SUV has lots of tech and convenience features, including a power-adjustable driver's seat, a split-folding second row, and an available power-folding third row. The higher-level trims offer massaging front seats, a larger 10.1-inch touch screen, and a surround-sound stereo system. The Explorer has a full suite of driver safety aids, including forward-collision mitigation, blind-spot monitor, and lane-keeping assist. The Escape Choose the Escape for a road trip when you want something compact with a peppy and powerful engine. The hybrid model provides the fuel efficiency you want for a budget-friendly road trip, and no matter which Escape you choose, it offers the latest version of Ford's SYNC infotainment system. This small SUV has more rear-seat legroom than others in its class and a spacious cargo area where you can keep all your gear. The second-row seats slide back and forth to create more cargo space when you need it or more legroom when you have extra passengers. An available hands-free foot-activated liftgate means you can access the cargo area without getting your keys out. The Expedition The ultimate summer road trip includes all your family and friends, and you can take everyone along in the large Expedition. This Ford has space for up to eight and a massive cargo area with room for everything you need for an extended trip. A powerful twin-turbo V-6 engine easily powers the large Expedition and will tow up to 9,300 pounds. Inside, a power-folding third row makes it easy to access the cargo area, and upscale materials provide a luxurious ride. An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, along with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional rear-seat entertainment system is available for the top three trims. The Expedition comes standard with forward-collision warning with mitigation and pedestrian detection and offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning.   Ford has the perfect vehicle no matter where your summer road trip takes you. Visit Drive Direct to find your favorite model and get started on bringing your new ride home today!

Whether you live in the region or are traveling around in your shiny Toyota RAV4 or Chevy Equinox, the city of Columbus, OH, is chock full of local attractions for you to check out with your friends or family! Home to over two million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, Columbus is a vibrant city where there’s always something going on that’ll entertain locals and visitors alike. These are just some of the spots you should check out while visiting our fair city. 1. Scioto Mile Without a doubt, one of the best ways to start exploring Columbus is to go for a walk along Scioto Mile. Covering an area of about 175 acres, this urban oasis features a pedestrian promenade sitting along both banks of the Scioto River, as well as a series of riverfront parks, bikeways, and beautiful spots where you can enjoy a sunset with great views of the city's skyline. more While Scioto Mile is now one of the most important landmarks in the city, the area has only recently been adapted for public use. This recreational complex was established as part of the Scioto Greenways project, which was created to revitalize a part of the city that had been largely abandoned since the early 1900s. 2. Ohio Statehouse Welcoming over half a million visitors each year, the Ohio Statehouse serves as the state capital and is one of the most beautiful Greek Revival buildings in the entire United States. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the building was completed in 1861 after more than two decades of construction. Nowadays, the place works as both a government building and a historical museum. Thanks to its location in the heart of the city center, you can easily walk to the Ohio Statehouse from most other local landmarks. Some of the most beautiful sections of the building include the rotunda, the Grand Stair Hall, and the atrium. The two-story cupola features an observation deck from where you can have excellent views of the city. 3. Ohio History Center If you want to learn more about the history of our incredible state, the Ohio History Center is a place you should not miss while in Columbus. Established in the early 1970s, this museum and cultural center is located about three and a half miles north of the downtown area. Besides the permanent exhibition, the Ohio History Center regularly hosts temporary exhibits, as well as cultural events and performances. Before you hit the road and start exploring all the wonders that Columbus has to offer, consider one of these spots to kick off your excursion! Getting out and about is a terrific way to expand your knowledge and enjoy the sights available in our historic city! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Buying a used vehicle can help you save money while still getting a quality car. If you're interested in a Subaru vehicle, there are plenty of great used models to check out. Here are a few used Subaru vehicles you'll want to consider. 1. Subaru Outback Drivers looking for a super versatile SUV will be delighted by everything the Subaru Outback has to offer. This spacious and functional SUV offers fun performance as well as a range of features that will only improve your ride. more When you find a used model, you'll get all the functionality that the Outback can offer you for a really great price. No matter which year or trim level you find, you'll get a reliable, long-lasting vehicle. 2. Subaru Forester This compact crossover is the perfect car for drivers who want something that's spacious but doesn't have any excessive bulk. You'll get a different engine setup depending on what year and model you get, of course, but you can always expect the Forester to offer excellent performance. With several different trims available, it shouldn't take you long to find one that's perfect for your needs. You'll also save a significant amount of money on this car when you buy used. 3. Subaru Legacy If you're looking for a sleek and sporty crossover, you're going to love everything the Subaru Legacy has in store for you. Built to last, this crossover will last you many years even when you buy a used model. The Legacy has plenty of space and some of the best safety features available, regardless of whether you're buying a newer one or an older one. Its reliable engine will be happy to take you wherever you need to go, whether it's down the street to grab some groceries or on a road trip with the family. 4. Subaru BRZ Interested in a sports car? Subaru has exactly what you need. The Subaru BRZ is an incredibly entertaining and good-looking sports car that focuses on keeping driving fun. Brand-new models have lots of new features, but older models will offer you lots of great standard features too. Apply CarPlay and Android Auto are available even on most older models, and you'll quickly fall in love with the feeling of control you’ll have over its smooth and powerful engine. This is the perfect car for drivers who want something unique and fun. If you're looking for your next vehicle, Subaru may have the perfect car for you! And, if you want to make sure you're getting the best deal possible, you'll want to consider buying used. Ready to see what we have available? Visit us at Direct Drive today! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Wintertime in Columbus, OH can be a wonderful time of year to explore the area and find some fun activities that the whole family can enjoy! Whether you are looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, there are plenty of winter activities that you can drive to near Columbus. From skiing and snow tubing to ice skating and snowshoeing, there’s something for everyone to partake in! Snow Trails: Skiing and Snow Tubing For adventures and excitement, head out to Snow Trails, located at 3100 Possum Run Rd, Mansfield, just an hour west of Columbus. The two options available are the Alpine Slide and the Downhill Ski School. There are also options for snow tubing. Kids can enjoy a variety of activities as well, including snowshoeing and sledding. more The Alpine Slide is open on weekends from December through the end of February. The Downhill Ski School is open on weekends and some weekdays – but be sure to check the website for specifics. Snow Trails also offers special nights throughout the season for those who want something a little spooky or festive! Clear Creek Metro Park: Ice Skating and Snowshoeing Clear Creek Metro Park, just a little more than an hour from Columbus at 185 Clear Creek Rd in Lancaster, offers public skating on two indoor rinks. The rink at Heritage Metro Park is open year-round on weekends and holidays, while the rink at Creekside Metro Park is open on weekends and holidays between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Both rinks are available for birthday parties as well! Admission for public skating is $4 for adults and $3 for children. Clear Creek also offers snowshoeing, a great low-impact exercise that is accessible to all ages and fitness levels. The trails are open from 7 a.m. until sunset, with guided tours offered during the week. Groomed Trails at Alum Creek State Park: Cross-Country Skiing Alum Creek State Park, just an hour and a half from Columbus at 3305 S Old State Rd, Delaware, offers groomed trails for cross-country skiers. The trails are open when there are at least two inches of snow on the ground and are free to use. Depending on the weather, they generally open sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas weekend. Alum Creek State Park also has a cross-country ski hut open on weekends and holidays, providing a warm shelter and a place to rest. No matter what the weather is doing this winter, there are always fun things to do in Ohio! Start making your plans today to visit each of these delightful spots and get ready to make some seriously fun memories that you’ll be looking back on for years to come! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Compact SUVs make great cars for families and lone drivers alike, and Honda is well known for creating quality vehicles! If you’re in the market for a truly great SUV, then the 2021 Honda CRV is ready and willing to foot the bill for you. Take a look at everything this stylish beauty can provide – it really is the whole package! The Basics of the 2021 CRV This compact SUV offers plenty of good looks combined with versatility and functionality. If you're looking for a family vehicle, then this one is perfect. At the same time, it's also great for those who just want a car that can take them on all the best road trips, whether it's alone or with a couple of friends. more Since the 2021 Honda CRV was released in 2020, it's already become a favorite of drivers everywhere, and it's not hard to see why. The CRV's Performance For this year’s model, Honda has implemented a powerful engine for the 2021 Honda CRV. You'll be driving a 190-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine matched with a continuously variable automatic transmission. If you decide to go with one of the hybrid options, you will, of course, get a different engine. This will be a 212-horsepower 2-liter four-cylinder engine that operates alongside two electric motors. The CRV's Technology You'll be delighted with all the safety features onboard the new CRV. The Honda Sensing Suite ensures that you and everyone else on the road stay safe with features like the Collision Mitigation Braking System, and the Lane Keeping Assist System. You'll also love how simple and convenient it is to connect your phone to the car's connectivity system. Plus, the car's 9-speaker system makes it easy and fun to enjoy your music while you're on the road. The CRV's Interior You'll love the quality of the new CRV's materials which only get better and better with higher trim levels. The CRV's interior has a stylish, modern design with user-friendly controls. The seating is adjustable, comfortable, and supportive. You'll also appreciate how much space there is in the 2021 Honda CRV. No one in the vehicle will ever feel cramped, and you won't be lacking in legroom. There's also lots of storage space if you're planning on heading out on a road trip, or if you just need to bring some gear from one location in the city to another. With so much style, versatility, and class, it's no wonder that the 2021 Honda CRV has made such a mark with drivers of all types. If you'd like even more information or to test drive one of these fantastic beauties, then visit us at Drive Direct in Columbus, OH today and take one for a spin!

There's nothing like a freshly brewed cup of coffee prepared from locally roasted beans to start your day. When you drive through Columbus, OH, you'll find lots of great coffee shops, cafes, and takeout counters with superb lattes, teas, and espresso beverages. 1. Brioso Coffee Brioso Coffee is a trendy, relaxed cafe that serves delicious brewed coffees, espresso drinks, iced drinks, and pastries for your next break or light meal. This shop operates from two locations and features a fantastic selection of quality beans to purchase in-store or online. Brioso Coffee offers premium blends, equipment, and accessories to brew your favorite cup at home. You can also purchase merchandise, including tumblers, mugs, and gift cards. more You can visit one of the cafe's two locations six days a week for breakfast and lunch from Monday through Saturday. You can place online orders for pickup on Brioso Coffee's website or enjoy your favorite espresso in the shop's relaxing dining space. 2. Roaming Goat Coffee This neighborhood coffee house is ideal for enjoying tasty cold brews, lattes, espresso-based drinks, and freshly baked goods from the local Destination Donuts and Pattycake Bakery. Roaming Goat Coffee is a popular cafe for local artists and features a gallery displaying paintings and photography. This small roastery offers an exceptional variety of quality beans, loose-leaf teas, and featured products for purchase. 3. Upper Cup Coffee Upper Cup Coffee offers in-house roasted beans and delicious coffee drinks, espressos, and pastries in a cozy, rustic cafe with friendly service and great music. You'll find this laid-back cafe offers a great selection of light breakfast and lunch fare, including sandwiches, bagels, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and more. Upper Cup Coffee is open seven days a week, from morning to early evening, and takeout service is available. 4. Third Way Café This impressive cafe offers an excellent selection of locally roasted beans, signature lattes, espressos, iced mochas, americanos, and iced brews. You'll find this shop cozy and friendly, with exceptional service. Third Way Cafe features a rental space for private events and corporate meetings, and there's a great variety of merchandise, including apparel and gift cards. It's a wonderful place to meet with friends for a coffee and a good conversation. 5. Stauf's Coffee Stauf's Coffee is a beautifully decorated cafe specializing in small-batch roasted beans and delicious drinks, including pour-over coffee, signature espresso drinks, iced brews, hot cocoa, teas, etc. This cafe offers a spacious interior with lots of seating and excellent service. Stauf's Coffee is open seven days a week, and you can order takeout or purchase coffee on the cafe's website for delivery. You'll encounter excellent cafes and coffee houses when you visit the Columbus area! Enjoy any of these scrumptious choices the next time you’ve got a craving for caffeine! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

In times like today, when the cost of living is constantly increasing, it makes more sense than ever to go for a second-hand car instead of buying a brand-new model. Incredibly, pickups such as RAMs have excellent longevity, and even a used RAM can offer the same quality of drive but for a much smaller fraction of the price of a new one. If you’re in the market for a second-hand RAM, here are a few of the most popular options. Looking for a Used RAM? 2 Favorite Models to Consider 2016 RAM 1500 Outdoorsman more One of RAM's most popular crew-cab pick-ups, the 2016 RAM 1500 Outdoorsman is designed to tackle the great outdoors easily and comfortably. Its 3.6L V6 engine is powerful enough to get it through even the toughest terrain, and with an intelligent 4x4 system you'll get power to each wheel as and when you need it. These systems all work together to ensure you will rarely get yourself stuck off-road. Even though this truck is over 6 years old now, it still boasts an impressive set of modern tech. The stereo is Bluetooth and MP3 compatible, and the truck comes with built-in Wi-Fi, so you can park your pickup anywhere you want and blare your music. For extra comfort, this model also comes with heated seats and a heated steering wheel, so you can keep warm in the frigid winter months. 2019 RAM 1500 Big Horn/Lone Star With a 5.7L V8 engine that puts out an incredible 305 horsepower, this is one of the most powerful pickups in its class. Fitted with RWD, this truck is great on winding country lanes and can eat up the miles like almost no other large vehicle. Not only that, but its size also makes it very spacious on the inside as well as in the flatbed, so you can take your whole family and all your gear out in comfort. As this truck is only a few years old now, you can expect to find tons of modern high-tech features. The front is fitted with an LCD monitor that displays tons of useful information, and the truck also comes with an intelligent cruise-control system with steering wheel controls. These features add up to make your driving experience easier, safer, and way more fun. When it comes to second-hand RAM models, you really are spoiled for choice as there are so many excellent options. From their incredible off-road capabilities to their powerful torque that allows them to tow mighty weights, there are loads of reasons to love these cars. If you're interested in learning more then drop by and visit us at Drive Direct where you can check out these amazing trucks in person. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Columbus, OH, offers three holiday shopping destinations where you'll find every type of gift for every budget. German Village, the Discovery District, and the Short North Arts District offer shops with fudge and candy, discounted books, vintage nutcrackers, home décor, art, fashions, jewelry from famous designers, and unique styles from local designers with independent boutiques. German Village German Village includes Schmidt's Fudge Haus and Gifts, The Red Stable, Helen Winnemore's, and The Book Loft. If you're looking for sweet, edible gifts like fudge, truffles, or peanut butter and chocolate buckeye candies, visit Schmidt's Fudge Haus and Gifts at 220 E. Kossuth Street. Then, leave plenty of time to browse at The Book Loft at 631 S. Third Street. You'll find 32 rooms of discounted books, CDs, DVDs, posters, and more. more The Red Stable, located at 223 E. Kossuth Street, features jewelry, fashion accessories, art from local artists, and German-made nutcrackers, pyramids, smokers, and Black Forest cuckoo clocks. Helen Winnemores, located at 150 E. Kossuth Street, is filled with handmade jewelry, blown glass, thrown pottery, gifts made from turned wood, home décor, accessories, and children's toys. Discovery District The Discovery District is home to The Golden Hobby Shop, the Columbus Museum of Art, and Gallery B at Blockfort. The Golden Hobby Shop is located in the Columbus Performing Arts Center at 549 Franklin Avenue. The gift shop accepts a surprising selection of woodcrafts, ceramics, paintings, quilts, and other items created by local senior citizens and sells them on a consignment basis. Located at 480 E. Broad Street, the Columbus Museum of Art gift shop features items related to its current exhibitions, books on art and design, toys for children, jewelry, accessories, and gifts ranging from fun to functional. Gallery B, located inside Blockfort at 162 N 6th Street, offers space for first-time art exhibitors. Visit the gallery often to find new artists for the art lovers and collectors on your gift list. The Short North Arts District The Short North Arts District is located along North High Street just north of the Ohio State University campus – look for the lighted arches crossing High Street over your car's roof. Visit on the first Saturday of any month starting at 3:00 PM for the Gallery Hop. You'll find new exhibitions in the galleries, boutiques serving food and drinks, restaurants hosting exhibitions, and street performers everywhere. Alcoholic beverages are intended for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly and in moderation. Do not drink and drive. The boutiques include curated and handmade items from local creators, new lines, and established brands. You'll find shops offering clothing, accessories, jewelry, home furnishings, and decor. The galleries also offer work from new artists, local artists, and nationally and internationally known artists. You'll find gifts for everyone from adults to kids in this lively, eclectic district. These are just a few of our favorite spots to score some excellent finds when it’s time to knock out your holiday shopping. Visit them and prepare to be satisfied! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Are you looking to purchase your next vehicle? You might be debating between buying a brand-new one and buying a used one. There are several benefits to buying used. Before you start shopping, here's why it's a good idea to head to Drive Direct and take a look at their used Mazdas. 1. Cars Are Built to Last Many years ago, it would have made sense to look for a brand-new car rather than purchase a used one. Cars weren't built the way they are now, and you wouldn't have expected them to last very long. more Today: it's a different store. Manufacturers want to ensure that their vehicles are well-built and last drivers for many years to come. That's why, when you buy used, you can count on getting quality. 2. You Can Afford Something of a  Higher-Quality If you buy a brand-new car, then you might need to be careful that you're staying budget-conscious. This means that you may not be able to afford the higher trim level that you've been thinking about. But if you buy used, the cars will be priced lower than the brand-new ones. That means that you'll be able to afford a higher trim level or splurge on a more expensive model that you're really going to love. 3. Don't Worry About Damages Buying a brand-new car can certainly feel like a status symbol. But there's a lot of stress that can come with purchasing a new vehicle. Even things like minor dents and scratches can make you feel anxious while you're on the road. But when you buy used, your car is likely to already have a few dings and dents. This is beneficial to you because it means that you'll worry much less about getting any more minor damages to your vehicle. 4. Slower Deprecation All cars depreciate, but new cars depreciate surprisingly quickly. Within just the first year of owning your vehicle, it will lose a huge chunk of its value. This can be disappointing and frustrating, especially if you're planning on reselling your vehicle down the line and want to ensure you're getting a good price for it. This is another benefit of buying a used car. It will lose its value much slower than a brand-new one. So, if you find that your car no longer fits your lifestyle, it will be much easier to get a good price when you sell it. If you're looking to buy your next vehicle, there are lots of great reasons to buy a used one rather than a brand-new one. Make sure you purchase your vehicle from the right place. To see what Mazda models we have available, visit us at Direct Drive. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License