Home

Category: Cars

  • Should You Lease a Car? Pros and Cons

    Should You Lease a Car? Pros and Cons

    When you’re thinking about a new vehicle, you’ve got some options. On the one hand, you could go the dealership and buy a brand-new vehicle. Another option is to purchase a pre-owned vehicle, which often saves you a lot of money, but means you could encounter issues left by the previous owner.

    A third option, however, presents itself in leasing. Leasing is pretty distinct from both of the other two methods for getting a car, and it can often give you the option of having lower monthly payments for a new car than a loan would offer you.

    Leasing a Car

    What is Leasing?

    Leasing is a system by which you essentially borrow a vehicle from a dealership. In short, you pay an up-front cost, called a capital reduction, on the price of the lease. This acts as a sort of down payment, and your monthly lease bill will cover the rest of the lease price. The lease is typically priced as a portion of the value of the car, and the typical lease duration is three years.

    In a sense, you’re borrowing the car for the lease duration. You pay a lower monthly bill than you likely would for buying the same car new, but when the lease ends, you give the car back.

    The Benefits

    When you lease a car, you get a brand-new car to drive around, enjoying all the nicest and newest features. You don’t own the vehicle, but you pay a lot less to keep it in the driveway and drive it around than you would be if you owned it. Generally speaking, you don’t have to worry about major repairs or maintenance, and you can usually just lease the next newest model when your lease is up.

    The Drawbacks

    That’s not the whole story on leases, though. Since you don’t own the vehicle, there are some wrinkles that don’t normally come up with traditional auto loans. You often have maximum mileage allotments that the dealership imposes for the duration of the lease. Usually, this is around 10,000 miles per year or so. If you drive a lot, this is a big mark against leasing.

    Another consideration is that when you lease, you could be charged for any small dings or scuffs the car has when you return it. Likewise, if you go over your mileage allotment, you’ll likely pay a penalty for each mile over the cap you drove the vehicle.

    Now and Later

    When you lease a car, you’re choosing to have something nice in the driveway for right now, at the trade-off of not owning anything at the end of your lease. Unlike normal car payments, when the lease is over, you give the vehicle back to the dealership and you end up owning nothing. Some leases allow you to buy out the vehicle for its depreciated cost once the lease is over, though not all of them offer this.

    A big factor to keep in mind when leasing is that the costs might add up quickly. It’s not hard to go over the mileage limits on a leased car, which could stack up to hundreds of dollars in fees and penalties when you turn the car in.

    Bottom Line

    Cars aren’t investments: they never go up in value, and they lose most of their value in the first three years of their existence. This means that leasing isn’t a bad call for someone who is simply looking to save money on a car payment for a brand-new car. However, if you don’t mind having a slightly older model, or you want to own the car outright, buying pre-owned or new cars is a better option for you than leasing.


  • 2019 BMW X5: What’s New for 2019

    2019 BMW X5: What’s New for 2019

    BMW’s name tends to conjure up images of fast-moving, sleek sports vehicles and cutting-edge car technology. However, the company has proved they can make an exciting and responsible SUV in the form of the X5, and this year’s model is no different. Is it worth the hefty price tag, though? Let’s see how the 2019 BMW X5 stacks up.

    2019 BMW X5 xDrive 50i

    Styling

    This is unmistakably a BMW, from the petal-style front grille to the smooth body lines that run along the side. The headlights are long and narrow, and the SUV cuts a handsome figure in profile. It’s not easy to sit in an SUV and not look kind of lame, but the X5 has a way of just looking cool that other SUVs don’t.

    Inside the cabin, it’s as luxurious and spacious as you would expect for a luxury SUV. BMW knows how to make their cabins both comfortable and stylish, and the X5 does not disappoint. The ride is quiet and smooth, and the sound system leaves little to be desired, putting out ample bass and a full sound. The huge infotainment system makes it easy to navigate through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, putting your music on quickly and handling your calls and texts.

    Performance

    It’s more than just the looks that scream “BMW” on this car. It drives and handles in a way you wouldn’t expect from a luxury crossover: it’s responsive, accelerating and turning with power and precision not unlike a coupe or sedan. There’s 335 horses under the hood, and the wheels can put out 330 pound-feet of torque.

    The xDrive50i, a sportier trim, offers even more power from its twin-turbocharged V8. That beast puts out 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, making it a direct competitor to the likes of the Porsche Cayenne. All of that entails a 0-60 of 4.6 seconds, a ridiculous number for an SUV to hit.

    Pricing

    While it may sound like a great car across the board, the X5 carries a hefty price tag. The base trim starts at a whopping $75,750 and that number climbs fast if you want a few bonus features. For instance, if you want the higher xDrive50i trim, for instance, that’ll set you back $79,550. All said, though, if you’re in the market for a stellar luxury SUV, you can’t go wrong with BMW’s X5.

  • Tesla Model S, Model 3 Post Results in Tire Rack One Lap of America

    Tesla Model S, Model 3 Post Results in Tire Rack One Lap of America

    It’s no secret that Tesla’s electric vehicles have some ludicrous performance. Whether they’re being compared to other electric vehicles or conventional cars, Tesla’s vehicles can seriously burn some rubber. That was put to the test at this year’s Tire Rack One Lap of America, one of the most notorious street races in the world.

    Tesla Model S, Model 3 Posting Big Results

    The One Lap

    The Tire Rack One Lap of America, better known as the One Lap, is a direct offshoot of the legendary Cannonball Run. Cannonball Run itself was an infamous outlaw street race that started in New York and ended in LA. The modern One Lap race is much more, ahem, legal, than its predecessor, but it is no less grueling.

    One Lap consists of no less than 3,500 miles of transit and endurance-testing tracks all across the country. In short, both driver and car better be made of some stern stuff to tough out the One Lap street race.

    The Standings

    Impressively, the Model S and Model 3 teams not only both completed the race, they posted serious results. In fact, the Model 3 landed the top spot among the Alternative Fuel class and second place in the Stock Touring class. Overall, the Model 3 team finished 17th out of 77 entrants in the One Lap race.

    The Model S also posted impressive results, though it was somewhat hindered by its own battery overheating while on the track. Unlike the Model 3, which offers a Track Mode and has great thermal management, the Model S was consistently having its battery overheat and offering less power for the team to pull from.

    What This Means

    While it could be some time yet before electric cars are posting huge wins in every category, this is impressive for a pair of cars from a relatively new automaker. Perhaps in ten years an electric performance vehicle will bring home the trophy in the One Lap street race!

  • What’s New for the 2020 Audi A4

    What’s New for the 2020 Audi A4

    Audi’s announced a slate of new features and updates for the A4, which will be rolling out for the next model year. Between a new look, hybrid engine options and new tech, there’s a lot to cover in this A4 update. If you’re in the market for a luxury car, this news might be music to your ears.
    related search topics

    2019 Audi Q5

    New 2020 Audi A8

    New A6 Audi

    New 2019 Audi A4

    New Audi Q7 Crossover SUV

    New 2019 Audi A3

    2020 Audi Q7 Crossovers

    New A6 Audi

    Audi A4 Updates

    Styling

    The A4 has received a styling pass this time around, and it looks slick. A number of adjustments have been made to the outside of the car, from the wider and flatter grill to the introduction of 12 new paint options. The headlights have been updated and are now LED, and there are multi-element running lights along the body now. Besides that, the A4 also sports an updated rear, with more updated styling on the rear lights that is reminiscent of the A6.

    Technology

    New tech makes an appearance in the A4, including a new 10-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. You can upgrade for a Bang and Olufsen sound system, taking full advantage of the luxurious and quiet interior of the A4. Meanwhile, the vehicle now offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and natural language searching for the infotainment system. Thankfully, this A4 model will forego the second, lower touchscreen in favor of physical buttons. The secondary touchscreen on other Audi models has notable less sensitivity and outdated graphics, making it less luxurious and more off-putting. We’ll take the physical buttons and knobs over a Windows XP-looking touchscreen.

    Mild Hybrid

    In Europe, where the A4 will be offered starting this Summer, there will be mild hybrid powertrain options. Three of the six available powertrains will offer 12-volt mild hybrid options to help keep the gas mileage high, making these more economic options. Time will tell how long we have to wait to see these new luxury options for the A4 to roll out in America. However, Europe will be seeing these changes in the coming months. We’ll be keeping our eyes on the A4 as a serious contender in the luxury sedan market, though.
  • 2019 Infiniti Q60: A Worthy Affordable Luxury Car?

    2019 Infiniti Q60: A Worthy Affordable Luxury Car?

    Infiniti is known for making luxury cars of exemplary quality with reasonable price tags for the average person. The 2019 Infinity Q60 is upon us, and it’s time to ask: is this a worthy affordable luxury car? Let’s look under the hood, inside the cab and at the specs and find out what makes this Infiniti stand out from the crowd.

    2019 Infiniti Q60

    Performance

    The most important thing about any luxury car is performance. If you’re starting a vehicle at $40,850, then it’s important the car is actually fun to drive. In the case of the Q60, it is satisfying, responsive and quick. The engine is a bit quieter than you might expect, but the acceleration and power on display here are certainly impressive.

    This goes double for the Red Sport 400 spec, which will run you an extra $15,000, bringing the starting price to $55,000. This trim level nets you a bump from 300 horsepower to 400, as well as a few minor aesthetic cues to differentiate the vehicle from its base trim.

    The Cab

    The ride is smooth and enjoyable, though the steering is a bit lacking in excitement. However, the notably lacking part of this luxury Infiniti is the infotainment system. For whatever reason, Infiniti’s outdated InTouch system is still in play here, sporting graphics from 2008 and features from 2012. The underpowered tech on display in the cab leaves us scratching our heads.

    Surprisingly, despite how quiet the engine is, the ride on the highway catches a ton of road noise. Crank up the tunes to drown this out, but it’s a bit of a drag to hear the road instead of the purr of the engine.

    Bottom Line

    Compared to some of the competition, like the Audi S5 and the Lexus RC, this Infiniti is a solid contender. If you don’t mind the underpowered tech or the quiet engine, there’s a lot to love here. However, unless you don’t get a lot of opportunities to gun it, we highly suggest you get the Red Sport 400 upgrade, as it makes the car a blast to drive.

    Noting that, bumping from $40,000 to $55,000 might take the vehicle out of the “affordable” price category. However, even the base trim offers a fun experience, if you’re looking for an affordable and stylish luxury vehicle.

  • Car Designs that Need to Die: Worst Design Mistakes

    Car Designs that Need to Die: Worst Design Mistakes

    When you see a great-looking car, the design can really stick with you. Looking at a well-styled car reminds you that there are a ton of ugly looking vehicles out there. While the 80’s had tons of box-shaped cars and the 2000’s had endless lines and curves, the late 2010’s have been full of odd design choices. Today we’re looking at our least favorite designs in modern cars.

    Worst Car Designs in 2019

    Ornamental Exhaust Ports

    There are a lot of pieces of design language that speak to a car being a sporty, muscled and mean vehicle. One of these is a large number of exhaust tips. However, when a designer adds fake exhaust tips that are entirely ornamental, it usually draws a chuckle. If a car is powerful and needs the extra exhaust ports, add them. But don’t try to trick drivers into thinking it’s a better car than it is.

    For reference, the ugly-looking fake exhaust ports on the Audi A6 are the most egregious in this category.

    Vents for Looks

    It’s one thing when an affordable car, like the Honda Civic, styles itself in a model like a sports car. However, when a vehicle like the Kia Stinger sports strictly ornamental vents it looks like someone is trying way too hard. The Stinger is already a beast, why include vents just for looks? The car is already sick enough on its own.

    Jewel Headlamps

    Jewel headlights, or Spider headlights as they’re also known, are a particularly ugly modern design trend. The headlights look like a string of jewels or an arachnid’s eye structure, and it’s a weird look. There’s no functional purpose for all of these light points in one headlamp, and it simply confuses the eye.

    Oversized Grilles

    Vehicles like the Toyota Avalon sport absurdly oversized grilles. In the case of the Avalon, roughly 70 percent of the grille is non-functional. While the Avalon is an all-around solid vehicle, the comically oversized front grille gives it an awkward and goofy appearance.

  • Tesla Being Sued Over Fatal Autopilot Crash

    Tesla Being Sued Over Fatal Autopilot Crash

    Surprisingly, luxury automaker Tesla is being sued over a deadly crash that occurred in early 2018. The family of Walter Huang, who died in a tragic accident when his Model X hit a central concrete median, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The suit claims that Tesla’s autopilot feature was to blame for Huang’s death, not his own inattentiveness at the wheel.

    Tesla Being Sued over Autopilot

    The Crash

    Huang was 38 when he passed away on March 23, 2018. He was driving in Mountain View, California, deep in Silicone Valley, when his autopilot misread the lane and didn’t brake before striking the concrete median. According to the complaint, not only did Huang’s vehicle not brake, it accelerated into the barrier.

    Mark Fong, a partner at a firm that is representing Huang’s family, released a statement. He stated that Tesla is “beta testing its Autopilot software on live drivers,” and that “The Huang family wants to help prevent this tragedy from happening to other drivers using Tesla vehicles or any semi-autonomous vehicles”.

    The Suit

    The lawsuit alleges that Tesla holds liability for Huang’s death due to a defective product design. The suit also alleges that Tesla failed to warn drivers enough about the autopilot system’s limitations, and that they intentionally misrepresented the system and advertised it falsely.

    The complaint does not specify the amount of damages the plaintiffs are seeking. However, it does name the State of California as a defendant for not replacing the guardrail that should have surrounded the median that Huang hit. Presumably, that guardrail would have greatly reduced the impact of the crash.

    Tesla’s Response

    As of yet, Tesla has made no formal response to the complaint. Likewise, the State of California has made no statement regarding the suit. It is worth noting that when news of Huang’s death was made public, Tesla stated that “safety is at the core of everything we do and every decision we make, so the loss of a life in an accident involving a Tesla vehicle is difficult for all of us.”

    At the time of that news breaking, Tesla expressed deep sadness over the crash. However, official reports stated that, despite Tesla warning drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and remain attentive while using autopilot, “the vehicle did not detect the driver’s hands on the steering wheel in the six seconds before the crash.”

  • Need a New Ride? Top Affordable Compact Luxury Cars

    Need a New Ride? Top Affordable Compact Luxury Cars

    Everyone loves getting to drive a nice new car. There’s something about being behind the wheel of a luxury car that’s ineffable and hard to place. It’s like you become the master of your own little domain, able to zoom around corners and go where you want. Not everyone can swing the huge payments to own a nice new car though.

    So, how do you find a compromise between a nice ride but not having to take a long time to pay it off? Thankfully, you can check out our list of the top luxury cars that won’t break the bank! These are luxurious, compact and affordable, and will keep you riding in style even as you keep your car payments reasonable.

    2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

    Mercedes-Benz, a well-known name in the world of luxury cars, offers the CLA-Class as a more affordable entry option to their range of vehicles. While you’ll only pay $33,695 for base models of the 2018, you’ll get the full Mercedes-Benz luxury experience. Some of the base features are pretty high-tech and impressive. For instance, it comes stock with drowsy-driver sensors, forward collision mitigation and rain-sensing windshield wipers. If that’s not enough for you, it even sports dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth! Add-ons include LED headlights, heated seats and adaptive cruise control. You can even opt for blind spot monitoring if you’re like me and forget to check those every time!

    2018 Acura ILX

    The ILX is a great choice for those who want a luxury ride but still want to have a practical vehicle. This vehicle has some pretty sweet amenities for its low price tag. While base models cost about $29,000, they also have keyless entry and ignition and heated front seats. they also sport dual-zone climate control, for when the driver and passenger feel comfortable in two different temperatures, and automatic LED headlights to help cut through hazardous weather conditions. For those who want a bit more, they can also opt for some safety features like adaptive cruise control and front collision mitigation. The ILX can also be equipped with navigation, leather upholstery and satellite radio.

    2018 Audi A3

    The next car on our list, the elegant Audi A3, starts at around $33,000. And it does more than just look pretty: it has some stellar luxury features. The A3 comes standard with forward collision mitigation, helping make sure you keep your nice new luxury car out of trouble. It also ensures a comfortable ride, with heated front seats and leather upholstery, and even a panoramic sunroof! If you want even more, you can opt to add on blind spot monitoring to even further keep your A3 (and yourself) safe, and even parking sensors. To round it all out, you can even opt for Apple CarPlay mirroring, letting you use your phone as your car stereo!

    2018 Volvo S60

    An extremely elegant car, and a great buy for $35,095. The S60 is a looker and boasts an incredibly comfortable ride to boot. Base models have low-speed collision mitigation, which is great when driving around town. They also have xenon headlights, leather upholstery and sunroof equipped standard. Oh, and don’t forget the Wi-Fi connectivity. Pretty cool, right? You can also opt for rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and navigation.

    2018 BMW 3 Series

    The 3 Series is the most affordable of BMW’s luxury cars, but it feels anything but “affordable.” This decadent ride is smooth, responsive and just plain fun to drive. You can grab a base model for $35,895, and that equips you with push-button start, dual-zone climate control and rain-sensing windshield wipers. You even get Bluetooth connectivity! If you want a more upgraded experience, you can also opt for a sunroof, among other awesome options.

    Tesla Model 3

    When it comes to brand recognition, few cars are in the same boat as Tesla. The astonishing range and acceleration on display in the Model 3 make its all-electric powertrain that much more impressive. The luxurious interior, with its minimalist design and simple center screen, feels like a car from the future.
    For the price of $35,000 you can get the Standard Range Tesla, though a few thousand more bucks gets you the Long Range. It’s a difference of about a hundred miles of range, as the Standard Range allows for an impressive 240 miles, while the Long Range sports 310 miles. The Long Range will run you a steeper $49,500.
    The Model 3 makes our list, however, due to the all-electric nature of the vehicle working in conjunction with its great drive and range. This is, for all intents and purposes, a totally normal car that also happen to need neither gas nor oil. You won’t need to fill it up, get oil changes or worry about most regular maintenance. That’s all behind you once you go fully electric.


  • The Best Full-Sized Pickups in 2019

    The Best Full-Sized Pickups in 2019

    Who doesn’t love the feel of climbing into the cab of a full-sized pickup? The towing capacity, cab size and comfortable ride of a pickup is hard to find elsewhere on the new car market. If you’re looking for a new pickup in 2019, here are some of the best options on the market for you to consider.

    2019’s Best Full-Sized Pickups

    Chevy Silverado 1500

    The Silverado 1500 has been redesigned recently, making it a more modern and visually distinct vehicle. Visually distinct is a bit of an understatement, however, as many people have noted that the Silverado looks “weird”.

    The handling is tight, and the ride is somewhat firm. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is zippy and responsive, while the interior is upscale and comfortable. It’s hard to go wrong with this rock-solid choice, as long as you like the unusual appearance.

    Ford F-150 Raptor

    The F-150 is a well-known pickup, and a worthy addition to any list. However, you already know the F-150 is great. Today we’re looking at the F-150 Raptor: it’s fast, it’s mean and it’s really just quite fun. The 450-horsepower twin-turbo V-6 is a beast, jumping to 60 from a standstill in five seconds.

    The braking isn’t the best part of this vehicle, thanks to the off-road tuned frame and tires, but the suspension is soft and luxurious. Hitting the off-road runs is downright thrilling, and the Raptor is the truck you want when you want overwhelming power and a fun ride.

    Ram 1500

    In the case of the Ram 1500, efficiency is the name of the game. There are several powertrain options, including a hybrid with great fuel economy. The air suspension leads to a smooth, enjoyable ride and the quad and crew cab both offer luxurious seating and surroundings.

    The three engine choices give you tons of options, whether you’re looking for power or performance. The best part? The highest-end offers you a stellar 10,620 pounds of towing, making this a beast of a full-sized truck.

  • A Jeep Pickup in 2019? Upcoming 2020 Jeep Gladiator

    A Jeep Pickup in 2019? Upcoming 2020 Jeep Gladiator

    The new 2020 Jeep Gladiator Pickup is turning a lot of heads. Jeep’s got a reputation for making solid cars that are well-worth their price. Is the new 2020 Gladiator shaping up to be part of this storied tradition, or does it fall flat? Let’s look at some of the features you can expect to see on next year’s Gladiator Pickup! Remember, the is the first time since the early 90’s that Jeep has made a pickup truck!

    2019 Jeep Wrangler Pickup

    Design

    Early looks at the upcoming vehicle show it has a unique Jeep spin on the classic pickup truck design. If you’re familiar with the previous Wrangler bodies, it’s not a far cry from that in design. The trademark box-shape that Jeep is known for is here, as is a slick-looking truck bed. It’s a rather stylish-looking vehicle, almost militaristic and rugged-looking.

    The truck bed, which gives this the pickup qualities you love, looks to be about the medium in length compared to other pickups. This upcoming vehicle has a total length of 205 inches. That makes it roughly the same size as the most mid-size pickups. That could change between now and the release of the vehicle, of course.

    New Features

    It looks like this upcoming Gladiator pickup is going to sport a soft top convertible option. That’s a pretty big departure from other pickup trucks! This makes the truck an interesting hybrid between work and play. If you’re looking for a work truck that you can also take to the beach and cruise in the sun, this is the one for you!

    It’s expected that this upcoming Wrangler will have a variety of powertrain options based on trim level. Jeep has historically offered a very wide array of trim levels for all of their vehicles. We expect the horsepower to range from around 300 up to 700 depending on the trim, although there are no concrete details yet.

    Pricing and Release

    The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is going to hit Jeep dealerships in the next week or so. As for pricing, the base sport manual starts a $33,545, making this about par the course for a brand-new Jeep. Expect to see lots of these rugged, awesome-looking Jeep pickups hitting the road soon. If you want one of your own, head down to your local Jeep dealership and scope out their inventory!