2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata: One size fits all for iconic roadster

The tall, lanky guy getting into the car parked next to mine contorted his frame into a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. I unfolded my body to exit another MX-5, the same year and color. Both vehicle’s rag tops were down. “You’re a tall guy for a small car,” I said during the parking lot exchange. ”Yeah, I’m 6-4, but it’s worth every second of it,” he said, as we both smiled while acknowledging our twin vehicles. And so it is for enthusiasts of the little, lightweight sports car that can. Like aficionados of muscle cars, pick-up trucks and minivans, MX-5

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2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO: Ruggedness defined

Toyota likely has the most varied lineup of pickup trucks. The offerings expand again with the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO, the compact’s sixth available trim in extended or double crew cabs. The Tacoma TRD PRO returns after a one-year absence. My test vehicle included the optional 3.5-liter V6 with 278 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Despite its emphasis on off-road responsibilities and possibilities, my test week with Tacoma TRD PRO was road-driving mode only. Scooting around in mud and up, down and all around on fire roads would have been invigorating. But a

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Cars3 trailer: Big crash shatters film series’ theme

Six years after its predecessor, Cars3, the computer-animated film starring Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson), will be released on June 16, 2017 in 2D 3D and IMAX 3D formats. And, man, will there be a surprise. The third installment in the popular series will have a more serious theme. McQueen is suddenly dispatched from racing after a crash. And to return to to the sport, he needs the assistance of a young race technician, Cruz Ramirez. But she has her own ideas and plans to win. And there’s another twist: Guidance from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet as well

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Automotive technology overload can ruin your day

The Interstate 680 South and Highway 24 West interchange in Walnut Creek, California, is a manic maze. It’s often a showcase for drivers’ worst behaviors. You can drive it a thousand times, prepare for a safe move to the proper lane and still face peril. The freeways’ designs don’t help. Rather, the awkward connection between the roads often prompts motoring lunacy. Cars cut across lanes at the last second and merging traffic from freeway ramps isn’t given proper access. But there’s a still a potential positive in the chaos. However hectic the traffic gets, modern automotive technology can help, except

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LA Auto Show: Hydrogen cars, electric vans and a gold-gilded rarity

The LA Auto Show is an annual automotive sensory overload. It’s all new cars and trucks, technology innovation and, in recent years, an increasing focus on hybrid, electric and other alternative fuel vehicles. This year’s show is no different. With new focuses on custom and vintage vehicles in the “garage” (basement), the future of autonomous vehicles, and the usual offering of global and North American debuts, there’s a lot see across the automotive spectrum. Including a full day’s schedule on Thanksgiving, the 2016 LA Auto Show will continue through Nov. 27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Video produced by

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2016 LA Auto Show: foam cars, electric vans, new colors

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The 2016 LA Auto Show is emphasizing technology this year with its newly named segment, AutoMobility LA. The expanded format allows for more innovation exhibits — some logical advancements in the automotive landscape, other products and software hard to decipher. In the latter category, consider the Spira4u Co. It debuted its three-wheel electric trike. It’s steered with a tiller and its exterior looks like a toy car covered in styrofoam. The Spira4u can be driven with a car or motorcycle license in California, and a helmet is not required. The body is constructed of recyclable light foam, fiberglass and plastic.

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LA Auto Show: New technology, global car debuts

The LA Auto Show has a unique position in the automotive industry. It’s annually the first major new car showcase of the season, but it’s held at least one calendar year behind the model years of debuting vehicles. The oddity is representative of the industry at-large. New car models were once almost always announced in late summer or early fall. Now, with increased competition, many 2017 vehicles have been available for months. They’re released when manufacturers believe the timing is right to best challenge rivals. At the Los Angeles show, scheduled Nov. 14-27, including three media-only days, 2017 and 2018

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Las Vegas-based exotic car rental company fulfills driving fantasies

Las Vegas and Honolulu are among the country’s most popular travel destinations. The buzz of constant nightlife and neon lights dominate the former. The serenity of nature’s lights rules the latter. Visitors to both locations want to have fun. Welcome into the equation, Royalty Exotic Cars.   Whether you’re traveling to Las Vegas or Honolulu (and soon Los Angeles) for business or pleasure, you can enhance the enjoyment of your trip while driving an iconic vintage vehicle, an exotic sports car or a new supercar from Royalty Exotic Cars. And for those seeking entertainment beyond the usual, casinos that are not

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What an Insurance Agent Can Do for You

Looking for the right insurance policy and insurance agent online can seem easy; all you do is enter your information and find a quote. With all the information at your fingertips, you may believe you can easily find deals that can save you a substantial amount of money per month on premiums. However, many people find insurance agents are still the best way to save money on insurance. Although there are many quotes available on the web, a licensed agent is aware of details the layman may overlook and may be familiar with special deals. Locating an Insurance Agent There

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2017 Toyota Yaris iA: New start for stellar subcompact

What a short, odd life it’s been for the Toyota Yaris iA and Yaris, formerly the Scion iA and the Scion iM. The sporty entry-level sedan and five-door hatchback were introduced as 2016 models. But when Scion abruptly folded 13 years after it debuted, only a few vehicles survived and were absorbed into the Toyota lineup. For 2017, the former Scion iA is now the Toyota Yaris iA. The Scion iM is just the Yaris. A sub-compact sedan, the 2017 Yaris is offered in one trim. It features a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 106 horsepower. My test vehicle included a

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Original Honda N600 restored, honors brand’s success

With its perennially top-selling Fit, Civic, Accord, and CR-V, it’s easy to appreciate the Honda lineup. Consistency rules. But not every Honda offering has been a success and some models, like the Civic Natural Gas and Crosstour, while innovative, failed. But perseverance counts in the automotive industry, and there’s at least one Honda enthusiast who’s thrilled to share his experience and passion for Honda. Tim Mings, a Los Angeles-based mechanic, and his team restored a 1969 Honda N600, the first Honda sold in the United States, star in video series, “Serial One.” The 12-part documentary chronicles the step-by-step renovation of

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5 top tips shopping for a new car (video)

Shopping for a new car is often the second most expensive purchase for consumers after buying a house. But while purchasing an automobile involves a substantial amount of money, it doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’re considering buying or leasing a new car, being prepared for the purchase will give you confidence. Many prominent consumer advice websites, including vinadvisor.net, provide varies practical and thorough to make the experience less stressful. In fact, by preparing for the transaction in several key areas, buying a new car can be a straight-forward proposition without financial concern — if you’ve done your homework.

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2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Top roadster keeps getting better

In April this year, worldwide sales of the Mazda MX-5 Miata surpassed one million since the two-seat roadster debuted in 1989. The 2017 MX-5 Miata continues the tradition of the little sports car that can. The MX-5 Miata was re-designed for 2016, but exterior and interior tweaks for 2017 keep the roadster’s current competitors (including offerings from Nissan, Mini, and BMW) searching for ways to infiltrate the little wonder’s dominance. The Weekly Driver Test Drive The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata advances via a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower. After losing about 200 pounds from the 2015 model to last

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2017 Hyundai Elantra: New design, best buy compact

In the debut year of its sixth generation, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra maintains the carmaker’s firm position among top economically priced compacts. The newly designed sedan is offered in three trim levels: SE, Eco and Limited. The SE model is standard with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, height-adjustable front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback. There’s also a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and a CD player. Automatic-transmission SE models offer a Popular Equipment package. Included are 16-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera,

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How to buy and save on an extended warranty

Purchasing a car is a big investment and potentially a big risk, particularly if you opt to buy a used or certified pre-owned vehicle. But if you plan to keep your newly purchased new or used car for a while, an extended warranty is worth considering. Even if the used car is certified, you will likely need repairs over time, and it they could be costly. Paying for repairs out of pocket is not only troublesome and expensive, it involves risk. The coverage afforded by a extended warranty helps avoid the risk and saves time and money. Buying an extended

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Look at a bigger picture for buying a new car online

SPONSORED CONTENT Is it a surprise online sales of almost all products are about to surpass physical store sales? Probably not. The convenience of online shopping is hard to beat because we can look through thousands of offers without leaving home. And while some purchases still require you to look at them physically, many don’t. But there’s a problem. Although we have such a great access to so many different products, goods and items, we are still bound by our misconceptions and lack of knowledge. It’s particularly true when shopping for a car online. The Problem With Buying A Car

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