All posts by Pete Abernethy

buyers guide, car advice, car buying, new cars, news & articles, used cars

General car buying tips

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As automotive enthusiasts, general car knowledge as well as a basic understanding of vehicle operations and our own desires, are things we take for granted when shopping for the next thrill. Questions that we are asking ourselves as well as the dealership may not come naturally to those who aren’t as nutty about cars as others. However, that makes asking the right questions that much more important, so we have provided a guide to some of the basics you should be considering before thinking about that next car or truck.

1) First and foremost, you should be thinking about the purpose this new vehicle will be serving. Is it going to be the daily driver? Will it see some long road trips with the family or be more of a fun weekend toy? Think hard about what this vehicle will be doing, a more thoughtful buyer is more likely to be happy with their decision for a longer period of time.

2) Know ahead of time what your rough budget is, and be sure to include insurance, gas, maintenance etc.. This will save you a lot of time and keep you from falling in love with vehicles that are out of your price range, making it seem like you are compromising by getting something that is actually within your budget.

3) Know whether you prefer new or used, but don’t be close-minded about saving some money by going with a used vehicle. Often people automatically write-off a used vehicle because the allure of that new car smell is too strong. However, there are used vehicles out there that will outlast even the newest, freshest smelling car, you just have to know which to look for. Additionally, warranties are often still in effect for the lower mileage used cars.

4) Which leads to: do your research! There are so many sites out there to make sure buyers are informed (KBB.com, truecar.com just to name a few) so there is no reason you can’t have a sense of what you should pay for your new or used vehicle. If you really want to dig deep, try looking for forums dedicated to your specific brand as there are often dedicated owners that post common problems, easy fixes, and what to look for when you buy that car. These are often harder to find but can be the most helpful, examples are www.nasioc.com for Subarus and www.ih8mud.com for Toyota trucks. While these forums are not always endorsed or supported by the manufacturer, there is wealth of knowledge to be found if you have the time and dedication to dig around a bit.

5)If you plan on servicing the vehicle at the dealership, it doesn’t hurt to work with them to establish a relationship with them. These are, after-all, the people who will be working on your vehicle, and sometimes working with a local dealership vs. taking your business out of town can mean the difference between getting a loaner car and hitching a ride in the back seat of a friend’s car every time you need some work done.

These are just some of the basic tips and questions that will help improve the overall buying experience. Make sure you spend time to really think about what you want and do your research. Be an informed buyer and understand what you are getting yourself into because buying a car should not be taken lightly. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask us and we’ll get back to you promptly.

buyers guide, car advice, car buying, drivers car, driving, fun cars, manual, news & articles, sports sedan, used cars

Cheap fun: Cars that will make you smile on a budget

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While the boy racers of the world have been in an ongoing search for cheap power for what seems like thousands of years, there are still some out there that just want to enjoy their daily commute in a car that doesn’t empty the wallet.   Well for those people, there are a couple of options out there for a reasonably priced, fun car that will make you the envy of the other road-goers.
Photo credit: Car & Driver
Photo credit: Car & Driver

1)    Honda Civic Si: Everyone knows the Honda Civic as the boring, hum-drum sedan that runs forever and hasn’t gotten anybody’s heartbeat going any faster that a slow crawl in a couple decades.  Well the Si is a tuned up version that has about 200hp and can turn any on-ramp onto something worth drooling over.  It still retains that Honda reliability and won’t break the bank at the shop or the gas pump.  Expect to pay somewhere around $15k or less for later year models with average mileage, with higher mileage or older examples going for less.

Photo credit: Super Street Online
Photo credit: Super Street Online 
2)    Subaru WRX: Probably one of the more popular cars with the tuner crowd, the Subaru has also gained a reputation as one of the best all-weather fun cars thanks to the legendary Subaru all-wheel-drive.  As a cherry on top, they come in hatchback form for added practicality and get decent gas mileage considering how much they are oriented towards driving pleasure.   They are not without their faults as they can be picky on which oil they like, and older early 2000’s models have weaker transmissions.  Prices can vary significantly, but a good, mid 2000’s model can be found for around or under $15k depending on mileage, making it a fast but relatively affordable car.
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3)    Mazdaspeed 3 or 6: These left-field Mazda’s can be a little harder to find but when in good shape can be a lot of fun for a little money.  The Mazdaspeed 6 was the fast version of the last Mazda 6 sedan and is no longer made, but the Mazdaspeed 3 was, and still is, a very popular alternative to the Subaru and others.  As a bonus, they actually have very nice interiors for their class and size.  You can also find the Mazdaspeed 6 in all-wheel-drive form making it all the more desirable for those who live in inclement weather states.  If you can find them, expect to pay up to 18K for the well-cared for Mazdaspeed 3, and even more for the 6.
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4)    Volkswagen GTI: Well known as one of the best all-around hatchbacks thanks to its incredibly well appointed interior and the German fit and finish that other automakers can only dream of, the GTI is a very lively front wheel drive hatchback that has a little more character than its Japanese counterparts.  Be wary though, these little firecrackers can cost a little more than average when they go in the shop as German cars in general are a little more difficult to work on.  GTI’s can go for as low as $13K for 2010 model years, and up to $20K for newer vehicles.
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5)    Honda S2000: This was Honda’s attempt at making a fun, affordable, lightweight 2 door convertible for the “masses”.  What we ended up with was a fun little screamer that handled well and looked great without sacrificing on reliability and convenience.  Made with one of Honda’s well established 4 cylinder engines, and a true manual transmission, they have a comparable recipe for fun to the legendary Mazda Miata.  They aren’t easy to find as they were never made in huge numbers, but if you can find one expect to pay around $20K for low mileage late model examples, with less pristine versions going for somewhere in the teens.
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6)    Ford Mustang GT: As the only American example here among those from foreign soil, the pony car holds its own with a 4.6 liter engine offering up over 300 horsepower in earlier iterations.  As far as cheap power goes, it’s hard to find something that can keep up for this amount of money.  As newer body styles keep coming, the older versions keep dropping in price, but don’t expect to get a lot of luxury for your money, this car is about a big motor powering the rear wheels and not much else.  These will be easier to find with many examples on ebaymotors and similar sites, with models from around the late 2000’s going for a little under $20K.
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7) Mazda Miata: We all know the little fun-loving roadster that is the Miata.  Legendary handling, well balanced driving pleasure in a 2 door package, it truly is hard to beat.  However, be wary when looking at used models as there is a good chance it has been tossed around a bit by the previous owner.  They are generally pretty reliable, but never make that assumption when checking one out,always get a 2nd opinion.  Prices are all over the map as they sold in high numbers through the years, so you can expect to pay over $20k for a late-model with low mileage, or around $6-8k for a well-used example with some wear and tear.  If you are going for a newer model, the third generation’s engine received an update with a higher redline being a highlight.
buyers guide, car advice, car buying, full size SUV, used cars

Go big or go home: Quick tips on buying used full-size SUV’s

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For those of us that need to haul around kids, dogs, gear (or just about anything from Costco) a bigger vehicle is always a necessity.  But with the prices of new full size SUV’s reaching new highs, there are reasons to look at used vehicles, and definitely specific things to look for when shopping for these land yachts.
First question you should attempt to answer is whether the vehicle in question has spent any time off the beaten path.  If the answer is a yes, then there will most certainly be more wear and tear on the suspension, engine, and transmission, among other things.  However, if you find a vehicle (or special edition of that vehicle) that was meant to go off-road, i.e. Z71 or TRD packages, you are probably ok as those were meant to take some abuse and keep on ticking.
The second question is whether there was any towing done in the vehicle’s past.  Often these family fortresses on wheels are used to pull the weekend camper, a boat, or even another car.  Towing greatly increases the stress on the drivetrain and can shorten the life of a vehicle pretty quickly if it wasn’t designed to tow any serious distances in the first place.  If the answer is yes, then check that the transmission fluid was changed regularly, closely inspect the rear suspension for sagging, and ask whether there is a transmission cooler installed.
Check the tires for even wear.  In connection with the potential towing and off-road shenanigans, tires do wear significantly faster when subjected to the more aggressive activities listed above.
Other than the above, the usual rules still apply when searching for a used SUV.  Don’t be afraid to ask about the history, talk to previous owners if possible, and take it for a long test drive.  Other than that, just be sure you are ready to take on the ownership of a full size SUV because bigger can often mean pricier.

buyers guide, car advice, car buying, news & articles, used cars

Budget Car Buying: Overcoming the fear of high mileage

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Not all of us can afford the high sticker prices of new, high-line cars that grace the covers of automotive magazines everywhere.  Others are just looking for a reasonable daily driver to get to A to B with no bells and whistles.  Whichever camp you are in, finding a vehicle within a tight budget can be a challenge when you don’t know where to start.  We’re here to help with that search to make sure you find a well-cared for vehicle that will serve its purpose with minimal trouble.

Firstly, you shouldn’t be afraid of vehicles with higher mileage, so long as you do your research and have the history of the vehicle.  If you are looking at Car A that was driven by a little old lady for 100k miles and Car B that was driven by a teenager with a heavy right foot for 50k miles, you can guess which we’d pick.  The key is finding vehicles that have proven to be reliable, durable and inexpensive to own, which can be tricky.

There are certain manufacturers that have always been associated with longevity and quality.  Toyota and Honda are consistently rated at the top (as well as Acura and Lexus of course), and some other brands such as Subaru are slowly making their way up the list.  If you are looking at higher mileage vehicles, your focus should be on brands such as these that will run for many more trouble-free miles.

Secondly, check for rust.  A higher mileage car has generally been exposed to more inclement weather and as a result, has a higher chance of being affected by rust (especially here in the Northeast.  As with any used vehicle, have it looked over by a trusted mechanic but pay close attention to rust on the underbody as well as under the paint.  Rust is not only something that is VERY expensive to fix, but is also something that keeps eating away at your car unless you fix it right away.  Higher mileage cars are more likely to have rust that has eaten away at critical components, so it is always something to keep an eye on.

A complete service history is always a MUST!  Knowing how the vehicle has been treated is crucial to knowing how many more miles can be expected out of it.  If you are buying a vehicle with over 100k miles, be sure that the timing belt or chain (if applicable) has been changed as most manufacturers usually recommend this at or around 100k miles.

Additionally, make sure you look up the proper services that should have been performed (most can be found online) and check that with the history of the vehicle and the CarFax report.  Depending on the car and mileage, a lot of vehicles will be needing new brakes or suspension once they get a bit over 100k miles, and those are expensive maintenance items.

Other than that, just pay close attention to how the vehicle drives and behaves on the road.  If it checks all the boxes and feels solid when you drive it, there’s a good chance it has been well maintained and is ready to serve its next owner loyally!

buyers guide, car advice, car buying, used cars

Used Car Buying Guide

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Used car buying can be a gamble.  If you aren’t informed, or if you haven’t done your research, you could end up buying someone else’s nightmare.  However, breathe easy my readers because there is hope.  Used car buying can be a great way to save money off the sticker price, and a way to find a reliable vehicle for much less than what you would pay for a new one.  So pay attention deal seekers, because here you will find the basics to finding that perfect pre-loved vehicle to make your own.

 

As with any car buying, new or used, do your research.  Check all of the popular sites such as KBB.com and Consumer Reports for reliability ratings and known issues etc. for particular models you are considering.  Additionally, many brands have a loyal following and as a result, forums (websites) dedicated entirely to their brand.  These are not usually endorsed by the manufacturer, but can be an incredible source of knowledge.  Examples would be NASIOC.com for Subaru and ih8mud.com or yotatech.com for Toyota SUV/Truck owners.   Not only will these sites prove helpful for choosing a brand, but they can even give you some insight into which particular model year performed better than others.  As always, don’t take everything online as gospel, but time spent on these sites will be well worth your while.

 

If you have found a particular car you want and plan to go see it, go prepared.  Make sure you have gotten a background check on that car and gone over the history (the most common method is CarFax).  Know that while this is extremely helpful, history reports don’t always tell the full story.  Ask the seller (private or dealer) if they have receipts for the services, being mindful that the big services (timing belt, brakes, suspension etc.) are among the most important to have record of. 

 

When looking at the car, keep in mind a number of things.  Even if you have already fallen in love with the car after seeing pictures, try to be as objective as possible.  If possible, don’t go and see the car in the rain as wet paint tends to hide blemishes.  Keep an eye out for any little dents or scratches, and take a good, slow walk around the car looking for anything that might be off.  With your fingers, feel around the edges of doors, the hood and rear hatch etc. and if there is any roughness (or pronounced edge) that might mean it has been repainted which can be taken as a sign that it may have been in an accident.  Look under the car where it is parked to see if there are any obvious leaks on the pavement.  Take it for a spin and don’t be afraid to push ALL the buttons to make sure everything is working as electrical issues can often be the hardest to tackle.

 

Finally, after you have taken a good look at it, have it looked over by a trusted mechanic not associated with the seller or dealer.  The quick inspection by a mechanic can prove invaluable if there is something that your un-trained eye might have missed.  If you get the go-ahead from them, chances are it’s a solid vehicle and you should feel comfortable making an offer on the car. 

driving, driving tips, news & articles, Uncategorized

AWD vs. FWD vs. RWD: A lesson in important acronyms

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The above three letter acronyms will mean something to a few, but confuse others.  We’re here to explain the pros and cons of the three main different drive types for vehicles on the road today.  First, let’s just spell those out:

AWD = All Wheel Drive  :  FWD = Front Wheel Drive  :  RWD = Rear Wheel Drive

With that out of the way, let’s start out with one of the more useful drive types for here in New England, AWD.  All wheel drive means that all 4 wheels of the car are being powered by the engine, generally providing more grip in slippery situations.  Manufacturers known for their prowess in this particular drive type are Audi and Subaru, Audi in particular having really pioneered the movement through their early Quattro rally cars.  The benefits are numerous, more grip in the snow/rain/loose surfaces, extreme dry circumstances and generally even tire wear among others, but you do sacrifice gas mileage as there are more wheels that need to be powered by the engine.  Most would consider vehicles with AWD a great all-around vehicle for those needing one car to do it all through all 4 seasons, however, this drive type isn’t as common as the next one.

Front wheel drive is where the engine only powers the front two wheels.  This is generally considered to the most common type of drivetrain, accounting for a vast majority of vehicles on the road because of its low cost and simplicity, and is found in popular vehicles such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and others.  Front wheel drive vehicles can be more compact, and often have better legroom in the rear as they don’t require any mechanicals in the rear of the vehicle as in RWD or AWD.  Additionally, FWD is much easier to control in inclement conditions as you don’t have to worry about the rear end swinging out every time you touch the throttle  The downsides to FWD are few, but they generally have a greater turning radius as a result of having the driven wheels also do the turning, and they often exhibit what is called torque steer, which means in rapid acceleration the car will pull to the left or the right.  However, manufacturers are constantly coming up with ways to combat this issue and newer, sportier FWD cars are being praised for their handling similar to a RWD sports car.

If you were to take a poll amongst gearheads on which drivetrain they preferred, nine out of ten would probably answer RWD.  The simple, front engine, RWD layout is what those with oil running through their veins consider to be the purest expression of a sports car.  It allows the driver to get a little sideways when desired, and generally helps a vehicle keep close to the perfect 50/50 weight distribution.  This is probably the rarest of drive-trains and often limits the vehicle’s ability to perform well in anything but ideal conditions with anything less than a very experienced driver.  Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, and most sports cars have this layout (among others) and it will probably stay that way for the foreseeable future.  The benefits among those listed above are a higher MPG rating than AWD, lighter weight, and a generally simpler layout because of the two wheel drive instead of four.  However, as much fun as these cars are on a sunny day, when the weather turns they can be a bit tricky to handle as a slightly liberal use of the throttle can result in a spin.  RWD cars are generally found in garages as a second weekend vehicle, but there are those out there that will daily drive them as well (though they are few and far between in states that experience bad weather).  While RWD has traditionally been found in higher-end exotics, manufacturers such as Mazda, Subaru, Honda and Toyota are stepping up and making cheap, fun, and simple cars such as the long-lived Miata and the joint BRZ/FRS project by Subaru/Toyota.  This leaves enthusiasts that aren’t among the 1% to enjoy the thrills of a well-balanced vehicle without emptying their pockets.

While we didn’t cover the 4WD type of drivetrain in this article, it is very similar to AWD in that the number of driven wheels is the same, and the differences are minimal except for the fact that 4WD is generally associated with more off-road oriented vehicles and AWD is usually reserved for cars or light-duty cross-overs.  Whichever one you choose for your next vehicle, be sure to do your research before you decide so that you are happy with your purchase for years to come.

articles, driving, driving tips, news & articles

Tips for driving in the rain

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With the heavy rain we have been experiencing here in Boston, we thought it best to put a quick reminder about things you should do differently when driving in heavy rain.

1)    TURN ON YOUR LIGHTS!  As hard as it can be to see a gray car in low sunlight, it is even harder when there is heavy rain involved so be sure that both your headlights and tail-lights are on.  It is now a law in the state of Massachusetts that you must use lights when you have your wipers on, so pay attention and help other drivers see you.

2)    Drive a little more cautiously, but NOT TOO SLOWLY!  Everyone treats driving in the rain differently, with some being a little too brave, and others going a different direction and going 40mph on the highway.  Do not be the latter as you are just as likely to get in (or cause) an accident as the speeder cutting people off.  Maintain an appropriate level of speed while traveling to reduce the risk of causing unnecessary braking and swerving of other drivers attempting to go around you.

3)    Watch for standing water on the shoulders and outside lanes.   The roads we drive on are designed to send water off to the side, but often the rain overcomes the drains and we run into pools of water on the edges of the outside lanes.  Be careful to avoid these, and if that proves dangerous, at least slow down before hitting the puddle to avoid hydroplaning, which is what occurs when your tires float on the surface of the water and lose grip.

4)    Overall, just pay closer attention to what is going on around you.  Drivers behave very differently when there are other factors affecting their habits and having serious rain puts most drivers on edge.   Watch the behavior of all drivers in your immediate area and keep your head on a swivel.

mid size truck, off road, reviews, Tacoma, TRD

2016 Toyota Tacoma: A rugged off-roader gets a little quieter

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Well the new Tacoma is here, and it comes as no surprise that its unveiling has been extremely well covered by just about every major publication and website.  As the runaway favorite among mid-size pickup shoppers, a vast improvement in ride quality is certainly something to take note of.  We took one for a spin to see if the new Taco has lived up to the hype.

The most obvious changes to the Tacoma start on the exterior.  An all new front end presents a more aggressive grill and headlight configuration, coupled to new headlights that house projector headlights.  The new grill seems to sit higher and give the vehicle a better approach angle, adding to the overall truck-ier appearance of the Taco.  Couple that with an updated rear end and some new wheel options, and the little truck that could never looked better.

Thankfully, the biggest changes exist inside the cabin.  Toyota has been touting the additional sound deadening and new dash layout, claiming it drives more like a car than ever before.  A laminated windshield, better door seals and additional material in the headliner and floor all contribute to a quieter cab at speed according to the Japanese manufacturing giant.  First-hand experience showed us that it has indeed gotten quieter overall, and the new dash layout is very intuitive while still showcasing several new features previously unavailable.  Standard features now include Bluetooth and the Entune stereo system, signs that Toyota knows that it needs to up the interior game if it wants to stay on top of this market.

There are only a couple drawbacks, and they are mostly associated with interior dimensions.  In true Tacoma tradition, the cab is a little cramped and headroom isn’t exactly abundant if you’re over 6’ tall.  The rear seats leave a little to be desired and as with the front, the seating positions wouldn’t be ideal for longer journeys.  However, this is all coming in a package that is designed to get the job done and never let you down, so little issues such as these seem to be worth the overall reliability you get with the Toyota name.
The new Atkinson cycle 3.5L V6 is a smooth performer, if not a slightly talkative one, as there is still a little bit of noise when you put your foot down.  Torque is fairly accessible down low but the V6 doesn’t mind being revved out either.  The slick 6 speed transmission shifts well and overall the drivetrain is happy in almost any situation.  There is still a traditional manual transmission available for those with a strong left leg, but don’t expect to see many of those available at your local dealer.

This latest generation of one of the all-time favorite pickups represents a significant move by Toyota to keep increasingly picky buyers interested.  Not only would we bet money that this outlasts the competition from GMC/Chevy, but it will look good doing it!

BMW, drivers car, M5, manual, reviews, sports sedan, Uncategorized

“Never drive your heroes” they say…the e39 M5

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Well folks, this is one of the big ones.  The number 5 is pretty average, nothing to write home about, a pretty boring digit on its own, but as soon as you stick an M in front of it, things change pretty quickly.  And as if that isn’t enough, add e39 to the equation, and you end up with pure magic.  To many, this is still the best driver’s sedan on the road, despite being over 13 years old.  A car that represents one of the greatest vehicles to ever leave the BMW factory, an analog example of what a super-sedan should be.  And now, probably one of the most affordable fun cars on the road, that is, if you can find one.

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Well we did.  This particular vehicle, a 2000 M5 with a hair over 100k miles is listed for sale in Weymouth, MA for the price of a new Toyota Yaris.  We couldn’t resist the urge to drive, photograph, and review this aging wolf in sheep’s clothing in an attempt to help it find the enthusiast it deserves.  The M5 represents a car that we have been longing to drive and despite the risk of it not living up to all of the hype, we decided to take the plunge anyway.

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First impressions are important.  From a distance, this car could be confused with a typical early 2000’s well-equipped 5 series.  The subtle styling, classic understated front fascia coupled with the slightly aggressive quad exhaust tips make this thing fly under the radar unless you have a keen eye for an M badge.  This particular model had upgraded headlights from the later 2001 and up M5’s, which make a world of difference in giving the front end a more modern look.  The stance, the body lines, everything is as you’ve seen in the pictures, awe-inspiring class mixed with subtle hints that say “I mean business”

The drive is hard to pin down.  On one hand, you are driving a 16 year old car that some could call outdated, but most would see as simply worn down.  On the other hand, in all the important ways it is still very much an M5 and unequivocally deserving of the name.  The interior may be a little worse for wear in some spots, but the engine is so eager to get going, and the shifts, to use a cliché, like a well-oiled bolt-action rifle, that you quickly forget that the cupholders have seen better days.  Thanks to near 400 hp, acceleration is still kick-you-in-the-pants fast, and the ride is sublime despite some additional rattles due to age.  You get a sense that this car is still holding on to the glory days, yearning for a new owner to clean it up a bit and show it a little TLC.

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We came away in awe of the tire-munching machine and how well it has aged.  After all of these years never having driven what many consider to be the auto epitome of class/badass, we can safely say it was far from a let-down.  Often the hype misleads everyone and the cars have a tough time living up to the excessive praise of reviews and publications, but this tired M5 showed so much life, one could only dream about what it was like new.  It’s safe to say that this generation of M5 has made the list of performance bargain cars considering that near-mint examples can be had for under $25k.  It is hard to find something that will excite a real driver this much and still be able to pull up to the Four Seasons and not look out of place, the M5 is still that car, and imitators are still playing catch up.

A big thanks to 777 Auto in Weymouth, MA and Svetlin for letting us test drive this car.  Their selection of fun European autos is sizeable and their pricing reasonable, definitely check them out.