Here's the Thing

Edmunds to test long-term reliability of $3,800 used Lexus

(May 15, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com has launched "The Debt-Free Car Project," which aims to assure car buyers that they can find a reliable used car for under $5,000 without the burden of monthly payments. Last month, Edmunds.com's consumer advice editors purchased a 1996 Lexus ES300 for $3,800, and over the next year they will document the vehicle's performance as part of the company's long-term car test fleet.

Happy trails Carroll, and thanks for the memories

By Al Vinikour
MotorwayAmerica.com

(May 13, 2012) With the passing of Carroll Shelby, not only has the racing world lost one of its legendary characters, but Americana itself is now missing an icon. From his humble beginnings in his beloved Texas through a career that saw him become a pilot, a chicken farmer, a world-champion race car driver and an entrepreneur, everything Shelby did added to the person who became everyone’s friend — except those on the opposite side of his issue.

Edmunds investigation finds serious flaws in car recall process

(May 11, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Millions of drivers could be endangered by operating vehicles that have been recalled but have not been repaired, reports Edmunds.com. In fact, one study says that there were "at least" 2.7 million vehicles listed for sale last year that still were subject to unfulfilled recalls.

Nearly half of young drivers have talked on a handheld phone while driving

(May 9, 2012) YONKERS, NY — While the vast majority of young drivers aged 16-21 agree that texting, using smart-phone apps, or accessing the Internet while driving is very dangerous, nearly a third — 29 percent — admitted in a Consumer Reports survey that they had, in fact, texted while behind the wheel in the past month.

Gas engine downsizing to have major impact, European analysis concludes

(May 9, 2012) LONDON — Engine downsizing, which has been a major trend in European diesel engines over the past decade, is poised to have a major impact on gasoline engines, which will witness the trend that diesel engines did in terms of engine downsizing and turbocharging 10 years ago. This trend will also have a positive impact on the demand for technologies supporting downsizing such as turbochargers and variable valvetrain.

AAA study: Cost of owning, operating a vehicle in U.S. up 1.9 percent

(May 8, 2012) ORLANDO, Fla.,  — AAA has released the results of its annual "Your Driving Costs" study revealing a 1.9 percent rise in the yearly costs to own and operate a sedan in the U.S. The average cost has risen 1.1 cents per mile to 59.6 cents per mile, or $8,946 per year, based upon 15,000 miles of annual driving.

Top 10 under-appreciated vehicles as determined by Cars.com

(May 7, 2012) CHICAGO — The editors at Cars.com today released its list of the top 10 most under-appreciated cars currently on sale.  According to the editors, these are all vehicles that should be flying off dealer lots but for some reason have been neglected by car shoppers.

Edmunds offers car buyers advice on avoiding 'yo-yo financing'

(May 6, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Car shoppers should make sure that their financing deals are completely set before driving away from the dealership in a new or used car, advises Edmunds.com. The recommendation aims to minimize exposure to "yo-yo financing" when a consumer takes possession of a vehicle before the financing process is complete.

Summer road trips can still be affordable

(May 5, 2012) ST. LOUIS — American families take an average of 4.5 trips every year. This year, it might be harder to do that, since the most recent Travel Price Index rose 3.6 percent year over year. This is primarily a result of rising gas prices, but lodging is getting more expensive, as well.

Average auto incentives hit lowest levels since 2005

(May 4, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Incentive spending on new car sales in April hit its lowest level in almost seven years, says Edmunds.com. Edmunds  reports that the average True Cost of Incentives (TCISM) per vehicle in April was $2,071, the lowest average spend since automakers spent an average of $1,962 in October 2005.