Home

Category: Cars

  • Best Cars for Dog Lovers

    Best Cars for Dog Lovers

    Dog lovers are all united in one thing: they need a good car for carting their dog around. If you can’t get your pup to the park easily then why bother buying a car? In all seriousness, it can be hard to find the best cars for dog lovers. What constitutes a good car for carrying the dog in? What kind of features are you looking for? Well, today we’re digging in to that question to help you find the right ride for you and your dog.

    Best Cars for Dog Lovers

    What Does Your Dog Want?

    There are a few things that make a car great for a dog. The first and most obvious is that it needs to be easy for them to get in and out of. If the car sits too high it might be difficult for your dog to climb in and could even result in injury if they hop out. A related consideration is ample room for the dog to move around, but not so much that they get tossed about by the movement of the vehicle.

    Another aspect you’re going to want to keep in mind is that your dog wants to be comfortable. If you think about what you like in a car, it’s what your dog wants, too! Fresh air, temperature control and the like are all great aspects of a car for a dog. This means that tinted windows to keep the sunlight from heating up the back of the vehicle are a great choice!

    Your other consideration should be whether the back of the vehicle is easy to clean. If there are a lot of nooks and crannies where dirt, fur and toys can get lost then maybe it’s not the best car for you. You’ll also want a vehicle with seats that lay down flat. If there are a lot of spaces where your dog could trip or lose their toys then you should opt for a different vehicle.

    With that being said, let’s look at some of the best cars for dog lovers.

    Kia Soul

    The Kia Soul is a great vehicle for dog owners. The car sits low to the ground, meaning it’s easy for your dog to get in and out safely. The back of the vehicle also has loads of cargo space, meaning you can carry your dog and lots of their toys and things. In fact, the rear floor opens up to allow for more storage for things you don’t want the dog getting into.

    If you’re carrying food, dog toys and the like then you can store them in the under-floor storage. This is a great vehicle for dog lovers since the boxy profile allows for dog crates to be installed easily. A notable aspect of this car is that the seat upholstery is rather resistant to pet fur and is quite easy to clean.

    Subaru Outback

    The ads for this car feature dogs getting in and out of it. Case closed, everyone, this is THE dog car, article over.

    Wait, you want more than that? Alright, sorry.

    The Subaru Outback is a sizable and comfortable SUV that is great for any dog lover. The vehicle comes standard with four-wheel drive, meaning it’s a great choice for going on off-road adventures. Much like the Kia Soul, it has cloth seats that repel dog fur and make it easy to clean.

    Also like the Kia Soul, the Subaru Outback is a low-sitting vehicle that is easy for your dog to get in and out of. This is great, as it keeps your dog safe while also keeping them from struggling to get in and out of the vehicle.

    The Outback also sports a range of safety features that help you to keep your dog safe, too. If your dog runs behind the car, for instance, the vehicle will automatically stop with EyeSight safety features.

    Honda CR-V

    Honda makes a mean vehicle for both dogs and people, but today we’re talking about dogs. This great SUV has more than just the Honda name slapped on it: it’s a Honda in terms of reliability and features, too. Tons of cargo space, easy-to-clean seats and low clearance all make this a textbook “dog car.”

    The best thing about the CR-V is that it’s rather affordable, too. The CR-V starts at $24,250, making it a very affordable pick for dog lovers. The reliability and gas mileage certainly don’t hurt the vehicle’s prospects when you’re selecting your next car!

  • Best Affordable Convertibles: Let the Top Down

    Best Affordable Convertibles: Let the Top Down

    Does anything beat letting the top down, having the wind in your hair and enjoying the ride? If anything does, we haven’t found it yet. The only thing as good as rolling down the highway with the top down is getting your convertible for a great price! To help you enjoy the ride, here’s a rundown of some of the best affordable convertibles. You don’t have to break the bank to cruise in style!

    A number of people have been driving the same cars out on the road for ten years or more. If that applies to you, it might be time to upgrade. There are so many awesome updates in modern vehicles that it’ll likely blow your mind when you get behind the wheel. For a prices as affordable as this, though, these convertibles are hard to pass up.

    Best Affordable Convertibles

    Chevy Camaro

    Sleek, long lines and an imposing front grille make the convertible Camaro quite the sight on the road. If you’ve ever wanted a long, sleek vehicle for cutting around turns and turning heads, a convertible Chevy Camaro is the vehicle for you. On the higher end of what most would call affordable, the Camaro starts around $31,000. However, the kind of power and technology you get in this vehicle make it well worth the price.

    From stem to stern this is an advanced and technologically impressive vehicle. From Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a phone charging pad and even Wi-Fi in the vehicle, this is a state-of-the-art machine. If you’ve been looking for a modern vehicle to update your ride, this is a great one for you. That’s not even mentioning the luxurious and roomy interior that makes you wonder if you’re even in a sports car.

    More than just a slick ride for laying the top back, the Camaro is also a rather efficient car. It gets 20 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, meaning you won’t be constantly filling the tank up. Not only that, but the vehicle has some serious power, sporting a V8 with 455 horsepower. In short, this is one fun ride that won’t disappoint!

    Mazda Miata

    When it comes to convertibles you really can’t go wrong with the Mazda Miata. If the Camaro was a bit too rich for your blood, this is a great budget convertible. This agile, sporty little convertible is a seriously fun car to drive. Mazda really knows how to make a fun car, and the best thing about this one is just how light it is. If you’ve only ever driven heavier vehicles, it’s hard to describe why it’s so fun to get behind the wheel of a light sports car like this.

    The engine is only a V4 and it only sports 155 horsepower. That said, the vehicle is light and gets great gas mileage (around 31 mpg combined) which makes it treat to own and drive. If you never really need to cart a lot of people around it’s a great vehicle for just cruising with the top down. It’s only got room for a driver and one passenger and little-to-no cargo room, but these are minor complaints.

    Mazda’s Miata model comes in soft and hard top configurations, though the hard top does bump this up out of that “affordable” range. The soft-top starts around $25,000, making it a surprisingly affordable vehicle for how stylish and fun it is. If you’re looking to have a fun time with a sweet-looking car you can’t go wrong with a Mazda Miata.

    Fiat 124 Spider

    If you’re looking for a convertible with a bit of flair, the Fiat 124 Spider has flair in spades. It’s essentially an Italian version of the Miata and brings a similar 160 horsepower engine. It’s got a distinct style, though: where the Miata is clearly a Japanese convertible, the Spider is unmistakably European.

    The smooth lines, the understated profile and the Fiat trademark panels mark the vehicle apart from its Japanese cousin. Ironically, the Spider and the Miata are made in similar factories and both with Mazda overseeing them. While they have similar production, they’re not identical.

    For those who prefer the suspension and handling of a Fiat, the Spider is an excellent pick for a new convertible. Marking itself apart from the Miata, it’s a bit tighter and zippier on the road. It’s hard to go wrong with a Fiat, even when it’s this affordable

  • Should You Donate Your Old Car to Charity?

    Should You Donate Your Old Car to Charity?

    So you’ve got an old car that you’re thinking of trading in to get a new ride. Have you considered donating it? Surely you’ve heard of car donations, there are signs and ads for it all over the place. But have you ever really considered it? Today we’re going to help you answer the question of where you should donate your old car to charity.

    Should You Donate Your Old Car to Charity?

    Charitable Donations

    Donating your car to charity has a number of upsides when compared to selling or trading in yourself. The first, and most obvious, is that you are doing something good for you community. Civic charity is a very noble thing, and there’s nothing more heartwarming than taking care of ones own community. That alone should be reason for people with the funds to get a new vehicle to donate an older vehicle to charity.

    Tax Write-off

    For the more pragmatic folks, though, there are also considerable financial upsides to donating. For one, you can write the donation off on your taxes. That means that you not only are doing a good thing for a local charity, you’re also saving yourself money come tax time.

    For instance, if you donate an old vehicle to a charity and they sell it for $3,000, then you get to write off $3,000 in taxes. Depending on your tax bracket, you could even end up not owing taxes through write-offs like that.

    Convenience

    How much of a hassle is it to sell your own vehicle? Well, quite, as it turns out. If you’ve ever tried to sell a car yourself, you’ve certainly experienced how difficult it can be to deal with people. Folks will try to argue with the price, waffle with you over little details and just generally jerk you around.

    Why subject yourself to dealing with the haggle and hassle? Even trading a car in involves haggling with a professional salesperson, and those folks are more than a headache. Wouldn’t it be easier if someone else could just take the car and sell it for you?

    Well, that’s exactly what charitable donations amount to. The charity that receives your vehicle fixes it up, makes it look pretty and then sells it for more than you could probably get. Then, you can write off that larger value on your taxes. Boom, win-win.

    Good Cause

    When you donate your car to charity, it’s more than just getting you a good tax write-off. The charity in question sells your vehicle and then gives that money to good causes. Not only are you getting a tax break from your old vehicle, you’re making a real difference in your community. $3,000, to use our earlier example, can feed a lot of homeless people, for instance.

    It can be hard to find the extra money to donate to the charities that mean the most to us. That’s why car donations are so important. While you might give a few dollars here and there, those little amounts aren’t making a huge impact. When you donate a car, however, that can be a massive windfall for your local humane society or homeless shelter, or whichever charity you prefer.

    Even if that’s not your biggest concern, it’s hard to say that it isn’t just easier to donate the vehicle. It gets the car out of your hair (and your garage) and frees up space for your shiny, new vehicle!

    How to Donate

    Now, you might be sold on the idea of donating but don’t know how to go about it. Well, there are a few ways to donate your old vehicle. The first is to simply look up your favorite local charities and see which of them have car donation processes. If they do, they’ll likely have you drop the vehicle off somewhere and then issue you paperwork to use when writing the donation off on your taxes.

    If your local charities don’t have any options for car donations, consider going through donation companies. Cars 4 Causes is an example of a donation company. Also known as 501(c)3 organizations, these companies exist specifically to take in donated cars and sell them for charity.

    The cool thing about donation companies is that they often pay you up front for the vehicle and then sell it for a charity for you. That way you don’t even need to wait until tax time to see money from your good deed!

    There you have it, the case for donating your vehicle the next time you upgrade. Remember, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as taking care of the people around you.

  • Best Trucks for Towing: Get Serious Work Done with These Trucks

    Best Trucks for Towing: Get Serious Work Done with These Trucks

    If you’re serious about towing then you need a serious truck. Many people think that any old pickup truck can haul heavy loads and work for any job. Those people are mistaken: some trucks simply can’t cut it! If you’re looking for a truck that can seriously tow, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best trucks for towing in 2018.

    Best Trucks for Towing

    Toyota Tacoma

    With a max towing capacity of 6,800 lbs and great off-roading potential, the Tacoma is an interesting vehicle. Those looking to take their towing jobs off the main road should seriously consider the Tacoma. Four-wheel drive, great suspension and a smooth ride make this your best friend for roughing it over unpaved terrain while hauling.

    The Tacoma is also aggressively priced, coming in at $25,200. It’s sporting a comfortable ride, plush interior and awesome infotainment system, too. All in all, this is a truck for both worlds: off-road towing and just driving the family around town.

    Honda Ridgeline

    Honda’s name doesn’t usually conjure up images of a powerful pickup truck. The Ridgeline, however, is a serious contender for a few reasons. It may have a unibody construction and front-wheel drive, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great truck for normal use.

    Despite having lower towing capacity than many other trucks in this class, the ride quality and safety of this vehicle are hard to beat. That’s not to mention it’s got 280 horsepower under the hood to help you get where you’re going!

    The Ridgeline has a max towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and a price starting at $29,730.

    Toyota Tundra

    The Tundra is no slouch when it comes to towing. Another stellar off-roading truck, the Tundra is up there with the best when it comes to hauling off the pavement. It’s got a much more impressive towing capacity than the Tacoma, coming in at 10,500 lbs.

    That said, the Tundra isn’t the most modern truck. It doesn’t sport any smartphone integration and it has very limited options for engines. It’s also a bit pricey, compared to the competition. It’s base price is $31,120, making it a bit closer to the high-end.

    All that being said, the Tundra is still a fine vehicle if you plan to do more hauling and off-roading than driving around town.

    Chevy Silverado

    The Chevy Silverado has quite the reputation, and for good reason. This truck can tow a max capacity of 12,500, and it can get you where you need to go. Not to mention, while you’re in the cabin, it’s luxurious and spacious, making the ride a joy.

    If you’re more interested in towing, though, this is a great truck. For the base price of $28,300, you get a lot of towing for your dollar. This is an ideal truck for people who want the best ride with excellent towing capacity. Not to mention, the Chevy name alone makes this a great pick, as you know they’ll take care of you as the years bear on: they’re well-known for their great customer service.

    Ram 1500

    The Dodge Ram is a serious contender for best towing truck available right now. The Ram 1500, in particular, sports a max towing capacity of 12,750 lbs and can really move even with a full load. 305 horsepower in a V6 engine might not be much, but the optional V8 with 395 horses can really get the hauls moving when you need them to!

    That’s not to mention the luxurious cabin and butter-smooth ride. The suspension and handling in the truck feel great, even when carrying a big haul. The only concern is that the big V8 engine can really suck down some fuel, so be ready to keep the gas tank topped-off.

    Ford F-150

    Surprising no one, the Ford F-150 is our pick for best overall towing in a pickup truck. There’s more than just the gold-standard Ford name to thank for that, though. Pound-for-pound, the F-150 has the best in-class towing of any full-size pickup. That’s not even touching on the tech built into this affordable, heavy-towing beast.

    The Ford F-150 starts at $27,705 and tows a whopping 13,200 lbs. That alone is reason to pay attention to it. Even more impressive is the sheer number of features crammed into the F-150. Smooth ride, soft seats, driver safety features, huge infotainment system… you name it, this truck probably has it as an option.

    There you have it, some of the best trucks for towing on the market today. We hope these help you narrow down your decision!

  • 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: The Right Car for Your Family?

    2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: The Right Car for Your Family?

    The bigger, beefier design of the Tiguan is still here, but does it live up to its body’s big promise? The German engineers over at VW have unveiled the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. It is a beast to behold, but does it have the power to match? Today we’ll answer that question and more with our review.

    If you’ve been looking into buying a new SUV, you may have been considering the VW Tiguan. We’ll break down the features, trims and drive experience to help you make an informed decision. Is this the right car for your family, or should you opt for a different SUV?

    2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Review

    What’s New?

    Honestly, not much is new this year. That’s to be expected: 2017 to 2018 saw a huge redesign for the Tiguan. If you missed it, the Tiguan grew by about a foot between 2017 and 2018, and got room for a third row or additional cargo space.

    The true changes this year are really minor. The SE trim level gets a standard alarm system, while the SEL trim now gets a digital gauge cluster. Oh, and the SEL gets parking sensors, now, too. That’s about all that’s new to the Tiguan this year.

    Trim Levels

    Speaking of trim levels, let’s get into those a bit more. There are four, and they’re pretty easy to parse. The base trim is S, and it starts a $25,290. The SE trim is $27,690, while the SEL is $32,790. The high end is the SEL Premium trim, which goes for an eye-watering $38,190. That puts the Tiguan in the mid-range of price at the base level and up to the “luxury” mark for the high end.

    All trim levels get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and automatic eight-speed transmission. Buyers can opt for a four-wheel drive powertrain, though in any event the engine never really feels quite powerful. The body’s massive size actually somewhat belies the underwhelming engine under the hood.

    Fuel Economy

    Another important consideration with any new vehicle is gas mileage. Impressively, the front-wheel-drive model gets 32 mpg highway, making it a surprisingly efficient engine for an SUV. That goes double for just how big the Tiguan is. It looks and handles a bit like a tank, so the good fuel economy is a welcome boon.

    Ride Quality

    While the engine is nothing special, the ride quality is solid. It’s not terribly precise, and it won’t be taking turns with anything resembling speed. That said, the ride is quiet and smooth, which will be more than enough for most use-cases. If you’re getting an SUV to tear up the road, you’re probably missing out on some great sports cars that you would rather have.

    That said, the automatic transmission feels like it’s never in a hurry. The car can even feel sluggish as it hesitates to downshift, keeping you somewhat locked in awkward rhythms, especially during heavy traffic. In any event, it’s fine for going on trips or picking up groceries. It’s just less than ideal for driving downtown or on crowded highways.

    Interior Features

    The interior is simple, in the classic VW style. It’s not showy or flashy and it gets the job done while remaining comfortable. It’s hard to say whether this is a good thing or bad thing and it really more up to your individual preferences.

    Impressively, the Tiguan uses its space efficiently enough that you can squeeze seven people into the vehicle, including the driver. That makes this a great compromise for bigger families that don’t want to bump up to the minivan level but need tons of seats.

    The standard trim has cloth seating, but you can opt for faux-leather seats with higher trim levels. The seats themselves are comfortable and well-made, and never feel to cramped. Even with seven people squeezed in, everyone has ample legroom (assuming they’re not NBA player-sized, of course.)

    Bottom Line

    Between the unassuming interior, large cargo space, good fuel economy and smooth ride, there’s a lot to like about this vehicle. On the flip side, those looking for a flashier vehicle, or one with more fun under the hood, should look elsewhere. While the prices are mid-level for the base trim, you get a lot of good features standard.

    Notable among the standard features is the excellent Car-Net infotainment system. The large, easy-to-navigate system makes you feel like all of your car’s features are right at your fingertips. As for non-standard features, there are ample safety features available at higher trim levels. Examples include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and emergency braking.

  • 2019 Buick Encore: Does it Deserve a Standing Ovation?

    2019 Buick Encore: Does it Deserve a Standing Ovation?

    The 2019 Buick Encore is here. Does it deserve the encore it has as a namesake or is it time for this car to get off the stage? Today we’re digging into the 2019 Buick Encore and dissecting all the ins and outs to help you decide whether it’s worth it. The Buick name has long been synonymous with luxury. Does that legacy continue with this year’s Encore?

    2019 Buick Encore Review

    Design

    The Buick Encore is a slick-looking and solid SUV. And when we say solid, we mean solid: this thing looks like a sturdy vehicle and has a really smooth drive. The interior is made of high-quality materials, making it feel very premium and luxurious. The seats are plush and comfortable, and the cabin is incredibly quiet. You could take a nap during a firework show in this thing.

    Okay, that last one is an exaggeration but you get the idea.

    Interior Features

    It wouldn’t be a modern SUV without ample features in the interior to make you feel like royalty. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so the car functions as an extension of your smartphone. Controlling your phone with your voice keeps you from driving distracted, which makes things easier (and legal) while you’re driving.

    As for other interior features, trim levels can dictate just how much luxury you get with the 2019 Encore. The infotainment screen is big and easy-to-use, but you can get an even bigger one with higher trim levels. The same goes for the seats: the higher trim levels have even more luxurious materials and levels of comfort for the seating.

    You can fit five people in the Encore, although the backseat may be a tight fit for three adults. That said, there’s ample headroom, and the interior uses its space well. No one should have cramped knees unless they’re tremendously tall.

    For people who love being in control, the driver’s seat is sufficiently high to see the road well. The drive itself is smooth, though not lively. The Encore handles well and drives very smoothly, though it’s not for thrill-seekers. Acceleration and horsepower are not the name of the game here, even at higher trim levels.

    Exterior Features

    LED lights, well-known for their extreme brightness, are out in full force with the Encore. You’ll be able to see way ahead of you on even the darkest roads while making sure others see you coming. There are a variety of paint colors available from the manufacturer, and they all look sleek and luxurious.

    Make no mistake: anyone who sees you driving an Encore will know you’re in a Buick. If you like the classic Buick body style, you’ll love the Encore. It doesn’t swap out the tried-and-true “Buick SUV” look, but it does look modern enough to impress.

    Under the Hood

    The engine in the Encore is nothing to cheer for. It’s sporting 138 horsepower in a four-cylinder engine standard, which isn’t going to impress anyone. The Sport Touring and Essence trims both have the option for a slightly mightier engine, one sporting 153 horsepower. Well, that’s not turning any heads either.

    As for fuel economy, the Encore is an average vehicle. It gets 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, which is ever-so-slightly ahead of the competition. While that’s not going to win any awards, it’s in a car that earns its spot in the Buick lineup in other ways.

    Bottom Line

    On the upside, the 2019 Buick Encore has a few things going right. There are a lot of standard features, especially in the interior of the vehicle. The infotainment system is very useful and has a much better user interface than some of the competition. That’s not to mention that the interior is luxurious in even the base trim level.

    Additionally, the ride is smooth and comfortable, if unexciting. However, most SUV owners aren’t looking for a high-performance vehicle, so this is hard to mark against the vehicle. That said, the underwhelming engine does raise some alarms with the higher-than-average price.

    Pricing

    The 2019 Buick Encore has a base price of $23,200 for the intro-level trim. That gets you a number of standard features for the interior, as well as that smooth, quiet ride Buick is well-known for. However, it’s also a bit pricier than other cars in this category, meaning you’re paying a bit more for that Buick name.

    At the top end of the range, the Essence trim level comes in a hair over $30,000, which puts it firmly in the luxury range for an SUV. If you’re looking for a Buick SUV, the Encore doesn’t disappoint, though it is a little on the pricey side.

  • The 7 Best American-Made Vehicles of 2018

    The 7 Best American-Made Vehicles of 2018

    When you want to shop for American-made cars or trucks, it can be difficult to know which are truly American-made. Automotive parts come from all over the world to be assembled in America. To further muddy the waters, some foreign plants use more American-made parts than our own domestic carmakers.

    We’ve compiled a list of seven of the “most American-made vehicles” to help you get started in your purchase. And you may be surprised to see that the list isn’t just comprised of the big three Detroit automakers. There are surprises in store!

    Jeep is #1

    We’ll cut to the chase – and this probably isn’t a surprising fact – but Jeep Cherokee comes out on top. Although the parent company, Fiat Chrysler, is based in Europe, Jeep rises to the top of the list when you take into account which cars have the most American parts and support the most American factory jobs.

    If you are a staunch supporter of American-made vehicles, you can simply do no better than buying a Jeep Cherokee.

    The Surprising Results

    Taking into account that the metric used is based on which cars have the most American-made parts and support the most American factory jobs, you may be surprised to see Japanese automaker Honda on the list – not just once, but THREE TIMES in the top seven. That’s more than Ford, Chevy or Jeep.

    Traditionally, people think of Honda as a foreign car and while the automaker certainly has operations overseas, there are some models that are assembled here in America that support our own economy.

    The Full List

    Without further ado, here is the list of the top seven vehicles that use the most American-made parts and support American factory workers.

    1. Jeep Cherokee (assembled in Belvidere, Ill.)
    2. Honda Odyssey (assembled in Lincoln, Ala.)
    3. Honda Ridgeline (assembled in Lincoln, Ala.)
    4. Ford Taurus (assembled in Chicago, Ill.)
    5. Chevrolet Volt (assembled in Detroit, Mich.)
    6. Honda Pilot (assembled in Lincoln, Ala.)
    7. Acura MDX (assembled in East Libery, Ohio)

    So there you have it. Buying American-made cars no longer means just picking a brand like Ford and Chevy and buying whatever they’re selling. The automotive industry is massive and complex, with parts and pieces travelling across the globe.

    This list can help you guide your decision on how to truly support American-made parts and American factory jobs.

  • Rivian R1T: A Luxury Electric Pickup Truck You Have to See

    Rivian R1T: A Luxury Electric Pickup Truck You Have to See

    The futuristic design and electric engine would make you almost think you were looking at a Tesla truck. However, the Rivian R1T is not from Elon Musk’s controversial company, but is its own beast altogether. RJ Scaringe, the CEO of Rivian, describes the R1T as a vehicle designed to “enable adventures.”

    Rivian R1T: Luxury Electric Pickup

    rivian-r1t
    Jalopnik

    Design

    A glance at this futuristic truck tells you a lot about it. It’s sleek, it’s aerodynamic and it looks like something from the future. The front face has no grille, and the headlights are an odd oval shape. It’s impossible to mistake this vehicle for anything other than a high-tech new vehicle.

    That design works in Rivian’s favor. We love the slick lines and Tesla-esque design ethos. It screams “luxury” while also underscoring how durable and usable this vehicle is.

    The hood of the R1T pops open to reveal a front trunk that you can store things in. That’s because there’s no engine in the front! Much like Tesla before it, the Rivian R1T takes full advantage of its unique electric power source.

    Battery Options

    The star of the show is the top-billed massive “400+ hour” 180-kWh battery. The next model down has a 135-kWh battery rated for above 300 miles. Finally, the smallest battery is a 105-kWh model rated for 230 miles. In any event, the truck is a rugged beast that looks well-suited for a variety of terrains and adventures.

    All battery types will also support DC fast charging. That’s important for batteries with a capacity this high. The fastest charge supported can add 200 miles of range to the vehicle in only half and hour. However, how many stations offer that kind of power is unclear.

    Bottom Line

    Expect to see the revolutionary Rivian R1T hit the road in November 2020. When it does, you can expect to see the base model with the smallest battery for $69,000. After a rebate of $7,500 that brings the base price down to $61,500, which is around the price of a normal luxury truck.

    All of that with an all-electric motor and sleek design? Sign us up! Is it 2020 yet?

  • Unsold SUV Inventory Causing Prices to Drop

    Unsold SUV Inventory Causing Prices to Drop

    Getting a great, affordable deal on an SUV or luxury SUV may seem too good to be true. But there’s never been a better time than right now to buy SUVs at reasonable prices – and that’s because many dealerships are being left with excess inventory due to a combination of market demand shifts and an overproduction of SUVs by manufacturers.

    Many of the top SUV lines have not changed in recent years, but due to last years unsold models prices are dropping. This is making it very easy to steal a great deal on an SUV.  The auto market is making SUVs more affordable than usual – but this climate won’t last forever. You need to start looking for new SUV deals now if you want to take advantage of the available incentives; odds are they won’t last long.

    Two developments in the auto marketplace have combined to put considerable downward pressure on the prices of new SUVs. The turn over market for leased vehicles is giving buyers a lot of gently used recent model SUVs you can buy used.  Then we have the fantastic shift in consumer demand away from sedans and towards SUVs. When there is a demand, surplus of supply follows. New SUVs are now more affordable than ever, thanks to a surplus of unsold inventory from the 2018 model year, manufacturers are scrambling to clear space for new 2019 models.

    If you’re in the market for an SUV of any kind, acting now could save you substantially. Here’s what you need to know about SUVs and luxury SUVs: why they’re more affordable now and how you can find the best deals.

    How You Can Save BIG Right Now On A New SUV

    Thanks to these 3 major shifts in the marketplace, you have a tremendous opportunity to get the vehicle you want an extremely low price

    • Consumers are giving back their leases at an epic rate4. This left thousands of dealerships with barely used cars that have very few miles on them

    • A shift from large gas-guzzling SUVs to more efficient and reliable cars

    • The model year is coming to a close and dealerships need space for new cars

    These conditions combined to form the perfect storm. Now consumers have access to the latest crossover SUVs and trucks at rock bottom prices.

    New OR Used?

    Should I buy new or used? That is the question, and everyone you asks has an answer and a reason and an Uncle with a story. the Truth is it depends. Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are sound reasons to buy new and sound reasons to buy used.

    Too often the only questions we ask ourselves: Will I look good behind the wheel? and How big a monthly car payment can I afford? Neither of these questions will help you make smarter car buying decisions. Buying a car based on how much car payment you think you can afford per month will almost always ensure you buy too much car and pay too much for it. It’s also the wrong question to ask yourself when deciding between new and used.

    Luxury SUVs?

    Luxury SUVs are typically sports utility vehicles with premium features that go well above and beyond the basic necessary function. High-end materials, like wood and leather, are often incorporated into the interiors of luxury vehicles, as are premium sound systems and other advanced infotainment features. Enhanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, are also usually found on luxury models but not the average SUV.

    Luxury vehicles also tend to involve a special performance component. Many, though not all, luxury SUVs feature powerful engines and perform beyond the level of a basic SUV, Consumer Reports writes. Performance SUVs often include enhanced transmissions, suspensions, and braking for a smoother and more responsive driving experience.

    New Options

    There are a lot of benefits of purchasing new. You can get the latest technology, including things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most new cars come with Bluetooth phone connectivity, so you can use your phone legally while driving, without having to purchase an aftermarket Bluetooth interface. Automobiles come from the factory with warranty coverage for at least the first three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. That gives you a predictable cost of ownership over the first few years you own it, without much risk of a huge repair bill. Purchasing a new car is easier than buying used. With so many versions of the model you want at the dealership, you’ll likely find the car you are looking for on the lot. If not, your local dealer can trade inventory with another dealer to find the exact model, option list, trim level, and color you are looking for.

    Manufacturers also offer special financing incentives and lease deals on new cars that aren’t typically found on pre owned models. If you do the math, some zero percent financing deals can bring the total amount of money you’ll pay for the car down to the level of used cars with traditional financing. If you are seeking a loan from a bank or credit union, you will generally be offered a lower interest rate on a new vehicle than you would on a preowned model.

    Best New SUV Deals

    Chevy

    Chevy has some great purchase options on the 2019 Equinox.  The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LS/Premier/LT is getting 0% APR for 72 months for qualified buyers.That monthly payment is $13.89 for every $1000 you finance. In addition to that they have $4876 in rebates and incentives. The Equinox doesn’t skimp on standard features, rounding out a truly versatile compact SUV and one of the best buys on the market.

    Ford

    The Expedition and Explorer from Ford, lets check these out. Ford is throwing financing offers at their top end SUVs. Making some very attractive offers. Along with rebated and incentives they are putting up 2.90% financing for 84 months on Explorer and Expeditions.  Now I never recommend taking a 7th year financing option but it will drastically reduce your monthly payment. While not adding to much to your total cost.

    Infiniti

    Infiniti has some offers you may want to explore and some great new SUV deals. Cost on these high end luxury SUV are quite comparable and affordable. Boasting four models in 2016, Infiniti offered a crossover vehicle or sport utility vehicle for almost any luxury preference. An entry-level compact premium crossover, the Infiniti QX50 was heavily revised for the 2019 model year. Snagging 0.9 percent APR financing for 60 months is offered on remaining 2018 QX50 models. Infiniti’s flagship QX80 is also featured with 0.9 percent financing. The only 2018 Infiniti vehicle to be available with front-wheel drive, seven-passenger crossover QX60 can be acquired with 60-month, 1.9 percent APR financing. For people requiring aid due to a physical disability, the Infiniti Mobility Assist offer provides a reimbursement for approved equipment meant to improve accessibility.

     

  • New Chevy Traverse: Affordable and Fun to Drive

    New Chevy Traverse: Affordable and Fun to Drive

    2018 model year cars are being sold at huge discounts at dealerships across the country to make room for the 2019 models. If you’ve been holding off buying a new Chevy Traverse, now’s the time to head to your local dealership. This affordable and fun SUV is a great value for any family, and there’s never been a better time to buy.

    New Chevy Traverse: A Great Deal for an SUV

    Why Chevy Traverse?

    The Traverse was redesigned in 2018 to sport a bigger interior and more powerful engine options. Now that the 2018 model is being reduced in price it’s one of the best deals on the market for a new SUV. If you enjoy a powerful engine in an SUV, there are options for a V6 with 310 horsepower. The massive, helpful infotainment system also ensures you’ll have plenty of control over your car’s systems.

    Which Trim Should You Buy?

    There are a number of great trims available for the Chevy Traverse. There are so many great options that it can be hard to decide which one is right for you! If you’re having trouble picking one, we suggest the LT Trim.

    The LT Trim is a great option for those who want premium features at an affordable price. These features include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel and second-row captain’s chars. If you love that infotainment system, the LT has an even bigger screen, too!

    Entertainment options don’t stop there, with the LT Traverse sporting a 10-speaker Bose audio system and satellite radio. You can even opt for leather upholstery and safety features like blind spot monitoring.

    Pricing

    Right now, eligible customers can get some pretty awesome deals on the 2018 Chevy Traverse. For those who want a low monthly payment, they can pay $4.689 at signing to get a $289 per month payment. That’s for a 36-month payment plan. If you want a lower up-front cost, you can opt for $4,099 at signing for a $329 monthly bill.

    Whichever way you go, you can’t go wrong with this awesome SUV! Not only will your family love your new Chevy Traverse, but you’ll love driving it, too!