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The first step to take when buying a new car is to research vehicles and their features. Visit automaker websites to find photos and details about extra perks and options with each model. Second, you need to figure out how to pay for the car. It's a good idea to get preapproved for a loan so you know exactly how much you can spend. Remember that loans have different repayment terms. The higher the cost of the car, the longer the repayment term. If possible, put 20% down on the vehicle when you buy it.
Third, start driving! Make appointments with dealerships or private sellers to test drive every car on your list. You may find that one of your favorites looks and feels like a tin can while driving. Although there may be pressure from a salesperson to buy the car, take your time to make a decision.
Fourth, ask about warranties and sale prices. Some sellers may negotiate down from their asking price or throw in extra perks. Discuss if any of the warranties will transfer over to you as the new owner. At this point, you're ready to make an offer and sign the deal. Many dealerships offer financing in-house, so consider if they offer better loan options than your financial institution.
Now that you've considered which car you like visually, which one runs the best and where you can get the best financing, there's one other thing to consider that most car buyers don't think about. How likely is your car to be stolen? The National Insurance Crime Bureau put together a list of the most stolen vehicles in the last year and what factors played a part in them being stolen. We've listed the top ten here, from least likely to be stolen to most likely to be stolen.
Why Does It Matter?
Knowing which cars are most likely to be stolen can help you make an educated decision when buying a new one.
A car is a huge investment and one that many people save up for. As you look for vehicles to buy that are reliable, safe and attractive, we want to help you protect your personal wealth by ensuring you get the safe vehicles. A stolen vehicle can increase your insurance premiums in some situations, so our goal is to help you completely avoid this situation whenever possible.
10. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage barely makes our list as the 10th most likely car to be stolen.
- How many stolen vehicles were reported in one year: 15, 749
Experts believe that part of the reason these cars are being stolen is because thieves are sharing social media posts that show how to steal them or break into them. From the first half of 2020 to the first half of 2023, insurance claims for vulnerable Kias increased by 1000%. The Kia Sportage has turn-key ignitions, and those are twice as likely to be stolen as vehicles the same age with a push start.
9. Ford F150 Series Pickup
The Ford F150 is consistently one of the trucks most likely to be stolen.
- How many stolen vehicles were reported in one year: 15,852
Every year, the number of Ford F150 trucks stolen increases. Many thefts are directly from dealerships. Experts encourage buyers to always lock windows and doors when exiting and entering. Never leave the engine running, even if it's for a few seconds. Turn the car off and take the keys with you no matter how long you're gone.
8. Kia Forte
The Kia Forte lacks immobilization technology which prevents theft.
- How many stolen vehicles were reported in one year: 16,209
Many Kia vehicles lack immobilization technology that makes them easier to steal. In many vehicles, the car won't start unless the key is in the vehicle, but the Kia Forte lacks this feature. Chicago and Missouri seem to have higher rates of stolen Kias than other places.
7. Honda Civic
Honda Civics are popular cars with reliable parts.
- How many stolen vehicles were reported in one year: 19,858
The popularity of the Honda Civic may be part of the reason these cars are stolen so often. Honda parts are reliable and can be sold on the black market for more than a complete vehicle in some situations. Honda models run for decades, so even stealing one that is ten or 20 years old can be beneficial, especially because older models lack anti-theft technology.
6. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular car that is easy to sell if it's stolen.
- How many stolen vehicles were reported in one year: 20,895
Similar to the Civic, early models of the Accord weren't equipped with anti-theft technology, but they're still on the road today, making them a popular target. Hondas are extremely easy to sell because of their reliability, or thieves break them down and sell them for parts.
5. Kia Soul
Social media trends have made it easier to steal these vehicles.
- How many stolen vehicles were reported in one year: 21,001
As with other Kia models, the Soul lacks immobilization technology. In most cars, the steering wheel will lock if the key isn't present, but the turn-key technology makes it easier for thieves to hot-wire a car. A social media trend also showed users how to steal the car with just a screwdriver, blank key and USB cable, which may have contributed to the number stolen.
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The useful components of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 may make it popular with car thieves.
- How many stolen vehicles were reported in one year: 23,721
The abundance of useful components included in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can be a double-edged sword. They're great selling points, but also make them targets for thieves. Over time, thieves developed a streamlined way to steal these trucks, where they can open the door and easily steal the car through a device and the OBD port, the same port used to read check engine lights. Experts recommend always locking the vehicle with the key fob or interior lock button.
3. Kia Optima
Another Kia vehicle makes the list because of the lack of immobilization technology.
- How many stolen vehicles were reported in one year: 30,204
As with other Kia vehicles on the list, the lack of an electronic immobilization device makes them vulnerable to theft. Even if the key is not in the vehicle, it can still be started with a USB drive and a screwdriver. Kia released some software updates to keep these vehicles safe, but drivers aren't sure if they are effective yet.
2. Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai has the same problem as Kia when it comes to anti-theft technology.
- How many stolen vehicles were reported in one year: 42,813
The TikTok challenge of 2021 also affected the number of Hyundai Sonatas that were stolen. These videos made it easy for thieves to steal the vehicles because they didn't have the technology that shuts the car off or locks the steering wheel if the key is absent. Hyundai also offered free software upgrades to prevent theft, but owners still aren't sure if they will make a difference.
1. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra hit the top of our list as the most stolen vehicle.
- How many stolen vehicles were reported in one year: 48,445
The Hyundai Elantra is an affordable sedan, ideal for families or commuters, but it comes in number one as the car most likely to be stolen. This means even if you save money on the original cost, you may pay the price if you choose this model. States like Delaware, Washington and New York all reported significant increases in theft of the Elantra, and the lack of anti-theft technology continues to be a problem for Hyundai, along with social media videos showing easy ways to steal an Elantra.
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