Tag: Cars

Best Cars for New Drivers: What Should Your Teenager Drive?

If your teenager is about to get ready to start driving, you’re probably wondering what the best cars for new drivers are. Well, that’s a great question. There are a lot of factors that go into making a car great for a new driver. Namely, we’re looking at cars that are easy to drive and loaded with safety features. Let’s look at some of the best cars for new drivers.

Best Cars for New Drivers

Toyota Corolla

The inexpensive starting tag for a new Toyota Corolla is a great draw to this vehicle. It starts at $17,000, and it’s quite reliable on top of that. Five-star safety rating, ample security features and eight airbags all make this a very safe car for your teen.

The Corolla also has a reputation for reliability: it’s unlikely your kiddo will be getting stranded somewhere with the car not wanting to start. There’s even a tire pressure monitoring system so they don’t get caught out by a flat tire. How cool is that?

Hyundai Elantra

A great pick that looks beautiful on the road, the Hyundai Elantra is a stylish car for a new driver. Starting right around $17,000, it’s in the same price range as the Corolla. This is also a very safe vehicle, and earned the IIHS “Top Safety Pick” in 2015.

You can likely find 2014 or 2015 Elantras used for a great price if you’re trying to be budget-conscious. Older cars are also less expensive to insure, so we often recommend getting an older vehicle for a new driver. After all, if they’re less experienced, they’re more likely to get into an accident.

Don’t forget about the ample safety features in the Elantra, either. It sports a traction system that helps the driver stay on the road, as well as six standard airbags. That, coupled with the safe design, mean that even in the event of an accident, the driver is unlikely to be harmed.

Ford Focus

Another IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Ford Focus is in the same price range as the other vehicles on this list. Once again, it’s a stylish little vehicle with ample safety features to help protect a newer driver. The car sports seven airbags, making sure that the driver is protected from all sides.

This vehicle even sports steel beams, top-of-the-line boron, in the frame. That way even in side-impact accidents, the driver is that much safer than in another vehicle. There are also rear-view cameras to make backing up or parallel parking that much easier.

February 25, 2019
The Scoop on the New 2019 Ford Ranger

Who doesn’t love the old Ranger line of Ford trucks? Well, we’ve got good news for you: a full 8 years after the last we saw from the line, it’s being revived. That’s right, the 2019 Ford Ranger is on the way and set to double down on Ford luxury and toughness. What’s in store for the 2019 iteration of the Ranger?

2019 Ford Ranger

Trim Levels

The Ranger will sport three trim levels. The XL, the XLT and the Lariat will be available when the truck hits dealerships. Additionally, there will be the FX4 and FX2 packages for the XLT and Lariat, that will allow for better off-roading. There will also be Chrome and Sport appearance packages for those looking to really show off.

XLT and Lariat trims introduce blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear parking assist. The Lariat is set to be particularly luxurious, with a stellar sound system and smooth, quiet ride. However, all of the trim levels will feature standard safety settings like emergency braking.

Additionally, cab options like SuperCab and SuperCrew will allow for drivers to pick out which type of interior they want. Both sport a great infotainment screen, including Ford Sync 3 and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Not to mention, the infotainment system supports Alexa voice functionality.

Off-Roading

The off-roading packages will include shocks and suspension tuned for hitting the trail, as well as a Terrain Management System. This is a set of features previously seen on the F-150 Raptor sub-line of trucks, so it’s probably sounding familiar to Ford fans.

The TMS, in particular, made its debut on the Raptor. It offers a series of driving modes for various conditions, including snow, grass, gravel and sand. That way you know you’re going to be able to conquer any treacherous terrain!

When and How Much?

Expect to see the Ranger hitting dealerships by Summer 2019. The much-anticipated revival of the Ford Ranger is set to start at $24,300 for the stock XL Trim. That puts the Ranger in the lower end of the mid-sized truck competition out of the gate, putting it against the Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon trucks.

For those looking to really show out, however, the Lariat trim allows for a ton of luxury and expression. The fully-equipped Lariat, complete with all-wheel drive, off-roading and an appearance kit, would set you back a cool $38,385. That’s nothing to sneeze at and sets the Ranger as a flexible entry for Ford in the crowded pick-up market.

February 21, 2019
Tesla Model 3 Receives a Price Cut, Not Yet at $35,000

The promise of the Tesla Model 3 is that it will one day be sold for $35,000, making it an “affordable” way to own an electric vehicle. However, as of yet, that price is not a reality. The Model 3 has just received a starting price cut down to $42,900 before incentives, making it $1,100 cheaper to start than it was. So, what’s new with the Model 3?

Tesla Model 3 Price Cut

Referral Program

In regards to this relatively minor individual price cut, Tesla has stated that the ending of the referral program is responsible. Their referral program allowed Tesla buyers to get a credit toward their vehicle if they recommended a friend, a move that was meant to generate word-of-mouth marketing. Judging by the brand’s high profile and long waiting lists, however, it seems they need no further advertisement.

Target Price

Tesla has repeatedly stated that $35,000 is their target price for the Model 3. They wish to hit that number before tax incentives and without factoring in savings of not buying gasoline. Tesla’s website works in around $4,000 of savings on gasoline into the price of a Tesla when calculating “savings,” but that’s no help for those without the money up-front to pay for a luxury vehicle.

At present, the least expensive Tesla on the market would run a consumer $39,150 after applying the federal tax credit for electric vehicles. This credit is set to be reduced by half by July, making Tesla vehicles that much more expensive.

When to Buy

For those wishing to own their own Model 3, it can seem like there’s no good time to purchase the vehicle. The waiting lists remain long, the price remains high and tax incentives are getting slashed each year. It can be difficult to determine when the right time to buy a Tesla is for the average consumer.

Elon Musk has stated that the process of getting the Model 3 to the target price has been “a grind,” and that the economy of scale on the project remains an issue. In the meantime, the average consumer is left with no time-table on when the right time to think about buying a Tesla is.

February 7, 2019
Tesla Model Y Closer than We Think?

Tesla CEO Elon Musk surprised investors on the Q4 earnings call be hinting at some new info regarding the upcoming Tesla Model Y. The Model Y, which is set be a companion to the affordable Model 3 sedan, will apparently share as much as 75% of its parts with the Model 3. This is huge news and lends credence to the idea that the Model Y could be in production by 2020.

Tesla Model Y Production

Model Y Specs

We don’t know a lot about the Model Y yet. At time of writing, the best guess that industry analysts have is that the Model Y could be some type of crossover. Tesla’s affordable Model 3 vehicle is a full-sized sedan, so it only makes sense that an SUV would be its sibling.

After all, the SUV is on track to pretty much kill off the sedan in 2019. Very few carmakers still post profits on their sedans, with Tesla being a rare exception. If Tesla wants mainstream success across the US and global markets, an SUV-style electric car may be just what they need.

Production

On the call, Musk made it clear that the Model Y is intended to sport nearly 75% of the same parts as the Model 3. This is a big twist for the company and heartens investors slightly. After all, ramping up to full-swing production was quite the hurdle for the Model 3, as the machining process to get the vehicles ready was daunting.

However, with those parts already created and ready to go, it’s looking like the Model Y can capitalize on the work that’s already been done. If Tesla is able to take advantage of its existing manufacturing, the overhead for the Model Y could be markedly lower and help the company post much better profits on the Model Y.

Location

Rumor has it that Tesla is looking to expand from their production facility in Fremont for Model Y production. Currently, the Model S, Model X and Model 3 are all manufactured at that production facility. It makes sense that they’d want to branch out, given the Fremont facility is rather close to being at capacity.

Just last year, when Tesla was pushing to meet demand for Model 3’s, the Fremont facility had a tent added on for production. It was a silly time and showed just how slam-full the Fremont facility is.

February 1, 2019
The Best Cars for New Drivers

There are a ton of cars out there for new drivers to consider. It seems like you can’t turn your head without seeing an add for some new vehicle. But which cars are the best for new drivers? It can be very difficult to narrow down which one is right.

So, your kid’s about to get their own car for the first time. What features does it need to have? Surely, your biggest concern is the safety rating of the vehicle. More than anything, you need a car that has the best safety ratings to keep them from getting hurt. But that’s not the only consideration! Let’s look at some of the best cars for new drivers.

The Best Cars for New Drivers

Ford Focus

The $17,00 starting price for the Ford Focus makes it a solid entry point for any new driver. The vehicle is sleek and stylish, so it’ll please many new drivers for just its looks! It sports a great motor for a new driver, with enough power to get them where they need to go but not so much that they’ll get into trouble!

The Focus is also a leader in safety in its class. Seven airbags make it unlikely that any crash will occur without an airbag deploying to protect the people inside. The car’s doors are also inlaid with boron-steel beams that are incredibly dense and hard to break, keeping the driver quite safe. In addition to that, the vehicle sports a handy back-up camera.

Toyota Corolla

Much like the Ford Focus, the Toyota Corolla costs a budget price of $17,000, making it a great starter car. It’s not just that low price that makes it a great pick: it’s also got a five-star safety rating. The car isn’t exactly “cool,” but it is a solid pick for a new driver thanks to its stellar safety features.

For one thing, it’s loaded with airbags. There are eight airbags in the vehicle standard, and this ensures that any direction someone goes that they’ll be caught by an airbag. The seats were specially constructed to reduce the likelihood of whiplash, as well, making this a great pick for newer, inexperienced drivers.

Other great features include the great gas mileage, stellar reliability and exceptional handling. In all, the Corolla is an easy vehicle to take care of and drive around for any new driver. You can rest assured that your kid will be safe in a Corolla, which is something you can’t put a price on.

VW Jetta

What’s not to love about the Jetta? Okay, the looks, maybe, but that’s no huge concern. Your first-time driver doesn’t need a muscle car to race around with their buddies, right? The Jetta is a great, sensible vehicle for new drivers thanks to its reliability, safety ratings and low introductory price.

The Jetta starts at $16,000, making it a great buy for the money. The vehicle also boasts an impressive five-star safety rating, like the Corolla, putting it in great company. It sports an Electronic Stability Control System that is said to reduce accidents by as much as 33% among all drivers.

JD Power also rated the Jetta five-stars for reliability, meaning you know the youngster won’t have to worry about the thing breaking down on them somewhere. Additionally, adaptive traction control and six standard airbags don’t hurt to seal the deal for this new-driver friendly vehicle!

Honda Civic

Blending sleek looks, a fun drive and Honda reliability, the Honda Civic is a great all-around car. If your first-time driver needs a reliable and safe starter car, there’s no better place to go than Honda. This IIHS Top Safety Pick is far and away a favorite of new drivers and offers no shortage of reliability.

It’s a bit pricier than some cars on this list, starting around $180,000, but it does offer a lot for that price. Standard backup camera, eco-boost drive modes and daytime running lights are all great features to help put this car over some of the competition.

The efficient fuel-economy is nothing to scoff at either, helping to keep the costs of owning the car lower. Thanks to its high safety ratings, it will also likely result in less injury to the driver. This is due in large part to the stellar Advanced Compatibility Engineering body it sports, which promises to keep drivers safe.

Conclusion

These are all great picks for any new driver. Those looking to safe money and protect their young drivers could feel safe going with any of these top picks for safety and reliability.

January 25, 2019
Meet the New 2019 Ford Ranger Pickup

Eight years since the last time we saw a Ford Ranger, the line has been resurrected and rides again. That’s right, 2019 is the return of the Ford Ranger! The mean new appearance and steel frame give it a new edge that makes it that much more of a powerhouse. There’s a lot of cool new features on display with the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger. While fans of Ford’s production will love it, is the new Ford Ranger pickup right for the average driver?

New 2019 Ford Ranger Pickup

The Body

In appearance, the new Ford Ranger has more in common visually with its Ford F-150 cousin than the line from which it gets its name. The vehicle is far from an all-new beast, though: the front grille and headlight spacing are both reminiscent of the original Ranger designs.

Fans of the older, smaller Ford Ranger might be a bit disappointed by the larger body and big cab interior. However, smaller pickups have been out of fashion for a while, and soaring sales of full-sized trucks have driven the trends to bigger vehicles.

However, those looking for a more trim, zippy truck shouldn’t fret: the new Ranger is still notably smaller than the F-150. The Ranger is definitely a great midway point for those who don’t quite wanta full-sized truck but still want to drive a pick-up truck.

Under the Hood

The most notable aspect of any given Ford vehicle is always the engine. Ford’s powertrains are always powerful and impressive, and the new Ford Ranger is no different. The engine puts out a powerful 270-horsepower and does so on a Turbo 4-cylinder build. While it might sound like the engine would slurp down gas like no one’s business, this isn’t even the case! It sports a solid 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles on the highway.

Options Aplenty

There are a number of options on display with the Ranger. For instance, there are two different cabs to choose from. SuperCab and SuperCrew each sport variations on the modern Ford interior, including infotainment systems, Ford Sync 3, Alexa functionality and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Off-roading options are available, including skid plates and off-road tires. Those looking for a meaner machine can also opt for higher power LED head and tail lights, Ford Smart Trailer Tow connector and several other great options. What’s more: even more options are available throughout the various trim levels, letting you choose just how luxurious you want your truck to be.

Trim Levels

When the Ford Ranger hits dealerships near you, it’ll be with three trim levels. The first of these is the XL, followed by the XLT trim level and finally the Lariat trim. There are also packages available for off-roading available in the XLT and Lariat trims, the FX4 and FX2 packages. For those who love the look of their vehicles, Sport and Chrome appearance packages are both available to spice up your ride.

Off-road tuned shocks, Terrain Management system and tuned-up suspension are all available for the off-roading packages. These features might sound familiar to Ford faithful: a lot of these features have already been seen on the F-150 Raptor pattern trucks. The Terrain Management System, for instance, first appeared on that vehicle. This system helps your vehicle change into different modes for various grass, gravel, sand and snow conditions, allowing it to grip and perform in any terrain.

As for other features, the trim levels introduce a number of higher-end safety features. For instance, the XLT and Lariat trims both offer blind-spot monitoring, rear park assist, lane departure warning and more. All trim levels will be including emergency braking and a few other features.

Interior Options

The Ranger has an infotainment system that sports an 8-inch screen, giving drivers and passengers both access to the fun features within. As we mentioned earlier, all trim levels include Amazon Alexa support as well as Apple and Android phone integration. Passengers can use optional 4G LTE in the vehicle if you opt for this option, and you could also upgrade to the LCD productivity screen for the instrument cluster.

The productivity screen includes navigation maps and GPS audio at the same time. Another option you can scale up to is the Bang & Olufsen Play audio system. This allows you to upgrade your system if you’re a big audiophile and plan on jamming loud music in your vehicle.

Pricing and Availability

The base XL trim starts right at $24,300, which makes the Ranger a very competitively-priced vehicle. This puts it in the same range as the GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma vehicles. On the other end of the spectrum, the Lariat trim level with all-wheel drive and all the fixings will run you a solid $38,385, making it a competitor for high-end trucks in the field.

January 23, 2019
Top SUVs for Seniors with Grandchildren

Are a grandparent with a number of wonderful grandkids you want to safely drive back and forth between fun events? Maybe you pick them up from school on Fridays so they can spend the weekend with you, or maybe you take them with you to church on Sundays. No matter the reason, you’re going to need a good vehicle to safely get yourself and your grandchildren around town. Some of the safest vehicles for seniors with grandchildren are SUVs. Today we’re looking at some of the best (and safest) SUVs for seniors.

Top SUVs for Seniors with Grandchildren

Honda Pilot

Honda’s got a great reputation that they’ve earned through constantly putting out excellent vehicles that are safe and last for a long time. The reliable and safe Honda Pilot makes a great vehicle for seniors as it’s slam-full of features to keep you and your passengers safe! That includes forward collision warnings, emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and other safety features. These are ideal for senior drivers as they operate in the background and aren’t intrusive but will kick in to help you when you need them.

What’s more, this isn’t just about safety. The Honda Pilot also sports excellent performance! The engine is V6 and the ride is fun and lively. If you’re looking for something that’s both safe and fun all at once, it’s a hard balance to strike. Honda, however, manages to strike that balance excellently. With 280 horsepower, this is a vehicle that can really move! The Pilot also sports impressive fuel economy, getting 27 MPG highway and 19 MPG city. For a V6 SUV, that’s not too bad!

The Honda Pilot’s base trim level starts right around $32,000. The base trim includes a 5-inch infotainment display and has access to voice-activated controls, which is a favorite of many seniors.

Subaru Forester

The Forester is a great pick for those on a bit more of a budget. That’s because the base trim of the Forester starts right around $25,000, making it a bit easier to swing for those with a tighter budget. Much like the Pilot, one of the biggest draws to the Forester for seniors is the safety features that you get. The Subaru DriverFocus features are available on the Forester, and these features are excellent. They monitor driver behavior and give warning if the driver is behaving unusually.

Drivers can also opt for front collision warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring, those these upgrades are not included in the base trim. Some great design features also make this a wonderful pick for seniors. For instance, the door sills are quite low to the ground, and the door openings are rather wide. This makes getting into and out of the vehicle easier than in most SUVs.

The engine isn’t quite as impressive as the likes of the Honda Pilot, though it’s not a slouch. The Forester sports a 4-cylinder, 185 horsepower engine that offers 33 miles per gallon on the highway. This engine also nets you 26 miles per gallon in the city, making up for the relatively lower horsepower compared to other vehicles in the class.

Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is a popular SUV, especially among seniors, due to its luxurious features and great drive. It’s a bit on the pricey side, starting around $40,000, but many find it to be well-worth the price. It’s got a great 4-cylinder engine under the hood, putting out 275 horsepower and netting a solid 28 MPG highway and 22 MPG city. These numbers are made more impressive, however, by the luxurious vehicle that houses the engine.

The full, robust entertainment system in the vehicle is sure to impress the grandkids, and it offers support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both of which are excellent integration systems for smartphones! Integrated voice commands allow you to control the vehicle’s entertainment options without having your eyes leave the road, too. This keeps you safer while driving, as taking your eyes off the road is a quick way to become distracted and potentially get hurt.

The Acura RDX also supports AcuraWatch, the proprietary safety suite that runs in many Acura vehicles. AcuraWatch implements features such as lane keeping, emergency breaking, road departure warnings and more. This is excellent for drivers who might be worried about potential threats while driving. Keeping yourself and your grandkids safe is certainly a chief concern, and the Acura RDX is a great vehicle for keeping that concern at the top of your priority list!

January 15, 2019
Best Hatchbacks for 2019

Hatchbacks are an interesting configuration of vehicle. For their small size and reasonable engines, they’re rather practical in terms of size and cargo space. They first appeared in post-WWII Europe as an alternative to station wagons.

In the US, during the oil crisis, many families downsized significantly and found hatchbacks to be great options for saving on gas. In 2019 the culture has changed but hatchbacks remain popular among families! Today we’re looking at some of the best hatchbacks for 2019.

Best Hatchbacks for 2019

Hyundai Elantra

The simple, straightforward and likeable Hyundai Elantra is a favorite of no-frills customers. It’s got a great platform, two distinct trim levels and a reasonable price. The Elantra GT sports a 2-liter 4 cylinder engine with 161 horses and 150 pound-feet of torque. The other trim level, the Elantra GT Sport, is a bit meaner. It has a 1.6-liter turbo four with 201 horsepower, 195 lb-ft and offers an optional 7-speed dual-clutch.

The first trim level and the sport level both come standard with manual 6-speed transmissions, though they can both be ordered with automatic transmissions. The Elantra offers great fuel economy, sports great cargo space and has a nice, luxurious interior.

The ride quality has been described as smooth, quiet and enjoyable. If you’re looking for an affordable, reasonable and no-frills hatchback, consider going with this sensible option from Hyundai. If you really like sports performance, the Sport trim will scratch that itch, too.

Buick Regal Sportback

Following a rough 2017 and poor sales of the Regal, the Sportback was redesigned as a hatchback-style vehicle. The lighter, more nimble and sportier Sportback is a unique take on the Buick style, making it an interesting pick and a solid contender for best hatchback of 2019. The 2-liter turbo 4 is a great engine for getting up and taking off, putting out a respectable 250 horsepower. For torque, the engine gets 260 or 295 lb-ft, depending on whether you go for the front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.

The starting price for the Buick Sportback is a reasonable and affordable $20,000, though the trim levels and options go all the way up to $40,000 for those who want way more luxury. In either event, the vehicle sports some great standard features, stellar selection of options and unparalleled luxury that you expect from a brand like Buick. This is a solid choice for discerning drivers.

Kia Forte5

The Kia Forte is most well-known for its sedan configuration, though the Forte5 hatchback-style configuration remains popular. It’s a bit more powerful, sporting an engine with 164 horsepower, or 201 in the SX trim. The engine in the Forte5 is a more impressive 1.6-liter turbo four engine.

The sleek Kia is a serious contender when it comes to the discussion of which hatchback you should go with. The cargo space is great when you compare it to how powerful the engine under the hood is. While the engine is mighty and the storage space is great, the Forte5 also sports numerous amenities within the cab for the savvy driver. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported, and the infotainment center is nothing to scoff at.

Safety features are also a high priority for the Forte and Forte5. The body is made of strong material and is highly rated for safety and crash ratings. This is a great pick for someone looking for a more budget hatchback with great features and an excellent engine.

Honda Civic Type R

The Type R configuration of the Honda Civic doesn’t look like a hatchback. It looks like a lean, mean, bad-ass machine. And that’s not a bad thing, at all. Hatchbacks are known for their practicality and value to families. That makes the Type R quite a unique car in its field. It’s eye-catching, sleek, and looks like it might eat lesser hatchbacks. If you want to look mean and ready to roll, this is the best hatchback for you.

For roughly $34,000, the Type R brings you 306 horses, 295 lb-ft and a 2-liter turbo 4 engine that can be pushed all the way past 7,000 rpm when you need to move. That’s beyond awesome for the price and further solidifies Honda as a premier car maker for lovers of performance and practicality. The enhanced Dual Axis technology in the suspension takes torque steer out of the equation. The engine computer reads the conditions and makes the Type R run smooth like butter. If you want a well-balanced, sporty compact with a hatchback and a great price, look no further.

January 9, 2019
2020 Ford Bronco: What We Know So Far

In 1996, the last Ford Bronco was released, much to the dismay of many outdoors-y enthusiasts. After the rugged, off-road capable 4×4 went off the market, many of Ford’s faithful mud-lovers ended up switching over to brands like Jeep. After all, the Jeep Wrangler has largely kept the spirit that made the Bronco such a hit alive.

Well, there is good news for those who love to go off-roading: the Ford Bronco is coming back soon. As soon as January 2020, if some rumors are to be believed. This new model still has a lot of questions surrounding it, even including what it might look like as a finished product. However, one thing is certain: fans of the Bronco are ecstatic.

2020 Ford Bronco

Rock Solid

The Bronco’s legacy is that of a rock-solid vehicle that could tackle even the most demanding off-roading challenges. The 2020 Bronco looks set to follow expertly in those footsteps. Body-on-frame 4×4 vehicles are no joke, and you need look no further than the Jeep Wrangler to see that. The Bronco will be no exception. Additionally, the Bronco promises solid front and rear axels and enough ruggedness to make a grizzly bear look like a ballerina.

Rumor has it that the Bronco is going to share a frame with the Ranger pickup, making it a solid choice for outdoors-types. Likewise, the Bronco is likely to be constructed primarily of aluminum, which allows Ford to keep the body light while not sacrificing on pure power. What’s not to love?

Looks Like…

As far as looks go, there are a few guesses out there. Pictures have been snapped of the new Bronco in the wild, and, though it’s covered by specifics-obscuring tape and deflectors, we can get an idea of the appearance. It looks like the design for the smaller Bronco is mostly based on the Ford Escape. However, some sources have indicated that a few of the Bronco’s designs and layouts will be more strongly based on the Ford Ranger.

From rumors we’ve gathered that the Bronco looks to be a sub-brand for Ford, likely paying second fiddle to brands like the F-150 and other, more established lines. As for inspiration into what kind of performance and handling it can have, many have pointed to the Ford Troller and Jeep Wrangler as examples. These are all stellar design choices on which to base a 4×4, so we can safely say the Bronco is going to look rugged when it rolls out in 2020.

Under the Hood

If the Ford Ranger Raptor is any indication, expect to see an Eco-Boost engine under the hood of the 2020 Bronco. Ford is nothing if not consistent, and they’ve been putting the Eco-Boost in everything from the Raptor to the GT Supercar. Our best guess for the engine is that it churns out no less than 325 horses and puts up comparable torque to the Raptor. That means at least 370 pound-feet of torque across the solid front and back axles, meaning this is your go-to vehicle for getting deep in the mud.

Keep in mind, of course, that this is all speculation based on Ford’s other recent vehicles. Ford themselves have made no indications as to what we should expect when the Bronco arrives in 2020. These are our best guesses, and though we feel they are likely, they could turn out to be inaccurate.

How Much, and When?

Again, it’s still a good bit of time away from releasing, so these are estimates at best. However, our best guesses for the eventual price and release date are based on rather credible rumors and educated guesses. Since the Bronco is being produced in Detroit and on the same body as the Ranger, we can make some safe assumptions. The first is that it will have many similar capabilities to the Ranger, and the second is that it will cost around the same.

That means we can safely peg the price in the low-to-mid 30’s, depending on trim level and other factors. As for when you can expect to see these, we could expect around January 2020. It’s worth noting that we’re likely to see the “baby” version, based on the Ford Escape, hit dealerships first. It likely won’t be until a year after that, in 2021, that we could expect to see a full-sized iteration of the Bronco.

Keep in mind that none of this is set in stone. Even if these are Ford’s current plans, they’re still more than a year away and could change at any time.

December 28, 2018
Best Value for Used Mini Vans in 2019

When it comes to mini vans, the first thing you want is a good value. If you’ve got a big family with a lot of kids and want to cart them all around comfortably and affordably, you’re looking for a value minivan. As everyone knows, one of the best ways to keep the costs down is by buying pre-owned.

If you’re on the lookout for a good used minivan, it might be difficult to find the right one. After all, there are a ton of options out there. Which year, make and model is the right choice for your family and your budget? Today we’re looking at a few of the best used mini vans on the market.

Best Value Used Mini Vans

Why Buy Used?

If you’re looking into buying a minivan in order to get the whole family around town more easily then you’re probably looking to save money. While buying new cars can be great for making sure they have no existing defects, buying used has some serious upsides. Namely, used cars are much more affordable! When you’ve got a ton of kids to feed and clothe, this is a pretty major consideration to keep in mind!

Chrysler Town and Country

With tons of standard safety features and a very reasonable price when used, the Town and Country is a solid vehicle for families. While the last production year was 2016, the vehicle remains an excellent value as a pre-owned minivan.

The Town and Country does have a few issues that are worth noting. The powertrain isn’t the most reliable, making t a little more expensive than some others in this category for maintenance. The safety ratings aren’t quite as high as some of the competition, as well, which makes the vehicle a little less reliable.

A drawback worth noting for the budget-conscious is the lower-than-average fuel economy. If you’re looking to save money, it’s not ideal to have to keep gassing up your vehicle. That said, the Town and Country does have a few things going for it. Plentiful standard features like lane assist and emergency braking make up for the lower safety ratings.

It also sports a rather powerful engine for its size, making it a fun drive. The average price for a used Town and Country is around $20,000, making it a solid choice.

Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna is a great pick for people looking for value in a minivan. Between the various years that this line has been on the market it has released some stellar vehicles for families. Notably, the Sienna offers a comfortable, sooth ride with plenty of interior room for the whole family.

The Sienna has a plethora of great features for the price. The Sienna is huge and comfortable, so everyone from the driver and front seat passenger to kid in the third row will be plenty comfortable. There’s all-wheel drive available, which is great for getting out of sticky situations like mud or snow. There’s also a large area for storage which is impressive for a minivan,

The only drawbacks are in the engine. When pushed a bit too hard, the vehicle sounds a bit rough. Additionally, at some trim levels the Sienna offers a somewhat rough ride at higher speeds. However, these are minor quibbles. When purchased used the Sienna is usually around $23,000, making it a great value for the family.

Honda Odyssey

The 2016 Honda Odyssey is an exceptional minivan for the price. As for value, this is one of the best on the market. Sporting one of the best safety ratings of minivans in its class, the Honda Odyssey is a great pick for your family.

The cabin is spacious, durable and well-built. Everyone knows how destructive kid tend to be, but the Odyssey was made to be kid-proof. If your little ones tend to be terrors, you won’t have to worry about them in this vehicle!

The Odyssey gets reasonable gas mileage for a minivan and is relatively easy to maintain. Being a Honda, it’s not surprising that this vehicle was built to last. Even when buying used you can count on a Honda to be reliable! When it comes to getting your family safely from place to place, that reliability is impossible to put a price on.

If you had to, though, a used Honda Odyssey tends to run about $25,000. If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-maintain minivan that will safely get your family around town, the Odyssey is the one for you.

December 26, 2018