I get asked tons of questions about cars regularly. I love that people see me as a knowledgeable source and I love to talk cars. It is like a sports fanatic I guess. They memorize stats, game results, player info and history. With cars it is about the same. We gear heads read a great deal and learn about the latest in the auto industry, memorize all kinds of stats and vital info.
My sons say I an a walking talking car magazine. I guess if you love something and have done it since you were a child it comes naturally. So with that said here are some answers to some car questions I got recently.
New Cars
1. what is the best small SUV that does not cost a fortune?
Well the good news is there are several. My clear favorite right now is the new Ford Escape. The Escape is a small SUV and less expensive than some of the imports. The styling is a personal preference as it is edgy but the itnerior is solid and well appointed. I would opt for the Eco Boost engine and the middle model. The Eco Boost is my favorite engine because it uses turbo technology with modern gas saving features but still deliver V6 type performance. You can get it with 2 or 4 wheel drive. It is capable of hauling a decent load with the rear seats down and it seats 4 adults comfortably (more if you are hauling kids). It has a ton of options so you can make it the way you want. I love the foot activated rear hatch opener - cool.
I also think the redesigned RAV 4 is a great small SUV. It has Toyota quality and the new look is attractive. It has a strong 4cylinder engine that gives great mileage. The fit and finish are high quality and built to last. Be careful with the options as it can get pricey.
2. What is the best truck on the market today?
My opinion is the FORD F150 Platinum with the Eco Boost Engine. I know Chevy just did a redesign on there truck and I appreciate that it is an improvement but I don't think they are quite up to the Ford standard yet. The interior is still too much plastic for me and there engines just are not as efficient at the Eco Boost. The V6 Eco Boost in the new F150 has all the power of a V8 but mileage that is close to 25mpg on the highway -in a full size truck. The Eco Boost can also tow as much as a V8 truck and will probably out perform it in most critical categories. The Platinum level finish is excellent and has all the creature comforts you could ever want - it is like a luxury car. If the price tag is too high choose a XLT or lower model. 2 or 4 wheel drive is also a choice that will impact price significantly.
3. What is the best Luxury SUV?
This is really tough because this market segment is full of great players. So let me tell you which ones I would not buy. I would not get a BMW X5 - it is cheaply appointed, very expensive and hard to operate. they also have maintenance problems and while they come with a no cost warranty it just not worth it. The big Lexus 450 is another I would exclude. It is a great car and is well built with excellent features and maintenance history. I just hate the boxy look and for the price you can do better. The Infiniti Q56 SUV is a great big SUV - and I mean big. It is ugly but it is beautifully appointed, has a very powerful V8 engine and rides wonderfully. Sadly it is a gas hog. I like the Acura MDX and new redesign is excellent. fit and finish are great, V6 gives good gas mileage and there is quite a bit of room. Sadly I just don't think it is at the level of the Range Rover or the Benz but then again is is a lot less expensive.
So that leads me to my two favorites in this category. The Mercedes Benz and the Range Rover. Both offer several choices with different price points. Lets start with the Benz. The ML series is great. I like the 450 myself because of its powerful V8 but the 350 is a very adequate alternative with better mpg. The options are endless and customization is easy. If you have cash to burn look at the AMG version. It is a hot rod and really is finished superbly.
The Range Rover is again a top notch option and my first choice. The full size Range has just been redesigned and what a triumph this has been. This large SUV has been put on a serious diet thanks to the use of aluminum and smart technology. They claim to have cut 700lbs out of the SUV over last years model. This is huge because the car feels more manageable and the gas mileage has improved. The interior is magnificent and so well built. Add that this has always been the best off road vehicle in this category and now they have made it even better. It comes in either a supercharged or regular version. The charger adds tons of horsepower and torque making it fast but not fuel pump friendly.
The baby brother to this range rover is the Sport. A slightly smaller SUV but still full size (about the same size as the Benz ML). This beast is again finished beautifully with high British craftsmanship. It is so solid and really drives more like a car than an SUV. As with its big brother you have the choice of a normally aspirated or supercharged engine. I love he look of this car, sleek design, fat tires, and great visibility all around. The new interior is plush but firm and classy. I can personally attest to it's ability to go literally anywhere - it is a mountain goat.
Well that enough highly biased advice for now but look for more in the coming days. Till then keep the rubber on the road.
My sons say I an a walking talking car magazine. I guess if you love something and have done it since you were a child it comes naturally. So with that said here are some answers to some car questions I got recently.
New Cars
1. what is the best small SUV that does not cost a fortune?
Well the good news is there are several. My clear favorite right now is the new Ford Escape. The Escape is a small SUV and less expensive than some of the imports. The styling is a personal preference as it is edgy but the itnerior is solid and well appointed. I would opt for the Eco Boost engine and the middle model. The Eco Boost is my favorite engine because it uses turbo technology with modern gas saving features but still deliver V6 type performance. You can get it with 2 or 4 wheel drive. It is capable of hauling a decent load with the rear seats down and it seats 4 adults comfortably (more if you are hauling kids). It has a ton of options so you can make it the way you want. I love the foot activated rear hatch opener - cool.
I also think the redesigned RAV 4 is a great small SUV. It has Toyota quality and the new look is attractive. It has a strong 4cylinder engine that gives great mileage. The fit and finish are high quality and built to last. Be careful with the options as it can get pricey.
2. What is the best truck on the market today?
My opinion is the FORD F150 Platinum with the Eco Boost Engine. I know Chevy just did a redesign on there truck and I appreciate that it is an improvement but I don't think they are quite up to the Ford standard yet. The interior is still too much plastic for me and there engines just are not as efficient at the Eco Boost. The V6 Eco Boost in the new F150 has all the power of a V8 but mileage that is close to 25mpg on the highway -in a full size truck. The Eco Boost can also tow as much as a V8 truck and will probably out perform it in most critical categories. The Platinum level finish is excellent and has all the creature comforts you could ever want - it is like a luxury car. If the price tag is too high choose a XLT or lower model. 2 or 4 wheel drive is also a choice that will impact price significantly.
3. What is the best Luxury SUV?
This is really tough because this market segment is full of great players. So let me tell you which ones I would not buy. I would not get a BMW X5 - it is cheaply appointed, very expensive and hard to operate. they also have maintenance problems and while they come with a no cost warranty it just not worth it. The big Lexus 450 is another I would exclude. It is a great car and is well built with excellent features and maintenance history. I just hate the boxy look and for the price you can do better. The Infiniti Q56 SUV is a great big SUV - and I mean big. It is ugly but it is beautifully appointed, has a very powerful V8 engine and rides wonderfully. Sadly it is a gas hog. I like the Acura MDX and new redesign is excellent. fit and finish are great, V6 gives good gas mileage and there is quite a bit of room. Sadly I just don't think it is at the level of the Range Rover or the Benz but then again is is a lot less expensive.
So that leads me to my two favorites in this category. The Mercedes Benz and the Range Rover. Both offer several choices with different price points. Lets start with the Benz. The ML series is great. I like the 450 myself because of its powerful V8 but the 350 is a very adequate alternative with better mpg. The options are endless and customization is easy. If you have cash to burn look at the AMG version. It is a hot rod and really is finished superbly.
The Range Rover is again a top notch option and my first choice. The full size Range has just been redesigned and what a triumph this has been. This large SUV has been put on a serious diet thanks to the use of aluminum and smart technology. They claim to have cut 700lbs out of the SUV over last years model. This is huge because the car feels more manageable and the gas mileage has improved. The interior is magnificent and so well built. Add that this has always been the best off road vehicle in this category and now they have made it even better. It comes in either a supercharged or regular version. The charger adds tons of horsepower and torque making it fast but not fuel pump friendly.
The baby brother to this range rover is the Sport. A slightly smaller SUV but still full size (about the same size as the Benz ML). This beast is again finished beautifully with high British craftsmanship. It is so solid and really drives more like a car than an SUV. As with its big brother you have the choice of a normally aspirated or supercharged engine. I love he look of this car, sleek design, fat tires, and great visibility all around. The new interior is plush but firm and classy. I can personally attest to it's ability to go literally anywhere - it is a mountain goat.
Well that enough highly biased advice for now but look for more in the coming days. Till then keep the rubber on the road.