Smart Will No Longer Sell Cars In N.A. After 2019

Seen at the Mercedes-Benz of Ann Arbor store. Smart is not long for the U.S. market...

Grad school and work keep me plenty busy. But I'm coming back with more new content! However, one brand won't be making a return in the near future...

Another one bites the dust – Smart will stop selling cars in the U.S. and Canada after the 2019 model year. Currently, the only model that’s offered is the battery-electric Smart EQ Fortwo. The gasoline model has already been dropped. Its quite uncommon to see these cars on the road, especially in the hands of the average driver, so I can’t say I’m surprised… Fiats are also pretty uncommon. I believe this is partially due to the fact that Americans are just more into SUVs and larger cars in general than compact or pint-sized cars. Also, the EQ Fortwo has a puny EV range to match its puny size (58 miles).

Daimler, who owns both Mercedes-Benz and Smart, issued a statement citing “a number of factors, including a declining micro-car market in the U.S. and Canada” among other reasons. Originally, Smart cars were designed to be “urban runabouts” for tight city settings. Most Mercedes-Benz dealers have stopped selling Smarts already, but the one near me still has its Smart sign up.

Will you miss Smart cars? I for one likely won’t – you can’t miss what you can’t see. And generally, you don’t see one unless its taking up a parking space you happen to want. I’m looking forward to other electric cars from Mercedes-Benz.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Used Car Shopping Tips

Do you get stressed at the thought of buying a car? These tips below will hopefully give you an advantage going in the door of the dealer!

Car shopping doesn’t have to be tricky, especially used car shopping. You can turn it into something fun and in your favor. That’s what I’ve strived to do with my 2008 Saturn Aura and 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada. Here’s a few tips to help you navigate used car buying.

1. Know what you want and the price you want to pay - This might seem basic, but having the basics established before you walk into a dealer is key. Know what you can afford in your budget, what you’re looking for in your next vehicle in terms of safety, convenience features, etc., and then perform the necessary research to find out what vehicles offer what you want/need in a purchase.

2. Don’t be afraid to negotiate - Getting the best deal out of anything in life requires advocating for yourself, and that includes car deals. If you feel in your gut a price is too high, bargain on it! This often requires research so you know what similar vehicles are selling for, but leaves you more informed about the products and situation you’re walking into.

3. Don’t be afraid to “get dirty” and inspect the car yourself top to bottom, inside and out - For my Bravada I just got, it was a great deal at $3,700 - lower than any Bravada within several hundred miles! But I had to check the car out to ensure it was worth the deal. I looked under the hood, looked under the bottom of it, went for a full test drive, check all exterior lighting, checked the Carfax, had a checklist of trouble spots I was looking for... This all took planning, but the key word is “check”! 

4. Never drive off without making sure everything is in working order how you want it. Any issues you notice, report them to your salesperson and say, “I don’t want to drive this vehicle off the lot until these issues are resolved so I’m safe.” Note that some dealers may try to wiggle out of the responsibility to fix the car - Todd Wenzel in Davison, MI fixed several of the things I pointed out, but did leave a few tasks undone. I’m still very appreciative either way.

Bonus: If you choose to finance a cheaper car, it can be a solid way to build credit. Keep up with your payments and again - make sure it fits well within your personal budget and is decently maintained so it’ll last while you’re planning your life out and building.

So there you have it, a few tips from my own experience buying cars. Have any of your own to add? Feel free to state what you know. Happy hunting!

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

My Dream/Project Car Highlight - The 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada

If you’ve talked to me for any length of time, you’ll probably hear about how I enjoy finding uncommon cars and how I’ve always wanted my own Oldsmobile. I’ve been making plans literally since grade school, writing book reports on Olds, and my mother has had several Oldsmobiles and Buicks. 2004 was the final year for the Oldsmobile brand. But now...it’s officially a reality!

I’ve had this 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWD 4.2L I6 for roughly a month and a half now, and it’s been GREAT. What’s even better is that it’s a 1-owner vehicle that had 88,000 miles when I got it - the only 2004 Bravada within 500 miles of my home like this. Wild! My 2008 Saturn has almost 103,000 miles on it! The price was right at $3,700 (similar Bravadas with 100-200k cost thousands more), and the only mechanical things I’ve noticed that need addressing are possibly an alignment, a slight rattle under the rear (loose spare tire?), and the check engine light (bad sensor).

My goal is to now fix this and my Saturn Aura 3.5L V6 up (and maybe my Jeep - but it’s a lease) in my own ways and to start attending various car shows in the future. And road trips! I’ve already started detailing and repairs - let’s just say it’s been quite an endeavor haha. Shoutout to my coworker for helping me get to the shop to pick up my Saturn and DaVonta Grant at Todd Wenzel Buick GMC in Davison, Michigan!

Here’s to “Operation: Project Cars”! I’ll be highlighting my experience along the way. I’ve also posted an article on Adam’s Autos on things to look for if you’re shopping for a more affordable used car. I encourage you to strive to follow your passions and goals you've set as well. #Oldsmobile #Bravada #Saturn #Aura #Customization #DreamCarHighlights

My 2008 Saturn Aura V6, 2018 Jeep Compass Latitude, 

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada

SN: Been getting questions about “how you’ve got all green and white cars!” I know, and the answer is NO - I’m not purposely buying all my cars green and white because I went to Michigan State haha. Purely coincidental. But hey - IT WORKS! Go Green, Go White! My next new car will definitely be red, black or blue though.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Lincoln Is Winning In Style

I am really digging Lincoln more and more. Nice modern spin on classic American luxury. Though the MKT is definitely the oddball of the lineup now, and should be phased out soon. I'm also liking how the company is reverting back to using actual names on its cars! YES! The Corsair will replace the MKC for 2020. #MKZ #Continental #Corsair #MKC #Nautilus #Navigator #Aviator #MKT #FordMotorCompany #TheLincolnMotorCompany

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Dream Car Highlights - 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora V8, Final 500 Edition Oldsmobiles, Or Any 2004 Oldsmobile

The final Oldsmobile was a 2004 Alero, on display now at the GM

Heritage museum. Its hood was signed by all of the line workers.

What Is It: Oldsmobile was a mid-luxury brand from General Motors, and one of the oldest car brands in existence before its demise in 2004. Over the years, they made a variety of personal luxury coupes, sedans, a minivan, and an SUV among other cars. The Final 500 models were special edition Oldsmobiles made between the 2002-2004 model years with dark cherry paint, unique badging, and commemorative ornaments for the owner celebrating more than 100 years of the brand.

It’s worth noting which of these models you CAN’T get and when. You can’t get an Aurora for 2004 - it was discontinued after 2003, and only the V8 model was available that year. The Intrigue and Aurora V6 were discontinued after 2002. Of the three remaining Oldsmobile models in 2004 (Alero, Bravada, and Silhouette), I’d get an Alero V6 or Bravada if it was in great shape.

2001-2003 Aurora

Why Do You Want It: Let’s establish something if you didn’t already know: I love Oldsmobiles. My mother had 3 (two Achievas and a Silhouette) and I love the history of the brand. When I heard the brand was being shut down in 2004, I was shocked, even as a kid. We had a lot of great times in our Oldsmobiles. It’d be great to have some more of those.

2002-2004 Bravada

That’s why for me, I’d like to someday have a Final 500 Oldsmobile, preferably an Aurora. But since these are hard to find, especially in decent shape nowadays, I’d also take any 2004 Oldsmobile. Having a piece of automotive history that reminds me of my childhood is just special to me. Sharing that passion with the world and encouraging others to follow their ambitions, whether it’s car-related or not, is equally critical.

Literiture on the Final 500 Bravada, Silhouette and Alero:

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Dream Car Highlights – 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

With a 6.2L V8 good for 415 HP, the G8 GXP was Pontiac's real true send off!

What Is It: The Pontiac G8 was a large four-door rear-wheel drive sedan produced by the now defunct General Motors-Holden division in Australia and exported to America for 2008 and 2009. The G8 replaced the Bonneville and GTO as Pontiac’s full-sized/import offering within their lineup in the 2000s. It was Pontiac’s last new sedan introduction – the ST (Sport Truck) version never made it into production.

The G8 was available with a 3.6L V6 and two V8s – a 6.0L V8 with 361 HP and a 6.2L V8 with 402 HP. Arguably, the G8 GXP with its 6.2L V8 is the rarest variant. One with the 6-speed manual would be extra, extra rare – I’ve seen some examples of low mileage GXPs still cost upwards to $35,000-$40,000! A full decade later!

Why Do You Want It: To have one of the very last Pontiacs would be pretty special. Specifically, the G8 GXP and Solstice GXP were like Pontiac’s last hurrah. One car I really wanted in high school was the 2010 Pontiac G6, which was not quite as special as the G8, but holds the honor as the last Pontiac ever made. Given one of my goals to compete in car shows some day, a G8 GXP would round out whatever collection of rides I have at time nicely… If one can be found in good condition down the road at a nice price! I simply can’t imagine that these prices will decrease any time soon.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

"Its been a long time, shouldn't have left you..." I'm back with more vital information for your everyday life and also updated the mobile site layout. Don't blame me, blame grad school for my absence.

Now that we've gotten those couple 90s references out of the way, let's jump right in.

Did you know: The 2019 Genesis G70 and Buick Regal Sportback are two of the only new cars I’ve noticed that give you a standard heated steering wheel BEFORE you get standard heated seats…

I like it when I don't have to jump to higher trims for comfort features I want...

A heated steering wheel is standard on the base trim of the Genesis G70. But you must jump up to the Elite Package for an extra $5,000 to get heated/cooled front seats among other features (such as real leather seats, navigation and rain-sensing wipers). On the other end, the Regal Sportback’s Preferred II trim will give you a heated steering wheel. But you must jump up to the Regal’s Essence trim for an extra $2,000 to get real leather seats and heated seats…

This seems backwards to me… Personally, I’d want to have heated seats before a heated steering wheel. Although now that I’ve had both in my Jeep, I won’t go without either. Regardless, these are both stylish rides.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

New Car Reveal/How I Would Buy It - 2021 Tesla Model Y

Tesla's Model Y seeks to broaden the brand's appeal even more to the masses in a SUV body style that's proven to be irresistible to buyers nowadays.

Here it is! The 2021 Model Y, Tesla’s new crossover based on the Model 3. It honestly looks exactly how I figured it would – a Model 3 and Model X mashup. The long-range Model Y will have range of 300 miles, and a Performance version will do 0-60 MPH in 3.5 seconds. As with the Model 3, the Model Y’s long-range model will come out first, and start at $47,000. A dual-motor AWD version will start at $51,000 and the Performance version at $60,000. A standard range Model Y with 230 miles of range won’t be available until 2021, but will have a starting price of $39,000.   

Elon Musk expects that the Model Y will achieve top safety marks across the board, just like the Model 3. What’s more notable is that the Model Y will offer optional third row seating for $3,000, bringing max seating capacity to seven passengers. This will be Tesla’s second mass market vehicle, and is a key entry in a market crazy over crossovers. Naturally, it offers more room and utility than the $35,000 Model 3. Going off of past Tesla production trends, I’d expect we won’t see the $39,000 Model Y until nearly 2022 realistically. Perhaps this realization and the Model Y’s derivative CUV styling is what contributed to Tesla’s stock dropping the day after the crossover’s reveal... Despite this, I do like it quite a bit.   

For My Money...

The only models that can be configured right now on Tesla's site are Long-Range and Performance Model Ys.

You can already build your Model Y on Tesla’s site and deposit $2,500 to reserve one. For my money, I’d get a Long-Range Dual Motor AWD Model Y with Solid Black paint (the only color you don’t have to pay for – just like on the Model 3), 18-inch Aero wheels, premium Black/White Interior, five-passenger seating, and Autopilot. The total estimated price after savings is $50,700, and incentives vary by state. But remember: Tesla’s federal rebate is now halved and will continue to decline.   

God willing, I get my Master’s degree in Marketing in late 2020 and my lease on my Compass is ending in 2021, so hmmm... Let’s see where Tesla and the market stand at that point and the Model Y may be an option. Are you excited for Tesla’s new model? Are you tired of SUVs, electric or not? I get a feeling the game is only going to get more ‘shocking’ as time goes on.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

SPOTTED x3 - Trucks & SUVs

SPOTTED x3! The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500 High Country, an entire fleet of 2020 Ford Explorers, and the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Responses to the styling of the 2020 Silverado HD has been mixed, but it still has its 6.6L Duramax diesel V8 capable of towing up to 35,500 pounds. Capability is what matters most, right? The Explorers were XLT, Limited, and ST trims. And the Aviator picture is extra blurry because a snow storm started right as it was driving by. But nonetheless, it’s an even more stunning design in motion than sitting still.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2021 Tesla Model Y Live Reveal!

From this angle, it looks as if the Model Y will adopt the Model X's silhouette. Whether or not it retains the signature "falcon wing doors" we'll see.

The 2021 Tesla Model Y reveal is tonight, 8 pm Pacific time. A new teaser video was released today as well. You can register for Tesla updates and watch live here: https://livestream.tesla.com/

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

ICYMI - Sedan Edition

ICYMI: The Ford Taurus, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Volt are all officially discontinued. Ford extended Fusion production through part of 2020, and GM did the same for the Impala and CT6.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

Did You Know: With the introduction of the Model Y next week on the 14th, Tesla’s vehicle lineup will officially be “Semi S3XY”.

Tesla (Semi)

Model (S)

Model (3)

Model (X)

Model (Y)

Elon Musk wanted to used “Model E” for the Model 3 initially, but that name is trademarked by Ford already.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

How I Would Buy It – 2019 Tesla Model 3

The Model 3 is the most important Tesla vehicle to date - and now finally available for $35,000. However, we will see what impact the upcoming Model Y CUV will have in a market that's crazy over crossovers.

I interrupt your regularly scheduled day for a special “How I Would Buy It” segment – Tesla has announced that the Model 3 Standard Range is now available. This is the $35,000 version of the Model 3 that has long been promised. Elon Musk’s vision was for cars to one day be charged by solar panels and powered by electricity alone. Being the smallest of the current Teslas, the Model 3 is a very key model for the company in accomplishing that goal, but its price has still been outside the range of “affordable” for many shoppers. So, what do you sacrifice when you get a “base model” Model 3?

What Do You Get?

Shown: 2019 Tesla Model 3 Mid or Long Range; Standard Range Interior w/Cloth Seats

A Standard Range Tesla Model 3 comes in two flavors: Standard Range and Standard Range Plus. The regular Standard Range model officially starts at $36,200 with destination and has a range of 220 miles. Standard features vs. other Model 3s are a manual adjusting steering wheel, cloth seats, and a more basic dashboard – though you still get the giant touch screen. The Standard Range Plus version costs an extra $2,000 and adds 20 miles of range for a total of 240 miles, an extra 10 MPH to the top speed for a total of 140 MPH and cuts the 0-60 time by 0.3 seconds for a time of 5.3 seconds. You also get an upgraded interior with heated front seats, leatherette seats, upgraded audio, and LED fog lights. All Standard Range models are Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). The Plus version is a worthwhile upgrade, I say.

For My Money…

If my money were on the line, I’d get the Model 3 Standard Range Plus version with Solid Black paint, 18-inch Aero Wheels, the Black and White partial premium interior, and Autopilot.

Note that any color besides black on the Model 3 will cost you extra – between $1,500 and $2,500 extra to be exact. There’s also only a few colors to choose from – black, grey, blue, white, and red. The black/white interior adds $1,000 vs. all-black, and 19-inch sport rims are available for an extra $1,500.

Adding Autopilot or Full-Self Driving Capability after delivery jacks up the cost of those options significantly, but I feel Autopilot alone for $3,000 will be enough for most people. Ditto the 240-mile range. My drive to work every day is 6 miles, 12 miles round trip. I could charge up once, maybe twice a week basically before going any long-distance places or back home to see family. Given this, a Standard Range Plus Model 3 might be in my future… The federal rebate is now $3,750 for Teslas, and other EV rebates vary by state. This likely won’t increase or be renewed soon, as Congress is currently fighting over the boarder wall and not EV credits. The estimated price for the one I built was $41,000 before rebates, with a two week delivery time (I would take that last part with a BOTTLE of salt given Tesla's history and the fact that Model 3 is officially the best-selling luxury car in the U.S. now).

In the Pipeline

The Model Y will cost slightly more than a Model 3. You could say 

Tesla's lineup will officially be "S3XY" once the Model Y releases.

Tesla says that the Model Y crossover, based on the Model 3, will be revealed March 14^th, 2019. Are you excited for the next vehicle in Tesla’s lineup? I’m quite interested myself in seeing where its pricing and performance falls, especially since the Standard Range Model 3 is a rather decent value with rebates and when comparing its range with some other EVs. Tesla is continuing to redefine the auto industry.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays

Ford's Panther platform underpinned the Crown Vic and Grand Marquis. It was first introduced in 1978 and used all the way until 2011 when these cars ended production!

Did you know: The Ford Crown Victoria, and by extension the Mercury Grand Marquis, were the last cars to have cassette players... in 2011. From what I remember, you could also get a CD player and premium audio as well, but that single feature alone I think really dates these cars and the platform they ride on! But still a classic! My grandfather had a couple of Grand Marquis.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Hey, Trucks Are Expensive

Trucks are capable, but that durability and capability comes at a steeper cost than ever.

According to a J.D. Power report, the average pickup truck buyer is now paying 61% MORE for their truck now than they did a decade ago. WILD! By comparison, the cost of other vehicles went up by less than half that over the same time period - 28%, which is still quite a bit in my book. Last year buyers paid an average of $44,000 for a full-sized pickup.

This price is still missing some options, although the new Ram 1500

is an excellent truck overall. Quite expensive!

For good measure, I priced a truck I like quite a bit online - a 2019 Ram 1500 Big Horn Quad Cab V6. To get it exactly how I’d want it, it came out to $48,850. This, before adding the HEMI V8 for $2,645 or 20-inch rims for another $1,595. I did add a 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio, the Level 2 Equipment Group with heated seats and steering wheel, LED lighting, a sunroof, and other packages. So yes, you could very easily price one of these trucks into the $50,000 range. Did I mention you can’t get leather seats on the Big Horn? You need to move up to the Laramie trim for that.

While bad for consumer’s wallets, this is another example of why automakers are ditching cars for SUVs and trucks – it means higher profit margins for them. As long as consumers are willing to pay to play, this game will go on. This bubble will burst again eventually... Perhaps not because of gas prices rising like people predict, but maybe because of budgets going bust or over saturation of the marketplace instead.

Update 3/5/2019: Car sales for the year are off to their slowest start since early 2014, with the industry being down 2.9% vs. last year. Although the economy isn't in horrible shape, its not really growing either, and experts are predicting a slow down in the future. Also, my guess is that transaction prices for SUVs and trucks are simply becoming too high AND the market is becoming oversaturated with them. We will see how this develops as the months progress.
Source: https://www.autonews.com/sales/sales-weakest-start-5-years

Another article for reference: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/02/capability-will-cost-you-trucks-cost-61-percent-more-compared-to-a-decade-ago/

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.