(Feature Impact) Many Americans continue to feel pressure from rising everyday expenses. Some are turning to credit cards and other expensive options like unsecured loans to cover surprise bills, manage a temporary gap in cash flow or even pay for basics like groceries and gas.

For these people, an auto secured loan may offer another option for borrowers who own a vehicle and are looking for a more affordable way to access funds.

Unlike an unsecured personal loan, an auto secured loan uses a vehicle as collateral. This can help borrowers qualify for higher loan amounts at better interest rates and with more flexible repayment terms.  

Not all loans are created equal, however. If you’re considering an auto secured loan, here are six features that responsible lender Oportun suggests borrowers prioritize when evaluating their options.

1. Transparent, Easy-to-Understand Terms

A responsible lender will clearly explain the loan’s annual percentage rate (APR), monthly payment amount, repayment schedule, fees and total cost over time.

Borrowers should also understand what happens if a payment is missed and what options may be available if financial circumstances change. Clear information helps consumers make confident, informed decisions.

2. Affordable and Predictable Payments

The best loan is one that fits comfortably within your budget. Look for fixed monthly payments, reasonable repayment terms and the ability to pay off the loan early without penalties. Be cautious of products that rely on repeated refinancing or loan rollovers that can increase costs over time.

3. Lower-Cost Alternatives to Payday

When unexpected expenses arise, some consumers turn to high-cost forms of credit, such as payday loans, because they are often marketed as fast and easy to secure.

A responsible auto secured loan may offer a more affordable alternative with lower rates and repayment terms designed to help borrowers successfully repay what they borrow rather than become trapped in a cycle of debt. Be sure to shop rates across loan types and lenders.

4. Flexibility and Strong Customer Support

Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Borrowers should look for lenders that offer convenient account management tools, flexible payment options and access to knowledgeable customer support representatives. The ability to get help when it’s needed can make a meaningful difference over the life of your loan.

5. Credit Building Opportunities

A loan can do more than just solve an immediate financial need. Many responsible lenders report payment activity to the major credit bureaus, allowing borrowers to build or strengthen their credit history through consistent, on-time payments. Over time, a stronger credit profile can open the door to additional financial opportunities.

6. Responsible Collateral Practices

Before taking out an auto secured loan, it’s important to understand how a lender approaches collateral. Responsible lenders use a vehicle to help expand access to credit. They do not offer credit as a shortcut to taking ownership of your vehicle. Look for lenders that offer hardship assistance and work with borrowers facing financial setbacks before pursuing collection actions. Repossession should always be a last resort.

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Choosing the Right Lending Partner

If you’re considering an auto secured loan, make sure the lender you choose supports these six practices. Responsible lenders design their products to help people both access funds for short-term needs and improve their long-term financial health.

For example, Oportun offers clearly priced auto secured personal loans designed to help members access affordable credit and repay them on time so they can build a stronger financial future. Since its founding, the lender has provided more than $22 billion in responsible and affordable credit, helped more than 1.3 million people establish a credit history and saved its members more than $2.5 billion in interest and fees.

By focusing on lenders that prioritize transparency, affordability, flexibility and successful repayment outcomes, borrowers can find an auto secured loan that meets their current and future financial needs. Discover more information by visiting Oportun.com.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
Oportun

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(Family Features) Graduation is an exciting time, but it also means new responsibilities.

“Graduates are stepping into a world filled with opportunities and uncertainties,” said Kevin Quinn, VP, Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Understanding your insurance needs is a crucial step in protecting your future.”

If, like many recent grads, you’ve been on your parents’ auto insurance and now need your own, consider these simple steps from Mercury Insurance to help you get the coverage you need.

1. Review Your Current Coverage
As a starting point, talk to your parents and their insurance agent to understand what coverage you currently have.

“Knowing what coverage you’ve had under your parents’ policy helps you understand what protections you might need going forward,” Quinn said.

2. Decide on Your Coverage
Understanding the different types of coverage available ensures you choose the right protection for your vehicle and situation. Different types of coverage include:

• Liability: Covers damage you cause to others.
• Collision: Covers damage to your car from accidents.
• Comprehensive: Covers non-accident damage (like theft or weather).

3. Check State Requirements
Every state has different auto insurance laws. Look up the minimum coverage requirements for your state or ask an agent to explain them.

4. Get Quotes
Shopping around is essential. Contact multiple insurance companies to get quotes. Different companies offer various rates and discounts, so take the time to compare prices and coverage options to find the best deal. For example, you can obtain a quote from Mercury Insurance online.

Many insurers also offer discounts for safe driving, good grades or combining policies. Be sure to ask about lower rates and potential savings for:

• Good driving record
• Completing driver education courses
• Bundling with other insurance policies

5. Review and Choose
Look over the quotes and coverage options. Select a policy that provides adequate coverage without stretching your budget too thin.

6. Set Up Your Policy
Once you’ve chosen a policy, work with the insurance company to set it up. For example, Mercury Insurance has a team of agents ready to help make this process as seamless and easy as possible. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions to avoid surprises later on and contact an agent if you have any questions.

For more information, visit mercuryinsurance.com or contact your local agent.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
Mercury Insurance

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Jeep is bringing back a familiar name with a very modern twist. In a July 12 PR Newswire release, the brand unveiled the 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo, describing it as a heritage-inspired trim that revives an iconic 1980s-era nameplate—then pairs that nostalgia with serious off-road hardware based on the Wrangler Willys.

For Arizona drivers, this one lands differently than it might in cooler climates. The Laredo’s headline features—a tan soft-top option, 35-inch tires, and a lifted stance—touch the daily realities of desert heat, freeway commuting, monsoon-season visibility, and weekend trail access. Here’s the Consumer Corner breakdown: what’s real, what to verify, and who this trim actually makes sense for.

The quick takeaway

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo is essentially a Willys-based Wrangler with the Xtreme 35 Package baked in, wrapped in a distinctive Southwest-themed design and a premium interior. Jeep says orders open later this month, and pricing starts at $1,995 over a Wrangler Willys with the Xtreme 35 Tire Package.

That last line matters: this isn’t a “cheap Wrangler.” It’s a value comparison against a specific build (Willys + Xtreme 35). If you were already planning that setup, the Laredo may be a relatively small step up for a lot of visual and interior differentiation.

What Jeep is highlighting (and what it means in plain English)

1) Standard Xtreme 35 Package: the capability is the point

Jeep says the Laredo includes the Xtreme 35 Package as standard equipment, including:

• 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires
• 1-inch lift
• Bronze beadlock-capable wheels

Consumer translation: this trim is not just decals. The tire size and lift change the stance, trail clearance, and replacement costs. If you like the look and you’ll actually use the traction/clearance, it’s a meaningful upgrade.

Arizona angle: 35-inch all-terrains can be great for dirt roads and rocky trails, but they can also mean more road noise and higher replacement costs. In extreme heat, tire condition matters—ask what the replacement set runs installed and how often you realistically drive on surfaces that justify the upgrade.

2) The tan soft-top is back (and the roof choice affects daily life)

Jeep is reintroducing the “highly coveted” tan soft-top. Roof options mentioned include:

• Tan soft-top (heritage-inspired)
• Sky One-touch powertop (four-door only)
• Black hardtop (two-door and four-door)

Consumer translation: roof choice isn’t just aesthetics—it’s noise, heat management, convenience, and long-term wear.

Arizona angle: if you park outside in Phoenix-area sun, your roof choice affects cabin temperature, UV wear, and how quickly the interior feels like an oven. Before you commit:

• Sit in one on a hot day if possible (or at least after it’s been outside)
• Ask about warranty coverage for top materials and seals
• Consider how often you’ll actually run top-down versus how often you’ll be fighting heat and glare

3) Southwest styling: you’re paying for a specific identity

Jeep leans hard into “American Southwest” cues:

• Gobi accent grille
• Laredo hood decals (center + side)
• Bodyside decals and a rear lasso-style “4WD” decal
• Bronze tow hooks and bronze-accented badging

Consumer translation: this is a trim for people who want their Wrangler to look like this from the factory—without aftermarket guesswork. If you’d delete the decals on day one, you’re probably not the target buyer.

Arizona angle: decals and exterior finishes live a harder life in intense sun. Ask about care guidance (and whether the dealer is pushing paint/graphics protection as an add-on you don’t need).

Inside the Laredo: premium touches (but confirm what’s truly standard)

Jeep says the cabin is built around a Bison Brown interior with:

• Bison Brown Nappa leather seats with front heat and power adjust
• Mayan Gold accent stitching
• Exclusive Laredo badging, including a rear swing gate plaque with coordinates of Laredo, Texas
• A subtle cowboy hat motif in HVAC pad prints

Consumer Corner note: “premium materials” can be real, but trims sometimes vary by package availability and dealer ordering. When you see the vehicle in person, verify:

• Seat material and whether it’s true leather vs leather-trimmed surfaces
• Exactly which seats are heated (and whether ventilation is offered)
• Whether any interior elements are tied to optional packages

Arizona angle: leather and dark interiors can feel premium, but they also absorb heat. If you’re sensitive to hot seats and steering wheels, ask about:

• Remote start availability (where applicable)
• Sunshade options
• Tint legality and pricing (and whether the dealer is bundling it)

The money question: what does “$1,995 over Willys + Xtreme 35” really mean?

Jeep’s pricing line is smart marketing because it anchors the Laredo as a modest step up—if you were already buying that exact Willys configuration.

Before you decide it’s a bargain, ask the dealer for two itemized build quotes:

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1. Wrangler Willys + Xtreme 35 Tire Package (as close as possible to the referenced build)
2. Wrangler Laredo (same drivetrain/doors where possible)

Then compare:

• Out-the-door price (tax, title, registration, doc fees)
• Dealer add-ons (tint, nitrogen, paint protection, wheel locks)
• Insurance quote by VIN/trim (35-inch tires and higher replacement costs can affect premiums)

Arizona angle: don’t skip the insurance quote. Larger tires, higher replacement costs, and theft/vandalism risk can shift premiums. Get a quote using the exact trim before you fall in love with the look.

Who the 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo is best for

Best fit

• You already want a Willys + 35-inch tire Wrangler and prefer a factory-finished heritage look
• You care about distinctive styling and plan to keep the vehicle long enough for that identity to matter
• You want something that feels “special edition” without going full custom
• You do Arizona-style weekends: desert roads, trailheads, camping routes—where clearance and traction actually matter

Maybe not

• You’re shopping for the lowest-cost Wrangler payment
• You don’t want larger tires (replacement cost and ride feel can be different)
• You’d remove the graphics or prefer a clean, minimal exterior

Consumer Corner: what to watch for before you sign

Use this checklist when the Laredo hits lots.

• Confirm what’s standard: Xtreme 35 equipment, roof type, interior features
• Ask about tire replacement cost: 35-inch KO2s aren’t economy tires
• Check towing details: Jeep mentions an available trailer hitch and up to 3,500 lbs towing—confirm your exact configuration
• Verify roof options by door count: Sky One-touch is four-door only
• Get an out-the-door quote in writing: include add-ons and “market adjustment” if any
• Test daily comfort: cabin noise, seat comfort, visibility, parking practicality
• Arizona reality check: where will it park (garage vs outside), and how will you manage heat, glare, and interior wear?

Bottom line

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo is a nostalgia-forward trim that looks designed to be instantly recognizable—and it backs up the look with real off-road hardware via the standard Xtreme 35 Package. For buyers already leaning Willys + 35s, the Laredo’s pricing claim suggests it could be a relatively efficient way to get a more distinctive exterior and a richer interior without piecing together aftermarket parts.

For everyone else, treat it like any special trim: verify what’s standard, price it against the closest comparable build, and make sure the “icon” factor doesn’t distract from the monthly payment and long-term ownership costs—especially in Arizona, where heat and sun can turn small comfort details into daily dealbreakers.

Follow Jeep and company news and video on:
Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Jeep brand: jeep.com
Facebook: facebook.com/jeep
Instagram: @jeep
X: @jeep
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/jeep
YouTube: youtube.com/thejeepchannel or youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis/ PR Newswire

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