Matthew Wilde

Articles by Matthew Wilde

The 2016 Ford F-150 could cost $70,000. Really?

The country’s best-selling vehicle may now cost more than $70,000. The high-end sticker price belongs to a limited edition of the soon-to-debut 2016 Ford F-150 pickup. Ford has announced the F-150 Limited will be available in late 2015 as a 2016 model. The manufacturer has not announced price details, but the new offering will start at about $60,000 and will likely surpass $70,000 with all of its options. The new edition will feature include 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, Mojave leather seats and interior accents made of aluminum and fiddleback eucalyptus. Each truck’s production number will be laser-engraved in a VIN plate on the center console lid. “The F-150 Limited sets a new bar for what discerning customers should expect in

Read more

NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2016 Toyota Corolla gets sport edition

The current 11th generation Toyota Corolla, the best-selling car in history, debuted in 2014. The 2016 Toyota Corolla will further add to the iconic brand with a Special Edition. It will feature increased sportiness with a variety of standard additions. Straightforwardly known as the 2016 Toyota Corolla Special Edition, the new edition will feature steering wheel paddle shifters, rear disc brakes and a Sport Driving mode among a lengthy list of additional standard equipment. The limited edition will be manufactured from August 2015 to January 2016 and will comprise 8,000 units. The 2016 Toyota Corolla Special Edition will have an MSRP of $20,635. Based on the sporty Corolla S Plus grade, the 2016 Corolla Special Edition standard features will also

Read more

Tesla gets another (obvious) honor: quickest electric car

The Tesla Model S and Chevy Volt have little in common beyond their respective segment shares in the electric vehicle industry. The Volt is a wise choice in the entry-level electric car segment. It may the slowest among the top-17 electric vehicles in the standard 0-60 mph acceleration test. But it offers a good balance between performance, comfort and price. The Tesla Model S is a wise choice in the high-end electric segment. It’s the fastest vehicle currently available in the mainstream automobile market and it’s among the fastest cars, electric or gas, street legal or not. Motor Trend recently named the Tesla Model S as one of the top-10 American cars in history. The Tesla has also been designated

Read more

NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2016 MAZDA CX-3

With its release about a month away, Mazda has announced the price of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover will start at $19,6000. As a $1,250 upgrade, buyers can select CX-3 Sport with Mazda’s predictive i-Activ all-wheel drive that takes temperature, road conditions, steering-angle and weather into account. It will also help optimize to which wheels engine power is routed for maximum performance and stability. “We wanted to send a strong statement that new buyers, early adopters, empty-nesters and right-sizers can get everything they want in a crossover that fits their needs,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “CX-3 offers the same technologies and thrilling driving experience seen across the rest of Mazda’s award-winning lineup that we believe will

Read more

2015 Ford F-150 sales slump prompts $10,000 discount

The Ford F-150, the biggest-selling vehicle in the United States for more than three decades, is in a sales slump. But Ford Motor Co., is hoping to reverse the trend by offering discounts of more than $10,000 on the new aluminum-bodied edition. The company’s website offers “up to $10,029 in total savings” on a 2015 F-150 XLT SuperCab 4X4 with the luxury chrome or sport package in some U.S. regions. That model comes with a discount of $7,050 in other areas, according to Ford.com. Sales fell 8.9 percent in June for Ford’s F-Series pickups, its top-selling line and most profitable vehicles. Ford blamed tight inventory caused by the conversion of two plants to build the trucks, the first mass-market vehicles

Read more

Toyota Prius recalls continue with software, hybrid system woes

Toyota and recalls as synonymous. The Japanese manufacturer has announced another recall, this time 625,000 Prius models worldwide for a software issue. that could result in the failure of the hybrid system. In the United States, the recall affects 109,000 Prius V models from 2012, 2013 and 2014. The issue in the current software for the motor/generator control and hybrid control ECU’s can cause increases temperatures near some transistor. A warning light would warn drivers, but it could also escalate and cause the hybrid system severe damage. Dealers will upgrade the software for both ECUs to fix the issue. Toyota will notify owners in the U.S. by mail about scheduling repairs. According to Reuters, the international news agency, about 340,000

Read more

Ford set to auction Apollo-themed 2015 Mustang

For the eighth straight year, Ford Motor Company has created an aviation-inspired 2015 Ford Mustang and will feature it as the premier item auctioned live at the Experimental Aircraft Association benefit at the Gathering of Eagles charity event July 23. The EAA AirVenture Oshkosh — the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration — will be held July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. For is the exclusive automobile sponsor of the event. All proceeds from the sale of the car will benefit EAA youth education programs, including the Young Eagles, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.9 million young people since 1992, helping grow the next generation of aviators. “The Apollo program delivered astonishing innovations in technology

Read more

NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2016 Hyundai Tucson redesigned

The redesigned 2016 Hyundai Tucson, available in August, will feature a more modern design, enhanced driving dynamics, increased utility and additional safety and entertainment technology features. The compact sport utility vehicle will be available in four trims and will be priced starting at $22,700. The trim levels will include: * SE: Well-equipped, price-leading model including popular options. * Eco: Affordable turbo model that delivers more power and improved fuel economy. * Sport: Features sporty cues and driving dynamics. * Limited: Luxury model with leather, advanced technology and other premium features. “The all-new Tucson hits the sweet spot of what consumers are looking for in a compact crossover with competitive pricing advantages at every trim level,” said Scott Margason, director, Product

Read more

California country’s worst state for stolen cars

From the Sierra Nevada to the Pacific Ocean, California has plenty to offer. But it has dubious qualities, too. It’s once again the worst state in the country for stolen cars. According to a report issued by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) in Des Plaines, Ill., seven of the country’s worst cities for stolen cars for 2014 are located in California. The combined Bay Areas cities of San Francisco, Oakland and Hayward (the Bay Are corridor) had by far the most care thefts reports in the with 29,093. The number substantially higher than any other metropolitan area in the country. The California cities also among the top-10 worst for car theft in 2014 included: Bakersfield, Stockton-Lodi, Modesto, Vallejo-Fairfield, Fresno

Read more
,

Bugatti barn find in France sells for record $951,216

A 1925 Bugatti Brescia, which remained covered in a small French barn for 40 years, has just sold for a record $951,216 in a Paris auction. The rare Bugatti, one of only 12 remaining, had not been touched in that past four decades. It sold for more than four times its prediced price at the Artcurial Motorcars’ Automobiles sur les Champs sale. The Brescia chassis 2628 was originally purchased by French Bugatti enthusiast Bernard Terrillon, and wears bodywork hand crafted by coachbuilder Maron Pot et Cie from Levallois-Perret. The purchase price was a record to the Brescia model Bugatti. Its legacy dates to the first car Ettore Bugatti made in his Molscheim factory, the Type 13. Bugatti cars, advanced for

Read more

Local dealers provide strong option for used car buyers

Buying a used car makes sense for many reasons — the improving reliability of many manufacturers to lower insurance premiums. But finding the best price and location to buy a previously owned vehicle takes research and patience. Consumers seeking to purchase a car should initially determine if they’ve made the right decision to buy a used vehicle instead of new car or truck. The major factor is to determine the proper balance between risks and value of a new car versus the same qualities of a used car. One recent trend leading toward the consumers purchasing a used car is an analysis conducted by Consumer Reports, the independent research and testing organization. In its annual subscriber survey during the past

Read more

10 cars To Drive 200,000 miles? Meet Toyota, Honda

Since the average price of a new car in the United States hovers at around $30,000, it’s safe to assume more consumers are considering keeping their current cars longer. It’s probably a good idea, too, since Consumer Reports has released a list of 10 vehicles likely to drive at least 200,000 miles. The list has some obvious and some surprising choices and it’s lead by a sure bet — the Toyota Prius. It’s the top-selling hybrid, of course, and the Prius family of cars is expansive. The Prius C is the smallest Prius offered and the lineup extends through several editions of the Prius hatchback and continues to the largest in the family, the Prius V. The Consumer Reports’ list

Read more

Mazda CX-5 named Car and Driver’s best compact SUV

Car and Driver is among the most well-known automotive publications. Its web site thrives on lists and photo galleries, including the recent naming of the 2015 Mazda CX-5 as the top choice for best compact crossover sport utility vehicle. The web site’s editors don’t elaborate on the criteria used to select their best and worst choices. But the Mazda CX-5 surprisingly gets the top choice over the always-popular Honda CR-V and top-selling Ford Escape. The Mitsubishi Outlander was the lowest-rated compact crossover SUV among 16 vehicles listed. Here’s what Car and Driver said about the 2015 Mazda CX-5: “The apex-loving CX-5 is the sports car of crossovers, with an athleticism you have to experience to believe. A 155-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder

Read more

Buy a classic car, truck, motorcycle at auction for $25

There’s one day left to buy one or more of 14 classic cars, trucks and a motorcycle for as little as $25 in an online government liquidation auction. Government Liquidation, a Liquidity Services marketplace, is auctioning the vehicles. All of the classic vehicle are all working condition and were manufactured between 1924 and 1994. The auction ends Thursday, June 18 at 5 p.m. EST. The vehicles include: 1948 Lincoln Continental 2-Door Hard Top Coupe; 1960 Willys 4×4 Wagon; 1944 Studebaker M29-C Weasel; 1929 Ford Model A Rumble Seat Sport Coupe; 1994 Argo Conquest Amphibious 8×8; 1980 Ford Model A Shay Roadster; 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe; 1957 Chevy 2 Door Hot Rod; 1966 Ford F100; 1949 Cadillac 4-Door Sedan; 1927 Ford

Read more

Mazda3, Pontiac Vibe among best used cars for under 10K

Consumer Reports has plenty to say about new cars and trucks, but it also has some practical advice for buyers seeking the best used cars on tight budgets. It’s compiled a varied (and sometimes surprising) list of its top-10 best used cars for under $10,000. The publication recommends several criteria while searching for a good used vehicle. The more important: good reliability, stability control, the newest used car you can afford, buy from a reputable seller and seek the car’s past history.   Here’s what Consumer Reports writes about two of its choices, followed its top-10 list of best used cars to buy for under $10,000. 2008 MAZDA 3 The excellent Mazda 3 is one of our favorite small cars

Read more

How to find a reputable mechanic, auto repair shop

No matter how well you take care of your vehicle with proper regular maintenance, it will eventually need to be repaired. A reputable mechanic is invaluable. But finding the right mechanic isn’t always easy. But there are ways, particularly if you need a quick repair way to help find reputable mechanics and quality auto repair shops Here are suggested guidelines: 1. Get Referrals From Friends This method is easy. Nearly everyone has a car and has had it serviced. If they’ve had a good or bad experience, they’ll share. If doesn’t matter if you live in Piedmont, Calif., Pinehurst, N.C., or need to be steered toward a reputable mechanic who performs Pittsburgh Toyota care, friends and family are ideal resources.

Read more
Previous Next