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!

Thursday, March 26, 2020

New YouTube Video: 0-60 MPH in All of My Cars: 08’ Aura, ‘18 Compass, ‘04 Bravada, ‘13 Regal Turbo, ‘20 Telluride

A 0-60 time isn’t everything, but it can give you an idea of what a vehicle’s powertrain is capable of.

I've uploaded a new video to my Adam's Autos YouTube page! This video features me doing a 0-60 run in all of the vehicles I have at my disposal: the 2008 Saturn Aura, 2018 Jeep Compass, 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2013 Buick Regal Turbo, and the new 2020 Kia Telluride. Can you guess which one is the fastest?

I enjoy driving all of these vehicles when I get the chance. The Regal and Aura are quite sporty, the Compass and Telluride have a "rugged but still smooth" vibe, and the Bravada is butter smooth on the road, comfortable and luxurious while still being capable.

For more of my quick impressions on driving/owning these vehicles, visit my YouTube video and read the description box. While you're there, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for future content AND to answer the poll question I've placed in the video! Thanks for tuning in AND for the and the 50,000+ website views now! I'm looking forward to more cars and content!

Link: https://youtu.be/4mBF1Yp43w0

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

An Assortment of Vehicles That Look Surprisingly Similar

"I've seen that grille and headlight design somewhere before, but I just can't quite put my finger on it..."

Ever see a car on the road and think, “Huh... ya know, that looks like something else...” Largely this could be a coincidence, but some companies do have prior business tie-ups that may influence designs, such as Ford, Aston Martin and Range Rover being under a single roof at one point. Let’s explore a few strikingly similar-looking cars.

1. 2020 Kia Telluride vs. Ford Expedition (front), GMC Yukon Denali (front), Volvo XC90 (side profile & rear) vs. Range Rover lineup (front grille)

2. 2020 Jeep Compass vs. 2020 Range Rover Evoque (front & side profile, especially in two-tone white paint)

3. Ford Fusion, Fiesta, Focus grilles vs. Aston Martin's grille

4. Lincoln Continental vs. Bentley Continental Flying Spur

5. Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. Genesis G70 (side profile and rims)

6. Audi A5, A7 and Kia Stinger (Overall shape/silhouette, liftback, rims - 2020 Audi A7 shown)

Do you know of any very similar looking cars that come from different brands? Let me know if you can think of some!

Monday, March 23, 2020

Stay Prepared, Stay Safe, STAY HOME - Coronavirus

Keeping a full tank of gas in an unknown, fluid situation such as the U.S. is in now is something I recommend.

Hello friends,

It’s been some time since we’ve talked cars. And while I will be making more content, especially while we’re quarantined due to the Covid-19 coronavirus, there’s something pressing I want to quickly address. Staying home and staying safe while staying prepared. Today, the governor of the state of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, declared that residents are to stay home and only come out for essential needs (food, medicine, to care for someone else, etc.). Auto shows such as the one in Geneva have cancelled. The Big 3 (GM, Ford, FCA) have all temporarily suspended operations at their U.S. plants. This is all to help “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of the coronavirus. I want to encourage you to do just that - take care of yourself and family and stay home. Practice social distancing and flatten the curve.

However, I’d be remiss to tell you to not prepare also. If you need something essential such as water, go get it, but protect yourself and your family by washing your hands regularly first and foremost, but also wearing rubber gloves if you have any on tap. Clean your house and car after any trips out. And one thing I do strongly advise - FILL UP YOUR GAS TANK AND KEEP GAS IN IT.

Now I know what you’re thinking - “Adam, that makes no sense. We’re not going anywhere.” That may be true, but in an emergency, you can NEVER be too prepared, friends. Gas is cheap in most places now - I stopped and put gas in my mother’s 2020 Kia Telluride for $1.57 today. When was the last time you could fill up for that? The 90s!? Keeping gas in your tank in a situation where you don’t know what’s coming tomorrow is basic safety in my eyes. You’re ready to go anywhere for anything if need be. So yes, stock up and fill up, too. But maybe leave a pack of toilet paper for the next family, ok?

Roll on guys. And stay prepared, stay safe and STAY HOME.

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Score a Safety, Score a Volvo – Super Bowl LIV

Happy 2020!

Volvo is a company committed to safety. So much so, until they’re rooting for a safety to be scored during this year’s Super Bowl game. If a safety (worth 2 points) is scored by either team, then Volvo is giving away $1 million dollars’ worth of cars! But you only have until kick off time to enter (6:30 pm).

Here’s how you enter – go to Volvo’s site and you’ll see a link to configure your dream Volvo and enter the sweepstakes. You’ll be asked after to enter your email so you can be contacted. Here’s my Volvo below – a red/white roof XC40 Momentum AWD. Candy paint with a cream interior! Some of my options include navigation, 19-inch rims, and an exterior appearance package that rolls in silver accents.

Be sure to get your entry in and good luck!

Who are you rooting for in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs or 49ers? Look out for commercials from Jeep, Kia, Hyundai, GM and other automakers during the big game! Super Bowl LIV will air on FOX at 6:30 pm.

The Volvo XC40 I built for the sweepstakes - get yours in before the kickoff!

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

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.

Friday, May 24, 2019

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!

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.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

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

Saturday, May 18, 2019

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:

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.

Friday, May 17, 2019

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.

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.

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