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!

Saturday, March 16, 2019

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.

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.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

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/

Saturday, March 9, 2019

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.

Friday, March 8, 2019

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.

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

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.

Friday, March 1, 2019

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.

Thursday, February 28, 2019

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/

How I Would Buy It: 2020 Kia Telluride

So, I'm starting another new segment: How I Would Buy It! I'll discuss various new cars in these posts and how I would equip them if I were personally in the market. The 2020 Toyota Corolla and Lincoln Aviator will come next. Let's dive in!

The 2020 Kia Telluride is Kia's largest SUV ever.

Revealed at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, the 2020 Kia Telluride is a large crossover and the spiritual follow-up to the Kia Borrego from a decade ago. Kia’s marketing for the vehicle so far has positioned it as a more “rugged” alternative to other three-row family SUVs. It’s largely related to the also-new Hyundai Palisade, and will use the same 3.8-liter V6 engine good for 291 HP and 262 lb.-ft. of torque.

Trim levels according to Kia for the Telluride begin with the LX for $31,690, S for $33,990, EX for $37,090, and SX for $41,490. Eight-passenger seating, push button start, and Smart Cruise Control w/Stop and Go is standard. Fuel economy is rated at 20 city/26 highway/23 combined for FWD models, and 19/24/21 for AWD models - on par with key rivals like the Chevy Traverse.

For My Money...

SX Trim shown.

If my money were on the line, I’d get an S trim Telluride with Ebony Black paint, the Grey or Brown leather interior, and AWD. AWD adds $2,000 to the price of any Telluride and is always a worthwhile add on if available I say. Ebony Black paint is a $395 upcharge. Additionally, this trim adds heated front seats, second row captain’s seats, a power sunroof, and 20-inch black alloy wheels. That combination of features is all I need personally to be happy! This would bring the base price to $35,990 before any options or accessories, making Telluride a solid value play at under $40k, in classic Kia fashion.

For those who want additional features such as heated/ventilated 1st and 2nd row seats, Harman/Kardon audio, dual sunroofs, a towing package, wireless phone charging and more, I suggest you check out the EX and SX trims above the S trim. Kia’s Telluride is arriving at dealers now, as production in Georgia has already begun.

Looking forward to driving one of these myself at some point!

UPDATE 3/4/2019:

Top: 2020 Kia Telluride S; Bottom: 2019 Chevrolet Traverse RS

You can now build the Telluride on Kia's website! This is what my personal Telluride S with accessories would look like - final price is $40,140. This isn't as steep as some rivals, such as the Chevrolet Traverse, which in its blacked-out RS trim, offers leather seats, but stickers for roughly $6,000 more.

Saturday, February 9, 2019

The 2019 Chicago Auto Show

The 2019 Chicago Auto Show seems promising, with interesting reveals across all segments.

The 2019 Chicago Auto Show is kicking off and we’ve already seen some key reveals. The 2020 Subaru Legacy looks quite like the old model to me, so I’m not quite sure how to feel about it yet… But standard AWD is always a plus, and its new XT trim with its 2.4L turbo boxer four-cylinder and 260 HP is sure to be interesting.

In addition to this, Toyota is showing off new TRD models, including the TRD Pro Sequoia and RAV4 TRD Off Road. The Sequoia needs a redesign, no matter how many packages and refreshes you throw its way at this point, though I quite like the RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Its tires look quite capable. Volkswagen is showing off the Jetta GLI, which has a 2.0L turbo inline 4-cylinder from the GTI. Its good for 228 HP and 258 lb-ft. of torque, which I’m sure will make the otherwise tame Jetta into a quick, sporty and fun compact sedan. It looks good! In the right color at least - black I think will look best.

Kia is showing off the 2020 Forte GT Line and facelifted 2020 Sportage crossover, which includes new ADAS standard (i.e. lane-keep assist and more). Ram is showing off a new multifunction tailgate on their trucks, which is obviously a direct response to GMC’s MultiPro tailgate. If you couple this added functionality with Ram’s already class-leading interior, I think GMC may have some competition.

More and More Rides

Limited and special edition models also typically are unveiled in large

amounts in Chicago. This year is no exception.

Of course, there’s much more to see, as Alfa Romeo debuted a special edition 4C and Chrysler is celebrating 35 years of minivan history. I encourage you to tune in and research, as always. Thus far, I think Chicago is shaping up to be more interesting and diverse than this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Perhaps 2020 will mark a return of relevance for Detroit on that front. Let me know what you’re interested in seeing or hearing more about from this year’s auto show season.

Friday, February 8, 2019

Show Me the Car Fact #FactFridays - Black History Month

Did You Know: C.R. Patterson, a born slave, was building cars before Henry Ford. He was assembling buggies in Ohio in the late 1800s, and later, C.R. Patterson & Sons made motor vehicles. This was the country’s only African-American-owned automobile manufacturing company. Patterson went into business with J.P. Lowe, a white carriage maker, after becoming a free man. He had learned blacksmithing skills in Virginia. When Lowe died, C.R. Patterson became the sole owner of the carriage company.

Make your own mark on history! #blackhistorymonth

Engine Stop/Start Fuctionality

Note- if you have a vehicle like this with stop/start, where if you stop the engine will cut off to save fuel, it won’t work if it gets too cold (and I ASSUME too hot) outside.

Usually, mine doesn’t kick in because the car isn’t warm yet or because a message saying “stop/start not ready, battery charging” comes up. I can believe that keeping accessories running and restarting the car puts quite a strain on the battery and starter. Especially in the winter.

You can usually turn this feature off if you dislike it.

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Dream Car Highlights - 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Series

Welcome to my first installment of my "Dream Car Highlights" series! I will highlight briefly in these posts cars I desire or have desired to own at some point in time. Note, that I'm not much of an "exotic" car guy. So, while some may appear occasionally, this series will largely be comprised of cars I've seen at dealers, on the road, etc. that piqued my interest or that are "unique" in some way. Might not be what you'd expect always. With that said - let's get going!

The CT6-V may just end up being a one-off model...

What is it: A high-performance version of Cadillac’s full-sized luxury sedan, the CT6. It features a twin-turbo “Blackwing” V8, good for 550 HP and 627 lb-ft of torque paired to a 10-speed automatic with torque splitting AWD. Track-tuned active rear steering is also standard. Base price is $89,785.

Why do you want it: The regular CT6 is already a well-rounded, enjoyable large luxury sedan. This model just adds to that and ups the ante with additional power and style to match. What’s more, is that only 275 for now are supposedly being produced! And they’re already SOLD OUT! If you haven’t heard - GM is undergoing a big restructuring and getting rid of many 4-door cars, and the CT6 looks to be one of those vehicles. But rumor is this may change apparently now, and the CT6 may stick around... We’ll see...

The CT6-V could basically be Cadillac’s “last stand” in terms of full-sized sedans. The way the market is rapidly shifting towards efficiency, crossovers and trucks, a full-sized American V8-powered performance sedan could never be seen again after this - essentially making this a GUARANTEED collector’s item I feel. It’s for that very reason, I want one in my garage possibly one day. I like unique, fun and useful things.

As I mentioned, new blog posts will continue, but will largely depend on my grad school/work schedules. Until next time, ROLL ON!

Takes Two to Tango - Daimler/BMW & Toyota/Panasonic Partnerships

Partnerships seem to be becoming more commonplace. What could this mean for upcoming products?

Another day, another alliance. This round, Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, and BMW are reportedly in talks to merge their mobility divisions into a single company. Both companies would partner on self-driving car development, and also may share next-generation subcompact car platforms for the A-Class and 1-Series.

Toyota and Panasonic are said to be partnering up for electric vehicle battery development, not just for Toyota, but for rivals as well. That’s quite interesting. The new company would oversee battery R&D and production at facilities in China and Japan. Lithium-ion and solid-state batteries were mentioned in the agreement. Solid-state batteries are more stable than lithium-ion ones, and Toyota intends to offer them on vehicles next decade.

Partnerships are popping up more and more, and the reason is because it reduces complexity and production costs. We just saw Ford and VW team up to share commercial vehicle development, a truck platform, and potentially EV development as well. I discuss my theories on this in a prior post (here: https://www.adamsautos.org/2018/11/so-whats-up-with-ford-and-possibly-vw.html). Will these partnerships lead to a greener and autonomous future. Time will tell!

NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO - Pure Sound - Snow Drives

Since we're getting hit with the first winter storm of 2019, I figured it'd be appropriate to post a video of my cars driving in the snow. I've had my Saturn Aura V6 since high school and leased my Jeep Compass Latitude last year.

While the Saturn has never been great to drive in bad weather, its been a fast and fun car to drive during all other seasons. The Jeep is very stable in bad weather, over potholes, has heated seats/steering wheel/lower windshield, and is smooth and efficient basically all the time. It does need a little more power at times, I feel.

Enjoy this short video, and like, comment and subscribe for future videos to come! I'm in grad school and working as I've mentioned, so all blog and video uploads will depend on my schedule. ROLL ON!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2BDN0ydiTA

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