Expected reliability is the single most important factor in deciding on a car, according to J.D. Power. Whether you want a vehicle for off-roading, track days, or everyday commuting, you definitely don’t want one that will cost you a lot of extra money, time, or frustration in repairs. J.D. Power’s annual Vehicle Dependability Study, now in its 27th year, polls owners of 3-year-old cars to determine the number of problems they experienced during the previous 12 months. The company then ranks each maker and model by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles.
Archives for March 2016
Alternatives to a Used Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is an automotive icon. The car has successfully set a world-class standard for sports cars and has been part of the automotive landscape for much of the past 50 years.
Modern versions of the Porsche 911 offer the latest in engine technology and more performance than all but a few exotic cars.
Most of us grew up wanting one, but our childhood dreams have been squashed by the ever-increasing prices of new and used 911s.
There are two distinct kinds of Porsche 911: air-cooled and water-cooled. The pre-1999 cars were of the air-cooled variety, while everything after is water-cooled. If you think you can save money by opting for something like a 1996 911, think again. Those old air-cooled cars have become valuable classics and can command between $40,000 and $100,000, or even more.
A new 911 will easily set you back $90,000, while late-model used ones aren’t too far behind.
The only affordable options left are the 1999-2004 models, of which the 2002-2004 models are the most desirable. If you want an affordable 911, look there before prices go through the roof.
If, however, you can settle for a car that isn’t a 911 but offers great driving dynamics and a much smaller price tag, keep reading…
Three Outstanding Geneva Motor Show Introductions
Media days are over, but the show must go on: the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, that is. Models introduced there don’t always have a huge impact on the domestic market, as the New York International Auto Show later this month focuses on the U.S. The Geneva show seems more geared to letting car fans around the world drool over barely aspirational cars.
Here are a few that caught our attention from the show.
Can Honda Recover After Falling From Grace?
Honda, once a formidable force in the auto industry and a maker of bulletproof cars to which consumers flocked, has fallen from its mighty throne.
The carmaker used to be known for leading the way in innovation and blowing away the competition when it came to research and development. Today, the company admits it has pursued growth over quality and is now in need of a fundamental transformation.
Quality problems have plagued Honda vehicles in recent years, while competing cars have caught up, or even surpassed, the once invincible automaker. What does Honda need to do to get back on track?
It’s really quite simple.