Adam's Autos

Welcome to Adam's Autos! "Where I rate autos to help YOU find an A-Rate ride!" Adam’s Autos is a creative medium dedicated to providing consumers with the appropriate information to make an informed new or used automotive purchase. Additionally, Adam’s Autos highlights and promotes local businesses, alongside a variety of today’s latest automotive trends and topics. I also discuss my own personal cars and projects. So fasten your seat belts! We're going for a ride!

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Here’s the Redesigned 2021 Audi A3

The 2021 Audi A3 competes with vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and C-Class and BMW 2 Series and 3 Series.

The 2021 Audi A3 has been revealed and in in typical Audi fashion, the new A3 looks modern, sleek and handsome all in one package. I really like it. I’m betting the RS performance model will look even better! Inside, you can see that there’s a 10.1-inch display in the center console now, where the prior A3 had a pop-up tablet style infotainment screen (personally, not a fan of those). There’s also a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Powertrain details for the U.S. are still unknown, but word is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model is possible in the future.

Do you like this new A3? I may add it to my shopping list. Since all of the major auto shows have been canceled, this is how we will have to settle for new car reveals and information for now. I can’t wait until things are back to normal again.

New YouTube Video: In-Car Comfort & Innovations – New Tech & Mobility

With features such as a 115V power outlet in the rear seats, my 2018 Jeep Compass can really be an office on wheels. Is the the start of "future mobility"?

Cars are becoming more and more advanced. We’re moving towards autonomy and maximizing in-car convenience with each passing year. But how much technology is too much? Can there be too much innovation? Should we sacrifice our freedom of car ownership for ridesharing? New car sales are have been predicted to take a slight hit due to increased ridesharing practices, however we will see what effects this global coronavirus pandemic will have on new car sales as well now.

I’ve seen many concepts proposing in-car workstations for on-the-go businesspeople, with many luxury cars also offering refrigerators in them as well. Its not hard to imagine a day where cars may be fully autonomous rolling offices! However, we would have to have the infrastructure to support this type of transition, both on the streets and in the digital realm. I feel this is a long way away, but a move we can see happening in the semi-autonomous systems we have in cars now and the Wi-Fi hotspots that are offered in some cars as well.

This brings me to my new YouTube video. In this video, I want to facilitate some discussion on what you may think the future of mobility and in-car connectivity and innovation looks like. In my 2018 Jeep Compass, I have a household outlet and enough room to stretch out and do homework on my lunch break, as well as hang suits for business trips I may have. The only thing I’m truly missing is heated rear seats and in-car Wi-Fi.

Should we strive to innovate cars beyond this? Or is less more?

Remember to like, comment and subscribe! Link: https://youtu.be/Mxg5Sl8DlHg

New YouTube Video: Abandoned Pontiac Dealer Walkaround at Night - Sawyer’s Pontiac

Sawyers Pontiac was located in East Lansing, Michigan next to Michigan State University. The dealer is a modern relic and a reminder of an era gone by.

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re in the middle of an economic recession if you aren’t aware of it. One that seem like it happened overnight because of… Wait for it… Coronavirus. Now need I remind you that the last recession we had about a decade ago cost us many brands and businesses, and it looks like we’re going to lose many more again. Circuit City is just one of the brands that went away last decade, alongside some car brands such as Pontiac. To me, that is one of the sadder losses of the recession of last decade. So, let us reminisce and talk about a throwback still standing.

In this YouTube video, I’m going to walkaround the abandoned Sawyer’s Pontiac in East Lansing, Michigan, right next to Michigan State University where I attended college. The old lot is now used for shuttling people to football games – which are likely a thing of the past too, at least for the foreseeable future due to social distancing.

Which Pontiac models do you wish were still around? I was always a fan of the G6 in high school. And which businesses and brands (both car brands and otherwise) do you think are in danger in this recession we’re in now?

Remember to like, comment and subscribe! See the photos of the dealer below and the link to the video.

Link: https://youtu.be/yktK5JTYcAs

Cars I’m Considering: 2021-2022 Edition

Narrowing my new car shopping list for 2021-2022.

Its impossible to know exactly what cars will be out in the next few years unless you’re a psychic. However, you can follow the news and trends and make an educated guess with your buying decisions. Given that my Jeep Compass lease will be ending in roughly the next year, here’s what I’m considering leasing next:

1. Alfa Romeo Giulia, Stelvio AWD

2. Genesis G70 AWD (2.0 Turbo)

3. Kia Optima (K5) GT AWD

4. Jeep Cherokee 4WD (3.2L V6 engine only)

5. Kia Forte GT

6. GMC Terrain AWD

7. Chevrolet Blazer AWD (2.0 Turbo or V6)

8. Audi A4, A5 Sportback AWD

9. Kia Stinger AWD (2.0 Turbo - GT Line)

I’ll be narrowing this list down from these picks as well. A few other vehicles that were on my 2021-2022 shopping list but that are now cut are the Jeep Gladiator, Subaru Legacy, BMW X1/X2, Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Dodge Challenger AWD.

When I was considering getting the 2018 Jeep Compass I have now, the list of cars I was shopping (in no specific order) were the GMC Terrain, Kia Optima, Subaru Legacy, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, and the Jeep Compass.

What cars are you interested in? I'll be highlighting on my blog how I would ideally configure some of these cars, so stay tuned.

Update 7/3/2020:

Here are a few wild card picks I'm also 'very loosely considering'. You never know, they may just win out in the end! SN: I'm disappointed Kia changed the name of the Optima to "K5" for 2021... But it looks like a very nice car still.

-2021 Kia Seltos SX AWD

-2021 Kia Sorento
-2021 Lincoln Nautilus or Corsair

-2021 Ford Explorer
-2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
-2021 Dodge Charger GT AWD

-2021 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD
-2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

-2021 Ram 1500

Ford Escape - Throughout the Years Visual

Here's an interesting visual to see from time to time - how a vehicle has changed throughout the years. Today's vehicle: the Ford Escape (2001-2020)

The Kia Telluride Has Already Won A LOT of Awards - Now, It’s Literally the ‘World’s Best Car of 2020’

I actually didn't even know this award existed until recently. The Kia Telluride might be the best SUV EVER at blurring the lines between mainstream and luxury.

The 2020 Kia Telluride (alongside its sister vehicle the Hyundai Palisade) is a well-rounded, award winning SUV. In fact, it’s won the “triple crown” of automotive awards this year (MotorTrend, NACOTY, and Car and Driver).

For better reference, here’s a quick list. So far, it’s won:

-2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year

-MotorTrend 2020 SUV of the Year

-Car & Driver 10 Best List 2020

-2020 Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Best Buy

-AutoTrader.com 12 Best New Cars for 2020

-Cars.com Best New Car of 2020

-Named the “CUV of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association - won in the “Midsize CUV” category at the Texas Auto Writer’s Association Roundup

-Edmunds Top Rated SUV 2020

...and several other awards. I’m putting a link below to Friendly Kia, where they highlight some of the Telluride’s other accolades. Contact your local Kia dealer for more specific Telluride info.

Friendly Kia: https://www.friendlykia.com/blog/what-awards-has-the-kia-telluride-won/

Now, you can add “2020 World Car of the Year” to that win list. Generally awarded at the New York Auto Show (rescheduled until at least late August due to coronavirus), the Telluride beat out the Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3 to be the overall winner.

Other winners include the 2020 Kia Soul EV as “Urban Car of the Year” (note - the 2020 Soul EV is not available in the U.S. yet), and the 2020 Porsche Taycan EV as “World Performance Car of the Year” and “World Luxury Car of the Year”. The 2020 Mazda3 took home “World Car Design of the Year”.

I gave this Telluride to my mother as a gift. Its been a great SUV.

Previously, I said I was going to get her a new Oldsmobile Silhouette

and then a new Saturn Outlook as gifts someday, but those brands are

no longer around of course.

I leased the 2020 Kia Telluride S AWD for my mother last spring from Summit Place Kia Auburn Hills when I worked at Hyundai/Kia product planning and gave it to her as a gift, making good on a promise I made to her in the 2nd grade that I would help her get a car someday. I had no idea it would rack up as many awards as it has. It’s been a stellar SUV, we’ve taken it on two family road trips! Add it (and the Palisade) to your new SUV shopping list.

I haven’t talked about the Palisade/Telluride duo a lot on my blog, but I do plan to upload some other content on them and fully review the Telluride in the future, so stay tuned.

Please, Donate to Your Local Food Banks

Hello all,

Taking a break from posting about cars for a moment to encourage you to donate during this coronavirus pandemic to your local food banks while also continuing to do what you can to help "flatten the curve". Many are struggling to keep up with demand, and a record number of Americans are unemployed and depending on community food banks for assistance. You’re blessed if you’re not. Be a blessing to someone else if you’re able. Every little bit helps.

Stronger together.

-Adam

Saturday, April 18, 2020

New YouTube Video: How to Change Wiper Blades - 2008 Saturn Aura

Changing wipers may seem hard, but it can all be so easy. The process varies from car to car, however.

There's a new YouTube video up on the Adam's Autos YouTube page! I demonstrate how to change the wiper blades on my 2008 Saturn Aura. Note that this wiper changing process will vary from car to car. However, in this case, this method will also apply to the 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu.

I ordered my wiper blades off of Amazon.com, which generally allows you to order an exact fit. You want to be sure that you have something that will allow you to press down on the little tab on the wiper blade to release the old blade. Then, it slides right off and the new blades can slide on. Be sure to remove the green protectant film and test the out. Also, make sure that the driver's and passenger blades are on the right sides of the car. You can see the millimeter measurements on the tip of the blade.

Here's the video link. Like, comment and subscribe for more: https://youtu.be/eFuA3WSz7gg

Lexus Discontinues the GS 300 for 2020; LQ Flagship SUV Is Coming (UPDATE 4/24/20: Lexus GS Is Dead after 2020 MY)

Lexus doesn't sell a ton of the GS, which is probably why the base GS 300 model is dropped now. Could this be foreshadowing the discontinuation of the entire GS line?

UPDATE 4/24/20: The Lexus GS will officially be discontinued after the 2020 model year. I had a feeling this was coming. The rear-wheel drive GS has been in a sales slump and constantly outsold by the front-wheel drive ES, which is also significantly cheaper. This, before you factor in the whole crossover SUV and truck trend we have going on. A special 2020 Black Line Edition will be offered as a send off. R.I.P. #Sedanapocalypse

For the 2020 model year, Lexus has dropped the GS 300 from the GS line. This was a base model that started at $47,885 with 241 HP. Lexus says that this model only accounted for a small percentage of GS sales, so people were going for the higher GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport models. The GS 350 starts at $52,420 for 2020 and makes 311 HP. The GS 350 F Sport rear-wheel drive starts at $53,785, and the AWD model at $55,530. The GS F is powered by a 5.0L V8 with 467 HP and 389 pound-feet of torque.

The Lexus GS sells in pretty low numbers, and if you visit a dealer, it doesn’t even look like they stock many. I noticed this at my local Lexus dealer near Ann Arbor. Its rumored that the Lexus ES may offer AWD in the future (finally) and given that both the IS and GS sedans are older designs now while the ES is all new, this could be a reason for the sales slump. The 2020 Lexus ES makes just nine HP less than the GS 350 at 302 with its 3.5L V6 and costs $7,000 less (albeit, its FWD vs. the GS with RWD). Time will tell what happens to Lexus’ sedan lineup as SUV sales continue to grow and sedan demand continues to cool off. A RWD sport sedan will likely always have a following. But something tells me the GS might be on its way out the door in the future...

Lexus LQ SUV Coming Soon?

Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept - this will likely inspire the design of the upcoming LQ SUV.

In other Lexus news - it looks like there’s going to be a new top SUV coming to the Lexus lineup. The upcoming LQ will slot above the LX, which is an ancient design that competes with the likes of the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. The LQ likely will be far more modern than other Lexus SUVs, and may even make up to 600 HP. Its basic design was previewed a few years ago by the LF-1 Limitless concept from 2018, but the LQ isn’t likely to arrive until the 2022 model year with base prices starting in the $80,000 to $100,000 range.

Are you a Lexus fan and which model would you get? I’m looking forward to some new life being injected into Lexus’ lineup. Personally, I find Toyota and Lexus cars to be very practical and always reliable, but kinda boring to drive and overstyled all at the same time... Their infotainment system in their cars also needs an overhaul (in particular Lexus).