2015 Subaru BRZ: handsome, fun, not so fast

Now in its third year, the 2015 Subaru BRZ, a four-seat compact coupe, has a few updates and the new limited “Series.Blue” edition. The BRZ acronym name means: “B” for boxer engine. “R” for rear-wheel drive. And “Z” for zenith. It remains the Japanese manufacturer’s only model without the brand’s well-received symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Beyond the new trim, updates for 2015 Subaru BRZ include a retuned suspension, new exhaust tips, a “shark fin” antenna and a higher quality interior. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Like all of the carmaker’s models, the 2015 Subaru BRZ has vast list of standard

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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2015 Toyota Prius: great efficiency, but rivals challenging

Now a mainstay in the car industry, the Toyota Prius family is ever expanding. It includes five trims of the original hatchback as well as the compact Prius C and Prius V wagon, the largest offering in the hybrid clan. The Persona Series is new for 2015 and adds a half-dozen cosmetic items to the lengthy list of standard features. But overall, the 2015 Prius lineup has only one major change. A rearview camera is now standard on all hatchback models. The Weekly Driver Test Drive The 2015 Toyota Prius, including my weekly driver Five trim, is a five-passenger hatchback

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1957 T-Bird, 2012 Ferrari 458 in rare cars auction

Several rare cars, including a 1957 Thunderbird and a 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia, will be among the diverse group of automobiles and art auctioned June 28 on Invaluable.com, the Boston-based online marketplace of fine and decorative arts, antiques, collectibles and estate sales. Here’s a synopsis of the cars in the auction: 1957 THUNDERBIRD E-CODE. Estimated Price: $80,000–$95,000 This extremely rare 57 E-Code Thunderbird was formerly owned by the renowned collector, Grant Miller. A true E-Code with the numbers matching 312cid/270hp V8 with factory Dual 4bbls and automatic transmission. This car was undergone a full no expense spared, 100 point, Nut

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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

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2016 Hyundai Elantra GT: Refreshed, roomy, rough ride

Joining a competitive segment, the five-door Hyundai Elantra GT debuted four years ago. The 2016 edition has a few upgrades, including bolder exterior and interior styling, re-tuned power steering and an expanded optional technology package. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Seeking its place in the increasingly popular compact hatchback segment, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT is one offered with one trim. It’s a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder with 173 horsepower and six-speed manual transmission. Its new styling includes a more aggressive grille and a streamlined roof. My weekly driver featured the optional six-speed automatic transmission and a lengthy list of standard features

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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

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Fourteen rare cars, trucks set for online auction

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Fourteen rare cars, trucks and a motorcyle, a 1927 Ford Model T Roadster to a 1994 Argo Conquest Amphibious 8×8, all located in Auburn Airpark in Auburn, California, will be auctioned beginning June 16 through the online site, www.GovLiquidation.com. According to the auctioneers, the vehicles are all in working condition. Bidding on each vehicle starts at $25. Here’s the list of vehicles: 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;

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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

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2016 Acura ILX: Strong drive, good luxury value

The 2016 Acura ILX is the fourth year of the first generation of the upscale brand’s midsize, entry level luxury sedan. It has been refreshed this year with several interior and exterior updates, including a larger engine and additional safety features. The Weekly Driver Test Drive The updated base 2016 Acura ILX is available in six equipment levels, all with oddly cumbersome names. My weekly driver was officially called the 2016 Acura ILX Tech Plus A-Spec, a sport-oriented trim. For 2016, the Acura ILX updates include the dispatching of the previous standard 2.0-liter for a four-cylinder, 2.4-liter offering. It was

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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.,

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

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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

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2016 Mazda 6: Watch out Honda Accord, Toyota Camry

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It’s hard to believe the 2016 Mazda 6 marks the 14th year since the manufacturer replaced the Mazda 626 with its current midsize sedan. The current third generation debuted in 2013, and the new offering is packed with considerable improvements — particularly in the highest-level trim. The Weekly Driver Test Drive A five-passenger sedan, the Mazda 6 is offered in Sport, Touring and top-line Grand Touring trims, and my weekly driver was the latter. It has so many changes, how could it not be a new generation? For 2016, the Mazda 6 features revised front and rear styling, making it

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