Category Archives: car buying

buyers guide, car advice, car buying, full size SUV, snow, Toyota

Winter-ready and budget friendly: 4X4s that are for sale RIGHT NOW!

September 12, 2018 Pete Abernethy Leave a comment

No matter how much you might deny it, it is getting closer to that time of year again. You know the one, where the salt ruins the roads (and our cars) and we all curse the driver in front of us trying to get up the barely-a-hill on bald tires.

But there’s hope, friend. Here are a few used SUVs of varying shapes and sizes that handle winter with the ease and won’t skip a beat during these colder months.

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/ctd/d/super-clean-2007-toyota-land/6692648042.html

This 2007 Land Cruiser boats 1 owner and plenty of service records. The last year of the famed 100 series Cruisers, the 4.7L V8 in this truck is a known reliability champion so no worries buying on with 160k miles, well that’s barely broken in! These trucks were almost $70K when new so under $25K is a bargain for these beasts.

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/d/2007-toyota-4runner-limited/6692151337.html

This 4Runner is an oldie but a goodie. Another example of the last years of a generation before an overhaul, the 4Runner was completely redesigned for 2009 so by 2007 (this vehicle shown) they had had plenty of time to refine the truck. The old reliable V6 is a real workhorse and these are well known as solid, smooth driving trucks. At under $13k for this one, you’d be hard pressed to find a better bang for your buck than a used 4Runner.

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/d/2003-toyota-rav4/6687264663.html

For those working with a tight budget, a used Rav4 is always a safe choice. At $3500, this looks to be a great example of a solid little car that will get the job done. Rav4s are great alternatives to big SUVs and get better gas mileage than one would think. If you just want basic A-to-B transportation through winter, check this out!

articles, buyers guide, car advice, car buying, car show, drivers car, full size SUV, fun cars, news, news & articles, selling cars, Uncategorized

2018 New England International Auto Show: Key takeaways

January 23, 2018 Pete Abernethy 2 Comments

JOTD visited the New England International Auto show about a week ago and we wanted to share some of our impressions, takeaways, and general thoughts on the show itself and some of it’s more notable attendees.

The good:

The Audi RS3 looks even better in person than it does in publications (certain wheels aside). It has a presence beyond it’s size and it’s up there in the “wolf in sheep’s clothing” category with the older M5. Bonus points to Audi for making in tall-person friendly!

The Genesis lineup had a strong presence there and the cars did not fail to deliver. Interior fit and finish is very tight and overall material quality is excellent. I’m not saying they are on-par with the S-Class (yet), but at a fraction of the price, they are most definitely worth a serious look. We loved the look of the G80 Sport with the copper accents and aggressive wheels (pictured here), well done Hyun…errr…Genesis!

The new favorite of many automotive publications everywhere, the Kia Stinger, was there as well. Once again, pictures simply don’t do it justice. It looked great up on stage and not overly bedazzled as it might appear in pictures. The lines are aggressive but not overly so and we think it will age well, but the verdict on that will, obviously, have to wait.

The Lexus LC500’s taillights are an incredible detail on an already drop-dead gorgeous car, see for yourself.

The bad:

While the new Ford Expedition does look the part of the big family-hauling, highway consuming behemoth with a handsome, masculine exterior, the interior was far from impressive. For a $70k truck, we’d expect more than a sea of hard black plastic for a dashboard (with a comparatively miniscule infotainment screen) and a few more luxuries to accompany it.

Where were Mercedes Benz and BMW in all this? Did they both decide to call in sick?

Thanks for reading!

articles, car advice, car buying, consulting, drivers car, fun cars, manual, new cars, sports cars

Re-imagining classics, who is doing it well?

October 31, 2017 Pete Abernethy Leave a comment

Nowadays, you have plenty of people out there breathing new life into old cars. The process of starting from scratch with a decrepit old shell of a car and bringing it back to former glory is a long road filled with media blasting and more cursing than you thought possible. What we’re seeing more of these days is shops and companies making a name for themselves producing NEW vehicles that are nearly identical to the vehicles of old that they are replicating. Some start with an old shell, others manufacture new bodies, but these companies are putting together some very high-quality vehicles that are commanding some very high prices to match. Here are some current leaders in this small world of factory “resto-mods” that we think you should pay attention to.

Singer: What do you do if you want the modern conveniences of a new Porsche, but lust after the mechanical, analog feel of an older 911. You get Singer, a California based shop that has completely changed the way people look at modifying classic cars. Put simply, this is the old 911 re-imagined for the 21^st century. Every car is completely redone from frunk to whale-tail and the attention to detail is astounding. Expect to pay a pretty penny for a car that fits you like a glove and will put a smile on your face like nothing else can. It’s not chump change, but some would argue this is about as close to perfection as you can get.

Icon: The Toyota FJ40 has long been an icon (icon…get it?) in the off-roading community. The time-tested capability and reliability are second to none, and Icon has made a market for themselves building these older cruisers from scratch with modern amenities. You can even outfit your 2 door Icon with a 4 on the floor and a Chevy 350 if you so please. The craftsmanship that goes into turning one of the most rattle-filled (albeit rock-solid) trucks on the planet into something that you can tolerate driving on a daily basis is nothing short of incredible, and their pricing does reflect that. They not only work on the tried-and-true Toyota, but also turn out some show-stopping Broncos. But rest assured, if we had the budget, an Icon would be at the top of our list.

Eagle: If classic British motoring is a passion of yours and you’ve got some money burning a hole in the pocket of your Barbour jacket, look no further than the Eagle E-Type. Many argue that the Jaguar E-Type is the most beautiful car ever made (Enzo himself said that), and Eagle is hand building them as we speak (albeit in lower numbers than the original). However, each E-Type produced by Eagle is 100% handmade in their factory to very exacting standards. You can even custom build your own bespoke E-Type to your liking, does it get any better? Hard to believe that the most beautiful car on the road could be reimagined at all, but the folks at Eagle have definitely pulled it off.

Factory Five/Superformance: These two get lumped together often as producing some of the best replicas of the older American performance cars (Shelby Cobra, Daytona coupe etc.) Factory Five has a strong support base and allows you to build the car EXACTLY how you want it. If you are a backyard mechanic, however, your Cobra replica from Factory Five might not operate like a swiss watch. If you opt for the spend-ier Superformance, you get a car that was 100% put together in a factory with high quality parts that were made to go together, but as a result, you are paying up for that privilege. Whichever of these two you select for you gas-guzzling fix, you are sure to get a car more than capable of leaving some rubber on the pavement.

If you are in a position, and looking, to purchase something that’s unique, classic and modern all rolled up into one beautiful piece of sheet metal, look no further than these artists keeping classic cars alive.

buyers guide, car advice, car buying, drivers car, fun cars, manual, reviews, Reviews, sports sedan, Uncategorized, used cars

Performance bargain spotlight: Audi RS4

October 2, 2017 Pete Abernethy Leave a comment

What do you get when you take an average AWD family sedan and inject it with 8 cylinders that scream to a glorious redline of 8250 rpm? The answer, folks, is the Audi RS4. Long coveted by enthusiasts looking for subtle speed, the RS4 was the fastest variant of the B7 A4 platform and is no longer available in the states. We had the opportunity to glimpse one for sale out towards western Massachusetts, and it did not disappoint.

With an original MSRP of over $80,000, this particular example from 2008 is finished in the ever-popular Daytona Gray with just a hair over 75k miles. From the outset, it is clear this was a well-maintained car. Service receipts are plentiful, and creaks and rattles are basically non-existent. There are a few very minor blemishes on the car, but only ones you’ll spot if you’re really looking for them. But then again, vehicles like this were never meant to be center stage at a concours d’elegance, these cars were meant to be driven.

The interior shows some wear consistent with a nearly 10-year-old car, but there’s nothing that a little bit of TLC couldn’t fix. The white interior sets off the gray exterior nicely and could look almost brand new with a good leather treatment.

The car is located at Right Way Auto Sales in Southborough, MA and is listed at a very fair $29,995. Considering the level of refinement, gobs of power, and overall desirability of the RS4, the price is quite appealing. Here’s to hoping it finds a new home where the new owner will appreciate it for the wolf in sheep’s clothing that it is.

articles, car advice, car buying, consulting, fun cars, new cars, news, news & articles

A Brief Thought on Electric Vehicles

August 14, 2017 Pete Abernethy Leave a comment

Auto enthusiasts and non-gearheads alike are wondering when the electric vehicle will become more mainstream. Tesla’s successful shattering of the “uncool” stigma that plagued EVs and hybrids of the past has many new startups trying to follow suit (yes, we’re talking about you, Faraday), and this has people wondering; what is standing in the way of electric cars taking over?

Well for one, there’s the lack of proper infrastructure. Many people are still married to the idea that they can simply jump into the car and drive wherever they like, limited only by the size of their bladders and frequency of gas stations along the way. The often innate desire to be able to drive across the country at the drop of a hat can be found deep in the recesses of their repressed wanderlust, and that very notion being limited is what hurts electric vehicles sales no matter how little it actually matters to the workaday commuter. The idea that once the needle hits “E”, there is no way to power back up in 5 minutes (unless you have carefully crafted your route around available charging stations) is a tough pill to swallow.

Batteries come to mind as another limitation. Their size, weight, and general lack of performance hinder what are otherwise very technologically advanced vehicles. Advances in battery technology to the point where they can last longer, weigh less, and offer up more overall performance will be needed to move more EVs from dealership lots and get the general population on board with accepting these vehicles as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuel vehicles.

Until charging stations or battery swap locations are more actively subsidized and built at a more rapid pace to match the ambitions of major manufacturers, the majority of consumers will still pick the regular, fossil fuel burning auto over the futuristic EV as their primary mode of transport.

What are your thoughts on electric vehicles?

articles, buyers guide, car buying, consulting, news & articles, safe, selling cars

How to sell your car properly

March 30, 2017 Pete Abernethy 2 Comments

Selling your car can be a daunting task to say the least. Whether the attachment is emotional or financial, your car isn’t going to market itself and finding a way to make it stand out from the crowd can be difficult. We’ll cover some of the basics to help you get rid of the old so you can bring in the new.

Take good, high quality pictures: Too often you see blurry pictures that look like they were taken by a 5 year old on the world’s first cell phone camera. This really puts sellers off and can downplay a car that is actually in great condition. Make sure you snap pictures of both the interior and exterior, ensuring that the car has been cleaned thoroughly (both inside and out) and that all of your belongings are removed.
Provide proof of service history: If you haven’t been saving receipts for work done, you’re in a bit of a tough spot here. But proof that the car has been maintained well goes a long way to easing potential new owners’ minds. If you don’t have receipts, call shops or dealerships where you know it’s been serviced to see if they have any records they could send.
Be descriptive: Describe the condition of the car (accurately of course) in more than 2 words. A short ad that says “runs great, new tires, no A/C” often turns off potential buyers. Talk a little about the car (but don’t write a dissertation on it) to let the buyer know you cared about maintaining the car and know it well.
Include a Carfax report: A Carfax report for around $40 will give the buyer peace of mind that is has not been in an accident or experienced flood damage etc. – well worth your money.
Do your research on value: A car that isn’t priced well will likely either not sell or leave you with less cash than you should have gotten. Check all of the usual valuation sites like www.kbb.com and www.nada.com to find out what your car is worth and list it accordingly. Always be prepared to negotiate if you are motivated to sell.
Prepare documents: Make sure you have the title (or know exactly where/how to get it if you financed) and make up a Bill of Sale (easily found online) to make sure you cover all of your bases.
Stay safe: If you are planning on meeting potential buyers to have them inspect the car, meet during the day in a public place (parking lot of a restaurant, gas station etc.) to avoid any potential danger. If you don’t feel safe, bring a friend with you.
Minimize risk: Only allow test drives to potential buyers who have cash or have proof of financing, that way you can avoid tire kickers. A free joy ride is a quick way to damage the car and you could potentially be out even more money to repair it on your own dime.
Where to list: Craigslist is very popular because it is free, but Autotrader is a good option as well. Ebaymotors will get your more visibility, but you encounter more out-of-area buyers and that can complicate things.

Don’t be afraid to attempt this on your own. You can always trade the car into a dealership if you are unsuccessful selling it, but if you are able to sell it yourself, you could potentially gain thousands of dollars more than what a dealership would have offered you.

articles, buyers guide, car advice, car buying, consulting, new cars, news & articles, snow, Subaru, winter

The Subaru Impreza: Why 2017 is a big year

February 14, 2017 Pete Abernethy Leave a comment

As much as we New Englanders love our AWD Subaru chariots to get us to/from wherever we need to go no matter what the conditions, the word phrase “refined ride” isn’t exactly part of their brand vocabulary. Utilitarian is just one word that comes to mind when describing an older Forester or bare bones Impreza, and it seems Subaru was listening to consumers as is evident in the newly redesigned Impreza.

For 2017, Subaru has announced to the AWD faithful that their new Impreza (based on an all-new, shareable platform) will be quieter, ride better, and be an all-around more comfortable vehicle. Sure, they’ve been saying that for a little while and with the exception of the Outback or Legacy, their vehicles have remained relatively “tinny”. However, this is now a completely different ball game.

At first glance, not much appears to have changed. The updates to the exterior are there (but subtle) and while the interior does benefit from some choice upgrades like a nice big touch screen and soft-touch materials, it isn’t a completely different vehicle, and for good reason.

The biggest changes become apparent when you get it out on the road. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels have been reduced significantly and overall the cabin feels much more solid than past generations. Steering response is great and the vehicle feels much more planted on the road, all adding to the image of a vehicle that really can “do it all” and be reasonably priced. All of a sudden, you realize that Subaru took all of the successful aspects of the old Impreza, and simply refined it to the point where it functions as a much more comfortable vehicle without losing the Subaru character that people love.

As a whole, the new Impreza has certainly upped it’s game. As pricing stays relatively flat, it will likely now appeal to buyers looking for the functionality of an AWD hatchback but want a little bit more refinement than hat was previously available at Subaru. This new platform will be shared with other vehicles in the lineup so we look forward to driving the CrossTrek and Forester, among others. Time will tell if this is what Subaru was going for, but we’re predicting that this can only mean good things for the unofficial car manufacturer of New England.

buyers guide, car advice, car buying, full size SUV, mid size truck, off road, safe, Uncategorized

Best Bug-Out vehicles

January 10, 2017 Pete Abernethy Leave a comment

While I think most of us can agree that the zombie apocalypse isn’t going to happen next week, that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to dream about building up or buying a vehicle as the ultimate bug-out, go-anywhere-and-survive type of transportation. So, without further ado, here is a list of the top vehicles that will keep you out of harm’s way in the most extreme (if not altogether unlikely) of scenarios.

1) Avtoros Shaman: You probably haven’t heard about this low-volume, Russian-made beast but that doesn’t mean it won’t put most anything to shame off the pavement. 8 wheel drive, 8 wheel steering, amphibious capabilities, and seating for 7 of your closest friends/family, what’s not to like? Throw a mattress and a few packets of Quaker oatmeal in the back and you’re good to go.

2) Hagglund BV206: Ever wanted to own a mini-tank but just didn’t pull the trigger because, well, it didn’t have a trailer? Your search has ended. The Hagglund was built for the sole purpose of going absolutely anywhere on the planet with all of the necessities to survive the harshest environs, including Antarctica.

3) M35 2.5 ton cargo truck: Affectionately called the “deuce and a half” this military grade truck is a go-anywhere 6X6 that is fairly readily available. Though its top speed is nothing spectacular, it will run on pretty much anything and laugh in the face of small road obstacles. Throw a camper on the back and you’ve got yourself a pretty bulletproof truck.

4) Earth Roamer XV-LT: If the zombie apocalypse forces you into the great outdoors, the Earth Romer is the vehicle to have. Based on the Ford F550 platform, these cab-over expedition duty campers are designed to keep you comfortable wherever the path may lead you.

5) The “Kira” Expedition RV: Brian Ferren of Applied Minds has built the ultimate go anywhere vehicle. Designed to tackle terrain with the most powerful technology this planet has to offer, (not to mention a turbo-diesel motorcycle for light reconnaissance) you’d be able to head to the most remote reaches of the planet with ease (and a hot shower).

6) The “Burlak”: Once again, the Russians deliver a monster of a truck capable of toppling mountains with a punch of the skinny pedal. From the guys who brought you the Sherp (a smaller version of this, essentially) this vehicle has the space to take you and your family of 4 anywhere in relative comfort.

7) Russian “Vityaz” or DT-30PM: This is a just a fancy way of saying a tank with another tank as a trailer. This “articulating tracked vehicle” or ATV is basically two tanks strapped together with a payload of 10 tons. Popular in the then USSR, these vehicles saw military and civilian action all over the world gaining access to remote areas where nothing else could dream of going.

8) Arctic Trucks Toyota Hilux AT44 6X6: One of the slightly more civilized and attainable vehicles of this bunch, the transformed Hilux has already performed admirably on Top Gear’s Arctic special (albeit in a slightly different form). Toyota build quality with Icelandic arctic ingenuity and know-how, doubtful there’s a better cold weather combo out there.

So when you’re preparing for the end of days, be sure to save up for some suitable transportation because these aren’t going to be cheap (or easy to find). Drool away preppers, your vehicle has arrived!

articles, buyers guide, car advice, car buying, full size SUV, new cars, news & articles, off road, reviews, Toyota, Uncategorized

The legend lives on: The 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser

December 1, 2016 Pete Abernethy Leave a comment

The Toyota Land Cruiser name has always been synonymous with go-anywhere capability but only in the 1990’s did it begin to garner some respect as a luxury vehicle as well. Well this trend continues with this mid-model refresh for 2016, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a more capable luxury vehicle than this uber-posh off-roader.

For 2016, the front fascia of the Land Cruiser gets a refresh, the most prominent new feature being the quad-projector LED headlights that light up the night like the 4th of July. The revised grill has been accused of being too Highlander-esque but there’s no mistaking this for the Toyota cross-over with much less machismo. From the A-pillars forward, we have all new sheet metal and the taillights get a slightly refreshed look, but overall, there aren’t very many significant changes to the exterior of the Land Cruiser for 2016, unless of course you count the multiple little “Land Cruiser” embellishments on the headlights and bottom of the rear doors.

Inside is where you’ll notice the biggest changes. 2016 brings in a new era of gadgetry with a 9” touch screen shoe-horned into the center console. In keeping with the Land Cruiser tradition, every feature is standard equipment, meaning you get Bluetooth, navigation, heated/cooled seats, 2 rear entertainment screens and a plethora of other luxury bits to keep you and your riders happy. Quality materials are still used everywhere, and the new steering wheel not only looks and feels great, but also heats up for those cold winter days. Legroom and headroom are still ample in both front and rear seats, but you do feel like you are in a bit of a cockpit with this latest generation having all manner of knobs and buttons very close to the driver. Worth noting is that any surface, button or knob that gets used frequently exudes true quality. The aforementioned knobs feel like solid metal, the switches most commonly used are like a well-oiled bolt-action rifle, simply perfection. Additionally, the seats are very comfortable and would serve anyone well on long family expeditions. Overall, a very nice place to be, especially with this author’s favorite, the optional Terra (brown) leather.

Safety is still a Toyota priority and the Land Cruiser is no exception. As standard equipment, you’ll find blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warnings, and radar guided cruise control that can brake the vehicle in case the driver isn’t paying attention. Not only is this vehicle a great cross-country hauler, but these features add a new level of safety that comes standard.

On the road, the Land Cruiser still feels as solid as ever. Speed bumps simply flatten out in fear, potholes and road imperfections are coerced into submission, there is really no better riding full-size SUV on the planet. Road noise is minimal with the huge amount of sound deadening used, and the only drawback to this latest Land Cruiser is the visibility. With the newly designed hood that is about the same size as a soccer field, forward visibility is reduced a bit. The same 5.7L V8 comes back unchanged for 2016 as it still puts out a hefty yet buttery smooth 381hp and 401 lb/ft of torque, but don’t expect this monster to win any drag races as it tips the scales at 5765 lbs, not exactly light. The new 8 speed transmission does its best to help in these cases, but you’d be hard pressed to notice a difference from the last gearbox other than that it seems to shift a bit more frequently and perhaps it does so q bit more quickly and smoothly. Overall it still has great manners on or off the road, but long distance drivers especially will appreciate just how stress-free piloting one of these behemoths has become.

At roughly $85k, there’s no denying that this is not an inexpensive vehicle, but when you crunch the numbers on just how long these legends last with so few repairs required, things start to add up. If you want the ultimate vehicle in luxury, capability, and reliability, look no further than the Toyota Land Cruiser.

articles, buyers guide, car buying, consulting, full size SUV, news & articles, snow, Subaru

Another 10 for under $10K

October 13, 2016 Pete Abernethy Leave a comment

A used, one owner, under 100k miles, clean CarFax Toyota Corolla? For under $10k? Yes please.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=02118&endYear=2017&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&listingType=used&firstRecord=0&listingTypes=used&searchRadius=25&maxPrice=10000&listingId=440654416&Log=0

Don’t let the mileage fool you, this Lexus is ready for another 100k miles with a reliable buttery smooth V8. An easy way to get some luxury in your life for a bargain.

Looking to haul the family on a budget? Check out this 2007 Honda Pilot.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=02118&endYear=2017&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&listingType=used&firstRecord=25&listingTypes=used&searchRadius=25&maxPrice=10000&listingId=440934024&Log=0

Not looking forward to winter driving? Gain some confidence with this sure-footed Subaru Outback.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=02118&endYear=2017&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&listingType=used&firstRecord=50&listingTypes=used&searchRadius=25&maxPrice=10000&listingId=438112128&Log=0

Here’s a great little low mileage Mazda 3 that is sure to last for years to come.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=02118&endYear=2017&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&listingType=used&firstRecord=100&listingTypes=used&searchRadius=25&maxPrice=10000&listingId=438533127&Log=0

If you want to go green on a budget, then there is your chance! A used Toyota Prius with plenty of service records.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=02118&endYear=2017&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&listingType=used&firstRecord=125&listingTypes=used&searchRadius=25&maxPrice=10000&listingId=439804941&Log=0

Here is an exceptionally low mileage Toyota Rav4, the perfect small SUV to get you around town and wherever else you need to go.

Looking for off-road capability in a reliable package? Then look no further, at only 122k miles this Toyota 4Runner is just barely broken in.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=02118&endYear=2017&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&listingType=used&firstRecord=150&listingTypes=used&searchRadius=25&maxPrice=10000&listingId=439933264&Log=0

If you need to go full-size, it’s hard to find something better than a Chevrolet Suburban.

The ultimate in reliability, ruggedness and go-anywhere capability, the Toyota Land Cruiser. Don’t let the mileage fool you, this one is ready for many more adventures.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2017&zip=02118&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&engineCode=8CLDR&maxPrice=10000&showcaseListingId=0&mmt=%5BTOYOTA%5B%5D%5B%5D%5D&startYear=1981&makeCode1=TOYOTA&showcaseOwnerId=0&engineCodes=8CLDR&firstRecord=0&searchRadius=25&listingId=438996623&Log=0

The Joy of The Drive