Author: Lawrence K. Jacobs

FYI: The Kia Soul, a survivor of the boxcar era, continues to hit the road with a slight price bump and a special edition for 2025. Kia Soul Stays Strong with 2025 Updates and Pricing Changes The Kia Soul emerged during the boxcar era, debuting six years after the Honda Element, five years after the Scion xB, and one year before the Nissan Cube crossed into the U.S. market. Unlike its competitors, which phased out by 2015, the Kia Soul has endured, establishing its place in the automotive landscape. It’s true that sales have tapered since the six-digit heights of…

Buying a Car Without a Certificate of Title: A Thorough Guide Purchasing a car without a Certificate of Title may not be suitable for everyone. This crucial document, often referred to as a Pink Slip, serves as proof of ownership and includes essential information such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and any history of repairs. Without it, you could encounter significant challenges when attempting to register the vehicle or sell it at a later date. If you intend to drive the car on public roads, acquiring a replacement Certificate of Title is a necessary, albeit complex, process. When a…

Toyota’s Aggressive Discount Strategy Aims to Boost Mirai Sales Amid Hydrogen Fueling Challenges Toyota has significantly dropped the prices of its 2023 Mirai fuel cell electric vehicles earlier this year, translating to substantial savings for buyers. Following a recent increase in the 2024 Mirai’s MSRP, Toyota has made a bold move by reducing the APR subsidy by $40,000 on the top-tier 2023 Mirai Limited model. This decision comes just four days after Shell announced the closure of its select hydrogen filling stations in California, pushing Toyota to clear existing inventory and entice consumers onto the hydrogen pathway. Originally priced at…

Should You Buy a Car with a Credit Card? Weighing the Pros and Cons In stock photos depicting "credit cards" and "buying a car," the subjects are often seen laughing, a rather misleading portrayal given the complexities and potential pitfalls involved in such a transaction. As the world moves towards a predominantly cashless society, the question of whether you can or should buy a car with a credit card becomes increasingly relevant. The Appeal of Using a Credit Card Buying a car with a credit card might seem like an attractive option at first glance. The allure lies in the…

Power Up Your Camping Season with These Top Outdoor Generators If you’re reading this from anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, you know it’s camping season. While some people want to completely isolate themselves in nature, many still need at least some reliable power. A great way to do this is to bring an outdoor generator or portable power source with you on your trip. Right now, three of Amazon’s best-selling outdoor generators are all on sale. If you’re looking for portable power, learn more about the options below. $499 on Amazon EF Ecoflow Delta 2 The EF Ecoflow Delta 2…

Treasury Department Announces Over $1 Billion in EV Purchase Credits through Inflation Control Act The U.S. Treasury Department announced on Wednesday morning that Americans have claimed more than $1 billion in new electric vehicle (EV) purchase credits and other point-of-sale subsidies under the Inflation Control Act (IRA). This significant milestone highlights the program’s success since it took effect in January, with over 150,000 total payments, including more than 125,000 upfront tax credits for new electric vehicles. "President Biden’s Inflation Control Act is lowering the cost of buying an electric vehicle, saving American consumers more than $1 billion in upfront costs…

The Reality of EV Maintenance: A Closer Look at the Latest Findings Electric vehicles (EVs) have long been promoted as the future of sustainable transportation, offering lower maintenance and reduced operational costs compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts. However, recent data from the J.D. Power 2024 Initial Quality Study suggests that owning an EV may not be as trouble-free as advocates claim. EVs Face Higher Initial Quality Issues According to J.D. Power’s study, which measures the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have shown a higher incidence of issues during initial…

Buying a used vehicle can feel overwhelming. With the rising costs of new cars, many buyers are turning to used options, which can offer a good balance between cost and dependability. However, the process can be fraught with potential pitfalls. Here are some essential tips to guide you through buying a used car effectively. ## Tip 1: Account for Maintenance Costs When budgeting for a used car, remember it’s not just the purchase price you need to consider. Used vehicles often require maintenance and may have limited or no warranty left. Expenses such as new tires, fluid changes, brake pad…

Chevrolet Blazer EV 2025: The Enhanced Electric SUV for the Modern Driver The Chevrolet Blazer EV has made a significant mark in the electric vehicle arena, initially impressing with its balanced design, high-quality interior, and familiar functionality. However, initial software issues led to its temporary withdrawal, only for it to make a comeback with notable upgrades and fixes. As the 2025 model rolls into showrooms, here’s a deep dive into what you can expect from this refined electric SUV. Pros and Cons at a Glance Pros: Attractive and user-friendly in-car technology Bold and modern exterior design High-quality interior materials Spacious…

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review: A Technological Tour de Force Pros: Comfortable ride Smooth, quiet, and powerful engine Beautiful interior with extensive technology Cons: Mixed styling Options can get pricey quickly The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: A Blend of Class and Tech The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class carries forward its legacy as a sophisticated, high-tech powerhouse that also excels in driving comfort. Available with four-cylinder and inline-six powertrains for now, and possibly an AMG variant in the future, it retains a traditional three-box sedan design, distinguishing it from BMW’s mixed body approach for electric vehicles (EVs) and gasoline models. The E-Class sticks to…