Things Cars Ought to Have… But Don’t
I've ranted about stuff new cars come with that seem over-the-top, unnecessary - stupid, even. The obnoxious back-up buzzer in the Toyota Prius hybrid, for instance. Headlights that stay on all...
Long Lived Car
There are two pretty simple things almost anyone can do - no tools required! - to keep almost any vehicle running reliably for many years after the warranty expires.
Don't abuse it.
And:
Use...
Event Horizon
Here's perhaps the single most important thing to know about any modern car (computer-controlled and fuel-injected; so mid '80s and newer) no matter the make or the model:
It will probably last a long time...
Oversold New Car Features
There isn't a new car on the market that hasn't already got all the basics covered.
And then some.
It's hard to find a new car - any new car - that isn't...
That “Car” Fax Thing
You've probably heard about Carfax (and similar services, including AutoCheck and EpicVIN) that offer "vehicle history reports" which search state motor vehicle and insurance records using the car's vehicle identification number...
What Does Your Car’s Warranty Actually “Cover”?
Most new vehicles come with several warranties.
The one most people think of first is the new car "bumper to bumper" (or "basic") warranty. It covers just about everything except routine maintenance items...
New Car “Buyers” . . .
Who can afford to spend $30,000 - the average purchase price paid as of 2013 - on a new car?
The answer is ... very few.
Most new car "buyers" are in fact debtors....
Make Your Automotive Dollar Go Farther!
There's not much we can do about the cost of buying a new car, but I can give you some advice that may help you reduce the cost of owning (and...
The Return of the Triple
You may have noticed the general downsizing trend that's going on under the hood. V-8s gave way to sixxes - and sixxes, to fours.
Now, it's down to three.
For the first time...
Experiment: 1983 Honda GL650
Regulars here will have already read my series of articles (here and here) about battling the ethanol demon - and casting him out of the fuel tank (and carburetors) of my...