Recent Articles

Chrysler Having to Repurchase 2007 Dodge RAM Diesel Trucks

January 07, 2009 00:14

Chrysler is having repair problems with its 2007 and 2008 Dodge RAM trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engine. Typically, the check engine light comes on causing the owner to take it in to their dealer for warranty...Chrysler is having repair problems with its 2007 and 2008 Dodge...

Crooked Dealers Fail to Pay Off Loans on Trade-Ins

January 06, 2009 23:32

Buyers often trade in cars with outstanding loans on the the dealer's promise it will pay off the loan. Honest dealers promptly do so, but a small number of dishonest dealers do not pay off the loan. When that happens,...Buyers often trade in cars with outstanding loans on the the dealer's promise...

Faulty Chinese Auto Parts Worry Safety Advocates

January 01, 2009 22:06

Safety advocates are concerned about defective Chinese auto parts such as tires susceptible to tread separation and child restraints that come apart in an impact. Other examples are tire valves that break and let air escape, glass that does not...Safety advocates are concerned about defective...

Why Small Gains in MPG in Low Mileage Vehicles are Important

December 19, 2008 06:09

People greatly undervalue what small increments in miles per gallon (MPG) in large vehicles means and at the same time overestimate the value of increases in already fuel efficient vehicles. The right way to think about fuel efficiency is to...People greatly undervalue what small increments in...

New Improved EPA Mileage Estimates for 2008+ Models

November 30, 2008 20:11

Most drivers have complained that their cars could not get the mileage promised by the EPA fuel economy figures. Starting with 2008 models, the EPA revised its testing procedures to more accurately reflect real driving conditions. J. D. Power surveyed...Most drivers have complained that their cars...

Bankruptcy Expert's Proposal to Save the American Auto Industry

November 30, 2008 01:33

J. Ronald Trost, a leading expert on bankruptcy law, has a proposal to save GM, Ford and Chrysler. His proposal in the NY Times is a restructuring under the umbrella of a special federal statute. He states ordinary Chapter 11...J. Ronald Trost, a leading expert on bankruptcy law, has a proposal to...

Today's Incredibly Weak Car Bumpers

November 20, 2008 18:20

Car bumpers in most new cars are incredibly weak. The Insurance Institute of America testers bumpers of 17 cars by crashing them into a barrier at a mere 6 mph resulting in an average cost to repair of $4,500! Luxury...Car bumpers in most new cars are incredibly weak. The Insurance Institute of...

Auto Care Myths Cost Consumers & Harm the Environment

November 20, 2008 05:37

Dealers and oil changer companies typically recommend changing oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles. On November 6, 2008, GM issued a statement that this recommendation is the biggest myth in the car business. GM has a Oil Life System...Dealers and oil changer companies typically recommend changing...

Honda Trying to Halt Sales of Discounted Service Contracts

November 20, 2008 05:00

Savvy car buyers know that they may save money by buying an extended warranty (service contract) backed by a manufacturer from any authorized dealer. A NY Times article published August 2, 2008, on the subject of extended warranties features a...Savvy car buyers know that they may save money by...

Judge Orders Wrecked & Stolen Car Database Made Public

September 24, 2008 17:11

Sixteen years ago, Congress enacted a statute requiring the federal government to implement the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), a single database that would provide public access to vehicle-history information gathered from states, insurance companies, and junk...