General Chat

Old, Heavy and Brutish: Classic SUVs Reach Collectible Status

Last updated: Nov 25, 2019 at 4:16PM
Published on: Apr 24, 2013 by tgriffith

A friend in college had an old International Scout. I don’t remember for sure, but I think it was a 1972 model with a V8 engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. I’d probably remember the car in much more detail had I ridden in it more than once. In 3 years of living near this guy, the Scout sat outside his apartment in various states of being, well, assembled. He’d get it running occasionally, but never well enough to take it any farther than the closest Safeway for an emergency PBR run.

I sometimes wonder what happened to my friend and his Scout. As much as he loved that brutish SUV, I can’t imagine he would have gotten rid of it. Assuming a marriage and kids and a mortgage became part of his life, it’s quite likely he did sell it.

I hope he’s held on to it, as its value has risen over the last 15 years. Right along with the demand for other classic SUVs.

Rear-Wheel Drive and Manual Transmissions: Bye Bye, Babies

Last updated: Sep 27, 2019 at 2:41PM
Published on: Apr 23, 2013 by tgriffith

My favorite cars have rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission. Can anything be better for weight distribution and complete control around corners than the ultimate combination of power-delivering perfection?

I’d take that combo in any car over a hatchback with 300 hp and front-wheel drive.

Unfortunately for people like me, a pretty good case has been made that says rear-wheel drive (RWD) is heading out the door, probably even before the manual transmission bites the dust.

Seven Stylish Summer Convertibles Under $10k

Last updated: Apr 24, 2013 at 1:57PM
Published on: Mar 29, 2013 by spitzer.h

Well, it’s about that time of year. The time of year when you look up at that puny sunroof adorning your boring sedan and say, “Man, wouldn’t it be nice to have a real convertible?!” Up here in the Northeast, when the temperature rises, the tops drop like clockwork. While many drivers are still using their seat warmers, convertible owners start braving the elements as long as it’s dry and the temperature is north of 45 degrees. For me, seeing someone enjoying their sporty convertible on a chilly spring day sparks a whirlwind of emotions summed up by one word: Jealousy. Because it’s still only spring, I take a semi-sick pleasure in knowing that the happy-go-lucky guy driving his Porsche in front of me is freezing and hope he’s enjoying every breath of road salt not yet washed down the gutter. But I digress.

Are you, too, feeling “convertible envy” but hesitant to give up your daily driver? You don’t have to. Excuses abound for why not to buy a second car, but when talking about a convertible, all bets are off. For this list, we’re looking at 7 stylish summer convertibles available for less than $10k. Let’s take a look at the countdown:

Will E15 Fuel Harm Your Engine?

Last updated: Sep 19, 2019 at 3:47PM
Published on: Jan 30, 2013 by tgriffith

The politics of corn run deep in this country, as the highly subsidized crop is used for both food and fuel.

Ethanol, the corn-derived alcohol that is sold at gas stations around the country in E10, E15 or E85 fuel, is often cheaper than straight gasoline. Flex-fuel vehicles can run on the E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline) fuel, while the EPA has approved E10 and E15 fuels for all 2001 and newer vehicles.

That’s where the controversy begins, as some accuse the EPA of approving E15 before testing on its compatibility with modern fuel systems was complete. Most automakers don’t recommend its use, even going so far as to say using E15 will void the vehicle’s warranty.

Is E15 safe to use, or will it cause serious damage?

Depends on who you ask.

When Is Tire Siping a Good Idea?

Last updated: Sep 19, 2019 at 3:41PM
Published on: Jan 15, 2013 by tgriffith

My parents recently leased a new 2012 Subaru Legacy. They wanted a vehicle to replace their 2000 Honda CR-V, which served them well through many harsh Pacific Northwest winters.

This being their first winter with the car, they were interested to see how it did once the snow started piling up. Well, this week, they got their wish. With temps well below freezing and hard-packed snow covering many city streets, my mom approached the first incline of the season. She made it up the slope, stopped at the intersection and immediately slid to the curb. Like hot butter on a cold plate.

The AWD system of the Subaru wasn’t the issue here… it was obviously the tires. Which raised the question: Shouldn’t AWD cars sold in markets that get snow come equipped with proper tires?

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