Topic: Passenger Cars

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Top 10 most expensive car repair mistakes

Better built cars and an uncertain economy mean that Americans are holding onto their cars for longer than ever and are doing more of their own repairs. Nearly half of those who already do their own auto repairs say they are doing more of them themselves this year; 3 in 4 of those who rely on a mechanic say that economic conditions are making them more likely to attempt their own repairs, according to a recent survey by AutoMD.com. But there are mistakes that even the most seasoned do-it-yourselfers can make. Whether you like to go under the hood or take your vehicle to the shop, here are 10 expensive repair and maintenance mistakes to avoid:
10 great summer cars

Wind in your hair, sun in your face – the summer drive is as classic a pastime as barbecues and baseball. For dedicated sun-seekers, the right machine can make all the difference, and since most of us can’t afford the demi-convertible Maybach Landaulet limousine, here are 10 fun-loving new models sure to keep a summer smile on your face. Climb into one of these this season, and you’ll be happy to keep driving duties for yourself.
Clint Eastwood in Top 6 Super Bowl 2012 car commercials (+video)

Sure, the New York Giants won the 2012 Super Bowl. But who won the battle of the Super Bowl car commercials? NBC says advertisers paid an average of $3.5 million for a 30-second spot in this year's Super Bowl. Last year, Volkswagon was the biggest crowd pleaser with their Darth Vader "The Force" ad which got millions of views online before it debuted on TV. This year, the early favorite was Ferris Bueller (aka Matthew Broderick) hawking a Honda. But Chrysler's Halftime in America ad, starring Clint Eastwood, is what everyone is talking about now. Here's one viewer's take on the Top 6 Super Bowl car commercials for 2012. Which is your favorite?
Ferris Bueller lands in Top 5 Super Bowl car ads of 2012 (+ video)

The Super Bowl is way more than a football game. It's a coming out party for the year's most creative and humorous ads. Here's one viewer's take on the Top 5 Super Bowl car ads for 2012. What's your favorite - Bueller, The Bark Side, or another?
Top 12 best cars for the money

Consumer confidence may be rising, but it still makes sense to watch every penny – especially with big purchases, like a new car. Although auto sales perked up in 2011, value is still the name of the game. U.S. News Best Cars spent months analyzing thousands of professional reviews, as well as reliability and safety data, to create the 2012 Best Cars for the Money Awards. Here are the 12 most highly praised low-cost, low-maintenance models for 2012:

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Top 10 most expensive car repair mistakes

Better built cars and an uncertain economy mean that Americans are holding onto their cars for longer than ever and are doing more of their own repairs. Nearly half of those who already do their own auto repairs say they are doing more of them themselves this year; 3 in 4 of those who rely on a mechanic say that economic conditions are making them more likely to attempt their own repairs, according to a recent survey by AutoMD.com. But there are mistakes that even the most seasoned do-it-yourselfers can make. Whether you like to go under the hood or take your vehicle to the shop, here are 10 expensive repair and maintenance mistakes to avoid:
In Gear
Considering a plug-in, electric car? Consider your lifestyle.

Buying a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle is more than just buying a car. It's choosing a lifestyle.
In Gear
Do hybrids save money? Website lets you calculate it.

Hybrids cost more upfront but are cheaper to operate than nonhybrids. The federal government has launched FuelEconomy.gov so consumers can calculate the payback period for buying a hybrid.
10 great summer cars

Wind in your hair, sun in your face – the summer drive is as classic a pastime as barbecues and baseball. For dedicated sun-seekers, the right machine can make all the difference, and since most of us can’t afford the demi-convertible Maybach Landaulet limousine, here are 10 fun-loving new models sure to keep a summer smile on your face. Climb into one of these this season, and you’ll be happy to keep driving duties for yourself.
In Gear
Buying a car, college grad? Don’t forget the rebates.

Most major automakers offer discounts to college grads. All college grads need to do is read the fine print. 
In Gear
Why I bought a Nissan Leaf

Nissan Leaf will save $1,000 a year in fuel bills. But the real reason I bought one? 9/11.
In Gear
Electric-car sales fall in April

Nissan Leaf sees biggest fall, with only 370 cars sold. Prius plug-in hybrids see biggest sales, with more than 1,600 sold in April. 
Electric cars: Big climate aid in L.A., but not Wichita

Electric cars benefit the climate depending on where they're plugged in. In some cities, electric cars do no better than high-mileage gasoline-powered cars.
Are EVs worth it? Study helps calculate savings on emissions, fuel.

How much an EV saves on fuel or cuts greenhouse gas emissions depends on many variables, including gas prices and whether the local electric grid is fed mainly by coal power. The Union of Concerned Scientists helps out with the calculations.
Car recalls: Ford Focus is latest. Is yours on the list?

Car recalls now include Ford Focus manufactured between August 2010 and October 2011. Ford recall involves windshield-wiper motor defect.
The Simple Dollar
For long road trips, is it cheaper to rent?

It depends on many factors, but a rental car may ultimately cheaper than using your own for a long trip.
Toyota recall: Tacomas, Venzas, Camrys on the list

Toyota recall involves nearly 700,000 cars from model years 2005 to 2011. The Toyota recall this time involves flaws in the air-bag system and a lamp switch.
From Model T to Prius: 13 big moments in fuel efficiency history

It took a long time for America's average fuel efficiency to surpass the M.P.G. rating of the Model T.
Hybrid cars 101: How long should batteries last?

Owners complain that some hybrid-car batteries conk out early. What is the lifespan of a hybrid battery?
Car sales surge in February at a pace not seen since early 2008

Several forces combine in the stronger car sales: an improving economy, carmakers eager to lure buyers with incentives, and mild winter weather.
Green Economics
Can a Prius increase global warming?

Some argue that driving fuel-efficient cars will actually encourage people to drive more, boosting carbon emissions and hastening climate  change. Here's why they're wrong.
Clint Eastwood in Top 6 Super Bowl 2012 car commercials (+video)

Sure, the New York Giants won the 2012 Super Bowl. But who won the battle of the Super Bowl car commercials? NBC says advertisers paid an average of $3.5 million for a 30-second spot in this year's Super Bowl. Last year, Volkswagon was the biggest crowd pleaser with their Darth Vader "The Force" ad which got millions of views online before it debuted on TV. This year, the early favorite was Ferris Bueller (aka Matthew Broderick) hawking a Honda. But Chrysler's Halftime in America ad, starring Clint Eastwood, is what everyone is talking about now. Here's one viewer's take on the Top 6 Super Bowl car commercials for 2012. Which is your favorite?
The Simple Dollar
Don't read the manual? It'll cost you.

The owners' manual is full of tiny useful facts that, taken together, will save you time and money.
Ferris Bueller lands in Top 5 Super Bowl car ads of 2012 (+ video)

The Super Bowl is way more than a football game. It's a coming out party for the year's most creative and humorous ads. Here's one viewer's take on the Top 5 Super Bowl car ads for 2012. What's your favorite - Bueller, The Bark Side, or another?
Top 12 best cars for the money

Consumer confidence may be rising, but it still makes sense to watch every penny – especially with big purchases, like a new car. Although auto sales perked up in 2011, value is still the name of the game. U.S. News Best Cars spent months analyzing thousands of professional reviews, as well as reliability and safety data, to create the 2012 Best Cars for the Money Awards. Here are the 12 most highly praised low-cost, low-maintenance models for 2012:
Car of the year award: prestige. But more sales?

Car of the year is Hyundai Elantra, while Range Rover Evoque named truck of the year at Detroit auto show. But car of the year winner doesn't always see a boost in sales.
In Pictures: Detroit Auto Show 2012
Horizons
2013 Ford Fusion branded as 'new face' of Ford

The 2013 Ford Fusion, which debuted in Detroit this week, gets a sweeping makeover and a plug-in hybrid brother called the Fusion Energi. 
Electric cars 101: What does MPGe mean, exactly?

Electric and dual-fuel cars need a new calculation: MPGe. But the EPA's new measurement doesn't tell the whole story.
Chevy Volt: Worried about fire? Sell it back.

Chevy Volt battery fires in lab tests may have some owners spooked. So GM offers to buy back any Chevy Volt.