Thinking of buying a used car that’s … oh … four years old? Well, every year, Consumer Reports (CR) publishes its “Best And Worst” automobile issue. This is arguably the most comprehensive and thorough automobile guide in the industry and takes a hard, cold look at new and used cars and SUVs. Consumer Reports accepts…
The MX-5 has better handling and braking, a much more appropriate engine, better rust resistance and a manageable soft-top
In its 18-year production run – from 1962 to 1980 – the MGB was purchased by more than half a million people. It was – and still is – one of the most successful two-seaters ever made and, even today, stands up well. There are still thousands of them around the world and the parts/service…
The Alberta economy is barely growing and this is reflected in the downward trend in new vehicles sales
Monthly new vehicle sales in Alberta were down 0.9 per cent in May, the 12th straight month of declines, according to ATB Financial’s economics and research team. April’s drop was 0.5 per cent. On a year-over-year basis, sales in May were off by 8.1 per cent. Nationally, year-over-year sales fell by 6.5 per cent. “New…
Beware con artists, smoothies, carpetbaggers, excuse-makers and truth-stretchers
A few months ago, I got the chance to take my own advice and put my money where my mouth is. My daughter needed a cheap but decent used car – something sensible, with back door/seat access and a decent-sized trunk. Budget: $5,000 max. Here are some of the cars we checked out: 2003 BMW…
Electronic ignitions, new carburetors, synthetic lubricating fuels, eBay and collector car insurance all play a role
Like pets and people, cars need to be exercised regularly, especially those with a few miles on them. If those old bones and joints aren’t given a regular workout, they deteriorate. Rubber gets brittle, oil loses its viscosity, gas sheds its octane and moving parts become arthritic. Cars aren’t couch potatoes – they like it…
A few things you should know before you start shopping for your next car through the online giant
By now, eBay has become almost as much a part of the public consciousness as Google or Microsoft. Founded almost 25 years ago, it’s far and away the world’s most popular online auction house and, on any given day, millions of visitors peruse its listings. It’s estimated that at least 200 million consumers use it…
It gets average grades for performance and features, but users have had a variety of problems
Kia had a landmark year in 2010. As well as dramatically increasing its sales and becoming a legitimate contender in the marketplace, it opened a manufacturing plant in the U.S. – West Point, Ga. The debuting model was the mid-size 2011 Sorento SUV. There are two engine choices: a 2.4-litre four cylinder and 3.5-litre V6,…
According to Consumer Reports, there are plenty of good used cars out there from the last decade – and some models to avoid
Thinking of buying a used car that’s four years old? Well, every year, Consumer Reports publishes its “Best And Worst” automobile issue. This is arguably the most comprehensive and thorough automobile guide and takes a hard, cold look at new and used cars and SUVs. Consumer Reports accepts no advertising, so they have no axes…
From the comfort of the ride to the quality of the mechanics to the utility of its design, this used minivan offers value
In 2010, Toyota was still grappling with its unintended acceleration/sticky floor mat/wonky gas pedal/ineffective brake pedal imbroglio. But one of the few models in the company’s stable not affected was the Sienna. If you liked minivans, the 2010 Sienna has all the necessary ingredients. It goes about its business efficiently and unobtrusively. At the time,…
Buying used: In virtually every area, this generation of the TSX receives top or near-the-top grades
Originally based on the European Honda Accord, the Acura TSX has always been an intriguing blend of performance and luxury. Not a hard-and-fast sport sedan along the lines of the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series, it still holds its own under most circumstances. The 2010 version is powered by either a 3.5-litre V6 or…