Matthew Wilde

Articles by Matthew Wilde

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Hello, Tesla, welcome the 2,400 hp SP-200 SIN supercar

PSC Motors in Las Vegas has announced its pending entry in the hybrid supercar business with the limited manufacture of the awkwardly titled SP-200 SIN.  The 9.0-liter V8 with a combined 2,400 horsepower has a promoted top-speed of more than 280 mph. The start-up said it will build only 35 of vehicles with a carbon fiber and composite aluminum frame.  The 1,000 gas horsepower engine will be mated to at least two electric motor that will push the vehicle to its predicted 0-60 mph acceleration in 2.6 seconds. PSC Motors said it began working on the SP-200 SIN five years ago. It has a mid-engine and is naturally aspirated. It also has an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission with five adjustable driving

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Michael Schumacher improving, his $229,000 watch debuts

Like many sportsmen, German race-car driver Michael Schumacher fancies watches. The former Formula One champion was an ambassador for Audemars Piguet, the famed Swiss timepiece manufacturer. Five years ago, Schumacher, who is now still in guarded condition as a result of his tragic skiing accident on Dec. 29, 201, issued a challenge to the watchmaker. According to a recent article the Wall Street Journal, Schumacher said to Francois Bennahmias, the CEO of the Audemars Piguet: “You say you are the world’s best watchmaker. Then make me a watch that times laps one after the other.’ ” Bennahmias detailed in the article that timing consecutive laps was only feasible using two separate chronographs. (A chronograph is a watch with a stopwatch

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Airbag apocalypse: Takata recall leaps to 34 million

Takata, the Japanese airbag supplier, has jolted the automotive industry with its announcement Tuesday that 34 million vehicles from 10 manufacturers were equipped with defective inflator mechanisms. The total is double the previously released total, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall is believed to be the largest in NHTSA’s history. Under an agreement, NHTSA issued what’s called a consent order to Takata. It requires the company to cooperate fully with the agency’s investigation. NHTSA also announced it will begin a formal legal process “to organize and prioritize the replacement of defective Takata inflators under the agency’s legal authority.” The problem: Takata airbags can potentially explode, sending metal shards flying into the passenger compartment. The airbags

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Ford Fusion three times isn’t charm in recalls

One recall is bad enough, but 2014 Ford Fusion owners have gotten the unsettling news that three times in the past week their cars have been recalled for steering problems. Adding further worries, Ford has also recalled Lincoln MKZ (2013-2015), Ford Edge (2015), and Ford Fiesta (2013-2015) pushing the manufacturer’s car and truck recall list in the past week to nearly one million units. The largest of the recalls is 520,000 units of the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ from 2013 to 2015 model years, and some 2015 Ford Edges. All of the defective models have a steering gear motor problem that could result in a loss of power steering. Ford said it is not aware of any accidents related

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Toyota test comparison helps determine best model

With dozens of models on the market, choosing just one Toyota can be as difficult. How do you know which model will meet all of your needs? How are you supposed to decide between a red Yaris and a blue Corolla? Here are a few tips in a Toyota test comparison to  help you decide. 1. Consider the Year The first thing to decide is how modern do you need your car to be? If you’re looking for something with integrated touchscreens or cutting-edge fuel cell technology, your search will be limited to models produced in the last five years. If you just need a reliable vehicle for work, feel free to go back as much as 20 years. Toyotas

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