Matthew Wilde

Articles by Matthew Wilde

Consumer Reports’ 10 2017 Worst Cars To Buy

Consumer Reports has published car and truck lists for decades. Among its recent compilations is its worst cars for 2017 in 10 popular segments, subcompacts to luxury sedans, compacts to hybrids. The list is based on the lowest overall score in each category and based on a complete overview of each vehicle. The criteria combine a road-test score, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction and safety — including government and insurance industry crash-test results. In conjunction with each worst car in each category, Consumer Reports lists its suggested best choice in each category. Here’s what the publication said about 2017 Chrysler 200. It’s the lowest-ranked sedan in the most popular car category: “This category is overflowing with competent, and even excellent, alternatives

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A Guide to Choosing A Tow Truck Company In Your Area

SPONSORED CONTENT Drivers share a fear of mechanical issues wreaking havoc with our vehicles. Whether you’re on the freeway home after a long day at work, preparing to take the kids to school, or simply letting your car warm up on a crisp winter morning, having engine problems is a pain. It happened to me recently. Eight endless hours spent at the office in front of my computer, and the half-hour drive back home was doubled because of a simple, unexpected issue.   There’s no need to go into specifics. But without the humor and speedy work of the tow truck driver who came to my rescue, I’d have become a ranting, raving wreck, growling at cars as they sped

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3 important things to consider when buying a used truck

Does your truck have constant mechanical problems? Has it outlived its usefulness? If so, start thinking about the purchase of a more dependable vehicle. It’s a big purchase for a considerable amount of money. Carefully consider the factors that will go into your purchase. It will allow you to make an educated decision that you will not regret. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when you are going to purchase a used truck. What is the condition of the used truck? This is an important detail because buying a used truck that has not received proper maintenance could result in frequent and costly repairs. You need to seriously consider buying a used truck if you are

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24 Hours of Le Mans documentary featured on Amazon Prime

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is arguably the most iconic event in automobile racing. Now subscribers to Amazon Prime will soon have an unprecedented access to the entire 24 hours of the race. Le Mans: Racing is Everything will be available for streaming on June 9. In addition to the footage of the event, the documentary will examine the history of Le Mans as well as the legendary riders who have competed in the race and added to its lore. Le Mans: Racing is Everything embeds with teams Porsche, Audi, Nissan, Toyota, Aston Martin and Rebellion as they race to build their cars and compete in what is one of the highest attended single-day sporting events in the world.

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Car-Buying Trends for 2017 and Beyond

SPONSORED CONTENT Millions of new cars are sold every year, and the car-buying experience can be a hassle for many consumers. The traditional process of purchasing a new car involves a lot of time visiting dealers and price negotiation. Today, consumers are looking for a less time-consuming experience as well as a more convenient option better suited for their needs. The buying process and the must-have features are poised to evolve. Here are some of the top car-buying trends for 2017 and beyond. Online Shopping The biggest advance in the car-buying process in recent years is the use of the internet to help purchasers make a decision. Today, it’s common for consumers to spend most of their time searching for

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4 Essential Things to Check Before Buying a Used Car

Purchasing a car is exciting. The thrill of driving away with a new set of wheels should be a great experience. But sometimes, the excitement becomes too much and can lead to not noticing simple faults with the car before you purchase it. Used cars are more prone to having minor faults such as scratches and dents, yet they still should function properly. It’s not fair to purchase a car only to find out when you drive away, there are several faults that can increase the cost of the vehicle. Fortunately, most of these can be spotted before you purchase the vehicle — if you know where to look. Here are four common areas consumers forget to check when buying

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime named Green Car of the Year

For the second straight year, Toyota has been awarded World Green Car honors at the New York International Auto Show. The Toyota Prius Prime was named this year’s winner after its sibling, the Toyota Mirai, earned the award last year. The Prius Prime was chosen from an initial entry list of 12 new vehicles from around the world. Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle’s environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration. Toyota is no stranger to the World Car Awards program, now in its 13th year. In addition to the Mirai’s win last year, the Toyota Prius earned “Top Three in the World” status

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Chevrolet Colorado top prize in earthquake charity auction

How does a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado filled with earthquake supplies sound? That’s the grand prize among dozens available in the sixth annual California Earthquake Authority-sponsored auction. The California Earthquake Authority and iHeartMedia are collaborating in the auction to raise funds for American Red Cross disaster-preparedness and relief efforts in California. The 2017 Get Prepared, California! Auction continues through April 30 and offers concert and sports packages, celebrity meet-and-greets and other once-in-a-lifetime items up for bid. Last year’s auction raised more than $174,000. And this year’s proceeds could increase the total amount raised to more than $1 million. It would be enough for the Red Cross to distribute 200,000 blankets at shelters, distribute 100,000 hot meals at shelters or through mobile

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Potential engine failure prompts Hyundai, Kia recall

Hyundai and Kia, the related and increasingly popular South Korean carmakers, have stalled for the second time in two years with the recall of 1.4 million cars and SUVs in the United States and Canada because of potential engine failure. The issue, according to documents released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, is caused by debris left in the manufacturing process that can restrict oil flow to connecting rod bearings. The restriction can increase temperatures can result increased wear and fail and engine stalling. Owners of vehicles with the issue will hear a knocking sound from the engine and may see a dashboard warning light. The recall including 2013 and 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUV and

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60 Minutes calls Lamborghini: ‘Irrational Romance’

It isn’t often 60 Minutes reports on the auto industry, but the longstanding program’s segment on Lamborghini was varied and a comprehensive look at the high-end carmaker. The segment celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Italian automaker. Its cars the program reported cost as much as $4 million. The segment included the description of the design of the car as one continuous line. It was interesting to hear the history of the car, dating to its tractor days, and the original owner’s fondness for Ferrari. There was one exception: he didn’t like the clutch. Ferrari told Lamborghini to stick to making tractors and thus Lamborghini was born. One of the highlights of the segment was the look and the description

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BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz: good riddance O’Reilly

Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Hyundai and Allstate Insurance Co., major long-time advertisers from the automotive industry, have removed their advertising campaigns from the controversial Fox political show “The O’Reilly Factor.” The abrupt reaction, which also includes several additional advertisers from various industries, has occurred over several days after the New York Times reported Fox and show host Bill O’Reilly paid five women to settle claims he sexually harassed them. According to a Reuters report, French pharmaceutical company Sanofi SA, direct marketer Constant Contact, men’s clothing company Untuckit, as well as T. Rowe Price are also no longer advertising on the show. “In light of the disturbing allegations, we instructed our media buyer this morning to reallocate our ad dollars to other shows

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Chicago’s new dubious honor, longest average car commute

How much would workforce efficiency improve if commuters didn’t have to commute or at least not spend as much time commuting? How long does it take you to get to work in the morning? No doubt you’ve been asked this question. Swapping stories about traffic, rush hour and secret shortcuts is as common as commenting on the weather at many workplaces. The commuting dilemma also often provides lunchtime competition. Who has the most grueling drive? While many co-workers are likely traveling through many of the same congested streets and highways, have you ever wondered how your commute compares to problem in other parts of the country? Auto Accessories Garage took the most recent data available from the US Census Bureau

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2017 Geneva International Motor Show: New cars galore

As arguably the most important international auto show, the Geneva International Motor Show will this year offer its usual complement of debuts and concepts in the ever-changing automotive industry. The year’s show, scheduled March 9-19, will be held in its traditional neutral location, the Palexpo in Geneva next to the international airport. Here’s a list of some of the manufacturers’ offerings in alphabetical order: Audi — The 400-horsepower RS3 Sportback debuts. Dendrobium — It’s a new hypercar from Singapore. Ferrari — The Superfast, with its 800 horsepower V112, will debut with plenty of fanfare. Kia — Say hello to tiniest Kia, the Picanto. McLaren — The Super Series is the replacement of the 650S lineup. Seat — The Ibiza supermini

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Cars3: The future is now, but has Paul Newman returned?

The release of Cars3 is less than four months away, but the marketing of the third film in the increasingly popular series has begun in earnest. The movie was announced months ago, but the trailer for the film debuted appropriately during the recent telecast of the Dayton 500. The theme is the future. It’s not about future cars, but the future of Lightning McQueen. The movies’ main character is trying to make a comeback after a crash and while up against a slew of new, young talent. Plenty of rumors think the main voice in the trailer is Paul Newman’s. The iconic actor and race car driver the films have emulated, died in 2008. Modern technology is certainly capable of

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Consumer Reports: Best New Cars of 2017

Consumer Reports picks lots of best lists. Arguably the most popular list is the publication’s annual best car list. For 2017, like in previous years, the Consumer Reports’ list of best new cars, was selected because the vehicles are outstanding all-around performers — reliable, safe and satisfying. According to Consumer Reports, “That means they have scored high in our stringent track tests and extensive owner surveys. They have won our admiration, and we recommend them with confidence.” Here’s the synopsis breakdown of the Consumer Reports’ criteria breakdown, followed by the list best new car list for 2017. Cars with hyperlinks have been reviewed by TheWeeklyDriver.com via their 2017 models or in a recent year. Overall Score: A consolidation of findings

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Lexus, Porsche top J.D. Power reliability survey

Lexus and Porsche are the most dependable car brands after three years of ownership, according to the 28th annual survey conducted J.D. Power, the global marketing research company. It is the sixth consecutive year that Lexus topped J.D. Power’s annual U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. The streak puts Lexus halfway to tying its record of 12 consecutive titles for most dependable brand between from 1997 to 2008. Toyota, Buick and Mercedes-Benz rounded out the top five brands overall. Mercedes, Hyundai (No. 6), BMW (No. 7) and Jaguar (No. 10) were newcomers to the Top 10 this year, while GMC, Acura, Ram and Lincoln dropped out. The industry averaged 156 problems per 100 vehicles in the latest dependability study, up by four

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