By the time 2011 ends, the typical U.S. household will have spent $4,155 gassing up their vehicles. That’s one out of every $12 of median household income—the highest proportion for filling up in three decades.
cars
Stop Changing the Oil Every 3,000 Miles Already!
The idea that the oil must be changed in a car every 3,000 miles or three months is a myth that even Jiffy Lube admits is not true. Nonetheless, the majority of drivers still insist on changing the oil more often than necessary, …
Why You Should Shop For Cars When You’re Grumpy
Nearly all accounts about why people have the tastes and preferences that they do center around the idea that the human brain has been “wired” to have those tastes and preferences because of advantages they provided to our …
Fewer Teenagers Have Driver’s Licenses … Because of Gas Prices and the Internet?
The number of teen drivers has dramatically decreased over the past couple of decades. In 1983, 69% of all 17-year-olds had driver’s licenses. By 2008, only half of 17-year-olds had licenses. What’s behind the big drop?
Prices for New Cars Are Cheaper. So Why Are Drivers Paying More?
Could new car prices mimic those of cell phones and other tech products—which get cheaper and cheaper with each passing day thanks to innovation and more efficient manufacturing techniques? On the surface, this looks to already …
In the Market for a Used Car? Then Be Ready to Act Soon
After used-vehicle prices reached a 16-year high last June, values for used cars have dropped by an average of 10%. Prices for fuel-efficient used automobiles, which were especially in demand while gas prices soared, have dipped …
Jennifer Lopez Drives Fiat on Stage: Most Brazen Product Placement Ever?
At the American Music Awards last night, Jennifer Lopez shed her clothes, strutted back and forth on stage in a nearly nude body suit, and simulated sex with the rapper Pitbull. But because the performance featured a Fiat 500 at center stage for no sensible reason, JLo probably won’t be remembered for being raunchy, but for being a sell-out.
Black Friday: Skip the Mall, Head to the Car Dealership?
Everybody knows that Black Friday (or perhaps Black Thursday, since sales now start on Thanksgiving) has a reputation for terrific deals on electronics, clothing, and other holiday gifts. Is next Friday also the best day of the …
A New Study for Drivers Who Hate the Check Engine Light
Every driver dreads the appearance of the Check Engine light. The foreboding glow next to the odometer means that a visit to the auto repair shop is needed, and that money will soon be leaving your possession. So which automakers …
The Car Starting at $12,445—Available Only for $14K+
The low base price of the Hyundai Accent helped the car get named to lists such as U.S. News’ top 10 Most Affordable Cars. But while the car’s MSRP starts at $12,445, buyers will find it all but impossible to locate an Accent …
Car-Buying Help: 5 Smart Resources to Get the Right Car at the Right Price
Besides a home, an automobile is often the most expensive purchase a consumer ever makes—so, for obvious reasons, you don’t want to screw it up. To ensure you wind up with the right car at the best possible price, here’s a list …
Big Discounts on New Cars: Honda and Toyota Finally Ready to Wheel and Deal
Most automakers experienced decent, if not strong, sales growth over the past year. Among the few car companies suffering from a sales slump are the two Japanese auto manufacturers normally known for both their reliability and …