Gas vs. Diesel: Which Makes Most Sense?
It used to be true that diesel engines were simpler, cheaper to maintain and much more fuel-efficient as well as longer-lived than gas engines.
It’s not as true today.
Current diesel engines are...
What to Do if You Own an “Affected” VW Diesel?
A worried owner of a diesel-powered VW wrote to ask me whether he ought to accept the buy back offer announced last week (read more about that here) or keep the...
A Cool Gadget
If you wrench - or even just tinker - you may already have a portable jump-starter rig. They are super handy to have.
For those who aren't hip, it's jumper cables plus a...
No Oil Change For You!
California has become - ironically - the most anti-car state in the country. Fifty years ago, the Beach Boys sang about the The Little Old Lady From Pasadena.
Today, the state government wants...
Other People’s Lemons….
There's a lady I know - a neighbor - who was ready to junk an otherwise sound '90s-vintage Buick station wagon because one day it began to lose power while she...
Some New Car Things to Know
The Uncle-ized car (which is all new cars) has some “features” you may want to consider carefully before you buy in. Features that could hit you with cost - and hassles...
Why Your Mileage Will Vary…
The window sticker says 25 city, 34 highway - but you find that you're seeing much less than that.
Is it false advertising?
Arguably, yes.
Minimally, it's a case of not-so-good explaining.
I'll try to...
The “Low Maintenance” and “Reliable” Long Con
The best con is one you never recognize. The one that keeps you paying - and keeps you smiling.
You thinking you got the best end of the deal.
Modern cars get you...
Don’t Buy New
Whatever you do, don't buy new. It no longer makes sense - and can be very bad for your wallet. I advise this as an automotive journalist, a guy who writes...
“Gas Hogs”?
It's taken as gospel that pre-modern cars, especially those made in America, and particularly those with big V8s, were "gas hogs."
But were they, really?
And are new cars as fuel-efficient as advertised?
The answer...